Haute and the City

It has become an increasingly popular notion in the fashion industry that what was once a tightly-sealed industry-only event, fashion week must be brought “to the people.” DKNY Men made New York Fashion Week history yesterday by becoming the first-ever collection to be presented at the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square, which was broadcast on the screens to the pedestrians outside on the 12 Reuters JumboTron screens.

The crux of this season’s DKNY Men’s collection pays tribute to the timeless 1950′s gray suit, modernized by a slim silhouette, skinny ties and paired with platform Doc Marten’s and Tevas. Unstructured blazers and the (disappointing) presence of cargo shorts provided a more casual feel to the overall collection.

The message here is clear: whether you need an outfit for your nine-to-five or for the weekend, DKNY men has you covered with the American classics.

Photos courtesy of Style.com.

DKNY

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Haute and the City “How To Dress Like a Tourist” guide, we’ve decided to help you summer travelers out with a handy list of pointers for style while visiting New York this summer.

Traveling in the massively uncomfortable heat of summer can be particularly brutal in NY, so please enjoy the following list of summer fashion essentials you’ll need in NYC:

Running Shoe

There’s no denying it: New York City requires a lot of walking. So why not equip your feet with the best money can buy? Plus, you can use them for your marathon training.

OR…

Crocs!

Although we wouldn’t know, apparently these things shoes are extremely comfortable. As you can see, they have randomly placed holes, apparently designed for ventilation in those hot summer months. Jazz it up while you’re in NY, though; go for a splash of color like you see above.

Unnecessarily Long Socks

We  never really understood the trend of shorts and long socks. If you’re wearing shorts, certainly it’s hot enough to keep your ankles warm?

Cargo Shorts

Like the fanny pack, the large pockets on cargo shorts come in handy for the storage of tourism-friendly nick-knacks. Camo appears to be very ‘in’ right now.

Your Brand New ‘I [Heart] NY’ T-Shirt

New Yorkers are very impressed by I Love NY t-shirts. That’s why we wear them to the gym. These are best paired with foam Statue of Liberty crowns.

A Paparazzi-Style Camera

Nothing says, “Rob me! I’m slightly lost and outside my comfort zone!” like a several-thousand dollar camera hanging around your neck.

A Sensible Hat

For the sun. Ideally, choose a style and color that doesn’t match anything you’re wearing.

CROAKIES!

You never know when one of us psycho New Yorkers will make a snatch at your new Chinatown sunglasses, so secure them with ultra-cute croakies, “eyewear retainers” designed for skiers.

Please note: We have nothing but love and respect for the tourists who bring millions of dollars of business to NYC each year. This post is intended as good-natured humor, just like how tourists poke fun at us for cursing you out for getting in the way as you admire our landmarks (you do find that endearing, right??).

Check out our last post, Luxury + Glamour + Danger = k2o by Karen Ko.

fanny pack

Nearly one year ago, while I was working running around like a madman talking to media at the Fashion Fights Cancer gala I helped to organize and execute, I stopped short when I saw a woman dressed in some of the most interesting jewelry I had ever seen. That woman was the lovely accessories designer Karen Ko, president of Intersect Designs, a family a of jewelry brands that emphasizes creativity, design and innovation.

I came to learn more about one of Karen’s brands, k2o by Karen Ko, which was one of her edgier collections. k2o by Karen Ko is a jewelry collection for women who have a bit of a fine taste and want a luxury item, but a bit too independent with their style to be confined to diamonds and pearls.

k2o’s signature piece is the Avant Rock Spike Ankle Cuffs, which are used to dress up + glam out your heels. You can actually enter a giveaway to win a pair of ankle cuffs from FashionIndie.com here.

You can purchase k2o by Karen Ko pieces at the online boutique, Modern Mix.

Be sure to ‘like’ k2o by Karen Ko on Facebook!

It. Is. Hot.

Like, really hot. So-hot-I-can’t-believe-I-have-to-wear-clothes hot.

You catch my drift. But seriously, anyone who has experienced the baking heat of a NYC summer knows that it is an (uncomfortably sweaty) mess like no other.

So, it’s no wonder that you can’t throw a stone in NYC after June 1st without hitting five guys in tank tops. Instead of getting jealous of their breezy attire (or getting Botox under your arms to prevent sweat, let me guide you with these great options for a cooler summer wardrobe:

ASOS Racerback Dropped Armhole Tank (Blue)

This tank top is a perfect pick for the really hot summer days (i.e. the entirety of August). With the curved racer back, dropped armholes and relaxed fit, it’s ideal for letting the rare breeze hit you. Plus, I really like this color.

Zanerobe ‘Fleet’ Trim Fit Tank

If you’re adding tank tops to your wardrobe, light stripes are a staple.

DRKSHDW By Rick Owens Basic Tank

Need something a little more off-the-beaten-path? Rick Owens is the man for you boys who demand high fashion, even in the sweltering weather of summer. TIP: Save your dark-colored tank tops for the clubs. You’ll cook wearing black during the day.

MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Bernie’ Trim Fit Tank

Nautical stripes seem to be an essential of summer, even in the city. Instead of going with a traditional nautical theme, try something a bit more fun, like this multi-color Marc Jacobs option.

On a budget? Fear not, friends!

Another major trend for the summer tank is the DIY tank. I recently tried to do this and failed miserably, so I will leave you with this YouTube tank-cutting expert to explain:

tank top

Aristocrat: An air of savoir faire

KENTON Magazine‘s latest editorial, “Aristocrat: An air of savoir faire,” features model Phillipp Kharabarin in looks from Perry Ellis, Shades of Grey by Michael Cohen and Levi’s. 

Credits:

Photographer: David Wang
Fashion Editor: Alexander Liang
Editorial Designer: Terica Walton
Hair: ShinGo ShiBata
Make up: Taichi Saito
Fashion Assistant: Michael Cook
Model: Philipp Kharabarin @ VNY

Shot at Baisley House in Brooklyn, NY.

Check out the full editorial over at KENTON Magazine!

Just a quick update to share Rihanna’s April 2011 Vogue cover.

Flawless.

Having made its mark as an edgy brand of deconstructed black, white and gray pieces, Rochambeau made a bold move with its FW11 menswear collection: bold colors.

While the draping Rochambeau is known for was definitely present in this collection, there was also a surprising amount of very structured items. Rochambeau maintained it’s edgy quality with interesting cuts, asymmetrical designs and colorful camos.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Rochambeau without something torn up a bit. Love, love, LOVE these distressed skinny pants:

The standout piece in the collection is the one-button wool free-form scarf coat in red. Statement red, while a very hot menswear trend for the Fall/Winter 2011 season, is a must for every fashion-forward man.

Obsessed.

Head over to the Haute and the City Facebook fan page for more exclusive shots of this awesome collection!

Time to brush up on your fashion history!

I’m loving this handy infographic that details just how much fashion has (and hasn’t!) changed throughout the years.

Source: New Look dresses and fashion experts blog http://futurefabfashion.newlook.com

Disclosure: this post is an advertorial

For a guy from Los Angeles, Eric Kim has a firm grasp on what New Yorkers want to wear in the winter.

Black, black, black (with a splash of burgundy)!

Instead of boring us with a collection of black on black, Eric Kim has created an exciting offering by expertly juxtaposing textures such as cashmere, lambskin, calfskin, cotton, silk and much more to a sophisticated and fashion-forward effect. Kim’s remixes of American classics, urban tailoring and expert attention to detail made this collection one of the hottest menswear presentations of the week.

Further (and thankfully), MIK CIRE maintained the “sophisticated bad ass” vibe we saw from the Spring 2011 collection.

“As a designer, I strive for innovation.” – Eric Kim

Two thumbs WAY up!

If you want to learn more about MIK CIRE, follow MIK CIRE on Twitter or “like” them on Facebook.

With the fall 2011 runway presentations safely behind us and the thermometers slowly creeping up to warmer temperatures, it’s time to revitalize your spring wardrobe!

But how do you spruce up your wardrobe without replacing all the clothes you own?

“Make it all about the accessories – get a good bag, shoes, jewelry,” advised Peter Davis, the new editor-in-chief of AVENUE Magazine at last week’s American Express Tweet-Up in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week American Express Skybox Lounge.

For a one-of-a-kind accessory that’ll add some glitz and glam to your wardrobe (just in time for spring soirees!), try on a luxurious handmade bangle by ZEFFIRA.

All ZEFFIRA jewelry is hand-crafted in both Italy and America from buffalo horn (which ensures each piece is exclusive and one-of-a-kind) and the finest Swarovski crystals, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of refined natural material and elegant glamor.

ZEFFIRA’s designer, Vittoria Faccin, names each bangle design with an Italian name (such as “Clodette,” “Delicato” and “Fiore”), in homage to the jewelry’s Italian heritage.

“ZEFFIRA jewelry is created for a dynamic, self-confident, curious woman who bravely faces challenges. She is interested in experiencing the adventures life brings her, but is still feminine and stylish.” – Vittoria Faccin

In order to ensure exclusivity of your jewelry, only a limited number of each ZEFFIRA design is produced each year. You can purchase ZEFFIRA bangles online at www.ZEFFIRA.com and at select boutiques nationwide, including NYC’s Peter Elliot.

Follow ZEFFIRA on Twitter at @ZEFFIRAJewelry.

Disclosure: This post is an advertorial.