Galleria Victor Emmanuel Milan

Milan fashion week is underway and I have been seeing a lot of photos on street style blogs and Instagram of not only the fashion but also the city. One of my favorite locations for many shots is the Galleria Victor Emmanuel.

The Galleria Victor Emmanuel is one of the world's oldest shopping malls and was named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. The structure dates back to 1865. This galleria was at the top of my list during my visit to Milan and it did not disappoint. The structure is simply stunning with its covered, open-air design.

The shopping center serves as a central meeting point for the milanese people and has become home to designer stores and cafés. The facades of Prada and Louis Vuitton sit well next to the beautiful glass dome ceiling. It is a great place to people watch while being surrounded by gorgeous architecture. I recommend sipping on an espresso at the Gucci espresso bar.

The center is only steps away from the famed Duomo. I have written about luxury as a lifestyle in Milan previously, and the Galleria really embraces this idea with the mix of luxury stores and restaurants. Whether you are being shot for a street style photo during fashion week and shopping for your next Prada bag, the Galleria Victor Emmanuel is a must-see when visiting Milan.

*All photos are my own

Jack Spade Spring 2015 Presentation

Fashion week is underway in New York for spring collections. A favorite here at Life Through Preppy Glasses, Jack Spade, recently debuted their spring 2015 collection dubbed "urban utility."

This collection drawers inspiration from minimalist painter Josef Albers who was an expert in the way color and the use of color can lend itself to sophistication. Pattern and placement can create a whole that is greater than its part.

In addition, one can see the mix of sport and American sportswear. The streets of New York are filled with outfits that are centered around mixing street wear with work clothes, whether this be a blazer over a sweatshirt or paired with a track pant. This trend is continued in the Jack Spade spring 2015 collection, lending the name "urban utility."

Below are a selection of my favorite looks from the collection:

Photos: Jack Spade

ByMisha Presents Collection During New York Fashion Week

On Tuesday evening, design ByMisha presented her Fall/Winter 2014 collection at a trendy loft space in SoHo. The presentation was filled with stylish attendees sipping cocktails and viewing the new collection, filled with skirts, blouses, trousers, and dresses in silks, laces, and prints. 

The Fall/Winter 2014 collection takes on a feminine flair with its soft pastels yet incorporates that downtown flare we all love in details such as high-low hems, exotic looking cap sleeves, or relaxed versus tailored styles. The brand prides itself on fusing modern sophistication with timeless elegance which was definitely visible in the fall collection. 

Overall I think the collection will be perfect for the city girl that is looking for trendier pieces (such as the skirt shown above) and pieces that are perfect for running around SoHo or a night out on the town. I love the story behind the brand, with Misha, the designer, originating in London. The entire collection can be viewed online at ByMisha.

Paris Fashion Week

After shows in London and Milan the past few weeks, the attention has moved to Paris. This is one of my favorite settings as some of my favorite designers show in Paris. I have been loving most of what I am seeing on the runways for autumn/winter 2014.  Neutrals seem to be dominating the Paris runways.

I loved the tailoring and outwear from Balmain, whom never disappoints in this category. Other favorites that have gone down the runway so far have been Valentino, filled with loose fitting suits and "couture pieces", a new direction for the brand in terms of menswear. Additionally, I personally loved the modern collections shown by Phillip Lim and Dries Van Noten.

I know New York comes alive during Fashion Week, so I can only imagine what it is like to be in Paris during these exciting times of the year. Last week, Maison Kitsuné annouced the opening of their new café in Paris. The café is set to open today, and it looks amazing! Below are a few photos that give a look inside. Given its fusion of fashion, music, and coffee, I imagine it will be a fashion week "hotspot"

As we head into the weekend, I can only wish that I was in Paris sipping on espresso at Café Kistuné as I browse the street style from likes of Tommy Ton and The Satorialist.

What collections have you been loving from the menswear shows? 

Photos: Balmain via Style.com and Karl Hab

On the Streets in Paris

Fashion week is underway in Paris yet again. On of my favorite things to do during fashion weeks, whether in New York, Paris, or Milan is to follow the different street style trends. The Sartorialist is always a go to for street style, but many of the majors fashion sources are featuring street style galleries. 

One can never be certain what they will see on Parisian streets. From chic all black ensembles to gothic grunge, Paris has it all. Here are some of my favorite shots from WWD:

Photos by Kubda Dabrowski for WWD

New York Fashion Week: ØDD Fall 2013 Presentation

Last evening I attended the ØDD presentation for their fall 2013 collection entitled "People Have Weapons." This presentation marked the labels first women's collection which was showcased next to the men's line as well. The fall 2013 collection includes a mix of refined tailoring and what designers Judson Harmon and Jordan Klein describe as typical "ØDD silhouettes." For those unfamiliar, I would describe the ØDD vibe as very "downtown" and reminiscent of Rick Owens. 

The color palette was a mix of black and stained whites. Pieces ranged from blazers and skirts, to drop-crotch pants and tanks. 

 ØDD was first launched online, but only after a year, opened its first retail concept on Manhattan's lower east side. The store provides a mix of coveted downtown designers such as Mugler and Raf Simons and art installations. Now, Harmon will be showcasing his first namesake collection of womenswear alongside this other "downtown" brands. You can visit ØDD online or at 164 Ludlow Street.

Photos by (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Creating Interest with Spikes

The men's shows are over in Paris and Milan, and couture week has gotten underway in Paris, but I am still looking at all the pieces and trends that went down the runways. Overall, one of my favorite collections was by Fendi. Throughout collections I have noticed one trend: spikes. Usually found on classic pieces, spikes are bringing a modern edge to items such as blazers, bags, and gloves. 

Source: tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

American designer Thom Browne is known for his classic pieces that always embody preppy flare. This blazer by him takes a new perspective with the studs located on the traditional elbow patches and collar. Stellar tailoring and studs are sure to be create an awesome look. 

Source: antonioli.eu via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Burberry Prorsum has been sending stunning coats, bags, and winter accessories down the runway season after season. These gloves are no exception. Burberry took the classic black driving glove and added metal spikes, creating a whole new look for the modern man.

What is your take on spikes- are they in or are they out?

Men Fendi Autumn 2013

Milan Fashion concluded as renowned Italian designers sent their men's autumn collections down the runway. Collections of the likes of Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander, Dsquared, and Belstaff were displayed to the world. Milan fashion week is the start of many fashion weeks around the world as collection go down the runways in Paris, New York and London as well.

One of my favorite autumn collections of the Milan shows was from Fendi. Their menswear has been increasingly and increasingly better. The collection was marked by neutral hues, chunky knits, and furs for the cold weather of autumn/winter. I would love to have the signature for coat in my collection! Here are some of the looks for the Fendi A/W 13 show:

all images via

Sophie Theallet AW 2012 Show

The up and coming designer Sophie Theallet presented her A/W 2012 collection at New York Fashion week on February 14. The show was hosted at Milk Studios in the meatpacking district. I was fortunate enough to be sitting in the second row, directly behind Lynn Yeager and people of the like.

Theallet's collection was a mix of prints with deep hughes and traditional neutrals. The entire collection had a bohemian vibe to it, or perhaps an upscale woman that went into the French country side. The models were decked out in color blocked Manolos, a trend that looks like its here for another season. 

After the show I went back stage to meet Theallet herself.

Lunch With Alexandre Birman

Fashion week is sure keeping me busy. Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a sit down lunch with shoe designer Alexandre Birman. The event was hosted at the BG restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman. The restaurant was packed with New York's high society taking a lunch break, but we had our own smaller, semi private room in the back of the restaurant. Other attendees included top buyers, journalists, and magazine editors. Brad Goreski and Olivia Palermo were also in attendance.

Before we sat down, we mingled with champagne and looked at the collection on the display that was set up in the room. It was an excellent way to meet some very cool people!

The luncheon was to celebrate and preview the launch of Birman's S/S 2012 collection which was a mix of neutral and brightly colored pythons. On the menu was a salad, choice of entree, and a dessert plate for each table to share. I've frequented BG before so I knew the food was going to be good.

After we finished lunch, the event moved down to the famous second floor shoe salon where Alexandre mingled with us as well as shoppers. The shoe department definitely became the place to be, it was packed!

Moncler Grenoble Show

The first event I attended this year for fashion week was the Moncler Grenoble show. If you are a reader, you know my love for Moncler so I was beyond excited when I had the opportunity to attend the show.

This year the show was held at the picturesque Wollman Rink in Central Park. Situated just inside the park, Wollman Rink has a back drop of the Plaza Hotel and Essex House, both New York icons.

The show was a mix of fashion and entertainment. All the models were on ice skates and a live chorus coupled with a DJ provided the music. The collection was presented in color groupings. All white take the ice, followed by red, gray, and blue. Everyone came on to the ice at once for the finale with every model dropping to the ice at the end.
It was visual perfection.

Milan Fashion Week Pick

Men's fashion week took place in Milan last week. They are already on to Paris fashion week. So in the world of fashion, I am a little behind with this, but aren't we always? My favorite from Milan was the Moncler Gamme Bleu show. You have probably heard me rave about Moncler previously.

Thom Browne, a New York based designer. heads the designer for the Moncler Gamme Bleu collection. He blends is New York classicism with a hint of european modernism perfectly. For autumn/winter 2012 he injected bright reds and yellows into racing suit inspired looks such as the one pictured to the right.

Not only are the clothes something to look at, the production of the Moncler shows never cease to amaze as well. Past shows have included models in hunting inspired looks walking hounds, and the backdrop for the 2012 show looks quite grand.

While I do like the outfits with the bright colors, I have to admit they were not my favorite out of all the looks. I love Thom Browne's own line and would own everything if I could, so I really liked the looks that were a bit more classic with greys and blacks

all images courtesy of

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By Invitation Only

You may remember my post about Fashion Week. Well, I returned to my computer friday night to find very exciting news....i was going to a show at Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week!!! It was one of those times were you reread it because you think it cannot actually say that.

We got awesome seats in the American Express Sky Box for the Custo Barcelona show....it was completely packed. This tickets granted us access into the invitation only entrance which had a large area  to mingle filled with a bunch of complimentary things. (Ive never seen so many louboutins in one place) The show was actually overbooked. Ive wanted to go to a show forever and it finally happened!

so much press at the end of the runway

Finale