CURIOUSER NEW YORK

I just could NOT not share with you. So damn sexy. So much attitude. I love it! Reminds me of a bunch of cool girls with a bit of attitude that you would not mind...

Designer Luis Machicao was the only designer in the Couture Fashion Week New York who brought 'rock-n-roll' to the fashion week. His latest collection was a true joy to watch, because it was so damn colorful and fun - I absolutely loved his Fall 2012 Collection!

During the intermissions I took my camera on a short spin around the hallways of Waldorf-Astoria to shoot what regular people wore to the couture fashion shows. Here's a mini report behind the scenes of the Couture Fashion Week Fall 2012 - a rather diverse crowd of people. What I've noticed from a bit of shooting that I did was that the red color was the predominant color and was present in almost each one of these people's outfits. Is the IT RED color coming back? You tell me...

  Having been fascinated with The Oscar's Academy Awards show for the last 20+ years, I can definitely call myself a devoted fan of the show. I've been religiously watching The Oscar's ceremony every single year from the day I remember myself. I think it's the only late night show that I was allowed to stay up late for when I was little - [ maybe because my mom was watching too]. So, you can imagine what I felt, when I actually got intimate with The Oscar's...

This latest metal couture creations from a New York-based designer Laurel DeWitt for her LaureLuxe label were truly a piece of art. I could tell that DeWitt had something to do with New York City as I watched her runway show, because the black color is a predominant color in her Fall 2012 Collection. Turned out to be that - she is, as a matter of fact, a native New Yorker - [black color, as I've mentioned it many times before in my blog, is very much liked among the New Yorkers; It's an 'ultimate' do-it-all color, if you know what I mean...] DeWitt's collection can be described as fantastically bold. To her, metal knows no limits, and as you will see from the photos - she really pushes the boundaries of where and how the metal can be applied to an outfit, from top to toe...

Here's as promised a round-up of the shoes spotted during the fashion weeks in New York around and about the fashion shows.  As you can seen, there's a style for everyone - from stilettos, sandals and pumps to Oxfords and boots. The color variations are also pretty wide - from bight colors of (red, yellow and orange) to pastels and dark ones of browns and blacks.  Personally, I'm really looking forward to the Spring...

This is the second time I see a luxury and couture knitted collection by Janina Stankiene for her Janerations label. Last September she wowed me with her knits from her Spring 2012 Collection. While personally I find knits a rather difficult material to work with - [seriously, how much of a knit variation one can come up, right?] - it seems as if every time I see a collection by Stankiene, she pulls the creativity out of pretty much nothing, meaning - out of almost nothing, she makes something. And this something is pretty incredible. Her knitted collection, actually, makes me wanting winter...

I, seriously, can't get enough of this video that I came across, while being piled up - [or as they say in the digital age of photography - over-gadgeted and over-Mac-ed] - with hundreds of the shots I did at the Couture Fashion Week. These kind of videos make the days of the fashion bloggers a bit more easy. A bit more fun. The thing is, though, that the video is so funny and so true that it's not even funny... xoxo

This is the Fall 2012 Collection by a New York City-based designer ALICAT Avril Lemieux. I found the collection very 'French', if I must say so. Very noir . I don't know if Avril Lemieux meant it to be this way, but aside from the chains - a rather interesting take on a classic ala Marlene Dietrich look - her designs reminded me of the Parisian 60s - [only if I could do a soundtrack for this blog post, I'd do this one ...]

Couldn't resist to stop and watch it a few times the other day. Directed by Mario Testino , the Spring/Summer 2012 campaign features Natalia Vodianova in little more than her Stuart Weitzman shoes...

This is the Fall 2012 Collection by Edwing D'Angelo , which took my breath away.  Lace, leather, eye masks, smooth long ponytails, high heels, tight waist both  feminine  and sexual skirts and dresses, corsets... So S&M - the sensual way.  So femme fatale. So something I'd definitely wear, sans the facial mask.  

A while ago - [about 20 years ago, to be exact] -  I've noticed   that the commercials shown abroad are neither the same as the ones shown (by the same brand) in USA nor they are as creative and sexy - [and on the border of 'pushing the envelop'] - as the ones shown to the Americans. There's just a lot lost over the ocean... 

Since I'm off fresh from the fashion shows, I thought I'd share my concern with you... I've been always wondering how those models are able to balance on those high heels - [to the point of very ridiculously uncomfortable and high, immediately comes to mind -  Alexander McQueens' shoes ] -  and not fall that often. And that's besides the fact that some of the overall outfits are uncomfortable to walk in - either long dresses and/or veils of some sort... I decided to entertain you a bit and share this video with you - Trips, Falls and Fun on the Catwalk ... 

Getting a bit off the subject matter of the Couture Fashion Week - [or, it'd drive me crazy going over and over hundreds of the runway photos...I want to post them all !]... I'm loving Spring's collection at Armani. So very basic - black, red and white. So very Armani...

This is the latest collection by Yuliana Candra under her BlacMéra label. BlacMéra is a couture brand founded by Yuliana Candra, with a vision to bring the femininity and the romanticism of the old world to modern, strong, and powerful women. To attain an effortless elegance with international appeal, the designer draws her inspiration from the heritage of world cultures and transforms the rich nuances into contemporary high fashion through detailed craftsmanship and the finest textiles. 

This is Fall 2012 Collection by Washington, DC-based designer Laura Williams. Entitled “Dreams”, the latest collection by Laura Williams features simple yet elegant designs with a wide appeal to women of discriminating tastes. Williams' creations are characterized by an original sense of style and exceptional craftsmanship, and are known for their versatility and wearability. Accessories at the upcoming fashion show will be provided by the creative and talented Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura Jewelry, Brooklyn, NY.

Still perplexed how some of the fashion bloggers can turn over the material - [photos and videos] - they've shot at a fashion show on the same day of the show - how, how, how is it possible? It took me two days to just go over, select, edit and post the photos from Day One of the Couture Fashion Week, and it's not even all of it... I actually - [to my own sadness] - had to select just a few out of very many that I've shot. Here's a collection by a Spanish designer  Isabel Zapardiez  - the Couture Bridal Designs. Obviously, it was the whitest as it can get of the runway shows! And, of course, it was romantic too... I'm sure it was a rather pleasurable show for all the women in the audience who are either already planning a wedding and/or they are dreaming about it. As for me, it was just an enjoyment to see the handwork of the white dresses - gowns. At some moment a thought on getting married didn't seem like a bad idea at all...

Yesterday was the first day of the Couture Fashion Week New York.  I was running late and had to, unfortunately, miss two shows. I was also worried that knowing how fierce the battle for the 'sunny spot' on a photo press panel can get, I was not looking towards facing the many male photographers on the scene. There were about 50 men in the press/photo to a few of the gals. But I've learned from the trade - [that is - having worked as a journalist] that you don't have to be nasty, as a matter of fact, if you are strategically nice to your fellow press members, they'd be willing to open up and be nice as well. And here it goes...

I don't know about you, but I always try to find color in anything and anywhere, which might come as a surprise to those who know me. And know that I love black color and quite often I wear black clothes. Yesterday was no different. I wore all black - top to toe. I find it that if one wears black, it's universal for everything, meaning - you can actually decently pass for any occassion and tolerate any suprise of a day by wearing black. Black gives you this 'versatile' 'can do all without ruining my reputation' feel. Meaning...

This week I had a rare chance to see Manhattan in the afternoon on a work day. It's a rare occasion, if at all, as all full-time professionals would agree with me. From 9 to 5 p.m. - at least - we see the city through the windows of our offices, and we only get to enjoy the city during the day time on weekends.  Things I haven't noticed... The Apple on the Fifth Ave. store 's transparency works with the whites around it. The whites of the 'veranda' chairs, fountain and FAO Schwartz store make it even more transparant and, in a way, very magically high-tech. Fifth Ave./NYC  I think I've passed this building at least hundred times, but I've never noticed how official the doormen looked at the entrance of the Trump Tower. Most of us know of this building from Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" show, and New Yorkers, basically, grew up with this building. However, truthfully, I've never even been inside the building... (I do miss...

Looks as the spring is slowly but surely arriving to New York City. At least it's very noticeable at the stores, where the window displays have changed from 'Christmas Holiday' decors to Spring fashion overnight. Some are even already displaying bathing suits and beach totes, but I wouldn't go as far as to write about it. Just not yet, at least... Browsing through some current Spring 2012 trends, I realized that a lot of it to do with the Earthy colors and patterns. It looks as we are getting a bit more intimate with the mother Earth. The beiges, browns, greens, grays - are in the air for the upcoming spring. Take, for example, these two men that I've spotted at Irina Shabayeva Fall 2012 Collection fashion show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York last Monday. They are both dressed 'earthy', from shoes, pants and jackets to accessories - bags and scarves.

Sometimes it's the general public at a fashion show that has most interesting looks - not even the show's models... At Irina Shabayeva's Fall 2012 Collection fashion show I really liked the men's styles.These men pulled off a very urban "New York" fashion style very well, very easy. Cargo pants, army boots, clean cut bright color jacket and a fedora...and a scarf

Yes, I do, do, do love shooting what's going on behind the scenes at a fashion show. I'm fascinated with the personal styles of regular folks. Of course, again, they are not really regular people , because they wouldn't be at a fashion show in the middle of the day if they were...

David Beckham has arrived... That is - Beckham's new underwear collection has arrived in H&M stores across the globe, and I happened to stumble over it, while shopping for the store's latest hot items - stretching leather pants and long wool jacket with leather sleeves - [I'm obsessed with them now...] This David Beckham-H&M collaboration has been in the works for a while, and the fans of Beckham's 'forms' couldn't wait to see what he, personally, would come up with aside from his previous collaborations with Giorgio Armani that absolutely wow-ed the females around the world. And I must tell you - he did not disappoint!

Sometimes it's better once to see than hear many times. Here's the video montage of what's the fashion show by Irina Shabayeva 's Fall 2012 Collection , held on February 13, 2012 at Eventi hotel in Manhattan, was all about last night. As I've mentioned before, the fashion showcase was projected onto the Big Plaza Screen outside the hotel... Here are some more videos:

The spring is almost here, which means - soon-to-be-packed and stored away winter boots are in much need to be replaced with the next sexy-thing on the shoe markets. And not just replaced with any shoes, but with the shoes that make a statement. That is - a  big city kind of statement. These should be the ultimate shoes for both a stylish day and night out on a city. Here's what I call statement shoes perfect for many reasons, including for the reasons appreciate a good piece of art, nature and sexiness in the details:

Yes, these men mean some serious business. Spotting on the street of New York, these men had their own styles to complement a working day...

Speaking of the shoe trends for Spring/Summer and Fall 2012. There's a choice for everyone, as it appears according to some true New York fashionistas. I checked out their thoughts on what trends to look for, and here's what they've got to say...

My current, absolutely insane obsession is the label NOWHERE... I adore everything from what they make for women, as well as for men and babies and their cool blog along...

When I was leaving New York City at the end of 2005, I knew I'd be back. There's just no where in the world I'd rather live, and, believe me, I've tried. I lived in some of the best US and European metro cities: from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Washington DC to Paris and Moscow - there's absolutely no place on earth that can live up to the New York scenery.

Obsessing over these candy-colored Vivienne Westwood (Follow her on Twitter for the latest from a British queens of rock-n-roll @followwestwood ) pumps! And again, I'm spilling out all the secrets of where to go to for similar fashionable finds. Click here: click, click .

There's something about Floanne, the sensitivity of her French jazz - I can just listen, and listen for hours to her on my Pandora. But now, no more - she's coming to America and will be performing in New York City in less than two weeks and I've got my tickets! Can't even imagine that I've almost missed it. Never thought I'd find tickets to her concert here...

It's time to bring out and about my new camera. It's time to shoot some serious fashion...   I finally got the perfect occasion to do so - the New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week Fall 2012 that are starting next week - [ running February 9-16, 2012  and February 17-19, 2012 ] - with the pre-parties and pre-castings in the city happening already. [As a matter of fact, I'm starting to notice some very skinny tall young girls more and more on the streets of NYC, perhaps they are coming from other parts of the world just in time for castings, try-ons and walking the runaways, if chosen.] And I've got my pass...

Going, going - gone... Shooting in the action can be both fun and... inconvenient. But the end result can be truly surprising as it actually shows the style in action, emphasizing certain details that stills can not... I truly enjoy the way people dress in New York. It seems as if everyone has a distinctive personal style, thus, it makes NYC a perfect jungle of opportunities for all the street fashion bloggers who roam the streets to shoot the personal styles of the new yorkers, who are not hard to spot. On the contrary - it's hard to choose among the many...

Me like it... Me like it a lot... or as Dolce & Gabbana guys would say it: "Me like me shoes a lot..."  Get ready for the unbelievable Spring 2012 footwear from D&G: Headscarf prints virtually determine the fantastic accessory selection originating from D&G for spring/summer 2012.

Like the nature itself, we like it when the Spring comes and everything blooms and blossoms. Just like the orchard trees in DC, bluebonnet in Texas and tulips in Russia - we need to see pinks, reds, yellows, blues in the Spring so that the thought of white and/or gray winter quickly dissolves in the array of colors...  Spring colors in transition from very dark black/browns to lighter and brighter on the runaway, Spring/Summer 2012 Spring boots in transition from black/browns to more color for Spring/Summer 2012 Personally, I'm ready to take those black coats, scarves, gloves and hats off and embrace the color of Spring!

Here's a thing. I'm sure many of you would understand me.  There's always a pair of boots/shoes and/or a piece of clothing in each person's wardrobe that's just so favorite of yours that you keep wearing it and repairing it through the years. There's this favorite sweater of yours that you keep patching up, there's this favorite pair of boots that you keep sole-ing up and polishing - there's always something that you just can't make yourself to get rid of unless it completely falls apart to very little pieces that you can't put back together anymore...   My mom used to tell me that I pay more for the repairs than, let's say, a new pair of shoes/boots would cost me, so why not to buy new ones? Yes, why not? 

No, no, no - the winter is not yet over, unlinke some people would have hoped.  Even despite the changes in the temperature, when every New Yorker gets confused for a day or two - changing from parkas and wool coats to leather jackets and booties - the freezing cold is back - and it almost always happens on the same day. No wonder, the local pharmacies have been looking much 'fuller' than they did in the Fall - there are just a lot of unpredictable weather changes that send even the most prepared stylish people into the hurricane of frustration over the fact that as a good a Samaritan fashion-conscious person you are, most likely you've dry-cleaned and packed way far away your stylish Fall clothes till the Spring and rolled out the whole Winter wardrobe to your disposal... And going back and forth in between the clothes and shoes from different seasons is NEVER fun. I feel you. I do. And I found the solution on how to manage these changes that I'd like to sha...