District L

An impeccable lineup of dresses with faceted leather jewels, feather trims, and caviar beads circled Joanna Mastroianni’s runway for an encore finale – the models gave an emotional applause as 90-year-old Iris Apfel closed the show alongside the designer. The conclusion was so moving that the stranger sitting next to me instinctively clutched my arm as the house lights came back up. But unbeknownst to us, 95-year-old Zelda Kaplan, who had fainted during the show, was rushed to the hospital minutes later and passed away shortly after.

A touching show to commemorate the life of one New York icon also became the last public appearance for another. Joanna Mastroianni’s beautiful collection, coincidentally inspired by a winter journey, became Kaplan’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening – inspiring last moments for a magnetic front row fixture.

Post by Amanda LaMela

August got off to a scorching start for District L: Shoe shows, midnight boat parties, and music festivals certainly create gridlocks in our already-crazy schedules. Toss in a heat wave, and suddenly the world’s spinning.

Monday, August 1^st started off in a murky haze, aftermath of The Raveonettes’ delight. Despite the reluctant start, I traded feathers for pearls and began preparation for the August FFANY Shoe Show. Disinclination suddenly turned to keenness, as I walked into the first showroom on Tuesday. Old favorites like Charles Jourdan combined with exciting newcomers like Cece L’amour, all singing a similar tune – positive undulations of color.

After a week of nonstop showroom visits and Hilton-hopping, I’d already made my 2012 conclusions for feathered embellishments, stacked heels, and wooden wedges: The future of footwear looked great and we were all onboard for some fantastic trends.

And ‘onboard’ I remained – as Friday evening’s itinerary included the Yacht Rock Boat Cruise. Hosted by Nicky Digital, a crew of seafaring night owls embarked on The Clipper City Tall Ship. And it looks like next weekend, we’ll be doing it again – Jules Kim of Bijules will be hosting Good Peoples Summer Sail for more randan revelry.

Post by Amanda LaMela

The Raveonettes are a melodious nod towards the sepia-washed return of 1970s style. Reinvented with a more modern application of the synth, The Raveonettes provide a playlist that's perfect for the feathered, ankle-grazing and breezy looks of summer.

As relaxed as the leisure suit, yet as distinguishable as a floral print, The Raveonettes will bring their buoyant tunes to South Street Seaport - Pier 17 on Sunday, July 31.

Halston

Derek Lam

Emilio Pucci

No. 21

Photos: The Raveonettes, Style.com

Post by Amanda LaMela

Traveled, adventurous, and opulent.

This season continues to divulge the next chapter of fashion's cultured bohemian. In rich furs and sequined detailing, the FW11 woman enjoys elaborate embellishments while maintaining her effortless attitude and 70s-style sophistication.

In feathered fringe from Binetti and glam-rock silhouettes from Maisonette, the modern-day Brigitte Bardots will come out to play.

Maisonette 1977

Binetti

Gucci

Norman Ambrose

Post by Amanda LaMela