The Best Things In Life Are Free - Riccardo Tisci by Maciek Kobielski

Or given to you as gifts. So technically they're free! I have a conundrum, I don't personally have a problem with getting gifts but I do have a problem receiving expensive gifts. Eventhough that it will come from the Bubs. I'm usually very grateful for the gesture but for some reason I feel guilty receiving it. It's probably the fact that in the past people have asked for these gifts back if they can. Which is both tacky and even make me glad that this said individual/s and I broke up. I mean who does that?

At least wait for me to throw it out the window or donate them to charity like a normal human being. Sheesh.

But as most expensive gifts, sometimes there are always strings attached to them. Figuratively and Physically sometimes.

Happy Hump Day my fashionistos and fashionistas!

In today's post we have no other than, my God,  Riccardo Tisci as he appears with an army of male models and Joan Smalls. The interview/ designer profile that appears on the 38th issue of Self Service is photographed by Maciek Kobielski. The pictorial features pieces from both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2013 collections of Givenchy.

Wouldn't I love to own all those pieces! I also love and totally agree when he said that Success is when everybody buys and wears his collection, that's the review. So true.

Fashion Week Diaries: The Guy In The Mission Edition - Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2013-14

It has been roughly a week since my trip to New York for the fall/winter 2013-14 Mercedes Benz fashion week and I haven't unpacked yet.  The fact that my Bottega Veneta Intrecciato duffel had been "staring" at me every time I watch TV on my lounge area was unnerving. I actually had to pull my other luggage in my closet so I didn't have to see it. Maybe sometime this week, I'll actually get a chance to unpack . . . fingers crossed.

My fashion week diary as told through Instagram.

Now looking back, I was glad that I left on Thursday night and avoided the Snow mess that was Friday. But I haven't done a red eye flight in, forever. It was interesting but the beauty of it? A night cap drink was not that weird, or was it? I slept like a baby, a drunk baby,  next thing I know, it jumped three hours forward and it was morning in New York.

First show, Project Runway. I was late and just got a glimpse of the last few collections because of the fact that I underestimated the subway system. This was the first time I was commuting from Astoria, Queens. That and I wanted to hang out with ES. I literally lost track of time, to be honest. Which was kinda unnecessary since ES insisted to show me how to ride the subway, anyway. Very sweet but I'm not that helpless. So off to the second show at the Eyebeam Art + Tech center for the General Idea show. I love the new take on the duffle coat. The coats truly were amazing. Boxy silhouettes and matched with big boxy pockets and color blocked looks rounded up the show.

Then back to Lincoln Center for the Nautica Black Sail collection. By this time, snow/rain had started to come down heavy. The collection consisted of handsome puffer jackets, some lined with fur and shearling, in various colors. The collection was very masculine and rugged enough for city living. For the first time back as a show, it was great with a great cast of models to top it off.

Since I had a break for a couple hours, I beelined to Bergdorf's to get me some Hunter wellys. I know that I would need it for the weekend. Besides I didn't want to ruin any of my shoes. I love my shoes too much. I know sometimes fashion needed some sacrifices to which I say, good luck with that. My Loubis were going to stay in their shoe bags this season. Weather Permitted.

Then off to the Armory for the Tommy Hilfiger show. Think Ivy league, but with a twist. I love, LOVE the mix of houndstooth and Prince of Wales marriage extravaganza. It was so unexpected that T.H. sampled a more British take on his collection. My favorite were the khaki coats with the houndstooth lapels and back details to die for, such a great surprise.

After a few hours of break, more I mean TONS of snow and ES taking me to an amazing crepe place in Astoria, I head back to Manhattan for the Marlon Gobel show.  Give me a military inspired collection anytime and I would love it. I love that fur trimmed (fox?) lapel jacket! Great texture and tailoring as expected to one of my favorite NY based designers. And hey! The models matched my boots! :o)

On the way home, we saw this great street art. on the N train.

The problem with still on westcoast time, I was tired but I was three hours behind. So I was up working till a few hours before my first show for my second day at NYFW. The beauty of it was just being next to ES. I know, (gag) on the sweet stuff.

Day 2, First show, Lacoste.  I love the vision that Baptista was bringing to the brand. Eventhough that it still had the lightness that came with Lacoste, it now has an edge that was very evident. I loved that some of the more unusual colors like orange or jewel green looked mighty covetable.

Segway, Brunch at Whym. It was Saturday, duh.

Next stop, Robert Geller. The show showcased great pieces of layering with a boho chic feel to them and while the collection referenced a period it was not dated. Styling was on point. Another great collection from Geller. I always love the play with the hats they just looked so great season after season.

Presentation wise, The Moncler Grenoble topped my list. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen, yet. The presentation mimicked a forest, a human forest. It was breathtaking. Especially with the mirrored ceiling. I. DIE!

Day 3 began with The Details collections: Accessories show. Great accessories by In God We Trust, Billy Kirk, MianSai, and Logan Zane among others.

Ovadia & Sons for J.Press was Prep-ection! Great presentation. There were great pieces in this collection that I thought eventhough brightly colored and more prep than my taste. It was handsome. Very collegiate that meant if you went to an Ivy school and had name like Blaine, or Stacy.

Patrik Ervell's collection was a great combination of knitted pieces and pieces with a slight sheen to them. I love those black caps with the ridges. Texture definitely played a big role that made the collection both interesting and successful. Did I mention about the foil runway? nice touch.

Going up a few floors at the Milk Studios to see the Public School presentation which as a collection was reminiscent to the previous ones. But I still love it. That one shearling lined leather jacket with the high neck? J'adore! I love the white soled shoes it gave the looks that extra je nes sais qua.

Next stop, another dark collection by Rochambeau. Which showcased a great hooded collection paired with great necklaces. Wait? Did the models just had a bottle of bubbly each? I just loved how the brand just kept getting better with their play on shapes and silhouettes on their pieces.

The last two collections I saw were the En Noir with its great, pretty much, all black collection and the super colorful by comparison, Lucio Castro collection that featured the color blocking and very luminous collection.

For dinner, ES and I went to celebrate our Valentines at DiWine restaurant which had a great Embeyonce or how ever you spell it (I know how to spell ambiance. It's an internet meme). I lived for those light fixtures.

I was presented with this Vday gift, Alexander McQueen ring, which was unfortunately way too small. Sad face.

Since it was my last night in NYC, it was time to let my hair down party. We close the night by attending the Dsquared2 + Interview magazine premiere party at the Copacabana for the duo's video called Behind The Mirror. 









There was Dean and Dan as they appeared in drag and somebody waiting patiently as I chat it up with another guest about drag with all subjects.

THAT was one giant bottle of Dsquared2 Moet bottle.
I didn't get any sleep that night before I flew out at 6:30 am on the 11th. I was super tired but I had so much fun meeting new people including a few top models, bloggers from all over the world and Dean & Dan of course. It was the perfect way to end my New York Fashion Week trip. Till September, NYC.

Blizzard - Snow 4 A White Fashion Event Review

By the time this post goes live, Mercedes Benz New York fashion week would be on it's third day. I think it's just ironic that there is a snow storm called . . . wait for it: NEMO. Yes. Well I know that it will be cold but I think it is the first time that it is actually snowing while I'm here. I have to change and forgo a few outfits and shoes because of the snow. They're too precious to be ruined by snow. I wish I have a car service but I don't I have to rely on Taxis and yikes the subway system. Oh well, check on me on Instagram and Twitter if I'm still alive and not buried in snow to follow my adventure for this season's fashion week.

Have a great weekend my fashoinisto and fashionista.

I went to this event a few weeks ago in San Francisco. It's the all-white collections show featuring six great local designers of Bay Area. I should warn you there will be dresses and frills on this post. Don't say I didn't warn you. First of,

Cari Borja's collection is entitled "Rose Snow" and showcased the designer's feathering techniques which are my favorite pieces in her collection. As a collection, I didn't quite get how the menswear piece fit with the rest of looks. While the womenswear are amazing I personally didn't like the huge flowers on the hips. They reminded me of a mother-of-the-bride dress. But hey what do I know, I'm a menswear stylist.

If I could summarize Jake Hall's offerings for Artful Gentleman in one word, Sharp. You know that saying that ones suit is so sharp you fall over, you'll cut your leg off? This is it. The jackets fit the models like a glove. The pants were modern and euro-cut the way I like them. The look that I adore is the one worn by model, Robert Mull. Double breasted vest over a checkered lined single breasted suit jacket. So Dapper! The women in this show are boss! Strong but very sexy.

Julie Schindler's inspiration for her collection are Bonnie & Clyde. I love the feel of the collection. The belted soft trench/long jacket dresses are my favorites. The others were a bit too busy for me. Especially that one look with the see-thru jacket with the capri pants with tie knots on the side, yikes. The one piece with a slight asian inspiration is devine but felt out of place. Remember this is only my opinion, but I feel like that the collection is not bad at all but the styling is a little bit off. Especially the fact that I have seen high caliber shows to local designers shows, styling WILL make or brake your collection.

As one of the designers that I have been looking forward to, Cana Klebanoff delivered. This time with a little less edge but more sporty. The textured white jacket that is worn by model, Hazer Ozcan is just great with its unforgettable neck piece. The womeswear  looks of the collection are good. The gown that closed the show is interesting all because of the details. But the piece that I'm coveting from this collection is the white sheer shirt with the amazing back detail. I WANT IT NOW! Eventhough that piece have these intricate square shapes detailing on the back the piece remained light and flowy. Genius I tell you. It is such a delight and oh-so refreshing to see such an amazing and innovative design from where I live.

Charmosa by Neide Hall consists of sexy swimwear for women. I'm not talking about generic ones from you big box store but the ones that people wear in Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The pretty ones at least. I think the juxtaposition of the tanned models with the white bathing suits with snowflakes is just genius.

The snow queen!!! Joseph Domingo's collection is to die for! The collection exudes drama and Ah-mazing workmanship. The box skirt dress that opened the show is great. I love the gown with the plastic panels that gives the wearer a peek-a-boo effect without being obscene. The sparkly gown with the over the body fur piece is my favorite. Actually, I love every piece because they are all beautiful and I don't even like womenswear. I think that's a talent, when you make somebody interested to something he's not. The styling is on point, remember the Ice Queen from the Narnia movie? That's her! As I'm saying earlier, this is how styling helps your design and not work against you.

Runway Monday: Ring of Fire - Givenchy Fall/Winter 2013 -14 review

What a weekend! From the usual hang out with a few great people to the extraordinary like attending the Snow: A White Fashion Event. Such a great show. First and foremost, I would like to thank Cana Klebanoff and Joseph Domingo for inviting me to see the show for the second time. I also would like to thank the guilty parties for making my outfit a possibility. Ti amo, Luisa Via Roma! I guess I should really thank my credit card being able to afford the Givenchy pieces. Coz' they're not cheap! Such a pleasure to sit next to probably one of the most interesting and awe-inspiring person I've sat next to in my runway-watching career, Daphne Evans of the Heaven's Door Cancer Foundation.

BUT I should stop there. I'm not doing my Snow review just yet.  I'm actually starting my Fall/Winter 2013-14 review with no other than, Riccardo Tisci's collection for Givenchy. There is no surprise that I love it and no not because I'm obsessed with Givenchy . . . which I am. But to be fair I'm not in love with every collection that Tisci produces. Exhibit A: Fall/Winter 2013 collection, not so much. In this collection, we are delighted by a collection void of color. Tisci opted for a literally dark collection using blacks and whites and some grays as his color story. Hardware plays a big role this season. Jackets and vests with jarring zippers and strings and how about those shoes with the metal plates. When I saw it, It reminds me of the YSL's from a year ago. Gone were the soft and yet eerie Madonna images that I love. Gone are the skirts/kilts and flowy organza and chiffon long shirts of previous collections only be replaced by puffers tied around  the waist and the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe's kaleidoscope of risque images are on some of the pieces. As always the collection features a great balance of show pieces and amazing tailored pieces.  Leather plays a big role with the outerwear pieces.  I absolutely love those handsome leather duffel coats. I live, LIVE for that sheer blouson. One thing I don't like really are those leather short shorts. Never, EVER will I wear one of those unless it's a trunk swimwear. They're not. Overall, the collection is dramatic and intense. The presentation is on point and the soundtrack is just wonderful. Another job well done from Tisci. 

The candles, the atmosphere and the moment that Simone Nobili walk pass, it's over. I'm slain.  If Givenchy is a religion, then Tisci is my God.

Floating - Sebastian Sauve by Nicolas Valois

It has been another busy week at work and I'm glad it's finally Friday. We made it! But I planned a busy weekend for me. Not so much of "work" but I have a few social events to attend to and of course, The Snow: A White Fashion Event tomorrow evening. I just really hope it wont rain. White, new things and the rain does not mix well. Especially The silk chiffon train? No Bueno. I'm excited to say the least. What are your plans for the weekend? I have yet to plan next month's schedule, meaning NYFW meaning UGH! CRAZINESS! At any rate, I hope everybody will have a great weekend. See you on Monday for my first fall/winter 2013-14 review.

Today we have blonde bombshell Sebastian Sauve as he became the face of Brazilian designer, Icarius De Menzes' beautiful silk collection. The images was captured by Nicolas Valois. 

One word to describe the lookbook, Stunning. I love the floating effect with the light fabric, just beautiful. I thought the casting was perfect.