FAVORITES FROM (CAPSULE)

Remnants of my morning at (capsule)

My experience with trade shows is often short-lived and edged with disappointment. Perhaps it's the typical toe-to-toe proximity of booths, overwhelming crowds or the constant hustle of exhibitors. Fortunately, the founders of (capsule) have discovered a refreshingly new way of producing fashion trade shows. With elements of community and cohesiveness, each brand is set up like a small boutique and embraces the common areas embedded in the floorplan. Among the talented crop of emerging designers, have a look at a handful of my favorites....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Alexander McQueen windows at Bergdorf Goodman, May 2011

"I think there is beauty in everything. What normal people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it."

--Alexander McQueen

March 17, 1969 - February 11, 2010

Taking a moment to honor one of the greatest couturiers. Keep reading for more...

THE INDEPENDENT MINDSET @ (CAPSULE) 2015

 The Independent Mindset, a (capsule) discussion w/Jill Wenger, Jennifer Mankins and Steven Alan, moderated by Lauren Sherman @Pier 94 

Even the most distinguished designers travel down a pivotal path leading to a 'moment' or THE opportunity for which he or she can credit today's success. In an effort to connect talented emerging designers with attentive boutique buyers, (capsule) hosts periodic trade shows in multiple cities, highlighting a curated selection of independent talent around the globe. From February 22nd to 24th, NYC's Pier 94 has become the premier marketplace for buyers to stumble on the new 'it' designer, acquaint themselves with new contemporary concepts and experience the Fall 2015 collections from "the best high-end, progressive brands and directional, independent designers" [source]. To kick-off the 3-day event, (capsule) invites Jill Wenger (Owner, Totokaelo), Jennifer Mankins (Owner, Bird) and Steven Alan (Founder, Steven Alan) to converse with Fashionista's editor-at-large Lauren Sherman about the art of fashion retail and succeeding with an 'independent mindset.' Keep reading for discussion highlights and more on (capsule)...

# PRADAICONOCLASTS

Prada Flagship, Soho NYC, the first stop for Miuccia Prada's Iconoclasts installation

Disco divas don sassy socks and marvel-worthy maryjanes in a show of club-goer revelry at Prada's Soho flagship. Until February 22nd, reflective fuchsia flooring and fashionable fiberglass mannequins surround visitors in a discotheque where sporty chic meets delicate extravagance. This fashion season, designers salute the seventies and Miuccia Prada invites 3 notable costume designers to interpret her spring collection through #PRADAICONOCLASTS installations in New York, London and Paris. Keep reading for a look inside...

IFB LINKS A LA MODE : WEEK of 2/19

 

Gong Hay Fat Choy! As part of the 15-day-long Chinese New Year festival, cleaning, shopping and eating take top priority. "New Year, New Clothes" is part of the annual tradition, symbolizing a new start and stimulating the welcome of new experiences. Here's to a second start for 2015! As fashion week ends and a lunar new year begins, have a look at your horoscope and the IFB top 20 this week (including my post on Metal Noir)...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 PERSONAL UNiVERSEs, a Fashion Week art "intervention" for Bergdorf Goodman by Eva Petric in the 5th Ave. windows

Once stored in solitude, bits of vintage lace sprout surreptitiously in Bergdorf Goodman's 5th Avenue windows this week. A specially commissioned Fashion Week installation, Personal Universes is an "art intervention" by Eva Petric, and a progression of the artist's Hematoma series. Playing off the idea of clothing as second skin, old, given and purchased lace is conjoined in interconnected webs and serves as the backdrop for a selection of styles from distinct designer's Spring collections. The installation will be on view until March 8th; keep reading to see the different displays ...

NYFW: MICHAEL COSTELLO FALL 2015 @ LINCOLN CENTER

 Michael Costello Fall/Winter 2015 presentation at Lincoln Center's Salon; Lavish lace and luxury!

Lavish lace and lustworthy looks lap the catwalk at Lincoln Center's Salon Tuesday afternoon. Set alongside an energetic cadence, Project Runway veteran Michael Costello stuns the crowd, showcasing sultry silhouettes and red-carpet worthy attire. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, Paris sparkle and London layers, Costello's mostly monochrome color palette is matched with topknots and red lips to complete edgy ensembles. Special Thanks to NYKeiko for the front-row seat. Keep reading for more scenes from the show (photos may take a minute to load)... 

NYFW: METAL NOIR FALL 2015 @ PIER 59 STUDIOS

Metal Noir Fall 2015 collection presentation at Pier 59 Studios

For me, New York Fashion Week is a bi-annual event to fête the achievement of established and emerging designers. Each season presents new opportunities to meet new designers and watch veterans shift gears from sun to snow. Sunday evening, I venture due West, despite the bitter cold, to attend Metal Noir's 2015 Fall/Winter presentation at Pier 59 Studios. Having been amply impressed by the brand's stand-out Spring/Summer 2015 campaign (see it here), my curiosity piques. Keep reading to find out more...     

NYFW: PINK + PLAID + PLAYFULNESS: KATE SPADE FALL 2015

Kate Spade chocolates clutch as presented on February 13, 2015 during NYFW [image: Cindy Ord/Getty Images]

Another Valentine's Day comes and goes. Visions of romance, chocolates and happiness abound in celebration of the courtly services provided by St. Valentine. With New York Fashion Week in full swing, Kate Spade's Fall 2015 presentation is coincidentally timely, fostering hints of flirty playfulness at the collection's core. Set against a backdrop of sketches by illustrator Michael McConnell, pretty pink dresses, plaid ensembles, and notoriously endearing purses fill the raised platforms, amplifying the vision of Kate Spade's Chief Creative Officer Deborah Lloyd. Keep reading to preview the Fall line...  

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The window at Kleinfeld Bridal, West 20th Street between 6th and 7th Aves.

An action-packed week of cyclical celebration approaches. "Be Mine" with a Valentine, "Fat Choy" during Chinese New Year, commemorate our country's founding  fathers during President's day and break out sartorially snazzy outfits for New York Fashion Week. Over at Kleinfeld Bridal, the windows propagate love's timelessness with 2 brides preparing for their celebrations of lifelong commitment. From the beginning of time to the end of time, love transcends... Have a look inside...