LYRA MAG.

words/images Judith Ecochard Eyebeam Gallery, NYC Beginning with a performance --- the Dominic Louis for Jermaine Browne unisex brand-of performance driven dance wear---was shown properly. Moving-on humans. We then moved ourselves onto the main event-a presentation featuring the flowing shapes, raw and finished edges of the neutral toned S/S 2012 RTW by Creative Director Louis Mairone. At a quick glance-it looked like the continuation of an art project-but there are distinct looks here with a distinct point of view"...the idealist concept of Euphoria..." to quote the run of show. Kinda feels like a dose of Mad Max in the mix. Hand Knit Tank, Linen Trouser Linen, raw silk, hand knits and linen...in neutral tones... thought these were interesting accessories-leather belts (?)-wrapped like a sandal upper. CODA: Right outside--- These ladies had enough-of standing on their feet at least---3 chairs for the taking---we loved their shoes but understood ...

STACY CLARK Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC words/images Judith Ecochard Inspired by "90s era Venice, CA "tomboys" in love: Francois Hardy, Kim Gordon, Courtney Love, skate parks; Kurt Cobain, Pavement, teenage indulgences: & contemporary artist Cheryl Dunn's 1998 film of Mark Gonzales' "skate ballet" performance in a German art museum..." ...this LA based line designed by twenty-something Stacy Clark---had lots of cool girl wearable separates. We thought of the chic 60's style icon Jane Birkin-ourselves...and the presentation-with blaring music ---set the tone. http://odilonbystaceyclark.com

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week We got a bit of perspective of this runway show that highlighted the talents of designer John Crocco ---when we recently spent a long weekend in Miami. At the time of the Monday night RTW outing in September, we particularly noted how terrific this PE Spring collection would look on the snowbirds that flock to Florida for the winter... ... the nice cable knit cotton Abaca crews in summery shades like white, coral and even a rose tone... crisp cotton sateen dinner jackets, tropical wool and linen suits in grey heather, black... ...and nice tops---cotton vees in all sorts of beiges ("sandbar"), rugby stripes, camp shirts in cotton terry.... Trenches, cardigans...and sports coats (love the shade "Muskmelon"). Well done, easy to wear separates ---American cuts but a slimmer silhouette than some of the boxiness that can usually pass. All in all the stylishhomage to Perry Ellis' sporty tradition was very well received--- though...

BOBI, CARAVAN, BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS, LEILA SHAMS PLUS: Le Tour de Betsey---Betsey Johnson Fashion Show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week A lot has been written about Betsey Johnson...we surely welcomed her runway show back to the Tents this season. The real standouts---the boho dresses, lots of PINK, the FUN of it all...and how the video with the fabulous grannie biking around town, inspired her collection---a New York outing all around the town. AND: the designer's commitment to her staff and family. On the big screen backdrop---we also loved how Betsey visited her boutiques, greeting her sales staff with major hugs --- ---and the family vignettes--- BACKSTAGE at Bobi/Caravan -sponsored by Elle Magazine...  At Bright Young Things---where gals modeled ensembles made from sustainable fabrics. Any break through in fashion---not design wise...but perfectly wearable, on trend...and eco minded. Leila Shams had a packed house for he...

Audi Showroom, Park Avenue, NYC Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Words/Images Judith Ecochard Spacious---and flooded with natural light (floor to ceiling windows) and graceful architectural lines, the luxury automobile brand Audi’s midtown showroom---was actually a very good choice in which to stage the precise tailoring and easy elegance of veteran fashion designer Loris Diran’s RTW. Models posed on a slow moving circular stage---with an abstract basket sculpture in the middle---  ---a design element that was throughout the collection---and in factored into the models' intricate hairdos....and caged sandals A model in  glam, gently tiered, hand beaded pastel pink ball gown---with a figure flattering basket weave pattern struck a pose there. Feminine. The color palette of soft tones struck the right note--- The construction of the dresses and separates we felt had a youthful spirit to it…we know LD’s boutique down...