Sneak Peeks: NYFW F/W 2012 Day Five

Wes Gordon

Christian Siriano

Rachel Antonoff

L.A.M.B.

L.A.M.B S/S 2012

This season, l.a.m.b. moved from the largest space in the tents, to the smallest. The lack of designer Gwen Stefani, who was busy recording the new No Doubt album in LA was the likely culprit for the downgrade. But I couldn’t help but feeling a lot more than just Gwen was missing.

Thankfully, the hair and makeup was on par with past l.a.m.b shows. Famous hairstylist and Gwen BFF Danilo never fails to thrill with his amazing and eclectically influenced hair creations.

Danilo, for Pantene created the look for spring, describing it as an “Indian inspired yoga knot”.

To get the look:
Start with Pantene Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm, slicking the hair back into a high ponytail. Next, black ponytail extensions (using extensions from Flawless by Danilo) were fastened around the natural pony. Hair was then twisted into a messy topknot, and secured with an elastic.

An old-school l.a.m.b for lesportsac wristlet setting on the counter backstage.

Nails were by ESSIE. Using 2 coats of the upcoming Winter 2012 color “Bobbing for Bubbles”, celebrity manicurist Elle created an eye-catching look for the models nails.

ESSIE founder and president Essie Weingarten was backstage to see her creative team in action:

Maybelline’s Charlotte Willer created an updated smokey eye to coincide with the Indian-themed inspiration.

To get the look: Create a smooth surface with Fit Me Foundation and Pressed Powder on the face. Next, using a damp makeup brush, gray shadow from Maybelline Pink Persuasion Eye Studio Color Plush palette was applied around the top and bottom of eyes. Eyes were finished with black liner around the entire eye, and multiple coats of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. Finally, cheeks were enhanced with Maybelline Blush Deep Rose in Pink, with lips finished using Color Sensational Popstick Lip Color Gloss in Pink.

The finished look:

I’d love to try this smokey cat eye out for myself!

I can’t help but feel deja-vu to past l.a.m.b seasons…

Unfortunately, I was more impressed by the backstage beauty than the actual clothes for Spring. As a fan from the very first season, I have to say this collection left me wanting. It was nothing new, from a brand made famous by its ability to transform a wide variety of influences into a unique creative collection.

This sweater was my favorite piece in the collection.

The saving graces of the collection would definitely be the patterns–Gwen is never afraid to take risks mixing prints and patterns. I found this season’s shoes, and the jewelry, by NOIR to be the standouts by far.

Amazing bracelet by NOIR!

These shoes are a breathtaking electric navy blue in person.

The pieced together look of the woven handbags was fun, but didn’t quite grab my attention like the older seasons of l.a.m.b bags have in the past.

Sadly, l.a.m.b seems to have lost many of the little touches (like Gwen’s lyrics incorporated into the clothing) that initially set it apart from other brands, and the sea of much less inspired celebrity clothing lines.

Here’s hoping Gwen Stefani is back to her usual inspiring level of creativity that brand devotees are accustomed to by Fall 2012.

See the full photo set here.

All photos and content ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost

Getting in the Spirit of Fashion Week: S/S 2012

Since I first started my blog back in 2009, it’s become a tradition for me to revisit the “best of” each fashion week before the new season starts. Yesterday was the 1 month mark until Spring/Summer 2012 NYFW begins. To help build excitement, here are some of my favorite shots from the f/w ’11 shows:

Oscar de la Renta

Jeremy Laing

Oscar de la Renta

Vena Cava

Rachel Comey

United Bamboo

The Lake & The Stars

Jen Kao

Oscar de la Renta

L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers Summer 2011 Sample Sale

One of the very best handbag sales of the season is upon us again!

The bi-annual l.a.m.b and Harajuku Lovers sample sale starts bright and early tomorrow morning, at 8am! As always, get there early for the best selection. I’m sadly missing it this week, but you can bet I’d be there before 8am if I was indeed attending.

More info here.

L.A.M.B FALL/WINTER 2011: BACKSTAGE

For the second season in a row, I was lucky enough to be invited backstage to cover the pre-show prep of one of my favorite brands, L.A.M.B. I’ve been following the brand since it’s inception, and as a huge Gwen fan for over 15 years, I couldn’t have been more excited. Thanks so much to Dashing Diva, the beauty brand responsible for the show’s nail looks for having me! The atmosphere this season seemed to be a bit more rushed and hectic than the Spring show (more on that below), but once I arrived, I managed to snag a few minutes with Dashing Diva’s nail technician Pattie Yankee, and talk about Gwen’s inspiration for the Fall look.

Because of the incredible variety of colors used in this season’s collection (divided into multiple “groups” of overall looks), Gwen decided that a classic black was the only color that would work with every look.

Dashing Diva’s “Limo Service” was used on the models, and on Gwen herself! (Two coats were applied, followed with Top Seal.) Black nails made an appearance at quite a few fall runway shows, with Gwen admitting that while for awhile, the color was out, it was clearly making a comeback.

Limo Service is a very shiny, intense black polish.

A Dashing Diva nail artist.

Limo Service, as seen on Gwen. Instructing the Models After Their Run Through.

With time to kill after getting some more beauty shots, I managed to capture a bit more of the pre-show backstage atmosphere. When I’d first arrived, Gwen was nowhere to be found. Turns out she was watching the models practice in the Theatre.

In addition to the beautiful black nails, the hair and makeup was also phenomenal.

Hair was once again styled by Danilo. With Makeup by Charlotte Willer for Maybelline.

The variety of different looks seen on the models made l.a.m.b one of the most eclectic shows of fashion week!

The Buffalo Girls, What Ended Up Being My Favorite “Group” From the Show.

Zipper Details.

The Shoes, as always, were a mix of Gwen’s punky aesthetic, and glam:

A Model Resting, Pre-Show.

One of the reasons for the “hectic” atmosphere I mentioned earlier— the models ran through the show three times before it began. Causing hair and makeup to run slightly late, and Gwen’s publicity interviews to back up.

Gwen with ELLE’s Joe Zee

The Always Animated Gwen.

Also there watching Gwen talk to the press, her super sweet parents! You could tell by the looks on their faces they had to be some of the proudest parents of all time. Gwen’s mom Patty was looking totally adorable in an older season l.a.m.b zebra print coat, which I complimented her on.

Gwen Noticing Her Family Watching Her.

With 8pm quickly approaching, quite a few other photographers mumbled frustrations about no posed “photo op” being set up with Gwen, a great contrast with last season’s show. I took it in stride, and with patience, still managed to catch Gwen’s eye before I headed out to grab a spot for the runway show. And all my waiting definitely paid off:

Seriously the Most Gorgeous Woman in the Business!

Be sure to check back soon for the full runway report! See the entire set of backstage photos here.

All Photos and Content ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost.

Sneak Peek: L.A.M.B F/W ’11

L.A.M.B Run Through.

Directing the Models.

Gwen Stefani: L’Oreal Icon

Earlier this week, Gwen Stefani was announced as the new face of L’Oreal! I can’t think of a better celebrity for the job– Gwen has been the epitome of style and glamor for well over a decade. This isn’t the first time Gwen and L’Oreal have collaborated. L’Oreal has been a past sponsor of L.A.M.B’s fashion shows.

Three teaser videos, and the above photo have been released from the upcoming campaign. I can’t wait to see the rest!

Read L’Oreal Paris’ official press release about the campaign here.

Media Via Just No Doubt

EDIT: Gwen’s commercial will debut this Sunday during the Golden Globes.

EDIT #2: See the gull commercial below!

L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers Sample Sale!

Next week, one of my favorite sample sales of the season is back, with tons of amazing deals! Lamb and Harajuku Lovers handbags and accessories are up to 70% off. Sadly, I can’t go this time—I fractured my foot two weeks ago, and now am pretty much confined to my house. But I can say for a fact that this sale is always impressive. Just check out my posts with photos and video from the last two sales.

WHERE
144 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor
(Between 19th – 20th Streets)

WHEN
Wednesday, December 8th 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Thursday, December 9th 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday, December 10th 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Examples of items available at the sale:

L.A.M.B. Vane Satchel from the Corsaire collection, in washed lamb’s leather with
zipper detailing. Available colors are crimson, black and midnight blue. Retail $348,
Savvy Price $125

L.A.M.B. Maria Messenger Bag from the Signature durable coated canvas collection in
the L.A.M.B. Union print. Retail $228, Savvy Price $75

L.A.M.B. Clutch Wallet from the Signature durable coated canvas collection in the
L.A.M.B. for Life print. Retail $98, Savvy Price $35

Harajuku Lovers Candy Bar Tote in super-cute Pastel Girls print, made of
durable/washable nylon. Retail $88, Savvy Price $25

Harajuku Lovers Speedster Satchel in Motor Cycle Girls print, made of flannel with
plaid lining and large safety pin pull. Available colors are military green and black. Retail
$118, Savvy Price $35

The best selection can be found bright and early on the first day. But some items are usually restocked midway through the sale. While waiting is risky, prices are frequently slashed even further on the last day.
If you go, be sure to leave a comment sharing what you got!

Fashion’s Night Out: Gwen Stefani at Sephora Soho

It might have been over two weeks ago, but I’m still giddy about my Fashion’s Night Out experience at Sephora Soho. I never would have guessed I’d be spending the second FNO doing virtually the same thing I did on the first! Once I heard Gwen Stefani would be at Sephora signing her five new Harajuku Lovers perfumes, all previous plans were canceled.

When I arrived at Sephora to purchase my perfume that morning at 9:40am, I estimated that I was already about 60th in line. Luckily, my guess was correct, and I was able to purchase two of the Harajuku Lovers perfumes and get a wristband for the signing.

The store had already been decked out for the occasion:

I returned to Sephora about an hour before Gwen was due to arrive. Thankfully, I’d also been confirmed for press access for the blog, so I was able to set up in the photographer’s area while we all waited for Gwen. The line for the signing already stretched to the back of the store, and what seemed like a few hundred onlookers crowded around Sephora’s windows waiting to catch a glimpse of Gwen. It was nearly impossible for late arrivals to get inside! I heard a few anxious discussions about fans outside possible breaking the glass. It freaked out quite a few of us inside the store.

Onlookers practically smashed against the front doors.

While we waited, I captured some more of the atmosphere:

The perfumes! They all smelled so good.

The signing area.

Two of the Harajuku Girls came out for a photo op:

All of the sudden, the crowd began to cheer, and Gwen soon appeared:

Looking gorgeous, as usual. In Spring 2011 L.A.M.B.

More detail of the dress:

Gwen gave a few quick tv interviews about the perfumes:

Gwen discussing the new fragrances:

A close up of her amazing hair style:

The crowd outside had been going nuts the entire time, so Gwen decided to pay them a visit:

They nearly started a riot after Gwen appeared in the windows. I hear people were jumping on top of cars, and the entire block of Broadway in front of Sephora was impassable.

Grabbing the perfumes for another photo op.

About to start the signing:

My friend Veronica had been holding my spot in line while I finished my press coverage. Once the signing started, I hopped over, and we waited to meet Gwen.

Gwen signing for the woman in front of me.

Even though I met Gwen last year, I was nervous. She’s pretty much the only celebrity I actually consider a role model and an inspiration. Thankfully, she’s also hands down one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She just radiates kindness. While she was signing my perfume, we had a chance to quickly talk about me meeting her at the last FNO (Gwen said I looked familiar!), and I gave Gwen one of my moo business cards with her photo from a 2002 No Doubt show. She said she’d check out the photos, because she loves to see what fans shoot. She also signed a 5×7 copy of the same photo for me after I told her it’s one of my favorite photos I’ve ever shot.

The photo in question.

We talked so much, eventually a security guard told me it was time to go! I feel very lucky that I had a chance to chat with Gwen again, and get my new “G” Harajuku Lovers perfume signed! The little felt-head bottles are absolutely adorable. I went home with G and Love (which smells a lot like grapes!). I can’t wait until the rest of the collection hits Sephora stores in November. I think I might have to buy them all!

See the full photo set here.

Thanks so much to Gwen, Sephora, and Coty for hosting this amazing event!


After the signing.

®2010 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost

L.A.M.B S/S 2011 BACKSTAGE BEAUTY

Arriving backstage at L.A.M.B, I was immediately thrust right into the middle of a fashion frenzy. Models had colorful extensions braided into their hair, manicurists roamed the floor painting nails, and tailors worked speedily on touching up a last minute dress.

The season’s “African Dance Hall” inspired theme was complimented by every last detail of the models look.

Beautiful dark navy nails brought out the blues in much of the clothing.

Nails by Angie Wingle for CND.

Nails were painted in a custom-mixed shade of dark blue. Colors used were CND’s Inkwell, Studio White, Speedy, and Anchor.

A similar color is set to launch as part of CND’s Fall 2011 collection.

Hair was styled in elaborate masses of long braids, inspired by Stefani’s recent red carpet looks, and multi-ethnic traditional hair styles. Lead stylist Danilo, for L’Oréal Professionnel used clip in braids in contrasting colors to create the look. Density Spray was used to mold the extensions, which were pulled back into an asymmetrical pony tail.

Danilo at work.

Hair extensions, colored with Inoa color by L’Oreal Professionnel.

A work of art.

Makeup by Charlotte Willer for Maybelline

Face: Dream Liquid Mousse.
Eyes: Eye Shadow Quad in Give Me Gold. Gold shadow was applied to the crease. (Also used to highlight inner corners, brow bones, and tops of cheekbones.) Copper shadow was used on the crease, extending out into a cat’s eye shape. Yellow shadow was swept over the entire lid. Followed by black liner under lower lashes, also creating a cat’s eye. The look was finished with multiple coats of Falsies mascara.
Lips: Tempting Toffee Lipgloss #55 for a pink look. And Deep Red Lipstick #645 for a more dramatic lip.

The finished look:

As models were prepped, Gwen gave interviews and discussed her inspiration for this season’s collection.

Members of No Doubt were backstage too, showing their support for band mate Gwen:

Tony Kanal.

And of course, Gwen’s husband Gavin Rossdale:

Model inspiration.

Getting dressed.

Gwen taking one last look at the collection before the show.

See photos from the runway here.

After the show Gwen was joined in celebration by her band mates, family, and Debbie Harry backstage:

Tom Dumont and Tony Kanal.

Gavin Rossdale.

Tony, Gwen, and Debbie Harry.

Kingston Rossdale.

Gwen and her co-designer.

True Love.

See the full photo set from backstage here.

All Photos and Content ®2010 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost