District L

There are few people in this world that you can depend on for style suggestions – everyone seems to have an opinion, a licensed clothing line, two t-shirt companies, and a personal style Tumblr. So when you find reliable friends that double as unfailing fashion informants, you pay close attention.

This week, I was introduced to MEI New York, an evocative new brand with a penchant for the past. Inspired by 19^th Century menswear and Christopher Payne’s redolent aesthetic, the design duo shares a similar philosophy with the aforementioned photographer – to preserve the vanishing quality and design of yesteryear.

With close attention to detail, the MEI New York F12 collection combines utilitarian with poise for a rich, enduring debut.

Post by Amanda LaMela

A branded Winnebago parked in front of Highline Stages welcomed guests into last night’s after-hour celebration for Lands’ End Canvas. Maintaining the motto of “Authentic Inspiration – Modern Interpretation,” the brand’s party launched Spring 2012 with artwork from the School of Visual Arts and a concert by The Wandas. As cocktails were being served throughout a terrain of styled mannequin sets and quirky lifestyle scenes, fierce ping-pong competitions were occurring just left of the photo-booth step-and-repeat.

Attracting the right combination of impulsive prepster and nonchalant urbanite, this Wednesday evening event created just the right buzz.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Since I moved into FiDi about a year-and-a-half ago, there have been quite a few transformations in the neighborhood. The Fulton opened, Andre Balazs' sexification of 5 Beekman quietly began, and, of course, Wall Street gained its most recent set of 'occupants.'

Let's be honest, fashion week has experienced its fair share of protests too.The problem is that activists just don't understand how to command attention in this industry: Throw a party - not a protest. We'll be much happier to hear what you have to say after our second hour of open bar.

Tokion Magazine, August 2009

Betsey Johnson AW2010 Runway

Vice Magazine, January 2011

Tush Magazine AW11/12

Nick Brazinsky Photography, September 2010

iD, September 2007

Post by Amanda LaMela

Last season, ROCHAMBEAU introduced us to sun-kissed, Nordic men with good intentions. Carefully balancing structure with staunch, the ROCHAMBEAUs of AW11 impressed guests with well-edited depth.

And it seems that the label’s tune of “taking chances” continues, as ROCHAMBEAU moves away from the silent stability of last season and into something tougher, darker, more dangerous.

I suppose the mothers of Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper were too fond of the boys from last season. Maybe AW11 texted too much, asking where they were and what they were doing and who they were with and if it would be okay if they came along too. Perhaps it was the last straw when AW11 stopped by with chicken soup and wide eyes when the design duo lied and said they were too sick to go out.

Whatever the case may be, ROCHAMBEAU’s new boy has a motorcycle, a few tattoos he doesn’t remember getting, and a penchant for breaking laws. But this isn’t superficial suburban “anguish” – No, these SS12 boys lived on Avenue C in the 90s and learned a few things from their short stint in Ossining.

Chandler and Cooper have yet again pushed the envelope, instilling a memorable concept and hooking fans for another season.

Post by Amanda LaMela

10 Crosby, Derek Lam's recently-launched diffusion line, might be touted as the designer's response to society's increasing nonchalance and decreasing disposable income -- but in reality, this high-quality label will be just as rare to spot on any given R train.

10 Crosby, named after the company's headquarters, maintained Derek Lam's downtown flair by tapping into the prevailing athletic-inspired trend. Model, Hanne Gaby Odiele, turned the showroom into her own personal jungle gym, sporting color-blocked separates, tailored jumpers, and versatile canvas pieces.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images by Style.com

Want to be MintCastle royalty?

MintCastle is a new member’s-only website providing unique offers on luxury experiences and uncommon merchandise. The online lifestyle magazine presents deals for insiders who appreciate the unexpected and covet originality.

Chiefs of Enchantment, one of District L’s creative cravings, is the upcoming feature on this trendsetting site. We first met designer, Rita Watson, at Lu Magnus back in March -- and our strong fan following continues. Watson creates innovative headdresses and modern diadems from materials such as feathers, freshwater pearls, and vintage sleeve trims.

Luckily, you don’t need to work up the ranks to become a bohemian princess: Exquisite headpieces from Chiefs of Enchantment are now available exclusively for District L readers to purchase at member prices.

Click here to shop MintCastle and take home the crown.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Arizona Muse for stern Magazine, Peter Lindbergh

It’s about time – Time to analyze, time to applaud… time to acquire.

In the past few days, our mailbox has been filling with Ghosts of Fashion Week Past. On Tuesday, the stylish spirit armed the postman with a Sally LaPointe booklet-turned-photo-reel. Maintaining her keen concept of a Latent Panorama, LaPointe conveyed imminent darkness with hi-contrast backstage negatives and crimson backdrop shots.

And as Sally’s foreign landscape grows closer and clearer with Polariod-like suspense, so does the ability to acquire some LaPointe of our very own. You see, EVA BOUTIQUE seems to understand the DL dilemma – Tribeca tastes on a Murray Hill budget.

So, on April 21 from 5-9pm, EVA BOUTIQUE will be hosting an exclusive shopping event with 25% discount off the Spring/Summer 2011 collection and up to 80% discount on the Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

We’re so in. See you then at 355A Bowery.

After revealing designer events and a sharp photo montage, the Ghost of Fashion Week Past returned today, bearing reminders of Norman Ambrose in the form of a thick spiral-bound book in our mailbox. Ambrose, the California-born Milan-cultivated designer, amazed show-goers this season with his irreverent sophistication and 70s glamour.

We’re dying to get our hands on some Ambrose – until then, we’ll just covet from a distance and try to channel Faye Dunaway circa-1974.

Post by Amanda LaMela

That's right. Today is the last day to enter for the chance to be photographed on the cover of VMan. Just be sure to send us those photos first.