The Saratoga Archives - LAFashionsnob.com

NOLA Fashion Week – Day 2

Dec 02 2012

Day two of New Orleans Fashion Week was held in the same location in The Saratoga with two more designers that evening. We had the pleasure of viewing the collections of Mesdress and Loretta Jane, both feminine and wearable for working and playing in New Orleans.

LSU alumna Molly Stackhouse showcased her line- Mesdress (mess-dress) down the runway first. I loved the play on architectural geometric shapes and color-blocking. My two favorite pieces from the collection were the “Crystal” maxi dress and “Diamond” maxi skirt. I loved the rich sky blue with white trim on the dress. The dress screamed Spring/Summer 2013, but I’d wear it any season; whether layered up or not, as Austin weather is not very ‘wintery’ right now, so it would be perfection! The skirt is just as lovely, with diamond shapes on the sides, which obviously pays homage to its name- “Diamond” maxi skirt. The rest of the collection was simple, clean and wearable for any climate. She has partnered with the folks at Nola Sewn and is keeping her line local. She plans to continue being successful in designing ready-to-wear and to grow her business outside Louisiana.

Side Note: Due to a heartbreaking error, I am unable to retrieve the photos of the Mesdress show. I was able to save my instagram photo of the finale, but that is all. Folks and Molly, I REALLY apologize for the error. Please see mesdress.com for additional information and you can find more pictures of the line on Google or Facebook.

The last brand to grace the runway was another local brand by the name of Loretta Jane. Loretta Jane was launched in 2009 by Kelli Cooper. In 2010, she moved to New Orleans from Nashville and continues to manufacture the line in NOLA. Since its launch, this flirty and ultra-feminine line has been a hit in the South (with all the breezy fabrics, I can see why). The collection exuded playful whimsy and ranged anywhere from chic separates to dresses that one would wear to brunch or even an event, dressed up with heels or down with flats. The collection also was very on-trend with today’s market, with pretty polka-dot blouses, shorts and rompers, mixing of prints, dainty shorts with scalloped edges and structured strapless dresses. Keep Loretta Jane in mind when you need something chic, effortless and made locally. Check out lorettajane.com for further details.

Stay tuned for day three, featuring four designers.

**Mesdress Spring/Summer 2013 photos are used with permission from Mesdress**

NOLA Fashion Week- Day 1

Nov 29 2012

Day one (for me anyway) consisted of two shows, held at The Saratoga- a 1950s office building that was converted into chic urban apartments in the heart of downtown New Orleans. The shows were located in a great open space on the lower level, while in between shows, guests could go to the third floor, where there was a lounge and then a couple apartments that were decorated by Maria Barcelona and Interior Motives. The theme for the interior design was “Little Red Riding Hood” and boasted deep reds on the accent walls, a gun chandelier, a basket table centerpiece, a red cape that hung in a corner and other ‘hints’ of this fairy tale. Back down on the ground level, the two designers showcasing that evening were New Orleans-based Libellule and Isavel.

Libellule is still a newbie to the fashion scene, having officially launched during March 2012’s NOLA fashion week with eleven looks. Libellule (libby-lool) or “Dragonfly” in French, was founded by friends Crickett Lapeyre and Leigh Reveley Kellogg, who share a passion for vintage clothing. They bonded over Crickett’s vintage six-generations-old wedding veil (as Leigh is a fabric restorer who has done work for the Vatican). The women were fed up with modern clothing being so unflattering and decided to sketch some ideas. They then submitted the ideas to NOLA fashion week and soon received a call, asking them to be apart of the March show. Fast-forward to October…they presented their Spring/Summer ’13 collection titled “Wind and Waves.” The collection consisted of vintage-inspired flowy dresses, blouses, rompers, palazzo pants and a maillot. The pieces reminded me of a seaside vacation, complete with sailor-esque separates and breezy sundresses. I’m a fan of the light, goddess-like gown and ethereal white halter dress with plunging back. Every garment is made locally at Nola Sewn and their fabric is sourced from locally-owned Promenade. (FYI, I stopped by that shop and it’s amazing! Talk about kid in a candy store!) Check out libelluleclothing.com for further deets!

The last designer of the evening was Dallas-based Izavel. LSU alumna and designer Isabel Varela just launched her independent line- Isavel, this year. Her Spring/Summer 2013 collection plays on the mix of masculinity and femininity (as well as her ‘everyday inspiration’ of architecture, music and everything in between). She used airy fabrics with lighter hues that were instilled with more heavier materials in darker hues. I loved the silk pleated shorts, sleek custom silk print pleated vest and skirt! It’s no wonder that this talented young designer has gained exceptional favor in the fashion industry, along with being a finalist on NBCs “Fashion Star” in 2011 (where she had collaborated with Ashlee Brooks Patton for their contemporary womenswear line- Varela+Brooks). Varela was also a finalist on Project Runway Season 8. As far as the future of Isavel is concerned; it looks like a bright one, so please check out isavel.net to see more of what the brand is all about.

Tag - The Saratoga