My Journey During New York Fashion Week: George Chakra

February 13, 2010: It's been two days since the tragic loss of our iconic designer, Alexander McQueen, but the show goes on. The Fashion crowd gathered at Bryant Park to attend some of the most anticipated shows of the week today: George Chakra, Andy & Debb, Adam, Academy of Art University and Project Runway Six Season winner Irina Shabayeva.

George Chakra Runway Show at the Promenade in Bryant Park

In the midst of a freezing day, I attended the Edition by George Chakra fashion show at the Promenade. His collection dazzled the runway of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. He presented a total of 42 looks including a mix of beautiful cocktail dresses, asymmetrical, and strapless evening-wear with nude inserts, reverse tuxedo cocktail dresses and coats, lace pantsuits and an amazing wedgewood blue, double-face mohair, off-the-shoulder sweater, which was one of my favorite pieces....the off-the-shoulder mohair sweater was sexy, but yet chic.....I could have worn that on my trip...It was so cold, and of course my closet is just full of mini dresses and mini furs...LOL!!!

Mohair Off-Shoulder Top

Red Cocktail Dress with Black Grosgrain

Boat Neck Silver Dress

Silver Asymmetrical Dress With Nude Inserts

Asymmetrical Lame Gown

The Lebanese designer's collection was dominated by vibrant reds, blues, blacks, metallic and futuristic silvers in materials like chiffon, crepe, mink silk, velvet and lame. The focus of his collection, without any doubt, was excessiveness within bounds.

I, of course, was not the only one from the West Coast. Many San Francisco Fashionistas were seen around: Kelly Grimes, Rachel Lena Esterline, Marcy Carmack, Joel Goodrich, Mark Calvano and Bahya Oumlil-Murad were among the attendees. Cheers, George Chakra.!!!

Backstage With George Chakra

My Journey During New York Fashion Week: The Fashion World Mourned Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

In Front of The Manhattan Store

February 11, 2010. As the Bryant Park tent opened for the first shows of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the Fashion World was still reeling from the news of the passing of an irreverent, unforgettable, fashion icon, designer Alexander McQueen. The news was devastating and brought a solemn tone in counterpoint to the excitement of the beginning of the Fashion Season. Personally, I was in state of a shock as I was preparing to take off to New York.

This year's Fashion Week was always going to be memorable. It was also always going to be a bit sad. But for different reasons. Rather than being a memorable event because of it being the last year the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was going to take place in Bryant Park, instead it became a day to be remembered as the saddest day in the history of fashion.

Visitor's to McQueen's Manhattan store placed flowers and notes to commemorate his passing and express their sense of loss. McQueen was expected to present his latest collection on March 9 during Paris Fashion Week.

"We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing-from street style to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss," read a statement by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.

The Fashion World lost a young talented artist, known for his exquisite couture-quality gowns and over-the-top theatrical fashion presentations. He was innovative, a renegade and a revolutionary. He was also controversial. His repertoire was admired by some, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Katie Holmes, and Penelope Cruz among them but also criticized by others. McQueen pushed boundaries like no other. His legacy will live on forever!!!

The Stars Dazzle In Hollywood: Three Superstars Deliver Glamor to the Grammy's

The buzz of Grammy weekend could be felt across the world by everyone who watched the event. Anyone in LA that weekend could not help but get caught up in the vibe. Adding to the excitement, a triple threat of superstars teamed up to support the weekend of pre- and post-parties as well as the main event.

Jewelry Designer Rosalina Lydster

Bringing the sparkle was Rosalina Lydster, designer of the Miss Universe crown whose jewelry has shone next to stars including Goldie Hawn, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Jason Statham, and many more. Maui-based designer Maggie Coulombe delivered with stunning, sexy pieces. Maggie's designs have graced figures including Halle Berry, Terry Hatcher, and Paris Hilton. Rounding out the triple threat was a man who brings art to make-up, Michael Marcus, founder and president of Michael Marcus Cosmetics. The event was held at The London Hotel in conjunction with up-and-coming singer and songwriter Jamie Jo Harris.

Rosalina, Kesha and Jamie Jo Harris

Kesha

Mya

Make Up Artist Michael Marcus and Mya

Kesha, Jamie Jo and Izabella Miko

Rosalina and Kesha

Designer Roberto De Villacis

Izabella Miko

Jessie James

These three were not the only talent at The London Hotel. Attending the show was the talented actress/singer-songwriter Mya. So was Ke$ha, known for her single, "Tick Tock". Jessie James also arrived, fresh from her tour with the Jonas Brothers before she heads out on the road with Kid Rock. All were delighted and amazed by the superstar combination of Rosalina's jewelry, designs by Maggie Coulombe, and make-up by Michael Marcus. Ke$ha fell in love with Rosalina's designs and tried on almost everything at the show before settling on a few pieces including a tear-drop acquamarine and diamond ring she showcased on the Red Carpet at the awards. Young stars Brooke Lauren and Erin Newburg of Secrets of Aspen fell in love with the sexy, fun, and edgy looks that have made Maggie's resort-style ready-to-wear a must-have. Michael's talents with make-up so stunned Mya that she came back both days to get ready for her events.

Other attendees at the event included top stylists Robert Bahar, known for his work with Janet Jackson, and Lindsay Albanese, an E! News correspondent who also works with Izabella Miko. A long list of designers and stylists whose clients include Lindsay Lohan, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Jamie Pressley, and many more came to see the trio's creative, glamorous, and chic designs.