September 2017 / VINTAGE SLANG

Ethereal & Mystical, the Magical Designs of Michael Costello

The first time, a few seasons back, I had the honor to witness the magic that is Michael Costello, that post here. After viewing his collection one thing was certain, his ability to dress the female form is impeccable and this collection proved no different. Posted up at the Robert Miller Gallery, Costello showcased his whimsy during New York Fashion Week. Lining the gallery walls, his gorgeous designs hung on models like works of art. Intricate lace gowns in a range of lengths were accompanied by sophisticated beading and adornment provided by Kathy Ireland. The color palette expanded to a soft nude pink adding to the extreme femininity lingering in the air. Costello wanted each model to represent sensuality and strength. The models in all colors and sizes stood proud, proving that Costello's dresses sure do a body good.

Nina Tiari NYFW Spring Summer 2018 ss 18

Uptown meets downtown and heads to JFK, Palm Springs bound. This adventure is the inspiration behind Nina Tiari’s Spring/Summer 2018 lively collection. Classic pieces like a perfectly tailored column dress were made edgy and fun with the addition of fringe in brilliant pops of red, yellow and pink. Tiari aimed to have the collection generate happiness during these turbulent times. The vivid color combos, ruffles and gorgeous models definitely brightened my day.

Bright yellow billow-y feather like trim lined a black and white polka dotted dress, giving mod vibes. Lace skirts with a polka dot ruffled hem flounced down the runway. Romantic tops in floral prints fell off the shoulders femininely exposing shoulders. Sprays of feathers were added to waists along with touches on the backs of heels. Bold and bright red lips added to the fearless and confident persona Tiari intended to create. Models peered over cat-eye glasses, a la Grace Kelly. I can definitely envision packing pieces from this collection and lounging around The Parker in Palm Springs, hmm it is time for a weekend getaway.

“The label is inspired by self assured women who compete only with themselves.”

“The Nina Tiari brand is representative of the city woman: fearless and confident.”

Nina Tiari NYFW Dream Hotel Fashion Show

Sisters Cole and Parris Gordon recently showcased their Toronto based brand Beaufille, and the collection stood true to the labels name. Beaufille literally translates to handsome girl and the collection was a play on the combination of femininity with a hint of masculinity. Classic tailored pieces stood strong with touches of ruffles or a puffed sleeve lending itself to a more romantic feeling. Hints of skin were exposed with off-the-shoulder silhouettes or cut-outs sitting at the décolletage. Shiny gold jewelry adorned models, the sisters wanting the pieces to be wearable sculptures. These handsome girls stood amongst cinderblocks, hammered glass and geometric elements. The presentation was held in a space designed by Brooklyn based Grace Hartnett. Hartnett played with simplistic sculptures providing a backdrop that complimented the collection.

Walking into the runway for the Rochambeau show attendees were greeted with graphic patterns. This season designers Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper conspired with painter/sculptor Aaron Curry. Curry's black and white graphic sculptures lined the runway while a large geometric print loomed in the background. In true Rochambeau fashion structured modern streetwear pieces were sent down the runway. Collaborative patterns by the designers and Curry appeared on bomber jackets, shorts all the way down to the custom designed Nike Air Force 1s. The highlight of the show was the addition of womenswear. A flowy floor length jacket cinched at the waist was covered in an all over bubble print. A striking cobalt blue leather jacket and pants added a pop of color to the collection and a male version came down in a bright raspberry hue. Always excited to see which models will grace the Rochambeau runway and Per usual they didn't disappoint, adding hip-hop artist Squidnice to the mix.

Giulian Calza founded Milan based brand GCDS in 2015. Standing for God Can’t Destroy Streetwear, the label started out as a t-shirt line and now designs head-to-toe looks. The theme this season was Swan Yachting club. An extra large pink swan sat center stage with pink carpet lining the runway. The GCDS logo showed throughout the show sitting on caps, rhinestone encrusted earrings, crop tops all the way down to the shoes. The swan made an appearance in repetitive patterns on tight skirts, t-shirts and high-waisted bottoms. Low slung pants hugged the hips that marched down the runway. Extra large glasses graced the faces while pouches with logos sat on the hips. The show was closed by Tanya Taylor one of the most beautiful swans. I wouldn't mind being a member of this yacht club.

There are always those childhood memories that drum up nostalgia. A special one for me was waiting for the sun to set in order to watch a field of hot air balloons glow. This was followed by rising at the crack of dawn to watch them take flight. The hot air balloon classic is a yearly event and was always a staple for us. I've never forgotten the images of these brightly colored balls of hot air floating over the lake with the Rocky Mountains providing the most picturesque of backdrops. I booked a weekend trip to hang with the fam and take another trip down memory lane.