SARAH BORGHI BLACK LABEL Launch Cocktail Party

Last week I attended the SARAH BORGHI cocktail party at the Carullo Art Gallery on 5^th avenue. The Italian themed event was to celebrate the launch of the SARAH BORGHI BLACK LABEL in the States.

Inspired by the art and beauty of Italy, looking at celebrities like Sophia Loren and Monica Belluci, SARAH BORGHI BLACK LABEL is a line of Italian luxury hosiery made with precious yarns and creative patterns. It combines Italian lace-motif and comfortable fabric to create a glamorous vintage look to silhouette the body. 

The core concept of the collection is that hosiery is art which is precisely why the launch was held at an art gallery. Their motto is “when hosiery becomes art, it shapes the human form.”

I was lucky to get a pair as a gift at the event and I have to say I’m very impressed by the fit and intricate design. I’ve purchased a lot of hosiery brands but nothing like this. You can feel and see the difference when you wear it. 

The SARAH BORGHI cocktail party was truly one of the most interesting and memorable events I’ve attended in a while. I loved the collection as well as all of the beautiful art in the gallery.

Guests were also treated to lots of Prosecco champagne, cheese, strawberries and many other Italian treats. Did I mention how much I want to visit Italy? I was speaking to one of the Italian guests and she was describing it as such a beautiful place full of gardens and art. I definitely hope to visit one day…

Check out:

SARAH BORGHi website

SARAH BORGHi Facebook page 

     

Coco Rocha and I at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

It was the second day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and I was running to catch the GreenShows Presentation. As I was walking into the tents I noticed one of my favorite supermodels Coco Rocha about to walk in as well. I've always been a huge fan of her work and I really wanted to meet her but we were both busy running to our respective fashion week destinations.   

I then made my way into the tents and got on line for the GreenShows presentation. As I was waiting I decided to turn around and meet the people behind me. It's always great to network with fellow fashion week goers. 

As luck would have it the person behind me was Coco Rocha! Talk about fashion fate?? She was also attending the GreenShows Presentation and just happened to get on line right behind me! 

It was such a pleasure to finally meet Coco and she was just as gorgeous and sweet as you hear she is in person. I noticed that she and her team were wearing these stunning crystal necklaces. Coco mentioned that they were part of her exclusive collection for Senhoa jewelry and that some of the pieces were being shown at the GreenShows presentation we were about to see. 

Coca Rocha for Senhoa is made up of unique jewelry pieces designed by Coco herself. Created using clear, black, and multi-colored Swarovsky crystals, many of the pieces are shaped by a distinct chain-link arrangement of draped silver and gunmetal in various textures.

The jewelry is hand made by survivors of exploitation in Cambodia to earn money for themselves and their families. Proceeds from the sale of each piece go directly to fund Senhoa’s community development projects, which provide income-generating opportunities, and aid in the rescue, rehabilitation, and education of young women in South East Asia.

“Accessorizing can do more than just compliment a woman’s wardrobe and beauty—it can make a statement about what she believes,” says Rocha on the Senhoa website.  

Click here to check out the full collection! 

The GreenShows Fall 2012 Collections: Fashionable Eco-Friendly Fashion

The Fall 2012 GreenShows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week featured ethically sustainable fashion from eight fashion designers in conjunction with a jewelry and accessories display.

Featured designers included:

• United Bamboo
• Bamboo by United Bamboo
• H. Fredriksson
• Study NY
• The Battalion
• Luis Valenzuela
• Ajna
• Artists & Revolutionaries

Looks ranged from hand knit sweaters to dresses and separates. Prominent materials included organic wool and cotton.

I was actually first introduced to sustainable fashion from my friend, former FIT classmate and eco-friendly fashion designer Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda. She was recently featured in the Green Fashion Show competition in Amsterdam Fashion Week a few weeks ago. 

So what is sustainable/eco-friendly fashion?

A few of the major rules of sustainable fashion state that fair/ethical trade must be enforced where the production of the garments are made in a legal and safe environment as well as produced locally. Garments are also made to order to avoid over-production. 

Organic/natural textiles and materials are used which may include fabric from natural sources like bamboo, seaweed, corn milk-fiber, hemp, nettle, wool, peace silk, soy silk, wood, rubber, cork, cupro and exotic sustaining plants. If the fabric is dyed then it must be from dyes made from a natural class of colorants extracted from vegetables. Finally the major component is it must be animal/cruelty free.  
Personally, I think eco-friendly fashion needs to be more accepted in mainstream fashion. The one thing that I would never wear is real fur. I’m all about rocking fabulous faux furs and I think more people need to realize that you can still look good and be eco-friendly.

For more information about the GreenShows and sustainable fashion visit www.thegreenshows.com.

Gen Art New Garde Fashion Show Presented by Crest 3D White

My picture at the event 

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week I attended the Gen Art New Garde Fashion Show which was presented by Crest 3D white. The event was hosted by Emmanuelle Chriqui with a special introduction by Whitney Port.

Gen Art 2012 Invite 

This season, Gen Art has also chosen to use fashion as a vehicle for change. The "RAISE Hope for Congo" organization was a big part of the event and was meant to raise awareness for the cause. IMG's top models walked down the runway presenting exclusive t-shirts and jeans designed by William Okpo to benefit "RAISE Hope For Congo." 

Crest debuted their competition winner Wen Shi. She presented her Crest 3D White Capsule Collection which was inspired by Crest 3D White. 

Wen Shi Fall 2012 Capsule Collection Image Courtesy of Gen Art

Emerging designers Gemma Kahng, Samantha Pleet and William Okpo also presented their individual Fall/Winter 2012 fashion shows. 

Chadwick Bell Fall/Winter 2012: Romantic & Dangerous

Photo: Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com

Romance and danger collide to create the Chadwick Bell woman. As described in the press notes she is a perfect woman in an imperfect situation. Her look is polished, rich and refined, but she herself is dangerous. Entering opium dens and engaging in indulgences, she is only concerned with experiencing Euphoria—something beyond her reality.

In the pursuit of experience, she is always a worldly woman and her style is an abundance of treasures. Her exotic adventure is filled with fur, feathers, leather, gold jacquard, velvet and python. As beautiful as she is cruel, she is our Midnight Rose.

The Chadwick Bell Fall/Winter 2012 Collection was inspired by Picasso’s Boy with Pipe from the Rose Period, the feeling of Euphoria blends with romantic themes of blossoming flowers and baroque influenced embellishments. Ideas of mystery and seduction derive from Arlene Gottfried’s intimate portrait of Midnight at Bellevue hospital. The juxtaposition of the two works continue the ongoing battle between masculine and feminine, the vulnerable, the strong, the tuxedo and the rose.

Filled with unspoken seduction and glamour the collection featured an abundance of luxurious materials like silk, wool, leather, velvet, fur and even feathers. Dresses, jackets and separates were presented in various colors such as bright red, black, cream, blue, jade, cerulean blue and gold. My favorite look was the above silk organza degrade gown. I could just image wearing this gown with a faux black fur mini coat and attending a fancy gala. Très chic! 

Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2012: Glamorous Infusion of Ancient Asian Culture

The Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2012 Collection hearkens back to the Golden Age of Shanghai, a glamorous world of modernity, transformation, and prosperity that preluded a darker time. Opulent fabrics of lace, chiffon, silk, and velvet craft the silhouettes of drop waist dresses, column gowns, and extended hemlines. Brilliant colors of marina and sea grass are exemplified by the neutral hues of ginseng and hazel. A Mecca of wealth and sophistication, the “Paris of the Orient” will forever be a fixture of Shanghai’s identity.

The collection was infused with so much ancient Asian culture that it was hard not to get swept into the mind of designer Tadashi Shoji and imagine being taken back in time to a place where opulent fashion took rein. Intricate details in the form of embroidery and beading almost looked like they were carefully painted into some of the gowns. 

Lace and velvet were two of the biggest trends in his collection. My favorite dress was the black washed velvet and beaded lace bodice gown which was the grand finale piece. It was a natural marriage of materials as both exemplify glamour and romance.

Tadashi Shoji Black washed velvet and beaded lace bodice gown 

The ending quote in the press notes was “I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.”- Marlene Dietrich 

Exclusive Look Inside The Tents At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2012

I can’t believe how quickly Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week came and went. It was only yesterday that I was laying out my outfit for day 1 in the tents. It’s been close to 6 years now that I’ve had the privilege of being at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Each season is different than the next and that’s what makes it so exciting each time. The sponsors inside the tents always add a fun element to the dynamic of Fashion Week. This season some of my favorite sponsors were Maybelline, TRESemme, DHL, Fiber One and Diet Pepsi.

As always Maybelline was giving away a few fabulous samples. One of my favorite samples that I've been lucky to get was the Super Stay Ravishing Rouge lipstick. The shade is bright red and was a perfect addition to some of the outfits that I wore. At the TRESemme salon you had an opportunity to get your hair done but only once this season. DHL added a fun element of having your picture by the DHL backdrop and given to you minutes later. Fiber One and Diet Pepsi were also giving away their product. During the times I was too busy to grab lunch I was particularly thankful to snack on the Fiber One bars as they were quite filling! 

Check out my mini tour video below for an exclusive look inside the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!  

   

Recap of Day 2 at New York Fashion Week

Click play to see a recap of my day 2 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

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Whitney Port and I at Gen Art New Garde Fashion Show

I met the lovely Whitney Port at the New Garde Fashion Show tonight. I look completely tired after a long day of shows. The event was was aimed to bring attention to budding designers and a great cause. I will be writing more details about the event later in the week but now I'm off to bed as it's 12am here and I have another early day full of shows tomorrow. Goodnight! xoxo

Fashion Week Lunch at Atlantic Grill

My first show today was at 2pm and I had arrived in the city around 12. Starving and with time to spare I went on a search to find something to eat. After walking in and by a few places I decided to lunch at Atlantic Grill on West 64th Street. As I sat down to look at the menu I was warmly greeted by the waitress and shown their special Fashion Week menu. After much deliberation I finally ordered the salmon crispy tacos, seared artic char and for dessert a citrus panna cotta tart. To be honest it was one of the best meals that I've had all week. Everything was made to perfection and all so yummy! 

salmon crispy tacos

seared artic char

  citrus panna cotta tart

First Day at New York Fashion Week Fall 2012!

Today was my first day previewing the new Fall 2012 collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! My day was filled with fashion shows, meeting fabulous people (like a writer from Vogue India) and events. I'm completely exhausted but couldn't be happier to live my dreams. 

Be sure to follow my social channels for even more coverage! 

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Dress Me For Fashion Week!

Wearing A Dress By Chevelish To Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last season

Any designers interested in lending me pieces to wear to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? 

Great opportunity for press exposure from event photographers as well as a full write up on my blog. 

Example post: Wearing A Dress By Chevelish To Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Please email: alina@thestylesocialite.com if you're interested. 

Juicy Couture Follow Friday Mention

This past Friday I received such a delightful surprise when Juicy Couture included me in their #FF (Follow Friday) tweet. Such an honor to be mentioned among @DailyFrontRow, @saksofffifth and more! 

Click here to follow me on Twitter 

Click here to follow Juicy Couture on Twitter

Win a Set of DSNY Fresh Water Pearl Bangles!

A designer friend of mine is currently holding a contest on her Facebook fan page for a chance to win a set of her Dara Senders NY Signature "Dara Fresh Water Pearl Bangles."  All you have to do is "LIKE" the Dara Senders New York page and post the name of your favorite love song. One lucky winner will receive this gift for Valentines Day! 

Juicy Couture Charm Cocktail Event

This past Thursday I was invited to the Juicy Couture Charm Cocktail Event at their Madison Avenue boutique to check out their new DIY (do it yourself) charm collection. I arrived to a sea of beautiful people which included dressed to the T fashion reporters, bloggers and photographers all eagerly checking out the new charm collection. I wore my velvet Juicy Couture dress as it was the most befitting outfit for this event. 

I have to say it was exciting to cover this event as 6 years ago I interned for Juicy in the Empire State Building and helped coordinate events like these. It really feels like I've come full circle in my fashion career!

The DIY charms are different than the chunky charms Juicy is most famous for. This line is much smaller and designed to easily mix and match. You can pick from a pretty nice selection of charms like an elephant, strawberry, initials, wishbone and more. Check out the photo below to see the full selection.

The charms are currently available on juicycouture.com as well as in store and are divided into 3 price groups: $28, $32 and $38.

Cache Spring II 2012 Collection

It was a rainy evening in the city and I was running to preview the new Cache Spring II 2012 Collection at the Bryant Park Hotel. The first thing that I noticed when I saw the collection was the burst of bright colors and fun patterns. I immediately gravitated towards the Ombre Pleated Maxi dress.

(see below image)

   

Ombre Pleated Maxi 

Coral just happens to be my favorite color and long maxi skirts are a top trend for this coming Spring. There’s a lot of ways you can style this dress and in my crazy fashion mind I thought of the following scenario. The way I would style this dress right now is by pairing it with a faux black fur shrug, black belt, chunky Chrystal black jewelry and black booties. This would be the perfect look to wear to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week next week since bright colors are somewhat unexpected during the winter season but pairing this dress with black would really make it work.  

Another one of my favorites was the Stripe One Shoulder Maxi with matching floppy hat. As you can tell the floppy hat is kind of my signature style. This look would be perfect for a fun Summer getaway. 

(see below image)

Stripe One Shoulder Maxi

The rest of the collection included more bright colors, classic Cache zigzag and stripped prints. I left the preview feeling excited for Spring and ready to put a fast forward on the winter just so I can wear these styles.

Stella & Dot Spring 2012 Collection

I stopped by Stella & Dot to take a look at their new Spring 2012 collection. I was impressed with the range of pieces they had which varied from chunky statement necklaces, earthy stones and delicate layer-on pieces. Their Spring 2012 collection was broken down into mini collections which included: 

• Amalfi: Classic Italian glamour.

• Signature Links: Upscale, Elegant, Hand-crafted.

• Black and White: Modern textures for uptown, downtown, and everywhere in between.

• Urban Splendor: The new, elevated boho.

• Savanna: Looks for an urban safari.

• Handbag Collection: Essentials shapes and versatile styles.

• La Coco: The style statement you crate. Mix, match, and wear.

• Charming Combinations: Tell the story with charms.

My favorite pieces included the Bianca Tassel Necklace which had a mixed antiqued and shiny 12k gold plated brass chains anchored within 12k gold plated facets and dropped to a perfect swinging tassel. I also loved the Stackable Gem Ring which had four bands of geometric black diamond Czech and glass stones in a shiny 12k gold plated brass band.

Whatever your taste in Jewelry is, there is something for everyone in the new Stella & Dot Spring 2012 Collection. 

Check out: 

Stella & Dot website

Follow Stella & Dot on Twitter

Like Stella & Dot on Facebook