Venexiana Spring 2014

Design process, a la Venexiana's Kati Stern: pick fabrics, blast punk music, and let the creativity flow. Show-goers certainly witnessed that touch of punk glamour in her pieces at her Spring 2014 show. Metallic beading and crystallized gowns dramatically hugging each curve are not meant for wallflowers. These are gowns that command attention and exude confidence.

      

     

      

Powder blue was a prominent color on the runway, as were large, floral-printed, silk gowns, that truly brought the essence of spring to the runway. Stern masterfully displayed drapery and fluidity in a light and airy way.

      

Lace overlays on classic cuts had a vintage beauty to them. 

      

      

One complaint: every season, Kati Stern presents an overwhelming collection of over 70 glamorous gowns. This season had me feeling deju vu, bringing me back to her Spring '13 runway presentation. From very similar styling, with double sided chignons (last spring they were twisted, this time braided) and seductive, heavily winged eyes, to seeing many of the same cuts on the gowns. A bit of editing for next season could refine the presentation by eliminating repetitive fillers, and focusing the collection. Otherwise, Venexiana for spring brought the rock-n-roll energy as always.

All photos from The Cut

Venexiana Fall 2013

Amanda Wigen does a video recap of Venexiana's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show.

Kati Stern for Venexiana sent 76 glam gowns down the runway this season. The model's spotlit entrance at the start of the show, head-to-toe sequin gowns, and the occasional fur shawl made clear that Old Hollywood was a source of inspiration for the collection.

Asymmetric cowl necklines, coiled metal snaked around the body, and dramatic open backs were consistently incorporated into each gown.

Saturated velvet and scalloped-shaped sequins made for the glam-est of gowns. I was in awe at the looks coming down the runway, which unfortunately means I was too distracted to effectively capture most of the gowns on camera. So instead, I direct you to the MBFW video coverage of the event:

0:42 The collection's signature elements - a cowl neckline and crystal coil - make their first appearance. I drool over magenta velvet.

1:00 Venexiana does Downton Abbey. Yes to this.

2:11 Black beaded fringe brings playfulness to the runway.

3:11 Scalloped sequins arranged on the bias suit this mermaid cut gown.

9:42 Persimmon-toned velvet. Favorite #1. This video doesn't begin to capture how lush and luxurious this gown looks on the runway.

13:52 Favorite #2. The fit of this gown is impeccable, and I love how it so elegantly shows off the model's shoulders.

18:32 A high-collared, bronze and gold scalloped evening gown completely wins me over.

All photos by Amanda Wigen. Video via FashionTV and MBFW on Youtube.

Venexiana Spring '13

Nancy is dazzled by the evening wear at Kati Stern's Venexiana Show

My first thought after Kati Stern sent 71 beautiful gowns down the Venexiana runway? "What event could I possibly use as an excuse to wear one of these?" I anticipate seeing Venexiana at red carpet events in the spring.

      

      

Maybe one or two of the gowns slipped into prom dress territory, but the majority of them were gorgeous. Champagne toned dresses hit the perfect note of softness and elegance with fur, lace and embellishments.

The styling was perfect: romantic twisted up dos and long flirty eyelashes. I'm glad there was no flashy jewelry on any of the models, leaving the focus of the look on the gowns. 

      



      

The bolder hues and sequin gowns were stunning show stoppers. More than a few thigh high slit gowns seemed to have caught a case of the Angelina Jolie leg syndrome. The middle gown is one of my personal favorites, the cut and color is simply beautiful!

      

I love that Kati Stern also sought to make the back of a gown interesting. Draped backs, low cuts, and long trains perfectly completed these looks.

   

The finale blew me away with a strapless pink and black checkered gown with a structured embellished bodice. The blend of spunky edge juxtaposed with the soft romantic hair was a statement of Kati Stern's personality, who is known for her rock-and-roll flair. There was never a dull moment on the runway, but there rarely is at a Venexiana show. 

 
All photos from mbfashionweek.com and zimbo.com

Venexiana Fall '12

Lindsey attended the Venexiana Fall '12 show and she felt much like I did the first time I attended Venexiana way back in 2008: her show is 100% fun and energy.

But this year Venexiana's fun kind of blew us away. After checking Lindsey's notes ("Perhaps my favorite show of the season" "Gold embellishments, a Spanish Lace feel, beaded bodices" "Almost over-the-top but just reined in"), I looked at mbfashionweek.com. Wowza.

Fun! Gorgeous! Kind of crazy! OK, so maybe some of it is a little over-the-top, but I seriously think if I was going to an awards show I'd wear one of these. The last two I included as specific examples of the only thing I didn't like about this show: stone-faced models. If you're wearing a snake tossed artfully over your shoulder, or an electric-hued turquoise blue gown, I'm going to need a little more excitement in the face, please.


To view the wild gorgeousness from behind, here's the official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week video:

Friday Fashion Week, Post-Yigal

The BCBG show was a total crush in the main tent. I immediately wished for the intimacy of a Chelsea show with nicer, flirty cameramen and no chubby paparazzi shoving you aside to shoot vaguely familiar celebrities in the front row (is it me, or do they all look like they're from "The Hills?"). From where I was standing (back, back, back row), the short dresses & separates (all belted, just-a little-poufy skirts in neutrals, brown & blue-grey) will keep the BCBG customer happy. I'm looking for the pants, full-legged and sexy they moved great down that runway.

Later I hit the Project Runway Designer show (Victorya) and toted Xmastime along for his first show. The clothes? Attending fashion shows is a lot more fun with Xmastime. Dibs on him for next season. Here he is, far left, outside the show looking in, poor guy! And right, finally he gets in!. The crowd was very chatty. They must have been wondering, as I was, how many versions of that black dress one can see without wanting to grab a couple Fiji waters and run for the doors. Videos of Xmastime "crashing" fashion week will follow next week.

We went back uptown to Bryant Park for Venexiana. This was pure entertainment with the loudest music yet (the bass was pumping so hard I had Motorhead flashbacks). The show opened with a cheer, V-E-N-E-X-I-A-N-A, and the music, I swear, was augmented with screaming fans like an NFL broadcast. The collection? Nothing watered down, straight shots of glamarama, please. The Venexiana client is bold and loves to be noticed. You won't miss her next fall with her strong shoulders, slinky gowns and magenta, fur-trimmed jackets and stoles. She is a '40s screen goddess. The ending brought people to their feet, assisted by the high energy music and fun crowd. I love how she (designer Kati Stern) did a full catwalk bow; if you've got them on their feet, why not bask in it?