LYRA MAG.

ECOLOGY FRIENDLY - AND OUT OF THE WOODS! Text, Runway Images by J. Ecochard Fall/Winter 2008 Collections Park Avenue, New York February 7th, 2008 Our brows arch into a pointed John Belushi “ Animal House ” pose when we read published chronicles about celebulites-and their “eco” lifestyle-with images featuring them outfitted in clothes requiring toxic chemicals and pesticides to manufacture . The tedious crunchy claim of boring “eco” fashion hasn’t been relevant for years-check out the fierce Linda Loudermilk's or vegan Stella McCartney collections for proof. From the soup (basic materials) to the nuts (runways shows in ecologically designed event spaces made from “clean” recycled materials) - the fashion industry is making inroads… So we were surprised by the small initial press turn out at the LEEDS certified Haworth space for the House of Organic ’s first three runways shows. The editors missed out on some of the more graceful collections presented all week. TEXTILES & F...

Text, Photos by J. Ecochard and courtesy of the Designer Talent Dabs In Simple Hooray For Hollywood Posh West 10th Street, NYC February 8th Jenni Kayne is young and a seasoned fashion veteran toiling away in the garment biz since the age of 19 before launching her own line in 2003. Twenty something celebrity types, when not in rehab, regularly don her clothes. We feel she’s getting there-and we are getting a sense of what to expect from Kayne...l uxe fabrics and updated American classics. THE SCENE The place was packed…from spillover of Grande Dame, Donna Karan’s just finished runway show. At first, editors and assorted photographers were huddled in a stately front room where a t rio of lovely ladies put a classical spin on Nirvana ’s tunes (the mourned and missed, ground breaking Seattle based ‘Grunge’ rock band). Nothing like listening to Nevermind(’s) smash hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as a set-up for a collection. Amusingly for us, editorial chicettes , perhaps because they were...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of Bra-sserie, courtesy of LaForce & Stevens Public Relations Image of Hoorah for the Bra, from www.mediastudlife.com QUESTION: SO, WHAT’S A “BRA-SSERIE”? ANSWER: A great spot organized by LYCRA® in the Tents to relax or network over a coffee, espresso, cappuccino, croissants and French macaroons. LYCRA® is one of the sponsors of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York, and for the Miami Swim shows in July. Every fashion week, they’re one of our regular pit stops, no matter what their theme is that season. We only hope they’ll have the Bra-sserie again next season! We met up with Dianne W. Lober, Invista Inc.’s Marketing and Communication Manager at one of the little café tables over a cup of cappuccino and got filled-in on 3 of Lycra’s latest innovations. Invista is LYCRA®’s parent company. LYRA: What is BLACK LYCRA FIBER? Dianne: It provides black in its purest sense. The fiber is actually black. We’ve partnered with La Perla to create a beautiful high-...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, J. Ecochard Time & Place: Tuesday, Feb. 5th, the Meat Packing district, downtown, NYC This show was an ode to nature, and a beautiful one at that. The tranquil all white Bumble & Bumble space was the perfect counterpart to this lovely nature inspired collection. All of the elements worked together here: from the fluttering hummingbird soundtrack to the sunset colored backdrop down to the Shiseido burgundy and khaki eye shadows Miyako Okamoto and her Shiseido team skillfully blended together to create a sunset effect on the models’ lids. A classic society Kim Novak style beehive hairstylist Ramona created for Bumble & Bumble saved the look from being overly bohemian. THE VIBE: artsy, in a Marni-esque way, the cashmere was felted giving it a less precious and lady-like appearance than usual. It's something you'd consider wearing out for an autumn stroll and maybe a little bird watching. NATURE LOVERS take note. You’ll love the hummingb...

HAUTE COUTURE OF UNDERGARMENTS AKA...Secrets of the Flawlessly Slim Text, Photos by J. Ecochard Masters of the “ Hide and Sleek ”, SPANX has consistently (amazingly) managed to innovate its durable line of supportive undergarments. During New York’s Fashion Week-the brand corralled the aerie Penthouse of the Bryant Park Hotel-and served up an impressive array of new undergarment designs. Everyone we met was friendly and enthusiastic. .. no doubt because they BELIEVE like we do. For as everyone knows, the superb fit, comfort, and detailed construction (no gapping, assorted styles for all body types including pregnant gals and plus sizes, in neutral tones) makes SPANX the leader in foundation wear. Plus, we toss the stuff in the wash, air dry-and every piece we own has retained its shape …a bargain given the reasonable price points. New For Fall 2008 Back fat! Not a pretty image but a concern for many. Spanx has a new “ Slim Cognito Seamless Tank ” that targets the mid-section, accen...

A LOT A BIT WEARABLE Text and Photos by J. Ecochard When the Irish Daryl Kerrigan hit the retail jackpot in the NYC of the late 90’s, hip i ndie rock-type chicks clamored for the best fitting low-slung pants ever. A boom, bust and rebirth followed. This year - on February 8th-her downtown 21 Bond Street showroom served as the informal (crowded) setting for a Fall/Winter 2008 collection. The more casual Kerrigan line (like her old K-189) and her RTW Daryl K line should keep her loyal cult-like fans (think Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon) very happy—and probably garner the spending dollars/euros of a new set of “It” girls. Modeled by grab off the below 14th Street downtown gals glamorized by Make Up for Ever , - Kerrigan had an urban street sensibility with a side zipped denim biker jacket (timeless) , grey belted tunic /sweatshirt like top, multi hued l eggings , and a oversized plaid of gray and white fabric used in a deep pocketed dress, jacket and fringy shawl. Daryl K was...

Text by J. Ecochard Photos by J.Ecochard and Courtesy of the Designer “MUSCULATURE” –A DRAUGHTSWOMAN DRAMA February 6th 2008 Bumble and Bumble , NYC Two things we know we can count on at a VPL Runway show…a rockin’ soundtrack (by Henry Lau and Ben Brunnemer ) and deftly cut , seamed color blocks and slashes of clingy fabrics that hark back to Ms. Bartlett’s background designing lingerie and action/performance wear. This season’s inspiration-according to the run of show notes, comes from two artists ; the first, Hans Bellmer was a German Surrealist artist who re-imagined mechanical dolls into “perversely erotic Freudian fairytale(s)”… figuring into the bronze D-Articulation dress (Look #33), the bustier/ bra sets and the brown Armadillo skirt (Look # 14). The second is sculptor Louise Bourgeois who’s “swelling female forms” and manipulation of “stretch” materials played into multiple looks including the curved sleeve of the jackets and the choice of ultra sheer cashmere and slinky...