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Maybe you’ve noticed… it’s been WILDLY crazy around the Spa Week headquarters lately. Or maybe we’ve been super smooth about it, and I just blew our cover. Well, with the Spa Week directory launch earlier this week, it’s now in the hands of our Social Media/Press team here to do everything humanly possible to get the #50dollartreatments word out there like there’s no tomorrow. (HEAR THAT??)
Needless to say, New York Fashion Week took a serious backseat this season. Since 2006 I’ve been a 7th row fixture at the tents, but now… the only week in my life is Spa Week. I’ve been so busy that I keep forgetting to tweet for myself, and today I didn’t eat lunch till 5 pm. In fact, I only made it to ONE of the shows I had RSVP’d to all week, and it was Tuesday on a complete whim. And then after final walk, I went for dinner, then went back to the office and worked till 3:07 AM.
The single, solitary show I made it to was Malan Breton, a impressively self-taught designer showing for his 4th season at NYFW. It kicked off with the ballerina/harpist scene you see above, a sharp, unexpected performance. I loved the brightly-hued and dapper menswear most of the whole collection. And funnily enough, I found out after the fact that the stylist for the show was actually the stylist I used to work for many moons ago – Lauren Rae Levy. Coincidence… or fate!? So I interviewed LRL about what it’s like to style a real, live fashion show at Lincoln Center. The interview:
Michelle Joni Lapidos: What’s it like styling a show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week?
The designer and Stylist - Malan Breton and Lauren Rae Levy
Lauren Rae Levy: Each time I arrive at Lincoln Center, it sets in that I am amongst fashion’s finest. Knowing that your work will be seen and reviewed by these very same people is surreal. When I’m backstage pre-show I’m in the zone; that being said, I’m in that zone every time I style a show. Whether it be at a petite or grande venue, all I focus on is the job I have before me. After the show, however, when the media, friends, family, and celebrities come backstage, there’s that reminder. Your work was just seen by hundreds of the most respected in the industry, and will be seen by countless more fashion enthusiasts and experts internationally in days to come. Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week is the real deal. I’m privileged to both style a show there this week, and attend shows there each year.
MJL: Describe the process (with a brief timeline) from when you were first asked to style the show, until the models hit the runway?
LRL: I was supposed to be in Istanbul, however, I had been sick and came to NY to recover. I originally wasn’t going to be in NY till a few days before Fashion Week. Malan and I had known each other socially and knew of each others’ work but hadn’t worked together, yet. We met up, Malan shared his vision with me, and I got it and felt connected to him instantly. I was honored to style this show. I think that everything happens for a reason, and maybe this was why I was back in NY. My basic role in styling was to provide Malan with his visions. I pulled accessories from Sarar, shoes from United Nude, and jewelry from Tara Pearls. I selected socks, shoes, jewelry, suspenders, bow ties, put looks together for each model, and with Malan, created the order of the show. I supervised all the dressers and more or less managed the team back stage till showtime.
MJL: What were the 5 favorite looks you styled?
LRL: (apologies for the water marks – pics haven’t been posted yet)
MJL: Least favorite look that you are upset went down the runway?
LRL:
MJL: I would have to agree with you there. What was the biggest challenge?
LRL: There were not enough steamers back stage and I would have liked to have a few more moments with the models, but they couldn’t get dressed till their look was steamed. That was my biggest challenge.
MJL: The most rewarding part?
LRL: Watching the monitor backstage which is shot from the Risers where the photographers are located. When I watch this, I remember there’s an audience out there and this isn’t just any fashion show. It’s New York Fashion Week.
MJL: A lot of designers are known for being challenging to work with. What is Malan like?
LRL: Oh, Malan is the biggest pleasure to work with, like ever. Such a class act. Treats everyone with respect and is so appreciative and gracious, it’s unreal.
MJL: How was the afterparty?
LRL: I didn’t make it to Bunker, although I heard it was a blast. I went out for a light bite and drinks with my family and friends, then went to bed.
The foundation of a great summer outfit begins with the perfect accessory, and during the Fourth of July this one will be a great conversation starter over the grill. LRL says: Wear this bejeweled bib necklace over a solid white dress and wear a red shoe or red hair accessory. 
This is the perfect dress for a beach-side fiesta. To avoid looking like a bride really jazz up the accessories. LRL says: It would look amazing with red pumps and the Roberta Freyman necklace. 
How’s this look for modern patriotism? This dress is a perfect statement piece for a roof top affair. LRL says: Add a blue hair accessory and call it a day. 
This dress by Wink fits the bill for a look that is relaxed but still interesting. The straps and contrasting colors will keep them guessing. LRL says: Complete the look by adding a red cardi and wear red shoes to match. 
The red, white, and blue are my fav, patriotic and they remind me of that retro roller girl look! Rock them with shorts and a tank. Keep it simple.
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