Rebecca Minkoff in Print

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On March - 18 - 2013

MBFW Spring 2013 - Official Coverage - Best Of Runway Day 2 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.

photo courtesy of getty images

Look Book!, Profiles

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On September - 22 - 2012

MBFW Spring 2013 - Official Coverage - Best Of Runway Day 4 By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Eight blissful days of runway shows and presentations showcased the trends for next spring and summer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 in New York City. It appears that brilliant orange, is next season’s “hot pink” a perfect complement to our year-round Miami tan. Just ask Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Nanette Lepore, Zac Posen, or Peter Som. In addition to the typical pastel shades, floral prints, and free-flowing fabrics, geometric patterns and stream-lined styles appeared in several shows. While it’s difficult to pinpoint pervasive trends, as the looks were as varied as their designers, many collections boasted bold colors, solids, cut-outs, black and earth tones, leather and lace, pleats and pantsuits. Some designers gained inspiration from foreign lands, including Mexico, Spain, France and India.

Minimalist pieces in black, white and nude were present in a number of shows including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, Vera Wang, Herve Leger and Donna Karan- opting for solids over prints and color blocking. Sexy cut-outs allowing for a peek of sun kissed skin were also prevalent. Geometric shapes and stripes were everywhere- dominating the Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors shows. Read the rest of this entry »

The Fix

Out and About: Swim Week

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On July - 24 - 2009

Celebrity sightings:

Entourage‘s Perrey Reeves (AKA “Mrs. Ari”) attended the kick-off party at the Raleigh and her sister-in-law, Marysia Reeves’s show. Cindy Taylor strutted her stuff on the catwalk at the inca 2010 cruise collection show at the W South Beach on Thursday night. Seen at W on Thursday and Friday for the Shay Todd show, Tara Reid, who didn’t mind the rain one bit. “It’s only water? What’s all the fuss about?” she said. After the show, she partied with her boyfriend, Michael Axtmann at the Wall.

Olivia Palermo and Whitney Port from The City attended Mara Hoffman’s show. Port was also front row at L Space and seen lounging by the W pool on Monday. Donald and Lisa Pliner enjoyed Red Carter’s show on Friday.

Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan was seated first row at Ed Hardy and later seen drinking Patron shots out of champagne flutes at the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge. Bravo’s ubiquitous Real Housewives, Kelly Killoren Bensimon (New York) and Dina Manzo (New Jersey) were all over the place. Bensimon attended the kick-off party at the Raleigh Hotel on Wednesday, Caviar Kaspia at The Webster on Thursday, the Wall on Saturday and numerous shows. She was also seen at the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge. Manzo followed suit attending many shows and hanging in the Star Lounge with her daughter.

Hotelier Andre Balazs was front row at the L Space show and hit the Wall at the W South Beach on Saturday. Artist, Romero Britto, director, Michael Bay, and rapper, Lil’ Jon, also took in shows during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim.

At the Living Room on Saturday, Belkys Nerey celebrated her birthday alongside good friend, Marysol Patton. Supermodels, Angela Lindvall, Erin Wasson and Nicole Trunfio were seen at the Standard throughout the weekend. Andy Roddick’s wife, model Brooklyn Decker, attended a few shows and had brunch at Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian Sunday afternoon. Lennox Lewis dined late along with a group of 15 at Smith & Wollensky. Latin Pop Star, Elvis Crespo and starting third baseman for the Florida Marlins and 2007 World Series MVP, Mike Lowell attended the smash-hit show, Fuerza Bruta, as did Miami Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra over the weekend.

Out and About

Love The Swim You’re In!

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On July - 24 - 2009

Skin!
For the fifth year in a row, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim extravaganza splashed into town for five fun-filled, albeit exhausting, days of skin, swim and soirees. The year’s Fashion Week Swim saw the greatest number of designers ever, including, Tibi, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama, L*Space by Monica Wise, (this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer), Tibi, Caffé Swimwear, Marysia Swim, Crystal Jin, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Red Carter, Aqua di Lara, Tori Praver Swimwear, Mara Hoffman, Ed Hardy Swimwear, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Vitamin A, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama and V Del Sol. Overall, the shows were a throwback to the 80s, with models sporting bizarre hairstyles, funky make-up, outlandish accessories, and of course, the requisite Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) songs on the soundtrack.

The Suits

Many of the designers showcased retro-suits, featuring belts, knots, buckles, studs and hardware. Other common themes were bright colors and oversized, exaggerated accessories. Standouts included Miami-based swimwear designer Red Carter’s eponymous line and Christian Audigier’s Ed Hardy show.

Red Carter told The Daily that his inspiration for this year’s “Rock and Roll Space Hookers Circa 1984” came from his father’s Playboy magazine collection. Carter’s show, which was rumored to be overbooked by 400, did not disappoint. Lots of eccentric looks graced the runway, including black-pink-and-gray animal prints, suits with studs, cutouts and splicing, thunder bolts and wide metallic belts on futuristic-looking models wearing black lipstick and funky hairstyles.

Similar to last year, this year’s Ed Hardy show was part rock concert, part frat party, and featured his trademark colorful, tattoo-inspired suits, complete with the signature skull and crossbones, unique embellishments and custom hardware. Bright colors, sequins, and studs covered the suits that barely covered the models, who, in Mohawk-style hairdos and Joan Jett inspired make-up strutted down the runway in matching Ed Hardy patent leather pumps to the beat of Boom Boom Pow and M.J.’s Dirty Diana. The retro 80s vibe filled the room as the models revved up the crowd by waving their arms in the air and swinging huge silk scarves to garner applause. Everyone seemed to be having a blast, enjoying Audigier’s unique, audacious designs.

Story By: Mary Jo Almeida Shore
All photos by Mary Jo Almeida Shore

The Fix

Skin!

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 20 - 2009

For the fifth year in a row, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim extravaganza splashed into town for five fun-filled, albeit exhausting, days of skin, swim and soirees. The year’s Fashion Week Swim saw the greatest number of designers ever, including, Tibi, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama, L*Space by Monica Wise, (this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer), Tibi, Caffé Swimwear, Marysia Swim, Crystal Jin, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Red Carter, Aqua di Lara, Tori Praver Swimwear, Mara Hoffman, Ed Hardy Swimwear, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Vitamin A, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama and V Del Sol. Overall, the shows were a throwback to the 80s, with models sporting bizarre hairstyles, funky make-up, outlandish accessories, and of course, the requisite Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) songs on the soundtrack. Read the rest of this entry »

The Fix

A Breather before the Bathing Suits and Groove

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 9 - 2009

Fourth of July weekend blew through town offering those who had um, lost their invites to Diddy’s White Party in Malibu or missed the bus (or car service) to the Hamptons a heap of fun in the way of boating, beaching, parades, fireworks and swanky parties, such as those over at Mondrian, Viceroy and Red. Other than the grilling and patriotic stuff, it was a fairly quiet week- a much needed repose from all of the exciting social events that have kept the summer calendar chock full, and a breather before the exciting weekend and week to come, which brings us The Groove (formerly Zo’s Summer Groove) and the annual carnal-val otherwise known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, produced by IMG Fashion.

W South Beach puts the Ws in WOW

While its sister to the north opened with a ROAR last month, the W Hotel South Beach opened with a whisper on Thursday. It comes as no surprise, that the hip hotel, located in an ideal spot on the beach at 22nd Street is in itself a work of art, being that it is the end product of some of the world’s most creative minds, including conceptual landscape artist, Paula Hayes, Anna Busta of Studio B Design, Rock ‘N Roll photographer, Danny Clinch, Yabu Pushelberg and Costas Kondylis. Developer David Edelstein, behind Lincoln Road and New York’s famed Park Laurel building, can now add this masterpiece to his roster.

Among the W’s offerings are Solea, the stylish new Mediterranean restaurant by Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo, owners of Quattro and Mokai and the fabulous Living Room, where we spent the better (BEST) part of last weekend. Definitely not your ordinary living room, or hotel bar for that matter, the chic lounge is more like a literary salon, where you can mingle with a sophisticated in-the-know crowd, sip delicious, unique and masterfully crafted libations by Israeli-born mixologist, (with a photographic flavor memory) Elad Zvi of Bar Lab, and actually carry on a conversation. Svi revolutionized our cocktail mentality, which consists exclusively of “Absolut splash of soda,” by creating his perfect mixes of rare liquors and fresh-squeezed juices and infusions. Definitely check out the W Essencia, the United Nations of cocktail ingredients, (Japanese cucumber, Israeli mint and Lebanese pomegranate and tequila) and Rasparose (orange blossom, rose-infused honey and champagne). Or just do like we did and tell him to surprise you. You won’t be disappointed! In the very near future, W South Beach will be home to the city’s first Mr. Chow, the internationally renowned restaurant with counterparts in London, Beverly Hills and New York City and WALL, the brainchild of club impresarios, Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri and Francis and Eric Milon, of the Opium Group, whom we include among the “Lords of South Beach.” Talk about a meeting of the nightlife masterminds, and merging of two South Beach empires.

Coming Up:

Zo Groovy !

The Summer Groove promises a weekend jam-packed with fun including golf, comedy, music, a gala dinner, block party and all-star basketball game. NBA Champs Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade join forces this year (ergo the name change from just “Zo’s Groove” to “The Groove”) to benefit the Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade’s World Foundation. The Groove kicks off on Thursday, July 9, at 9:00 a.m. with a Golf Tournament at Doral Golf Resort & Spa with the opportunity to golf alongside Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and a host of their friends from the sports and entertainment worlds, and runs through Sunday, July 12, from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. as Zo presents his notorious Block Party at the American Airlines Arena. This event is and is followed by the ZSG All-Star Basketball game; during which NBA Champions Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade challenge many other basketball greats. Tickets range from $5.00-$60.00 and are available through TICKETMASTER.com. For additional information about all of the ZSG events, including the comedy show, concert and gala at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, please visit www.ZSG.com.

Splish, Splash, Swim Week is here

Boasting the greatest number of shows ever, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim sweeps into town next week, setting up camp at the historic Raleigh Hotel for five days of sexy, sweaty, swimwear fun. From July 15-19, designs from 10 newcomers will be presented on the runways alongside prominent swimwear designers and brands such as Tibi, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Cia.Marítima and Luli Fama. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim kicks-off with a poolside show by Bohéme Boutiques and party on July 15th, followed by four consecutive days of shows and presentations featuring L*Space by Monica Wise, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Tibi, Caffé Swimwear, Marysia Swim, Crystal Jin, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Red Carter, Aqua di Lara, Tori Praver Swimwear, Mara Hoffman, Ed Hardy Swimwear, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Vitamin A, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama and V Del Sol. For the most up to date information, please log on to our website at www.mbfashionweek.com/miami.

The Webster and ERES swimwear are partnering up for this year’s Swim Week. ERES will be setting up shop on the third floor of The Webster showcasing its 2010 Swimwear Collection from July 18^th– 20^th. Appointments are a must, and can be made by calling The Webster at 305 674 7899.

On Sunday, July 19, Gerber Group and the newly opened W Fort Lauderdale Hotel will bring a taste of Miami Swim Week to Ft. Lauderdale Beach by presenting Amaya Swimwear during “Salvation Sundays,” it’s weekly pool party. Designer Lila Nikole Rivera will be showcasing her collections throughout the afternoon. This event is fun and free to the public.

Merrick Park Goes to the Dogs

Beginning Sundays in July, the pet-friendly Village of Merrick Park invites locals and tourists to bring their dogs to the center lawn for “doggone afternoons dedicated to the four-legged” during its “Doggie Days of Summer” series. The events will take place every Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., during which shoppers are invited to have their photo taken with their beloved pooch with any $25 purchase from the mall. The event series kicks off on Sunday, July 12^th with a Pooch-A-Palooza of doggy action including a dog parade judged by local luminaries.

Celebrity Sightings:

Carlos Ponce, and Romero Britto partied at Club 50 at the Viceroy for Level magazine’s one year anniversary party on Wednesday. On Thursday, “Real Housewife,” Bethenny Frankel was at W South Beach. Wilmer Valderrama had dinner at Hakkasan on Friday night before heading to LIV to listen to DJ Vice who spun a special Independence set for the crowd. Vivica Fox hung out poolside at the Gansevoort on Saturday. Julio Iglesias Jr. spent the evening at Living Room at W South Beach on the fourth of July. Tracy Mourning dined at Houston’s in Coral Gables with son Trey and daughter, Myka Sydney, on Sunday. The Mournings made the announcement that Tracy is pregnant with their third child at the SoBeFit magazine cover party on Thursday night. Tito Puente Jr., son of famed Latin jazz and Mambo musician Tito Puente (“El Rey de los Timbales” or “King of Latin Music”), gave guests a live and intimate performance at Solé on the Ocean over the weekend. Also spotted at Sole, former New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones, former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson and former New York Giants wide receiver and “bad boy” Plaxico Burress. This Friday night, Playboy magazine international cover girl-turned-DJ, Tamara Sky, will perform at Solé’s Friday night “Alba” party from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.