By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Nary a deluge nor flood could keep the fashion forward from the tents at the Raleigh hotel for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim (MBFWS) shows.  Arguably the best week of the summer, MBFWS brought five days of designer runway shows, presentations and parties to Miami Beach from July 18 through July 22.  The palpable excitement of the eager crowd could be felt throughout the Raleigh on Thursday, July 18, as models, designers, journalists, stylists and chefs posed and mingled beneath umbrellas for the kick-off party that took place poolside and featured a Roxy PopSurf Runway Show. Nearby, on the covered terrace, the delightful, Mercedes-Benz Presents designer Mara Hoffman, showed off the most coveted item of the week- a colorful, striking E-Cabriolet convertible, which Mercedes-Benz wrapped in a new print from Hoffman’s 2014 resort collection.  Hoffman and guests, including model, Chrissy Teigen, posed in front of the car throughout the evening-many longing to hop in and go for a spin.  The party went on past its official end time- with lots of excited chatter and a crowd who refused to let a little (or a LOT) of rain dampen their moods, and set the tone for one of the best weekends of the year.  Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

The term “Morning After” could be the result of more than one scenario: a long night of party bliss or one that you may not (would rather not) remember. Thankfully, lifestyle designer Rebecca Minkoff has redefined the “Morning After” and has bestowed positive attributes along with fanciful colors as fashion lovers carry her signature “MAB” (Morning After Bag) all about town.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure to sit down with the delightful designer during her personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue Raleigh promoting her Ready-to-Wear Spring 2013 line.

As we chatted about the line, I asked her about the inspiration for her fresh and delicate looks for spring. Minkoff discussed that she had casually picked up a book by famed photographer Slim Aarons, best known for his celebrity and socialite photos from the 1960’s. The beach portraits caught her attention. She went on to say that the beauty and simplicity of the time period motivated her to create the embroidery details and in-house digital prints with mixes of florals and bright colors along with flared–pants, mid-thigh dresses, and peplum tops that flatter all body types.

We also spoke about her fabulous handbags and shoes. This season’s Italian laser-cut leather, fringes, zippers, studs, and tassels, in all colors graced the runway- mint being the most popular of the season. Minkoff mentioned that studs are a “must” on all of her handbags and more importantly that they are all affordably priced.

On a more casual note, we discussed the topic of motherhood and how her life and style aesthetic had changed since having a toddler around the house. She mentioned that she now wears flats on the way to the office and changes into her heels when she arrives and that she’s more casual on the weekends, but for the most part that her style remains the same.  When asked about designers that she most admires, Minkoff expressed that she had recently finished reading the biography about Coco Chanel and respects her forward thinking and strong work ethic. I also asked her if she would consider a swimsuit line, considering that summer is right around the corner. Minkoff said, “Maybe in the future.”

Minkoff exclusively designed a collection line of handbags for Saks Fifth Avenue. During her personal appearance several pieces from the collection quickly sold out, making it quite clear that lifestyle brand Rebecca Minkoff has a very strong following and quite the future ahead of her.

Emeril Lagasse at The Q

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The annual Bacchanal/gorge-fest otherwise known as the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) blew into town last weekend for a four day eating/drinking marathon, leaving our scale shaking its head and asking, “What have you done?” come Monday morning. SOBEWFF kicked off with Moët Hennessy’s barbecue bash named The Q on Thursday night hosted by larger-than-life personalities:  Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri.  Other festival highlights included Party Impossible, the Chefs’ After-party at the Dream Hotel, Diamond Dishes at the yet-to-be opened Marlins Park, Best Thing I Ever Ate Late Night Bites & Sweets and the festival’s closing party, Trucks on the Beach.  So now we fast and purge, after acting like Ms. Pac-Man with a tape worm for four straight days; and apologize to the liver, if we can find it- we are guessing it may have left the building. 

The Q

Hosted by Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse, The Q started the weekend revelry on Thursday night, a fitting replacement to the beloved, marquee event Bubble Q which was retired last year.  Just as much fun as Bubble Q, this party was our first SOBEWFF experience of 2012 and served as a reunion of local and national foodies and chefs, who imbibed in champagne and cocktails and filled up on enough barbecued meats to stumble out of the enormous tent with Gout. Read the rest of this entry »

Renato Armijo is one of the fashion world’s up-and-coming creative geniuses- an artist who creates art and fashion from concept to completion. With an extensive talent for design, his work has caught the eye of international designers and socialites who desire sophistication and elegance in their clothing. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Armijo’s attention to detail is evident in every masterpiece he creates.  “My creative process begins with a song, a scene, a story, a journey that starts with something I desire or live; creating forms and shapes in my mind as I sew and feel them…sometimes I imagine a picture, a scene of a movie or a melody which transports me to a place and time that for a second inspires me to create. I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics.”

While attending the Miami International University of Art & Design, Armijo received the award for Best Men’s Wear Collection in the United States by the Hispanic Designers’ Association. He was also recognized by the Le Jeaunes Createurs de la Mode in Paris, where his creations were put on display at the Louvre. Upon the completion of his education, Armijo became the Assistant Creative Director for Kenneth Cole NYC Menswear.  During his time there, Armijo was honored by Kenneth Cole himself at the Fashion Group International as the overall National Award Winner.
Renato Armijo is presently the Creative and In-house Designer for Ever After Miami, a fashion label sold alongside other notable designers including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, at specialty retailers across the United States. Armijo shares, “The Ever After experience gives me an opportunity to have a national platform and understand women in multiple markets. As a designer, being able to create the highest level of fashion is very rewarding.” His understanding of the feminine form and his pattern making skills allow him to create unique and exceptional designs that are sought after by his very exclusive clientele. Each piece has a personality of its own, such as evening wear that is detailed with Swarovski crystals, distinctive embroidery, and advanced technique.
Armijo is currently working on two new projects, a menswear line, call Refugio, a personal venture and concept in which he plans to deliver a unique product to the menswear market and his brilliant Glamadolls fashion illustration coffee table book, where he pays homage to the amazing fashion icons who have inspired him, making the fashion industry what it is today. “I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics. I always find a way to merge them all together.”

This Holiday Season Armijo is creating personalized Glamadoll greeting cards- for the socialite who has it all and will settle for nothing short of perfection.  Each unique Glamadoll is made to order by Armijo to bear the likeness of the real-life glamorous girl for whom she is created.  For more information about this trailblazing artist, or to  order your Glamadoll cards today, contact:  Glamadoll@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Glamadolls/187578254642517.

Some of our favorite designs this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Milly by Michelle Smith, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Naeem Khan, and Carolina Herrera.

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

DKNY

Michael Kors

Nanette Lepore

Milly by Michelle Smith

Marc Jacobs

Ralph Lauren

Calvin Klein

Naeem Khan

Carolina Herrera

photo courtesy of getty images

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour and Coral Gables joined forces on Thursday, January 20 to host iconic designer and philanthropist Donna Karan, who celebrates 25 years in the fashion industry this year. Over 150 guests gathered at the Coral Gables location for this highly anticipated event, as the Donna Karan Spring 2011 Collection was showcased, with each piece being described and highlighted by Karan and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.  The entire Fine Apparel area of the store was transformed into a runway set-up, complete with a built-in Donna Karan shop featuring the latest pieces. Karan, ever the picture of coolness, fresh from a trip to Australia where she broke her arm, donned a stylish black leather cast lined with cashmere, yoga pants, a bathing suit, stunning scarf, leather beaded necklace and Lanvin flats.

As gazelle-like models sashayed down the runway in beautiful nude silhouettes and body revealing drapings in beige and tan, Karan spoke to clients about her inspiration for the spring collection.    During the intimate presentation, she mentioned that her father was a custom tailor and so she has that in her blood- her reason behind starting every collection with a perfect jacket.   Karan commented how the fabric has a way of speaking to her and how a tailored look should compliment   a woman’s figure.  Soft neutrals, muslin, and silk creations inspired by natural elements that transcend from day to evening were featured throughout the collection, which is about “laying down and being the woman that you are, celebrating femininity and sensuality” she explained.  The much sought-after red carpet styles are intended to be naturally comfortable without sacrificing glamour and elegance.

Karan spent quite a bit of time discussing her global initiatives, including Urban Zen, which was inspired by her late husband’s struggle with lung cancer.  “I’ve spent years dressing people on the outside, I want to dress people inside.” In her intimate and moving conversation with the audience, Karan spoke about the current voids in health care and education.  She explained that Urban Zen seeks to create calm in chaos and that more care needs to be given to the nurses.  “Nursing is everything we are…as women, as mothers.”  She went on to say that people care for disease not patients and that we must look to cultures and wisdom all over the world to make changes in health care and education.  A basic tenet of Urban Zen is that when you buy a dress- you help all of the people involved in its creation-it is much deeper than just fashion but an understanding of what clothing means- the preservation of cultures- artisans -working

with hands- indigenous cultures, all of which lead to empowerment.  “The goal is to collaborate, communicate and empower.”

Following the fashion presentation, fashion aficionados swarmed the runway to snap shots and meet the designer. Throughout the afternoon guests were treated to a champagne reception and scrumptious lunch bites by Thierry’s Catering, while continuing to shop and mingle. Guests included Sue Miller, Mari Alarcon, Alexia Echevarria, Annelies de Costa Gomez, Yolanda Berkowitz, Debra Scholl, Andria Holtz, Elena Baronoff, Terry Jove, Fernanda Cisneros, and Cheryl Stephenson. 

**photo credit: Manny Hernandez