Riffing on Rodarte by Alexandra Greenawalt & Maureen Schreyer

How cool are the sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte who won the 2009 CFDA award for Womenswear Design ? They started the fashion line in 2005 despite lack of formal training and have been a smash success. With Anna Wintour's stamp of approval and celebs like Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightly, and Natalie Portman wearing their couture level dresses it's no wonder. From runway to museum Alexandra and Maureen riff about the 'Quick Take' exhibit now at the Cooper Hewitt Museum (hurry only until March 14, 2010) The Mulleavy sisters are also on the digital cutting edge showing their Fall 2010 Runway show streaming live on ShowStudio-the only thing missing was the media frenzy starring Tavi .

Want to read more on Rodarte?

Upcoming Art Shows NYC

So we're super excited about the Art Shows about to descend on New York. I attended a ton of shows this December in Miami around Art Basel and the future looks bright for March 3-7.
Here are a list what I've found so far. Please let me know if I'm missing any. For all you fashion meets art meets film fanatics Scope is going to be the place to be. A Shaded View on Fashion Film curated by Diane Pernet presents a day of film on March 5. Scope will also feature the 2nd incarnation of a fashion focused exhibition called MARKT. I love that she's asking the question why do we either put clothing on a pedestal or a hanger? To learn more about this curator go to her website A Shaded View on Fashion.

The Armory Show
The Art Show
Pulse
Scope
Red Dot
Pool Art
Verge

Interview Abed's Mahfouz's Creative Director

Maureen Schreyer speaks with Abed Mahfouz's Creative Director Ghassan el Hoyek after the Fall 2010 show. Edited by Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt

Mary Alice Stephenson gives us her take on Fall 2010 collections

Mary Alice Stephenson, fashion and style editor, commentator and expert gives us her insight and take on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week · FALL 2010 COLLECTIONS at the Bryant Park Tents.

Tejamani Fall 2010 - Interview with designer Marisol Henriquez

So 5th Avenue's Maureen Schreyer speaks with Marisol Henriquez after viewing Fall 2010 Show. Marisol is from the Dominican Republic and was introduced to the fashion industry in 1989. She is hailed by Dominican fashion critics as the "Handcraft Designer" - through use of the "Tejamani" - which is a technique of intertwining by hand fibers, fabrics and ribbons by hand to create a style that is said to represent vibrancy and individuality. This collection shown on Valentine's Day exuded sensuality and romanticism - silk, crepe, chiffons.. the palette of colors used were white, black, gold, animal prints and a show stopping red. http://www.marysuninternational.com/

Marisol Henriquez Tejamani Fall Winter 2010 Collection

Designer Marisol Henriquez and Maureen Schreyer after the Tejamani Fall Winter 2010 Show

Abed Mahfouz

Abed Mahfouz's Fall 2010 Runway Show

SuperTrash Presentation and Interview

Mara Hoffman Presentation and Interview F2010

Mara Hoffman Presentation and Interview Fall Winter 2010

MIK CIRE Show and Backstage Interview Fall Winter 2010

MIK CIRE Show and Backstage Interview Fall 2010 with designer Eric Kim

So 5th Avenue is Wearing Sequins in the Sun!!!

Maureen's Cam - Mary Alice Stephenson, fashion and style editor, commentator and expert gives one of the best definitions of what is So 5th Avenue... Summed up, but much better in her words - Mix it up, be confident, splurge, save and don't be afraid to wear sequins in the sun!!

Fern Mallis' take on the New York Fall 2010 Collections

So 5th Avenue’s Maureen Schreyer was so fortunate to catch up with brilliant and remarkable Fern Mallis during AMEX Mercedes Benz Fall 2010 Fashion Week (that is before her camera died – darn camera). Mallis is an amazing lady with a vast list of accomplishments in the fashion world and charity circuit– she served for 10 years as the Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is currently the SVP of IMG which organizes New York Fashion week, one of the judges on Bravo’s “The Fashion Show”, instrumental in establishing and designing the worldwide licensing of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, and the list goes on and on. While she was the Executive Director of the CFDA, she was credited for beginning New York Fashion Week. When Fern is involved – a powerful force is created - dreams and ideas become reality!

Vampire Chic by Makeup Artist Amy Roeder

An interview with Japan Fashion Week's (held during FW in New York) key makeup artist Amy Zdunowski-Roeder. She shares her inspirations for the presentation and other makeup tips. She is the New York pro for the FACE Atelier line. I'm looking forward to playing around with the product which I will keep you posted.

Good Bye Bryant Park - Hello Lincoln Center

Mercedes Benz NYC Fall 2010 has come to an end today, so it is - Good Bye Bryant Park - Hello Lincoln Center. So 5th Avenue catches up with the highly knowledgeable and talented fashion editor,director and commentator - Mary Alice Stephenson to get her take on the move.

Andrienne Landau's Barbarella Moment

Here's a great example of how this economic downturn can spurn wonderful creativity. Adrienne Landau's presentation was fresh and furry. I was loving every sex kitten moment and then looked at the credits-no wonder why...styling by Rebecca Weinberg who was Pat Field's co-designer in early days of Sex and the City. The styled lavish 90's/60's vignettes of models were perfect for capturing on film-a much appreciated break from the usual robot stance. Adrienne is a former painter and has been designing fabulous furs for 25 years and can be purchased in Neiman's, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman's, Henry Bendel's, and many other boutiques.
Can you spot the designer in the video above??

Maureen Schreyer talks with Director- Writer Julio DePietro about "The Good Guy"

"The Good Guy” is a true to life tale of life and love in the big city – the speed, culture and rather difficult world of romance as everyone in a type “A” society wants the perfect mate. The problem is finding and recognizing that person and, sometimes, “having it all” is never enough.

Tommy Fielding is the Manager of a hedge fund sales team – and he has it all: good looks, incredible charm, money, and the “perfect” girlfriend, Beth. However, when one of his key sales people decides to leave for a bigger opportunity – he has to move quickly and chooses to promote one of the member of his sales team, a rather awkward but bright colleague, Daniel. If Daniel fails to produce – Tommy could lose all that he has built. So Tommy takes Daniel under his wings and teaches him the masterful art of seduction and hands him the key to power.

Pressure and tension mounts for Tommy at work and in his new relationship with Beth. What Tommy has created may me a monster of his own destruction.

The script and chemistry of the cast in this movie was remarkable and the story and lessons told were even better - this is a must see. It opens this Friday, February 19th 2010 – in NYC and LA.

The Good Guy's take on "So 5th Avenue"

Writer-Director Julio DePietro of "The Good Guy" - tells us what is So 5th Avenue to him. "The Good Guy" opens this Friday, February 19th 2010 in NYC and LA. It is a must see.

So 5th Avenue: Preview of The Good Guy Film

Link to "The Good Guy" Preview Trailer

To Preview "The Good Guy" click on the link above.

Luca Luca Fall 2010

Luca Luca Fall 2010 Runway Show Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Bryant Park
Underwhelmed by the clothes. Overwhelmed by the the front row. Tell us what you think?

Another “ooh-la-la” Moment with Johnny Weir

Johnny Weir, the fabulous and undoubtedly one of the most flamboyant ice skaters to ever take to the ice, did not fail to shock and amaze as he represented the United States in the Men’s Ice Skating Short Program. From his “ooh-la-la” pink ribbon trimmed costume to his flawless skating, you must admit one thing for certain; the boy is definitely not boring! He’s in 6th place right now (it’s not fair – but that is where he is) but I can’t wait until Thursday for the free style, long program. Hopefully, he will be judged on his merit and not his personal persuasion!!! He is promising to write a “tell all” book in the future!!! Now that will definitely be one for the record books.
Good luck, Johnny, and always remember one thing – “Johnny be good tonight!” (wink)

Maureen's Cam - MIMKHO Debut Collection and what is just - So 5th Avenue!!

So 5th Avenue's Maureen Schreyer speaks with Olyia Mimkho at the debut - MIMKHO. Olyia discusses her inspiration which stemmed from a deep part of herself, as well as, the discovery of her own Russian roots and background. This collection was clearly inspired, fresh and sexy. Olyia also, lets us know just - what is "So 5th Avenue" to her. For more info click MIMKHO

Alexandra's CAM:
My favorite looks from Loris Diran.

Toni Maticevski's Show Fall 2010

Alexandra's CAM:
Absolutely loved the music for Toni Maticevski's Fall 2010 show. All about the heroine. Very cinematic Grace Kelly a with eerie twist. Layers of chiffon, tulle, and endless metalic embellishments. Not so sure about the black sheer pencil skirt showing a bit of 'derriere' cheek but my stylist friend Rene Garza was loving it for editorial reasons. If I was going to the Metropolitan Costume Institute Ball this is who I would wear. Word is this Australian Designer may be moving to the big apple.

Rachel Antonoff's Presentation Fall 2010

Nancy Drew plus Swan Lake. A+ for effort in this detective murder mystery presentation by Rachel Antonoff. I loved all the prop styling and quirky touches. Lafayette House as a venue was perfect scene for the crime. Mark Sarosi's Wonderful invitation and run of show described models perfectly such as, "Suspect 11:Fellow Ballerina. Despised The Victim since losing the role of Odette in Swan Lake to her and was outraged when The Victim borrowed her favorite dress and returned without dry cleaning and with a small tear in the hem". Will editors remember the clothing or the creativity? I think with all the competition it's about being memorable, original, and telling a story. She's got our attention.
http://rachelantonoff.com

Rachel Antonoff Shares her Inspirations

Rachel Antonoff shares her detective inspirations with us for her Fall 2010-11 presentation at the Lafayette House during Fashion Week.
Rachel Antonoff
Lafayette House

Victor Henao

Victor Henao shares with us his inspirations for the makeup at Eryn Brinie´presentation Fall 2010. You can find him on twitter @victorhenao or old school www.victorhenao.com. If you want to hire him he's represented by Top5Management.

AMOY gives us the 411 on STYLIN

AMOY, hairstylist extraordinaire with 16 years under her belt in the biz...and now reality star on the television show STYLIN on Oxygen gives us the scoop.

More scoop on AMOY

Maureen's Cam- Mourners say Good Bye to Alexander McQueen in front of his West 14th Street Store

Scene in front of the Alexander McQueen West 14th Street Store at 5:30pm on Thursday, January 11th 2010 - the day Lee Alexander McQueen took his own life. At only 40 years old, the brilliant English designer known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics leaves the fashion world stunned but like art, his work - will continue to inspire and live on.

The Looks from Eryn Brinie's Presentation F2010

Eryn Brinie´ Fall 2010-2011 presentation at the store.
Here is a video showing the looks. I was surprised to find
out that there is no Eryn Brinie´ and the line is designed by
a team of designers-but who adds a french accent on the e?
I think Eryn Brinie´ needs someone to twitter (the avatar of now)
and breathe life into the fictitious Eryn-much like
@bettydraper who is simply DIVINE. I would gladly be Eryn
for a pretty penny.
Eryn Brinie´ Website

Amoy Pitters Hair Stylist from STYLIN

Alexandra's CAM:
Despite the snow storm I made it down to Soho for more fashion juicy bits.
I caught up with Amoy Pitters at the Eryn Brinie Fashion Presentation. She is a
the talented hair stylist who is in the process of filming for Oxygen's television show STYLIN. Amoy graciously spoke to me about her inspirations for the hair for Eryn's presentation.
A sidenote: My BFF Michiko Boorberg (a wonderful makeup and hair stylist) is also being filmed for this show.

Donna Karan's wise words at Parson's

Did you miss Donna Karan's talk at Parson's last week? I know we did (sadly). Luckily on twitter @dkny was tweeting such brilliant sound bites that tided me over until the full video was posted to youtube.
You can watch it here:
YOUTUBE

Alexandra Owen Fall 2010-11 Collection

Straight from Alexandra's Cam
Thanks to a brilliant tip from Syl Tang of Hip Guide via my talented fashion stylist friend Rene Garza I got a chance to be one of the first in New York city to view Alexandra Owen's new collection. She has been selling and showing her line in New Zealand for 12 years and this is her inaugural showing in the big apple. All the fashion heavy weights such as Linda Fargo of Bergdorfs, a stylist from Harper's Bazaar, and a few from Elle Magazine saw the line on the same day as us. So good things are sure to come for this architectural line. Enjoy this video in which the designer Alexandra Owen shows us some key pieces in the line.
Alexandra Owen's Website

Alexandra Owen's Goals

I've asked Alexandra Owen to speak about her goals for the fashion company and here's what she had to say..

What we love from New Zealand's Alexandra Owen

I'm so excited to share with you my top picks from Alexandra Owen's line. It's rare that a new talent emerges on the New York scene that blows me out of the water (and even before the official Amex Mercedes Benz Fashion starts). The fabulous Syl Tang of Hip Guide who has seen it all fashion wise (the good, the so so, and the BAAAD) invited us to the private showing in Hotel 41.

I'm not one to fall in love with a black dress but...If you were going to buy one this would be it. So versatile, sophisticated, and perfect for a wide range of ages.

What's stopping you from being drop dead gorgeous in this rusty bronze sequin necklace/shawl? Now that glittery things are being shown am and pm it's a must.

Showing you both the front and the back of this reversible dress so that means once you want a new dress flip it and voila a new look. Washable silk that goes in the washing machine? Perfect for these times. Brilliant and perfect for day to night. I would live in it and love every silky sec.

I'm loving her draping details. Also very flattering to the bust.
An a-line architectural coat 'the elizabeth' with asymmetrical seam details juxtaposed with the soft curls of the neck is unique mix. (shown with another jacket underneath)

So if you want to be able to buy this line in the US, send a tweet to @bergdorfs. Tell them we sent you!

have designer bag...will travel

So living and working in New York City means riding the subway is a reality of my daily existence. Although I consider myself professionably successful, I prefer to be fashionally frugal, which means opting to to walk most of the time from my very convenient 5th Avenue crib.

I suspect most New Yorkers have the prototypical cab addiction — as necessary to survival as their Grande-Skinny-Caramel-Macch-Double-Shot-Espresso running through their veins. Those who have really made it (think: expense account) have personal drivers or, at minimum, a car service ride to cruise around town.

Being content as a subway sojourner, I’m left to observe my fellow travelers, specifically the real vs. fake designer bag toters. The reality of the real designer bag market is that they are essentially ‘affordable luxury’ starting at a tempting $300. My personal definition of luxury is to have something unique that is not on the arms of a thousand others. But seriously, if you can afford to spend $2,000 on a bag, shouldn’t you be able to afford to be above ground in a towncar? I’m of the old-school philosophy that you do not spend what you do not have. So, are they dropping $2K on credit? Are they scraping every last dime to have a Speedy? Are they gifts of ‘benefit boyfriends’?

As for the fly girls who are carrying fake louis vuitton bags dressed in H&M…who do you think you are kidding? Go buy yourself something unique this weekend — that reflects who you really are or aspire to be. It can be a vintage, it can be new…. but if it’s fake, ask yourself: "Why Am I Buying This?" And if your current purse doesn’t allow for expenditures , trade a former fave with a close friend. Won’t cost you a dime but you’ll appreciate it so much more!

Beautiful People & Football Don't Mix they Fish;-)

So, the “Gatsby” Superbowl Party was equipped - movie screen, surround sound, champagne, sangria, delicious appetizers- mini lobster blts, kobe burgers and on a sweeter side - milkshakes and mango sweezable sorbet (kindof like a sweet toothpaste) all served by adorable models dressed in “football attire”. Yes, the beautiful people showed… Only there may have been some confusion, were we there for football or fishing? – not sure if anyone watched the game;-).

Party Temperature Tester Babe

Are you guilty of running late to every party so that you can text your girlfriends to tell you how it is? One of my girlfriends pulled this on me for the best party of the season. Penthouse, free drinks, full buffet of hot apps, wonderful people, and the biggest private roof deck in Manhattan. Who would want to miss this triple threat?? What a nice change from last weeks party in honor of a pet photographer that was held at Taj-bizarro people, the only free drinks were sex on the beach (weren't those trumped by cosmos like 10 years ago) and the only food was frozen appetizers. We know it's a recession but please. If I wanted a Trader Joe spanikopita I can stay home.

Anywhooo...all parties are a risk and a gamble because it's your time. I always say, if you don't like it you can always leave and make up some gracious excuse.

Alexandra and Maureen do Superbowl XLIV - NYC Style!

Alexandra and I are looking forward to a fabulous PH Superbowl Party which I was informed I am only allowed to invite the beautiful people – i.e. only HOT girls or I should just come myself. Well ok, I guess I will overlook female objectification and only invite my hot friends because the host, like the Great Gatsby (minus the tragic ending) is a good guy and known for his parties which I have always enjoyed – they are embroidered with creativity and endless entertainment, Veuve Clicquot and fountains of chocolates. We will report on just how beautiful the people are and just how sensational it is!! Now - that is So 5th Avenue.

Just a Sidenote - beyond style and uniforms - pay our cheerleaders

Sidenote- beyond style and uniforms - According to NFL team history website. The job title of a New Orleans Saints and Colts Cheerleader is “to be a lady at all times, to be gracious and kind to those she comes into contact with and to support and uphold the impeccable image of the New Orleans Saints or Colts organization.” (when did this occur, I assume in the 50s) Come on old school!!! Equality!!!!! Their job is more than that- it is about promoting the team, rallying the fans, athletism, dance, ability, know-how, strength in character, and beyond. But pay them they BARELY get paid MINIMUM WAGE!!! I found that according to Yahoo answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060906052328AAz6kui Cheerleaders get paid approximately $50 per home game NET OF EXPENSES PRACTICALLY nothing. I do not know the exact wages earned in particular for the Colts and Saints’ cheerleaders but through my findings it is in the same ballpark. According to Wiki http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_average_salary_of_an_NFL_football_player the median salary in the NFL in 2009 is roughly $770,000 for12.5 minutes X 16 games that is about $48K per hour ~ way above even the best sports agent’s billable hours!. Sure the other argument may be that these ladies get exposure but let’s be honest – isn’t that the other bottom line of any sports endeavourer to make money!! Time to start rooting for our cheerleaders and let them share the wealth! According to Wiki the NFL makes anywhere from 11.5 billion dollars to 14.7 billion dollars depending on which team goes to the Superbowl. Let’s face it models and even beauty pageant contestants get some return on their female objectification!

Superbowl XLIV- it is all about the Cheerleaders!

Superbowl XLIV! The New Orleans Saints versus the Indianapolis Colts. That’s right Guys and Gals, I don’t care too much about the game this time around so let talk about the cheerleaders’ fashion, shall we. Bring it on Girls! Battle of the Saintsations and the Colts Cheerleaders. Hmm, two very different sources of stylistic inspiration. However, really if it wasn’t for the cheerleaders who would fill the time at the big game ~ during the commercials. According to Wiki( http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_actual_minutes_are_played_in_an_NFL_football_game .)The actual amount of pure playing time is incredibly only about 12.5 minutes on average! So in the end, the only continuous entertainment is by the ladies outside the stripes. Who would really bring them to the finish line in style in the end. As a former Vera Wang girl, I know that Vera in the past designed the Eagles cheerleaders outfits (better luck next year, Eagles you know I will always be your # 1 cheerleader!) But I am not sure who designed those in today’s game. I digress, my initial feeling when writing this was to determine who wears it better? And - I am curious on your thoughts:

Being a Saintsation is about commitment and intense training. There are 10 routines, as well as, choreographed moves to the music that will play in the Superdome. According to www.saintsations.org - The women also have more than 10 uniforms - it is said, the Saintsations set the precedent of wardrobe change at halftime in order to create a different look. Nice Work Ladies! id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435552645325340882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 145px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl2zO-jwV22YCU9Y9miFWN5mvWgINDE9_1P8SIX36xcUxMqpV2kHb_O756JZ8IEMCHIqTwQoEEPb2xYxnRDP3cvs-DQ1j8BV1sAmn_U2Q9Ws9aKGHRUbRjx4I2NyLS3unRC0kGiU4j6s/s320/new_orleans_saints.jpg" border="0" />

The Colts Cheerleaders share the same commitment. The Colts became the FIRST NFL TEAM TO HAVE CHEERLEADERS, however this claim is disputed by Pittsburgh Steelers cheerleaders from 1961-69. The Colts jumped from Baltimore to Indianapolis but they kept their blue and white colors.