Tag Archives: stevyn llewellyn

fashion

Victorious Victorian Glamour: The Answer to Dire Times

Hererra1Carolina Herrera-‘The show must go on’ could easily have served as an epigraph for Mrs. Herrera’s Fall collection. The maven of glamour delivered a noteworthy collection of spectacular evening dresses, desirable cocktail dresses and enviable day looks. For Fall Herrera gave way to a new awakening of Victorian chic. It seems imperative to set the stage for this collection, and why it resonated so strongly. Dimly lit throughout the models seemed to stream from a single portal of light and then returned into that light. I couldn’t help but consider the poetic implications of the lighting- it seemed to speak to an awakening of sorts- or an enlightenment.  Could it be that Herrera was suggesting that in these dire times we have been offered an opportunity to tap into a greater awareness? One couldn’t be totally sure but it does seem interesting that the collection was partly inspired by an era well notated for its social awakening.  Context aside this collection did speak to the great hallmark of the Herrera aesthetic: understated womanly distinction.

With a graceful genuflect to the era of feminine awakening, Herrera gestured to a new kind of romantic glamour. In a time where showing more is often favored, Herrera suggested a new kind of sensuality- one that incites the imagination. Instead of lots of skin the designer sent out form fitting sheaths with sleeves that emoted sensuality instead tawdry vulgarity. The absence of skin made it that much more intriguing when it did appear through slit of an bell shaped sleeve or a flash of decollate between the matching bolero cover up thrown over a sweetheart cocktail dress. Coincidentally (or perhaps not) Ms. Herrera was recently written up by Vogue’s Plum Sykes for ability to make covered arms covetable. The designer’s signature white blouse was transmuted and rendered in metallic gazar paired with one the collection key items- the high waisted skirt.  Herrera has not looked so herself in seasons. The collection had a very clear, fanciful yet relatable sensibility that was slightly lacking in recent collections. Herrera played to her legendary strengths showing a bevy of gowns one more intriguing than the next. One particular stand out that spoke most clearly to the mood of the season was a green gown with corset and bell sleeved bolero- positively enviable. This collection was overrun with  all the great Herrera clothing I remember revering- this season ampt up- the sharp cut was still there but this season the clothes looked edgier more cool (for the Mrs. Herreras and Herrera Juniors of the world a like). This collection is what I hoped designers would do: a clear succinct slice of a label’s sensibility.

One welcome continuation from prior seasons was a continued exploration of textiles. Herrera has any eye for great fabrics. Before the designer was urged to design a ready to wear line she considered designing fabrics. This season she turned to gilded gazars, velvets and metallic tweeds to add a luxurious depth to the clothing. The palette was comprised of sumptuous autumnal tones grounded by black. Bronze, purples, and deep emeralds hues played to the darker sensibility of the season.

The show will certainly go on… and things will improve. I can’t help but consider that in these tumultuous times that we all could stand to take a little time to do some introspection- and re-awaken a greater appreciation for life and all it has to offer.  In the meantime perhaps we would all be wise to take a page from Mrs. Herrera’s book and face these dire times with style.

Photos and video slideshow © Stevyn Llewellyn 2009


fashion

Venexiana

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venexianaKati Stern, the genius behind the Venexiana label, is one of those overly-accomplished people we love to hate.  In this case, however, we just have to love her.  Ms Stern’s Fall 2009 Collection was simply “deco-dent.” Models looked as if they walked directly out of a Tamara de Lempicka painting and onto the runway—glamorous, statuesque and glowing in shimmery tones of gold. As per usual, we saw no shortage of fur and luxurious fabrics.  Rich, buttery satin; tonal, metallic jacquard; sheer, luminescent silk (and I do mean SHEER – panties were visible through more than one ensemble) and, of course, leather were the staples of the collection.  Stern also showed some black sequin-embellished dresses which were stunning – my favorite pieces.

Evidence of her former career (well, one of them at least) in architecture was apparent in the shape and lines of the pieces.  Even the hairstyle (every model wore the same), which was pulled back with geometric, blunt bangs, portrayed a sense of structure.  Proportion was long and lean, peplums decorated columnar and strapless dresses, and empire seams cut across many styles providing opportunity to combine fabrics and play with necklines and bodice treatments.  Asymmetry played a big role through hemlines, slanted seams and one-shoulder ensembles (as was the case with many designers this season – and last).  Ms. Stern kept things from looking too severe by adding pretty bows, rosettes, fluttery sleeves and feminine fabrics.  She showed a very cohesive and well-executed collection and I’m sure we’ll be seeing many of these looks on many red carpets.

-Stacy Lomman
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn

art, fashion

At Home with Noah G POP

noahgpop1Home in Chelsea hosted the Noah G POPography fashion show last chilly Thursday night. A (short) red carpet was laid outside for the invitees. Artists, friends and family, and even NYC’s own Naked Cowboy made a fur coated, semi-naked appearance for the cameras. Outside the club guests mingled with a cleavage baring interviewer in front of a Hollywood premiere styled Noah G POP Banner. Female guests were clad in barely there mini dresses, opaque tights and fur coats, a staple of New York winter fashion. One stylish attendant wore a pair of gorgeous black satin pumps accented with gold trim. Fashion fans to seniors outfitted with oxygen tubes filled up the line to get into Home, a sight probably not so often seen there at this 27th street lounge. Noah G POP started off his event with an hour long open vodka bar and the DJ spinning top 40’s hip hop, as everyone made their way with Vodka mixers to the dance floor. Curiously, an air traffic controller waving light-sticks directed the crowd off the dance floor as “Womanizer” pounded its way through the speakers.

The models came out from behind the DJ booth sporting sublimation and inkjet printed silk jersey and cotton tees over dresses and dark pants, clearly showing that the focus of the design work was in the art depicted onto the apparel. The cut was slim and fitted much like a baby tee, and not very inspiring in the way of construction technique. Noah G Pop’s talent was conveyed mainly in his artwork on the far left wall, his signature Pop art style with a graphic design twist. The use of “tattoo inspired” print heavy on the glitz and rhinestones invoked one of Noah’s primary designer influences, Ed Hardy’s Christian Audigier, whom Noah jokingly confided in Modern Glossy of his plan to overtake. His Men’s line was smaller and simpler, black blazers with glimmering crystal and metal appliqués. Though a bit yawn-worthy in the name of couture fashion, the music and venue seemed appropriately distracting so that one couldn’t complain too much about the show’s lack of length and awkward segue into full-on dancing of everyone near the floor. Nevertheless, the interesting, shocking (did I mention the Naked Cowboy?), and artsy crowd made up for the fact that Noah G’ show slightly disappointed, and the vodka tonics didn’t hurt much either.

But one can’t blame Noah for trying out his creativity in other outlets, as artistic people tend to be good in other mediums. However, we’ll give him good credit since the line between Fine Artist and Fashion Designer is a hard one to straddle successfully. Bonus points also should be awarded since this event was hosted to benefit underprivileged children via the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
-R Em
photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
see more photos from the event below



fashion

Tadashi Shoji Fall 2009

Tadashi Shoji photo by Stevyn Llewellyn

Designer Tadashi Shoji unveiled a crisp and very upbeat dress collection for Fall 2009. Vivacious hues, such as Rapture Rose, played an important role in casting this season’s message of hope and clarity. Wisteria, turquoise, and lime also livened up the sheer cream and ebony numbers.

Shoji worked a stunning, minimalistic approach in his styling where light elements (such as ruffled chiffon, sweetheart halters, and bubble pleats) received the rock glam treatment. The black tights, patent leather heels, studded belts, and crystal rhinestone baubles kept things powerful and edgy without overshadowing the feminine undertones.

– Tiffany Chang

Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
See more photos from the Tadashi Shoji Show below


fashion

Sweet Anna Sui

annasuicoverGrace Jones pumped through the sound system as I made my way into the tent for Anna Sui’s presentation Wednesday evening.  For the umpteenth time last week, I felt nostalgia for the 80’s.  Blondie’s “Sunday Girl” played next and, although I heard Debbie Harry was in the house, I never caught a glimpse of her.  I did see Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl), Justin Tranter (of the glam-rock band “Semi Precious Weapons”), Fern Mallis, Linda Wells, Suzy Menkes and Hal Rubenstein.  A slew of models (or just some very tall, slender women) sat perched in front – clearly fans of Anna’s garb.  At the end of the stage, Sui’s name was scrolled onto a giant nouveau-style backdrop which was also decorated with sparkly stars.

The collection projected a Victorian feeling as the first twelve outfits were all black velvet, wool and jacquard with touches of satin and lace.  Ruffled blouses secured tightly at the neck with cameos further enforced the Victorian mood, as did the leg-of-mutton type sleeves that showed up in several jackets.  But, leave it to Miss Sui to maintain an underlying sense of rock and roll and bohemian-chic that has become her signature.  She kept things moving as lively prints and patterns frolicked down the catwalk in flouncy, chiffon dresses and flirty, wool gauze blouses.  Color emerged within psychedelic prints and beautiful turquoise, saffron, heliotrope and ultramarine took on shapes such as; paisley, medallion, floral and butterflies.  Rich ruby, Bordeaux, raisin and midnight hues combined with warm gold, copper and chocolate brown to produce complex pieces.  Jackets incorporating strong shoulders, colorful border trims, beadwork and appliqué offset feminine dresses and skirts by adding structure. Sui promoted skirts that were mostly mini length and showed them with black thermal leggings and, of course, patterned hosiery.  Suede belts studded with star shapes squeezed waists on several ensembles, but I especially adored the knit hats (provided by James Coviello) adorned with jewels and large ostrich feathers.

Whether or not one is a fan of Anna’s clothes or not, there is no debate that Ms. Sui has fine tuned and perfected her style over the years and her clothes are absolutely identifiable.  She has developed quite a following of devotees and everyone enjoyed the show including models Jessica Stam, Sasha Pivovarova and Agnyess Deyn who danced during the final run and skipped arm in arm off the stage.

-Stacy Lomman
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn