District L

Let’s try a little word association. When I say “book release party,” what is the image that immediately comes to mind?

Is your first thought, “six topless models covered in body glitter, emerging from giant candy bar wrappers and dancing to a two-part drag performance by Joey Arias?” If so, this accurately describes last night’s scene for the release of Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco.

Antonio Lopez, a renowned artist of the 70s and 80s, was known for his erotically-charged fashion illustrations and exhilarating persona. Suitably celebrated with cocktails, candy, and partial nudity, bold-faced names poured into The Prince George Ballroom to acknowledge Antonio’s lifelong industry contributions. With guests like Amanda Lepore, Fran Drescher, Anna Sui, Pat Cleveland, and Cory Kennedy, this was a far cry from your average book party. 

Post by Amanda LaMela

Captain Kirk, at the brink of his midlife crisis, hired a younger, sexier yeoman to shake up the Empire. Shrouded in sculpted shoulders, mod silhouettes, and angular necklines, she’s secretly positioned herself to take over the starship.

Designer Geoffrey Mac indulged his crowd in futuristic-60s appeal with beehive hairstyles and swinging hemlines. Ultramodern contours and intense contrasts could be spotted from space, yet were objects of fantasy for decades. And on Sunday afternoon at Exit Art, Geoffrey was “…a dream that became a reality and spread throughout the stars.”

Post by Amanda LaMela

Mathieu Mirano Spring 2012 narrates an old-fashioned love story, taken place in a simpler time before divorce lawyers, forensic toxicology, and fingerprinting were commonplace.

In hued leathers, elegantly draped gowns, and ombre sheaths, a murderous woman finds solstice in Mirano’s exquisite designs. Scandalous spins on classic silhouettes lay the foundation for Mathieu's winning recipe - but we think he might have a secret ingredient.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images by Amanda LaMela

Thanks to the beautiful marriage of fashion and nightlife, “Don’t feed the models” and “Thanks, It’s Vintage” are not just overused Fashion Week phrases – they’re cocktails.

This season, The Empire Hotel will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center with aptly named elixers and a stylish makeover. Moises de la Renta, son of Oscar, created a signature dress for the hotel’s Fashion Week Ambassadors. In turn, The Lobby Bar of The Empire Hotel will be serving up “Moises’ Fashion Fix,” an enticing rum conconction.

For the entire month of September, you'll be due for some fashion-themed booze.

"Well, don't just stand there. Get me a drink!"

Post and Image by Amanda LaMela

This summer, New Yorkers are becoming very transparent in their nightlife agendas:

As highlighted by Tuesday's trend report in WWD, designers continue to develop their gauzy gaze with see-through fabrics for Resort 2012 -- and the kids are catching on quickly.

KirillWasHere continuously captures the sheer look, albeit unintentionally, while PYT-scouting and awaiting random acts of indiscretion.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Photos by KirillWasHere

Precipitation Admiration?

While the rest of us are dodging pond-sized puddles and umbrella tips to the eye, the Burberry beauties are looking sleek and bright in cinched raincoats, generous shades, and -that's right- white pants.

Fashion never intended to be realistic, anyway.

It doesn't seem like this chic duo is valiently sidestepping indolent parka-donning tourists in the Garment District. So, as we spend the morning commute protecting our most recent Pimps and Pinups masterstroke,  Christopher Bailey paints a much more desirable dream for April.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Kate just can't get enough.

Here is the leaked 90-second clip of her Dior ad for "The Iconic Lipstick," which will be hitting stores next month. Enjoy.