NYFW Fall 2014: Georgine - Backstage, Interview and Show

On a snowy Sunday evening, it is designer Georgine Ratelband's New York Fashion Week debut. Touted as a designer to watch, she has the advantage of having a truly international background. Although a fairly recent graduate of the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan (2011). Her senior thesis collection was immediately purchased by Antwerp's SIEN boutique.

I had a chance to go backstage before the show and have a peek at some of the Macbeth inspired collection and meet with the designer for an interview. The designer is slim, blonde and tall, she could almost be mistaken for one of the models backstage. Her hair swept back in a sleek ponytail and wearing clothing that exudes casual elegance. She speaks with a quiet confidence that surprises me for an emerging designer.

SRC: How has growing up in the Netherlands affected your design aesthetic?
Georgine: I think Dutch culture is incredible, I love my country, it is very beautiful. I think Dutch people, they are very innovative. Great style overall. I mean, I've lived all over the world and travelled a lot, so I take bits and pieces from everywhere.

SRC: Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your designs?
Georgine: My clients, the women I dress, they act as huge inspiration to me. I mean, when they try on the clothing, when they put it together, to see how they style it, the color combinations they come up with.

Kaelen Fall 2012 Lookbook

I previously told you to watch out for the rising New York based, Toronto raised design talent, Kaelen Farncombe.  Her collection takes wardrobe classics like button up shirts, cigarette pants, the boxy jacket and shift dress and re-invents them with strong style lines with an architectural feel, graphic prints and color blocking to create clothes that are still wearable, modern and bold.


The Fall 2012 collection is all about texture with the use of charmeuse, lace, lame, velvet and textured wool. Details like cowl backs, cut out shoulders and angular hemlines are seen throughout.  Charming bow ties add a dash of whimsy while column dresses look goddess-like but in a simpler more elegant way.  The collection also featured several drop crotch pants but I am a little torn on my thoughts of those.  Do you think would you wear drop crotch pants?

Check out her full lookbook after the jump.

Eleven Objects Fall 2012 Lookbook

Eleven Objects is the creation of Linh Thi Do and Christine Rhee when they simultaneously decided that their wardrobes would be vastly improved by the addition of a new type of accessory.  They gave birth to their line in Fall 2011 with a variety of luxe embellished detachable collars.

Fall 2012 expands upon the aesthetic with the launch of the debut Ready-To-Wear collection. "Inspired by the movie Amadeus and New Order album covers designed by Peter Saville, Fall 2012 is a modern interpretation of baroque luxury."  

Metallic brocade, silk organza, patent leather and latex come together to create a multi-dimensional variety of textures.  The color story for the season is for most part subdued in Burnished Gold, Black, Ink, Royal Purple and Emerald.  Hand applied gold foil and pearls help to add light and novelty to the collection.  Peplums, exposed zippers and strong shoulders are hallmarks of this collection.  My personal fave looks are the monochromatic looks 7 & 8 below. If you are a fan of lady-like silhouettes and layering keep your eye on this label.

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Check out the full lookbook after the jump.

Website of the Day: Krystalrae

I discovered Krystalrae the other day thanks to my friend Kaity who posted this link on her Facebook. Everyone knows I love prints, so it's probably no surprise that Krystalrae's spring collection caught my eye.

What really stood out to me was this young designer's website.  Her online lookbook is incredible.  I'm totally enamoured with the typography and user experience.  Check it out at krystalrae.com and watch how the clothes change as you scroll down, beautiful and seamless!

I "liked" Krystalrae on Facebook, and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

Catching Up with Robin Tomas

We first noticed Robin Tomas’ clothes on the runway of the Supima Fashion Competition last January.  Since that point his award winning t-shirt has been produced exclusively for Bloomingdales and gone on to create a collection of women’s wear under the label “TOMAS”.  Building on his passion to create refined yet wearable art Tomas just released his sophomore collection.

The Fall 2011 collection was inspired by the Amish community and features distinctly austere sensibilities and purposeful pleating.  While the color palette is predominantly darker and subdued, luxe fabrications and shine give new life and a sense of modernity to the simple silhouettes.  While the clothing is very “covered up”, the softly structured shoulders and sleeves look strong rather than demure.

We had a chance to catch up with Tomas to see how he was doing and a bit about his latest collection and what he’s dressing up for as for Halloween.

Sample Sale Report: Honor

While the NYC based label Honor by designer Giovanna Randall may not be on your radar yet, it should be.  Since the debut collection in last Spring 2011’s NYFW, Honor has gained industry recognition as a label to watch, and not without good reason – the clothes are elegant, effortless and striking.  Femininity that is never overdone and an easy sense of timelessness are hallmarks of the collection.

As for the sample sale, when I hit it up in the last 10 minutes of last night it was fairly quiet, peaceful and extremely well organized.  The shopping space is well lit and very spacious with plenty or room to look.  Every item has been clearly indicated by price stickers or sample price tags.  Sizes at the range from 0 to a 14.  While prices were already significantly reduced, as of tomorrow morning they will be even further slashed from sample sale pricing!  There are a few other items that will be reduced to 50% off the indicated original sample sale prices.

iWant: Thomas IV Bags

Over the weekend I checked out Terrfic Mag's pop-up shop at Union Pool. The event featured 20 of New York’s finest independent clothing, jewelry, and accessories designers, including Thomas IV. This line of mix textile handbags can be found at fine boutiques like Bird, Steven Alan and Oak, all personal favorites of mine.

Thomas IV "Marisa Small Bag", $395 fall pre-order

It was my first time coming across Thomas IV, and I have to say I'm definitely a fan. The line was inspired by designer Lia Cinquegrano's desire to find an everyday handbag that reflects her personal style. Her mixed print, mixed textile aesthetic really speaks to me. I love her color palettes and the functionality of her bags. Made with leather and canvas and a minimal use of hardware, the bags are all very lightweight. And the bucket bags were lined with plenty of pockets inside and out.

Thomas IV "Joanie Bucket" ikat$495 fall pre-order


Thomas IV "Joanie Bucket" camel, on sale $299 (reg $495)
These were my favorites on Saturday, and I'm still thinking about the Joanie Bucket bag in camel. It's from her Spring Summer collection, but I would feel comfortable toting it into the fall and super excited to have a Thomas IV handbag in my collection.

Norman Ambrose Fall 2011

I was instantly dazzled the moment we stepped into the box for Norman Ambrose; it was as if we had entered a dazzling 70s party. I love disco music, and nothing makes my heart flutter quite like sequins and feathers.
Norman Ambrose's debut presentation had a clear point of view. He designs for the sophisticated woman - a woman who probably has an amazing walk-in closet and hat boxes. I loved the way he used sequins, fur and ostrich feathers and something encrusted garments to create a collection that was both glamorous and elegant.
With the exception of one sheer top, most pieces were demure - higher necklines, knee-length hems, pant suits, etc. This collection made us think a bit of Chloe Fall 2010 with the neck tie blouses and 70s tan, but the Norman Ambrose touch is one of extravagance. I loved all the fine details, and I can only imagine how much work went into each garment with all of the patchwork and beading.
It was a strong NYFW debut from Norman Ambrose. I wish him all the best and look forward to seeing more!

Label to Watch: Kaelen NYC–Spring/Summer 2011

I recently stumbled across the New York based, Toronto raised design talent, Kaelen Farncombe.  Her namesake line, Kaelen, which was launched in 2010, has a clean, architectural aesthetic that I can only describe as “new classic”.  The kind of clothes that can become the building blocks of a great wardrobe.  I’ve posted a few of my fave looks from Spring/Summer 2011.

Design is simple and just enough, not at all overdesigned with strong lines created through layering and asymmetry.  Fortunately, the collection is not sterile and there is a softness through some of the fabrications and the soft washed out hand dyeing.

Kaelen can be found at select Intermix stores and at Thistle & Clover in Brooklyn.  What do you think of Kaelen?

Designer to Watch: Georgia Hardinge

You may not have heard of London born, Parson's (Paris) trained designer Georgia Hardinge yet, but I think it's only a matter of time.

As a student, Hardinge, won ‘the Golden Thimble’ for best designer for her graduate collection. Since she made her debut at London Fashion Week in September 2009, Hardinge has developed a following that includes Sugar Rock Catwalk fave, Little Boots and model, Erin O'Connor. Her architectural and sculptural approach to fashion is evident in her designs while always remaining fully aware of the female form. The lines are ultra flattering and accentuate the body.

Check out some of her designs from her AW2010 collection below!

Preview: Le Sang des Betes Fall 2010

Le Sang des Bêtes by Trang Chau has been on our radar ever since we saw her spring 2010 collection. Last night we had the wonderful opportunity of previewing her fall collection.


The fall collection, titled Holding Pattern, consisted of gothic, drapey pieces made with a minimalist color palette of nudes and black. The pieces were well-made with high-quality fabrics, and seeing the pieces in person, I could see Trang's attention to detail like perforated leather trim.
Compared to the previous collection, the fall pieces are softer and more appropriate for everyday wear. While I do miss some of the playfulness and sculptural elements of the spring collection, I also appreciate the darker, more somber look and feel for fall.