District L

Why do the best things always happen when it's raining?

If you have enough glossing hair balm and courage to brave the rain, you'll certainly get a return on this investment: Cocktails, an FW11 preview, and a sale event for ANN YEE SS11. It's occurring THIS VERY MOMENT at Bowery and Third.

Meet us at EVA until 8pm -- haven't you heard? Cool kids don't melt.

It was a laissez-faire affair last evening at Lu Magnus gallery. Arriving at the Lower East Side space for New Fashion: Works by 6 Emerging Designers, we were instantly reminded of another favorite designer's presentation, Ann Yee Collection back in S/S 2011 at ION Studios.

If you'll recall, at Yee's showing, models engaged attendees, chatting, mingling, and lounging lackadaisically in oversized shades. The mood at Lu Magnus was just as bright and easy, with models clustered cheerfully together sporting the designs of emerging talents like Guy French, Steve Zerbe, and of course our personal favorite R+R - the clever and subtle collaboration between designers Rebecca Formichella and Rita Watson.

Among those showing that evening, R+R was definitely a stand-out - their soft, feminine forms were lent a hard edge by way of clever texture play and asymmetry. Inspired by tales of childhood and nature, each look possessed at once both an innocence and a darkness - a youthful playfulness pitted against a deep, impenetrable wood.

The skilled young duo, recently graduated from SCAD, petitioned to work together on their final senior project, rather than pursue independent final collections. Their dedication to collaboration speaks to their maturity as designers and to their continued success. It's reassuring to see talent that have such a defined point of view, and a refined aesthetic, so early on in their careers.

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

As we quickly approach another week of glittering runway shows and booze-fueled model presentations, it’s important to take a moment for some fashion reflection. New York has the driving force of the industry in its name: New. When the rent is too damn high, it takes a whole new level of newness to motivate New Yorkers to buzz, shop around, and spend. Last season, it was the burgeoning, younger designers that caused a stir on the scene, so District L outlined a few points of interest on the FW2011 radar:

Last season, Ann Yee nonchalantly peppered ION Studios with her colorful array of softly layered looks. After making a notable encore appearance at CUE Art Foundation’s Night of Fashion, Yee further proved her budding star-power.

There is a whole lot to love about Jac Langheim. And what's love without a little Latex? Her latest collection presented clean, wearable silhouettes from a fabric so scandalous, that it developed its own reputation. The result? Crisp, unique pieces that can effortlessly debut at brunch and linger past cocktail hour.

If you don’t recall, District L nearly had a coronary upon leaving Sally LaPointe’s debut runway show last season. It’s rare to see ‘smoke and mirrors’ fluidly combined with actual talent. And a mere four months after her jaw-dropping presentation, the 26-year-old designer gained international awareness: Just last week, Lady Gaga wore a gown of LaPointe’s to a Las Vegas Polaroid Launch.

[Listen, Lady. We saw it first.]

Post by Amanda LaMela

My, how things change over the course of a year. Here’s a fun fact: District L’s first post in 2010 reassured readers that we had not yet succumbed to the Twittersphere. Well, guess what? Now we have. So you better be following us.

In the dawn of 2010, the DL founders were preparing to reunite for another glitterati-packed Fashion Week. The unofficial kickoff took place at the Crosby Street Hotel. We braved the apocalyptic snowstorm for a rewarding and sophisticated presentation by Geren Ford.

Our excitement quickly turned to shock and sadness when news of Alexander McQueen’s suicide broke the following morning, the first unofficial day of New York Fashion Week. Confusion and solemnity fell over the tents. The shows went on, but not without somber speculation and mourning over the fashion community’s tragic loss.

As the Bryant Park tents buzzed for the last time, the DL duo made sure to return to old favorites like Georges Chakra and Farah Angsana. Other tent favorites included Richard Chai, Twinkle by Wenlan, and Brian Reyes. Heading off-site, Nick experienced some primal behavior at Catherine Malandrino and Irina Shabayeva.

March was consumed by the Great Editor Switch of 2010 – Single-letter glossies received even more publicity than usual as Stefano Tonchi became W’s new man. Sally Singer, former Voguette, swooped in to take his empty desk at T Magazine.

As spring melted into summer, June presented us with Sidewalk Catwalk – a collective fashion display that included creations from designers like Maria Cornejo, Prabal Gurung, and John Bartlett. Situated between Herald and Times Square, the stylish outdoor display stood defiantly among dowdy tourists until Labor Day.

And before we knew it, Fashion Week returned – this time in its new Lincoln Center location. We were initially apprehensive about our move uptown. It seemed inconvenient and unnatural to leave our home in Bryant Park. Fortunately, our concerns quickly vanished on the first day as Verrier’s picture-perfect presentation lit up The Box. As the week got busier, District L called in for reinforcements. The fabulous Madisen Walker was willing to fill in for us on the last day. As Nick and I ventured to Milk Studios to see The Blonds, Madisen attended the dreamlike presentation by Rebecca Moses.

With a new friend in the District, Fashion Week withdrawals became more bearable. Swatch had its time at the Park Avenue Gansevoort, throwing a glittering, champagne-soaked launch party with Nikki Reed for their “New Gent’s Collection.” Our October schedule also included rooftop photoshoots, a ‘Night of Fashion’ with Ann Yee, and a launch party for “Modern Views.”

November’s cold air didn’t kill the party, as we celebrated two years of Lois Eastlund in the LES on 11/11. Not only did we pick up some fabulous looks from Lois, but her party also boasted the best SWAG bag we’ve seen in years. We were psyched to score edgy accessories from Box 185, handmade jewelry from Attitude by Jeanne, and photo designs by Vernakular.

A few days later, the DL crew headed west – to Starboard Hudson, that is. The Soft Opening Party and Concert took place on November 13, luring hundreds of fun-loving individuals to the lower decks of a once-abandoned ship. The opening party was such a success, that the District L darlings decided to ring in the New Year at this fabulous location.

Post by Amanda LaMela

It's official: Wednesday night is the new Thursday night, which is fantastic -- until spiteful, stagnant Thursday morning knocks, as promptly as ever.

Two weeks ago, District L celebrated the Swatch launch at the new Park Avenue Gansevoort. Last Wednesday, we raised our flutes at the opening of The Chelsea Room. But yesterday, our mid-week scheduling became so unruly, I had to venture solo to the CUE Art Foundation for a Night of Fashion.

Fortunately for me, the event's headliner, designer Ann Yee, had a pre-show moment to chat. District L first fell in love with Yee's aesthetic this past fashion week at ION Studios. Her SS11 collection exhibited a nonchalant, feminine versatility that has become so synonymous with New York style.

Interestingly enough, Ann divulged that her Midwestern roots were a bit less chic than her transplanted plot on the East Coast. I listened and nodded solemnly (not eager to also share my own small-town background.) Since her escape, Ann has worked as a knitwear designer for Barney's, LaROK, Elizabeth and James, and Alice + Olivia, all before launching her namesake line.

This season, Yee was inspired by the neo-noir film, Blade Runner, after watching it amply projected onto a wall at a loft party in Brooklyn. Pulling a color story from the opening scene, Ann softened the femme-fatale feel with soft draping and luxe knits.

As I excitedly and gracelessly gestured with a cocktail in one hand and a camera in another, we had an ardent discussion about her design inspiration, vision, and intentions. "I don't design for one type of woman," she assured, "I want my clothes to be versatile and adaptable to a range of lifestyles."

Post by Amanda LaMela

Last season, ANN YEE was touted as the newest expert in androgyny, softening men's silhouettes with rich, more luxuriant fabrics. Daily Candy applauded the Nolita-based designer for offering an assertive, yet sexy alternative to the unfortunately common Oliver Twist-effect.

For Spring 2011, YEE took her story one step further, as the trending morning-after look found its way into ION Studios on Monday evening.

Models, donning over-sized sunglasses and loose layers, propped themselves against the walls of the studio. As we casually sipped our wine, the models stood chatting and laughing to one another, making the presentation seem more like a Saturday evening at Goldbar.

But what better way to display a collection of relaxed vest frocks, boyfriend-style button-downs, and silk drawstring jumpsuits? In a sun-washed palate of muted earth-tones, ANN YEE turned androgynous into simple nonchalance.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Yesterday, one of Daily Candy's "Nine designers you should know and love," sent us a sneak preview of her SS11 collection. Get a taste of what will be hitting ION Studios on September 13.