Katherine Kwei S/S 11 Fashion Video

So on President’s Day while everyone else was sleeping in and enjoying the extra day of rest, Lani and I were up as early as a typical work day and trying to solve the fashion dilemma of coming up with an outfit that had no black or no grey. Ironically just as I was about leave the house, Lani texted me that she was wearing yellow pants and a blue top – the exact same combo I had on. Guess the fashion equation had only one solution! I was slightly afraid that we’d be too matchy or totally clash with each other, nevertheless I had to get moving if I wanted to make it on time to Williamsburg on that snowy morning for our Fashion Video debut with our lovely co-star the Lulu Bag by Katherine Kwei.

Although it was technically a working Holiday we had a blast working with the lovely and talented director Celia Rowlson-Hall while hanging lovely blogger ladies Claire Geist (faboomadness.blogspot.com), Sara Zucker (sarazucker.com), Bianca Caampued (biancarocksout.com) and Casey Kettleson (styledon.com).

Our first location was in a classroom and it was my first time sitting in one of those grade school desks in ages. It brought back a flood of memories – passing notes to girlfriends, when everything was a big deal, secret snacks I’d hide in my desk, being too tired to hold my head up off the desk and endless doodling. Time flew although the antique looking clock on the wall never did – if I was really in school I think that clock would have killed me! Although being students of style kind of appeals to me!

After a short break, we got to finish off the day with a toast while having drinks at The Thompson in the Lower East Side. The perfect end to a fun day! Hope you enjoy the video as much as we did making it! Special thanks to Small Girls PR for making sure everything in the day went so smoothly and on schedule!

Katherine Kwei Lulu S/S 11 from celia rowlson-hall on Vimeo.

70s Chic: Cynthia Steffe Spring 2011

The 70s are back in full swing this spring. Refinery 29 and The Fashion Spot have reported on this trend citing Marc Jacob's runway collection and others like Derek Lam, Jason Wu and Etro.

Another collection that comes to mind when I think 70s-inspired is Cynthia Steffe spring 2011.

Wide leg pants, pant suits


Tan-orange color scheme, geometric prints


Short shorts, halter necklines


One-pieces, one-shoulder cuts
Cynthia Steffe is a Sugar Rock Catwalk favorite as the line is perfect example of fem with a little twist (and they have the best sample sales). The spring 2011 collection is super wearable and definitely something I want to own. I like the flowy frocks, but I especially love the more structured separates like the leather shorts and jackets. And as always, I'm a fan of the prints and color blocking!

You can find Cynthia Steffe at retailers like Saks and Bloomingdales.

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011 vrs René Gruau

Christian Dior helped start day 1 of the Couture presentations with a bang.  John Galliano was greatly inspired by Fashion illustrator René Gruau.  And given Monsieur Gruau’s history with the house of Dior how could he not have been? Gruau and Christian Dior originally met while working at Le Figaro, the French newspaper, in 1936 and their friendship and work collaboration had Gruau creating illustrations for the House of Dior from 1947 until the 80s.

Gruau has been a personal favorite favorite illustrator of mine ever since I was in college.  I fell in love with the bold, vibrant use of line, color and intriguing composition. The illustrations are almost delicious to me, with not a single line wasted.  While I was on vacation in London I had the opportunity to catch the exhibit Dior Illustrated – René Gruau & the Line of Beauty at the Sommerset house.  My greatest regret is that I did not purchase the exhibition book at the time thinking I could later find it on Amazon.  Unfortunately I still haven’t been able to find it online.

Anyways, when I saw the Dior Couture show, I was delighted to be able to witness the way Galliano interpreted these illustrations into real life.  With bold volumes, feathers, luxe iconic details and even similar colors I really do feel like the collection is almost has a cartoon/illustrated quality to it.  Since I love Gruau, how could I not love this collection?  Perhaps in my spare time I will try and create my own interpretation of these designs as fashion illustrations.  I just thought I’d compare some of the illustrations to what came out on the runway.  I love how even one of the hats sort of reflected Gruau’s signature G.  Bravo Dior!

Video Lookbooks: Rebecca Minkoff & Botkier Spring 2011

Two of our favorite handbag & footwear designers released videos this week - Rebecca Minkoff and Botkier. They're both lovely videos that really capture the essence of spring and each designer's point of view.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011 Video Lookbook

I've been looking forward to Rebecca Minkoff's effortlessly chic spring collection ever since last fashion week. This video lookbook is just perfection - the styling, the camera shots, the music, I love! The bag I'm eying is the Morning After Bag Bombe as seen at 1:19.

Botkier Spring 2011 Behind The Scenes Video

Botkier has been a long time favorite of Erin's; she owns something like six Botkier bags and has bought quite a few for friends and family. This video is Botkier's first official upload onto YouTube, and I think they did great. The bag I'm eying is the Howard St. Satchel seen quickly at 0:19 again at 0:22. I look forward to seeing more videos from Botkier in the future as the line and their social media efforts continue to grow.

+J: Spring 2011

January 26, 2011 marks the launch of the +J Spring 2011 collection. As always - this line is one of the best designer collaborations for men thats gives you the most bang for your buck. The lines are clean and sihlouettes simple. If you work in a more conservative setting like moi, this is a great line for basics that you can mix and match in and out of the office.

Blazers and jackets start at $79.90 and range up to $229.90. For some reason, I've been into tuxedo jackets for the past little while. The one on the right will set you back $229.

The cotton-twill military parka on the left seems like a practical choice will all its spare pockets ($179.90) while the blocktech jacket on the right is an updated version of a windbreaker from the previous Spring collection ($149.90).

Military Jacket ($179.90), Wool slim-fit blazer ($229.90)

Cashmere button up cardigan ($229.90), Linen/cotton V-neck cardigan ($69.90)

Stretch slim-fit flat front pants ($69.90), Flat front pants ($69.90)

Zip up hoodie ($59.90), Slim fit button up shirt ($49.90)

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?