Past Fashion Future

Want to know how we chose the finalists for the...

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:40 -0400

Want to know how we chose the finalists for the 2013 Independent Handbag Designer Awards? Step behind the scenes and into our judging session in this fun video by Useful Media!

VIDEO: Emma Judges the Independent Handbag Designer Awards

We judged more than 1,000 bags and are votes are in—now...

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:21 -0400

We judged more than 1,000 bags and are votes are in—now it’s your turn!

I had a blast judging the 2013 Independent Handbag Designer Awards this year—don’t miss my behind the scenes Instagrams, here.

I am excited this classic bag made the final cut. Up for Best Socially Responsible Handbag, this pretty accessory made by Bernice Angelique is a classic and timeless piece.

Winners across all categories will be announced at the awards ceremony in New York City but you can vote for the winner of the Audience Fan Favorite now on InStyle.com before May 29th!

And yes, I’ll need your help again choosing which fashion designer to wear on the red carpet, thanks to CrOp by David Peck for the fab dress last year.

If “The Dancing Princesses” ditched their slippers...

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:28 -0400

If “The Dancing Princesses” ditched their slippers in favor of pretty pastel platform espadrilles, Kameleonik’s “Laida” kicks ($229 - $262) would give their cobbler—and their father—a run for the his money. Handmade in Spain, these seasonally-appropriate shoes are a bright way to spring into summer style.

These kicks were recently featured at “The Green Touch of Spain”, a pop up shop in Brooklyn at GGrippo art+design but they can be purchased online.

Punk rock princess Sienna Miller stole the show at the...

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:46 -0400

Punk rock princess Sienna Miller stole the show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s punk-themed gala. Many attendees appeared to be confused with the chaos-to-couture theme dressing as if it were Halloween but Miller balanced her look with elegance and enough edge to master punk appeal.

Check out all of my favorite classic red carpet looks from the Met Gala: Classic Punk Fashion

I am super excited to share Alicia Keys new music video for...

Wed, 08 May 2013 22:08:00 -0400

I am super excited to share Alicia Keys new music video for “New Day” - I worked on set in wardrobe with stylist Annie Ladino. It felt like a dream come true to work with such amazing musical, styling, and production talent all around and the video is super inspiring to me and I hope it is for you, too!

Of course, I tried not to salivate over the gorgeous looks that Annie pulled for the shoot from Altuzarra and Prada to Dolce & Gabbana — I especially adored these gorgeous D&G panties. In the final look, Alicia is wearing a very classic and timeless Altuzarra bustier with leather pants and belt.

BIG thanks to Annie—she is a talented human being and she inspires me.

WATCH ALICIA KEYS’ NEW DAY VIDEO, HERE.

Coco Rocha arrives at the Met Gala. I’m comfortably...

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:54:15 -0400

Coco Rocha arrives at the Met Gala. I’m comfortably watching the glam ensembles with fellow fashion FANatics—these are my people!

It’s official! I have a feature article in the May/June...

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:30:00 -0400

It’s official! I have a feature article in the May/June 2013 issue of Foam magazine, I hope you’ll check it out. Called “Bohemian Rhapsody”, I step inside swimwear designer Mara Hoffman’s Manhattan headquarters and discover a serene den of creativity, and much, much more. Read it on pages 40-41.

It will be on stands May 14! Ch-Ch-Check It Out.

DIY Glam 40’s hair: Glamorous 1940’s waves is easier than you...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:00:30 -0400

DIY Glam 40’s hair: Glamorous 1940’s waves is easier than you think, eco hair stylist Mara Schiavetti—the talent behind the luscious locks at the Eileen Fisher fashion show—shows us how to recreate the look at home.

Step 1: If you’re starting with freshly washed hair, apply a holding product to your hair (we used Aveda medium hold mousse); blow out your hair giving it volume.

For day-old hair, apply Aveda Styling spray; these products will help your hair hold its wave all day and night.

Step 2: After your hair is completely dry, give yourself a low side part and brush it across and downwards—and don’t be afraid to brush your hair throughout the process, it will help create luster and shine.

Step 3: From the nape of your neck, moving up, section your hair across from ear to ear, just around the mid ear level, this is your first curling tier. Once you have curled this tier you will section a second and curl that one moving up the head. Depending on the amount of hair you have, you will need either two or three tiers.

Step 4: Take your one-inch curling iron and wrap the hair around the iron. Each section should be about one and a half inches in thickness. Moving from the outside in, towards the center of your head. This consistent direction will give the wave effect.

Step 5: Once you’ve done all your tiers, spray a little more Holding spay on the waves, wait a few seconds for it to dry then comb it out. At this stage you will be able to see how the waves have formed.

Step 6: You’re almost there! Use a hair shine product to give a touch of glam. I suggest using Nuxe dry oil, or Australian Scent pomade for some extra hold. Take a small amount of your favorite organic hair shine, rub it between your palms and smooth it in your beautiful, bouncy locks.

Step 7: The finale. Brush the hair into place moving the waves in place and contouring the waves framing around your face. Use Aveda control medium hold hair spray to fix your ‘do for evening, but I wouldn’t suggest it for the day, leaving it slightly loose makes it sexier.

Your hair should be looking bouncy, fresh and lustrous, and don’t forget to make it your own to suit your personality. Enjoy your bombshell 1940s hairstyle!

Photo: Dan Cutrona Photography

This is a guest post written for Past Fashion Future by Mara Schiavetti, a renowned hair stylist & makeup artist in the fashion industry. Mara curates the A Green Beauty online magazine, continuing to spread her message of living a holistic life.

Read More: Eileen Fisher

It’s a wrap: round of applause to all for a fun Eileen...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

It’s a wrap: round of applause to all for a fun Eileen Fisher fashion show! It was a such a treat to work with many admirable women from my fellow models with Eileen Fisher’s “Green Team”, Sass Brown, Kristen Arnett, Jess Marati, Jasmin Malik Chua, Greta Eagan and Carrie Parry, to Amy DuFault, Celeste Lilore, Casey Jones and the Eileen Fisher crew—just to name (more than) a few.

I look forward to more ethical fashion adventures with these groundbreaking women who are forever pushing the boundaries, asking questions, and proving that fashion can be a catalyst to change our future.

THANK YOU: Big shout out to the snap-happy Dan Cutrona who shot the photos, OrganicWorks & Tractenberg PR for keeping the twitter feeds afloat, Mara Schivaetti for adorning our crowns with luscious locks, and the Green Beauty Team and W3LL People for giving us a natural glow.

Read More: Eileen Fisher

I am excited to share the ensemble I styled for my...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:22:00 -0400

I am excited to share the ensemble I styled for my strut—and, fortunately not fall—down the runway at the Eileen Fisher fashion show! If you missed the on-stage interview, I break it down—and my outfit—for you, below.

Eileen Fisher: Why did you choose your outfit?

Emma Grady: I’m obsessed with Eileen Fisher’s peplum top, it’s on trend yet timeless and classic. I paired it with a classic black pencil skirt and cinched the look with an obi belt - a spring fashion staple that is versatile and will look fabulous with dresses this summer!

EF: You are well known for your ability to create timeless looks using
vintage and new garments. In a trend driven world, how hard is it to
be an original and to create your own look?

EG: Fashion Trends come and go—and not to be corny—but classic and timeless fashion will always be in style. I search for what I call timeless trends, anything that I’d wear in ten years. The peplum top is a great example of that, it’s on-trend yet classic. I keep my look fresh and modern with accessories, like Gretchen jones statement jewelry.

Sweet Dreams (are Made of This): sleepwear brand ALAS emerges...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:39 -0400

Sweet Dreams (are Made of This): sleepwear brand ALAS emerges from down under with a collection of cute, colorful, and cozy nighties, jumpsuits, and essential separates made with organic cotton and bamboo.

“We wander the globe, picking up pieces of inspiration from under stones on beaches, constellations in the sky and patterns in nature.” - Alas

Tapping this season’s favorite trends, the Australian line features color blocking and vibrant patterns amidst the ol’ classics: PJ sets with a slim-fit twist.

ALAS is available at Shopbop.

I can hardly believe it myself but I am very excited to announce...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:00:39 -0400

I can hardly believe it myself but I am very excited to announce that I will be modeling in the Eileen Eileen Fisher fashion show at Green Festival on April 21st! It’s in New York City and I’d love to see you there, to find out more about the show—and RSVP!—visit, here.

And about the whole “We’d like our clothes back now thanks very much”, Eileen Fisher is launching the “Green Eileen” recycled clothing initiative. Starting April 19, all brick-and-mortar stores will recycle your ol’ gently worn clothing (and don’t worry, you’ll get a receipt to keep the tax man happy) and $5 toward Eileen Fisher clothing. #ThxVeryMuch

Photo: Eileen Fisher, via Carrie Parry

Starre Vartan, editor-in-chief of Eco Chick and the author of...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0400

Starre Vartan, editor-in-chief of Eco Chick and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life, wrote a lovely article about my vintage style and my favorite vintage fashion finds for spring. First up: a Christian Dior Saddle Bag – $35, Beacon’s Closet thrift shop in Brooklyn, New York (pictured, above).

Discover all of my top vintage fashion finds on Eco-Chick: Emma Grady’s Vintage Style for Spring: Found Accessories from Brooklyn to Maine

Vintage Shopping Finds: Green leather Moschino Belt, $10 at my...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:24:00 -0400

Vintage Shopping Finds: Green leather Moschino Belt, $10 at my favorite flea market in New York.

Starre Vartan asks me to reveal my near and dear vintage fashion...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:42:00 -0400

Starre Vartan asks me to reveal my near and dear vintage fashion shopping secrets today on Mother Nature Network—read it, here.

“Emma Grady is one of those women who you see walking down the street in New York City, or at a party, and think that A. I really should have done something with my hair before I left the house and B. She must spend a fortune on her wardrobe. Incredibly chic, generally colorful (though she rocks neutrals sometimes too) clothes that fit her to a T is what Emma’s all about, but she does it all on a serious budget—because it’s all vintage,” says Starre. What a compliment, thank you! Read the entire article via the link, below.

Vintage shopping: Learn from the master - Reused clothing expert Emma Grady shares her secrets (and some fab finds).

Hearts is featuring me in their “Looking Good, Doing...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0400

Hearts is featuring me in their “Looking Good, Doing Good” series—read the lovely feature, here—and asked me to style and wear their Vintage Sinatra Glasses, Courtney Clutch, and Dhatri Necklace. I went for a “classic and timeless” aesthetic, per usual, and wore a full skirt, with nude platform pumps, and my favorite pink silk jacket that I’ve been wearing for more than ten years.

I am excited to release all the behind-the-scene images from my photo shoot with photographer Hal Horowitz for Hearts, the above shot is one of my favorites but there are plenty more in the neat and complete image gallery, below.

SLIDESHOW: EMMA GRADY FOR HEARTS.COM

We shot all the photos in and around Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and Hal almost got hit by a car on more than one occasion—that’s dedication! Though I can’t say I’m surprised, given that he’s caught everyone from Mick Jagger to Depeche Mode on camera.

Photo: Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady styles Hearts.com. All photos: Hal Horowitz Copyright...

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:26:04 -0400

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady for Hearts.com © Hal Horowitz

Emma Grady styles Hearts.com.

All photos: Hal Horowitz

At first a friend of friends and now a friend of mine, Allegra...

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:00:46 -0400

At first a friend of friends and now a friend of mine, Allegra Moet Brantly is one of those amazing, inspiring girls who has a dream and follows through with it: she is the CEO and Creative Director of A.MOET, a luxury spa and loungewear brand based in New York.

Something Old, Something New: Allegra Moet Brantly

From Pucci blouses that once belonged to her grandmother to a so-called “mafioso” Foxcroft ring, Allegra wears family heirlooms and shares the story behind style, below.

I never got to know my maternal grandmother but I feel like I know her very well through the only possessions I have from her: two Emilio Pucci blouses, circa 1960. A lover of bold statement prints myself, I wear them regularly and always feel “fashion forward”, regardless of their 50+ years of age!

Like a fine wine, classic staples only get better with time and you truly cannot go wrong with Emilio Pucci! He is one of my all time favorite designers because of his distinguished and immediately recognizable print work.

The leather jacket is my dad’s from his days as a sound engineer at Warner Brother Records—surely many a wild Los Angeles nights were spent in this piece!

My Sergio Zelcer leather peep toes were an ultimate find in Miami. They have illegal red bottoms that pre-date the Louboutin/YSL scandal so they’re often mistaken for Loubies—though I can’t say I mind!

The bag is by Mary Norton, a designer out of Charleston, SC whom I worked for when I went to college there and you’ll never see me without a scarf tied around my bag. But what about clashing prints? Done right, there’s nothing better than wearing prints on prints!

Lastly, I pretty much always don a black beanie during the winter and my favorite article of all time is my gold and green “mafioso” pinkie ring, as I jokingly call it. It’s a class ring from Foxcroft, my boarding school, and there are probably twenty more girls running around NYC wearing one of these bad boys—and beware: should you run into one of us, we are an unusually riveting breed!

Keep tuned for more from A.MOET, their second collection of luxury
robes is in the works, set to launch this summer with an expanded product line, including a men’s robe, towel wrap, turban, and more. Follow Allegra’s adventures on Twitter and Facebook, too.

More Heirloom-Meets-Modern Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Rebecca Roe

Rocking Diane von Furstenberg to the CFDA/eBay “You...

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:45:00 -0400

Rocking Diane von Furstenberg to the CFDA/eBay “You Can’t Fake Fashion” event at Finale in New York City. I’m wearing a DvF dress and bag, produced by my kid sister Molly (#SisterLove)!

More: Styled By Emma

Mara Hoffman front and center at the CFDA & eBay’s You...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:43:40 -0400

Mara Hoffman front and center at the CFDA & eBay’s You Can’t Fake Fashion Event tonight in New York City. More than 90 designers came together to design—and auction—their one-off bags to raise awareness for anti-fake handbags, accessories, and the like. Check more pics on Instagram, ya’ll: @pastfashionfuture