Posts from — May 2011

Last night, Brahmin, in conjunction with Vogue and the Vogue Influencer Network, hosted an event launching its Summer 2011 at the Hotel Giraffe in the Rose Hill neighborhood of New York City. Specifically, this event introduced the world to the Anytime Tote, which Vogue Influencer Network members received last month.

The event was lovely. I was joined by my partner in crime, Meghan, as we browsed the new collection while enjoying delicious cocktails and appetizers. The space was small and intimate, which I felt was perfect for this type of open house event.

One thing that I was very impressed with is the fact that Brahmin’s Chief Marketing Officer personally came to each guest to introduce himself and ask us about the collection and the brand. After only chatting with him for a few minutes, I could tell that connecting with bloggers and customers, especially through social media, is a priority. Aside from working with Vogue and the Influencer Network to get gifts out and organize this event, the brand already has plans for more events like the one last night, which I think is fantastic.

I also think that working with Vogue is a great idea to reach new consumers and demographics. The brand, which has been around since 1982, is trying to increase awareness and presence and working with Vogue will do just that. There is a beautiful Brahmin ad in the newest issue of Vogue- it’s simple, chic, and colorful, which will help attract the younger working professional. The products are artfully crafted and look luxurious, yet are affordable. Case in point: the Anytime Tote retails for about $195. It’s the perfect bag for work and I use it for everything.

I believe that Brahmin has the potential to be huge, even bigger than it might be already (I’ll be the first to admit that I hadn’t heard of the brand until recently!). The products are beautifully crafted and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. I will definitely keep up with the brand to see what kind of great things will happen next!

Last night, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held the 2011 Costume Institute Gala, which is arguably the fashion industry’s biggest red carpet night. This year’s Costume Institute exhibit features a retrospective of the late Alexander McQueen’s collections, so naturally, I thought the attendants would be decked out in McQueen on the red carpet.

I was wrong.

Seems like those wearing Alexander McQueen to the Met Gala were the minority instead of the majority- in fact, there are only 17 pictures in Alexander McQueen’s Facebook photo album of celebrities in McQueen from the event. Only a hand-full of celebrities (not designers, who are obviously going to wear their own design) chose to wear the honored designer, which surprised me.

However, those few knocked it out of the park if you ask me. Gisele Bundchen was easily the best dressed last night, wearing a dramatic McQueen creation in a beautiful red hue. I’m not the biggest Gisele fan to begin with, but she took my breath away. (all photos from nymag.com unless otherwise noted)

I also thought that Daphne Guiness really captured Alexander McQueen’s vision with her choice.

Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen and creator of Kate Middleton’s amazing wedding gowns, on the red carpet.

Sarah Jessica Parker also looks amazing in a glittery, long-sleeved McQueen gown.

Photo from justjared.com

Hamish Bowles in a tartan McQueen suit.

Naomi Campbell

Chloe Sevigny

Anna Dello Russo

Out of the 141 pictures that were uploaded to the Cut Blog, these are the only photos that I know are definitely Alexander McQueen [Editor's note: if I missed any celebs, in Alexander McQueen, let me know in the comments!]. There was a lot of Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren, which led to many playing it “safe.” As Jonathan from Orange Juice and Biscuits tweeted last night:

Amen, friend!

Considering the amount of guests attending this event to honor an art exhibit celebrating one of fashion’s greatest gifts and talents, I wonder what kind of criticism there might be since there was so little McQueen found on the red carpet.

Which looks are your favorites? Least favorites? Think there should be more McQueen in the audience?