The Sound and the Fury | Libellule, NOLA Fashion Week
Fall Forecast
Typically, my most favorite month of the year is September. However, the start had me, and the rest of Southeast Louisiana, in a bit of a tizzy. Nonetheless, the consequences of the situation left me with an ample amount of free time for market research. Thank heavens for all things “I”, as in phone, pad, cloud and car charger. I finally had time to comprehend Instagram and Pinterest, and was able to devote a disproportionate amount of time to perusing Facebook. On any average day, who has all that spare time to pin and post? They must not have kids or real jobs, and by “real jobs” I mean ones that come with health insurance. Good Lord, I can barely remember to pay my water bill much less spend hours “Pinning” my favorite shoes, “Instagramming” my newly purchased shoes and then linking it all to Facebook. I need an intern just for social media. I am taking applications.
Fall Takes Flight
Before my hurrication, I was able to attend the first trunk show for Libellule (pronounced libby-lool, French for dragonfly) at Victoria’s on Magazine. The two designers, Cricket Lapeyre and Leigh Reveley Kellog, have generated some buzz since their first presentation at New Orleans Fashion Week last March. Cricket and Leigh are heavily influenced by the early works of designers Lavin and John Galliano to create timeless vintage silhouettes with modern details. These ladies immerse themselves in fashion history books for inspiration and the fine points of their collection mirror that research. “Cricket is especially good at scouring the internet and choosing amazing vintage patterns,” stated Leigh. “These patterns are still more flattering than many of today’s cuts.” The designers hand draw images, edit them into patterns and then onto fabric to fashion their beautiful garments and appliques.
Their freshman collection, Live Oak, took revelation from the majestic oaks that, like the designers, have deep roots in the city of New Orleans. The looks combined aspects of leaves, bark and moss to craft stunning wearable apparel. Each piece exhibits meticulous attention to detail and many garments have antique appliques and embroidery. The Live Oak collection consists of pieces that can be effortlessly worn to the office or to Parent’s Night, as well as stunning cocktail and formal dresses. Live Oak will be available for purchase until the end of November on www.libelluleclothing.com
Libellule will be showing its Spring 2013 designs on October 16at a NOLA Fashion Week event dubbed “Vent et Vaugue” (Wind and Waves). The line is affordable and is manufactured locally by Nola Sewn. Cricket and Leigh are proud to be an integral part of the New Orleans fashion initiative and are ready to conquer the fashion world. For more information about these events, visit www.nola-fashionweek.com
Aimée’s October Fest
NOLA Fashion Week, October 13-20
NOLA Fashion Week debuted March 2011 and has since grown into a full week featuring designer presentations, parties, educational seminars and markets. A conglomeration of industry insiders come together to feed off of the hothouse of talent that the city and the south have to offer. Writers, photographers, beauty experts, stylists, designers and retail buyers have the opportunity to network and showcase their abilities. Students and the public are invited and encouraged to attend many of the presentations and classes. Nola Fashion Week presents a unique opportunity to discover the incredible things taking place in New Orleans.
Although there are numerous happenings to choose from, these are my personal picks for the week:
Saturday, October 13: Hattie Sparks Boutique presents the collection of Camilyn Beth at Martine Chaisson Gallery, 727 Camp Street, 6-9 PM
Sunday, October 14: Times and locations TBD
- S/S ’13 Collection by Amanda deLeon
- Construct Jewelry Collection by Lauren Eckstein Shonekas
Tuesday, October 16: Libellule at The Saratoga, 212 Loyola Avenue, Time TBD
Saturday, October 20: “Stylish Solutions for the Girl on a Budget” with stylist Aimée Gowland of ALG Style and master organizer, Skye Truax of The Occasional Wife at the BETA Offices in The Merchant Bldg, 800 Common Street, Time TBD
I cannot wait to see you all at NOLA Fashion Week! Happy fashion and happy shopping!