Amid the backdrop of war, Los Angeles’ Fashion Week began with a moving display of eveningwear by Lever Couture, designed by Ukrainian-born, L.A.-based designer Lessja Verlingieri. 

Sergio Hudson, Cult Gaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Ulla Johnson, Prada, Gucci, and Balenciaga are some of the notable brands that are participating in various L.A. events, including dinners, parties, and runway shows that are planned throughout the remainder of the year.

Lessja Verlingieri initiated the week’s fashion festivities at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, drawing attention from celebrities like Milla Jovovich, Geena Davis, Johnny Wujek, and Martin Katz. The designer is well-known for dressing stars like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Tems, a singer who wore a viral cloudlike gown at last year’s Oscars.

“Lessja is a close friend of mine, she designed my dress for Cannes last year, and I think it’s important for us Ukrainian girls to support each other, and I had to be here tonight to give her a good rock to lean on,” Jovovich told WWD, adding that the designer’s work “is sculptural but also respectful to a woman’s body. She’s a woman designing for women.”

Backstage, Verlingieri, who last showed in Tokyo in 2022, was reflective. “I love L.A. and I want to make a mark here,” she told WWD of her couture-like gowns. “The collection is supposed to [imitate] emotion, reflect our state going from light to wild, strong silver to happy flowers, then white to black. Because we have in our lives a lot of sadness — especially with everything happening now.”

A pillar of light stood at the top of her runway, and the show began with a voiceover of Charlie Chaplin’s famous speech from “The Great Dictator,” which makes a case for humanity in a time of evil, in his case, Nazi Germany.

On the runway, Verlingieri’s collection featured ethereal mesh goddess ensembles, gowns adorned with flowing metallic streamers, and striking ribbon fringe outfits.

Every ensemble featured in the collection is deserving of the red carpet treatment. However, difficulties persist in light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike impacting the fashion industry. Nonetheless, Verlingieri remains committed, stating “It’s hard, but I cannot stop doing what I love and what I feel.”

L.A. Fashion Week’s history has been marked by a tumultuous journey, featuring competing producers, divergent missions, and ever-changing locations. However, this season, the show is being orchestrated by N4XT Experiences and has garnered recognition from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, with the aspiration of rekindling the enchantment of its past editions.

This year’s L.A. Fashion Week lineup includes Sergio Hudson, Gypsy Sport, Simkhai, Claude Kameni, No Sesso, Theophilio, Luis De Javier, Neon Cowboys, BruceGlen, TomBogo, Saintwoods, Advisry, Sami Miro Vintage, AnOnlyChild, and Demobaza, among others. The event promises to offer a diverse range of collections and styles. The LAFW event will also include celebrity guests, stylists, media coverage, and international press.

The partnership with software giant SAP has enabled N4XT to offer interactive shopping experiences. The event will also feature a BeautyLab installation in collaboration with Lancôme, allowing the public to engage and explore these fashion brands.

Noah Kozlowski, the new vice president and head of designer relations, is spearheading L.A. Fashion Week, ensuring that the event provides designers with ample space to tell their stories and showcase well-made garments. He has created opportunities for smaller brands to shine, emphasizing creativity and quality craftsmanship. The event has strategically been scheduled after the global fashion month to allow designers to have more time for creativity.

Kozlowski shared with WWD, “Launching another main fashion week hub in another city, especially in a place where a lot of manufacturing takes place, will have a lot of impact not only for L.A., but for fashion as a whole. Everyone was interested in knowing the possibilities,” he mentioned, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm among designers he approached for their participation.

The post L.A. Fashion Week Unofficially Begins With Powerful Ukrainian Designer Showcase appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Gone are the voluminous puffer jackets and aprés-ski wool sweaters we saw last season; in their place, sheer fabrics, slinky dresses and skirt suits. There were nods to wintry weather, like shearling and quintessential fall hues of brown and red, but all styled in a less-is-more credo that dominated the runways. Case in point: turtlenecks slashed and wrapped around the torso like a bandage in Marc Jacobs’s off-runway, digitally-released collection.  

Frostbite concerns aside, there was so much to love this season. Grand, glitzy dresses and billowy maxi skirts were made so luxe at Altuzarra, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Hemlines went up and oodles of sequins trickled down the runways, in what can only be interpreted as life, post the worst parts of COVID, getting better. As we ooze out of the cozy, lounge-y, bundled-up feeling of 2021, things are definitely looking up. 

Here, our round-up of the hottest fall/winter trends from New York Fashion Week, a premonition of what we will be wearing come fall. 

Party Like It’s 2019

The parade of sequin paillettes on dresses at Oscar de la Renta, Christian Cowan and Altuzarra sent one clear message: we are so ready to get into clubs again. More after-dark dressing took the form of slinky off-shoulder dresses; standouts were a ruched Victor Glemaud dress in a warm latte hue and a white one-shoulder piece from Khaite. 

Sheer Thing

And the party vibe just kept going. Sheer pieces screamed show ‘em what you’ve got, from a dress with a sheer skirt and arms at Christian Siriano, to a completely see-thru top dress at LaQuan Smith. A sheer black striped dress at Jonathan Simkhai took the spotlight, declaring in one gorgeous gown that the time for the re-emergence of glamor is nigh.

Hole-y Julia Fox 

Cutouts have become a fashion week staple, and this season, “It” girl Julia Fox started the trend off with a bang at LaQuan Smith. Fox stormed the runway, fierce gaze in tow, in a black floor-length turtleneck dress with slashes above and below her chest. The crowd went wild. Other shows—like Prabal Gurung and Elena Velez—had dresses with cut-outs in the same spots. 

Up and Away

As much as maxi skirts had their moment this season (that pleated leather black maxi skirt at Altuzarra, paired with a striped sweater and fur-collared jacket—so much ooh), hemlines were on the rise. There were miniskirts in bold, saturated colors and prints at Sergio Hudson and Adam Lippes, and feather-trimmed short dresses at Lisa Von Tang and Bronx and Banco– all clear signs of a collective movement away from the loungewear year that was 2021. 

Cold Shoulders 

Bustiers and corsets, renewed for yet another season, were a dominant go-to party look on the runways. Our faves: a Madonna-esque corset at Carolina Herrera mellowed down with a pair of tailored trousers, leather moto and furry, winter-appropriate bustiers at Dion Lee, and another made sheer and accented with beads and glittery bands at No Sesso.

Edited by Demi Vitkute.

The post 5 Trends Spotted at New York Fashion Week appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

The Concrete Jungle #1

The Concrete Jungle #2

The Concrete Jungle #3

Dress: Atella

The Concrete Jungle #4

Top and Skirt: Atella

The Concrete Jungle #5

Dress: Atella | Bag: Kalamarie

The post New York City Elegance appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Texture is a huge trend this season and we’re betting on lots of fun fabrics to keep you warm. Velvet is a notoriously popular trend right now that is flattering as well as warming. Hundreds of brands offer velvet in some form of another, from jumpsuits to long sleeve rompers or dresses. As the autumn alternative to your sequined summer dress, a velvet ensemble can amp up the glitz and glam of an otherwise bulky winter outfit. Mix textures by layering a velvet outfit underneath a leather jacket for extra warmth and dimension.

In early fall months, the nighttime cool in New York is enough for a long-sleeved top or long sleeved romper. Bare legs, however, can be just as vulnerable to the chill. Instead of exposing your legs to the city wind, wearing a pair of thigh-high boots looks chic and covers up the goosebumps. The latest trend in high boots is suede thigh-highs—just look Stuart Weitzman’s campaign with Gigi Hadid.

Another trend-centered solution is the re-emergence of the jumpsuit. Usually offset with a deep V-neck or a scoop back, brightly colored jumpsuits keep club goers warm while shuffling through the city streets on cool autumn nights. Coupled with a pair of strappy heels, jumpsuits are no longer a 70’s fad—they have been popping up on the red carpet and runway, especially in the A/W season. Like knee-high boots, suede is a popular textured look for jumpsuits, but they also come in more versatile fabrics such as cotton, velvet, and lace. Jumpsuits have the potential to fit and flatter every body shape since they come in hundreds of different styles and shapes. Wide leg jumpsuits with a fitted top are essential for someone looking for movement when they dance, but skinny leg jumpsuits are perfect  for the girl who wants a sleek silhouette.

In the wake of the hipster revolution, layering has made a huge appearance on the streets of New York, mostly during the day. This quick and simple trend is also a money-saver because you can re-use your thin-strapped summer dresses by simply layering them over a long sleeve top. Layering a bright or sequined mini dress over a simple black top with a mock neck brings a chic smoothness to the outfit while keeping you warm outside the bar. 90’s ribbed tops are also back in-style, so layering one of those underneath a silk or lace dress is an edgier option.

Walking the streets of New York is the equivalent of walking a runway, but you don’t need to catch a cold while doing it. Paying attention to trends is key to making any look undergo the elements.

Edited by Brianna Arrighi 

The post How to Club Cool but Stay Hot in NYC appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Over the past 2 years Itsy Bitsy Vintage has gone from strength to strength with three London Fashion Week catwalk appearances, evocative glamour, flirtatious fun and the glorious power of suggestion.

Stunningly crafted to capture and endorse the humour and free spirit of a circus performer, design duo Tracy and Oonagh use the power of performance as their inspiration. This series of titillating ensembles are perfect for commanding a stage, playful seduction in the boudoir or flirtatious wiggling on a dance floor.

There’s an element of ‘Je ne sais quoi’ as well as ‘Oooh la la’!’ Each collection imbues the strong ethical values and uncompromising contemporary design edge for which Itsy Bitsy Vintage have come to be recognised. Everything is individually handmade in .

With the winter on its way, layering is key…less is definitely more!

Edited by Chermaine Sowah

The post The Best Things Come in Itsy Bitsy Packages appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Stylist: Ashley Tanay | Make-up & Hair: Tanya Marques | Photography: Tiffany Chen

Renaissance Fashion #1

Shirt: Daniel Silverstain | Skirt: Sienna Li | Earrings: Orchard by J. Mavec | Comb: Ellen Hunter NYC

Renaissance Fashion #2

Jacket: Minan Wong | Dress: YUMI KIM | Necklace: Orchard by J. Mavec | Earrings: Ellen Hunter NYC

Renaissance Fashion #3

Shirt: Sienna Li | Skirt: Vintage from Antoinette Brooklyn | Necklace: Orchard by J. Mavec | Bracelets: Orchard by J. Mavec | Headband: Ellen Hunter NYC

Renaissance Fashion #4

Crown: Ellen Hunter NYC | White Gown: Minan Wong | Green Lace dress: Vintage from Antoinette Brooklyn

Renaissance Fashion #5

Jacket: Echtego | Velvet Shirt: Karie Laks | Metallic Skirt: Karie Laks | Necklace: Orchard by J. Mavec

Make Up

Eyes: MAC x Star Trek “The Naked Time” pressed pigment –  is a light gold with warm, yellow undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish which creates reflect in pictures. 

Eyebrows:  Benefit Cosmetics “Gimme Brow” – gel formula has fibers that adhere to skin and hair, creating fuller brows.

Cheeks: Charlotte Tilbury “Filmstar Bronze & Glow” – gives a nice subtle contour after summer and highlighter is not too shimmery or glittery.

Lips: MAC Versicolour Stain “Resilient Rouge” – hybrid as a gloss + stain on the lips which was also used on apples of cheeks as a wintertime flush.

The post Renaissance Fashion Trends This Fall appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Women

THE CHOKER

The choker was a key piece to edge up any outfit during the 90s. There are many variations, from the classic wire choker, to diamanté choker necklaces, chokers with a small pendant, or the simple strip of fabric. Not only this but also the choker connected to your top.

The different styles have you spoilt for choice, leaving you with many options to spice up an outfit.

BODYSUIT / THE BODICE

Definitely a personal favourite. Its popularity stems from the 80s and you could say that it has been a trend that keeps on going. The skin-tight element of them adds the sexy to any outfit.

It can be pesky finding the perfect fit so it’s recommended to measure yourself accordingly and buy based on that, as apposed to automatically sticking to your usual size.

Styles range from super sexy deep V-necks, to a super basic tank top. Bodysuits/bodices be dressed up with a midi skirt and some barely-there heels, or dressed all the way down with some tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

P.S., for nights out involving a lot of drinking, I would suggest one with the fastening buttons.

FLARED TROUSERS

This groovy piece was loved in the 70s and, to be honest, it’s a surprise to see its return. It comes in basic colours, as well as everyone’s psychedelic favourites. Its return has been a short one, but who knows, we may just see it again very soon.

DENIM ON DENIM

Another surprising return. This one was around particularly in the late 90s/early 2000s, and has gone from loved, to criminal, to loved all over again.

Although the concept has returned, it’s definitely worn differently. Now it’s more commonly seen when top and bottom denim are matching colours & textures.

High waist denim jeans, a denim shirt & some heels make for a cute date-night outfit.

OFF THE SHOULDERS

The off-the-shoulder seems to have boomed in summer 16. Another trend made famous in the 90s.

They can be worn as a sexy off the shoulder bodycon dress. I had to round up with this one as you can find the off-the-shoulder bodice and even the off-the-shoulder choker top or dress.

MEN

FUR LINED JACKET

This trend was particularly evident in the 70s. The touch of fur adds something fancy to any outfit whether you’re in a suit or a top and jeans.

BOMBER & BIKER JACKET (50s)

Now you could say the Bomber jacket was most popular in the 90s but it definitely also had its place in the 50s. They come in a range of colours and density. The thick ones definitely come handy in the winter. You can also find them with a nice inner lining, with the most popular ones being fur and orange.

As for the biker leather jacket, for some it reminds them of their dad & for others you’re the coolest guy on earth.

ANKLE GAZER

Funny how in school you would get laughed at if the bottom of your trousers didn’t quite touch the ground. The ankle grazer trend goes as far back as the 30s but we are definitely seeing its return.

You don’t even necessarily have to buy ankle grazers. This trend can definitely be done at home by simply folding the bottom of a pair of fitted jeans or trousers.

FEDORA HAT

This feature, noticeable since the 20s, has graced our presence again. Pharrell Williams particularly likes this one (although some of his may be rather extravagant).

Fedora hat are worn mainly with suits but can now be seen paired with much more casual outfits.

VIBRANT COLOURS

A thing of the 80s/90s that’s particularly popular around the summer time. The colours can come as a mix of different tops and bottoms or a patterned colourful tee.

A particular reference/style inspiration for brightly coloured clothing is Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (or anyone on the show for that matter)

Edited by Chermaine Sowah

The post 10 Fashion Trends That Made a Comeback appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

The designers showing at the Esabitchin’ event, Study NY, Zero Waste Daniel, and Lindy Fox, have all taken a stance to create clothing with a conscience.  The event was an intimate affair filled with live performances, model presentations, and an eclectic collection of artwork.

The Urban Watch had an opportunity to be able to see the clothes up close and to engage with the designers and esa founders about their take on sustainable fashion.

The post An Eco-Friendly Fashion Affair: Esabitchin’ Event appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Yes, trendy things are desirable, but not always comfortable in the scene of a big city. So in this battle of heart and brain it’s better to let the latter win, because it will not only save you money, but also time and your favorite pieces. For that, here is a list of things that don’t really belong out there among the skyscrapers, contrary to what you’ve been told.

1. High Heels

Wherever they are, on boots or shoes, high heels are simply inconvenient in the city. They look good and are really good if you’re in the dance zone at the concert and your height isn’t that great. But try to move as fast as the city crowd does while wearing them and you’d probably fall, especially if the pavement is uneven – which is still often. High and thin heels are even worse: imagine getting stuck in a subway gate. Yes, Rihanna was too once, but at least she wasn’t in a rush and came by a car.

If you saw “The Devil Wears Prada”, you remember how Andy frantically got changed from her old unfashionable shoes to new shiny kitten heels after being told off by her boss. Not wearing high heels in the city doesn’t mean you have to abandon them all together or carry a pair of shoes around to change into – you can just stick to a low or medium heel.

2. (Faux) Suede Shoes

I once looked at my friend’s shoes and asked her if they’re suede and if she looks after them. “Well, I’m supposed to”, – she said, – “But I’m too lazy, so they just fall apart at the end of the season”. It was a particularly rainy October, and she wore dyed purple shoes.

If you’re not sure how often and how fast you can take care of your suede, even if it’s not real, when it’s raining, just leave them for a sunny dry Autumn day and get a pair of something more water-resistant.

3. A White coat

Snow, rain, industrial dust, public transport – are you really ready to give a fortune every week to clean your only coat to never see it as white as it was when you bought it? Better leave it for really special occasions and stick to something usual and neutral.

4. A Really Big Bag

This is very handy when it comes to carrying everything a busy city person needs, but put it aside and you just don’t know how to carry it while walking – it’s too big and heavy to carry on your elbow and it hits your legs if you have it in your arm. Additional straps that usually come with these bags are good, but not used often and can actually harm your posture when the bag is heavy.

It’s better to consider a good backpack for all things your arms will hurt after carrying or a medium bag for everyday use, especially since they’re back this year.

5. A Felt Hat

Let’s assume it actually looks good and not like the cliché it became a long while ago. Still, what real usage do felt hats have? To protect you from the sun in a city that is full of shadows because of the tall buildings? Or to protect you from rain – which they can’t because of the material? Besides, you probably own a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen, which are more convenient to carry in your bag than wondering what to do with an enormous hat in order not to crumple it when you realize you actually can’t see anything and it’s too hot.

6. Flip flops

Let ‘s talk about how something that’s supposed to be worn on the beach ended up on the streets. Flip flops are probably one of the most uncomfortable things to wear in the city. You can’t run or even walk fast in it and have to always watch your back when in the crowd so nobody would accidentally step on the soles, leaving you barefoot; and at the end of the day, you need to scrub pavement dust off your feet. Not to mention, you’d probably want to get a pedicure each week not to look like flip flops were the last pair of shoes you managed to find.

The heat doesn’t avoid cities – in fact, this year’s summer was the hottest one for London. Of course, it’s impossible to wear sneakers or Converses in this kind of weather. But the alternatives to breezy flip flops include ballet flats, fishnet loafers, low-cut shoes, sling backs, and Oxfords from a light material – the choice is yours.

Luckily, we are all free to wear what we want. Sadly, it’s not always comfortable: you may feel and look good in a crop top and shorts, but not until you step outside and it’s winter. The same is dressing for a big city – yes, they all look good and feel comfortable while you’re sitting down, but once you stand and walk, you’ll  wish for things more convenient.

Edited by Chermaine Sowah

The post 6 Fashion Mistakes You Should Avoid in a Big City appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moda Preview (@modapreview)

What they said: The gentlemen of Versace –men of the world, men of character and individual attitude.

Our verdict: There is just something about witnessing a Versace show. It’s grand, it’s glamorous, it’s fashion amplified. From the first long-legged model strut onto the catwalk to Donatella’s bow to close the show, it exudes sexiness in a way unlike any other. This is, and always has been, the magic of Versace. And it was there in abundance for the men’s SS17 outing.

This season as well as celebrating a few of the men that inspire her Donatella has looked for a sense of functionality in her collection. This was also explored in the AW campaign, with Weber shooting models and Chicago locals together to get a sense of how the everyday man wears his Versace.  For spring that’s lightweight silk knits and silk shirts, easy tailoring with elasticated waists and cuffs and jersey jackets and loose summer trenches or laser cut leather bombers. In a fitting tribute to Prince there was even a series of purple raincoats. Underpinning the collection’s functional side was the new Versace Active collection of cycling shorts, leggings and lightweight trainers, topped off with Versace socks. Function, but still full on fashion of course.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLSVnxLhVPh/?tagged=versacemen

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLSVlDwh6E3/?tagged=versacemen

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLSVqsrBi4_/?tagged=versacemen

Best moment: Aside from the fact that the attitude laden show felt like a glorious throwback to the supermodel era, the Prince medley featuring previously unreleased material that the singer had gifted Donatella made it a very special one. And to remember her close friend Donatella took her bow wearing a purple suit.

Who walked: Versace’s usual army of bronzed, muscled Adonis types, with the addition of a few girls including Stella Maxwell and Dilone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGzMkXElalT/?taken-by=nowfashion

Edited by Sarah Huntington

The post Versace Men Athletic Wear Spring/Summer17 appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.