Sept. 18, 2009

Friday night, a fashionable crowd packed into the Hiding Gallery in Brooklyn to view “Selenite”, a presentation of emerging designers, Ann Yee and Pipertree Leather. With video art displayed in the lofty art space, the crowd enjoyed an evening capped with a runway show, while later, models mingling amongst the crowd, decked out in spring ‘10 designer wares by Ann Yee and jewelry by Pipertree Leather.

The twelve look presentation offered an adorable collection of ultra feminine, too-cool-for school fashion looks complemented with earth-like, leather & stone crafted jewelry. The organically feminine feeling was conveyed through such looks as the soft layered drapings of silk georgette and charmeuse in varying pastel shades, the petal like folds of silk shorts, and the ruffled edges of a billowing cape like sleeve on a silk romper. The soft pastel palette, contrasted with a neutral pale grey and a shot of magenta invited the viewer further into this feminine romp.

Favorites included the orange creamsicle silk dress with detachable back draping for the wearer to decide on dramatic effect, the pocket details on nearly every piece, and the cotton shirt dress with lapels that extended to the hem, with pleat stitches hidden in the racerback detail.

The jewelry, not to be outdone by the clothing, was modern with an old soul. The designer of Pipertree Leather, Alexandra Lauro, handcrafts each piece with earth-laden objects, such as stones, shells, lanyard, & leather to create objects reminiscent of talismans of old and that special piece of jewelry made as a child.

Favorites included a mollusk shell ring with various crystal-like stones jutting out from the surface of the shell and a necklace of flattened rocks, hinged by what seemed to be rope like leather surrounding each piece and the wearer’s neck.

Photos courtesy of Ann Yee

Tags: Ann Yee, Pipertree Leather, runway show, spring 2010.

Gratis champagne at Lord & Taylor / the adorable cupcakes from the Glamour Treats Truck

The highly anticipated Fashion’s Night Out event that took over New York City Thursday night flashed by in a flurry of shopping, champagne, and models. Follow my journey around Manhattan for the evening.

A still from Jasmin Shokrian's video / courtesy of the designer

I started off the night at Jasmin Shokrian’s video screening of her Draft No. 17 collection. Her latest designs, which will span four seasons, are based on the concept of a slip dress turned into tops, dresses, skirts, etc. Each piece is inspired by the influential ladies in her life. A part of each woman’s spirit, as experienced by Jasmin, is encapsulated in fabric and formed into a garment. The video showcased the actual women that had triggered the collection including actress China Chow, painters Rebecca Morris and Jennifer Rochlin, and fashion designer Mary Ping.

Next it was off to the Meatpacking District to see what else FNO had to offer. Ikea was kind enough to set up a lounge in the middle of the cobblestone streets to offer fashionista girls a place to rest their heels (or at least that was my take on it).

The massive crowds at Tory Burch and Theory

We popped into Theory and it was jam-packed. I’m not sure that people could have even looked at merchandise because there were so many live mannequins crowding the floor. One girl bragged that she bought a jacket (which she was already donning) just so she could get a glass of free champagne.

Along the way to Tory Burch, we spotted the Treats Truck that was sponsored by Glamour magazine and helped ourselves to free cupcakes. How cute!! - “Live for Glamour.”

Tory Burch was overflowing with people both outside and inside. That is probably because Tory Burch teamed up with La Esquina and set up an outdoor taqueria outside her storefront. They dished out free grilled corn and quesadillas all night!! Tory also offered buckets of free Fiji water in addition to the alcoholic beverages inside.

We then headed up to Lord & Taylor for the Vogue event. Liberal amounts of alcohol were being passed out on all floors of this department store and it was definitely necessary. Turns out bigger is not always better because the event seemed basically empty as it was dispersed all throughout the store.

Then we decided to check out Sean John. This was the only event that had a velvet-rope with boys and girls lining up dutifully behind it, hoping to get in. Luckily we had a piece of gum, offered it to the “bouncer”, and stepped right in. The store was packed and everyone was rocking their urban attire (which includes wearing sunglasses at night). The deejay was playing hip-hop hits and some orange drink (most likely mixed with Ciroc) was being served at the bar.

Metal mesh necklace and denim leggings at BCBG

Afterwards, we stepped next door to BCBG and finally did a little shopping! I found this gorgeous Metal Mesh necklace that wears like a glamorous bandana. BCBG also offered a fun array of ponte riding pants and denim leggings.

And with that, let Fashion Week commence!

Tags: BCBG, champagne, cupcakes, Fashion's Night Out, Glamour, Ikea, Jasmin Shokrian, Lord & Taylor, Mary Ping, Sean John, shopping, Theory, Tory Burch, Vogue.

Partygoers outside of Oak in Williamsburg

A ‘zine party held at Oak NYC’s Williamsburg, Brooklyn store was the perfect way to start the weekend last Friday night. Fake Orange, a smallish flip book style ‘zine of xeroxed artwork held an art show of a dozen or so rising artists in the back room, while music was provided by DJ Japanster (spinning Depeche Mode and Talking Heads). Edward Gorey-esque illustrations of odd amorphous creatures by Megan Galante hung near Ellen Frances‘ curious black and white photography and graphics. Projections of a fashion shoot flickered above the makeshift bar which served champagne to an overflowing room of guests. Oak which is known for its tightly curated clothing and accessories by Alexander Wang, Acne, and a long roster of other indie designers proved their adeptness at blending fashion with art and music as exhibited at this multimedia event.

Photography and graphics by Ellen Frances

Fake Orange's artwork held court in the back room.

Copies of the Fake Orange zine

Projections and champagne

Lots of black clothing at the Oak Williamsburg outpost

Oak is located at 208 North 8th St in Brooklyn, NY.

Tags: Acne, Alexander Wang, art, art show, champagne, Ellen Frances, Fake Orange, Oak NYC, Photography, shopping, Williamsburg.