Zana Bayne Fall/Winter 2012 Presentation

 Designer Zana Bayne and Alina Fayer

 

Last week I attended the Zana Bayne Fall/Winter Presentation at the CATM Gallery in New York. The new collection consisted of leather body-harnesses and accessories that were displayed through photos, video and installation around the gallery.

I had a chance to meet the designer Zana Bayne during the presentation and we chatted about her new collection.

Tell me about the new F/W 2012 collection?

It began with bones, skeletons, skulls and vertebrae and those were my initial visual references. The manifested themselves into very literal pieces also some dye cut leather pieces as well as more abstract ones dealing with the lines of the body showing the inside structure on to the outside. I also did a lot of belts which I think are very under-appreciated right now. I tried to play with what exactly a belt can be. That’s what I do with all of my work. I take simple elements and test them out and interpret them to the fullest.

What was your inspiration?

Every collection that I do is sort of based off of function and also what I’m feeling at the time and what sorts of shapes are missing. I’m inspired by lack like what’s not there so I always just try to create new things. 

What celebrities would you like to see your collection, maybe Lady Gaga?

Lady Gaga already has. She wore a custom piece. 

Neon Essentials of Summer 2012

If I had to name one major trend of Summer 2012 it would be neon. Personally I've never been a fan of the 80's neon look but it's hard not to fall in love with all of the interesting modern day variations of the trend. If neon has won you over as it did me then I recommend picking up a few essentials like a bag, shoes, bikini and shorts. As always with any trend you have to be able to put the look together in a cohesive way. Since neon is such a bright color I recommend pairing it with something dark. For example if you're going to be sporting a neon bag then make sure to wear a darker outfit. The key to wearing neon is to let it be the center of attention without having a competing color steal its spotlight. 

Interview with Designer Norisol Ferrari During Her Fall 2012 Collection Trunk Show at the Carlyle Hotel

Alina Fayer and Designer Norisol Ferrari 

Last week I attended the Norisol Ferrari Fall 2012 trunk show and informal modeling event held at the the Yves Durif Salon in the Carlyle Hotel. The luxury hotel's opulent atmosphere set the perfect tone for Norisol's collection of old glamour inspired fur, leather and lace pieces. 

Norisol is a very special designer and I'm over the moon in love with her new Fall 2012 collection! If I could compare her work to any other designer I would say her collection is very reminiscent of Alexander McQueen. There is such depth and vision in her pieces as each one tells a story of a strong, confident woman with a little bit of mystery. Everything in the collection is also crafted from the finest luxury materials to ensure sustainability when passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms. 

During the event I had a chance to chat with Norisol about her new collection. It was truly an honor for me to speak with the legendary designer and I'm excited to share this exclusive interview with you.

Can you tell me about your new Fall 2012 collection? 

The Fall collection was deeply inspired by some of the strong women that have passed away recently like Eartha Kitt, Etta James and Whitney Houston. Really beautiful, strong women that took charge of their look. Most of the coats, jackets, dresses are named after women that I admire or women that I know and love. The pieces are really meant to celebrate strong women.

I know that you love to travel and get inspiration from different countries. Were there any countries in specific that inspired you for this collection? 

I'm going to have to say that this was definitely an American collection and I think this was a first for me. I don't think I ever saw this as a destination if you will but it is to millions and millions of people in the world. I think I tried to see America with Dior's eyes that first time. The first time he sort of looked at the American woman. 

What are the top trends in your collection for Fall? 

I'm hoping I don't have any! 

Your collection is a mix of edge and glamour. Is that right? 

I'd like to believe old world glamour and real woman strength. 

What celebrities do you see wearing your collection? 

I would absolutely love to dress someone like Kate Moss. She's just such a fashionable creature. I'm absolutely in love with Adele. I would love to dress Adele. I would also love to dress Iman! 

Last question. I know you love to use a lot of fur and leather. Can you tell me about the different materials you used in this collection? 

I tried to go after fabrics that resemble the reasons I love leather and fur which is the nobility of them. They last, they're wearable and continuously will sustain you in your wardrobe. They can be functional. They can have many lives in your wardrobe so I really tried to take that same attitude with the fabrics that I used for the RTW.

I stayed with beautiful stretched charmeuses that were very heavy weight so they'd really stick around for a while. Beautiful heavy Italian crepes, stretched light weight crepes. I tried to stay with laces that were good and sturdy. I'm in love with American lace right now and I've discovered an American lace company that I was really excited to use. 

Summer Cocktail Soiree at 48 Lounge

I went to a fun Summer cocktail soiree at the chic 48 Lounge located on 1221 Avenue of the Americas in NYC. I couldn't resist the urge to wear my brand new royal blue dress which was a half mini half sheer long gown. I was thinking of saving this piece to wear to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September but I'm definitely happy that I wore it that night. The event featured a selection of yummy cocktails which you could pick off the menu below. 

I also had a chance to meet Carrie and Brian Packin who are the owners of 48 Lounge. They were really nice and told me more about the lounge. 

I loved Carrie's dress as it reminded me of a Greek Goddess gown. The look went perfectly with her gold belt and loose wavy hair. Our dresses were similar in a way 

as mine was also a bright color that was matched with a gold belt. 

After meeting the owners I had a chance to sit down on a comfy couch, drink a little champagne and just relax after a long day in NYC. I've been to a lot of venues in town but this one is definitely one of favorites as it offered both comfort and an intimate atmosphere to catch up with friends. 

I had a great time that evening at 48 Lounge and look forward to coming back again this Summer! For more information about 48 Lounge check out www.48nyc.com. 

Fabergé Flagship Launch Cocktail Party with the New York Botanical Garden

Recently I attended a fabulous garden party to celebrate the launch of Fabergé’s new flagship store located on 694 Madison Avenue. The timeless Russian royalty inspired jewelry house hosted the event in conjunction with the New York Botanical Garden. The event was held at 620 Loft & Garden where breathtaking views of the city served as the background. 

The weather that day was picture perfect between the warm temperature, blue skies and sun slowly setting down as if to set the perfect lighting for the garden party. I was memorized by the beauty of the picturesque views of the city as well as the equally gorgeous guests that had started to arrive.

From left: Gillian Hearst Simmonds, Olivia Palermo, Katharina Flohr, Whitney Fairchild, Cristina Cuomo, Nathalie Kaplan at the Fabergé Flagship Opening Garden Party with the New York Botanical Garden 

One of my favorite guests to meet was Olivia Palermo. I've seen her countless times at New York Fashion Week but our paths never officially crossed. It's funny because a few years ago one of my favorite shows was The City starring Whitney Port, Olivia Palermo and Joe Zee. I remember watching the show when I was a student at FIT and dreaming about my future in fashion as well as an opportunity to meet these people whose work I admired so much.

Little did I know that a few years later I would get a chance to work with Joe Zee and be a guest on his TV show All On The Line, meet Whitney at New York Fashion Week and now get a chance to run into Olivia at the Fabergé flagship launch event. This fashion blogger's dream felt like it came true three times over!

Olivia Palermo and I at the Fabergé Flagship Opening Garden Party with the New York Botanical Garden 

Guests at the event were also treated to cocktails, champagne, delicious hors d'oeuvres and Russian caviar. I'm originally from Russia so naturally I was delighted to try the caviar. I haven't had caviar in quite a while and combined with champagne it was absolutely euphoric.

Of course the event wouldn't be complete without the actual Fabergé jewelry present. The Russian royalty inspired pieces sparkled in an adjacent room near the garden party. As a Russian princess at heart I loved the stunning presentation of jewels. Fabergé will certainly add a taste of Russian glamour to the Upper East Side with its new boutique on Madison Avenue. 

The story of Fabergé is inextricably linked to the lives, loves and tragedy of the last Romanov Tsar Nicholas II and his Empress Alexandra, and to the Russian Revolution that changed the course of world history. Of Huguenot origin, with a febrile imagination, protean talent and entrepreneurial instincts, Peter Carl Fabergé became jeweler and goldsmith to the great Russian Imperial Court, creating exquisite jewels and objects, including the legendary series of lavish and ingenious Imperial Easter Eggs. Click here to read more about the history of Fabergé and see more of the collection.