LYRA MAG.

FRESH DESIGNS BY YOUNG DESIGNERS A HIGHLIGHT OF N.Y. FASHION WEEK-   Words, Images Judith Ecochard/LYRAMAG.com An art gallery, a hotel suite, and a far flung studio stood in as fashion venues for upcoming designers this past season. In a small white wall art gallery in midtown Manhattan--- we previewed 15 looks-inspired by the ancient Japanese world of the Samurai … by the Hawaiian born, Parsons graduate Ivy Higa. As an entrepreneur with her own line, the Ivy h label had smartly staged mannequins in sophisticated fabrics (textile knowledge honed at Donna Karan)--- including a unique print that had the collection name imprinted. The warrior motif translated into wearable silhouettes, named accordingly… ---with funnel collars, kimono sleeves, draped coats, and lovely layer-able pieces---   …the slim fitting Katana jacket with a sash, our favorite. ...

PIER 59 STUDIOS, CHELSEA Victoria Bartlett  's VPL F/W 2010 show drews the crowd over to the forbidden zone off the Westside Highway for her signature way with knits…particularly the underwear as outwear kind. Strappy appendage tees and knit briefs in pale neutrals like light taupe, fake tan, and mushroom---  (we see a lot of this in print editorials and on musicians…we are curious to see how in real life a gal can safely wear these on the subway),  sleek paper thin wool bra tops and bodysuits , and lots of cozy warm jackets and sweaters/hoodies ---were highlights. LOVE: The slouchy boots- LD TUTTLE for VPL …in tan and black. The flirty hair created by Neil Moodie and his team for Bumble and Bumble was perfect…hair blown straight, ironed and given a frilly casual knot at the back secured with tie laces. A nice fresh twist on a bun. ...

MEN’S & WOMEN’S AUTOMNE/HIVER 2010 SHOES, BOOTS, CASUAL SPORTY and WORK READY SOHO GRAND HOTEL, WEST BROADWAY. NYC Words/Preview Images Judith Ecochard Given that the LACOSTE RTW shows that bi-annually romp the runways--- are always a must… There’s ALSO always the footwear-- that really takes this brand to a higher level---and gobbles up the press accolades. Even hipsters who are allergic to logo anything--- like our too cool Manhattan nieces/nephews---the type that view the anywhere in America- Malls as  exotic oddities with too many strollers…. love/wear/collect this label. Much like we wear the tennis polo tops with everything. alecto rundle FOOTWEAR FALL/WINTER 2010 Walking into the Soho Grand---besides knowing we’d want to check in for a month…we counted on liking the Lacoste collection in broad general terms. a staff favorite savoye What surprised us was the number of posh/ upscale footwear for me...