Spring/Summer 2011 Trends: Accessories Edition:

With fashion week around the globe getting ready to wrap for this season and with our trusty groundhogs predicting a short winter, I think we can safely start to fantasize about tranquil spring and those warm dog days of summer. The masters have spoken, new trends have been announced: get ready for Spring 2011 with bright variegated hues, nautical stripes, and 70s inspired fashion styles. Here’s my list of the best high-end, eye-popping, outfit-making accessories sure to update and tantalize your wardrobe:Bright Hued Sandals for Summer 2011:

-Gucci”s 'kelis' high heel platform sandal with ankle strap azure suede with gold color laminated python strap and piping $795 has both trends: bright hue and 70s inspired senses. My mother actually used to own a pair of sandals identical to these stylist Gucci heels.

-Dior’s Painted Suede Tahiti Heels: funky platforms shoes are all you need to make an entrance. It’s a classic statement piece.

-Mulberry Suede ankle boot with buckle and stud details.  Yes you can wear boots in the spring especially when they are a vibrant baby blue.

Nautical Inspired Accessories:

Strips, strips and more strips. I am a complete fanatic for nautical strips on shirts, skirts and jackets.  And this spring season top designers titillate my fetish with classic accessories that are sure to stay relevant beyond the trend.

-Carven striped pumps $595

-Fendi striped canvas and leather tote $765 & Fendi lamb leather clutch $1700

-Nicholas Kirkwood $1185

-Gucci Women's Round GG Logo Sunglasses $265 Stylish acetate frames with contrasting stripe across the brow.

70s Inspired:

Think Studio 54, large brim hats and oversized sunglasses. Designers across the board like Marc Jacob and Salvatore Ferragamo debuted heavily influenced 70s styles in their 2011 collections.  The fabrics, silhouettes, colors, hairstyles, strapless jumpsuits, high-waist trousers, platform sandals, and hair flower pieces are all reminiscent of classic 70s styles. Must have retro accessories include:

-Emporio Armani wood wedge sandal $475: these wedges will look amazing with a pair of high-waisted pants

-Marc Jacob floppy hat: I’m channeling a hot day on the beach with the sun scorching the surface and my chic Jacob floppy hate protecting me from the rays.

-Alexander McQueen oversized black-framed sunglasses

-Yves Saint Laurent “Baobab” dyed python wedges 

Fashion designer John Galliano suspended from Christian Dior

Fashion designer John Galliano has been suspended from Christian Dior fashion house for allegedly harassing a couple at a restaurant in Paris, using anti-Semitic and racist slurs.  

The incident took place at a restaurant in Paris' Marais district last week Thursday between a drunken John Galliano and an interracial couple. Galliano allegedly called the woman a “dirty Jewish face, and the man an “F**king Asian bastard.”

Galliano was briefly detained but quickly released (no charges where filed against the designer at that time) for verbally accosting the couple.

His lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, told the AFP that the designer "formally denies the accusations of anti-Semitism made against him ... [he] is not at all in this state of mind [and] will explain later." Zerbib added, "legal action will be taken against those making such accusations."

Sidney Toldedano, Chairman and Executive Officer of Christian Dior released this statement today:

"Christian Dior has an unequivocal zero-tolerance policy regarding anti-Semitism and racism. Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his position, pending the conclusion of the investigation being conducted by authorities."

To make matters even worst for the designer, a video was released today showing another altercation with Galliano yelling at a different couple at the same cafe, saying, "I love Hitler." He also tells the couple "People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f**king gassed."

No word on how this will affect this week’s Paris Fashion Week where Galliano is expected to show fall-winter collections for Dior as well as his own label.

Emerging Talent: Deivie

Across the globe, fashion week is about designers showcasing their new collection. World-renowned artists like Narciso Rodriguez and Vera Wang receive assiduous coverage from multiple sources for their shows. There’s nonstop buzz about what that “it designer” says the new color, shapes and fabric will be for next season. Emerging unknown artists also take advantage of fashion’s eminent season to showcase their work. Some of the luck few designers will become the next big thing like Alexander Wang.

This week at Lower East Side’s Delancey, Christina Mannino debuted her playful collection Deivie. Ms Mannino describes the collection as comprising of  “bold stand-out items that add spark to the basics every girl has in her closet.” The line incorporated the use of different fabrics, such as lace and leather, creating a unique texture while still being light bodied. Highlight pieces of the night included a gown worn by the designer: a backless lavender silk bottom with black and white cotton blend top. The same black & white patterned fabric was used on another two floor length gowns. Also notable, was the lace skirt dress where Christina creatively layered colorful lace flowers to form the skirt portion of the dress. I suspect we'll be seeing more from Ms Christina Mannino. 

For more information on Dievie, refer to their website.

Barneys Warehouse Sale

Barneys Warehouse sale started today at their Chelsea Coop location on West 17th and 8th avenue. It’s one of the most anticipated sales for any New York shopaholic and fashionista. They offer 50-75% off retail prices on all of their selections of designer clothing, shoes & accessories for men, women and children. In addition, they also have clearance home items.

I’ve personally been to both the New York and Los Angeles Barney’s Warehouse sale. In my opinion, New York City’s warehouse sale far outshines its Los Angeles counterpart, which takes place at the Los Angeles Convention center. Please don’t mistake the grandiose location to mean that the warehouse bargain is massive in size. It actually occupies a small section of the convention center. 

Anyway, on to our spectacular NYC sale: I headed over to the warehouse afterwork where there was a long line down the stairs to the entrance. Patrons with bags must check their carry-ons, including purses at the door. Once you enter the room, there are racks, shelves and boxes of merchandises everywhere. The women's clothing sections has been moved down to the basement where the men's department is located as well. I’m sure there is a technically reason for this change; unfortunately, I didn’t see why. Even more awkward is the fact that female shoppers have to try-on clothes on the sales floor. 

Ineptness aside, there are many wonderfully priced designer finds including 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Derek Lam and Helmut Lang. I have an incurable case of shoe fetish so I headed straight to the shoe selection (at its normal home on the 1st floor) where I found an amazing pair of patent leather Miu Miu heels and a funky pair of two-toned lace-up oxford flats by Jil Sanders.

Because I know the secret of Barneys warehouse sale (and now I’m sharing it with you), I won’t be purchasing anything until the last week of the sale when everything is reduced again another 20-50%.

Be sure to check out Barneys New York Warehouse Sale going on from Thursday, February 17, 2011 until Sunday, March 6th at 255 W17th Street.

NYC Fashion Week 2011: Blanc de Chine

First luxury Chinese brand Blanc de Chine, presented their 2011 collection during NYC Fashion Week. The collection was inspired by the ancient Chinese concept of The Five Elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The Women’s wear incorporated those elements through layering and highlighting silhouettes of Chinese architectures. There were bell sleeves and curved collars. The line also featured wide-brimmed cuffs, collars and hems. Women’s embellished bell sleeves shirt could easily dress up a pair of fitted jeans.

The Women’s Evening collection was clearly imbued by the element of fire. One dress in particular gave the essence of a Chinese phoenix. The elegant crystal beading, intricate sequins and pleated detail imitated the reflection of burning fire. Another stand out piece was the maroon sequins and silk satin gown with cadet collar.

Blanc de Chine’s menswear featured a lot of traditionally Chinese shapes and cuts like the Mein O men’s jackets, which were updated with thicker padding on the collar, sleeves, and chest. The style was modernized by layering different fabrics like wool with leather. The stand out piece of the men’s collection was the versatile leather and wool mandarin collar shirt.

Fashion Week: Ivy Higa & Absolute Wild Tea

Fashion Week is about artists showcasing their collections for the masses specifically the fashion insiders, the movers and the shakers who determine what’s in and what’s out. Ivy Higa knows a lot of about that game as a contestant on the very popular Project Runway; she had to come up with creative designers all on the fly. Lucky for fans, Ivy H took her time designing her Fall 2011 ready-to wear collection. This is Ivy’s fourth time showing at New York Fashion week since her debut in Spring 2010.

Her 2011 collection was inspired by Kailua-Kona, Hawaii her native state. Most of the pieces featured ruffles mixed with leather or silk. Some of my favorite pieces included a backless leather jacket over a silk chiffon dress, the strapless halter dresses with leather ruffles that had a hint of ocean blue silk peaking out and the ruffle silk and leather vast with silk crepe blouson.

When asked about her life after Project Runway, Ivy explained that there hasn’t been any real change besides the notoriety; it’s “still a hustle every day.” She has the New York mentality; striving to make it to the top while still working full time and making patterns for Saks. Fellow Project Runway alumni Casanova was at the event to support Ivy. He also has a new line, which is featured, on his site.  

It wouldn’t really be Fashion Week in New York without a boundless selection of parties to attend. Absolute Vodka introduced its new flavored Wild Tea vodka at Maritime Hotel’s Hiro Ballroom. The new flavored vodka is official my favorite Absolute line. It’s a perfect blend of elderflower, red apple and citrus. As described by the company the taste is “fruity and naturally sweet with a smooth finish” and I couldn’t agree more.

Because it is Fashion Week I expected to see loads of the city’s elite stylish ambassadors. However, to my dismay, the party was filled of fashion don’ts.  Fury winter boots was the fashion choice of the night. I absolutely loathe those boots on anyone and designed by anyone. Latex tights with a collared oxford white shirt made my quiver in disgust and than there was the lion queen, need I say more.

My two fashion do’s for the night included the midnight blue velvet blazer coupled with a lavender bowtie and very fit mademoiselle in the army green tube top, fitted harem pants and tattooed sleeves.