February 8, 2010

Customized BibiConcepts Jewelry – Winner!

Late last month we worked with the artistic and beautiful jewelry line, BibiConcepts, to offer one lucky My Fashion Plate reader the chance to work with head designer, Bibiana, and create their very own customized necklace, valued at $200!  We had so many great comments and loved hearing the different reasons why our readers wanted to win this one-of-a-kind prize!

Jewelry lovers everywhere chimed in and a winner has been selected at random.

Congratulations to – Deb Klein – the winner of a fabulous piece of original BibiConcepts jewelry! We are so excited for you to work with Bibiana to create your very own, one-of-a-kind necklace that is sure to turn heads wherever you go! We hope you enjoy your gift from BibiConcepts!

XOXO,

Jess

February 8, 2010

Style On Demand: Norma Kamali Invites You To Experience Artisan Fashion, Food and Wellness at Your Convenience

Designer Norma Kamali once again partners with the latest evolution in technology for her Fashion Week presentation. Kamali has conceived an interactive exhibition entitled “ Style on Demand” an experience of artisan fashion, food and wellness. Visitors will tour an exhibition that will be housed on five levels of the designer’s signature Flagship Store at 11 west 56th Street.

Kamali has partnered with ScanLife mobile technology to bring a new dimension to the event. 2-D bar codes serve as the catalyst for the experience. These bar codes will enable a mobile application that can be used on any Blackberry, iPhone, cell phone or mobile device that contains a camera. Once scanned, these bar codes will link you to learn more about the stories behind each through video, photos, press clippings and simple story telling. Videos ranging from how to wear the garment to behind the scenes footage about the making of the garment will be displayed. Also there will be an upload of all the press information and the entire collection’s lookbook.

In addition to the designer’s signature OMO collection, she will highlight her collection for eBay, swimwear, her new signature eyewear collection of timeless styles and her new Wellness Café featuring the products from Horst Rechelbacher’s Intelligent Nutrients skincare line, organic vegan juices and smoothies from Organic Avenue and her signature line of olive oils and olive oil based products.

Kamali will be having some fun with her guests as well. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to win a variety of items as there is a lottery feature built into the scanning technology. In keeping with her “Democratization of Fashion” message, the event is open to all members of the media and consumers alike. As well, Kamali’s philosophy of “See It Now, Buy it Now, Where it Now, remains as all collections are available immediately. From Monday February 15, 2010 through Thursday February 18, 2010 visit the Norma Kamali Flagship Store from 9:00am to 5:00 pm daily at 11 West 56th Street and experience fashion through Scanlife technology in an entirely new light, at their convenience.

Go to www.getscanlife.com on your mobile browser, download the free app, scan the barcode on the display signs throughout the space to learn more.

ABOUT SCAN LIFE
The ScanLife mobile application converts a common camera phone into a barcode scanner, giving people easy access to digital information in one-click. Codes can be found on print ads, signage, or packaging which can link to product discounts, promotions or videos. Millions of people around the world have the application, and it is being offered by leading mobile operators (it can be downloaded at www.getscanlife.com on the mobile browser). Companies of all sizes use the ScanLife Code Management Platform to create, edit, and track all of their mobile barcode campaigns.

February 8, 2010

Sneak Peek at the Toni Francesc Fall/Winter 2010 collection, “Artificial Life”

After several successful seasons of participating in fashion weeks around the world, Toni Francesc will return to “Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week” for a second time. He will present his Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collection on Tuesday, February 16 at 9:00pm in the Salon at Bryant Park.

Toni Francesc collections appeal to the young and sophisticated woman. He is known for his innovative designs and experimentation of combining urban elements that coexist with the technical and useful. The upcoming collection, “Artificial Life” is based on an androgynous image, one in which man and technology combine. The collection is an in-depth interpretation of the future without overlooking the roots of the past and the world of hand crafted creation. The inspiration of the season parallels the metaphor of humans connecting only through technology and feeling alienated without the face-to-face interaction on a daily basis with one another.

The shapes and volumes of the upcoming collection are based on a mixture of pieces that protrude from the figure in parts of the body, such as the shoulders and the hips. Angular forms and projecting parts play a prominent role in the pieces. The fabrics consist of cotton, viscose and silk and the color palette is modified through fading processes to refer to rusted metals and industrial elements.

Francesc studied at the Instituto Catalan de la Moda from 1986- 1988 and shortly after created the Toni Francesc S.L. Company. Besides commercial success of his collections, Toni has also collaborated with several prestigious television, theater and Spanish productions serving as their wardrobe designer.

He has garnered tremendous press and attention throughout the industry for his unique vision and abstract designs. Francesc has participated in Fashion Week’s around the world such as, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico and Moscow. Francesc is at the forefront of breaking international markets for the world of Spanish designers and will promise to be as successful this upcoming season.

*Photo Credit: Toni Francesc

February 7, 2010

Be a Lady in Red on Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, those of you with boyfriends may already have planned a romantic evening for two.

Whether you’re heading to a fancy restaurant, off to the movies or just going for a few drinks, you’ll want to dress to impress for the occasion.

You may think it’s a bit of a cliche to wear red – and in a lot of cases we’d agree – but there are so many gorgeous dresses in vibrant scarlets and pinks around at the moment that it seems a shame not to bring some romance to your look.

Writing for Vogue, Harriet Quick recommends adding satin shoes, a strawberry motif earring or a colorful pocket handkerchief to add a touch of love.

If you really like red, she recommends a silk Dolce & Gabbana creation featuring a corset top and rose print, which you could wear with fake fur or a chiffon blouse.

"There are flowers in abundance too at Stella McCartney and Erdem, encapsulating the new pretty note in fashion," Ms Quick adds.

Just remember not to go too over-the-top with sickly sweet or a lot of girly accessories and you’re on to a winner.

Have you got your Valentine’s Day outfit planned?

Posted by Lydia MilneADNFCR-2845-ID-19602688-ADNFCR

 

February 7, 2010

Phoebe Philo: I’m Not Making Any More It-bags

When Chloe’s Paddington bag was unveiled, celebrities and personal stylists everywhere wanted their own piece of arm candy as it quickly became one of fashion’s must-have items.

However, the brand’s former creative director Phoebe Philo has now headed to pastures new and claims that in her new role as head of Celine, she won’t be creating any more It-bags.

Instead, she wants to make products that become renowned for their quality and how functional they are.

Ms Philo told WWD that her bags have to be made from good leather and feature top-class craftsmanship and detailing.

"In the evening, it is less important, but for day it drives me crazy if a bag is not functional," she added.

This is a woman after out own hearts! Of course, we love a glitzy clutch as much as the next person, but when we’re heading to the office carrying everything except the kitchen sink, a big roomy bag that won’t fall apart at the seams is essential.
Do like big bags or do you prefer a little purse?

Posted by Rachel WhiteADNFCR-2845-ID-19602260-ADNFCR

 

February 4, 2010

Brighten Your Day with a Bow

Brighten Your Day with a Bow

They’re girly, fun and the cutest way to add some embellishment to your outfit. What are we talking about? Bows, of course.

You shouldn’t just think of these as child-like accessories for the most feminine of women, as loads of designers incorporated them into their creations on the catwalk for this season.

If you’re after some color for an eye-catching daytime look, you’ve got to check out Luella, the quirky British brand headed up by Central St Martins graduate Luella Bartley.

Models had vibrant turquoise eye shadow clashing against the bows in their hair and the palette of pale orange, sunshine yellow and baby pink that dominated a range of softly-structured skirts and dresses.

We’re particular fans of one pastel-colored dress with a contrasting slim black belt and bow that would be perfect with a cardigan for the office or some sparkling jewelry for an evening meal.

Easy to dress up or down, it shows that bows can be sweet without seeming sickly.

Will you be choosing bow-fronted blouses or wearing an accessory in your hair? Why not use My Wardrobe to see which of your clothes they will look best with?

Posted by Kim SmithsonADNFCR-2845-ID-19600066-ADNFCR

 

February 4, 2010

Naomi Campbell to Raise Funds for Haiti with Fashion Show

Naomi Campbell to Raise Funds for Haiti with Fashion Show

Yesterday we told you about Dita Von Teese donating the profits of her eye mask collaboration with Moschino to charity and now Naomi Campbell has become the latest celebrity to show us her generous side.

The model is teaming up with American Express to host a special runway show at the upcoming New York Fashion Week in aid of the Haiti earthquake survivors.

Taking place on Friday February 12th, some of the biggest stars and image stylists in the world of fashion will be making an appearance.

If you like what you see at the event, you’ll have the chance to get your hands on some of the clothes and do your bit for the cause, as they will be auctioned online after the show.

Naomi said that "fashion is universal" and "our aim is to use this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week catwalk to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children".

Will you be bidding for some designs from the event?

Posted by Lydia MilneADNFCR-2845-ID-19599633-ADNFCR

 

February 4, 2010

Scarlett Johansson Returns as the Face of MANGO

Acclaimed actress and sultry singer, Scarlett Johansson, has returned as the face of MANGO’s Spring/Summer 2010 campaign!

The Spanish design house’s latest collection combines naturalness and simplicity in its silhouettes, while experimenting with contrast and volume. Inspired by a Mediterranean voyage, the pieces evoke a new age look, which is both urban and contemporary with hints of sportswear details.  Neutral grays and blues mixed with whites, natural tones and strokes of red make for a “retro-marine” look, where it’s completely acceptable for stripes and spots to sit side-by-side.

The campaign was shot by acclaimed photographer Mario Sorrenti, with styling advice from creative director of MANGO Damián Sánchez, hair by Bob Recine, and makeup by Stéphane Marais.

During the launch of the new collection in Madrid, Scarlett said, “I love working with MANGO. This is the third campaign I have done with them. The photographer, Mario Sorrenti, makes me feel very comfortable; the sessions are great fun.”

We’re loving the sexy and elegant styling and are looking forward to more exciting things from MANGO and Scarlett this year!

February 3, 2010

Steal Katy Perry’s Style with a Backless Dress

Every awards ceremony will have its fashion hits and misses and while Lady Gaga turned heads with her outrageous clothing-meets-art creation at the Grammys, two other music stars caught our eye.

Newly-engaged Katy Perry and Taylor Swift both chose backless dresses for the event and scored some serious style points from us.

These kinds of frocks are a more sophisticated, grown-up way of showing off a bit of flesh if you’re not one for short skirts.

I Kissed A Girl singer Katy, who is known for her wacky stage costumes, toned down her often extravagant look with a pale pink, floor-length gown that showed off her svelte figure. It featured gold embellishments and she kept her long dark hair loose and wavy.

Taylor, on the other hand, opted for a shimmering midnight blue dress with off-the-shoulder straps that swept along the carpet and shimmered as she walked.

If you want to try this look yourself, just remember to keep the frock long, a mini skirt with an open back is too much and will just look tacky.

Will you dare to wear a backless dress? Why not use our Body & Style analysis to see which looks work best for you.

Posted by Valerie LawsonADNFCR-2845-ID-19597702-ADNFCR

 

February 3, 2010

Dita Von Teese Designs Eye Masks for Moschino

Dita Von Teese Designs Eye Masks for Moschino

It seems like the fashion world and personal stylists can’t get enough of celebrity-designer collaborations at the moment.

From Emma Watson and People Tree to Jimmy Choo for H & M, everyone is at it and we’re certainly not complaining.

This is the ideal way to get your mitts on clothes that can help you dress like your favorite stars and Dita Von Teese has become the latest designer recruitment.

She has created a range of cute and quirky eye masks for Moschino and we think they perfectly capture her chic, 1920s style and the humorous aspect of the brand.

Profits from the limited-edition product, which features an eyelash design and rhinestones spelling out the words Dita For Moschino, will go to charity amfAR, which Dita already supports. She’s beautiful and generous too!

"I travel a lot, so having an eye mask is vital and as always, I believe that you can add glamour to any useful item," she explained.

We couldn’t agree more Dita. Who would have known you could look so good when you go to bed?

Will you be treating yourself to one of her eye masks?

Posted by Kim SmithsonADNFCR-2845-ID-19597600-ADNFCR