District L

With gargoyles overhead and a gold metallic stage at their feet, the models of Mathieu Mirano donned a collection of fantastical proportions. The Sunday evening presentation took place in the Box at Lincoln Center, attracting a long line of industry insiders.

“I am surprised by the turnout,” Mirano modestly confessed, eyes sparkling with youthful enthusiasm. The 20-year-old designer achieved substantial attention for his SS 2012 collection and his debut show had followed suit. Inspired by “legendary dragon riders,” the room was complete with red fur jackets, midnight blue glittering gowns, and floor-grazing velvets.

Surely, the designer responsible for such a well-executed and imaginative presentation should be able to toast his first Fashion Week success with the appropriate adult beverage. Here’s to hoping Mathieu’s fake ID is as flawless has his AW 2012 collection.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week announced yesterday the preliminary schedule for the Fall 2012 Collections. A few new names have been added to the list of designers showing at Lincoln Center this season, including last season’s off-site wonders like Kaelen, as well as fresh fashion acquaintances like Mathieu Mirano.

Spring’s sleepy sprites created buzz for Kaelen, who has been showing during Fashion Week for a few seasons. Her presentation at Drive-In Studios was set against a wooded backdrop and featured “moonshine cocktails.” This season, Kaelen Farncombe will be showing in the Box at Lincoln Center on February 9^th.

Mathieu Mirano attracted attention for his Spring 2012 Collection with a cocktail of violent seduction. Mirano narrated the story of a homicidal wife who grew younger as she approached deliberate widowhood. The provocative designer’s presentation will be held in the Box at Lincoln Center on February 12^th.

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

District L recently received an invite to IVANAhelinki, the first Finnish designer to show at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. With a collection titled, "Where The Fuck Is My Sailor?" ...well, we were wondering the same thing.