MBFWNY --- Whitney Port mixes prints, gives us office-chic & gets us ready for SPRING 2010

Text, Dwayne Knight

The darling fashionista from MTV’s “The City” showed us just how talented and focused she is on her true passion as she made her Mercedes Benz Fashion Week debut in New York on September 10th showing the “Whitney Eve” Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

The Promenade was jammed packed with excited attendees. Among those in the front row were R & B songstress Amerie, singer/song writer Tina Parol, and fellow “The City” cast mates Olivia Palermo and Erin Kaplan. Kelly Cutrone of both “The City” and power house of People’s Revolution was working behind the scenes supporting Port by making sure the show was orchestrated with perfection in true Cutrone form.

From the beginning, we could tell this was going to be a collection of youthful beauty. Port brought us an array of fabrics and textures. The color pallet ranged from metallic’s (the hot trend of the season) to neutrals to vibrant pinks, blues, greens, and yellows. Our mouths dropped as we watched the delectable dresses, suits, shorts, jumpsuits, vests, and blouses. One of our favorite items was the strapless rainbow dress with bow belt, which can be described as Park Avenue meets sunny California and the re-creating of the pant/short suit – making it very office chic. Getting us right in the mood for spring was the sequence ruffle dress which defined flirty and light as it was presented beautifully in a purple, orange, and slate blue pattern. The lace inset of the v-neck was the perfect accent to compliment the look.

The Whitney Eve collection brightened our day and has us seriously looking forward to the spring season. It may have been raining outside the tents at Bryant Park, but it was a blissful warm day inside with Whitney Port.

Photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Koi Suwannagate Hand Sculpted Spring 2010 collection

When: September 16th, 2009

What: Presentation of Spring 2010 Collection

Where: Gana Gallery, New York

TOP FIVE LOOKS

NUDE RECYCLED CASHMERE TOP PAIRED WITH PINK PRINT WRAP

SKIRT MADE OF THAI WEAVE “LOOK KEAW” SILK

ONE-SHOULDERED CASHMERE BLOUSE ACCENTED WITH SATIN

FOLDED LOTUSES. SILK PANTS WITH CUSTOM PAINTED LOTUS

PRINT COMPLETE THE LOOK

SHEER ORGANZA BLAZER WITH “THE LOVE OF KOI

SUWANNAGATE” HAND EMBODERED IN THAI WRITING ACROSS

THE SLEEVES AND BACK. A BLACK CRINKLE CHIFFON BRA WITH

GROSGRAIN ACCENTS IS UNDERNEATH. PAIRED WITH HANDDYED

LINEN TWEED TROUSERS

BLACK CASHMERE TOP WITH LOTUS EMBIDERY AND WHITE TRIM.

WHITE CASHMERE JACKET WITH LOTUS EMBODERY CUT AWAY TO

THE CRINKLED CHIFFON LINING. DETAILS INCLUDE HAND

EMBROIDERY AND HAND CROCHETED BUTTONS. PAIRED WITH A

BEADED SKIRT MADE OF RECYCLED THREAD FABRIC, EMBODERED

AND CUT-AWAY TO THE SILK ORGANZA LINING. GROSGRAIN

COVERS THE SKIRT’S HEM AND SIDE SEAMS

WHITE CASHMERE CARDIGAN WITH EMBROIDERY ON SLEEVES

CUT AWAY EXPOSING SILK CHIFFON LINING. APPLIQUED LOTUSES

ON FRONT, FINISHED WITH GROSGRAIN RIBBION AT HEM AND

OPENING. PAIRED WITH A BLACK AND WHITE CUSTOM PRINT

ORGANZA DRESS WITH BLACK TRIM

ERIN FETHERSTON SHOWS HER SPRING 2010 COLLECTION AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK AT MILK STUDIOS

Image of Erin, Getty Images, Astrid Stawiarz Runway Photo Credits: Thomas Kletecka

When: Sunday, September 13th
Where: Milk Studios

Erin Fetherston debuted her Spring/Summer 2010 collection during New York City Fashion Week on Sunday, September 13th at 6 p.m. at Milk Studios. Fetherston’s decidedly womanly aesthetic and flair for the dramatic was on full display with plunging v-necks, defined shoulders and attention-grabbing hemlines, softened by delicate accents of ruffles and lace.

Fetherston drew inspiration from memories of a childhood visit to Nara, Japan. The designer recalls the scene as a pink forest snowing cherry blossoms over herds of free roaming deer. The ode to Nara was captured in the piles of white rose petals that flanked the runway and long stem pink carnations which were placed on every seat, courtesy of floral designer Jeff Leatham. This imagery manifested in Fetherston's fabric and color direction as well, with watercolor cherry blossom prints in blush and midnight and an abstract fawn print on sequins. The palette of tans, blush and ivory, paired with black and navy further demonstrated the strong/soft dichotomy present in the design.

Hair and make-up were designed to reflect and compliment the feminine and romantics tones set in the collection. Hairstylist Lyndell Mansfield for Bumble & Bumble took the hair up with a classic chignon but gave twists, rolls and tucks for a younger, cooler feel. Lucia Pica for MAC Cosmetics showed dark eyes with clean skin, flushed cheeks and bare lips.

This season featured two accessories collaborations, a first for Fetherston. The Lulu Frost for Erin Fetherston collection, designed by Lisa Salzer was inspired by the opulence of the late 70’s and early 80’s: bold, heavily embellished rhinestone and chain bracelets drip down the wrist, draping like lavish shackles, while long dangling rhinestone earrings add a touch of sleek sophistication, glamour and high drama. The most prominent pieces of the collection are the rhinestone and crystal hand pieces. Designed to be worn over soft leather gloves or to adorn bare hands, these tough yet delicate garnishes complete a strong, feminine look, the leitmotif of the collection as a whole.

Cole Haan, for their end of the collaboration, provided belts and shoes – or more specifically, chic heels featuring Nike Air technology. Cinched belts adorned with gold-plated heart buckles echoed Fetherston’s blue, blush and black color palette while adding a whimsical, feminine flair.

And we loved the playlist - check it out below!

Where did all the love go? -Kasabian

Breaking Into Cars --The Raveonettes

I Can Thrill and Delight --In Flagranti

Nothing to Worry About --Peter Bjorn and John The Muzik --Ebony Bones Do You Want It All?

Little Secrets -Passion Pit

BIG NIGHT FOR DSQUARED2

DEAN & DAN CATEN CELEBRATE THE NEW COLLECTION FROM

DSQUARED² EYEWEAR, DURING NYC FASHION WEEK

WHEN: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

WHERE: DSQUARED

WHAT: Design duo Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED² hosted an exclusive celebration for the launch of their highly anticipated new eyewear collection, in partnership with MARCOLIN. The collection consists of a total of 17 new styles and will be hitting stores globally starting from October 2009. The collection will be available in the finest US department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman as well as Holt Renfrew locations throughout Canada.

“Everything that we design has to be something that we would ourselves wear,” says Dean and Dan Caten, Creative Directors of DSQUARED². “DSQUARED² continues to evolve into a lifestyle - not just a brand. We’re going to continue adding an offering of categories that the DSQUARED² man or woman need… whether it be a great tuxedo, cocktail dress or casual look. From footwear to women’s bags to men’s leather goods - we’ve recently gone on to develop a line of fragrances, body washes, candles, and cosmetics. Sunglasses were the next natural step in the brand’s evolution and we couldn’t be more proud of this new collection.”

- Dean and Dan Caten, Creative Directors of DSQUARED².

WHO: Dean and Dan Caten, Creative Directors of DSQUARED²

Maserati provided the new Maserati Quattroporte S. for VIP arrivals. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed signature cocktails courtesy of Belvedere and champagne courtesy of Moët & Chandon as well as catering by Chef Vincent Chirico of Vai restaurant in Manhattan.

ATTENDEES INCLUDED:

Dean and Dan Caten, Creative Directors of DSQUARED² along with guests including
Hilary Duff, Mary J Blige, Estelle, Ciara, Rachel Zoe, Kelly Rowland, Nicky Hilton,
Tyson Beckford, Mena Suvari, Amerie, Perez Hilton, Kristin Cavallari, Fonzworth Bentley, Amanda Lepore, Brad Goreski, Byrdie Bell, Fabiola Beracasa and Carol Alt.

Celebs come out for FASHION'S NIGHT OUT

As the city was filled with party goers and the streets packed with shoppers - many celebrities came out in support for FASHION'S NIGHT OUT.

SPOTTED BY CUPCAKE MAG

WHO: Rachel Zoe & Nikki Hilton with Bally executive

WHERE: Bally Boutique

WHO: Kate Hudson and Anna Wintour

WHERE: Stella McCartney Shop

More About Fashion's Night Out:

(taken from http://www.fashionnightout.com/)

In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.

In the United States, American Vogue has joined with NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City. Next only to finance, fashion is the second-largest sector of industry in New York City—the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10 billion in total wages. At City Hall’s May 20 press conference to announce Fashion’s Night Out, Vera Wang said, "To put it bluntly, if people don’t shop, people lose their jobs."

The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass festivities galore— from inventive window displays to model and celebrity appearances. Champagne may flow; hors d'oeuvres may be passed. Rumors of musical performances, downtown barbecues, shoe capsules, limited-edition rings, and sweepstakes abound. Apparently there will be makeovers, brow bars, and haircut stations at sundry spots, too.

Fashion’s Night Out at Intermix

Photo Credit: Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images North America

WHEN: Thursday, September 10^th 2009

WHERE: Intermix Soho, 98 Prince Street, 7pm-10

Last night, Intermix was a hot spot for FASHIONS NIGHT OUT in New York City. Sienna and Savannah Miller of Twenty8Twelve by s.miller hosted the event with special guest Alejandro Ingelmo.

Editor-in-chief of American Vogoe, Anna Wintour and Sienna Miller seemed to be having a great time as the celebrated Fashions Night Out. Also spotted - Rihanna in her most fashion forward accessories.

What are we carrying to New York Fashion Week? Mara Carrizo Scalise BAGS!

We are all geared up with samples to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicking off September 10th. We just received the Heidi Italian "washed" soft Lamb Leather bag in brown and black, courtesy of the designer Mara, to tote at the shows.

The Heidi bag is hand made with a gold front clasp and studs -the gold detail fits right into the glitz we have been seeing this season. It retails for $295.

Mara Carrizo Scalise (MCS Designs) launched brand new collection of soft and edgy Italian leather bags, belts, vests and accessories. From strappy vests, wide belts, soft shoulder bags, reversible fur and leather vests to large leather throw pillows for the home, MCS Leather has an accessory to go with every outfit and lifestyle.

ABOUT MARA CARRIZO SCALISE

Growing up in Argentina, surrounded by finely crafted leather goods and the inspirational personal style of her mother, Mara Carrizo Scalise found a career in fashion a natural choice. Originally Mara's designs were simply contained to alterations on her mother’s clothing—fine vintage pieces that planted the seeds for Mara’s signature style.

Inevitably, the design process became her focus, and she created pieces for herself from suede and leather, custom jewelry, clothes and other accessories.

After launching a clothing line in Argentina, Mara made her way to New York City where she continued to design and gained vast experience in the fashion industry as a stylist.
Mara's world travels, an eye for unusual vintage, and her love of the simple beauty found in nature have inspired the launch of her jewelry label MCS Design*. Each piece is hand crafted in gold and likely one of a kind.

In the tradition of the amulet, which is an object that is intended to bring good luck and protection to the owner, Mara hopes her pieces, and the energy they possess, can be passed from individual to individual and even generation to generation.They are the embodiment of her creativity and positivity and are made to be worn at all times as simple, beautiful adornment.

Images courtsey of Alexandra Lippn, The Lippin Group

For more info check out http://www.mcsjewelryny.com/

Cupcake Mag Q & A Session with Esther Nash

Esther Nash fell in love with fashion at the age of 5,
on her first day of school, dressing in a different theme daily.
It has very much continued to the present -
a reason to just LOVE ESTHER and her rock star glam style.

Cupcake Mag: What made you decide to design your own line?

Esther Nash: I design for the petite athletic build as they are beautiful but for the most part neglected in the fashion industry. Designers use 6 feet as their measurements for women designs and realistically this is not Sweden. This is America and we are a land of many people with different measurements. I have always been independent and a trendsetter. I always liked being the leader in the game follow the leader at school. So it just followed naturally.

CM: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?

EN: Follow your dream and turn a deaf ear and a blind eye on people who laugh at you!! Remember they are just jealous and without any talent or education.

CM: What's up next for you?

I am waiting for my invitation to the White House. I would like to design for the whole family. In the nearer future my next show will be in September 2009 at St. Charles Fashion Week and most likely BK Fashion Week in October 2009.

sketches by Esther = pure art

CM: When do you feel most inspired to work?

EN: Usually when I am relaxed the inspiration occurs. Many times I will be sipping tea with milk at downtown Ciprianni or speaking with Roman at Kiss and Fly or walking into Pink Elephant or sunbathing in my bikini on the rooftop pool at Gansevoort while flirting with Timothy or greeting my friends and family at Tenjune or listening to my publicist and in house counsel Shelly's ongoing commentary about current events, the latest house music and pop songs, her fan club of admirers as well as unknown passersby applying to be on her dance card.

CM: Who do you design for?

EN: I design for the petite athletic build as they are beautiful but for the most part neglected in the fashion industry. Designers use 6 feet as their measurements for women's designs and realistically this is not Sweden. This is America and we are a land of many people with different measurements.

CM:Who's your ideal customer or celeb client?

EN: Socialites and anyone that wishes to look like a celebrity. I would love to have an unlimited budget to dress Mayor Bloomberg, his daughter and all the nightlife impresarios of NYC. Design the looks for all the best places Tenjune, Cipriani, Kiss and Fly, Pink Elephant, Bagatelle, Mynt-Miami, Liv-Miami, Set-Miami,

CM: How did it feel to see your designs (sequin hats, jean shawls, some of the sequin dresses) being used on a show so huge as Sex and the City?

EN:It felt great to see my hard work was well received.

CM: If you weren't in the fashion industry, what would you be doing?

EN: Astronaut, Retired Gold medalist (gymnastics/uneven bars), race car driver, tight rope walker, circus performer, Fire woman, Police Chief, an Art teacher at a Public High School to inspire our NYC youth, Air force Pilot, FBI/CIA Secret Agent, Brain Surgeon (I am ambidextrous), Litigator, Professional Boxer, Cosmetologist, Owner of a Hair Salon/boutique/or Massage Parlor, Licensed General Contractor/Plumber, Electrician, Dolphin Trainer, Dog groomer, NFL Champion football player, Professional Cheerleader, Baller, Rock Star, Certified Aerobics Instructor or an auto body shop owner ( you only live once, its important to have a good time and enjoy your work)

CM: What do you think are essentials to every fashionista wardrobe?

EN: A few classic pieces and then mix them with everything over the top.

CM: How far in advance do you work on your collections?

EN: It's a constant process

Lastly, we couldn't let her finish the interview without giving us her input on the upcoming fall season - we were just dying to know what we can't live without and what we should really let go, as soon as possible!

WHAT'S SO HOT:
- headbands
- embellished belts
- flat party shoes
- neon colors
- pimped out walking sticks

WHAT'S SO NOT:
- flannel shirts
- straight hair
- straight teeth (save money on dentistry - go natural)
- false eyelashes
- small jewelry

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT MISS NASH

Esther Nash, a New York based fashion designer, model, socialite & fashion expert, is the epitome of a chick on a quest. The fashion world's former prodigy is all grown up. At the age of 18, Esther owned and operated her first retail store. At the age of 19, opened a second store, and at the age of 20, opened a third store. By the age of 21, Esther was having her own runway shows, thereby reaching the rank of a young professional designer.

Esther is a 3rd generation New Yorker and a graduate of the most prestigious, accredited Art and Fashion school of New York City coupled with a good family background.

Ms. Nash's fashions have been featured on the long running hit HBO series Sex and the City, and her last runway show (she has had over 2 dozen) was notably attended by Vogue's Editor in Chief Anna Wintour.

In this industry, it is the entire package that makes someone marketable. Personality plays a huge part and Esther Nash exudes character, creativity, professionalism and a positive attitude.

Esther Nash has recently signed with a top 10 modeling agency as a celebrity artist. She is making regular TV appearances as a fashion expert and commentator.

Esther's next goal is to acquire a position as a fashion host of her own TV/cable show. Keep your ears and eyes open as you will be seeing a lot more of Esther Nash!

CHEERS TO ESTHER! If you just can't get enough please visit http://esthernash.com/
The bio above was taken from the website.

Erin Fetherston LU to Launch Sept 10th

BPCM
bismarck phillips communications & media

If you haven't figured out by now, the CUPCAKE MAG team loves anything Erin Fetherston so we just received a little news are her latest venture we just couldn't share it quick enough.

Erin has teamed up with LU Cookies to do a specially designed Limited Edition tin for the LU Crème Roulée (everyone’s favorite little European cookies). The project will launch September 10^th exclusively on Amazon.com. It is Erin’s first foray into the home/lifestyle world – one that she is very interested in, and an equally exciting step into fashion for LU. The tins are sold in a pack of six for $39 – available for pre-order before the 10^th at http://www.amazon.com/LU-Fetherston-Chocolate-14-1-Ounce-Amazon-com/dp/B002AQJEAO

The tins are so cute (image below) – Erin designed them with the thought that they can be used for so many things – holding colored pencils and art supplies, in the kitchen, and ultimately, a great hostess gift – definitely something that would be kept and re-used. The tins are so chic you can put them right on the dinner table for a party – LU’s tagline after all is “chic little cookie”!

On the heels of the successes of designer capsule collections and mixing a hi-low collaboration with mass brands in other areas of the lifestyle arena, now here’s a new take on it mélanging fashion with food, and being sold on Amazon gives access to all 48 mainland states.

Erin Fetherston LU:

“I came to love LU when I lived in Paris as they are a European classic and everyone’s go-to cookie in France. LU has a long history integrating art and design into its campaigns dating back to the late-1800s. With LU now expanding into the U.S. I was thrilled to partner with them. I am an American designer and started my career in fashion in Paris before making my home in New York, so it really felt like the perfect fit. LU Biscuits have a strong French heritage and French style has always been a true inspiration for both my runway collections and my personal tastes. When creating the design for these tins, I was inspired by the wonderful sense of style and charm that LU represents. I felt that the handwritten script and fashion figurines would add my own personal, modern twist to the elegant spirit and sense of playfulness and delight of LU Biscuits.” – Erin Fetherston

We just can't get enough!

FASHION DESIGNER TIFFANY KOURY RETURNS TO FASHION WEEK WITH NEW TRICKS UP HER SLEEVE

We are almost all geared up and booked solid for the one and only Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week next week and we just can't wait for the Tiffany Koury show starting the week off right. We just couldn't help but give our fellow fashionistas a sneak peak at the just who Tiffany Koury is and what you can expect in her Spring 2010 Collection.

After a short hiatus Tiffany Koury has returned, inspired, and ready to take on this year's New York Fashion Week. For her Spring 2010 collection Tiffany has created an all-encompassing experience that can transport anyone back to a time of myth and romance.

The show is set for September 10 at noon, to be presented at an exciting new venue ‘The Gates’. The collection is inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. Tiffany’s unique artistry infuses her designs with a magical energy transforming each piece into an iconic
masterpiece.

Tiffany’s bridal gowns, appearing in the collection for the first time this season, will allow brides to enter an enchanted world of their own fairytales. Tiffany, known for her attention to detail and high quality work,designs fashions that allow all women to feel beautiful, flirtatious and elegant.

WHO IS TIFFANY KOURY?

Tiffany Koury is a seasoned fashion professional. She graduated in 1996 with a BFA in Fashion Design from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology and interned at Anne Klein with Richard Tyler and Patrick Robinson.

During this time she also did styling with MTV and ABC’s Dana Carvey show. Upon graduation from FIT she took a design position with a local Soho boutique that manufactures women’s sportswear in Istanbul and moved to Istanbul to oversee their factory with a 200- person work force. Upon returning to New York she worked at Polo Jeans Co., Ralph Lauren and then Nautica. With over ten years of experience, in 2005 Tiffany launched her company, Tiffany Koury, and in 2006 was voted one of the top fashion designers to watch by the
Doneger Buying Group.

Currently she is an active member of the Couture Council in New York City, headed
by Dr. Valerie Steele, and has starred in two episodes of SOAPnet’s Fashionista Diaries. Apart from her creative work, Tiffany is also an active board member for both Red Light Children (www.redlightchildren.org) and the Sounds of Silence Foundation (www.soundsofsilencefoundation.org).

New York Fashion Week is thrilled to have Tiffany Koury back. Her timeless collections have been described as embodying traditional couture design that brings out
the essence of the women that wears them.

If you just can't get enough visit Tiffany Koury's website:

http://tiffanykoury.com/

NY FASHION WEEK SNEAK PEAK: TRACY REESE S/S 2010 Collection

The Tracy Reese spring 2010 collection is a study of juxtapositions; the contrast between architectural and relaxed silhouettes, hard and soft, sheer and opaque. Femininity enlivens current wardrobes, with a focus on draping and ruching and modern embellishments. Intense color combinations, vivacious prints and multi-layered shapes inject Reese’s spring collection with positivity.

“To enter spring with a modern and upbeat attitude we used vibrant hues and the combination of architectural shapes and easy folds on drapey materials. A passion fruit surplice frock in a relaxed, draped silhouette with textural embellishment is the perfect piece to kick off the season with a look that is elegant with edge,” Tracy Reese, Designer and Founder.

Stay tuned next week as we bring you the latest coverage after the runway show!