District L

It can happen to anyone: You leave your apartment with the intention of going to the drycleaner or picking up organic potpourri, but then you find yourself dancing on a banquette to Mickey Avalon with a bottle of Veuve in your hand.

Fortunately, your choice of apparel doesn’t pose a problem, as you've learned that black skinnies, Camilla Skovgaard wedges, and an asymmetric knit can fit almost any situation. The problem is your handbag -- your Chloe ‘Gabby’ bag is swinging off your shoulder, smacking a waitress carrying sparklers, and knocking over a bottle of vodka that costs half a month's rent.

And let's be honest, if you have a basic satin clutch handy, you probably also have sensible mid-heel pumps to match, rendering you completely incapable of finding yourself in a situation like this in the first place.

So, if you enjoy conversation pieces just as much as the conversation, be sure to ask Santa for one of the choice clutches below:

Neil Barret Goat Fur Clutch

Rocio Union Jack Clutch

Christopher Kane Aqua Snap Bag

Rachael Ruddick Castlereagh Clutch

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images from Farfetch.com

Shortly after reviewing Cheng's flirty Fall/Winter 2011 collection, District L got the exclusive opportunity to interview the young, energetic designer. Check out our complete dialogue below:

DL: What was the concept for your most recent collection?

Cheng: The Fall 2011 collection is inspired by Japanese Geisha. When geisha were prominent in Japan, they were seen as strong, powerful and independent women, and that's how I feel women should be seen now as well. My goal was to create a new modern look of geisha, for today's urban and sexy women.

Who do you have in mind when designing?

I design for the little girl inside of me, and for women who love fashion, like the characters in “Sex and the City”, very confident and independent women, who know who they are and enjoy their lives.

How would you describe the woman who wears your looks?

Strong, sexy, urban women.

When did you decide to pursue fashion?

As long as I can remember, I have been interested in fashion. I can say for sure that fashion has always been my dream job. My parents have owned clothing stores since before I was born. When I was little, I never really hung out with other kids. I played my own game dressing up the mannequins in the store to see if people would buy the clothes I chose. I loved to help people choose clothes for themselves, and when they liked it, it just made me feel really good!

After high school, I went to art school for fine arts, and I realized fashion is even more important than art. People go to museums and admire art. But they choose and then wear fashion. Fashion has a very visceral, emotional component to consumer preferences, something that reaches into the core of our souls and taps into the human desire to do things with our resources that represent something about our individual beings. Fashion is the highest expression of free will and that made me want to become a Fashion designer.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Mainly from history, culture, movies and people watching. Every little thing around me in life can be an inspiration.

How would you describe you overall aesthetic?

I want to design for every woman, no matter what her body type, to make her feel confident and comfortable being who she is.

What is your...

Favorite store?

Vintage stores and antique shops

Favorite song?

“A Song For xx” by Ayumi Hamasaki

Favorite travel destination?

Taiwan

Favorite New York spot?

Lower East Side

Favorite magazine?

East-West Magazine

Favorite fashion icon?

It's a tie between Mariacarla Boscono and Kate Moss.

Favorite movie?

Any movie by Pedro Almodovar or Peter Greenaway.

Biggest accomplishment?

My first fashion show, launching my first collection and starting on my dream in NYC!

Tell us one last little-known fact about yourself...

I designed and made a jacket for my favorite pop singer, Ayumi Hamasaki, and gave it to her in person. She tweeted about it afterward and even posted a picture of me with her on her blog!

Post by Amanda LaMela

We confess: District L is partial to products that are able to boast “Made in New York” on their hangtag. From Lois Eastlund’s mod dresses to the custom creations at Runway Soho, there is something inherently special about apparel made in this town. Since we are always on a search for fresh New York talent, we were delighted when we learned about Sophie Blake and her recent namesake launch at Henri Bendel.

Inspired by Ancient Egyptian design, Sophie Blake offers geometric statement jewelry in her 17-piece debut collection. For more information, visit her site here.

Post by Amanda LaMela

During an aimless jaunt around Soho, the District L duo wandered into Opening Ceremony on Howard Street. Amongst racks of mesh t-shirts, Sevigny-sanctioned merchandise, and ironic ruffle leggings, I spotted a small, yet provocative shoulder bag by Fleet Ilya. The structural cage frame, embossed leather strap, and stud-detailing prompted my post-brunch investigation.

Fleet Ilya’s husband-and-wife design team maintains an underlying outright theme of bondage and fetishism in their luxury leather creations. With meticulous attention to functionality and a continuous focus on sensual power, this playful label certainly exhibits an ability to dominate.

Post by Amanda LaMela

This Tuesday, District L will be attending Sauza Tequila's "Ladies Who Brunch" event, hosted by expert party planner, Cathy Riva. When you're invited to enjoy fresh margaritas, express manicures, and chair massages, you cannot say no.

Riva, who's built her career by throwing top-notch soirees for socialites and making informative appearances on NBC's The Today Show, will be put to the DL test.

Because, let's face it, we know a good party.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images [from top to bottom, left to right]: Caitlin Moe, Rebecca Formichella, Amanda LaMela, Nicolas Sera-Leyva, Amanda Lepore

After passing through Condo's Mental States on Sunday afternoon, we decided to ascend to a higher altitude - the seventh floor Sky Room of The New Museum.

Because even the laziest of Sundays adhere to our 4-inch-heel minimum, we only managed to navigate through NoLiTa for 1 short hour before nestling into L'asso for champagne and light Italian fare. Stylish patrons, delicious gluten-free options, and a waiter that's easy on the eyes -- that's enough reason for an encore.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Kate just can't get enough.

Here is the leaked 90-second clip of her Dior ad for "The Iconic Lipstick," which will be hitting stores next month. Enjoy.

In a striking combination of crimson, royal, and plum, Lois Eastlund debuted her signature mod silhouettes during New York Fashion Week on February 14. Her deliberate delineation provided a streamlined sensibility, while calculated contours added the right touch of edgy femininity. Lois Eastlund's runway presentation offered versatility-without-kitsch -- independence-sans-pretension.

Rockstar talent with a perceptive attitude, all wrapped into a Lower East Side boutique? No wonder she's a DL regular.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Photography © Copyright 2010 Rachel A. Cuyler 2010 All rights reserved