Custo Barcelona: Spring 2011 Runway

Socially Superlative
September 14, 2010

Time sure flies when you’re having fun and despite the stone-cold expressions of the models at the Custo Barcelona show this past Sunday, they must have been enjoying themselves because they were flying down the runway. Although many of my photos ended up a blurry mess, it was hard to look away from this eye-catching collection.

Unlike the average New Yorker, Custo Dalmau is not afraid to use color – and lots of it. True to his design aesthetic, there was not a solid color in sight. Each garment was bright, bold, and anything but boring.

Flowing dresses, billowy shorts, feather embellishments, and glamorous heels all graced the runway. Sunglasses and beach-styled hair completed each look. Custo’s loose-fitting designs are both comfortable and sexy at the same time. He allows women to look beautiful without feeling constricted.

Dalmau wanted to create a world where fantasy and reality meet. Based upon the fact that I let my mind wander away from the crowded tent at Lincoln Center to the bohemian beaches of Barcelona, I’d say he succeeded.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Images via Elle.com

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/09/14/custo-barcelona-spring-2011-runway/

Elise Overland: Spring 2011 Runway

Socially Superlative
September 13, 2010

Elise Overland has emerged as one of my favorite designers. After falling in love with her winter collection last season, I eagerly anticipated her show at Exit Art this past Sunday.

Inspired by a 60s Mod look, Overland created a balance of vintage styles mixed with modern silhouettes and bold colors, all while experimenting with geometric design and proportion.

In the words of Rachel Zoe, “I die.” And speaking of Miss Zoe, her trusty Style Director Brad Goreski was in the front row along with Kelly Osbourne and Nicky Hilton. Despite my love for Brad, I was able to take my eyes off of him during the show, and that is saying a lot coming from me.

Overland’s leather mini-skirts, form-fitting pants, cropped jackets along with her inclusion of color block were used in several looks. Ankle high boots and bright neons and blues flittered in between her neutral colored garments.

Elise’s hard, leather pieces paired with softer, more feminine silhouettes allow women to look edgy and sophisticated at the same time. All women want a hint of mystery, and Overland certainly knows how to achieve this to great avail.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Images via WWD.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/09/13/elise-overland-spring-2011-presentation-2/

PAPER Magazine and Ray-Ban: Hanson Concert

Socially Superlative
September 8, 2010

Last night, PAPER Magazine and Ray-Ban successfully hosted a violence-free Hanson concert. You may recall that their first attempt back in June was a disaster to say the least. After a couple of rowdy Drake/Hanson fans decided to drunkenly throw chairs from a balcony at Southstreet Seaport onto the crowds standing below, the concert was obviously cancelled. I peaced out way before the debacle escaladed. I like Hanson but I don’t like them THAT much.

Despite a slight fear of history repeating itself, I eagerly headed to the beautiful Roseland Ballroom, where the concert was held. British sensation Dan Black started off the night a bit shaky. Struggling with the sound system, or should I say lack-there-of, he eventually gave up and put on the best set he could. I quite enjoyed his beats and his witty banter with the audience in between songs. The Brit can certainly dance, creating moves I didn’t even know existed.

aking the stage next were DJ Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe. Moe’s exceptional violin talent paired with DJ Moretti’s dance-heavy Top 40 beats proved a popular combination. Opening with La Roux and ending with Lady Gaga re-mixes, I wished their set had lasted far longer.

Before I knew it Hanson was already on stage playing songs I hardly recognized. Taylor was dressed like a preppy sailer, wearing khaki pants, a skin-tight shirt, and… suspenders? I must have missed the memo. Isaac looked awkward just as I remembered him being, and Zach was wearing…well…probably the same styled shirt as he did in his MMMBop days.

I must confess that this blast from the past put me in an elated mood. Hearing my favorite Hanson song “If Only” made me giggle like the carefree ten year old girl I used to be. I left with a giddy crush on Taylor. I guess there is just no getting over him.

- Megan Eileen McDonough

Photos via Guest of a Guest

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/09/08/paper-magazine-and-ray-ban-sounds-like-paper-with-hanson-dan-black-mia-moretti-and-caitlin-moe-2/