Ladies Who Lunch: Anya Caliendo Spring/Summer 2014

There was a time when a woman wouldn’t be caught dead without a fashionable hat on her head.  Although times have changed and fashion no longer dictates the sporting of hats, the art of millinery has carried on.

When I say art, I mean it in the highest sense.  And no one practices the art better than Anya Caliendo.  Anya Caliendo’s fanciful creations are all handmade and the labor that goes into each design is a testament to her passion for the craft.

Born and raised in Russia, this talented designer has studied and worked in London and also in New York, where she currently lives and creates her collections.  Anya Caliendo presented her latest collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, where she spoke to us about the collection and her enduring love for millinery.

Video Photography by Cassandra Past

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Ladies Who Lunch: Deng Hao Spring/Summer 2014!

With two decades of success under its belt, Deng Hao presented its Spring 2014 Collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.

One of the emerging fashion companies from Shenzhen, China, Deng Hao’s unique knitwear creations make it a company that stands-out from the crowd, both in China and overseas.

Deng Hao focuses on patterned knits with a vibrant use of color.  Combining abstract patterns and stripes with its signature floral motifs, Deng Hao creates knits that are so intricately detailed they often resemble oil paintings.

A dramatic Deng Hao runway show highlighted the beauty and craftsmanship of the Shenzhen company with a Spring 2014 Collection that will most certainly be as big of a hit in the West as it is in Asia.

Video Photography by Cassandra Past

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Ladies Who Lunch; LaQuan Smith Spring/Summer 2014!

LaQuan Smith had a passion for fashion design ever since early childhood.  However, it wasn’t until after a serious battle with cancer that LaQuan Smith took that passion and started making it a reality.

LaQuan Smith launched his self-named brand in 2008 and has steadily gained a clientele following.  A native of Queens, New York, LaQuan Smith channels that energy to create a sexy urban look that has captured the attention of many celebrities.

LaQuan Smith has designed custom pieces for pop culture icons and artists from Lady Gaga and Rhianna to Beyonce and Tyra Banks.  Whether it’s on the red carpet or on the street, LaQuan Smith’s collections will definitely get you noticed!

Video Photography by Nicole Camillucci

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Ladies Who Lunch: ELLASSAY Spring/Summer 2014!

China has established itself as a major power in fashion, manufacturing garments for most of the clothing companies worldwide.  However, there are very few Chinese companies known outside of China that not only manufacture garments but design them as well.

Two companies from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen that do just that presented their Spring collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.  Presenting under the banner of Fashion Shenzhen, one of the 2 companies is ELLASSAY, a high end women’s fashion house.

Founded in 1995, ELLASSAY has gathered a loyal following in China, known for its elegant style.  Taking inspiration from French style, ELLASSAY creates lifestyle collections that dress its customer for all aspects of a modern woman’s day.

Having successfully expanded throughout China, ELLASSAY introduces itself to the US in a presentation that shows off the companies diversity and style!

Video Photography by Cassandra Past

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Ladies Who Lunch: 5:31 Jerome Spring/Summer 2014!

Although his label is relatively new, designer Jerome LaMaar has been active in the fashion business for many years.  He began his career at the age of 15, interning at Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons.

With a design background and numerous years working as a trend forecaster, Bronx native Jerome LaMaar decided to create his own line, 5:31 Jerome.

5:31 Jerome is a contemporary collection that focuses on classic wearable clothing with a whimsical touch.  And with all of that trend forecasting under his belt, Jerome LaMaar’s collection is right on target for Spring 2014! 

Video Photography by Cassandra Past

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