Over the years, German fashion has slowly shed its image of being a deadly serious affair, with its often-somber silhouettes and straight-laced academic ideas, to something that is far more cutting edge, fun, and organic in character; exploring the bounds of beauty, wearability, and approachability. Berlin Fashion Week is the culmination of these ideas, with a week of celebration and shows.
THE BLONDS latest collection is a tribute to the first summer they shared. Filled with escapism, glamour, and nightlife in New York City, all about excess style and memories of those hot nights where Phillipe and David bonded over their mutual love of dance music.
As THE BLONDS researched images for their first book, they recaptured the brand’s signature chain hardware treatment they have dressed everyone from JLo and Cardi B, to Sharon Stone, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga in.
Guests at Spring Studios on the last day of New York Fashion Week saw THE BLONDS signature over-the-top looks with golden hardware and lots of Preciosa crystal, along with the second installment of a limited-edition collectible print collection based on an iconic archival piece that will be reimaged as ready-to-wear.
This collection leads up to the launch of their very first cocktail table book entitled “THE BLONDS: GLAMOUR FASHION FANTASY” published by Rizzoli. The Prints Collection, along with THE BLONDS new book are available to order on www.THEBLONDSNY.com and wherever fine books are sold.
Amidst the buzz of fashion week in Soho this weekend, we grabbed a break and a bite to eat at Soho Diner. Perfectly situated under the Soho Grand hotel, a few minutes walk from fashion week hub Spring Studios, the Soho Diner was a great spot to unwind from the day’s activities and inspirations. We weren’t the only ones who thought so, clearly, as the 50s themed diner was packed with models, editors, and fashion fanatics.
When you walk into Soho Diner, you feel like you’ve instantly stepped back in time. Wait – scratch that a little – into a beautifully curated version of the past: salmon colored upholstered booths, cherry wood finishes, a Crosley jukebox, and vintage signs indicating menu items. Soho Diner “pays homage to the great American dining staple: a place where every stripe of the community can have a quality meal with friends and family.” But their modern touches remind you that you’re in a place with the charm of the past but the welcoming attitudes of modern day, rather than a perfect carbon copy of an imperfect past world.
Just like their ambiance, Soho Diner’s menu reflects the beauty of modern American cuisine and the classic comforts of staple diner items. From their classic burger and milkshake to a half dozen oyster starter and a grapefruit brulee, every type of eater will find their fix here. Since we went for brunch, we ordered the Smoked Salmon and Potato Latkes, the Steak and Eggs, and started off with a few oysters. And of course, some milkshakes – how could we not at a diner?!
To start off, our milkshakes came out first – an orange julius and a vanilla classic shake. The orange julius was creamy and citrusy, but still very light and refreshing even with its sweet flavor profile. To round it out, the vanilla milkshake was thick, decadent, and delicious. An absolute must try – they were out of the strawberry and chocolate flavors when we visited, so we can’t wait to stop by next time to try those.
After we finished our drinks, the oyster starter arrived. The east coast oysters were fresh and delicious – a must have during the summer season. They were served with the classic mignonette, spicy cucumber relish, harissa cocktail sauce, and a lemon wedge. All the accoutrements you could possibly want to accompany a set of oysters. Next up, our main dishes: the Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, and the Ham Steak and Eggs. The latkes came with herbed creme fraiche and poached eggs; their creaminess paired wonderfully with the salty smoked salmon. The steak and eggs arrived with specklings of chimichurri on a giant cut of pork, and topped with two sunny side up eggs – definitely plan on leftovers!
We left the Soho Diner full and happy, and can’t wait to go back to try the rest of the items on their menu. Learn more about Soho Diner here, and click here to make your reservation!
Hamptons Fashion Week kicked off their fourth annual show with bang on Friday evening. With designers like Marina St. Barths, Nicole Miller, and Ralph Lauren hosting runway shows, the town of Southampton was the prime destination for all things coastal fashion this weekend.
The weekend began on Friday evening, with a “shop and sip” event at the luxury boutiques lining Job’s Lane – each store had unique treats such as Scott Protein Balls and Hamptons Water Rose for guests to enjoy while eagerly awaiting the upcoming fashion show. As the white chairs appeared on either side of the road, we settled in for the show. Marina St Barth’s collection held the bold colors, florals and long flowy silhouettes reminiscent of a luxury tropical vacation. Five Story debuted next with drapey and loose, yet structured pieces in serene, wearable colors. And finally, Unsubscribed’s relaxed and effortless “cool girl” looks finished off the show.
Saturday held the most excitement with shows from sustainable lines Equal Human and Gloria Lee, and industry standouts Cesar Galindo and Nicole Miller. Many New Yorkers took the bus into town just for this day’s events, so crowds of people decked out in glamorous attire filled up rows and rows of seating.
The day began with sustainable designers. Equal Human’s line featured colorful paint splatters, a mix of girly and edgy loungewear, and cool use of paneling. These details, coupled with geometric patterns, evoked an “art studio” energy from the collection. Gloria Lee’s loose, romantic silk scarf-based dresses gave a sultry, luxurious vacation feel. The use of hair wraps and a signature orange / blue / yellow color combo on silk was elegant and creative.
Before the evening shows, the founder of Hamptons Fashion Week, Dina Rivera, presented the Fashion Icon Awards. Gloria Lee won for Rising Star of the year, Constance White won for Fashion Media, Cesar Galindo won for Fashion Trendsetter, and Nicole Miller was warmly introduced by Candace Bushnell and honored with Designer of the Year.
The evening fashion shows had the crowd enraptured. Cesar Galindo stunned with boxy, black, edgy designs. Cutouts and metallics featured heavily, as well as a recurring metallic stripe pattern. Galaxy puffers really made an impression, and my favorite detail were the black strings hanging from the back of straps on dresses – leaving a purposeful yet effortless, unfinished look to the garments. Nicole Miller’s designs featured mini structured dresses, whimsical, sports-inspired americana prints, and geometric, kaleidoscope patterns with sequins.
Sunday finished off the weekend with an elaborate brunch at a Southampton estate. Guests dined on fresh flatbreads, lobster mac n cheese, wraps and sandwiches from The Golden Pear, and fresh juices from Natalie’s. Full on Southampton’s specialty dining and excited by the fashion on display, guests departed the weekend’s event space ready to take their inspiration back to the city.
We caught up with singer Samantha Urbani at the Alice + Olivia presentation last week! Check out our exclusive interview.
While this year’s New York Fashion Week has certainly taken on a different style in and of itself, beloved innovative brand Flying Solo knew how to masterfully pivot.
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe consistently epitomizes the magic and grandeur of attending a NYFW runway show. With supermodels Anna Cleveland, Maria Borges, Devon Windsor, and Martha Hunt all returning to grace the stage, it’s no wonder that Chiara Boni’s collections are immediately eye-catching in person.
The whimsical Son Jung Wan debuts a 1950s-inspired F/W ’20 collection that dazzles in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The Fall/Winter ’20 collection by designer Vivienne Hu corralled Spring Studios on Friday with a celebration of classic Americana.
Christian Siriano and Justine Marjan Slay with Sleek and Colorful Ponytails at NYFW.