Backstage at Tommy Hilfiger Fall Winter 2013

Sunday February 10, 2013 – Park Avenue Armory

In the world of fashion, few can claim to reinvent a style category that they themselves helped create. You can add Tommy Hilfiger to that short list with his latest collection, where he broadened the idea of ‘prep’ to mean Savile Row tailoring and bold patterns. For womenswear, TH took masculine attires and softened them into flirty, youthfully feminine silhouettes that gave nods to academia and Allie McGraw.

Oversized and miniature Prince of Wales patterns are beautifully incorporated into outerwear, either as a standout pattern on dress coats, trenches, blazers and perfectos, as part of a lining to beige tone and red trimmed parkas and trenches, or as a soft backdrop to a midnight blue cardigan. Several white numbers incorporated checkers and stripes into argyle patterns, sleeve cuffs, and pocket trims giving shirt dresses, peacoats, and button down blouses depth and dimension.

Deep navy blue argyle-perforated leather skirts, red pin stripe blazers and shorts, and cuddly white Steiff lining on coats and parkas delivered a powerful undercurrent of Americana. Knee-high leather derby boots were a ‘slight of the eye’ fetish interpretation of the school girl’s knee socks. The show’s climax came near the end when a series of black matte leather cable-knit sweater-dresses floated down the runway only to be bookend by a breathtaking black woven-leather argyle mini-dress.

With brilliant collections such as this one, it’s no wonder Tommy chose a library setting for his show; he’s clearly rewriting the American fashion lexicon.

Visit Tommy.com

See all the photos below:

Photos courtesy of stylerumor.com

Altuzarra Fall Winter 2013 Collection

Saturday February 9th, 2013 – Skylight Modern  

The Altuzarra Fall Winter 2013 Collection is inspired by the ever-changing and multi-faceted aspects of the Street. It continues to explore the core Altuzarra aesthetic, with its restrained and ultra-feminine silhouette. Their strictness of line reflects the purity of the urban landscape. With the color palette concentrated in black, anthracite grey, sycamore green and forest green accented by shocks of optic white and persimmon, this collection’s tailoring gives the Altuzarra woman classic menswear with a fiercely feminine twist. The design and construction emphasize the nip of the waist and exaggerate the hip, while shrunken proportions mixed with a bolder shoulder volume sharpen the classic silhouette. This collection mirrors the street itself, melding disparate materials and textures to create a new whole: Wispy chiffon softens felted wools,Leather turtlenecks modernizes tailored flannel trousers,Fox fur peeks from behind bonded crepe, Black/White intarsia fox fur outerwear add volume and proportion to the strictness of pencil skirts, Satin-finished gunmetal hardware of snaps, rivets and industrial zippers strengthens fluid jerseys, Novel matte poly-leather plays with classic pieces in a myriad of ways, sensually pairing with mink in anatomical cocktail dresses and reinterpreting the classic biker jacket. Luxurious materials, exaggerated proportions and deconstructed classic tailoring: like the Altuzarra woman, this collection is consistent in its very ability to surprise.

Shop Altuzarra via Net-A-Porter.com

See some of the looks below:

Photos courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Moncler Grenoble Fall Winter 2013 Collection

Saturday February 9th 2013 - Gotham Hall

Moncler Grenoble unveiled its Fall 2013 collection earlier today in the impressive cupola of Gotham Hall in New York.

The iconic brand impressed again with a brilliant visual spectacle, creating circular light effects. Five rows covered the circular walls along which 370 boys and girls wearing Moncler Grenoble AW 2013/14 collection lined up, whilst a mirror hanging from the ceiling reflects kaleidoscopic repetitions of their images.

Only one colour, green, dominated the scene in a variety of hues. The green of the trees that bring to life Alpine peaks where wind, sky, snow and ice reign supreme.

A new high altitude ritual in the heart of Manhattan.

Shop Moncler via ssense.com

See all the photos below:

Video courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Backstage at Tommy Hilfiger Menswear Fall 2013

Friday February 8, 2013 – Park Avenue Armory

For the past few seasons, Tommy Hilfiger’s dabbling in Britannia has begun to redefine what we consider Americana. By incorporating British tailoring, with its attention to detail, fit, and all things bespoke, he’s helping ensure Americana is maturing in all the right ways. For his Fall collection, Tommy married an upbeat, Ivy League spirit to sublime sartorialism; think Central Park native that come home from studying abroad at Cambridge. The journey across the Atlantic has given way to charismatic clothing that brings a little Savile Row to Soho.

For graphic effect, TH played with over-sized Prince of Wales check on coats, parkas, pea coats and trenches, lining the insides with houndstooth patterns and then extending it to trousers. Khaki pants and jackets get a slight-of-the-eye treatment with juxtapositioning of the Prince of Wales pattern. Navy blues and red clarets were incorporated on outerwear with shearling linings while a soft Steiff parka looked perfect for winter.

“Tradition and modernity is the key point here”, said Tommy backstage to reporters.

“Beautifully made tailored clothes have to meet today’s standard of modernity and this is what we are doing here. Infusing classics and iconic pattern into sleek comfortable silhouettes”

This season, Tommy teamed up with luxury shoe designer George Esquivel, creating a very interesting hybrid loafer morphed into a running sneaker and traditional brogues into knee-high boots that perfected the looks.

Having redefined Americana clothing for nearly 3 decades, it was only fitting that the scenery be that of a library. All the savoir faire that has made Hilfiger a household name has culminated in this new class of American-wear. Graduating from just prep, Tommy’s working theory that Americana can be an evolving movement is one we can subscribe to. Class dismissed.

See all the photos below:

Photos courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Reed Krakoff Spring Summer 2013 Backstage Beauty

Wednesday September 13th, 2012 – Skylight West 500 W. 36 street

Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau debuted another fresh update on the ponytail at the Reed Krakoff Spring 2013 show yesterday. Raking hair back into a pony after an all-over application of Redken All Soft Argan-6 oil, Guido said this wet, glossy look furthered reinforced the “jewel trend” he said is berginning to emerge, to be interpreted with either full-on roots-to-ends shine, or “just a touch” around the hairline.

“I imagine the Reed Krakoff woman to be urban, sophisticated and modern; she’s a bit sporty, and she’s also strong – this look lends confidence. The hairstyle doesn’t have a period reference – as with the newly-launched Reed Krakoff line itself, there’s no real past, only the future. It’s nice sometimes to create a style that only looks forward- like in my mind, many American women themselves.” Guido Palau

Redken Products Used: All Soft Argan-6 multi-care oil,  forceful 23 super strength finishing spray
Create the Look:

• When hair is damp, add a generous amount of Redken All Soft Argan-6 oil from roots to tips.
• Create a rough right part.
• Let hair partially dry naturally, and re-apply Argan-6 for added gloss if needed as it dries. The look is a wet look – but not “sopping wet”.
• When about 70% dry, pull the hair down and back into a low pony, raking back with fingers not a brush.
• Spray the hairline with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray to hold the style, pulling out a few strands at the hairline for a textured, natural finish.

Locate a salon via Redken.com

Photos courtesy of Redken

Diesel Black Gold Spring Summer 2013 Collection

Tuesday September 11, 2012 – Pier 92

Somewhere between the leatherworker ateliers outside of Venice, Italy and the skater parks of Venice Beach, California, Sophia Kokosalaki discovered her inspiration for her latest collection. Set inside a hollowed, paint chipped warehouse on Pier 40, a series of skaterboarders kicked off the show pulling stunts on a set of ramps headboarding the catwalk. The intro wasted no time at making a powerful statement: this collection would be as much about street style as it would be about the brand’s tradition of luxe leather-wear. One by one, models streamed out sporting sharp, but feminine silhouettes that played with the brand’s DNA of refined, contemporary edginess paired with 90’s-esque prints.

Staying mostly in black and white territory, the collection did offer a large variety of wearable pieces. Ivory short skirts, blanc asymmetrical perfectos and distressed leather  jackets, as well as white sheer corseted dresses contrasted beautifully against tailored oversized cardigans, ankle trimmed trousers, and noir see-through square-mesh dresses. The dual-chromatic motif ollied into prints and color, with denim jeans being given a graphic, street-art treatment and turquoise and salmon neoprene accents on a few numbers. Accessories-wise, strappy, fringe stilettos, elongated tassel belts, and supple-leather clutches added the right amount of titivation to already strong looks. All in all, Sophia’s sporty take on street chic kickflips the status quo to the curb with a brilliantly high octane collection.

Shop Diesel Black Gold via Diesel.com

See the photos below:

Photos courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Diesel Black Gold Spring 2013 Backstage Beauty

Tuesday September 11, 2012 – Pier 92

While the Diesel Black Gold collection yesterday was graffiti-and-skateboard park themed, the style that Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau created for the show was pure, simple, and polished. The smooth, straight look was all about minimalism, a look fitting to the American sportswear that ultimately defines the Diesel atheistic.

“This is a simple style, but it’s perfectly executed in a very polished way. It’s healthy hair with a bit of shine. Even though the style seems minimal, if one like this is done completely right, it ultimately elevates the whole look and becomes something more special. And it’s very American, very New York. I always say the hair in New York, as opposed to in Milan or Paris, is always hair women really do end up wearing.” Guido Palau

Redken Products Used: satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion, fashion work 12 versatile working spray, shine flash 02 glistening mist

Create the Look:

• Apply satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion to damp hair and blow-dry straight.
• Create a deep left side part, pulled all the way across and out of the face.
• Use a flat iron to make the hair perfectly straight.
• Use fashion work 12 versatile working spray to tame any fly-away’s.
• Apply shine flash 02 glistening mist for a light shine (not heavy gloss) – hair should look “healthy.”
• Tuck hair behind the ears.

visit Redken.com to locate a salon

Photos courtesy of Redken

Backstage at Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2013

Sunday September 9th, 2012 – The Highline

For the past few seasons, Tommy Hilfiger has presented his mens and women’s collection outside of the fabled tents, leveraging the background scenery to tell a narrative. This season was no different for his women’s showing, which was set inside of the Highline park on Manhattan’s lower west side. Lanterns, with their auburn fiery glow were lined along the entrance and hung over the runway, dancing in the wind as a cool breeze broke the stifling summer heat from the day before.

Backstage, stylist Karl Templer and makeup artist Diane Kendal were busy adding their final touches to their works before Tommy comes in for a final inspection. Diane helped makeup artists work on their models, who were busy being powdered, primed, and perfected on a stage above the clothing racks where Karl was finalizing his styling choices. Mr. Hilfiger’s arrival was met with excitement by the staff, who all seemed exhilarated to present his vision in its final form. After taking a peek at the look board followed by an inspection of the clothes and luxurious leather bags on the accessories table, Tommy could hardly wipe the smile from his face. As his staff pressed on, he took some time to provide interviews with the throngs of magazines lined up to speak with him.

Back at the Highline, as guests streamed in so too did the wind, picking up briskly off the Hudson but having the net effect of making the lanterns dance above like wind chimes; it was almost surreal for its simplicity and natural beauty which seemed fitting for TH. In fact, it was almost as if Tommy himself meticulously planned everything to set the perfect, right down to the weather.

Lights dim for just a moment and then in flash of light, all was revealed. One by one, models stepped down from a small wooden Hampton’s cottage at the head of the runway, and revealed TH’s new take of his much-lauded ’85 nautical and safari collection. Bold variations of the Americana color palette, with its regal blues, bold reds, and subtle whites, produced brilliant zigzag print shirtdresses and swimsuits as well as Balenciaga-esque multi-striped leather dresses. Trompe l’œuil rope prints on suit numbers and twisty shirt frocks offered a modern take on maritime motifs, while varsity silk dresses with patriotic trimmings looked modishly minimalist.

A few looks from the men’s collection earlier in the week also made it to the women’s runway, almost as if their counterpart model girlfriends took it from their boyfriends closets and transformed them into something only a women could carry. Case in point, cable knit sweaters with mustard trims and striped cardigans, worn to the waist on the men, reappear elongated to short-dress proportions.

Stripes, whether in breton or multi-tonal patterns, looked sleek on many numbers, be it on a sand silk blouse, navy and white knit polo, or as an open-weave dress. From the sea to a Dakar rally across the Sahel, Tommy shifted into high gear with racing stripe motto pants and jackets and sand tone swimsuits and wide-legged trousers. For evening, a pair of mustard and red trapeze dresses with white hems summarized the collection in one fell swoop: it demonstrated Mr. Hilfiger’s ability to deliver on effortlessly simple clothing, that are simply empirically sophisticated.

Visit Tommy.com

See all the photos below:

Photos courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Y-3 Spring Summer 2013 Collection

Sunday September 9, 2012 - St. John’s Center Studios

In the ten years Yohji Yamamoto has collaborated with Adidas, the Y-3 brand has helped elevate the sportswear powerhouse from the gridiron to the runway; a feat that many of its competitors have yet to replicate successfully. It may be because of the success of the Y-3 brand that Adidas has gone on to hedge its bets in chic activewear, collaborating with Yohji’s peers Stella McCartney and Jeremy Scott. To commemorate their longstanding relationship, Yohji flew into the Big Apple to show off his latest wares; an important detail to highlight given that he hasn’t attended a New York showing since his previous collection’s debut at Park Ave. Armory where Zinedine Zidane made a cameo and Yohji got into “street-chic fight” with his models.

Alongside the dark warehouse walls of the St. John’s Center were three-dimensional, triangular, white cardboard cutouts that reflected a kaleidoscope of colors and imagery being projected from above. Yohji was clearly bringing some of the later evening’s anniversary festivities to the runway and it showed in his play on the Adidas logo and through his use of vibrant hues and patterns. Knee-length soccer socks (a nod perhaps to his front-row guest in attendance David Beckham), white armband stripes on jackets, and asymmetrical oversized striped leggings were high-spirited plays on the brand’s triple strips trademark.

Masterful at creating looks that teeter between sport and serious, Yohji pairs sand tone jackets with wide-legged shorts, two-tone blue-black patchwork jackets with asymmetrical zippers to crisp, ankle-showing noir pants, and breton-striped blouses to a flowy cardigan, that look just as much at home by the tennis courtside as they do at a casual soiree. Standouts amongst the collection were jungle pattern prints set against black short-sleeved shirts and skirts as well as a series of sheer anoraks, skirts, and dresses with silk-screen images against a sky-blue background tone.

If the saying “time flies when you’re having fun” rings true, then the last 10 years must’ve been a blur for Yohji and his growing throngs of fashion followers.

Visit http://www.y-3.com

See the photos below:

Photos Courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Victoria Beckham Spring Summer 2013 Backstage Beauty

Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau created a simple, chic hairstyle at the Victoria Beckham Spring 2013 show early on Sunday morning that was more natural than in past seasons with textured lengths that dried naturally.

“The center part and shine on top creates a strong, even dramatic look on the Victoria Beckham girl today, but the overall style is still very youthful and American. The style is minimal, yet done – it’s very wearable.” Guido Palau

Redken Products Used:  powder refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo, forceful 23 super strength finishing spray, shine flash 02 glistening mist

Create the Look:

• Create a clean center part on damp hair.
• Blow dry just the top section of hair to just behind the ear, then spray water on the back to re-dampen & let dry naturally.
• Spray the hairline with forceful 23 hairspray to smooth & hold.
• Apply shine flash 02 glistening mist on the top of head.
• Use lots of powder refresh 01 dry shampoo on the bottom third of hair to get a light fluffy effect.

Photos courtesy of Redken 

Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2013 Backstage Beauty

Saturday September 8, 2012 - Pier 94 711 12th Avenue 

Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau, always looking to put a new spin on the ponytail, created a futuristic, modern interpretation of one at the Alexander Wang Spring 2013 show on Saturday. The style was sleek and even robotic in front, but the back was all natural, disheveled texture with a bit of a wave.

“I’m always challenging myself to update classics, and the look at Alexander Wang today is a ponytail with a different point of view. Alex wanted a small head this season, so this started as a low pony kept close to the head. But I then added a strip of tape down the center part which makes the style really become more than a simply pony. The severity of the tape almost makes you look twice – which makes sense with the collection.”  Guido Palau

Redken Products: NEW satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion, fashion work 12 versatile working spray

Create the Look:

• On damp hair, create a center part that’s clean but not perfectly straight.
• Apply satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion and dry hair with a Sultra Temptress dryer, leaving natural texture in the bottom two thirds.
• Create a low pony at the nape of the neck keeping the hair tight to the head.
• Using a curling iron like the Sultra Bombshell Cone, create a slight bend to the hair in the pony.
• Adhere tape to the center part, running about an inch down the center of the forehead.
• Mist fashion work 12 versatile working spray all over finished style to keep the front sleek and add texture and flexible hold in the back.

Visit Redken.com to locate a salon

See the photos below:

Photos courtesy of Redken

Backstage at Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2013 Menswear

Friday September 7th, 2012 – Maritime Hotel

Set inside the Maritime hotel on Manhattan’s west front, Tommy Hilfiger combined his discourses on prep and rocker irreverence, culminating in a men’s runway show that was much to do about properness as it was about rebelliousness. With a garden-walled setting in an open aired space of the hotel, the Hilfiger man had this sleek polished allure that takes us back to a time when New Yorkers used to spend weekends at la Havana. TH celebrates the iconic symbols of the brand’s hallmarks – prep- by converting it into a version that your mother would not approve. Striped silkscreens on jackets, neo cricket cashmere sweaters with pocket accents, and white poplin shirts with trompe l’oeil stripe tie plackets. Backstage, Tommy cited nautical and safari themes as inspiration, which were part of the very first 1985 Hilfiger collection.

Nautical stripes are infused into a motorcycle jacket, while leather paired to espadrilles looked cooly luxe. Classics such as the military jacket are merged into a cool neo-nylon/leather trench. The classic navy blazer gets a major makeover made in twill with leather quilted shoulder and zipped cuff sleeves. Seersucker shorts and distressed jeans offer movement and freedom for the gregarious types. Racing stripe trousers and sand twill pants add an adventurous contrast to the sophisticated gold insignia crested blazers and Breton oxfords.

Backstage, Tommy was working hands-on with models whilst discussing last minute details with his star consultant team of stylist Karl Templar and designer Simon Spur. This trifecta of all things TH have cracked the formula at making sure boys looked prim, proper, and powerful while still adhering to the house’s DNA of off-kilter cool.

Visit tommy.com

Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2013 Menswear Backstage Video

See all the photos below:

Photos courtesy of Stylerumor.com

Style by Karl Templer

Hair by Eugene Souleiman

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