District L

Don’t think you’re special, October. I’ve met your kind before. Moody and aloof, you’re just a menopausal April - rain and all. And I’m not afraid to state the obvious: You make a terrible summertime rebound.

It’s fine if you don’t want to stay, October. Just know you’ll be handled like the fussy months that came before you. This season, it’s about more than just “wearing the pants” – it’s about developing a thicker skin.

From the rubber effect added by Lagerfeld to the quilting in A.L.C., ubiquitous leather skinnies are just demanding some tough love. Sure, these looks are all for SS/2013, but let’s face it… Patience is no longer a virtue – it’s a liability.  

A.L.C

Karl Lagerfeld 

Bruno Schiavi

10 Crosby Derek Lam

BLK DNM

Jason Wu

Post by Amanda LaMela

It official. Spring has sprung.

If there is any appropriate time to integrate such a double entendre, it would be for a Kirill-inspired style post.

Gone are the fur-filled nights, now replaced by heightened hemlines, fawn-toned footwear, and shortened sleeves. And in the dawn of bare arms, stylistas have been taking a “strength in numbers” approach, layering bangles, cuffs, and – yes – timepieces.

The vote is unanimous – more is more.

Post by Amanda LaMela

As we quickly approach another week of glittering runway shows and booze-fueled model presentations, it’s important to take a moment for some fashion reflection. New York has the driving force of the industry in its name: New. When the rent is too damn high, it takes a whole new level of newness to motivate New Yorkers to buzz, shop around, and spend. Last season, it was the burgeoning, younger designers that caused a stir on the scene, so District L outlined a few points of interest on the FW2011 radar:

Last season, Ann Yee nonchalantly peppered ION Studios with her colorful array of softly layered looks. After making a notable encore appearance at CUE Art Foundation’s Night of Fashion, Yee further proved her budding star-power.

There is a whole lot to love about Jac Langheim. And what's love without a little Latex? Her latest collection presented clean, wearable silhouettes from a fabric so scandalous, that it developed its own reputation. The result? Crisp, unique pieces that can effortlessly debut at brunch and linger past cocktail hour.

If you don’t recall, District L nearly had a coronary upon leaving Sally LaPointe’s debut runway show last season. It’s rare to see ‘smoke and mirrors’ fluidly combined with actual talent. And a mere four months after her jaw-dropping presentation, the 26-year-old designer gained international awareness: Just last week, Lady Gaga wore a gown of LaPointe’s to a Las Vegas Polaroid Launch.

[Listen, Lady. We saw it first.]

Post by Amanda LaMela