Who.What.Wear for Boston Life
After spending an exciting but exhausting weekend in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week – man, am I glad to be back in Boston! I’m still recovering from the visually stimulating three-point-five days filled with everything from jeweled embroidered tights to shaggy fur dresses! Though Boston might be better known for its “Intellectual Prowess” versus its “Fashion Prowess”, I discovered a few looks from the runways that would fit nicely into any occasion for life in Boston. [Note: these looks won’t be in stores till Fall 2010, but its never too early to start planning!]
What (show): Costello Tagliapietra @ Milk Studios
Plaid and suspender donning duo Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra’s collection was said to inspired by early 80’s Japanese fashion. The autumn-toned fabrics combined with the intricate draping on the dresses felt warm and smooth – akin to falling into a sea of chocolate and raspberry mousse. Models sported bright cherry red lips – which provided a sweet “pop” to each look.
(For) Who: The career lady who appreciates the art of high fashion, looking for seamless transition from day-to-night
Wear (this out to): Chic and classy joints like Drink or the W Boston for an after-work cocktail
Fun Fact(s): The first two rows were gifted with gorgeous sling bags featuring AirDye’s multu-colored circle print. Yours truly was seated in row three and was gifted with a program for the show. Grrrr.
What (show): George Charkra @ Promenade, Bryant Park
Evening wear maestro George Charka presented a mixed bag of 42 looks using a variety of fabrics and construction styles – from structured and form fitting tuxedo dresses to futuristic gold lame cocktail gowns. I couldn’t quite pinpoint an actual theme for this season, but a magnificent red chiffon gown with beaded cummerbund and tulle bodice made up for the lack of cohesiveness in the collection.
(For) Who: The lady about town
Wear (this out to): Gallivanting across the benefit scene at events like the Boston Ballet Ball, the MFA Summer Party, or Roxcomp – where you can look like a million bucks while donating a million bucks!
Fun Fact(s):Simon and Alex McCord from the Real Housewives of NYC were seated in the front row.
What (show): Andy & Debb @ Salon, Bryant Park
Korean husband and wife duo Seokwon Andy Kim and Wonjeong Debbie Yoon featured a strong collection of impeccably tailored jackets and trousers – fashion-foward yet appropriate for most office-type jobs. A favorite look from this season would have to be their tiered navy sheared mink coat – perfect for keeping warm and but looking cool during the brutal Boston winters.
(For) Who: The fashionista who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for warmth
Wear (this out to): A romantic stroll around Boston Common; running errands around town because looking great doesn’t have to stop when you’re buying eggs at Shaw’s
Fun Fact(s): Devon Aoki (a friend of the designing duo) and Leigh Lezark were front row. Also, generous giftbags containing luxe Amore Pacificbeauty products were given out to the first three rows. I was seated in Row 4. Grrr.
What (show): Twinkle @ Promenade, Bryant Park
Designer Wenlan Chia’s signature knitwear was out in full force this season and her fun and flirty dresses are perfect for making an entrance at any dinner party. My favorite piece was a printed sheath dress adorned with her signature knit cowl – stylish yet comfortable and (most importantly), figure flattering for the everyday non-model girl.
(For) Who: The fresh out of college grad who has just started in the workforce
Wear (this out to): Fabulous get-togethers out with your other twenty-something friends at the scene-to-be-seen South End restaurants/bars like Rocca, The Butcher Shop, or Sister Sorel – where you obviously will be the best dressed in your Twinkle dress!
Fun Fact(s): I had standing room invites for this show and the house was PACKED – so basically I was on tippy toes (in my heels) during the whole show.
What (show): Arise African Collective @ Tent, Bryant Park
Three shows in one! Presented by Arise Magazine, the first global style and culture magazine to celebrate African achievement in fashion and arts, this show featured the labels Black Coffee from South Africa, Tanzania’s Loin Cloth & Ashes, and Deola Sagoe from Nigeria. My favorite look of the night was from the team at Loin Cloth & Ashes. The metallic fabric and structured shoulders of one mini-dress had me at hello as it came onto the runway.
(For) Who: The African Queen who is proud of her ethnic roots
Wear (this out to): The Beehive– a hip, funky yet mellow restaurant that has great food and live bands that play jazz and the blues
Fun Fact(s): One of my favorite shows this season, as the crowd at Arise was very enthusiasic and energetic – clapping and cheering as the looks sashayed down the runway. Also spotted some of my favorite models – Chanel Iman, Sessille Lopez on the runway and Liya Kebede sitting front row – and saw NBA star Jamal Thomas towering over the crowd as well as Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Dwight looking dapper (and botoxed!) in the front row.
I approached Day 2 of my Foray into Fashion Week with a bit of apprehension, as it was my busiest day out of the three days I was in town. With shows booked back to back, including a few off-site shows sandwiched in between, I was afraid I’d collapse from exhaustion before the day was done! However, with carefully planning and a bit of luck, I managed to see all my shows and even mustered enough energy go out on a Valentine’s Day date. After all, I can always sleep when I am dead. Anyways, on to the shows….
What (show): Lela Rose @ Salon, Bryant Park
There are very few designers that would have me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on a Sunday morning, but Lela Rose is one of them. As the go-to designer for the girly-girl and the society types, Lela showcased a collection of romantic cocktail dresses, flighty ethereal gowns, and textural little jackets that were inspired by the celestial skies and lunar earth as seen from the Galapagos Islands (where Ms. Rose recently vacationed). Standout looks included a lagoon print canvas dress, and her constellation dot jacket and trouser set paired with a rock embroidered necklace.
(For) Who: The ladies who lunch
Wear (this out to): Afternoon tea with your equally prim and feminine girlfriends at the Four Seasons Bristol Lounge or the Taj Boston’s Lounge
Fun Fact(s): Lela, like myself, is a Texas native who knows the meaning of Southern hospitality. All the seats were given giftbags filled with beauty goodies from the likes of Ted Gibson and Tarte. Also, the soundtrack was killer—hearing “That’s All” by Clare and the Reason, a song on continual repeat on my ipod, at the start of the show put me in a jovial mood.
What (Show): Lorick presentation @ Union Square Ballroom
Frappuccino and protein bar still uneaten but in hand, I hightailed my butt immediately to Union Square to the Lorick presentation at 11am. Former model Abigail Lorick’s (perhaps best know for her Eleanor Waldorf fashion line on show Gossip Girl) line of pretty 1950’s inspired looks—that managed not to look dated for 2010—is perfect for the fashionista who wants all eyes on her as she enters the room. I was in awe of the black ruffled Lady Balla jacket paired with oversized grey tweed trousers. You’ll love it too xoxo!
(For) Who: The Gossip Girl
Wear (this out to): Om Restaurant and Lounge in Cambridge – if you don’t catch the eye of a Harvard or MIT hottie, you can still imbibe on some pretty tasty cocktails
Fun Fact(s):Since this was a presentation vs. a runway show, I was able to take some pretty great up close shots of all the clothes (why can’t all shows be this easy). Also, the Fiji water they were passing out at the venue was a welcome respite from the funky tasting O.N.E. water at the Tents.
What (show): Simon Spurr @ Altman Building
British born Simon Spurr’s collection of chic but confident double breasted suits and coats can turn any ermmm….physically challenged Bob from accounting into a sexy international playboy. This was actually my first time attending a menswear show, but with all the deliciously attractive male models and extremely well-dressed (but mostly gay) male audience, I just might have to add more men’s collections to my future fashion week schedule.
(For) Who: The Ivy League educated fund manager / banker
Wear (this out to): The Alumni clubhouse (i.e. Harvard Club) or other member-only clubs (i.e .The Algonquin Club, The Union Club)—where you can look debonair, sip scotch, and conduct business
Fun Fact(s):Anna Wintour, with ever-present bodyguard in tow, was right behind me as I exited the show. I guess that commotion happening behind me wasn’t because of me! Also, before the show began, the lovely PR girls were passing out fortune cookies in lieu of the Chinese New Year holiday…festive!
What (show): Rebecca Taylor @ Salon, Bryant Park
After recovering from the Wintour sighting, I traveled back to the Tents for the Rebecca Taylor show at 2pm. Ms. Taylor is known for consistently featuring wearable and pretty pieces, and this season was no exception. Sheer dresses accentuated with feathery detailing, floaty silk blouses, and ruffly sweaters all paired with over the knee suede boots made for beautiful eye candy.
(For) Who: The BU or Northeastern sorority girl
Wear (this out to): Date dashes, frat mixers, and shopping on Newbury St. and Copley Mall with your sisters
Fun Fact(s): I barely made it in to the show since they only let a handful of standing room invitees in (this was an improvement from last year, where I was shut out after waiting in line for an hour. Grrrr). It was tough to see since I was shoved in the corner, but I did manage to spot Carmen Electra, Michele Trachtenberg, and Whitney Port mugging for the cameras pre-show.
