'Cause You Got To Have Faith'

The ten minutes before the fashion show was supposed to start, were spent sprinting across Union Square Park to the Altman Building on 18th Street – thanks to all the service changes on MTA that has made riding the subway an absolute waste of time.

It was a rocky start to the Manuel de la Cruz FW2010 Collection, which coincidentally opened against some rock music.

There is much to tell about this up-and-comer, whose collection titled “Revelations” took a modern spin on classically tailored suits, coats, cocktail dresses and separates. His clothing is geared towards the feminine, yet busy woman and the sexy, masculine man who doesn’t mind a little color and embellishment.

This time around, Manuel de la Cruz moved away from his dark color palette, incorporating white, gray, mauve, red, navy blue, green and camel in wool and silk blends.

The collection did not veer from the usual play of religion and faith. More interesting was the influence of Mayan art – translated into a strapless brocade cocktail dress and Mayan graphics on the backs of men’s jackets.

Manuel de la Cruz was born and raised in Guatemala, and as a Latino, has a strong connection to his Mayan ancestry and Catholic upbringing.

The designer left Guatemala as a teenager, studying fashion in Milan and Florence before making the move to Parson’s in New York.

Specializing in tailoring, he moved on to work for top New York-based labels like Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, DKNY and others. Manual de la Cruz launched his first collection five years ago, teaming up with partner Brian Levy and forming mdlc & co.

The designer again enlisted the help of Pablo Escobar, who supplied the shoes, crowning headpieces, statement necklaces and the jewel-encrusted leather sleeves, gloves and ear pieces.

But Pablo Escobar was not the only to create the element of shine – a series of Manuel de la Cruz’s men’s dress shirts included what appeared to be sequined patches on the shoulder and embroidery work.

My personal favorites: the burgundy wool jacket paired with the green gabardine men’s trouser; the red gabardine woman’s trouser and the silk faille cocktail dress.

All in all it was a smooth, marketable collection with excellent tailoring, making Manuel de la Cruz a designer to watch for this year.

As for me – I skipped the subway and took a smooth cab ride home.

-S. Gonzalez

For more about the designer and his vision, visit manuel-delacruz.com

*Photos by S. Gonzalez

'Show Me Love'

Many will say it with flowers, or chocolates and a card. Others might say it with dinner at a favorite restaurant, or some takeout and a movie rental.

In this rough-and-tumble economy, a night in might be the only option when it comes to saying those ‘three words’ this St. Valentine’s Day. But before you do, get yourself ready by setting the ambiance and appealing to senses with:

1. Candles – Sight and Smell

In orange, beige or ivory swirl, this scented Shanti vanilla mint candle set ($24.99) creates instant relaxation. The five-candle can be spread evenly across a room to let its scent fully take over, or placed altogether in a corner to let its aroma linger.

By keeping the lights dim and using aromatherapy, you are unconsciously alerting the senses of sight and smell that you are now in a place that is romantic.

2. A Glass of Wine with a Quirky Wine Stopper - Taste

Now that you’ve set the stage for romance, it’s time to do some entertaining. Grab that favorite bottle of wine – whether it be a Chianti, Bordeaux or Pinot Noir. Tip: There is nothing as crisp, smooth and satisfying as a great wine paired with some dark chocolate!

Don’t forget to cork the bottle with these gift globe wine stoppers after pouring. The modern two-piece set ($19.99) is made of art glass, hand-blown using the Old World technique. The decoupage effect of the two globe-shaped ends reflects colors like gold leaf, midnight blue, purple and sky blue.

1. Cozy Up with a Furry Blanket - Touch

Wine glass in hand, the scent of vanilla mint wafting… on the cusp of comfort, but not quite there yet. A furry blanket for two will do the trick for a special Valentine’s Day-in.

Cuddle up with your loved one on the couch with a mink thermal throw (available in a small 58”x60” or a large 60”x86”). The faux fur blanket comes in three classic colors: chocolate brown, glossy black and lustrous white. The underside is the best part of this ‘blanket for two’ – with a matching, micro plush lining that is carefully sewn into the faux fur.

However you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day with your loved one, make it a Valentine’s Day that awakens the heart, body and soul.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com