Trends from PROJECT NYC 2023

This year Project NYC was all about creating a cool and curated space to discover what's new in menswear and even some genderless clothing as well. The opening day kicked off with a trends presentation from Moose Tracks. 

I headed through the floor to look for the latest trends as well as discover the up and coming talent in menswear this season. 

I started with this lovely pastel collection by LA based brand no one. The friends and founders created a menswear line that is all about letting go of ego and contrasts utilitarian style with fun colors and embroidery. Guillermo Bravo was another standout brand featuring unique deconstructed styles with removeable pockets, patchwork clothing, and mixed media designs. 

The modern styles are open to genderless styles and focus on high quality designs that add a statement to the everyday. John Carl Yates an NYC based designer displayed pieces from the fall collection inspired by wool. The elevated silhouettes allowed for comfortable and stretchy wool sets that could be mixed and matched with other pieces. I love the cowl neck design that could be worn for either gender. Javelin another NYC brand also stood out as a trend setter with simple and elegant designs that each told a story. 

Jagvi a French brand with stores in Paris presented a contemporary and sustainable collection that brought elements of classic European style to Project. The collection was full of basic pieces perfect for a capsule wardrobe with a few pops of color for statement pieces. This brand was one of my favorite sustainable collections from the show. Other sustainable designers included Natalie Brown New York who creates unisex puffer jackets and other pieces out of recycled vintage t-shirts. Denim brand Gilded Age also based in NYC offers a more unique take on sustainability focusing on making products that are timeless and limiting collection releases. Not giving in to the ever expanding fashion calendar is an important but not often talked about part of reaching sustainable goals for the fashion industry. 

Awet NYC is another sustainable minded brand that focuses on fashion and social change. The brand's founder a refugee who previously worked at the UN brings his unique experience to the fashion industry by organizing events and products around topics such as refugees, women's history month, and more. The brand is also dedicated to helping garment industry workers in NYC who are a vital part of the reason that NYC is such a hub for the fashion industry. 

Loungewear and vacation wear brands including Samuel Zelig, Sundek USA, and Jasper Los Angeles all showed unique takes on the athleisure industry which is still going strong after Covid. Accessories at the show included footwear and eyewear. One of my favorite lines was the sunglasses collection from brutish brand Spitfire eyewear. I also loved some of the more colorful pieces from the GH Bass fall collection. 

The day ended with a fireside chat with Edwina Kulego VP of Project and futurist/influencer Jerome Lamaar about the future of fluidity in fashion and retail. Check out my coverage of the panel in my next article coming soon! 

Matt Bomer Talks Style at The Official Golden Globes Pre-Party on Sunset Blvd

It's Awards season in Hollywood which means everyone is getting glammed up for their red carpet appearances. I got to talk with one of my favorite actors and all around sharp dresser Matt Bomer at the Gold Meets Golden Pre-Party on Sunset Blvd today!

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You can check out my interview on the gold carpet in the video below!


  Bomer's style is always very put together and classy but he isn't afraid to take risks with the details either. In this blue Officine Generale suit he worked in a sporty theme to his look to go with the event's theme of honoring Olympic athletes while still staying classy for the carpet. The white stitching all along the edges of the suit and his white sneakers really pull the whole look together for a clean cut sporty vibe.

I think this look is definitely something anyone could wear and was the perfect choice for this event! The Gold Meets Golden pre-party happens every year in Hollywood bringing actors and athletes together to raise awareness for sports related causes. The event was hosted by Nicole Kidman and there were tons of celebs and gold medal athletes in attendance! Go check out my interviews with stars like Octavia Spencer, athlete Michelle Kwan and more in Hollywood Glam magazine!http://www.hollywoodglammagazine.com/2019/01/06/celebs-share-their-awards-night-style-and-more-at-the-gold-meets-golden-pre-golden-globes-party/

The Top Menswear Trends from the Hollywood Experts at Simply OC

StyleWeek OC kicked off at the beautiful Fashion Island Mall where celebrity stylists and fashion icons fashion blogger J Fig, Doug McLaughlin of RHOC, and celebrity stylist Ashley Weston came out for a Menswear panel to discuss the latest trends for the upcoming fall season. These top style industry leaders dished on the latest trends that no one else will see until they hit the red carpet later this year so remember you heard it here first! Ashley Weston Hollywood menswear stylist for some of the hottest A-list actors like Harrison Ford, Chris Pratt, Kevin Hart and more told us about her tips for creating a sleek and polished red carpet look.

The panelists talked about their favorite trends of the season and shared the daring looks they predicted would be on the rise in 2019. They all agreed that yellow is the color of the moment and loved adding pops of the bright hue to lighten up any look. Ashley Weston also recommended mixing houndstooth prints into your wardrobe this fall because the classic fall print is making a comeback. She also said that girls could use some of these tips too because going for the masculine look for women is always a great way to mix it up with an oversized suit or a shirt and tie look.

When each of the panelists were asked what their favorite piece was for menswear they all had interesting essential items for the stylish man. Doug McLaughlin started off telling the audience about his favorite leather jacket. He said the jacket was something he wanted to pass on to his sons because he felt that it was the perfect addition to any man's wardrobe and was a great nostalgic piece to be used again and again.

Ashley said she always recommended her clients own a pair of nice loafers because they could be worn at any occasion and dressed up or down.

Daniel Musto added that sunglasses were another essential he loved to have in his closet and J Fig said he couldn't live without a soft comfortable t-shirt. These essentials are all great tips for creating the basis for a stylish wardrobe. The panelists also talked about their favorite way to elevate their looks. Doug McLaughlin shared his favorite tips for looking sharp on date night saying, "Recently I wore a light cream colored suit for date night with Lydia and she loved it because usually I tend to go for the darker colored suits." Apparently his lighter color palette was a big it with his wife and its something he'll definitely be bringing back.

Ashley Weston recommended several tips for looking red carpet ready saying, "I always tell my clients never let your socks show!" She also recommends having one good tailored suit because fit can really make or break a look.

The panel discussion turned to the current state of menswear as the panelists talked about their favorite brands which ranged everywhere from Suit Supply to Rodd and Gunn. The panelists talked about how much the men's fashion industry has grown and changed in the past few years and Ashley Weston said, "I feel like I can tell my clients to take risks now and go with a patterned shirt they might never wear or add some bright colors and they always end up loving it because people think men's fashion is boring and just the same old thing over and over again but it doesn't have to be."

All in all the panel was very informative and even I got some great style tips from it!

CdM One to watch from FWLA: exclusive interview with Gilles Bendenoun of Robin's Jeans

My favorite collection from the evening shows at FWLA Day 1 was Robins Jeans. I spoke to the marketing Director about their latest collection. The fun and stylish denim brand is designed and manufactured right here in Los Angeles. The Robins Jeans brand is all about style and the collection of denim looks included mens and womenswear. I loved the added sparkle on the jeans and their amazing jean jackets. These well designed pieces had an amazing fit and didn't look confining or stiff on the runway. I loved the Los Angeles look and mix of casual and dressy denim in this collection. According to Bendenoun Robins Jeans are made right here in downtown LA and they currently have 15 retail locations. I love discovering new boutiques and can't wait to check them out! Robins Jeans is breaking all the rules and not just with their edgy designs. When I asked about the trends from the runway collection Bendenoun explained that the designer always designs what he feels because the brand isn't subject to department store trends since they have their own stores. I could tell that the collection was full of creativity and loved the play on colors and styles. The brand is able to produce the collection and ship it to their stores easily since they are local one of the benefits of being LA made. The brand has a culture and large following around the country. Popular artist Fetty Wap is a customer of the brand and even sings about them in his song Remy Boyz 679. I would definitely wear this collection and can't wait to see more from this up and coming brand!

Norweigan Rain x T. Michael launch party on Sunset Blvd.

This Thursday I was invited to the official launch party for Norwegian Rain's California debut, sponsored by a team from LA Fashion Week. LAFW welcomed international designers Alexander Halle and T. Michael.  The party was held at the exclusive LA boutique H. Lorenzo on Sunset Boulevard.  Voices from the crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk on the unusually warm November night and a friendly hostess greeted me straightaway as I walked into the party.  Antique Norweigen furniture decorated the modern space and the beat of techno fashion music played in the background.

I was greeted by the designer himself, Alexander.  It was clear the quiet wellspoken Norweigan was excited to be in L.A. The tall designer sported a Norweigan look with his blue suit and hat, punctuated with a red feather.  

The Norwegian Rain brand was founded in 2009.  Alexander and T. Michael partnered to make outwear with a Japanese influence; their brand was inspired by living in Bergen, the rainiest city in Europe. Thursday night they brought their designs to LA with the help of LAFW to, according to T. Michael see what would happen when they put all the best things they knew of together. The raincoat design incorporates the newest waterproof technology and traditional men's tailoring.  In my exclusive interview with Alexander, I learned how the brand was born.  Alexander told his story of perseverance. When he first pitched the idea to T. Michael, Alexander said, "Of course he said 'No.'" But he continued to visit each time it rained, and with the frequency he finally got his chance. T. Michael acquiesced saying, "Let's talk, because you're just going to keep coming back." Alexander had a less traditional route to his career as a fashion designer starting out studying business, but with this project he got to live his creative dream by launching his raincoat designs.  In the collection he described how they use Japanese material to incorporate the latest in sportswear technology.  They tailored the coat with the idea of hidden functionality; the smooth designs with perfect symmetry hide interior magnetic clasps and adjustable fit. He pointed out the unisex black raincoat on display at the front of the room as one that can be adjusted for personal preference.  

He also hopes to set a trend of sustainability and always designs consciously.  He gestured to a chic gray plaid cape that is made with recycled materials. 

As I walked around the room I noticed the interesting accessories including scarves, satchels, and shoes placed throughoput.

  I interviewed designer and tailor T. Michael about his brand new release of eyewear. 

The bold curvy design of the glasses was very unique. T. Michael explained that they were made from buffalo horn from Asia which allows them flexibility to form to your face.  He also chose this material because it is very durable and can last for years. According to T. Michael,"The glasses are a bold look for a bold person so that you can walk into a room and say, Noted, it's me." 

The collection was a hit with the L.A. fashion crowd that attended the party.  Many guests tried on the raincoats and glasses and some bought scarves and accessories.  As the team from LAFW said, "There is plenty of room for international designers in L.A."  This collection is especially timely with the approaching El Nino. This collection might turn out to be for more than staying in fashion after all in our usually sunny city.