Everyone Who is Anyone

Last year we dubbed it “Fashion Halloween,” a moniker that most people stumbled similarly upon in their post-mortems of the evening. If Fashion Week is a circus then what is this sideshow that is Fashion’s Night Out?

Like any Halloween, it is multi-layered, presents the unknown, and has many variables: we might eat too much candy; we might have a wardrobe malfunction, and we’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the crowds. We wait with baited breath, planning our outfits, and hoping things will surpass our expectations.

At the risk of overstimulation, we are all about FNO’s purpose: to integrate retail and fashion in a perfect evening of spectacle and commerce. For the occasion début will be joined by hosts Michael Fink (esteemed industry veteran, and current head of the Savannah College of Art and Design/SCAD), Lynn Yeager (cult Manhattan fashion icon and writer) and special guest for the evening, Mr. Andre Leon Talley (no introduction necessary).

Along with our hosts and guests, début will launch the Faces of Fashion T’s benefitting SCAD. The limited edition T Los Angeles designs are of the lean-but-slouchy variety, hand painted by New York artist, Victor-John Villanueva, in vivid colors with the visages of Simon Doonan, Glenn O’Brien, Kim Hastreiter, Olivier Zahm, Mr. Talley, Ms. Yeager and Olivier Zahm.

We have also invited The Nouveau Classical Project to perform. Directed by Sugar Vendil, the group is aimed at fusing classical music and fashion to reach new audiences – new, chic and authentic, the Project will provide a haunting dimension to the evening. 

Lynn helmed the Village Voice’s fashion coverage for 30+ years, and contributes to Vogue, the New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine and more. She is recognizable for her distinctive pen and approach to clothes, accessories and cosmetics as well as for her fabulous style.

Andre Leon Talley began his career at Andy Warhol’s Factory in the 70s. He reigned as Editor at Large at Vogue for many years, where he famously encouraged a dialogue amongst the editors about fashion.  Currently, he is a Contributing Editor to the magazine.  Beyond writing, Mr. Talley is renowned for his signature couture capes, Vuitton tennis luggage, and diamond Piaget that he wears to play the sport.

Simon is window-dresser extraordinaire, author, journalist, trend-setter and more. The holiday windows at Barneys New York are a much-anticipated tradition for fashion insiders, New Yorkers and Holiday visitors. We’re all familiar with his sharp Paul Smith shirts, work, whit and whimsy.

Like Andre, Glenn began his career with Warhol. Today, he is one of the city’s most revered writers and Creative Directors recognizable by his white hair, warm smile and impeccable style.

Editor-in-Chief of Paper Magazine, the first niche social-fashion-culture publication, Kim is a downtown doyenne known for her artistic sensibility, and as a mainstay of the New York editorial world. 

A dashing and somewhat controversial figure, Olivier has made his mark with an affinity for all states of undressed as Editor-in-Chief of Purple Magazine. He is a hands-on fashion reveler, multi-hyphenate: photographer-editor-stylist-blogger.

I Pursued Nature to her Hiding Places

There is a time for each human when he or she will be struck by the full visual power of nature; from the beautiful yet torrential and forbidding waters of a deep ocean straight, to craggy centuries old land formations along the shores of Southern France. The latter is dappled with branches and trees in wild, restless formations… keepsakes from another lifetime, just as the sun-scorched rocks are.

There’s an innate force in the natural world, drawing us to what is dangerous – fire, unsafe ground and extreme temperatures – in pursuit of the raw and the real. It’s the rare artist who can coax these same elements into something more human and personal, but no less awe-inspiring.

Valerie MacCarthy of Paris is a jewelry designer – singer – songwriter, who has achieved this with her debut collection, titled “Ring of Fire”. The range has a smooth, hard-looking but weightless appeal, rendered in rich naturally finished wood evocative of 1970s sleek.

Liquidy silver drips mimicking the licks of a white-hot flame have been applied around perfectly circular rings, bangles and earrings. A superhero-worthy ring of silver and smoky quartz packs a glamorous punch. A nod to deco is apparent in the mix and balance of materials and juxtaposition of shapes, while simplicity – owing to the natural references at heart – is inherent. These are destined to become keepsakes indeed. 

Ring of Fire Smoky Quartz Ring - $525

Ring of Fire Large Wood Bangle - $865

*Opening photo courtesy of Valentine Merriman