BFW 2012: The Launch, Mark Cordell, Emily Muller, Candice Wu

Here's a recap of Sundays shows at Boston Fashion Week's The Tent.

All photographs by Amy Connolly for Hogger & Co.

The Launch:
The Launch showcases up-n-coming local fashion design graduates who have been selected as the "new designer to watch". This year, the designers selected were Achk Kombana, Jennifer Miller, Danielle Fernandes, Rei Hyun Lee and Tatiana Cuevo, each with very unique styles.

Achk Kombana

Jennifer Miller

 

Danielle Fernandes

 

Rei Hyun Lee

Tatiana Cuevo

Mark Cordell

Next up was Mark Cordell's Tru Fiction collection: edgy and rebellious and with lips painted in half smiles reminescent of the Joker. Playful, daring and androgneous.

Emily Muller

Emily Muller is another designer I met here, and her collection is ultra feminine, flowy and beautiful.

Candice Wu

With hair piled high in birds nests, the models rocked the runway in leather, chains, a bit of tweed and a sprinkling of badass.

BFW 2012: Maria Victoria

I first met Victoria Dominguez-Bagu of Maria Victoria Designs at a night of style for Zoora, and fell in love with her simple yet chic and wearable styles, since. Bagu's show at Boston Fashion Week was no different, the upbeat vibe of the collection, with patterns, stripes and golds inspired by the "sunsets at sea" paired beautifully with jewelry by Magdalena Stokalska.

First, play this tune (although it doesn't do any justice to DJ Mario's beats that evening!), and then, scroll through the photos imagining yourself on the ocean on a beautiful summer's eve...

BFW 2012: Luke Aaron

By far, the most glamorous and magical of all the shows I attended at Boston Fashion Week. Luke Aaron started off with pretty and ended with ethereal. Pleated peplums, cinched waists and flattering muted florals in chiffon and tulle, the entire show was an ode to old-fashioned elegance without being stuffy. Gowns were draped into orgiami shapes (the collection was inspired by the arts of Japan) and pleated into flattering silhouettes. Adding to that was the debut of Aaron's Fleet Street bag, a well-structured and lady-like accessory.

Certainly, Luke Aaron is one to keep your "peacock eye" on.

Scroll down for more, including Jay Calderin, Founder of Boston Fashion Week with Boston darling Marilyn Riseman. Directors of Dynasty Modelling Agency, Joe and Gin Freeman were also in attendance.

A highlight for me was chatting with Marilyn, Jane Conway Caspe and Elisha Daniels before the show and I'm so flattered that they loved the way my hair was styled that night! (thanks to Sarah for the Instagram; and who's also caught in the last photo).

BFW 2012: Avni

Avni's SS2013 collection was inspired by purity and spirtuality and the philosophies behind designer Hussein Chalayan's work. The show started with a dramatic drum performance, which may have been intended to take place during the runway show, had the tent been bigger. Avni showcased lots of neutral, layered pieces in silks, cottons and satins with styling by Christina K. Pierce adding an element of the designer's Indian roots, with forehead jewelry pieces and bindis. Once again, we see braids, this time long and over the shoulder.

BFW 2012: Grace Kim, gKIM Studio

Grace Kim showed prowess in her gKIM Studio RTW collection of clean and contemporary silhouettes. The runway show, complete with 1930s inspired blonde wigs, showcased lightweight frocks and swing coats; all classic looks with modern finesses that could be worn by a current day Ginger Rogers. To that, I say, well done Grace Kim!

Here, some of my favorites.

BFW 2012: Firas Yousif

Thanks to Amy, who's been covering some of Boston Fashion Week for Hogger & Co., we get up close and personal with Firas Yousif and his cocktail frocks to asian-inspired dresses to bridal gowns! Happy to see the gorgeous Jane Conway Caspe make an appearance on the runway, looking glamorous as ever, just like she did at the Zac Posen appearance at Neimans last year.

BFW 2012: Sam Mendoza

Last night in Boston, the first set of runway shows at the tent at the Mandarin Hotel in Boston took place and I was happy to have Amy Connolly from Creative Soul Spectrum cover the shows for me. (We recently met Amy in a Style Profile, here).

Mendoza's show sporting casual yet chic neutrals with flouncy skirts and heads piled high in braids (which we saw a lot of at NYFW) took to the stage. Visit CSSpectrum for more Boston Fashion Week coverage of Mendoza's show and thank you Amy for shooting for Hogger & Co.!

Boston: Neiman Marcus, CUSP Launch

Neiman Marcus recently launched CUSP, at Copley Place. All of Neiman Marcus' contemporary departments have been revamped into modern, young and hip sections within each store. Carrying designers such as Alice + Olivia, DVF, Rag & Bone, A. L. C., Theory and Alexander Wang, to name a few, the concept is to provide a boutique feel that's fresh and updated.

Last week's launch was hosted by three of Boston's fashionable bloggers, Lissy (A Girl in Boston), Lani (Mon Petite Chou Chou) and Erika (Radiant Republic). Each of them styled a model in three different looks but it was at time easy to pick out who styled who. I was pleased to capture the festivities!

Hair styling by Jeffrey Lyle Salon // Catering by Broadway Gourmet // Models: Marie Wu, Jessica Clements, Olivia Guiny, Sarah Hodge, Kara Benghanem // DJ - Liz Ladoux

In keeping with the fresh new concept, it was recently announced that NM is looking for A Blogger on the CUSP, are you the one?

BFW: Christina K. Pierce Shows

Last night in Boston Christina K. Pierce put on an amazing evening of runway shows, featuring a presentation by Shape of Birds and runway shows by Launch by Susan Young (who we met earlier at New York Fashion week), Ruch Designs and Lily and Migs.

It was a hugely successful event and more can be seen on my Instagram feed here (@hoggerandco)!

Thank you for the invitation Christina and congrats to everyone involved, for starting Boston Fashion week off with a bang!

NYFW Made in NY: Launch By Susan Young

Rooftop fashion show? Where do I sign up? Thanks to Christina K. Pierce, I had the opportunity to check out the fabulous Launch by Susan Young after this happened. Christina is a stylist extraordinaire and the mastermind behind Christina K. Pierce a Boutique Fashion Agency on Newbury in Boston.

Come join us for an evening of splendor atop the beautiful Empire Hotel Rooftop in NYC, with high profile guests including Boston's own Marilyn Riseman whom we've met before and former Real Housewives of New York City stars Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen.

Models: Tia, Kyra, Michaela, Laura, Fiona, Elena, Emily, Jaylee, Alexandra Elena B. // Jewelry by Mira Sadi of Ottomon Chic // Handbags by Jacki Easlick // Alice Alan Shoes

Tonight for Boston Fashion Week Christina K. Pierce is presenting an evening of runway shows featuring Launch by Susan Young, Lily & Migs, Ruch Designs, and Shape of Birds!

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Gemma Kahng

I was thrilled to photograph Gemma Kahng's appearance at Neiman Marcus in Boston last night. What a fabulous lady she is! It's the second coming for this incredible designer, and I am so happy for her!

Join me for an evening of glitz and glamour as only Neiman Marcus can do...

 

Maggie Inc. Models Jade + Shaina

Catering by Broadway Gourmet

FNO Boston at Neiman Marcus!

On September 6 in Boston, Fashion's Night Out at Neiman Marcus celebrated the Art of Fashion!

Showcasing fall trends in Center Court, a "Go Baroque or Go Home" Styling bar by our favorite Style Advisor Dave Chen, intricate henna tattoos by Nomad Heart, and black and white (with a touch of colour) photographs, by yours truly, FNO Boston was just getting warmed up. Throw in some familiar faces like Amy, Kate + Jack, Jeff Lahens, Sarah and Jaime in the mix and you've got one hellava good night!

Where were you for FNO?

 

Ivivva Athletica as worn on Block Island!

Ivivva Athletica contacted me to review their cross-functional athletic apparel for girls ages 6-14. While I'm not in that age range (but SO SO close!), my 12 year old niece is, and made a good candidate to test out the product.

Ivivva comes to us from the well-known lululemon brand who've positively mastered the yoga pant. The one pair I own is truly my go-to, for working out. I'll admit, I refused to believe in lululemon for a few years, but then I tried it. Now who better to test that same theory out on, than on the tweens who tell it like it is?

So, on Labor Day Weekend and before "back to school" we went out to Block Island, Rhode Island, a location that served as the ideal backdrop for my niece and her BFF to model and test out Ivivva's brightly colored athletic clothing, proving that Ivivva is comfortable, functional and pretty, too!

Ivivva is opening a showroom in Boston at 38 North Street, Suite B in Hingham, MA 02403. Definitely worth a look for the active girl in your family.

Tell me, what do you wear to work out?

Boston: David Yurman at Lux Bond & Green + GIVEAWAY!

Last week, my sister, niece and I were excited to check out the unveiling of David Yurman's Fall 2012 Collection at Lux Bond & Green. The line will only be available for purchase in September, so it was nice to get a sneak peek. Thank you to Shauna, Sheryl, Trevor, Judy and Denise and everyone at Lux Bond & Green for the invitation and for graciously assisting us in trying out all the beautiful David Yurman jewellery!

It was lovely to see some of my favourite Boston Bloggers: Julie, Khatu, Lani and Hannah and I got to meet Amanda, Chelsea and Shauna's sister Kasey, for the first time, while we "tweeted" it up amongst champagne and cupcakes. Tweeting pays off people, look what Amanda and I won!

Thank you to my sis who took all the photos of me (in my favourite cobalt dress)!

I'm happy to announce that Lux Bond & Green would like to give one lucky reader of Hogger & Co. a $75 gift card for Lux Bond & Green!

To enter, simply follow the instructions below!

Contest ends at 12:01am EST Monday June 25, 2012 

A winner will be picked at random! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boston: SOWA Blogger Meetup

Location:

The South End Buttery + SOWA Market, Boston

I'm always up for any blogger meetup ops, or meet-ops, and one such opportunity arose when Elizabeth from Miami tweeted that she was going to be in Boston this past weekend. A glorious plan to meet on Sunday morning at the Southend Buttery, then head to the SOWA market, was born.

Here's how Anna, Natalie, Melissa, Elizabeth and I spent our Sunday morning. We even ran into Anne from Adjewelry who has a jewelry shop at SOWA. I purchased a pretty bracelet for my niece's upcoming birthday.

And thank you Anna for the following Instagram:

Here's the item I purchased for my niece from Anne's SOWA shop:

And here's Anne at SOWA (via Instagram)

Husbandswear IV: Colour

It's Spring so I'm checking in to see what my husband's wearing, again. I'm happy to report that it's colour!

Purple, what a royal and distinguished hue, and worn with grey, it's just a classic.

(Ben Sherman shirt, DKNY blazer, Calvin Klein tie)

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Savvy Chic

It's always a fabulous time at Neiman Marcus events, this time it was Savvy Chic, and the backdrop was whimsical and fun; the perfect setting for anyone who was feeling Savvy OR Chic.

Boston: Zoora Shoot!

We had a twirly good time shooting the Zoora Capsule Collection last week, here are some highlights.

Thank you Aubrie for having me capture this collection and Rachel, you were a treat to shoot!

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Savvy Chic Teaser

I always love shooting the fabulous fashion events Neiman Marcus puts on, this time it was Savvy Chic, and the backdrop was whimsical and fun; the perfect setting for anyone who was feeling Savvy OR Chic.

 Here's a fun teaser from the shoot. (Models L-R, Kerrin, Kacy, Jessica with Maggie, Inc. )

Boston: Zoora Shoot, Teaser

Had a ball with Aubrie and Rachel at yesterday's shoot for Zoora's Capsule Collection, which we saw at the Liberty Hotel not long ago. We shot at the very cool Mass Challenge space at One Marina Park Drive in Boston.

Here's a sneak peek of the shoot. Be sure to check out Zoora's Capsule Collection for custom Spring looks for under $100!