NYFW: Always Obsessed with Callula Lillibelle

By Tiffany Olson

We might as well hand over our credit cards to Callula Lillibelle.  Their fall collection is so fabulous we are having a hard time coping with the fact that we have to wait until fall to wear it. (Psst… the line retails between only $90-$400 ladies.)

This line was made to “mix and match” and should be able to take you from work to drinks with the girls.   We all want to look amazing every day, but without the frenzied closet tornado routine while deciding what to wear.  Callula Lillibelle pieces aim to accommodate this wish, as the line seamlessly mixes and matches together for “fail-proof outfits.” 

We’re about to die to get our hands on the camel double front belted blazer.  Throw it on with skinnies, or dress shorts, and you’re done. 

Not familiar with Callula Lillibelle?  Here’s a recap:  “Callula Lillibelle is a 'desk to dinner' wardrobe collection for the modern woman with a focus on contemporary, feminine silhouettes at an agreeable price.  Debuted in the winter of 2010, Callula Lillibelle aims to simplify the dressing process while providing a chic complete wardrobe for the modern lifestyle.  Partnered by business-impresario Melanie Fraser Hart and couturier William Calvert the collection reflects the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort and price.”

Here's our quick convo with designer William Calvert!!

CupcakeMAG: Tell us about your inspiration for this collection!

William Calvert: This is really about 21 facets of our girl. A girl we love, ya know, she's dynamic she can wear all of this.  She's polished, she's cool, she starting uptown, going downtown.  We started all over the place; we started with world domination, punk rock baroque, american & modernism...we went all over the place and ended up here, and we're pretty darn happy.

CupcakeMAG: Which look is your favorite?

William Calvert: Oh don't do that! They're my babies!  They're all good.  They all have a story.  Depends on what hour of the day!

We have to agree. This entire collection is indeed all good! 
(We can't wait to see some of these pieces in our closet!)

Day 3 NYFW: ADAM Luxury & Casual

By Candace Cabrera Moore

Inspired by an exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in lower Manhattan, the Adam fall '11 collection was filled with texture, details and warm colors. Nearly every one of the 34 looks had a wool foundation, many of which were contrasted by a softer fabric like silk, lace, or crepe. Models wore their hair in a super chic low, teased ponytail with minimal make-up, making the focus really be about the clothing. We were particularly drawn to a luxurious fur coat worn effortlessly over high waist, belted trousers and a denim colored shirt- it really underscored the idea that luxury pieces can (and should!) be a part of your every day wear. Another piece that stole our hearts was a feathered mini skirt with warm rust and violet tones. Like the fur coat, the skirt was paired with pieces so "normal" (a chunky sweater and chunky knit winter hat), and the lesson of mixing luxe and casual wear came quickly back to mind. We can't wait to start incorporating this idea into our own every day wear! 

Day 2 NYFW: Norman Ambrose says Hello to Old Hollywood

By Emily Ehlers

What:  Norman Ambrose Fall 2011 Presentation 

When: Friday, Feb., 11th, 1:30pn

Where: Lincoln Center, The Box

Norman Ambrose chose to reveal his fall 2011 collection as an up-close and personal presentation as opposed to the usual runway show, and it was obvious why! The detail was impeccable. The models looked flawless as they posed in platinum sequin gowns, silk double satin evening coats with dyed mink cuffs, and knit cashmere dresses. The hair styling by Bumble & Bumble and makeup by MAC completed the look with loose, sophisticated curls. So glam!

Day 2 NYFW: Venexiana Brings the Glam!

By Candace Cabrera Moore 

What: Venexiana Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 9pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

{Kati backstage before the show}

Designer Kati Stern informed us that her inspiration for the rock and roll glam fall '11 collection was fabrics. Backstage, she showed us a sparkly sheath and said, "I love to design but I don't have a particular favorite fabric." Her fall trend predictions? "I see a lot of leather, wool, tweed and plaid." To go along with the fall vibe, Tela hairstylists created what they dubbed "the French top hat" look which put a spin on the traditional French twist. Napoleon Perdis did the make up in a big way- extra long eyelashes and red lips were all the rage as the models strutted down the catwalk. Besides the grandeur of the hair and makeup, the looks themselves were beyond. With sixty-nine looks to feast our eyes upon, we were oohing and ahhing at every one that passed. The one that tugged at our hearts just a tad more than the others? A delicious brown fur coat that oozed luxe glam. We also saw lots of sparkly sheaths with trains and flouncy cocktail dresses with full skirts. We just love Venexiana!

Day 2 NYFW: Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2011 Collection

By Emily Ehlers

{Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra }

What: Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2011

When: Friday, Feb. 11th, 3pm

Where: Milk Studios, 450 W 15th Street

{the invite}

Costello Tagliapietra's Fall 2011 runway show held at Milk studios was nothing short of fabulous. It brought back a late 60's, early 70's disco trend with bright,edgy designs and bold colors like red and shimmery blue. The pinned-up volumizing  hairstyles went perfectly with the looks, as well as bright orange lipstick and light green eyeliner that made quite a statement. Designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra really let their unique style and individualism shine in this marvelous collection. We can't wait to see more from them in the future!

Day 2 NYFW: Swoonin' over Farah Angsana

By Emily Ehlers

{the invite}

What: Farah Angsana Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 12pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

Farah Angsana wowed the audience this morning at the Lincoln center with a combination of glitzy bead-embellished chiffon hand draped gowns, wool coats, and strappy heels. Gowns in royal blue, teal, scarlett, brown and black all had one thing in common aside from fluidity; beaded embroidery. Our favorite was the finale, a white silk crystal encrusted gown with feather and organza ruffles, along with a silver fox stole that had the entire audience in a standing ovation and someone saying to me, "could you imagine entering a dinner party in THAT? Everyone would be envious."

Day 2 NYFW: Feminine looks at Joy Cioci

By Candace Cabrera Moore

What: Joy Cioci FW 2011 Presentation

When: Friday, Feb. 11th, 6:30pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Box

Joy Cioci's collection lit up the stage at The Box presentation during New York's fashion week. Twenty-nine uber-feminine looks were featured on models with naturally loose hair and fresh-faced make up with pretty pink lip gloss and and pops of blush. The big stand outs? A dreamy printed blue high low dress, a super soft knitted rabbit fur mini with cascade ruffles, and a modern yet timeless cashmere and wool ruffle cascade coat with removable fur collar. The collection was the epitome of effortless chic!

{about} the FABulous designer

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Joy Cioci focused her curriculum on eveningwear and tailored garments. After completing her studies, Cioci went on to apprentice at luxury houses Gucci and Carolina Herrera. Cioci then joined Nina Ricci to assist under Olivier Theyskens’ direction for four seasons, learning the highest levels of craftsmanship and detailing. After leaving Nina Ricci, Cioci launched contemporary brand Chelsea Flower, which led to her next opportunity in developing an internal collection for boutique retailer WiNK. As Creative Director of WiNK for nearly three years, Cioci brought the brand rapid growth and her collections were highly sought out for their romantic, feminine pieces with ultimate wearabilty.

Day One NYFW: Victor dE Souza

By: Emily Ehlers

What: Victor dE Souza Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

When: Thursday, Feb. 10th, 2pm

Where: Exit Art, 475 10th Avenue

Photographer: Anton Oparin

The studio at Exit Art was buzzing with excitement at Victor dE Souza’s fall 2011 runway show. His collection was inspired by imperial India during the winter, focusing on the brilliant colors of the birds and forests. While staying true to his color and texture-rich design, we saw a remarkably fresh ensemble from chic floor-length gowns in bright, bold blue and soft white to slimming black mini-dresses paired with lacy elbow-length gloves. The looks mixed couture with men’s tailored fashion by pairing sophisticated blazers with eccentric blue trousers and classic black heels. From the soft yet dramatic makeup, to the exotic music and fantastic new looks, Victor dE Souza amazed us all yet again!