Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 RTW

While it comes as no surprise that there was no shortage of exquisite evening gowns at the Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 RTW show yesterday at the first fashion week held at Lincoln Center, design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka definitely stirred the pot. Amid the divine dresses that will surely grace many a red carpet come awards season, were chic sportswear pieces that evoked the seventies. Also delectably unexpected was the team’s decision to feature three collections during one show—couture, ready-to-wear, and the more modestly priced Mark & James line. This interplay made for a very dynamic display in which a bikini top with sheer overlay and high waisted silk shorts were followed by a dreamy blue Grecian gown. Despite the presentation of three distinct styles the show never lacked a feeling of consistency; and though other collections also favored floppy hats and high waists, Mark Badgley and James Mischka elevated the look with elegant embellishments all their own.

Text Jessica Best

Marc by Jacobs Spring 2011

FINALLY - the flirty, fun working girl can rejoice as Marc Jacob's second line Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection was shown on the sixth day of New York Fashion week. The American designer's show took place at the New York State Armory and easily pleased the crowd with his new masterpieces. The first model came out wearing a flowing white dress that reached knee length and had prominent horizontal stripes of yellow, blue, and peach. Bringing back the sweet innocent look, Marc kept his signature bold, bright, pieces (such as his purses, bangles, and sunglasses) and mixed it into the neutral blouses, skirts, and jumpsuits. Some models came out with bowler hats (as seen in picture) which covered their frizzy whimsical hair-do. All the models were shown with Orange lipstick which mingled well with the eccentric chic outfits. Orange seemed to be the color of choice - many purses and accessories were coated with the color. Not a lot of designers use the rusty color, but it seems to be the shade for the up-coming season. My favorite outfit went to the model who wore the striped jumpsuit (which looks similar to the opening dress) and put together with beige wedges - only Marc can perfectly match neutral and exotic colors perfectly. Bows accentuated waists in the skirts and pants - not to mention they were also tied at the ankle with some wedges. Marc's collection did not only gear towards ladies, gentlemen you may rejoice as well. My favorite pieces from the male's were the long grey raincoat, copper pants and belt bags (yes, it is what it sounds).

Text Jessica Moy

'I Am Sad Leyla'

Internationally renowned and regarded fashion designer Hussein Chalayan presents his wonderful work, 'I Am Sad Leyla' at the Lisson Gallery this September. For those attending the exhibition in hope of seeing Chalayans wearable masterpieces they are in for a shock, but a treat. In many ways Chalayan is probally approaching similar themes and moods that he would his fashion creations, however for this exhibition Hussein is approaching how a certain genre of music is perceived. Presenting a classical Arabic story, told through the song 'I Am Sad Leyla' originally written for a turkish dubbed Egyptian Film in the 1940s he explores the story of lost love and heartbreak, but possibly more importantly the "shifting environments, conquests, political reforms, geo political and cultural relations' of the piece have all altered and as Chalayan describes it evolved due to their perception in the London Gallery where all of the aboves expectations are different. It is cleverly and cautiously presented and has all the alluring charm of any of Chalayan work. From the man who could indeed make decomposed silk dresses beautiful, would you expect anything less.

Text Katriona Flynn

Hipstamatic Hype

An iPhone app that lets you take Holga-esque photos? Hipsters everywhere will unanimously scoff at the name "Hipstamatic" but I suspect more than a few of those hipsters will end up buying the app, which indeed does make otherwise mundane photos look appropriately "vintage." The idea behind Hipstamatic is a synthesis of digital ease and analog nostalgia; the app lets you choose film, flashes, and lenses in an attempt to make iPhone photography seem more retro, something the humor writer Jimmy Chen wrote a funny essay about on Thought Catalog.

Those who want to be more authentic about their retro photo obsessions might actually want to buy a real Holga camera, but for those who'd rather take a quick cell phone snap, the Hipstamatic app might be of interest.

Text Molly O'Brien

Lets Accessorize!

A brother and sister duo that grew up in sunny Florida always dreamed of creating pieces that looked like found treasures. They have been inspired by everything around them, being extremely interested in making pieces that are impossible to place in the continuum. Giles and Brother trinkets are unique designs that are inspired by estate jewelry and African textiles. They sell a wide range of accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and key rings for both men and women. So here is where you come in, as the weather changes it’s time for you to start changing your look as well. Lets face it, we all wear the same accessories everyday its time for a unique and chic transformation. Giles and Brother have exclusive jewelry that sets you apart from everyone else. Whether your treating yourself or surprising someone else, all the pieces are different and made with love. These costume and sterling silver jewelry pieces will have people stopping you on the big city streets.

Cara Jacobs