Day 2 NYFW: Norman Ambrose says Hello to Old Hollywood

By Emily Ehlers

What:  Norman Ambrose Fall 2011 Presentation 

When: Friday, Feb., 11th, 1:30pn

Where: Lincoln Center, The Box

Norman Ambrose chose to reveal his fall 2011 collection as an up-close and personal presentation as opposed to the usual runway show, and it was obvious why! The detail was impeccable. The models looked flawless as they posed in platinum sequin gowns, silk double satin evening coats with dyed mink cuffs, and knit cashmere dresses. The hair styling by Bumble & Bumble and makeup by MAC completed the look with loose, sophisticated curls. So glam!

Day 2 NYFW: Venexiana Brings the Glam!

By Candace Cabrera Moore 

What: Venexiana Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 9pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

{Kati backstage before the show}

Designer Kati Stern informed us that her inspiration for the rock and roll glam fall '11 collection was fabrics. Backstage, she showed us a sparkly sheath and said, "I love to design but I don't have a particular favorite fabric." Her fall trend predictions? "I see a lot of leather, wool, tweed and plaid." To go along with the fall vibe, Tela hairstylists created what they dubbed "the French top hat" look which put a spin on the traditional French twist. Napoleon Perdis did the make up in a big way- extra long eyelashes and red lips were all the rage as the models strutted down the catwalk. Besides the grandeur of the hair and makeup, the looks themselves were beyond. With sixty-nine looks to feast our eyes upon, we were oohing and ahhing at every one that passed. The one that tugged at our hearts just a tad more than the others? A delicious brown fur coat that oozed luxe glam. We also saw lots of sparkly sheaths with trains and flouncy cocktail dresses with full skirts. We just love Venexiana!

Day 2 NYFW: Swoonin' over Farah Angsana

By Emily Ehlers

{the invite}

What: Farah Angsana Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 12pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

Farah Angsana wowed the audience this morning at the Lincoln center with a combination of glitzy bead-embellished chiffon hand draped gowns, wool coats, and strappy heels. Gowns in royal blue, teal, scarlett, brown and black all had one thing in common aside from fluidity; beaded embroidery. Our favorite was the finale, a white silk crystal encrusted gown with feather and organza ruffles, along with a silver fox stole that had the entire audience in a standing ovation and someone saying to me, "could you imagine entering a dinner party in THAT? Everyone would be envious."

Costello Tagliapietra

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion/Beauty Director

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra for Costello Tagliapietra presented an ethereal, feminine collection with structure. This seems to be a common trend showing at the S/S 2011 Fashion Week.

The inspiration behind the line is said to be about taking more time to get ready, not just throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. The palette in this collection is mostly pale hues. Strong tailoring makes up for the absence of color. Wearable chic is what I would call this line. Women will be able to feel pulled together when wearing S/S 2011 Costello Tagliapietra, without feeling over dressed.

Photos: Imax Tree

PROJECT RUNWAY’S KORTO MOMOLU PRESENTS THE KORTO MOMOLU COLLECTION

Celebrity Designer Debuts Fall 2010 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images North America

Project Runway’s fifth season standout contestant Korto Momolu (Cut • Toe – Mo • Mo • Lu) will debut The Korto Momolu Collection, a contemporary female apparel and accessories line

during New York City Fashion Week at the Union Square Ballroom on February 15, 2010.

Momolu gained national recognition after participating in Bravo’s hit reality competition series, and this will be Momolu’s first showcase and collection since appearing on the show.

“This is my return to fashion week after Project Runway, so it’s important for me to establish my voice,” said Momolu. Known for her intrinsic creations, Momolu opted for a collection of serene designs that reflect her lifestyle, cultural and design background. “The fall 2010
collection is an eclectic blend of rich fabrics, detailed beading and infusion of northern African influences. It holds true to everything I am as a designer, focusing on fit, structure and detail.”

Korto Momolu, a native of Liberia, West Africa, easily stands out from the rest and has already captured the attention of the fashion industry elite. The Korto Momolu Collection includes exquisite apparel designs and carefully hand-crafted accessories with prices ranging from $150.00 to $1600.00. Additionally, her collection will include a sneak peek at the
signature handbag and jewelry line exclusively designed for Dillard’s Department Stores and Dillard’s online, scheduled to launch in all stores on February 15, 2010, coinciding with her runway presentation.

Highlighted as one to watch, Korto has been featured by EOnline.com, Essence, LA Times, InStyle, African Vibes, Washingtonian magazine, Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine and more. Television and radio appearances include the Wendy Williams Show; BET’s My Black is Beautiful
and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

For more information about Korto Momolu, please also visit her official website at www.KortoMomolu.com.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule Announced -- Fall/Winter 2010 Designer Collections will walk on Bryant Park's final runways

From February 11-18, 2010, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), thousands of fashion industry professionals will come together in Bryant Park's iconic Tents for one last week before MBFW re-locates to Lincoln Center in September.

Starting off a New Year and new global fashion cycle, the retailers, reporters and editors are eager to see the Collections from the world’s established and up-and-coming designers, and how this creative community sets the tones and trends for what we will wear in Fall/Winter 2010.

"As we close a chapter in the history of our event, IMG is excited to be working with Lincoln Center, the CFDA and the City to create a new home for the fashion industry at Lincoln Center,” said Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are looking forward, with our partners, to rolling out our plans in the coming months."

“All of us at IMG Fashion are excited about the outstanding and stellar lineup which has come together from around the world to share in this historic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,” said Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion. “This will be a significant season, as we reflect on 17 years, 31 seasons and close to 2,500 fashion shows in Bryant Park that have launched many careers....from Designers to Editors, Models, Producers, Celebrities, TV Commentators and Reality Shows. We all also look forward to the change - and September's move to Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center."

Saluting and showing in Bryant Park, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 's schedule are: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Toni Maticevski, Ports 1961, Anne Bowen, La Perla, Farah Angsana, The Heart Truth’sRed Dress Collection 2010, Cynthia Steffe, Project Runway, Yigal Azrouёl, Michael Angel, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Adam, Academy of Art University, Prabal Gurung, ARISE Magazine African Collective - III, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, Malandrino, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, TonyCohen, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan Collection, Tracy Reese, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Pamella Roland, Max Azria, Dennis Basso, Diesel Black Gold, Thuy, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Brian Reyes, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Bryant Park Tents’ three venues include the Salon, the Promenade and the Tent. Over the course of eight days, the runway venues, lobby and backstage sponsor lounges will be bustling from 9 AM to 9 PM, when approximately 100,000 people come to attend shows, meet and greet the media, retailers and fashion professionals.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express®, Maybelline New York, W Hotels Worldwide, TRESemmé, The Heart Truth Campaign, Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink, Peroni, Chambord, Martini Gold Mixers and O.N.E.™ One Natural Experience as well as the following media outlets The New York Times, Vevant, Women's Wear Daily and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an IMG owned and produced event.

Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images North America

Nicole Scherzinger performs in The Blonds at the 2010 People's Choice Awards

Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls wore a crystal embellished, black faux snake stretch jersey one shoulder mini dress by The Blonds while performing with Cobra Starship at the Peoples Choice Awards in Los Angeles a few nights ago on January 6.

If you don’t know who The Blonds are you’re truly missing out as they were recently announced winners of The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. Special made to order pieces for the likes of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Shakira, Madonna, and Britney Spears are all part of The Blonds world. The MAC Viva Glam advertising campaign featuring Fergie, dazzling in a silver chain and crystal corset, specially made by The Blonds is also included on their list of Hollywood glam. From Elle Magazine and Vogue to America’s Next Top Model and E! News – The Blonds have been featured everywhere.

ALL ABOUT THE BLONDS

Phillipe and David Blond, a.k.a. The Blonds, met in New York City eight years ago and have been designing together ever since. Phillipe Rollano was born in Pierto Rico, raised in New York, and studied design at the well known Fashion Institute of Technology. He went on to do freelance illustration for DDC Lab and various publications before becoming one half of the design duo, The Blonds.

As for David Trujillo, originally from Key West took on Fashion Merchandising and Design at the International Fine Arts College in Miami. For ten years David dressed the windows and interiors of high-end retailers such as Macy’s Herald Square and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Together, Phillipe and David have created collections that have taken the design world by storm. Featuring glitz, glamour, crystals, chains, sequins and more, their pieces have garnered rave reviews all over the fashion industry.

The Freedom Collection from REVOLUTION Organics

INTRODUCING THE FREEDOM COLLECTION

FROM REVOLUTION ORGANICS

THINK: Free up space, free up time, and free up your beauty routine with chemical - free color.

WHAT THEY ARE: New products to set your skin free. REVOLUTION Organics is revolutionizing cosmetics with the introduction of its first color collection. Created with the brand’s trademark certified organic ingredients and without harmful synthetics or chemicals, the debut products deliver 100% healthy color with the benefits of skincare. REVOLUTION Organics’ Freedom Glow Beauty Balm and Freedom Gloss represent a breakthrough fusion of naturally moisturizing, nourishing care and vibrant color for a streamlined beauty routine that leaves you gorgeously healthy.

Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34)

100% natural and created with 85% certified organic ingredients, this beauty multi-tasker delivers an instant healthy glow anytime, anywhere. The all-in-one balm infuses lips, cheeks, eyes, and décolletage with a natural, dewy radiance. Perfectly portable and ideal for on the go, the easy-to-use formula provides skincare and color in one for a hydrating hint of tint. Free of chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients, the balm contains only 100% pure, natural and organic ingredients. Formulated with cold-pressed organic olive oil and deeply moisturizing organic coconut oil, The Freedom Glow Beauty Balm comes in three glowing shades to complement any skin tone:

Sunkissed: Fresh Peach Glow

Blushed: True Rosy Blush

Bronzed: Warm Golden Bronze Glow

Freedom Gloss ($26)

This healthy, good-for-you gloss is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to leave lips beautifully moisturized and gorgeously glossy. Formulated with 100% natural and 85% healthy certified organic ingredients, the product delivers all the benefits of a lip treatment in a gorgeous gloss. The formula is free of chemicals, mineral oil, petroleum, artificial ingredients and parabens. Instead, Freedom Gloss uses organic plant proteins and extracts to give lips a healthy dose of antioxidants and vitamins. Vitamin-rich organic jojoba oil nourishes and conditions, while organic shea butter hydrates and moisturizes. Organic aloe vera and olive oil soothe and soften as organic beeswax protects skin. Packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, eco-chic material, Freedom Gloss infuses lips with all-natural mineral-based pigments, delivering good-for-you color.

Vibe: Fresh Warm Peach

Freedom: True Strawberry Red

Innocent: Soft Baby Pink

Truth: Sheer True Pink

Integrity: Shimmering Golden Rose

THE BACKGROUND: REVOLUTION Organics evolved out of founders Alexandra Zanella and Melissa Shabinsky’s mutual desire to simplify their lives and make healthy, responsible choices. To help women like themselves reduce their beauty consumption, Shabinsky and Zanella developed concentrated, essential multi-taskers to do the work of dozens of standard beauty products. All REVOLUTION Organics products are free of chemicals, parabens, synthetics, artificial ingredients, and fillers, including water so each pure, concentrated organic product delivers more so consumers can use less.

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Freedom collection is available on SaffronRouge.com, BigelowChemists.com, and C.O. Bigelow Apothecary located at 414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212-533-2732.

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

RENI LANE: NO LONGER UNDER THE RADAR

Text: Casi Densmore-Koon
Images: Randy Brooke/Wire Image

WHAT: RENI LANE at Citrine
WHEN: Tuesday June 16th @ 10PM

RENI LANE: OUR MUSICAL OBSESSION



Basically devasted over not making Reni Lane's performace at Citrine last week we were more then excited to chat with her (via email) in hopes that we can grace this talented young spirit one day soon - she told us not to worry as there will be many more shows in the future.


BURNING Q & A SESSION WITH RENI
Reni Lane was born in a small town in VA but it didn't take her long to make it in the BIG CITY of New York.

When did your love affair with music begin? I have to admit my love affair with music was solidified through Disney movies and characters, particularly Ariel from "The Little Mermaid." As a kid it really mystified me how Ursula took away Ariel's voice (with that memorable melody) and used it as a spell - to me this showed that music had some sort of divine power and I wanted to live in that world.

Were you always fascinated with the piano or did you consider other musical instruments?
There is a romantic, personal quality to the piano that I will always adore. Growing up I loved the idea of classical composers like Mozart or Debussy sitting at the piano by candle light hammering it out, just the human and their instrument. But I don't musically discriminate per say. I love a challenge and every instrument I come across I want to get my hands on and figure out, whether it's flute, trombone or guitar or something electronic like Ableton (all stuff I've played at one point).

What is the biggest difference between UK and the US?
Well musically speaking, the UK is much smaller so I feel there is more community support in the unknown artist circuit there. An upcoming band can tour many places easily, get the word out, and receive more attention compared to a band trying to do the same thing in the vast expanse of say, the US midwest. But on the other hand I think the UK musical taste is more discriminating - which makes things harder, but helps the best rise to the top. I don't think there's a British version of Hannah Montana, but maybe I am wrong!

What is on you ipod now?
New stuff I have is Kings of Leon, Regina Spektor, and Bat for Lashes. Artists always in heavy rotation are My Bloody Valentine, Neil Young, Madonna, and David Bowie.

If you could do a duet with anyone, who would it be?
That's a hard question because I think a lot of duets work best with an interesting combination of voices. For instance, the artist I admire most might not mix with my voice that well - although hands down I would do anything just to be near Natasha Khan from Bat For Lashes, I have quite a musical crush on her!

What do we have to look forward to in the future?
Aside from constantly promoting my record online and in the real world (out Sept. 15th on Custard/Uni Motown), right now I'm deep into raising a killer rock band to "back me" on tour, though I really see my band and I as one unit, not separate entities. I want people who hear my music not just to love the album, but to be blown away by the live show. The main thing I want people to take away from the show is that they had the most fun they've ever had at a concert.

Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your music making?
Any band that can change and rise above what they're "known," for are an inspiration to me, like PJ Harvery, Coldplay, and TV on the Radio. I also may be the last person in the world who still loves Bono. I think his lyrics are amazing and his voice has kept mutating and maturing on a very interesting sonic path that always keeps me guessing and wondering...how does he sing that?

I remember once reading in Nylon Magazine that you were a fan of Topshop (we are too!) - do you have a favorite designers? what can we catch you wearing?
Fashion is all about customizing your own look, and I end up tailoring or repurposing pieces to my own taste, as well as mixing high and low fashion. My favorite designer of the moment is Erin Fetherston. I just worked with her on her new video look book and all the outfits are amazing! I'm a big fan of pairing one of her dresses with Doc Martens, or Apollo Braun with a simple American Apparel skirt and a vintage purse.




FIVE THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT RENI LANE

1. I love tuna sushi followed by green tea ice cream
2. I get a lot of ideas for songs from dreams - and I keep a dream diary.
3. I still don't really know what the word "hipster" means.
4. I've never smoked a cigarette (or weed for that matter) in my life.
5. At one point in my life I wanted to be a professional tennis player. Now it looks like I'll be at Wimbleton only in the stands!

Place for us (quite infectious)now has the top hits on our ipods and as soon as you download it we can gurantee the same will go for YOU! And while listening to the track catch up with Reni on one or all of the sites listed below.....

http://www.myspace.com/renilane
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reni-Lane/26880849758
http://twitter.com/renilane
http://www.last.fm/music/Reni+Lane