With a strike on the fashion market, (as it was when Alfred Shaheen designed the famous Hawaiian shirt during the late 1940′s ). Flowers and palm trees have returned to play in contrast with the hottest temperatures of this summer, lets make a recap of some collections that have made people gone-wild with their tropical-blossomed pieces. We can start with Stella McCartney resort 2012, her Hawaiian-flower-kaleidoscope prints have captivated the fashion eye of many, we have already spotted her pieces on street style looks during different fashion weeks. One of our favorite looks from the collection, its the pajama-inspired that we feature here in our report.

We also feel strongly attracted from up-and-coming London based designer Maarten Van der Horst, who revamped the Hawaiian short & shirts by adding some intricate ruffles to some of the pieces. (Sussie Bubble from Style Bubble was seen exclusively sporting one of his looks during New York Fashion week last September 2011). On the highlight, Maarten just collaborated with TopShop creating a capsule collection that derives with the same “Aloha” prints he used for his s/s 2012 collection – Other fresh and great accessible pieces that we found with this trend, are from Tara Starlet http://www.tarastarlet.com/. The line has a variety of tops and shorts with cool prints that make us desire of a summer vacation over the Fiji islands. The price range goes from $30 to $100.

Bruno Basso & Chris Brooke went into a galactic-tropical vision for their s/s 2012. With an entire collection full of vibrant colors and super-cool silhouettes, that created a buzz during London fashion week, the masters delivered their best with multicolored-patterns as a nostalgia and homage to Bruno’s native country, Brazil. The collection degrades into the different stages of a tropical day setting. From the blue sky, to the prints diffusing in a scale of bright-orange and yellow hues, just like when the sun sets down. Making illusions that decorate with impact each of their pieces. In addition, Pedro Lourenço opted for a minimal approach when managing tropical prints. A few mono-images of palm trees and Caribbean parrot birds on his resort 2012 collection, were enough details to bring an edgy playful side to his controlled and structured silhouettes.

Jhon Jairo Santos
Fashion Director USA

This year the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and Houston’s interior design industry gathered together at the Bayou Place to celebrate the Fourth Annual Product Runway 2012 benefiting the Furniture Bank of Houston. A play off of the hit reality television series Project Runway, this national event challenges the creative minds of Interior Designers and Architects to create couture garments from the products they use in their everyday projects. Carpet, upholstery, vinyl flooring, tile and plastic laminate look just as good on the runway as they do in your office.

The theme for this year was “Traveling Trends” featuring an international look at fashion, which included over twenty entries from various Houston’s interior design and architecture firms, as well as design students. Each team designed and constructed a couture garment using materials provided by their garment labels, (Industry Partners), and competed in a runway showdown.

Judges for the event were Houston Magazine – Editor in Chief Jeff Gremillion, Lisa Spain, Alex Chapman and Joy Sewing. Hosts were Rod Ryan from the Buzz morning radio show and Jeannie Wu of Gensler, who is also philanthropy chair for the Houston City Center IIDA. Over a hundred volunteers come together to make this event happen, all in order to raised funds for The Houston Furniture Bank. The Furniture Bank is a non-profit organization that serves to assist Houston area residents that lack basic furnishings. It seems like every year, Product Runway event is getting bigger and better, from the production to the runway.

Mr.G / Luis Soto
Co – Fashion Editor

Photos by: Alison Schwamkrug

Who ever said models are just pretty, seriously underestimated Sebastian Sauve. Considering he’s anyone’s description of beautiful, this American born, British raised model is the whole package of a man. His business-focused mind, has found a way to model, have fun, and create a magazine/ run a blog that got 60k hits in two months.

Sebastian has eyes where most fashion publications don’t: everywhere a model goes. With the recent launch of ODDA Magazine, he takes anyone that visits ODDA, into the whole journey inside the fashion industry; specially during fashion week where he shows: the before, during and after of a show in a complete pictorial through the eyes of one of the most coveted models right now. Sharing the spotlight with other highly acclaimed models in the industry, Sebastian constantly appeals to anyone in the look for fashion and/or eye candy.

His publication is regularly updated providing a real time exposure, plus a larger photo disclosure at the end of the season. It is the perfect addition to his job, taking advantage of the unique access he posses to give more to his fans, and the rest of the industry.

Sebastian, thank you for granting Metrovelvet once again the chance to interview you, this time dedicated to this new facet of yours.

Last Fashion Week I bumped into you in the subway, how can you manage to talk, take pictures AND be on a skateboard all at the same time?
Ah, well the skateboard helps. It’s purely for transports you see, fun fast easy transport that gives me an easy tour of the city and preset pictures. Multi tasking baby!

How many skateboards do you own?
This is my first one ever. I’ll keep it at that to If I can. ‘if it ain’t broke’

How does your fellow models feel of you taking photographs all the time?
They’re getting used to it. The ones that don’t like it I don’t like to take pictures of anyway. It’s a win win at the end of the day. If u don’t like me to take your picture then I’ll be happy to give you a detailed map to the door.

The industry is always looking for new and fresh points of view, do you think in a few years, models are going to get payed to provide unique footage for publications?
Enough of them will do it for free. I am. I’m in the modest of creating 20 or so stories to gift to various publications. Then once I’m in demand then I’ll start making deals. Same with any market really.

What brand is your camera and do you take your camera everywhere?
Canon G12. Yes everywhere. Fuckers nearly kaput too. Drunk photography might just be a not good idea.

Just wondering, do you still eat a lot?
You have no idea. I’m yet to meet my match.

Does your relationship with the designers help to capture images in a unique environment? How do they feel when they see you with the camera?
I try not to fuck with people. I know designers like all artists have their thing. If I don’t know what that thing is I’m not going to push it. So I’ll take a pic with them at the end but won’t infiltrate. I’m no paparazzi. Same with everyone, I’ll read weather their willing or not.

Have you got into trouble because of your new facet as a photographer?
No. I don’t take pics of the same things back stage guys do, I don’t take pics of fashion and if I do catch some it’s cool because I wait a month before I release them so it’s after everyone else has a turn.

How long does it take the post production part of the photos?
Not long. I don’t do much editing. I’m no photographer, just a joker with a camera. So I’m not going try and be one. Plus I think it seems more real printing them like I took them.

Do you still keep in touch with Mr. Jungle Gorilla King? You know, the one from Cambodia that gave you that juice that made your face look weird in a good way so people want to take pictures of you.
Yeah, Scott. He wants to set up a scouting agency since he has the juice an all. I’ll back him no doubt.

In the words of Zoolander, “did you ever think that maybe there’s more to life than being really, really, really, really ridiculously good-looking”?
Yeah, being really, really, really, really, really stupendously ridiculously winderfully good-looking.

Sebastian’s other side mixes fun while still being professional; his unstoppable thrill stepped from just being the new pretty face in the industry to an acclaimed and well loved young man. Keep in the look for new editorials because he might just had produced it.

ODDA Magazine launched worldwide last week both in shelfs and online, while launch parties in Europe and North America are expected. And if too much Sebastian isn’t too much, this amazing model keeps his blog updated on a daily basis. Because no one is as .Suave like Sauve

Keep posted as Metrovelvet gives you all the details and exclusive behind ODDA Magazine with a world story tour.

By Alex Margary
Fashion Editor

An ambitious project from the hand of worldwide known model Sebastian Sauve and David Martin and Maria Ruz comes a magazine entitled to ode both men and women equally: ODDA Magazine. With a simple glance anyone can assume the layers of fashion iconography injected to the pages of this London based magazine, and it is the thickness of its volume that provokes a wondering thought of the whereabouts of this jewel and why wasn’t it designed before. Fresh, impeccable quality in every page, throughly thought with dedication and accuracy delicately covered by models Milou Sluis from UNO Models and Tom Barker from I Love.

ODDA magazine was released in Paris 2 days before of the official launch in the rest of Europe, Asia and North America. While launch parties are expected, anyone can place an online order for the first issue of the magazine or reach to the closest magazine kiosk for a copy.
Said to try to show the closer side of high fashion, Editor in Chief David Martin assures lot of sense and creation of unique style combining high fashion that appeals to both men and women, with no back covers or separations.

This project started a year ago by David, later joining Sebastian Sauve, Maria Ruz and Gabrielle Sauve. Visuals play the most expressive part of the magazine, providing a closer look of the highlights in fashion, adding models’ disclosures and backstage access, closer interviews and editorials.

With an unique angle to the fashion world, they unveil everything behind the scenes, teaching the audience that there’s more than what meets the eye, there’s more at the end of the runway. This big piece of fashion is already available for online and physical purchase.
By Alex Margary
Fashion Editor

Marni has return to the spot with more exciting news. American illustrator Brian Rea has been chosen by Consuelo Castiglioni for an incredible collaboration that will feature Brian’s artistic aesthetic with refined illustrations and cartoons mixed with a touch of metropolitan life, as part of something new and fresh, that for sure speaks the Marni costumer language. The pieces will be introduced for the Marni foulard collection which makes part of the MARNI Winter Edition 2012, and for the Marni menswear fall winter 2012-13 collection.

The cartoons and images are done in defined-minimal abstract forms, and have few hints of colors like green, yellow or red, nothing distracting but still keeping the cool idea that wanted to be approached by Marni and Rea. The sharp lines and graphics echoes cartoons with childhood memories (some recall images that seem out of the movie Where The Wild Things Are) and sometimes distinct irony and sarcasm. Rea’s creative touch will be applied in technical gabardine, cotton t-shirts, leather and PVC tote bags; for now, you can purchase two styles of the women’s turtle-neck sweaters with a price around $660 -$770, and one style of the tote bag for the price of $350.

Brian Rea, who has already build a strong career and popularity with his interesting on social aspects and sometimes odd illustrations, including the many features of his work on magazines, The New York Times, plus other previous collaborations with brands like Billabong and designer Kate Spade – This collaboration seems like a great promise and opportunity for talented illustrators and artist to collaborate with fashion houses & designers, for sure we’ll stay tuned for that to continuously happen.

Jhon Jairo Santos
Fashion Director USA

Parsons, The New School for Design celebrated their MFA Fashion Design and Society program last May 15. “The First Heighten,” showcased the work and visions of the first graduates with main focus on delivering the identity of their work. The impressive work from each, varies in groups of highly executed-innovative clothing, film and diverse multi-media presentations. The event was hosted by designer and alumna Donna Karan & Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles, both have been supporting the project since 2011.

Directed by Shelley Fox, the project is letting the students apply an offer innovative and concise ideas to fashion design field. Since the program was developed, students have had the chance to showcased their work internationally. Last February 2012 students represented United States during London Fashion Week. And last year students brought home the award of ” Feel the Yarn,” competition they won at Pitti Filati 2011, finalist & winners were also placed in competition organized by the Met Costume Institute in connection with last 2011 Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibit.

This year the event count with the support from the fashion industry, designers, editors and insiders attended to give the students their advice and opinions. During the event we found: designers Chris Benz , Ruffiian’s Biran Wolk, Victoria Bartlett, Carlos Falchi, Kay Unger, Gabi Asfour and Nahm’s Nary Manivong. The master of fashion publication Nina Garcia made presence as well with part of her group of work at Marie Claire including their accessories director, Kyle Anderson.

Jhon Jairo Santos
Fashion Director USA

Photos by J.C. Parra

Once again is that time of the year where graduations are happening all over the country, I think that most of us either know or have someone who will be graduating this year or perhaps you’re the one who will be walking across the stage to get your diploma. This month The School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California presented collections from graduating students at the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony.

An invitation only event where Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of the University, gave the degree of Honorary Doctorate to Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, and H.R.H. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, who has extensive experience in luxury retail and is the CEO of the ALFA and AL HAMA companies that own and operate Harvey Nichols Department Store, Donna Karan, and DKNY stores in Saudi Arabia.

Guests included Mayor Ed Lee, former Mayor Willie Brown and Sonya Molodetska, Jennifer Raiser, Christine Suppes, Deepa Pakianathan, Tatiana Sorokko, Cameron Silver, Maria Manetti Farrow, Consul General to the United Kingdom Priya Guha, and John Capizzi, VP & General Manager of Neiman Marcus San Francisco. The guests of honor were presented with original illustrations by Gladys Perint Palmer, executive director of the School of Fashion.

I will like to introduce and show you some of the work of the students who graduated this year:

Renata Lindroos, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born just outside of Chicago, in Evanston, Illinois, and grewup in Missino Viejo, California. She created a collection inspired by 1960s horror films. The films often gave audiences a skewed perspective, and Lindroos sought to recreate that perspective in her clothing by creating distorted shapes and silhouettes.

Mina Fadaie, B.F.A. Textile Design, was born in Walnut Creek, California but grew up in Los Gatos,California. Fadaie’s prints were inspired by 1960s horror films and the artistic aesthetic of Robert Rauschenberg, one of the first artists to experiment with the process of silkscreening photographs.

Hely Nguyen, B.F.A. Fashion Design, grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His collection was inspired by a fictional character named Louis, a young boy of modest means growing up in the early 19th century. Louis does not buy new clothes but simply adds to the length, which results in a layered look. Nguyen used silk, wool, and cotton in a dark palette of olive, navy, and brown. Nguyen received a University scholarship to
study at L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris, France.

Erica Laba, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Massena, New York. Her collection is a collaboration with Textile and Knitwear Design students. Laba was inspired by the silhouettes of early 20th century Gibson girls. She constructed the collection of nipped waists and full skirts using silk organza, and twill in dark shades to mimic slick, city
streets after a bought of rain.

Liza Quiñones, B.F.A. Textile Design, grew up in Valley Stream, New York. Her work has been featured at the St. Vincent De Paul Society’s annual fundraiser Discarded to Divine.

Emma Mengchen Yang, B.F.A. Knitwear Design, was born and raised in Beijing, China. Her knitwear pieces were inspired by the grey hues of the city.

Ethan Chihuan Yang, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Taiwan but raised in Greece. Yang was inspired by the Flemish artist Jan Van Eyck, known for his traditional approach, which led Yang to go back to basics – focusing on the silhouette, cut, and construction of the garments. The collection was constructed using leather and wool.

Rumi Iwasaki, B.F.A. Men’s Wear Design, was born in Yokohama, Japan and grew up in Japan as well as the Philippines. Her collection was inspired by vintage military uniforms, but rendered modern with a minimalist approach to design. She used a combination of boiled wool, stripe shirting, leather, and jersey.

Rachel Sansom, B.F.A. Fashion and Textile Design, was raised in Folsom, California. She was inspired by David Hockney’s colorful and graphic paintings that portrayed life in Los Angeles in the 1960s and ‘70s. She constructed the garments using organic cotton twill, poplin, voile, and cotton pimatex. In 2008, she was awarded the David Downtown Award for Fashion Illustration, and this year received a University scholarship to study at L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in
Paris, France.

Chelsea Levinson, B.F.A. Knitwear Design, hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. Levinson designed knits to add dimension and texture to the collection.

Kim Tran, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and raised in San Jose, California. Her collection was inspired by Edie Beal’s psychedelic adventures in the 1960s. Tran received a University scholarship to study at Studio Berçot in Paris, France.

Orly Ruaimi, M.F.A. Fine Art Sculpture and Jewelry Design, grew up in Afula, Israel.
She was inspired by elements that make up the foundation or skeleton of a home, and how they resemble the structures upon which life is built. She sculpts her pieces using recycled metal and handmade ceramics.

Joe Chung, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Seoul, South Korea but grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chung was inspired by the process of protein synthesis, during which the structure of the proteins dictates their function, and sought to reflect this in his collection. He used organic materials, even sourcing them domestically to reduce the carbon footprint, and constructed his garments with minimal seams and minimal waste cutting, using leftover fabrics for design detailing.

Mimi Iwasaki, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in the Philippines but spent several years of her childhood in Japan. Her collection was inspired by Japanese youths and their interpretation of traditional adult clothing. The sharp silhouettes are softened by subtle draping and pleating. Iwasaki used cotton, linen, and lightweight wool. She has worked as an intern at Joseph Domingo Design Studios in San Francisco.

Maria A. Romero was born in Santa Barbara, California but grew up in Brillante de Miramar in Mexico. Her collection was inspired by her childhood memories of Dulces de Reliquias – traditional Mexican candies given out during nativity ceremonies surrounding the Christmas holiday. She sought to recreate the colors and textures of the candies using silk chiffon, silk organza, silk taffeta, and tulle. Romero produced the collection on a series of dolls, and collaborated with students from the School of Animation and Visual Effects to bring the collection to life. Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, has awarded Romero an internship.

Steven La Fuente, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in San Jose, California but grew up in Raleigh, NorthCarolina. For his collection, La Fuente imagined what The Wizard of Oz would look like through the lens of filmmaker and photographer Larry Clark – known for his gritty, black and white photographs of youth subcultures. He collaborated with M.F.A. Fine Art Sculpture student Lenny Kovner, who designed the jewelry pieces for the collection.

Antonio Luna was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico where he attended the Universidad de Guadalajara. He received a Presidential Scholarship in 2009 to attend Academy of Art University. His collection takes inspiration from vintage police and military uniforms, and was created using wool, leather, canvas, and cotton shirting.

Eli Daniel Odisho, B.F.A. Fashion Design, grew up in Turlock and Modesto, California. The collection is a reflection of Odisho’s interpretations of different facets of spirituality – witches, the Virgin Mary, and the tendencies toward embellishment – and the silhouettes were influenced by the natural drape of the fabrics. Odisho has received a design internship at BCBG Max Azria.

Miriam Tolentino, B.F.A. Textile Design, was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. She was inspired by the graphic novel Sin City, translating the textures from Frank Miller’s illustrations onto the textiles. Tolentino won the STYLESIGHT Spring / Summer 2013 Prints and Graphics Contest, receiving an internship at their European Headquarters in London, as well as student profile and work featured on Stylesight.com.

Angela Sison, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in Walnut Creek, California but moved to Manila in the Phillippines. Sison was inspired by the popular 1950s British youth cult the Teddy Boys – known for their tailored, slim-fitting attire. The collection was made using a combination of lightweight wools, wool plaids, and cotton shirting.

Jacqueline Rabôt, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born in North Tarrytown, NY and raised in Allendale, NJ. Rabôt was inspired by vintage fabrics with graphic patterns and 3-D textures. She used a combination of leather, jersey, cotton voile, polyester-crepe, and polyester crepe-back satin. Rabôt has been offered a design position at Abercrombie & Fitch.

Julie Seltzer, B.F.A. Textile Design, grew up in Tuscon, AZ. She was inspired by graphic shapes from the Art Deco period and created the textiles using screen-printing and heat transfer methods. Seltzer has received a design internship at BCBG Max Azria and won the STYLESIGHT Fall / Winter 2013 Prints and Graphics Contest and received an iPad2 and internship at their European Headquarters in London, as well as student profile and work featured on Stylesight.com.

Zhangchi Wang, B.F.A. Fashion Design, was born and raised in Shenzhen in the Guang Dong province of China. Wang was inspired by the sculpture The Dream of China by Wang Jin, a contemporary mixed-media piece that is embroidered with fishing line, as well as traditional Chinese stone carvings. She used stretch wool coating and wool knit to construct the garments. Wang received a University scholarship to study at Studio Berçot in Paris, France. Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, awarded Wang an internship.

Massa Ito, B.F.A. Fashion Design, grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He earned a scholarship from the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund for his original women’s wear designs. Inspired by the angular silhouettes found in traditional Japanese menswear, Ito used intricate pleating and folds to give the collection a modern feel. He used a combination of Japanese kimono fabrics, silk brocades, raw silk, fabric made from bamboo, and linen.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012.

Mr.G / Luis Soto
Co – Fashion Editor

In a time where everything is about visuals and technology, a young italian filmmaker named Luca Finotti is taking the fashion world by storm with a fresh new outlook. He could be directing or editing, however, anything he touches turns to gold, but what’s in the mind behind the name? What is his creative process of creating fashion films, from the storyboard to the conceptualization of the idea it takes form. We have seen many photographers create fashion videos, but the skills and uniqueness is something else that is all under one name, and Luca has it all.

So, We decided to reach out to him and see how his creative process works and share it with all our viewers at metrovelvet.com

JC: Luca, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy agenda to speak to us; How are you? and where are you right now? (NY or Italy)?

Luca Finotti: I’m super fine, working on some projects in Milan right now, but back to NYC very soon!

JC: When did you realize that filmmaking was your call?

LF: I always knew it, but I found the courage to follow my dreams only after my studies in economics.

JC: How was your selecting process in choosing the right college to attend for your degree?

LF: My two main interests were fashion and film making, New York is a city capable of grouping together these two passions.
So I chose the New York Film Academy, the best in town.

JC: What’s a major influence in your work?
LF: The masters of the past.

JC: We see an amazing sense of coloring and the noir touch of your B&W films, how do you decided which way to go?

LF: That’s true, my works have many contrasts, I do not like the middle ground. However, it depends by the topic I am dealing with.

JC: What helps your process of create a new film or editing? Coffee, Tea, Wine, Scotch?
LF: A glass of milk.

JC: At the moment of creating your story board, how many go to trash before you see the concept the way you vision your projects?

LF: Projects change a thousand times, even during the shooting and the editing. It is a continuous act of creation.

JC: How did you get your break in the industry?

LF: Luck, commitment and desire to make it happen.

JC: Which film so far has been the most intricate or challenging to work on?

LF: Up to now, everything went smoothly, especially thanks to my fantastic team.

JC: What was it like to work with Mr. Mariano Vivanco and Nicola Formichetti to mention some big names in the industry?

LF: It was an honor for me to have them as my first teachers. People to whom I will be grateful forever, they taught me how to work hard and keep my feet on the ground.

JC: Do you have a muse that you get inspired by or you like to work with on more than one occasion?

LF: Seb and Simone, for sure. It is amazing to work with young guys, sharing experiences growing up together. I learn from them, they learn from me.

JC: You must be surrounded by an amazing team to see and understand your creative process, how did you get to choose them?

LF: I surrounded myself with guys of which respect the individual talent independently of the work they do for me. We are growing together following the same method, as a strong team. What counts for me is the click with people, regardless of curriculum and knowledge.

JC: Is it easier to be more creative in Italy or New York?

LF: The great thing is to bring the American creativity to Italy, and the Italian taste to America.

JC: Doing a retrospective of yourself. What would you say is your most maturing work from the very first video to the latest one, in terms of techniques?

LF: I’m too young for a retrospective! I’m just beginning to work, I still have so much to learn.

JC: Who would you like to work with in your near feature?

LF: No one in particular, there are too many! What I’d like to do is to be able to have access to the historical archives of the great fashion houses to discover and revisit the past. My training is based on the study of cinema of the past, which is more accessible. I’d like to do it with fashion, archives are a magical place.

JC: Any plans for the summer of 2012?

LF: I’ll be in LA to work on a project.

Luca, it’s been a pleasure to get to know the mind of such an amazing and talented Director as you. We wish you the best, and I must confess your videos inspire not only us, but many fashion lover all over the world.

Ciao Luca!

Special Thanks: Luca Finotti and Marco Crema
Photo credits: Joseph Gray

By J.C. Parra
Editor in chief
JC@metrovelvet.com

In the top of our list we have Giovanna Battaglia, who made such an impact wearing a special custom made Dolce & Gabbana. The designers duo made a fantastic dress that accentuated Giovanna’s curves and also played with an artistic craftsmanship decoration of flowers that coveted the black lace surface of the dress. To follow in our list, Lauren Santo Domingo who wore an immaculate voluminous Oscar De La Renta white gown, and English actress Carey Mulligan wearing a shiny platinum and gold paneled-sequinned Prada dress custom made specially for the occasion.

The trend of every night at the Met (besides the fashion) its arrive as date with one of the top designers from the industry, and off course wear their work. One that made an impact with his creations on the red carpet was Peter Dundas, who arrived with actress Renne Zellweger wearing a Pucci long sheer sleeved gown with transparency accents and long train that looked breathtaking when she walked up the stairs. Another major Pucci by Dundas moment was delivered by the sexy supermodel Isabelli Bergossi de la Fontana who wore a shiny long sheer sleeved dress in fuchsia, coveted with tribal-esque appliques in a much darker shade.

And talking about designers and their muse supermodels, they stole the night looking spectacular as on runway shows; Joan Smalls arrived with Balmain’s new creative director Olivier Rousteing, both of them in Balmain. Marcus Wainwright and David Neville had the pleasure to dress Candice Swanepoel in a custom made Rag & Bone royal blue gown with mesh texture. Designer Jason Wu arrived with Karlie Kloss wearing one of his creations – Arizona Muse arrived with Erdem Moralioglu, and Constance Jablonski looked ethereally chic wearing a design from her date and genius designer Haider Ackermann. Other of our favorite ones, that brought some edge to the night were Stella Tennant wearing Chanel fall winter 2012 and Angela Lindvall in Prada fall winter 2012.

In the timeless elegance part of the red carpet, we like to include Caroline Sieber in a light blue sheer dress with flower appliques by Christopher Kane. And Australian actress Mia Wasikowska wearing a dark plum modesty assemble with black embellished neck and waist, custom made by Prada. blogger sensation Hanneli Mustaparta arrived with the master behind Calvin Klein’s menswear line Italo Zucchelli, she wore a cream pearl impeccable Calvin Klein Collection dress that fit her like a glove.

And to close our fashion list, we cannot exclude the ladies who work very hard to gave us the latest in fashion. They always stand with their signature style and unique presence. Starting with Anna Wintour and her magnificent white dress with a gold embellished lobster, custom made by Miuccia Prada as homage to Schiaparelli. Jenna Lyons creative director from J Crew wore a sateen pink ball-gown skirt with a denim jacket and crisp white long-cuffed blouse – Sarah Rutson from Lane Crawford looked sophisticated in a full look from Givenchy fall winter 2012 collection. Also, Emmanuelle Alt from French Vogue made presence wearing an incredible Balmain embroidered blazer, fully coveted with swarovsky and pearls.

Jhon Jairo Santos
Fashion Director USA

Giovanna Battaglia – Carey Mulligan – Lauren Santo Domingo

Caroline Sieber – Renee Zellweger – Emmanuelle Alt

Sarah Rutson – Jenna Lyons – Milla Wasikowska

Models who arrived:

Isabelli Bergossi Fontana – Joan Smalls and Oliver Rousteing – Joan Smalls

Candice Swanepoel , Marcus Wainwright and David Neville – Karlie Kloss with Jason Wu – Constance Jablonsky & Haider Ackermann

Hanneli Mustaparta & Italo Zucchelli – Angela Lindvall – Stella Tennant

Miami Beach Polo’s World Cup returns for its eighth annual competition. Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup, is the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, which takes place from April 26th to April 29th between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach, Florida. Maserati, the award-winning automotive manufacturer of sports-luxury cars, celebrates its inaugural year as Title Sponsor. The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features the world’s leading polo players from more than twelve countries competing in two tournaments for both men and women. Day one features the Maserati South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV featuring some of today’s top-ranked female players. The men’s three-day competition commenced on Friday, April 27th.

The entire event was filled with great energy, despite the gloomy weather that partook 3 out of the 4 days; but before we continue and confuse you. The entire staff at Metrovelvet was honored to be invited at this regent event once again. Throughout the event Designer Meghan Walsh, the daughter of legendary TV presenter John Walsh (host of America’s Most Wanted) introduced her 2012 “Blank Silk by Meghan Walsh” line of daytime and eveningwear on Saturday, April 28th, as part of the annual fashion showcase presented by the MASERATI Miami Beach Polo World Cup.

The highly anticipated fashion show took place on the rooftop at The Perry Hotel on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach and included a red carpet arrival ceremony for Miami’s coveted fashion aficionados and Polo enthusiasts. John Walsh made an appearance to witness his daughter’s new line of Indian-inspired fashions.

Without trying to revolutionize the fashion industry, Walsh offers clothing fluent in ethnic accents worthy of the Rajasthani women. Drawing inspiration from rich context and color, the collection contains invigorating hues and implements in it a world that mixes Indian culture with an Americanized tinge. Referring also to the glamour of the 20s and 30s, the Blank Silk line presents dresses where light transparency and sophistication come together making it casually-chic. The pieces are offered up in silk, chiffon and organza fabrics, mixed in the colors of precious stones and spices such as turquoise, emerald green and magenta. The traditional cuts from the sari to the Indian scarf are updated easily in this collection. The fashion finds its origins in ancient India and preserves continuity in accessories and shoes. This perfectly reflects the culture of Jaipur, and is from a designer who is based in India and travels throughout its continents to design her collection.

Fabio Fernandez
Contributing Editor