Donna Karan- Randy Brooke/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
This Fall Fashion week welcomed- a crew of seasoned Long Islanders and one new Long Island fashion designer- to its runways.
One of the seasoned designers featured this past week included Donna Karan, who grew up in Woodmere, Long Island.
She started her fashion career by enrolling in Parsons School of Design in 1966 which she attended for two years before leaving to work for Anne Klein. By 1985, Karan left to pursue her own line and within the year she launched her Donna Karan label.
Since then, Karan has become known for offering clothing that is easily mixed and matched with a modern twist. Through the years she expanded her line to add DKNY, a less expensive line for younger women, DKNY jeans and a men’s line.
She was featured this past week at Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week 2011. Her Wednesday show dubbed “Pearls of Wisdom,” due in part to the color palate of the evening featured winter white, grey and cream hues. Karan’s models walked in draped yet fitted feminine designs and this season- saw a ton of coats- maybe Karan’s expecting an equally chilly winter going into 2012. She also touched upon the fall fur trend-from fur jackets to fur sleeves- it was there and making a statement.
Michael Kors- Frazer Harrison/Getty Images For IMG
Another Noteworthy Long Island Designer- Michael Kors- was the talk of the tents this fashion week.
Kors grew up in Merrick and at 18-years-old enrolled in the famous Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. By 1981, he had launched his line called Michael Kors for women and in 2002, launched a menswear line. In the following years he also added MICHAEL Michael Kors, a handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear line, and Kors Michael Kors, footwear and jeans line.
This season’s show took place February 16th and as usual, he impressed with his fluid & fashionable designs. Kors used a lot of draped garments incorporating all key colors for fall-mauve, brown, champagne, coal and camel, of course he also threw in a dash of red to heat things up. He also added sequins and shimmer to jazz up his runway display and again – fur was a present- As for accessories, Kors adorned metal neck hardware to the models to make a statement without taking away from his delicate designs.
As For The Fashion Week Newcomer, Elene Cassis made her second fashion week appearance this past week in New York.
Elene Cassis - Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
Elene Cassis, a Saint James native, launched her line only a year and a half ago yet managed to take up tent at this years New York Fall Fashion Week.
Cassis’ show took place February 17th, and caused quite the buzz for a designer newbie.
Cassis attended Parsons School of Design and started her own collection in June 2009. Almost immediately, Cassis’ line caught the attention of luxury clothing stores and young celebrities like Taylor Swift who began sporting her designs.
She made her very first runway appearance in September 16,2010 and received notice for classical dress designs and mod themes.
“My clothing line ELENE CASSIS features classic and timeless designs that embody the essence of modern elegance, inspire self-confidence and celebrate the graceful curves of the female form,” said Elene Cassis (www.mbfashionweek.com)
This week, she did it again- Cassis, best known for her classical dress designs- manages to make her name known with her latest line that included color block – black & white- print dresses, orange gear and the hottest item for fall – Fur- one model was seen sporting a black mink vest. Other models walked the runway wearing leather, another hot look for fall, and skirts – including Cassis herself.
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