All Entries in the "Sinners & Saynt" Category

Daniel Saynt Asks : Should Men Be Allowed on a Womans Runway?

Before you read too much into this post and begin labeling me a “homophobe”, let me pre-fence this post by stating my view. I believe that every man and woman has the right to choose the way they want to live, as long as the way they live does not impose on the rights of others.  Sexuality is more than a choice, it is a right that each of us deserve.

Now on to the juicy bits…

This fashion season was strung full of the type of shows you’d only normally see at a very special night at The Cock (NYC nightclub for those not in the know).  Men paraded around in womans underwear as the line between androgyny and sexuality were crossed to produce a metaphoric smorgasbord of shock and awe over the sillohettes of masculintity taking over the long delicate curves of the female staple, the dress. It was seen at Marcos Hall (his invitation feature Andre J wearing one of his signature looks) and at New York Couture (a show we sponsored and fully supported). Whether is be drag queen or cross dresser, tranny or something altogether different, it seemed like amongst the indie designers, it was finally okay to be “a boy in a dress”.  

But was it really “okay”?  Did the looks that came clogging down the runway in size 14 heels really appeal to the end user, the woman who would eventually wear the dress?  I’m still looking for answers on this one, but it seems that the few women I spoke to displayed a general disinterest or disconnect when a man is rocking a look that was made for her body.

Andre J walking Marcos Hall 

Andre J, the bearded, “not a tranny, not a drag queen” model, has been getting a ton of attention for his over the top persona.  Running with a crew that includes Amanda Lepore, the Heatherette and David LaChapelle darling, who lost her “twig and berries” years ago, Andre J seems to be a rising star in the game, making the cover of French Vogue and recently landing on Confessions of a Casting Directors Top 25 of 2007 list.  

But in an industry where the attitude is “the less you see of a model the better”, will a 6 foot tall man with a beard really help sell a dress or will he just distract from the real purpose of a fashion show? 

 I guess the real question comes down to where or not the looks are “spectacle” or “spectacular”. If a designer creates a collection that is truly amazing, does it really mater how it’s presented on the runway?  Or should a designer play it safe and stick with the classic mantra, “let boys be boys, and girls be girls” to keep the runway free from confusion?  Weigh in and discuss indies cause personally I feel that with Heatherette down and out, it may be a very long time before a boy makes it back onto the runways of Bryant Park. Are you for or against men in dresses on the fashion runways?  

Fashion Myths : Every Guy Wants a Model.

Todays Fashion Myth is centered around models.

These young, waif like creatures that grace the runways of Milan, New York, and Paris and the covers of every magazine, these little gems are often seen as the ultimate prize, a trophy to hold for the rich and beautiful. These pretty tiny things with their size 0 waists. These recessed faced, no assed, pale beings. These thin, vapid, uninteresting, can’t hold a conversation beauties. These tall, shapeless wasps. These disassociated clothes hangers. These models. Yeah, they aren’t that special.

No dude (unless he’s completely insecure) wants to end up with a professional runway model. Yeah, the Victoria Secret girls are a major exceptions, but when it comes to the Gemma’s, the Cole’s, and the Moss’s of the world, the “runway girls” and “supermodels”, there is not enough substance or beauty to support the normal mans interest level. Give me some meat on them bones. Give me a booty and a side of breasts. Flat-chested, pancake bottomed skeleton bags need not apply. Personally, I need some insecurity, some body issues, some real people problems in my girls. Insecurities aren’t sexy, but they are very refreshing when compared to the attitudes of todays “I’m better than thou” catwalkers. Their image of beauty of unattainable, their devotion to their addiction of thinness or proposed “beauty” is unrealistic. And don’t get me started on their downwardly spiraling age. A 16 year old should not be on the runway. Give me real women, don’t sell me the image of a child.

Men don’t want models or at least this one doesn’t. Disagree or agree, I want to hear what you all think?

How Do You Say “Indie” in Italian? Fashion Indie and Gucci Party

Words cannot describe last nights Gucci Bash so here are some pictures to help piece the night together. Thanks so much Gucci, you guys rock. Alex your the best PR agent in the universe and desperately need a raise. Anyways away we go…

What I Wore. Club Monaco black suit, Reiss dress shirt, Hermes arm band, H&M Scarf. (I realize that the combination is a little bit dressy, a little bit cheap.)

Wholey Moses. I’m with Gucci!!!

Strike a pose. No smiles for the cameras cause my teeth aren’t Brite Smile ready.

Fashion is Spinach girlie. Must read blog.

La Coquette. Another must read blog.

The incredibly colorful Susie Bubble.

Devon and Steve Aoki mix the tracks. We all dance. Of course no one but me seems to know who Steve Aoki is. I explain to some photographers and guest and suddenly the pictures start flashing. I’m so going into fashion PR.

Drinky, drinky. Nothing says class like taking a bottle of $1000 champaign to the face.

Bloggers know how to party.

The main chica at Gucci, Frida Giannini and Daniel Saynt

Rihanna hearts Daniel Saynt

Dita Von Teese is the hotness

Yes I will take a picture with you sweaty boy who hasn’t had sleep all of fashion week.

Madonna evokes Evita.

Sinners & Saynt : Fashion Week Day 5 & 6

We are heading to the home stretch with three more days of fashion and a trunk load of goodies from brands like KY, Bali Bras, Boots Cosmetics, and MAC (will we ever use all of this?). Yesterday, I hit The Daily Suite for a massage from the Oasis Day Spa girls. The KY jelly girl seemed to blush a bit when she was mentioning the “benefits” of the lube. It’s okay lovely, I know what KY does, no need to go into details and tell me about it’s use as a lubricant.

The Two Nicks : Rockstar Intern Nichole with Nicky Taylor

Later it was off to the tents for Diesel. The show was spectacular (expect a full review soon). Our rockstar intern Nichole Werhner sat in front of the man “who is IMG” and discussed the lack of color on the runways. Nichole will have to share all her juicy bits including her chat with Miss Wintour, hanging with Agnes Deyn and her hustle to get into every show and every party (she’s my hero right now).

After Diesel I met with Tito from Portland Fashion Week about the prospect of creating a New York preview show to fall inline with Fashion Indie Week: Brooklyn. The deal seems like ago, so now we will be able to present more sustainable fashions this year from a bevy of designers from across the nation. Expect Fashion Indie Week : Brooklyn and Portland Fashion Week to be our big pushes over the next few months.

Later, we walked through the runway show for New York Couture. MTV was there, following our every step as we prepped for this massive event. I finally got to meet Audrey Kitching (total sweetheart), taught the models a walk or two, and then put out fires left and right. The event will be “bananas” as Cassie K would say. And to be honest she’s right!!! Rye Rye (the Shake Your Body to the Ground” girl) will perform as well as a who’s who of indie music. These are the bands you need to discover!!! Hell, we’re no GEN ART, but we know how to throw a f*ckin party.

Today, I was off to the tents. Hit Malan Breton in the morning with Diana Eng. Met with Cassie and MTV at 10 for Nanette Lepore. Chloe (our favorite little writer) stopped by and hit Milly. Nichole hit Carlos Miele. I discovered how amazingly easy it is to get into things when a camera crew is following you around.

If only she’d look at me with those longing eyes. - sigh -

Introduced Cassie to Fern Mallis, who made it very clear that she was not interested in attending Cassie’s event cause Zac Posen was “better”. Good job routing for the home team Ferny. Guess that’s fair. P.S. I might secretly be in love with Fern, I can’t help staring at her as she sits front row of every show. She’s this fashionable power trip who reminds me of the sorority party girl who used to do beer bongs in my dorms. I can’t help it, I easily fall for beer drinkers and women in power.

Met some dudes from Bravo, who were finishing up the filming of Malan’s web show (Great stuff, if you haven’t seen it do). Will be pitching to them a Fashion Indie show this week (seriously Watch What Happens when Daniel Saynt doesn’t get his way). After a while was tired of it all so I headed out and started writing you.

See ya Som, we hardly knew ye.

Oh, yeah - Peter Som’s PR person invited us to his show last night, we RSVP’d and just got a call that we are uninvited. WE WILL NEVER WRITE ABOUT PETER SOM AGAIN!!! Don’t invite us and then un-invite us crazy PR girl for American Express, that is so not cool. For once we we’re actually excited about Peter Som, a designer that hasn’t impressed us in some time. Guess Peter’s out.

Tonight I’m off to GUCCI and the uberly fun celebrity filled gala event at the UN. I don’t own a black suit for this black tie event and I’m hoping I can find one in the next two hours. If not I’m rocking sneakers, jeans and an “Ask Me About Fashion Indie” t-shirt. Looking forward to Madonna, but I’m more impressed that FASHION INDIE IS THE ONLY NEW YORK BLOG INVITED!!! Love you, love you, love you GUCCI!!!

That’s all for now, gotta meet Rebecca Alexander at Maria Cornejo.

Sex & the City Spoiler Alert!!!

Carrie discovers that none of her outfits work in the real world, so she becomes a Scientologist and wants for her transport to Xanadu.

Coming to the sad realization that they are no longer “hot, young things” the girls actually wait in line to go to a club. Samantha’s attempt to “blow” the door man fails when her dentures fall out.

Carrie goes brown, then red, then blonde all in an attempt to steal her girlfriends men, by stealing their hair color! Miranda realizes what’s going on a dyes her hair neon green before she tries stealing her stud muffin Steve.

In an desperate attempt to be married before 50, Carrie buys a wedding dress and tells Big, Adian, Burger, and the Russian to all come and meet her at the roof of her home. She stands on the ledge of her building and threatens to jump unless someone proposes. Miranda steps in and claims her love for her pint sized friend. They live happily ever after, except Samantha is no longer their friend cause she went “dyke” years ago, and felt these two we’re stealing her thunder.

With Samantha gone the girls quickly realize how tame their lives seem with out a hot older woman to guide them on their sexual adventures. No ones having sex, everyone’s married, and it’s all a happy ending, until [insert dramatic music here] Big decides he actually loves Carrie’s … long lost daughter. In a scene out of the final season of Ally McBeal, Carrie discovers one of the eggs she froze when she was 20 is now a full grown woman with a thing for older men. Big and Carrie 2.0 marry. Carrie 1.0 buys her first cat. Can’t wait for the sequal “Menopause in the City”.

P.S. Thank the lord for Gossip Girls!!! If we had to keep taking fashion cues from the over 30 set I might have to die.

(All Photos: People.com)

Sinners & Saynt : Photos Tell a Better Tale Day 3 of New York Fashion Week

Fashion week has been a bit of a blur Indies. Yesterday, I spent most of the day blogging away and having a mighty fine time doing it. I’m not a writer by nature, I mean I’ve been known to jot a poem or two in my notebook and the occasion haiku might get spit out (Sayntly boys knows this, if Devils wear Prada then, God is with Jacobs), but at the end of the day I’m a business man who loves two things; parties and money.  So to keep you abreast of what’s been going on and give me the opportunity to work on making sure everything is set for our big Thursday night party, I’ll just give you the photos with a couple bits of wit. 

The band. Mostly spoken word and lipsyncing plus some fun dance routine featuring “Russian.Fire.Bird” which was a little like the YMCA.  

I’ll never get modern British music.

Totally in hearts with Cory Kennedy. Something about chicks with income that always gets me going.  She’s a real sweetheart, but you can tell that she’s on the cusp of real celebrity status away from her indie following. Give it a year and a show on MTV and she’ll be more followed than Paris Hilton. Hope your up for the challenge, Cory.  Oh yeah, and your officially off my BASH list. (yes, I know I’m a wimp.)

 Cory Solo.

Our favorite UK blogger Susie Bubble from Style Bubble makes her New York Debut. The girl will be rocking with Madonna at the upcoming Gucci party in Central Park. Two thoughts that I was wrong about - 1. She is so not short. 2. She has a British accent. Super cute, uber stylish. 

Me with Ms.Bubble

JoMarie, our stylish fashion week friendly, got up close and personal with Kyle XY (Matt Dallas).  This dude is so not gay. He hit on anything and everything with boobs. After asking him to show us his belly button, we discussed whether pretty boys are considered cute or hot.  Conversation ended when Beckham trumped all.

After all the excitement of meeting a real “celebrity” I headed to VIP to party with Iqons magazines and Shaded View of Fashion star, Diane Pernet.  Through her raspy voice she gave me some insight on making a blog spectacular. She smelled like the incents from a Catholic church. It was Commes de Garcons perfume, of course. 

After THE BOX and the Iqons Magazine party we headed to Terexov after party. Vodka and Caviar and models, oh my.  

Later is was over to La Esquina (yes, Serge Becker owns my ass).  Mexican luchadores and more models abounded.  Checked the watch, 3AM. Better head home and get some sleep, day four is tomorrow and it’s the busiest yet.  See ya tomorrow indies.

This Weeks Photos: Fashion Indie at the Fabbies, Capsule, and Seven NY

Rebecca Alexander gets Fabbie-lous

Boys Rule at Capsule (boy not pictured)

We play nice with the Seven NY Crew and Grand Life

Plus Mucho Mas in Photos

Sinners & Saynt: NY Fashion Week Day One & Two

What a f*cking whirlwind it’s been!!! So I started this NY Fashion Week a bit unexcited. Heatherette was out. Marc seemed to be missing. And the only thing remotely interesting seemed to be Chloe Sevgny at Webster Hall, which believe me isn’t that exciting since my only memory of the Hall comes from when I was 18 and throwing up chunks in some upstairs bathroom. I guess that would explain earlier posts signifying my pre-exaustion.

Day one came and I slept in. I missed opening ceremony with the Lipstick Jungle girls and ran to the tents just in time to grab my pass before Duckie Brown. That collection disappointed (sorry boys, I know I suck) and the next thing to look forward to was a meeting with my lawyers (we’ve been discussing the legal blah blah of a merger with Trendible.com. Go there, join and tell your friends). Heading back to the office in the pouring rain, I thought it was only right to curse the heavens as a speediant cab drove me past the tents at just the right time to see a bevy of paparazzis snapping at somenobody from One Tree Hill or America’s Next Top Porn Star.

At the office we quickly regrouped. Busie to Yeolee at the New Museum and the rest of us to meet with Cassie of New York Couture and the MTV True Life crew (yeah Indies we are being filmed by True Life!!!). If you don’t know New York Couture, get to know it. This girl is the next Heatherette and her show next week will feature the very best in new artists, drag queens and live performances. We walked through sound and lighting for the show and made sure that timing was okay. Jessica interviewed Cassie (seriously this girl can be an anchor, someone hire her) and we made our way out of Rebel to head to Edwing D’Anglo’s “Awakening” show.

Amanda and the late designer

After about an hour and a half, Amanda Lepore randomly strolled in. We stopped caring and headed out early since the place was packed with non-industry types and we completely couldn’t miss our “Project Runway” secret show. Bumped into Christian (the kid), Jack (the Flashdancer), and Jay (season one). Fell in love with Elisa (she is too cute).

Victorya Hong showed a collection which was even “too safe” for Banana Republic. After, we ran to the tents to see Venexiana. Rebecca’s addiction to fur was in high force as the collection played through. Early on we saw some strong pieces but later on the beauty queen/My Super Sweet 16 dresses failed to impress. After we congratulated Kati Stern, said hi to Malan Breton (our Project Runway favorite who’s showing at the tents this year) and Nole (Top Model Dude) and chilled with our favorite photographer Rick Louis.

Chick at Seven Party

Later we headed to Tenjune for the Duckie Brown party and then skipped it to head to Arena for Seven New York’s party. Insane till I got a bit tipsy and headed home which I regretted since B.F.F’s stayed and chilled with designer Bernard Willhelm.

Day Two.

Headed out to Academy of Arts. Loved Juhee Chung for women and Shady N. R. Elias for men (change your name to Shady Elias and you’ll be fine). Eel skin might be my knew favorite skin thanks to Elias. Brunch at Penelope’s and then back to the tents for Anorexic Herchcovich. Every other model looked like they had cancer and we’re on life support. For some reason I was expecting more from this Brazilian designer, especially since most Brazilian girls are a bit more sumptuously hot (i.e. Gisele). Feed your models dude, cause the girls bulging veins really distracted me from your halfway decent collection.

Fashion Indie supports anti-life support models. This dude doesn’t.

Backstage I congratulated Cobra Snake on his Paper Magazine Nightlife Award win (I’m guessing that’s like the Oscar’s of his field) and was quickly entranced by Cory Kennedy, who seems so much more down to earth in person (I officially retract about half the things I may have said or thought about her). Rebecca thought she looked a bit “nappy” and I was a bit in shock that I was the only one in my crew of four that knew who she really was (I really need to stop reading Nylon).

Two of the Misshapes showed up. Leigh needs to eat something, pronto. The girl used to be hot, but now she’s just scary looking (also see black is out, wear some color).

Was tired after the show so headed home. Skipped Ruffian, Sass & Bide, Rock & Republic, Alexander Wang and all the afterparties. Guess I’m getting too old for this sh*t.

Final Thoughts.

- Thanks to Bob Bland of Brooklyn Royalty (amazing dull name for a pretty cool girl) for pointing out Anorexic Herchcovich’s view on eating disorders. You we’re right, we can’t support this.

- Cory Kennedy is still cool. I can’t really hate on anyone successful who is younger than me.

- Cobra Snake, also cool but he really should dress better and get a hair cut. (if you need a stylist please feel free to contact us.)

- Cassie K. of NY Couture is the next Heatherette. Spread it like hotcakes.

- Edwing D’angelo is no Marc Jacobs. Start your show on time next season, buddy.

A Rainy, Rainy Fashion Week

Quick post and we’re off. Today is a jam packed day. Alice Ritter starts the day. I over slept which is great cause I missed the very rainy, outside with no cover, opening ceremony, featuring the wonderful dinosaurs from Lipstick Jungle and the lovely Fern Malis.  Guess I’ll have to swipe picts from NYMag tomorrow.

Heading off and Happy Fashion Week Everyone!!!

Sinners & Saynt : Is it to Early to be Tired of New York Fashion Week?

Tomorrow morning starts the hubbub of the greatest holiday of the year for any lucky blogger with enough page views to get a coveted invite (or the occasional seat assignment). Call me jaded or a little seasoned, but after two years of hitting the shows of Bryant Park and the dozens of shows out side the tents, I’m feeling a bit, well, overloaded. Lately, me and New York Fashion Week have been having a little tiff, a love - hate relationship in which one second I’m overjoyed and the next, well let’s just say sleeping in sounds like a better idea. I’m suddenly feeling like Marc Jacobs circa September 07, wondering is this bullsh*t really worth it?

First, of all there’s the anticipation of waiting for the invites. We at Fashion Indie haven’t gotten to the point where we are smart enough to make better relationships with PR firms, plus a bunch of them seem to not get how special we are a.k.a. they don’t know what we do, how we do it, or how big we actually are (we’re in shock sometimes when we start to think about it). So we sometimes spend way too long waiting for invites and being slightly surprised when they come flooding in which causes scheduling conflicts up the wazoo! (thank god this year we have an editor in charge of this.

Second, it’s all the RSVP’s and rechecks, the door people, the lines. It’s all kind of annoying after your first time. Yes, you feel fabulous, but at what price?  A price you don’t want to pay after a year or two.

Thirdly, the people. No offense to those who are really genuine and not total jerks, but a crap load of so called fashionistas think they are Gods gift to couture, when in truth they’re only lame television hosts on channels that no one really watches or cares for.  And believe me their attitudes register a quick 180 when they find out you’re “important” (also see, capable of hiring them).  The ridiculous thing is that most of these elitist think this is the way to act, as if behaving like a mannerless fool is some sort of unspoken code for “yeah, we’re one of the cool kids now”.

In the end, while fashion week has become more of a job than a joy for me, I can’t knock the fun I get out of sharing it with others. It’s Rebecca, our new editors first official fashion week and all our new writers are chock-full of excitement for the idea that they’ll be stepping into the tents in a few short hours. So maybe I’m a cynic, or have been given the chance of a life-time and haven’t seen the silver lining yet, but I think this year, fashion week is over before it’s begun.

Of course, don’t expect me to through my hat in just yet, the after-parties are to die for!!!