
Friday, March 13, 2009
Amanda Dolan “Heart Attack” Opening at Ward-Nasse Gallery

Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Champagne Brunch to benefit The Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club


















Photos courtesy of BelkisPhoto and the SSMAC Junior CouncilThursday, February 26, 2009
Ronnie Kroell Celebrates Album Launch

Thursday, February 19, 2009
Douglas Hannant FW09 Collection



Leaving early from other shows just so we can literally sprint to The
Plaza to view Douglas Hannant's FW09 collection, the WSR staff had
high hopes for a chic, utterly New York collection were pretty high.
The color pallette was naturally heavy on black, in all it's
textures...from Swiss dot netting to sequins to the ubiquitous black
beads accessorizing most outfits. Pop colors ranged from muted blues
and red, to bold chartreuse and a warm purple. As beautiful as the
eveningwear was, the casuals and suiting was that much of a
disappointment, added apparently as an after-thought.
Overall, a collection we are looking forward to watch evolve and
develop into a coherent, sophisticated statement.

(images courtesy of Bob Bland)Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Max Azria Explores the Seduction of the Dark Side
A charcoal wool felt waist coat was shown over a black lace bodysuit with black leather suede leggings, black leather belt, and black ankle boots. Regardless of the intricity of design, the wearer could scarcely be seen crossing a street in New York City or anywhere else on a winter night.
Fall and winter do cause us to cover ourselves with mohair, jersey, velvet, and other knit fabrics produced for warmth. Thank goodness forest green and grey jersey, black crepe, and georgette were embroidered and embellished with metallic lace and shown as dresses and evening wear, as well.
Hopefully the dark side in clothing won't set the tone for many fashion seasons to come. Consumers will need to see bright colors and variations in design to interest them in replacing apparel and expanding their wardrobes come spring.
Nanette Lepore F/W09 Collection




I'm an enormous supporter of Lepore's Save The Garment District initiative, but as much as I want to love her collection, these color combos were my least favorite of the season. Heavily steeped in 70's bohemian chic with a touch of early 90's, the styling included plenty of scarf prints (as promised), metallic embroidery, mélange boucle and hand-knit caps. And leopard print, naturally...heaven help any fashionistsa who doesn't love animal prints this fall.

The pairing of primary violet with spun sugar red and amber was a tad garish for my palette, and the browns were clashing, but that's a matter of taste, I suppose. And I'd buy Lepore's locally made styles any day of the week over her Asian import competitors.
BACKSTAGE
WSR Editor-in-Chief Diana Bland with Nanette Lepore
(images courtesy of Bob Bland)Tuesday, February 17, 2009
ADAM by Adam Lippes AW 09
Finally some color. ADAM is currently the best show I have seen this season, and with the Blondes not showing all bets are that this will be my top pick for AW09. Amazing range from sequins, to bright colors, to amazing cherry tree embroidery, to fanstastic coats – this show had everything you will need to keep you happy and warm next fall. The detailing on one of the coats almost looked like oysters laid out on the collar – not that you would need any help from aphrodisiacs if you were wearing anything from this collection. All of the color choices were very warm, including one amazing orange fur coat, a welcome break from the somber collections walking all over Bryant Park this week. It seems it is Adam Lippes’ time to shine. This grouping of great wearable pieces will warm your heart and your body.
Poleci AW 09


Luca Luca AW 09


Monday, February 16, 2009
Luca Luca FW09 Collection @ The Plaza

however sumptuously shown, was merely appropriate for these
economically unsure times, and took few of the risks in color and
styling that have delighted us.

(images courtesy of Bob Bland)Jill Stuart FW09 Collection @ Astor Hall

Fall offerings were varied and fun party pieces in black and white
Chantily lace, (way too much) plush velvet, silk satin and organza
with splashes of deep purple and lavender.
I was feeling a ninties vibe in the velvet fedoras with huge, langui silk flowers and in the somewhat juvenile prints and textures. Wannabe rock princesses and the character of Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl came to mind as possible customers for this look.
Astor Hall is a beautiful space for any event, but it is one of my
least favorite runway venues because of the awkward layout and view-
blocking columns. It would be nice if next season the team at Jill
Stuart considers a different space.
Carlos Miele FW09 Collection

Miele made good on his promise of a live performance by Brazilian
musician Max de Castro, everyone from the photo pit to the front row
was captivated.
Castro strutted up and down the runway amidst luxuriously dressed
models wearing impeccable eveningwear, suiting and furs in
refreshingly vibrant colors with details to spare. From accordian
pleating to military-inspired contrast braiding, Miele put out the
most consistently desirable collection I've seen this week.
I loved the lipstick reds, cadet blues and maroons, as well as the
tight mix of subdued suiting separates over sassy cocktail styles. The
standout piece for me was a pleated shrug in silver that would be the
perfect accent to any evening style.
Great show, great presentation and wonderful music concept!
(images courtesy of Bob Bland)










Photos by Belkis Carrasco 


























