SheBreathes™ | Fashion + Culture

Mario Valentino + LeSilla Spring 2010

I found more foot candy for you to salivate over from Italian shoe designer Mario Valentino and footwear brand LeSilla, who I've covered before. I love the gold and cream sandals and the lime and black are pretty snazzy from Mr. Valentino. LeSilla never fails to make me want several pairs of their shoes and I can't decide which ones will be mines just yet. Scroll and enjoy the visual feast from the Spring 2010 collections.

LeSilla's Spring 2010 collection.

Fotos Style.

Beijinhos.

PS: HeBreathes is live! Visit + explore and show Goldie some love. He's working hard to bring the same content just for you lovely lads!

NYFW | Vassilios Kostetsos Spring/Summer 2010

I wasn't completely smitten with Greek designer Vassilios Kostetsos' collection but I did find a few pieces that were more than editorial ready. While I totally blanked-out with the menswear collection the women's collection offered up some goodies, like sequined mini dresses, one-shoulder belted cuties, cropped jackets paired with the whole "no pants" trend going on right now, and the long and flowing. All in all I liked a lot of what I saw, he could've edited better — more short and sequined and less long and flowing. I wouldn't mind seeing what he does next season because the show worked and it was filled with delightful people with good energy — just hold the satin suits for men please.

Fotos SheBreathes.com.

Edmundo Castillo x Santoni Spring 2010

I couldn't resist sharing some of the looks from Edmundo Castillo's new gig, which is at Italian brand Santoni. Below are looks from the Spring 2010 collection, where Edmundo's signature style shines through — he loves the strappy, super skinny and the more details the better. I love to see him working, so congrats Edmundo and welcome back! I'm still hoping you return to your own label one day but I'll settle for you directing someone else's vision for now.

I really dig the patent leather jazzies, the Grecian details, and the first and last heels scream Edmundo! Remember it's all in the details and Edmundo is a master at getting the details right.

Fotos Style.

Beijos.

Showroom Visit | Be & D Spring 2010

Another visit Ms. Shoo had me attend on her behalf was to Be & D's showroom to see their Spring 2010 collection. For spring the duo have brought back their Garbo bag, which if you remember was relaunched last season when Ms. Shoo did an interview with them. Co-owner Steve Dumain kindly gave me a tour of their factory which shares space with their showroom. While the bags are manufactured in New York, the shoes are produced in Tuscany by skilled cobblers. All of the bags for spring are named and inspired by music like Woodstock, which is also a style that has been around for three seasons and is available with covered or open studs and in a new custom created color called Citrus. The shoes for spring also include their signature studs in various styles that Steve describes as "soft meets hard". All of Be & D bags are multifunctional and made from the softest leather around. One of highlight bags of the season is the new twist bag, which Steve said was reminiscent of the way love and romanticism interlocks, while dubbing the entire collection as "American 1940's/1950's with a modern twist". He also predicted three trends this season from the collection — the Fanny Pack, Bucket Bag in soft python and the Twist style bag. After being able to see the entire handbag and shoe collection in person I'm a fan for life and I can't wait to see what they come-up with next season. — Ebony

Below are photos from the line and a video of Steve taking me through their studio/factory and explaining several pieces in detail, enjoy!

Fotos SheBreathes.com.

Visit Be & D at http://www.beandd.com for more information and to purchase from their current collection visit their online shop. 

Nouveau Chic | Angel Schlesser

My love for Spanish designers goes deep, remember my coverage on Amaya Arzuaga back in March? Or José Miró in May and most recent Estrella Archs, who was recently named the head designer of Ungaro. Which brings me to designer Angel Schlesser's S/S 2010 collection, which is filled to the brim with modern twists on classic shapes. From the block of black on several of the pieces below to the strapless dresses and cropped leather jackets there is plenty of the easy, breezy and chic in his collection. The beauty is that much of what he showed is "no fuss" — just put it on and go and sometimes that's all you want from your clothes.

Fotos Vogue.

Beijinhos.

NYFW | Jeremy Laing Spring/Summer 2010

Jeremy Laing's Spring/Summer 2010 collection was probably my favourite collection of the entire season. I had so much fun capturing the clothes on the models at his Milk Studio presentation. My camera devoured every piece in his collection, thus why there are plenty of photos. The clothes against all that white was just pure perfection. The energy of the models and those in attendance made it one of the better shows of all I've seen. After capturing a few photos of the models all together I slipped behind a partition to capture the models being snapped for their official photos, which was exciting. I got to see how a lot the pieces moved on the model and it was wondrous. Laing's dresses draped around each model's body with perfect precision. There wasn't any stiffness in his collection, despite the models standing at attention. Even the cap sleeved perforated suede jacket moved with ease. Architectural silhouettes, vanishing point prints, asymmetrical layers, the pale blue, black, nude {wood grained}, it was all so serene, but not overwhelming. Overall this was an assertive collection, one that I will indulge in because it embodied that quiet power I love so much. Thank you Jeremy for the beautiful journey!

Fotos SheBreathes.com.

Just a few more shows to go on NYFW, but I'll be adding some London + Paris  in between, along with other features.

NYFW | Leifsdottir Spring 2010

Leifsdottir a label sold at Anthropologie held their Spring 2010 presentation offsite but that didn't stop them from transforming the space they chose into a wonderland of the pretty and sugary. Tamra attended on my behalf and I joined her right before my next show at the tents. There were loads of pretty frilly pieces like, silk and cotton dresses and blouses, a textured metallic vest, a monkey forest cotton skirt, draped linen shorts, and a few more lovely pieces on hangers that all screamed feminine chic. What they presented appeals to the majority of us because it's pretty and wearable, not to mention they had one of the cutest invites of all these season. It was also nice to see Danielle, one of my favourites from ANTM working.

Fotos SheBreaths.com.

Wishlist | Khirma Eliazov

I'm loving these over-sized bags from designer Khirma Eliazov, especially the organic cotton canvas and leather one in taupe and royal blue. I've been lusting after them for a while and think for the hols I will treat myself. Based on the dimensions they would indeed fit everything — perfect for busy girls with busy lives. Visit and explore because you might just find something that you fancy as well. Remember dreaming doesn't cost anything and these are worth dreaming after.

And of course a detail shot that solidifies why it's a "must have" in my book.

Fotos Khirma Eliazov.

NYFW | Arise Promise of Africa Collective Spring/Summer 2010

After my coverage of the Arise Africa Fashion Show in South Africa and Arise magazine, I knew I had to attend their show at NYFW. The show was exciting and filled to capacity. Luckily for me I was seated but still had to do crouching tiger and hidden dragon moves to capture some decent photos and really wished I could've captured the details of each piece – they were beautiful. This show had some of the best music of all the shows I've attended and the energy of seeing Arlenis, Sessilee, Tao, Oluchi, Coco, Tyson, Lakshmi, Chanel Iman, and so many more strut down that runway was just amazing. It featured the most diverse group of models I've seen in a long time. The show opened with Lisa Folawiyo's Jewel by Lisa, which was very "Afro-chic" in the city, with mustard being the dominate colour, plenty of batik silk dresses with crystal and beaded details, and Ankara prints.

Tapping on Lisa's heels was Tiffany Amber, whose colours was said to be inspired by Nigerian artist Kolade Oshinowo. There was plenty of beautiful flowing silk chiffon dresses, volume and billowy sleeves and there was no mistaking her other inspiration — Diana Ross in Mahogany.

Eric Raisina followed-up with an equally inspiring collection of beautiful hues and textures, like red, orange, dark aubergine, and yellow as colour choices. There was plenty of crocheted, pleated, and ribbon stitched pieces. Chanel Iman opened the show in a red fringed halter neck top and silk layered shorts, the other highlight was a multicolored layered fringed dress with a cape, and the orange and pink layered silk asymmetrical dress that Lakshmi closed in. This collection was probably my favourite out of them all.

The closing designer was David Tlale who explored Africa's rich cultural landscape with draped dresses and African cow horns, and brocade suit with structured pants, and creme and taupe dresses, it was a nice topper to all the designer's presented.

Fotos SheBreathes.com.

View the full collection here.

Objects to Adore | Yazbukey

I've had Yazbukey on standby until I finished all my fashion weeks but I couldn't resist sharing design duo Yaz and Emel's work now. While there has been a huge trend in corded jewelry I was enamored by their take because it's much more than novelty and they have a wicked sense of humour. The corded details intertwined with metal rings and steel, 3D depictions, plexiglass and the black, white, and grey colour choices is what you'll find in their plentiful offerings. Below are my picks from their A/W 09 collection, visit and discover more.

Fotos Yazbukey.

Beijinhos.

Fashion Diary | NYFW in Hindsight

My dear lovely, lovely, lovely readers. You have come to enjoy timely features from me and those I ask to participate on SheBreathes, but I must make a confession. I am tired, sick, and stuck in my hotel room in London. Let me back up, this is no Nyquil induced confessional it's just straight-up honesty. One of the very reasons why I never partook in the daily chronicling of any fashion week is because it can and will wear you down. This season I was a bit ambitious in my need to prove to myself that despite the lack of a "machine" behind me I could cover these shows like any "big" outlet. This in hindsight was a major no-no. The bloody buggers have won and I sit back and laugh nyquil out of my nose at the insanity of it all. I have run myself haggard, to the point of sleep induced nightmares of "capturing the right shot", which has become a re-occurring nightmarish dream.

The hotel doctor has ordered me to sleep and down plenty of fluids and a follow-up visit in a few days. Goldie is here but even he is less than enthused, not by fashion but the "race" to the finish line. Dare I say that if I don't feel better by Monday then the love of my life and auntie {who has been checking in on me hourly} have ordered me home. I'm sure the airline, which barely let me on their plane will be none-to-happy with the infected one returning. All in the name of fashion eh? I haven't conceded just yet, but it was far more fun when a few shows was sufficient for me, but monstrous appetites will bring you to your knees. I am not that "editor" and probably never will be, not that I ever thought I was, but dreaming big doesn't mean we have to lose sight of reality. And let me state I rarely liked the idea of calling myself an "editor" but that's another confession and I'm digressing. I am one person and one person only, with some awesome people who helped this season. But I promise to make all of this up to you next season, where daily chronicling will be mastered and there won't be a backlog of shows to report on. I promise. Or it could be the Nyquil talking.

Some think the idea of fashion week is pure fun but honestly I find it a bit nerve-wrecking. The concern when none of your photos are usable {Ports1961, Tibi, Custo, Galindo}. Some PR send photos after the show, but for me there is nothing like showing the personal captures. Of course one can always revert back to right-clicking on Style. Oh the things I didn't worry about a season or so ago. Then sadness ensues when you miss shows like Mark Fast and the size 14 models controversy, or Mary Katranzou's collection because you've been sick-sleeping since you landed. Or you get invites from shows in NY late, that's always fun. But I'm cool with knowing that one person, even 3 can't cover it all nor should they try. That's what style.com is for.

You will always need a better flash to combat ambiance and overbooking of shows, elbows and handbags in the back of your head because you're in the last row seats. I've discovered that 3rd row right of stage is way better than 3rd row left at the tents. I'm still mastering the offsites. Milk was perfect for beautiful photography, because most were presentations that I attended, which is always better in terms of rogue photography.  And sometimes being that annoying person who stands gets you the shot you need at the tents . . . sometimes.

A pro photographer with a press pass will alleviate the issue of better photos next season, that way I can enjoy and just tweet my thoughts, which is a new form of note taking.

Pardon my violin playing but I couldn't help since just a few days ago I was healthy and upbeat.

So if I shared fotos that aren't up to style.com or getty images standard forgive me, because once upon a time one went to the shows quietly, wrote about them or took notes on pieces they wanted to use in an editorial. I'm new to this sharing part but again promise to do better next time and will take better care of myself with all that running from the tents to offsite shows, while the weather went from hot to cool in a matter of hours.

NYFW | Toni Maticevski Spring 2010

Australian designer Toni Maticevski showed his Spring 2010 collection at the Altman building bringing an artsy romantic feel to the space. There was loads of textures and plenty of tulle, satin blouses, and skirts that hugged the body in all the right places. The paint-splattered treatment on several pieces were just one of many decorative ways he played-up the pieces throughout this collection. The cotton tank paired with the a silk organza skirt was the cherry topper. Maticevski's fanciful and couture-like take on spring overshadowed any misplaced pieces in this collection, which were few and far between the pretty. Visit Kitiya for a look at the hair and make-up that was used for this collection.

 

 
All Fotos SheBreathes.com.

Many thanks to Ebony who attended this show on my behalf. She's been such a trooper this season and working with me! Visit here to see the full collection.