Lucas Maassen thinks about his designs. Sometimes in pursuit of the concept the object may loose its traditional functionality, but thats besides the point. His current show “Conceivably, the object is what it seems” at the CITE showroom is full of chairs, but not all of them are for sitting on.
Perhaps the most literal expression of how Maassen designs what he thinks is the Brainwave Sofa. The shape of the chair is based on a readout of alpha activity in his brain the moment he closes his eyes. The 3D graph is reproduced on an enormous scale to create the sofa. It is suggested that this may be the way of design in the future–designers will only have to close their eyes while a computer “prints” the object.
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Monique Lhuillier was clearly having a garden party moment. With colors like red, green and rose floral prints it was a fantasy collection. The evening wear in the show was all about the drama. I would just love to spend a day lounging about in one her gowns, wouldn’t you?
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Alice & Olivia always has a fun party vibe at its presentations and the latest show was no exception. I arrived to the event space to find a long line because the doors had not yet opened. And who was behind me, none other than blogger dujour Tavi Gevinson. Come to find out she had styled the band and the dj for the presentation, and while she may have taken on celebrity like proportions in fashion lately she has yet to develop any diva-tude which was quite refreshing. I loved the show, which had a fun 1970s style, but wasn’t as literal as Marc Jacobs’ interpretation of the trend. And I love going to shows where I can afford everything, and fully intend on buying the leopard feather skirt.
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You have to give it to Michelle Obama–she has an amazing sense of rising fashion stars. One of her favorites of the moment is Sophie Theallet, a French born designer who was Azzedine Alaia’s right hand for over a decade. Her spring 2011 collection could not have been more beautiful–my only complaint about it was the space that Theallet showed in, Lincoln Center’s presentation space. Theallet showed a hybrid of a presentation and runway show and it didn’t do the collection justice–I wanted to get up close. I loved the Spanish influences in the show and that Theallet ended with her interpretation of a wedding dress (does she have couture aspirations perhaps?)
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Walking into Marchesa’s presentations is always a game–what stars are going to end up in what dresses? Sandra Bullock won the academy award in a one shoulder Marchesa gown earlier this year, and the list of celebrities that wear Marchesa for major red carpet moments goes on and on. The photos speak for themselves–tulle, beading, corsets, feathers, handpainting–each Marchesa piece for spring 2011 has a couture like feeling and is all about drama.
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Milan has been struggling to find its footing as a fashion capital in recent years, but that all changed this season. Acid bright colors, couture details and plenty of clothes that women would love to own rounded out the week.
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Long Island City’s foodie scene is one to watch. Sage General Store has perfected gourmet brunch food that everyone will love. It’s worth the visit no matter where you live.
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Powerful. Sensual. Mysterious. Sexy. Independent. Lovable. Yes, I am talking about you, and me, and Sarah Jessica Parker (creative director of the less expensive Halston Heritage line)–but most importantly I am talking about the Halston spring 2011 collection. Marios Schwab, Halston’s current designer, describes his latest collection as “Evocative, provocative, and sensual,” and smack, those feelings slapped me in face when I pushed past the hurdles of fabulous people in the narrow foyer of an intimate Chelsea Gallery into the presentation.
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Oh Mr. Badgley and Mr. Mischka, why do you seem scatter-brained? Are thoughts of spring pollen fogging up your design process?
This New York fashion week the label Badgley Mischka (designed by business and romantic partners Mark Badgley and James Mischka) was all about florals but unfortunately not as innovative and inspiring as I had hoped and expected. Yes every gown had lines and contours that would make most women coo, but that has come to be a given for the line. Aside from a few moments where beautiful embroidery reigned, the collection was one big yawn and sometimes even confusing. One moment I thought the collection had a 1970s inspiration, another moment I was convinced it was exploring the 1920s era with georgette dresses fit for a Gatsby gala, and then a minimalist modern look would come down the runway and prove me wrong again.
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Dannijo, founded by sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder in 2008, has emerged as one of the most sought after jewelry lines in the world. A celebrity clientele list (including Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Natalie Portman), multiple collaborations with fashion houses (including Luca Luca, Carlos Campos, and Walter) and a nomination for Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Coolest Young Entrepreneurs in 2009, are just a few of the many accomplishments they’ve achieved over the last three years. I recently spoke with Danielle and Jodie to learn more about the experience of running a business as sisters, their recent decision to do their first ever presentation at London fashion week and why sometimes it’s just as important to reject opportunities as it is to take them on.
Jennifer Sung: How would you describe your style and personality?
Danielle Snyder: I’m a little bit more bohemian and rock and roll inspired. I’m inspired by music culture from bygone eras like Woodstock to present music festivals like Coachella. And Jodie is a little more classic and inspired by old world sensibilities with a mix of vintage. So for the collection, we really work off of each other to create a well-rounded collection that speaks to a range of personalities.
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