Banana Republic: A Decade on Fifth

Socially Superlative
October 20, 2009

Banana Republic proudly celebrated their Tenth Anniversary by hosting an exclusive event at their store located on Fifth Avenue and near Rockefeller Center. Despite the horrendous weather Thursday night, guests were not easily deterred from taking part in the festivities. Quite the lengthy line formed outside the door.

The New Yorker served as a proud sponsor for the brand, and many guests received complimentary gift bags which included a Banana Republic women’s fragrance and an edition of the magazine. The DJ played up-beat music that appealed to shoppers of all ages.

Guests were greeted to glasses of champagne upon entering through the store’s front doors. Wine was also offered at tables set up on the upper two levels. Bite sized red velvet, vanilla, and chocolate cupcakes were distributed to eager shoppers as they browsed through the Fall 2009 collection. Those who spent over $100, received 25% off their purchases.

Each corner of the store was organized well and nicely decorated. Black and white framed sketches lined the wall, complimenting the simple elegance Banana Republic is known and loved for. A comfortable lounge area allowed guests to socialize before heading to the clothing racks.

Men shopped for clothes on the downstairs level, while women’s clothing took up both the main level and the top floor. Many shoppers were seen looking through the extensive sale rack, which offered a wide variety of discounted outerwear, shoes, and accessories.

The boot section and the jewelry displays were popular picks for many women as well. Despite the crowded store, each customer was given individual attention. Many purchases were made that night, surely boosting Banana’s sales in a tough economy. Beginning at 7pm and ending two hours later, smiles were seen on customers’ faces as they headed back out to face the cold, rainy weather.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/10/20/banana-republic-a-decade-on-fifth/

Hernan Lander Spring 2010

Hernan Lander

October 5, 2009

Socially Superlative

Designer Hernan Lander held a private viewing of his Spring 2010 Collection at his studio right across from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). After showing at Gotham Hall during New York Fashion Week, Lander opted to make his clothes more accessible to press and buyers by allowing them to view his designs in the very place where they were first created.

Francesca Simon, Managing Director for iConcept Media Group, the organization handling Lander’s Public Relations, explained her decision to become involved in the development of this designer. “Following the fashion show, the clothes were so incredible, I felt people needed to see them up close.”

By viewing the garments in this way, buyers and press were able to gain insight into Lander’s design aesthetic. One wall was covered with dozens of sketches and fabric swatches. Hernan’sshoe collection was displayed on a table in the back of the studio, positioned near his sewing machines. Two models alternated trying on different looks, while staff members delved into fabric and styling choices. The whole process was highly organized and low-key.

The Dominican-American designer was very inspired by African culture, and incorporated several themes into his garments. Simon explained his goal of maintaining a balance between nature and industrialization. Upon receiving a photograph of a child Hernan had been sponsoring, the young designer was shocked to see the child playing with a zipper instead of an actual toy. From this image, Hernan decided to integrate the zipper into a major aspect of his collection.

Hernan’s clothes are quite sellable, primarily due to their marketability to women of different shapes and sizes. In choosing neutral colors such as black, white, and cream, Hernanaims to reflect the nature in Africa. By adding gold metallic detailing, his designs begin to stand out. Women will also enjoy wearing these garments because they flatter the curves of the body. Through draping flowing material, women can hide imperfections or insecurities they have with their own bodies. For those who are flat chested, Hernan has created gowns with intricate detailing that instead draw attention to their back.

Women can wear Hernan’s clothes as separates or they can mix and match one or more garments together. One standout piece is a white vest with black zippers in a crisscross pattern.Lander’s clothes are full of contrasts; they are edgy and feminine, hard and soft, classic and bold. The silk wool and jersey fabrics allow Hernan to create different looks, all flattering the body while staying true to his theme of nature and industrialization.

Lander is very well known in the Dominican-Republic, where he dresses and styles celebrities. At the end of October, he will unveil his newest collection, a menswear line made in comfortable jersey material. He also plans to take his jewelry sketches to the next level by incorporating them into future collections. Hernan has previously collaborated with designersRogelio Velasco and Ralph Lauren. He worked for Donna Karen before developing his own line.

- Megan McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/10/05/hernan-lander/

Baby Phat Spring 2010

September 17, 2009

Socially Superlative

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be allowed past the doors of a Baby Phat runway show. This twice a year extravaganza is notorious for overbooking and is known for being strict when it comes to gaining entrance. Rumor has it that even those with seat assignments can be left out in the cold.

It was sheer luck that enabled me to be in this priviledged position. Earlier that same evening, I met a London stylist who whipped out her spare ticket and invited me to the Kimora Lee Simmons Spring 2010 Collection. Feeling a bit like Charlie when he discovers he has found a Golden Ticket, I was shocked by how my night was unfolding.

Upon arriving to the Roseland Ballroom, there were so many levels of security; it was a workout just to find my chair. When I finally pushed through, I was immediately hit with blinding lights, an enormous crowd of people, and most fabulous of all, a golden sparkled runway. There were surely a couple hundred guests in attendance, scattered on three different viewing levels.

As stated in the program, Kimora was inspired by the “flirty fashions of the 70s mixed with Moroccan ambiance.” To achieve her dramatic and romantic style, Simmons incorporated chunky necklaces, jewels, slandering leggings, and sequence to give her collection a touch of feminine rawness. Flowing patterned dresses and laced blouses reflected her design concept.

The clothes themselves were not extraordinary. They were flashy, a bit over the top, and very trendy. However, by pairing bright oranges and blues with neutral colors, it allowed her outfits to appear more wearable to consumers. The main focus was on the production itself, more so than the clothes. Loud hip-hop music blasted through the sound system, and the crowd loved every minute of it.

Simmons’ collection included daywear, swimsuits, and men’s jeans. Loose-fitting dresses, slender pants, and mini skirts were looks pulled off successfully. While I would not choose to wear many of the garments, Kimora does have a strong following and diverse clientele, enabling her to survive the economy’s current downturn.

The models had a fierce independence and tough attitude as they made their way down the glittery runway. Simmons used women and men of various ethnicities to present her looks, ultimately allowing her clothes to be more relatable to the general public. The girls were not the typical stick thin type, which was a smart move considering Simmons’ clothing is meant to flatter multiple body types.

All things said and done, this night will be a memorable one for many.


- Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/17/baby-phat-spring-2010/

Photo courtesy of NYMag.

Tuleh Spring 2010

September 16, 2009

Socially Superlative

After a hectic weekend of countless off-site locations, I had finally made my way to the infamous Tents at Bryant Park. It had been six months since our first encounter, and I felt a sense of comfort walking through the large white doors and into the circus that is New York Fashion Week.

Everything looked as I remembered; open bar to the left, McCafe to the right, guards attempting to exert more power than they have, and fashionistas surrounding me at every corner. It is quite entertaining to observe some of the people who frequent these shows. Each diva portraying a more fabulous persona than the next.

Moving from my original seat assignment to a coveted spot in the second row, I was quite pleased with how smooth the night was turning out. I had a nearly perfect view of the Promenade’s two-sided runway and was eagerly awaiting the start of the show.

Tuleh designer Bryan Bradley presented and assortment of beautiful gowns, sharp suits, and flirty cocktail dresses. Influenced by Deborah Eisenberg’s New York Review of Books from “The World We Live in,” Bradley’s collection was inspired by short-stories, stressing that the plot of short fiction must be “a stranger, more volatile, and more evanescent sort of thing” than that of a novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Tuleh Spring 2010 collection. I can easily see clientele from different backgrounds and with contrasting styling preferences wearing any of the looks presented. By pairing a soft colored skirt with a rough leather jacket, both the Upper East Side prepster and the downtown hipster will be satisfied.

Bradley’s creations achieved various looks, all connecting back to his original concept. Beginning with sportswear and ending with glamorous, dreamlike white pieces made me feel as though I was living in a fairy tale. His final look was a heavenly wedding dress that would make any woman wearing it believe she were royalty. The detailing on each garment was well planned and did not overpower other aspects of the overall design.

Bradley launched his line in 1998 with former partner Josh Patner, who also designed for Tuleh until 2001. His garments are sold in the most exclusive stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Ashley Judd, Cameron Diaz and Chloë Sevigny have all worn Tuleh designs and remain avid fans of the designer.

- Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/16/tuleh-spring-2010/

Jeremy Laing: Spring 2010

September 15, 2009
Socially Superlative

Jeremy Laing was among several designers who opted to introduce their Spring/Summer 2010 collections at Milk Studios. Models staring straight ahead, stone-faced and emotionless, presented each look. They were lined up on either side of the studio’s large center area and along the back wall. The overall effect made the clothes appear as they would be seen hanging in a showroom. One at a time, each model was then instructed to walk a certain part of the room.

For the most part, Laing used neutral blacks, beiges, whites, and ivories. Geometric prints, asymmetrical styling, and fabric layering resulted in a truly innovative concept. Jeremy has skillfully mastered his use of creating form through experimenting with different textiles. The collection also reflected an eco-friendly and comfortable way of wearing clothes. Garments were loose-fitting, moveable, and non-restricting. A mix of silk, lace, leather, and mesh materials completed many looks.

Jeremy Laing is a Canadian-born designer who grew up on an army base in Germany. At the tender age of thirteen, Laing began to sew. His love for fashion and creativity continued to develop throughout his education in both Toronto and at Westminster University in London. The young designer has previously worked for Alexander McQueen and is best known for his organic approach to constructing his garments. He believes in maintaining unity in every aspect of his designs to form a comprehensive whole.

- Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/15/jeremy-laing-spring-2010/

Frank Tell: Spring 2010

September 15, 2009
Socially Superlative

Frank Tell displayed his Spring/Summer 2010 collection at Milk Studios this past Sunday. I came into this show not knowing much about Frank Tell or his designs but left rather impressed. His clothes are feminine and sexy, yet each has a tough rawness that provides a unique quality to his overall collection. The majority of Tell’s garments are constructed in metallic black, bronze, silver, and copper. Pale blues and lavenders allow his edgy looks to achieve a softer appeal.

By building an untraditional runway forming into a circular shape, audience members had the option of viewing the garments at various angles. This set-up also allowed guests

to enter and exit the viewing without causing a commotion. The eight minute cycle of Tell’s nineteen new looks repeated for the entire two hour duration. After the first run, the stylish designer made himself available to meet and greet his guests.

The mix of hard and soft textures provides the perfect compliment to each outfit. Pairing a sharp blazer with silk skirts draped in soft hues is a personal favorite of mine. These body-hugging, futuristic outfits can be worn as separates or together. Detailing on the garments is very geometric and stays true to Tell’s overall concept. Another unexpected aspect is the copper animal claw necklaces that adorned several outfits.

Frank Tell is still a relatively new designer who continues to gain credibility in the competitive world of fashion. Best known for his two-tone palate, geometric shapes, and slimming silhouettes, Tell is definitely a designer to keep an eye on.


- Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/15/frank-tell-spring-2010/

Binetti: Spring 2010 Collection

September 14, 2009

Socially Superlative

They say good things come to those who wait, and after a long but exciting day of shuffling from show to show in the rain, I had finally made it to Binetti's location all the way on Tenth Avenue at Exit Art. There was one slight glitch; my name was printed nowhere on the list. Playing it cool and politely explaining that this was their fault and not mine, the calm and collected

check-in girl wrote me a ticket on the spot. Glancing down at my seat assignment I could hardly believe my eyes. They had given me front row, in the center of the runway, goodie bag included!

My first front row experience surpassed the already high expectations I had begun to form in my head. With mere inches separating me from Binetti's creations, I was inspired to say the least. While I cannot say that I would wear every one of his pieces, I appreciate Binetti's vision and use of different fabrics in an assortment of textures, colors, and prints. As with many desi

gner collections, certain looks were more wearable than others. Some of these included a professional black business suit, a yellow silk dress, and slimming pants.

The collection started off strong with a ‘silk chiffon splash painted dress with embellished jeweled neckline.’ Several other dresses, tunics, togas, and gowns completed the glamorous appearance Binetti appreciates. The garments, despite being well tailored with superb workmanship, went under-noticed due to the immense amount of Swarovski crystal, embroidered beading, and studs adorning the majority of the outfits.  

For the most part,  Binetti's collection was cohesive. Specific styling choices created a contrast in maintaining a consistent theme. Models walked down the runway in platform heels that gave off a modernistic vibe, while sheer fabrics and softer colors used on other garments resulted in a more bohemian feel. Ultimately, it was the simple, well-constructed pieces that stood out most positively for me.

Diego Binetti launched his line in August of 2002 after working as a designer for both Jill Stuart and Bulgari. Born in Argentina, Binetti studied at the International Fine Arts College in Miami, now known as Miami International University of Arts & Design, after his Italian parents moved to Florida. He also has previous experience working as a stylist in Milan. His fan base continues to grow with each new collection he presents.

-Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/14/binetti-spring-2010-collection/