leather

September 30, 2010

NYFW SS 2011: SANG A & GARY GRAHAM

Sang A

Artfully slung or perched on a black wooden ladder, exposed zippers rocked python patterned leather and suede, all kept within a dark color range fit for the edgy consumer to accessorize with reptiles. The designer herself was in attendance, ensuring glasses were kept filled to the brim and posing for press snapshots. For a while, at least, I forgot about the torrential downpour deluging Manhattan outside. Shop her collection here.

[Images via Style.com]

Gary Graham

Whimsical and fairy tale-like, Graham’s collection this season recalls the romantic aesthetics of yesteryear, but makes his garments wearable for the now. The designer fused earth tones with red, black, floral, and a greener aquamarine to create a endearing-yet-edgy collection suitable for both scuttling across pavement or skipping through a pasture. The A-line shape appeared again, accompanied by draped dresses, fitted skirts and cropped pants falling just-below-the-knee , layered with loose fitting blouses, lace vests and tight geometric patterns. His first shoe collection (all ankle boots, both wedged and heeled) proved the perfect agent to seduce the audience, wooing in shades of olive, taupe, and red.

-Maria Eilersen

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September 17, 2010

New York Fashion Week S/S 2011: Organic, Jill Stuart & Elise Øverland

by fashionpulse

[All Images via Style.com]

Organic by John Patrick

Challenging my body clock, I descended into the basemen of the Ace Hotel to a club-like atmosphere long before cocktail hour. Accentuated by lax side-swept locks, the looks were soft and refined with indications of attention to hand-stitched details. The light color scheme of innocent pastels, shades of brown and loads of white worked well with the large summer hat, floral gown and flower embroidery that embellished shorts, blouses, and a cropped pant. The translucent tan chemise defied vulgar, paired with opaque khaki trousers and a thigh length white coat. Refined yet playful, John Patrick brewed a morning-coffee friendly presentation.

Jill Stuart

With the likes of Kim Kardashian sitting front row aptly clad in last season’s Jill Stuart frocks, the Koch Theater resonated with an eagerness to see the acclaimed designer’s take on spring fashion. Nude faces with a slash of coral lips paraded the runway in a neutral palette of cream chiffon, camel-colored suede, and the classic black and white pairing with effortless sophistication. A-line shapes dominated the collection, manifested in this season’s tan shorts, lightly striped dresses and dramatic capes. Contrasted with alternating rounded collars and short cuff necklaces, the overall aesthetic tasted like a cocktail of upscale saloon blended with a dash of southern derby grace. The show culminated with a sweet calf length cream gown, cinched at the waist with a playful black bow. We like.

Elise Øverland

As always, this season’s collection met our expectations with an abundance of leather, but with a refreshing softness laced into its seams. Accentuated by tousled middle-parted locks, the line was more innocent than its predecessor in February. Military caps were soothed by the lightness of the army green fabric with which they were paired, while leather micro-minis were sweetened with three-quarter length sleeves. Serving as a pseudo intermission, a mohawked man in drag proved the designer’s wide demographic as he flaunted a look whilst playing the violin in sync with the soundtrack. Though the classic Øverland pairing of black with shades of brown dominated the collection, its palette was pervaded by electric blue, neon yellow and some fresh gold-embellished mustard. Edgy deep-slit jumpsuits were balanced by romantic black and white crocheted frocks revamped with geometric patterns, while classic shapes were made playful with head scarves and adorable balloon sleeves. It’s no wonder the likes of Kelly Osbourne sat front row.

-Maria Eilersen

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July 23, 2010

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin: Part II

by fashionpulse

Part II of Maria Eilersen’s on-site coverage for Fashion Pulse Daily of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin!

[Images via IHeartBerlin.com]

In the spirit of Berlin, .HBC Couture Design Scouts hosted a collection of cutting edge designers at the 7th Berlin Fashion Week. All eight designers showcased fresh and vibrant color palettes demonstrated through historical references and drawing diverse inspirations. Newcomers Blame, Manuela Baumgartner, Mogo E Mago and Mikenke satisfied the crowds’s desire to see designs that captured the avant-garde and urban nature of cosmopolitan Berlin. Perhaps an amalgamation of all these qualities was Address, who presented an elegant yet edgy collection with a refined, strong silhouette: combining silk and bold criss crossed cut-outs juxtaposed against simple, classic male looks and i-just-rolled-out-of-bed-yet-still-look-amazing makeup. Another stand-out collection was that of Ester Perbrandt. Her play between drape and construct was truly exquisite and the mix of corals and orange really screamed summer.

And the overall synopsis? Cropped pants are here to stay, simplicity is key in summer and this present economic climate can still facilitate new designers that answer demands for quality, longevity, and most importantly innovative, good design.

[Images via yusrablog.com]

Risto

Raw attitude seduced the audience at the Risto pre-collection show on Saturday. The edgy garments pounding down the runway made it hard to believe that Bimbiloski once designed uber-luxury looks for Louis Vuitton. Brazen bike shorts were paired with mesh knits in cream and black, interspersed by angular blazer dresses and shredded white denim donned with gritty poise. Slick brown snakeskin lined black leggings and paneled minis and crop-tops were all the rage. We are definitely looking forward to seeing his full collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York in September!

– Maria Eilersen

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March 18, 2010

We’re Dreaming About Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2010 Accessories

by fashionpulse

Coddled with complimentary champagne and miniature cupcakes, Rebecca Minkoff greeted her guests with a smile at her Spring 2010 Collection of handbags and bracelets in the lavish lobby of Henri Bendel. Cleverly positioned as book stoppers, the display featured a wide range of soft leather totes, purses, clutches and cute non-tourist-like belt pouches. Visible stitching adorned the warm red, tan, chocolate and yellow bags with adorable polka-dots or bird sketches lining the inside, making the inevitable rummaging-through-the-handbag ordeal a feast for the eyes. Juxtaposing the girly designs were edgy silver and gold-studded blacks, white and gray creations, complete with a popular runway trend: exposed zippers. Below are some of our favorites, including the tie-dyed designs handmade in Ethiopia, but make sure to check out the collection for yourself (and perhaps do a little shopping while you’re at it!).