NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PAMELLA ROLAND FALL 2010

Further to my post regarding friend and fashion stylist extraordinaire--Keisha--styling the collections of Oscar de la Renta and Pamella Roland, see below for behind-the-scenes prep photos for Pamella's Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week show, and see how the pieces translated on the runway.

Pamella's Fall 2010 collection is inspired by the Venice Carnivale and featured headpieces, rich jewel toned fabric and highly stylized and embellished pieces. The designer knows her audience--which included Brooke Shields, Afre Woodard and Mina Suvari--and hit pitch perfect notes with her red carpet ready gowns.

Click "Read more" below to see more behind-the-scenes photos from Pamella Roland's Fall 2010 show. Thanks to Keisha for the photos!

MILAN FASHION WEEK: BALLY FALL/WINTER 2010

Bally showed their Fall/Winter 2010 looks this past weekend in Milan. Designer Brian Atwood delivered--this being his last show at the helm of the brand.

A look from Bally's Fall/Winter 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection.

WWD reports that Atwood "had a vision--Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo waiting on a train station platform on a foggy winter eve. He imagined them wearing outerwear. . . " While Dietrich and Garbo cloaked their unapologetic sensuality in mystery, Bally would have us cloak ours in blanket cutouts and aviators made of the finest cashmere, mink or jersey bonded lamb nappa; palazzo trousers in double-sided stretch gabardine; and silk dresses with delicate pleating and draping.

Mae Python Bag

Bally's bags are, in keeping with tradition, a compelling fusion of form and function. One would think that the clean lines would be lost in the shadow of tactile leathers such as grommet covered nappa, antiqued deer, sprayed python and leopard print pony, but the richly textured hides only highlight the construction. Note the brands iconic red/white trainspotting stripes (a nice homage to the company's Swiss roots) is still prominently featured, but subtly incorporated.

Anny Shoe

And then there are the shoes. This season's shoes are a nod to the archive pieces of the 1900s through the 1930s, with thoroughly modern proportions. As is typical of this luxury brand, construction is completed using only the finest glove nappa or lizard.

Click "Read more" below to see more of Bally's Fall/Winter RTW collection. Thanks to Brittany at Bally for the photos!

STYLESTAR: KEISHA @ OSCAR DE LA RENTA & PAMELLA ROLAND - NYC'S FALL 2010 MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK

Remember Keisha? My bff, confidant, personal stylist and StyleChile contributor? In the years since you've last seen her on this space she has had the opportunity to fuse her love of fashion and Parsons education while embarking on a career as a stylist!

Not just any stylist, but a stylist helping one of the industry's most seasoned and respected designers, the incomparable Oscar de la Renta, and celebrity designer Pamella DeVos, the woman behind the Pamella Roland Brand. Keisha worked with both as they prepared to send their collections down the runway at New York City's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

I caught up with Keisha and she's shared her experience for StyleChile readers. Continue reading my interview with Keisha by clicking "Read more" below. . .

VOGUE BLACK, VOGUE CURVY, VOGUE TALENTS

From Vogue Black article on hair as a symbol of beauty for black women

In the year or two since the criticism of the fashion world's lack of color. In the wake of the triumph of new designers--evinced by the First Lady's unwavering commitment to young talent. And, in the aftermath of our acceptance and celebration of curvaceous figures, Vogue Italia launches Vogue Black, Vogue Talents and Vogue Curvy. This initiative signals a shift as once marginalized groups (black women, emerging designers and curvy women) are now being thrust front and center of the very industry which, unwittingly or not, contributed to their very absence. Vogue Italia, known for leading the industry in addressing the dearth of black models, has raised the bar yet again. It will be interesting to note the response of other fashion magazines.

Red dresses created by the finalists of "Who's On Next?" in support of the prevention of cardiovascular disease are featured on Vogue Talents

This shift also signals a sea change as mainstream media embraces and acknowledges the growing importance of new media--the bloggers and other internet publishers. The significance that advertisers, publicists and the reading public has long since recognized.

Continue reading by clicking "Read more" below. . .

BE MINE!

Gentlemen, looking for a gift for that special woman in your life? Look no further. Ladies, StyleChile's Valentine's Day gift guide provides suggestions that will be sure to titillate all of your significant other's senses. From a decadent recipe that will satiate his sweet tooth to fragrance that will tantalize. See below for prices and where to buy!

1- Damaris "Reverie" silk bra and briefs, $145 each at net-a-porter; 2- Kate Spade cluster stud earrings, $65.00 at Piperlime; 3- YSL Lip color, a gloss and lipstick duo in a compact inspired by the luggage tags on vintage YSL handbags.$75 at yslbeautyus.com; 4-Cire Trudon Nazareth candle, $85.00 at Barney's; 5-3.1 Phillip Lim cheeky silk-blend briefs, $95.00 on net-a-porter; 6- Impress him by making Parisian macaroons with this recipe from Martha Stewart or if you don't have time to unleash your inner domestic goddess buy some from William Sonoma; 7- American Eagle's aerie ruffle bralette, $14.95 at ae.com; 8-Dolce & Gabbana floral balconette bra, originally $195, now on sale for $48.75 on outnet.com; 9-Ruffle mesh lingerie, $14.99 at Charlotte Russe; 10-Viva La Juicy eau de parfum on sale for $13.49-$40.50 at Kohl's; 11- Nail colors: Zoya in Anaka $7 from zoya.com, Dior in Red Dahlia, $20 at Sephora, Dior in Black Dahlia, $20 at Dillards.com; 12-Brazilian lace Ladypant £4.00 at TopShop ; 13-give him a sexy photo of yourself in this John Murphy frame, available at John Murphy Photographs for $55.00.

Click on the label below for vintage Valentine's Day posts!

RIP ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

The fashion world is bereft with grief as it mourns the passing of one of it's own. Alexander Mcqueen a/k/a Lee Mcqueen a/k/a l'enfant terrible was found dead in his London home today. Mcqueen was the lead designer at Givenchy for years before founding his own brand. The 40 year old designer is known for his fresh take on fashion and produced shows that inspired shock and awe, but most of all, his creations garnered respect as the world marveled at his undeniable talent and sheer creative genius. Rest in peace.