District L

After a much-needed Friday evening G+T, I waltzed over to Lincoln Center for Katya Leonovich’s AW12 presentation. Once again decorated with her original paintings, Leonovich filled the Box with leather frocks, opera gloves, and enough watercolor prints to snap me out of my one-drink-drowsies.

Continuing her trademark aesthetic – a focus on movement – Katya exhibited ethereal dresses with strappy necklines and soft flounces. She also introduced a new and somewhat contrasting architectural theme, with corset dresses and bodice tops mixing effortlessly with her signature prints.

Post by Amanda LaMela

After a pedicure, a cocktail, and a good night’s rest, I am finally ready to evaluate this first half of New York Fashion Week, in all of its crazy, hazy fervor.

We eased into the week on Thursday, with Douglas Hannant, The Vandelles, and the newly-discovered REALM. Champagne was consumed, dancing ensued, and the night ended with a little white lie.

But Friday was a fresh start – and my first stop was the Metropolitan Pavilion for IvanaHelsinki. After a painted procession of feather motifs and tribal patterns, I met up with Nick for Sally LaPointe’s heart-stopping runway show at 548 W 22^nd street.

As expected, we left LaPointe feeling mentally stimulated and pleasantly mystified – so the cab ride to Exit Art served as the perfect break for inspirational debate. Once we arrived to Parke & Ronen, our churning little minds were momentarily halted by a parade of men wearing -- uh… what were they wearing? Oh, now I remember…

With one flick of a hand fan and a speedy cab ride, we pulled into Lincoln Center for Falguni and Shane Peacock. Experimental combinations of patterns, adornments, and mixed-media hoisted this design couple to the top of our list. The show closed with singer-songwriter, Porcelain Black, in a bold stomp down the runway in mixed-mesh and a gun-embellished bodysuit.

Saturday started with an express blowdry at Butterfly Studio Salon. As soon as the stylist boosted me out of my early-morning cocoon, I fluttered out of Butterfly and right back to Lincoln Center for Son Jung Wan’s intoxicating collection.

Giddy off the first show, I headed back downtown for Samantha Pleet. Drawing in a vibrant crowd, Pleet indulged guests with peek-a-boo cutouts and feminine silhouettes in muted sherbets and golds. Then, just a few blocks over, Kaelen invited us to a forest fairy dreamland at Drive In Studios.

I narrowly made it back to Lincoln Center in time for a model presentation by Farah Angsana. With flounces, silk rope belts, and rising waist-lines, Angsana decorated the Box with her modern versions of Aphrodite.

Post-Farah, we took a break at the Hudson Hotel to organize our notes, update photos, and grab a drink – after all, we hadn’t brunched all day. After recharging – ourselves, as well as our phones – we headed down to Good Units for the Eva Minge runway show.

Venexiana was our last show of the day. Juxtaposing her elaborate collection with the punkish sounds of The Dickies, Kati Stern brought Day 3 to a strong and invigorating close.

Sunday morning started early with an Americana-inspired collection by Katya Leonovich, followed by optimistic motivation by Lela Rose. The afternoon then quickly approached, bringing Daryl K’s drippy floral prints, with live drummers and dancing models.

After a quick break, I made it back to the tents for GUiSHEM’s sexy and assertive model presentation. With angular motifs, color blocking, and sharp necklines, designer Guillermo Jop challenged the sweetness of spring.

Custo Barcelona was my last show of the day. Guests packed in, 3D-glasses in hand, awaiting Custo’s Mirame looks. Icons of Summer by Cold Cave vibrated through The Stage, as Custo presented his technologic prints for SS12.

And now that Monday is almost complete, it’s time to stock up on enough Starbucks and business cards for part two!

Post by Amanda LaMela

Minutes before our interview, cameras were devouring Katya Leonovich’s genuine joy and girlish modesty – a refreshing sight, as she stood before her collection this morning at Lincoln Center. Born in Moscow, Katya began her design career in Rome, continued in Paris, and has lived in New York for the past three years.

“It is new American inspiration,” Leonovich elaborated on her original works of football paintings that framed the model presentation. Displaying chiffon in these replicated prints alongside pieced blue denim, Katya exhibited her personal and professional transformation. “I combined the classic silhouettes from Italy with Parisian playfulness,” she explained. “But American football was so new and interesting to me – their costumes were something I had never before seen in Europe,” she explained.

The collection had an underlying theme of movement, with wind-blown hairstyles and sport-inspired backs, as well as draped and angular hemlines. And this ‘movement’ surpassed fabric and stylings, as guests milled through the Box, whispering adoring buzz-words like, “refreshing,” “energizing,” and “innovative.”

I have never eavesdropped on a coach’s winning locker room speech, but it seems like an appropriate time to use a resonating cliché... This win was for the fans.

Post by Amanda LaMela