District L

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

With gargoyles overhead and a gold metallic stage at their feet, the models of Mathieu Mirano donned a collection of fantastical proportions. The Sunday evening presentation took place in the Box at Lincoln Center, attracting a long line of industry insiders.

“I am surprised by the turnout,” Mirano modestly confessed, eyes sparkling with youthful enthusiasm. The 20-year-old designer achieved substantial attention for his SS 2012 collection and his debut show had followed suit. Inspired by “legendary dragon riders,” the room was complete with red fur jackets, midnight blue glittering gowns, and floor-grazing velvets.

Surely, the designer responsible for such a well-executed and imaginative presentation should be able to toast his first Fashion Week success with the appropriate adult beverage. Here’s to hoping Mathieu’s fake ID is as flawless has his AW 2012 collection.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week announced yesterday the preliminary schedule for the Fall 2012 Collections. A few new names have been added to the list of designers showing at Lincoln Center this season, including last season’s off-site wonders like Kaelen, as well as fresh fashion acquaintances like Mathieu Mirano.

Spring’s sleepy sprites created buzz for Kaelen, who has been showing during Fashion Week for a few seasons. Her presentation at Drive-In Studios was set against a wooded backdrop and featured “moonshine cocktails.” This season, Kaelen Farncombe will be showing in the Box at Lincoln Center on February 9^th.

Mathieu Mirano attracted attention for his Spring 2012 Collection with a cocktail of violent seduction. Mirano narrated the story of a homicidal wife who grew younger as she approached deliberate widowhood. The provocative designer’s presentation will be held in the Box at Lincoln Center on February 12^th.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Dear Santa,

You must admit, this has been a bit of a rough year. Between the East Coast earthquake, “Hurricane” Irene, and two apocalypses, District L proposes that you take all things into consideration and grade on a curve this holiday season. Besides, compared to last year, we haven’t been all that bad.

First and foremost, we developed a little financial responsibility. We didn’t spend ANY rent money on United Nude shoes or A.OK knits this year. Honestly! We always used our credit cards instead.

Furthermore, we only partied on weekdays when it was really, really vital. You can’t deny the importance of Alan Cumming’s fragrance launch, anything Anna Dello Russo, and Lois Eastlund’s evening revelries. And how can you expect us to skip an open bar at Highline Stages, an event at the Chelsea Art Museum, or… okay, fine. It's true. We never miss an opportunity to have fun.

But we were taught the virtue of positivity by Lela Rose and the importance of a full eight hours by Kaelen. And perhaps we even learned how to relax a bit with the help of Nomia, Sergio Davila, and Son Jung Wan.

So, if we were you, we’d check the list three times -- before Mathieu Mirano pours something special into your milk.

Sincerely,

District L

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