Brazillian model Lisalla Montenegro at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn
Tag Archives: stevyn llewellyn
Custo Barcelona Spring 2012
For Spring/Summer 2012, Custo Barcelona has served up matching gender crossing ensembles for both you and your boyfriend, prints, prints, oh…and more prints. Did I mention the 3-D prints? They come with glasses too.
It was a fun collection to behold, so bright and full of life. The prints were all over the place being graphic, organic, watery soft, floral, ethnic, striped, reptile, patchworked; yet all cohesively mixed and matched in designer Custo Dalmau’s kaleidoscope universe.
Just in case that isn’t enough statement-making, you can choose from a plethora of shimmer, including richly bejeweled hot pants, embellished cutout swimwear, and sequin encrusted sleeves and bodices. Key garments were shorts, blazers, dresses and knitwear made with natural raw materials such as linen, cotton and silk, and synthetic fabrics such as nylon and Lurex. It was a very energetic collection meant to “transport us to a new dimension”. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Custo Barcelona.
– Maria Giannakakis
– Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn and David Alexander
Carlos Miele Spring 2012
Carlos Miele was in his element this morning in his Spring/Summer 2012 show. The sentiment that comes to mind is goddess. From the moment the event began, he captivated us by opening with a quartet of models striking down the runway with confident flair as their flowing, chiffon caftans billowed out behind them. His vivid use of color makes this ready-to-wear collection pop in a way that almost makes others that were shown this season seem muted in comparison. High slits, crepe embellishments, embroidered details, fuxico appliqué dresses, and printed, silky charmeuse numbers belted with metallic gold glided before our eyes in seamless, fluid motion. Slinky mesh tops, goldfish and sea cliff prints, and the use of coral and vivid green perfectly evoked images of paradise — a stylized, larger-than-life fantasy that draws upon the earth’s real elements, enhancing the primitive with imagination and technology to transport us to a glamorous, otherworldly resort. The fiery abandon of summer, the “immersive landscape” of a life “under perpetual sun” as the designer describes as his theme this season- is what Carlos Miele does best. I admire the artistic unity in his patterns, and his signature exotic spark really shines here. These goddess-like creations have the presence to light up many a red carpet or cocktail party.
The cherry on top of viewing this colorful, vibrant collection was the gorgeous, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-of-her Maybelline spokes model Lisalla Montenegro in the front row. The Brazilian beauty is stunning in real life and had the room abuzz with reporters and photographers eager to meet her before the show began.
– Jessica J. Tsai
Photos: Stevyn Llewellyn
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
Rafael Cennamo Spring 2012
Lela Rose Spring 2012
Lela Rose themed her Spring 2012 collection “Neon Graveyard” in reference to the Las Vegas museum showcasing decaying, worn-out signs that once illuminated Coney Island and the Las Vegas Strip. The designer’s classic, sophisticated aesthetic is as much a hallmark of Americana as Coney Island. While the latter is still light-hearted and fresh like Lela Rose’s signature style, it is tinged with nostalgia, overlaid by a sentiment of gradual decay, like a place past its days of splendor, but whose good-natured playfulness will perpetually remain.
In honor of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, John Lennon’s “Imagine” played in the darkness before the show began, giving way to the upbeat “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People. Tangerine, orange, and muted neon- yellow accents stood out on silk tees, dresses, slouch pants, and a drawstring skirt against a gray and peach palette. Colors became bolder as the show continued, like light emerging from darkness and decay. Sheath dresses rendered in classic, well-tailored, structured silhouettes (done both in gray jacquard and in vibrant, multi-color silk faille) anchored the more whimsical pieces, including a blue striped optic silk bustier and a sheer nude-colored polka-dotted dress. Light bulb lace, tulle, and metallic evening gowns added to the timeless grace, romance, and spontaneity of the overall picture. The imaginative splashes of color, “carnival prints,” and sensible wearability of the designs in conjunction with the classic femininity and the Neon Graveyard theme is not unlike America and New York City recovering from the ruins of 9/11, proving that the show, like time, does go on.
I was excited to spot Mandy Moore looking dapper in orange in the front row. It turned out to be quite a star-studded show, with Mariska Hargitay, Susan Sarandon, and Brad Goreski also in attendance.
– Jessica J. Tsai
Photos: Stevyn Llewellyn
