Creative Time Slumber Party

Socially Superlative
November 20, 2009 


This past Wednesday, November 18th, Ace Hotel New York hosted the Creative Time Slumber Party, an event celebrating the launch of a limited edition of pajamas by Will Cotton.

The line was produced by Exquisite Apparel in association with Phillips-Van Heusen. This unisex PJ set was selling for a preview-price of $150. For those who wanted something even more original, they could purchase signed Will Cotton sets for $350.

Will is clearly inspired by desserts, which are depicted in his pajama design. He shared his love for sweets with the rest of the party by having a long table set up in the center of the venue completely covered with every dessert imaginable. Each item was arranged in such a beautiful way, it took about thirty minutes for guests to dare think of disturbing the placement this edible artwork.

Cocktails and snacks were courtesy of April Bloomfield’s The Breslin. Wait staff served appetizers consisting of mini burgers, French fries, grilled cheese sandwich bites, and even fried rabbit. There were several cocktails and glasses of wine offered throughout the evening.

The dress code on the invitation read Boudoirs and Bachelor Pads, and this theme stayed true throughout the night. Book shelves, ornate furniture, and comfortable couches made one feel as if he were in a private sitting room. In one corner by the stairs stood an old-fashioned mirror. Nearby was a stack of boas, fur, silk nightgowns, and bathrobes for guests who opted to play ‘dress up.’

My personal highlight of the night was Jacob Ireland’s tarot card readings. After nervously waiting in line for my turn, I was quickly put at ease by Jacob’s reassuring demeanor. He spent about twenty minutes delving into his explanations of the cards I drew, and despite my initial reservations, I found his assessment of me quite accurate and very impressive.

Around 10pm that evening, musical guest Patrick Cleandenim performed for the crowd, with a DJ set by Matt Creed. By this time, the room was packed, and people were happily chatting away while nibbling on cookies and tarts. Perhaps it was just the sugar rush, but everyone was having a fabulous time.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/11/20/creative-time-slumber-party/

ASI Spring 2010: Press Preview: Custo Barcelona, Silvia Tcherassi, and Min Agostini

Socially Superlative
November 13, 2009

Spring was in the air Wednesday night at a private press viewing for Custo Barcelona, Silvia Tcherassi, and Min Agostini for their Spring 2010 collections. Hosted by ASI Marketing Group and held in their SoHo office, magazine and website representatives were given the exclusive opportunity to sift through these three unique designer brands.

While looking at Custo’s garments, I felt a stabbing in my heart to return to Spain. Although I fell in love with the southern city of Sevilla, I was always intrigued by Barcelona, and after having to suddenly cancel a weekend getaway there two years ago, I couldn’t help but regret this decision. Imagining me wearing a flowing dress walking by the warm seaside seems quite appealing this time of year.

Custo’s collection is full of vibrant color, fun prints, and intricate detailing. Despite the loose-fitting fabrics, each piece looks effortlessly breath-taking and will easily compliment a woman’s body. Perhaps I’m biased, but I had trouble taking my eyes off these clothes. The laid-back elegance of the brand will likely continue in popularity among consumers through the next season. A large plasma screen played their runway show from Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, allowing press to view the non-restricting movement of the garments.

Silvia Tcherassi, a native from Columbia, South America, displayed a collection that incorporated bright colors with bold accessories. Strapless dresses, short skirts, and loose-fitting tops mix and match well together, which will enable customers to display their own personality through the garments. I particularly appreciate Silvia’s ability to create long dresses with chic ruffling and her use of feminine prints to create clothes that woman will feel beautiful wearing.

The Min Agostini collection was a bit more focused on architectural construction. Although perhaps less wearable in everyday like than the other two brands, these garments do stand on their own. Most pieces were made in white and other neutral colors, giving the clothes a soft, angelic feel to them. Small, round fabric folds on specific garments gave these looks a floral appeal. When looking at runway stills from New York Fashion Week, the construction serves as a major highlight. Pockets, silhouettes, and head pieces added to the simple yet conceptual collection.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/11/13/asi-spring-2010-press-preview/

Norisol Ferrari: Fall/Winter Collection

Socially Superlative
November 3, 2009

The debut bespoke Fall/Winter collection of Norisol Ferrari was unveiled this past Sunday at Safe Harbor NYC. Designer and brand namesake Norisol Ferrari entitled her collection, “The Beginning,” and displayed sixteen very different looks. Dancers from Merce Cunningham, Joffrey, and other fantastic professional dancers modeled her eccentric line of women’s coats. Starting the night off with complimentary wine, guests socialized and reveled in the unique setting surrounding them.

The production as a whole was very theatrical. Taking place one day after Halloween proved to be an appropriate choice, with both mood and décor reflecting the ominous theme. Slow music composed in minor keys echoed through the speakers, similar to tunes one might hear while walking through a haunted house. Lights remained dimmed throughout the show and smoke filled the room. New York’s professional dancers each embodied a specific character, and their facial expressions, bold make-up, and slow moving strides added to the overall effect of the sinister evening.

Magazine editors and other fashion insiders were seated in wooden chairs down the runway, giving every guest and up close and personal view of the detailed and hand-crafted garments. Although the majority of the coats were black, each piece had a particular style and personality. Ferrari uses luxurious natural fabrics and hand-makes every piece, leaving clients with a one-of-a-kind piece altered to their specific proportions. Norisol incorporates her interest in ancient civilizations into her well-constructed, tailored coats.

Norisol Ferrari was born and raised in New York City, beginning her fashion career at the young age of fifteen, where she interned at a button company. Norisol has worked in both the United States and throughout Europe with Donatella Girombelli, Carole Little Furs, Katharine Hamnett and Gas Jeans. In 1999, Norisol served as co-founder of 2BNN, a ready-to-wear line she launched with friend Nora Nardone. Ferrari offers fittings for her garments in New York City and around the world.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/11/03/norisol-ferrari-fallwinter-collection/


Photo by Peter Ruprect.

Tommy Hilfiger: Spring 2010 Collection

Socially Superlative
November 1, 2009

A private press viewing for Tommy Hilfiger’s Men’s and Women’s Spring 2010 collection was held at the designer’s showroom this past Thursday. Public Relations Manager for Menswear, Diego Louro, and Senior Communications Manager, Melissa Lun, happily greeted press members as they entered the studio.

In the main area, a champagne table was set up for guests. One side of the room showcased women’s clothing, while the other side consisted of menswear, beach towels, and swimsuits. The Hilfiger runway show from September’s fashion week played on a large plasma television screen. This was helpful for guests to better visualize how the clothes appear in everyday life.

The next room showcased the rest of Hilfiger’s collections. Clothes, sunglasses, watches, purses, and shoes surrounded the center table, where more beachwear was displayed. Louro explained that the concept behind both collections is a California, all-American state of mind. For women, each garment is special enough that is can be worn on its own. The clothes are feminine without being too girly. The masculine influence of plaid shirts make this brand a constant stable in consumer closets.

The look book illustrates how Tommy Hilfiger’s designs are classic, original pieces of art that do not need to be over-worked or adorned with accessories. Soft floral dresses and neutral tan, white, and black pieces give the women’s collection a cool, confident, and clean look. The men’s collection incorporates the standard red, white, and blue colors in plaid and striped patterns.

Public Relations Assistant, Jessica Stambaugh, explained that next year marks the 25th Anniversary for the global brand. One new element added this year is collaboration with designer Edmundo Castillo on the shoe designs. Gladiator-looking sandals and heels are constructed with rope material. This original concept seems to be one of the collection’s strong points this season.

As far as prices go, most items are generally affordable. Taking into consideration the tough economy, shoes are sold for under $200, with runway accessories priced slightly higher. Several holiday items will be available this winter, made in cashmere and denim materials. Scarves, hats, wallets and ties can each be purchased for under $100. The sole exception will be ten pairs of red Tommy Hilfiger ice-skates. This limited edition item will be sold at the company’s new global flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/11/01/tommy-hilfiger-spring-2010-collection-2/