On Thursday, I had the distinct honour and privilege of attending the Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant runway show and capsule collection launch.
All that I can say is WOW.
The collection is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g. Ugh. I want all of it in my closet right now. It’s classy and elegant and stylish – which are all adjectives not often used to describe what’s available out there in plus sizes. The garments have structure - Isabel Toledo plays with shape and proportion instead of simply using stretchy fabric to try to universalize the garments so they’ll work on everyone. There are a variety of pieces that will work on different silhouettes – so it might take you a while to figure out what works best on you, but there are pieces for women of all shapes.
As Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is Architecture; it is a matter of proportions.” I have often wondered why more designers don’t make plus sizes – not only because of the business opportunity they miss out on, but because of the creative one. What Chanel said is true – fashion is architecture; it is about structures and shapes. Plus size women’s bodies provide a unique opportunity for designers to create fashion around – the fullness of our buttocks and breasts and hips and stomachs allow the garments to take on different, distinctive, and (despite popular opinion to the contrary) aesthetically pleasing lines, shapes, and proportions. Fashion design is not unlike sculpture, requiring the artist to create depth, shape, movement… Perhaps this challenge proves to great for some designers to undertake, or perhaps they are too concerned with maintaining the status quo – but this collection by Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant proves that it can be done, and done exceptionally.
When I saw the teaser images, I knew I had to make it down to New York for the show! Ford Canada lent us the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid so we got to drive down in comfort and style, and since my husband Peter has family in the Bronx, we got to stay with them while we were in the city.
While I was there, I figured I would get all dolled up for the show, so I made appointments at a few wonderful places in the city.
My first stop was Sephora on 5th Avenue to get my make-up done. I got such a talented and lovely make-up artist named Jereyle Riddick who cracked me up the whole time I was in the chair. So much fun!
After my make-up session, I headed over to pick up a gorgeous dress from Rent the Runway, an incredible service that allows you to rent designer cocktail dresses, gowns, jewellery, and accessories for a fraction of their retail cost. I had a great time picking out the perfect look for the evening. I was really, really impressed with how streamlined the process was – I was worried about my international credit card not working, or the return being a big hassle, but everything worked out perfectly, without even so much as a hiccup. I had a great stylist, or “Go-To-Girl” as they’re called, named Ashley Barone who was wonderful at making suggestions and helping me find the ideal dress.
I had four different dresses to choose from – and it was a hard choice!
Top to Bottom, Left to Right – Dresses by Carmen Marc Valvo, Adrianna Pappell, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Kay Unger
I ended up choosing the gorgeous off the shoulder black lace dress by Carmen Marc Valvo! It was a bit out-of-the-box for me, but that’s what I loved about it. I really liked the look of the off the shoulder neck line with my new short hair as well, so I went for it! I also picked up an amazing clutch by Moschino and a stunning pair of clip-ons by Oscar de la Renta. I didn’t want to return any of it!!!
After picking up my new outfit, I went to Drybar (a real favourite of mine when I’m in New York!) to get my coif, well, coiffed! I had such a lovely time (Mimosa? Yes, please!) and I was so happy with my hair. My stylist, Bianca Bazante was really great and gave me this beachy curl look that I’m obsessed with!
After my glam squad finished helping me get gorgeous, I changed into my amazing dress and headed to the show!
Dress – Carmen Marc Valvo via Rent the Runway / Clutch – Moschino via Rent the Runway / Earrings – Oscar de la Renta via Rent the Runway / Shoes – Marc Fisher via Macy’s
It was so great to see lots of familiar faces and reconnect with some old friends. I finally got to meet one of my favourite bloggers, Nicolette Mason. She’s even lovelier in person!
Top to Bottom, Left to Right – Estrella from Estrella Fashion Report, Nicolette Mason, Meaghan from Little Lime Dress, Beck from Manfattan, Mellie from The Fat Apple, runway models Julie Henderson and Ashley Graham, Maddy from Plus Model Mag, Ty from Gorgeous in Grey, Kim from The Curvy Spot, Kellie from And I Get Dressed, Gwen DeVoe – Founder of Full Figured Fashion Week, and Margie from Margie Plus
We all took our seats and the show started! It just kept getting better and better as one model after another took to the runway.
Photography by Peter Chiem for Curvy Canadian
Some of the pieces haven’t been released just yet, but they’ll keep adding them as they arrive! You can shop the collection here.
After the show, Lane Bryant treated us to a lovely dinner at Noir NYC and I got to sit and talk with some amazing women! It was an absolutely stellar night that I won’t ever forget.
1 comment
asherriff March 24, 2014 6:14 am
Wow, that looked amazing. I would die to have gone. So jelly