The Columbian Luxury Show…A Big Apple Debut!

Mark August 27^th 2010 on your calendar as the day Columbia invaded NY.  Columbian designers, artists and luxury vendors assaulted the big apple with a barrage of Beauty, Fashion and Luxury vendors as participants in the Columbia Luxury Lifestyle Show. Held at the Altman Building, the event served as a showcase and networking event for the upper crust of Columbian artisans and craftsmen.  Attendees were treated to cocktails and free samples of wellness beverages as well as a fashion show featuring 3 great designers/brands:Pitahaya Swimsuits: Pitahaya made its debut at the show with its Spring 2011 collection. This line by designer Chechy Benedetti has been featured several American publications including Elle and Marie Claire.  Featuring the craft of and inspired by artisan women this line is currently available online at www.pitahayaswimsuits.com Our favorite suit was a Black one piece with contrasting white trimming and tribal print bodice.

Silva Alfonzo: This RTW designer and owner of several stores in her native Columbia showed off  her feminine futuristic pieces at the event. The line is the culmination of many years of study in the art of fashion. Alfonzo holds several degrees and had traveled the globe and worked with designers in Europe as well as her native South America.  We loved the use of sequins and tactile fabrics and her modern silouhettes.  Our favorite piece was the white rosette appliqué dress.  A sexy skin bearing dress that appears both modern and vintage.

Edwing D’Angelo: Our first encounter with Edwing was years ago at a show called W.A.R (We Are Ready) on fashion Week. I can remember falling head over heels for his now infamous flower gown He has come along way since and will be showing his Spring Line at a Lincoln Center Show during fashion week. As expected Mr. D’Angelo did not disappoint and sent wave after wave of fashionable ensembles down the U-shaped runway. Spectators were graced with both Menswear and Womenswear as well as a sneak peak of Spring 2011. He put his best foot forward sending out a slim fitting beautifully tailored Men’s gray suit, accented with a bronze satin tie and brown shoes.

We also loved his modern spin on the classic white dress shirt.  By adding a placard of contrasting black sequins paired with form flattering basic slacks  he injected a freshness into a wardrobe staple.

One of our favorite pieces from the women’s line was a floor length black gown with interesting shoulder detail and cascading ruffles. A thigh high slit made this a sexy red carpet worthy piece.

Another of our favorite pieces was a gray floor length gown with strategically placed cutouts and a layer after layer of gorgeous ruffles. Worn with statement earrings and piles of bangles this stunning piece was true testament to D’Angelo’s skill and showmanship.

Edwing D'angelo

The event also featured the work of accessory designers Mercedes Salazar and Daniel Nieto.  With Nature as a constant source of inspiration jewelry designer Mercedes Salazar’s pieces range from simple layered beading to funky medallions.  One of the most unique pieces was a multi-strand necklace made up of flat beads and several rubber small fish.

The beautiful colors on this necklace as well as the surprising little fishes made this a whimsical conversation piece.  I also loved the skull necklace.  A delicate gold chain adorned with an embossed skull shaped charm would make a fantastic addition to the wardrobe especially given the rock star trend of the upcoming fall season.

Last but certainly not least we met Daniel Nieto. A gradute of prestigious FIT this young man has a bright future in fashion.  Featuring architectural and futuristic influences he is being billed as the second coming of Alexander McQueen, and those are legendary shoes to fill.  We loved his surreal take on hand bags, but his shoes were the major draw.  SKY high heels and futuristic details made these works of art indescribable you have to see to believe…….

Street energy

Street energy