Yesterday’s stand out show was undoubtedly Max Azria’s Herve Leger F/W 2012 collection in the Theater at Lincoln Center. The exquisite collection was equipped with leather panels, heavy pleating, fringe and several variations of harnesses, including some with python and fur arm pieces (consider these a must-have item for the season). Models were appropriately styled in a minimalistic fashion, with sleek ponytails and natural makeup, allowing the bold pieces to speak for themselves.

And they did.

Following the show, Max and Lubov Azria held a private dinner at Anja Bar in the Meatpacking District, where they celebrated the debut of both the BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway and Herve Leger collections. The evening was intimate and star-studded, with guests enjoying an array of family style hors d’oeuvres, including sliders and sushi rolls, as well as entrees such as miso-glazed sea bass and bite size desserts like red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

The design super couple played gracious hosts, passing by every table to ensure that their guests were enjoying themselves. To boot, Beyoncé’s baby sister Solange Knowles took to the turntables to curate the musical entertainment for the evening, which evolved into a full-out dance party around 11p.m.

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PHOTO: Theophilus London

On Friday February 10th, Darby Downstairs played host to Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2012 Show after party, ushering in some of New York’s most fashionable crowd to celebrate the collection that was shown earlier in the day.

PHOTO: Coco Rocha

Guests including celebrity stylist Brad Goreski, Wilhelmina model Coco Rocha with husband James Conran, and model Christina Caradona, showed up to partake in the celebration and listen to live set by Brooklyn native rapper, Theophilus London. Throughout the evening, guests sipped on Belvedere cocktails, POM and Fiji Water and took personalized photos at the Snapette photo booth.

photo credit: Billy Farrell Agency / BFANYC.com

Charlotte Ronson runway shows are always a crowd favorite. Her collections are youthful, cool and effortless, and while each collection is unique and inspired by trends and several different variables, they consistently stay true to the brand’s DNA. Apart from that, it’s also one of the best shows for people watching. You’ll see stars like Kelly Osbourne, Nicky Hilton, Russell Simmons and more, sitting front row. And her F/W 2012 show last night was no different.

The collection was composed of prints on prints, zippers, pleats, collars, lace, leather, neutral shades of cognac and hunter green and more. The knit headpieces were my personal favorite, in addition to the color-block dresses and pullovers. A standout look from the show paired a tribal print romper with red leather tapered trousers and chocolate suede pumps.

Once the show came to a close, some hurried over to the Richie Rich show, and then to 1Oak where Charlotte Ronson hosted her official after party. Sister Samantha Ronson took to the turntables, while guests like Nicky Hilton, Angela Simmons, Gina Gershon and Caroline Dekeyster sipped sparkling wine by VOGA.

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On Friday, February 10 SAVOIR Beds recreated the Duran Duran’s “Girl Panic” video inside their Soho showroom in celebration of New York Fashion Week.

Five models in KiKi de Montparnasse  and Swarovski jewels on strutted their sexy stuff on ultra luxurious SAVOIR designer beds, directly in front of the showroom’s floor to ceiling windows.

Voyeurs got a view of the action from the outside while invited party guests sip martinis inside. A 60 foot by 40 foot projection of the original video played outside while the party raged on.

The original video, takes place at The Savoy Hotel on a SAVOIR Bed and features supermodels Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford and Eva Herzigova.

www.savoirbeds.com

On Friday Feb 10th, fashion favorite Nicole Miller showed her retro inspired Fall 2012 collection at Lincoln Center. But while the Sargent Pepper outfits were nothing short of breathtaking, it was the wild nails that got everyone talking.

CND’s Wanda Ruiz helped showcase parallel times to prove that “the past plays out in the present.” CND’s “Time Machine” manicures at Nicole Miller were trippy and hypnotic in colorful swirls of CND Colours in Plumville, Electric Orange, Bicycle Yellow and Anchor Blue.

Try to master this look at home with a toothpick (or a detailing brush) and some patience.

Check out the special EFFEN cocktails guests sipped on during the bash

EFFEN Chai LOVE’tini
1 1⁄2 oz EFFEN Vodka
Peel of lemon (use a knife or potato peeler to make a thick strip)
Peel of Orange
4 Dashes of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of water
A fat peel of lemon (cut from fruit with either a knife or potato peeler)

In a mixing glass place sugar, water, bitters, and fruit peels skin side down. Lightly muddle peels into sugar to release oils and to dissolve sugar into water. Fill with ice, Effen vodka and stir well.

EFFEN Black Cherry Woods
1 1⁄2 oz EFFEN  Black Cherry Vodka

1 Dash Angostura Bitters

1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz Pomegranate juice (from refrigerator isle, not glass bottled juice isle)

2 oz club soda

In a mixing glass, shake all but club soda, strain into a tall ice filled glass, top with club soda, lemon wheels and stir.

EFFEN Citrus Twilight
1 1⁄2 oz EFFEN Cucumber Vodka
Dash of Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
3⁄4 oz organic simple syrup
5 sage leaves

The silk drop waist, pleated dresses at BCBGMAXAZRIA were the first we saw of pleats, but it seems the trend is everywhere. Charlotte Ronson, Libertine, Rebecca Taylor and other brands have showcased their take on pleats, an element that adds dimension to the garments. Stay tuned to learn which other designers have played into pleating.

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Rebecca Taylor’s F/W 2012 collection made its way down the runway yesterday at Lincoln Center, and was overflowing with knits, leather, fur and chiffon. In one word, the collection was wearable, and composed of key pieces for layering.

Pleated chiffon blouses were paired with studded tights, vests, cropped jackets and chunky fur ankle boots for a look that is effortless and cool. Reminiscent of the 90s, the collection took rich textures and embellishments and translated them into easy, everyday silhouettes. We think you’ll find your F/W 2012 uniform at Rebecca Taylor.

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On February 9, designer Andrew Buckler hosted a special gathering to celebrate his Fall 2012 line and the opening of new hot spot The Elsinore. Still technically under construction, The Elsinore comes from Noel Ashman (of The Plumm, Studio 54, Veruka, NA) with a dream team of investors including hip hop impresario Damon Dash, The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, Jesse Bradford, Simon Rex and Ethan Browne.

The Elsinore is a semi-private lounge located on the burgeoning border of Soho and the Lower East Side, providing an exclusive escape for VIPs and downtown trendsetters alike.  The venue, designed by Steve Lewis and named after Hamlet’s castle, features a palette of rich blues that light glass-enclosed columns in the main room and shine above an ancient painted glass door bar.  Navy blue leather banquets line the walls beneath an over-sized reclaimed clock.

Guest at the event had the chance to check out the new space, sip Belvedere cocktails and take in a video installation of Buckler’s work. Famous faces at the party included Noel Ashman, Taylor Ford, Damon Dash, Stanley Stuyvesant  and Project Runway alum designer Joshua McKinley.

Kicking off Fashion Week a few days early on Tuesday February 7, renowned accessories brand, Etienne Aigner presented their debut Fall/Winter 2012 handbag and jewelry collections at The Morgan Library.

After going dark for six-months, the classic brand will return this coming fall under new ownership with a reinvigorated brand look and a stunning, modern collection of handbags and jewelry taking inspired touches from its heritage.

The South Parlor of the prestigious Morgan Library proved to be the perfect venue to showcase the collection. Guests were served
cocktails and appetizers as they viewed the pieces on display and listened to the smooth sounds of DJ Natasha Nova.

The presentation marked just the beginning of a major overhaul of the 60 year-old brand. Under the direction of Piotti and a new design team, Etienne Aigner has plans to expand the brand beyond women’s accessories, into men’s accessories and women’s ready-to-wear in the coming year, as well as open a standalone flagship store in New York City.