Reem Acra Bridal Spring 2014 Presentation

Recently during Bridal Market Spring 2014, I attended the REEM ACRA runway show and the body became the focal point for this season's bride. The theme of the collection is 'Thank You For The Love' which was printed on the veils the models were wearing. It's all about finding your sensuality with a fresh approach.

Reem played close attention to detailing as she always does with beautiful hand embroidered fabrics that defined and flattered the figure. Lace and sheer illusion panels were done on the necklines & the backs which added a sultry edge to the gowns. The peplum trend continues to bridal which is no surprise as this has been a huge trend for a while in RTW lines. The designer incorporated this detail in her collection as well.

One of the main things that stood out in the collection to me, was the veils. I have already pictured myself in one especially the umbrella veil. Other standouts includes cascading tulle skirts, a mini illusion embroidered dress and a column gown with a feathery organza mermaid finish. Before the show, I had the opportunity to talk to Reem Acra about the collection, Kate Hudson,  & more. Continue below to see what she shared with me. Also for more details about Reem's bridal and RTW collections, go to www.reemacra.com. 

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Monique Lhuillier Opens Flagship Store in New York

 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the MONIQUE LHUILLIER flagship boutique store opening in New York. Harley Viera Newton DJ'd at the event which also included top industry insiders like Hannah Bronfman who hosted, Kelly Rutherford and Steven Kolb. The 19th century townhouse boutique has two-floors which consist of her ready-to-wear collection & accessories on the first floor and of course an amazing bridal salon on the second floor which is very intimate.

 

Monique's elegant boutique is located at 19 East 71st Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues. At the event, I had the chance to talk to Monique about the concept of the store, the Monique Lhuillier woman, what to expect from her upcoming Fall 2013 collection and Nicki Minaj wearing her gown at the AMA's. Continue below to see what she had to say about that and more.  

 

 

Monique Lhuillier and I

 

What was the concept behind the design of the store?

We wanted to create a 'jewel box' theme where it high lights the clothes. That's why you see the malcramtic drapes and textures with the beautiful product in front of it. Also I wanted to keep it like the quid-essential NY townhouse. That's why I created these private sections so people can have their privacy like their are at home.

 

Who is the Monique Lhuillier women?

The Monique Lhuillier woman is fashion forward but she wants a little tradition mix with a little edge. That creates an exciting tradition, it always a twist.

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Nina Dobrev Unveils her "got milk" Ad & Launches "Like Her, Like Me" Campaign with Mom

On yesterday evening I attended the unveiling for "The Vampire Dairies" star Nina Dobrev "Got Milk" ad campaign with her mother at the Hearst Towers. Also it was the launch of the "Like Her, Like Me" program which celebrates the special moments with mothers and daughters and the power of positive influence with Seventeen Magazine. Guest's sipped on milk and ate different kinds of cereal and treats. It was really fun for the young tweens that attended. Nina hit the white carpet wearing a neon pink GABRIELA CADENA SPRING 2012 mini with a plunging V-neckline, satin fold detailing and ruffled detail on the shoulder. Long loose waves, the JIMMY CHOO "Tema" sandals, smokey eyes and glossy lips completed her look. Nina has already worn pieces from this designer on several different occasions recently so it is safe to say, she is a fan. I thought she looked great and I like the color.

Nina and her mother's "Got Milk" Ad Campaign

So together with Seventeen magazine, Nina and her mom are on the search for three mother-daughter teams who represents what it means to be a role model in each other's life. The winners will get to experience what it is like to be a "got milk?" celebrity when they pose together in a campaign with a milk mustache to be featured in Seventeen magazine in the Fall. Nina and her mother talked to the daughters and mothers attendees at the event and engaged in activities with them. I had a chance to chat with Nina, continue below to see what she had to say about her mom, the campaign and her gorgeous gown at the MET Gala. Also see more images from the event.

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June Ambrose for Selima Optique Sunglasses Launch Party

Last night I hit up the June Ambrose for SELIMA OPTIQUE launch party at The Standard Hotel in Le Bain. June looked gorgeous of course rocking a long sleeve silk THEYSKENS THEORY embroidered iridescent sequin drop waist dress with a peplum hem. She paired her beautiful dress with mauve CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA platform ankle strap pumps, a MARC JACOBS clutch, long curly locks and glasses that she designed from her collaboration with Selima. Celebrity Stylist Ty Hunter, Chef Roble and publicist Marvet Britto were in attendance to celebrate with June. I got a chance to chat with June about the collaboration, upcoming projects and of course her new reality show Styled by June which comes on VH1 on Mondays at 9pm. If you like June's dress like I do, you can get it here at Theory.com for $1,265.

 

Me and June Ambrose

TFS: Did you design the glasses for the line? and What was your inspiration?

June Ambrose: Yes....I was very inspired by the 70's and that kinda retro glam. These particular pair that I am wearing tonight were inspired and named after my daughter Summer. They reminded me of windshields(laughs), so that inspired. The ones that are named after my son, Chance, are very retro, kinda quirky, geek chic because he wears glasses so they are inspired by him and classic retroness. The other pair, which are called the HiBrow, we wanted to glamaflage the geekster. I was inspired by high eyebrows. That's what those frames are and I wanted to incorporate a floating pair of glasses on the bridge.

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We Go Behind the Lens with Photographer Jamie McCarthy

Ever wonder what it was like to be a photographer who captures all of the hot looks from your favorite celebs on the redcarpet, runway shows and more? Well, we go behind the lens with one of the top photographers in the business, Jamie McCarthy(above right with Snookie). He gives us a in-depth image of what it is like to capture all of his notable works.  Jamie has been a celebrity photographer since the age of 21 and he quickly made his mark by working with a wide range of clients in music, fashion, nightlife and the young Hollywood scene. He is one of the top photographers for Getty Image and Wire Image. If you want to be a famous photographer like Jamie, check out photogrpahy classes at www.onlineclasses.net for courses. Continue below to see what Jaime had to say about what it is like behind the lens and see some of his most recent work which includes New York Fashion Week.

TFS: How did you get into photography?

JM: I got into photography through my uncle Patrick McMullan, who was already an established fashion and event photographer, when I was 20 years old. When I was younger I always liked to bring a camera to parties and get-together just to have pictures for my photo albums just for the memories, but never really thought of it in terms of making a career out of it. That all changed when I went to visit Patrick one day and he was looking through some slides from an event he photographed. I didn't really know exactly what he did, other than knowing he was a photographer and I asked him, “you get paid to go to parties and take pictures?" This seemed amazing to me because in those days, there weren't many photographers shooting parties and events like he did.This turned out to be a natural fit for me because I often went to these parties and knew many of the players. Long story short, I interned for him fora bit and helped him organize his archive which even further familiarized me with many of the subjects he was photographing. He eventually gave me a camera and sent me on my own shoots and guess what, I was good at it! I worked for him for eight years and helped him grow his company and worked my way through the ranks to become president of his company and not only one of his top photographers, but also coordinated day-to-day operations within the office.Eventually, I wanted to broaden my horizons and go out on my own, with his blessings,and was approached by Wire image, a new company at the time that was making big waves in the industry. There I took my photography to a new level and made an even bigger name for myself and even more clients across the country and even internationally. Eventually Wire image was acquired by Getty Images and I signed on with them and now shoot for both Wire image and Getty Images.

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First Look: Doo Ri. for Impulse at Macy's & We Talk to the Designer About the Collection

Yesterday I had the opportunity to view the DOO RI. for IMPULSE collection that will be exclusively available at MACY'S. I gave you a sneak peek at the sketches for the collection when the announcement was made, so now I am giving my fashionista's a first look at some of the pieces from the actual collection that will hit stores on February 15, 2012. The collection is reminiscent of the designer's signature RTW line. Detailing is key here along with draping and fabric choices which is why Doo Ri. has maintained a successful career over the years in the fashion industry. The limited edition thirty-three piece collection will hit 185 Macy's stores worldwide and online with prices ranging from $39-$159. Doo Ri. recently received a lot of attention when First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of her gowns. I had the opportunity to speak to Doo Ri., so continue below to see what she had to say about The First Lady and her Macy's collection.

FS: Is this collection based off of the Doo Ri. RTW collection?

DR: Of course, they came to me to do what I normally do and stay true to it so that I can translate it into an Impulse collection for Macy's.

FS: Michelle Obama recently wore one of your gowns, how did that feel and did you know that she was going to wear it or were you surprised?
DR: I was so surprised and the amount of coverage of phenomenal. We only found out when she actually walked out and I was surprised. We were always hoping for her to wear one of our pieces.

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We Talk Beauty With Deidre Hall & About Her Book "How Does She Do It?(A Beauty Book)

                               

Known to the world as Dr. Marlena Evans from the hit TV soap "Days of Lives", Deidre Hall has garnished a strong fan following through her elegance and amazing talent. However, among her closet friends, she is a beauty guru who has gained knowledge of hairstyling, make-up and other beauty secrets in Hollywood. This led to Deidre teaming up with longtime friend and co-author Lynne Parmiter Bowman to write "Deidre Hall's How Does She Do It? (A Beauty Book)." 

I read this book and I really enjoyed it. She talks about everything from make-up, hair, plastic surgery, posture, butt exercises and more. This is a good read for anymore who wants to exude elegance and grace on the red carpet, tips on how to get TV ready or even confidence in your everyday life. 

I have to tell you, she's not holding nothing back, even going into details about her childhood when she began her career with her twin sister and what she learned from her mother. I also had the opportunity to ask Deidre Hall some questions about the book and her beauty secrets. Continue below to see what she had to say.

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Get to Know Designer: Yoana Baraschi

Romania born designer YOANA BARASCHI(pictured above) launched her namesake collection in 2002 with samples created right in her bedroom. Yoana is known for her timeless and whimiscal pieces for fashionista's of any age. Coming from a family background of artists, Yoana delevopled her love for art at an early age that would soon lead her to fashion career. After receiving her BA in Sculpture at the Fine Arts Institute of Bucharest, Yoana went to Paris where she got her first design job working for Emmanuelle Khahn and then at the Studio de Style Jean Azel as an Associate Designer for Mugler and Faconable among the few. In 1983, she moved to NY and worked in different roles in fashion for several companies that includes WWD, Mario Valentino and Guess. It wasn't until her role as Creative Director for Betsey Johnson in 1999 that she wanted to follow her passion and create her own contemporary collection. Yoana's first order came from Saks Fith Ave. which garnished her an invitation to the Intermezzo Trade Show. With showrooms in NY, LA, London, Atlanta and Dallas, Yoana Baraschi's line is loved by many fashionista's. She developed a strong celebrity following which includes Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, Lala Vasquez, Dita Von Teese, Rachel Bilson, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Taraji P. Henson and more. What I love about her collections, are the flirty tops and dresses in different bold prints and colors with intricate detailing that are simply but stylish and ageless. Fit is key in all of her collections which I think is an important element when putting a line together. I had the opportunity to ask Yoana some questions about collection, continue below to see what she had to say.

1. What are your inspirations for the collection?

Spring was designed around one question: What would MonicaVitti wear? She was this knock-out Italian screen siren in the ’70s. I pictured her on a holiday in Capri, in these super-luxe embroidered pieces I dreamed up during my yearly trip to India, and this amazing jade green neo-classical print that’s an interpretation of a’70s statue scarf print I found at a vintage market. Each collection is always influenced by the high-powered glamour of the ‘40s and ‘70s from the super-fitted jackets, pencil skirts that give length to the legs, and lots of sparkly embellishments. I get so much inspiration watching old movies, and I love how dresses are more fitted through the abdomen in a way that slims the body and adds height, and the skirts have a swing shape that is so universally wearable.

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Step Into Sexy by Avon Fragrance Launch Party

Last night I attended the launch for AVON'S new fragrance, "Step Into Sexy". Activist and supermodel Christy Turlington is the face of the fragrance and she was on hand at the event. She wore a black STELLA MCCARTNEY FALL 2011 dress and she was gorgeous. I had the opportunity to talk to Christy about the new scent and she said "how she love the fact that is it so clean & light and not over powering". She also joked about how she can see her daughter taking it from her and wearing it. I agree with Christy, the scent is very light and has very fresh scent. Black raspberry, spring freesia flower and violet leaf make up the top notes. Rosewood and orchids make up the mid notes while the base notes contains creamy cashmeran, orris root and amber. In all the fragrance takes you on a oriental floral express and is for the sensual woman. I love it because what woman doesn't want to "step into her sexy"? A 1.7fl oz will sell for $28 and  will be available November 2011 exclusively through a Avon representative or you can purchase it at www.avon.com.

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Cut 25 by Yigal Azrouel Spring / Summer 2012

YIGAL AZROUREL did a presentation for his new collection, CUT 25 at Highline Studios for NYFW this week. I had the opportunity to attend the show and it was worth the trip from Lincoln Center to the meatpacking district. The collection took me on a flashback bringing back memories of the 80's with sun visers, chunky platform sandals, layers, overalls and flouncy skirts & tops in vibrant color pallettes. Volume and clean lines were also implemented along with a very structured & refined silhouette with a beachy and sporty feel to it. Yigal's concept for this line definitely introduced who the Cut 25 girl is. Continue to see more from the collection.

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