Anveglosa made its way to the US shores during New York Fashion Week, presenting its Fall/Winter 2013 collection at Eli Klein Fine Art on Tuesday, February 12. The Hong Kong-based brand was created by Annette Chan in 2007, naming Anveglosa after her three daughters – Venus, Glori and Sabrina. Chan had in mind to design fine clothing with timeless style and eventually found success after the debut of her first collection. Her leather creations garnered her attention and Chan has used the material to globalize Anveglosa.

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If you think Prabal Gurung’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection wasn’t sexy enough, just take a closer look at the heels the models rocked at the designer’s show in New York Fashion Week earlier this month. Of course, it’s all thanks to the collaboration between Gurung and Cesare Casadei, who have worked together since Spring/Summer 2003 season. The twosome debuted their new collection Casadei for Prabal Gurung at Fashion Week, featuring four exclusive styles that reflect Gurung’s military inspiration. All styles feature Casadei’s iconic “Blade” heel with a 12.5 cm golden razor blade welded to the upper soles of sandals, closed-toe shoes, and over the knee boots in colors of black, green, loden green and gold. Yup, leave it to this dynamic duo to make military look feminine, strong and sexy.

Check out a behind the scenes video with an interview of Gurung and Casadei.

Casadei for Prabal Gurung will be sold at Casadei boutiques and at select retailers and department stores worldwide.

Blizzard Nemo couldn’t stop New York Fashion Week when it hit the Big Apple on Friday evening (February 8) – the second day of runway shows and after parties. Although the blizzard was predicted to keep New Yorkers locked up in their homes until Saturday afternoon, that wasn’t the case as it was all sunshine the next day. Well, it was also slippery, wet, windy and freezing, but no boots or jackets can’t fix that as proven by all the lovely ladies I snapped for our “Street Fashion” story during Fashion Week. Whether they were attending shows – ie. Blanc de Chine and Anveglosa – or actually keeping the streets fashionable, these ladies brought their individual sartorial game – snow or shine.

Chinese-American singer-songwriter Baiyu at Blanc de Chine.

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Vivienne Tam kicked off her Fall/Winter 2013 show on Sunday, February 10 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with a homage to President Barack Obama. Inspired by Pop Art and the punk movement, Tam sent down her first model on the runway in black wool pleated skirt and a black leather long-sleeved jacket with an image of Obama looking cool in shades – an outfit that perfectly combined Tam’s inspirations.

The punk movement was well-represented throughout the show – from the models’ sleek up-dos and bold dark lip color to the inclusion of plaid patterns on jackets and dresses that recall the British punk movement that brought the subculture to the forefront in the 70s. Tam made sure her heritage was also a highlight on the show as several pieces were emblazoned with Mao Zedong’s writings but of course, in graffiti prints – keeping up with the punk and pop art inspirations. Leave it to Tam to bring together Eastern and Western influences served in an edgy, cool collection.

To check out more of images from Vivienne Tam‘s collections, visit mbfashionweek.com.

Blanc de Chine proves that you don’t need to be “under the tents” at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to bring in the buzz and the crowd. The luxurious Chinese brand showcased their Fall/Winter 2013 collection at their Fifth Avenue store on Sunday (February 10) to a fashionable crowd that included Chinese-American singer Baiyu.

Blanc de Chine kept their inspirations close to the homeland. Menswear was inspired by the robes in the Tang Dynasty, while the womenswear was inspired by the flying Apsaras, the female spirit of the clouds and water and the symbol of Dunhuang art. Both influences were beautifully expressed throughout the collection, notably in the womenswear. Female models walked the runway in elegant and airy pieces, varying from flowy dresses to sleek pants and sheer camisoles in earthy shades of blue, green, brown, gray and black. But the one look that seemed to embody the essence of the Apsara was the navy long dress with sheer cape, bringing to mind the fabric and ribbons that would support the windless Apsaras when flying in the air. What made the afternoon more special for Blanc de Chine was that their fashion week date fell on Chinese New Year, treating the guests with wine and dumplings.

To check out more of Blanc de Chine, blancdechine.com.

Photo Courtesy

Son Jung Wan once again gave an art history lesson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this past Saturday (February 9). Last season, she was inspired by Spanish artist Juan Miro. For her Fall/Winter 2013 collection, the Korean designer was influenced by two of Russia’s greats: painter Kandinsky for his flair in bringing together music and art and the Catherine Palace for its extravagant elegance.

Wan worked with her two contrasting inspirations as she masterfully balanced fine details and neutral hues (gray, ivory, off-white and beige) with lavish textures (wool, fur, tweed, cash-pelt and suede) and jewel tones (ox blood, burgundy, gold, deep violet and teal). Case in point: her last two looks with the ultra-glamorous fox mocha-colored fur coat accentuated with sequins and the hot gold sequined jumper that fabulously finished the show.

Wan has become known for her romantic aesthetics, always offering alluring gowns amongst the heavy coats, floor-gazing pants and structured cocktail dresses. Her latest collection was no different as she included show-stopping mesh dresses in dark violet and mocha – surely wowing her Hollywood fans like Brooke Shields and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford.

To check out more of Son Jung Wan, visit sonjungwan.com.

Photo Courtesy: Rodin Banica

In August, the 2012 London Olympic Games gave many Asians athletes an international platform to demonstrate their physical prowess. Last month, a different group of Asians were put on the spotlight. A new season of Fashion Week took over New York and I was there to soak it all in all while getting first-hand looks at the creativity of numerous Asian designers inside or outside the tents. Check out four Asian designers or brands that were at this season’s New York Fashion Week.

Gavin Rajah

The South African-born designer debuted his Spring 2013 collection as one of the five designers featured at the Arise African Icons fashion collective, held in Lincoln Center. From sparkly pink shorts to the gold dresses, Gavin Rajah stayed true to his opulent designs as even his headgear were luxurious like the gold visors. [Image Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

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As a new season rolls in so does a new season of Fashion Week. Many cities around the globe — from Miami and Los Angeles to Paris and Milan — kicked off the season with a shopping extravaganza, Fashion’s Night Out, on September 8th.

But it was in New York where it all began and ended.

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What’s a fashionista going to do when she can’t find clothes that come with the tag line “stylish without the fuss?” Shop at the next store and hope she’ll find those pieces? We’ve already heard that one.

How about starting her own boutique where she can handpick the items to sell to other ladies who share the similar fashion dilemma? Now we’re talking.

Just take a look at Korean American Christy Han-Chang. She created the affordable online boutique Simply Audrey out of her shopping frustration of not finding items that were understated chic. Han-Chang often shopped at the juniors section for clothes to fit her petite shape, where styles for adults are limited. If you’re looking for casual tees, the juniors section may offer them. If you desire something more sophisticated without mistakenly getting carded at the bar, then Simply Audrey just may be your one-stop shopping site.

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It’s cruel of us to bring up yummy treats when talking about fashion. Forgive us, but we’ve been inspired by the newest addition to your fashion glossary: Candace Ang, the woman behind SuperCandy and her eponymous jewelry line. But before we get to the sweet stuff, let’s first enjoy the main course.

Candace Ang "Nouveau" earrings.

Meet designer Candace Ang, of Chinese descent, born in the Philippines, raised in Canada, lived in Los Angeles and now residing in New York City. Her experimental aesthetic is seen in her jewelry line, whether it’s her bangles adorned with silk or satin, statement necklaces or a collaboration with another designer, and each piece is handmade at her Brooklyn studio.

“I never wanted to create anything that seems like it was stamped out of a factory,” she says. “That will continue with anything that I make. It gives some life and love to each piece.”

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