Yellow PagesLong Island's Roller Rebels model fab fall fashions
- Original Newsday.com article: Long Island's Roller Rebels model fab fall fashions
When fall '07 rolled onto the runways in February, a swaggering new fashion attitude was on display. Gone was spring's girliness and frou-frou; in its place, a very definitive return to elegance. And while individualism was still key, the season was a salute to power dressing with a nod to modern-day heroines who could own a room in rich, ladylike clothing.
Who to model fall's new guts and glory?
We chose the women warriors of Long Island's only female roller derby team, the Long Island Roller Rebels.
Unlikely, perhaps, that women with game names like Carnage Electra, Amaretto Sourpuss and Baby Bop Yo Face would be proper mannequins for this fashion season. With their tattoos, various piercings and unusual hair colors, you might guess that the women were more comfortable in skates and punky skull motifs than high heels and high fashion. But - surprise! - underneath their tough veneers, these gals were true fashionistas, exuding a chic confidence.
So, on a stormy morning last month, our five Roller Rebel models converged upon the Village Club of Sands Point. The glorious mansion that once belonged to Isaac Guggenheim (now the club's formal dining room and party space) served as a perfect backdrop for the feminine, elegant fashions of the season.
Our mission? To take the Roller Rebels off the track and plunk them, sure-footedly, into the fashion fast lane. And we think you'll agree they look pretty smashing - and we mean that in a non-roller derby way. On the cover: The Rebels in fall's finest (clockwise from left): Amaretto Sourpuss in M Missoni dress, $795 at Nordstrom; Jil Sander purple double-face coat, $3,880 at Hirshleifer's, Americana Manhasset; Max Mara boot, $695 at Max Mara, Americana Manhasset.
MadDonna in Laundry's gold and bronze metallic jumper, $320 at Bloomingdale's; Wolford body-suit, $190, info at wolford .com; Givenchy shoes, $475 at Shoe Box stores (Commack, Greenvale, Plainview, Woodbury and Manhasset).
Baby Bop Yo Face in David Meister's black and white graphic print dress, $340 at Macy's; Stuart Weitzman shoes, $395 at Shoe Box stores.
Captain Morgan in Giorgio Armani's pomegranate jacket, $2,775, and crystal necklace, $1,300 at Giorgio Armani, Americana Manhasset; Ellen Tracy cashmere top, $395, and Jones New York pants, $109, both at Bloomingdale's; Cole Haan shoes, Shoe Box stores.
Carnage Electra in CH navy puffed-sleeve blouse, $335, and dotted navy skirt, $580 at Carolina Herrera, Americana Manhasset; snake skin Via Spiga pumps, $198 at Macy's.
FALL'S MUST-HAVES We never believe in completely wiping out last year's wardrobe to keep up with the trends. But here are five easy must-haves to help you look modern and marvelous.
1 The black leg The simplicity and elegance of an opaque black tight is an easy and absolute must for the season. Also, thick, shiny hose is strikingly modern. Textures are fine, and some leg looks are colorful, but the black leg is key.
2 The short jacket It's hip, fresh and a new silhouette and so versatile. Look for something in a deep jewel tone to go with neutral pants or skirts and even over dresses. Wearing a longer shirt or sweater underneath is the way to go.
3 The high waist So many women wrestled with low-riders (responsible for that dread condition for body fat spillover called muffin top). This season, the high waist is sleek, flattering and high fashion.
4 Subtle shine It's not about in-your-face gold or silver, but look for toned-down metallic touches - pewter, bronze, antiqued gold and silver, and, best of all, slick patent leather.
5 Pops of color Let's face it - fall's basic palette is based on black and gray, but there's nothing like a vibrant splash of color to heighten the drama. Purple is king, but touches of burgundy, royal blue and teal keep your look fresh and crisp.
- ANNE BRATSKEIR The short jacket may be the trend piece of the fall season. Here, Amaretto Sourpuss wears one by Zac Posen, $1,500, over Diane von Furstenburg's sailor skirt, $260, both at Intermix, Americana, Manhasset; Max Mara gloves, $208, and patent handbag $465. Carnage Electra is in Dolce & Gabbana's black belted dress, $1,495, leopard-print gloves, $455, and leopard-print pony bag, $770, all at Hirshleifer's.
Subtle shine is one of fall's signature looks. Here, Baby Bop Yo Face (Erikah Kopf), left, wears a CH metallicized dress with doubled bustier and chiffon shawl, $1,700 at Carolina Herrera, Americana Manhasset; Stuart Weitzman shoes, $395 at Shoe Box (Commack, Greenvale, Plainview, Woodbury and Manhasset). MadDonna (Tara Lohsen) is in a BCBG ivory silk dress with black band hem, $224 at Bloomingdale's; black Christian Louboutin stilettos, $770 at Hirshleifer's, Americana Manhasset. Carnage Electra shows off fall's important high waist in a checked skirt, $2,200, patent booties, $750, and handbag, $2,555, all by Chanel at Americana Manhasset, worn with short black cardigan by Nine West, $79 at Bloomingdale's. All hosiery by Wolford. CREDITS Stylist: Danielle Merollo Makeup: Charles Douglas and Anna Naso Hair: Dawn O'Neill and Mayra Minguiez (All of Nubest Salon and Spa, Manhasset)
Copyright © 2007 Newsday.com, All Rights Reserved.
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