fashion

Rebecca Taylor Spring 2009

Rebecca Taylor Spring 2009
Rebecca Taylor Spring 2009

Preparing for Spring still seems an ambitious undertaking of spirits, considering we are likely to see much more snow between now and then. Rebecca Taylor’s Spring 09 collection hopes to push away our dreary disdain of winter for more jovial meditations.

Taylor‘s prescription for Spring is a boho-cum-chiclet girl chic. Relying on classic boho ease the collection is comprised of a series of easy, loose fitting dresses and tops with lace up detailing. The subtle palette of earthen tones is bolstered by vibrant paisley prints in saturated hues. Dries Van Noten’s layering of prints has definitely set off a trend in the industry. Taylor follows suit with a girly series of metallic prints that range in monochromatic shades on one garment.

Taylor’s nostalgic rendition of the sixties includes all the hallmark motifs and shapes that made the era’s style so iconic: peasant blouses, tunics and roomy skirts. Taylor updates the look by including pieces with more structure, heavier fabrics that lend to a more modern take. Taylor offers a series of separates that can easily mix into the contemporary woman’s existing wardrobe. Stand outs include flirty party dresses in brilliant colors. A favorite was a lapis and serilium frock with drop waist, flowy skirt and gold speckle print. All in all Taylor presented a collection that is perfect for her girl. It had all the girly finesse and fun that her clients clamor for.

Recalling the carefree ecstasy of the sixties may just be the right note for this moment and time. Perhaps it is a little time for peace and love!

-Alexander Coelho

fashion

Holiday Wishes: Peace and Love Sixties Style at Barney’s

On Sunday Barney’s unveiled their very Hippie Holiday windows! The thoroughly exuberant displays celebrate the era of PEACE and LOVE. Not ironically this year marks the anniversary of the PEACE sign, which prevailed as the window’s ornamental motif. This year creative director, Simon Doonan conjured up all the hallmarks of an era were carefree abandonment and counter culture inroads were the groove. It goes without saying that hippies didn’t have the resources or the interest in the mode du jour but this generation of free spirits revolutionized fashion and that is certainly something the fashion inclined can celebrate.

Maestro Doonan called upon some of Barney’s favorite vendor to conjure up looks that feature the peace sign. Looks from Marni, Margiela, Lanvin, and Phillip Lim, to name a few, mingle with other sixties iconography like guitars, album covers, and album covers. And how can we reminisce on a fashion movement without paying tribute to the players of the time – and so it was most fitting that windows featured the iconoclasts and visionaries like Marsha Hunt, Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell. Also making a shinning addition to the mix was a Volkswagen Beetle adorned with the peace signs, doves and groovy scribbles designed by John-Paul Philippe. Perhaps the most poignant display featured the rendition of the peace sign created by the students of East Harlem. (All the work is available for purchase with a portion of sales going to charity).

The sublime windows captured all the sepia toned splendor of a time very much like today – where is face of adversity a revolution of LOVE and PEACE emerged and flourished. Now that is a notion that is worth taking to heart this holiday season. So spread a little PEACE and LOVE.

– A. Coelho

fashion

Parisian Chocolate the new Wall St. Vodka Giblet?

Only the promise of decadent chocolate and a seemingly endless flow of champagne could bring discerning Manhattanites below Prince St. on a chilly mid-week evening (that or an event at Cipriani Wall St.). On Wednesday night La Maison du Chocolat celebrated their new home-nestled a-mix other luxury brands like Pink, Hermes and Tiffany’s on infamous Wall St.

The opening drew quite the crowd, in fact as I was ushered in the line of waiting guest continued to grow, inside the pristine shop was overrun with guest sipping on champagne and nibbling on all manner of chocolate concoctions. A chili pepper infused chocolate ganache was served with pistachio nuts. Truffles were served in champagne. Chilled chocolate macrons traveled overhead in basket carried by yellow clad waiters- who industriously served the giddy crowd.

The new out post is a sleek revamp of the Madison shop- trading deep cherry wood for the contemporary feel of bleach blonde wood. The small boutique brims with cases of decadent enticements of the chocolate sort.

With the financial markets still influx and not looking good, could chocolate become the new vodka? Perhaps, chocolate won’t fix our financial woes but it certainly could make bad news good down a little easier especially if it’s laced with champagne or some other liquor.

The next time you are craving something a little sweet – treat yourself to chocolate at its best. Visit one of the Maison du Chocolat’s three shops.

I encourage you to the experience the magic of the Maison du Chocolat. For those true chocolate lovers consider the chocolatier’s tasting sessions (the Tamananco, or the Duo). They are sure to find their way onto my list of Best Holiday Gifts Under $200 (coming soon).

Call 212 265 9404 for Tasting Sessions schedule.
1018 Madison Avenue. New York, NY
212 744 7117
30 Rockfeller Center New York, NY
212 265 9404

-Alexander Coelho

fashion

Marie Claire and Macy’s Kensie Girl Fest

On Friday night –mag in the redo- Marie Claire joined with Macy’s to soft push Kensie Girl’s Holiday Collection. A dj spun the latest tunes from Rhiana as waiters served sparkling pink lemonade, cupcakes and lollipop shaped sweets inscribed with the word Kensie Girl (let’s remember this is a contemporary brand definitely geared to the tween set).

And while there weren’t any notables on site there was no shortage of camera crews- we hear Nina Garcia has a new reality show- Running in Heels. Can we expect to see snippets from the tepid event? Doubtful. What was noteworthy was the price point- in these recessionary-like times a girl has to use her noggin’. Kensie’s well-priced collection offers a wide variety of pieces at price point that ranges from $50 to a $135.

The savvy mini fashionista will wield this collection to great affect. The collection featured many of season’s must haves- including- autumnal hues, plaid, ruffles and of course the mini! Steadied by black the palette included piedmont (green), purple, pink, a tealy turquoise and a bolt of orange. Chunky knit cardigans paired with little plaid minis. Standouts included a satin- racer back vest priced at $58, or a tri-colored- full skirted mini at $78 and little black dress with ruffles in purple and pink down the center also at $78. There was a healthy presence of plaid including a charming coat with portrait collar at the affordable price of $135.

Many of these glam girl pieces are sure to make their way on to the Wish Lists of teen girls everywhere.

– Alexander Coelho

fashion

Caroline Hedaya

Please visit our sister website for more images of this exclusive fashion event in New York. Click here to see the Caroline Hedaya fashion show with photos by Stevyn Llewellyn.