Fashion Examiner

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Linder Spring Summer 2017 menswear collection

Will W walks runway in a cream/blue combo melting knit cardigan and black slash back denim from the
Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Fashion designers Sam Linder and Kirk Millar held a runway show for their Linder Spring Summer 2017 menswear collection on July 11, during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017. The fashion show was held at Dixon Place Theatre on 161A Chrystie Street. This collection is comprised of thirty outfits for men, plus four more outfits for women.

What is menswear? That is a question these designers asked, as well as many other designers who recently showed in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Linder and Millar decided to use "the most familiar pieces of the everyday wardrobe, and find ways to make them unfamiliar." For example, cardigans were cut up or warped, to produce rugged or whimsical silhouettes. The notion of revealing and concealing the body, which is most typically used in womenswear, is employed here for men.

Asymmetry is another major feature. Sleeve sizes in a shirts, a tank top and even a maxi dress are not equal. This off-balance look is intentional, effective and really cool. Confidence and self-assurdness is almost required to wear this collection. When asked where does he envision men wearing these garments, Mr. Linder states, "I think it's pretty expressive. I imagine a lot of creative people wearing it...people who have the freedom to dress however they want for any occasion basically."

Basic colors such as cream, black, white and denim helps add masculinity to the looks. Conversely, some of the outfits were accessorized with handbags that are orange, white, black/blue and black/orange. Interestingly a black kimono tee and black knit wrap tank were purposely worn backwards for show. There's something for everyone here. Please click on link to view the complete Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection.

Archie walks runway in a cream wilting cross long sleeve knit cardigan and black low
rise rib waist pant from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and
Kirk Millar. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Sam walks runway in a black asymmetrical sleeve button up and natural denim side
fin short from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Lucas walks runway in a tan asymmetrical button up and blue wide leg washed rivet
denim from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Kalib walks runway in a multicolor short flight jacket and blue long pocket washed
denim from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Ilir walks runway in a graphic tee, blue pony jacket and black asymmetrical large
pocket denim from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and
Kirk Millar. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Ling Yue walks runway in a black knit tee and black exaggerated piping hot short
from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Abdulaye walks runway in a blue cropped washed denim jacket and blue slash back
denim pant from the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Four luxury wear collections for resort 2017

Model poses in outfits from the Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Resort Fashion Week 2017 is in full swing in New York City. The official schedule was from May 30th to June 10th. Just the very idea buying clothes for a resort has the connotation of luxury, travel, opulence and ease. Several designers held runway shows and fashion presentations unveiling their newest creations. Here are just some stand-out womenswear collections.

Pamella Roland presented her Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection at Bvlgari on Wednesday. The twenty-five outfit was inspired by the light based installation of two American artists, James Turrell and Spencer Finch. Ms. Roland designed dresses with intricate beading that sparkles when light touches it. She also created fabrics that stretch to help a dress fit a woman's body to perfection. The looks represent beauty, grace and high end fashion.

The Sonia Rykiel collection was presented at their recently opened new store at 816 Madison Avenue. Julie de Libran - the artistic director, sought to appeal to the two complimentary loves of the Rykiel woman..."Paris, the Left Bank, its cafés and books; and escaping to the Lubéron or the Camargue". The twenty-six looks have a smooth and natural progression from sophisticated coats, jackets, and trousers inspired by metropolitan menswear; to soft, colorful dresses, skirts, corsets and head wraps that have a strong bohemian-gypsy-country feel to them.

Fashion designer Carlton Jones held a runway show at Le Bain in The Standard Hotel for his Carlton Jones resort 2017 collection. The seventeen look collection is colorful, soft, feminine and flowing. These outfits look tailor made for a vacation on a cruise and sipping cocktails on a beach. One stand out look is cross bra-top, matte jersey skirt and gladiator palazzo.

Women interested in hot accessories should consider Save My Bag. On Tuesday, Valentina Agazzi announced a partnership of her hand bag line with the Dream Hotels. Hotel guests from New York to Los Angeles will have the chance to own one of these colorful Italian-made bag designed for the sophisticated modern woman. The press event at the Dream Downtown South Tower Terrace featured a wide range of colors and prints. According to the company, "the innovative polyfabric with neo-lycra fiber possesses the elasticity to hold all of your daily necessities while simultaneously remaining soft and weightless. Save My Bag is also rain proof and washable for continuous use for years to come."

Model poses in an aqua bead sequin gown from the Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Models pose in Blush gown with sequin framed crystals from the Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model poses in rose gold gown from the Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model Ajak Deng (Center) poses with models during the Pamella Roland Resort 2017 collection fashion presentation.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model wears checkered suit from the Sonia Rykiel Pre-Spring 2017 collection by Julie de Libran.
Photo: Courtesy Sonia Rykiel

Menswear inspired. Model wears outfit from the Sonia Rykiel Pre-Spring 2017 collection by Julie de Libran.
Photo: Courtesy Sonia Rykiel

Model wears gypsy chic outfit from the Sonia Rykiel Pre-Spring 2017 collection by Julie de Libran.
Photo: Courtesy Sonia Rykiel

Model wears bohemian dress from the Sonia Rykiel Pre-Spring 2017 collection by Julie de Libran.
Photo: Courtesy Sonia Rykiel

Jen walks runway in a wrap halter cape dress from the Carlton Jones Resort 2017 collection fashion show.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Shyloh walks runway in a high-low biased cut shoulder dress from the Carlton Jones Resort 2017 collection fashion show.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Kris-Anne walks runway in a cross bra-top, matte jersey skirt with gladiator palazzo from the Carlton Jones Resort 2017 collection fashion show. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Holly walks runway in an empire waist Goddess dress from the Carlton Jones Resort 2017 collection fashion show.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Save My Bag Italian-made handbag by Valentina Agazzi. Orange handbag Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Save My Bag Italian-made handbags by Valentina Agazzi. Green handbag with fringes.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Save My Bag Italian-made handbags by Valentina Agazzi. White handbag with butterflies.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Save My Bag Valentina Agazzi and Stefano Agazzi at the press event in Dream Downtown in New York City on June 7, 2016 for the announced partnership of Save My Bag and Dream Hotels. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

The Cynthia Rowley Resort 2017 collection presentation

Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

On June 15, American fashion designer Cynthia Rowley presented her womenswear Resort 2017 collection at her design studio on 16 Morton Street in the West Village, New York City. Earlier in May, Ms. Rowley showed a sneak peek of the collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. Wanderlust is the one word that best describes this collection and some of the designer's passions. "It is my favorite collection of the year to design" Ms. Rowley stated, "because I love travel and big adventure, and I'll basically go anywhere if you ask me and invite me".

The embroidery throughout the collection is jaw-dropping with their vivid colors and rich detail. One of the best examples is a black close-fitting long skirt, with pink, yellow, blue and green, flower embroidered patterns. It blends in well in an exotic tropical market, and would also make a great stand-out piece in the deserts of Northern Africa. There are a plethora of strong separate pieces. Flared, embroidered pants can be worn with striped tops and patterned jackets for a cool look. According to the designer, "I feel like you should have the freedom and be fearless about mixing, you know if its a little bit eccentric its fine. I feel like the idea of one inspiration and one color story is really old fashioned."

If you are a woman that loves going to the beach there are really impressive wetsuits, swimsuits, plus soft top surf boards available. With joy in her eyes the Ms. Rowley said, "That's my thing! We've been doing wetsuits for five years and basically I am in danger of forgetting I have other responsibilities, like that's all I want to do. It's really fun! I love it!" Just looking at her gorgeous swimwear one can see why. The Cynthia Rowley Resort 2017collection, along with its lovely array of shoes and handbags will be available for purchase in December.

Wetsuit and surf board Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

White and black dress Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

Light blue pant suit Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

Embroidered jacket, top and pants Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

Cool mix and match Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Shoes Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Handbag Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Cynthia Rowley and friends Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Luxury wedding dresses from New York Bridal Fashion Week Spring Summer 2017

Doha bridal gown from the Naeem Khan Bridal
Spring 2017 collection Photo: ©Shawn Punch

With New York Bridal Fashion Week Spring Summer 2017 finished, its time to take a moment and appreciate some of the lovely bridal gowns created by some of the most talented designers in the industry. Some of the skilled designers include Naeem Khan, Rita Vinieris, and husband and wife duo Sachin & Babi. They each presented wedding gown collections that showcased their individual styles and dazzling gowns.

The Naeem Khan Bridal Spring 2017 runway show presented twenty-three luxury, and incredibly detailed wedding dresses. The fashion show was held in his darkened penthouse showroom on 36th Street in Manhattan just off of Fashion Avenue. Mr. Khan expanded mainstream confines and created bridal gowns in pale blue, lavender and even black. One of the prettiest in the collection is a lavender thread-embroidered long-sleeve gown with open back and matching veil. This gown most clearly reflects his Indian heritage.

Rita Vinieris held a runway show for her Rivini Spring Summer 2017 bridal collection, and a fashion presentation of twelve looks debuting her Alyne bridal line. Both shows were held at The Standard's Highline Room & Terrace. The Rivini collection consisted of nineteen gowns. The majority of the dresses looked light, flowing and seemed to float on air. One particularly sexy wedding dress is Didi - a translucent beaded gown in a spiraling mix of hand wrapped flowers.

Husband and wife fashion team Sachin & Babi Ahluwalia held a lovely presentation for the debut of their Sachin & Babi bridal collection in their showroom at 132 36th Street. Their Spring Summer 2017 Noir Bridal line has twelve looks. Mr. Ahluwalia said the "Sachin & Babi girl has gown up, gotten engaged and now needs a wedding dress." He added, their girls "have always come to us for those really feminine, light pieces...and a lot of things from our ready-to-wear collections like the emphasis on bows; either on the hip or on the back are here. I always try to look at this collection from 360 degrees. In a sense you need to see the girl from all sides." Click on link to view more images from New York Bridal Fashion Week Spring Summer 2017.

Model walks runway in an Amafi bridal gown from the Naeem Khan Bridal
Spring 2017 collection Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model Brooke walks runway in a "Leia" bridal gown from the Rivini Spring Summer 2017
bridal collection by Rita Vinieris. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model Viki walks runway in a "Didi" bridal gown from the Rivini Spring Summer 2017
bridal collection by Rita Vinieris. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model Brooke walks runway in a "Willa" bridal gown from the Rivini Spring Summer 2017
bridal collection by Rita Vinieris. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Bridal bow on hip. Model poses in a bridal gown from the Sachin and Babi Spring Summer 2017 debut
Bridal Noir collection presentation. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model poses in a bridal gown from the Sachin and Babi Spring Summer 2017 debut
Bridal Noir collection presentation. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model poses in a bridal gown with bows in front, from the Sachin and Babi Spring Summer 2017
debut Bridal Noir collection presentation. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2016

On Wednesday April 20, Creative Director Austyn Zung unveiled her Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2016 collection with a fashion show presentation held at the Ann Taylor showroom, located at 7 Times Square in New York City. This collection of thirty ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for women is elegant, strong, confident and pretty. There are choices galore for any woman to wear lovely clothes any day of the week.

According to Ms. Zung, "For the collection we were slightly inspired by the 1960s style icons, British and French, such as Françoise Hardy and Catherine Deneuve. You see it in subtle gestures. We don't go literal with anything but we definitely nod to that." She added "You'll see it in the trapeze shapes and the cropped pants that show the ankles, and the block heels. And we have a lot of fun with patterns, jacquard, you'll see some pattern around opulent bright reds and golds, and a lot of animal in ready-to-wear and also the accessories."

The designer always strive to bring femininity and strength together in order to..."have the clothes be incredibly versatile. I thinks this idea of versatility is really important to women today; who ask can I take that jacket and wear it in six different ways?" These clothes can be worn to transition smoothly from work during the day, to dinner or a chic event in the evening. Please click on link to view all looks from Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2016 collection.