Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2015: Desigual and Meskita

Desigual 

Amidst the endless lines and serious faces at the fashion week tents, one of the most refreshing things you can come across is a smile, especially on the runway – thank you Desigual. High energy, happiness, and all things bright and colorful is their signature on the runway and this Spring / Summer collection, titled “Say Something Nice,” falls right in line. In their third year of a collaboration with Christian Lacroix, Desigual presented a collection of blooming multi-cultural floral prints, from daises and roses, to hibiscuses and dahlias. Models breezed down the runway with light maxis, jumpsuits, and airy summer dresses, accessorized with flower crowns. Who better to open and close the show than the gorgeous Adriana Lima?

      

      

      

      

      

All photos from WWD

Meskita 
Returning to New York Fashion Week, Brazilian designer Alessandra Meskita presented a collection inspired by Egypt royalty and the various shades of the Sahara Desert. Hand pleated fabrics looked elegant as they flowed down the runway in the form of capes (my obsession), and evening and mini dresses. Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like crisp whites accented with gold – my favorite color – and Meskita does this beautifully. Subtle patterns with hieroglyphics, gold eye shadows, bold black eyeliner, and plenty of gold accessories all echoed an Egyptian influence without going over the top. Meskita aims to empower women through her collection by blending elements of both warriors (eg: leather harnesses) and goddesses.

      

      

      

      

      

All photos from WWD

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015: Nicholas K and Jay Godfrey

Nicholas K

Brother and sister design duo Nicholas and Christopher Kunz of Nicholas K, kicked off our Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week line up with a strong collection in their signature layered utilitarian style. This Spring / Summer collection was inspired by Isabelle Eberhardt, an explorer in the late 1800’s, and focused on pieces that were easy to wear and practical for traveling – think loose, movable, and Safari-inspired. Laced heels glamorized the nomadic look, while modern aviators heightened a sense of exploration. The collection was beautifully styled with horse hair accessories, leather harnesses, and plenty of head wraps.

      

      

      

      

All photos from WWD

Jay Godfrey 
Rock-n-roll cowboy mash-up is what Jay Godfrey was going for this fashion week, and mash-up is what he got. Some looks were highly appealing, like the black and white chevron suiting, the green fringe dress, and the fringe cape with silver studded pants, but others were not as convincing (see leopard print tuxedo and see-through lace shawl, below). But what worked well overwhelmed the more jarring looks, and the presentation in hay with live music won me over: mash up some more Americana, please Mr. Godfrey.

      

      

      

All photos above from WWD. Photos below are writer's own.

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015: Timo Weiland

The trio force behind Timo Weiland debuted their Spring / Summer 2015 collection at Hoffman Hall at The High Line Hotel, in the perfect setting donned with wooden floors and gothic architectural structure and windows. Here, East Coast meets West Coast, Baja sweaters meet tailored blazers, and Birkenstock sandals meet tennis separates. We've seen an overwhelming amount of Birkenstock-type sandals and Doc Martens on street style blogs, but we love that they are now being incorporated in menswear collections. Inspired by "Julius Shulman's architectural pictures from L.A. from the 50's and 60's," the collection showcased bold stripes and structured separates, accessorized with 1960's styled sunglasses. Favorite looks include the perfect combination of casual and formal with loose fitting, striped pants with a button down shirt, and a beautifully fit twill raincoat.

      

       

      

      

All photos from WWD

34th Street Weekend Picks: Urban Outfitters and Express

Urban Outfitters

BDG Twig & Seamed jeans are now $39. Find them on the second floor of UO Herald Square, where you can also shop racks full of great clothes now on sale for $29.99 and up. 1333 Broadway at 35th Street

Express

Leggings are buy one get one for $19.90, and the patterns are fabulous! Also, click here for more weekend sale info. Manhattan Mall, 33rd and Sixth Avenue, level one

Phototech: New York City's (and beyond) Best Camera Repair

Once on 34th Street across from B&H but recently relocated just north on 36th Street is New York City's only independent camera repair store, Phototech.

This family business has been in operation for over 50 years, and, for the past ten years, has also owned 34th Street's Chrysler Camera Repair, below. 

Chrysler's old 34th Street location.

But this month Chrysler moved into Phototech's new digs on 36th to create one flagship location for all your camera repair needs. Phototech is the only authorized Sony repair center in the country, and is also a center for Nikon, Canon,  Sony, Fuji, and more. Basically, almost everyone sends cameras to Phototech to fix.

Cameras ready to ship.

More fun facts: Phototech's warranty is the longest in the business, as full repairs come with a one-year warranty. Phototech also gives student, NYPD, FDNY, and paramedic discounts.

Behind the scenes in one of Phototech's repair rooms.

But even if you're not a camera person, Phototech can help. They repair cracked phone and tablet screens, including iPhone, Blackberry, and Android, and can fix most overseas phones, sometimes even on the same day (turnaround time is generally 24-48 hours). All of the former is priced between $65-$200 ($65 - $115 for glass only, $200 for LCD repair).

Clearly, this is your place to repair and maintain your cameras and devices. Phototech works with amateurs and professionals alike, and excels in friendly and efficient customer service. All this so close to 34th Street and Penn Station: convenient, right?!

Phototech
360 West 36th Street just east of Ninth Avenue