NEIMAN MARCUS PARTNERS WITH ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET

Ken Downing, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus with Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of alice + olivia at the alice + olivia Fall 2016 presentation during New York Fashion Week.

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is pleased to announce that the brand, in partnership with Neiman Marcus, will hold their first ever See-Now-Buy-Now runway show on Wednesday, April 13 at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. The show, held the Wednesday before Coachella, will feature the highly anticipated alice + olivia x Grateful Dead capsule collection paired with limited edition items from the Spring 2016 collection. Twelve exclusive items will be available at www.aliceandolivia.com and www.neimanmarcus.com.

Ken Downing, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, will co-style the runway show with Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of alice + olivia. The runway show will be streamed live from Los Angeles on both alice + olivia’s and Neiman Marcus’ social channels, including Periscope and Facebook Live.  

The official announcement of Bendet’s foray into the See-Now-Buy-Now runway follows on the heels of the CFDA’s release of the results of the Boston Consulting Group’s study of the future of New York Fashion Week on its website, www.CFDA.com, earlier this year.

"It is exciting to be involved in the forefront of a new fashion phenomenon with Stacey,” said Ken Downing. “She has always been wildly intuitive, with the ability to anticipate her fashionable customers’ wants and desires. Creating a highly curated, creative, clever, and in-season fashion show, as only Stacey can do, with a Buy-Now-Wear-Now mantra, makes sense for her fashion followers that love and adore what she designs!”

As alice + olivia embarks on the journey to modernizing their brand to match the consumer needs with a festival-themed See-Now-Buy-Now runway show in Los Angeles immediately prior to the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music Festival, the brand embodies the CFDA’s call out of the study, “that deliveries must better match the actual, physical season and our consumers’ behaviors and needs.”

“I hope to inspire consumers worldwide to kick off their festival season with alice + olivia,” said Bendet, “a See- Now-Buy-Now runway show is something I have been wanting to do for a few seasons but it took time to feel out when and where felt right...I wanted what I showed on that runway to be relevant to what consumers actually want to wear, now. I came up with the idea to have the show around Coachella and have the runway looks be based upon things that every girl would want to wear to a music festival.”

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Eight Rising Atlanta Artists Showcase Custom-Designed Denim Jacket Collection

Fourth of November Jeans

Custom designed Fourth of November Denim Jacket by Alea Hurst

Custom designed Fourth of November Denim Jacket by Miloh Smith

Maxim Beeching-designed Fourth of November Denim Jacket

Custom designed Fourth of November Denim Jacket by Alfred Conteh

Footaction and Brooklyn-based denim company, Fourth of November recently hosted a private showcase in Atlanta bringing together local personalities and eight of the city’s rising artists to celebrate the recent arrival of Fourth of November apparel to Footaction stores (February 2016). 

On display during the invite-only event were the one-of-a-kind customized denim creations by eight Atlanta artists: Alea Hurst, Miloh Smith, Maxim Beeching, Monica Tooke, Nicole Kutz, Alfred Conteh, Markeidic Walker and Saviour Sanquiche. Each artists’ design represented their individual style and was inspired by Footaction’s “Own It” mantra, which is all about spotlighting and encouraging individuality and originality.  The designs expressed the artists’ unique artistic expression, and told the story of how they each own their creativity and head-to-style.

Atlanta marked the second stop on Fourth of November’s Artist Series collaboration with Footaction, where the two brands have visited local markets to shine a spotlight on emerging local artists through their denim customization. The kick-off of the series was celebrated in New York City in February, and will next stop in L.A., then culminate, in New York City, where it all began.

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Tod's + Atlanta Ballet - Event Recap & Weekend Shopping Event

The Wave Bag by TOD'S

Mandy Kellogg Rye by Frederica Dall’Orso

Tod's

Michelle Crosland

Tod's + Atlanta Ballet Event

Coco Mathieson by Frederica Dall’Orso

Hosts

Joanne Chesler Gross, Mandy Kellogg Rye & Michelle Crosland

Spring has sprung, and Tod’s welcomed the season with a private shopping event at its Atlanta flagship boutique at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta for approximately 100 stylish guests on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.  Benefiting Atlanta Ballet, guests joined hosts and Tod’s Band members Michelle Crosland, Joanne Chesler Gross, Mandy Kellogg Rye and special guest & Atlanta Ballet dancer Coco Mathieson for an unforgettable evening of shopping, champagne, sweet and savory bites from Le Bilboquet and mixing and mingling.  Featuring Tod’s coveted Wave Bag and new arrivals from the Spring Collection, 10% of the evening’s sales were donated to Atlanta Ballet. Special guests in attendance included: Michelle Crosland, Joanne Chesler Gross, Mandy Kellogg Rye, Coco Mathieson of Atlanta Ballet, Jordan Leeper of Atlanta Ballet, Actresses Lauren Cohan and Christian Serratos of AMC’s "The Walking Dead”, Ginny Brewer, Celeste Pendarvis of Atlanta Ballet and more.  (Event photos by Ben Rose.)

*Additionally, this weekend, Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2016, shoe and accessory lovers can get their spring fix during a special shopping event benefiting Atlanta Ballet at Tod’s at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Featuring the newest spring arrivals for women and men, including the coveted Wave Bag, iconic Gommino loafers, sandals, sunglasses and more, the popular boutique will donate a percent of sales from the entire weekend to Atlanta Ballet, one of the nation’s premier dance companies. Shoppers simply have to mention they are shopping for Atlanta Ballet and a percent will be donated to the elite company.   

Tod’s at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is located at 3035 Peachtree Road NE, space A170, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Tod’s Atlanta is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.tods.com. 

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{Save The Date} for the 9th Annual DOGGIES ON THE CATWALK

Mark your calendars because Doggies on the Catwalk returns to The Shops Buckhead Atlanta on Saturday June 4th. The events begins at 7PM with cocktails with the fashion show at 8:30PM. Monica Pearson will once again emcee and our models have already been working hard supporting Canine Assistants. Please support their fundraising efforts by visiting their page(s) and buying tickets or making a donation. Our models this are: Jason & Andrea Moattar, Toni Moceri, Jenna Muller, Rebecca Walden, Patti Dickey, Raquel Souza, Tracye Hutchins, Richie Arpino, Jacqueline Byrum, Christine Pullara, Steve Hightower, Doug Weiss, Faven Ressom, Mary Kathryn Wells and Holly Firfer. These generous and philanthropic people will be sporting looks from brands such as Alice + Olivia, Theory, Les Copains, Akris, Christian Louboutin and more! They'll be modeling with service dogs from Canine Assistants - a litter of puppies were born recently and will be making their debut at the show!!

Le Bilboquet will host VIP with front row seating/tables. To purchase those tickets, call Le Bilboquet directly at 404-869-9944.

About the Doggies on the Catwalk photo! 

We shot this at "the farm" - Canine Assistants in Milton, Ga. It was a chilly 45 degrees, but our super model Rachel Zehner didn't even shiver! Brandi Mallory did the make-up and kept Rachel looking fresh all morning long. Grace Murphy, Theo Tyson and Lindsay Klein kept "things" moving. The gorgeous dress and shoes are from Alice + Olivia. They are from their Spring/Summer collection and will be available in stores soon. I partnered once again with the talented Tomas Espinoza for the photography. He, Grace and I walked the acres of property to scope out the perfect location. Oh and what about our doggie model?! A natural, wouldn't you say!

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Video Recap: Charleston Fashion Week 2016

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, Charleston Fashion Week has proven to be an impressive fashion force featuring talented emerging designers, CFDA anointed featured designers and a fashion icon of the most fabulous kind. My colleague and friend, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds and I attended and we were so blown away that we simply had to talk about it! From the non-stop parade of street-style to meeting Fern Mallis, we cover it all in this video recap. *Thank you to Two83 Media for the video production, Brandi Mallory for make-up and Annysa at Roche Bobois for the chic set. [Subscribe to fashionadoTV]

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DANIEL LISMORE: Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken

SCAD FASH, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s museum celebrating fashion and film, presents “DANIEL LISMORE. Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken” — the first U.S. exhibition featuring the work of artist, stylist and designer Daniel Lismore — from Jan. 22–May 1, 2016.

Curated by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD, “Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken” features 30 ensembles styled by Lismore exclusively for SCAD FASH and includes hundreds of items on loan from Lismore’s extensive personal wardrobe. Lismore is known for his distinctive ensembles that brilliantly combine couture garments with myriad found objects — from vintage fabrics and accessories to ethnic jewelry and millinery — to form an expression of eccentric, creative energy that reflects his unique sartorial point of view. The core of Lismore’s artistic practice is sustainable fashion, a growing design philosophy that espouses creative reuse, upcycling of materials and reduction of impact on the environment. In recognition of his efforts on this front, retail clothing company H&M selected Lismore in September 2015 to be a face of its “Close the Loop” campaign promoting recycling in the fashion industry.

Exhibit extended through May 1st...

Daniel Lismore

Scad Fash

A prominent fixture in the London fashion circuit, Lismore has been the subject of exhibitions at the prestigious TateModern, London in 2013 and TateBritain, London in 2014. He studied photography and fashion design before beginning a career as a model. He was photographed by Mario Testino, Phil Poynter, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and Ellen von Unwerth, landing him on the pages of Vogue UK, i-D magazine and L’Uomo Vogue. He progressed from modeling into editorial work, contributing to and illuminating the wardrobes of various European magazines. Lismore has collaborated with American rapper Azealia Banks to concept shows and the artwork of her first album, “Broke with Expensive Taste,” and he was the inspiration behind pop artist Iggy Azalea’s “Glory” EP cover.Additionally,Lismore has been featured in the music videos of Boy George, George Michael and Alexandra Burke, and he has appeared in “Made in Chelsea,” “Britain’s Next Top Model,” “Denmark’s Next Top Model,” “The Kylie Show,” “Styled to Rock” and the upcoming 2016 feature film “Absolutely Fabulous.” Since 2012 Lismore has been the creative director of Sorapol, a luxury womenswear label worn by fashion influencers such as Naomi Campbell, Kylie Minogue, Nicki Minaj, Paloma Faith, Cara Delevingne and Debbie Harry. In recent years he has supported organizations such as Vivienne Westwood’s Climate Revolution, climate change charity Cool Earth and New World International Kenya. Lismore also lends his support to the LGBT community, human rights issues and free speech movements.  

This show runs concurrent to “A Fashionable Mind: Photographs by Jonathan Becker”.

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Sylvia Tosun: From the Opera to the Top of the Dance Charts

SYLVIA TOSUN / Photos by Hyuna Shin, styled by Carlos Davis, makeup by Jasmine Lee

She has an angelic voice and a golden touch. When Sylvia Tosun isn't making home at the top of the dance music charts - #1 to be precise - she's gracing the NYFW runways. The musical genre-crossing singer/songwriter has talents the rest of us only dream about. From opera to trance, her voice will captivate and mesmerize. The vocalist is in high demand by some of the world's biggest DJs but she's also leaving a mark in the world of fashion, which is one of her other loves. 

This classically trained opera singer has a golden heart too, as beautiful as her voice. Sylvia Tosun uses her public platform to fight for human rights, specifically for the LGBT community. I was fortunate to ask Sylvia questions about her music, fashion and life. Her responses make you love her even more.

You recently performed and walked-the-walk at Malan Breton's NYFW show. How did this come about? Describe the experience. Also, how much did you love that dress?! It was gorgeous on you.

Sylvia Tosun: Thank you! Malan is such a delightful and talented friend.  We were introduced a few years ago through our mutual friend and fashion stylist, Carlos Davis. I have always admired Malan’s work and he has been very generous to me with his creations. I wore his designs in a few of my videos and photoshoots including an image that was featured in a recent issue of British Vogue. In that image, photographer Barry Hollywood captured me wearing an intricate brocade Malan couture gown as I held an antique pruning saw in front of a 300-year-old red barn. We loved the contrast of high fashion and rustic farm life. Regarding this recent NY fashion week, Malan totally surprised me with a phone call while I was on my way to the airport to catch a flight to Toronto for Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance (ASOT) 750 event. I was heading there to join Andrew Rayel onstage for the finale of his set when he closed with our collaboration, “Winterburn.” Coincidentally, Malan was calling me because he had just heard “Winterburn” and said he loved it and had an inspiration for it to be the musical theme for his upcoming show! He wanted to know if I would be willing to do a special performance at his event. Of course, I was thrilled and honored so I said, “Yes!” The experience of the show was memorable: The event was held at Gotham Hall, which is an impressive and grand space, replete with its gorgeous and ornate cathedral ceiling, classic columns, and so on. Showtime was exhilarating! The venue was absolutely packed with reporters, cameras, celebrities and fashionistas. Suddenly, the room went dark and silent as the music began. The musical director for the show, Anton Bass, began the show’s sound by playing the orchestral version of “Winterburn” over the PA; that version was arranged by composer Geert Huinink. This was the very first time anyone would be hearing this version so it was extra special and dramatic.  As the orchestral track swelled, I entered stage-right, illuminated by a spotlight and, wearing Malan’s magnificently hand-stitched white winter gown. I focused on hitting my notes. Internally, I channeled the character of a lovestruck, heart-broken ice queen. The show felt quite theatric. Without missing a beat, the song completed by slamming into the high-energy original version, which was produced by Andrew Rayel & Digital X. The room erupted with energy as the lights flashed brightly and the first model stepped onto the runway! The rest of the show was as dynamic and spirited, musically, thanks to Anton. The show’s director, Luis Villabon, told all of us to have a good time up there and to act as if it was a dance party and that is exactly the type of fun it was.

In your music videos, your style seems to be a balance of glamour meets edgy. How true to life is that? Do you have favorite designers? Who are your go-to’s?

Sylvia Tosun: That is an accurate description and intentional. In real life, I am a tomboy and I love gardening. I’m a do-it-yourself builder by day, however, I love playing dress-up and being styled in cool fashion at night or when hitting the town, be it New York City or wherever/whenever I’m traveling. I am lucky enough to have my friend and fashion-stylist, Carlos, set me up for any public appearances or photoshoots. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing edgy couture fashion designs of designers like The Blonds and Michael Bevins, and my all-time favorite designer is Alexander McQueen! I have always loved the art of “de-constructed glamour.” It’s certainly an expression of art imitating life. Creation and survival, to me, go hand-in-hand.

Can we talk about your vocals? Such an angelic yet powerful voice... How much of an influence is your classical training within the world of EDM?

Sylvia Tosun: My classical training certainly comes into play as far as technique.  However, a lot of what brings out the results in my EDM/trance music recordings is the approach taken during the studio sessions. My vocal producer and collaborator, Anton [Bass], has a knack for knowing which buttons to push, both literally in the recording studio and figuratively in helping me use my voice as an instrument in order to create different textures and sounds. I think the training definitely helps with endurance and overall vocal stability but I also believe that singing is a feeling and not necessarily something one has learned. On that level, when I am singing, I am feeling, and that is my influence.

Your latest song, “Winterburn" with Andrew Rayel & Digital X is so beautiful, soothing and poetic.  What can you say about it?

Sylvia Tosun: Thank you! I love that you think it is soothing. “Winterburn” symbolizes a deep, nurturing mother spirit who can be both soft and blanketing like a gentle snowfall or as harsh as an arctic blast that even the mighty sun cannot thwart. The phrase, “I am your Winter,” is an expression of a woman who is confident, nurturing and resilient in the face of adversity.

You've worked with so many amazing artists, including Armin van Buuren. Will you talk about the process of collaboration? Does it differ from artist to artist?

Sylvia Tosun: Well, I haven’t had the pleasure of directly working with Armin yet, but I am so grateful that he has taken an interest and been a supporter of some of my songs, most notably “An Angel’s Love.” It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Andrew Rayel on few songs recently. He is supremely talented and I think we have made a good team with our collaborations because of our shared appreciation for the classical element in the music. The song that I did with Aly & Fila and Roger Shah, “Eye2Eye” was a joy to help create, and as well, having it chosen as the official anthem for their Future Sound of Egypt 350 world tour.  It was a fantastic experience to perform the song, live, at Hammerstein Ballroom, opening Aly & Fila’s set in NYC!  

It makes me happy when people use their public platforms to do good. Please talk about Love Is Love.

Sylvia Tosun: Love is Love was inspired by the moment we were living in. There was this underlying tension in the world with Russia’s intolerant and abhorrent public mistreatment of the LGBT community, while the political debate in the U.S. was showing uncertainty and strong pushback against our social progress. French producer David Vendetta and I were already working on a musical project together known as VenSun at the time and he sent me the track that became “Love is Love.” It’s a universal concept that love should be a freedom which is honored and respected for all.  Coincidentally, the Supreme Court made its ruling on DOMA the exact same month that we began to promote the song.  What are the chances of that? We had no idea that that was coming, and even more serendipitously, President Obama sent out a tweet following that decision using the hashtag #LoveIsLove !  "Today’s DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove." It was such a happy moment to be in NYC during gay pride festivities that year.

What's in your fashion and musical future?

Sylvia Tosun: I have been preparing and rehearsing to perform live shows where I play piano and sing my EDM/trance songs acoustically (in the form that I write them). I will have special guest musicians joining me onstage as well. We’re planning to announce some dates starting in the early summer and hopefully, my friends in the fashion industry will help me out with my look.  Trance in fashion, anyone?

Can't get enough?! For more information on Sylvia Tosun, visit: http://sylviatosun.com/

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