Savage Beauty: The Exhibit of Alexander McQueen

Spotted, on the steps of The Met, basking in the sun and ready to take in the beauty of her once beloved designer's collection, Blogger Girl is beaming in the beauty of The City in the summer... As promised my darlings, I am reporting back on the phenomenal Alexander McQueen Exhibit at The Met!

Savage Beauty is from start to finish my favorite fashion exhibit thus far. Alexander McQueen was a true visionary, an artist whose medium was clothing. Constantly pulling from all art forms for his fashion shows, he was notorious for Wowing his audience time and time again. Every collection was a complete 180 from the last. He was truly the darling of the fashion world and set the bar high as he ushered us in to the next century of style.

At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, between now and August 7th, you can explore the inner workings of Alexander McQueen up close and personal. I never thought in my life I would get to study his entire collection at one time, in one space...much less at all. But to see all the intricate folds, impeccable tailoring, and even a summary of the background of the collections was so inspiring. These are the things I dreamed of studying in my school classes, I'm so glad I get to study them for fun now!

{merci johnsimondaily.com for all exhibit photos}

{Merci The Cut}

I seriously cannot impress upon you enough how utterly amazing this exhibit is. If you are in New York this summer you simply must stop by and take it all in. And if you are, let me know!! I will definitely need to be booking time to see this again!

Take a Fashion Week Seat to Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan is one of my favorite designers so it is no surprise that the highlight to my Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter 2011 was a surprise seat at his fashion show! I was giddy with anticipation as I waited for the lights to dim, the crowd to simmer, and the show to start. My first New York Fashion Week had been a chaotic culmination of my wildest dreams and this was the cherry on top. I sat and waited in awed silence as I mentally recapped my amazing week and all the fashionable excitement whirling around me. Dream realized.

The show for Naeem Khan was like walking down the memory lane of Classic Hollywood. I felt at any point I was going to see Ginger Rogers skip down the catwalk, followed by the sashayed elegance of Grace Kelly. Every dress was sheer luxury.

A note from Naeem Khan:

This collection is an exploration of artistry, technique, and heritage coming together to redifine the glamour of the cosmopolitan woman

 The details in this line were exquisite. Immaculate beading, ostrich feathers...embellished all over the place!

Any day, any time, I am a sucker for backless dresses, Naeem Khan is no exception. Many of the his dresses at this Fashion Week we fitted and conservative...until the model turned then BAM! sex appeal!

 Many dresses had that fitted, flared Red Carpet appeal, but I really liked when Naeem Khan began to play with the shape. Short fluffy ostrich feather mini dresses next to loose chiffon draped gowns...perfect blend.

My favorite dress...one that literally made me gasp was this paisley chiffon, feathered dream in muted purple. The flowy fabric is ethereal and paired with the whispering feather shrug... I was ready for an excuse to wear this dress immediately!

I tip my cocktail hat to Naeem Khan, he takes home the Gold for most inspiring designer I saw through New York Fashion Week. He certainly delivered a show stopping finale for those with a seat to one of the last fashion shows of the week. 

How did you enjoy Naeem Khan mes cheries?

Alexander McQueen | Continuing on the Legend

Alexander McQueen was a rare fashion innovator of our generation. A true legend whose far to early departure left a permanent hole in the fashion industry. As much as I love fashion, it has become an overpopulated industry of copycats. Everyone thinks they can be a fashion designer...and maybe many can, but not everyone can be a fashion visionary...and that is what it takes to run your own label and transform it into a fashion house.

Alexander McQueen was a rare exception. In an age of dying fashion legends, one seemed to have reincarnated in the youthful fearlessness of a spunky Brit. Every season without fail His became the show to anticipate. With never tiring creativity, McQueen's clothes were not the only art on his catwalks by far. He was a rare designer who understood the art of entertaining and married that to his show concepts.

Sarah Burton has taken on the ever impossible task of steering the helm after McQueen's death. And contrary to popular belief (even Women's Wear Daily loves her) I have to say...I'm not impressed. Allow me to explain.

{merci StyleFrizz}

Sarah Burton has created some beautiful pieces, not a lot of color even though the McQueen line was fabulous with that, nonetheless, here are some jewels from Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011:

Photos compliments of WWD.com

But note the following creations...haven't we seen them before?

Oh, riiiight...they are almost identical to Alexander McQueen's former Fall and Spring lines leading up to his untimely bow out.

Sarah Burton - Fall 2011

This photo is thanks to Style.com

McQueen - Spring 2010

This futuristic vision for the line lent to a lot of fitted "body armor" type suits.

Sarah Burton - Fall 2011

McQueen - Fall 2010

This almost nod to Chinese motif was prevalent on many pieces in this collection.

Sarah Burton - Fall 2011

McQueen Fall 2010

And the dropped waist with the exaggerated gather was also a key icon for this collection.

There is a not so fine line between honoring a vision and mimicking past styles, and unfortunately I can't say much for what I believe Sarah Burton is doing. The thing Alexander McQueen was revered for besides his dynamic vision was his constant gear in a new direction. Look how different the looks are from Spring 2010 to Fall 2010 alone! 

On a hopeful note, I can see Sarah Burton has talent, but personally I challenge her to push this to realms of limitless creativity. I can't wait to see the result. 

What do you think mes cheries?

Toni Francesc: Fashion Show and After Party

As I have escaped my Fashion Show daze and am doing my best to space out the shows for you, I don't want you to feel overwhelmed with the amazingness that was NYFW! After attending the Lincoln Center fashion show of Toni Francesc and then the fabulous After Party, I must say I had a ball!

Beautifully made clothing draped the runway for the fashion show, 

and then a lack there of...graced the after party!

This model's hair is breathtaking, she reminds me of a siren.

There were lots of beautiful Garnet silks used in Toni's line. 

This was my favorite jacket in the collection! 

I love pumpkin in Fall...wearing it, eating it, decorting it...doesn't matter. And this backless shirt/pants combo was to die for. Backless is my favorite surprise to pull...i.e. I need a shirt like this!

After a wonderful bow by the designer, Mr. Toni Francesc, my friend and I returned home to change for the after party downtown. 

Sometimes, you just know you're in New York City...but hey at least its a live saxophone!

I was sure to say hello Toni Francesc at the after party! I paid respects to his beautiful line, and told him I very much enjoyed it. Overall pretty epic night on the road to my fashion dream!

Fashion Show Invitation: Check!

After Party Invitation: Check!

Planning my own Fashion Party: One day...

Fashion Week Review: Vivienne Tam & Starbucks Video Feature!

 The buzzing excitement in the crisp white tents of Fashion Week does not leave much of time to come down from your fashion high after each show. I hopped into the Vivienne Tam tent shortly after my very first runway show with ADAM. Still hazy with sheer bliss, I sat and prepared myself to review my next show. I also just learned that I make a cameo in the Starbucks Video Feature from my interview during fashion week!!  It was just posted and I couldn't wait to show you all!

The small bad news I have is since the show was so dark, it was very hard for me to shoot without a tripod for my camera. So the few side shots are from my seat and the rest are from my saving grace Women's Wear Daily!

 A note from Vivienne Tam:

My starting point is the elaborate costumes of the Kun Opera. I turn this fantasy into everyday wear. The sculptural shapes of the opera are translated, turned into everyday wear in tweed, wool, for both day or night. Fabrics include tweed, wool, silks, and lace in a mix of weights. Silhouettes include the graceful water sleeve, an opera-cape shoulder, reminiscent of a pagoda. Motifs include the dragon, stylized wind, fire and clouds. Traditional patterns are printed in trope l'oeil; appliques, lace embroideries and crochet echo ancient handicraft, but are produced with modern materials and methods. Tassels, fringe, Mongolian lamb, and crystal embellish and highlight, adding texture. The bright colors of the opera costumes are adapted to the sophisticated palette of today's urban woman, with subtle opulence. 

Beautifully detailed clothing in the dreamiest motifs and mixes of textures Vivienne Tam did a superb job blending the Modern Woman with the grace of the Ancient Orient! You all know how much I can't resist being inspired by travel...since it's basically how I live my life!

And speaking of textures... I was asked to talk about my favorite Fall texture by E! Network's Amanda Garrigus for the Starbucks Frappuccio Question of the Day!

So what is your favorite Fall texture my dears?