District L

As the Audi Forum on Park Avenue filled with four-on-the-floor beats by Tiga, Diane and Eric of MARTINmartin introduced an androgynous, shadowy collection for FW11. Starting with jagged, post-apocalyptic looks in monochromatic black, the collection’s concept felt too developed to be called “angsty.” In the first part of the show, destruction was aptly represented through deconstructed leather combined with torn wovens and heavy knits.­

Once guests thought they had formed their opinions of MARTINmartin’s show, the collection’s attitude began to change; light had formed at the end of the tunnel. Bits of white were slowly introduced to the looks, providing a lighter, more ethereal feel.

By the finale, the story’s conclusion was clear – what was created had been destroyed and what was destroyed had been reborn.

Post by Amanda LaMela

I have a confession:

I never, ever wear watches. Digitals are tacky and analog watches are just plain dangerous. I would constantly run the risk of my boss asking for the time... "Oh, sorry. I didn't bring my phone to the meeting and I don't know how to read this damn thing."

Despite my troubling relationship with timepieces, Nick and I headed to the Swatch party yesterday evening, which celebrated the launch of their "New Gents Collection." The Gansevoort Park Avenue was glittering as co-host Nikki Reed walked down the red carpet on Park and 29th to present the new line. Other guests included Richie Rich, Kelly Rutherford, and Jessica Stam.

The watches, which were inspired by the 1980s originals, maintained a modern feel with frosty tones and larger dials. We admired the presented collection while enjoying champagne, specialty cocktails, and the occasional hors d'oeuvre.

The party hit its peak when violinist, Caitlin Moe, rocked out against a Daft Punk remix. And YES, she was awesome.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Richie Rich, the former Heatherette co-designer, seems to be bringing his widely recognizable "trash-and-flash" to Lincoln Center this season. After securing the coveted 9pm time slot on the first day of Fashion Week, maybe the former Club Kid will think twice before making guests wait for hours, as they had for his A*Muse show last February.

But probably not if Pam is the culprit, because both blondes know that the press will wait. The 90s may be over, but sparkly sex-glam still has a place in everyone's heart.

Post by Amanda LaMela

"I'm nothing without my muse!"
-Richie Rich, on his fellow bleach-blonde, Pamela Anderson

[caption id="attachment_309" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="Richie Rich, Photo from New York Social Diary"][/caption]

Another New York Fashion Week has come and passed, but not without one last District L review of the week’s wild events.

Friday the 13th spelled bad luck for Yigal Azrouël who apparently did not want Ashley Dupré, Eliot Spitzer’s former call girl, in the front row of his show. Yigal claimed that when he reviewed the seating chart with Kelly Cutrone, this scandalous celebrity’s name was nowhere to be found. The fabulous designer concluded to WWD, “I’m not going to work with [Cutrone] anymore.” He then added, “I’m really not happy about it.”

Paris and Nicky caused a paparazzi stir on Monday as they entered The New York Free Library for Jill Stuart’s show. While I adore the fun-loving Hilton sisters, attendees found it annoying that they were fooling around for the duration of the show. This further reinforces my beliefs that, for the most part, Young Hollywood and New York Fashion Week do not mix.

Later that evening, guests were surprised to see Carine Roitfeld at the William Rast show. For some reason, Justin Timberlake and Paris Vogue don’t seem all that compatible.

On Tuesday afternoon, Behnaz Sarafpour was cut a raw deal. While his invites read 2:30pm, the IMG schedule said 2:00pm. The time discrepancy caused his venue to be half-empty at the start of his show (or half-full, depending how you look at it.)

The Armani store on 5th had its opening party Tuesday evening. Anna, Carine, Chace Crawford and the Beckhams were on the guest list. PETA protestors also made an appearance… outside.

3.1 Phillip Lim showed on Wednesday the 18th. Surprisingly, the show was not well attended and some standing room guests even snagged first and second row seats! On the other hand, Kanye and his entourage didn’t give up their first row spots. He strutted in just as the lights dimmed.

Richie Rich’s first show as a solo designer was also on the 18th. While Kanye didn’t make it to this show, 40-something sexpot Pamela Anderson was there to grab the spotlight.
“She totally embodies the Marilyn Monroe of our times,” Richie Rich gushed. Really??

Speaking of Marilyn, Marilyn Agency celebrated their 10th anniversary at Rose Bar last night. There’s no better way to toast the end of an eventful Fashion Week than with a glass (or three) of Veuve.

…and that’s just what District L is about to do! Cheers!

Post by Amanda LaMela