Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai christened the second floor venue at Milk Studios to show their spring 2010 collection for Vena Cava in front of a packed house, including fellow designers (Patrick Robinson) and Vogue fashion editors (Sally Singer and Lauren Santo Domingo).
The Brooklyn-based design duo presented what has become their signature look, along with a few new tricks, in a collection that will undoubtedly please their fierce cult following. Acid washed rayon pieces in shades of brown and black made a major statement, best when paired with an orange laser-cut blouse or a black silk crepe sleeveless blazer. Also of note were pyramid studs on chiffon, a cropped bustier and the metal safety pin details seen on a short black dress.
Fans of Vena Cava’s one-of-a-kind printed fabrics will not be disappointed in the star print silk georgette shorts and dress, nor the green and black ancient mask print used in a mid-length chiffon gown. Styled with oversized black sun visors, armfuls of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. bangles and Persol eyewear, the collection was a perfect mix of edgy clothes made for vintage shopping in Brooklyn and classic uptown accessories.
Best summed up by the show’s stylist Kate Young, “The Vena Cava girl is wearing luxury accessories like a quirky art dealer, not like a lady who lunches.”
Brooklyn designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava recently launched their very own blog. On the blog, titled "Viva Vena Cava", the pair describe their foreign adventures and flea market finds, dropping endless clues as to what might inspire their upcoming collection. Overall we find the blog entertaining and lighthearted, just like their designs. Be sure to check out Vena Cava's recent collaboration with Gap, which launched last week.
A recent item on Fashion Week Daily, in which "chicsters" were asked about their Memorial Day weekend plans, revealed a clue as to what Vena Cava will show this Spring 2010. Lisa Mayock, one-half of the duo behind the brand, said that the two were "thrifting, antiquing, and designing our spring 10 collection" in Argentina's capitol. So perhaps we'll see something more colorful from the brand, whose Fall 2009 range was all about rock and roll.
While shopping for a frock to wear a friend's wedding we realized just how tricky the task can be--it shouldn't be white, nor should it be loud. It shouldn't be short, nor should it be as long as the bride's. It has to be something you would want to wear again but it has to feel like something special enough to wear on someone's big day. The limitations had us overwhelmed. Until, that is, we saw Vena Cava through our wedding dress lens. We realize that theirs is the aesthetic that fits every requirement perfectly. Soft and romantic, mid-length frocks in a beautiful array of natural colors--there couldn't be a more perfect brand for this occasion. We ended up with the Taj dress we found on sale at Pas de Deux but these other two frocks were high on our list as well.
Last night, Alexander Wang was awarded the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award, granting him a 200,000 dollar allowance and mentorship for one year. The designers of Vena Cava and Albertus Quartus were the runners up and the two brands were each awarded 50,000 dollars and a business mentor. To see photos from last night's event, click here. To see Alexander Wang's Spring 2009 collection, click here.
Brooklyn designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava 
A recent item on 
Last night, 
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Patrizia Pepe
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