Pretty Powerful

I recently attended the launch of Bobbi Brown's new book, Pretty Powerful.  I'm such a sucker for these makeup manuals.  I still have my old Kevyn Aucoin book, and will pull them out occasionally.  That said, the reason I went was to see Alexa Ray Joel perform.  Alexa and I met multiple times during this past fashion week, where we were both working as fashion correspondents; she for JuliB.com, and me for fashionWATCH.com.  Not only was Alexa a model for the book, but she was the entertainment for the launch party.  She sang two of her original songs (and also played the keyboard).  She's super talented, gorgeous, and so incredibly cool that even though she has so much going for her, you couldn't possibly hate her!

The book is really good.  It's a very simple guide that anyone can follow.  I've seen some makeup books that are so complicated you might as well call the artist to just do your makeup.  Bobbi Brown has also featured women and their stories throughout, so the book is not just about makeup.  Brown is emphasizing who a woman is, not just what she looks like.

Alexa Ray showing her photos in Pretty Powerful

The New F Word

Why is Lady Gaga's weight gain a top news story?  Even though she gained a bit of weight she is still far from obese.

I am so tired of this scrutiny about people's weight (primarily women).  I am not immune to the societal pressure to be thin.  But what are we striving for?  Because when I really examine it, it's not thin I'm chasing.  I am thin.  I wear a size 2-4, and yet every single day I feel like I need to lose weight, and am constantly aware of what I eat.  What I'm really chasing is being super skinny.  Underweight.  Stomach virus skinny.  I don't think I'm the only one either.  This is where we are now.  Women's bodies have downsized.  I recently saw Working Girl and was shocked at how fat Melanie Griffith was in it.  But she wasn't fat at all back then; she was thin.

 I don't know how fat became the new F word, but it really needs to stop.  I don't know how much thinner we can get.

New York Fashion Week--Final Day of S/S 2013

My final show of the week was a real treat.  Cynthia Rowley showed off site on Beekman St.  Her installation was lovely.  I adored the voluminous dresses and pants. 

 The collection was wearable, yet fashion forward at the same time; always a great combination.  I also liked her kitschy glasses with chain attached.  

Springtime will be sunny, as yellow was the clear color of the season.  

Other highlights this week included the debut of Marissa Webb, Marc Jacobs' (somewhat) restrained collection, Viktor Luna's line, DKNY, Calvin Klein Collection and Chado Ralph Rucci.  But the best pat of Fashion Week is running into friends you don't see often enough.  I was thrilled to spend time with Phillip Block, my Project Runway friends, the Edward and Eamon of fashionWATCH.com, Randy Brooke and James Aguiar.

James Aguiar and me at Jill Stuart

I also want to acknowledge my assistant, Mark A. Lyons, who made sure everything I needed was taken care of and made my week easy breezy.

I'm already looking forward to the fall collections in February!

New York Fashion Week--Day 7

Today seemed to be all about reality TV stars.  I covered the Whitney Eve show for fashionWATCH.com, so I spoke to Whitney Port (The Hills, The City).  Her show was really good.  Her clothing is girly, but not sweet.  If you like the way Whitney herself dresses, then you'll be a big fan of the line.  There was one top that, when it first came down the runway I thought it was fur.  As the model walked the fabric swung back and forth, and I realized I was wrong.  It was so striking and different from anything else I've seen this week.  I was happy to see that she used the same fabric for her final look; a white gown.  It was so gorgeous.  Whitney has absolutely made the transition from reality star to legit designer.

Running the show was PR legend Kelly Cutrone.  Kelly is now a full fledged TV star.  Her shows include True Life, The Hills, The City, Kell On Earth, Dr. Phil and America's Next Top Model.  Wow.  I had the pleasure of working with Kelly last year on my book, New York Fashion Week.  The help she gave me was transformative; she made the book 1000x better, and I am forever grateful.  Kelly is a rock star.

The crowd included Kelly Killoren Bensimon (The Real Housewives of New York) and actress Charlotte Ross.  Both women looked lovely wearing Whitney Eve.  I spoke with Caroline Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, who was so much fun.  Whitney's The City pal Joe Zee (Elle) was there to show support.  He was very proud of her.  Other recognizable faces in the crowd were Mya, Alexa Ray Joel, Nicole Trunfio and Jessica Hart.

This is a show I look forward to every season, and Whitney absolutely delivered.  I'm already looking forward to what she shows for Fall!

New York Fashion Week--Day 6

I arrived at Lincoln Center to find Fashion Police shooting inside.  It was so fun to see Joan Rivers and crew.  Kimora Lee Simmons was filling in for Giuliana Rancic.  You couldn't really hear what was going on, but every now and then you could hear the crowd cheer!

My favorite show of the day was Osklen.  I wasn't really familiar with the label before, but was impressed by the modern looks shown.  My favorite look is below.

Edward Norton at Osklen

New York Fashion Week--Day 5

The place to be on day 5 the Viktor Luna Spring 2013 presentation.  Viktor showed both women and men's clothing, and I'm not sure which was more impressive.  His prints are some of the best I've seen all week.  I especially loved the men's trench he did with a print he made from a photo he took.
What a fresh update to a traditional trench.  I hope he makes a version for women!!

There was a suit made of neoprene that was incredible.  What a smart idea!  This is great for men who don't like to wear suits, because while it looks completely polished, it's super comfortable.

Viktor's version of an LBD was simple, yet the cut and embellishment made it truly special.

I was knocked out by this black gown.   I don't think the picture communicates how absolutely stunning this dress is.  This is a red carpet gown.  Actresses call your stylists!  This will get the Fashion Police's stamp of approval.

I you want a bolder choice here's another jaw dropping look from the collection:

This was a fantastic collection styled by the incredible Nole Marin.  The models were so gorgeous, and they all were from Aim Model Management.

Many of Viktor's Project Runway friends showed, including the adorable Michael Costello, Casanova and Jason Troisi.  Also in the crowd was Manila Luzon from RuPaul's Drag Race.  Manila looked great in a custom Viktor Luna dress.  As for me, I felt like the belle of the ball in my Viktor Luna gown.  Thank you Viktor for such a great show.

Viktor and me

Michael Costello and his partner Richard with me and my son and Viktor

Manila Luzon

New York Fashion Week--Day 4

For me today was all about Chado Ralph Rucci.  I met Ralph about a year ago when I interviewed him for my book, New York Fashion Week.  I knew of his work before then, but not much about the man himself.  It is still one of my favorite interviews I've ever done, especially because we were surrounded by his stunningly beautiful clothing.  I found him to be humble, good humored and passionate about his work and the fashion industry. He is not one to follow the pack, and does things his own way.  I was amazed to learn that his clothes are produced in house.  He is a throwback in certain ways, yet his work is completely current.

Ralph Rucci is more than a designer; he is an artist.  He is actually a painter, and will hand paint some of his garments.  People may say his clothing is expensive, and it is, but buying a garment of his is truly like buying a work of fine art.  I'm spending the week reporting about Fashion Week for fashionWATCH Canada, and had the opportunity to interview many of his clients tonight including Martha Stewart, Carmen Dell'Orrefice (who was breathtaking in a long red Chado Ralph Rucci coat) and Deeda Blair.  They all spoke about Ralph's unmatched craftsmanship, and of their loyalty to him.  Other Chado Ralph Rucci fans I interviewed tonight include Paula Abdul, Hamish Bowles, Ken Downing, Fern Mallis, Linda Fargo, and Jay Manuel.

The show was stunning.  I absolutely loved his use of color.  When he showed pink dresses, and then yellow dresses I started to think I should clear my closet of my black dresses.  But then he sent out so many black dresses that were some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.  The models were so fortunate to wear them, even just for the show!  His standing ovation was well deserved, in fact it seemed like not enough of a thank you.  This is always one of my favorite shows of the season, but this one was even beyond what I could imagine.

I can't write about Ralph Rucci without mentioning his wonderful sister Rosina.  Rosina plays a major role at Chado Ralph Rucci, as I learned when she took care of everything I needed for Ralph's inclusion in my New York Fashion Week book.  She went above and beyond to make sure the section I wrote about him was perfect, and I continue to be impressed by her every time I see her.

Ladies, if you have the means, I highly recommend going to Berdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus as soon as this collection comes in!