Net~a~Porter ~ New York

Chic just happens in New York when my all time favorite on line shopping mecca, Net-a-Porter ( I am a worshipper after all) as well as The Outnet and Mr. Porter opened an office in the city this past July. Keeping its identity intact on the other side of the pond was a priority for the design team at Studio Fibre .  The London office, with its Parisian apartment inspiration, was so mesmerizing when that was unveiled there was no question that the overall design convey continuity and be thought of as a "working wonderland."

Natalie Massenet has a lot to smile about with the growth of the companies she founded at 73 % this year and that's in the US alone.  Net-a-Porter is described as having a masculine presence with a feminine finesse.  I like the sound of that.

LONDON ~

The question was how to take an airplane hanger like space and humanize it.   The cavernous space was designed to be a hybrid between business, a photography studio, retail and event space.  That's a place I'd want to spend my day!  Its mix of hi/low materials, matte/hi gloss finishes, Murano chandeliers and industrial lighting create a picture perfect backdrop for a fashionable design driven business.

Now I know where all my money is going!   If you haven't visited Net- a- porter , The Outnet or Mr. Porter I encourage you to do so but caveat emptor; I cannot be responsible for the possible addiction.


Ph: NY via Hypebeast, London via Dezeen by Pantling Studios

Prabal Gurung : Spring 2013

The invitation for Prabal Gurung's fashion show was one I had hoped to get.  It was a HOT ticket and I have more than a curious desire to see the fashionable and fabulous during fashion week.

Long story short, I knew a boy who drew magnificent, extravagant outfits in his journals.  They were fanciful and meticulous.  I said, "He's going to do wonderful things one day!"  Fast forward ~ Tyler Rose met Prabal Gurung when they both worked at Bill Blass.  Tyler is the creative director at Prabal Gurung.  The little boy I knew grew into a successful, recognized talent on the fashion radar of every editor (and first lady) and "it" girl alike.
It was fun and funny to see the paparazzi swarming after the celebs in the front row (Kate Bosworth, Alison Williams, Andy Cohen).  I was more interested in the editors across the aisle.

The inspiration for the show came from the work of artist Anish Kapoor.  Most notably, the red, silver, and black color scheme that predominated.  The collection had undertones of a Southern Asian woman's  dress; specifically the kurta.  Kapoor is Indian and Gurung is from Nepal, so they are kindred spirits and share a deep sense of similar homelands while living abroad.

The leather, lace, embroidery, sheer panels, skeletal prints, and feathers created an interesting tension.

They wanted a dark, moody venue, and they got it.  Hence, my pictures don't do the clothes justice.  I loved how the designs were edgy while they simultaneously remained polished.  I would wear almost any of these pieces, especially the sheer, asymmetrical tops.  They are key updating pieces and I love the layered effect they create.  I'll take one please!

Tyler Rose and his mom Faye.  You go Tyler!  (I hope I didn't embarrass you). You are most certainly the man behind the man!

The verdict: Red carpet ready. It's no wonder that Gurung is such a hit in Hollywood. His flair for creating entrance-making clothes is unmatched among his American peers.

                                                                                 ~ Booth Moore, LA Times

Ph: Monica Feudi and me

Bergdorf Goodman ~111 Years of Extraordinary

When I walk into Bergdorf's, I often breathe a heavy, happy sigh.  That store just makes me happy.  When I was in fashion, styling to be exact, I often dreamed of what it would be like to style their breathtaking catalogs.  To me, that was the epitome of refinement and fashion represented in the most beautiful visual context.

Presently wrapped in their iconic purple ribbon, Bergdorf Goodman is ready to celebrate in a BIG way.  One hundred and eleven years signifies: 1 store, 1 city, 1 experience.  David Hoey and the visual merchandising team were very busy creating windows that not only take you down memory lane, but celebrate the exclusive merchandise made for this special occasion.  As always, the eye candy was intoxicating!

There are MANY exclusive items that have been created by top designers, all wanting to pay homage to "the great 1".  Included is the book Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman, full of stories and anecdotes from fashion luminaries to long time employees.

Akris

Christian Louboutin

I was in the other day, and while I am always excited, everything just felt a little extra special.  BG is really pulling out all the stops.  Between the people watching and the celebratory installations, I was mesmerized.

I couldn't help myself ~

ph: Bergdorf's