Wednesday night, I made my way into Chelsea to interview designer Sally Wu and her debut line Act 1. I was a bit late since I took the F train and had to physically run across town from 6th Ave to 10th and 11th. Those are long city blocks. And in heels, no less! I finally saw the familiar Highline (dark and sleepy due to winter days) and went through the glass doors to a quiet gallery. Immediately, I was hit by walls of bodies, girls in short chiffon dresses and dark eyeliner, men in bowties and glasses. I found my photographer and he pulled me backstage. Ok, we have 5 minutes. Models peered at me from behind another room, already dressed, their clothes rustling a bit, their hair sleek in the front and teased to a nebulous ponytail in the back. Sally stood still amidst the chaos, smiling and calm. We did our interview. Her collection, which was constructed in a record two weeks (my mouth dropped open at this and then seeing her collection, I was even more amazed) has the kind of sexy, effortless appeal that nyc girls aspire to. A cream colored ruffle silk blouse was a favorite, also the knit jackets with knotted bits of tulle and the wonderous wool boucle jacket with long nubs that fell down the front. I was especially taken by her knitted wool scarves in winter white colors that fit snugly around the necks of models. Her architectural influences are evident in her cocktail dresses, streamlined, but not severe and completely wearable. The mood was serene, the crowd watchful and silent. Whispers began to flutter around: ohh, wow, that’s great, do you like that? yes, that’s sensational. I turned around and it was a beautiful elderly woman with the brightest brown eyes and her husband in a smart red sweater and bow tie. I smiled. A litle asian girl stared at a model, her mouth open, her eyes wondering. Flashbulbs went off. And then I realized that simplicity and elegance is translatable at any age, in any language. — Jeanie Kwak
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
Visit Act • 1 online here
Watch the video interview below:
Video by Stevyn Llewellyn
Tag Archives: fall 2010
Prabal Gurung Fall 2010
The immensely immediate popularity of Prabal Gurung’s reputation proceeded him as Anna Wintour, Rachel Zoe, and Zoe Saldana adorned the outskirts of his Fall/Winter runway show this season. Needless to say, he lived up to it. His collection fared mostly on luxuriously tailored wools, silks and a drop dead gorgeous viscose gazar in stunning burnished gold, bottle green, and crimson red. His asymmetric tailoring worked well in both silks and wool, expertly shown to look color blocked with design purpose. Playful neutral fur and feather additions in dresses and jackets added a touch of old world glamor to the modernity of silhouette and line while a sprinkling of swarovski shot in a bit of glam. A bold black and crimson hooded drop-shouldered cape in a luxe double faced wool stole the show until a red carpet worthy crimson strapless gown closed down the catwalk to thunderous applause (Take note Rachel Zoe!). It seems Mr. Gurung still has a devotedly steady following. A following which is completely and utterly deserved.— Rachel Rozzi
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
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The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Fall 2010
Nothing brings out the crowd to fashion shows like celebrities. And when the clothes are actually modeled by them, the crowd intensifies. The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Show manages to combine fashion and stars in raising awareness for heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States.
The air inside the main tent at Bryant Park was electric with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited the seventeen celebrity models. Usually in most runway shows, a certain look or piece will draw gasps of awe and applause, but not this show. As soon as the celebrity’s name was flashed against the red curtain, the cheers erupted. And when the star stepped out onto the red velvet runway, the crowd went wild. Whistles and enthusiastic applause, along with a few standing ovations went on through the show as celebrities like Kristin Chenoweth, Raven-Symone, Felicity Huffman, Valerie Harper (of Mary Tyler Moore fame), and Estelle strutted their stuff on the runway. Swimmer Dara Torres walked barefoot, holding her strappy silver heels, much to the pleasure of the audience.
The designers of the seventeen red dresses left a lasting impression as well. From Badgley Mischka to Tracy Reese, each provided their own unique flair and style to the beautiful vibrant dresses, accentuating the personality of the celebrity. Jordin Sparks was exuberant and youthful in Badgley Mischka, Kim Kardashian was regal royalty in Marchesa, and Kimora Lee wore a powerful fiery number from her own Kouture by Kimora line. Crowd favorites were Joan Collins in elegant Stephane Rolland and Heidi Klum in statuesque John Galliano.
As bright crimson confetti fluttered onto the runway, the celebrity models danced and hugged each other at the end of the show. What a great way to start Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2010!
—Review and Photos by Nari Kim
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Vassilios Kostetsos Fall 2010
Designer Vassilios Kostetsos frequently turns to his heritage for inspiration, as he did for Fall/Winter 2010. With his muse being the greek drama Antigone, Vassilios brought forth a sexually driven collection with strong undertones of love and war. Colors like bright red, bold blue, and hot fuchsia were balanced with black,white, tan and bronze. Some looks included leather coats with exaggerated shoulders, patent hot pants with thigh high snake print boots, and skin tight silhouettes complimented with soft feminine drapery. The menswear was just as statement making as the women’s wear, and further characterized with metallic facial paint, making these boys ready to battle for love. From the orgasmic opening music (literally, sounds of a woman climaxing), to the high energy models in sensual ensembles owning the catwalk, it was a passionate and seemingly suitable ending to Valentine’s Day at Bryant Park.
-Maria Giannakakis
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
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Herve Leger by Max Azria fall 2010
The Fall 2010 Herve Leger collection screamed strong feminine empowerment. This woman is a sexy super hero “confident to stand tall in the face of the future”. Much kudos to Max Azria and Lubov who once again remain true to the Leger bandage theme but still manage to reinvent it. This season the captivating second-skin dresses were laced up in an architectural bondage manner, grommeted down, and pieced together with knit and metallic mesh inserts that simulated armor. Also included this season were some form-fitting separates like streamlined pants, jackets, tops and skirts. There was definitely a sensuous yet sporty play on shape, lines, and texture. Some other details included exaggerated hips, asymmetrical necklines and whirling seams. The color palette consisted of black, white, steel grays and pale nudes offset with some pops of accent colors like pink and green. Herve Leger continues to praise the female form by wrapping and enhancing it in some chic armor.— Maria Giannakakis
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
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