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Fashion and High Society

Head to The Museum of Arts and Design For The Fabulous World of Anna Sui

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The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrated the opening of its latest exhibition, The World of Anna Sui, during New York Fashion Week on September 10, 2019.

Anna Sui Photo by David X Prutting

The major retrospective of iconic American fashion designer Anna Sui features seventy-five looks from the designer’s archive – from her groundbreaking inaugural fashion show of 1991 to her Spring 2019 collection – and illuminates Sui’s creative process and influences that contribute to her signature aesthetic sensibility. What is here is a marvelous retrospect of styles, making you crave yesteryear.

Terry Skoda, Alyson Cafiero 

Hosts Michele Cohen (MAD’s Board Chair), Chris Scoates (MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director) and Jane Holzer welcomed guests. “We are thrilled to present The World of Anna Sui at MAD,” said Scoates, “Anna represents the best of American design and this exhibition of her work epitomizes the Museum of Arts and Design’s vision of pushing forward new multidisciplinary interpretations of craft, design, culture and technology.”

LaVon Kellner and Anna Sui’s fabulous personal assistant Thomas Miller

Sui, surrounded by friends including Zandra Rhodes, Garren, and Fern Mallis said “It’s great that the exhibition is now in New York, my home town!  It’s wonderful that all the people I’ve been working with over the years can come together and reminisce about the body of work we’ve produced.  The experience is very emotional for me.”

Hundreds filled the Museum for the opening including Chairmen Emerita Barbara Tober MAD Board Members Michael Dweck, Jerry and Simona Chazen, Laura and Lewis Kruger, Linda Plattus, Andi Potamkin, Malini Shah, and Barbara Waldman as well as guests Mickey Ateyeh, Andrew Bolton, Brian Bolks, Bob Gruen, Alva Chinn, Francisco Costo, Karen and Eric Erickson, Jesse Frohman, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Michele Hicks, Susan McKagan, Thomas Miller, Bill Mullen, Brenda Vaccaro, Stuart Vevers. 

But make no mistake is Sui’s amazing collection that takes up two floors.

Sui is one of New York City’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers, known for creating contemporary original clothing inspired by in-depth research into vintage styles, cultural arcana, art history, graphic design, European and Asian decorative arts, film, and more. Sui joined New York’s creative cultural underground at a rich time in the 1970s, forging important, lasting relationships in the worlds of fashion, photography, art, music, and design. 

The World of Anna Sui will be open at The Museum of Arts and Design, in New York City’s Columbus Circle, from September 12, 2019, through February 23, 2020. Arranged thematically, The World of Anna Sui is driven by Sui’s thirteen design archetypes—Rock Star, Schoolgirl, Punk, Nomad, and Surfer, to name a few—that are infused with seemingly incongruent influences, including French interior designer and antiques dealer Madeleine Castaing, the London boutique Biba, pirates, pre-Raphaelite maidens, Yves Saint Laurent, and Minnie Mouse. The garments, sketches, mood boards, videos of runway presentations, and cultural ephemera on view trace Sui’s eclectic career and illuminate her creative process.

On view will be fashions worn by Sui’s personal style icons Anita Pallenberg and Jane Holzer, as well as favorite inspirational clothing designed by Zandra Rhodes, Norma Kamali, and Betsey Johnson.

Hallmark outfits from Anna Sui collections also will be represented in the exhibition, from the “Backless Chaps” worn by Naomi Campbell in the Fall 1992 runway show to the “Silver Peruvian Ensemble” from Spring 1994 to one of the iconic “Babydoll Dresses” worn by Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington. All looks featured will be shown in context with the original backdrops from Oliphant Studio used in Sui’s arresting fashion shows. Mood boards from Anna Sui’s Fall 2019 “Poptimistic” collection, direct from the designer’s studio, will illustrate Sui’s creative process and give visitors an insider’s view of how each collection is developed.

Anna Sui’s collections take people on a creative journey that is unparalleled in the world of fashion. Mixing vintage inspiration with current cultural obsessions, she effortlessly designs hip and exuberant original clothing. Anna Sui’s first fashion show in 1991 earned her international acclaim. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized Anna Sui with its Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent in 1993, and honored her again in 2009 with the prestigious Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Anna Sui’s products are sold in over 300 stores in 30 countries. The Anna Sui line also includes her very popular fragrance and cosmetic collections, as well as successful footwear, eyewear, and jewelry licensees. Anna Sui designs and manufactures directly from her New York City studio. Her runway shows continue to inspire and set trends through her signature lens. The Anna Sui brand has been independently owned since its inception in 1981.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. Since the Museum’s founding in 1956 by philanthropist and visionary Aileen Osborn Webb, MAD has celebrated all facets of making and the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Today, the Museum’s curatorial program builds upon a rich history of exhibitions that emphasize a cross-disciplinary approach to art and design, and reveals the workmanship behind the objects and environments that shape our everyday lives. MAD provides an international platform for practitioners who are influencing the direction of cultural production and driving twenty-first-century innovation, and fosters a participatory setting for visitors to have direct encounters with skilled making and compelling works of art and design. For more information, visit madmuseum.org.

The outfits I covet.

The “Backless Chaps” worn by Naomi Campbell. Thomas Miller, Anna Sui’s personal assistant, told me a hilarious story about how Anna wanted butterfly tattoo’s on all the models that year. Tattoo’s were not popular back then and these were the press on type. Anna not wanting other males to touch her models, had Thomas apply them. When the picture of Naomi and her tattoo made the fashion magazine, Thomas’s father saw it in the barbershop and told all who were there, that his son was responsible.

The elevator

The museum has gone all out for this exhibit with painting the elevators to match Anna’s logo, to a gift store filled with wonderful gifts.

This is one exhibit that will have you dreaming of fashion. Or at least pick up one or two of her newest designs.

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Fashion and High Society

Leah Wise Brings Out Carrie Bradshaw Sensibility and Style

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Ever since Sarah Jessica Parker did her infamous “jog-walk” down the streets of New York in a pink tutu in the debut episode of “Sex and the City,” the character of Carrie Bradshaw has been a fashion icon. With “And Just Like That,” the reboot of the seminal HBO series, there has been a renewed interest in the Carrie Bradshaw look. Originally conceived by Patricia Field and now carried on in the new series by Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, the Carrie Bradshaw aesthetic is modern, yet timeless in its own way. From Manolos to giant flower pins, Carrie has single-handedly kicked off massive fashion trends, and remains relevant even 25 years after  “Sex and the City” debuted.

Today’s professional women still want to infuse some of that Carrie Bradshaw look into their wardrobes. However, as much as Carrie’s look shifts with trends, working women may wonder how to get a little bit of “Carrie” into their closets without looking crazy (I mean, who is really going to wear a dress that looks like a bed comforter?)

What draws people to Carrie Bradshaw’s sense of style is the freedom and creativity it represents. While people may not be willing to go as far as Carrie does with some of her looks – I mean, we can forgive her for wearing a summer dress over a denim button-down, Big had just died — there is still a desire for work wear that has some personality.

Leah Wise, founder of CrashGal Couture, has seen a need in the market for clothing lines that allow women to express themselves. “It’s about encouraging people to embrace their personal style,” says Wise.

Here are some tips on how to bring a little bit of Carrie Bradshaw into the boardroom.

Mix classic with couture
The reason Carrie Bradshaw’s looks are so appealing is because they include some timeless, classic pieces that will never go out of style — pencil skirts, suit jackets, and the little black dress among them. Having classic staples is especially important for people just starting off in their careers. It can help them create a wardrobe that they can build off of as they progress through their career, adding more couture pieces to enhance the staples as they go. Wise hopes that by providing wardrobe staples at affordable prices, she will give a leg up to women who want to remain stylish, yet professional. “CrashGal aims to ensure affordability doesn’t stop people from showcasing their professionalism and personal style in the workplace,” says Wise.

Have a signature accessory
Would Carrie be Carrie without her “Carrie” necklace? Sometimes having something signature is all you need to make a look your own, no matter what the rest of the outfit entails. This can be scarves, great shoes, fun bags, or statement necklaces. Signature accessories become part of who we are and are interwoven into our personalities. Office looks can often be staid and lacking in joy. Becoming known for a signature accessory can bring a bit of happiness to what can often be a very “buttoned up” world.

Don’t fear color or print                                                                                            Carrie Bradshaw has done it all, from wild neon get-ups to animal print couture. While you may not want to pile all this on at once — as Carrie often gets away with — you can bring a pop of color or a bit of print into an outfit to make it more fun and fashion-forward. There are several pieces on the CrashGal site that don’t shy away from bold colors or prints — yet remain office-friendly. “Our Golden Touch Midi Skirt, for example, comes in a vibrant orange color,” offers Wise, “It adds a cheerful vibe to any outfit.”

Don’t be afraid to experiment
Perhaps you feel most comfortable in neutral colors and basic pieces, but feel drawn to the Carrie Bradshaw look anyway? In that case, don’t fear a little fashion experimentation. Carrie was all about experimenting. Remember when she told Aidan that wearing her engagement ring around her neck was “something she was just trying?” Carrie Bradshaw is the queen of “just trying it out.” Start small with accessories, a bold heel, or bright colors instead of neutrals. We never know unless we try!

Wear it with confidence
Whatever Carrie Bradshaw was wearing when she bounded down the steps of her brownstone, she wore it with confidence. Confidence-building is the foundation of the CrashGal Couture brand. “By transcending conventional norms through their wardrobe, women can gain the confidence to take on their careers and empower others,” says Wise.
Confidence is what allowed Carrie Bradshaw to get away with some of the more eyebrow-raising looks she has donned over the years. When someone is clearly confident, it can be the best accessory to a well-appointed outfit.

Carrie Bradshaw is one of the most recognizable fashion mavens of the past few decades. Even though “Sex and the City” ended long ago, and the reboot has been met with some mixed reviews, the fashion remains timelessly swoon-worthy. By putting just a little bit of that Carrie flavor into your work wardrobe, you can make going into the office just a bit more fun.

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NYFW: Runway Of Dreams A Fashion Revolution That Inspires

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I.8 Billion people have a disability on this planet. 1 in 4 (27 percent) adults in the United States have some type of disability.

  • 12.1 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
  • 12.8 percent of U.S. adults have a cognition disability with serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
  • 7.2 percent of U.S. adults have an independent living disability with difficulty doing errands alone.
  • 6.1 percent of U.S. adults are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.
  • 4.8 percent of U.S. adults have a vision disability with blindness or serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses.
  • 3.6 percent of U.S. adults have a self-care disability with difficulty dressing or bathing.


Until 4 years ago, there was no clothing or shoes made specifically to help people with disabilities dress. If you add in the senior population, who most need the same adjustments that number is staggering. 1 in 6 people are over 65 and that equals 55.8 million.

Katy Sullivan, Margarita Parlionas and Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna Bowling and Billy Price of Billy’s shoes

Last night I was so honored to be attending the runway show, A Fashion Revolution featuring adaptive and universally designed apparel, footwear, and products from: Zappos, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, Stride Rite, Steve Madden, French Toast Adaptive, adidas, and the runway debut of Victoria’s Secret and PINK’s first-ever Adaptive Intimates showcased on 70 models with varying disabilities and backgrounds, in addition to loved ones, caregivers and support animals.

Mindy Scheier and Logan Aldridge

Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams hosted the show along with Shaquem Griffin, former NFL linebacker (dressed in looks provided by Neiman Marcus and Tommy Hilfiger)


Attending was Victoria’s Secret model – Mayowa Nicholas,  Lydia Smith – Chief Diversity Officer, Victoria’s Secret & Co., Scott Schaefer – Zappos CEO, Dana Zumbo – Zappos Adaptive Business Development Manager, Billy Price – BILLY Footwear, Logan Aldridge and Aaron Rose Philip


Participanting in the show were  
Jay Manuel, Victoria Arlen, McKenzie Coan, Lachi, Misty Diaz, Lexie Bader, Steffi Gonzalez, Toby Tremain, Caitlin Connor, Chris Ruden, Dustin Giannelli, Wildine Aumoithe, Syanne Centeno-Bloom, Monika Myers, April Lockhardt and so many more.

They took to the runway with confidence, joy, feeling seen and an exuberance that was so heart warming.

Runway of Dream or RoD, raises awareness through large scale runway shows; campaigns for inclusion educational programs that inspire and develop the next generation of design innovators and marketing leaders; and advocates on the need and necessity of inclusion through resources and thought-provoking panels.

Logan Aldridge and T2C’s Suzanna Bowling

The event took place at Powerhouse Arts, 322 Third Avenue, in Brooklyn and it was so worth the trek.

To see more of this amazing adaptive movement go to Hudson Yards Mall until September 16th. A open-to-the-public and free, first-of- its-kind Adaptive exhibit that will feature Adaptive and Universally Designed collections from mainstream brands committed to inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries, and the history of Runway of Dreams as a trailblazer in the Adaptive space. The event emphasizes the need for true inclusion in our mainstream world.

If today’s facts didn’t shock you and make you ponder, tomorrow’s facts will. Plus fashion shows.

 

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Fashion and High Society

Sprayground Times Square Pop Up Brings Epic Style to Heart of Big Apple

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This is what you call a style movement that you have to take advantage of this month.

Sprayground has a Times Square pop up experience that simply thrills the senses. Located at 200 W 42nd Street, New York, NY until September 8 from 10:00 AM- 11:00 PM. Sprayground is known for always pushing boundaries and turning the mundane into insane, so get lit with the shopping bonanza. Every design is simply marvelous and spectacular. The energy you get when you see when is truly intoxicating. Your style will be elevated and your senses full of excitement when you are lucky enough to own one like the incredible Champ.

The Sprayground Times Square pop-up store is not just any ordinary retail destination; it’s a divine fusion of art, culture, and innovative design. The expansive space showcases over 300 cutting-edge bag designs that have revolutionized the way people carry their essentials. From urban-inspired streetwear to artistically crafted limited editions, there’s a Sprayground bag to suit every individual and unique style.

 

The Champ

Featuring exclusive collaborations with beloved pop culture classics like Jurassic Park, Reese’s, Monopoly, The Smurfs, Richie Rich, and many more, Sprayground’s has been incredibly proud of the one-of-a-kind store experience.

“We are thrilled to take Sprayground to new heights with this monumental pop-up store in Times Square. It’s not just about selling backpacks; it’s about creating an experience that celebrates urban culture, art, and self-expression. We want every visitor to be inspired and leave feeling like they’ve been part of something truly extraordinary.”

Be sure to check it out today before the weekend. It is is one shopping experience that will create a lifetime of fun and fashionable moments. For more information, please visit HERE.

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The Runway of Dreams is Back Empowering People With Disabilities

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The Runway of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization leading the charge on inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity in the fashion and beauty industries for people with disabilities, announced today their return to the runway during New York Fashion Week. This one-of-a-kind Adaptive fashion show, aptly titled A Fashion Revolution, is presented by online retailer Zappos, and will take place on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, New York. Shaquem Griffin, former NFL linebacker, will be hosting. Griffin was featured this summer in the Runway of Dreams’ Campaign for Inclusion, the first multi-brand fashion and beauty campaign featuring people with disabilities wearing Adaptive & Universally Designed products. “I’m honored to continue my journey with Runway of Dreams. This organization is a trailblazer for change, and advocates for millions of people across the globe who need accessible clothing like me, which so many people take for granted every day of their lives,” – he said. Mr. Griffin will be dressed in looks provided by Neiman Marcus and Tommy Hilfiger.

A Fashion Revolution will highlight the groundbreaking work that leading and emerging companies, from lingerie to luxury, are doing in the Adaptive and Universally Designed space, showcased on 70 models with varying disabilities and backgrounds. The show brings together 500+ leaders and champions of DEI under one roof during New York Fashion Week with the same mission: celebrate inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries.

The fashion show will feature Adaptive and Universally Designed apparel, footwear, and products from: Zappos, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger, Stride Rite, Steve Madden, French Toast Adaptive, adidas, and a runway debut of Victoria’s Secret and PINKSteve Madden, French Toast Adaptive, adidas, and a runway debut of Victoria’s Secret and PINK’s first-ever Adaptive Intimates

 

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Fashion and High Society

New York City’s Diamond Origin Ushers in a New Era of Accessible Luxury

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New York City’s Diamond Origin is taking off as a noteworthy presence in the jewelry world, combining groundbreaking luxury craftsmanship with decades of industry expertise to sustainably source and engineer lab-grown diamonds which are 60% larger than traditional gemstones — for a competitive fraction of the price.

Amidst a seemingly ever-changing landscape of diamond and jewelry trends, one fact remains certain: Diamond Origin is ushering in a new era of timeless elegance. The New York City-based outlet has swiftly taken off as a trusted partner in the emerging jewelry scene, thoughtfully curated with an ethos of delivering high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds and jewelry to customers across America.

Through Diamond Origin’s mission to revolutionize the diamond selection experience, the retailer has quickly become a go-to destination for bespoke client care and unrivaled jewelry excellence, providing buyers across the country with the opportunity to experience luxury shopping at the click of a button through the brand’s innovative online platform.

Now, through a collaboration with international award-winning jewelry brand Christopher Designs, customers can shop for diamonds that are 60% larger than conventional diamond-set jewelry, engineered utilizing advanced Crisscut® technology to transcend the limits of traditional diamond cuts, with an offering of unmatched brilliance in every piece.

In addition to its recent partnership with Christopher Designs, Diamond Origin has also established itself as one of the only online outlets to cater to its clientele with a tiered pricing model, allowing buyers to browse between categories of ‘2-Carats or More’ for diamond rings and ‘Under $200’ or ‘Over $200’ for gold jewelry, effectively cutting the historically time-consuming jewel selection process in half.

As Diamond Origin strives to democratize the diamond-buying journey, customers can maintain peace of mind in the rigorous quality and sustainability measures which the brand has implemented into every step of the sourcing process, establishing the company as a forerunner in contemporary ethical diamond commerce. Online shoppers can also expect full transparency from the retailer when it comes to finding the cut, clarity, and origin of each diamond, contributing to an experience in which the client remains in the driver’s seat from beginning to end.

Exceptional beauty, durability, and value remain central tenets for the Diamond Origin Customer Care Team, as seen in pieces such as the brand’s signature Emerald Engagement line, Paper Clip Chain, and 14-Karat Gold Cuff Earrings, which capture the dually modern yet classic fair trade jewelry selections that Diamond Origin’s loyal clientele consistently seek out.

One of the key factors that sets Diamond Origin apart from other outlets is the brand’s commitment to mindfully up-to-date gold and jewelry collections. With unparalleled access to a diverse group of skilled designers and industry experts, Diamond Origin continuously goes above and beyond to ensure that every milestone is celebrated with utmost care, free from the high-dollar sizing models frequently utilized by other jewelers.

With customer satisfaction at the heart of the brand’s operations, Diamond Origin’s diverse array of hand-picked designs allows for a seamless blend of definitive styles with contemporary settings, resulting in pieces which are not only visually eye-catching, but fashionably polished as well. Since its inception, the outlet has continued to infuse groundbreaking technology and artistry into the presentation of its diverse catalog, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for online diamond and jewelry selection.

Diamond Origin shines as a timeless beacon of distinction in the world of jewelry retailing, and the brand’s adherence to high-grade quality and innovation has inspired a masterful legacy for years to come. When clients choose Diamond Origin, they are not just choosing a piece of jewelry; they are investing in a legacy of craftsmanship, refinement, and memories to last a lifetime.

Experience the exceptional quality of Diamond Origin today, and discover what it truly means to indulge in uncompromising luxury.

https://diamondorigin.us/

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