A Warm Hello to Style for Summer 2013

Summer 2013 Style
"A Warm Hello to Style for Summer 2013" 

291
$205 - conleys.de

Madewell underwire bikini
madewell.com

Madewell vintage swimwear
madewell.com

Hi low skirt
target.com

Kelsi Dagger wedge heels
heels.com

Mulberry handbag
mulberry.com

Fossil
fossil.com

Peace, Love, and Happy Summer!

Amber Sweet

Keggy Pritsker: Retro Vintage and Sophistication

Keggy Pritsker -NYFW Fall 2013

Summer may have unofficially arrived, but it’s never too early for investing in cute Fall 2013 jackets brought to life by the Jackie O infused type of vintage inspired designers at Keggy Pritsker. If you’re not quite ready for embracing outerwear, there are always custom hardware fashioned leather belts and Keggy Jewelry (launched in 2011 upon request) to enhance your warm weather wardrobe. NEWSFLASH! Keggy belts are famous for artistically motivated bauble like buckles, calling the attention of A-list celebs and Grammy swag bags. The precious coats are adorned with custom buttons, dual tone lapels, and dearly sweet peplums. I personally love the fact that Keggy Pritsker coats indulge us gals with crisp cuts that are  far from boxy. Talk about a genuine compilation of romance, class, and a modern day twist on the past graciously exuding female confidence. If jewelry interests you, my suggestion is to check out Keggy signature enamel based inset jewel-toned stone rings. 

Featured in:
Us’s Buzzometer,  Life & Style, Ok!, WWD, and Lustre Magazine, and Lucky Magazine

The feminine brand is run by a highly experienced  designer duo comprised of Ella Pritsker and Kerry “Keggy” Leikus. Blend their names together for fun and flirtatious vibe with a cannonball splash of sophistication thrown into the mix.

 Kerry Leikus states:

 "I met Ella, the director of the Maryland School of Couture Arts (www.marylandschoolofcouturearts.com) in 2011 during Fashion Night Out Baltimore.  Ella has 20 years of experience designing full custom wardrobe for her private clientele. I had been producing accessories and outerwear for retail outlets such as Garnet Hill and QVC.  Yet, our designs were remarkably similar and our complimentary skills were a perfect match for one another.  We decided to join creative forces and the vision for Keggy Pritsker was born."

Keggy Pritsker Featured on QVC

 

Voilà! These ladies are on top, which is why they have settled into the New York Fashion Week runway life and caught my (as if it's my way or the highway?) undivided attention with such ease. Just another treasured treat from SBFW 2013! 

This will not be my last update for this talented design team. I have my eye on you ladies. Hey readers! While you're waiting, check out their website and blog updates to enlighten yourself on their never ending adventures in the world of fashion design.

Official Website:

www.keggy.com
www.keggypritsker.com

Blog: 

www.keggystyle.wordpress.com

Facebook: 
Keggy Style on Facebook

*Editor's note: I just wanted to provide clarification for my readers that The Keggy brand (by Kerry Leikus) creates and sells the belts and jewelry. Keggy Pritsker (by Ella Pritsker and Kerry Leikus) is where the latest line of coats come in. 

Peace and Love, 
Amber Sweet 

Fashion History Lesson: Paul Poiret

French couturiers never fail to interest me. Have you ever wondered about the true origination of the Pencil Skirt? Well, actually that started back with Christian Dior in the late 1940's. How about we take it back to the early 1900's pre-pencil skirt and talk about Paul Poiret. Who is he? Inventor of the hobble skirt and advocate against the top restricting corset. 

"I freed the bust and I shackled the legs"

-Paul Poiret

Through his life designing Poiret found himself serving at the House of  Worth creating simply practical pieces to accompany the main garments designed by Gaston Worth. (Gaston Worth is the son of Charles Frederick Worth - Read:  Misuse of the Term "Haute Couture" and the Real Meaning).  Paul Poiret's  designs at the house of Worth were too much of a "horror". An actual term used by the Russian princess Bariatinsky when her eyes met with a Kimono like cloak designed by the couturier. Her extreme disturbance by the wool piece  charged up the princess's  nerves as she stated that a beheading was in order. The freshly cut heads were to be disposed of in the garment Paul Poiret fashioned. Time spent at the House of Worth had been a crucial stint that lead Poiret into starting his very own atelier. 

His inspirations stemmed from a combination of Orientalist and Neo-Classical styles while shunning modernism. Through his actions a new type of modern came about during his time as an independent couturier. Paul Poiret modernized society by changing the female silhouette. Say goodbye s-shape and hello to something more tubular. Slim down the bottom and let the top breath.  His introduction of the hobble skirt revolutionized modern fashion. Poiret was also heavily involved in reviving the Empire Style which came from the second phase of neoclassicism. How cute is the Empire waist? Freedom of the abdomen is a wonderful thing. Harem pants, a design adapted by Poiret made headlines, but were not  by the average woman.

Paul Poiret's shop included more then just clothing. The incorporation of furniture, decor and fragrance opened up a whole new world for the typical fashion house. He established two companies for two daughters Martine and Rosine. Martine was divided into three sections, École Martine, Atelier Martine, and La Maison Martine. École Martine was a design school opened to create a pathway for underprivileged girls to embrace the decorative arts. Many of the pieces created by the students are considered collectible. Parfums de Rosine was a fragrance and cosmetics company. 
 
Paul Poiret held popularity as a pioneer in women's fashion history  until going bankrupt through the mid-late 1920's. His design house closed down. Parfums de Rosine had a re-birth in 1991 under perfumer Marie-Hélène Rogeon. Original formulas for Parfums de Rosine do not exist. The signature scent initially created by Poiret was reinvented by Rogeon. 

That's enough information for now. 

If you are interested in learning more, I suggest checking out

 The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Paul Poiret 
Follow the timeline.

Till another Fashion History Lesson! 


Peace and Love, 
Amber Sweet 

Small Boutique Fashion Week FW2013 Report

Another NYFW down! Small Boutique Fashion Week FW2013  at The Metropolitian Pavilion has come and gone once again. This event was proudly sponsored by none other than my nearest and dearest,  Elucid Magazine. The press area was packed with photographers. Delectable and photo worthy baked goods by Oh My Sweetness! were in the vendors corner. Also, the Red carpet was swarmed. It was like a melting pot of fashion's future. Just about 30 designers showcased their work. 

 

Every designer that presented did a fabulous job. All of them are a fine representation of what it takes to lead in such a competitive industry.  Now with that said, I'm going to talk about a few designers that brought me into a fashion frenzy at this 3 showcase event during New York Fashion Week. I was there for showcases 2 and 3! 

I love animal print! Perhaps that does not come as such a shock to my readers. While watching the collection by Jerri Reid hit the runway, I was in heaven. A strong attention to detail, drastic cuts, and an understanding of female fit pulled the artistry of Jerri Reid's work together. He's a young designer with a wise eye. Check out his Capsule Collection at jerrireid.com

Aulio by César Alcocer on Facebook --- Photo: Kenneth Kelly

Aulio by César Alcocer was all class. Celebrating the independent women, his featured ensembles were introduced in the form of a black collard business-like dress with a plunging neckline.  His use of optical black and white diamond print on delicately fabricated pant suit embraced the term "girl power". As for the little black dress, this designer created a luxuriously sophisticated a-line for the most upscale of events.  One of my favorite pieces from Aulio by César Alcocer came in the form of a long flowing subtly checked dress covered by a sheer fabric overlay.

Fashions by Vel-j-re' (Bunnie Benton's collection) included brilliant blue fur, a green velvet dress, and an  adorably flirty orange lined little  yellow coat that is sure to cure the rainy day blues. Her collection also shows some more laid back designs, comfortable and bold. Shop for designs by Bunnie Benton and Like Vel-j-re' at www.facebook.com/VelJRe


The brides to be were the bells of the ball, modeling wedding dresses designed by  Arianna Corsino New York. Arianna Corsino is an Eco-friendly wedding dress and accessory designer.  Ultra white beautifully constructed wedding dresses were a show stopper. Capturing the attention of all. Arianna Corsino New York and use of sustainable  alternatives will be an integral part in changing standard  wedding wear industry. A little lacy wedding day accessory Crafted by Arianna Corsino was found in my VIP gift bag.

Photo Credits: Prestige Marque, Instagram @reinnnnaaaaa

It's all about urban luxury. The models for Prestique Marque were looking hot in assorted leather designs (crop top and pants are a must see ),  high-slit skirts, sheer flowing fabric, and a one shoulder Kangaroo fur vest.  Unfortunately, Prestige Marque was not listed in the printed line up. Soon this Chicago based designer duo will launch their website at prestigemarque.co. Save it for future reference.

Shout out to all of the fabulous unmentioned  designers and may you continue to showcase your talent for the world to see:

Photo credit: Alex Garcia (instagram.com/yungsocialite)
garcia+benitez, www.garciabenitez.co 

I have not forgotten about each and every one of you. Keep updated with my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  for more photos and an exclusive look into Small Boutique Fashion Week FW2013. Including designs by (not limited to) Rene Hill Originals & Perfect Population. Links listed in the sidebar! Use the hashtag #SBFW2013  on Twitter and Instagram for imagery and behind the scenes footage. .

                                            

Sponsors: 

Elucid Magazine, G Industries, Oh My Sweetness!, and LTW Cosmetics

Vendors: 

 Oh My Sweetness!, Tamora Lee Jewelry, and Whyte Jewels

Here's looking forward to another action packed 

Small Boutique Fashion Week  

 next NYFW. 

Peace and Love, 

Amber Sweet

Christina Yi "Serpent's Nest" NYFW Wrap-Up

Christina Yi Designs made a New York Fashion Week FW2013 collection debut at Studio Arte in the Garment District on February 10th, 2013. The show was titled "Serpent's Nest" under the theme: 

"Shed the old and Slither into the new." -Christina Yi

Those aware of up to date runway trends already know that fur is kind of a big deal. What happens when such a medium reaches the hands of an avant-garde designer destined for iconic fame? They successfully create a classically functional out of the box piece, soaring just above the trend . True depth of Christina Yi's creativity in seen in her designs. Proof to the world that fashion is an art form.

One of the featured collection pieces  was a two tier leather peplum vest over an optically exquisite floor length dress. Precisely cut, said dress is a romantically rock-and-roll chic vision crafted to sheer perfection. Beautifully Crocheted pieces, horsehair embellishments, and sheer patterned black fabrics set the tone. Texture and pattern totally ruled the night. Almost Gothic by nature,  all looks modeled maintain a sense of elegance reminiscent of work by famous couturiers. 

Necessary pics or it didn't happen right? 

Christina Yi FW2013

Christina Yi FW2013

Christina Yi already has a rapidly growing following, but without surprise due to the passionate quality behind her work. Her design intuition as to what the public will enjoy is spot on.  News of the designer's show had the venue filled with excited young professionals styled in ultra fab garb. A recently evolved spiked heel was one hot commodity. Celebrity guests sitting front row were Brett Gleason, Bree Michael Warner, and Skye Townsend. All of them dazzling and having a great time.

Christina Yi FW2013 Final Walk

The final walk commenced and the after party promptly began. BMG Models gathered for photo-ops in their Christina Yi ensembles and Privileged Shoes. Not only was this event sponsored by Becks Beer,  but a cocktail of cranberry juice and fig flavored vodka (donated by Figenza) was also the drink of the night. VIP  ticket holders received gift bags filled with goodies from the "Serpent's Nest" sponsors, including a complimentary conditioning treatment at Ricardo Rojas Salon and  DIBI tie for the boys. 

Go to twitter #SerpentsNest to find photos, video, and show highlights & Stay up to date with my social networks for more exclusive Christina Yi Designs FW2013 "Serpent's Nest" photos.

   

Event Sponsors: Beck's Sapphire, Figenza Vodka, Fogal of Switzerland, Privileged Shoes DIBI Ties, Wafels and Dinges, Harney & Sons Fine Teas,  and This Chick bakes.

A percentage of ticket sales went to AmeriCares 

and their aid in Hurricane Sandy disaster relief.

Follow Christina Yi Designs on twitter @CYIDesigns
Check out the official website at  christinayidesigns.com

Peace and Love, 
Amber Sweet