Washington Style Reporter

Severin's Pop-Up Shop, Party, & Presentation

2011-08-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Brenna Wallace's new line Severin is having it's first presentation and party on Wednesday, August 10th from 7-10 pm. The event will take place at the LES's one stop art, fashion, and music wateringhole - Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St). Severin, founded in 2010, is a contemporary womenswear collection that is minimalistic in body, rock & roll at heart, and aims for comfort and quality in its soul. Enjoy the mid-week drinks and beats while picking up some hot new Severin designs. Open bar from 7-8 pm, contact info@severinnyc.com to RSVP!

CFDA New Members Announced

2011-08-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to friends Christian Cota, Luis Fernandez, and Prabal Gurung on their new membership to the CFDA. This honor is certainly well deserved and not unexpected. We, as always, look forward to seeing what comes next for you all - and now it appears that the rest of the fashion world will be watching too!

To read more about them and the 30 other new CFDA members check out the link below:

http://www.cfda.com/the-council-of-fashion-designers-of-america-welcomes-33-new-members/

Christian Cota

Prabal Gurung

Luis Fernandez of Number:Lab

Eva & Bernard may be coming to a store near you...

2011-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

After a hot summer like this has been, these slinky and airy designs from Eva & Bernard would definitely be a sartorial relief. The brand's trajectory has been almost as hot as the weather outside - since its launch in 2009, Eva & Bernard has been carried in stores throughout Germany and Italy and were recently named “Ones to Watch” by WWD in correlation with Berlin Fashion Week 2011. Whether you are headed to a beach vacation, or just spending the weekend pretending you are already on one, the relaxed elegance of these garments will help you feel cooler than a beach breeze. With Eva & Bernard, their "easy tailoring" aesthetic doesn't mean that they aren't paying attention to the details - these Italian-made garments come in a range of the finest cottons, silks, linen, and cashmere. Currently they are only sold in Europe but with stockist meetings next month in NYC, hopefully they will be coming to a boutique near you soon!

Check out their Berlin Fashion Lineup for the Full Collection

David Peck Collection - Now Available Everywhere

2011-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

David Peck's CrOp (Creative Opportunities) line is now available for sale online. Each CrOp collection is a collaboration of artists in an effort to generate art and opportunities. CrOp is a clothing line with a greater purpose - 10% of the profits from every collection go back to the cause affiliated with the season's inspiration. So do some good and buy yourself a new dress!

Paola Hernandez at Global Glam

2011-07-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

It's almost like dejavu... It is not uncommon to experience this when you see the fashion week looks finally hit the stores several months later, but how often can you go and buy the designer's looks in the same location that you first saw their collection? Well, with Paola Hernandez you can do just that! After her fabulous February presentation with artists from New York Academy of Art in the W New York, now you can purchase some special pieces she designed for the W Hotel's project- Global Glam. Pieces from Paola Hernandez and several other designers will be available at W boutiques starting in August.

Upcoming NYC Event: Sunset Soiree for Project Lipstick

2011-06-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Clothes may make the man, but every lady knows a great outfit is never done without equally fabulous hair and makeup. Project Lipstick is an organization that understands the importance that this final touch has for the confidence of any woman, be she a supermodel or a mom trying to make a place in the world for her and her children. We have been fans and supporters of Project Lipstick since its founding by Breanna Marie Sage and hope that you will consider supporting this Sunset Soiree at Hudson Terrace. If you can't make it up to New York but want to help the cause, contact Project Lipstick directly and see how you can help their ever growing mission!

About Project Lipstick:
Founded in 2007, Project Lipstick, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides total mind and body make-overs for residents of women's shelters to assist in self-esteem development and career placement in conjunction with collecting and distributing beauty products.

A message about the Sunset Soiree:
Hundreds of thousands of women and their children across the country are currently homeless living in shelters. According to New York's Voices of Women, most of these women and their children are fleeing traumatic situations such as domestic violence. These women are left feeling helpless and hungry for a way to get back on their feet. Project Lipstick's mission is to aid in the transformation of these women's lives by providing the necessary tools to enter the work force, bringing the confidence that comes from feeling and looking good, and simply reminding them that there are people who care. The Sunset Soiree will benefit the continuation and growth of Project Lipstick's goals, helping us to reach more women with hopes and dreams.

To find out more go to: http://www.projectlipstick.org/

And check back for photos of the fabulous event!

Nino Brand Sample Sale

2011-05-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

If you are in Philly and looking for some discount shopping while discount drinking, check out Bela Shehu's innovative new clothing collection that exudes unassuming classic sophistication with a forward thinking, modern twist. 6-9 pm on the 11th, at The Corner.

Little bit Country, Little bit Rock'n'Roll

2011-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Country singer Tim McGraw brought down the house last night in his sold-out show at New York's Beacon Theater. Spotted on Tim were some beautiful necklaces by Lazaro, as well as some one-of-a-kind Lazaro charms hanging on a large sterling silver safety pin through his jeans. Seems like Tim is taking a bit of city-slicker style away from his recent visit to NYC. Lazaro jewelry isn't just for men, their Soho showroom has an excellent selection of pieces for men and women in a variety of styles ranging from rock and roll, to bohemian chic, and bold statement pieces for those interested in Big Chunky Gems!

Isaiah Washington Reveals Real-Life "Roots" Journey

2011-04-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Actor and HU Alumnus, Isaiah Washington will host a book signing at the Howard University Bookstore on May 5th from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Isaiah Washington is perhaps most well-known as a result of his starring role on the hit TV show "Grey's Anatomy"-and for the homophobic comments that led to an alleged conflict on-set. The conflict that has by far mattered most to Washington, apparently, is much more personal. Revealed in his new memoir, A Man From Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life, Washington details an inner struggle for identity finally fulfilled through DNA testing and outlines his ongoing campaign to improve his newfound homeland. Perhaps this drive to look inside himself came from his forced intro-spection after that "alleged" on-set drama. Either way, some good has come out of it - now an advocate for his newfound homeland, Washington leads The Gondobay Manga Foundation which exists to help the country of Sierre Leone one village at a time. Confronting issues such as conflict diamond mining, high levels of government corruption, and legacies of civil war within the country, Washington served as an advisor to Sierra Leone's president at the 63rd United Nations General Assembly in 2008 and continues to be active in the region.

Love Brigade “Defends Their Neighborhood”

2011-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

In a bid to raise awareness of all locally-owned businesses, Brooklyn-based fashion label Love Brigade is launching its “Defend Your Neighborhood” campaign next week, to include campaigns for each of the three surrounding neighborhoods, “Defend Williamsburg”, “Defend Greenpoint”, and “Defend Bushwick”. Specific custom designs have been issued, with each neighborhood getting its own iconic battle ship graphic to remind us all to put our money where our house is and “Support Our Local Everything”.

In a city filled with corporate-owned chains, locally owned businesses are struggling for survival, and the recent opening of Duane Reade directly across from locally owned 9-year old King’s Pharmacy on Bedford Avenue had an emotional impact on the Owner and Senior Designer of Love Brigade, Alyssa Key. “I have seen this type of thing happen before, in my hometown neighborhood. First it was a Subway, then a Starbucks. Every local competitor had to shut their doors within two years. Our hopes are that we can remind locals to revolt the giants.” Love Brigade is committed and passionate about promoting their community and preserving the integrity of their at-risk neighborhood. Starting April 1st, Love Brigade began offering t-shirts to all local businesses with the messages printed on the front. To truly help their neighboring businesses, Love Brigade will be providing these t-shirts to fellow locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clothing boutiques, music stores, and pharmacies at cost and will be encouraging up-sell to the community at large by advertising the items all throughout the three neighborhoods. The Williamsburg community thrives on its originality and unique enterprises, so what better way to remind everyone to support local business than through wearing something with pride? The T-shirts will be available online as well as Love Brigade’s self-branded retail store at 230 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Rad Hourani - The Future of Cool

2011-04-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

Rad Hourani's Unisex Collection for Fall 2011 has an amazing structural and architectural edge to it. The six amazing and transformable garmets can be combined and contorted to make 22 fabulous and futuristic looks (ALL 22 shown here - after the jump). The garment construction gives off a downy feel that makes you want to snuggle in these simultaneously sharp edged yet pillowy soft looks reminiscient of Japanese geishas. Although these modern day obis are a bit more minimalistic - with a multitude of uses.

Fashion Happy Hour at Commonwealth Proper

2011-04-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Proper, a men's bespoke suit and shirt-marker based in Philadelphia, is opening its Rittenhouse Showroom doors (1732 Spruce) for Happy Hours starting Wednesday, April 6 from 5-7PM. Come to socialize, view their new space, and see the awesome Spring collection.

Commonwealth Proper makes suits and shirts, from scratch, for the contemporary gentleman. Ther garments are designed to strike a balance between being modern and at the same time remaining appropriate for any setting, be it business or after hours, so how appropriate is it for you to purchase next week's happy hour attire at a happy hour this week.

Anne Valerie Hash E-Boutique

2011-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

Amazing French designer and artist Anne Valerie Hash launches her e-boutique tomorrow, and the first 100 customers are going to get a special gift. March 2nd might not be Black Friday, but I am sure that there will be some fashionistas lining up (on-line) in order to be one of the few to take home that extra prize.

Check it out at www.a-v-h.com, and if you get the prize and we don't, at least let us know what it is!

Paola Hernandez - Fall 2011

2011-02-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Paola Hernandez presented her Fall 11 collection, titled “A Look Within,” at the W New York on Sunday. There is nothing I love more than art and fashion with a few cocktails mixed in. The presentation consisted of a mix between models and actual artists from the New York Academy of Art in looks ranging from layered corset dresses to long wool layered coats.

The authenticity of the artists highlighted the concept behind the collection which was based on the idea of balance. The pieces were primarily simple colors, black and grey; paired with a silver lining, suggesting light and revealing the power for creation within. While sipping on Perrier and Whiskey Sours provided by Auchentoshan (admittedly more Auchentoshan than Perrier), we were able to actually observe the artists creating, whether it was painting, sculpting, drawing, or writing.

Commonwealth Propper Opens PA Showroom

2011-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

In 1861, the US was split in two by ideological differences and war erupted. Philadelphia, home of Commonwealth Propper, became the center of the Union effort to clothe its soldiers with the proper garments to endure harsh winters on the battlefield. As the war raged on, the great Union generals - Lincoln, Grant, Sherman and Porter - met in clandestine locations to discuss and philosophize about the fate of the States. It is these secret back room meeting places that, 150 years later, have inspired the design of the Commonwealth Proper showroom at 1732 Spruce Street. Moreover, all CMMP suits, shirts, shoes and ties are proudly made here in the United States of America.

AF148-AF147 Now Boarding...

2011-01-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

AF148-AF147 is a custom jewelry collection that is the combination of four very creative designers. Named after the flight from Paris to Delhi where the four first met, each season AF 148-AF147 combines elements of French romanticism and playfulness with direct references to journeys around the world. Whether it is the light and ephemeral pieces of the Phases of Love collection (above) or the layered pieces of the Wild West Show collection (below) that mix modern and ancient, AF148-AF147 has the jewelry for any girl. The painted and nickel plated flowery pieces of the Phases of Love collection is perfect for the girly Upper East Sider in you. Meanwhile the chunky amalgamations in Wild West Show are reminiscent of the Outlaws, Cowboys, and Native Americans of tall tales. And the pieces are almost as unbelievable - they are filled with thematic pieces and charms ranging from metallic bandanas to cactuses, revolvers, cowboy hats, and feathers.

NYFW DAY 2: Lincoln Center & Fashion's Night Out

2010-09-10T03:21:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of easing into New York Fashion Week and the new digs at Lincoln Center on DAY 1, but today its time to WORK HARD, and PLAY HARDER with several of our favorite designer's runway shows and then the biggest retail party of the season, Fashion's Night Out from 6pm-midnight.

Here's the schedule:
BCBGMAXAZRIA: Theatre (10:00 AM)
Celebrities Expected: Alison Brie, Coco Rocha, Katrina Bowden, Kelly Rowland, Nastia Lukin, Poppy Delevingne, The Veronicas and Tiffany Thornton

DUCKIE BROWN: Stage (11:00 AM)
Celebrities Expected: Swizz Beatz, Omarion, Richie Rich, Mia Morgan and Andrew Jenks

BUCKLER: Box (1:30-2:30 PM)
Buckler is a menswear line that melds the roguish American icon with a Brit edge. Andrew Buckler disregards the universal monotony that plagues menswear, evading uniformity by superimposing eccentric undertones with classic silhouettes.

EDITION GEORGES CHAKRA: Stage (2:00 PM)
Celebrities Expected: Kelly Rowland, Dania Ramirez, Meaghan Martin, Gillian Jacobs, Beverly Johnson, Jessica White, Jaslene Gonzalez, Ximena Navarrete and Kami Crawford

PORTS 1961: Theatre (3:00 PM)
Celebrities Expected: Olivia Palermo, Johannes Huebl, Eric McCormick, Lucy Sykes and Euan Rellie, Gao Yuan Yuan and Philip Bloch

ALEXANDER BERARDI: Studio (4:00 PM)
This hot up-and-coming designer makes his runway debut showing with IMG. He is a favorite of New York socialites and celebrities. This season, Berardi continues his eccentric, chic "uptown meets downtown" style by continuing his love affair with pattern mixing, embellishment and unique beading.
Celebrities Expected: Neon Trees, Fefe Dobson, Natalia Kills and Semi Precious Weapons

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT: 6PM-12AM
Check out the New York Times map for all the top picks!

FRONT ROW: Christian Siriano SP11 Collection

2010-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00


Image Courtesy of Chic.TV (http://chictvblog.blogspot.com)

By Diana Bland

After dashing into "The Stage" with only minutes to go before Christian Siriano's 2PM start, we had little time for anything more than air-kisses with our old familiar fashion week friends, and a gasp at how the setup at Lincoln Center is unrecognizable as compared to The Tents at Bryant Park.

Siriano's spring offering was a definitely improvement over his often monotonous and dare we say...dreary Fall 2010 collection, and we were very pleased with the sass he exhibited in both color direction and design details on the signature ballgowns for which Siriano is so well known. Our favorite look is posted above, courtesy of Chic.TV.

We will get back to you with more details and impressions of New York Fashion Week's new home...but not till after a round of celebratory drinks to start the most wonderful week of the year.

UPDATE: We just found this great video tour of the new tents, hosted by Amy Odell of NYMag. See the new digs + judge for yourself!

New York Fashion Week is Only 24 Hours Away!!

2010-09-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

We are closing in on the most exciting 9 days of Fall...New York Fashion Week is coming to town! This year, there are big changes in the venue (Lincoln Center), the faces (no more Fern Mallis) and the entire vibe of the Spring 2011 runway shows (thanks, recession!) and we can't wait to see the results.

The New York Times had an excellent article that you can check out HERE, and we will be posting a list of the DOZENS of shows, parties and exclusive events we will be covering tomorrow morning. Keep your eyes peeled, and see you in the (brand new) tents!

Hard to Say No: Rogan's Black Carnival on FNO

2010-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, just looking at this flier makes us want to wear flats...

Stuck in DC for Fashion's Night Out?

2010-09-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Not to worry, my fashion-hungry friends...New York City is not the only spot with fun festivities for this Friday's Fashion's Night Out!

For those in the 202, we recommend perennially hip boutique Redeem, located near the vibrant U Street scene. Their soiree is going down this Friday from 6:30pm-10om, here's the details:

Celebrate the global FNO event at Redeem's Fall 2010 Preview Party, showcasing the latest offerings from their favorite season.

Plus, local jewelry designer Thomas Griffeths joins us with his one-of-a-kind hand-constructed jewelry line, Couture Saboteur + and + DC artist Shawn Helton presents The Red Thread...mixed media paintings about myth and the human condition.

Shop new selections from Kai-aakmann, Kaylee Tankus, Comune, Funktional, store newcomer Vandalist by Vandal, and others...this Friday 6:30PM to 10PM.

BREAKING NEWS: The best FNO event is at...Payless?!?

2010-09-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Just when we thought our Fashion's Night Out plans were set in stone, we get this lil' nugget via their Facebook Page:

Designer Christian Siriano

Payless ShoeSource on Lexington has a treat for you! All four Payless guest designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field, and Isabel Toledo, will be there to host an FNO bash. The designers will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opp from 8-10 p.m.! ‎

Introducing "Style For Hire"

2010-09-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

During the 1980s and into the 1990s many women engaged in learning their "colors," those that flattered their skin and hair tones. Color wheels were used with warm and cool colors separated, so that comparisons could easily be made.

Consultants held swatches of fabrics in various colors against a client's skin and near her hair, making it easier to understand the theory that the correct colors enhanced the beauty of the woman and the stylishness of the clothing she chose.

Washington, DC, has been the location for a new fashion enterprise called Style For Hire. As reported in The Washington Post by Robin Givhan, Stacy London and Cindy McLaughlin, recognized fashion experts, have been recruiting and training stylists as consultants for their online business.

Future clients would contact the website to locate an approved stylist. The stylist would then assist the client in determining clothing sizes and appropriate styles. The most flattering ensembles would be created based on the woman's wardrobe needs.

Before the diagnosis begins, the consultant asks many questions to determine where her client procures her wardrobe and how she views herself. Style For Hire charges a fee and receives a share of profits from retailers who offer discounts to Style For Hire customers.

To avail yourself of this new service, read "Maybe it can be taught" by Robin Givhan in the Style section of The Washington Post, Sunday, August 27, 2010.

Fashion Week on the Horizon

2010-08-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Will Lincoln Center Live Up to Bryant Park's Legacy?

With New York Fashion Week coming soon, fashionistas everywhere are hoping to view innovative designs that will make finding fashion components and dressing well easier, less expensive, and more enjoyable. Using Plato's Golden Rule, the idea that objects have a special proportional relationship, to explain the optimum design specifications for aesthetic perfection in fashion, sisters Ruth and Sara Levy, one in California, the other in Switzerland, have published an email guide called "The Fashion Code."

The code uses three measurements, which you must make, to determine your ideal "fashion code lines." Using these lines should enable women of any size or shape to choose clothing with correct proportions to flatter their figures.

Imagine being able to eliminate the need for alterations at purchase, or to make minimal adjustments to outfits from your closet for a more stylish wardrobe! The guide, with photos, explains how to select clothing for a more youthful appearance.

It will be interesting to see whether designers this season, who normally create clothing for very tall, thin women, will be adjusting designs to accomodate average-sized women who are shorter and have larger proportions than the average model. For more information on "The Fashion Code" visit http://www.thefashioncode.com/ .

Fall 2010 NYFW Photography by Bob Bland

Michelle Obama in Prabal Gurung

2010-03-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Michelle Obama went to the Smithsonian the other day to donate her inauguration dress by Jason Wu. She, however, decided not to wear Wu again, instead opting for an amazing early spring look by a different designer. In doing so our first lady of style brought another incredible young designer onto the national radar. This was, of course, friend and perennial favorite of ours Prabal Gurung. From his first showing after stepping away from Bill Blass we have known Prabal would be a star. Now with the support of the First Lady behind him, we know the sky is the limit. Congrats Prabal, can’t wait to see what you have for us in September.