show-stopping looks: bcbg + hl runway review.

Here's a peek into the behind the scenes lookboards that I helped put together for the BCBG and HL shows. These were posted backstage to maintain a certain premeditated order for the looks to be revealed to the eager audience on the other side of the curtain.

To top off the Fall 2013 BCBG and Hervé Léger runway ensembles, Lubov added a sporty-chic hat to each look. For BCBG, the slouchy beanie; for HL, the leather-accented canvas cap. They were all-American and completely wearable, but still featured that incredible element of surprise--from the elaborate beading to luscious fur, (though I wish it were faux...) to the elaborate prints that were inspired by nature. Each and every look was better than the next; both looks featured mostly black with at least one all-white ensemble. It was all about layering, from silky shifts to oversized statement coats; the over-all feel was dreamy yet structured. Below are a few of my absolute favorite ensembles.

The HL show was simply outstanding. The extremely ornate beading and detailing added a glamorous touch to more of a bold and urban look. The harness belts complemented an otherwise more conservative look with a higher necklace, lower hemline and three-quarter sleeves; they gave the looks power extreme edge. There were the few token all-white ensembles in this show, also. The elaborate hoodies were meant to be an everyday staple in a woman's wardrobe, but this time with fur trim and a chic slightly-oversized fit. I had the unbelievable experience to listen to Lubov explain to the press her inspiration and motivation behind each piece as a select few viewed the runway videos around a table for the first time since the live show. Hearing her reasoning behind each piece simply made me appreciate each and every detail at least 100 times more. This collection is absolutely in my top 3 favorites of all time; below are my favored looks.

*BCBG Runway photos from Vogue.com; HL from TheCut.com; Lookboard photos taken by me*

Want more? Take a minute to update your wishlist with these official runway videos:

BCBG & HL

Which looks made you do a double-take? 

Ciau,

K.René

show + tell: bcbg showroom.

There are no only a few words to describe the fashion heaven that was the BCBG New York showroom. Piles of shoes, shelves full of accessories and endless racks of past and present BCBG lines filled the room. 

I had a whole new appreciation of the process of design and all the prep it takes before releasing a new line during Fashion Week. There were hours of prep that went on for days leading up to the show--everything from model castings, to fittings, to styling, to hair & make up looks, to music, to the right 'walk,' to lookboards... there was no detail left behind. 

A documentary done on how BCBG conquers the whole Fashion Week production.

Specifications for how to style the effortlessly-chic cosmetic looks - love these beanies!

Detailed lookboards that were brought behind stage during the show for prep and wardrobe changes. Each board had it down to a science on what fabulous piece is to go on which fabulous model. It was just incredible to be able to participate in making these boards!

A fabulous intern from London, Ali, who most definitely got the party started.

BCBG Showrooms - Loving these lucite chairs all piled up to go along with the sophisticated looks on the mannequins.

Polka dots, windowpane, citron, mint and denim... couldn't love this any more than I do!

This chandelier reminds me of my white 3D chandelier I have hanging in our family room! So wonderful to relate to BCBG fashion - especially with the awe-worthy displays.

Rivaling the polka dotted set-up, this may just be my favorite look of them all. The golden leaves framing the Hervé Léger showroom were whimsical and marvelous. The shimmering metallic animals and mod greenery were the perfect accents to these incredibly intricate body-con dresses.

To top off the Fall 2013 BCBG and Hervé Léger runway ensembles, Lubov added a sporty-chic hat to each look. For BCBG, the slouchy beanie; for HL, the leather-accented canvas cap. They were all-American and completely wearable, but still featured that incredible element of surprise--from the elaborate beading to luscious fur, (though I wish it were faux...) to the elaborate prints that were inspired by nature. Each and every look was better than the next; both looks featured mostly black with at least one all-white ensemble. It was all about layering, from silky shifts to oversized statement coats; the over-all feel was dreamy yet structured. Below are a few of my absolute favorite ensembles.

This enchanting images will forever grace my memory - the inspiration in this building was just outstanding.

Ciau,

K.René

street style: nyfw feb 2013.

Over the years I have religiously scrolled through and admired street style looks online--from lookbook.nu, to Elle's Street Chic, I've loved it all. Since then, it has always been in my wildest dreams to be featured on a Street Style site. 

You can only imagine the thrill that overcame me when I was asked for permission to take a photo of my outfit... as I was on my way into Fashion Week. This happened right outside the Lincoln Center in the bitter, bitter cold--I didn't mind one bit. And that's the understatement of the century. The photographer quickly snapped a few shots and gave me a card to follow up with her featured looks later that week. A few days later, I found it. There I was, featured in the NYFW FEB 2013 Collection of Social Bliss. What a treasure that moment was!

Some detailed shots of my look.

Cinched Leather Coat: Kenneth Cole

Quilted Side Purse: Tory Burch

Sparkly Stud Earrings: Cole Couture

Bird Print Dress: Anthropologie

Emerald Ruffled Knit Sweater: Anthropologie

Rose Gold Metallic Vest: Tria

Black Stacked-Heel Boots: Old Navy

What is your wildest dream? Go pursue it; make it happen!

Ciau,

K.René

impromptu + unforgettable.

After a seemingly normal trip to the concierge lounge for an early brunch, we crossed paths with a photographer from Getty Images, Karl, who was in town for fashion week, too. It all started when he casually asked where Katie had found the banana she had on her plate as we were almost on our way out. Katie and I both pointed to a recently cleared buffet and decided it was okay to be down one banana (after all, we did have three overflowing "to-go" plates...) and insisted he took it. We all headed toward the elevators at the same time and made conversation all the way there. Despite the fact we were in pajamas and had just rolled out of bed and into the lounge, I still managed to have my business cards on hand in a tiny pouch. (Never too early to network!) We exchanged cards and went on our way. Not long after, I received an email from him inviting us to see a show at Fashion Week! What a dream come true!? Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Katie and I threw ourselves together--I use that term lightly--and headed out to take on Fashion Week. We spent time at Anthropologie until we got the 'okay' to head on over to Lincoln Park. We breezed right past security and anxiously--yet seemingly calm--strutted right inside the infamous fashion week tents. Beelining for the Candela show, which was held in the tent called Box, we made it just in time to enjoy some anticipation while waiting in line amongst photographers, magazine representatives and celebrities. I'd like to think we fit right in... ha! 

The setting of this show was breathtaking. The exhibit, complete with live models and perfectly placed props, was in the center of the room facing out--all the lucky attendees circled around to take it all in. What was truly amazing was how close I could get to these models--since it was not a runway set-up, they could see me taking a photo and look directly into my camera from time to time. So incredible. The backdrops were abstract works of art with beautiful brushstrokes gracing each canvas. Ivory canvas tarps were laid over layered vintage rugs. Some of the models sat on eclectic antique chairs. The whole show featured ornate lace ensembles with a bohemian flair. There were layers and layers of wearable clothes all encrusted with jewels. My favorite looks were the utility jacket paired with a floor-length dreamy cream lace/tulle gown. What a contrast that was! I noted spread out patches on the stockings--I feel like that will be huge for fall. One model wore a red beanie with a thin headband horizontally on top; the headband had the most stunning jeweled detailing. There were mostly pointy-toed shoes, with a oxford here and printed loafer there--all were simply to-die-for. The gorgeous neutrals paired perfectly with pops of deep red, olive green and chambray. I fell in love with each and every piece in the show.

Post Candela, Karl took us into Studio, another tent, to get a behind-the-scenes peek into the runway prep that goes on in between shows. Once again, we walked right past security and into this incredible room; I felt invincible! I could feel the energy when I walked in; this is where the fashion magic happens. An infinite amount of fashion leaders had stepped right through these doors I had just walked through; I got chills as I gazed around the empty all-black room in awe. 

 One of the best parts of this experience was pouring through Instagram not long after the show and seeing magazines and fashion icons feature the very same looks we had just seen. To think--who had I been rubbing elbows with as I leaned in to get the perfect shot? Harpers Bazaar was one of them, apparently! So fabulous!

We then ventured on to visit the WGSN and Maybelline booths and took a few snaps of the incredible tent. The Maybelline booth had a vending machine full of nail polish in all the Spring hues--Katie and I both got a vibrant purple shade! I will re-live that fabulous Fashion Week experience each and every time I wear that color!

This memory goes to show how every single thing happens for a reason. I am beyond pleased to say this was the second Fashion Week I have attended, hopefully second of many! What a terrific whirlwind!

Ciau,

K.René

nyc: just the beginning.

From the moment I stepped foot off the place and into the streets of NYC, an overwhelming feeling of inspiration and anticipation came over me. There I was, in the middle of a school week, nonetheless, smack dab in the middle of NYC just in time for the kickoff of Fashion Week. It was so surreal. We hit the ground running and bundled up go to grab a bite to eat in order to be well-fed and well-rested for the following day--which of course we had booked to the brim with shopping, eating... and more shopping. If only we would've known what was in our future... 

We did manage to hit a few stores the following day. The wall collage, modern patchworked pillow and polkadotted mugs all caught my eye.

Anthro had award-winning displays, as usual. The life-sized trees made purely of book pages and wall of color-coordinated novels had me completely in awe and left me in the mood to pour though a good novel.

A little bit of FSU spirit caught my eye--the print was on a skirt and jacket at Zara. 

The trip was quite the whirlwind. Can't wait to spill the details. Keep reading!

Best,

K.René