With all the buzz surrounding the move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, it may have been easy to forget that there were other shows outside “The Tents.”
By Elaine Mensah
RHWNY Alex McCord, Actress Denise Richards, & Ali Landry. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
While every designer hopes to make an appearance at The Tents at some point in the career, the reality is that for whatever reason, financial or otherwise, The Tents are not for everyone. There are so many talented designers who present their collections to the world in other venues. Three designers who caught my eye were Project Runway Season 5 designer Korto Momolu, former model and Miss USA Ali Laundry (aka The Doritos Girl), and Danish designer Rikke Gudnitz. All three of them had a completely distinct point of view and added a touch of individuality to Fashion Week.
After Project Runway, designer Korto Momolu has been one of the few designers to really succeed in the industry. Since being a finalist she debuted at New York Fashion Week on her own and has a jewelry and handbag line in more than 70 Dillards nationwide. Her Spring/Summer 2011 collection was effortless. It had the signature Korto shapes and cuts but with a fresh twist. She used color beautiful and her fit and draping was impeccable.
Model Ali Landry showed her new kids clothing like Belle Parish to an audience of squealing adults. Her “models” were babies and toddlers with a special appearance by actress Denise Richards and Real Housewives of New York’s Alex McCord. The kids were absolutely adorable and melted the hearts of every adult in the room. As with many of the collections I have discussed, the clothes are wearable and moms will be happy to have their kids in Belle Parish gear.
Belle Parish S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.Belle Parish S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.Belle Parish S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.RHWNY Alex McCord, Actress Denise Richards, & Ali Landry. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
While this was my first time learning about Danish designer Rikke Gudnitz’ Gudnitz Couture, I was very impressed with her aesthetic. She presented a collection that was beautiful, delicate, and tough all at the same time. Her collection ran the gamut from simple and clean gowns to more edgier pieces. Her gowns are definitely ones that brides would consider for their impending nuptials.
Elaine Mensah is a leading contributor to the fashion industry in Washington, DC. She owns SVELTE, LLC a creative consulting and communications firm that specializes in production, brand strategy and media for fashion and lifestyle brands, she is the creator and host of SVELTE Tv and online fashion radio show Fashion BS, and also serves as the Fashion Director & Vice-President of Production for Fashion Fights Poverty.
Gunitz S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Gunitz S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Gunitz Couture S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Gunitz Couture S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Belle Parish S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Belle Parish S/S2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Korto Momolu S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Korto Momolu S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Korto Momolu S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
