SS11
J’adore Chris Benz
Chris Benz's SS11 presentation hit every right note. Inside the Rubenstein Atrium across from Lincoln center The Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel played and Breathless's opening scene was projected behind the models while they danced and chatted. Inspired by the je ne sais quoi of an American traveling abroad to Paris, Chris Benz showed a collection that was sixties inspired with all of Benz's signature styles. Thinking about "everyone's fantasy of being picked up by a cute boy in the back of a vespa and whizzing off and that freewheeling spirit," Mr. Benz told us. He showed a collection that, while floral, was not for wallflowers. Chris' sherbet colors mixed with brights and neons, while floral prints added dimension, particularly on a pair of blue-hued pants with matching Alejandro Ingelmo for Chris Benz shoes that both Julia and I were head over heels for. Lauren swooned over the pale yellow leather drawstring skirt, the sibling of Chris' favorite piece, the electric blue leather dress, "I love the material--that funny lambskin," he said.
Live From New York, It's Saturday (& Sunday) Night at Milk
This weekend at Milk was jam packed, with shows from a plethora of talented designers. Gary Graham showed a strong collection on Saturday, as did Isabella Tonchi. Sunday was busy with a show from Erin Fetherston with Kelly Osbourne front row, and a presentation from Pamela Love complete with mixtape goody bags, and a colorful and joyous presentation from Peter Jensen. Click through for more on Milk's weekend offerings.
SUNO's Elephantine Presence
SUNO, a breakout star of AW10 and a member of the Fashionista 15, had a lot of expectations to meet for their sophomore presentation. Last season they created the largest buzz of NYFW with their African textiles and clunky platform shoes. For SS11 the label forged on, with a more global outlook on fashion. Inspired by the Ballets Russes, Japanese prints, and Swahili writing, SUNO branched out far beyond the borders of Kenya, now producing their looks in New York and India as well. So how has this globalization of sorts affected a brand best known for it's African imports? Well, it's proven that SUNO is no one trick pony. Able to synthesize design concepts from around the world, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty developed SUNO into a label filled with wearable and fun pieces. Standout looks ranged from a miss-matched bathing suit (SUNOs first foray into swimwear), a sequin dress over a plaid button-down, and a flowing white dress fit for a hip bride.
Cynthia Rowley Cuts and Pastes
Cynthia Rowley's SS11 collection had some gaping holes, literally. Skirts, pants, and dresses came with perforated holes revealing the skin underneath. The perforations produced a strange and intriguing effect, particularly on a gray long ruffled skirt, where the strong circles contrasted with the garment's inherent ease. Continuing with the under/over concept were sheer tops with opaque stripes and dresses covered hem to hem with cabochons. In the color palette of macaroons, the looks were delectable. Giant, sleek barrettes held the models' pastel hair in place and enamel bar necklaces added a pop to the models' necklines. The best looks were the ones that were not trying hard to be innovative. A mint blouse and trouser was a standout, as was a mango colored blouse with cabochon detailed shorts. Later a black shell with black cabochon adorned pants hit every right note.
Daydreaming Encouraged by Rachel Antonoff
Nothing could have been more delightful on a Saturday morning than heading to Rachel Antonoff's SS11 presentation. Nestled in a brownstone in the West Village, far away from NYFW hubbub, Rachel and Co. created a Never-never land paradise perfect for playtime, picnics, and stay-up-all-night slumber parties. Inspired by childhood wonder, Rachel created a collection of "clothes to have adventures in." With plenty of patterned full skirts perfect for romping, mini dresses with flaring collars, and shorts with scalloped pockets, the collection was sweeter than the smores her models were cooking up in the home's kitchen. There were many breezy tanks that were cut longer in the back, a nice grown-up touch, well as a sheer pink blouse that blended cuteness and chic with ease.
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Fashion News Roundup: D&G Asks When?, Beckham and Hillier May Collab, & NYFW Gets Scheduled
Quando, Quando, Quando: A trailer for the first film from Dolce & Gabbana Motion Pictures, Quando, Quando, Quando, has hit YouTube. We just want to know quando it's coming to theaters in America! {Fashion Copious} Pilotto Shoes Go to Sale: Superstar shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood's collaborations with Peter Pilotto have been strictly runway for the past two season, but for SS11 two styles of the shoes will go into production. We hope they're easier to get our hands on than the Rodarte melting candle heels. {WWD} Jon K Still Makes Our Day: In your monthly Jon Kortajarena update, the sultry Spaniard is starring in Pepe Jeans Fall campaign alongside Alexa Chung. Brits are grumbling that Kortajarena upstages Chung, to which we reply: He upstages everyone, except Tom himself. {Telegraph}