Front Row Fashion: Rachel Roy & Monique Lhuillier

Okay in a matter of two days, I've met and interviewed Joi Bryant, Fonsworth Bentley (and his new gf) and Ryan Leslie, saw Cicely Tyson and Grace Jones work the catwalk and caught BCBG and Charlotte Ronson with Solange and Lindsey Lohan, respectively...whew. And that's just the celeb sightings. Now for the most important part, the fashions. More glamorous than ever.


Let's start at the beginning. Day 1, as always, belongs to Rachel Roy. In the most uncertain of times (some background info for the fashion beginner: Rachel was recently bought out by Liz Claiborne after battling rumors of economic strife. Soundbite from popular stylist: "Nobody's buying her clothes anymore!"), Rachel Roy still managed to deliver one of her best collections yet.

The mother and wife of hip hop mogul, Damon Dash, she led the pack with her elegant and refined design aesthetic, inspired by everything from the fab flapper era to modern space-age chic.

Guests, including Andre Leon Talley, Veronica Webb and her husband, Dame, sipped Veuve Clicquot and marveled at the beautiful models in sharp bobs (styled by Frederic Fekkai) and black lips (by make-up goddess Bobbi Brown). If it wasn't for the fact that the models turned around ever so often, I would've sworn they were mannequins.





And oh, the Subversive jewelry, Nancy Gonzalez handbags and shoes by Rachel Roy for Manolo Blahnik were breathtaking. Seriously, I need them to survive. If Rachel's any indication, fashion hasn't lost an ounce of it's glamour.

P.S. This coat and I would be so happy together. P.P.S. I'd cheat with that cut-out dress though...it's as sexy as it is sophisticated...

Next, I checked out Monique Lhuillier. The Plaza Hotel was the perfect backdrop for her fairytale-inspired collection. I felt like I stepped into a Cinderella movie, sans the hard labor (if you don't count the sleepless nights at the office) and the evil stepsisters (maybe that could be the PR girls, but even they were nice to me...most likely because I walked in with my boss and the creative director of another popular mag).






Monique's designs were fit for a princess: layered tulle and chiffon ballet dresses, cascading ruffles, one-shoulder organza gowns, lacy necklines and sheer overlay reigned supreme. And please, don't forget the pearls.

Sidenote: not a single black model was present. I'm hoping for even a slight change given the success of the all-black Vogue Italia issue (though black models on a consisent basis would also be great...major fashion mags) and umm...given Obama. Will be keeping you posted on this throughout the week.

And now for the trends. So far: flapper, menswear, lingerie, space age, cut-outs, grecian (assymetric necklines are everywhere!), sheer and 1950's-inspired looks. Oh and how could I forget black?

I'm wearing the sleek, perenially fab color everyday with my leopard print Nine West pumps (see below).



(Adorable floral shoe modeled here by Ms. Cocoa Chic...check out her site for any and everything beauty.)


And before you wonder how I'm navigating through the city streets without my toes falling off by the end of the night, it's all due to these Dr. Scholl's inserts I recently bought. Seriously, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't last thirty minutes in those shoes. I recommend them to every girl who starts wobbling and sobbing by the end of the work day/club night/weekend date...they'll change your life.

Now, if only I could find time to eat between shows (Attention: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week organizers, some people in fashion do eat lunch! Can we schedule these shows with lunch time in mind next time?). Note to self: pack lots of snacks.



Stay tuned for Day Two!



Kisses,



Coutura

Backstage Coverage: Red Dress Collection 2009.

Hi Loves-
Front row AND backstage access?! Yes, I, Ferocia was granted both this year for the Red Dress Collection, 2009 show. (And last year I couldn't even get an invite hahaha)
I arrived super early (8:15 a.m.! ugh) to the backstage entrance at the tents where I was immediately mistaken as a makeup artist (which was kinda cool, since I heart makeup artists!). After finally getting in touch w/my contact Bea Cardenas (Bumble and Bumble) I was told that the backstage area was housed within the NY Public Library. Strange, but upon entering, made perfect sense because there was alot more room there than in the backstage area at The Tent; plus with all those celebs walking around, each would def need their own space.
I spoke with Bumble and Bumble hair stylist Jimmy Paul while he created a beautiful chignon for actress Linda Carter about what he forecasts as some of the big trends in hair for the year:
"I think this is an amazing time for hair," he said. "I think people will get more into their hair because they can't afford everything else. I forecast an explosion of creativity."
He also noted that this will be a big year for the short haircut (complete with long bangs and short sides).
Next, on to the amazing Bobbi Brown, head makeup artist for the show. Once again, her company sponsored the show and created a limited edition Lip Gloss Trio. The trio includes three of Bobbi's favorite shades: Buff Lip Gloss, Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss and Slopes Shimmer Lip Gloss (available exclusively in this set). Only 500 of these limited edition palettes, will be available at www.bobbibrown.com for $40 each. (I immediately applied the Slopes Shimmer Lip Gloss after snagging my own!)
Bobbi said one of her favorite reasons for doing makeup at the show is because each celeb gas a different look and this year, most of the women wanted strong eye makeup.
"We're doing a lot of sparkly shadows," she said. "I've been using the Long Wear shadows and layering them in Rockstar and Galaxy. It's a really fun look with lots of lashes."
After waiting around for a bit, I was finally able to sneak into an interview with the actress Nia Long (she's so cute!). Nia shared that her main reason for participating in the show this year is because she felt it was important to promote awareness about heart disease within the community.
"I was actually stunned when I found out that heart disease was the number one killer among women," she said. "I really had no idea and I felt really ignorant not knowing that and it made me want to support the cause."
She also shared that within the African American community, heart disease and diabetes can be found and that it's important to her to educate African Americans about these diseases.
"It all really comes from the lack of education with our diets," she said.
Nia also expressed her enthusiasm about wearing her Tracey Reese dress on the runway.
"I don't have the nerve to wear a red dress to an event because I'm more subdued, but now I really have an excuse to wear red," she said.
Although I didn't get to talk with Jennie Garth or Tori Spelling (who's whittled her waist down to almost nothing after popping out those kids!) because I heart 90210, it was till fun to hang out backstage. I was actually more enthralled with the fact that I was talking and hanging out with Bobbi Brown than the celebrities!
xoxo
Ferocia




Actress Jane Kaczmarek talks with reporters in her Michael Kors gown.


Actress Nia Long sits down to get her makeup done.



Bumble and Bumble hairstylist Jimmy Paul fixes actress Linda Carter's hair.


Jewelry for sale backstage to benefit The Heart Truth campaign.


Nia Long and Bobbi Brown (luv her!)



Bobbi Brown makeup used backstage.





Actress Hillary Duff gets the finishing touches put on her chignon.




Taking down Nia's pincurls.

Fashion Week Fall 09 Video #2: Front Row Access From the Red Dress Collection 2009

Hi loves-
Coutura and I had front row seats at the Red Dress Collection 2009 show! Check out our front row coverage below.
Celebrities that walked this year were:
-Amanda Bynes in Daniel Swarovski
-Jennie Garth in Badgley Mischka
-Tori Spelling in Betsey Johnson
-Vivica A. Fox in Jenny Packham
-Lynda Carter in Carolina Herrera
-Daisy Fuentes in Pamella Roland
-Kristi Yamaguchi in Vera Wang
-Natasha Henstridge in Verrier
-Nia Long in Tracy Reese
-Brittany Snow in Marchesa
-Nastia Liukin in Max Azria
-Valerie Bertinelli in Christian Siriano
-Amanda Beard in Cushnie Et Ochs
-Patricia Arquette in Nicole Miller
-Samantha Harris in David Meister
-Cicely Tyson in B. Michael
-Jane Kaczmarek in Michael Kors
-Susan Lucci in Gustavo Cadile
-Hilary Duff in Donna Karan
-Katie Couric in Carmen Marc Valvo

A selection of the dresses worn on the runway are available for public bidding on www.clothesoffourback.org through Feb. 27.
Also, some of the dresses will be on display at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck from Feb. 14-21. For more information, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

Enjoy!
xo
Ferocia

It's All About The Recession.

Hi loves-
Fashion Week Fall 09 frenzy has begun! Today, Coutura attended Rachel Roy and Monique Lhuillier. Here's her take on what she saw (also starring Lawrence McCollum, Sittings Editor at Essence magazine).
Enjoy!
xoxo
Ferocia

Kitty Fever.

Hello Kitty has once again staked her claim in the beauty and fashion realm with the launch of her latest collabo with MAC Cosmetics. Celebs, fashion designers, makeup artists and cosmetic execs alike were spotted drinking and toasting to her royal kittiness last night in NY at Cedar Lake; and some even paid homage with their own bodies! (Starting with the outfit pictured here...fierce.)
To kick off their newest brainchild, MAC Cosmetics teamed up with international fashion designers to create a special fashion exhibition inspired by looks from the product line. Each one-of-a-kind ensemble (along with the products) were on display last night at the cocktail soiree...and I must admit that it was rather difficult not to just snatch these snazzy outfits off of the models and run....well, not that I would REALLY do that and it probably would have been kind of hard considering that most of the outfits were being worn by REAL models. (See pics below; how they managed to stand on those platforms in those crazy high heels, the world may never know.) Luckily, each outfit will be up for auction on eBay.com and all proceeds will benefit The Museum at FIT.
The MAC Hello Kitty Colour Collection itself is like the realm of somewhere between waking and dreaming. Using inspirations straight from the Spring 2009 runway collections, MAC Cosmetics created a palette of eye-catching wearable colors for the face, eyes and lips. With whimsical names such as Strayin and its crazy, psychedelic packaging it's hard not to get caught up in the fun of the line. (My personal faves are the LipGlass in Nice Kitty and Beauty Powder Blush in Tippy.) I attended the editor product launch event a couple of weeks ago where the brand introduced us to the Hello Kitty story line. (Creating a story line to go with your products=genius!) According to MAC Cosmetics, Hello Kitty is "cute and sweet" but also has an edgy side and "represents the desire in all of us to be both innocent and mischevious."
The line will also include accessories (Brush Collection, Purse Mirror, Mirrored Key Clip, Beaded Bracelet w/charms, Hello Kitty Plush Doll and makeup bags) as well as Kitty Kouture items (Dazzleglass w/Swarovski Crystal charms and matching blinged out sheer powder compacts).
I already have mine, but you can snap up yours at MAC counters nationwide and on their website (www.maccosmetics.com).

xoxo
Ferocia


Products from the MAC Hello Kitty Kouture collection.



Actress Malinda Williams was looking nice! However, I was a bit confused by her choice of dress with those fishnet tights....but she's cute, so whatever.



BJ Coleman is back on the scene. He was spotted flouncing around the room and letting EVERYONE know that Malinda Williams was HIS client. I'm glad to see that he's working and all since his breakup with Kimora, but if that's the only interesting thing you have to say, why bother talking?!



I have no clue who this woman is, but thought her outfit was pretty hilarious. Even funnier was the fact that she wasn't even on the guest list! (I found out after showing this pic to one of the PR girls to try and get her name.) Just goes to show folks that if you dress the part in NY, you can always get in!