MCM Launches New York Collection At New York Fashion Week

imageIt was a glittery scene that only a luxury pairing such as MCM and Saks Fifth Avenue could draw when the iconic leather goods brand launched its New York collection at the upscale retailer’s Fifth Avenue flagship store during fashion week. Talk about stars upon stars: I spotted everyone from models (Lydia Hearst) to fashion bigwigs (Fern Mallis) to socialites (Ann Dexter-Jones, otherwise known as mom to Charlotte, Mark, and Samantha Ronson) milling about, not to mention the gorgeous handbags from the collection displayed around the room. MCM, which gained a huge following in the label-loving ’80s, has re-branded itself somewhat and evolved from its signature, logo-heavy bags to pieces that are more subtle and focused on craftsmanship rather than flash. And they’ve succeeded: they’re made from the softest, “like buttah” leather that already feels broken-in, coupled with simple, quality stitching and understated hardware. When I wasn’t gawking over the bags, I spent time chatting up a few folks, like designer (and Kanye West’s former fiancee), Alexis Phifer. She dished that she’s actually got a new line coming out in early 2010, this one a bit edgier and with more of a rocker-chic feel to it (and will include denim). No name for the label yet but more news to come towards the new year. Definitely one to look out for — and you heard it here in the Hive first! Check the slideshow for a few of the party pics!

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Runway Wrap-Up: Stylehive’s Top 10 Looks From New York Fashion Week!

imageDespite the mayhem that Fashion Week always brings upon us over here at the Hive, even from all the way across the country, we have to say we are a little sad to see it go. I mean, now what are we supposed to do? Sit around drooling until next spring when all of these gorgeous summery pieces finally hit the stores? In the meantime, we can take comfort in the fact that based on the designers’ Spring/Summer collections, the forecast for next year is undoubtedly hot, hot, hot! Looking back on all of the runway parades we’ve covered in the past couple weeks, we can’t help but notice the abundance of fun party frocks — from Christian Siriano’s tiered ruffles to Zac Posen’s neon sheaths — and the welcome resurgence of bright, cheerful hues (after all, what’s more springy than color?) that seem to insist that high-impact shades are clearly going to be the new black! As for the late-night dance-floor hoppers, who can forget Whitney Port’s designer debut with all of those slinky metallic numbers? And while the celebrity attendance record may have been abysmal (aside from the usual Anna Wintour and Rachel Zoe sightings), I’m sure the starlets will still be rocking these runway looks on the red carpet come spring! Take a look at the slideshow to reminisce with us over the Fashion Week highlights!
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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NYFW Backstage Beauty: Tibi

imageWith the help of famed hairstylist Kevin Ryan, makeup artist Bobbi Brown, and Dashing Diva’s Pattie Yankee, the Tibi Spring 2010 runway definitely came alive, giving the colorful collection the attention it deserved. From the funky hair to the bright eyes, the look radiated bold confidence. I got the chance to talk to the experts before this vibrant show to get the scoop.

Click here to learn how to get the looks!

Major Details: Spring 2010 Runway Accessories Review

imageFashion Week is all about designer’s latest visions and how well they are translated into clothing. But any true fashionista knows that while the clothes may make the man, the accessories is what makes you a woman. Here is a quick overview of some of our favorite designer accessory styles at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week:

Vera Wang
You can always count on Vera Wang for the most ornate accessories around, and for Spring 2010, there was a beautiful surplus of them. The jewelry was ornate and architectural with a hint of nature on certain pieces. The necklaces were the mane attraction, done in full chest covering bib style to ultra long and layered links. Shoes were done in black leather and wrapped around the foot, tying at the ankle. Both edgy and opulent, Vera’s accessories rule once again.

Badgley Mischka
The Spring 2010 jewelry from Badgley Mischka was sophisticated, modern glam. The crystal bib necklaces were the show stopping pieces, that were layered on top of textured day time clothing and evening style dresses. Bracelets had a vintage feeling, and were stacked on top of each other for an added wow factor. Over all, it seems the jewelry was inspired by the see. There was mostly pearls, starfish and sea shell charms and blue crystals that gave a cool and elegant punch.

Check out other gorgeous designer accessories from your favorite brands, including Marc Jacobs, Twinkle by Wenlan, Ports 1961 and more by clicking over to our friends at Essence!

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Tory Burch

imageThe hair and makeup was kept fresh and pretty for the Tory Burch Spring 2010 presentation, giving her casual yet chic collection the perfect spring feel. The hair was pulled back into low ponytails and makeup was subtle yet screamed pretty young thing.” I got the chance to meet with Redken hairstylist Yannick D’Ys and MAC makeup artist Diane Kendal backstage before the show to find out exactly how they created the looks.

Click here to learn how to re-create the hair and makeup looks!

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Brian Reyes

imageWhen designer Brian Reyes noted backstage that his Spring/Summer 2010 collection contained “all the things he loves,” he wasn’t exaggerating. Even though his runway seemed to boast everything but the kitchen sink — from sheer lingerie to multicolored high-waisted shorts to metallic off-the-shoulder dresses to ink blots(?!) — he still managed to maintain a sophisticated sense of balance. Floaty ruffled blouses were reined in with cinched belts, and bustier dresses got a dose of high-wattage color to keep things young and fun, not vampy. As for the silk rorschach test body suit? That’s the result of a creative thought process that perhaps only Reyes’ #1 fan Rachel Bilson would fully understand. Flip through the slideshow to see some of the show-stopping ensembles!

Trends: tiered corset minis, sheer slip dresses, rorschach ink blot patterns, silk ruffled blouses, high-waisted shorts
Celeb Sightings: Rachel Bilson, Becki Newton
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Doo. Ri

imageDoo. Ri has always been known for soft, fluid fabrics and innovative, but completely wearable designs that showcase modern twists on classically feminine styles. Using a sweetly somber palette of creams, blues and metal grey tones, designer Doo. Ri Chung edged out her designs with tiny chain and mesh overlays. There was a large variety of dresses, skirts and short shorts that featured details such as clever draping, soft, fluttering tiers, origami-inspired pleats and, as the trends have predicted, high hemlines to show off long, tanned legs for the next spring and summer seasons. Doo. Ri presented a collection of sexy and modern dresses and skirts that still manage to be alluringly feminine. See more from Doo. Ri at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week in the slideshow!

Trends: ruffles, origami pleats, draping, shimmer
Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Michael Kors

imageIf you’ve been going through Michael Kors withdrawals due to his erratic attendance record on the latest Project Runway season’s judging panel, you may be happy to see that he’s more than making up for it at his “day job.” The designer’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection focused on architectural shapes and his own modern play on the power suit, boasting a number of patterned three-piece ensembles and updated shift dresses for today’s business bigwigs. While still managing to keep his classic ready-to-wear silhouettes, Kors strayed slightly from his signature understated elegance and threw in some bold cut-outs, edgy plastic insets, and a variety of metallic and splatter paint patterns one might not typically see in the straight-laced business world. Take a look at the slideshow for some of the runway highlights!

Color Palette: white, black, soft grey, lavender, sky blue
Trends: sleeveless shift dresses, plastic insets, cut-outs, zipper accents, one-shoulder minis
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week Spring 2010: Tory Burch

imageDesigner Tory Burch’s decision to opt for a presentation over a runway seemed to grant her Spring 2010 collection more justice- a fact I attribute to the attention to detail and the role of texture in her collections, elements often lost in the movement and spotlight of a runway show. This season was all about casual elegance– printed shorts with blazers and button down shirts with skirts were on repeat, and the sequined dress/nylon anorak pairing was perhaps the coolest way to get that “oh, I just threw this on” look everyone seems to be after. In terms of texture, its use was limitless– scalloped embroidered shorts, perforated skirts and jackets, playful boucle coordinates, and unconventionally placed pleating added up to one collection we can’t wait to get our hands on. Click on the slideshow to see more from Tory Burch at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week!

Trends: sequins, shorts, studs, belts, rich texture, embellishment
Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Tibi

imageIf Alice in Wonderland grew up, moved to New York and became a seriously stylish fashionista, her wardrobe would most likely look a lot like the runway collection that Tibi presented at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week It looks like color-blocking and saturated hues are still in for Spring/Summer 2010, but with an eclectic twist. Colors that before would be marked as “horribly mismatched” (powdered rose and bright blue or pink and red) lived harmoniously together on breezy dresses and jumpsuits, loosely draped tops and short shorts. Sunshine yellow, coral pinks and simply sophisticated white, as well as pretty floral cut-outs added to the whimsically happy and bubbly bright colors that give the collection a feel of a sweet and candy-coated childhood. The silhouettes, however, remained very grown up with decolletage-baring tanks and tops, high hemlines that flirted with toned thighs, and sensual one-shoulder looks emphasizing the cinched waist. To see more of Tibi’s beautifully bright S/S 2010 collection, click on the slideshow!

Trends candy colors, florals, bias cut hemlines, slip dresses
Celebs Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Olivia Palermo, Amerie, Thalia
Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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