LYRA MAG.

By The Sea, In The Garden, and City Chic Separates International Center of Photography , Sixth Avenue/43th Street, NYC Words, Images Judith Ecochard The Adrienne Vittadini Collection , staged a presentation of sensible and stylish attire for women. Once again, the company managed to offer the kind of sophisticated separates that live up to their namesake…acclaimed for her glamour, gracious manner…and comfy/chic Italian knits. Held in the spacious exhibition galleries of the International Center of Photography amidst the glorious Richard Avedon, fashion photographer extraordinaire (1944-2000) exhibit, there were four thematic schemes going on. The first gallery held the grouping coined “Garden Party” that had pretty floral knit tees and a fine gauge knit sweater with scalloped trims…both over skinny pants that would appear a lot more savvy on a live body than the images here. A party option, a glittery sequins candy striped sweater added s night time element to this largely daywear...

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Words, Images Judith Ecochard We were draggin’ a half hour prior to the Spring 2010 Robert Geller Menswear show during the packed NYFW. But an encouraging pr peep told us not to miss this runway outing…and was she ever right. This lineup of 26 well edited looks by Robert Geller , a German born fashion veteran (prior toils---partner with Alexandre Plokhov- of edgy menswear label Cloak ) was a celebration of hip male attire 2010. Done up in bold rich colors (emerald green, petroleum, dusty plum, cobalt/twilight blue) as well as user friendly neutrals (black, brown)…the layered ensembles debuted the same week as Geller’s capsule collection for denim gurus LEVI STRAUSS--- was launched. Nice. According to the run of show, the designer mused on Germany in the late 50’s “a country working hard to start a new and leave the past behind…” What that meant to Geller was a renewed sense of optimism for Germany ( WIRTSCHAFTSWUNDER) to “remind wearers of the redemptive powe...

BLANCPAIN BOUTIQUE 781 MADISON AVENUE (Between 66/67th Streets), NYC October 29th 2009 Words, Images Judith Ecochard The handsome wood paneled boutique for haute horologists BLANCPAIN …was jam packed last night- with a well attired crowd of watch enthusiasts--- who of course ---arrived punctually. The finest of timepieces played host for another luxury accessories collection - John Lobb ---that included a fascinating demonstration on the construction MO that composes the dapper Limited Edition 2009 shoe--- by Paul Wilson , John Lobb’s bespoke shoemaker. We had met the talented and steady handed über cobbler at last season’s Fall 2009 editorial preview …so we knew we were going to get an education on just what makes the John Lobb 2009 Limited Edition so special. “The upper is made from one piece of leather, with one seam!” Wilson pointed out. He showed us (via a rubber prototype) just how the leather is cut, folded akin to fine art of origami, with the soles and all leather lining...

LUXURY SHOES AND THE BASICS WORDS, IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD A striking kimono , detailed with leather forest green pleating was hanging in the stark white gallery at the Spring 2010 preview of : Glory Chen and Joy Chen. This handcrafted piece by the Creative Director, Joy Chen Kolterman , was a reflection of the study of Okologie (ecology) .and inspiration for her “RE-CREATION” high end Glory Chen collection. “An edgier, avant garde gallery girl, with a desire for art,” was the way Chen described her clients that appreciate the elegant and striking assortment of heels, open toes and flats. The exquisitely crafted peds are l oaded with symbolism …like the three arrow sign (evolution, growth and re-vitalization). And the tree embossed on the heel “supports and grounds” the design of each shoe. The thoughtfulness of Chen translates in other footwear ways too, so-to-speak. After only a few minutes of conversation, we knew we were with a true artistic spirit, The constructions of the shoes...

PLUS: A PERFORMANCE BY THE FRENCH GIRL BAND PLASTICINES ROCK THE HOUSE! Words, Images Judith Ecochard It was ooh la la at the debut of Alice & Olivia’s Debut Collection for New York Fashion Week. For those not in the know, Alice & Olivia is a hip urban gals label (and stores) for stylish clothes---launched by Ivy League grad Stacy Bendet in 2002…and beginning its life as the fab fitting brand for pants and denim. Well---- the Alice & Olivia is a grown up and positively chic now, ...judging by the well accessorized ensembles we saw. Staged in that massive West 13th street space--- the models posed in amusing vignettes- --with b/w Parisian street scenery and props like oversized cutout ice cream cones adding to the Gallic vibe. Added plus, the backdrops look like they were hand drawn by illustrator/author of Madeline fame, Ludwig Bemelmans. The sultry models (black Brigitte Bardot smoldering eyes) copped an ennui attitude in au courant mini dresses and lacy leggings, cro...