OBSESSION: MODEL ARLENIS SOSA

Models appear in strong doses within my industry--especially during the current Fashion Week. Nothing gets my visual grips more than attractive faces + matching poses! For about a year, Mr. MSR have built a fixed eye on model—supermodel soon—Arlenis Sosa. The young (born 1989 in Dominican Republic) überlooking model just gets me creatively going when she's in action—whether posing for Patrick Demarchelier or stomping the catwalks at Christian Dior.

I really see Arlenis soaring far and high in the industry. (And it does not hurt Anna Wintour strongly champions Sosa.) With her pleasant and warm disposition, Arlenis, I’m confident, will continue knocking’ the industry dead!

MORE FASHION WEEK RECAPS

Buckler

Dipping and diving through cobblestone pavements, I breezed over to Buckler presentation in their downtown men’s wear boutique. In traditional Buckler presenting format, models planted atop curving podiums. The Spring collection inspired from Helmut Newton’s photographs of a fiberglass mannequin alongside of a human model and Cathy Wilkes’ “Non Verbal-Installation.”

Innovative fabrics were utilized to stylish effect, such as cargo pants and double-breasted blazers made from chintzed linen. Buckler’s spring collection included a stretching of colors: white and ecru, khaki over blues, gray mixed with blacks, with highlights of saffron and flame.

Band of Outsiders

…Beach. Beach. All Beach. Band of Outsider boys converted well-like-and-partied-in Milk 1^st floor gallery into a full-on beach ambiance. The carry out setting: Runway-long sand floors and mountains garlanded with vintage pop bottles.

The boyish models paraded in standard Band of Outsider-character: shrunken suits, boasts of nautical traces, and surfer insinuations. B.O.O. opted on furthering above-knee shorts and rolled pant cuffs for S/S ‘010. Frankly, I expected alternative designs out of the oft-creative design house. Nonetheless, Spring pieces were wearable!

Victor Glemaud

Lauded and much-admired for signature trompe l’oeil cardigans, Victor Glemaud rolled out new tweaks + co-designer collaborations for his Spring/Summer ‘010 collection. I entered Milk Studios gallery greeting a cluster of oil-slick GQ models horizontally lining a studio-lighted wall.

Soaking in the Spring wares, Glemaud elected for vivid and multicolored board shorts (Quicksilver collaboration), dashing tailored coats (Mackintosh collab!), full-of-character collar-contrast button-front shirts (Gittman Brothers collab!) which I couldn’t keep staring down! Upon a passing interaction with Victor Glemaud—whose also designs for Tommy Hilfiger—it was explained “collection inspirations were drawn from his recent travels in Rome!”

Buono Victor di lavoro!

FASHION WEEK RECAPS

NYC menswear shows are pumping off on a strong beat for Spring/Summer ‘010. With interesting cuts and fabrics, the coterie of menswear crafters seems to be incorporating distinctive trends. Very refreshing to see.

3.1 Phillip Lim

We champion and promote everything Phillip Lim. In a raw loft space yesterday—tattered and mildly ransacked—models dotted through in relaxed presentation form, sporting a tasteful crop of Spring pieces. Phillip drew collection inspiration from the ‘Beatnik Movement’. (Beatniks expressed their alienation from conventional, or “square,” society in the ‘50s.) Phillip outpoured loose and shapely trousers, wildly printed jacket and pant matching, plunging neckline t-shirts with drop-down buttons peppering downward. The accessories were fun, playful, and a bit sporty. Standouts: Detachable ankle strap footwear (great when incorporating different looks) and flashy rock star sunglasses!

Loden Dager

With mild rain monsoons swarming, my colleague Kwasi and I trekked up to Axelle Gallery to check the 4 design chaps of Loden Dager. Known for their precise sportswear fits and precision cuts, the Loden team shot out voluminous silhouettes across the board. A clear changeup for the Loden brand. The multiple pocket trousers in denim and khaki along with the ranging springy hues (bold turquoise, stonewash peaches, and sandy browns) piqued several interests. The show favorite: A slim-cut drawstring rain slicker.

NYC FASHION WEEK: BRIGHT + TERRIFIC!

The September month is jam-packed with exciting highlights for Mr. MSR: 1.) A 'Birthday' 2.) 'NYC Fashion Week'. To discuss the latter, Big Apple fashion players are presently bubbling and gushing over designer shows & after parties !!

Stay tune for insider recaps from my favorite shows and events this week. If you're currently in town tonight, check "Fashion's Night Out" at a roster list of retailers--from PRADA to Lord & Taylor. Visit F.N.O. website for more info.

Speaking of PRADA, dash through their 5th Avenue doors tonight for a remarkable installation on hand by Vogue's Creative Director, Grace Coddington !

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT PSA!

FASHION WEEK RECAP

Where have you been Mr. MSR? Totally far away, yet sync to your messages regarding NYC recent Fashion Week. Thanks for your messages and inquiries. So, as promise (albeit a few days late) here’s MSR additional recap of the menswear shows that traveled NYC Fashion Week.

Band of Outsiders

Can I just say Mr. MSR really hearts Band Of Outsiders with every fiber on his manly physique. I hurried down to the Canal Street studio and sadly caught the last parts of the 1967's La Chinoise inspired collection. Thankfully, B.O.O. design house immediately posted the runway stills post-presentation. I would have been super-bitter if I did not preview the missed designs. The collection offered a rich range: Cotton suiting, cropped two-toggle outerwear’s, patchwork-style windbreakers, Sperry for Band Of Outsiders suede hi-top (I will hunt until I find) and low-top dashing boat shoes. Each season, the amazing Scott Sternberg always amazes us and he rightfully did once more for Fall.

Women readers: These sporty spike heels are Manolo Blahnik for B.O.O.

Start searching for them soon!

Buckler

From entering to exiting I extolled marvels about Buckler’s strong and concise presentation. The models definitely wore Buckler’s Fall collection—with added jazz and flash!! Take into account, block podiums took reign instead of mile long conventional runways. Before chatting up the chief designer about the genesis of the collection, I was able to get literal hands-on-approaches with garments on showcase.

The showing collection drew inspiration from The Picture of Dorian Gray (authored by Oscar Wilde). “The nature of Oscar’s story, which encompasses the duality between substance and surface, good and evil, and human decay, presents itself where the versatile garments works well in rough or formal surroundings”, as eloquently said to Mr. MSR by Buckler chief designer. The Fall pieces included heavy ounce denims, cotton shirting, chunky knitted sweaters (I gasped several times!), plaited leather on heavy garments, removable brass buttons, scarf-hats (I couldn’t stop thinking about them). And the accessories were smoking with excellence! The leather articulate wingtips, patent calf boots, sneaker/boot hybrid selections, overlapping skinny belts are all Fall sure sellers.

Richard Chai (Men)

In the brew of all the military, heavy-duty-inspired collection themes, Richard Chai followed suit with NYC menswear talents showing off Fall threads. Chai belted out a host killer crop jackets (some denim and motorcycle), and pleasing grunge plaids. And rich wool pants and thigh-reaching cardigans stole the show I feel. Richard Chai cemented into fruition the modern Fall man uniform and I totally concur with his execution.