LYRA MAG.

Lincoln Center, Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week Tokyo's Vantan Design Institute 's design course, "International X-Seed" offers qualified students classes in both English and Japanese in fashion/marketing. A selected few students---got the opportunity to show their wares in NYC. We walked into the show not knowing a thing about the runway apparel were going to see---but at the end of it all...we walked away very impressed-as did our fellow attendees that we sat next to. Sophisticated and modern, with very impressive fabrics and knits---we were not surprised to learn that many of the chosen designers already have their own collections for sale.  Featured Designers: Cheryl Chee, Masato Miyata, Yuya Kubohara, Cheung Siu Yan Another fashion show we saw, that impressed us-was that of Korean born Park Choon Moo ---who we sometimes think should show in Paris---versus NYC which is seemingly all about the business (meaning retail with sale ready me...

Menswear is starting to get more attention from attendees of New York Fashion Week---with our top picks showing handsome takes on more American fitting silhouettes...nicely meshed with the vision of the label. Yigal Azourël is a high-end women's designer for modern women who like to have elegant tailoring in the mix... And is now branching out into the world of guy-dom. For his show at the Chelsea Piers---we saw a lot of attendees nodding their heads in approval to the -sporty/utilitarian, lightweight and buttoned up--- crisp neutral tones and color blocks-in shirts, blazers, tailored shorts, and practical structured jackets and trenches...intermixed with pops of red. Relaxed, sophisticated ease... Yigal Azourel-Pumped up kicks It all worked---- Separated at Birth-Azourel (left) with a well wisher And when we grabbed a sec backstage after the show---we can see who Azourel had in mind when crafting the collection-guys like himself. Yigal Az...

Empire Hotel, NYC Édité Showroom Presentation words/images Judith Ecochard A legendary French fashion  empire-is bought and rebranded-as a luxury accessories label. Results-NICE lined with image from  original Jacque Fath illustration A few samples we previewed had the perfect mix of structure and softness...in lady like sizes...$1200-$6000 ...for exotic skins. http://www.jacquesfath.com

Stephen Burrows words/images Judith Ecochard All-American classic modern=flattering clothing-designed by one of the leading fashion lights who put USA's sporty chic on the radar of fashionistas world wide...Stephen Burrows continues to wow ---with his signature slim fitting, easy to wear apparel.... ... just as relevant today as when this FIT grad started getting his big buzz when crafting clothes for Bendel's-back in the day. We were able to grab a few moments backstage----and loved it---knits, flowing kaftans and perfectly draped/ruched jackets/dresses- in wonderful colors and stripes. For elegant women with style--- Strappy heels-no clunky square heels or platforms here red, bright sea turquoise---bold colors www.stephenburrows.com Smooth Hair -pulled back in a ballerina neat bun No surprise, the make-up by Melanie Mills and hair by Aubrey Loots for Sebastian Professional and Studio DNA-were both classical looking too-beautif...

Angel Sanchez words/images Judith Ecochard Yellow ailk crep cocktail dress with triple drape front detail A presentation for Angel Sanchez is always a lesson in how to "keep shapes clean and the drama where drama is right-good for real women..." For Spring 2012 Sanchez stays true to his signature sculptural and feminine silhouettes---demonstrating a master's hand with luxury fabrics-silk crepe, silk tulle----chiffon-draping, pleats perfectly placed, and hand sewn details----that cause the Red Carpet types wearing his designs-to perpetually place on any best dressed list. flattering boat neck-orchid silk crepe magenta trikado cocktail dress   Some of the dresses-the cocktail and formal evening wear---have added structures- but all have an unfussy certain softness and elegance---with fitted sleek lines intermixed with eye-catching use of volume----i.e. the ruffles down the back or over one shoulder of a glam gown- ruffle detail o...