MRK Style » Fashion

Street Style: More is More

RodKosann — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:05:31 +0000

More so than clothing it’s often jewelry that is handed down, given as a token of love or relationships and worn by a woman her entire lifetime no matter her age. And nothing stops us quite in our tracks like a woman in amazing jewelry. It’s not layers of bling that automatically impress, but the way she puts the pieces together, and of course the story behind them. Though we often stand by that iconic quote by Coco Chanel – encouraging us to always take one thing off before we leave the house – today we’ve highlighted a few street style looks that successfully pull off the opposite mantra – more is more. From icon Iris Apfel to Elle’s style director Kate Lanphear, these women don’t shy away from piling on their bold accessories.

Iris Apfel, photo from Glamour Magazine

Photo from Marie Claire

Photo from JakandJil

Kate Lanphear shot by JakandJil

Maxwell Osborne on Funky Glasses, Jamaican Music, and the Best Meatballs Ever

RodKosann — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:35:50 +0000

When Maxwell Osborne and his partner Dao-Yi Chow launched their fashion line Public School, they aimed to create something that was a direct reflection of their upbringing in New York City. The public school graduates met when Osborne was overseeing the woven’s department at Sean Jean – where Chow was the Creative Director – and Public School was born. The high-end mens young designer collection combines the attitude of New York City with European tailoring and the aesthetic of Japanese Streetwear, while also celebrating the influences that span high and low fashion, art and culture. Today, Maxwell Osborne shares his favorite things with us. Next week, read the interview with his partner Dao-Yi Chow.

Item I own that gets better with age: Have a couple items that get better with age: One being a pair of white basic Chuck Taylors, [the second] my Cloak carry all bag which is made up of Coated Canvas & Suede. Last but not least, our Public School leather biker jacket for the past couple years, which I consider my 2nd skin.

Best vintage buy on eBay: Last Vintage purchase was a “Macgregor Golf Bag.” It was the color that drew me in – bright teal with gold trim. Perfect for weekend getaways. Funnily enough I cannot stand that bag now.

Place I love to visit that’s rich in history: The place I frequent as my little escape from the city – and that’s local – is the Bronx Botanical Garden. Every time I step foot in there it amazes me that this property is in NYC and has been untouched for so long…I truly recommend any New Yorker to take walk or trolley ride through it. Get lost in this park with a good book and a favorite album on Ipod. Botanical gardens doesn’t just look gorgeous – the air itself is treat.

My secret to looking timeless: Secret to looking timeless…is being timeless.

Most powerful photo I’ve ever seen: Most powerful photo for “me” is a family portrait that was taken some time before I was born with all of our aunts, uncles, and grandparents. ‘Til this day our family has never been in the same country at the same time to do another portrait.

Best souvenir I’m glad I brought back home: Best Souvenir…This is pretty random, but when I was in New Delhi, India I picked up a thin Cotton Robe along with some other random goodies for my family specifically my Mother. The reason the robe is the best – It is still being used to this day. I always feel like souvenirs usually collect dust or eventually get tossed, to be hidden. Robe is holding up pretty well.

Favorite vintage fashion trend: Vintage Trend that I love…is the funky glasses frame. Colors & shapes make me happy.

Smell that makes me feel most nostalgic: The burnt outdoor smell you get when you go camping or to the wild of random countries. I’m a city boy so that scent always tickled my fancy. Makes me feel young and free again.

What I’m currently coveting: Some might be upset at this answer but I’m focused on a street Legal Dirt Bike Honda XR650L. I see it as a blank canvas that I need in my life right now.

Best advice I’ve ever received: “Maxwell, keep smiling. It’s contagious.”

Music that always takes me back: Jamaican Music, specifically from the 1970s-80s, brings me back to Sunday mornings in Brooklyn. My mother is from Jamaica so Sunday mornings she blasted the tapes or vinyl. Even to this day when I hear Beres Hammond, Bitty Mclean, or even Gregory Isaacs I smile. (Smiling just thinking about it).

Film that I can watch over and over again: Coming to America will hands down be watched every time it’s on – or I need to watch something to lift the spirits.

Favorite family recipe: Favorite family recipe(s) come from my late Uncle Dominick who was Italian and made THE BEST MEATBALLS ever. He did try to pass on the recipe but it has never been the same. The other is our families Oxtail. The traditional Jamaican dish could be prepared many ways; our families is simple and to the point.

Tastiest mom-and-pop shop that’s been feeding me for years: Miami, spanish food on Collins! That café con leche and empanada…

Blog I’m currently addicted to: For me I honestly only gravitate to visual blogs, so right now ffffound.com & blog.yimmyayo.com.

I couldn’t live without: White Rice, Black T-shirts & Toothpicks.

Words to dress by: Same words I live by…Be yourself.

Street Style: The Charm Bracelet

RodKosann — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:39:15 +0000

More so than clothing it’s often jewelry that is handed down, given as a token of love or relationships and worn by a woman her entire lifetime no matter her age. And nothing stops us quite in our tracks like a woman in amazing jewelry. It’s not layers of bling that automatically impress, but the way she puts the pieces together, and of course the story behind them. Today we decided to highlight the charm bracelet, a piece that always tells a story – and happens to be one of our favorites. From an over-sized celestial piece to a fendi key bracelet, we always enjoy seeing a woman with beautiful charms around her wrist.

Photo 1 from Style.com, Photo 2 from Shoplooks.com, Monica Rich Kosann charm bracelet, Photo 3 from In Detail, Photo 4 by Tommy Ton,

Sang A Im-Propp on Love Story, Vintage Panton Furniture, and her Buffed Python POP Bag

RodKosann — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:14:43 +0000

Accessories designer and CFDA Incubator Sang A Im-Propp was at one time considered to be one of Korea’s most promising celebrities – as a singer, actor, and dancer. Her success as a performer was only enhanced by her instinctive love for fashion and accessories; she became a style icon in Korea, styling and creating unique looks for her own music videos. After recording three records with Samsung, the multi-talented beauty made her way to New York, where she honed her skills at Parsons and launched her leather accessories collection, SANG A, in Spring of 2006 to rave reviews. Her innovative use of exotic skins – python, ostrich and alligator – quickly established her as one-to-watch in the luxury accessories market, and her pieces are now sold at luxury boutiques all over the world. Here, her favorite things:

Item I own that gets better with age: My POP in Black Buffed Python. I have worn it every day for the past two years and the soft, sueded finish gets richer by the day…

Best vintage buy on eBay: I LOVE Vintage but have not shopped on Ebay…I prefer discovering treasures in person. I recently found a really unique turn of the century clutch style bag at one of favorite NY shops Exquisite Costume. It’s getting me inspired for next fall.

Place I love to visit that’s rich in history: The Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como. It is a converted palace from the 1800′s that has retained the unique and classic features. The hotel is a throwback to the old days when families would come to the lake and live there for the summer.

My secret to looking timeless: I think the more important secret is to always to wear what you love, without hesitation.

Most powerful photo I’ve ever seen: My first Ultrasound of my girl Olivia…

Favorite vintage fashion trend: I am loving the vintage inspirations in eye-wear recently. My favorite takes are Henrik Vibskov’s sunglasses.

What’s in my purse: My POP bag is literally my portable office…full of devices: iPhone, MacBook, Blackberry, Organizer & Translator plus files, lookbooks, price-lists, etc. I am a walking showroom.

Smell that makes me feel most nostalgic: Korean food in the kitchen…

What I’m currently coveting: I am not much of a coveteur, but as I am redesigning my home I have been lusting for a vintage Panton furniture piece, like their 2-level seat.

Best advice I’ve ever received: “Listen and trust your instinct.” This advice inspired me to stay in New York and I have never looked back.

Music that always takes me back: My Korean pop play list. My employees hear the same songs so often they have memorized it too.

Film that I can watch over and over again: Love Story…Vintage Ali MacGraw…

Favorite family recipe: My family and I just love to bake together…We are morning people, and I am often bringing in fresh baked goods to my office for everyone’s morning tea.

Tastiest mom-and-pop shop that’s been feeding me for years: Takahachi Bakery on Murray Street in Tribeca…Amazing for morning treats before I head to work in SoHo.

Blog I’m currently addicted to: I love AnOther Magazine’s “Reader” section that collects all of their UK blog faves in one place for me to enjoy.

I couldn’t live without: My girl Olivia.

Words to dress by: Simply said…If you are not having fun, you are doing it wrong.

Alice Ritter on Loulou de la Falaise, Paella, and her Pink Headphones

RodKosann — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:36:55 +0000

Our second CFDA Incubator, Alice Ritter, was born to be a fashion designer. With a strong passion for design and fashion, the former music publicist moved to New York ten years ago to live out her dream – and persevered until she got there. The self-taught designer bought herself a sewing machine, tore apart vintage pieces in order to learn the art pattern-making, read books and took night classes. Finally, a few of her beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces were picked up by a popular boutique in Brooklyn, where they sold out within a week. Since then, Alice Ritter has become a brand that most girls both recognize and covet. Ritter describes her line as “French romantic meets Annie Hall. The story of a French girl living in New York” – a description that would make any New York girl swoon. Here, she shares her favorite things with us.

Item I own that gets better with age: Generally leather: bags, jackets, boots etc…I love the idea of keeping a good piece for years.

Best vintage buy on eBay: I’m staying away of ebay for vintage clothes for economic reasons. Because when I start, I cannot stop! I also like to try on vintage before buying. But I have bought a lot of deco pieces, from rugs to old curiosities…I have a ” vintage americana” alert that always come up with wonderful treasures from old nails to weird tools…I’ve just bought a country house in Connecticut, I’m in a decor mood!

Place I love to visit that’s rich in history: Being french, I will say France! But Rome is wonderful as well. My next trip will be in Morocco, a rich history as well.

My secret to looking timeless: Stick to your style, do not try to copy someone else, do not try to follow trends to closely. And very important: carry yourself with pride, chin high!

Most powerful photo I’ve ever seen: Loulou de la Falaise by Bettina Reims. She just died and I posted this picture of her wearing a big buckled belt. She was my icon as a child.

I loved the YSL tuxedo by Avedon, I’m a big admirer of Guy Bourdin, his campaign for Shiseido in the 80′s was very influential. Nick Ut’s picture of a little girl running naked away from chaos during vietnam war [The Napalm Girl]…the first picture I thought of reading this question. I was born in the 70′s and I think I was terrified and fascinated by this girl, almost my age, in the hell of war. Very powerful.

Best souvenir I’m glad I brought back home: Friends. I’ve moved from Paris to NYC leaving all my belongings behind. It’s so refreshing to realize you are not your stuff! People on the other hand…I’ve kept contact with my french group of friends for the past 14 years, and it’s far more important.

Favorite vintage fashion trend: High waisted pants, pussy bow blouses. (See [above] Loulou de la Falaise!)

What’s in my purse: Haha, good question: My iphone/ipod, my pink headphones (most important!!), my kindle (a “can’t live without” item!!), mints, red lipstick, a brush, to many keys.

Smell that makes me feel most nostalgic: Mitsouko by Guerlain. It was my mothers perfume for many, many years. She changed it not long ago, but it’s a very strong memory for me. I was thinking of the smell of Opium by YSL yesterday. It was, for me as a kid, the smell of seduction and the power of femininity.

What I’m currently coveting: Forest green boots! I’m obsessed with forest green shoes those days!

Best advice I’ve ever received: “Become the woman you’ve always wanted to be.” Diane Von Furstenberg. For me, she means dream big and don’t be afraid! She is the women I want to be!

Music that always takes me back: So many. I’m a huge music consumer. Gainsbourg because of the french up-bringing…Chopin’s nocturnes.

Film that I can watch over and over again: Le Mepris, Les 400 Coups, L’eclisse (favorite Antonioni’s), Kung Fu Panda, Sense and Sensibilty (huge Jane Austen fan).

Favorite family recipe: Paella. My Mom is half spanish. She makes a killer Paella and so can I.

Tastiest mom-and-pop shop that’s been feeding me for years: Bakeri, in Brooklyn Williamsburg…best brioches in town!

Blog I’m currently addicted to:

http://www.dejeunesgensmodernes.com/

Still: http://www.garancedore.fr/

French: http://blog.elle.fr/la-vraie-vie-de-fonelle/

Deco: http://www.doorsixteen.com/

My husband’s: http://www.iwentlooking.com/

I couldn’t live without: My urbanears head phones, music, and my kindle (I carry more than 100 books in my hand bag! Wonderful!).

Words to dress by: “Lose one accessory before leaving home.” Coco Chanel.

Iconic Image: Loulou de la Falaise

RodKosann — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:01:03 +0000

Last week, the fashion world lost one of its most treasured style icons – Loulou de la Falaise. Known for her bold, free-spirited style – particularly her turbans and folkloric accents – she wowed Yves Saint Laurent at their first meeting in 1968, and worked with him closely for decades after. She was, as many put it, a muse to him and many others, and she will no doubt continue to inspire for long after she is gone.

*Photo from 01 Magazine

Rachel Dooley on Naples, Planet Earth, and the Rick Owens Leather Jacket

RodKosann — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:58:24 +0000

For this installment of Favorite Things – and the next few to come – we decided to reach out to the designers who the CFDA calls “the next generation of fashion designers in New York City” – the CFDA Incubators. First up is Rachel Dooley, a talented and creative designer whose brand GEMMA REDUX has already garnered major attention. A mix of industrial materials and roughly cut stones, the GEMMA REDUX pieces are complex and well-thought out – which makes sense given Dooley’s background as a serious student. The former law school student made her first mixed metal piece while taking a study break, but soon after found herself in the pages of Harpers Bazaar, WWD, Cosmopolitan and Glamour. Now, her designs have become mainstays in the pages of most weekly magazines and a favorite of a TV hit that many people (including us) tune into primarily for the fashion – Gossip Girl. Of her line, she says, “Intentionally tough and complex designs made for the tough and complex girl – the GEMMA REDUX girl.” Here, her favorite things.

Item I own that gets better with age: My Domestic Holding No. 1 bag.

Best vintage buy on eBay: Bright red vintage Halston one shoulder dress.

Place I love to visit that’s rich in history: Naples, my NYC away from home.

My secret to looking timeless: Sunscreen.

Most powerful photo I’ve ever seen: A photo of my mom at 19, on a reservation in South Dakota, wielding a pistol (not loaded). It’s where she met my dad. It’s my ultimate “live life” image.

Best souvenir I’m glad I brought back home: The Tanzanite stone my husband bought for me on our honeymoon.

Favorite vintage fashion trend: Plaid wool coats.

What’s in my purse: Chapstick, studio keys, iphone, WWD, the piece of jewelry I wore last night.

Smell that makes me feel most nostalgic: Chlorine! I was a serious swimmer as a kid.

What I’m currently coveting: Rick Owens leather jacket. It’s been an obsession for years, but I’m this close to pulling the trigger.

Best advice I’ve ever received: The worst regret is inaction due to fear ~ live life fearlessly.

Music that always takes me back: Paul Simon Concert in the Park.

Film that I can watch over and over again: Planet Earth (which is kind of a film). I’m obsessed.

Favorite family recipe: Buckeyes (chocolate covered peanut butter balls). My fam is from Ohio.

Tastiest mom-and-pop shop that’s been feeding me for years: Arturos, my favorite NYC family spot.

Blog I’m currently addicted to: Too many, I’m just generally obsessed w Tumblr.

I couldn’t live without: Experimenting.

Words to dress by: Dress to feel good.

Street Style: Bold Necklaces

RodKosann — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:58:59 +0000

More so than clothing it’s often jewelry that is handed down, given as a token of love or relationships and worn by a woman her entire lifetime no matter her age. And nothing stops us quite in our tracks like a woman in amazing jewelry. It’s not layers of bling that automatically impress, but the way she puts the pieces together, and of course the story behind them. This week, we noticed an ongoing trend in street style fashion: bold necklaces. This group of photographs show a variety of women who all wear statement necklaces in a different way. From our large sterling silver locket on celebrity mom Rebecca Gayheart, to a frosted choker over a printed sweater and Gwyneth Paltrow’s tough silver chain, all of these women use necklaces to turn a simple outfit into something much more exciting.

*Photos courtesy of The Sartorialist, Style.com, Celebrity Baby Scoop, and Denim Blog

Ask Monica: What’s in your bag?

RodKosann — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:11:23 +0000

In this weeks installment of Ask Monica, we asked her a question we will never tire of: What’s in your bag?

1) Bobbi Brown Cheek stain and Lipstick – “I’m often on-the-go all day, and these two products make it easy to freshen up my look at any time.”

2) Carmex Lip Balm – “A must once it gets cold. This is the only lip balm that really works for me.”

3) Iphone – “I will be forever grateful to the brilliant Steve Jobs for the IPhone. I used to feel naked without my camera, and now I never have that problem.”

4) Bergdorf Goodman Datebook – “I would be a lost puppy without this book. I use it as a calendar, contact book, and sketchbook. I will never get used to using a phone or IPad as a calendar. Something about writing in a beautiful date book keeps me feeling inspired throughout the day.”

5) Pens – “For sketching and writing appointments in said book.”

6) Dior Addict Lipstick – “I usually have two lipsticks with me for a long day. One for day and one for evening. Dior Addict is the perfect texture.”

The Bag: Gucci ’1921 Collection’ Medium Top Handle Bag with Tassels and Bamboo Detailing

Fashion Week Street Style Round Up

RodKosann — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:46:37 +0000

More so than clothing it’s often jewelry that is handed down, given as a token of love or relationships and worn by a woman her entire lifetime no matter her age. And nothing stops us quite in our tracks like a woman in amazing jewelry. It’s not layers of bling that automatically impress, but the way she puts the pieces together, and of course the story behind them. This week, as Paris fashion week draws to a close, we rounded up a few of our favorite street style photos from outside the shows in New York, Milan, and Paris. The most inspiring thing about this group of photographs is the level of contrast that exists in all of their accessories. From a hot pink bold bracelet paired with a wild print, to an enormous stack of brightly colored friendship bracelets worn with a striking cobalt bag- all of these women truly make a statement.

*Photos 1 and 2 from NYMag.com, taken by Alessia Campostrini. Photos 3-5 courtesy of Style.com, taken by Tommy Ton. Photos 6-7 from Vogue.com, taken by Phil Oh.