New York Fashion Week is here! Here’s some of our favorite looks from the first day – of course, featuring our favorite Asian models!
Sui He & Chiharu Okunugi – BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013
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]
I bid thee farewell Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and its more than 100 designers who previewed their fall 2011 collections last week in New York City. Though I did not attend, I will always feel like fashion is a part in me that taps well beyond the ready-to-wear clothes on my back. Okay, I lied because these are thrift finds I’m wearing, but here are eclectic fall and wintry looks from a few Asian and AA designers that will drive any trendmonger mad. Next Fashion Week stop, London (with Ashish, J. JS Lee, and more)!
Courtesy of Getty Images
Audrey contributor Tamae Ishii shot some very stylish Asian Americans at New York Fashion Week last month. Here, some of our favorites and why.
This is “how to wear your cocktail dress for day” 101:
Sheer polka dot tights are hot.
Why this works: Camel-toned accessories (a staple in daytime chic), a faded denim jacket and rugged lace-up booties tone down what could have been an evening-only piece in her closet. Try something similar with your favorite cocktail dress!
Next, we have a lesson in mixing it up at night:
Plush meets hard-edged.
Why this works: The plush brown wrap takes an otherwise typical all-black evening ensemble into the current season. (That hardware-embellished bag doesn’t hurt either.) Don’t be afraid to mix it up — it’ll keep you warm at night, too.
When in doubt, go grey:
Grey leather.
Why this works: An instant update to all your outfits, leather is especially a standout in an atypical hue like grey. Pair it with the season’s pencil skirt, and you’re pretty much set.
Another shot we really liked:
Shiny slippers are so cool, but oddly enough, I think the best part of this look is that bright red chair contrasting with his geek chic look.
And of course, nothing makes a statement better than a broad smile. Work it like Joe Zee, creative director of Elle magazine …
Joe Zee, creative director of Elle magazine.
… or Kelly Choi, host of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters.
Kelly Choi.
– Tamae Ishii
Audrey contributor Tamae Ishii previously reported on the ever-coveted 3.1 Phillip Lim spring 2011 show. Here, she reports on the Spring/Summer 2011 presentation of Andy & Debb, designed by Korean husband-and-wife design team, Andy Kim and Debbie Yoon.
The Andy & Debb Spring/Summer 2011 collection was filled with very wearable and covetable pieces reminiscent of the mod look — what Twiggy might have worn back in the 1960s. The looks were streamlined but not severe with miniskirts, short sheath dresses and cropped slim pants in hues of taupe, black, white, dusty pink and slate blue.
Although the silhouettes were simple, the detailing was precise and interesting. The dresses, skirts and jackets with the black silk interlocking loop overlays were of particular interest. There was also a psychedelic tie-dye shift dress that popped with color and felt more modern than hippie. Overall there were many pieces in this collection that would be a great addition to any girls wardrobe!
– Story and photos by Tamae Ishii.
For more looks, keep reading.
The Korean husband-and-wife team behind Andy & Debb.
Shu Pei Qin in 3.1 Phillip Lim, spring 2011.
Audrey contributor Tamae Ishii attended the 3.1 Phillip Lim show during New York Fashion Week earlier this month. Here, she gives us an inside look.
The 3.1 Phillip Lim show was held at the cavernous venue that is the Park Avenue Armory — a favorite of the young and fashionable, including notable attendee Kanye West dressed in a bright fuchsia blazer.
The theme was “Puzzles,” which was exemplified by the giant white puzzle pieces that were strategically placed along the wide runway.
The predominant colors in Lim’s Spring 2011 collection were his trademark neutrals — camel, black, taupe
and white — with a touch of azure blue as an accent.
There was plenty of layering and asymmetry going on, but ultimately Lim showed a lot of very wearable, city-chic looks that will be popular with the hip crowd come spring.
Phillip Lim takes a bow.
– Story and photos by Tamae Ishii
I am in love with the moody, brooding, textured nails created by Sally Hansen for Tracy Reese’s fall 2010 show. It so epitomizes the look for fall 2010. Check it out:
Sally Hansen's nail creations for Tracy Reese.
A new Asian face appeared all over New York Fashion Week, and we had to find out who she was.
Charlene Almarvez in Diane von Furstenberg.
Introducing Charlene Almarvez.
At almost 5-foot-10-inches, Charlene Louise Alagon Almarvez hails from Sao Paulo, Philippines. After winning Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines in 2009, the 16-year-old went on to win first runner-up of the Ford Supermodel of the World 2010.
These past couple weeks, Charlene’s been keeping busy walking the runways of Peter Som, Diane von Furstenberg, Rad Hourani, Lacoste, Nanette Lepore, Rachel Comey, Sophie Theallet, Suno, Tracy Reese, Wayne, Cynthia Steffe, and the Academy of Art University.
We think she’s simply stunning and hope to see more of her.
For now, here are a few more shots of this up-and-comer.
Continue Reading »
The beauty looks from New York Fashion Week keep rolling in. And with most of the country still swathed in chilly weather, now’s the perfect time to experiment with the looks models wore down the runway last week.
My favorite is M*A*C’s face chart for Peter Som. Super spiky eyelashes, a shimmery golden eye and vampy lips for an “uptown girl meets Woodstock” look, according to makeup artist Tom Pecheaux. It’s so easy to do and a refreshing change from spring’s pastel profusion.
M*A*C for Peter Som face chart.
I know, I know. I’ve been waxing profuse about spring, warm weather, bright pastels and must-have khaki for the past weeks as we put our spring print issue to bed. (And it’s a good one — subscribe now to get it on time in March!)
But now I have to shift gears and think seven months ahead, otherwise known as fall fashion for 2010, as I’m getting ready to put away fall fashion 2009. Thankfully, the looks coming out of New York Fashion Week last week are inspiring and oh-so wearable.
Your first preview into the looks you’re going to covet in six months comes from backstage at the Derek Lam fall 2010 show. Estée Lauder’s Tom Pecheux did the makeup and shared his looks for the models with us.
Estée Lauder creative makeup director Tom Pecheux finishing Liu Wen's look at Derek Lam.
