An Emerging Designer's Guide to Holiday Dressing
WITH FULL STOMACHS AND EVEN FULLER HEARTS, WE’RE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED THAT THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS NOW OFFICIALLY IN SWING!
There’s nothing quite like the festivities that celebrate coming together with family and friends - and fashion plays a big role in this. Here at Brand Assembly we’re constantly taking style cues from our assembly of emerging fashion designers, industry professionals and more. We wanted to start the season on a sartorially inspiring note and thankfully we were able to call upon fashion designers Martha Fogarty and Hunter Bell, who kindly shared their take on holiday dressing. Below you’ll find a few snapshots of their go-to holiday looks (featuring incredible pieces from their respective collections) and some anecdotal insight on their holiday traditions, both new and old.
"One of my favorite looks of the season, or just in life, is pairing our Winona Jacket and Carley Pant in matching jacquard. It really feels very Liza (Minnelli, obviously) in the very best way, this super chic new take on a suit. A playful, fun yet sophisticated print in the most luxurious fabric. And then...you totally deconstruct that with your best beat-up T-shirt and kick around shoes. Jewelry, not necessary when you shine from head to toe!"
"Helllloooo FUN! In the world according to MART, there is nothing better than getting dressed up and going out, and that's what Holiday dreams are made of. I love that Fashion really embraces the magic of the season, from sequins to gold to even that ugly reindeer sweater, donning that little sprinkle of whimsy and sparkle brings out the holiday spirit in everyone.
One new tradition I'd like to embrace this year is sending Holiday cards. This is going to be the year! I've been so terrible at this in the past. One year, I was so late getting them out, I had to strike out the holiday message in the card and write Happy Valentines Day over the picturesque winter village scene. It's such a simple thing, but when I receive them from friends near and far, you really feel like you're getting a hug in the mail." - Martha Fogarty
"I can safely say I've never met a sequin I didn't like. Dress-up, dress-down, I can't help it. I just love something with a little bit of shine. This year, I'm going all out in the Keaton Dress from Fall and my new favorite lip color Entice from Revlon (yup, $6 at Duane Reade!) [With a dress like that and a red lip, you really have to play it up with a bright contrast-y mis-match-y heel. Pink suede and ruby red lips, because it's jarring it somehow works and you don't look like you're trying too hard.] Because, come on, that Waterford Ball in Times Square, can't be the only thing that sparkles this New Years!"
"The first look is a black and white color blocked lace midi length Michelle dress. I love festive dressing each season, it's a time to embrace the idea of getting dressed up."
"From a personal perspective, the holiday season is the best time of year to play dress up... I'm always taking more fashion risks during the holiday season. From a professional perspective, as the market becomes more casual it gives the customer a reason to get dressed up and invest in special item pieces to add into their wardrobe.
My husband and I spend our time between Houston, TX and NYC. Living in Manhattan for 12 years we have always carried our Christmas Tree home together. This year, I'm looking forward to tying the tree to the hood of our car versus lugging by hand a large tree across the crazy city." - Hunter Bell
"Here I'm wearing the black satin fringe midi length Turner Dress."
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