Chadwick Bell Spring 2012

by David Pedroza, Editor in Chief

As the music of John Adams rings through a salon at the Standard Hotel, chic, beauties, model the Spring 2012 collection of Chadwick Bell. Chic, was not the note used in most of the New York Spring 2012 collections, but Chadwick Bell designs CLOTHES for a specific client that demands a certain standard of modern, sensibility, and "chicness". Inspired by "the wife of an art collector", Bell's Spring 2012 collection had a Balenciaga silhouette, such as a printed cocoon jacket, cigarette pants, Tulip ball skirts, all rendered in fabrics with body (some jackets carried a Dior "Bar" suite shape). The clothes would suite a modern day Tippi Hendren (Bell's clothes reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Marnie') all done in blush pinks, slate grey , ecru, lime green, and colors that bring the softness of Spring, but remain sophisticated and restrained. Embellishment was kept minimal, and evening where was simple, yet elegant. Chadwick Bell has created a following of chic of very discreet women (Stand outs at the presentation where, Carolina Herrera and couture collector Judith Corrente). After seeing Chadwick Bell's vision for Spring 2012, it is not hard to imagine a chic, intellectual, social doyenne, wearing these looks out on the streets, or at a Gallery opening.

Rodarte Spring/Summer 2012

by Christine Suppes, Editor at Large
The A-Listers, Beyonce, Kate Winslett, Taylor Swift,accompanied by Anna Wintour and of course the Fanning girls (who follow where Rodarte goes), along with the rest of the audience, were melting in the heat of the Chelsea gallery as we waited for the most anticipated show of New York Fashion Week. Apparently it was even hotter in the tiny dressing room backstage,where the artists frantically applied then re-applied powder to the models. I am happy to report, as a long-time lover of this label, that Kate and Laura did not disappoint. The breathtaking clothes were about van Gogh. The girls always have their points of reference, but here is where I want to stop the reference. These gorgeous cocktail dresses, gowns and pant and tunic combinations on the runway sparkled and shone, while the waltz from the from Sleeping Beauty became a background tribute to the good fairy who waved her wand for Sleeping Beauty to choose what color of dress to pick before she met the Prince. Sleeping Beauty had only two colors, pink or blue. The sisters, on the other hand had van Gogh’s palette, from sunflowers to Starry Night. Boat neck shoulders only added to the allure. It is thrilling to watch Kate and Laura Mulleavy refine their collections each season. Visions of past season made their way into this show, but the taste was original and new.

Photos: Yannus Valamos

Handmade in Silicon Valley

by Christine Suppes, Editor at Large

Approximately eighteen months ago, pastry chef Jennifer Chao and her engineer sister Angel decided to take an entrepreneurial risk, not exactly uncommon in the Silicon Valley, the Mecca of High Tech. The way they went about their risk is what is uncommon. Inspired by their mother’s love of European sensibility---and especially icons Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, “Sisi”, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, and the Duchess of Devonshire, the sisters followed their hearts and began to create ethereal handbags. Utilizing old lace from the Lace Museum in near by Sunnyvale, finds from the Paris flea market, and Asian street vendors, Jennifer and Angel began crafting delicate, one of a kind handbags for the customer who probably also wears Blahnik, Louboutin and Dior. “Our bags are statement pieces. It takes a special person to pull them off.” With up to 24 hour of handwork, these embroidered, encrusted and bejeweled bags are works of art. They will retail for between a thousand to two thousand dollars—a bargain for anything handmade in Silicon Valley. For more information, please email angelchao.info@gmail.com