RYAN JORDAN SS 2014

Wednesday, September 11th

Former Lady Gaga Designer Ryan Jordan Leaves A Memorable Impression At New York Fashion Week

New York, NY – New York Fashion Week is in full force and the debut fashion presentation by Ryan Jordan left guests and top-tier fashion media from around the globe in awe of this groundbreaking designer and his undeniable raw talent. The highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2014 collection featured bold statement pieces defining the Ryan Jordan woman. Looks were delicately paired with jewelry by Third Crown and hats by Eric Javits. Models showcased 11 looks by the designer, each a unique vision of sexuality and female empowerment. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and custom work for Lady Gaga, Ryan Jordan’s S/S 2014 collection brought a strong yet approachable take on luxury womenswear, leaving his first official imprint at New York Fashion Week.
 

Guests of the event enjoyed specialty cocktails and Tiger Beer, while G*LEE, founding lady of Liason Femme, an all female DJ collective, spun beats all evening.
 

Ryan Jordan began his career in fashion at only 14, going on to attend the prestigious Parsons’ School of Art and Design. He has completed internships with W Magazine, Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen, Visionaire, Sonny Groo, and Tom Ford. He worked under the eclectic art direction of Nicola Formichetti and is a favorite of pop icon Lady Gaga. Jordan’s impressive experience and skill have made him a rising star in the fashion industry.

Ryan Jordan’s official stylist Peju Famojure has worked as a contributing stylist for L’OFFICIEL Paris & L’OFFICIEL ART. She has worked at prestigious titles such as, W, WWD and several international Vogue publications.

Patent and iridescent pumps and loafers were graciously provided by designer Andrew Kayla.

Official Makeup Sponsor, Mac Cosmetics, and Hair Sponsor, Prive Salon, collaborated with Ryan Jordan, creating specific looks for his collection. Nails were done by celebrity manicurist, Mar y Soul, and Nail polish was provided by The New Black.

A very special thank you to the evening’s supporters: Uber, Skin & Co, Tiger Beer, and Kindsnacks.

It was an honor to be able to watch Ryan realize his dream.  He has worked so hard and he deserves every bit of praise he is receiving right now - the clothes are modern and fresh, and well made.  His family attended the presentation, and I couldn't help but tear when I saw his mother sobbing with pride. Ryan's cousins and grandmother made an appearance and any room filled with Filipinos makes me miss my family so much.  This was such a special show to see from a future star.

- jerome

Hard and Soft

Alexander Wang by Melvin Sokolsky for Harper's Bazaar US August 2013 

Alexander Wang presented stunning marbled pieces for his first collection at Balenciaga.  His unexpected succession to Nicholas Ghesquière had me nervous for what was to come.  Ghesquière's whimsical genius made me a fan and I thought Wang's aesthetic, though cool in a different way, was a departure from what made Balenciaga a powerhouse in contemporary fashion.  When I clicked through the looks, it was clear that Wang had stayed true to his point of view while innovating in the spirit of Balenciaga, thereby creating a new identity for the brand separate of Ghesquière.  Success!

In my head marbled prints translated well for fashion, but it was not until I saw this photo in Harper's Bazaar that I got excited about applying marble print in textiles for interior design.  The marble printed chair Wang is sitting in comes from designer Maurizio Galante's collection "Louis XV goes to Sparta."  My brain is telling me that the chair should be as cold and hard as marble, but the silhouette would lead me to believe that it is as comfy as any vintage velvet arm chair - AND THAT I NEED ONE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

My obsession with marble patterns comes from my mother.  When our house was being built, she was very specific with her marble choices - everything imported, everything authentic.  I would lay down on the cool floors of our foyer on hot summer days, tracing the cloudy lines in the marble tiles with my fingers and making up stories with the shapes.  I could hear the clicking of shoes every time someone came through the front door.  The luster that appears when the sun hits the stone at the right angle still reminds me of my childhood.  I like how marble can be manipulated in different ways.  It is hard and cold, but can be chiseled into the most stunning and timeless sculptures.  The unique patterns in marble can be seen everywhere in nature, but the minimalist in me loves a good monochromatic moment that comes from the rock.

And what do you need to go with your marble arm chair?  Marble duvet covers of course!!  These duvet sets from Safe House USA are another great use of a marble print.  Once again, the print is used to create a soft and comfortable product.  While the pillows maintain a rectangular, solid shape, the duvet is more fluid.  I love marble sculptures of people that are worked so masterfully you can almost feel the softness of the fabric through the hard stone.

I have this grand, ornate, baroque style bed frame, so this wouldn't match my bedroom very well, but I am almost tempted to get a set just for my couch in the winter months.  So great!  If anyone sees anything else like this, a play on hard and soft, please let me know.

- jerome  

Peace, Love, and Understanding

Peace, Love, and Understanding tank, Codes Combine leather pants, 5cm x Dr. Martens Boots 

Peace, Love, and Understanding tank, Shipley & Halmos shorts, Nike Flynknit Racer shoes

Peace, Love, and Understanding tank, Levis denim, Nike x Fragment Design shoes

I first heard about Peace, Love, and Understanding when Opening Ceremony did their Korean designer focus - and I kept them in mind when I visited the country earlier this year.  Anime character design will always be a major weakness for me, so it was exciting when I stumbled upon these designs while in Seoul.  My friend Aaron was with me, and as soon as I stepped out he told me how flattering the tank was.  After crying inside because I always think when people say "that is flattering" they are really saying "you don't look as fat as you really are" I was happy to hear this and walked out with Peace and Understanding.  Both tanks were worn before my trip was even over, so I went back to buy Love.

The tanks are quite long and wide because they are one size fits all.  Of course, they may be originally designed to fit oversized on petit Korean frames, but I am happy with how the tanks look on me.  The bold graphic on the back is a nice touch, and the message behind the brand's name is quite sweet.  Check out their full collection on their website, and visit their store to buy these tanks and other great apparel with the coolest prints.

Getting back into the swing of things, I have to experiment with lighting in my NYC apartment.  My apologies for the dark ass photos and my awkward poses.  I am horrible with candidness and/or modeling of any kind.  Virtually any camera, including the ones I have control of, cause me to become inept at life.  Ha!

- jerome

New York State of Mind

Hermès Shawl and bracelets, Mr. Business "Louvre" Trench, H&M x Comme des Garçons Shirt and Socks, J. Crew Pants, Burberry Prorsum Shoes 

Hello everyone, and happy new year!  I know it has been a while since I last blogged.  Moving to New York changed my life dramatically, and major changes in my schedule, life, and relationships made it a little difficult to document everything.  However, I am happy to report things are all positive and I am writing again!  My photography set-up still isn't in place (I haven't found a spot in my apartment that was quite as perfect as in San Francisco), but I will try and share some looks the best I can.  A special thank you to my talented friend Anthony Amadeo for shooting this.  My friends named Anthony are both coincidentally incredible photographers!  The day we shot this, I had on plenty of new inventory to share.

This gorgeous blue trench was a godsend from the Amacord Vintage Fashion SoHo store here in NYC.  It was produced by an Italian brand called Mr. Business some time during the 1970's-1980's (I think).  The jacket was deadstock when I purchased it with the original hang tags still attached.  What luck to be able to grab it in the original condition!  Vintage finds like this make me wonder what other beautiful gems can be found locked away somewhere untouched.  The color of the denim is still the original shocking blue it was decades ago, and the shape of the collar holds well because of the fabrication.  Bonus: the hang tag says the coat is called the "Louvre."  

Rabbit Ring by Kasukobo Japan, Sea Urchin Ring by Ugo Cacciatori, 

Pendant Rings by Enrique Muthuan

My love affair with Hermès continues with their hand rolled cashmere and silk shawls.  The blend of these fibers makes them soft and comfortable to wear in different temperatures.  There are so many great options for colors and prints on each 56" x 56" canvas.  The color way of this particular shawl called "Couvertures et Tenues de Jour" was a very popular edition, selling out instantly because it was featured in the collection's catalogue.  When I saw it on eBay at the end of the season, I pounced (over paying just a little...).  Regrettably my sales associate called me a few hours later to tell me they had received the last one in the country and my head exploded.  Upon reflection, it was worth every penny to secure the piece.  I bought it just before moving to New York, and it has kept me warm in this new, frosty climate.

There are new editions to my ring collection including another gorgeous creation by Ugo Cacciatori.  The design is based on a sea urchin, another example of his re-occurring ocean theme.  Intricate details make me appreciate how much work went into the casting process.  The two pendant rings are by the Brooklyn based, Argentinian-lawyer-turned-designer Enrique Muthuan.  I first discovered him by chance at a fashion week party 2 years ago.  Tobias Sorensen was sporting some major jewels and I asked him where he got them.  Fast forward to Christmas 2012 when I was wandering the Holiday Market in Union Square, and there was Enrique with his own booth and an impressive spread of his inspiring work.  These two pendant rings spoke to me immediately.  The Virgin Mary is one of my favorite icons in any culture or language in which she manifests.  I think the other ring is Joan of Arc.  I have to confirm this with Enrique, but there is a soldier riding on a horse, so it is a fair assumption.  He has so many more pieces but I am so critically broke and I cannot choose!  Check out Enrique Muthuan's website for more information and his online store!  I love anything in solid 925.

I will try and post new things as they come along, but being the unpaid intern that I am, it will not be much.   As Anthony A. was shooting me in front of the Flatiron building, there was a busload of toursits unloading around us - which is probably why the best full shot of me was during a derp face.  Hopefully I find the right set up in a more private space like before, but OMG YOU GUYS I LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.  It's been too long, I missed you.

- jerome