Fern Mallis
Daniella Kallmeyer: Moda Operandi
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You may remember her from The Fashion Show, a Project Runway-like reality series that aired on Bravo with hosts Issac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland. While America voted for "cookie cutter" designer Anna McCraney, the judges panel (comprised of Mizrahi, Rowland, and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis) voted for Daniella Kallmeyer, bestowing upon her the award for Designer's Choice, for her exquisitely executed garments. Since then, industry forecasters have concurred that her work is nothing short of extraordinary.
Daniella was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, grew up in Maryland, and later attended the prestigious London College of Fashion. Once in London, she learned how to push the envelope on her own designs. In a recent phone interview she revealed that London designers Les Chiffoniers and the late, great Alexander McQueen "helped me to build a stronger sense of ambition and reconfirmed my love of the industry."
The hard work paid off. Daniella's graduate collection became one of just 27 selected by a panel of industry professionals (including celebrity designer Giles Deacon), to be featured during an exclusive press show at London's Royal Academy. Following that exposure, designer Henry Holland and buyers of ASOS.com (As Seen On Stars), chose Daniella's collection to be sold in an exclusive limited-edition live sale (the inventory sold out). Shortly thereafter, Vogue.com mentioned Daniella as "One to Watch" - and she is indeed.
Moving across the pond to launch her post-grad career in New York, Daniella began working with Proenza Schouler and Sari Gueron. Now, she has begun to deliver on her own. It was evident to those of us who attended her NYFW Fall '10 runway collection, that she has staying power beyond her television accolades. In her Fall line, she has incorporated luxe leathers, fluid silks and beautiful knits, in an array of romantic colors. I loved each piece and was extremely impressed that she even designed her own jewelry to accessorize the models.
For now, Daniella's line is commissioned on a per request basis. However, I'm certain we'll be seeing her elegant collections in high-end boutiques and department stores in the very near future.
J. Mendel: Fall 2010 Presentation
+Thursday, February 18th: J. Mendel Fall 2010 Presentation in the Salon at Bryant Park.
Layering, unique blending of fabrics, and draping were consistent elements throughout all of the shows during this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. These were also key to the J. Mendel Fall 2010 Collection. However, what separates The House of J. Mendel from other designers, is the way in which they utilize those techniques with luxurious fabrics and furs to emphasis of the female form by giving definition and shape to the body.
Gilles Mendel has reinterpreted elements of nature intertwined within a downtown scene by the use of couture fabrics such as; silk faille, mousseline, jacquard, satin, which are paired with metallic tweeds, fur and hints of leather to create a vibrant downtown-chic look. "It always starts with color and texture," explains Mendel of his inspiration for the collection. "The images from Ryan McGinley's Moonmilk series were so beautiful and organic."
Of course, the evening gowns were breathtaking. Deep reds, Prussian blues and volcanic greens seemed to melt onto the models, elongating the feminine form.
Despite the thick crowd of celebrities, photographers, journalists and buyers, the J. Mendel Fall 2010 Collection was viewed the only way one should experience the artistry and sophistication that is the House of J. Mendel: Presented.
Toni Francesc: Backstage and Runway - Fall 2010
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Tuesday, February 16th: Toni Francesc - Artificial Life - Fall 2010 Backstage and Runway Show in the Salon at Bryant Park.
From the make-up to working closely with his house photographer, Keith Lew, to the final presentation on the runway, Toni Francesc knows exactly what he wants. Scurrying back and forth from make-up/hair to wardrobe with a smile, Francesc makes sure every detail is executed to a T that is his vision.
For the Fall 2010 collection, Artificial Life, Francesc takes on the familiar motif of Man vs. Machine, "offering a critical perspective of the future without overlooking the roots of the past and the world of handcrafted creation." However, his big question is, how does one discover ones' real self amongst a cold and technological world?
The collection exemplifies industrial elements both in it's rust metal color story and angular shapes. In it's entirety, the run of show seemed to depict Man's failing to find the Self within a technologically advanced society. A bit of a downer, but Francesc's ideology is quite evident and perhaps lends itself to seek hope and change for the future.
*To view full Runway Coverage, please visit Keith Lew Photography
*Backstage photos by Britten Heft
*Photo 2 by Keith Lew: Toni Francesc and Fern Mallis
*Runway Photography by the Toni Francesc FW 10 House Photography Team: Keith Lew, Ming Han Chung, Mark Roboff and Brian Dowling.
DRESSED Documentary Premiere at Big Apple Film Festival
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Onerock Moving Pictures documentary DRESSED premiered at the Big Apple Film Festival on November 3rd at the Tribeca Cinemas to a sold out theater and a star-studded event.
DRESSED was selected from 700 films that were submitted from the New York City independent film community, as well as, additional selections from across the country and around the world to be screened at the Big Apple Film Festival.
DRESSED is the much buzzed about documentary that tells the touching and inspirational story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand. The documentary was fluid, had a great soundtrack by Chris Orazi and Sink to See, brought tears to your eyes, and made you laugh with Manivong's infectious smile.
The Big Apple Film Festival screening was an absolute smash hit with ticket goers. New York’s finest with fashionable attendees including; socialite Ally Hilfiger, Project Runway’s favorite fashion designer Malan Breton, and the ever so glamorous fashion designer Loris Diran (whose designs have been featured in A Devil Wear’s Prada). Top industry experts, who happen to be part of the cast, also attended; industry consultant George Furlan, Janet Mock of People.com, and Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine, along with other castmates; director David Swajeski, executive producer Maryanne Grisz, and fashion designer Nary Manivong.
FYI: The cast of DRESSED includes industry experts from Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; Anastasia Griffith from the NBC show Trauma; Jason Napier of the band Sink to See; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.
*photos courtesy of PMc by JP Pullos
*photo 1: Ally Hilfiger and Nary Manivong
*photo 2: Mickey Boardman and Loris Diran
*photo 3: Malan Breton
DRESSED Documentary Sneak Peek at Soho House
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Onerock Moving Pictures screened an intimate sneak peek of their documentary DRESSED to New York’s tastemakers and press at Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District on September 10th.
DRESSED is a heartfelt documentary that takes a look at Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.
The film also features a cast of top fashion experts: Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design;
Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes; and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.
Following the 15 minute sneak peek (which had a killer soundtrack, btw), Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Nary Manivong, and a few of the cast members, gathered for a Q&A.
The decorous Mr. Manivong, who had his New York Fashion Week runway show earlier that evening, was all smiles and definitely ready to relax for the rest of Fashion Week. Mr. Manivong appeared grounded and was completely receptive to audience inquiries.
I spoke with Ms. Grisz about the moving documentary. I wondered how the direction of the film from the onset moved throughout the year of filming. "We always saw the central story/theme being about the strength of the human spirit. Working with Nary was very inspiring as he just kept moving forward in pursuit of his dream in spite of the tremendous odds against him."
I believe the essence of Mr. Manivong spoke beautifully within DRESSED to produce an absolutely inspiring documentary. I can't wait to see the full-length feature.
For additional information, visit www.dressed-themovie.com and www.narymanivong.com.
*photo 1: Still from DRESSED (model and Nary Manivong)
*photo 2: Still from DRESSED (Nary Manivong)
*photo 3: Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek
*photo 4: Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz
*photo 5: Director David Swajeski and Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek
Photos: Monarchy 9/11/09: Tent at Bryant Park
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A full house surveyed the relaxed Spring/Summer Monarchy by Eric Kim collection and what was everyone talking about? THE SHOES! i.e.: "I heard the shoes were ridiculously high..."
Yes, the taupe, caramel, and mocha hued platform stilettos were white-hot. I think they gave a ferocity to the lax Roi de la Planete Bleue collection.
It is these subtleties that give the line a bit of edge and pop. Kim's use of organza, taffeta, cashmere, satin, and metallic coated linen, created a unique luster to accent the leather, raw denim, suede, twill, and mellow palette.
The casual with a high-heel kick line is extremely accessible, which seems to be a more common than not theme thus far.
What's uncommon? Realizing that the Sham Wow Pitchman that was arrested for battering a hooker, was sitting across the runway from me. But that's not all. He was sitting next to PR Queen Lizzie Grubman, who's not a stranger to the law either, who was sitting next to Janice Dickinson.
This got me thinking about why so many people were really talking about the heels on the runway shoes...
The fun didn't stop there...
SEEN: Annalynne McCord, Ms. J. Alexander, Shannon Elizabeth, Kellan Lutz (not sitting next to Ms. McCord), Mark Ballas, Fern Mallis, Angie Dickinson, Lizzie Grubman, Janice Dickinson, Vince Shlomi.... The Sham Wow guy... wow!
Conclusion: Tres bien.
DRESSED Documentary Sneak Preview at Soho House
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DRESSED Director David Swajeski and Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz are offering an exclusive sneak peak of their documentary to selected New York’s tastemakers and press during New York Fashion Week.
DRESSED is the much talked about documentary about the inspiring story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.
The film offers an insider’s look behind-the-scenes of the glamorous, chaotic world of fashion as well as insightful commentary from industry experts such as; Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger. 
The DRESSED private invite-only special sneak peak screening will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City. There will be two screenings taking place at 9pm and 10pm and a Q & A after each screening with Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Fashion Designer Nary Manivong and selected members of the cast.
New York City Opera's DIVAS Shop for Opera 2009
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On June 24th, New York City Opera and City Opera Thrift Shop held their 4th annual DIVAS Shop for Opera at City Opera’s Pop Up Shop on Madison Avenue.
Lydia Fenet, Gillian Miniter, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis, Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen, Amy Fine Collins, Dame Lori Sutherland, and Designer Austin Scarlett, were among the guests enjoying cocktails and music, while skimming the racks of a “diverse selection of alluring merchandise from today’s most fashion forward designers- at 
jaw-dropping discounts.”
Merchandise included designs by Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Valvo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tamsen Z by Ann Ziff, Oscar de la Renta, Nanette Lepore, Rubin Singer, Chado Ralph Rucci, Tuleh, DKNY, Luca Luca, Roberta Freymann, and many more.
This fab event, co-chaired by Patricia Field, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Faith Hope Consolo, Rebecca Taylor, Elsa Klensch, and Lorry Newhouse, helps fund the design and creation of new costumes for New York City Opera.
*Photo 1 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lauren Estigarribia and Rubin Singer
*Photo 2 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lorry Newhouse, Lauren Bridgeman, and Amy Fine Collins
