Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – SPRING 2012 COLLECTIONS

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will take over New York City as thousands of fashion insiders gather to see the newest collections of over 99 designers.

The Spring 2012 Collections will feature Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Supima, Tadashi Shoji, Candela, EMERSON, Project Runway, Electric Feathers, Luca Luca, General Idea, Rebecca Taylor, Mara Hoffman, Helen Yarmak, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Concept Korea, Cynthia Rowley, Academy of Art University, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Ruffian, Lacoste, Pink Tartan, Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan, ADAM, Vivienne Tam, Farah Angsana, Honor, Charlotte Ronson, Monique Lhuillier, Rafael Cennamo, Eva Minge, Venexiana, Katya Leonovich, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, DKNY, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Jen Kao, Y-3, GUiSHEM, Custo Barcelona, Tommy Hilfiger, Timo Weiland, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Rebecca Minkoff, pamella roland, Donna Karan New York, VLOV – QingQing Wu, Yeohlee, Norman Ambrose, Betsey Johnson, Jad Ghandour, Perry Ellis, Michael Angel, Tory Burch, J.Crew, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Zang Toi, Diesel Black Gold, Bibhu Mohapatra, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Argentine Designers, IMPROVD, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Malan Breton, Norma Kamali, Rochambeau, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, PORTS 1961, J. Mendel, Nomia, Chado Ralph Rucci, Milly by Michelle Smith, Shamask, Anna Sui, Juan Carlos Obando, Elie Tahari, b Michael AMERICA, Ralph Lauren, Guli, Sergio Davila, Calvin Klein Collection, Naeem Khan, MADE IN AFRICA: by ARISE MAGAZINE, and Elene Cassis. 

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express®, Maybelline New York, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One® Bars, ideeli, FIJI Water and AriZona Beverages.

 NICHOLAS K: Studio (9:00 AM) 

·         For their Spring 2012 collection, designers Nicholas Kunz and Christopher Kunz drew inspiration from the evasive beauty of aerial landscapes and natural transparencies. Images taken from beyond the troposphere blur the natural into abstract shapes and paths. Transparent landscapes combines a sense of natural movement with Nicholas K’s ever present interest in functionality, such as detachable scarves and two-in-one Men’s jackets, leaving a certain level of interpretation up to the wearer

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·         Since launching their women’s line in Fall of 2003, with men’s shortly after in 2006, Nicholas Kunz and her brother and business partner, Christopher Kunz, have continued to deliver a downtown city edge to their customer base. Known for their dedication to quality and utilitarian details with modern edge, the brand continues to deliver unique garments, which are current yet timeless.

·         The show team will include beauty by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas (hair lead: Zahir Ziani, make-up lead: Lindsay Ebbin, nails: Alisha Rimando), Styling by Wendy Schecter and Production & PR by People's Revolution. Shoes by Vintage Shoe Co. (including a new custom-made women's style.

Celebrities Expected: Deluka, Eric West and Miguel.  

PORTER GREY: Box (9:30-10:30 AM)

·         For Spring 2012, Porter Grey is looking to the 1950’s and 60’s. Designers Kristen and Alexandra O'Neill's grandparents moved into their Oyster Bay Cove home in 1950 and starting that May, hosted a garden party that would become an annual event.  The occasion came to be timed with the blooming of the azaleas and dogwood trees that form large white and fuchsia rounded islands throughout the back of the house. Two hundred people dressed in perfect garden party ensembles scattered throughout the lawn sipping champagne and southsides under the canopies of large seemingly ancient oak trees.   Floral prints highlight the collection; one with a sprinkling of dogwood flowers and another with a mixture of simply sketched azalea, peony, and bluebell flowers.  With colorways including ink, butter, oyster, dusty hydrangea blue, and poppy, the prints will be mixed with a washed charmeuse and perforated leather. 

BCBGMAXARIA: Theatre (10:00 AM)  

RICHARD CHAI: Stage (11:00 AM)

·         As a 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist and 2010 Swarovski Award winner for emerging menswear at the CFDA awards, Richard Chai has established his eponymous line of highly tailored, quietly feminine looks with minimalist, menswear-inspired touches. In 2008 Chai introduced his menswear line that bridges modern classics with a youthful edge. Chai creates casual clothes that pair surprising fabrics, gaining him features in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Esquire, Elle, Details, and The New York Times.

Celebrities Expected: Byrdie Bell, DJ A-Trak, Dwayne Wade, Genevieve Jones, Harley Viera-Newton, James Ransone, Julie Macklowe, Karine Vanasse and Poppy Delevigne  

SUPIMA: Studio (1:00 PM)

TADASHI SHOJI: Stage (2:00 PM) 

·         As conveyed by photographer Ron van Dongen, the Spring/Summer 2012 Collection is homage to the enchanting beauty and splendor of the tulip. Rich in its color yet delicate in its form, this admired bloom is full of life, incessantly evolving and changing in shape. A vibrant palette of flora in shades of fern, magnolia, rosebud, and willow are infused in the exquisite fabrics of silk linen, embroidered lace, and draped tulle. Hand painted brush strokes mirror the tulip’s unique petal markings; beading is sprinkled like dewdrops on a spring morning. Few flowers have fascinated and endured as powerfully as the tulip.

Celebrities Expected: Carrie Preston, JoJo and Julia Jones

CANDELA: Box (2:30-3:30 PM)

Friday, September 9, 2011:

 EMERSON: Studio (9:00 AM)

·         Emerging new label EMERSON by designer Jackie Fraser-Swan will debut her Spring 2012 collection on the runway this season at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, on Friday, September 9th at 9:00 AM in The Studio venue. Now entering it's third season, EMERSON has recently received a huge amount of buzz in the media and was called out by Harper's Bazaar as part of "The Freshman Class" on it's New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 Hot List.

·         For Spring 2012, Jackie Fraser-Swan was inspired by "lightness and darkness." Staying true to her refined-yet-edgy aesthetic, contrasting elements are reflected throughout the collection. Sparks of color such as royal blue and bright purple play against a neutral palette of black, white, gray and silver. Dark silks and laces can be seen alongside light, airy, printed linens. The EMERSON collection embodies the powerful and free-spirited modern woman. Luxuriously classic and sophisticated, EMERSON encourages each woman to shamelessly indulge in her eccentric side. Headquartered in the heart of Boston's elite Newbury Street shopping district, EMERSON's use of the world's finest fabrics and domestic tailoring challenges the best global sportswear brands.

·         The show team will include PR & Production by People's Revolution, Styling by Masha Orlov, casting by TREW Productions and Beauty by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, with Zahir Ziani as lead for hair, Lindsay Ebbin for make-up and Alisha Botero for nails.

PROJECT RUNWAY: Theatre (9:30 AM)

ELECTRIC FEATHERS: Box (9:30-10:30 AM)  

LUCA LUCA: Stage (11:00 AM)  

·         Private After-Party: Co-op Restaurant, Hotel on Rivington – Invitation Only.

Celebrities Expected: Ashley Tisdale, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Bensimon, Shantel Van Santen, Shay Mitchell, Sophia Bush and Whitney Port 

GENERAL IDEA: Studio (1:00 PM)  
 

REBECCA TAYLOR: Stage (2:00 PM)

This season, the Spring 2012 muse is contemporary, fresh, and ethereal.  The collection emphasizes cut and color with unexpected cut-outs in silhouettes.  Shades of oyster are highlighted by bold citrus colors of lemon, lime and tangerine. Cropped slouchy embellished sweaters, long skirts and voluminous outerwear in technical fabrics add edge while apron back dresses mixed with bone colored snake leather bibs inject a paired down cool attitude which sets the tone for the Spring 2012 collection.

Celebrities Expected: Ashley Tisdale, Holland Roden, Jordana Brewster, Louise Roe, Shay Mitchell, Whitney Port

MARA HOFFMAN: Box (2:30-3:30 PM)  
HELEN YARMAK: 730 5^th Ave, 23^rd FL (5:00 –7:00 PM) 
 

TOMMY HILFIGER MEN’S: Highline’s Chelsea Market Passage (5:30 PM)

NICOLE MILLER: Studio (6:00 PM)  

Celebrities Expected: Alexis Bleidel, Ashley Tisdale, Avril Lavigne, Harley Viera Newton, Mia Morreti, Rachel Griffiths, Sabi and Tika Sumpter

JOY CIOCI: Box (6:30-7:30 PM)

·         For Spring 2012, Joy Cioci was inspired by her vision of a free-spirited woman traveling in seek of adventure and love. Joy sought to create a versatile collection with effortlessly luxe pieces that embrace this woman's zest for every sphere of life. Soft details on structured fabrics create a juxtaposition of delicate strength, while maintaining a whimsically romantic feel.  Saturated in vivid colors, chartreuse, red-oranges and violets exude radiantly in the collection’s dazzling color scheme. Bright, gently blurred prints illustrate the perspective of Joy’s inspiration; slightly out of focus in her constant movement through life.

Celebrities Expected: Brooklyn Decker

CONCEPT KOREA: Averz Fisher Hall (6:30-8:30 PM)

·         The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Creative Content Agency, and The Korean Research Institute for Fashion Industry present Concept Korea IV, a presentation of Korea’s leading designers. The five brands showing their Spring 2012 collections are: DOHO, Lie Sang Bong, Steve J & Yoni P, Son Jung Wan, and Resurrection by Juyoung.

CYNTHIA ROWLEY: Stage (7:00 PM)

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY: Theatre (8:00 PM)  

Saturday, September 10, 2011: 

RUFFIAN: Studio (9:00 AM)

JILL STUART: Stage (11:00 AM) 

Celebrities Expected: Cory Kennedy, Emma Roberts, Harley Viera-Newton and Jaime King 

SON JUNG WAN: Studio (12:00 PM) 

Celebrities Expected: Alina Puscau, Allie Gonino, Carrie Preston, Chaske Spencer, Jaslene Gonzalez, Kelly Rutherford, Matthew Settle and Vern

Yip ADAM: Stage (2:00 PM)

VIVIENNE TAM: Theatre (3:00 PM) 

 FARAH ANGSANA: Box (3:30-4:30 PM)

·         Farah Angsana looks to the enchanting beauty of the Orient for inspiration in her Spring 2012 collection. The bursting colors of Japan's famous cherry blossoms; the time-honored traditions that continue today; subtle currents of grace and elegance that have never fade away. Taking cues from a painting she saw in a Shanghai art gallery, Angsana pairs inspirations from the East with the modernity of the West. The result – a harmony of style and wearability.   Exquisite hand crafted embroideries include kimono jackets worn effortlessly without complication.

·         Angsana skillfully couples cultural elements and styles seamlessly with modern details and interpretations of colors. The palette- ivory, varied shades of pink representing the iconic cherry blossoms celebrated every spring, hues of blue for the clear of summer sky, nude natural tones and a glorious canopy of red to represent Asia in all its finery.

·         The Orient’s treasures and traditions continually beguile Farah Angsana. This season she brings the authenticity of Asian designs to modern women around the world with sophistication, elegance and seductive glamour.

Celebrities Expected: Preston Bailey and Sonja Morgan 

HONOR: Studio (4:00 PM)  

CHARLOTTE RONSON: Stage (6:00 PM)  

MONIQUE LHUILLIER: Theatre (7:00 PM)  

RAFAEL CENNAMO: Box (7:00-8:00 PM)  

EVA MINGE: 356 W 58^th St (8:00 PM)  

VENEXIANA: Studio (9:00 PM)   

Sunday, September 11, 2011: 

KATYA LEONOVICH: Box (10:30-11:30 AM) 

LELA ROSE: Studio (11:00 AM)  

DEREK LAM: Stage (12:00 PM)  

DKNY: 547 W 26^th St (1:00 PM) 

TRACY REESE: Studio (2:00 PM)

·         For Spring 2012, designer Tracy Reese is inspired by a land of pure delight. Softly voluminous styles pair with lean, refined silhouettes, evolving proportions with a focus on modern fluidity.  A feminine yet relaxed mood is achieved through the juxtaposition of romance and sport, comfort and flattery. Subtle hues of khaki and blush mixed with pastel shades of waterfall, misty blue and aqua tears gradually intensify to deep saturated tones and neon brights, making a bold splash for the transition into summer. 

Celebrities Expected: Ashley Tisdale, Katie Cassidy, Katie Lee, Louise Roe, Solange Knowles and Tika Sumpter

L.A.M.B: Box (2:30-3:30 PM)  

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: Theatre (4:00 PM)  

JEN KAO: Studio (5:00 PM) Y-3: 82 Mercer St (5:00 PM)  

GUISHEM: Box (6:30-7:30 PM)

CUSTO BARCELONA: Stage (7:00 PM)

TOMMY HILFIGER: Theatre (8:00 PM)

TIMO WEILAND: Studio (9:00 PM)

·         Launched in Pre-Fall 2009 as a collection of iconic neckwear, the Timo Weiland brand expanded in Spring 2010 to include a signature range of clothing including knitwear and accessories, for men and women. Co-designed by Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein, the Timo Weiland collection provides a full wardrobe for men and women who appreciate the art of dressing. In July 2011 Timo Weiland was selected as an inductee to the 2012-2014 CFDA Fashion Incubator Program, an initiative to encourage emerging designers and their businesses. Spring 2012 marks the first season the designers are showing in a runway format after transitioning from presentations, which they’ve shown since their Fashion Week debut for Spring 2010. Their signature usage of pops of color, custom prints, and modern interpretations of classic silhouettes speak to their uptown meets downtown approach to design.

·         In celebration of Timo Weiland’s footwear collaboration with Tsbuo that will make its runway debut at Lincoln Center, Tsubo and Samurai Sake will toast the night away with Timo and Alan following their show on the rooftop of The Gramercy Hotel. Guests will be treated to a live DJ set and bespoke cocktails provided by Samurai Sake.

Celebrities Expected: Asher Roth, Brad Goreski, Cassie, Cameron Richardson, DJ A-Trak, Elizabeth Dee, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship, Hannah Bronfman, Hayley Bloomingdale, Holland Roden, James Ransone, Johnny Weir, Kenza Fourati, Leven Rambin, Linda V, Louise Roe, Matthew Settle, Ryan Leslie, Sky Ferriera, Taylor Schilling, The Strokes, Tennessee Thomas of The Like, Victor Rasuk and Waris Alhuwahlia 

Monday, September 12, 2011:
 

PAMELA ROLAND: Box (1:30-2:30 PM) 

·         For spring 2012, famed red carpet designer Pamella Roland drew inspiration from American Abstract Expressionist painters such as Robert Motherwell and Helen Frankenthaler. Their artwork created a new visual language on canvas and played a significant role in laying the foundation for the new movement of Abstract Expressionism in New York during the 1940s. Inspired by their abstract gestures, Roland has created a collection infused with special fabrics and bold treatments that evoke the iconic paintings of the era

.·         The spring collection embodies elegance, femininity and power reminiscent of the luxurious pamella roland style.  Fabrications are sleek and modern, combining perforated leathers, silk and canvas failles, brushstroke fils coupes and silk crepes with delicate hand painted and hand beaded detailing.  Neutral tones such as pale navy, moonrock, canvas, chalk pink, stone blue and white create a soft color palette with a clarity that highlights each design. 

·         Having debuted in the fall of 2002 on the New York runway, pamella roland received a warm reception from critics and buyers alike.  That positive response has grown significantly to the present, making pamella roland a label of choice among style savvy women and Hollywood’s elite, including Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank, Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria and Carrie Underwood.  Roland was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010 and continues to evolve the brand with fresh and unique designs each season.  The pamella roland collection is sold at the finest department stores and specialty stores in the United States and abroad.

Celebrities Expected: Hillary Scott and Tiffany Hines 

VLOV – QINGQING WU: Stage (3:00 PM)

St  NORMAN AMBROSE: Studio (5:00 PM)  

BETSEY JOHNSON: Theatre (6:30-7:30 PM)  

JAD GHANDOUR: Box (6:30-7:30 PM) 

PERRY ELLIS: Stage (7:00 PM)

·         The collection was inspired by the idea of an American safari in a painted desert.

Celebrities Expected: Chaske Spencer, James Ransone, Joe Manganiello, Matthew Settle and Tyler Ellis 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011: 

MICHAEL ANGEL: Box (8:30-10:00 AM)

 ·         "Prints and colors this season are inspired by 1920's photographs of Alexandria and personal family photographs. It is an examination of my heritage; a once decadent civilization I've revisited with a preciousness that is refined – almost futuristic. Technology and progression in fabrication and printing techniques echo the advancement of the Ancient Egyptians."

·         After two seasons of private appointments, Michael Angel will return to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as part of the W Hotels Fashion Next program. This season, the designer will showcase his Spring 2012 collection in an intimate exhibition format featuring 24 curated looks. The presentation will also see the exclusive launch of this season's lookbook featuring model Julia Stegner.

Celebrities Expected: Bryan Boy and Susie Bubble.  

TORY BURCH: Alice Tully Hall (9:00 AM)

J.CREW: Studio (9:30-10:30 AM)

BADGLEY MISCHKA: Theatre (10:00 AM)

VERA WANG: Stage (11:00 AM)

Celebrities Expected: Leighton Meester   

ZANG TOI: Studio (1:00 PM)

 ·         Zang Toi, known for his elegant and timeless aesthetic and his modern twist on sophisticated elegance, takes us on a journey to the African desert this season where decadence and glamour rule. “This collection was inspired by my dream of North Africa. The luxurious and inspiring spirit that I Experienced in the entire Arab region when I visited 10 years ago was remembered when I recently read an article on the re–‐opening of the iconic La Mamounia.

·         This collection is also an homage to the late Yves Saint Laurent and his iconic home in Marrakech. The rich culture, the brilliantly blue night sky and rich sands, the glamourous lifestyle everything about this place is magical and beautifully classic. I wanted to subtly translate that feeling of timeless exotica”, says the designer. This collection palate takes us from crisp desert sunrise to saturated sunset with deep browns, desert ebony, ivory and a brilliant sapphire blue. Fabrications compliment with linen printed on silk gazar, silk mousseline, Loro Piana silk and cashmere, accented with touches of French lace and even 23K gold leaf border. Tuxedo looks are strong in dark ebony, bold sweeping A–‐line skirts steal the show for evening and 18 carat gold accessories make this collection one of the Zang Toi’s strongest statements to date.    
   

Celebrities Expected: Ivana Trump, Jamee Gregory, Julie Macklowe, Patti Labelle, Petra Nemcova 

DIESEL BLACK GOLD: 711 12^th Ave (1:00 PM)

BIBHU MOHAPATRA: Box (1:30-3:30 PM)

HERVÉ LÉGER BY MAX AZRIA: Theatre (2:00 PM) 

ARGENTINE DESIGNERS: Stage (3:00 PM)

IMPROVD: Box (6:30-7:30 PM)

·         IMPROVD by Valentino Vettori’s S/S12 collection will literally take guests to a concrete jungle in Lincoln Center. IMPROVD will present a collection inspired by wild parrots and the bird’s colorful shades of blues, reds, and greens. Visuals and ambiance created by Vettori will include rustic doors, projections of wildlife, and music composed exclusively for the presentation. All accessories presented including belts, bags and shoes were designed by IMPROVD.  

TIBI: Stage (7:00 PM)

NORMA KAMALI: David Rubensten Atrium (9:00-11:00 AM) 

ROCHAMBEAU: Box (9:30-10:30 AM)

MICHAEL KORS: Theatre (10:00 AM)

NANETTE LEPORE: Stage (11:00 AM)

PORTS 1961: NY Public Library Celeste Bartos Forum (12:00 PM) 

J.MENDEL: Studio (1:00 PM)

NOMIA: Box (1:30-2:30 PM)

CHADO RALPH RUCCI: Theatre (2:00 PM) 

MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH: Stage (3:00 PM)

·         Known for a sophisticated blend of exquisite color, luxurious fabrics and couture techniques, the Milly collection delivers beautiful, must-have pieces with a playful yet modern sensibility.

Celebrities Expected: Alison Aston, Annie Churchill, Ashley Argota, Bettina Zilka, Chessy Wilson, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Gretta Monahan, Hayley Bloomingdale, Holland Roden, Jessica Hart, June Ambrose, Katrina Szish, Louise Roe and Lucy Sykes

SHAMASK: Studio (5:00 PM)

ANNA SUI: Theatre (6:00 PM)

JUAN CARLOS OBANDO: Box (6:30-7:30 PM)

ELIE TAHARI: Stage (7:00 PM)

B MICHAEL AMERICA: W 79^th ST at Columbus AVE

Celebrities Expected: Alva Chinn, Anthony Nunziata, Chyna Layne, Cicely Tyson, Danny Simmons, Desiree Rogers, Dina Merrill, Jean Chatzky, Michelle Paige Patterson, Myrna Colley-Lee, Phylicia Rashad, Rhonda Ross, Soledad O'Brien, Tamara Tunie, Terry McMillian and Will Nunziata  

Thursday, September 15, 2011: 

RALPH LAUREN: 275 Hudson St (10:00 and 11:00 AM)
 

GULI: Studio (12:00 PM)

SERGIO DAVILA: Box (12:30-1:30 PM) 

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION: 205 W 39^th St (2:00 and 3:00 PM)

NAEEM KHAN: Stage (4:00 PM)

MADE IN AFRICA: BY ARISE MAGAZINE: Avery Fisher Hall (5:00 PM)

ELENE CASSIS: Studio (6:00 PM)

·         Elene Cassis’ Spring 2012 Collection is inspired by the Greek fret or Greek key. Meanders are among the most important symbols in Ancient Greece; they symbolize infinity and unity that appear in bands in Greek art. This motif will enhance the clean sophisticated silhouettes that Elene Cassis' ready-to-wear is known for.

·         Elene Cassis made an indelible impression with her beautiful pieces soon after her graduation from Parson's School of Design in 2009.  Her collection can be found in Neiman Marcus and just under one hundred notable specialty stores nationwide. This year she was also bestowed the honor of being one of the finalists for The Fashion Group International's, Rising Star Award

.Celebrities Expected: Baiyu, Carrie Preston, Cherie Corso, Chyna Layne, Coco Mitchell, Esther Baxter, Jamie Kennedy, Jason Derulo, Jessica Hart, Jessica White, Joe Tayor, Lisalla Montenegro, Marie Lamari and Roberto Clemente  

Be sure to visit Chef Daniel Boulud’s Boulud Sud, Bar Boulud or Epicurie Boulud. The Lincoln Center area’s trio of dining destinations overlooking Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Eat-in or take-out at 64^th Street and Broadway.

The new location at Lincoln Center provides Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week attendees with convenient transportation and access to the event via subway, buses, taxi and town cars. By subway, the 1 train goes directly to the 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station as well as the 1, A, B, C, D service to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle stop.

By bus, the M5, M7, M10, M11, M66 and M104 lines all stop within one block of the Lincoln Center campus. Town cars can pick up and drop off at the main steps between 63rd and 64th Streets on Columbus Avenue and will have a designated waiting area on 65th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus.

In addition, there will be a taxi stand on Columbus Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets.

Additional transportation information is available at www.mbfashionweek.com, www.mta.info or by calling 311 within the New York City area.