Featuring the theme artificial life, Toni Francesc boldly explored the realm of androgyny, technology, and the future in his new collection, which debuted Tuesday night at Bryant Park. Seated in my chair, I watched as look after look came out to impress me. The only opposition I had to the show was the music, which I found to be a little slow and dragging for my taste.

With hair slicked back and molded into the shape of the back of an alien’s head, the concept of forwardness and future was well conveyed. The color palette was fairly muted with colors that were not extremely strong, and that were in fact a reference to industrial and rusted metal elements. What was key to keeping collection interesting, though, were the many shapes in designs that were introduced. Bat wings were incorporated to provide a looser fit in some looks, whereas in others, Francesc made use of slimline silhouettes and high waist pants. One of the favorites is a slim-fit jacket, which has pointed shoulders – not only is there attitude in the jacket itself but there is also a sense of class with the tailoring.

The beauty truly lies in the lookbook itself, which best conveys the fusion of technology and man. Here are several snapshots from the catalog below, which feature electrical wires and other industrial elements intertwined with the model and Francesc’s designs.

Grey dress on the runway

The suit of the modern day

With wires and a hue resembling copper

Hello modernity

Gorgeous photograph

Slim-fit jacket featuring pointed shoulders

Lookbook images and profile picture courtesy of People’s Revolution.

Barb :: Feb.18.2010 :: Fashion :: 1 Comment »

Standing at the front of an anxious crowd for an hour with an empty wine glass in my hand was not part of my plan for Tuesday evening. Holding up everyone from walking through the Siki Im fall/winter 2010-11 presentation was the fact that they had chosen to right then and there shoot their lookbook for the upcoming season. Um, why?

But once the curtains parted and the crowd rushed in, live rock music blared at to offer disruption to the regular office atmosphere. And amidst the noise disruption was also the unconventional men’s officewear, which included skirts, kimono style construction for jackets and interior shoulder straps. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay very long to take a good look at many of the pieces since I was pressed for time, but I did note that the tailoring and fit was well done on the models.

Siki Im's first look upon entering

Rocking out to disrupt the normal office atomosphere

Reinventing business casual

A day at the new office

Barb :: Feb.18.2010 :: Fashion :: No Comments »

As one of the hip places to hold a presentation/show for this New York Fashion Week, Milk Studios hosted several presentations and celebrations this Valentine’s Day on the eighth floor.

When best friends Victor Glemaud and Camilla Staerk teamed up last year for a dual showing of their collections, they received great reviews on their designs. In a large open space, the Staerk girls were lined up against the wall and photographed as a group, whereas the boys of Victor Glemaud formed a “V” shape with bright lights shining down on them. Remarking on the clothing, the looks are styled casually but boldly with flattering shapes and colors.

Photographer taking a picture of the Staerk lineup

Staerk posing for the camera

Side shot of the Victor Glemaud line

Introducing a V shape for Victor Glemaud's new line

In the smaller space at Milk Studios, one steps into the Billy Reid presentation which had an air of hay. Amongst the bails that were set up where the Gary Graham presentation was held. Contrasting the country style with class, Billy Reid brings upon a sense of home with the country setting and warm faces of the models.

The country scene for Billy Reid

Heading on over to the surf lodge where tacos and cocktails were served, the Semi Precious Weapons took the opportunity to treat guests to a performance instead of heading on over immediately to continue opening for Lady GaGa’s monster ball tour.

Semi Precious Weapons sings to its audiences to put a diamond in it

Barb :: Feb.17.2010 :: Fashion :: No Comments »