I love the idea of a fashionable carnival. In fact, I created an entire store event around the theme which you can read all about here.
So when I saw how the carnival carousel was customized by two of fashion’s most influential brands, I had to take notice. Can you even believe how Chanel customized a revolving carousel out of all their most famous icons. See if you can spot them all, the CCs, pearls, bow and more.
I think the finale is the best when surprisingly, the icons become moving parts that the models elevate and descend with. And I love how Karl leads the model pack away from the carousel as he takes his finale walk. It just emphasizes the fact that he has so many followers.
Yesterday night, I squealed in delight when I saw a similar fashion show- this time led by Louis Vuitton. As you’ll see here, the staging and production value was just as breathtaking and awe-inspiring. This time the models started on the carousel and modeled off the stage, with the designer entering the stage and walking a full round, no models in sight, quite the opposite of how the Chanel show was produced. It’s interesting to see how they tried to change it up in order not to be accused of stealing Chanel’s carousel runway idea. But we all know they did, right?
A-MAZING, no? I simply adored the clothes on the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 runway! I loved the pastel palette, ladylike silhouettes, shine, sparkle and feathery drama. Being a major Chanel fan, I feel like a traitor for admitting this but I preferred the clothes off the Louis Vuitton runway! As far as the runway staging and production go though, I revert to my Chanel loyalty. I preferred Chanel’s customized carousel and Karl’s grand exit. So, FabGabBlog readers, whose runway show did YOU like more?
The Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show was a terrific way to kick-off NY fashion week today. I’ll write more about the actual fashion show soon. For now I’d like to present you the chance to win the goody bag from the show (note: I’ve stuffed it with even more goodies for my fabgabblog readers!)
___UPDATE. Dana has won. but you can check back because next week I’ll have another fashion week giveaway!
All you have to do is comment here + and again in 2 other entries. for an additional entry, add a link to this entry in your Facebook, blog or twitter and leave the link url as a comment!
What you’ll win:
a Carmen Marc Valvo designed, “the heart truth” canvas bag (also reads AOL)
thank you cards from Pear Tree
notebook from BRIDES
adhesive nails
a key favor
L’oreal infallible lipstick stars collection
lip gloss by Artistry
Pantene shampoo and conditioner
hand creme by Shima + Sahai
purse mirror by BRIDES
L’oreal sample hair care
Shopaholic mints
Mrs. Meyers liquid dish soap
Red Door perfume sample
Sferra linen
tons of coupons and promo booklets
Nicole Miller perfume sample
Good Luck and watch out for more goody bag giveaways this week!
Must be a U.S. resident to enter. Please leave a valid email so I can notify you of your winning!
I viewed a bunch of emerging designers this past fashion week, one that still stands out in my mind is Mimkho, a NY-based designer who reportedly looked to her Russian roots for inspiration. I had to wonder if she didn’t just steal from The Sound of Music instead. Wearing old world fabrics reminiscent of what you might find hanging over granny’s windows, Mimkho’s models marched militantly down the runway.
photos by Susan S. Choi
Given that the”1917 revolution, WWII, and the Communist Era” were themes that she explored, the model’s stomps and serious expressions were right in line.
Gone are the good ole’ days when fashion week meant a cabinet re-filled with fashionable freebies. Below is a sentimental sample of what one week of fashion shows USED to yield.
Yes, that’s DKNY branded champagne, and no free magazines weren’t included in this pictorial summary.
My favorite freebies were always the certificates for spa, restaurant and gym experiences.
Fashionistas flock to NY fashion week and use the Bryant Park tent walkways as their own personal runway. Here is just a glimpse of the glamour inside.
The grey hoodie dress hid the hair but it sure wasn’t hiding her badunkadunk. Though she stood at the opposite end of the room, I instantly recognized that famous bubble butt and knew the Kardashian knockout had arrived (late 35min. to her own Bebe show at that but she had ARRIVED!
photo by Susan S. Choi
“I’m wearing an outfit from our line. I think we just wanted stuff that was sexy and edgy and represented me Kourt and Khloé.” – Kim
“I think the show went really well. Everyone was so anticipating this line and you know it’s been a long morning of excitement. It’s always a big rush backstage and I’m just so glad that I was able to sit in the front row and enjoy the show and just see how the pieces fit on the models and you know, when they’re walking, the flow of it and you know it was such a great feeling to sit in the front row and know that these are my pieces that I’ve designed and um it’s really really a great feeling.” – Kim after the show
Here’s a video of Kim getting interviewed (it seems she’s not the best at using proper sentences). If you see the Asian girl wearing pink in front row, that’s me.
black tote bag ( I must have collected a hundred of these totes through the 10years of fashion weeks that I’ve attended)
Bebe perfume (uh can you say “re-gift?”)
sample of Kim Kardashian’s new perfume (smells great, sort of reminiscent of Tom Ford’s men’s cologne though)
Tigi Volumizing hair spray (awesome. I could use new hairspray)
coupon for Toni & Guy (in Hoboken NJ? yea right..)
heart shaped candies (couldn’t be cuter)
Pop chips (I’m so addicted to these, I went out and bought a big bag for me to munch on at home!) Brand managers, take note: product insertions into goody bags really DO work
Mimkho goody bag contents:
Russian chocolate bar and candies
after party invite (not attending)
buttons that I’ll never wear
(basically a very big bag for a whole ‘lotta nothing)
Tyra affectionately called her America’s Next Top (petite) Models the “Petite Ninja Warriors.” I call them simply cute. They made their front row appearance across from me this morning at the Kardashian Bebe show.
Here are their responses to what their favorite designers are.
Keep a watch out for my exclusive interview with Jennifer An (on the right)!
Sure fashion week is frivolous but it is fun. It is my glorious chance to walk straight into the pages of a fashion magazine, sit near the editors I’ve followed in print, be within arms reach of the most famous models, offer real-time critiques straight off the runway and envelop myself in the glamour that is fashion. I’ve been accused of having some sort of deranged, fashion fixation.
I admit, I’m a bit obsessed. I adore clothes, accessories, and shoes (as evidenced by my floor-to-ceiling shoe closet and overflowing wardrobe). So obviously the sound of a full week dedicated to showcasing, honoring and previewing fashion sounds exciting to me. I enjoy the week full of eye candy and as an event planner, I’m completely mesmerized by the production value of each runway show. Moreover, I’m inspired and endlessly fascinated by the people who design, who style and who wear fashion well. And I find myself enthralled with the entire makeover process – the transformation of the hair, the makeup, the wardrobe not to mention the magic that goes into showing off that one awe-inspiring look.
Right now though, I find myself in constant search for ways to validate what could be seen as an unnatural passion. While “It’s my hobby” may alleviate the superficial undertones of my focus, it doesn’t quite encompass the way in which it is in actuality a necessary component of my life. While “I’m a visual person” is true, it doesn’t explain the focus on fashion. And while “it’s a girl-thing..you just don’t understand” sometimes works as my lazy way out of the discussion it never fully satisfies.
How do you legitimize YOUR passion for fashion? If you had to take out work from the explanation how might you explain yourself?
