Amazing Dance Amazing Costume

So I went to see a dance performance yesterday by the Martha Graham Dance Company and am always interested to see what kinds of costumes the dancers are wearing. At some performances the costumes are very distracting, but at this particular performance, the costumes were amazing. I just wanted to run on stage and take some of the costumes home with me. Here is a glimpse of some of the costumes that were worn at the show and some others that just remind me how interesting the art of movement and fabric is. Correction B/W photography shot by Albert Watson and color photography shot by John Deane.

Style Shot

The Look

Purple Top: Made by Yours Truly

Scarf: Forever XXI

Cardigan: Target

Belt: Rock & Republic

Jeans: Rock & Republic

Boots: Aldos

Featured Artist

So I will now be doing a section called featured artist where I will show you collections from new and upcoming designers in the local area. My first featured artist is Kevin Mathews who is the owner of the new accessories line Zeno + Marie.

Kevin Mathews recently started Zeno + Marie launching their first collection this year.  This fashion forward accessories line throws away all the traditional rules and takes accessories to a unique and interesting place.

Here is what Kevin has to say about his line.

1. What inspires your designs?

• ME DREAMING ABOUT SOMETHING NEW AND COOL TO WEAR.

2. Where does the name Zeno and Marie come from?

• IT IS THE COMBINATION OF MY PARENTS' MIDDLE NAMES. MICHAEL "ZENO" MATHEWS &   COMSTANCE "MARIE" BELL. MY PERSONAL STYLE IS SUCH A HYBRID OF MY MOTHER AND FATHER'S APPROACH TO FASHION AND GETTING DRESSED - SO IT JUST FELT RIGHT. 

3. I see that you have a 2011 collection. Does this mean you are doing one collection per year?

• NO, THIS IS THE FIRST FULL-FLEDGED COLLECTION THAT ZENO AND MARIE HAS OFFERED. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEXT FALL AND WILL FOLLOW A REGULAR FASHION CALENDER THEREAFTER, WITH SPRING AND SO FORTH.

4. When does your next collection come out? What is the theme?

• ALL OF THE ITEMS YOU SEE ONLINE ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. I AM ALSO CURRENTLY  SHOOTING SOME NEW SPRING PIECES. THESE ARE HEAVILY FOCUSED IN COOL EMBELLISHMENTS LIKE FEATHERS, DICE AND SPIKES TO NAME A FEW.

5. What is your favorite piece you have created so far? Do you have a picture of it?

• "MR. ROBINSON" -  A BLACK SILK BOW TIE EMBELLISHED WITH MULTI-COLOURED DICE. ALL HAND DONE.  ACTOR ALAN CUMMING RECENTLY WORE THIS TIE TO THE PREMIER OF THE SPIDERMAN BROADWAY SHOW HERE IN NYC. 

 

6. What made you decide to design bow ties out of all the things you can go with?

• I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN STRONG ACCESSORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. BOW TIES ARE A KEY ACCESSORY FOR MY WARDROBE - I ALWAYS LOVE WHERE IT TAKES MY LOOK.  EVEN BEFORE THEY BECAME THE LATEST RAGE, LIKE THEY ARE RIGHT NOW, I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY WERE A CLASSIC BUT FUN WAY TO UPDATE ANY LOOK; FROM JEANS AND A GREAT JACKET TO A NEW SPIN ON  A SUIT FOR WORK. 

7. Do you think you may expand to other accessories? If so what kind?

• DEFINATELY - IN TERMS OF ACCESSORIES, BAGS AND JEWELRY. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON A SMALL MEN'S APPAREL LINEUP AND A CAPSULE OF WOMEN'S PARTY DRESSES. 

8. Now that fashion week is over, what do you see happening for Fall 2011 for accessories?

• I THINK THE OPERATIVE WORD IS "FUN!" ACCESSORIES DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE TREND THAT SHINED THROUGH OVER ANOTHER. DESIGNERS REALLY HAVE BEEN STAYING TRUE TO THEIR OWN DESIGN AESTHETIC WHEN PRODUCING COLLECTIONS LATELY. AND THIS APPLIES TO ACCESSORIES AS WELL. SO IT WAS ALL ABOUT DIFFERENT SHAPES, SIZES, MATERIALS, PROCESSES, EMBELLISHMENTS, COLORS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Thanks Kevin!

You can currently purchase any of these items from the Zeno + Marie collection online at www.Zenomarie.com This collection ranges from $85-$150.

Fall Favorites

Here are some of my favorite looks from the Fall 2011 runways.

Lanvin - I love this top. It looks like the sleeves are separate and attached at the same time. Very sophisticated.

Erin Fetherston - I love that effortless knot.

Isabel Marant- That jacket is so great and so now.

Pedro Lourenco - Although I am not a huge fan of the fabric choice, I think the silhouette of this jacket is very interesting and unique.

3.1 Phillip Lim - I love the pleat in this jumpsuit. It makes the silhouette very unique.

Oh Monique

Oh Monique, where do you come up with all these fabulous dresses? I can't get over this dress. I am in love. Can you make me one?

Mila Kunis in Monique Lhuillier

Hair Gone Wild

Hair, hair and more hair! I saw this picture on Stylesight.com, and I am just drawn to it. It almost looks like the hair is styled front on and she is turning her head without the hair moving.  Regardless it is amazing.

Fall 2011 is near...

I just checked out some of the Pre Fall 2011 collections on Style.com. Here are some of my favorite pieces so far. This is exciting because it is always interesting to see how designers translated the forecasting information that have received.

 Pringle - I love the whole thing especially the sweater.

Monique Lhuillier - I love the drama in the dress. It's like she's turning into ice from the floor up.

3.1 Phillip Lim - Love the knot on the pants, looks so light and effortless.

3.1 Phillip Lim- Love the irony of woven pieces with a knit fabric.

Nina Ricci -Can barely see it, but love the dramatic draping in the back.

These looks are great. Which is your favorite or is there something even better?