StyleITOnline.com presents New York Fashion Week

MAC Backstage Fall 2009 Monarchy

Sarah Conley — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:29:37 -0800

MAC Cosmetics Senior Artist Gregory Arlt used the equestrian hats from the Monarchy show as an inspiration for the wide, diffused eyeliner. He wants to keep the ladies a bit unwound, but still chic. Taking the focus off too much makeup, the cheeks and lips were left as nude/minimalist as possible. The key products from this show wer MAC's Face & Body foundation, as well as Cream Color Base in Shell.

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MAC Backstage Fall 2009 Verrier

Sarah Conley — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:22:05 -0800

MAC Cosmetics took us backstage for the Fall 2009 Verrier runway shwo. I had the great pleasure of listening in as Key Artist Makky describes the eyliner-intense look. If you just mastered a full eyeliner look, now it's time to apply and remove the center, if you're looking to recreate the dramatic look. Be on the lookout for a sneak-product-preview: check out blue flame eyeshadow, used to create this look, while it's still being tested backstage at NYFW.

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Lorick Fall 2009 Collection Video

Sarah Conley — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:14:39 -0800

The Lorick collection was...interesting. The fabrics came off as cheap, though I appreciated the color combinations. The only Gossip Girl cast member who made the trip far west was Amanda Setton, also known Penelope on the show. The presentation was great, and reLYME and I appreciated the simplicity of the accordian accompanyment, as we were directly next to the speaker. Check out the video and judge the collection for yourself.

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Dashing Diva Backstage At Catherine Holstein

Sarah Conley — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:15:20 -0800

Dashing Diva (the Barbie dream house of nail salons) were the experts responsible for the deep burgundy nails. The color, called Mulberry Street, is part of Dashing Diva's new Manhattan collection. Check out the backstage images below.

Coutorture has photos from the presenation.

Yigal Azrouel Fall 2009 Collection

Sarah Conley — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:03:04 -0800

Photos courtsey of Coutorture

Japan Fashion Week Hits New York - Photos, Video, & Backstage

Sarah Conley — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:38:20 -0800

(editor's note: I've not only started a new job since this show took place, but I've also been incredibly under the weather) Japan Fashion Week descended upon New York, bringing with it fresh perspectives, flowing fabrics and unusual headpieces. Designers participating included ato, G.V.G.V., Hidenobu Yasui, LEP LUSS, matohu, mercibeaucoup, mintdesigns, Ne-net, SATORU TANAKA, SOMARTA, sunaokuwahara, tiny dinosaur, and YLANG YLANG.

During the pre-show mixer, Megan from Coutorture and I had the opportunity to speak to three of the designers. While some were inspired by the fabrics they chose to work with, others were inspired by the eyes. When Megan asked "what about the eyes?" the designer answered that if you think something is beautiful, it is beautiful. I couldn't have said it better myself.

You're Approved For Fashion Week - Now What?

Sarah Conley — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:28:32 -0800

So you've finally been approved for a press pass for New York Fashion Week, and are ready to join other members of the press, socials, hangers-on, and celebrities under the big top. I'm constantly receiving questions from bloggers and other members of new media press, regarding etiquette and what to expect during the biggest fashion event of the year. It's time to demystify the glamour surrounding NYFW.

From Jordanna at Fabaholics Anonymous:

Do they treat bloggers differently than traditional press?

You had to go and ask the loaded question, didn't you? Since the machine behind the guest list is a PR firm, it depends on their standpoint of new media. I'd say the general rule of thumb is, if they haven't heard of you, you're not invited. These firms don't care how many followers you have on Twitter or how many times Racked has linked to you, but they might pay attention to the amount of press you bring to their client. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.

What is in a typical swag bag?

If you're lucky to get one, as they don't offer goodie-bags to those resigned to standing. At the off chance you pick one up when you snag a seat (which may already be picked over by your surrounding vultures), companies sponsoring the show include their products, such as Redken, Make Up For Ever and MAC, want to get their products into the hands of the important people. Occasionally a house includes something kooky, like Ports 1961's crazy voodoo doll necklace from a year ago. I still have it even though I have no idea what to do with it.

If you have a press pass, you are entitled to a press bag, distributed towards the end of Fashion Week, after the sponsors have claimed theirs. These also include products by the sponsors, such as flip flops, liquor and MAC products. Pay attention to the press bag buzz as to when to get yours, or just email me. I always know ;).

From Twitter user Ondolady:

Does your press pass give you access to all the shows?

That's quite the complicated question. Technically, the press pass only gains you admission to the lobby of the main tent. Once you are approved for your press pass, it is your responsibility to contact the press offices handling the show to request tickets. However, some smaller houses are more than happy to have anyone at their show, and by registering early, you'll be invited. Additionally, there is a chance that you could attend a show in the standing section, but that is at the discretion of the PR team handling the show. Bat a few eyelashes and maybe you'll get lucky. Just remember, an invitation doesn't mean you'll have a seat or that you'll even get into the show.

From Monique at Your Style Star:

What happens once you get to the show?

Well Monique, once you finally make it to the tent where the show is being held, you are herded along with every other person who doesn't have a seat to fill in the gaps behind the lucky few who were actually assigned a seat. At the off chance there is an empty seat nearby, tread lightly. Would you rather have a seat for the show and possibly embarrass yourself by taking someone else's seat or would you prefer to have decent standing position? The gamble is yours, but remember being ejected from a seat that wasn't yours to begin with can be quite embarrassing, especially if you were ballsy enough to sit in the seat of someone important. Personally, I'd rather take my standing room position and be happy with it.

Are you allowed to take photos/video inside the show?

You are indeed, however your photos and videos may not turn out to be the best quality. Standing room doesn't exactly have the best vantage point and it isn't designed to. To be honest, it's also difficult to get decent shots from a seat as well, with the runway lighting being so bright. The best photo/video spots in the house are from the media risers, I would highly recommend staying as far away from there as possible.

If you have burning questions you need answered about NYFW, leave a comment below so I can include you in Part 2.

State Of The Union: New York Fashion Week Edition

Sarah Conley — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:42:46 -0800

To all those distressed online publishers: Fear not, your New York Fashion Week registration may not be permanently denied. Today I spoke with Anthony Randall, who handles Media Registration for the event. A "system error" caused many applications to be automatically denied, without being reviewed. When I asked if IMG had created a stricter set of guidelines for approval, Mr. Randall informed there was no change from previous seasons.

Bryant Park veterans are pulling out the tents at an alarming rate - so far Alice Temperly, Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, and Carmen Marc Valvo have released statements confirming they won't be holding the grand shows we've become accustomed to. Most houses are instead opting for a much smaller presentation at their showrooms, for a more intimate crowd as few as 150.

What does this mean for online media? It means that the majority of us won't be able to cover the shows we previously covered in the way we have become accustomed. New York Fashion Week Version 2.5, The Recession Edition will be a vastly different landscape.

Up next, the online publisher's guide to covering NYFW during the recession. Stay tuned...

Who Actually Is Showing At Fashion Week?

Sarah Conley — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:29:50 -0800

Okay, we don't mean to play Debbie Downer and talk about the economy, but when it starts affecting New York's most glamorous event, someone has to speak up. The Wall Street Journal reports that economic times have gotten so tough heavy hitter Betsey Johnson won't be showing at the tents come February, and neither will veteran Carmen Marc Valvo.

Some houses are combining shows to limit costs while others are holding pared down presentations for only the most essential viewers. Doubling up on spaces means doubling up on the guest list, and smaller media outlets (and even the magazines who re-view the collections the week after anyhow) may be severely affected. Seems the balance of power is trying to shift back to major publications and away from the hands of online media. However, New York Couture Week might be making a smart move, holding their shows at the same time as NYFW. Waited in line for 2 hours to attend Ports 1961 only to be denied? Come to our shows and actually be seated.

Everyone seems to be cutting back, including IMG. Rumors are flying that press passes are being very limited to online media outlets. One blogger reported being denied a Press Pass in 8 minutes flat. Seems the progress we've all made in the past two years is quickly being reversed. Whether this is a reaction to designer cutbacks or to previous bad behavior (you know exactly who you are), we can't say for sure, but we can guarantee there will be many a sour face strolling around Bryant Park come February.

Top 10 Songs Of Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Weeks

Sarah Conley — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:33:40 -0700

If there's one thing you notice about a fashion show (sometimes even moreso than the clothing), it's the music. We received the following Fashion Week Soundtracks, compiled from the hottest runway shows in Milan, Paris, New York and London. Do any of these songs make your most played list? Do they make you feel fashionable?

1: Great DJ/The Ting Tings

2: Viva La Vida/Coldplay

3: Jungle Drum/Emiliana Torrini

4: Electric Feel/MGMT

5: Jager Yoga/CSS

6: L.E.S. Artistes/Santogold

7: La Vie En Rose/Grace Jones

8: O Superman/Booka Shade

9: You'll Find A Way/Santogold

10: Light Years/Beyond The Wizard's Sleeve