Tibi Tales: Dresses equal Perfection

By Tiffany Olson

{the final look}

Oh Tibi, you know how to make us swoon.  And get out our wallets. 

We have to say, in this year's fall collection, we loved the daywear pieces, but we ADORED the dressier options!!!  The red jumper??  We die.  The finale look?  We need.  Amazingly pretty, swoon worthy, and classic Tibi.  We can't get enough!

Backstage before the show, Tibi designer Amy Smilovic commented on the gap in retail prices:  "There's a gaping hole in the middle now.  No one wants to buy a $298 floral silk dress when you can get one just like it at Zara," Amy remarks. "You have to offer them something more."   She definitely offered something more with the intricate prints, appliques, and detailing on all the dresses.  The daywear looks were styled with hot pink beanies and arm warmers, and included a lot of calf length dresses and skirts. 

Once again, Tibi delivers wearable, lovable pieces that we know will be a big hit!! 

{the designer, Amy, backstage before the show}

Celebrities at this show: 

Tinsley Mortimer, SNL's Abby Elliot, Vanessa Hudgens, and the face of Tibi Spring 2011, 

Olivia Palermo.  

TELL US: Which look is your favorite?

NYFW: Zang Toi

By Tiffany Olson

I will start by saying the Zang Toi show was the kind of show that almost made you want to cry. When the first look came out, the crowd immediately erupted into applause.  (Call us crazy, but everyone we spoke to said they were near the brink of tears!) The dramatic music, the slower more theatrical pace of the models, and of course the clothes themselves, all combined to create a breathtaking production.

Toi says for the first time, this collection does not have a cohesive theme, as its inspiration was solely based on his devoted clients.  The looks ranged from everyday wear to full-length gowns, and they featured a lot of emerald green, camel and black.  Models wore their hair in enormously tall buns and heavy "va-va-voom" eye makeup as they glided down the runway.  We loved the black and camel lace gown and are absolutely in awe of the fully beaded neck pieces!

The last gown that came down the runway was a whopping $30,000 stunner, worn by Real Housewife of New York City, Jill Zarin.  

Zang Toi showed us once again how to do timeless, classic & elegant. 

Day 3 NYFW: Jill Stuart

{the designer}

What: Jill Stuart Fall 2011 Collection

When: Saturday Feb., 12th, 11am

Where: Lincoln Center, The Stage

Front Row Spotted: Nigel Barker, Tinsley Mortimer, Mena Suvari

{THE SHOW} 

Jill sent her models down a runway filled with neutral colors, peeps of metallics, soft hues and splashes of red. Can we say '70s futuristic vibe? The color blocked fabrics definitely made us say yes. 

As for the handbags? A doctor's bag and a shoulder bag with accordion sides made us take notes. 

Day 2 NYFW: Venexiana Brings the Glam!

By Candace Cabrera Moore 

What: Venexiana Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 9pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

{Kati backstage before the show}

Designer Kati Stern informed us that her inspiration for the rock and roll glam fall '11 collection was fabrics. Backstage, she showed us a sparkly sheath and said, "I love to design but I don't have a particular favorite fabric." Her fall trend predictions? "I see a lot of leather, wool, tweed and plaid." To go along with the fall vibe, Tela hairstylists created what they dubbed "the French top hat" look which put a spin on the traditional French twist. Napoleon Perdis did the make up in a big way- extra long eyelashes and red lips were all the rage as the models strutted down the catwalk. Besides the grandeur of the hair and makeup, the looks themselves were beyond. With sixty-nine looks to feast our eyes upon, we were oohing and ahhing at every one that passed. The one that tugged at our hearts just a tad more than the others? A delicious brown fur coat that oozed luxe glam. We also saw lots of sparkly sheaths with trains and flouncy cocktail dresses with full skirts. We just love Venexiana!

Day 2 NYFW: Rebecca Taylor brings back the seventies!

What: Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 2pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Stage

It was all about the seventies at Rebecca Taylor. Boho GLAM, cropped trousers, lace, beading and emellished knits were a few trends to walk the runway.  Want to embrace your feminine side? This collection is for you! 

Day 2 NYFW: Perry Ellis

By Emily Ehlers

{the invite} 

What: Perry Ellis Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 11am

Where: Lincoln Center, The Stage 

The classic beachy-sexy look is back, and better than ever! Perry Ellis brought a great assortment of fall must-haves to the runway, featuring messy-haired models in earth toned fabrics and lots of layering. We especially  loved the Alpaca Herringbone trenchcoat paired with a quilted vest, wool trousers and fingerless gloves. The fabulous accessories that complimented each look even included wool socks and hats that looked incredibly comfortable, a necessity for the fall. The collection is definitely fitting for any man, stylish or casual. Loved it!

{Backstage} 

Day One NYFW: Victor dE Souza

By: Emily Ehlers

What: Victor dE Souza Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

When: Thursday, Feb. 10th, 2pm

Where: Exit Art, 475 10th Avenue

Photographer: Anton Oparin

The studio at Exit Art was buzzing with excitement at Victor dE Souza’s fall 2011 runway show. His collection was inspired by imperial India during the winter, focusing on the brilliant colors of the birds and forests. While staying true to his color and texture-rich design, we saw a remarkably fresh ensemble from chic floor-length gowns in bright, bold blue and soft white to slimming black mini-dresses paired with lacy elbow-length gloves. The looks mixed couture with men’s tailored fashion by pairing sophisticated blazers with eccentric blue trousers and classic black heels. From the soft yet dramatic makeup, to the exotic music and fantastic new looks, Victor dE Souza amazed us all yet again!

Day One NYFW: Mara Hoffman! -- She never lets us down!

By Tiffany Olsen

Mara returned to her tribal roots for her Fall Presentation with a more editorial collection, featuring long gowns and bringing back bold color and dramatic styling. The juxtaposition of spiritual being and warrior, “where veil meets turban,” provides a jumping point for the collection’s aesthetic.

What: Mara Hoffman Fall 2011 Presentation 

When: Thursday Feb., 10th, 3:30pm

Where:  Lincoln Center, The Box 

Mara Hoffman's collection caused quite the stir today at the tents at Lincoln Center, as models lined up on 2 white platforms, no runway needed.  The overall look stuck to Mara's tribal tendencies.  With the sounds of a live Japanese band known as Water Fai performing mostly celestial and sometimes even aquatic sounding tunes, the mood for this show was very airy and certainly had a cohesive, earthy feel.  Turbans, braids, bold prints, and long flowing dresses were a mainstay.  As if we needed another reason to wish for warmer weather, this collection had us fantasizing about a breezy vacation with lots of fresh air and beautiful scenery.  Our favorite look was the very low V cut long black and white dress with the black tassels.  Love!  Mara took us on a mini vacation with this collection, and we loved it!!

Ahhh, we just love Mara. She never lets us down!