District L

We walked down the graff art halls, past the multifarious sculptures, and made our way to the Ragged Mag party at WiP. One story beneath Varrick Street, models in American Rag posed throughout this evening’s Bamboozle-themed event to celebrate the magazine’s new music and style correspondent, Lenay Dunn.

Flat screens displayed festival clips while guests sipped show-inspired cocktails, such as the South by Southwest Peach and Bamboozle Punch. With music by Holy Ghost!, Dunn evoked a lively crowd for her first Ragged Magazine appearance.

Post Amanda LaMela

I never fell victim to ‘Graduation Goggles,’ the assumption that when graduation approaches, and subsequently passes, the only memories that remain are rose-tinted, favorable recollections. I never sat through Pomp and Circumstance with mascara running down my face and I never turned the tassel without feeling anything other than liberation – in fact, I think I spent most of my high school graduation ceremony just hoping the mortarboard wouldn’t leave a mark on my forehead.

I would not choose to relive the years leading up to that Polyester-coated commencement, but for the Dsquared2 twins, reunion is just a season away. And, why not? As it seems that Dean and Dan Caten had a much more glamorous high school experience, cheerfully cloaked in Kelly green croco and mink rugby-striped tops.

Their runway sign announced “Class of 2013” and two disco balls were prepped for a very Dsquared2 “prom.” Toggled coats and crisp button-downs carried over from the collection prior, but I’ll be surprised if the Caten brothers maintain this unusually polished disposition for a third season.

Post by Amanda LaMela

It’s not possible to attend every New York Fashion Week event, but we manage to get by with a little help from our friends.

I met photographer, Andrés Herrera Valenzuela, at Michael Gross’ re-launch of Models last September during the SS/12 runway shows. Following up after the evening’s Fashion Week parties, I delightfully discovered that my new friend had true talent. Not one to pass up an apt advantage, I called on Andrés this season to take over for Nautica at the Empire Hotel.

With the ability to capture this classic, Sperry-donning collection from a fresh and unexpected angle, Andrés deserved more than just the photographer byline.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Photos by Andrés Herrera Valenzuela

It would be impossible to overlook the common denominator on the New York runways last week. From fox to faux, Cennamo to COTA, fur frequented the shows more than any other trend. It surfaced on Day 1 at Ailey Studios for Danilo Gabrielli in the form of sophisticated stoles and trims. Son Jung Wan took a more grandiose approach during her Saturday morning showing, with emerald-toned raccoon jackets and fox-trim toppers.  The following day, Mathieu Mirano received a warm introduction for his red and black fur jackets at the Box in Lincoln Center.

Norisol Ferrari’s presentation on Valentine’s Day morning boasted lush mink jackets, fox-trim trenches, and sable-lined vests. Later that afternoon, I headed over to the Rubin Museum to catch the Josie Natori collection. Over champagne, Natori’s Mongolian boleros and fox-topped gowns were love at first sight, as they dramatically made their way down the museum’s spiraling staircase to an elegant piano soundtrack.

That following day, at the emotionally-charged Joanna Mastroianni showing, marabou magnificently masqueraded as fur, just as it had in days prior. A few hours later, NOMIA added a pelted touch to her streamlined urbanite collection. Raccoon resurfaced at our final show, The Blonds, adding a glittering finish to our sumptuous season.

Rafael Cennamo

Christian Cota

Danilo Gabrielli

Mathieu Mirano

Josie Natori

Son Jung Wan

NOMIA

Post by Amanda LaMela

On Day 7 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, NOMIA presented its signature streamlined metropolitanism in the Box at Lincoln Center. Relaxed urbanity emerged in loose knot-front jumpers, body-skimming silhouettes, and contrast-blocking. Against a rhythmic, concrete-jungle-esque soundtrack, designer Yara Flynn introduced a refreshing outlook for the fall season.

Post by Amanda LaMela

As I arrived at The Standard on Wednesday afternoon, BEEF was setting up to perform for Arielle de Pinto’s AW12 jewelry presentation. When they recieved their cue to start, hypnotic sounds began to waft from the speakers.

Models emerged in the designer’s architectural pieces of crocheted and solid metal. Inspired by urban nomads and tribal spirituality, the eclectic showing ended with a distinctive solo dance routine.

Post by Amanda LaMela

On Tuesday evening, New York-based designer, Lars Andersson, presented his “dark urban hippie” aesthetic at Soho Grand. Rich with hooded tunics and draped cardigans, Andersson’s androgynous collection was set to eerie sounds under ominous low-hanging bulbs.

I spoke to boys of The Black Soft, who were also drawn to Andersson’s gothic feel. Attracting an eclectic crowd of fashion, music, and New York nightlife insiders, the Swedish knitwear designer’s presentation was a shadowy success.

Post by Amanda LaMela

When I received the invitation to “Live Fast Die Blond,” I had to, once again, restrain myself from doing that really annoying countdown thing that people do on Facebook. It’s never been my style, but The Blonds are always a highlight of every Fashion Week – from glittering Playboy processions to the theatrical Chinese dragon dance, Phillipe and David Blond never fail to shock and surprise.

When we arrived, the photographers were already manically snapping a very boldfaced front row that included Jay Alexander, Sauli Koskinen, Jay Manuel, and Patrick McDonald. But after the customary interlude of socializing, posing, and photographing took place, guests found their seats and prepared for a full-throttle production – that is, until a team of bodyguards arrived to escort Lil’ Kim to her front row seat, opposite Adam Lambert.

The lights finally dimmed and the sound system echoed, “Live Fast! Die Young!” Fading from a clever mix of ‘last call’ music, the scene was then set for the original Alpha Kitty to make her grand entrance. Introduced by a succession of male models, Phillipe Blond approached the EVOLVE electric motorcycle at the end of the runway.

This high-energy procession of crystal corset tops, jewel encrusted motorcycle jackets, and ‘Thriller’ corset dresses earned Phillipe and David a standing ovation as they skipped off the runway to conclude another fantastic season.

Post by Amanda LaMela