J. Mendel
Fan-tab-u-lous Fall '10 Faves: Moda Operandi
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So now that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is over and my life is somewhat back to Normal, I wanted to recap on some of my Favorites for Fall.
The passion that the clothing exuded for Autumn was nothing short of awe inspiring. The models, covered in rich colors, opulent textures and dramatic lines, seemed to just rove down the runway... leaving attendees speechless.
Designers once again embraced a multitude of leathers, furs and shearlings pairing them with extravagant knits. Actually, I was surprised not to see any PETA demonstrators picketing in front of Bryant this year.
Although I may not have bumped into protesters at the tents, I did rub elbows with: Matt Dillion, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Michelle Trachtenberg, Whitney Port, Carmen Electra, Kate Bosworth, Whoopie Goldberg, Amanda Peat, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, Hayden Panettiere, Ed Westwick, Molly Sims, Liv Tyler, Kelly Osbourne (who, btw, lost an insane amount of weight and looks fanfrickingtastic! I saw her at Nanette Lepore, and don't think that I didn't tell her how awesome she looks.) Um..... Oh, I also bumped in to Sarah Jessica Parker at Halston and introduced myself as the original Samantha Jones.
And now, without further ado and, in no particular order:
My Fall Faves:
Anna Sui
Rodarte
J. Mendel
Jason Wu
Dennis Basso
Proenza Schuler
Prabal Gurung
Burberry Prorsum
ADAM
Araks
Bibhu Mohapatra
Alice + Olivia
Chris Benz
Cushinie & Ochs
Phillip Lim 3.1
Thakoon
Rachel Roy
Haute Hippie
Rag & Bone
Alexander Wang
Elisa Palomino
Daniel Vosovic
Elise Overland
Katie Gallagher
Pamella Roland
Erro
I can't wait to get dressed!
xx
Sam Jones
*photo 1 by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America: Kelly Osbourne (R) at Nanette Lepore Fall 2010 Fashion Show, February 17, 2010 at The Promenade.
*all runway photos courtesy of Zimbio.com, except Haute Hippie, Thakoon and Rachel Roy
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.
Design Cares 2009: A Kaleidoscope of Dreams
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"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.
The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.
36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.
Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.
I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.
SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?
KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.
SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?
KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.
SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?
KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.
SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?
KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.
SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?
KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.
SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?
KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.
SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress? 
KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.
SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?
KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.
This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.
100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.
For more photos: click here
*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto
*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman
*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman
*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha
