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

When I received the invitation to “Live Fast Die Blond,” I had to, once again, restrain myself from doing that really annoying countdown thing that people do on Facebook. It’s never been my style, but The Blonds are always a highlight of every Fashion Week – from glittering Playboy processions to the theatrical Chinese dragon dance, Phillipe and David Blond never fail to shock and surprise.

When we arrived, the photographers were already manically snapping a very boldfaced front row that included Jay Alexander, Sauli Koskinen, Jay Manuel, and Patrick McDonald. But after the customary interlude of socializing, posing, and photographing took place, guests found their seats and prepared for a full-throttle production – that is, until a team of bodyguards arrived to escort Lil’ Kim to her front row seat, opposite Adam Lambert.

The lights finally dimmed and the sound system echoed, “Live Fast! Die Young!” Fading from a clever mix of ‘last call’ music, the scene was then set for the original Alpha Kitty to make her grand entrance. Introduced by a succession of male models, Phillipe Blond approached the EVOLVE electric motorcycle at the end of the runway.

This high-energy procession of crystal corset tops, jewel encrusted motorcycle jackets, and ‘Thriller’ corset dresses earned Phillipe and David a standing ovation as they skipped off the runway to conclude another fantastic season.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images: The Blonds Runway A/W 2011

On Wednesday evening at 9:00pm, Center 548 was filling up with the most dynamic New York characters for The Blonds’ SS12 collection. Inspired by The Playboy Club, this platinum, Bunnylicious showing had all the Swarovski crystals and cufflinks necessary for a 60s revival. Poms, corsets, and tails lined the runway, granting us all keyholder access to this glamorous guild.

After the event, we headed to Submercer for a tail-chasing afterparty. Phillipe Blond, in a glittering nude dress, circled the intimate establishment with David Blond to celebrate yet another sexy season of sensation.

Post by Amanda LaMela

This New York Fashion Week began like all of its predecessors – one day early. On Wednesday, February 8, District L welcomed in Fashion Week at 320 Studios with Mimi Plange and her collection of “Scarred Perfection.” Inspired by African tribal traditions of body modification, Plange’s presentation effectively emulated deliberate repetition with ruffles, pleats, and embellishments.

Thursday was the first official day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and District L kicked it off backstage with Irina Shabayeva. Before viewing her fiery-hot-icy-cool runway collection, we took a moment to snap photos of the pre-show preparation. After the show, we chatted with Irina and discussed the basis of her inspiration – life, death, rebirth, and evolution.

The following afternoon, Norman Ambrose presented his flawless answer to society’s unfortunate lack of innovative elegance. With feather details and glittering gowns, his 1970s vibe of decadence was the perfect setting to recapture irreverent sophistication.

Later that evening, Nick and I headed over to experience Sally LaPointe’s picture-perfect Polaroid-inspired runway collection. While we were Chelsea-bound, Madisen ventured to The Standard to view NOMIA in all of its sensually streamlined glory. We then met up to spend our Friday evening at Bedlam for NOMIA’s afterparty – drinking, dishing, and surveying the evening’s gaggle of PYTs.

Unfortunately, the sun returned a bit quicker than expected. When I realized morning had become a reality, I grabbed Saturday’s gear and rushed up to Lincoln Center for General Idea. The 9:00am runway show was inspired by the letter-M; but more specifically, “mountains” and “military.” Watching each male model emerge from the runway tent made my headache melt away like in an ice cap South America.

By 10:30, I wandered over to The Box for Binetti’s model presentation. The collection exhibited an effortless air of exotic affluence. I lingered in this luxury fashion safari for awhile before walking right into a Betsey Johnson interview. As I watched her animated facial expressions, I dialed up my P.I.C., “Get the hell over here. You’re missing EVERYTHING.”

After Nick arrived uptown, we decided it was time for brunch. We green-eggs-and-glammed it at a nearby haunt while assembling our coverage from the morning prior. Once we enjoyed a solid hour of bottomless champagne, we sauntered back to Lincoln Center for Vivienne Tam and Mik Cire.

While we remained uptown, Madisen journeyed over to Philip-Lorca diCorcia’s book signing for Eleven. The event, which was held at Chelsea’s David Zwirner Gallery, showcased diCorcia’s photographic portfolio with W magazine.

Around 6:30pm, Nick and I entered Maisonette 1977’s dream sequence. Jane Ibrahim’s lucid visions transported us to an unpredictable, volatile urban-utopia. After deciding that Maisonette 1977 was a top choice for FW11, we closed the day of shows with Toni Francesc. That night, we celebrated Mik Cire’s fantastic collection at his Hudson Terrace after-party.

Sunday morning began as Sunday mornings usually do – brunch. When we finished our bellinis, we stopped at OAK for a pre-show purchase and then trekked back over to The Standard. After killing some time on the 18^th floor, we headed downstairs to enjoy Bensoni’s Gothic Wedding Vignette.

We finished off the weekend with Zang Toi’s Sunday night show in The Studio, which was an undeniable crowd pleaser. As the cheering faded, we headed back downtown to prepare for the last four days of the season.

My Monday line-up started with MARTINmartin at the Audi forum, while Madisen and Rachel made their way up to Guishem. After enjoying a collection of androgyny, destruction, and reincarnation, I rushed over to Studio 580 for friend-and-favorite, Lois Eastlund.

Tuesday morning began bright-and-early with a presentation by Trias. As soon as we finished adoring Joaquin Trias and his personal definition of luxury, we traveled back downtown to The Park for delicious cocktails and bites. Such nourishment led our revitalized bodies to the Chelsea Art Museum for Nico Lena’s debut event. The event’s reception brought quite the crowd – and yes, that crowd did include Dustin Diamond.

Our second stop of the evening was Lincoln Center. After enjoying a glass of Kim Crawford, we made our way into Tibi’s 90s-infused collection.

Day 7 of Fashion Week began with a frantic search for someone to apply my false lashes. Once I achieved such a task, we headed over to The Standard for the strong and silent boys of Rochambeau. About 50 photographs later, we ventured up to Allegri’s cocktail party and presentation in Lincoln Center’s courtyard. We enjoyed the perfect combination of models with mannequins while sipping wine and chatting with emerging designer, Loris Diran.

Post-chat, we darted backstage to get an inside peak at Anna Sui. As models were preparing for their walk of folklore and fantasy, we snapped a few photos of the hectic scene. Of course, I had to bolt before Sui even started to make it to Milk Studios in time for The Blonds. The flaxen-haired duo presented an unforgettable drag-and-dragon show, daring us to even try to find another show more outrageous. While we watched two dancing dragons galloping down the runway, Rachel and Madisen attended Odd Molly’s model presentation in The Box at Lincoln Center.

We ended our Fashion Week follies at the Three Year Anniversary of Pinstripe Magazine on 93 Grand. As we toasted our glasses of Star Vodka in the Buckler Store basement, we mused, “So, what do we have in mind for next season…?”

Post by Amanda LaMela

Day 7 of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week began with an urgent conundrum: How would I possibly manage to find a makeup artist to apply my false lashes before today’s shows!? With every cosmetic professional long reserved for the week, I eventually convinced the receptionist at Wonderland that her abilities would suit my immediate needs. Minutes after the glue dried, we ran a half-block over to The Standard for the Rochambeau menswear presentation.

After feasting our eyes on the sun-kissed boys of Rochambeau, we made our way up to Allegri’s cocktail party and presentation. Arriving early, we checked our coats and headed over to the Star Lounge to enjoy a few glasses of champagne and watch the Milly by Michelle Smith runway show.

Allegri, the Italian outerwear brand, celebrated 40 years and made its New York debut in Lincoln Center’s courtyard. We arrived to the event around 4:30 and perused the spectacular outdoor presentation, complete with models, mannequins, and a suspended umbrella display.

The courtyard filled with sociable industry professionals enjoying wine and conversation. We met up and chatted with designer, Loris Diran. Since we last saw him at his boutique party, he’s been keeping very busy. Recently, he won the Rising Star Award for menswear.

After enjoying Allegri’s cocktail celebration, we headed backstage for Anna Sui. While we got a chance to snap a few photos of the behind-the-scenes hustle, we had to flee the site pre-show to make it to Milk Studios for The Blonds.

The pre-show scene for The Blonds was as outrageous as one might expect. Head-turners like Amanda Lepore were in the front-row, entertaining and posing for the cameras. Once the lights dimmed and the music started, the audience was treated to dancing dragons, a drag queen video montage, and a glittering Far East runway collection. [Read here for more coverage of The Blonds]

Post by Amanda LaMela

The Blonds took this season’s emerging Asian-inflected trend and literally ran with it. The show opened with dragons. Two dragons. TWO LARGE DRAGONZ darting around the runway. Once the opening Chinatown Brasserie drag montage and dancing dragon entrance came to a close, The Blonds Shanghai’d the audience with their sparkling runway lineup. The collection revealed a slew of tongue-in-cheek details, including oversized chopsticks and googley-eyes. With glittery Kabuki “bobs,” cascading silk kimonos, and their signature crystal-studded corsets, David and Phillipe Blond wowed a front row of designer Sally LaPointe, Amanda Lepore, Susanne Bartsch and a host of other Manhattan nightlife fixtures -- it was anything but a drag.

Most people tip their mailman during the Christmas holiday. If we knew our mailman, we'd tip him right before Fashion Week. Invites of all sizes begin satiating our hungry little mailbox; one that exclusively handles junk mail and credit card bills during the rest of the year. As I was rifling through yesterday’s mail, one invite stood out in particular.

When I unraveled the poster-sized Geisha-in-an-opium-den image, I immediately knew I was going to be making room in my Fashion Week schedule. The Blonds had the most fun last season and this invite looks nothing short of extraordinary. But be sure to read the fine print:

Invitation management isn’t the only Fashion Week preparation we engage in. Today I’ll be sitting in on Lois Eastlund’s model casting. Her February 14^th runway show is quickly approaching, so click here to support the fabulous!

Tonight, we’ll be heading west for another debaucherous Saturday evening. Before Starboard Hudson goes on a one-month hiatus, DL will be boarding the boat once more for music, neon, and the occasional makeshift photo shoot. The party at Starboard will return for their Mardi Gras event, taking place on Saturday, March 12. The Chainsmokers will be bringing their high-energy performance on board and Kirill from KirillWasHere will be there to capture all the madness.

Post by Amanda LaMela

My, how things change over the course of a year. Here’s a fun fact: District L’s first post in 2010 reassured readers that we had not yet succumbed to the Twittersphere. Well, guess what? Now we have. So you better be following us.

In the dawn of 2010, the DL founders were preparing to reunite for another glitterati-packed Fashion Week. The unofficial kickoff took place at the Crosby Street Hotel. We braved the apocalyptic snowstorm for a rewarding and sophisticated presentation by Geren Ford.

Our excitement quickly turned to shock and sadness when news of Alexander McQueen’s suicide broke the following morning, the first unofficial day of New York Fashion Week. Confusion and solemnity fell over the tents. The shows went on, but not without somber speculation and mourning over the fashion community’s tragic loss.

As the Bryant Park tents buzzed for the last time, the DL duo made sure to return to old favorites like Georges Chakra and Farah Angsana. Other tent favorites included Richard Chai, Twinkle by Wenlan, and Brian Reyes. Heading off-site, Nick experienced some primal behavior at Catherine Malandrino and Irina Shabayeva.

March was consumed by the Great Editor Switch of 2010 – Single-letter glossies received even more publicity than usual as Stefano Tonchi became W’s new man. Sally Singer, former Voguette, swooped in to take his empty desk at T Magazine.

As spring melted into summer, June presented us with Sidewalk Catwalk – a collective fashion display that included creations from designers like Maria Cornejo, Prabal Gurung, and John Bartlett. Situated between Herald and Times Square, the stylish outdoor display stood defiantly among dowdy tourists until Labor Day.

And before we knew it, Fashion Week returned – this time in its new Lincoln Center location. We were initially apprehensive about our move uptown. It seemed inconvenient and unnatural to leave our home in Bryant Park. Fortunately, our concerns quickly vanished on the first day as Verrier’s picture-perfect presentation lit up The Box. As the week got busier, District L called in for reinforcements. The fabulous Madisen Walker was willing to fill in for us on the last day. As Nick and I ventured to Milk Studios to see The Blonds, Madisen attended the dreamlike presentation by Rebecca Moses.

With a new friend in the District, Fashion Week withdrawals became more bearable. Swatch had its time at the Park Avenue Gansevoort, throwing a glittering, champagne-soaked launch party with Nikki Reed for their “New Gent’s Collection.” Our October schedule also included rooftop photoshoots, a ‘Night of Fashion’ with Ann Yee, and a launch party for “Modern Views.”

November’s cold air didn’t kill the party, as we celebrated two years of Lois Eastlund in the LES on 11/11. Not only did we pick up some fabulous looks from Lois, but her party also boasted the best SWAG bag we’ve seen in years. We were psyched to score edgy accessories from Box 185, handmade jewelry from Attitude by Jeanne, and photo designs by Vernakular.

A few days later, the DL crew headed west – to Starboard Hudson, that is. The Soft Opening Party and Concert took place on November 13, luring hundreds of fun-loving individuals to the lower decks of a once-abandoned ship. The opening party was such a success, that the District L darlings decided to ring in the New Year at this fabulous location.

Post by Amanda LaMela

After a post-NYFW weekend spent catching up on sleep, nourishment, and the occasional phone call, District L found time to delve into our messy runway notes.

We started the week together at MAINENTRANCE, celebrating DJ Riggs and Berry Bachen's launch of their new creative space. As street-style photographer, Mr. Newton, furiously snapped away, guests enjoyed cocktails and music in the hidden Midtown location.

The first official day of New York Fashion Week in Lincoln Center was September 9. Our schedule for the evening included a picnic-perfect Verrier presentation, followed by a collective showing called Concept Korea. The next day, Nicolas ventured to the tents solo, where he enjoyed Buckler, EDITION by Georges Chakra, Ports 1961, and Alexander Berardi, just to name a few. We later met up on the Lower East Side for a fabulous Fashion's Night Out with Lois Eastlund.

Our weekend started in the Studio with Mik Cire. His male models must have gotten rowdy that night, because Rebecca Minkoff's girls were rocking a bit of morning-after attitude the following day. While I attended Minkoff's model presentation at the Box, Nick headed to the Audi Forum for some Thuy eye-candy.

We reconvened over EFFEN cocktails in the IMG Fashion Lounge before heading to see Joaquin Trias' intelligent design. We then attended Custo Barcelona's party-girl parade before jetting downtown to catch Sally Lapointe's inspiring debut show.

Monday rolled around, bringing Monique Lhuillier's delicious temptation to the Stage. Later that evening, the District L dyad met up for sorbet in Key West - I mean, the Perry Ellis runway show. Post-Perry, we cabbed it down to ION Studios to check out ANN YEE's model party over wine and remixes by Crystal Castles.

Tuesday brought us two fantastic fairytales:  TIBI and Toni Francesc. Afterwards, we headed to Toni's afterparty at Veranda, where we drank Given and chatted up Aimee from Song of Style.

We met up the following evening to witness some Lynn Wyatt-chic at Zang Toi. On Thursday, Nick attended the Argentina Group Show before meeting up with me at Milk Studios for The Blonds. After devouring our much-needed dose of sparkle, sex, and spunk, we headed back to Lincoln Center. Helping out with our hectic schedule, Madisen Walker remained uptown to cover Rebecca Moses, or rather, cover-to-cover Rebecca Moses.

The last New York show of the season was IVANAhelsinki. After searching relentlessly, Paola Ivana Suhonen found her sailor - in sun-washed nautical prints and rope-coil boots.

Post by Amanda LaMela