The Doneger Group

Emerging Designer: Kristian Aadnevik

2011-06-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Although he just founded his own label in 2004, fashion designer Kristian Aadnevik is no stranger to the world of high fashion. The Norwegian-born designer moved to London to attend the Royal College of Art, while simultaneously working as an assistant for Alexander McQueen who had an obvious impact on Aadnevik's aesthetic. After graduating in 2002, Aadnevik gained global experience collaborating and designing collections for Harrods International and Charles Jourdan in Japan as well as holding a position as a senior designer at Roberto Cavalli. After showing his first collection at London Fashion Week in 2004, his glamorous and sexy, yet gloomy and dark pieces were met with rave reviews. Then in 2007, Aadnevik was chosen to participate in the Australian Merino Wool's "The Protégé Project," where Donatella Versace personally hand-picked the young designer to act as her protégé. Aadnevik has since become known as the master of integrating elements of fairytale and horror to create beautiful, yet rebellious couture ensembles that are still completely wearable. Because of his elegant, rocker chic style, Aadnevik has dressed several celebrities on the cutting edge of fashion including our current Ones to Watch star, Kat Graham. Not slowing down anytime soon, the emerging designer most recently got in touch with his roots, designing ten stunning dresses in collaboration with Norwegian brand Riccovero, presented at this year's Oslo Fashion Week.

- Davita Louie

Century 21 Takes Off-Price Online

2011-06-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Luxury discount retailer Century 21 has been a mainstay in New York City's shopping line-up since 1961. Resembling a department store, the off-price retail chain consists of multiple floors filled with an endless supply of marked down designer duds including clothes, accessories and home goods. Century 21 has made a name for themselves as a legendary place to score a bargain, attracting both New Yorkers as well as an abundance of tourists. Luckily, for those looking to avoid the crowds but still score the same amazing deals, Century 21 has just launched their very first e-commerce site. Going by the name C21 Club, the e-commerce hub will act as a "member's only" flash sale site following the model of other successful flash sale merchandisers such as Gilt Groupe and Rue La La. The exclusive online fashion fix gives access to limited time sample sales of coveted designer merchandise for 40% to 65% off. Sales are posted twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours with new items being added online daily. Just launched at the end of April, contemporary lines such as Yohji Yamamoto's Coming Soon, McQ by Alexander McQueen and Love Moschino have already made for pleasing first impressions. Check the premiere site out at www.c21stores.com.

- Davita Louie

Kaleidoscopic Etro Now in Soho

2011-04-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Milanese fashion house Etro, paisleys and all, received a warm welcome in their new digs in Soho on the corner of 89 Greene Street. After three years of anticipation, they have finally opened their second free-standing store in New York City; a bi-level totaling almost 4,400 square feet of retail space.

Upon entering the luxury boutique, guests are faced with a vibrant array of flamboyant merchandise and décor tied with the bohemian elegance Etro has become synonymous with. The first floor, adorned with an electrifying orange and magenta-bordered area rug, houses the men's collection which is never short of psychedelic bow-ties and flashy, patterned ties and pocket squares. Cotton and silk dress shirts in a plethora of styles including lilac gingham and honeysuckle yellow are grouped by color and design on individual square shelves. Multicolored fedoras and bold jackets roundup the menswear line with kelly green leather jackets left to the fashion risk-takers.

Descend down the steel staircase and patrons will stumble upon Etro's ornamental women's collection. Here can be found perfectly constructed, unconventional silk maxi dresses and laser cut heels and bags that scream holiday in Saint Tropez. The orange and magenta theme continues on the lower level with a colorblocked leather couch and two leather chairs from Etro's home furnishings collection where patrons can sit outside dressing rooms guarded by velvety curtains.

Etro's loft-like shop brings Italian class into their store with interior millwork created in Italy as well as stone flooring done in classic Italian Santa Fore. Industrial overhead lighting and exposed brick balanced out by buckets of cherry blossoms give the space a Soho edge. Distinctive patterns and eclectic luxury make Etro a standout amongst a sea of mundane retailers.

-- Davita Louie

Asian Arrangements

2011-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Floral prints are a source of inspiration, especially for the spring season, but this year the Asian accent is piquing interest in this feminine fancy. The floral fixation is on chrysanthemums, cherry and apple blossoms, poppies, quince, hydrangea and the lotus or water lily. Prints can be placed or in an allover pattern, hand painted to over-embroidered. Watercolor florals from Dries Van Noten are particularly enchanting, but we are discovering from our Creative Director, Kai Chow, that ink jet printing is the latest technological development that makes it easy to imitate a complex, multicolor print without heightened expense. Now everyone will be able to adorn themselves with this floral fantasy.

-- Roseanne Morrison

Neon Signs

2011-04-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Fashion is a color fest and the newest shock of color is neon. These heightened brights provide a new picture of color as they appear in electric currents of red, yellow, pink and green. They are great "apps" for activewear, summer sportswear and dresses for when the sun is at its most intense and tans are in full regalia. Neons are notable particularly for the young set and they increase their intensity of color in techno fabrics such as nylon, rubber and neoprene. They are particularly pleasing in stripes and have excellent potential in accessories.

-- Roseanne Morrison

Agnès B. Resurfaces in Soho

2011-04-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Cult followers of the French brand Agnès B. were upset to learn the original Soho location was closing last year. Within that year, the Parisian label's presence was missed so much that they have resurfaced in Soho once again, with a new home on Howard Street. The new shop is ideally located neighboring Opening Ceremony who shares a similar target demographic and is coincidentally working on a joint apparel collection with the Agnès B. label. The exciting new retail space, which has a selection of seasonal men's and women's clothing, bags, shoes and accessories, will not only act as grounds for selling merchandise, but will double as an art gallery as well. This is thanks to designer Agnès Troublé's enthusiastic support of all things artistic. The "gallery wall" is a massive area solely dedicated to contemporary art featuring rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Troublé herself will curate the display, showcasing many of her friends, including some of today's leading creative minds such as Ryan McGinnes, Harmony Korine, Dan Colen, Joanas Mekas, Ryan McGinley and Rostarr. Agnès B.'s Artist T-shirt collection will additionally spotlight these talents with exclusive, limited edition designs. Sticking with the label's theme, Agnès B. will host the occasional in-store film screening and is currently working on a partnership with a local independent film center. With the hip combination of fashion and art, the Agnès B. concept store is surely a stylish addition to the Soho retail scene.

-- Davita Louie

Canadian Retailer Finds Home in Soho

2011-04-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Canadian transplant Aritzia is slowly trickling its way into the stateside market. Already home to seven boutiques throughout the US, the 26-year-old retail chain is the latest store to be trending in Manhattan hotspot, Soho. Centrally located on the corner of Broadway and Spring, the new Manhattan fixture will act as the US flagship for the stylish boutique. Although Aritzia carries an edited selection of hip brands such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Cholë, Acne, J Brand and Cheap Monday, they also boast eight popular in-house brands which consist of lines TNA, Wilfred, Wilfred Free, T. Babaton, Talula, Le Fou, Community and A Moveable Feast. Aritzia's in-house brands have become synonymous with having great construction and quality while maintaining fashion forwardness. Each of these private labels is geared toward a different customer, having their own individual design teams who create distinct themes among each brand. Targeting the contemporary and teen customer, Aritzia works to stay connected to culture by featuring rookie artist's work on their shopping bags, playing indie and electronica tracks by local DJs in store and by tailoring the décor of each location to the local environment through murals, mosaics and sculptures. Although the full store grand opening is not until this summer, eager fans of the chain retailer can shop Aritzia's private label garb on the third floor of their new Soho location where they have set up a mini showroom to act as a pop-up store for the boutique, deemed "Shop Before the Shop." After the highly anticipated commencement of their flagship residency, Aritzia plans for a full-scale roll out across the US.

-- Davita Louie

Watson and Ferretti Go Green with Pure Threads

2011-03-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

It is always nice to hear when popular, iconic figures team up for a good cause. Just in time for spring, British actress Emma Watson and high-end designer Alberta Ferretti have launched a line of eco-friendly clothing dubbed "Pure Threads." Watson, best known for her role as Hermione in Harry Potter, is no stranger to fashion, having modeled for Burberry as well as acted as creative advisor to fair trade fashion line People Tree. It was actually after Ferretti saw Watson's collections with People Tree that she reached out to the star with the idea to produce an organic clothing line. Watson agreed to help design, promote and model the line all for free because as she stated, she'd "work for any designer for free if they were committed to making fair trade organic clothing." The 5-piece "green" line is comprised of one pair of denim shorts, a white peasant top, a floaty maxi skirt, a white sundress and a modern take on the little black dress. The garments, inspired by Jane Birkin's retro aesthetic, feature Ferretti's feminine and romantic touches embellished with lace embroidery. The entire line is fabricated in organic cloth including cotton poplin, cotton muslin and hemp. All items are made in Italy and produced using materials and techniques that are environmentally friendly along with having sustainable packaging. The ethical capsule collection will be sold online exclusively at albertaferretti.com with part of the proceeds being donated to Watson's favorite nonprofit organization, People Tree.

-- Davita Louie

Alexander Wang Opens in Soho

2011-03-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

After months of anticipation, Alexander Wang's first ever freestanding boutique has finally opened. Taking over the former Yohji Yamamoto space at the corner of Grand and Mercer in Soho, the new store has been bustling since its premier during Fashion Week.

The airy, open space is punctuated by black cage-like structures housing copper studded leather bags and rose gold zippered ankle boots. Touches of these pink-toned metallics are everywhere - as tape details on caftans, zippers on leather vests and even accentuating sunglasses frames.

Floating above the white marble floors are more racks of Wang's luxuriously casual designs from silken, simple T-shirts to sleeveless tuxedo jackets. The primary color direction is black, ivory, khaki and steel blue-gray, but select pieces in pale, honeydew green and warm cantaloupe pop against the stark white walls.

The shop's most unique and noticeable asset is undoubtedly the luxurious black fox fur hammock, which hovers above a seating area at the heart of the space. The ultimate in soft, seductive seating, shoppers won't be able to help themselves from stretching out for a spell and feeling pampered.

-- Kate Bolesta

La Maison Momoni

2011-03-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

La Maison Momoni is a jewel in the vicinity of Place des Victoires. It is a haven for the girl who has outgrown Free People, but still desires their sweet cachet and style. The lifestyle shop is complete with vintage-inspired clothing, yet it speaks to the sensibilities of a modern girl. A softened color palette sets the tone, in soft sage, pale mauve and chambray blue items with a lingerie look -- from lightly padded and quilted coats to pointelle knits and relaxed utility trousers softened via a silk bow tie belt. Decor includes giant lamp shades, chandeliers and suitcases stacked with accessories from soft straw hats to scarves. A must-shop when in Paris.

La Maison Momoni
36 Rue Etienne Marcel
75002 Paris
www.lamaisonmomoni.fr

-- Roseanne Morrison

Red Carpet Runway

2011-03-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

As the film industry's leading ladies paraded down the crimson carpet at the 2011 Academy Awards, many seemed to take a cue from the hue beneath their feet when choosing their dress color. Whether apple or ox blood, several femme fatales were seeing red - from last year's Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock to this year's host Anne Hathaway.

In silhouette, sexy and slim was the shape of the evening, with several starlets abandoning the usual fairytale ballgowns for a more curve-hugging style. Notorious bombshell Scarlett Johansson flaunted a sheer, backless number by Dolce & Gabbana, while Amy Adams sported a sleek, sparkly L'Wren Scott design. Managing to combine both sex appeal and frilly femininity, Mila Kunis turned heads in lavender and lace by Elie Saab.

Adding yet another win to her Best Actress victory, Natalie Portman has topped most best dressed lists as a glowing mama-to-be, showing off her radiance in a rich plum, airy chiffon gown by Rodarte. The award for "most original" goes to the fearless Cate Blanchett. Never afraid to take risks, Blanchett chose a floaty, delicately detailed pale purple Givenchy gown with a pop of yellow at the shoulders. Also notable was this year's youngest nominee, 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, who continues to prove herself as a rising fashionista. Her elegant, blush Marchesa dress was a ballerina-esque vision that Steinfeld helped design!

-- Kate Bolesta

Dynamic Duo

2011-02-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

The designer duo, sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, have always pushed the envelope with their high-fashion line Rodarte. Since winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award nearly six years ago, the pair has had a long list of accomplishments including a highly successful collaboration with Target and their recent costume designs for the film "Black Swan" which caused quite the media frenzy. Now adding another reason to love the brand, Rodarte has joined forces with Opening Ceremony co-founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim to create a much anticipated line for the cult favorite retailer. The collaboration was a long time coming as the Mulleavy's along with Leon and Lim all attended University of California, Berkely, where they shared "like-minded" ideas. The partnership is fitting as both brands are on the forefront of fashion and have a faithful following of die-hard devotees. The 75-piece collection, inspired by road trips the Mulleavy's took growing up, will be a departure for Rodarte as it differs from their usual fanciful runway collections offering more mass appeal at somewhat lower prices. Not to worry though, their familiar detail of crochet and yarn fringe and unique mix of leather and soft fabrics still has precedent in their Opening Ceremony line-up. This also marks the first time ever that Rodarte has created a full men's collection. Despite just being launched, Opening Ceremony and Rodarte have already agreed to produce a second line together with an open-ended future. The current capsule collection, which includes accessories and eyewear along with the menswear and womenswear lines, will be available at Opening Ceremony locations and select retailers.

-- Davita Louie

Nine West Establishes Shoelaborations

2011-02-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Shoe lovers rejoice. Nine West is the latest brand to jump on the bandwagon of designer collaborations with their inventive "Shoelaborations." The platform will allow for Nine West to work with a select group of emerging talent that will come in the form of global trendsetters, designers, artists and musicians teaming up with the brand on a rotating basis to create original works. This venture will allow for Nine West to deliver fresh product from unique perspectives. First up in the much anticipated Sholaborations is a collection from CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Sophie Theallet. The Parisian designer's collection showcases Sophie's take on summer must-haves inspired by the concept "Sophie from Paris Takes a Trip to NYC." The line debuts this Spring/Summer 2011 and includes a ballet flat, a double platform sandal and a raffia wedge among other accessories. Nine West will keep the spotlight on their Shoelaborations into Fall 2011 through a partnership with British designer Giles Deacon known for his avant-garde design aesthetic. Nine West's Shoelaborations will be available globally, in limited distribution, starting March 1.

-- Davita Louie

Emerging Designer: Fabiola Arias

2011-02-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

Fabiola Arias is no stranger to winning prestigious awards. Despite just winning the distinguished Fashion Group International's "Rising Star Award" in Ready to Wear, her career took off three years ago while she was still a student at Parsons the New School for Design. Launching her line during her senior year in September 2008, Arias's collection was picked up by Michelle Obama's style consultant Ikram Goldman. From there it has been a whirlwind experience for the designer who went on to win an impressive sponsorship with Japan Fashion Week's designer incubator, Shinmai Creator's Project. This win provided Arias with all the textiles she needed to create a feminine and whimsical collection. The line which debuted at Tokyo Fashion Week in March 2010 was extremely well received. Arias is quickly becoming known for incorporating her artistic background of painting and sculpture into her work that result in textured fabric manipulation and brushstroke and paint daub emulations. Arias's gorgeous gowns reminiscent of Valentino and Marchesa are sure to become a red carpet favorite.

-- Davita Louie

True Grit Chic

2011-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

Westerns come and go, but True Grit's costumes for the female lead, Hailee Steinfeld, are an important style direction. We are in the midst of an androgynous era, where masculine clothes have enormous appeal and are endorsed by increasing numbers of women. Here, the dynamic items are: the roomy overcoat belted and wrapped at the waist and the high button-up shirts. The feminine balance, appears in contrast Peter Pan collars, pintucked blouses and ankle grazing full skirts. This young lady is tougher that the girly girls from "Little House on the Prairie," so, thankfully, we are spared the array of ditsy prints and ruffle aprons. The rugged, lace-up boots add just the right touch of true grit.

-- Roseanne Morrison

Blogger Attains New Designer Status

2011-01-12T19:18:00.001-08:00

Elin Kling, a Swedish blogger, has landed the coveted spot of being the first ever to design a collection for H&M. It is the next wave in collaborations. Brilliant business minds know where the power lies, and it is with bloggers who have cred with their readers... plenty of readers. This design collaboration might not immediately resonate with the American consumer base, but once her name is established with their "global" clientele, who knows where this may lead. It is an exciting development in the fashion stratosphere, and one to keep in mind as you plan your future design collaborations.

Attack of the Fashion Bloggers!

2011-01-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

In 2010, retailers fully embraced the fashion blogger, ushering her into the spotlight with a slew of high-profile partnerships and campaigns. This fall, Free People released a catalog that brought together some of the biggest names in the field, including Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off Duty, and Georgia Larsen of Dora's Fur. The subjects styled their own clothes and were shot by their usual photographers -- infusing Free People's luxe-bohemian aesthetic with the bloggers' recognizable style imprint. Forever 21 has collaborated with bloggers like Louise Ebel of Miss Pandora and Danny Roberts of Igor and Andre. More recently, the Gap chose Julia Frakes of Bunny Bisou to star in their first ad campaign in China, then enlisted Susanna Lau of Style Bubble to model her selections from the company's Holiday 2010 assortment, a definite departure from her usual edgy Margiela/Topshop mash-ups.

The alliance between the industry and these upstart young fashionistas is a natural fit that's been a long time coming. Yet we can't help noticing that fashion brands too often draw from the same pool of established stars -- bloggers who are in danger of being overexposed, and whose model-like looks and similar styles make them safe, yet uninspired, picks. As a creative alternative, we loved the "MY NY" concept Coach created to promote their youth-oriented Poppy collection. The campaign featured under-the-radar New York-based bloggers, sharing their favorite NYC spots, inspirations and, of course, outfits styled around bags and jewelry from the Poppy line. We think a great resolution for 2011 is to keep thinking outside the box when it comes to social media and blogger partnerships. Stay tuned to www.doneger.com for ongoing information on emerging bloggers beyond just the usual suspects.

-- Kat Johnson

Small Wonders

2010-11-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

This week, Stella McCartney launched her children's collection with an interactive website (featuring a virtual "playground" of downloads), Facebook page and iPhone app. The eco-savvy designer has already tested her mettle in the kids' market with two highly successful Gap collaborations, and her new namesake line features the same fun, fashion-driven approach to childrenswear.

McCartney isn't the only one seizing the opportunity for cool and modern clothes that resonate with today's tots (or rather, their parents). Fueled by a heightened awareness and expectation of good design across fashion categories and price points, as well as the visibility of fashionable babies like Suri Cruise and Gwen Stefani's son Kingston, designers have begun to invest in the children's business with new lines and collaborations. The boom in up-market childrenswear includes pint-size designs from Missoni, Fendi and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Other notable additions include:

* Preen co-designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi are working on a "Mini-Preen" clothing range for children, launching next spring.
* Indie Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato collaborated on a children's range with iconic French brand Petit Bateau.
* Paul Smith launched his first children's collection, Paul Smith Junior, this September. In sizes newborn to 14 and priced between 34 and 250 pounds, the collection is sold at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols in the UK.
* Frida Giannini is launching Gucci's first children's line, first in Italy and then worldwide, in about 40 stores. Jennifer Lopez and her twins, Max and Emme, are the faces of the collection.
* For Spring 2011, Burberry introduced a new kids' concept, making some of their popular women's runway into "mini" versions for kids. In addition to their Kids Fall/Winter 2010 collection, they included Father and Son looks using the runway collections as inspiration.

The mini boom in mini fashions has been noted as one of the first signs of growth since the recession. Parents are more willing to spend on quality items for their children, and kids grow out of their clothes quickly, so they always need more. Fashion-wise, there's a strong direction in trend-right, unfussy clothes that work for kids yet reflect a brand message that already resonates with consumers. And for trendsetters like Carla Bruni and Alexa Chung, who visit the kids' department for little jackets and tees, the extra dose of fashion is surely a welcome addition!

-- Kat Johnson

Emerging Designer: Charlotte Olympia

2010-11-10T06:45:00.001-08:00

Rising footwear label Charlotte Olympia is the brainchild of Charlotte Olympia Dellal. The half-Brazilian, half-English designer -- sister of It Brits Alice and Alex Dellal -- takes cues from the 1940s and '50s to create investment-worthy shoes for the modern femme fatale.

Design signatures include sky-high heels balanced on sturdy platforms, offbeat material mixes like Perspex and velvet, a rainbow of exotic colors, Art Deco and Edwardian elements, and Dellal's wickedly glamorous spider-web logo. The collection is carried at Luisa Via Roma and Net-a-Porter, and the designer recently opened her first boutique in London, where she stocks exclusive handbags and hosiery as well.

The label is a favorite of style-setters like Kate Moss and Daphne Guinness, and has been spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker both on and off screen. If they could convince Carrie to take off her beloved Choos, these shoes are certainly worth watching.

www.doneger.com

Gifts at Macy’s

2010-11-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

The "Gift" shop at Macy's is a vision in originality. In Herald Square, they have set up shop in the former sunglass area where they present a collection of whimsical items from a number of sources that appeal to the child in all of us. The items are priced to sell for stocking stuffers from techie to tender. Some of the highlight items include: a synthetic roll-up key board in a range of bright colors, Poketo wallets and totes in fun prints, "Rock Princess" skull socks and onesies for babies, thumb drives in funky shapes; boldly colored rubber boots, and Swarovski rhinestone ear bud covers.

You can also decorate candies and cookies, buy a custom-printed Flip video phone in Blue Smoke, get an LED portable lamp that plugs into your computer, or have fun with a collapsible water bottle. Whether you buy functional or fashionable, you will certainly have plenty of fun in the process.

The Consumer as Creator

2010-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Their slogan is "Fashion Nirvana. You desire it. We make it." Jeff Silverman, a footwear industry veteran, has launched an online business with a compelling hook -- the site allows shoppers to design shoes and handbags exactly to their specifications. Shoppers submit existing product images and/or original designs along with written instructions (e.g., "combine this upper with this heel" or "use a zipper instead of a lace-up") and in a minimum of three weeks, the custom pair is delivered to their door.

In an effort to ally with the online community, the store is also a widget designed for Facebook and blogs, so that anyone who puts the store on their page earns $15 when someone else orders from it. It's a novel marketing technique, and in the vein of sites like Threadless.com, an interesting way to crowd-source trends and sell directly to consumers. The site combines a fashion perspective, with personal style shots from The Sartorialist and Lookbook.nu, and the custom shoes ring in around $150 a pair.

-- Kat Johnson

Club Monaco Debuts Online at Shopbop

2010-10-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Club Monaco, the retail chain of chic wardrobe staples owned by Ralph Lauren, is entering the e-commerce sphere for the first time in a deal with Shopbop.com. Shopbop fashion director Kate Ciepluch curated the capsule collection, which is a more forward take on the brand's urban-prep basics -- think leopard print, a shearling bomber, oversized leather satchels and thick wool thigh-highs. The look is that eclectic mix of vintage riffs and it-girl cool that appeals to fashion bloggers, so last night's "tweet up" at Club Monaco's 57th Street store was a fitting way to ring in the launch.

The move allows Club Monaco to cater to online shoppers without implementing their own e-commerce platform -- J. Crew struck a similar deal with Net-a-Porter to reach the European market -- and Shopbop's fashion profile will bring them to the attention of a new customer as well. With a bang-on-trend collection at slightly lower prices than Shopbop's core contemporary business, we expect the collaboration to be a success.

- Kat Johnson

Beauty By Mail: Birchbox.com

2010-10-12T08:45:00.001-07:00

A new website offers customers a way to test beauty products without a major commitment, by mailing hand-picked deliveries of deluxe samples. For a $10 monthly fee, Birchbox.com sends members monthly packages of trial sizes from brands like Korres, Kiehl's, Benefit and Cargo. The website also has a strong content component -- its "Haute Box" magazine provides styling tips, techniques, trends and video -- as well as an online boutique where shoppers can upgrade to full-size products and earn points toward future purchases. It remains to be seen whether consumers will shell out for cosmetic samples, which are technically free but often a hassle to obtain. But with a strong emphasis on beauty industry musts like customer service, packaging, product education and media exposure, Birchbox is off to an impressive start.

- Kat Johnson

Heeled Hikers

2010-09-30T08:01:00.001-07:00

Hiking boots with heels... awesome! Not just hikers, but Wellies and rain, work boots and snow boots with cuffed sock toppers. Tommy Hilfiger's fall ads, featuring the multi-generation of a fictional family, has heritage written all over it -- with a dose of high heeled hikers "to boot." They showed up on the runways from DSquared to Tory Burch, Galliano and Sport Max, and this new hybrid boot has legs!

- Roseanne Morrison

NYFW Street Style

2010-09-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

Officially, fashion direction comes from inside the tents. But the plethora of photographers enjoying Lincoln Center's superior vantage point for the comings and goings of the attendees made it clear that the runway isn't the only subject of intense style scrutiny. No matter -- the industry's tastemakers came dressed to impress, and their deft interpretations of the trends did not disappoint. Of particular note at this season's fashion parade were shoes, which are the the status piece du jour. Lace-ups dominated -- whether on flat man-style brogues, vintage Docs, sky-high heeled hikers, or open-toe wedge booties -- though clogs, sculptural heels and OTK boots made the scene too. Also in the mix: rolled hems for both genders, androgynous satchel bags like Proenza Schouler's PS1 and Mulberry's Alexa, leopard print, polka dots, denim shirts, sheer blouses, longer and fuller skirts, camel, and man-tailored blazers. Come fashion week, getting dressed is a competitive sport; let the games begin!

- Kat Johnson

P.S. - I Made This

2010-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

When blogger Erica Domesek covets a designer accessory that's beyond her budget she doesn't break the bank, she gets crafty. The DIY goddess behind the site P.S. I Made This has developed quite the following by fashioning her own runway-inspired creations out of common household items, a little hot glue and some out-of-the-box creativity.

Her blog has even evolved into a book, P.S. - I Made This: I See It. I Like It. I Make It., just released this month and full of 25 fashionable crafts. From self tie-dye à la Proenza Schouler to statement necklaces crafted from bouncy balls and pantyhose, Domesek's projects are recession-friendly and guaranteed easy for even the novice do-it-yourself-er.

In addition, as part of Fashion's Night Out, Domesek will be a special guest at Teen Vogue's Block Party on Bleecker Street, hosting a DIY booth to get visitors involved in her "re-imagine, re-use and re-invent" movement.

- Kate Bolesta

Fashion’s Night Out

2010-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

The organizers of Fashion's Night Out (including Vogue, the CFDA and NYC & Co.) have put together a comprehensive list of the evening's events on their website at www.fashionsnightout.com.

The slick site lets users filter activities by NYC borough, neighborhood, business category and event type, so those looking for, say, a DJ-ed party with a celebrity appearance and a gift bag in Chelsea can narrow down the evening's many options to just three that fit the bill. You can also build your itinerary on the site -- a handy time-saver during the frenzy of Fashion Week -- and, of course, check Twitter for updates with the hashtag #FNO.

The second installment of FNO is chock-full of events, so the super-organized website, which also links to FNO events worldwide, is a great tool for shoppers.

www.fashionsnightout.com

Kat Johnson

Location Nation

2010-08-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

File this one under life-changing modern conveniences: newsletter pioneer DailyCandy has announced a geo-aware mobile app that pushes relevant content to subscribers' phones based on their location.

Created with geo-notification provider Xtify, DailyCandy Stylish Alerts delivers real-time suggestions for fashion, culture and food events in a user's immediate proximity -- meaning no more scouring your inbox to keep track of sample sales. As part of DailyCandy's expanded offering, the free app is currently focused on NYC and only compatible with Android phones, though the company hopes to roll it out to the iPhone and other cities soon.

The content is ad-supported, with options for ad banners, text links, and discount codes to use in-store. Taking advantage of mobile's recent ability to run apps in the background of a phone's operating system (meaning you don't have to be running an application to receive alerts), push technologies like these are poised to become more prevalent as they deliver targeted information that is relevant to the subscriber at that precise moment and location. They also require far less work on the user end than pull technologies -- like email, the web, and old-style, one-at-a-time apps -- do.

As Daily Candy says, once you have the application all you have to do is walk around.

- Alissa Davis

Long Island Hopping

2010-08-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

In the Hamptons optimism always springs eternal, and during this year's trip to the East End we uncovered some new retail concepts that are sure to bring such feelings out in summer shoppers.

The retail line-up this season was a diversified mix. From Parisian luxury at Balenciaga to comfortable summer separates at Chico's, there is no doubt something for everyone. While Chico's might seem a surprising addition to the East Hampton scene, we found that while their teen daughters drooled over at Juicy Couture, moms took solace in doing some reasonably priced shopping of their own a few steps away.

The news last year was all about the pop-ups, and while the seasonal store trend continues this summer, it's the exclusives and special events that are really making noise. It seemed every store had the necessary niche that is essential in today's environment. Below we have highlighted a few notable happenings around the East End.

Blue & Cream: The ultimate Hamptons must-shop is serving a heaping helping of exclusives this summer, starting with "Lamping," a private label collection of hoodies and casual tees. For those unfamiliar with the term, the line is named after Jay Z's slang for lounging in the Hamptons (loungewear in the Hamptons -- get it?). B&C East Hampton has a few other promotional tricks up their sleeve this summer, including hosting the exclusive launch of the Nike AF1 Long Island sneaker as well as a handful of celebrity-fueled trunk shows, like that of CFDA nominee Simon Spurr.

Chloe: This short lived seasonal is only open for one month and if you are one of the lucky few to make it in between July 15 and August 15,you'll find the Paraty bag offered in an array colors exclusive to the East Hampton location.

Juicy Couture: What better way to celebrate a new store than wear its location across your bottom? In perfect Juicy style, the "Choose East Hampton" line of tracksuits and T-shirts are a hit with the young set.

Elie Tahari: Celebrating his second summer in the Hamptons and his partnership with the CFDA, Tahari will feature nine CFDA nominated jewelry designers in store during the "Sparkle in the Sun" initiative.

Cynthia Rowley: Upon purchase, shoppers at the new Montauk shop receive a reusable cotton beach tote that reads, "Save Gas, Shop Montauk." Rowley also makes the most of the summer store space by hosting week-long pop-ups in the "shack" around the back of the store. Lauren Bush, Chrissie Miller and Bonobos are all on board to ride the Rowley wave this summer.

- Courtney Kramer

Target Takes Manhattan

2010-07-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Target made headlines Sunday as customers thronged the opening of its first, and long-awaited, Manhattan location in East Harlem. The new 174,000-square-foot store is a welcome addition to the area. Opening day was jam-packed with locals and plenty of others who made the trek from farther-reaching neighborhoods, lining up both inside and out waiting for checkout and the elevators to the parking garage with their items piled high. Those still planning their trip could check Twitter for constant updates from shoppers who reported on fresh deliveries of merchandise, particularly on the fashion collaborations.

The Manhattan locale is as bright and spacious as its suburban counterparts. Fresh fall merchandise from the store's apparel line-up is in full autumnal color, yet still in a buy-now-wear-now mode. The accessories, at the front of the store, look terrific and the shoe collaboration from Dolce Vita (for now, only available in Harlem and online) had minimal supplies left on Sunday evening.

Target's gone above and beyond to fit in with its new neighbors. Several store-exclusive collabs have Harlem ties, and 5% of each sale goes to the local non-profit of the designer's choice. Isabel and Ruben Toledo's Target debut features artistic beach towels and fashion-forward swimsuits, while artist Stephen Burrows contributes bright and fun colorblocked dresses and skirts. The store also touts bilingual signs, Spanish DVDs and music and a grocery department featuring traditional Hispanic foods.

Target East Harlem, East River Plaza at 117th Street and Pleasant Avenue, 212-835-0860.

-- Kate Bolesta

Haul Vloggers Ready for Their Close-Up

2010-07-23T06:56:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen them yet, prepare to be surrounded. "Haul videos" are YouTube shopping diaries that chronicle their creators' fashion and beauty purchases in exhaustive detail for a dizzying number of subscribers.

The vloggers (video bloggers) behind them tend to be shiny-haired, made-up girls in their teens and early twenties whose chatty manners convey both exhibitionism and vulnerability, making them trustworthy sources for the hundreds of thousands of browsers who look to their videos for product information, fashion trends and shopping tips.

Now, haul vloggers, many of whom already have lucrative endorsement deals with YouTube, are being courted by apparel and cosmetics companies looking to communicate their brand messages socially, and are finding a receptive platform in print media as well. Two of hauling's biggest successes, Elle Fowler and her younger sister Blair, were featured in Marie Claire and are in talks to do a line for Forever 21, while Maybelline has announced it will reach out to haul vloggers to launch a lower-priced makeup line in Europe and L'Oreal incorporates haul-like videos of user-submitted product reviews on its Beauty Confidential website.

For an introduction into the genre, check out the YouTube channels for ChanelBlueSatin (pictured), AllThatGlitters21 (Elle Fowler) and JuicyStar07 (Blair Fowler). And don't dismiss the amateur production value or the blatant materialism on display: these girls wield some fearsome stats. According to YouTube's Shishir Mehrotra, some haul videos "compare to major cable channels in views," while the Wall Street Journal reported that a collaboration between Blair Fowler and Shoes of Prey tripled site traffic and double sales for the footwear website in the week following the campaign.

As an extension of personal style blogs and online user reviews, haul videos are new evidence that the power of shopping influence is shifting to more social schemes online. Stay tuned for more coverage and strategic concepts regarding this evolving issue.

- Kat Johnson

Is Fashion Out of Fashion?

2010-07-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Q&A: David Wolfe

The Doneger Group’s outspoken creative director told us recently that “fashion is out of fashion.” Intrigued, we decided to pick his brain and find out why this industry veteran and all-around style-o-phile would make such a dire proclamation. Turns out, the man has a lot on his mind -- and he’s not afraid to say so.

Tell us what you mean by the idea that “fashion is out of fashion.”
Well, of course it isn’t really, because fashion is a reflection of the society that wears it. But I think that we have experienced an artificial bubble of interest in fashion consumption, like the housing bubble. And I think that it has burst, and we are never going to be able to re-inflate it to the state it was before, when people were passionately interested in consuming fashion. When they were almost more interested in the consumption, the shopping, than the stuff they went home with, because the experience itself was so exciting.

What do you think was responsible for this fashion bubble?
Remember we had just come out of the ’90s, and minimalism and grunge, and everything that had slowed fashion down to a standstill. And suddenly there was embellishment and sequins and ruffles, and all this excitement, sexuality and pizzazz and the red carpet. We had a great run for our money -- that fever pitch lasted a decade! And I think it’s going to take a long time to die. That’s what people might find confusing right now.

How so?
Fashion professionals know where fashion is going, which is towards a cleaned-up modernism, minimalism, a whole new kind of futurism. But to have that as an overnight change, like the New Look in 1947, would be impossible in today’s society. So we’ve got the front-runners, the true lovers of fashion, who are ready to embrace this newness, but most people are just gradually weaning themselves away from sequins, and that’s probably going to take five years.

What about the fact that people are consuming more fashion content than ever before, on blogs, TV, etc.? In a sense, doesn’t that mean that fashion is very in?
I think there’s a difference between fashion as a leisurely pastime, as a form of entertainment, and what you actually buy to wear on your back. And that’s my big ten-year prediction -- that fashion as we have known it is going to shrink to a very passionate, elite group. Like opera vs. pop music, which is the way it always was -- although of course there is more money to be made in pop music than in opera. The last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first were so interesting because it was so abnormal that fashion truly became democratic. It’s like it kept going for a lower and lower common denominator. In order for it to grow, it had to go beyond the traditional fashion territory of affluent, educated, privileged, artistic people into… everybody. And once it’s everybody, you end up with the Kardashians. And the Jersey Housewives! That's as low as we are going to go.

For more of David's thoughts on the future of fashion, read the entire interview on The Doneger Group's website here.

--Kat Johnson

Sidewalk Catwalk

2010-07-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

If, like us, walking along Broadway's pedestrian promenade in midtown is a regular habit, you've no doubt seen them lined up already: a series of 32 fiberglass mannequins, dressed head to toe in eye-catching (but weatherproof!) garb from some of the city's most important designers. The concept, called "Sidewalk Catwalk," is intended to draw attention to the plight of the Garment District, which has lost the vast majority of its manufacturing jobs over the years but still produces some incredible fashion thanks to a cadre of committed designers.

Among the bold-faced participants are Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Isaac Mizrahi and Michael Kors, all of whom sourced materials for the project from the Garment District. Among our faves, Norma Kamali's techno-chic mannequin (pictured) is emblazoned with bar codes that can be scanned by mobile phone; Yeohlee Teng encased her statue in bricks to represent an iconic material from the area's former factories; and Prabal Gurung conceived his creation as a tribute to the late, great Alexander McQueen.

Be sure to check out this innovative public art project before September 3, when the mannequins will be auctioned off to benefit Material for the Arts.

-- Kat Johnson

Photo credit: Photobureau Inc., via the Fashion Center BID.

A First for Indie Fashion

2010-06-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Following the model of web-exclusive, private flash sales pioneered by Gilt Groupe and Ideeli, indie fashion e-tailer Moxsie.com this week launched Moxsie First, a series of limited-time offers on merchandise available to registered users only. The twist? Instead of inventory from past seasons, the merch is actually slightly ahead of retail deliveries, so shoppers can pre-order items before they arrive in stores. The concept launched today with flirty dresses from Dolce Vita (shipping to Moxsie customers in 4 weeks, in stores July 20) as well as earbuds from Urbanears and footwear from Generic Surplus. Started in 2008, Moxsie.com is a Palo Alto-based company that aims to help shoppers discover independent fashion talent. Company executives include veterans from Zappos and Netscape, so it's no surprise that customer service is one of Moxsie's top priorities. Others include a commitment to supporting fledgling designers, as well as their causes: at checkout, buyers can select from a list of charities chosen by Moxsie designers. A portion of the purchase proceeds is then donated at no cost to the customer. Their fresh perspective to online shopping makes Moxsie.com an interesting company to watch.

-- Kat Johnson

Pioneering Spirit

2010-06-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Online industry resource The Business of Fashion has announced the next participant in its new series of live video conversations, Fashion Pioneers. Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet will sit down with BoF's Imran Amed for the second Pioneers installment, scheduled to stream July 22. The series premiered in the spring with a chat featuring Jefferson Hack, editorial director of Dazed Digital. Speaking to a sold-out London audience that included representatives from A Shaded View on Fashion, Style Salvage and Fashion East, Hack discussed the evolution of fashion media, debuted the new Dazed iPad app, and expounded on the idea of "digital beauty," which is being shaped by shifting forms of editorial content and tech applications. If you missed the first talk, you can view an edited clip of the highlights here. Ticket information for the July 22 is available here, but if you can't make it to London, use the hashtag #BoFlive to ask questions via Twitter during the event.

-- Kat Johnson

Soho Gets Sainted

2010-06-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

The opening of the AllSaints store at 512 Broadway is a huge retail notch in the "British Invade Soho" belt. Only a few steps north from fellow Anglo Topshop, the 13,600-square-foot space is the company's first freestanding store in New York as well as its largest in the world. The industrial aesthetic that is iconic to the brand is set immediately upon entry, through a mix of steel-beams, wood-paneled floors and exposed brick walls. Vintage artifacts such as a collection of Singer sewing machines and a 13-foot cashmere loom are dominating fixtures on the first floor. Functional iPads programmed with the AllSaints application create the perfect dichotomy between the old and the new.

Asymmetry, drapery and the cloudy neutral color palette are carried throughout the women's, men's and children's merchandise mix. Weathered accessories are carefully arranged to visually complement styled outfits. Dimly lit shoe areas showcase a collection of purposefully distressed silhouettes -- among the ladies' variety, a suede peep-toe combat boot for $250. The bi-level store features 22 dressing rooms, 17 checkout tills and what seems like an infinite amount of ram skulls -- something for everybody!

AllSaints Spitalfields, 512 Broadway, www.us.allsaints.com.

-- Courtney Kramer

NYC Gets a Big Makeover

2010-05-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

This year's The Makeup Show NYC (May 16 and 17) was clearly the biggest and best ever with more than 5000 participants. Some of the biggest players in the beauty biz, along with many smaller and niche companies, offered attendees deep professional discounts along with seminars designed to inspire and inform. The fifth anniversary of the show celebrated "5 years, 5 icons and 5 boroughs" with five iconic celebrity makeup looks, each celebrating a different borough New York -- Brook Shields (Manhattan), Cyndi Lauper (Queens), Barbra Streisand (Brooklyn), Joan Baez (Staten Island) and Jennifer Lopez (Bronx).

James Vincent, the lead makeup artist for the show, did a seminar entitled "Lashes, Lips and Brow Beauty" for Inglot Cosmetics (whose booth was especially crowded). When he spoke about how trends change in brows each season, he emphasized that brows should be sisters, not twins, since nobody has perfectly symmetrical brows. Eve Pearl's seminar "Brushes 101" for Crown Brush, talked about how makeup artists should be prepared with products (eventually their own), so that they can turn the need of the client into a business opportunity. MAC Cosmetics presented "Autumn/Winter 2010 Trend," with Romero Jennings and Keri Blair. They spoke about the return of lipstick, smoky eyes with lightened brows, and the fact that with consumers using sunscreen primarily on the face, their faces are often 2 to 3 shades lighter, creating the need to match foundation to the body shade. Speaking of matching foundation, Joanna Schlip, makeup artist to many of Hollywood's hottest celebrities, spoke on "Red Carpet Beautiful." Joanna revealed her preference for liquid vs. mineral or airbrushed makeup ("gimmicks"), and spoke about some of her favorite products, including Cle de Peau concealer (which Madonna likes sheered out all over her face), Armani Silk Luminous foundation, DiorShow mascara, and Physician Formula shadows and liners (which she has helped to re-formulate as their spokesperson). The audience was wowed by Joanna's new product line (which she was wearing herself), designed to give the body just the right amount of bling.

-- Jamie Ross

Back in the Limelight

2010-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Limelight Marketplace, the Flatiron's latest retail destination, opened its doors to the public Friday afternoon. The church-turned-club-turned-mini-mall was packed with crowds eager to see the renovated 25,000-square-foot space, and they weren't disappointed by its remarkable reinvention. The Limelight's unique past -- it is best known as Peter Gatien's legendary NYC nightspot, a celebrity stomping ground and den of debauchery that shuttered in 2007 -- provides a rare setting for shopping; the three-story Gothic Revival-style brownstone's vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows make it impossible to ignore the diverse history of the space.

Now, following a dramatic $20 million renovation, Limelight Marketplace hosts more than 60 shops, including outposts of LeSportsac, Havaianas, Selima Optique, haute chocolate purveyor Mariebelle, and the first retail venture for It Wellie maker Hunter Boots. Black and white floors and unique facades make each kiosk stand out in the airy, brightly lit atmosphere. Beyond the sparkling interior, the carefully landscaped grounds include an outdoor courtyard where a farmers' market offers seasonal produce seven days a week.

According to Limelight Marketplace chief executive officer Jack Menashe, the concept is expected to generate $50 million in retail sales annually. The venerable venue is sure to attract customers of many backgrounds and interests, from local residents to tourists, each of whom will walk away with their own distinct experience. In a city that is so historic yet so contemporary, Limelight Marketplace is one of the few destinations where a shopping trip can turn into an exercise in design, culture, and a taste of New York's storied past.

Limelight Marketplace, 656 Sixth Avenue at 20th Street, New York NY 10011, 212.359.5600, www.limelightmarketplace.com

-- Kat Johnson

American Beauty

2010-05-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

A mix of social history and sartorial chronology, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity" acts as a fashion timeline. The exhibition, on display from May 5 to August 15, explores archetypes and perception of femininity through the ages, focusing on women's style revolutions that mirrored those of the social and political realm. The transformation from the demure robber baron heiress of the 1890s and the practical, utilitarian suffragist of the 1910s to the gutsy, free flapper of the '20s and the sultry Holywood siren of the '30s marks the influence of mass media on a collective American identity. A host of famous females contributed their support to the exhibit including fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker, who narrates the audio guide, and Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour, co-chairs of the Museum's Costume Institute Gala Benefit held on Monday night.

American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, May 5 to August 15, 2010.

- Kate Bolesta

Gilt-y Pleasures

2010-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

It doesn't come as a surprise that in light of the recent popularity of coupon site Groupon, online luxury conglomerate Gilt Groupe has launched a similar vehicle for their "members only" site. Gilt City is appropriately being promoted as "The Biggest Deal in NYC," where members can enjoy deep discounts from local New York restaurants, salons and other lifestyle-related businesses. The site is still in its beta version but the deals have already begun -- we've got our eye on 60% off a fro-yo from 16 Handles.

While Groupon covers fifty-plus cities within the US and Canada, Gilt City is currently focused only on New York establishments but has confirmed plans to expand the offering to other metropolitan areas in the future. In our opinion, when it comes to deals, why discriminate? Subscribe to both!

- Courtney Kramer

Hair Extensions

2010-05-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

Hirsute is in for fall -- be it in the guise of fur, marabou, feathers or every single animal fur that exists. But the caveat is the way in which hairy plays out on clothing. Fur and the hairy variations appear as inserts and addendum to shoulders, yokes, hems and most importantly on accessories, including handbags and boots. Fur is emerging from years as a fashion taboo to become a fashion necessity. It is cozy and warm; it exudes luxury and is the new fashion MUST. Authentic or imitation is cool; with the advances in technology it is often hard to visually discern the difference.

- Roseanne Morrison

*Photo from Marc Jacobs

A Fairey Good Year

2010-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Shepard Fairey's been on our radar for years, starting with the guerrilla "Obey Giant" sticker campaign he started while still a RISD student, and culminating with the legendary HOPE poster he created for Barack Obama's presidential campaign and later, a series of shopping bags for Saks. Now, the artist is following up a relatively quiet period with a burst of activity, including a downtown NYC mural (at Bowery and Houston, the site of Keith Haring's 1980s day-glo work), a solo show at New York's Deitch Projects, and an adjoining OBEY pop-up shop. The Deitch show, entitled May Day, is the last for the Wooster Street space, which will close when Jeffrey Deitch heads west to assume directorship of LA's MOCA museum. May Day focuses on trailblazing icons of art and culture, from Debbie Harry and Woodie Guthrie to the Dali Lama, and will also feature several large-scale murals as a nod to Fairey's gritty street origins. For information on the pop-up, show and after-party, visit Deitch Projects and Obey Giant.
- Kat Johnson

The Doneger Group presents Directives West introducing FIRST.LA

2010-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Oh So '70s

2010-04-26T07:42:00.001-07:00

All of the earmarks are there... from long, straight hair to the A-line skirts, tunics with pants, neat suits, shirtdresses and vicuna coats and shearlings. Many designers this season are channeling Ali McGraw from Love Story, and the more you look, the more the signposts clearly identify this imagery. There is a longing for refinement and a return to heritage, and this '70s style underscores this necessity. Women can look prim and prepared for work with chic '70s classics, updated of course for the modern woman. This return to sportswear separates is welcome and a distinct change for the new decade. Celine got the ball in motion for spring, and now we are witnessing many designers follow suit.

- Roseanne Morrison

*Photo from Milly

Fast Food Footprint

2010-04-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Counting carbs is so last decade. Counting carbon emissions is the new priority, but it's been a task more compatible with farmers' markets than dining on the run -- until now. Otarian, which opened its first NYC location Monday, is a new fast-food restaurant that serves tasty lacto-vegetarian fare with the planet in mind. The carbon footprint of each meal is calculated according to standards set by the World Resources Institute, making recycled packaging, sustainable building materials and local ingredients (nothing is shipped by air) the mandate. If you're looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day, head to Bleecker Street for a salad, soup, curry or taco that's heavy on flavor and low on environmental impact. A Midtown Manhattan location opens Friday, and a handful of London locations are up next for this burgeoning chain.

Otarian, 154 Bleecker Street at Thompson Street, 212.614.6834, and 947 Eighth Avenue at 55th Street, 212.489.3270; www.otarian.com

- Kat Johnson

Eco-Luxe

2010-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is upon us and this year’s green celebrations get a luxurious push. On April 22, Christie’s New York will host the inaugural green auction appropriately called “A Bid to Save the Earth”. Bidders will vie for lots such as tickets to Vanity Fair’s Oscars after party, his and her sustainable fabric suits by Stella McCartney, a private lunch with Vera Wang, front row seats to a Missoni fashion show in Milan and a number of other lavish items, vacations and events.

With an honorary host committee made up of PPR chairman Francois-Henri Penault, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Zegna, Lauren Bush, Maggie Rizer and Julie Gilhart -- the auction event is expected to be nothing less than fabulous.

Christie’s will waive all fees for the auction and 100% of the proceeds will benefit four eco-conscious organizations: Oceana, Conservation International, the Central Park Conservancy and the National Resources Defense Council.

Learn more at www.abidtosavetheearth.org.

- Courtney Kramer

Ones to Watch: Cults 7" Go Outside

2010-04-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

We expect this little ditty will set the Spring '11 mood for a few runway shows come September. There is still much to be learned about this New York native band, but one thing is for sure -- "Go Outside" is on our playlist!

Visit bandcamp for a listen and a free download.

-Courtney Kramer

The Gentlewoman

2010-04-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Established 2010" isn't the first phrase that springs to mind when it comes to print magazines, but a new title is betting that the current upheaval in media makes this a great time to launch a publication. Conceived by the creators of Fantastic Man -- the grown-up, hipper-than-hip, anti-fashion fashion magazine for men launched in 2005 -- The Gentlewoman is a twice-yearly style guide for women, edited by Penny Martin. The debut issue features interviews with Celine's Phoebe Philo, the artist Jenny Holzer and it girl Daisy Lowe. Like its brother publication, sophisticated design and an inventive point of view distinguish The Gentlewoman from the rest of the newsstand, making this an inspiring read to add to your rotation.

http://www.doneger.com

- Kat Johnson

NY Fall Runway Recap

2010-04-09T07:34:00.001-07:00

New York, New York... big city of dreams, where the fashions are abundant and things aren't always as they seem. The Fall 2010 collections showcased a season of contrasts, where ladylike luxe meets the urban jungle.

Tailoring and attention to craftsmanship play a huge part in pushing Fall 2010 forward in a very understandable way.
The colors of the season reflect the shadowy streets of city, with extreme darks complemented by soft natural lights. Shades of black to gray are worked and reworked in order to prove their versatility and wear with all. Stylistic pops of camel, ox-blood red and midnight blue work nicely in this dramatic palette.

A luxurious fabric focus was found in lush velvets and fancy furs, while futuristic materials made sure Twitter wasn't the only technological Fashion Week star.

Overall, it's a season where sportswear reigns and layering is key, as designers adjust to consumers' needs for buy-now-wear-now. This makes basic knits a staple underpinning with increased interest in turtle neck silhouettes.

Pant shapes range from long and skinny to wider Hepburn-inspired trousers, but the full-hipped pegged leg continues to be most relevant.

Skirt lengths are tested as off kilter and asymmetrical hemlines remain strong. Although a number of contemporary designers showed minis, longer lengths are most directional.

In outerwear, the cape is the standout piece with country-inspired anoraks and shearlings not far behind.
On the dress front, a dichotomy forms between structure and ease, with silhouettes ranging from molded defined shapes to those with a more flowing organic form.

Although major fashion trends are more difficult to spot these days, one will find upon closer inspection that the writing can still be on the wall. In New York "controlled creativity" was the fundamental take away, with one foot in the future and one in the past.

- Courtney Kramer

In Wonderland

2010-03-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Fall down through the rabbit hole and into the fantastical world of fashion. In anticipation of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," the industry is abuzz with collaborations, limited editions and inspired-by items. The film opens March 5, and all pop-culture pendulums are aligning to make the movie more than just a box-office hit.

A MoMA retrospective dedicated to three decades of Burton's work opened this November and runs through April 26, 2010. In addition to an online promotional sweepstakes, the exhibit's sponsor, Syfy, is planning a TV special celebrating the acclaimed filmmaker. Also worth mentioning is Syfy's latest miniseries, "Alice," which is loosely based on the stories of creator Lewis Carroll.

Whimsical humor and sartorial disarray capture audiences and spark a creative chord. A much-needed sense of escapism will open up the imagination, welcoming the naive optimism that will influence our industry.

In design, rich textures collide with eccentric sensibility. Zac Posen recently described his Pre-Fall 2010 collection as "Lewis Carroll meets Paloma Picasso," showcasing mixed vibrant plaids, Alice-appropriate dresses and quirky mushroom prints.

Disney, the production giant and well-known maker of dreams, summoned "punk couture" jeweler Tom Binns to create six limited-edition pieces based on an event or character from the film, and the works of art are true testaments that statement-making accessories are here to stay.

In beauty, a world filled with fantasies and daydreams emerge with hypnotic pops of color. OPI and Urban Decay have released Wonderland-themed collections, both currently available at Sephora.

We believe that the fantastical influence of Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll will extend beyond the movie's release date, and we should expect the unexpected in terms of design, marketing and advertising for seasons to come.

-Courtney Kramer