Friday, February 19th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press

NYFW: NCL Couture is a Fabulous Movie Mash-Up

By Samantha

NCL Couture is a truly beautiful line, and the brain child of designer Nicholas Clements-Lindsey, who is the youngest African American male to ever show at Fashion Week. If that isn’t an achievement enough, his creations are one drool-worthy piece after the next.

The collection focuses on stunning dresses and gowns, but integrates some luxury basics as well, with funky separates and glam sets. NCL Couture is fashion forward as Clements-Lindsey puts his unique take on fashion into each piece, with the result being truly innovative and ahead of the trends. You would never know the designer has not gone to design school, as his tailoring is seamless and the silhouettes are true perfection.

I had the privilege of meeting Nicholas before his presentation, and while I only got to see Spring/Summer (which was to die for as well), I was waiting very impatiently to see what the designer had up his sleeves for his Fall/Winter presentation. The inspiration for the collection was a movie mash-up between Roman Holiday and Dangerous Liasons, two classic movies whose marriage has created a runway full of wearable, timeless looks.

Nicholas incorporates red into most of his pieces (it’s his signature color), and the embellishments are seamless, and truly make each outfit come to life. From ornate bows to stunning jackets, each pieces flows both on the body and down the carpet with a light spirit that many designers aspire to create. His looks bridge the gap between preppy chic and the avant garde, making them the perfect go-to outfits to create a statement while looking utterly refined. Oh, and if you are a lover of this designer, as I am, and have the extra change, the designer can even commission a one-of-a-kind dress for your special occasion. As for now, I’m sticking to the runway looks, the bow gown has me in a outworldy fashion dream of amazement.

For more information, visit NCL Couture.

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Thursday, February 4th, 2010 | Fashion, Haute Press, News, Philanthropy

James Embry Throws The Rule Book Out The Window

By Samantha

Designer Nicholas Clements-Lindsey of the stunning line NCL couture has a passion project up his sleeves. It is innovative, fun and offers a new take on fashion collections. Nicholas’ newest line, James Embry, releases a new piece each month for the calendar year, culminating in December with a 12-piece collection all founded with the same inspiration. And even better, Nicholas paired with the American Red Cross, giving a portion of the proceeds of James Embry to the charity.

All the pieces, debuted a month at a time, are sold through December 31st. After the last day of the year, the collection will be no longer available. 2011 will bring forward an entirely new collection which will also have 12 new pieces to bring it all together. In essence, the pieces become collector’s items.  .

James Embry is an androgynous line, meant for men and women alike. As a result, Nicholas found a really fun way to handle sizing. The sizes are Infinite Haute, Haute, Double Haute and Haute Love (from smaller to larger respectively). January introduced the Original Haute Thermal and February brings in the Haute Spike Jacket. Each piece comes in a variety of colors, and can be made to order by contacting the designer. However, with the listing of colors available, you most likely will find exactly what you are looking for.

For those women that like their clothing a little on the loose side, James Embry has the perfect offerings. Menswear always seems to fit women with such ease, and Nicholas tuned in on this for his collection. The thermals, especially, are soft and fabulous for all seasons. I love the burst of color. It may just be the ultimate layering piece.

James Embry retails for $54.50 to $600 and is available at James-Embry. His idea to offer a new piece each month for a year’s time is such a fabulous concept. Additionally, these basics are sure to never go out of style, making each piece a worthwhile investment. Each James Embry garment will leave you waiting in anticipation for the next month’s offering. Come December, you’ll be dressed head-to-toe in James Embry, looking sophisticated, casual and super cool.

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