District L

The Monday before last was a show-hopping debacle – unavoidably misty, yet bitter and cold. It was the kind of weather that sits heavy on the hair and could stop an attendee in her tracks. But waterproof mascara, taxi cabs, and 30-minute blow-dry salons are created for a reason; this was not a collection I was about to miss.

Daniella Kallmeyer held her presentation at Parlor New York, the members-only restaurant and lounge in Soho. The walls were decorated with images of scandalous old Hollywood nightlife, setting the tone for her inspiration. Leather-clad models in sheer separates positioned themselves around the first room, eyes fixed in unwavering, sultry stares.

We grabbed a glass of champagne at the baroque-style bar and walked to the next section. Continuing Kallmeyer’s twisted-classic ambiance, the second room displayed long, angular shapes in muted gem tones. Body-skimming silhouettes blurred the lines between feminine and dangerous - old glamour and new school pleasures.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Insanity is trendy these days. Whether you’ve snatched up a Prada gun print shirt or hung onto every word of Cat Marnell’s latest fever-dream, you have to admit that a little crazy can be chic… if accessorized properly.

Philippe and David Blond knew this, of course. They are already the unofficial leaders of New York’s glam-freaks and most scandalous celebrities, reigning over the glittering Island of Misfit Toys. Inspired by old horror films this season, The Blonds lead their fabulous variety of fans through a spine-chilling runway tale. Corset straight-jackets, rope dresses, and (my favorite) jeweled “blood” gown haunted Milk Studios to eerie, non-linear tones.

“Come play with us… Come play with us…” a track from The Shining goaded us as two models in matching bustier babydoll dresses slowly walked towards the cameras. A star-studded front row enjoyed a particularly intimate introduction to Carrie, The Butcher, and 16 other horror-themed looks.

Guests including Carmen Electra, Debbie Harry, Neon Hitch, and Robert Verdi also got a close glimpse of The Blonds’ thrilling nail art – black and red talons scrawled with phrases such as ‘REDRUM’ and ‘Bates Motel.’ And nails weren’t the only sharp objects on the runway. Plexi knife necklaces and gun-to-the-headbands by Max Steiner were sported by glitzy renditions of Psycho and The Slasher.

Ending with a signature hair-toss, Philippe Blond closed the show in a blood red, jewel encrusted jumpsuit. Yup...it looks like The Blonds have put on another killer runway.

Post by Amanda LaMela

It’s been a while since DL has experienced any textual action, but with just a couple days until New York Fashion Week, I’d say it is time for our post-summer revival. The seasonal boat parties have docked and monochromatic-black has returned to the front our closets.

We aren’t the only ones revisiting our origins. Take a flip through any Bible-sized September issue and you’ll see authentic homecomings – Louis Vuitton returns to its subtly monogrammed traveler looks, while Dolce & Gabbana takes it back to the streets of Sicily.

It is time for us to buckle down, button up, and zip into what feels like a momentous season. We have a lot planned for the upcoming Fashion Week – and we promise these fast-typing, manicured fingers will deliver.

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

I woke up on Saturday morning with a surprising amount of energy and a [relatively] noble craving to partake in an artsy, wine-infused afternoon. What had intended to be a few hours of the Artlog Lower East Side Crawl, ended up being a short stint of narcissism on the New Museum rooftop followed by coloring and cocktails at The Bowery Diner.

Simultaneously sipping a Bloody Maria while melting her fourth and final crayon over a candle, Madisen confirmed our success, “Well, at least we’re doing art…”

Post Amanda LaMela

Last year, our 2011 resolutions were to “be more fabulous” (me) and “wear more dude rings” (Nick.) After a successful year of dude-ring-wearing and fabulizing, it begs the question, “What’s next?” How does one possibly outdo 365 triumphant days of spiked skull rings and super-brunching?

Answer: One doesn’t!

2012 will be the year to decide which old acquaintances should be forgot and never brought to mind. Instead of adding another responsibility to our regimen, sometimes it’s best to trim the unnecessary extras. Below is a short list of things I give the nod to “Auld Lang Syne.”

#1. “Fabulous.”

Funny how the aspiration of one year becomes the restriction of the next, but I can finally accept that this word no longer has any real meaning.  Overused, futile, and uninspiring, “fabulous” takes its final bow in 2012, only to return during re-runs of Sex and the City. And let’s be honest, that should be kept to a minimum too.

#2. Feathered Hair Extensions

I would just like to say for the record that, yes, I had feather earrings, feathered clips, feather necklaces, and even silver jewelry in the shape of feathers… but I never, ever, ever, EVER thought it would be a good idea to have someone braid thin feather strings into my hair. Let’s all agree to leave the quail feathers alone for 2012, so they can focus their energy on being my brunch.

#3. “Just sayin’”

Yes, we know you just said it. We were right here.

#4. Bryanboy

In 2012, I vow to unfollow, unlike, and unsubscribe all things Bryanboy. Why? Because he litters my Twitterfeed with his namedropping garbage and mindless whining. STFU, Bryanboy. We’re over it.

Post by Amanda LaMela

“…The Renwick Ruins, an abandoned smallpox hospital still standing on Roosevelt Island, NYC. Something that once was, a haunted romanticism, evoking memories of its past…”

Gauzy cretonne, dusty chandeliers, and a phantasmal energy set a pleasantly disturbing vibe for Sally LaPointe’s SS12 runway. The air inside LaPointe’s usual West Chelsea venue, thick with artificial smog, rendered the typical pre-show fervor murky and indiscernible.

The designer’s familiar, monolithic silhouettes populated this evening’s showing, however this time with a less organic and more deliberate concept behind them.

The showing embodied a certain sense of finality – that an event had just taken place here, somebody once occupied this space, or at one time these objects served a different purpose. Now, the viewer cannot obtain closure from its current state, there is no resolution and no reassurance. LaPointe’s sepulchral forms occupy a space with their own more subtle brand of preterition; they loom like specters, ghostly forms with a palpable presence.

It’s mid-August. You know what that means, don’t you? Time to start thinking about my birthday presents!

I can empathize; It’s no easy task. As a footwear aficionado in the industry, it can be difficult to predict my desires from week to week – especially during this period of seasonal transition. And yes, I agree… There should be an easier way to do this.

Interestingly enough, people don’t register for birthday gifts – but if they did, I’d open my registry at Casadei, La Petite Cave, and United Nude. Just…hypothetically speaking.

My birthday is only two short weeks away from NY Fashion Week, welcoming the perfect opportunity for early-autumn attire additions. Keeping that in mind...

I can declare with the utmost conviction that the United Nude Spat boot would not only create the perfect foundation for my F’11 wardrobe, but also be a hit in Lincoln Center. In dark brown calf leather and tweed, the tall-shafted boot combines equestrian elegance with femme fatale.

Casadei, the more subtle assassin, maintains a sharp appearance with its Blade collection. Towering knife-like stilettos will satisfy my need for a sleek, sexy shoe, as well as provide the feeling of security during late-night treks back to my apartment.  Isn’t multitasking fun?

And if you’re looking to give the gift of experience, a few bottles of POP Pink Champagne might just do the trick…

Post by Amanda LaMela

TV might be on the radio, but fashion is on the silver screen -- and tomorrow evening, District L will head to the Tribeca Grand for another sartorial screening in the name of style: Kim Jules of Bijules is pairing with Wardenclyffe for the launch of Amasia. Created for Diane Pernet's curatorial project at Vicenza Oro, the film will be introduced exclusively with Italian Vogue.

Kim Jules is a New York-based jewelry designer that fuses dark humor and modern innovation into her captivating collections. Look out for her Amasia launch tomorrow.

Post by Amanda LaMela

As we go through our daily motions and these hazy summer weeks start blending together, the opportunities to just stop and observe become increasingly rare. Summer is no longer the relaxing season it's made out to be -- growing social calendars have no reverse effects on our unwavering workloads.

As July approaches, it's time to find the perfect wide-brim to hide behind and steal your moment of serenity.

Photo by Jak & Jil