A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Behind the Scenes: Backstage at Betsey Johnson FW 2011

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week I scheduled several shows, previews and backstages. While at Lincoln Center as I was checking my iPhone, I received an email that I was confirmed for backstage access at Betsey Johnson. Access to this highly coveted show does not come easily so I jumped at the chance to cover this show. Members of the press were allowed a limited amount of time to take photos and conduct interviews (literally 10 minutes). Of course I was elated so I grabbed my camera to capture the beauty of it all and headed to the back of Lincoln Center.

Redken stylist Peter Gray at Betsey Johnson

Redken stylist Peter Gray at Betsey Johnson

Peter Gray for Redken worked his magic by styling and cutting black bob wigs into sleek asymmetrical styles. He then carefully applied a lace template to the hair and they spray painted it gold leaving a delicate imprint on the hair. Simply Gorgeous!

Redken stylist Peter Gray at Betsey Johnson

sneak peak at Betsey Johnson Fall Winter 2011 makeup

sneak peak at Betsey Johnson Fall Winter 2011 beauty

The makeup was dramatic as expected. Shades of blue eyeshadow were swept across the lids and extended into the temples and gold eyeshadow highlighted the inner corners eyes. The look was completed with bold lashes and red lips.

sneak peak at Betsey Johnson Fall Winter 2011 beauty

The highlight of the day was seeing the diva, Betsey Johnson herself!

Betsey Johnson at NY Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week FW 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview

If you are a lover of diamonds and lavishness of New York Fashion Week, than you are in the right place. Lipstick and Luxury attended the fabulous New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview  at the magnificent Soho House! The Soho house was beautiful filled with Moet Champagne, sushi, and cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. The NYFW Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview showcases some of the hottest jewelry collection for 2011.  The five collections at the preview were absolutely grand. From edgy skulls encrusted in black diamonds to a rose gold necklaces pair with natural materials and diamond, the preview was filled with lux! So let’s talk jewelry!

N.oor

The Riviere Necklace from the Touche Du Bois collection

Noor Fares, a talent and young Lebanese jewelery designer has develop a line that combined the beauty of nature with the opulence of 18k gold encrusted diamonds.  One of my favorite collection is the Touche Du Bois ,which means  “Touch Wood for Luck”,  uses of wooden beads and the opulence of the diamonds and rose gold. One of my favorite pieces from the collection is the Riviere bracelet and necklace. These piece to me have  great Subtle details. One example of that is the sapphire set “evil” eye in Riviere bracelets.  The Touche Du Bois is a beautiful collection. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Here is a look at the sapphire “evil” eye on the The Riviere bracelet from the Touche Du Bois collection

Soffer Ari

One of my most popular items from The Black Collection is the 9mm bullet balled chain necklace. The tip is covered in diamonds and can add the edge to any outfit.

I love this Cabrini green heavy ring. This ring is blanketed in black diamonds with raw silver exposed.

The Soffer Ari collection can be described in two words,Rock glam. Tons of celebrities wear Soffer Ari collection including Taylor from Beverly Hills Housewives, Singer Fergie, and epic rocker Slash. This handmade collection used the best diamonds and raw silver. My favorite collections from Soffer Ari is the Black Collection. The handmade raw artwork from the collection has subtle and dangerous beauty. Soffer Ari has a diverse line that also includes clothing and furniture.

Gayle Grenadier


With a Egyptian influence and beautiful hand craving artwork, the Gayle Grenadier is full of detail. My favorite piece from the collection is this 18k gold cuff with diamonds and emeralds. I personally tried on the cuff and the detail is skillful. I also like that the designer actually studied Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Gayle Grenadier collection is full of history and luxury.

Alex Soldier

Alex Soldier is known for designing beautiful jewelry and fine art including the Prince Rainer III Award given to Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta. One of the premier collections is the Alex Soldier Haute Couture collection. The Haute Couture collection is full of fine art. The meticulous handmade detail and allure. Each item is hand carved with a special made tool for this beautiful detailing. Up close the Haute collection is splendid and interesting.  Every piece from Alex Solider should be in a gallery.

I love the cuffs. It is a great accessory for any wardrobe.

I tried on this diamond locket and I love the structure of the necklace and the precise work. I love the white and black diamonds.

I had a wonderful time at the New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview. You can never go wrong with diamonds.  I had a wonderful time.

 

KAELEN’s Ready To Wear F/W 2011 Collection

Yes, L&L has the inside look of the Fabulous KAELEN Fall 2011 collection which premiered Saturday, February 12 . It was full of knits, pleats, and splashes of color. I loved how the designer, Kaelen Farncombe, add a vintage touch to her collection. The collection seemed to be inspired by the Wild Wild West, 80’s grunge, and the Victorian period. I love the rustic feel to the clothes and how this collection has some classic pieces that can be worn year round. The color scheme are earth tones with touches of  red, yellow, and blue to add excitement and warmth to the collection. Here is the KAELEN RTW 2011 at the DriveIn24 Studios in Manhattan.


One of my favorite look of the collection was this accordion pleated dress. This is one of the items that I can see on anyone throughout the year.

This is a fabulous coat. Great for any size. Love the use of plaid coat. The hint of red added pop to this outerwear. I also notice the hair, 3 cornrows on the left and a loose side braid, very rustic with a high fashion appeal.

Don’t be surprised when you see Dr. Martens make a comeback at the end of the year. I love the finish on these shoes, very shabby chic.


This printed dress and the red blazer are wonderful. I love that the puff shorts were pair with the midcalf boots and grey tights.

Fabulous red carpet dress. The accordion pleated dress is elegant and would look great on so many celebrities.

One of the huge eye catcher of the show was the yellow/green dress.


I love there Victorian inspired boots with a distressed finish. KAELEN also included stained distressed pumps in the collection. Great styling.

This geometric shape patterned dress is simple and stylish.


Great casual dress, the peek a boo cut out on the sides adding a alluring look.

The cable knit dresses in this collection were especially chic. Tons of layering was seen through out the show.

This color block coat is to die for. As a whole the fit of this collection is  great.

Sweater dresses are a fashion staple for every women, in my opinion. I have a feeling that many stores and designers will include cable knit sweater dresses in their collections.

The show was packed with fashion divas, press, and lovers of the KAELEN’s fashion. The space was reminisce of a in vogue barn party. The space was warm and sophisticated .

The designer Kaelen Farncombe presenting her entire collection to the audience at the end of the showcase. The show was a great assortment of the wearable and stylish clothing. I had a wonderful time at the KAELEN collection fashion show.

New York Fashion Week: HauteSocial

What do frantic fashionistas enjoy more than a good runway show during New York Fashion Week? A great cocktail party! At least that’s what I like to do!

Social Media Guru Paul Baranda partnered with Ron Llamas of See II Media to bring us a phenomenal party at the ultra sexy W Hotel. I sipped cocktails, chatted with some old friends and made some new friends, it was a great night! 

Mercedez Benz Fashion Week Haute Social

Haute Social New York Fashion Week

Formerly known as the NYFW Media Mixer, HauteSocial held it’s 3rd semi-annual social media networking event, “Oh So Social”, at the Underbar in the W Hotel Union Square NYC on September 13, 2010. The purpose of the event is to bring the online media together during New York Fashion Week to meet, socialize and create relationships and just have a good time.

Haute Social New York Fashion Week

The crowd sipped on Social-tini’s and chatted about fashion week madness in the chic candle-lit lounge. HauteSocial provided a beautiful venue and gift bags that included products from sponsors L’BEL Skincare, Dermablend Professional, Degree Women, and FLIRT! Cosmetics.

[Photos: HauteSocial.com/Brian Austad – austadpro.com]

IVANAHelsinki S/S 2011

The finale to New York Fashion week was Finnish fashion label IVANAhelsinki. This is the first time that designer Paola Ivana Suhonen has shown her line at NY fashion week. The theme of the show was “Where the f*ck is my sailor” so it’s no surprise that a nautical theme would follow. IVANAhelsinki showcased lots of cotton mini dresses with anchors, sailors ropes and stripes.

IVANAhelsinki

IVANAhelsinki Spring 2011

This was my first time sitting front row so I decided to capture some video. Take a look!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r6zhTF8FG4[/youtube]

The brand was originally conceived to be an art project so it’s no surprise that all prints are unique and original, designed by Paoloa Ivava Suhonen. This was certainly a breath of fresh air from all of the neutral tones that we’ve seen walk down the runway at fashion week. There was a keen attention to detail with hand printed dresses, rope embroidery and bold prints.

IVANAhelsinki SS 2011

[images: zimbio]