Kim Cameron - Side F/X

DC based musician Kim Cameron has a soft spot in her heart for patriotism. I recently got to know the work of Kim Cameron after she donated USB drives to the gift bags given out at the 12th Annual Military Ball. Kim fronts the band Side F/X, and wrote all the songs from their first album “Contradictions”. One song in particular “My Hero” spoke to the collective spirit of the Military Ball, honoring those that serve and protect our country. The style of Kim Cameron and Side F/X is a fun mix of R&B, pop, and country with a range that allows for something to fit every mood you may have. “Contradictions” represents a truly expressive mix of emotions all in one CD. To hear samples of their music or find out where they are playing in the DC Metro area and beyond check out:

www.sidefxband.net

12th Annual Military Ball

Top DC brass mingled with New York Society in the Pierre Grand Ballroom on Friday October 3, 2008 for the 12th Annual Military Ball benefiting the Soldiers’ Sailors’ Marines’ Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club. One of the most prominent social events of the fall in New York honorable guests included Governor David Patterson, Tuskegee Airman Roscoe Brown, Vice Admiral Melvin Williams Jr., Jackie Astor-Drexel, Prince Ivan Obolensky, Kimberly Dozier, Bill Gallo, Countess Bobrinskoy, Susan Frederick, and businessman John Catsimatidis. The event was a great success thanks to the help of many sponsors including Keith Lissner and Brooklyn Royalty both which were represented at the Ball by their head designers. Other hits of the silent auction included items donated by American Ballet Theater, Subversive Jewelry by Jason Giunta, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Nat Sherman Cigars, and Jewel of Russia Vodka. The gift bags overflowed with cookies from LU Biscuits, the premier issue of Manhattan Magazine, USB drives from DC based songstress Kim Cameron including her patriotic song “My Hero”, as well as cufflinks, pens, discount flyers, and humorous noisemakers from the Soldiers’ Sailors’ Marines’ Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club. Guests danced and dined, and had the great pleasure of honoring a young fallen hero, Lt. Michael Murphy, whose Medal of Honor was proudly displayed at the ball. His father, Dan Murphy, gave a most moving speech following the dinner, and preceding the awards portion of the evening.

Color Guard

Medal of Honor awarded to Lt. Michael Murphy

Prince Ivan Olbolensky, Kimberly Dozier, Vice Admiral Melvin Williams Jr, Susan and Bob Frederick

Guests from the US Navy

Jackie Astor-Drexel, Prince Ivan Obolensky, Robin Hubbard

Susan Frederick, Gov. David Patterson

Naval Academy Cadets and Color Guard

Roscoe Brown, Robin Hubbard

Doug Marshall, Keith Lissner

Eamon Wood, Kimberly Dozier, Ian Bone

Sara Bruggeman, Roscoe Brown, Asha Talwar

Cathy Gribaudo, Vice Admiral Melvin Williams Jr., Robin McCoy

Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Vellon, Prince Ivan Obolensky, Vice Admiral Melvin Williams Jr.

Sara Bruggeman, Eamon Wood

Bob Bland, Cator Sparks


John Catsimatidis, Allison Chase
Leigh Rivlin, Brooke Stoddard, Sara Bruggeman

VIP Escorts and Military Dates

Patricia Field SS09

Who said sex left the city.... The girls at the Patricia Field SS09 show were ready for everything from a job interview on Wall Street to a street race between the T-birds and Greasers. Shopping isn't a lost art for the Field Girl. In flirty bright colors and prints these girls could take over Park Ave before heading down to Chinatown - shielding themselves from their golden fans with chic parasols. Cotton candy fluff and haute urbanistas mixed on the runway with purple leopard prints and banderas that are miles from their Harlem inspiration. Watch out for the black widows walking down the runway next. These ladies are taking no prisoners on the runway. Gorgeous and deadly - just like the bill you get from shopping with Pat sans budget. Disco is back and better than ever. Studio 54 better move over for PF-SS09! Not to leave you society ladies out; two black tie gentlemen escort Pat’s chic UES born, but LES bred, girls down the runway. Gorgeous and varied - the final song said it all; you cannot fuck with us - this is New York City bitch!

For a better sense of the drama and intensity check out these videos of the show:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLKs_zw-rUo

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhO22wG7Cos

Nanette Lepore Saving the Garment District in a Beautiful Way

Nanette Lepore's Spring 2009 florals, paisleys and stripes in lush poppy, hibiscus, and bright leaf colors with stone tones transported us to a fresh and breezy location far from the heat and stress of New York City. The show began with a multicolor flowered pouf-sleeved coat worn over a gold silk blouse and green pants. This was followed by a beautiful auburn-haired model wearing a beige-striped sundress with green ribbon trim, lined with contrasting silk. Each model wore wide-strapped sandal-type heels matched to her garments.

White shorts worn with a multi-colored floral v-neck blouse covered by a beaded aqua and white vest, and an elegant brown leather cap-sleeved jacket shown over a short cream silk dress with pinch-pleats at the waist and bottom exuded comfort and charm.

A silk beige top and shorts gave the appearance of a romper, perfect for beach wear, with a wide belt and large flowered necklace. A truly classy combination was achieved by matching a beige floral chiffon dress with a pale green striped thigh-length jacket with rolled sleeves, exposing a brown silk lining.

The matching of colorful floral prints and tasteful beige and green stripes proved delightful, as did the soft draping and use of ruffles and layering of fabrics. One could almost imagine the softness of the leather used in a ruffled wrap dress and a short brown wrap skirt.

On one model, the use of aqua in a skirt shown with a green and brown horizontally striped top seemed unusual, but a deep coral coat over a striped aqua dress did not have the same effect. Silk trousers rolled to the knee and an aqua and beige knit dress, which appeared crocheted, were cause enough to become excited with the anticipation of a stylish and lovely spring.

Venexiana SS09

Katie Stern did it again! Opening like a jewel box these gems are ready to adorn every stylish woman from the Park Avenue Grande Dames to the fun and flirty it girls in Cannes. The silvery aqua-blues and champagnes melded seamlessly into a dramatic set of sparkling rose gowns - only further dramatized by the gorgeous sparkling clasps. The switch back to a deeper blue included a dripping fringe, which was more delicious than the frosting on a magnolia cupcake. Playing with the ever dangerous flower print Katie found a way to meld femininity, frivolity, and fun, while still being at the cusp of chicness. Gold overlay sparkled as these spring showers lead to buttercup dresses and fun bright floral prints, all the while maintaining a youthful class that shows these PYTs are ready to put on their grandmothers Blahniks. As the python top slithered onto the runway it clenched that this collection was one you won't quickly forget. Strong dresses covered in sequins adorned these angels of the runway in metallic silver, gold, and amazingly, metallic flower prints. The deeper hued dresses continued with gorgeous pinks folding into lilacs and amazing dusty blues; including a jumpsuit par excellence. Finally, with a nod to the gorgeous French laces, the goddesses of the four seasons rocked the runway. If you know how do dress, you will know the name of Katie Stern by the end of this spring season. Learn it now lest you be the ugly duckling this spring - why not just start out as the Venexiana swan!

Alice McCall SS09

The Alice McCall palette mimics the sand, ocean, and sun of summer – sticking to creams, deep blues, and bright yellows. Heavy silver chain detailing on soft sheer fabrics kept these garments - covered in abstract geometric insect prints from - flying off the models. However it will take more than that to keep these great prints from flying off the racks. The detailing of perforations, floating hems, and vertically inserted sequins were innovative and provocative. However, McCall’s button front pants and shorts were more awkward than chic. Rounding out the looks were great statement shoes - patent, strappy, and chunky. The round, hive like, bags were interesting although awkward and impractical. The show ended with a series of short dresses that, while maybe a little too short, will be great for the walk from the beach to grab a mint julep this summer at the Surf Club.

Keith Lissner SS09

Beware, if you have a sweet-tooth for fashion you may have just found your designer. Walking into Keith Lissner's presentation I felt like a kid in his first candy store. The pastel palette was strengthened by shimmering metallic silvers and blacks – a wonderful pushback against traditional and all too demure spring looks. Immediately I was drawn to the grouping of silk georgette dresses coated in sugary beading reminiscent of the sand dollars dotting the shores of the chic east coast beach resorts you know these dresses are made for. Pearl encrusted dresses and elegantly pleated metallic silks offered a great contrast to the sea of beautiful and billowy chiffons. The collection popped at the end with short sequined frocks paired with an airy silk chiffon overlay.

Ethereal and powerful - these pieces are a reflection of the Lissner woman. One can be certain that at next summer’s best events the social powerbroker will be wearing one of Lissner's dresses as she holds court.

Geren Ford SS09

Gas prices must be on the rise as all of the girls at Geren Ford appeared dressed for the new trend of "staycations". Generally under-inspired clothes are extremely wearable as any of the girls could have walked out of the bowery hotel and on to their next art opening or fashion show to be another face in the crowd. There were, however, several basic pieces that the more fashion minded could cull from the collection, but you would have to find most of them in the Spring lookbook. The two standouts were a more simple pleated strapless white dress and pleated dress in pink, both of which didn't make it into the presentation. What was shown was an over layered faux-hemian look that was more obvious than effortless.

Accessories seem to be the strength in the spring 09 collection. Standouts include the geometric print scarf in blue, or for something softer, yellow. A subtly enameled chain link necklace will be a must have for the 09 vacation season. Great bangles and woven clutches round out the look.

Yoko Devereaux Spring/Summer 09 Show

"Its summertime in the Hamptons, where sailboats are gliding, vintage convertibles are zizzling about and socials are mingling. But there is something amiss as the Yoko Devereaux crew invades East Hampton from their East Village studio to shake things up and get the real party started."

With that artist's statement, Yoko Devereaux presented a much more polished take on their very well-known Brooklyn brand at The Yoko Devereaux Spring/Summer 2009 show that took place on Monday, July 21 at the Classic Car Club on Hudson Street in Manhattan.

Several stars attended including Alan Cumming, and the scene was decidedly hipster. It was clear from looking at the new Yoko Devereaux line that while they remained true to their roots with the many "jersey as outerwear" pieces, they also showed a range of woven looks and responded strongly to "The Good Life" trends. Mostly based around the Hamptons this season, the trend is being followed by so many mens streetwear brands looking to elevate their image, that I'm not sure they will be distinguishable in-stores next spring.

The Classic Card Club was a great choice in venue with editors being able to sit in vintage cars to view the runway show, while everyone else enjoyed taking a look at the pre-show reception. My only concern about the show is that Yoko Devereaux has become a fashion victim for spring, probably responding to the economy, and hoping to have as many buyers interested in the brand as possible. My hope is that Yoko Devereaux continues to innovate and does not just become another industry follower, because their brand concepts of taking typical outerwear pieces and reinterpeting them into knit is still very interesting and I believe there's a lot more that can be explored with this great brand.

Simon Doonan's Eccentric Glamour at The Corcoran

The Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, DC, featured Simon Doonan, creative director for Barney's in New York, in a presentation of his recently published book, Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You. Mr. Doonan, a diminutive, middle-aged Englishman, was casually dressed for this event, not eccentrically nor glamorously.

His witty talk began with descriptions of celebrities and their obsession with perfection. He related poor choices made by famous people as sexually provocative, "porno-chic" outfits comparable to that worn in the 80's (fake hair, fake bosoms, fake lips) in an attempt at non-verbal communication. This effort was made to prevent unfavorable news reports, but actually resulted in a form of conformity that has gripped whole segments of society.

Doonan's book profiles four famous women. He suggests clothing be a personal expression of each person's innate eccentric glamour, without regard to self-consciousness.

Doonan regards this generation as self-critical and over-achieving. He admonishes them to get a job, even if it's not what they ultimately desire to be doing professionally. At Barney's, Simon Doonan began as a window dresser, but many times he was coerced into doing other jobs. He worked in Los Angeles, improving his varied skills organizing fashion events. Doonan dressed as celebrities for special occasions. Once he donned a costume as Queen Elizabeth so convincingly that he was not recognized by close associates.

In Washington, DC, professionals must maintain their credibility, so they cannot be too self-indulgent.

"This 50's conformity has to change", he said. Doonan agreed with a questioner who suggested that middle-aged ready to wear is scarce, since so much emphasis is on youth. He wondered about the mental state of today's designers. Doonan concluded that many fashions are available for customers though, and everything is "in" now.

Doonan quipped that "dressing down at work is a crime against humanity." He related how his apartment is abnormally decorated with over-the-top glamour.

"It is a happy example of anti-depressive living, like Zoloft," he joked. Caricatures of celebrities make his home comfortable. Simon Doonan may not convince all readers of his book to "lighten up" their ensemble choices, but he surely will entertain them.

The Power of Style

The Power of Style, a fashion discussion featuring Washington Post Fashion Editor, Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair Writer, Maureen Orth, and Author, A'Lelia Bundles, took place last Thursday at the Washington Barnes and Noble in Georgetown. The discussion traced fashion history from the Harlem Renaissance era of socialite, A'Lelia Walker, to today's fashion power brokers, such as Ralph Lauren.

A'Lelia Bundles opened with vivid descriptions of her great-grandmother, A'Lelia Walker as the great black heiress, or as Langston Hughes referred to her "the joy goddess of Harlem." As an affluent entertainer, her exploits and travels filled gossip columns in the 1920s. She inhabited the "dark tower" at 136th Street in Manhattan, though she downplayed her means. A'Lelia Bundles referred to the Gatsby Era of fashion influence, when women no longer wore girdles and bobbed their hair. Her great-grandmother was known for her favorite harem pants.

Robin Givhan commented that men's fashions were more of a uniform, with fewer choices. Women, however, had many more choices and hence more opportunities to "muck up"their style. "Whether buying couture fashions or those from H&M, it is all fashion," she stated. " The Great Gatsby style always defined the character of its wearers, often making a political statement," she continued.

Maureen Orth described how Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, was known as "President Bling Bling" because of his behavior and clothing that reflected his love life, and ultimately his ability to govern. His designer makeup and clothing transformed him to a Gatsby-esque character that he wished to represent.

Robin Givhan reminded the audience that Ralph Lauren designed costumes for the movie "The Great Gatsby," and has since sold them many times over. She further pointed out that Washington, DC, as a national city, is not considered favorable to style largely because of the "uniform of the suit" and the way C Span represents it. New York, by comparison, is the center of the fashion and design industry where there are many more opportunities to present style favorably. In response to a question, Ms. Givhan commented that Washingtonians care how they are being imaged more than outsiders believe. In Europe, distinctions are made concerning how clothes are best worn in public. The use of manners create an aura of self respect and are more aesthetically pleasing.

Maureen Orth felt the Gatsby Era reflected the Georgetown set of old money as the Kennedys, who were rooted in public service. Their fashions reflected people with traditions and class, not just richer, as people are today. Fame today can be achieved just by wearing clothes that create a media image. Social mobility depends on the group one wishes to appease. With the erosion of dress codes, the suit of the professional has changed. Fashion today may require trained stylists to aid young professionals in choosing appropriate attire to climb the ladder to achievement.