February 13, 2010
by fashionpulse


Rebecca Minkoff
Crowded into a bowling lane-sized loft, trendy guests such as the dark-haired Agyness Deyn took refuge from Wednesday’s blizzard to check out Rebecca Minkoff’s latest collection. Sipping on champagne and munching on French macaroons, everyone seemed to lust after Minkoff’s latest handbag creations. There was a fuchsia rendition of the designer’s iconic ‘Morning After Bag’ and a bold blue chain link shoulder bag that was given some edge with three rows of zippers. For her newly minted apparel line, Minkoff featured high-waisted pleated skirts, slouchy tops, floral and tie-die shift dresses. The designer sent a clear message to the many New Yorkers who live in a sea of black by pairing looks of neutral color with red or yellow suede pumps.


Geren Ford
Posed on pedestals around a luxurious room in the chic Crosby Street Hotel, Geren Ford-clad models channeled 1930’s recession glamour with wavy bobs and dramatic burgundy lips. Delicate satin and sheer tops in olive green, ink blue, and cream were tucked into ankle-length skirts, metallic riding pants, and military style breeches. Designer Geren Lockhart gave her period looks a modern edge with brown knee-high heeled boots embellished with a gold chain found on only one shoe.

Yuna Yang
Yuna Yang also found inspiration in the elegant trends of the 1930’s, but used bright colors, stripes, ruffles, and playful prints to make the styles her own. Yang re-iterates Geren Lockhart’s notion that it is time to retire the mini-skirt with hemlines that run past the knee. She kept the collection sexy by utilizing sheer material and body-hugging silhouettes.
–Sarah Ferguson
February 13, 2010
by fashionpulse


[The changing pods, front desk area (above), and makeup application station (below)]



[the ‘before’ picture]
“It’s all about the details” Roman confirmed, as I sat rest assured, in his chair at Butterfly Studio Salon about to either make a little, or a bit change to my coif. With me, making extreme beauty decisions doesn’t scare me, because after all, they are temporary (with the exception of getting makeup tatooed on your face, I guess). So when Roman gave me two options, one being more of a touch up and the other a total change, I went for the latter. Plus, with fashion week around the corner, a totally new look was in order. I had never been to Butterfly Studio before but given the opportunity to receive a complimentary service I was intrigued by this full service salon which boasts hair and coloe experts, kerastase treatments, manicures, pedicures, makeup application, and waxing.
I changed in a column-shaped pod, which was interesting contrast to changing rooms at salons, and rested in the comfortable waiting area, fully equipped with any magazine you’d ever want read, complimentary beverages and candy. At 6:45 at night, the place was teaming with women getting their hair done, at which point I felt a little out of the loop since I had never spotted this chic little enclave on the second floor of a nice building on Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District before. Everyone I encountered was extremely friendly, volunteering information about salon’s history and services, but never taking an agressive approach for me to try or buy a package. I think the work definitely speaks for itself; my hair cut was done with incredible precisions and not once did I doubt Roman, who previously had spent five years at the Bergdorf Goodman salon. Pleasent experience: check — an absurd amounts of compliments on my cut from my friends: check — would I go back: MASSIVE check.

[the ‘after’ pic — what a difference!]
-Julia DiNardo
February 13, 2010
by fashionpulse

You’ve tried it all: badges, brooches, bracelets, necklaces, even ornamental zippers. It’s time to spice up your otherwise plain outfit with something new – safety pins, perhaps? A little random-sounding maybe, but these safety pins are certainly not for putting a name tag on or keeping your loose skirt in place. These Colorful Safety Pin Studs, $3.80 are bound to add a funky twist to your look. Each pack includes 6 pairs in 6 different colors, so don’t even worry about matching them with your outfit. For ‘wow’s and ‘OMG’s, try the red or the bright blue; for a subtler effect, the white will do. Regardless of your choice, these safety pin studs are sure to add a nice dose of color pop in your earlobes!
– Justina Lee
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February 12, 2010
by fashionpulse
MORBID BEAUTY: BESS A/W 2010

[Image via ssense.com]
Held at the historic St. Marks theatre, the aged venue immediately evokes an essence of Bess’ A/W 2010 Collection. After complimentary absinthe, the red curtain unveils the first model who creeps across the stage to the eerie soundtrack of a Japanese lullaby. Bess’ designs are hauntingly beautiful, thematized by a rich variety of texture in the form of black lace, leather, fur and stitches. The morbid undertone recalls Tim Burton’s endearing dark characters, epitomized by embellishments of rough patchwork on fitted leather. We love the macabre aesthetic – as do other creative experts including Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. Check out our favorite looks below or experience the enchanting Bess fairy tale here.

MODERN ELEGANCE: ROBERT TONNER A/W 2010

Robert Tonner is a true gentleman, a trait that thoroughly resonates in his designs. The collection epitomizes elegance and was aptly previewed at the oh-so-fitting Algonquin Hotel. In fact, the talented designer claims the venue “became a part of [his] inspiration, fueled by his affinity for the space’s “vintage feeling.” The other half of his influence is drawn from the heroine of his newly finished novel, Ellowyne Wilde, who typifies the modern city woman. With their hair pulled tight into an exaggerated Audrey Hepburn-like bun, three models at a time flaunt fitted female suits, romantic ruffles and elaborately embroidered evening gowns in the glow of antique chandeliers. Below are some of our favorite looks:


WELCOME TO THE LAND OF CHADWICK BELL: F/W 2010
Carefully placed live mannequins showed off Chadwick Bell’s A/W 2010 Collection at La Venue in the Meatpacking District last night. Doused in tranquil earth tones, his designs were simple & refined. Despite the rather limited preview, the line is pregnant with aesthetic intrigue: seductively exposed backs, wooden heels and low-yet-sophisticated necklines.
– Maria Eilersen
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