Tag Archives: stevyn llewellyn

Richard Chai Fall 2009

February 18, 2009 Glossy

For Fall 2009, Richard Chai delivers a collection that would not be out of place in downtown galleries and studio lofts, where tan leather, cool charcoals, and sleek pantsuits make a perfect transition from work to lounge.

Olive parkas and fluffy spotted feather coats mixed well with the cool concrete tones. Slouchy pants and wide-legged trousers kept prim turtleneck sweaters and lamb shearling looking comfortable and gritty. There was a very masculine approach to the sculpted blazers and leather vests with turned up collars – although the dove-grey draped separates and those all-over print suits in Poppy and Confetti were definitely very flirty elements. Bright hues do come to play, seen in the fuchsia tank dresses. Also noteworthy are the scruffy open-toe lace up boots, which added a very grungy appeal.

– Tiffany Chang

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Nanette Lepore Fall 2009

February 18, 2009 Glossy

Nanette Lepore Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn

“Opulent Magpie” provided the inspiration for Nanette Lepore’s Fall 2009 show, where print on print is divine. Crimson tribal carvings, tie-dyed tartans, purple plaids and dark paisleys juxtaposed wonderfully against sequined tops and soft bubble-sleeved sweater cardigans. A slightly ruffled and nonchalant Gretel (sans Hansel) took center stage today, with windswept curls and nude lips.

The treasure trove of accessories was absolutely enticing. Lepore featured leopard belts and black tights with silk patchwork skirts, floral blouses over leather gloves, and animal print platform heels with satin red ties. Piles of fine chains, chunky jewels, and feather chokers complemented the sorbet, ginger gold, and berry palette.

Sporting orangeade and fuzzy grape berets over flimsy dresses brought a bohemian vibe. The surface contrast of merino wool showing over shimmery silk crepe, as well as blousons with sheer black sleeves tucked into tweed geometric print shorts, was quite alluring. Nothing was toned down – even solid black pieces were gussied up in a whimsical way with the polished “trenchdress” and velvet trimmed form-fitting blazer.

– Tiffany Chang

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CHOCHENG Fall 2009

February 17, 2009 Glossy

Cho Cheng’s Fall 2009 presentation sings of Shanghai chic in the 1960s. Cheerful colors include turquoise, “cherry”, and “canary yellow”. There was heavy emphasis on luxurious suiting in the form of trim wool blazers with prim collars and French cuffs, velvet riding habits adorned with gold buttons, and jackets complete with satin lapels and lacy ruffles. The designer’s signature use of velvet is also seen in the cropped pleated pants and mini skirts. All looks were topped off with dapper blonde bobs, a chiseled appearance which brought an air of aristocracy.

The traditional qipao has also been translated into a more contemporary context, seen with the metallic tints and slinkier fit. Showstoppers include a series of “siren” gowns in champagne gold with sequins, baby pink complete with bow and train, and the white satin Sabrina gown. This statuesque silhouette was a vibrant throwback to old Hollywood glamour.

– Tiffany Chang

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William Rast Fall 2009

February 17, 2009 Glossy 1 Comment

For Fall 2009, we are embracing a “renewed confidence” as well as getting our kicks on Route 66. The creative team at William Rast – label founders Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, along with Marcella and Johan Lindeberg – delivered “New America”, a “dusty” and black & white “biker culture” where the only direction is forward, no maps required.

The collection is grounded in American iconography, with focus on stonewashed denim, fringed leather biker jackets, and the classic white tee, all with a modern twist. Sleek fits, some unusual wide sculpted shoulders, and a huge feather and fur trimmed dress bring a couture element to our favorite pastimes of cross-country road-trips and bunking under the open night sky.

Men and women share the same attitude. Re-crafted blazers feature leather lapels and jean pockets. The crisp dress shirt is “re-energized” with black fringe tassels while contoured lace patches add a feminine touch to dirty denim. The stripes-and-no-stars graphic shown on grey tees is wonderfully vintage, especially when paired with flannel plaids and chrome grommet details. The collection also includes sleek vests, leather pants, and black skinny and acid wash jeans. Heavy ankle boots with stud detail (and even more fringe) completed each look.

– Tiffany Chang

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Tracy Reese Fall 2009

February 17, 2009 Glossy

In a preview of the Fall 2009 season, Tracy Reese used a brilliant term to describe her post-Impressionist inspired collection. “Rustic chic” packs a wonderful imagery of romance and a modern take on the countryside. With reference to Vuillard and Van Gogh, we look forward to distinctive “paint stokes” of patterns, distorted silhouettes, and vivid colours.

Reese’s layered prints create a visual feast from head to toe. Pink floral secretary blouses were tucked into high-waisted tapered pinstripe pants. Unbuttoned herringbone blazers flapped with carefree ease over a cornucopia of dark blossoms. Oversized sweater tunics and jackets both cropped and long offer a touch of glamour. Rich tones include lime, “basil green” and raspberry.

Sweet ruffles and knee-length black stockings bring an artistic mood, something you expect from congregating painters and poets at the corner café. Velvet and fur trimmed outerwear make for a perfect day at the Musée du Louvre. Striking accessories include feathered amulets, detachable fur collars, swinging black pearls and leather elbow-length gloves. And you can’t go wrong with dark-rimmed eyewear either, which adorned every look from the elegant – a glossy teal cocktail dress and a black lace-embellished persimmon tank dress – to the academia – boxy blazers and high collar cardigan twinsets.

– Tiffany Chang