F: Is for a Welcome Invasion!

On Tuesday fashionistas will be in full bloom checking out the new collection by Michele Negri a former model. He and his wife Patrizia Beltrami followed their passion and knowledge for fashion and started their own line in 1988. Opening their first boutique in Florence, Italy. Sophisticated styling along with fine tailoring has The Michele Negri line representing one of the best examples of classic Italian elegance. This unique team creates exquisite collections for both men and women without neglecting the philosophy of timeless Italian fashion. Their children have grown of age and have turned this into a family affair with their son recently opening a boutique right in the heart of the Upper East Side. The store’s stunning décor reflects its flagship store showcasing each and every piece from the collection. For the Spring/Summer they have designed a brilliant mixture of casual and fabulous evening wear. Stunning hand embroidered pieces in pastels and nautical pants and dresses will have you whipping out those credit cards. Bold linen trousers and finely tailored shirts make up the men’s collection. Delightful cocktail dresses and suits will have you humming and cooing about this Italian Invasion. Located at 1015 Madison Avenue between 78th and 79th Tuesday night is sure to have New Yorkers heading up town.

Now for the Spanish invasion that created one of the most beautiful stores I have ever seen. Pronovias is a store that will have every women who walks through it's doors wishing to get married just so they can wear the dress. These are some of the most
amazing gowns that are bound to capture every women's fantasy. From a sexy innocence, to the 50's, Maria Antoinette, Juliet, Holly Golightly or Elizabeth Taylor all these looks and more are captured. I loved the Manuel Mota dresses so elegantly crafted. At the opening of their first U.S. flagship store located at 14 East 52nd St. between Fifth and Madison, champagne and wedding dresses were in abundance. The store itself is so exquisitely laid out by architect Desirée Mas to show off the gorgeous gowns in the most luxurious of settings. I was there as they celebrate their grand opening with a “Flamenco Blanco” event to benefit New Yorkers for Children. These dresses were so elegant in their simplicity, so perfect and reminiscent of bygone era in fashion. As a matter of fact on the 5th floor the last collection supervised by Valentino, Valentino Sposa was showcased. The dresses are grouped into two's tied together with vines. On each floor window boxes hold the secrets of why this store will have women contemplating matrimonial bliss. Having done this exercise and swearing never to do it again, these dresses which I had envisioned back when I was 12 had me shockingly telling my best friend that I could be persuaded. Thank God I left the building and fresh air snapped me back to myself. All little girls dream of that perfect day, that perfect person and most importantly that perfect dress, it is a F.A.C.T. that at Pronovias the dress part can come true.