District L

Purposefully shaking off this evening’s post-work fatigue, I found myself ascending to the top of The Standard Hotel for the latest INC Editor-at-Large launch.  New York stylist and Voguette veteran, Kate Young, celebrated her newest collaboration at Le Bain. On a stage constructed over the infamous whirlpool, models posed in sequin separates, polka dots, and tribal prints.

DJ Hannah Bronfman spun for an energetic crowd, a further reflection of Young’s devoted following. Guests socialized over champagne, 18 floors above cobblestone, while stealing an exclusive first glance at the INC Editor-at-Large S12 collection.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Brooklyn designer, Samantha Pleet, debuted her namesake collection in 2006, combining new and old concepts from art, literature, and music. Having since expanded her namesake label to stockists worldwide while collaborating with Urban Outfitters on Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet, this young designer brought New York another season of dynamic inspiration.

Amongst champagne rounds in The Highline Loft, last Saturday’s presentation displayed water-color body suits, twist-knot rompers, and polished trenches.  A blend of coy cutouts and hints of menswear enticed the Francophile within as Pleet’s customized soundtrack, a collaboration with Caroline Polachek from Chairlift, crooned to a crowd of industry insiders and admirers.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Son Jung Wan’s SS12 collection opened like the early stages of champagne intoxication – hazy, comfortable and subtly sweet.

Gauzy, organic fabrics in a light golden color palette teetered between soft and structured silhouettes. Eventually introducing deeper tones of blue and charcoal, Son Jung Wan concluded her show like a sparkling, balanced Premier Cru.

Post by Amanda LaMela

At about half-past 5pm, I found myself sprinting down 58^th street and descending deep into the bowels of the Hudson Hotel. Socialite darling, Douglas Hannant, was celebrating and presenting his “Pink” launch at Good Units. With a performance by The Vandelles and a relaxed attitude, the Park Avenue Prince was looking refreshingly ‘downtown.’

Two air kisses, one cocktail, and a few photos later, I found myself back on 58^th with the good intention of taking a subway. But with another glance at the darkening skies, I muttered, “F*** that,” and hailed a cab down to Greene Street.

I arrived in Soho on Fashion’s Night Out against my initial judgment. The streets reminded me of Halloween in elementary school – everyone especially focused on their attire, scoping out which door would reap the best goodies. But instead of dodging eggs, I dodged drunk tourists until I finally slid into REALM on 98 Greene.

REALM Boutique was throwing an exceptionally style-list FNO, hosted by Lissy Trullie, May Kwok, Michelle Trachtenberg, Leandra Medine, Susie Bubble and Chelsea Leyland. Champagne in hand, I sifted through racks upon racks of luxurious rarities until boutique owner, Lewaa Abdulkhalek stopped me for an introduction.

Presenting his collection of Jitrois, Lewaa highlighted a few key items – a stretch leather sheath dress, a feather-trimmed cocktail frock, and a bright suede skirt. “Black will always be our best-selling color, but red is the predominant fashion color right now,” he shared. I shuddered in delight as I slipped on a cropped chinchilla bomber jacket. “We have a full-length version coming in soon,” Lewaa suggested. I flipped the tag to reveal the price… $31,000.

“Yeah…” I lied, “I guess I’ll just have to wait for that one…”

Post by Amanda LaMela

There is nothing more painful than the caustic return of Monday after a good weekend -- especially those excruciating moments right before viewing my Chase Checking balance for the first time in three days… But as unavoidable as the first flannel purchase for a new Williamsburg resident, Monday made its bitter return.

So what other option do I have than to reflect upon the past days’ unabashed consumption and celebration?

Festivities began early last week with Anna Dello Russo’s INC launch at Openhouse Gallery. The Wednesday night event possessed the right ingredients for a perfect party – Champagne, models, and a famous style icon.

The second half of last week enjoyed its good share of meet-ups. My first stop was Ludlow to visit designer and friend, Lois Eastlund. As I browsed through her new color-ways and styles, we caught up and discussed a particularly exciting photo shoot on the horizon.

Two Bisousciao macrons later, I finally summoned the courage to elbow my way through Soho. When I finally exhaled inside Bloomindales, I was immediately drawn to a table of megawatt LARUICCI cocktail rings like a sorority girl drawn to glittery puff paint and plastic stemware. Designer, Lauren Ruicci, was busy greeting impressed visitors at her weekend trunk show.

“We have a lot in the works for fashion week,” she hinted, “but I can’t really divulge much yet!”

After a bit of self-pampering and shopping, it was time for another rooftop rendezvous with friends -- once again, falling into a champagne haze in the name of birthday celebration. But by 8pm, it was already time to start pulling ourselves together for the Digitalism show at Terminal 5.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Anna Dello Russo, the Editor at Large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, is celebrating her new Editor at Large arrangement with INC for the Fall/Holiday 2011 season. During this evening’s event, guests previewed ADR’s launch at Openhouse Gallery.

With a full champagne bar and music by DJ Sky Ferreira, we spent our Wednesday night mingling amongst a line-up of fabulous color-blocking and fuchsia fur.

Post by Amanda LaMela

August got off to a scorching start for District L: Shoe shows, midnight boat parties, and music festivals certainly create gridlocks in our already-crazy schedules. Toss in a heat wave, and suddenly the world’s spinning.

Monday, August 1^st started off in a murky haze, aftermath of The Raveonettes’ delight. Despite the reluctant start, I traded feathers for pearls and began preparation for the August FFANY Shoe Show. Disinclination suddenly turned to keenness, as I walked into the first showroom on Tuesday. Old favorites like Charles Jourdan combined with exciting newcomers like Cece L’amour, all singing a similar tune – positive undulations of color.

After a week of nonstop showroom visits and Hilton-hopping, I’d already made my 2012 conclusions for feathered embellishments, stacked heels, and wooden wedges: The future of footwear looked great and we were all onboard for some fantastic trends.

And ‘onboard’ I remained – as Friday evening’s itinerary included the Yacht Rock Boat Cruise. Hosted by Nicky Digital, a crew of seafaring night owls embarked on The Clipper City Tall Ship. And it looks like next weekend, we’ll be doing it again – Jules Kim of Bijules will be hosting Good Peoples Summer Sail for more randan revelry.

Post by Amanda LaMela

As I spent my Saturday shopping in the unacquainted sun, the season’s newfound heat drove me into an air conditioned shop on the corner of Broome and Mercer. With eclectic décor and racks of unique pieces arranged by hue, Runway SOHO had a one-of-a-kind feel, despite its dangerous proximity to Broadway’s mass-market stores.

The engaging sales associate immediately approached, asking if we needed anything to drink – and he clearly implied “anything”, considering there were bottles of champagne with the appropriate stemware on cue for whoever requested. He took us through the boutique, explaining the concept of Runway SOHO and highlighting some of their exceptional pieces.

The store’s objective is to offer clients distinctive apparel that is locally designed and produced. In fact, the clothing’s origin is so local, that almost everything is created inside the shop. Runway SOHO employs a team of qualified stylists, personal shoppers, and in-house tailors who are prepared to improve your wardrobe while maintaining your personal style.

So, I decided to give this a whirl:

I was looking for a long, casual dress that was not dry-clean only. I wanted a flowing summer look that was safe against Water Street winds and impromptu boat excursions. Lastly, it had to look appropriate with stilettos…

Success.

Lynn Cohen, the designer and owner of Runway SOHO, will be one of your accommodating fashion guides at 450 Broome Street. Having designed apparel for 35 years, you can be assured you are in competent hands. So sit back, grab a glass of bubbly, and prepare to be impressed in Soho.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Head to EVA for Sally LaPointe's retail event TONIGHT. Enjoy champagne and discounts until 9pm.

Take a look at what's happening there now...

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