A Lafayette native gives the IND a peak behind the red carpet of New York Fashion Week. What they're wearing in NYC that you can find right here in the Hub City.
We're really jealous of Mallory Domingue right now. And you will be, too. The Sacred Heart alum may be our backstage pass to New York's Fashion Week. But there aren't many things we wouldn't do to swap places with her in the VIP lounge. (Watch your back, Mal.)
Mallory is assistant director for FWNOLA year round and this week is the IMG Lounge Hostess for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which means she's hanging out with the likes of SJP and Michael Kors and Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum and Debra Messing and I could keep name dropping, but you get the picture. She has much to share. Today, however, we'll start with what the best of the best were wearing to watch spring runway shows. (We'll get into spring later. She's got the inside eye on the color we'll all be wearing. But frankly I just pulled out my riding boots for their very first wear today, so we're sticking with fall.)
It's all about leather, Mallory says.
"Shirts, dresses, pants and skirts. Some are wearing leather on leather, and it's being pleated like crazy," Mallory adds.
Pleated leather I like in theory. But, in practice I'm not quite ready. If you are, we applaud you and would love to see a pic of it done properly. For now, I'm sticking with sleek leather pieces.
That leather tank from Hemline (I know it's been mentioned before, but sometimes there just isn't a better example of a trend) is a great option no matter your style leanings. It can go rock and roll with a leather skirt or hippie chick with some denim, or office appropriate with a demure pencil skirt.
The leather dress Emily Clark, new owner of Knotting Hill, is wearing is another easy-to-wear leather piece. Both ladies styled the look with something tribal, which is a great accessory choice for all things leather.
Over at Brother's they have a lovely leather trimmed top if you're looking for something with just a hint of leather. And for the men, a reversible vest that's cashmere on one side and leather on the other can top a T-shirt or funky Robert Graham-esque shirt. Both easy ways to rock just a hint of leather.
And at Vanessa V., you'll find a leather alternative, if you will. The waxed jean. Much lighter weight (and usually cheaper), waxed or coated denim is hot for fall. Vanessa V. has a deep purple pair that is superb. (Stay tuned for more about the ridiculously wild and fabulous things people are doing to dear old denim this fall.)
And the mother of all leather items I've seen about town is the divine Leather and Feather dress from Harold Clarke in the Oil Center. Beyond words.