The freedom of being American and wearing your heart on your sleeve embodies the Levi’s 2010 Fall Preview.
“We the workers will awaken the American dream from its slumber” – Levi
This except from the script written behind the models exposed the inspiration of the night. The structurally appropriate Hosfelt Gallery housed the Levi’s viewing; completely coinciding with the collection. Incredible wood panel floors and ceilings with white wash walls; cohesively paired with looks of the natural rawness of denim, flannels, Khaki, and corduroy; created a working man aesthetic. All the looks were chic, yet extremely durable, completed with trendy accessories.
“The vision behind this collection was rebuilding and craftsmanship; a vision especially important to this present time, as the nation is currently rebuilding its self”, – Head designer for Levi‘s Men’s division Carl Chiara
Rejuvenation and craftsmanship played its part through-out the collection. You could visually see the variety of ways denim was scrutinized and worked. It’s no wonder; Levi has been around for 150 years and shows no signs of retiring. Aged ideas of denim have been brought up to contemporary code. Clever techniques to renew the denim look; included deconstruction, stud detail, fading, and cropping. Of course the ranges of boyfriend to skinny jean were in full effect. The rust, dirt brown, olive, crimson, and navy colors spoke of traditional value within the brand’s style.
Levi’s has always been an advocate for great music and this night showed no exception. A London based indie-rock group made up of four gifted musicians named “One eskimO” (see performance below), entertained the intimate crowd with their mesmeric tunes. “One eskimO’s” rhythmic ballads further brought to life Levi’s effort to save creative expression.
Restructure and change is a part of us as a people. I believe the history of Levi’s absolutely contributes to its present and future success as a worldwide brand. The incorporation of diligence and creativity has always been a staple within the Levi’s name. This is a brand that would never have to abandon their traditional vision and purpose for the sake of trend and recognition!

One eskimO Performing

America's Next Top Models Nole Marin and April Wilkner

Images: Sandra Rosales/Keen Images for JohnSimonDaily.com

One eskimO Performance (Part 1)

One eskimO Performance (Part 2)

Video from the presentation

The greatly anticipated Cynthia Rowley for Roxy; has Fashionista’s ready to ride the waves of style! Roxy known as an infinite surfing brand collaborated with celebrated designer and surf guru Cynthia Rowley; to create a High tide collection. Co-op Barneys New York in Soho hosted an intimate viewing for guest and press.“This collection is not just for surfers, you could easily wear any of the dresses and skirts walking the city streets”- Cynthia Rowley

The versatility of this “Surfer Chic” line is endless. The looks consisted of wet-suits, dresses, skirts, swim suits, tops, board shorts, and accessories. Rowley displayed her classic use of color through the technique of color-blocking. The best part of this adorable collection is the functionality behind it. Although Rowley made it fashionably savvy, durable surfer-wear was still accomplished.
The designer was beaming the entire night as she discussed the line and why we should all go out and take up surfing. “It’s just so fun”! Rowley expressed, when asked why the sport was so inspirational to her life. She had been surfing for ten years and had infinite stories to divulge among her guest, who included pro-surfers Kassia Meador, Lisa Anderson, and 90210’s Gillian Zinser. What an amazing night for fashion and the sport of surfing alike!

More of the collection can be seen at Roxy.com

Contemporary women are influentially smart and powerful. Senior Vice President of Design & Product Lisa Axelson relevantly brought these key traits into her 2010 fall collection for Ann Taylor. When asked the theme for the collection, Axelson stated “I wanted to create the fantasy of an American women traveling to Paris; which cohesively combines the two styles. The Ann Taylor women is career oriented and loves fashion!”

Lisa Axelson

Amazingly her vision was not lost in the fantasy. The pieces resembled effortless elegance of Parisian culture, but did not neglect the classical style; American women need to feel timeless. All looks projected feminine strength, versatility, and individuality. Softly colored, Embellished tees and tiered sheaths paired with chic jackets and tailored slacks vividly themed the collection. Fabric such as cashmere, cotton blends, jersey, soft silks, wool and leathers were used cleverly through-out the collection to exemplify adaptable womenswear.
During the viewing; all models were lounging around in Ann Taylor luxury garments; draped in beautiful estate inspired accessories. Beautifully crafted pearl, crystal and stone jewelry accented the clothing in a lavish way; which are great for transitional day to night dressing.
To top the night off, Ann Taylor presented musical recording artist V.V. Brown (VIEW HER PERFORMANCE HERE), who blew us away with an amazing performance. This London native sang melodies from her newly entitled album “Travelling Like The Light” to be released April 20th. Glamorous Starlet’s, Rachel Bilson and Made Men’s Christina Hendricks came out to support and leisurely walked around to view the presentation.
It’s incredible to see a brand take notice of what women need and want in a garment. Trend and style are always important, but when imagination and vision are incorporated; unique pieces can be created. Stylishly pertinent clothing and music successfully brought this event to the next level.

Recording Artist V.V. Brown

***Exclusive video from V.V. Browns’ performance can be seen HERE

Christina Hendricks and Rachel Bilson

Grace Healy x Robyn Berkley(R) - People's Revolution

Elaborately pleasing to the eye, the Dalmau brothers of Custo Barcelona wows the crowd with they’re outlandishly clad garments. Unusually beautiful pieces were created and displayed for Barcelona’s 2010 fall collection. With such an imaginative and dramatic line, the key to success was in cohesiveness. The story was fast pace, vibrantly colorful and packed full of flamboyancy. Fabric and print collaborations brought versatility out of every piece. In all colors and techniques; fur trimming, fringing, feathering and beading were just a few of the applications used to pull off such a captivating show. The models wore these mesmeric mini-dresses paired with appetizing accessories, such as oversized duffel bags or fur lined booties. A grey frock with pink and blue vest detail, extensive beading applied around the hip and ruffling at the shoulder and waist adorned the runway with its splendor. Incredibly, with all this detail, the profound vision of beauty was not hidden. Men were clothed in suiting with fabrics ranging from patent-leather to velvet. Colors were used just as boldly for menswear as they were for women’s. Hot pinks, reds, metallics and grays painted beautiful masculine canvas for Barcelona. Fitted snake skin pants amid a gray sweater accented with patched-work fringe detail; brought a much needed aroma to men’s fashion. Since, we’ve seen so much of the clean cut boy next door look; it refreshed me to get a bit of novo edge. The uniqueness of Custo Barcelona proves tried and true, every season. Originality and creativity is what keeps this brand as mesmerizing as its last viewing.

Photo: Imaxtree

The ARISE African Collective Fashion show encompassed great cultural passion for Africa. Designers from, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria created a glimpse of their own Africa, through brilliant collections. Each showcasing indigenous fabric, inspiration and of course models; truly made this show quite spectacular. Colors, shapes, and individual aesthetic separated the series of collections, into three themes, First Light, Noon and Midnight. The production resembled a stone pathway leading to the stars, ultimately expressing the naturalistic grandeur; that is Africa!First Light

BLACK COFFEE

African Masks are direct entities of expression and creativity. It’s no wonder designer’s Jacques Van Der Watt and Danica Lepen from South Africa, became inspired by these mythical objects. This collection presented interesting revolved coating. Over-sized silhouettes were extremely geometrical; allowing the flow of versatility through the collection. The colors were reminiscent of natural elements. Watery blues, fiery corals, earth browns, and windy greys. Tiering, layering, and pleating leather and wool fabric blends exemplified symmetrical genius.

Black Coffee designers Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen

Noon

LOIN CLOTH & ASHES

In a brief interview with designer Anisa Mpungwe, she expressed how her hometown of Tanzania and family, inspired her to create this collection. As the interview started, she paused to take pictures with her family, making it clear; family comes first! Well the inspiration definitely paid off for this young, yet motivated designer. These garments were for the contemporary women, who needed a hint of edge. Tanzania prints and linings, crushed silks, wool, and suede assisted Mpungwe to create her cohesive collection. Although her striped pieces were minimal, they were statement making with a feminine touch. I adored how she used royal blue accessories to accent the entire collection. This compilation of garments exhibited an eagerness for fashionable growth.

Anisa Mpungwe

Midnight

DEOLA SAGOE

“I don’t want my collection to feel too restricted, I wanted to keep it very diverse”, designer Deola Sagoe stated. Liberated femininity constructed the theme for this collection. She kept the looks clean but strong, incorporating caged dresses, cut-out leggings, military jackets, and daring war paint colors such as golds, blues and reds. African lace wool, lycra, cotton, and silks all contributed to the warrior-like garments being worn down the run-way. An unusual weaved and fringed black mini dress was the most amazing piece of the collection. It may have alerted a new trend! This Nigerian born designer made a point to keep the looks true to her pursuit in empowering women.
All three of these designers rose to the occasion to impress; at one of the most anticipated shows of the season. Not one was alike, but equally showcased talent and dedication toward their visions. The latest model covering the 8th issue of Arise Ubah Hassan was in attendance cheering on her protégés and colleagues.

Deola Sagoe

The night was not over, as the last designer took her bow. It was our queue, to head to the Arise Magazine after-party. The grand event was held at the Plaza Hotel, where we enjoyed food, cocktails, and a riveting performance by recording artist Ciara. Between the show and the after-party Arise Magazine made a tribal mark on 2010 Mercedes Benz Fall Fashion Week!

Emil Wilbekin from Essence Magazine

Veronica Webb

Photos: www.JohnSimonDaily.com / Stevyn Llewellyn of Modernglossy.com

The mechanically unconventional woman lives again through Toni Francesc 2010 Fall Collection. The concept of an “Artificial Life” resurrected the idea that fashion is more of a statement, then an article of clothing. Francesc’s vision of man vs. machine formed an artistic twist, ultimately displaying the machine as the victor!
“The collection is based on an androgynous image, one in which Man and technology combine. All of Man’s failings are solved by means of mechanical objects, as if human beings themselves were forged out of a series of industrial materials. – Toni Francesc
Beginning the show was a simulation of something or someone being energized to life. As the sound of a heart started to beat, the first model marched out. Unusual Jet – black bobbed coif paired with tarnished make-up set the nature of this stimulating runway show. All garments were structured with rigid like-fabrics such as, meshes, leathers and viscose blends to display strength and durability; one would hope to find in a machine. This collection wouldn’t have been complete with-out it’s accessory memory card…..The “micro-chip” studded leather bag! The colors were industrial and naturalized to convey different tints of rusted metal coats/jackets, charcoal shift dresses, tar liquid leggings and sheen duel-toned tights, resembling electrical cables surging the look.
A robust nickel colored jacket with shielded black beaded shoulders, exhibited a refreshing change for the strong shouldered trend. The majority of silhouettes were structurally enhanced through-out the shoulders and hips, creating artificial feminine enhancement.
Direction taken for this line was all dramatic and technologically done. Feeling as though these clothes can become a direct extension of yourself; in a metaphorical but visual way, guarantees these garments will have you set apart from the rest.

Entire Runway show

Finale Walk

Immediately following the fashion show we headed over to the official after party held at The Cellar Bar, located inside The Bryant Park Hotel. We spotted Emily Bungert of People’s Revolution as we made our way through the crowd. Be sure to check out Kell on Earth on Bravo, Monday nights 10/9c.

Emily Bungert

Photo: Stevyn Llewellyn of ModernGlossy.com