The Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

The Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 fashion show presentation by Austyn Zung, was held on October 26, 2016 in Ann Taylor New York City showroom in Times Square.  Models stood or sat on chairs onto of white platforms that were a few inches tall. The collection of thirty-one looks were feminine, colorful, soft, elegant and pretty. The designer found inspiration from her recent trips to Spain and Tanzania. 

According to Ms. Zung, "In Spain we were very influenced by the Matadors and the Flamenco dancers; so you'll see a lot of ruffles and attention to fringe detailing...and you'll see the accessories have a very Spanish feeling to them." She continued, "When we moved on to African, we really gathered in all the different patterns and prints. I was really inspired by all the textual cloths and vibrate colors". Furthermore, "We're still really loving the wide-leg pants and flowing skirts, and a lot of shoulder showing."

The diverse casting of models reflect a keen eye, and an appreciation of cultures by the designer. A one-shoulder top with flower-print skirt, would be an extremely alluring look for a dinner date. African inspired prints are blended smoothly into today's fashion. There are also elegant black and white top separates that fit perfectly in any business setting. Each garment stands well on its own. Click on link to view the complete Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

One-shoulder ruffle top from the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Skin is in for the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Hung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

One-shoulder top and flower skirt from the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Austyn Zung, on New York on October 26, 2016.

African print dress from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

African print outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in a flower and animal print dress, and loafers with tassels from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 menswear collection

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

The Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 men's collection was presented in July with a runway show during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017. The designer, Mr. Abboud channeled adventurer, expatriate and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway in the styles of the clothes and even with the setting of the fashion show. The event was held at The Park, a sunlit restaurant on Tenth Avenue between West 17th and 18th Street. The atmosphere had a relaxed, privileged and friendly air. Guests sat at circular tables while they were served Cuban Frittatas, Smoked Salmon Crepe, deserts and pastries as though they were passing the time in a French cafe. 

The collection is titled "Deconstructed Elegance" and imagines an "American voyager...hungry for knowledge and adventure who collects" his richly made garments "as he explores the world, from New York and Paris, to Havana and Madrid." The models walked down a couple small steps and made their way along a path that snaked in between tables, where guests such as actor and model Kellan Lutz got a close up view of the clothes. Models turned a sharp right, then strutted down a short, narrow, runway decorated with Oriental rugs and lined with worn but expensive travel luggage. Finally, each model sat at an assigned seat at the head of the runway until the man behind the brand walked out to thank the audience and pose briefly with the models. 

As usual, Mr. Abboud's clothes look great. The pieces are made for the masculine man. One who likes a bit of room in his pants and jackets; but not too much room. Several pieces are made from linen. According to the designer, "ninety-five percent of the collection is 100% linen. I've always loved linen. I think it's a great fabric. A lot of men don't understand linen. The more you wear it, the more you use it, the more comfortable it feels." The colors of the clothes are white, ivory, sand, chocolate, flax and tobacco. Looks deftly straddle the line between formal and informal wear. 

Some of the looks can be worn as a suit, while most of the pieces are worn as separates. Double-breasted suit jackets and blazers with large breast pockets are very dashing. Coats with belts are tailor-made for a safari trek. There are lots of visual options with stripes, checkers, solids, paisley and flower designs. One has to remember not to mix patterns too much, keeping in mind the saying, less is more. Overall this is a fabulous collection.

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Celebrities and activists attend New York Fashion Week Men Spring Summer 2017

Actor and model Kellan Lutz (right) poses with model Brad Kroenig backstage,
before the Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 collection runway fashion show,
 during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2017.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017 took place in New York City from July 11th to July 14th. This third season of NYFWM displayed really attractive outfits on the runway, as well as great style and substance off the runway. There seemed to be a more diverse range of guests attending menswear shows this time. One year ago, the first season of Men's Week in New York in years, was attended mainly by the fashion press, some buyers and male, menswear aficionados. This season, in addition to the aforementioned, a surprising amount to celebrities, women and activists took part.

Actor and model Kellan Lutz was somewhat of an ambassador for Men's Week. He was given the informal role by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the host of the weeks events. One of the shows Mr. Lutz attended was the delightful Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 runway show at The Park at 118 Tenth Avenue. He wore a light colored suit with white shirt, as he posed with models backstage and later enjoyed the show. 

Model poses backstage in an outfit from the Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017
collection, during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2017.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

NBA player Andre Iguodala, from the Golden State Warriors attends the Stampd
Spring Summer 2017 collection on July 12, 2016 by Chris Stamp, at Skylight
 Clarkson Square during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Public School fashion designers Dao-Yi Chow (lefit) and Maxwell Osborne attend
the Stampd Spring Summer 2017 collection fashion presentation on July 12, 2016
by Chris Stamp, at Skylight Clarkson Square during New York Fashion Week:
Men's Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

The sports world was well represented. Professional NBA basketball player Andre Iguodala, from the Golden State Warriors, looked very sharp in a green/blue plaid suit, when he attended the Stampd presentation by Chris Stamp, held Skylight Clarkson Square. Olympic gold medal snowboarder, and award winning skateboarder Shaun White has trimmed his hair and began making rounds in the fashion circuit. He too was a good will ambassador for the week. The Linder runway show by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar was one of the shows Shaun White watched from the front row.

Olympic gold metal winner Shaun White (right) being interviewed front row at the Linder Spring Summer 2017 collection runway show by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar, on July 11 2016, during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Fashion desinger Devin Carlson (center) greets Nick Wooster in the Chapter Spring Summer 2017 fashion presentation, at New York Men's Day on July 11, 2016 during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Politics also was present among the hustle and bustle of fashion. On Tuesday July 12th Black Lives Matter sympathetic protestors stood silently with their hands up outside Skylight Clarkson Square, the main venue for the men's fashion shows. They wore t-shirts that read "Stop Killing Us" and "Walter Scott", to protest the killing of unarmed African-Americans by police in various cities across the United States. The protest was organized by Hannah Stoudemier who stated, "I work for Lanvin, and when I walked into work they didn't have anything to say about it. But they were on their phones watching while Aston Sterling got shot. I have a black brother, nephew. I have a daughter, and so I do this today so she wouldn't have to do this when she gets older. "My big take away moment was I just wanted the fashion industry to acknowledge me, most specifically the CFDA because it's an American non-profit organization and I came right here to there front door. When Steven Kolb (President of CFDA) came out at the end of the shows, I ran out of line, I yelled his name, I said Steven, I just want to thank you because CFDA posted about two hours after we've been standing here...and I know you had to approved that." Ms. Stoudemier continued, "He is my biggest hero today because he didn't have to do that. He had so much on the line. So many people watch him and for him it's political. It shouldn't be political, but I know it is. And he not only restored my faith in the fashion industry, but in humanity. And I was ready to walk away from fashion and not have anything to do with it, because why would the thing that I've loved since four not love me back? I wouldn't be a part of that." Simple gestures can make a big difference to help promote peace, and bring about justice for all.

Protest outside Skylight Clarkson Square. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model/stylist Zoe Monique Cross attends the Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer
2017 collection fashion show, by Jace Lipstein on July 14 2016, at the W Hotel on
541 Lexington Avenue, during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2017.
 Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Caro Morales, Argentinian actress and TV host attends the Chapter Spring Summer
2017 fashion presentation by Devin Carlson, at New York Men's Day on July 11,
2016 during New York FashionWeek: Men's Spring Summer 2017.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Dr. Martina Mcflyy spins tracks for the Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein on July 14 2016, at the W Hotel on 541 Lexington Avenue, during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Natasha Nyanin - creative consultant attends the fashion show at Skylight Clarkson
Square during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017.
 Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

The Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection

Model walks runway in a grey/white striped long sleeve tee and grey shorts from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein,
Grungy Gentleman x Mitchell & Ness hat, Maui Jim sun glasses, and
Timberland x Grungy Gentleman footwear in the W Hotel at
541 Lexington Avenue. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Jace Lipstein presented his Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection fashion show at the W Hotel on 541 Lexington Avenue on July 14th, during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017. The runway show featured an astonishing 71 menswear outfits. The overall tone of the collection was masculine and relaxed. The colors were basic: blue, black, white, grey and cream. Effective minimalism was employed. For the most part the only patterns visible are the brand's trademark six-stripe design, which appear on blazers, t-shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear and footwear.

Mr. Lipstein designed a collection for the active, stylish man. There are a couple slim fitting trousers, which happen to conform to current men's style trends, however, thankful there are several pants and shorts that offer guys a bit more room to breath and feel loose. The blazers are really nice. They seem tailored for an athletic build and can be worn with pants or shorts to give the feeling of leisure. Textures and small details make a mark as well. One fine example is the use of mesh in jackets. The blue mesh jacket will be a must have for 2017. Another example is a grey hoodie with an asymmetric zipper in the front. The subtle curve of the zipper's path is slightly noticeable but makes perfect design sense.

Grungy Gentleman partnered with Timberland for footwear, Mitchell & Ness for hats and Maui Jim sunglasses to complete the looks for the fashion show. The Timberland collaboration features "five co-designed styles: three 6" Premium Boots and two athletic-inspired oxfords." According to the press release "select items from the collection will later be retailed in 2017 in Timberland stores, as well as available on the Grungy Gentleman website and select retailers across the nation." The partnership with Mitchell & Ness produced hats of wicking, cotton, suede and nylon with the Grungy Gentleman six-stripe pattern.

Model walks runway in a black blazer, top and pants from the Grungy Gentleman
Spring Summer  2017 collection by Jace Lipstein; shoes by Timberland x
Grungy Gentleman in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a blue jacket, blue top and cream pants from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein,
and cream boots by Timberland x Grungy Gentleman; in the W Hotel
 at 541 Lexington Avenue. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016 

Model walks runway in a cream jacket and grey sweat pants from the Grungy Gentleman
Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, white shoes by Timberland x
 Grungy Gentleman in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a denim shirt and cream pants from the Grungy Gentleman
Spring Summer  2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, Maui Jim sunglasses by and white
shoes by Timberland x Grungy Gentleman in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a grey hoodie with zipper and black shorts from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein,
shoes by Timberland x Grungy Gentleman; in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Ave.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a blue long sleeve tee and black pants from the Grungy Gentleman
Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, white boots by Timberland x
Grungy Gentleman in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a white crew neck tee and cream shorts from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, white hat by
Grungy Gentleman x Mitchell & Ness white shoes by Timberland x Grungy Gentleman
in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a white v-neck tee and white pants from the Grungy Gentleman
 Spring Summer  2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, Maui Jim sunglasses by and white
boots by Grungy Gentleman x Timberland; in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a black "Next Man Up" tank top and black pants from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, and black boots by
Grungy Gentleman x Timberland  in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington Avenue.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Model walks runway in a white blazer and black sweat pants from the
Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer  2017 collection by Jace Lipstein, hat by
Grungy Gentleman x Mitchell & Ness and boot by Timberland x Grungy Gentleman;
 in the W Hotel at 541 Lexington. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 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

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