Things finally seemed to have settled into a rhythm at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Day Two was all about the shows and a little event called Fashion’s Night Out.
By Elaine Mensah
Tadashi Shoji S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Tadashi Shoji displayed a beautiful presentation of his new collection in The Box, a new addition to MBFW where designers can showcase their collection in another format other than a runway (despite this intent, menswear designer Buckler did covert the space, the smallest in the venue, into a runway).
Max Azria presented BCBG‘s Spring/Summer collection. It was a parade of key basics and classic silhouettes for your spring wardrobe.
For menswear, Duckie Brown showcased a colorful collection of layered shirts, tees, shorts, mid-length pants and blazers. The collection very much embodied the style conscious yet comfortable man.
Buckler on the other hand showed a more monochromatic line with mainly blacks, whites, and neutrals. Designer Georges Chakra was by far one of the longer shows. His collection focused on highlighting a woman’s body whether for day or night. With long gowns with clean embellished detail to mins in vibrant colors. The collection was clean, polished, and well tailored.
BCBG Max Azria S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Duckie Brown S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
EDITION George Chakra S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Buckler S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Not to be outdone, Ports 1961 presented an amazing collection. The Theatre, which is the largest tent in Lincoln Center, was jam-packed! Everyone wanted to be at this show and rightly so. The collection was breathtaking. It was flowly, ethereal, but edgy. The hair and the make-up were a standout-and a great compliment to the collection.
Ports 1961 S/S 2011. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Backstage at Ports 1961 was mayhem with reporters vying for interviews and photos with the designer, The City's Olivia Palermo, and Will & Grace's Eric McCormack.Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
While there were a slew of other shows offsite, fashion lovers were excited about the night’s Fashion’s Night Out events. Every major store in New York City had an event planned with celebrity appearances throughout the city. I decided to stopy by Macy’s on W 34th. They had scheduled appearances by P Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, and Kimora Lee Simmons. My fabulous Fashion BS co-host (and Washington Life contributor) James Cornwell celebrated the night with me and secured footage and photos from the event.
P Diddy works the crowds at Fashion's Night Out 2010. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Kimora Lee Simmons on the red carpet at Fashion's Night Out 2010. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
James Cornwell at Fashion's Night Out 2010. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Fashion's Night Out 2010. Photos courtesy of Vithaya Phongsavan for SVELTE, LLC.
Elaine Mensah is a leading contributor to the fashion industry in Washington, DC. She has a catalogue of experience working for numerous fashion insiders and 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 where she has interviewed some of the biggest names in fashion including Jason Wu, Lela Rose, Fern Mallis, Nigel Barker, Phillip Bloch, just to name a few. She also serves as the Fashion Director & Vice-President of Production for Fashion Fights Poverty.
