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Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Stephen Burrows Fall 2008 Collection

Hi!
So yesterday, I decided to take a break from the tents and attend the Fall 2008 collection of Stephen Burrows...

...held at Due per Due, a showroom in midtown.
To review, Stephen Burrows is one of the first African American designers to reach international acclaim. He made his name designing for the 1970's club crowd--think slinky dresses on the long legged Studio 54 set. He laid low in the early eighties, only to revamp and reenergize in 2002. Since, he's shown Spring 2007 and Spring 2008 collections..
His show on Tuesday opened with a gold shearling jacket with metallic buttons...
... and was followed by a succession of signature matte jersey dresses of varying lengths...
...whether draped in long grecian one shouldered styles, or worn short, accented with long chain necklaces, bags with beaded chain handles and gloves.
I absolutely loved his contemporary wear: fluid frocks in gray, green, and mauve with thigh skimming hems and body flattering silhouettes:
"The storyline is about the culmination of water and earth, and includes elements of matte and shiny, sexiness and body consciousness," Burrows said, "I used a lot of matte jersey, charmeuse, and hammered satin."
Sapped from the show, Burrows only plans for the night were, "[putting] the showroom together and going to sleep!"
Of course I snapped a picture with the resident industry heavyweight...
...Bethann Hardison. She did casting for the show. I asked her how she was enjoying fashion week, and she revealed, "Honestly, I haven't seen much. The tents make me sick! They're overcrowded, so I only go to shows of friends." She had been to Diane von Furstenberg and Tracy Reese, and was looking forward to Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. She plans on having the next "Absence of Color" talk in September. I'll keep you posted!
I also had to get a picture with the man of the moment:
...Stephen Burrows! He was sweet as pie.
For aspiring designers, he offered the following advice, "Learn the business, and become a master of mixing the creative and the commercial." Got it?
You can view the rest of the collection and find retail locations for Stephen Burrows frocks at www.stephenburrows.com.
So today, you get one two punch: a Fashion Week update and a Black History "Where are they now?" moment all in one!
It's back to the tents in the morning. If anything cool happens, you'll be first to know!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Yes, that's my $30 Zara dress, tailored to the hilt. What do you think?
*I've been writing about Stephen Burrows since 2006! Check out my old posts here and here.

15 comments:

Alyssa B. said...

the dress looks awesome!

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

I absolutely love your dress! I still can't believe it was only $30. Lucky you!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Claire, the dress looks great !
You really have that editor look down. Any idea of stores in Boston where one could find similar pieces at similar prices?

Anonymous said...

i love stephen burrows' aesthetic. he cuts clothing to be flattering to women's bodies, and i love how he had pat cleveland modeling some of his clothing a couple of seasons ago. the dress looks ladylike and professional. you should get more like it!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is fab and so are you!
I'm lovin your Fashion Week coverage and emphasis on Black Designers and Runways...kudos!
Lucky you, I'm still a Fashion Student but I hope to enjoy NYC Fashion Week next year.

Keep up the Great Work!

[miss.lola]

Anonymous said...

claire, you look amazing. your hair, the dress, so great, so fashionable, so amazing. did you and bethann coordinate???

Elle said...

Loving your Fashion Week coverage! Keep it up, cupcake!

Anonymous said...

The dress looks good on you claire, work it!..Stephen Burrows have some really amazing pieces.

B said...

You look FAB in the dress Claire!! :)

Anonymous said...

I remember that Zara dress girl! I love the touch of the belt. Great job on Fashion Week coverage. =)

xoliquoricexo said...

you're doing a great job, claire!

A*E* said...

The dress is fabulous! Soo chic!

Glamour is cocaine
http://glamcrack.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

You are working that dress girl!

Rice and Beans Vintage said...

I love Stephen Burrows! I just listed a Vintage Rare Stephen Burrows Sequin Jacket at Rice and Beans Vintage, have a look! Love your blog!

Anonymous said...

In 1979 I could swear there was advertised on television a pair of designer jeans by Stephen Burrows! I don't know if it is the same guy but those jeans were beautiful but I never could find any even way back then. I'd love to know if I have the right designer and if anyone has any pictures of those jeans I'd love to see them again. The jeans had like extra material in the from of the calf and it hung just perfect. They were different, probably why I never could find a pair way back then. Oh god, I'm so old!!