A presentation format is a terrific way to view J.Mendel’s latest looks of the season, as each opulent detail cannot be missed. Although fur is always a J.Mendel staple, this season we felt very much into the interesting blend of textures, namely the soft with the hard. Although a J.Mendel lady would never be referred to as a ‘tough chick’, she has evolved a bit via metallic tweeds, evening gowns of bolder color, and the spiky jewelry that set the tone from designer extraordinaire Christine McPartland.
[Carlos showing the first dress he created for the collection, a sneak peak at a fabulous printed dress]
[The dress shown above, on the runway. Image via MercedesBenzFashionWeek.com]
After a wonderful backstage interview with the ever-charming and talented Carlos Miele, I was anxious to see the clothes on the runway, assured they would receive accolades from the press. Backstage on the hangers the clothes looked, stunning, and as predicted, on the models they took my breath away. Cool fur capelets, fringed vests, and evening gowns mixed with a color palette of swirled coral/pink stole the show. In a season when most designers veered away from color, Miele embraced the rainbow found in his applique, charmeuse, lace, chiffon, and more. Of MAJOR note, however is that pret-a-porter gets an eco-consious, thanks to Mr. Miele. This season he used remnant pieces of fabric in his collection, as well as the birth of Bio Denim –– a biodegrable fabric produced from excess denim leftovers with a natural softner finish (made of Cupuacu’s butter, a Brazilian traditional fruit found in the Amazon) opposed to the usual chemicals and enzymes.
Reading through the links this week, I realized that fashion week or no fashion week, fashion will most certainly go on! A winter snowstorm couldn’t even slow down New York Fashion Week, and the links below are testament to the wonderful style that exists beyond the runway, such as Ode to Awe’s jewelry discovery, how to look chic while lounging by Cafe Fashionista, and tips for vintage shoe shopping by Wicked Whimsy. Don’t get me wrong, I love being ‘in the know’ on runway looks and trends, but how you interpret them and work them into your personal style is so much more important than remembering which designers showed one-shoulder looks this season!
39th and Broadway – A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer British Style Bloggers – Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cos you’re a yawn once it’s gone Cafe Fashionista –A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category CMYKaboom – Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) ‘Tweet Up in the Tents’ event Debutante Clothing – Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three Fabulous Finds Gal – Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa Fashion Pulse Daily – Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review Holier Than Now – New Take on Florals (5 Under $50) Idiosyncratic Style – A Girl’s Guide to Maternity Style Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One Individual Chic: – Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now? Night Watch – 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe Ode to Awe – Denmark based Alidra Alic’s Alice-inspired jewelry Oranges and Apples – Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs Retro Chick – The Ethics of Blogging Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay: How to find great deals on awesome duds. The Coveted – Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of AW10 shoe collections! The Style PA – Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show. The Sunday Best – Do men get better service when they shop? Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes Workchic – Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits
