District L

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

Contunued support for emerging design talent is a year-round affair for us - as we've said in the past, "If you’re awesome at what you do and nice to your friends, they will oftentimes turn into your best publicists."

So tonight District L will be in delighted attendance at the Lower East Side's Lu Magnus Gallery for New Fashion: Works by 6 Emerging Designers. Among the roster are labels Afterlife, Guy French, Rrose Sélavy, The Sway, and Stephen Zerbe, but most importantly for us is R+R, the line by personal favorite and friend Rebecca Formichella and partner Rita Watson.

We first covered uber-talented SCAD grad Rebecca back in December, taking a close look at her then most recent line.. We were impressed by their clever balance of romance and audacity, lending a stark austerity to otherwise soft and feminine shapes.

So if you're all bereft that NYFW is over, fear not - there's still plenty of fashionizing to be done and tonight at Lu Magnus (55 Hester between Ludlow and Essex) is the place to do it.

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

If you’re awesome at what you do and nice to your friends, they will oftentimes turn into your best publicists. At about midnight last night, a friend of mine was psyched enough to pass along the newest work from her pal, Rebecca Formichella. As a recent SCAD grad, one would be surprised to find the substantial following she’s already earned herself. But after perusing her most recent shoot, it appeared that her testimonials were the result of more than just social courtesy.

She is really just that fabulous.

In her most recent collaboration with Rita Watson, Formichella combines romance and audacity – but not in the exhausted ballerina-gone-bad motif. Instead, she injects sophistication and austerity into her romantic theme. Her collection conjures a woman who is not rebellious, but rather instinctively and subtly dangerous.

And subtly is key, as Rebecca effortlessly works lace and softer trims into deconstructed menswear. By placing bows and voluminous gathers on the backs of dresses, she achieves a dreamy, yet candid experience.

Post by Amanda LaMela