Summer Straw Hats

by Renee Minus White

The New York City Subway Line, a collection of branded apparel licensed by the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), will donate 5 percent from the sales of its new custom-designed Braille T-shirt to the Lighthouse International. Lynne Lambert, a New Yorker for the last 20 years, established the line in 1995. She convinced the Transit Authority to grant her the license to create a wide range of products bearing MTA iconography and catchphrases. The New York City Subway Line began with a variety of high-quality T-shirts and has since expanded into accessories and stationery products.

While waiting for a fashion show at the recent Spring/Summer 2003 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week previews in New York’s Bryant Park, fashion designer Masala showed her mini collection at the event’s food spot. It was an informal show. She featured three models who couldn’t help but to be noticed in their wide-brim straw hats and fancy clothes.

Masala started her design business in a Brooklyn basement as a costume designer for New York’s Theater District. She designed several pieces for Alvin Ailey. Her downtown shop closed after 9/11. “There simply wasn’t any business,” said Masala, a talented 24-year-old from Ghana. Her collection, including hats, pants and mini-dresses are now available at Patricia Fields. For more information, contact her at Sala1987@yahoo.com.

Russell Simmons and Phat Farm Boys introduced All-City Athletiques for boys, infants to size 20. The All-City Athletiques collection was developed to redefine boy’s athletic sportswear into clothes that emphasizes quality, comfort and style. This collection was launched on Oct. 16 with a huge All-City event at Chelsea Piers. Simmons, Phat Classic Sneaker and Phat Farm Kids hosted the event, along with special invited guests from the NBA, WNBA and NFL.

Ron Chereskin Studio launched its Spring/Summer 2003 Men’s collection at the Mercedes Benz 7th on Sixth Shows. With a fashion-forward twist on the classic traditional, these clothes were modeled by New York’s most eligible bachelors who personify the “Chereskin Man.” The Chereskin man is a successful well-rounded man who knows the look that’s right for him. The line offers that right look to fit every situation of his exciting life.

Ron Chereskin Studio launched its Spring/Summer 2003 Men’s collection at the Mercedes Benz 7th on Sixth Shows. With a fashion-forward twist on the classic traditional, these clothes were modeled by New York’s most eligible bachelors who personify the “Chereskin Man.” The Chereskin man is a successful well-rounded man who knows the look that’s right for him. The line offers that right look to fit every situation of his exciting life.

Channeling the inner bad boy, the studio collection features formalwear – tuxedos, suits, trousers and more. These pieces are styled sleek and classic with a slightly modern edge. The timeless yet stylish, selections are perfect for those special occasions. For the casual yet sophisticated look, Chereskin introduces a resort-inspired line boasting subtle hues of variegated denim and muted smooth linens that are woven with fine design and detail. To complete the coming-off-the-beach look, Chereskin Studio shows lush sweaters with a new twist on the basic knit; here, he uses loosely weaved ultra suede, as well as classic soft cotton. For downtime, Chereskin introduces a sporty yet stylish selection of Chereskin-branded “athleisure” wear that is sure to fit a relaxed attitude and lifestyle. The athletic-inspired pants and tops are made in Chereskin’s signature high-quality award-winning fabrics. These pieces are perfect for that stroll on the beach, or kicking back with the guys on the weekends.