Fashion and its trends are best understood as a circle, traveling round and round, forever arriving in the same places, but in different forms. Fashion is cyclical. Your mother has likely said it in reference to something from decades past that she gleefully pulled from her closet.
It’s not a revolutionary thought; it’s well known to the point of being hackneyed.
So why bother discussing it? In light of the recent media recycling in the past couple of years, I couldn’t help but see the same sort of reusing in our clothing. There’s comfort in what we know, comfort in something that’s a sure buy (which is really, really comforting for those trying to sell you things). But although the idea of recycling trends may seem “green” at first, in fact it becomes rather tiresome, and ultimately wastes more than it saves.
This became clear when I saw an ad for the movie of the ’90s series Baywatch, which to me was so bafflingly similar to the hundreds of other revamps: the live-action versions of Disney classics, the dozens of superhero films, and even the mystifying rework of the charming world of Archie comics (which broke my heart when I realized the gravity of the series). It’s a cyclical world, not in inspiration, but in simple redressing.
It’s a cyclical world, not in inspiration, but in simple redressing
In the past, trends have resurfaced in new ways, and I’d be incorrect and remiss to say they aren’t ever new now. Designers are as innovative as ever. The difference, as I see it in my youthful naïveté, is the longevity of such things.
I can think of a number of trends that blew up in the last couple of years that are already on their way out for the next, new thing. Typical trends last about five years and some schools of thought say fashion cycles about every 20 years. This, of course, isn’t quite correct in the “modern” age of fashion. “Fast fashion,” social media, and a widespread cultural nostalgia are the factors I would attribute to changing the lifespan of trends.
After all, the public sees a show live — or in posts — moments after it takes place. Celebrities may be able to snatch the genuine designer article, but fast fashion companies make variations at lightning speed for the public’s consumption. The next thing rolls out, in repeat, except at speeds that compromise quality and forward motion.
speeds compromise quality and forward motion
And the availability of high fashion styles can be a good thing; in any case it’s fairer to the fashion-loving consumer, though an abundance of choices isn’t in itself a good thing. For all of the options, many products come out looking very similar or exactly the same as the original and, for the entire keyworded popularity of social media, many of us end up looking like variations of the same thing too.
many of us end up looking like variations of the same thing
To be trendy or not to be, that is the perennial question.
Of course, the universal disclaimer in fashion is to do whatever you please, but in making such choices, the knowledge of what’s leading you to abandon the choker might lead you to a long-lasting and far more original answer.
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Vogue’s 125th Anniversary Collection with Karl Lagerfeld
Photos by Chris LavishLeave it to Vogue to celebrate their 125th anniversary by creating their own rose.
To celebrate such a huge milestone, Anna Wintour tapped creative genius Karl Lagerfeld to collaborate on a limited edition collection. The 10-piece collection is available exclusively at Lord and Taylor’s Dress Shop.
Coming Up Roses
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To further help fête the anniversary — and promote the collection — a private launch party was held Wednesday at Lord and Taylor’s flagship on 5th Avenue in NYC. As drinks and floral-embellished sweets were passed around, guests snapped pictures at the photo booths and were able to shop the collection (and get a tattoo!).
Each summery dress ranges from $148 to $198; a price suitable for anyone. The feminine and ultra-chic dresses can easily be styled with sneakers and a leather biker jacket … or strappy heels and pearls for a more polished, cocktail attire look.
Each summery dress ranges from $148 to $198
The off-the-shoulder floral navy and red rose printed dress is ultra-flattering for every figure, perfect for Sunday brunch or a rooftop date night.
The lineup was overall very youthful and perfect for summer. Karl Lagerfeld Paris x Vogue 125 Rose Collection was all about celebrating history with a keen eye to blasting into the future, each dress giving a nod to the romance of the magazine.
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Learn MoreLord & TaylorThe Vogue 125th Anniversary Rose
With love,
FWO
Style Fashion Week Appoints Former IMG Executive Producer, Christina Neault
Style Fashion Week — global producer of fashion, music and art events has recently brought on Christina Neault as Global Fashion Consultant.
With more than 20 years of experience as a respected member of the industry, Neault is the the Fashion Programming Consultant for Pier59 Studios and produces many industry fashion shows in NY. Neault was formerly the Executive Producer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Neault was formerly the Executive Producer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
As the newly appointed Global Fashion Consultant, Neault will be a crucial part in Style Fashion Week’s international expansion.
Already a prominent figure on the New York Fashion Week schedule, Style Fashion Week is currently in several U.S. markets and moving into nearly 10 international markets over the next year.
Style Fashion Week is moving into nearly 10 international markets over the next year.
Working directly with international governments and designers, Style Fashion Week is taking fashion from different cultures all around the world to be experienced by new audiences in exciting new ways.
Along with a diverse range of designers presenting with Style this season, they are breaking barriers between music, art and fashion to create the ultimate creative entertainment experience. Taking the energy from concerts, festivals, fashion week, art installations and merging them into one experience is what makes Style Fashion Week an anticipated event this upcoming year.
Neault’s role within Style Fashion Week will encompass consulting on an overall production level and growing the brand through production, programming, as well as attracting established and emerging designers.
Style Fashion Week creates an experience around the runway while celebrating both high-profile and emerging designers, artists and musicians. Known for taking “fashion” to an exciting and innovative level, Neault’s involvement is highly-anticipated to further develop Style Fashion Week as pioneer in disrupting the fashion industry and creator of the next generation of global commerce.
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Learn Morestylefashionweek.com
With love,
FWO
As we head into summer and the men’s fashion week shows, Lisiana Carter offers us an overview on that most taboo of male fashion topics: makeup for men.Now don’t get all weird. Yes, a lot of men still bridle at the idea of wearing makeup: even though it’s been common practice for decades in stage and screen, and been rocked by “ladies men” from Johnny Depp to Keith Richards to … well, a whole bunch of bad-ass dudes.
But before you reach for that guyliner (and that’s certainly one look to explore), consider that makeup doesn’t have to be about creating a theatrical or flamboyant look. A more even complexion; defined cheekbones; pronounced eyebrows; kissable lips. These are just a few ways to make a subtle impact.
Makeup Tips for Men – Here’s How to Get Started
by Lisiana Carter
Fashion and makeup are not just for women; men shouldn’t be afraid to make the most of these fantastic tools. Men’s makeup doesn’t even have to be all about glitz and glamour, as there are plenty of natural ways of adding a bit of makeup on your face to add to your daily look.
So, as we approach New York Fashion Week: Men’s here are some makeup tips men can utilize when they’re set to look their best.
Starting with the Foundation
The most obvious way to start using male makeup is the foundation. It’s great for beginners because it isn’t anything too flamboyant and it can simply enhance your skin tone and give you more confidence.
Differio Makeup for Men
A good foundation is not supposed to show — it’s just there to cover imperfections and blemishes. Getting yourself a smooth and natural-looking skill will definitely add to your confidence and make you feel like you can conquer the world.
You can see some great examples over at Man Repeller. (There’s also a great Buzzfeed story, but a lot of the pictures no longer work.)
A GOOD FOUNDATION IS NOT SUPPOSED TO SHOW
When selecting a foundation, find one that matches your skin tone. You can take a tester and spread it on your neck or the back of your hand. If you can easily spot the foundation, you need to go either darker or lighter. Another good tip for finding the right foundation is to pick water-based foundation. The water-soluble foundation will result in a less patchy finish even if you are out and about all day.
When in doubt, just drop by Sephora — or any makeup counter, really — where you can get a lot of great advice from the people working there.
When applying the foundation, use a brush or a sponge for even application. Make sure your face is clean and that you are wearing a good moisturizer. Applying foundation on dry skin can result in a patchy finish.
While foundation is certainly not just a girl-only thing, one group of men will probably want to skip using a full foundation: bearded men.
Beards and foundation don’t match, as the foundation will just create an inconsistent look, since you can’t evenly apply it underneath the beard. But don’t worry! You can still use concealer to cover any small spots or imperfections you might have. As with selecting the foundation, you need to find a concealer that matches your skin tone.
There are a few male-specific foundations out there. For example, check out the Differio range. But you can also use any foundation you find in a makeup store — even if it’s not specifically made for males. The key is to just find the right shade and consistency for your skin.
Next, find out about subtly accentuating the cheekbones with a bronzer.
Bobbi Brown bronzer is a great place to start. (You’ll also need a brush. NARS makes a great line of “kabuki” brushes, like the Ita Kabuji Brush, to help accentuate the cheekbones ever-so-subtly. Again, if this is done correctly, no one will actually see you’ve done anything!)
The Eyes Have It
Tired eyes? Do what women have been doing for ages now, and use a concealer, like NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Again, if done correctly, it won’t look you’re “wearing” anything. Your eye circles and bags just sort of won’t be there.
if done correctly, it won’t look you’re “wearing” anything
Thicker eyebrows always look great. For that, use an Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil like Dior’s Diorshow Brow Styler. (But again, these are only suggestions. There are hundreds of products to choose from!)
And yes, now it’s guyliner time.
If you want to enhance your eyes and add a bit more drama to your look, you should opt for eyeliner. The makeup product will be more noticeable than the preceding tools, but still look sophisticated and elegant. If you have a little rock star living in you, eyeliner is definitely a must.
The great thing about eyeliner is the versatility. Not only are you able to apply it in different ways to create a different effect, but you can also find it in different colors to go with your look. Black is the most obvious option and it will suit most stylish ensembles. However, brown and navy can be great choices for something a bit different. If you want a lot of drama and attention, go with purple or red eyeliner.
For a classic look that just enhances your eyes, draw a thin line on the top lid, adding a bit more color to the outer edge. If you want, you can also apply a thin line in the lower lid for a more gothic look. For those looking for a playful look, consider cat eyes style or simply make the line a bit thicker.
If you’ve not used eyeliner before you might want to practice with pencil eyeliner. Urban Decay and Artdeco are great for beginners.
Finish it with Luscious Lips
Want to maximize your kissability? Heed these words.
There are plenty of natural options for adding just a layer of lusciousness to your lips without looking like you’ve spent a lot of time adding makeup. Nude lip color or even lip balm might be sufficient to hydrate your skin and give them a lovely dewy look. You can find tons of delicious options from the Body Shop.
lip balm might be sufficient to give lips a lovely dewy look
Another great makeup option for men is lipstick. Again, you really don’t need to go all out with red lips if you don’t want.
In terms of colored lips, men are more suited for darker colors. Soft and light shades can look a bit unflattering, so you definitely want to opt for rich and dark colors. A deep burgundy or a dramatic purple can finish off your evening look in style. Tom Ford has plenty of good lipsticks specifically for men.
The above will help you create a natural makeup style as a man.
If you are more playful, you can add more things such as eye shadows and even cheek stain to your look. When it comes to finding good makeup products, don’t be afraid to shop online and make use of coupon codes like Groupon, etc. Those in the UK can find great deals and discounts from various retailers at VoucherBin.
Now you just need to find your favorite products and practice with the above tips and ideas.
Get ready to look and feel your best.
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Lisiana Carter is a renowned independent researcher and is studying the impact of technology in the beauty industry. She is passionate about beauty, makeup, fashion and skincare industry. She holds a Ph.D. in beauty and thereby has been consistently sharing her experience by writing various articles related to makeup, beauty, fashion, and skin care. She has been writing on beauty and skin care related topics from the past 10 years.
Interview with Chika and Cheve Chan of Make-up Pro
If you’re involved in almost any aspect of the New York fashion scene, you’ve probably heard the name “Make-up Pro” in conjunction with fashion shows and editorials, or just from people’s lips.FWO’s Melanie Sutrathada recently sat down with founders Chika and Cheve Chan, for her web series Under the Seam. As she discovered, these two disruptors have created a new business model in the makeup business, functioning as a services provider, educational facility, and mentoring and career counseling hub, while bridging the gap between marketing and artistry.
Cheve ChanQ: Tell us about Make-up Pro and how you got started. I’d love to hear about the inspiration behind your entire company.Chika ChanChika: I actually started Make-up Pro six years ago, and now Cheve has joined the company as well, and we are so happy finally. I have a full team right now, but six years ago I remember I’d just come back from Hong Kong, and previously I was the retail manager for Bobbi Brown. I learned so much from the company and figured maybe we should have some kind of workshop, that kind of balances the upper management and the artists.
I figured maybe we should have some kind of workshop that balances the upper management and the artists.
It’s always like a gap. A lot of makeup artists say “I look good, I am very skillful,” but they don’t realize they actually have a sales goal. So it’s not easy for the upper management to deliver marketing strategies. For the artists it’s like, “It’s too much. I’m an artist.”
Q: Right.Chika: So we started Make-up Pro and then we started to do workshops, to fill in the gaps. And now we network a lot, with LVMH Group, Estée Lauder Group, and L’Oreal Group. And before that, the reason I got into makeup is because I was a finalist in a competition in London, from IMATS, it’s called the International Makeup Audition.
I really want to bring the artistry mixed with business and make people alive. That’s how we started.
Q: I love it.Cheve: What we’ve created is more like a platform, so we invite and welcome a lot of people from different worlds and walks of life. You know anything in the art world we really welcome it; we want to create this as a creative haven … a platform for everyone to showcase their work whether it’s fashion week, whether it’s an editorial shoot, whether it’s an artist, whether it’s a graffiti artist that wants to utilize this space. So we just really welcome that, and I think that’s truly what the concept and aspiration is about.
Backstage at Concept Korea at New York Fashion WeekQ: Absolutely! This amazing graffiti wall really just stands out; it’s not something you really see when you go to a makeup studio or even a lot of places in New York. There’s actually a workshop happening right now so these lovely ladies hold between two and three different workshops every single day, even on Sundays, which I still think is crazy. Can you guys tell us a little bit about the classes you’re offering and how everyday people can get involved?Cheve: Yeah so currently, we are having different workshops and one of them is really gearing toward makeup artistry. So we want to really educate our artists to actually understand their periodic looks, this is because fashion and a lot of the trends are from history.
You know, the Great Gatsby look, the Marilyn Monroe look, Chanel. A lot of the brands that are trendsetters; these are kind of the inspirations that they are looking at, so it’s important to really educate our students with artistry skills, to understand trends, to know what was the ‘80s, how to like bring it back into modern, and just really transition it and make it your own.
The Great Gatsby look, the Marilyn Monroe look …
Chika: The Counter Workshop is an 80-hour workshop.
Q: That’s a lot of hours!Chika: So a lot of artist would actually come in and say “hey, I want to learn makeup, I might have a little sense of makeup artistry skills; however, I really want to know how can I prep myself for an interview.”
So at that part we teach them how to dress properly, how to set their self-goals, and how to communicate to upper management and so on. And also chatting with your clients while you’re applying makeup. Not just applying makeup with no sound.
We teach them how to dress properly, how to communicate to upper management and so on.
Because there are a lot of people who say, “Oh I am so in love with this makeup,” but you really have to really consult with your client. Is that what she’s going to do after she purchases the product? She might not want to be with that high cheek bone and thick brow, and maybe she will be like, “Hm, that’s the trend, but that’s not really me.” So I think communication is the key.
And that what’s we teach in the Counter Workshop; and after that Cheve will oversee their résumés and set up interviews immediately with Chanel, Tom Ford, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Macy’s, so it really depends on the student’s level. And then we also have job postings as well.
Cheve will oversee their résumés and set up interviews immediately
Backstage at NYFWQ: It feels like Make-up Pro is a really wonderful way of connecting anyone from very basic beginners first picking up a brush, to someone who is on a much higher level, someone with a lot more expertise. Make-up Pro feels almost like a safe haven for anyone who is in makeup artistry, wanting to do more than beat your face in contour. I think it sounds like a really great way to learn and to grow and to continue the education aspect but also have a lot of fun with makeup.Cheve & Chika: Yeah.
Q: So what are you guys seeing in regard to trends. I know we talked a little about Marilyn Monroe and a lot of others kinds of comebacks, because history always has a way of repeating itself.Cheve: Colors are always really powerful when it comes to fashion, anything in the makeup artistry world, and so there are a lot of this trend forecasters like WGSN, so obviously we also look to see what is forecasting.
We also look at what is forecasting.
So for example for this year, 2017, one of the colors is greenery. So I think it’s a bit of pop color. And we also talk about it because of the politics, and because of what we are facing now. Sometimes it’s great to have some strong powerful color to make people feel better, to make people feel good. And also understanding because the color is greenery, that doesn’t mean you have to put green all over your face.
So how do you use that greenery in pops? Like little accents, like an accessory.
So we do teach and educate our artists with the colors, and what’s trending, and how to really be creative.
Chika: You know we want to try our best to convince our clients to try all the new colors that they hate the most. So it’s kind of crazy, but we want you to discover that you don’t need to have only one look. It could be very fun. Makeup, colors, are all about transforming. So now it’s summertime. Although you might hate that Barbie pink, you might hate that orange color … give it a try.
We want you to discover that you don’t need to have only one look.
It doesn’t have to be like very, very orangey, but it could be just like a little tint on the lip, and then it kind of changes your total look and brings some warm personality out there, and help discover who you are.
Cheve: I think that a lot of girls out here are trying to find themselves, or want to discover “what is the best on me, what do I look the best in.” So I think that this is kind of a concept, that we wanted to be an educator, the pros to help them go down this path and to really discover who they are. And we are super excited about it.
We’re launching this survey where we are inviting 1,000 people to get complimentary makeup from Make-up Pro from members and artists, and to really get to know them through the survey, and to really discover who they are.
We are inviting 1,000 people to get complimentary makeup from Make-up Pro.
Naeem Khan knows what his international bride wants to wear on her big day.
Naeem Khan offered up a different look for each woman in the audience, whether it be a playful plunging jumpsuit or a more classic one-shoulder, fully beaded number.
We sat down with the designer moments before the show to discuss his vision.
Q: What was the inspiration for this collection?
The main inspiration was the women of the world. My ready-to-wear collection sells across the world, and I have been designing for so many brides from the Middle East to Japan to Korea to here in America.
So who are these women? Why not make individual pieces that are so important that they have a couture feel to it? We want to make clothes that resonate throughout the globe.
We want to make clothes that resonate throughout the globe.
Spring 2018
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Q: What are your favorite silhouettes and fabrics to play with, and why?
I’m a big fan of embroideries. That is my number one. I like playing with silks and different types of fabrics.
But it all depends; for example, I will use tulle if I want something to drape, but if I want to do something giant it’s always organzas or fabrics that have a lot of body. So it’s hard to say “I only like this,” because at different times I like different things.
So I have standard things I always go back to, and interesting fabrics create a level of newness in my collections.
Q: What did becoming Halston’s apprentice at the age of 20 do for your career and influence, even this collection?
Oh my God, Halston was my ABC.
When you are 20, to hone your skills with Halston was to experience the best of America.
It was not just fashion, it was about how do you live; because fashion has to do with how we live, who you associate yourself with, and who is that woman that’s going to be wearing it?
Halston was my ABC.
You have to understand her lifestyle. To me, all of these women have become friends of mine. I would be at the Louvre for parties or in LA for something else.
So it was through Halston that I learned to entertain, and learned fashion as well. Learning how to understand textiles, learning how to actually let the fabric talk to you; standing back and giving it a breathing, and letting it come back and say “do this to me.”
Q: How excited were your parents when you moved from India to New York City, and you could tell them you were the apprentice of Halston?
That was super exciting for them. They are still super-proud of what all we are doing. And now, of our new journey of giving back to society through what we are doing in Miami*. So it’s a place where the education industry and community meet.
(*Naeem is creating a vocational school of fashion in Miami.)
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Learn Morenaeemkhan.com
With love,
FWO
Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have collected an envirable “worn by” list, from Olivia Palermo and Josephine Skriver to Kate Hudson.
For their Spring / Summer 2018 bridal collection — presented at the artsy NoMo Soho — they tapped into the idea of spring as a cycle of renewal, “just as a wedding is a fresh start and the beginning of a new chapter.” They say they started with images “depicting the archetypal tree of life and studied its imagery while weighing its larger themes of rebirth.”
Images depicting the archetypal tree of life
Spring’s Thing
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Sachin & Babi has carved a niche for themselves as creators of luxe looks at accessible price points, often shoppable by theme (such as in the St. Barth Escape; which you know resonates with us as we gear up for resort-themed Miami Swim Week).
Look 14, Sachin and Babi Brial Spring 2018
Then of course they have their very estimable bridal offerings. (Our favorite from last season being the Copeland gown.)
The new season didn’t disappoint. Our favorite was mod-inspired Look 14, a mini on top of a sheer tulle skirt with ostrich-feather accents.
Catering to a bride with an eye for luxurious detail, the Spring 2018 collection shows why this dynamic duo has attracted a clientele that loves sophistication, with just a little adventurous spirit.
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Learn Moresachinandbabi.com
With love,
FWO
New York’s Bridal Fashion Week is right around the corner, and that means established and emerging designers — from Oscar de la Renta to Lela Rose — showcasing their takes on the most breathtaking, groundbreaking, and just plain beautiful wedding looks.
Like many, we suspect, Bridal Fashion Week isn’t necessarily the top ping on our radar, although we’ve recently begun following wedding blogs like Vogue Contributing Editor Alexandra Macon‘s excellent Over the Moon.
Vogue Contributing Editor Alexandra Macon’s wedding blog Over the Moon
This season, the lineup is slated to include some 50-or-so designers, including designers like Gemy Maalouf, who will be showing their latest collection on April 20.
(We’re particularly excited about the Naeem Khan show on April 21.)
Gemy Maalouf began pursuing her dreams to be a designer when she was just 17, and eventually launched her own line in 1996 in Beirut, Lebanon, with a staff of only 5 people and a small atelier. Since then, she’s expanded into a team of 120 personnel with collections sold in over 150 high-end global boutiques in Asia, Europe, Russia, the GCC, and the USA.
Maalouf shares our love for the silhouette, saying “when shopping for a bridal gown, one can argue that a silhouette is often the most important aspect of a dress.”
Like her ready to wear, her bridal collections are created to flatter a variety of body types, so everything will fit perfectly on that special day.
her collections are created to flatter a variety of body types
She says, “If you’re planning to emanate an aura of royalty down the aisle, the fairytale bodice or the basque are two classic styles that are commonly suggested. Alternatively, for those who want to set a more modern, contemporary mood — the sheath, mermaid, or empire silhouettes are three seductive outlines that will leave a memorable imprint on your skin as well as your guests.”
Maalouf’s designs have reached a total of 48 countries to date, touching the hearts (and bodies) of every fashion-conscious woman. Her elegant gowns are fashioned with sequins and careful details that have become the designer’s signature.
She’ll be showing the latest collection on Thursday, April 20th, 2017, as part of New York’s Bridal Fashion Week.
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Learn moreRSVP: GemyMaaloufMedia@myngroup.comgemymaalouf.com
With love,
FWO
What better place to host a celebration of Aethon Ulyse’s FW17 collection than at the Aire Ancient Baths in TriBeCa? As guests enjoyed massages and the baths, they were greeted by four models wearing only gold body paint and a pair of the shoes from the collection. A harpist played poolside all evening, further heightening the feeling of being just a little deified for the evening.Payden Sewell, founder and creative director of Aethon Ulyse, officially launched Aethon Ulyse in 2016. “Aethon” is an ancient Greek word meaning “blazing” or “shining” — which gives some idea of the effect Payden wants his footwear to have on the wearer’s psyche.
Aethon means “blazing” or “shining.”
Inspired by Greek myths and the beauty of different cultures, Aethon Ulyse is designed for the modern woman who’s fearless about where she’s going. Handcrafted with artistic sensitivity, each collection is made only from the highest quality materials sourced in Italy, with signature 24k hammered gold insoles.
Fall Winter 2017
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Details like mink fur, mirror studs, bold suedes, and the brand’s standard hammered 24k gold insoles evoke seductive and strong notes in every pair of shoes. These shoes are clearly made for a woman of similar nature, dangerously beautiful with a hint of mystery.
The gothic-inspired pairs — like the Marie Antoinette-esque block heels, or heels adorned with black Swarovski jewels and a lace-up front — made a particular impression.
We have a feeling we’ll be seeing these at some of the season’s biggest events and cocktail parties.
And with a lifetime warranty behind every pair — including complimentary replacements for almost anything that breaks — these should appeal to the sensible goddess within, as well.
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Learn MoreAethonUlyse.com
With love,
FWO
A Night of Fashion Love and Support with Jeffrey Fashion Cares
Certain issues and topics are more important than the narrower aspects of fashion — the latest trends, looking around for who’s best dressed in the room, and what he/she has on. Although fashion has always had a charitable streak, in recent years the industry has asserted itself as a concentrated voice for diversity, equality, and love.
Monday evening the fashion and beauty world came together for the 14th anniversary of Jeffrey Fashion Cares, which was founded by creator of the renowned store Jeffrey New York, with the purpose of raising awareness for those living with HIV/AIDS, and also LGBT rights.
At The Event
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Entering the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, anticipation for the evening filled the air. Everyone was there for a good cause, and came out in their best to show how important the night was to them.
The attendees were a veritable “who’s who,” with heavyweights such as Anna Wintour, Joseph Altuzarra, Jeffrey Kalinsky (creator of Jeffrey), Chris Salgardo (president of Kiehl’s), and celebrity stylist/tv personality Brad Goreski. They all came with the same purpose: to help raise money for Jeffrey Fashion Cares, which has raised some $15 million to date.
Jeffrey Fashion Cares has raised some $15 million to date.
As the cocktail hour continued before the main event of the runway show, there was a silent auction featuring some amazing rare pieces. As I drooled over some of items and talked with our social media director Chris Lavish about what we might expect for the evening, they announced, “Everyone make your way into the runway portion and please find your seats.”
While everyone was settling in and looking at the program on their seats, there was an opening video by who else but Sir Elton John, welcoming all attendees and thanking them for their continued support of Jeffrey Fashion Cares, his own foundation the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the other two organizations involved, Hetrick-Martin Institute and Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest and largest legal organization working for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV/AIDS.
Directly following the video, the JFC honored Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl’s, who has done extensive and amazing work to further the rights of the LGBT community and awareness of those living with HIV/AIDS.
the JFC honored Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl’s.
Under Salgardo’s stewardship, Kiehl’s has created collaborations with top artists, fashion designers, celebrities, athletes, and universities to raise funds and awareness for non-profit organizations within Kiehl’s charitable pillars, which includes HIV/AIDS research. The most impressive charitable initiative created under Salgardo’s leadership is Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, which has raised more than $1,600,000 for amfAR since 2010, funding eight cure-related research projects.
It was almost time for the show to begin when a familiar voice started becoming more distinct from backstage … out appeared Brad Goreski (known for Fashion Police and for being a celebrity stylist, though the true “fashion heads” may have first seen him in Rachel Zoe‘s show). Brad was accompanied by an auctioneer who started taking bids for five amazing experiences featured in our program. 8K here, 10K there … the energy of the auction was great and was accompanied by true bids to help a great cause.
8K here, 10K there … the energy of the auction was great.
Now it was time for the runway show featuring some of the world’s top models … how was that, you ask? We’ll let the images speak for themselves.
Thank you to Jeffrey Fashion Cares for having us and Purple PR for your great communication in materials we needed.
I urge every reader to please look up the charities mentioned in this piece … let’s each help out where we can.
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Established in 1992 in Atlanta and 2003 in New York by Jeffrey Kalinsky, Jeffrey Fashion Cares was founded to heighten awareness of people living with HIV/AIDS, support LGBT youth, and challenge discrimination against the LGBTQ community. In 25 years, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has raised nearly $15 million for both New York- and Atlanta-based organizations, donating on average an astonishing 90% of all proceeds. Jeffrey Fashion Cares New York benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Hetrick-Martin Institute, and Lambda Legal. Jeffrey Fashion Cares
The Elton John AIDS Foundation funds frontline programs that help to alleviate the pain – whether physical, emotional or financial – of those living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS, and to continue the fight against this worldwide pandemic so that no one is left behind. Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Hetrick-Martin Institute believes that all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. They do this by creating a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their families, offering direct services and referrals to promote healthy youth development and, they create innovative programs other organizations can use as models. Hetrick-Martin InstituteLambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. Lambda Legal
With love,
FWO
“Emerging designers” are the much-fêted facet of the fashion industry that everyone loves to hear and think about, but few know how to truly support.
It’s indisputable that there’s a lot of talent out there: from the many productions of New York Fashion Week all the way through to Paris. The designers who can afford it may have runway shows, but it’s hard to know where to go to buy these designs after the walk throughs are done.
Yes, you can make a list of websites, but … isn’t there a place you can just go?
UK-based retailer Wolf & Badger has created a concept that addresses that very issue: an online and offline retail space dedicated to “discovering and nurturing best-in-class emerging talent.”
Basically, it’s the boutique concept on steroids, with 700 emerging brands from around the world, available at retail locations and on wolfandbadger.com.
The Face of Different
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Now Wolf & Badger is coming to New York.
The new 2,500 square foot, multi-level store will be located at 95 Grand St. in SoHo, just steps from Alexander Wang, Acne, Dior, and Saint Laurent.
As George Graham, co-founder and CEO of Wolf & Badger, explains, “Shoppers are bored of seeing the same designer brands on every street and in every mall around the world. Instead of bringing them more of the same, we are proud to introduce customers to the most unique, individual and exciting independent brands out there.”
Shoppers are bored of seeing the same designer brands on every street.
The new Grand Street store will introduce New York consumers to a highly curated selection of independent, exciting brands from around the world. These brands will be available for purchase in-store and online on a three-month, rotating basis.
The Grand Street location will also utilize Wolf & Badger’s pioneering “serviced retail” concept to launch, promote and support these new and emerging brands in the U.S.
Under this model, participating designers will have access to key business services: from creative and merchandising consultancy and retail advice, to press and marketing support.
Interested designers can apply here.
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Wolf & Badger
95 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
(212) 226-1200
wolfandbadger.com
With love,
FWO
From Red Carpet to Ready to Wear: Gemy Maalouf FW17
Staying true to the brand’s DNA, for FW17, Gemy Maalouf presented a collection full of fluttering gowns in ultra-feminine cuts and intricate embellishments.
The color palette was clean and neutral, giving room for the lace appliqués and beaded motifs to shine through. The intricate beading and embellishments created dazzling textures, sharply contrasted with the delicate sheer linings and silk fabrics. The light from the chandeliers in the Bowery Hotel danced off of each metallic stitch and sequin, although these details would be much more appreciated in an atelier.
Red Carpet Ready
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Voluptuous gowns with seductive cuts were broken up by adding a few looks that were more ready to wear than in the brand’s past. Most refreshing were a brocade jacket paired with shorts, a nude two-piece look with flared bell bottom pants, and short cocktail dresses … wearable pieces for the everyday client.
Our favorite look was a black and white ethereal printed deep V-neck gown with an umbrella waistline, covered with lace appliqué and slick beading sprinkled throughout the appliqué. The few looks that incorporated this printed fabric were among the most successful.
Some numbers are sure to be seen on some of Maalouf’s celebrity following like the artists 5th Harmony and Carrie Underwood this awards season.
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Learn Moregemymaalouf.com
With love,
FWO
This became clear when I saw an ad for the movie of the ’90s series Baywatch, which to me was so bafflingly similar to the hundreds of other revamps: the live-action versions of Disney classics, the dozens of superhero films, and even the mystifying rework of the charming world of Archie comics (which broke my heart when I realized the gravity of the series). It’s a cyclical world, not in inspiration, but in simple redressing.
Cheve: I think that a lot of girls out here are trying to find themselves, or want to discover “what is the best on me, what do I look the best in.” So I think that this is kind of a concept, that we wanted to be an educator, the pros to help them go down this path and to really discover who they are. And we are super excited about it.
We’re launching this survey where we are inviting 1,000 people to get complimentary makeup from Make-up Pro from members and artists, and to really get to know them through the survey, and to really discover who they are.
Maalouf shares our love for the 
She says, “If you’re planning to emanate an aura of royalty down the aisle, the fairytale bodice or the basque are two classic styles that are commonly suggested. Alternatively, for those who want to set a more modern, contemporary mood — the sheath, mermaid, or empire silhouettes are three seductive outlines that will leave a memorable imprint on your skin as well as your guests.”
Maalouf’s designs have reached a total of 48 countries to date, touching the hearts (and bodies) of every fashion-conscious woman. Her elegant gowns are fashioned with sequins and careful details that have become the designer’s signature.
She’ll be showing the latest collection on Thursday, April 20th, 2017, as part of New York’s 
