THE REAL BUY @MILK GALLERY

 Milk Gallery and Trouble Andrew present The Real Buy @ 450 West 15th St.

Life is Gucci--slang for "Life is Good" rolls off the tongue of Trevor Andrew and onto tees and tiles that line the streets of NYC and beyond. Better known as "Trouble Andrew," the creator of GucciGhost (also a musician and former Olympic snowboarder) has "re-interpreted" the Gucci appeal with a sleek slogan and street-art spin on the classic double G's. Since being discovered by the brand in 2015, Trouble Andrew has been tapped to collaborate and proliferate his artwork, which has transformed from street art into swanky streetwear. Starting fashion week and spanning most of September, Milk Gallery hosts the Bed-Stuy based artist, as he brings his Brooklyn studio space to Manhattan. Keep reading to have a look inside... 

29 ROOMS: TURN IT INTO ART

Refinery29 presents #29Rooms // Room #6: The Beauty Carousel sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Delayed post--Better late than never!

Last week I join 20,000 others in a dark Brooklyn warehouse-- straddling a unicorn, bouncing into a blue foam block pit, shredding away insecurities and meditating in a makeshift womb. Invited to experience Refinery 29's 29 Rooms, I graciously indulge in an instagrammer's paradise. This year's theme, Turn it into art is partly inspired by the Carrie Fisher quote "Take your broken heart, make it into art" and looks to the ability of art to ignite conversation, cull concepts and be a catalyst for action. Keep reading for a look inside...

#NYFW 2017 : SHERRI HILL S/S 2018

Sherri Hill S/S 2018 at Gotham Hall NYC

Sequins and sparkles are in strong supply as Sherri Hill's princess-esque ballgowns cascade the catwalk at Gotham Hall Tuesday. Known as a purveyor of prom and pageant attire, Sherri Hill's strategically stacked sidelines complement the famous faces gracing her runway. Miss USA Kára McCullough, Miss Globe 2016 Corinne Foxx (a.k.a Jamie Foxx's daughter), Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere and child actress Alvia Alyn Lind exude confidence in the gowns they represent on the runway. Proud parents Jamie Foxx and Keenan Ivory Wayans support their daughters from the front row. Other notable names in the audience (many wearing Sherri Hill dresses) include supermodel Nikki Taylor, singer Jordan Jones, Fuller House actress Landry Bender and Kevin Can Wait actress Mary Charles Jones. Keep reading to see more looks from the collection...  

#NYFW 2017 : NAMILIA S/S 2018 (*WARNING: NUDITY*)

"The Indiscreet Jewels" Namilia Spring/Summer 2018 at Skylight Clarkson Square

Provocative pieces in predilect portions strut down Namilia's catwalk Saturday evening. In a jaw dropping presentation of fashion-forward feminism inspired by Denis Diderot's The Indiscreet Jewels, Nan Li and Emilia Pfhol's 5th collection leaves little room for imagination. Tassels and tentacles--sometimes both--join fins and floral in an erotic jigsaw of satin and skin. Pearl encrusted asymmetry partially obscures the physical perfection outlined by thongs and bodysuits. Keep reading to see more from this collection (**WARNING: Contains Nudity**)... 

#NYFW 2017: PAMELLA ROLAND @ PIER 59 STUDIOS

Pamella Roland Spring/Summer 2018

#NYFWSS2018 starts softly with haphazard drizzle, overcast skies and a loose lethargy. Slinking towards Pier 59 Studios Thursday evening--pizza in tow--the somber streets strengthen a craving for sartorial splendor. Whetting my appetite for Fashion Week, Pamella Roland pushes the tempo with formalwear inspired by a recent family trip to the Grand Prix of Monaco. Amid bold brights and sheer lights, feathers and crystal cascade down a star studded catwalk with attendees the likes of Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, actress + Miss USA 2012 Olivia Culpo, Victoria's Secret model Nadine Leopold and famed photographer Nigel Barker. Keep reading to view the looks...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Lord & Taylor 424 Fifth Ave.

Much is quiet, as New York Fashion Week ushers in with a whisper. Grey skies and intermittent drizzle set the tone for a muted, more casual start to the Spring/Summer 2018 shows. Here's to hoping the tempo picks up... In the mean time, have a look at this week's windows at Lord and Taylor, where accessories take center stage...

Q&A WITH PIERRE GIRAUD, CEO OF HI COMMERCE

Pierre Giraud, CEO of Hi Commerce

While revolutionizing the retail experience, technology has opened access to a broad range of choices, customization and endless opportunity for better deals. What's missing from the mix of man-made mechanics? For some, a pinch of personality is what gives etsy its charm and local vendors a leg up on commercial counterparts. In an age of digital devices, indie brands rely on reputation and social media to compete with confidence. Piloting an innovative shopping experience, Pierre Giraud launches Hi Commerce, an app-based retail matchmaking service that connects shoppers with a curated selection of local boutiques. Valuing community and "human interaction" in commerce, clients can interact with local shops directly on the app. Keep reading for my Q&A with Pierre as he talks about fostering a sustainable ecosystem and boutique empowerment...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Spider's Parlor by Janet Nolan at Bloomingdale's 59th St.

Workplace wardrobe teeters on the edge of sartorial feat and fashion faux pas. For men, corporate America abides by the uniform of shirt + tie + pants, leaving little room to deviate beyond cut and color choices. For women, clothing combinations and cautious calibration moderate between trendy and conservative, creating a new class of 'corporate chic.' Sleek style spawns to combat workplace weariness. Take a look around this week--what do you see? Are you runway ready or struggling with style? Enjoy this week's windows  at Bloomingdale's, featuring installation art by Janet Nolan... 

YVES SAINT LAURENT : THE PERFECTION OF STYLE @VMFA

Human Peacock! Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

At 21, young adults in the US come of legal drinking age; some graduate college and many undertake jobs or travels. For Yves Saint Laurent, 21 is the age he falls heir to Creative Directorship at Christian Dior, jump starting a 44-year endeavor of 'perfecting style.' Saint Laurent's 1982 statement, "I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style" inspires Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style, a retrospective curated by French Historian Florence Müller and Chiyo Ishikawa of the Seattle Art Museum. The traveling exhibit is on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts until August 27th. Keep Reading for a look inside...                                            

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Wedding windows at Kleinfeld, NYC

Goals bridge a gap between "now" and "then," translating the cost of want into will. In practice, people become programmed to believe that Dreams materialize through futuristic aspirations of "If I do this, then..." scenarios. Unfortunately, the ends don't necessarily justify the means as unexpected (mis)fortune may meet even the purest of intentions. Life is unpredictable. Enjoy the journey. Love life in the "now." Keep reading to see more of this week's windows at Kleinfeld...