Nolcha Fashion Week: Angelys Balek

On Wednesday, September 12th, I attended the fashion show of Thailand-based designer Angelys Balek, as part of Nolcha Fashion Week at Pier 59 in New York City. The show opened with playful patterns, and slowly transitioned to a more subdued style. The incorporation of cut-out leather in bold colors amplified what would otherwise be monotone, black clothing. Though a little rebellious, the leather somehow managed to … Continue reading Nolcha Fashion Week: Angelys Balek

NYFW Spring/Summer 2013 By Misha Fashion Presentation

On Friday, September 7th, I attended the Spring/Summer 2013 fashion presentation of By Misha. I love the whimsical themes of By Misha’s collections. The Autumn/Winter 2012 line, Crown Jewels, was fairytale-inspired (read my review of that collection here). The theme of this year’s collection is Wishing Well, and features charmeuse and chiffon fabrics in shades of honeysuckle, mint, forest, marmalade and crème brulee. Beautiful organza pearl flowers stood … Continue reading NYFW Spring/Summer 2013 By Misha Fashion Presentation

Interview with the Founder of Couture Luv

Ashley Williams, the brainchild behind online fashion boutique, Couture Luv, didn’t always want to work in the fashion industry. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, she was on a career path of becoming a lawyer, until she realized she had a strong desire to combine her love of styling with her desire to be an entrepreneur. Williams now exercises her instinctual knowledge of … Continue reading Interview with the Founder of Couture Luv

Scotland Re:Designed New York Showcase

On April 10th, I attended the Scotland Re:Designed showroom launch party as part of Scotland Week 2012 in New York City. The event, held in association with the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland, featured the collections of twelve of Scotland’s hottest fashion designers and textile companies. This new initiative provided the designers a platform to promote, share and expand their work with NYC media and buyers.

The creative work show visibly drew on historic Scottish heritage as seen with some of the pieces by award-winning designer Judy R Clark that were made with tartan cloth; yet, everything managed to be fresh and was far from antiquated (the tartan cloth pieces incorporated lace).

The exhibit of Belinda Robertson immediately drew my attention. Ms. Robertson already has a large fan base in Scotland, especially among celebrities and fashion editors, and after viewing with pieces it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful clothing is made from 100% Pure Scottish Cashmere and some of the pieces incorporated intricate embellished crystals, which provided just the right amount of sparkle.

Belinda Robertson Cashmere

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Do YOU “Live in Fashion?”

Liveinfashion.com Owner Michelle Akers

Starting your own business is no easy task, especially in the fashion world, where competition is fiercer than an episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. So how does a young boutique owner stay on top of their game in a dog-eat-dog industry? We sat down with Michelle Akers, Owner/Buyer of the New York based online boutique Liveinfashion.com to find out.

Launched in December 2009, Liveinfashion.com, caterers to “the woman who is daring to be different.” The online store successfully sells out unique fashionable pieces, reflecting Akers’ eye for quality, and innate ability to sense what women covet when it comes to style.

Where are you from?

Wow…I was born in Houston, Texas then moved to Brooklyn, NY for a little while, then to Jamaica, Queens. Now, I live in Elmont, Long Island.

What inspired you to start you online boutique?

I remember coming home one night and just saying to my mom that I wanted to start an online store. I’m a very daring person, so when I dress people would always ask where I got certain pieces from. I decided that I wanted to be the source of “getting.”

How did you decide on the name?

It came down to either “love in fashion” or “live in fashion.” The slogan “Do you live in fashion?” just stuck and that’s how I chose the name. Continue reading “Do YOU “Live in Fashion?””

Spotlight: African American Designers

With Black History month coming to an end, it’s only fitting that we should profile top African-American designers…. Post submitted by Jolevette AMSALE ABERRA Amsale Aberra  is known for her modern version of the classic fairytale bridal gown. Her gowns have adorned brides such as Bethany Frankel and has starred in many films including “When in Rome” and “The Hangover”.  Born in Ethiopia, Amsale came … Continue reading Spotlight: African American Designers

Couture Fashion Week – Isabel Zapardiez – Couture Bridal Designs

On Friday, February 16th, I attended the fashion presentation of Spanish designer Isabel Zapardiez, who unveiled a selection of stunning couture bridal designs inside the iconic Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Every model emerged as poised goddesses draped in silk satin, muslin, organza, tulle and brocade. Embellishments of Chantilly lace, crystals, mother-of-pearl and silver added to the drama and … Continue reading Couture Fashion Week – Isabel Zapardiez – Couture Bridal Designs

Couture Fashion Week New York – Pietra Banchi

On Friday, February 17th, I attended the Fall 2012 fashion show of Pietra Pizarro called, “Future Feminine,” at Couture Fashion Week New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Pietra-Pizarro is a division of Banchi Design, headed by Peruvian designer Pietra Banchi and Puerto Rican photographer Susan Pizarro-Eckert. The clothing in the collection was soft and flowy, yet some edgy pieces … Continue reading Couture Fashion Week New York – Pietra Banchi