Gimme DESIGNER!
The Premier Shopping Source
for Designer Fashion Finds
The Premier Shopping Source
for Designer Fashion Finds
Designer Spotlight
You don't have to be a "Star" to wear Best Designer Brands. But wearing your favorite Designer item can make you feel and look like a Star! Finding your favorite brand for less than retail is just pure Bliss!
To celebrate top fashion, we have gathered and posted profile information on some of the top designer names.
If you don't see your favorite Designer Name, let us know and we will post it to our Designer Spotlight.
A
Alice + Olivia
Stacey Bendet launched the alice + olivia collection at Barneys NY in 2002. Nicknamed StaceyPants, she was often found rollerblading through the city in those bold striped bell bottoms that the collection became instantly famous for. As it has evolved, the line has stayed true to its roots and Stacey’s quirky sensibility, focusing on the perfect pants while expanding and growing into a collection of detailed pieces including everything from sexy sequin dresses to great sweaters, and structured coats.
A staple of Hollywood via Hamptons starlets, New York native Stacey Bendet launched her now-famous Alice + Olivia line with a pair of bold-striped, vintage bell-bottoms she’d custom-fitted in her University of Pennsylvania dorm room. Her form-fitting and ultra-flattering aesthetic has since changed the face of pant design. Soon after its launch in 2002, her fresh collection caught the eye of a few key industry players: Barneys New York and Andrew Rosen of Theory. The label then expanded to cashmere in 2003, menswear in 2004, and is now world-renowned for its seasonal collections featuring her signature bright-striped tops, angular jackets and punk-inspired pants.
Amrita Singh
Though jewelry making began as an "accidental love," it grew into a unique and compelling "passion" according to Amrita. Her design interests are global, reflecting the city that she inhabits and works in: urban, culturally diverse, and infused with artistic inspiration. Her jewelry fuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in breathtakingly unique, wearable works of art.
Studying the intricacies of Indian art through travel and extensive independent work, Amrita draws upon the designs of India and the Mughal dynasty to create artisanal jewelry and accessories. The success of her Bangle, Bollywood, and other designer jewelry has proved that her blend of influences and craft are distinctive and timeless. Amrita is devoted to the development of both her fashion lines: her contemporary jewelry which includes innovative collections such as Bangle Bangle, and her fine jewelry collection.
Trained by the best in the field, Amrita Singh graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology and also completed the prestigious two year executive training program at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. She has worked with world-renowned designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Christian Lacroix in the pursuit of fashion. Recognized by her fellow designers for her achievements, Amrita was nominated by FGI (Fashion Group International) for the Rising Star Award in the Fine Jewelry Category in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Through her collaboration with innovators in fashion and her devotion to the beauty of fine classical design, Amrita continues to design intriguing and complex jewelry for the modern woman.
Antik Denim
It's incredibly fitting that the word "antique" is a part of this brand's name, since these jeans are very much like an antique, very rare and hard to find! Antique Rivet creates denim for men and women with a heavy vintage feel and more modern design. The unique combination of something old with something new is what keeps the brand on the cutting edge of fashion. From boot-cuts and straight leg, to skinnies and flared, each pair produces a flattering silhouette with just the right amount of stretch, making them super comfortable
Autumn Cashmere
Autumn Cashmere introduced its very first collection in 1993. We have attained an incredible following in the United States and around the world since then. The reason for our success is simple - we have always been true to who we are. Autumn Cashmere is a fresh, contemporary and innovative knitwear company, creating cashmere, cashmere blend and cotton sweaters and accessories that excite the senses and inspire fun living. Our identity is known by countless fashion minded consumers, including many high profile celebrities.
Autumn Cashmere backs up every garment with quality and unbeatable craftsmanship. Rich cashmere and cotton yarn of the highest quality is the cornerstone of our fashion-driven philosophy. We don’t stop at innovative designs because we know our product needs to be made well, fit well, and it’s got to be comfy!
From the beginning, Autumn Cashmere recognized that the contemporary cashmere market was largely untapped. Most luxury knitwear companies offered fairly traditional product, lacking in stylistic elements and seasonality. Where did that leave the fashion consumer? Starving for something to wear!
We offer affordable price points, seasonal updates and a flexible merchandising range. These ingredients have enabled us to create and maintain a strong appeal with both retailers and consumers.
On the technical side, we have a vertically integrated operation that creates a synergy between design, production and distribution. Autumn Cashmere owns its production facilities in Shanghai, China. This helps us provide superior quality and craftsmanship, while creating a unique blend between the art of design and the science of production.
A youthful spirit is the heart of our company. Our creative staff brings a fresh and innovative approach to cashmere design experimenting with an array of super soft yarns, luxurious trims and high fashion inspired styles.
Autumn Cashmere’s popularity and reputation secures us consistent placement on the pages of many fashion magazines including In Style, Lucky, Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue and many more. Kate Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Charlize Theron, Sandra Bullock, Paulina Porizkova and Billy Crystal are just a few of the stars enamored by Autumn Cashmere.
Autumn Cashmere is available in over 600 of the finest retail stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Savvy female shoppers find our sweaters in establishments such as Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Intermix, Ron Herman, Olive and Bettes, Lisa Kline, Holt Renfrew and many more. Stylish men can shop for Autumn Cashmere at stores such as Fred Segal, Theodore, Wilkes Bashford, TNT, Ron Herman, Gorsuch, Lisa Kline Atrium and more.
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BCBG (Max Azria)
BCBG stands for “good style, good attitude” in French — and it definitely lives up to its name. Designer Max Azria, who launched BCBG in 1989, understands the spirit of his fans, who adore his chic, hip styles and his special sense of European design. BCBG consistently delivers looks that are sexy but not too showy, flirty but still sophisticated. Azria has since expanded his empire to include shoes, cosmetics and handbags, all of which stay true to his understated vision.
Betsey Johnson / Betseyville
New York designer Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over the top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since the 1960’s. Fabulous items with wild child Betsey Johnson's designs. From colorful animal prints and pink hearts to plaid designs and studding details. Practical and fun!
Burberry
Burberry is a 153-year-old global brand with a distinctly British attitude. The label, synonymous with luxury, quality, innovation and timeless style, is anchored by the iconic trench coat. Under the creative vision of Christopher Bailey, every aspect of the brand has evolved with a modern and pure expression that retains the original values and heritage of the house, founded in 1856.
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Christian Audigier
Widely considered one of the most meteoric successes in fashion history, Christian Audigier became a fashion sensation not only with his tattoo-inspired apparel, but with his collection of unique jewelry as well. The French designer brings a heavy dose of edginess to the fashion industry with a line of rock 'n roll inspired pieces full of brilliant detail and made from the finest sterling silver. Ranging from rings, pendants, dogtags, bracelets, and necklaces in the form of skulls, daggers, swords and more.
Chloé
Prior to Chloé's launch in 1952, luxury fashion houses had only ever produced Haute Couture (i.e. made-to-measure) clothing. This was fine for the few who could afford it, but it left everyone else in frequently poorly-made copies, supplied by the local seamstress. Chloé's creator, Gaby Aghion, rejecting the stiff formality of 1950s fashion (and sensing a gap in the market), decided to create a line of off the rack, high quality, soft, body conscious clothes from fine fabrics, which she called 'luxury prêt-à-porter' and thus, the Prêt-à-Porter (Ready-To-Wear) market we know today, was born.
Over the years the Chloe label has became synomous with a sort of bohemian flare; best charctorized by its soft, airy, whimsical creations. Some of the labels most prominent designers have been Karl Lagerfeld, Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney, Pheobe Philo, and Paulo Melim Andersson. On March 10th, 2008, former Assistant Director to Valentino, Hannah McGibbon, whose talent was first spotted by Phoebe Philo and who had been part of the Chloé design team since 2001 and Chloé Chief Designer since 2006, was appointed as the new Creative Director at Chloé.
Christian Louboutin
Shoe designer Christian Louboutin creates luxury footwear for women known for their distinctive materials and delicate embellishments. Long a favorite of some of the world's most stylish women, Louboutin's shoes are instantly recognizable to fashion cognoscenti for their trademark lipstick-red soles. The Paris-based designer sells his perilously high heels—and the occasional flat—at his eponymous boutiques in Paris, London, New York, and even Moscow, as well as at top American retailers like Neiman Marcus.
Born in 1963, Louboutin grew up in Paris as the only son of a cabinetmaker. His three sisters, he has said, played a crucial role in helping him develop an appreciation for fashion and femininity, but his fascination with shoes was directly related to a 1976 visit to a Paris museum near his home, the Musee des Arts Africains et Oceaniens on the Avenue Daumesnil. Its collection of sculpture and handiwork from Mali, Ivory Coast, and Australasia was housed in a building from the 1930s that featured priceless mosaic and parquet floors. Louboutin recalled that there was a pictograph sign barring visitors from wearing spike-heel shoes—by then merely a vintage fashion memory from the 1950s—which could damage the floor surfaces. "I had never seen these kind of shoes in the '70s, " he recalled in an interview with Katherine Weisman in Footwear News. "How could someone make a [drawing] of a shoe that no longer existed to tell people not to wear them? I became obsessed."Christian Louboutin
Louboutin began sketching shoes in his early teens, and found himself increasingly drawn into the world of fashion at the expense of his studies. He was expelled from four schools, but "I didn't care, because I felt so different from my peers, " he told Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni in Harper's Bazaar. "I discovered Cher on television, and no one knew who she was, and I thought, I come from another culture—mine is Cher."
Louboutin had some formal training at the Academie Roederer, where he studied drawing and the decorative arts. Increasingly intrigued by world cultures, he had already run away to see Egypt while still in his teens, and also traveled through India for a year. Back in Paris in 1981, he assembled a design portfolio of his most elaborate high heels, and showed it to some of the city's top couture houses. His efforts landed him a job with Charles Jourdan, the legendary shoe designer, and then he met Roger Vivier, another well-known shoe designer who had worked with Christian Dior in the 1950s. Louboutin had known of Vivier's work since his teens, for Vivier was said to have invented that famous spike (or stiletto) heel whose image so intrigued him at the Avenue Daumesnil museum. Named for a type of slim knife, the stiletto heel was a high shoe with a tapered, narrow heel that resembled the namesake knife blade. Vivier liked Louboutin's work, and offered him an apprenticeship. "Vivier taught me that the most important part of the shoe is the body and the heel, " Louboutin told Dana Thomas in Newsweek International. "Like good bone structure, if you get that right, the rest is makeup."
During the rest of the 1980s, Louboutin was a freelance shoe designer, creating heels for the collections of Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as Maud Frizon, another shoe designer with immense name-brand cache in the 1980s. He launched his own company, with the help of two financial backers, and in November of 1991 opened a Paris shoe boutique under his own name. One of his first famous customers was Princess Caroline of Monaco, who enthused over his shoes one day when a fashion journalist happened to be in the store as well. The resulting press helped boost Louboutin's profile immensely, and such well-known fashionistas as Diane Von Furstenburg and Catherine Deneuve became devoted clients. Later devotees of his stiletto heels included Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore Louboutins on her wedding day.
Christine Price
Christine Price redefines casual luxury with her beautiful line of handbags. Originally her styles were designed as diaper bags for chic mamas, however the styles received such wide acclaim that even non-mothers are sporting the look. Christine Price has been features in the hottest magazine including In Touch, Star, and Good Housekeeping, and A-listers such as Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie own various styles.
Cole Haan
Accessories designer Cynthia Holvey is no stranger to the Hollywood scene. She's been working in the fashion industry for years and is the cousin of George Clooney! After a downward spiral of too much partying and drugs, Cynthia Holvey entered into rehab and emerged a new woman. She began to channel her creative energy and after ten years of being sober, she created a jewelry line of powerful charm designs, inspired by her spiritual awakening. These trendy pieces have become more than just a fashion accessory, they've become a source of hope and luck for women all over the world.
Cynthia Rowley
Cynthia Rowley was 7 years old when she constructed her first dress, and as a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she sold her first collection, consisting of eight pieces, to some of New York’s most prestigious stores. Today, Rowley is one of the most recognized personalities in fashion, having been honored by the CFDA and boasting appearances on Oprah and Letterman. Her girlish but sleek designs have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, W and Vogue.
D
Diane Von Furstenberg
Fashion Designer Diane von Furstenberg was born in Belgium and studied Economics at the University of Geneva, where she met and married Austro-Italian Prince Egon von Furstenberg. The couple moved to New York late in 1969, and Diane unveiled her first collection in April of 1970. The princess-turned designer / entrepreneur divorced from her husband after only 3 years and shifted her focus towards independence and her own career. Diane's status was elevated to 'Fashion Icon' after the release of her first, moderately priced wrap dress in the 1970's. Her sultry, no-fuss creation filled a void in the fashion world by providing women a welcomed alternative to the standard bell-bottom jeans, and sexless pantsuits of the day. By 1976 the "Wrap Dress" had come to symbolize female power and freedom to an entire generation, thanks to Diane Von Furstenberg. In 1997, after a hiatus from Fashion, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene with the relaunch of the dress that had started it all and began transforming her company into the global luxury lifestyle brand that it is today.
"I like to say that "I design a line the way I pack a suitcase," visualizing all of the different places I'm going to be, and then creating the appropriate outfits. My clothing must be timeless and versatile, so that a few simple pieces add up to many different looks. I think building a wardrobe should be like compiling a scrapbook of your life—over the years you accumulate Diane Von Furstenbergfavorite pieces, like old friends, that you always come back to for their unfailing ability to make you feel safe or confident, sexy or secure, depending on what you need." - DVF
Dolce & Gabbana
Fashion Designer Domenico Dolce was born in 1958, in a small Italian village outside of Sicily, called Polizzi Generosa. His business partner, Stefano Gabbana, was also born in Italy in 1962. In his early years, Domenico studied fashion design in Sicily and worked in his family's small clothing factory. Steffano, on the other hand, surprisingly had no official fashion education; and instead studied graphic design.
Dolce and Gabbana met in 1980 when they were working as assistants in an atelier in Milan. When they started business together in 1982, they continued to do free-lance designing for others.
Their first collection in 1986 won international acclaim, and their first boutique opened in 1989 in Japan. In 1990 they presented their first men's collection and opened their first women's boutique in Milan. That same year, the duo began designing the Complice line for the Genny Group in Milan (Complice had been designed by Versace from 1975 to 1981, and then by Claude Montana until 1987.) Scarves, ties, beachwear, perfume, and accessories were added in 1992.
Today Dolce & Gabbana has two central lines: Dolce&Gabbana and D&G. The Dolce&Gabbana line consists of an exquisite range of luxury items which are far more formal and flamboyant than the casual, less expensive D&G line.Dolce & Gabbana The brand has also expanded to include beachwear, underwear, corrective eyewear, sunglasses, fragrance, bags, and a "D&G Juniors" line which caters to children. In addition to fashion, the company recently published a book called "10 Years of Dolce & Gabbana", released a CD of dance floor music and opened a glitzy restaurant in Milan called "Gold".
E
Elie Tahari
"'Everything magical happens to me when I am in love.' With the transcendent vision of an artist, Elie Tahari is a man seduced by the truth and beauty of life. So it is no surprise that the most elegant fashions have evolved from the house of this passionate designer, who believes clothing should enhance the woman, so that her true beauty can shine through.
'Communicating through design is extremely difficult.' He believes, 'Great architects create spaces that are very much in tune with the wind, the sun, the light, the air and the seasons. Clothing should be no different.' From his passion for architecture, Elie Tahari finds inspiration in clean, straight lines and suggestion. With these basic principles as his foundation, he has built an empire.Elie Tahari
Women have been drawn to Elie Tahari designs for over three decades, and this devoted following continues to revel in the feminine embellishments, sensual fabrics, and subtle textures that have come to
define the Elie Tahari collection." - ElieTahari.com
Elliott Lucca
These trend-setting handbags have stolen the hearts of many A-listers. From the makers of The Sak, designers Mark Talucci and Todd Elliott created an exquisite handbag collection called Elliott Lucca. You'll discover some of the most sought-after purses made from luxuriously exotic leathers and suede. From classic hobos to more modern satchels, these creations will keep you city-chic.
Emilio Pucci
"Emilio Pucci was born in 1914 to one of Florence’s oldest noble families, and would live and work in the Pucci Palace in Florence for much of his life. He was a keen sportsman, who swam, skied, fenced, played tennis and raced cars. At the age of 17 he travelled to Lake Placid as part of the Italian team at the 1932 Winter Olympics, but did not compete.
After two years at the University of Milan, he studied agriculture at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where he became a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society. In 1935 he won a skiing scholarship[citation needed] to Reed College in Oregon, received an MA in social science from Reed in 1937, and was awarded his doctorate (laurea) in political science from the University of Florence the same year. In 1938 he joined the Italian Air Force, and served as a bomber pilot during WWII, rising to the rank of captain and decorated for valour by the time he left to pursue his fashion career.
The first clothes designed by Pucci were for the Reed College skiing team. But his designs came to wider attention in 1947, when he was on leave in Zermatt, Switzerland. Skiwear that he had designed for a female friend was photographed by Toni Frissell, a photographer working for Harper's Bazaar. Frissell's editor asked Pucci to design skiwear for a story on European Winter Fashion, which ran in the winter 1948 issue of the Bazaar. Although there had been some experiments with stretch fabrics in Europe before the war, Pucci's sleek designs caused a sensation, and he received several offers from American manufacturers to produce them. Instead he left the Air Force and set up a haute couture house in the fashionable resort of Canzone del Mare on the Isle of Capri.
Initially he used his knowledge of stretch fabrics to produce a swimwear line in 1949, but soon moved onto other items such as brightly-coloured, boldly-patterned silk scarves. Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus encouraged him to use the designs in blouses and then a popular line of wrinkle-free printed silk dresses. Pucci added a boutique in Rome as business thrived, helped by Capri's role as a destination for the international jet set. By the early 50's, Pucci was achieving international recognition, receiving the Neiman-Marcus Award in Dallas and the Burdine's Sunshine Award in Miami. Marilyn Monroe was buried with one of his dresses, and his designs were worn by everyone from Sophia Loren to Jackie Kennedy.
In 1959, Pucci decided to create a lingerie line. His atelier in Rome advised him to develop the line abroad, avoiding the difficulties of a decade earlier in matching available fabrics to the patterns of his first swimwear line. As a result, Pucci came to Chicago giving the lingerie contract to Formfit-Rogers mills. The venture proved to be successful, and Pucci was made vice president in charge of design and merchandising for the company a year later. Also in 1959, Pucci was introduced to Baronessa Cristina Nannini, a Roman baroness, at his boutique in Capri. Pucci would later marry her, claiming: "I married a Botticelli".
After Emilio's death in 1992 his daughter, Laudomia Pucci, continued to design under the Pucci name. The French Louis Vuitton-Moet-Hennessy Group luxury goods empire acquired 67% of Pucci in 2000. Laudomia became Image Director, whilst LVMH brought in major designers such as Christian Lacroix (creative director 2002-5), and in October 2005, Matthew Williamson. Other designers who have worked for the label include Stephan Janson and Julio Espada.
Emilio Pucci clothes and accessories are sold through Emilio Pucci and Rossignol boutiques worldwide and in high-end department stores, mostly feature the designer's original brightly coloured, often swirly, prints or new designs in his original distinct style. The fashion house produces ready-to-wear clothes and accessories for women, in addition to a small range of men's accessories.Emilio Pucci In the past, the house has produced a more comprehensive range of men's wear, including a line in partnership with Ermenegildo Zegna, which included men's jackets lined with Pucci printed fabric, especially for American department store Saks Fifth Avenue."
Escada
The Escada group was founded in 1976 near Munich, Germany, by Wolfgang and Margarethe Ley. The company took its name from an Irish thoroughbred racehorse and both Leys were betting on their enterprise to win. Today the Escada collection includes Couture fashion, Escada Sport and Escada Accessories, fur coats, handbags, sunglasses and jewelry.
Margarethe Ley was the chief designer for the group until her death in 1992. She strongly adhered to the belief that a designer must never rely solely on creative talent to be a success; creativity must be balanced by a strong market appeal. Ley created a highly distinctive identity for Escada—clean, slick, and sophisticated. She also pioneered the development of exciting new fabric combinations and color schemes when so many other designers were solidly into black. When Ley died she was succeeded by Michael Stolzenburg who brought a younger, more modern perspective to the company. Taking his influence from daily life, he believed the balance of a collection relied on the mix of tried and true design and fresh new ideas. In 1994 after Stolzenburg passed away, the firm turned to Todd Oldham to serve as the company's creative consultant, that same year Escada Sport was launched. Oldham's creations were enthusiastically received, and in 1995 both Escada Knit and Classic Elements became available in the company's wide spectrum of colors and fabrics.
In the early 2000s Escada had over 375 boutiques worldwide, including new boutiques in Paris and Kuala Lumpur, and was relocating its New York flagship store to larger digs on Fifth Avenue.Escada The luxury retailer was considered the world's largest ready-to-wear producer with some 1,500 different styles available each year, and to increase its marketshare further, Escada entered into a joint venture in the summer of 2001 with the SECON Group, each buying a 45-percent stake in Louis Féraud. The entrepreneurial spirit of founders Wolfgang and Margarethe Ley is alive and well in the enduring success of Escada.
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Faith Connexion
Faith Connexion is a new fashion statement that began with the convergence of two great talents from two different universes: The impetuous, irrational, mystical and yet hedonistic world of Ilan Delouis and Christophe Bosc's international experience in business.
Ilan Delouis, the founder and designer of the brand, breathes a transversal image into his collections, which are inspired by his own life. Christophe Bosc offers his 20 years of experience in management and development in the fashion and luxury industry toward the growth of Faith Connexion.
Faith Connexion is stylish, sexy, chic and rock-n-roll, using simple cuts, elegant fabrics, and sophistication in detail seducing both women and men. Unique and modern, it has inscribed itself in the realm of today. Faith Connexion confidently bears its strong and very significant presence in the fashion world today, inspired by its convictions and values, which have resonated with fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Sophistication combined with casual wear and their universal brand values are the key to the instant and overwhelming success that Faith Connexion Boutiques have enjoyed in the major fashion capitals. After Paris, Cannes, St Tropez, Riga, Kuwait City, Faith Connexion and its local partners are opening new boutiques in Prague, St. Petersburg, Zagreb, Dubai, and London.
The brand spirit is expressed through an accomplished store concept designed with black furniture, giant wall posters; a fashion statement in a unique atmosphere where the brand image is strongly stated and labeled through the Faith Connexion Coat of Arms, jewelry and accessories.
Fendi
Fendi is a Italian high fashion house best known for its "baguette" handbags. It was launched in 1925 as a fur and leather shop in Rome, but today is a multinational luxury goods brand owned by LVMH. Karl Lagerfeld is the creative director.
Franco Starto
Franco Sarto was one of the first designers to prove to the world that beautiful shoes do not have to compromise comfort. Perhaps this intelligent notion had something to do with the fact that he began working in Italian shoe factories in his early teens. The designer's dedication to the creation of exquisite footwear only grew as he extended his craft to include a line of handbags. You can expect an array of sleek heels, leopard print flats, and suede boots for the season.
Frankie B
Daniella has altered and redesigned clothing to fit her style since her early teens. While on tour with her rockstar husband in the late '90s, she was continuously asked about the one-of-a-kind jeans she was wearing. Soon after, Frankie B. (named after her daughter) was launched, establishing its mark on the women's fashion map almost immediately.
Responsible for creating the low-rise craze and putting a spotlight on the premium denim market, the Frankie B. brand has grown across the globe and remains as much of a wardrobe staple today as when it first launched. In fact, the brand is best known amongst its jean fans as an addiction-- most Frankie B. owners collect pairs and, on average, have more than 10 different styles! A few years later, Daniella was invited to resurrect Dittos, the iconic denim brand she wore and loved as a teenager. The first collection debuted in Spring 2007 and instantly became a favorite among retailers and fashion's elite.
Daniella designs for women like her: laid back, feminine and confident-- with a bit of an edge; and she creates clothing that encourage women to feel alive, stylish, and unique. Always inspired by what's next on the fashion landscape, Daniella never forgets the classics that have made Frankie B. a "go to" among fans like Sienna Millier, Charlize Theron, Mischa Barton, Eva Longoria, Fergie and many others. Since Frankie B's launch in 1999, it has grown into a full lifestyle brand that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, eyewear and activewear, and is available at department stores and specialty boutiques worldwide. Daniella has the same vision for Dittos and serves as creative director for both growing collections with more than 80 pieces each. She approaches each collection with an eye toward what she wants next in her closet, making both Frankie B. and Dittos a fashion resource for women who embrace a distinctive and sexy west coast style.
Her work has not gone unrecognized. Daniella and Frankie B. were awarded the MAFI Fashion Innovator of the Year award in 2004 for contributions to the fashion industry; and three years later, Daniella was honored with a Media Award from Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization for her support and dedication to the charity. She is invited to host events and discuss her experiences as a designer by people all over the world, which has enabled her to entertain her love of shopping vintage stores for clothes, magazines, jewelry, and inspiration. Regardless of where she travels or what fashion trends come and go, Daniella always carries the philosophy instilled upon her by her mother while growing up: If the clothes you're wearing don't make you feel and look better, then what's the point?
Born in Israel, Daniella lives in California with her husband, rock guitarist Gilby Clarke, and daughter Frankie.
Free People
"Back in the 1970's, a young man named Dick Hayne planted a seed in the maze of streets and trees that make up West Philadelphia Pennsylvania, he opened a store and called it Free People. Free People nurtured the young people who lived there and shopped there, who looked for a little of their own freedom in the clothes they wore."
Today Free People is know throughout the world for having a uniquely handcrafted appeal that perfectly blends street chic, femininity, and the creative spirit.The line designs for "a 26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident, and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to it's limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between. Who loves Donovan as much as she loves the Dears, and can't resist petting any dog that passes her by on the street." - FreePeople.com
Furla
Every woman requires one powerful handbag to keep her looking confident, poised, and polished. Furla handbags have become synonymous with contemporary luxury, with each design characterized by an understated, elegant style and quality Italian craftsmanship. We've got a great selection of leather bags you'll adore!
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Giorgio Armani
Born into a humble family, Giorgio Armani went to the local public school and developed a love for the theatre and cinema. In 1957, he took a job at the Milan department store La Rinascente. He worked briefly as an assistant photographer, before accepting a promotion to its style office, where he imported products from India, Japan, and the US.
In 1964, without any formal training, Armani designed a line of men’s wear for Nino Cerruti. Encouraged by his partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani left Cerruti and, in 1970, became a freelance fashion designer and consultant.
In 1973-1974, at the prestigious Sala Bianca fashion show in Florence, he presented, to great acclaim, bomber jackets that treated leather as an everyday fabric.
This penchant for using materials in unexpected contexts and combinations came to be known as a defining characteristic of his style.
In 1975, Armani and Galeotti started their own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., and founded the Armani label. His trademark designs were re-interpretations of the traditional business suit, unstructured, relaxed designs for men, and masculine styles for women.
In the 1980s, the Armani "power suit" for men and women came to symbolize an era of international economic boom. In 1982, Armani became the first fashion designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1940s.Georgio Armani He was one of the first designers to approach celebrities to wear his designs, beginning with then Los Angeles Lakers coach, Pat Riley, in 1988.
Armani also invited Hollywood stars to wear his designs at the Academy Awards, winning devotees such as Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster.
Gucci
Since 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened his first store selling small leather goods and accessories, the Gucci name has slowly built its reputation on craftsmanship and quality. Over the years, it has attracted an elite clientele, who have been drawn to the label's fashionable sensibility and overall durability. During this time, the brand's iconic horse bit and stirrup motifs were born and have since become enduring symbols of the line. Recognized worldwide, the Gucci logo regularly elicits buzz and fashion praise, having enjoyed a recent surge in popularity under Creative Director Frida Giannini. The range of handbags and accessories include their signature canvas print, embossed leathers, and Gucci's now-classic red and green stripe design. Their refined and classic sensibility are exactly what discerning customers have come to expect from the line.
Gustto
Get on board with Hollywood's latest love affair: Gustto handbags. The bags became an immediate sensation with celebs like Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, and Halle Berry showcasing their newest designs. We've made sure to snag the most delicious assortment of fresh shapes, exotic skins, and rich textures the brand is so well known for.
If you're looking for something for everyday, these hobos are just what you need: lightweight and extra-spacious to keep all your essentials on track. If you rather a more sophisticated look, check out the assortment of breathtaking clutches!
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Hale Bob
Hale Bob captures the attitude of style, glamor, and fashion with his collection of silk charmeuse scarves. Eva Longoria, Halle Berry, Paris Hilton, Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, Sharon Stone, and Heidi Klum are just a few of the many stars who choose Hale Bob's distinctive prints to liven up their look. And the natural fibers used to make each piece keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Hazel
In 2002, Hazel Clothes arrived on the scene in Los Angeles and has quickly developed into an eclectic, European-inspired collection. Hazel clothing is designed to reflect the image of today's modern women, possessing confidence and strength while retaining the utmost femininity. Hazel is know for their novelty and ability to create authentic style by mixing luxurious fabrics together to create a palette of mixed media, often complimented by detailed beading or trims of metallic and lace. The attitude is fresh and fun, styled to compliment denim or elegantly stand alone.
Hype
Hype handbags are fresh off the mill with bustling colors like fuschia and citrus. The dramatic colors are invigorating! If these designs don't liven up your look, you're in need of a serious do-nothing but lie on the sand vaca! These handbags have created such "hype" that they are covering the pages of all the latest fashion magazines. Check out the range of clutches, satchels, and totes.
Hudson
Hudson Basic Five-Pocket Jean look frayed, blasted, whiskered, worn - this jean sports the look of the comfy and sexy pair you love to wear! Hudson jeans are available in low rise and boot-cut leg. The back pocket was created with decorative stitching and the embroidered logo tab. Frayed spots at waistband lend an air of authenticity.
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Imoshion
Imoshion handbags were founded in the Netherlands four years ago, and have since become some of the best selling designs in Europe. Distinguished by elegant looks and high quality materials, each style features several zippered compartments for your mobile phone and other belongings. From canvas totes to synthetic leather satchels, these beautiful handbags are embellished with metallic and silver hardware that can take you seamlessly from the office to an evening out.
Isabella Fiore
Contrary to popular belief the Isabella Fiore line was not designed by an Italian woman named Isabella Fiore. Instead, the brand was actually founded by two LA based friends named Jennifer Tash and Trang Huynh. "Isabella Fiore" is the Italian equivalent of the English phrase "beautiful flower"; a suitable choice for the label, considering that the duo first got their start designing silk flower pins.
After their debut in specialty boutiques, Tash & Huynh started designing handbags and silk scarves; eventually expanding into the designing and producing of shoes for such prestigious clients as Saks Fifth Avenue.
Since 1996, these two handbag-and-shoe-designing ingenues have been making some of the most exciting purses, handbags, wallets and shoes on the market today.Isabella Fiore High-profile celebrities like Katie Holmes, Kate Hudson and Madonna have been seen with Isabella Fiore accessories on hand.
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J Brand
"J Brand was co-founded by denim manufacturer Jeff Rudes and former stylist Susie Crippen. The two set out to create classic and sophisticated jeans with the emphasis on fit -- and one mandate: create timeless products. Paying careful attention to details and clean, dark finishes, together they have created a combination of sexiness, style and comfort in women’s jeans. “It’s all about a woman looking beautiful in her jeans, not the jeans drawing attention to her,” says Susie.
Jeff pioneered the French jeans boom in America in the late 70s with his first jeans brand, Paris 2000. In the 80s, he moved to California from New York and started Area Code, a trendy junior line of Lycra knits. Getting back into denim in the 90s, he partnered with industry icons Ron Herman and Adriano Goldschmied to create A. Gold E., a successful denim sportswear brand. He then stepped into the private label arena in 1999, helped Abercrombie & Fitch transform their denim collection and become their largest supplier of premium jeans. It was time for him to get back to his passion for branding, and J Brand became his vision.
Susie, a former stylist, dressed Hollywood’s actresses and was called upon to style countless editorial features by top fashion magazines such as Vanity Fair, InStyle, Esquire and GQ. She also created international advertising campaigns for Levi’s and Puma. Susie’s acclaim came primarily because of her classic taste and her expertise in denim. A passionate jeans enthusiast herself, Susie knew the leading jeans companies’ latest trends and had one-on-one feedback from countless women who wore them. After eight years in the business, Susie co-created J Brand, blending her knowledge and her vision of what women want. The ultimate result was the simplicity of J Brand: clean pockets, classic dark washes and fantastic fits.
J Brand launched as an exclusive at Ron Herman’s Melrose jeans bar in the spring of 2005. The brand had immediate success, and J Brand’s introduction of their skinny straight leg made them the first American-made premium jeans to drive this trend.
J Brand continues to show leadership in the retail market with the introduction of their new wide leg styles. “In an exceedingly competitive market, one of our greatest challenges was to go beyond what we were known for — the skinny jean — and deliver the next trend,” said Jeff Rudes. The new styles have been a tremendous hit with celebrities like Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Katie Holmes, as well as with top fashion editors at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The collection will always stay clean and classic, and also at the forefront of trends, maintaining leadership in the premium jeans market.
In May 2007, J Brand launched a maternity line — Mama J by J Brand. These jeans have unique design features never before seen by the maternity industry. In July 2007, J Brand entered the Girls’ market with J Girl by J Brand, offering sizes 7–14, available at Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
In fall 2008, J Brand introduced a Men’s line under the label, J Brand Denim Co. The line will reflect modern basics with a vintage sensibility, inspired by classic Americana.Jeff Rudes & Susie Crippen J Brand Denim Co. is carried in top retail stores including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Scoop NYC, American Rag Cie and Ron Herman." -JBrandJeans.com
Jessica Simpson
Singer, actress and fashion designer Jessica Simpson knows a thing or two about chic, feminine fashion and has built a wildly successful empire based on that knowledge to prove it. Simpson's fame has brought her privileged access to the world's hottest beauty & fashion trends before they even hit shelves. From platform shoes and party dresses to fashion-forward trench coats and slinky intimates, no territory was exempt from being "Simpsonized", and thankfully so. Despite its magnitude, Simpson has been able to saturate every stitch, seem and sole of her collection with her fun and flirty yet undeniably sophisticated aesthetic. A hip take on classic concepts, manufactured in high quality, these stylish pieces will be sure to take your style from bland to bold.
Joe's Jeans
Joe's Jeans products are the creation of Joe Dahan, the founder and president of Joe's Jeans, Inc. Joe grew up in Casablanca. A place that fed his eyes with contrasting elements. From attending a private French school, in the colonial period of all white buildings, to walking through what he terms "uncivilized markets", with wild animals. After leaving Morocco, Joe moved to Los Angeles where he launched his women's wear denim line. Joe's Jeans are tailored to accentuate a woman's curves in all the right places, to achieve the most flattering silhouette possible. Due to this the brand has developed it own cult following and is beloved by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Madonna, and Lindsey Lohan among others.
Juicy Couture
"In 1994, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy, while both residing in Pacoima, California, decided to create their own fashion label. Their aim was to create a label equal to that of other major labels, but to be more affordable to the general public (this is no longer the case,with most of their apparel priced at more then $200 USD). Their line, which they called "Juicy Couture," was to include a variety of athletic and casual wear, most notably the velour tracksuit that won Juicy Couture a great deal of popularity. Taylor and Levy did not have much money with which to start their label, thus leading to a slow start-up of the company. In 1996, after establishing their company and needing to get the brand in the public eye, the women sent their completed designs to celebrities. Madonna, credited with turning the velour tracksuit into a trend, was sent a track suit with "Madge" embroidered on it (Juicy Couture rarely uses "Madge" on their clothing anymore). Madonna was seen wearing the tracksuit, and the company became a success almost instantly.Juicy Couture Juicy Couture was a very limited brand, being available at very few locations such as Neiman Marcus (the company did not establish exclusive boutiques and flagship stores until the late 00's). Around 2004, the velour tracksuit once again became very popular, and Juicy Couture then became a worldwide known brand." - Wikipedia.com
What started out with the now iconic velour tracksuit, Juicy Couture is the result of the innovation of Los Angeles-based sisters, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy. under the guidance of the Liz Claiborne, Inc., the entrepreneurial pair has transitioned their line from an apparel-based collection of velour tracksuits into an all-encompassing lifestyle brand. Their range of bestselling accessories now includes ornate costume jewelry, embellished pouchettes and satchels, and vivid accessories perfect for year round wear. A hit with fashionistas and the most discerning shoppers around the world, Juicy Couture continues to deliver their whimsical sensibility through their coveted brand.
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Kathy Van Zeeland
Kathy Van Zeeland is currently one of the fastest growing designer fashion brands in the world. Her maiden name is Van Zeeland, so she decided to name the company in honor of her father who had passed away recently. Plus she has three sisters and wanted the Van Zeeland name to continue. She was founded in 2004 to create the highest quality handbags for women. Her company produces 4 collections a year, one for each season, which makes sure that new and exciting collections are being introduced all the time. She uses the best material at an affordable cost for her customers.
Kenneth Cole
Sometimes it takes a man to know what women want, a man like Kenneth Cole, that is. Backed by over twenty years of design experience, Cole has mastered those clever yet crucial details that turn everyday pieces into eye-catching creations. Accordingly, his shoe collection reflect the perfect union of timeless silhouettes and of-the-moment finishing touches. The designs are as diverse as the women who wear them, but they all reveal that simple desires can lead to stand-out style.
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L.A.M.B.
Gwen Stefani may be “Just a Girl,” but everything the platinum blonde touches turns to gold — even the watches in her clothing and accessories line, L.A.M.B. (an acronym for Love Angel Music Baby). Known as a fashion icon in her music career, in 2003 the ruby-lipped lead vocalist of ska band No Doubt launched L.A.M.B. as a fusion of her punk, rock-and-roll and fashion inspirations. The watch collection captures Stefani’s unique style, with chunky cuffs and chains, retro watch faces in gothic fonts, and names that evoke the past (Petra and Pharoh) and put the present in overdrive (Super G and Lockdown).
linQ
Tees Inspired From the Way Real Women Live - Comfort, femininity and versatility were all on the mind of celebrated designer Carole Little when she developed her newest line, linQ. Challenging the popular t-shirt trend, linQ brings to the market a unique version of this fashion staple. With its figure flattering cut, exceptional cotton/modal blend, and feminine crinkled silk detail, linQ is quickly becoming the essential item for all outfits.
A t-shirt fan herself, Carole knew that she could expand the basic tee to fit the needs of every woman. The buttery soft fabric blend assures that throwing a linQ tee on with your favorite jeans for a casual Saturday afternoon, as well as layering it under a designer jacket that night, are both equally effortless and stunning. "linQ is for a contemporary woman who appreciates versatility and beauty, while still maintaining an easy comfort in wearability," Carole says.
linQ has a variety of looks in short, long and 3/4 length sleeves, including camis, tanks, tunics, polos, henleys, hoodies and cardigans. Styles in the linQ collection come in a multitude of tempting colors, from colorful brights to soft cosmetic shades to flattering grays and neutrals as well as black & white, allowing women to follow color trends while still finding what looks best on them. Adding to the already masterful cotton based tees are other fabulous pieces that follow linQ's same principles of practical indulgences. Crinkled silk skirts and soft knit pants, as well as bamboo, cashmere and wool blends, are all inspired from the way real women live.
Women want clothing in their closet that can take them from day to night knowing that they look amazing. linQ is fashion that makes women feel good and feeling good is what fashion is all about. If a woman feels confident about the way she looks, it affects her entire day, no matter if she's at home, work, or play. linQ is that feeling!
LinQ has a loyal celebrity fan base including Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate Hudson, Katherine Heigl, Ashlee Simpson, Rachel Bilson, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, Selena Gomez, Hilary Duff, Cameron Diaz, Marcia Cross, Anna Lynne McCord, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Conrad.
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Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs was born April 9, 1963 in New York City, New York. Graduating from the High School of Art and Design in 1981, Jacobs went on to pursue his education at Parsons School of Design located in New York City. Awarded the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and the prestigious Design Student of the Year Award, Jacobs displayed his unique talent from the very beginning.
It was around this time Jacobs aligned with his business partner Robert Duffy. After more than two decades, the two are still collaborative associates. In 1986, the first clothing line with the Marc Jacobs label was released. The line was such an instant success that 1987 brought Jacobs another highly distinguished honor: the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.
Quickly working up the fashion chain, Jacobs and Duffy began working with Tristan Russo in 1989. Put in charge of women’s design and excelling as usual, Jacobs won Women’s Designer of the Year Award in 1992.
Always the visionary, Jacobs had a fascination with fashion “grunge” when others were obsessed with ladylike silhouettes. His grunge line, although lauded by the likes of Anna Wintour, proved a stumbling block. It ultimately led to his dismissal by Ellis.
Too talented to be left unemployed for long, Jacobs next served as Louis Vuitton’s artistic director beginning in 1997. His time there was exceedingly successful.
Marc JacobsBoth lines, Marc Jacobs and the less expensive Marc by Marc Jacobs, are considered some of the most desirable high end products on the market. Branching out as an international phenomenon, his boutiques can be found in all the major fashion hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.
Mary Frances
Primarily inspired by fabrics, textures & unique combinations of materials & colors, Mary Frances reviews trends, then sets them aside to arrive at look that is all her own. Each design is as unique & full of life as she is… giving rise to one of Mary Frances’ favorite quips, “Life is too short to dress boring!” The fan base of the Mary Frances collection is as varied as her handbags: we’ve heard from collectors owning anywhere from 30 to more than 100 Mary Frances bags; there are Mary Frances fan clubs; & Mary Frances designs can be seen on the arms of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Anniston, to name just a few.
Michael Kors
Kors began designing clothes at the age of 19 and studied fashion design at the Fashion Institue of Technology in New York City. In 1981, Kors launched the Michael Kors womenswear line at Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Building on his success, Kors was named the first ever women's ready-to-wear designer and creative director for the French fashion house Celine in 1997. In his tenure at Celine, Kors turned the fashion house around with blockbuster accessories and a critically acclaimed ready-to-wear line. Kors left Celine in October 2003 to concentrate on his own brand. Kors launched his menswear line in 2002.
Miu Miu
Miu Miu is Positioned as the daily-oriented,more affordable clothing line from the Prada fashion house use,opened in 1992 and headed by Miuccia Prada. Miuccia Prada is a true trend visionary and her second line Miu Miu has always been the go-to for an instant hit of what's hot. Since its launch in 1992, Miu Miu's sophisticated-eclectic design mix has earned the label a host of devotees such as Nicole Kidman and Chloë Sevigny. Classic but super cool, a Miu Miu look will take you from the most uptown eatery to the hippest nightspot.
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Nanette Lepore
A long time ago in a suburb far, far away lived a little girl named Nanette Lepore. At the age of nine Fashion Designer Nanette created her first couture look by outfitting a neighbor in a gypsy bedspread cum dashiki and beaded choker. She painted sunflowers on her face and stood in the front yard with a cardboard sign that read "Lepore". Sensing the child's entrepreneurial talent her abstract painter father, and fabulously stylish mother, encouraged Nanette's creativity. The first and only kindergarten teacher and mother of four to wear hot pants and gladiator sandals in Youngstown, Ohio, Mrs. Lepore was the muse to both her husband and her daughter. Sure that Nanette was following in her footsteps, Mrs. Lepore turned a blind eye to her daughter's 4 am sewing stints, and encouraged her independence.
Road tripping on Route 66 with her bohemian parents each summer gave Nanette a taste for travel, and made her feel like "a little gypsy". With big ideas of romance and adventure Nanette left to pursue a design degree at FIT in New York City, and married painter Robert Savage. After shuttling between design jobs and struggling interviews, Nanette was encouraged by her husband to strike out on her own. The couple set up shop in a penthouse office in the garment district. Nanette LeporeIt quickly became "celebration central" for poets and painters who would bounce ideas off one another while star gazing on the roof. Nanette admits "It was an ongoing party with lots of work thrown in." Her gypsy lifestyle remains a theme in Nanette's creativity, and she is inspired by friends, family , and fun.
Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller is a fashion designer with a modern, ageless aesthetic. Her silhouettes are artfully draped to achieve a unique body consciousness. Her signature is feminine, sexy and refined.
Miller draws inspiration from a wide range of influences including cinema, contemporary art, mid-20th century architecture and exotic cultures. She is known for elements of whimsy and surprise, and is the pre-eminent New York-based designer among global fashion's print and color elite.
An American born to a French mother, Miller was dually trained at the Rhode Island School of Design and Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her fine arts background in painting and sculpture at RISD inspired a spirit of freedom and creativity. On the other hand, Chambre Syndicale instilled a strong sense of aesthetics and a mastery of the classical techniques of couture.
The nonconformist glamour of Miller's clothes is a favorite of many in Hollywood. Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Lauren Hutton, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria Parker have recently appeared in her designs. Her work is often shown on the covers and in the pages of leading fashion and lifestyle magazines worldwide—and in cyber space, Nicole Miller is one of the most visible designer brand names anywhere.
A total of 15 Nicole Miller freestanding stores are located in major cities around the United States. Nicole Miller Signature, Collection, and Studio Apparel and Accessories are also available at 1,200 fine specialty stores worldwide and Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.
In favor of all programs to protect the Earth and our Environment, she actively supports the Rocky Mountain Institute and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Riverkeeper. Together with her husband Kim and son Palmer, Miller divide her time between her homes in New York City and Sag Harbor, NY.
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Oscar De La Renta
Oscar De La Renta (born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo) was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. In the 1950's Oscar moved to Spain where he studied painting at the Acade of San Fernando in Madrid. It was in Spain that he first developed a love for the fashion world, and went to work for the renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. After working with Balenciaga, De La Renta left Spain for Paris and went on to assist Antonio Castillo at Lanvin.
"Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work.” - Oscar De La Renta
In the 19060's Oscar realized that the future of fashion lay more in Ready-To-Wear than in Couture, so he packed up and moved to America. There in New York, he worked for Elizabeth Arden for several years before launching his own label in 1965. The designer has often been quoted as sighting his island upbringing in the Dominican Republic as an influence for his colorful and intricately ornamented collections.
Today Oscar's line has expanded to include not just Ready-To-Wear, but an Accessory, Bridal, Perfume, and Home collection as well.
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Paige
Pink Tartan, created by a husband and wife duo, Kimberly & Joseph Mimran, have recently been named Canada's most stylish couple. Their empowering line offers a charming collection of beautifully-made ladieswear. Each garment is impeccably styled and accented with feminine details. I am lusting over the chiffon blouses and tailored blazers! These designs are so classic and radiates a ladylike wholesomeness. Pink Tartan does not disappoint. Whether it's to the office or a casual shopping trip to Saks, strut your prim and proper self in these impressive designs.
Prada
Fashion Designer Prada was founded in 1913 in Milan, Italy as a manufacturer of leather bags. What is known today as Prada is mostly the work of the founder's grand-daughter Miuccia Prada.
Miuccia Prada was born in 1949. After university, she entered the family business 1978 and soon revolutionized the appearance of its products. Her interest in unusual fabrics led to the distinctive trademark of Prada products: the surprising combination of materials. There are usually two discoveries to be made when dealing with Prada products: First, the surprise to see the use of a specific material in an unusual context and in consequence, the astonishment how good it fits the purpose. In 1989, she introduced women's wear with instant success, men's wear followed equally successful in 1995.
Prada is said to be the most prominent example of a new form of inward-directed luxury. While in the eighties luxury was explicitly displayed, today an understated luxury is sought, only recognizable by insiders. Thus, Prada clothes avoid very loud coloring and easily appealing appearances. They are described as cool, comfortable, pure, graceful, and minimalistic.
Miuccia Prada, who is entirely in charge of the companies creative decisions, says she bases her decisions mostly on intuition. She is reported to be overly fussy about each detail of her design.Miuccia Prada It can happen that each product has to be changed over and over in order to come closest to Miucci Prada's initial idea. Her husband Patrizio Bertelli is the business-man behind Miuccia Prada. He is responsible for the commercial side of the products and the retail strategy.
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Ralph Lauren
"Lauren grew up in the Bronx, in New York City. After high school, he took business classes at night school and worked in sales by day. While working for a tie company, he was inspired to begin designing his own neckwear, and in 1967 he went into business for himself, changing his last name to Lauren and marketing his unique line of ties under the name Polo. From the inception of his brand, Lauren's creations were characterized by a moneyed style that evoked the look of English aristocracy, as adapted by the sporty, East-Coast American elite.
His first menswear line in 1968 featured classic tweed suits, and his first womenswear line in 1971 continued his explorations of classic tailoring and good taste, but with a feminine twist. In 1972 Lauren debuted what would become his signature piece: the mesh sport shirt, available in a variety of colours and featuring his trademark emblem of the most aristocratic of athletes, the polo player.
The Ralph Lauren style became a nationwide phenomenon after he dressed the male actors in the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby in clothing from his current line. The film's evocation of the lost, elegant era of F. Scott Fitzgerald provided a perfect vehicle for Lauren's classic, sometimes nostalgic, vision. The designer received further attention when he created the clothing for Annie Hall (1977), in which Woody Allen sported traditional oxford button-down shirts, chinos, and tweeds, and Diane Keaton wore a quirky, modern blend of Lauren's signature pieces for both men and women. Lauren once said of his style, “I'm interested in longevity, timelessness, style—not fashion.” His work throughout the following decades reflected this motto, as his exploration of new ideas—including Southwestern themes and safari looks—was always grounded in his central focus on classic American clothing.
Lauren's vision appealed to a wide spectrum of people, and his label quickly turned into an empire. Seeing how his clothing was associated with a certain lifestyle, starting in 1983 he expanded his business to include a range of home accessories that would eventually include pillows, throws, bed and bath products, furniture, and household paint. Lauren also diversified the appeal of his label by creating lines of clothing and accessories targeted at a wide range of price points and demographics, including a jeans line and a children's line.Ralph Lauren By the 1990s, the presence of both his shops and his brand name had become global. Among his numerous awards are the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards for Lifetime Achievement (1992), Womenswear Designer of the Year (1995), and Menswear Designer of the Year (1996)."
Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca Taylor’s sexy, kittenish clothing has inspired legions of loyal customers to indulge their feminine wiles. The native New Zealander moved to New York after graduating from the Wellington School of Design. While working for a leading Seventh Avenue designer, Rebecca Taylor met her future business partner Elizabeth Bugdaycay, who encouraged Rebecca Taylor to launch her own collection. Bugdaycay balanced out Rebecca Taylor’s creative skills with her background in economics and her business-minded approach. Together they forged an unstoppable team. With only five years under their belts, the two women now have one of the most sought after collections in the industry.
Feminine edgy, yet approachable designs have put their collection on the fashion map, garnering major editorial coverage as well as a nod from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who nominated Rebecca Taylor for the prestigious Perry Ellis Young Designer Award in 2000. Rebecca Taylor’s creativity and energy pours into her collections with inspirational references ranging from vintage mod books from the '60’s and '70’s to the worlds of music, art and entertainment. With an almost obsessive eye to detail and unconventional color sense, Rebecca Taylor’s clothing flatters and enhances the women who wear them. Seasons after season, the collection surprises customers with perfect prints, great knits, and flirty dresses, which fit into any modern woman’s closet.
Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Ashley Judd, Robin Tunney, Julia Stiles, Anna Paquin, Minnie Driver, Christina Applegate and Keri Russell are among the loyal fans that keep coming back for more Rebecca Taylor. With Rebecca Taylor stores across Japan including a flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo and the Rebecca Taylor Collection retailing in all major department stores and top specialty boutiques across the country, Rebecca Taylor and Bugdaycay will continue to keep their customers clothed from head to foot in Rebecca Taylor.
Rock & Republic
Over the past 6 years, Rock & Republic has transcended the premium denim world to become a international lifestyle brand. Its luxe yet edgy approach to fashion is personified by CEO and Creative Director Michael Ball. Constantly redefining the boundaries in the fashion industry, Rock & Republic is at the forefront of design. In 2006, Rock & Republic expanded to include a phenomenally successful line of accessories consisting of footwear, handbags and eyewear. With the launch of Rock & Republic Cosmetics in 2008, the company added yet another exciting piece to its high fashion portfolio taking jet-set clues from company President Andrea Bernholtz.
Furthering the company as a true lifestyle brand, Rock & Republic is using its momentum in fashion to influence the worlds of sports and philanthropy.
In 2007, Michael Ball fulfilled one of his own personal lifetime ambitions by announcing Rock & Republic as the first fashion brand to create a professional cycling team, Rock Racing, which has already revolutionized the sport by putting a sexy edge into cycling. With this division of the brand growing at such speed, the future holds endless opportunities including Moto GP and Formula 1 Racing.
It is evident that with the launch of these new product categories Michael will not stop until he has achieved global domination; but he also desires global change. Rock the Cure, the company's groundbreaking philanthropic foundation, is the means to that end. The foundation encourages people to "make a difference, lead by example, and Rock the Cure" by donating 100% of the profits to charity. This year's recipient is the City of Hope whose mission is the research, education and treatment of life threatening diseases.
Every season, Rock & Republic captivates audiences with its fashion forward runway shows, legendary events and trailblazing ideas. Clearly the future ROCKS
Romeo and Juliet Couture
Romeo and Juliet Couture: whether ironic or romantic, the name is familiar to the old and young alike. Our idea is to contrast the tragedy with a universal collection of versatile and comfortable clothing. Offering a diverse selection from couture to sophisticated feminine tops, Romeo and Juliet Couture also sends a positive message of love and tolerance. We hope to empower today's youth worldwide to make the right decisions for themselves, and to treat everyone with human dignity.
Founded in 1999 for the European market by David Shamouelian & Joseph Nazar, the collection is currently available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, Intermix and many more fine specialty stores.
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Salvatore Ferragamo
Though he started his career in shoe repair and made-to-measure shoes, it wasn't before long that Salvatore Ferragamo began fashioning a luxurious collection of leather goods. As one of the most influential families in Italy, the Ferragamo clan continued to design well received collections season after season. Recognized for their best-selling Varina flat, the label has expanded to include men's shoes, ready-to-wear, in addition to their range of handbag styles. Their designs bridge everyday glamour with Italian sophistication.
Salvage
Take a style cue from this edgy collection! Salvage is the hottest trend to hit the fashion industry, with its California underground culture as the inspiration for the collection. The brand offers men and women a range of deconstructed tops and hoodies accented with bold distressed prints and rock n' roll graphics. It's the perfect mix of preppy and punk.
Sequoia
Sequoia was founded about 20 years ago in Paris. Sequoia bags are all designed by world-famous accessory designer Pierre Hardy.
The concept behind the brand is that handbags should be fashion accessories but they should always be practical and adapt to a woman's life easily. There is truly a Sequoia bag for women every age, style and taste: our bags can be nylon, canvas, leather, suede, croc embossed leather, which also means that price point can vary quite a bit depending on the style and material.
Sequoia is present in over 30 countries, has corners in the very best department stores worldwide and has stand-alone boutiques in France, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Bahrain and Belgium. For these reasons, Sequoia is a name that is recognized worldwide and is considered a leader in the handbag market.
Sequoia 's customer is usually not the fashion victim type. Women who turn to Sequoia are seeking a handbag that will make them look and feel good without spending a fortune. They can recognize the quality in the finish of the bags and are happy to carry a name associated with style and quality.
Sequoia product keywords: innovative, durable, contemporary, timeless, refined, French.
US locations include Kitson, Takashimaya, Anthropologie, New York Look, Searle .
Seven For All Mankind
"The story of premium denim is one that is intricately intertwined with the launch of 7 For All Mankind in Los Angeles, California in the Fall of 2000. 7 For All Mankind was the first company to truly bring premium denim to scale, marking Los Angeles, California as denims’ venerable center for research and development worldwide changing the landscape of denim forever.
7 For All Mankind’s premium jeans literally exploded onto the scene, quickly earning critical acclaim and an immediate following for its innovative use of fits, fabrics, and finishes in denim. Sales for the first year reached a staggering $13 million, an unheard of figure in the denim market, and has continued to show exponential growth year after year. In the past seven years 7 For All Mankind has become both an established modern classic for its sophisticated fits as well as a leading trendsetter for its newest fashion forward washes and designs.
The brand, famously dubbed “Sevens” by fashion editors and stylists, grew to fame in no small part because it became an instant favorite among Hollywood’s elite. 7 For All Mankind jeans continue to rank as a preferred jean among Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner and Liv Tyler. Male celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Reynolds became fan’s of the brand shortly after the launch of the 7 For All Mankind’s men’s collection in 2002.
The company continues to grow and evolve as a true denim lifestyle brand, expanding its product line to include men’s, sportswear, handbag, footwear and kids collections. The brand’s offerings also continue to expand through innovative collaborations with highly regarded designers such as The Great China Wall, Zac Posen, Azzedine Alaia, Evan Yurman and Pucci.Seven for All Mankind Exciting partnerships that push the envelope of design and creativity are now a signature part of the brand’s exploratory endeavors. 7 For All Mankind continues to merge the worlds of denim and couture to redefine the fashion landscape. The brand is currently sold at luxury retail stores such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as high end specialty boutiques in over 80 countries throughout the world." - 7ForAllMankind.com
Splendid
Yum. There’s really no better way to describe a Splendid tee. With its famously delicious, color-saturated blend of supima cotton and micro modal, Splendid has garnered a cult following among today’s chicest women and men. You just gotta wear it to believe it.
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Taverniti
In 2004, Jimmy Taverniti and friend Paul Guez (founder of Sasson jeans) joined forces to launch “TAVERNITI SO JEANS” denim line. The designers were inspired by the look of worn and loved denim and sought to create a line of jeans with a vintage chic quality. Jeans that would look worn - but still elegant. By employing new wash treatments, special dye techniques, and their own unique sense of style Paul and Jimmy developed a denim line unlike any other! Traverniti So Jeans powerfully combine sexy Italian fits, sophisticated French Fashion, and the heritage of all American Vintage to create and truly worn-and-loved look.
Theory
"Theory was founded in 1997 on the principle that women wanted to feel comfortable and sexy in modern clothing. In Theory, the principle seemed obvious, but it was unrealized at the time. There were many designers making either sleek, clean silhouettes or comfortable, reasonably priced separates. But there were no fashion brands in America doing both.
Theory defined its customer as the intelligent, active, and fashion-savvy woman. She wanted clothes to go with her to the office, with the family, on the weekend, and out at night. Placing a premium on fit and fabric quality, Theory created a collection that fused great separates and outfits together. Theory seized the technological opportunities available to spin lycra into other fabrics, creating slimmer,Theory more comfortable shapes. The philosophy of dressing caught on, and Theory's signature "stretch" developed a cult following. The Theory pant immediately became a must-have for every woman's closet.
A decade later, Theory continues to evolve as a product, as people, and as a company. Theory’s growing global presence remains grounded in its principles—the focus has never been on advertising, marketing, or brand-building. Except, of course, through its clothes. Ask a woman about her favorite black pants, or her most comfortable pair of jeans, or the jacket she throws on over everything. She’ll tell you, It’s Theory." - Theory.com
The Sak
Grab hold of one of The Sak's gorgeous handbags. Designers Mark Talucci and Todd Elliott began an overnight phenomenon by importing unique textiles from local hippie fairs in Brazil and Mexico. Their casual handbags became one of the most coveted items of the 90s, coining the phrase "A Sak on every back".
My favorite part of these designs is that you can wear them so many different ways. For instance, let them hang long over your shoulder for a boho-chic look or you can knot the strap shorter for a more polished vibe.
Tibis
"Tibi designer and founder, Amy Smilovic, began her career in the fashion industry shortly after moving to Hong Kong in 1997. Following a successful marketing position at American Express in New York City, Amy relocated to Asia with her husband and began designing a small collection of contemporary dresses. The company has rapidly expanded into its current offering of ten collections per year as well as a complete shoe line, swimwear, and home accessories. Amy hand designs a range of prints and styles to match her personal taste and distinctive approach to dressing which she showcases in the tents of Bryant Park each season during NYC’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Two years into the business, Amy was joined by her husband Frank Smilovic, now President of the company. Frank is responsible for developing and implementing Tibi’s global growth strategy and managing the day-to-day affairs. Before assuming this role, Frank was Senior Vice President of Gateway’s Japan, Asia and Australia operations. Prior to Gateway, Frank was with American Express for over 25 years in a variety of senior positions including Head of Finance for Europe, Vice President Worldwide Marketing based in New York and President Merchant Services Group for Asia.
September 2006 marked the opening of the first Tibi retail boutique in New York. The 2,200 square foot space, designed by Steve Blatz and Antonio Saracino, is located in SoHo at 120 Wooster Street and has received architectural acclaim in notable publications such as Interior Design Magazine. This is the first of many free standing stores in the comprehensive Tibi retail expansion strategy.Tibi
Tibi is now one of the largest contemporary lines found in over 500 specialty stores and upscale department stores worldwide including Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Scoop. Smilovic has recently opened showrooms in Los Angeles, Dallas, London, Milan, Australia and Canada to better support the company’s expansion. Scarlett Johansson, Liv Tyler, Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon are all fans of Tibi’s sophisticated prints and feminine designs." - Tibi.com
Thomas Wylde
After three years at the helm of Thomas Wylde, Paula Thomas, the Head Designer and Founder of Thomas Wylde, is as ambitious as ever. The innovator whose chic rock n' roll aesthetic has left an indelible imprint on the fashion industry continues to break new ground as she enters her sixth season. The global expanse of Thomas Wylde is a true phenomenon. After only five seasons, Thomas Wylde has been branded on an international level. Through Paula's vision the brand has become a force to be reckoned with. As it should: Paula has been quietly plotting her empire for years.
Her experience in fashion is vast, having played numerous roles in the fashion industry. Working as a top model, Paula was shot by world-renowned photographers for editorials in publications such as Vogue, I.D., The Face, and Elle. During this time Paula met the highly esteemed knitwear designer, Julien MacDonald, and from there became his muse and later his right-hand woman in the business, co-designing collections, producing fashion shows, selling to international buyers, and dressing celebrities. During her five years with Julien, Paula's fierce creativity and business savvy led to marked sales increases and heightened brand awareness. In 1999, Paula orchestrated Julien's appointment to the top design position at Givenchy.
In 2001, with the talent for design still coursing through her veins, Paula formed a partnership with Milanese designer, Stefano Guerriero (formerly of Versace), to create his pret-a-porter collections. Italian Vogue lauded the Fall/ Winter 2002 and Spring/ Summer 2003 collections amongst the top ten shows, a direct result of Paula's efforts.
The creation of Thomas Wylde, the name stemming from Paula's Welsh grandfather, Robert Thomas, and her great-grandmother Catherine Wylde, was simply destiny in the making. The design inspiration behind the brand is in part the woman who fully embraces her rock n' roll past, present, and future. All the elements of a diamond-in-the-rough, coupled with rocker style are infused into Paula's designs. The Thomas Wylde woman is intelligent, strong, and certainly not afraid of ambition, characteristics that Paula not only values but is also a pure example of. She is taking on new challenges, applying her talents to home furnishings. In Spring 2007, the Thomas Wylde Home Furnishings collection debuted to rave reviews. As the collection grows each season, the Thomas Wylde Empire is erected, brick-by-brick.
Tory Burch
"Tory Burch is an attainable, luxury, lifestyle brand defined by classic American sportswear with an eclectic sensibility, which embodies the personal style and spirit of its co-founder and creative director, Tory Burch. Perceiving a void in the market for a sophisticated American aesthetic at an accessible price point, Tory wanted to create stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories for women of all ages.
Tory Burch was launched in February 2004 as a lifestyle concept with multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry.
Tory’s childhood on a farm outside of Philadelphia, as well as her mother and father’s unique sense of personal style, influence the aesthetic of the collection. Her sensibility is also inspired by art, photography, films travel, and the work of interior designer David Hicks. Graphic prints, bold colors and ethnic detailing are all signatures of the brand. Celebrity fans include Cameron Diaz, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman and Hilary Swank." - ToryBurch.com
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Valentino
Valentino was born Valentino Garavani in Voghera, Italy in 1932. He studied French and fashion design at the Academia de'll Arte in Milan (1948), in preparation for his move to Paris.
In Paris, he worked as assistant designer to Jean Desses and Guy Laroche (1955-1958). In 1960, he returned to Italy, and established his company in Rome.
In 1962, he presented his collection in Florence. During this time, his clientele is already a who's who list of the rich and famous - Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1965, he received the Neiman Marcus Award, and during the rest of the 1960s, Valentino would gain international fame. He will be a member of the elite group which would make the "Made in Italy" label famous and equate it with luxury goods.
Valentino's signature style is "opulence" He is known for his meticulous detailing and magnificent embroidery. The perfection of luxury in Valentino is never ostentatious, but rather a very strong yet discreet appeal of shades stolen from precious stones, from the impalpable delicateness of powder and milk. Absolutely unique, incredibly elegant Valentino style contain all the best italian fashion design and style.
Valentino GaravaniIn 1998, Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP) acquired Valentino with plans of creating a new luxury goods group.
In 2002, HdP sold the company to Marzotto, another Italian luxury goods group which includes Hugo Boss, world-wide leader in menswear, and the Marlboro Classic, Gianfranco Ferre Studio and M Missoni licenses.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Designs likes its customers to carry around lots of baggage. It designs and makes quilted handbags and travel bags, as well as travel accessories, such as cosmetic bags, curling iron covers, and pocket wallets. The company's products are available in some 3,500 gift and specialty stores and about 30 Vera Bradley retail stores in the US. In addition to its core products, it offers licensed items, including Vera Bradley-brands rugs, eyewear, stationery, and home decor items. Vera Bradley Designs was formed in 1982 by friends Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard when they realized a lack of good-looking luggage for women. They named the company after Barbara's mother, Vera Bradley.
Vera Wang
Vera Wang is for women who understand clothes. After years spent designing a wildly successful bridal collection, in 2004 Wang launched her ready-to-wear line, using the same ultra-feminine but often serious aesthetic. With elegant, muted colors, rich fabrics and luxe details, Vera Wang’s covetable collection is consistently chic. Her layers of texture and thoughtful silhouettes are romantic and often a bit whimsical, made with an eye to intellect and history.
Vince
A hit in the states for sometime now, Vince is a contemporary fashion brand best known for its luxe staples that reflect a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. The line make everything from shorts and cords to dresses, but they are probably best known for their luxurious knitwear. Based out of LA, Vince has established a huge celebrity following and has been seen on everyone from Madonna, to Kate Hudson, and Kate Moss. A Vince cashmere sweater is, or should be a go-to-basic in every well dressed woman's wardrobe!
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William Rast
William Rast is the child of talent, design, and success. When a multi-platinum recording artist and his best friend and business partner decide to make clothes, the potential becomes limitless.
Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, dressed up or dressed down, define class, comfort, and style. Together they design the threads to match and deliver a brand that infuses the soul of authentic southern heritage with the energy of contemporary Hollywood.
William Rast allows the wearer to go confidently from casual to cosmopolitan. It is perfect for the man on the go or the starlet out on the town. It is fashion minus the pretense. Inspired by Dixieland, William Rast is a testament to Justin and Trace's Tennessee roots; "William" is the first name of Timberlake's grandfather and Rast, the last of Trace Ayala's.
William Rast first hit retail floors of North America in November 2005. Today the line has expanded to include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Lisa Kline, Blue Genes, Harvey Nichols, and major boutiques around the globe.
In October 2006, during LA Fashion Week, William Rast officially launched their expanded sportswear Collection. The highly anticipated fashion show took William Rast to the next level. The collection consists of jeans, vests, shirts, sweaters and a signature pea coat. The show solidified William Rast as a brand beyond celebrity, delivering quality, detail, design, and comfort and making a clear statement that rock & roll sex appeal and modern sensuality are always in style!
We'd really like you to try out the William Rast line. They're popular with the celebrity crowd in LA, but much more important than that, our families and friends back home like them too.
Whitney Eve
We all oogle at her incredible style on her hit show, The City. There's no denying the fact that Whitney Port dresses to utter perfection from head to toe. Thanks to the tall, pretty blond, we can now steal her looks with her nouveau collection, Whitney Eve. Just like you'd think, her designs are a mix of LA's laid back look with New York City's more sophisticated vibe. Her line includes flowy feminine blouses, breezy dresses, and sharply tailored miniskirts and blazers in cool pastels and lace.
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Yves Saint Laurent
Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent frequently uses ethnic themes in his garments, as well as bright colors contrasted with black. His day clothes have a slightly masculine flavor, and his luxurious evening wear is tinged with fantasy. He is famous for "Le Smoking" tuxedo jacket, see-through blouses (1968), peasant blouses, bolero jackets, pantsuits, and smocks.
Although a shy person, Saint Laurent believes he is the last true couturier. He maintains the highest standards of classic cut and tailoring, and he receives a standing ovation after every collection is presented.
Yvette Mandell
The Yvette Mandell brand is the item to wear among Hollywood’s elite ladies. Yvette Mandell’s ladies and girls’ clothing is nothing short of classic and edgy. Yvette Mandell’s vintage styles incorporated with unique designs and embellished with Austrian crystals give clothing that unmatched exclusive feeling. Flattering patterns, comfortable and quality materials, and creative colors make each Yvette Mandell design a lasting closet favorite.
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Zac Posen
"Zac Posen launched his namesake label at the tender age of 21. His first show—in 2002, in a former synagogue on the Lower East Side—received mixed reviews, but generated major buzz among young socials (including Barbara Bush) and industry insiders. Posen’s work has gained respect for its increasingly streamlined aesthetic of forties-inflected tailoring, mermaid-esque gowns, and itty-bitty cocktail frocks. In 2004, the CFDA gave Posen Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear. Fragrance and diffusion lines are on the pike for 2009." - NY Mag
RETURN TO SHOPPING!
To celebrate top fashion, we have gathered and posted profile information on some of the top designer names.
If you don't see your favorite Designer Name, let us know and we will post it to our Designer Spotlight.
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Alice + Olivia
Stacey Bendet launched the alice + olivia collection at Barneys NY in 2002. Nicknamed StaceyPants, she was often found rollerblading through the city in those bold striped bell bottoms that the collection became instantly famous for. As it has evolved, the line has stayed true to its roots and Stacey’s quirky sensibility, focusing on the perfect pants while expanding and growing into a collection of detailed pieces including everything from sexy sequin dresses to great sweaters, and structured coats.
A staple of Hollywood via Hamptons starlets, New York native Stacey Bendet launched her now-famous Alice + Olivia line with a pair of bold-striped, vintage bell-bottoms she’d custom-fitted in her University of Pennsylvania dorm room. Her form-fitting and ultra-flattering aesthetic has since changed the face of pant design. Soon after its launch in 2002, her fresh collection caught the eye of a few key industry players: Barneys New York and Andrew Rosen of Theory. The label then expanded to cashmere in 2003, menswear in 2004, and is now world-renowned for its seasonal collections featuring her signature bright-striped tops, angular jackets and punk-inspired pants.
Amrita Singh
Though jewelry making began as an "accidental love," it grew into a unique and compelling "passion" according to Amrita. Her design interests are global, reflecting the city that she inhabits and works in: urban, culturally diverse, and infused with artistic inspiration. Her jewelry fuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in breathtakingly unique, wearable works of art.
Studying the intricacies of Indian art through travel and extensive independent work, Amrita draws upon the designs of India and the Mughal dynasty to create artisanal jewelry and accessories. The success of her Bangle, Bollywood, and other designer jewelry has proved that her blend of influences and craft are distinctive and timeless. Amrita is devoted to the development of both her fashion lines: her contemporary jewelry which includes innovative collections such as Bangle Bangle, and her fine jewelry collection.
Trained by the best in the field, Amrita Singh graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology and also completed the prestigious two year executive training program at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. She has worked with world-renowned designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Christian Lacroix in the pursuit of fashion. Recognized by her fellow designers for her achievements, Amrita was nominated by FGI (Fashion Group International) for the Rising Star Award in the Fine Jewelry Category in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Through her collaboration with innovators in fashion and her devotion to the beauty of fine classical design, Amrita continues to design intriguing and complex jewelry for the modern woman.
Antik Denim
It's incredibly fitting that the word "antique" is a part of this brand's name, since these jeans are very much like an antique, very rare and hard to find! Antique Rivet creates denim for men and women with a heavy vintage feel and more modern design. The unique combination of something old with something new is what keeps the brand on the cutting edge of fashion. From boot-cuts and straight leg, to skinnies and flared, each pair produces a flattering silhouette with just the right amount of stretch, making them super comfortable
Autumn Cashmere
Autumn Cashmere introduced its very first collection in 1993. We have attained an incredible following in the United States and around the world since then. The reason for our success is simple - we have always been true to who we are. Autumn Cashmere is a fresh, contemporary and innovative knitwear company, creating cashmere, cashmere blend and cotton sweaters and accessories that excite the senses and inspire fun living. Our identity is known by countless fashion minded consumers, including many high profile celebrities.
Autumn Cashmere backs up every garment with quality and unbeatable craftsmanship. Rich cashmere and cotton yarn of the highest quality is the cornerstone of our fashion-driven philosophy. We don’t stop at innovative designs because we know our product needs to be made well, fit well, and it’s got to be comfy!
From the beginning, Autumn Cashmere recognized that the contemporary cashmere market was largely untapped. Most luxury knitwear companies offered fairly traditional product, lacking in stylistic elements and seasonality. Where did that leave the fashion consumer? Starving for something to wear!
We offer affordable price points, seasonal updates and a flexible merchandising range. These ingredients have enabled us to create and maintain a strong appeal with both retailers and consumers.
On the technical side, we have a vertically integrated operation that creates a synergy between design, production and distribution. Autumn Cashmere owns its production facilities in Shanghai, China. This helps us provide superior quality and craftsmanship, while creating a unique blend between the art of design and the science of production.
A youthful spirit is the heart of our company. Our creative staff brings a fresh and innovative approach to cashmere design experimenting with an array of super soft yarns, luxurious trims and high fashion inspired styles.
Autumn Cashmere’s popularity and reputation secures us consistent placement on the pages of many fashion magazines including In Style, Lucky, Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue and many more. Kate Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Charlize Theron, Sandra Bullock, Paulina Porizkova and Billy Crystal are just a few of the stars enamored by Autumn Cashmere.
Autumn Cashmere is available in over 600 of the finest retail stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Savvy female shoppers find our sweaters in establishments such as Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Intermix, Ron Herman, Olive and Bettes, Lisa Kline, Holt Renfrew and many more. Stylish men can shop for Autumn Cashmere at stores such as Fred Segal, Theodore, Wilkes Bashford, TNT, Ron Herman, Gorsuch, Lisa Kline Atrium and more.
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BCBG (Max Azria)
BCBG stands for “good style, good attitude” in French — and it definitely lives up to its name. Designer Max Azria, who launched BCBG in 1989, understands the spirit of his fans, who adore his chic, hip styles and his special sense of European design. BCBG consistently delivers looks that are sexy but not too showy, flirty but still sophisticated. Azria has since expanded his empire to include shoes, cosmetics and handbags, all of which stay true to his understated vision.
Betsey Johnson / Betseyville
New York designer Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over the top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since the 1960’s. Fabulous items with wild child Betsey Johnson's designs. From colorful animal prints and pink hearts to plaid designs and studding details. Practical and fun!
Burberry
Burberry is a 153-year-old global brand with a distinctly British attitude. The label, synonymous with luxury, quality, innovation and timeless style, is anchored by the iconic trench coat. Under the creative vision of Christopher Bailey, every aspect of the brand has evolved with a modern and pure expression that retains the original values and heritage of the house, founded in 1856.
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Christian Audigier
Widely considered one of the most meteoric successes in fashion history, Christian Audigier became a fashion sensation not only with his tattoo-inspired apparel, but with his collection of unique jewelry as well. The French designer brings a heavy dose of edginess to the fashion industry with a line of rock 'n roll inspired pieces full of brilliant detail and made from the finest sterling silver. Ranging from rings, pendants, dogtags, bracelets, and necklaces in the form of skulls, daggers, swords and more.
Chloé
Prior to Chloé's launch in 1952, luxury fashion houses had only ever produced Haute Couture (i.e. made-to-measure) clothing. This was fine for the few who could afford it, but it left everyone else in frequently poorly-made copies, supplied by the local seamstress. Chloé's creator, Gaby Aghion, rejecting the stiff formality of 1950s fashion (and sensing a gap in the market), decided to create a line of off the rack, high quality, soft, body conscious clothes from fine fabrics, which she called 'luxury prêt-à-porter' and thus, the Prêt-à-Porter (Ready-To-Wear) market we know today, was born.
Over the years the Chloe label has became synomous with a sort of bohemian flare; best charctorized by its soft, airy, whimsical creations. Some of the labels most prominent designers have been Karl Lagerfeld, Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney, Pheobe Philo, and Paulo Melim Andersson. On March 10th, 2008, former Assistant Director to Valentino, Hannah McGibbon, whose talent was first spotted by Phoebe Philo and who had been part of the Chloé design team since 2001 and Chloé Chief Designer since 2006, was appointed as the new Creative Director at Chloé.
Christian Louboutin
Shoe designer Christian Louboutin creates luxury footwear for women known for their distinctive materials and delicate embellishments. Long a favorite of some of the world's most stylish women, Louboutin's shoes are instantly recognizable to fashion cognoscenti for their trademark lipstick-red soles. The Paris-based designer sells his perilously high heels—and the occasional flat—at his eponymous boutiques in Paris, London, New York, and even Moscow, as well as at top American retailers like Neiman Marcus.
Born in 1963, Louboutin grew up in Paris as the only son of a cabinetmaker. His three sisters, he has said, played a crucial role in helping him develop an appreciation for fashion and femininity, but his fascination with shoes was directly related to a 1976 visit to a Paris museum near his home, the Musee des Arts Africains et Oceaniens on the Avenue Daumesnil. Its collection of sculpture and handiwork from Mali, Ivory Coast, and Australasia was housed in a building from the 1930s that featured priceless mosaic and parquet floors. Louboutin recalled that there was a pictograph sign barring visitors from wearing spike-heel shoes—by then merely a vintage fashion memory from the 1950s—which could damage the floor surfaces. "I had never seen these kind of shoes in the '70s, " he recalled in an interview with Katherine Weisman in Footwear News. "How could someone make a [drawing] of a shoe that no longer existed to tell people not to wear them? I became obsessed."Christian Louboutin
Louboutin began sketching shoes in his early teens, and found himself increasingly drawn into the world of fashion at the expense of his studies. He was expelled from four schools, but "I didn't care, because I felt so different from my peers, " he told Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni in Harper's Bazaar. "I discovered Cher on television, and no one knew who she was, and I thought, I come from another culture—mine is Cher."
Louboutin had some formal training at the Academie Roederer, where he studied drawing and the decorative arts. Increasingly intrigued by world cultures, he had already run away to see Egypt while still in his teens, and also traveled through India for a year. Back in Paris in 1981, he assembled a design portfolio of his most elaborate high heels, and showed it to some of the city's top couture houses. His efforts landed him a job with Charles Jourdan, the legendary shoe designer, and then he met Roger Vivier, another well-known shoe designer who had worked with Christian Dior in the 1950s. Louboutin had known of Vivier's work since his teens, for Vivier was said to have invented that famous spike (or stiletto) heel whose image so intrigued him at the Avenue Daumesnil museum. Named for a type of slim knife, the stiletto heel was a high shoe with a tapered, narrow heel that resembled the namesake knife blade. Vivier liked Louboutin's work, and offered him an apprenticeship. "Vivier taught me that the most important part of the shoe is the body and the heel, " Louboutin told Dana Thomas in Newsweek International. "Like good bone structure, if you get that right, the rest is makeup."
During the rest of the 1980s, Louboutin was a freelance shoe designer, creating heels for the collections of Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as Maud Frizon, another shoe designer with immense name-brand cache in the 1980s. He launched his own company, with the help of two financial backers, and in November of 1991 opened a Paris shoe boutique under his own name. One of his first famous customers was Princess Caroline of Monaco, who enthused over his shoes one day when a fashion journalist happened to be in the store as well. The resulting press helped boost Louboutin's profile immensely, and such well-known fashionistas as Diane Von Furstenburg and Catherine Deneuve became devoted clients. Later devotees of his stiletto heels included Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore Louboutins on her wedding day.
Christine Price
Christine Price redefines casual luxury with her beautiful line of handbags. Originally her styles were designed as diaper bags for chic mamas, however the styles received such wide acclaim that even non-mothers are sporting the look. Christine Price has been features in the hottest magazine including In Touch, Star, and Good Housekeeping, and A-listers such as Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie own various styles.
Cole Haan
Cole Haan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nike, inc. and has its international headquarters in Yarmouth, Maine and its design headquarters in New York City.
Cole Haan began in Chicago in 1928 and the name comes from Trafton Cole, who created Cole Haan's reputation for quality and incredible craftsmanship, and Eddie Haan, the man who made it all about service and style. Originally, Cole Haan was a men's footwear label and it typified the spirit of the '20s, when style was everything and quality was assumed. Footwear was beautifully designed and very well made.
Today, Cole Haan brings that heritage to all its products, including men's and women's dress and casual footwear, belts, hosiery, handbags, small leather goods, fine outerwear and watches. Today too, Cole Haan is recognized for exciting innovation. A perfect example is Cole Haan footwear with Nike Air Technology.
Since Nike owns Cole Haan, Cole Haan women's shoes integrate superior Nike Air Technology in all shoes. The marriage has worked wonderfully, as the Nike Air bottom has become a big hit with women who love style, comfort, and support. After all, who wouldn't like that!
Cynthia Holvy (Cynthia H Designs)Accessories designer Cynthia Holvey is no stranger to the Hollywood scene. She's been working in the fashion industry for years and is the cousin of George Clooney! After a downward spiral of too much partying and drugs, Cynthia Holvey entered into rehab and emerged a new woman. She began to channel her creative energy and after ten years of being sober, she created a jewelry line of powerful charm designs, inspired by her spiritual awakening. These trendy pieces have become more than just a fashion accessory, they've become a source of hope and luck for women all over the world.
Cynthia Rowley
Cynthia Rowley was 7 years old when she constructed her first dress, and as a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she sold her first collection, consisting of eight pieces, to some of New York’s most prestigious stores. Today, Rowley is one of the most recognized personalities in fashion, having been honored by the CFDA and boasting appearances on Oprah and Letterman. Her girlish but sleek designs have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, W and Vogue.
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Diane Von Furstenberg
Fashion Designer Diane von Furstenberg was born in Belgium and studied Economics at the University of Geneva, where she met and married Austro-Italian Prince Egon von Furstenberg. The couple moved to New York late in 1969, and Diane unveiled her first collection in April of 1970. The princess-turned designer / entrepreneur divorced from her husband after only 3 years and shifted her focus towards independence and her own career. Diane's status was elevated to 'Fashion Icon' after the release of her first, moderately priced wrap dress in the 1970's. Her sultry, no-fuss creation filled a void in the fashion world by providing women a welcomed alternative to the standard bell-bottom jeans, and sexless pantsuits of the day. By 1976 the "Wrap Dress" had come to symbolize female power and freedom to an entire generation, thanks to Diane Von Furstenberg. In 1997, after a hiatus from Fashion, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene with the relaunch of the dress that had started it all and began transforming her company into the global luxury lifestyle brand that it is today.
"I like to say that "I design a line the way I pack a suitcase," visualizing all of the different places I'm going to be, and then creating the appropriate outfits. My clothing must be timeless and versatile, so that a few simple pieces add up to many different looks. I think building a wardrobe should be like compiling a scrapbook of your life—over the years you accumulate Diane Von Furstenbergfavorite pieces, like old friends, that you always come back to for their unfailing ability to make you feel safe or confident, sexy or secure, depending on what you need." - DVF
Dolce & Gabbana
Fashion Designer Domenico Dolce was born in 1958, in a small Italian village outside of Sicily, called Polizzi Generosa. His business partner, Stefano Gabbana, was also born in Italy in 1962. In his early years, Domenico studied fashion design in Sicily and worked in his family's small clothing factory. Steffano, on the other hand, surprisingly had no official fashion education; and instead studied graphic design.
Dolce and Gabbana met in 1980 when they were working as assistants in an atelier in Milan. When they started business together in 1982, they continued to do free-lance designing for others.
Their first collection in 1986 won international acclaim, and their first boutique opened in 1989 in Japan. In 1990 they presented their first men's collection and opened their first women's boutique in Milan. That same year, the duo began designing the Complice line for the Genny Group in Milan (Complice had been designed by Versace from 1975 to 1981, and then by Claude Montana until 1987.) Scarves, ties, beachwear, perfume, and accessories were added in 1992.
Today Dolce & Gabbana has two central lines: Dolce&Gabbana and D&G. The Dolce&Gabbana line consists of an exquisite range of luxury items which are far more formal and flamboyant than the casual, less expensive D&G line.Dolce & Gabbana The brand has also expanded to include beachwear, underwear, corrective eyewear, sunglasses, fragrance, bags, and a "D&G Juniors" line which caters to children. In addition to fashion, the company recently published a book called "10 Years of Dolce & Gabbana", released a CD of dance floor music and opened a glitzy restaurant in Milan called "Gold".
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Elie Tahari
"'Everything magical happens to me when I am in love.' With the transcendent vision of an artist, Elie Tahari is a man seduced by the truth and beauty of life. So it is no surprise that the most elegant fashions have evolved from the house of this passionate designer, who believes clothing should enhance the woman, so that her true beauty can shine through.
'Communicating through design is extremely difficult.' He believes, 'Great architects create spaces that are very much in tune with the wind, the sun, the light, the air and the seasons. Clothing should be no different.' From his passion for architecture, Elie Tahari finds inspiration in clean, straight lines and suggestion. With these basic principles as his foundation, he has built an empire.Elie Tahari
Women have been drawn to Elie Tahari designs for over three decades, and this devoted following continues to revel in the feminine embellishments, sensual fabrics, and subtle textures that have come to
define the Elie Tahari collection." - ElieTahari.com
Elliott Lucca
These trend-setting handbags have stolen the hearts of many A-listers. From the makers of The Sak, designers Mark Talucci and Todd Elliott created an exquisite handbag collection called Elliott Lucca. You'll discover some of the most sought-after purses made from luxuriously exotic leathers and suede. From classic hobos to more modern satchels, these creations will keep you city-chic.
Emilio Pucci
"Emilio Pucci was born in 1914 to one of Florence’s oldest noble families, and would live and work in the Pucci Palace in Florence for much of his life. He was a keen sportsman, who swam, skied, fenced, played tennis and raced cars. At the age of 17 he travelled to Lake Placid as part of the Italian team at the 1932 Winter Olympics, but did not compete.
After two years at the University of Milan, he studied agriculture at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where he became a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society. In 1935 he won a skiing scholarship[citation needed] to Reed College in Oregon, received an MA in social science from Reed in 1937, and was awarded his doctorate (laurea) in political science from the University of Florence the same year. In 1938 he joined the Italian Air Force, and served as a bomber pilot during WWII, rising to the rank of captain and decorated for valour by the time he left to pursue his fashion career.
The first clothes designed by Pucci were for the Reed College skiing team. But his designs came to wider attention in 1947, when he was on leave in Zermatt, Switzerland. Skiwear that he had designed for a female friend was photographed by Toni Frissell, a photographer working for Harper's Bazaar. Frissell's editor asked Pucci to design skiwear for a story on European Winter Fashion, which ran in the winter 1948 issue of the Bazaar. Although there had been some experiments with stretch fabrics in Europe before the war, Pucci's sleek designs caused a sensation, and he received several offers from American manufacturers to produce them. Instead he left the Air Force and set up a haute couture house in the fashionable resort of Canzone del Mare on the Isle of Capri.
Initially he used his knowledge of stretch fabrics to produce a swimwear line in 1949, but soon moved onto other items such as brightly-coloured, boldly-patterned silk scarves. Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus encouraged him to use the designs in blouses and then a popular line of wrinkle-free printed silk dresses. Pucci added a boutique in Rome as business thrived, helped by Capri's role as a destination for the international jet set. By the early 50's, Pucci was achieving international recognition, receiving the Neiman-Marcus Award in Dallas and the Burdine's Sunshine Award in Miami. Marilyn Monroe was buried with one of his dresses, and his designs were worn by everyone from Sophia Loren to Jackie Kennedy.
In 1959, Pucci decided to create a lingerie line. His atelier in Rome advised him to develop the line abroad, avoiding the difficulties of a decade earlier in matching available fabrics to the patterns of his first swimwear line. As a result, Pucci came to Chicago giving the lingerie contract to Formfit-Rogers mills. The venture proved to be successful, and Pucci was made vice president in charge of design and merchandising for the company a year later. Also in 1959, Pucci was introduced to Baronessa Cristina Nannini, a Roman baroness, at his boutique in Capri. Pucci would later marry her, claiming: "I married a Botticelli".
After Emilio's death in 1992 his daughter, Laudomia Pucci, continued to design under the Pucci name. The French Louis Vuitton-Moet-Hennessy Group luxury goods empire acquired 67% of Pucci in 2000. Laudomia became Image Director, whilst LVMH brought in major designers such as Christian Lacroix (creative director 2002-5), and in October 2005, Matthew Williamson. Other designers who have worked for the label include Stephan Janson and Julio Espada.
Emilio Pucci clothes and accessories are sold through Emilio Pucci and Rossignol boutiques worldwide and in high-end department stores, mostly feature the designer's original brightly coloured, often swirly, prints or new designs in his original distinct style. The fashion house produces ready-to-wear clothes and accessories for women, in addition to a small range of men's accessories.Emilio Pucci In the past, the house has produced a more comprehensive range of men's wear, including a line in partnership with Ermenegildo Zegna, which included men's jackets lined with Pucci printed fabric, especially for American department store Saks Fifth Avenue."
Escada
The Escada group was founded in 1976 near Munich, Germany, by Wolfgang and Margarethe Ley. The company took its name from an Irish thoroughbred racehorse and both Leys were betting on their enterprise to win. Today the Escada collection includes Couture fashion, Escada Sport and Escada Accessories, fur coats, handbags, sunglasses and jewelry.
Margarethe Ley was the chief designer for the group until her death in 1992. She strongly adhered to the belief that a designer must never rely solely on creative talent to be a success; creativity must be balanced by a strong market appeal. Ley created a highly distinctive identity for Escada—clean, slick, and sophisticated. She also pioneered the development of exciting new fabric combinations and color schemes when so many other designers were solidly into black. When Ley died she was succeeded by Michael Stolzenburg who brought a younger, more modern perspective to the company. Taking his influence from daily life, he believed the balance of a collection relied on the mix of tried and true design and fresh new ideas. In 1994 after Stolzenburg passed away, the firm turned to Todd Oldham to serve as the company's creative consultant, that same year Escada Sport was launched. Oldham's creations were enthusiastically received, and in 1995 both Escada Knit and Classic Elements became available in the company's wide spectrum of colors and fabrics.
In the early 2000s Escada had over 375 boutiques worldwide, including new boutiques in Paris and Kuala Lumpur, and was relocating its New York flagship store to larger digs on Fifth Avenue.Escada The luxury retailer was considered the world's largest ready-to-wear producer with some 1,500 different styles available each year, and to increase its marketshare further, Escada entered into a joint venture in the summer of 2001 with the SECON Group, each buying a 45-percent stake in Louis Féraud. The entrepreneurial spirit of founders Wolfgang and Margarethe Ley is alive and well in the enduring success of Escada.
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Faith Connexion
Faith Connexion is a new fashion statement that began with the convergence of two great talents from two different universes: The impetuous, irrational, mystical and yet hedonistic world of Ilan Delouis and Christophe Bosc's international experience in business.
Ilan Delouis, the founder and designer of the brand, breathes a transversal image into his collections, which are inspired by his own life. Christophe Bosc offers his 20 years of experience in management and development in the fashion and luxury industry toward the growth of Faith Connexion.
Faith Connexion is stylish, sexy, chic and rock-n-roll, using simple cuts, elegant fabrics, and sophistication in detail seducing both women and men. Unique and modern, it has inscribed itself in the realm of today. Faith Connexion confidently bears its strong and very significant presence in the fashion world today, inspired by its convictions and values, which have resonated with fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Sophistication combined with casual wear and their universal brand values are the key to the instant and overwhelming success that Faith Connexion Boutiques have enjoyed in the major fashion capitals. After Paris, Cannes, St Tropez, Riga, Kuwait City, Faith Connexion and its local partners are opening new boutiques in Prague, St. Petersburg, Zagreb, Dubai, and London.
The brand spirit is expressed through an accomplished store concept designed with black furniture, giant wall posters; a fashion statement in a unique atmosphere where the brand image is strongly stated and labeled through the Faith Connexion Coat of Arms, jewelry and accessories.
Fendi
Fendi is a Italian high fashion house best known for its "baguette" handbags. It was launched in 1925 as a fur and leather shop in Rome, but today is a multinational luxury goods brand owned by LVMH. Karl Lagerfeld is the creative director.
Franco Starto
Franco Sarto was one of the first designers to prove to the world that beautiful shoes do not have to compromise comfort. Perhaps this intelligent notion had something to do with the fact that he began working in Italian shoe factories in his early teens. The designer's dedication to the creation of exquisite footwear only grew as he extended his craft to include a line of handbags. You can expect an array of sleek heels, leopard print flats, and suede boots for the season.
Frankie B
Daniella has altered and redesigned clothing to fit her style since her early teens. While on tour with her rockstar husband in the late '90s, she was continuously asked about the one-of-a-kind jeans she was wearing. Soon after, Frankie B. (named after her daughter) was launched, establishing its mark on the women's fashion map almost immediately.
Responsible for creating the low-rise craze and putting a spotlight on the premium denim market, the Frankie B. brand has grown across the globe and remains as much of a wardrobe staple today as when it first launched. In fact, the brand is best known amongst its jean fans as an addiction-- most Frankie B. owners collect pairs and, on average, have more than 10 different styles! A few years later, Daniella was invited to resurrect Dittos, the iconic denim brand she wore and loved as a teenager. The first collection debuted in Spring 2007 and instantly became a favorite among retailers and fashion's elite.
Daniella designs for women like her: laid back, feminine and confident-- with a bit of an edge; and she creates clothing that encourage women to feel alive, stylish, and unique. Always inspired by what's next on the fashion landscape, Daniella never forgets the classics that have made Frankie B. a "go to" among fans like Sienna Millier, Charlize Theron, Mischa Barton, Eva Longoria, Fergie and many others. Since Frankie B's launch in 1999, it has grown into a full lifestyle brand that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, eyewear and activewear, and is available at department stores and specialty boutiques worldwide. Daniella has the same vision for Dittos and serves as creative director for both growing collections with more than 80 pieces each. She approaches each collection with an eye toward what she wants next in her closet, making both Frankie B. and Dittos a fashion resource for women who embrace a distinctive and sexy west coast style.
Her work has not gone unrecognized. Daniella and Frankie B. were awarded the MAFI Fashion Innovator of the Year award in 2004 for contributions to the fashion industry; and three years later, Daniella was honored with a Media Award from Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization for her support and dedication to the charity. She is invited to host events and discuss her experiences as a designer by people all over the world, which has enabled her to entertain her love of shopping vintage stores for clothes, magazines, jewelry, and inspiration. Regardless of where she travels or what fashion trends come and go, Daniella always carries the philosophy instilled upon her by her mother while growing up: If the clothes you're wearing don't make you feel and look better, then what's the point?
Born in Israel, Daniella lives in California with her husband, rock guitarist Gilby Clarke, and daughter Frankie.
Free People
"Back in the 1970's, a young man named Dick Hayne planted a seed in the maze of streets and trees that make up West Philadelphia Pennsylvania, he opened a store and called it Free People. Free People nurtured the young people who lived there and shopped there, who looked for a little of their own freedom in the clothes they wore."
Today Free People is know throughout the world for having a uniquely handcrafted appeal that perfectly blends street chic, femininity, and the creative spirit.The line designs for "a 26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident, and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to it's limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between. Who loves Donovan as much as she loves the Dears, and can't resist petting any dog that passes her by on the street." - FreePeople.com
Furla
Every woman requires one powerful handbag to keep her looking confident, poised, and polished. Furla handbags have become synonymous with contemporary luxury, with each design characterized by an understated, elegant style and quality Italian craftsmanship. We've got a great selection of leather bags you'll adore!
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Giorgio Armani
Born into a humble family, Giorgio Armani went to the local public school and developed a love for the theatre and cinema. In 1957, he took a job at the Milan department store La Rinascente. He worked briefly as an assistant photographer, before accepting a promotion to its style office, where he imported products from India, Japan, and the US.
In 1964, without any formal training, Armani designed a line of men’s wear for Nino Cerruti. Encouraged by his partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani left Cerruti and, in 1970, became a freelance fashion designer and consultant.
In 1973-1974, at the prestigious Sala Bianca fashion show in Florence, he presented, to great acclaim, bomber jackets that treated leather as an everyday fabric.
This penchant for using materials in unexpected contexts and combinations came to be known as a defining characteristic of his style.
In 1975, Armani and Galeotti started their own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., and founded the Armani label. His trademark designs were re-interpretations of the traditional business suit, unstructured, relaxed designs for men, and masculine styles for women.
In the 1980s, the Armani "power suit" for men and women came to symbolize an era of international economic boom. In 1982, Armani became the first fashion designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1940s.Georgio Armani He was one of the first designers to approach celebrities to wear his designs, beginning with then Los Angeles Lakers coach, Pat Riley, in 1988.
Armani also invited Hollywood stars to wear his designs at the Academy Awards, winning devotees such as Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster.
Gucci
Since 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened his first store selling small leather goods and accessories, the Gucci name has slowly built its reputation on craftsmanship and quality. Over the years, it has attracted an elite clientele, who have been drawn to the label's fashionable sensibility and overall durability. During this time, the brand's iconic horse bit and stirrup motifs were born and have since become enduring symbols of the line. Recognized worldwide, the Gucci logo regularly elicits buzz and fashion praise, having enjoyed a recent surge in popularity under Creative Director Frida Giannini. The range of handbags and accessories include their signature canvas print, embossed leathers, and Gucci's now-classic red and green stripe design. Their refined and classic sensibility are exactly what discerning customers have come to expect from the line.
Gustto
Get on board with Hollywood's latest love affair: Gustto handbags. The bags became an immediate sensation with celebs like Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, and Halle Berry showcasing their newest designs. We've made sure to snag the most delicious assortment of fresh shapes, exotic skins, and rich textures the brand is so well known for.
If you're looking for something for everyday, these hobos are just what you need: lightweight and extra-spacious to keep all your essentials on track. If you rather a more sophisticated look, check out the assortment of breathtaking clutches!
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Hale Bob
Hale Bob captures the attitude of style, glamor, and fashion with his collection of silk charmeuse scarves. Eva Longoria, Halle Berry, Paris Hilton, Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, Sharon Stone, and Heidi Klum are just a few of the many stars who choose Hale Bob's distinctive prints to liven up their look. And the natural fibers used to make each piece keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Hazel
In 2002, Hazel Clothes arrived on the scene in Los Angeles and has quickly developed into an eclectic, European-inspired collection. Hazel clothing is designed to reflect the image of today's modern women, possessing confidence and strength while retaining the utmost femininity. Hazel is know for their novelty and ability to create authentic style by mixing luxurious fabrics together to create a palette of mixed media, often complimented by detailed beading or trims of metallic and lace. The attitude is fresh and fun, styled to compliment denim or elegantly stand alone.
Hype
Hype handbags are fresh off the mill with bustling colors like fuschia and citrus. The dramatic colors are invigorating! If these designs don't liven up your look, you're in need of a serious do-nothing but lie on the sand vaca! These handbags have created such "hype" that they are covering the pages of all the latest fashion magazines. Check out the range of clutches, satchels, and totes.
Hudson
Hudson Basic Five-Pocket Jean look frayed, blasted, whiskered, worn - this jean sports the look of the comfy and sexy pair you love to wear! Hudson jeans are available in low rise and boot-cut leg. The back pocket was created with decorative stitching and the embroidered logo tab. Frayed spots at waistband lend an air of authenticity.
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Imoshion
Imoshion handbags were founded in the Netherlands four years ago, and have since become some of the best selling designs in Europe. Distinguished by elegant looks and high quality materials, each style features several zippered compartments for your mobile phone and other belongings. From canvas totes to synthetic leather satchels, these beautiful handbags are embellished with metallic and silver hardware that can take you seamlessly from the office to an evening out.
Isabella Fiore
Contrary to popular belief the Isabella Fiore line was not designed by an Italian woman named Isabella Fiore. Instead, the brand was actually founded by two LA based friends named Jennifer Tash and Trang Huynh. "Isabella Fiore" is the Italian equivalent of the English phrase "beautiful flower"; a suitable choice for the label, considering that the duo first got their start designing silk flower pins.
After their debut in specialty boutiques, Tash & Huynh started designing handbags and silk scarves; eventually expanding into the designing and producing of shoes for such prestigious clients as Saks Fifth Avenue.
Since 1996, these two handbag-and-shoe-designing ingenues have been making some of the most exciting purses, handbags, wallets and shoes on the market today.Isabella Fiore High-profile celebrities like Katie Holmes, Kate Hudson and Madonna have been seen with Isabella Fiore accessories on hand.
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J Brand
"J Brand was co-founded by denim manufacturer Jeff Rudes and former stylist Susie Crippen. The two set out to create classic and sophisticated jeans with the emphasis on fit -- and one mandate: create timeless products. Paying careful attention to details and clean, dark finishes, together they have created a combination of sexiness, style and comfort in women’s jeans. “It’s all about a woman looking beautiful in her jeans, not the jeans drawing attention to her,” says Susie.
Jeff pioneered the French jeans boom in America in the late 70s with his first jeans brand, Paris 2000. In the 80s, he moved to California from New York and started Area Code, a trendy junior line of Lycra knits. Getting back into denim in the 90s, he partnered with industry icons Ron Herman and Adriano Goldschmied to create A. Gold E., a successful denim sportswear brand. He then stepped into the private label arena in 1999, helped Abercrombie & Fitch transform their denim collection and become their largest supplier of premium jeans. It was time for him to get back to his passion for branding, and J Brand became his vision.
Susie, a former stylist, dressed Hollywood’s actresses and was called upon to style countless editorial features by top fashion magazines such as Vanity Fair, InStyle, Esquire and GQ. She also created international advertising campaigns for Levi’s and Puma. Susie’s acclaim came primarily because of her classic taste and her expertise in denim. A passionate jeans enthusiast herself, Susie knew the leading jeans companies’ latest trends and had one-on-one feedback from countless women who wore them. After eight years in the business, Susie co-created J Brand, blending her knowledge and her vision of what women want. The ultimate result was the simplicity of J Brand: clean pockets, classic dark washes and fantastic fits.
J Brand launched as an exclusive at Ron Herman’s Melrose jeans bar in the spring of 2005. The brand had immediate success, and J Brand’s introduction of their skinny straight leg made them the first American-made premium jeans to drive this trend.
J Brand continues to show leadership in the retail market with the introduction of their new wide leg styles. “In an exceedingly competitive market, one of our greatest challenges was to go beyond what we were known for — the skinny jean — and deliver the next trend,” said Jeff Rudes. The new styles have been a tremendous hit with celebrities like Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Katie Holmes, as well as with top fashion editors at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The collection will always stay clean and classic, and also at the forefront of trends, maintaining leadership in the premium jeans market.
In May 2007, J Brand launched a maternity line — Mama J by J Brand. These jeans have unique design features never before seen by the maternity industry. In July 2007, J Brand entered the Girls’ market with J Girl by J Brand, offering sizes 7–14, available at Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
In fall 2008, J Brand introduced a Men’s line under the label, J Brand Denim Co. The line will reflect modern basics with a vintage sensibility, inspired by classic Americana.Jeff Rudes & Susie Crippen J Brand Denim Co. is carried in top retail stores including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Scoop NYC, American Rag Cie and Ron Herman." -JBrandJeans.com
Jessica Simpson
Singer, actress and fashion designer Jessica Simpson knows a thing or two about chic, feminine fashion and has built a wildly successful empire based on that knowledge to prove it. Simpson's fame has brought her privileged access to the world's hottest beauty & fashion trends before they even hit shelves. From platform shoes and party dresses to fashion-forward trench coats and slinky intimates, no territory was exempt from being "Simpsonized", and thankfully so. Despite its magnitude, Simpson has been able to saturate every stitch, seem and sole of her collection with her fun and flirty yet undeniably sophisticated aesthetic. A hip take on classic concepts, manufactured in high quality, these stylish pieces will be sure to take your style from bland to bold.
Joe's Jeans
Joe's Jeans products are the creation of Joe Dahan, the founder and president of Joe's Jeans, Inc. Joe grew up in Casablanca. A place that fed his eyes with contrasting elements. From attending a private French school, in the colonial period of all white buildings, to walking through what he terms "uncivilized markets", with wild animals. After leaving Morocco, Joe moved to Los Angeles where he launched his women's wear denim line. Joe's Jeans are tailored to accentuate a woman's curves in all the right places, to achieve the most flattering silhouette possible. Due to this the brand has developed it own cult following and is beloved by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Madonna, and Lindsey Lohan among others.
Juicy Couture
"In 1994, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy, while both residing in Pacoima, California, decided to create their own fashion label. Their aim was to create a label equal to that of other major labels, but to be more affordable to the general public (this is no longer the case,with most of their apparel priced at more then $200 USD). Their line, which they called "Juicy Couture," was to include a variety of athletic and casual wear, most notably the velour tracksuit that won Juicy Couture a great deal of popularity. Taylor and Levy did not have much money with which to start their label, thus leading to a slow start-up of the company. In 1996, after establishing their company and needing to get the brand in the public eye, the women sent their completed designs to celebrities. Madonna, credited with turning the velour tracksuit into a trend, was sent a track suit with "Madge" embroidered on it (Juicy Couture rarely uses "Madge" on their clothing anymore). Madonna was seen wearing the tracksuit, and the company became a success almost instantly.Juicy Couture Juicy Couture was a very limited brand, being available at very few locations such as Neiman Marcus (the company did not establish exclusive boutiques and flagship stores until the late 00's). Around 2004, the velour tracksuit once again became very popular, and Juicy Couture then became a worldwide known brand." - Wikipedia.com
What started out with the now iconic velour tracksuit, Juicy Couture is the result of the innovation of Los Angeles-based sisters, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy. under the guidance of the Liz Claiborne, Inc., the entrepreneurial pair has transitioned their line from an apparel-based collection of velour tracksuits into an all-encompassing lifestyle brand. Their range of bestselling accessories now includes ornate costume jewelry, embellished pouchettes and satchels, and vivid accessories perfect for year round wear. A hit with fashionistas and the most discerning shoppers around the world, Juicy Couture continues to deliver their whimsical sensibility through their coveted brand.
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Kathy Van Zeeland
Kathy Van Zeeland is currently one of the fastest growing designer fashion brands in the world. Her maiden name is Van Zeeland, so she decided to name the company in honor of her father who had passed away recently. Plus she has three sisters and wanted the Van Zeeland name to continue. She was founded in 2004 to create the highest quality handbags for women. Her company produces 4 collections a year, one for each season, which makes sure that new and exciting collections are being introduced all the time. She uses the best material at an affordable cost for her customers.
Kenneth Cole
Sometimes it takes a man to know what women want, a man like Kenneth Cole, that is. Backed by over twenty years of design experience, Cole has mastered those clever yet crucial details that turn everyday pieces into eye-catching creations. Accordingly, his shoe collection reflect the perfect union of timeless silhouettes and of-the-moment finishing touches. The designs are as diverse as the women who wear them, but they all reveal that simple desires can lead to stand-out style.
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L.A.M.B.
Gwen Stefani may be “Just a Girl,” but everything the platinum blonde touches turns to gold — even the watches in her clothing and accessories line, L.A.M.B. (an acronym for Love Angel Music Baby). Known as a fashion icon in her music career, in 2003 the ruby-lipped lead vocalist of ska band No Doubt launched L.A.M.B. as a fusion of her punk, rock-and-roll and fashion inspirations. The watch collection captures Stefani’s unique style, with chunky cuffs and chains, retro watch faces in gothic fonts, and names that evoke the past (Petra and Pharoh) and put the present in overdrive (Super G and Lockdown).
linQ
Tees Inspired From the Way Real Women Live - Comfort, femininity and versatility were all on the mind of celebrated designer Carole Little when she developed her newest line, linQ. Challenging the popular t-shirt trend, linQ brings to the market a unique version of this fashion staple. With its figure flattering cut, exceptional cotton/modal blend, and feminine crinkled silk detail, linQ is quickly becoming the essential item for all outfits.
A t-shirt fan herself, Carole knew that she could expand the basic tee to fit the needs of every woman. The buttery soft fabric blend assures that throwing a linQ tee on with your favorite jeans for a casual Saturday afternoon, as well as layering it under a designer jacket that night, are both equally effortless and stunning. "linQ is for a contemporary woman who appreciates versatility and beauty, while still maintaining an easy comfort in wearability," Carole says.
linQ has a variety of looks in short, long and 3/4 length sleeves, including camis, tanks, tunics, polos, henleys, hoodies and cardigans. Styles in the linQ collection come in a multitude of tempting colors, from colorful brights to soft cosmetic shades to flattering grays and neutrals as well as black & white, allowing women to follow color trends while still finding what looks best on them. Adding to the already masterful cotton based tees are other fabulous pieces that follow linQ's same principles of practical indulgences. Crinkled silk skirts and soft knit pants, as well as bamboo, cashmere and wool blends, are all inspired from the way real women live.
Women want clothing in their closet that can take them from day to night knowing that they look amazing. linQ is fashion that makes women feel good and feeling good is what fashion is all about. If a woman feels confident about the way she looks, it affects her entire day, no matter if she's at home, work, or play. linQ is that feeling!
LinQ has a loyal celebrity fan base including Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate Hudson, Katherine Heigl, Ashlee Simpson, Rachel Bilson, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, Selena Gomez, Hilary Duff, Cameron Diaz, Marcia Cross, Anna Lynne McCord, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Conrad.
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Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs was born April 9, 1963 in New York City, New York. Graduating from the High School of Art and Design in 1981, Jacobs went on to pursue his education at Parsons School of Design located in New York City. Awarded the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and the prestigious Design Student of the Year Award, Jacobs displayed his unique talent from the very beginning.
It was around this time Jacobs aligned with his business partner Robert Duffy. After more than two decades, the two are still collaborative associates. In 1986, the first clothing line with the Marc Jacobs label was released. The line was such an instant success that 1987 brought Jacobs another highly distinguished honor: the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.
Quickly working up the fashion chain, Jacobs and Duffy began working with Tristan Russo in 1989. Put in charge of women’s design and excelling as usual, Jacobs won Women’s Designer of the Year Award in 1992.
Always the visionary, Jacobs had a fascination with fashion “grunge” when others were obsessed with ladylike silhouettes. His grunge line, although lauded by the likes of Anna Wintour, proved a stumbling block. It ultimately led to his dismissal by Ellis.
Too talented to be left unemployed for long, Jacobs next served as Louis Vuitton’s artistic director beginning in 1997. His time there was exceedingly successful.
Marc JacobsBoth lines, Marc Jacobs and the less expensive Marc by Marc Jacobs, are considered some of the most desirable high end products on the market. Branching out as an international phenomenon, his boutiques can be found in all the major fashion hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.
Mary Frances
Primarily inspired by fabrics, textures & unique combinations of materials & colors, Mary Frances reviews trends, then sets them aside to arrive at look that is all her own. Each design is as unique & full of life as she is… giving rise to one of Mary Frances’ favorite quips, “Life is too short to dress boring!” The fan base of the Mary Frances collection is as varied as her handbags: we’ve heard from collectors owning anywhere from 30 to more than 100 Mary Frances bags; there are Mary Frances fan clubs; & Mary Frances designs can be seen on the arms of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Anniston, to name just a few.
Michael Kors
Kors began designing clothes at the age of 19 and studied fashion design at the Fashion Institue of Technology in New York City. In 1981, Kors launched the Michael Kors womenswear line at Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Building on his success, Kors was named the first ever women's ready-to-wear designer and creative director for the French fashion house Celine in 1997. In his tenure at Celine, Kors turned the fashion house around with blockbuster accessories and a critically acclaimed ready-to-wear line. Kors left Celine in October 2003 to concentrate on his own brand. Kors launched his menswear line in 2002.
Miu Miu
Miu Miu is Positioned as the daily-oriented,more affordable clothing line from the Prada fashion house use,opened in 1992 and headed by Miuccia Prada. Miuccia Prada is a true trend visionary and her second line Miu Miu has always been the go-to for an instant hit of what's hot. Since its launch in 1992, Miu Miu's sophisticated-eclectic design mix has earned the label a host of devotees such as Nicole Kidman and Chloë Sevigny. Classic but super cool, a Miu Miu look will take you from the most uptown eatery to the hippest nightspot.
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Nanette Lepore
A long time ago in a suburb far, far away lived a little girl named Nanette Lepore. At the age of nine Fashion Designer Nanette created her first couture look by outfitting a neighbor in a gypsy bedspread cum dashiki and beaded choker. She painted sunflowers on her face and stood in the front yard with a cardboard sign that read "Lepore". Sensing the child's entrepreneurial talent her abstract painter father, and fabulously stylish mother, encouraged Nanette's creativity. The first and only kindergarten teacher and mother of four to wear hot pants and gladiator sandals in Youngstown, Ohio, Mrs. Lepore was the muse to both her husband and her daughter. Sure that Nanette was following in her footsteps, Mrs. Lepore turned a blind eye to her daughter's 4 am sewing stints, and encouraged her independence.
Road tripping on Route 66 with her bohemian parents each summer gave Nanette a taste for travel, and made her feel like "a little gypsy". With big ideas of romance and adventure Nanette left to pursue a design degree at FIT in New York City, and married painter Robert Savage. After shuttling between design jobs and struggling interviews, Nanette was encouraged by her husband to strike out on her own. The couple set up shop in a penthouse office in the garment district. Nanette LeporeIt quickly became "celebration central" for poets and painters who would bounce ideas off one another while star gazing on the roof. Nanette admits "It was an ongoing party with lots of work thrown in." Her gypsy lifestyle remains a theme in Nanette's creativity, and she is inspired by friends, family , and fun.
Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller is a fashion designer with a modern, ageless aesthetic. Her silhouettes are artfully draped to achieve a unique body consciousness. Her signature is feminine, sexy and refined.
Miller draws inspiration from a wide range of influences including cinema, contemporary art, mid-20th century architecture and exotic cultures. She is known for elements of whimsy and surprise, and is the pre-eminent New York-based designer among global fashion's print and color elite.
An American born to a French mother, Miller was dually trained at the Rhode Island School of Design and Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her fine arts background in painting and sculpture at RISD inspired a spirit of freedom and creativity. On the other hand, Chambre Syndicale instilled a strong sense of aesthetics and a mastery of the classical techniques of couture.
The nonconformist glamour of Miller's clothes is a favorite of many in Hollywood. Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Lauren Hutton, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria Parker have recently appeared in her designs. Her work is often shown on the covers and in the pages of leading fashion and lifestyle magazines worldwide—and in cyber space, Nicole Miller is one of the most visible designer brand names anywhere.
A total of 15 Nicole Miller freestanding stores are located in major cities around the United States. Nicole Miller Signature, Collection, and Studio Apparel and Accessories are also available at 1,200 fine specialty stores worldwide and Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.
In favor of all programs to protect the Earth and our Environment, she actively supports the Rocky Mountain Institute and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Riverkeeper. Together with her husband Kim and son Palmer, Miller divide her time between her homes in New York City and Sag Harbor, NY.
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Oscar De La Renta
Oscar De La Renta (born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo) was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. In the 1950's Oscar moved to Spain where he studied painting at the Acade of San Fernando in Madrid. It was in Spain that he first developed a love for the fashion world, and went to work for the renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. After working with Balenciaga, De La Renta left Spain for Paris and went on to assist Antonio Castillo at Lanvin.
"Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work.” - Oscar De La Renta
In the 19060's Oscar realized that the future of fashion lay more in Ready-To-Wear than in Couture, so he packed up and moved to America. There in New York, he worked for Elizabeth Arden for several years before launching his own label in 1965. The designer has often been quoted as sighting his island upbringing in the Dominican Republic as an influence for his colorful and intricately ornamented collections.
Today Oscar's line has expanded to include not just Ready-To-Wear, but an Accessory, Bridal, Perfume, and Home collection as well.
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Paige
THE CHEEKY GIRL: When Top Denim Labels Want to Create the Perfect Pair of Women's Jeans, They Shape Them Around Curvaceous Paige Adams-Geller, the Woman With the Most Revered Bum in the World. As She Launches Her Own Brand, She Talks to Mark Ellwood.
Meet Paige Adams-Geller: with her toned-but-not-too-thin California- girl physique, this woman has been the denim industry's secret weapon for almost a decade. Its top "fit model", Adams- Geller's statistics have been vital to the success of almost every A- list denim label from Seven and Citizens of Humanity to Habitual and True Religion. And since it's the promise of having a bum as perky and firm as hers that's lured women to drop upwards of pounds 200 on a single, slimming pair of jeans, this month Adams-Geller launches her own collection, Paige Premium Denim, which will have exclusive rights to her rear.
Pink TartonPink Tartan, created by a husband and wife duo, Kimberly & Joseph Mimran, have recently been named Canada's most stylish couple. Their empowering line offers a charming collection of beautifully-made ladieswear. Each garment is impeccably styled and accented with feminine details. I am lusting over the chiffon blouses and tailored blazers! These designs are so classic and radiates a ladylike wholesomeness. Pink Tartan does not disappoint. Whether it's to the office or a casual shopping trip to Saks, strut your prim and proper self in these impressive designs.
Prada
Fashion Designer Prada was founded in 1913 in Milan, Italy as a manufacturer of leather bags. What is known today as Prada is mostly the work of the founder's grand-daughter Miuccia Prada.
Miuccia Prada was born in 1949. After university, she entered the family business 1978 and soon revolutionized the appearance of its products. Her interest in unusual fabrics led to the distinctive trademark of Prada products: the surprising combination of materials. There are usually two discoveries to be made when dealing with Prada products: First, the surprise to see the use of a specific material in an unusual context and in consequence, the astonishment how good it fits the purpose. In 1989, she introduced women's wear with instant success, men's wear followed equally successful in 1995.
Prada is said to be the most prominent example of a new form of inward-directed luxury. While in the eighties luxury was explicitly displayed, today an understated luxury is sought, only recognizable by insiders. Thus, Prada clothes avoid very loud coloring and easily appealing appearances. They are described as cool, comfortable, pure, graceful, and minimalistic.
Miuccia Prada, who is entirely in charge of the companies creative decisions, says she bases her decisions mostly on intuition. She is reported to be overly fussy about each detail of her design.Miuccia Prada It can happen that each product has to be changed over and over in order to come closest to Miucci Prada's initial idea. Her husband Patrizio Bertelli is the business-man behind Miuccia Prada. He is responsible for the commercial side of the products and the retail strategy.
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Ralph Lauren
"Lauren grew up in the Bronx, in New York City. After high school, he took business classes at night school and worked in sales by day. While working for a tie company, he was inspired to begin designing his own neckwear, and in 1967 he went into business for himself, changing his last name to Lauren and marketing his unique line of ties under the name Polo. From the inception of his brand, Lauren's creations were characterized by a moneyed style that evoked the look of English aristocracy, as adapted by the sporty, East-Coast American elite.
His first menswear line in 1968 featured classic tweed suits, and his first womenswear line in 1971 continued his explorations of classic tailoring and good taste, but with a feminine twist. In 1972 Lauren debuted what would become his signature piece: the mesh sport shirt, available in a variety of colours and featuring his trademark emblem of the most aristocratic of athletes, the polo player.
The Ralph Lauren style became a nationwide phenomenon after he dressed the male actors in the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby in clothing from his current line. The film's evocation of the lost, elegant era of F. Scott Fitzgerald provided a perfect vehicle for Lauren's classic, sometimes nostalgic, vision. The designer received further attention when he created the clothing for Annie Hall (1977), in which Woody Allen sported traditional oxford button-down shirts, chinos, and tweeds, and Diane Keaton wore a quirky, modern blend of Lauren's signature pieces for both men and women. Lauren once said of his style, “I'm interested in longevity, timelessness, style—not fashion.” His work throughout the following decades reflected this motto, as his exploration of new ideas—including Southwestern themes and safari looks—was always grounded in his central focus on classic American clothing.
Lauren's vision appealed to a wide spectrum of people, and his label quickly turned into an empire. Seeing how his clothing was associated with a certain lifestyle, starting in 1983 he expanded his business to include a range of home accessories that would eventually include pillows, throws, bed and bath products, furniture, and household paint. Lauren also diversified the appeal of his label by creating lines of clothing and accessories targeted at a wide range of price points and demographics, including a jeans line and a children's line.Ralph Lauren By the 1990s, the presence of both his shops and his brand name had become global. Among his numerous awards are the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards for Lifetime Achievement (1992), Womenswear Designer of the Year (1995), and Menswear Designer of the Year (1996)."
Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca Taylor’s sexy, kittenish clothing has inspired legions of loyal customers to indulge their feminine wiles. The native New Zealander moved to New York after graduating from the Wellington School of Design. While working for a leading Seventh Avenue designer, Rebecca Taylor met her future business partner Elizabeth Bugdaycay, who encouraged Rebecca Taylor to launch her own collection. Bugdaycay balanced out Rebecca Taylor’s creative skills with her background in economics and her business-minded approach. Together they forged an unstoppable team. With only five years under their belts, the two women now have one of the most sought after collections in the industry.
Feminine edgy, yet approachable designs have put their collection on the fashion map, garnering major editorial coverage as well as a nod from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who nominated Rebecca Taylor for the prestigious Perry Ellis Young Designer Award in 2000. Rebecca Taylor’s creativity and energy pours into her collections with inspirational references ranging from vintage mod books from the '60’s and '70’s to the worlds of music, art and entertainment. With an almost obsessive eye to detail and unconventional color sense, Rebecca Taylor’s clothing flatters and enhances the women who wear them. Seasons after season, the collection surprises customers with perfect prints, great knits, and flirty dresses, which fit into any modern woman’s closet.
Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Ashley Judd, Robin Tunney, Julia Stiles, Anna Paquin, Minnie Driver, Christina Applegate and Keri Russell are among the loyal fans that keep coming back for more Rebecca Taylor. With Rebecca Taylor stores across Japan including a flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo and the Rebecca Taylor Collection retailing in all major department stores and top specialty boutiques across the country, Rebecca Taylor and Bugdaycay will continue to keep their customers clothed from head to foot in Rebecca Taylor.
Rock & Republic
Over the past 6 years, Rock & Republic has transcended the premium denim world to become a international lifestyle brand. Its luxe yet edgy approach to fashion is personified by CEO and Creative Director Michael Ball. Constantly redefining the boundaries in the fashion industry, Rock & Republic is at the forefront of design. In 2006, Rock & Republic expanded to include a phenomenally successful line of accessories consisting of footwear, handbags and eyewear. With the launch of Rock & Republic Cosmetics in 2008, the company added yet another exciting piece to its high fashion portfolio taking jet-set clues from company President Andrea Bernholtz.
Furthering the company as a true lifestyle brand, Rock & Republic is using its momentum in fashion to influence the worlds of sports and philanthropy.
In 2007, Michael Ball fulfilled one of his own personal lifetime ambitions by announcing Rock & Republic as the first fashion brand to create a professional cycling team, Rock Racing, which has already revolutionized the sport by putting a sexy edge into cycling. With this division of the brand growing at such speed, the future holds endless opportunities including Moto GP and Formula 1 Racing.
It is evident that with the launch of these new product categories Michael will not stop until he has achieved global domination; but he also desires global change. Rock the Cure, the company's groundbreaking philanthropic foundation, is the means to that end. The foundation encourages people to "make a difference, lead by example, and Rock the Cure" by donating 100% of the profits to charity. This year's recipient is the City of Hope whose mission is the research, education and treatment of life threatening diseases.
Every season, Rock & Republic captivates audiences with its fashion forward runway shows, legendary events and trailblazing ideas. Clearly the future ROCKS
Romeo and Juliet Couture
Romeo and Juliet Couture: whether ironic or romantic, the name is familiar to the old and young alike. Our idea is to contrast the tragedy with a universal collection of versatile and comfortable clothing. Offering a diverse selection from couture to sophisticated feminine tops, Romeo and Juliet Couture also sends a positive message of love and tolerance. We hope to empower today's youth worldwide to make the right decisions for themselves, and to treat everyone with human dignity.
Founded in 1999 for the European market by David Shamouelian & Joseph Nazar, the collection is currently available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, Intermix and many more fine specialty stores.
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Salvatore Ferragamo
Though he started his career in shoe repair and made-to-measure shoes, it wasn't before long that Salvatore Ferragamo began fashioning a luxurious collection of leather goods. As one of the most influential families in Italy, the Ferragamo clan continued to design well received collections season after season. Recognized for their best-selling Varina flat, the label has expanded to include men's shoes, ready-to-wear, in addition to their range of handbag styles. Their designs bridge everyday glamour with Italian sophistication.
Salvage
Take a style cue from this edgy collection! Salvage is the hottest trend to hit the fashion industry, with its California underground culture as the inspiration for the collection. The brand offers men and women a range of deconstructed tops and hoodies accented with bold distressed prints and rock n' roll graphics. It's the perfect mix of preppy and punk.
Sequoia
Sequoia was founded about 20 years ago in Paris. Sequoia bags are all designed by world-famous accessory designer Pierre Hardy.
The concept behind the brand is that handbags should be fashion accessories but they should always be practical and adapt to a woman's life easily. There is truly a Sequoia bag for women every age, style and taste: our bags can be nylon, canvas, leather, suede, croc embossed leather, which also means that price point can vary quite a bit depending on the style and material.
Sequoia is present in over 30 countries, has corners in the very best department stores worldwide and has stand-alone boutiques in France, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Bahrain and Belgium. For these reasons, Sequoia is a name that is recognized worldwide and is considered a leader in the handbag market.
Sequoia 's customer is usually not the fashion victim type. Women who turn to Sequoia are seeking a handbag that will make them look and feel good without spending a fortune. They can recognize the quality in the finish of the bags and are happy to carry a name associated with style and quality.
Sequoia product keywords: innovative, durable, contemporary, timeless, refined, French.
US locations include Kitson, Takashimaya, Anthropologie, New York Look, Searle .
Seven For All Mankind
"The story of premium denim is one that is intricately intertwined with the launch of 7 For All Mankind in Los Angeles, California in the Fall of 2000. 7 For All Mankind was the first company to truly bring premium denim to scale, marking Los Angeles, California as denims’ venerable center for research and development worldwide changing the landscape of denim forever.
7 For All Mankind’s premium jeans literally exploded onto the scene, quickly earning critical acclaim and an immediate following for its innovative use of fits, fabrics, and finishes in denim. Sales for the first year reached a staggering $13 million, an unheard of figure in the denim market, and has continued to show exponential growth year after year. In the past seven years 7 For All Mankind has become both an established modern classic for its sophisticated fits as well as a leading trendsetter for its newest fashion forward washes and designs.
The brand, famously dubbed “Sevens” by fashion editors and stylists, grew to fame in no small part because it became an instant favorite among Hollywood’s elite. 7 For All Mankind jeans continue to rank as a preferred jean among Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner and Liv Tyler. Male celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Reynolds became fan’s of the brand shortly after the launch of the 7 For All Mankind’s men’s collection in 2002.
The company continues to grow and evolve as a true denim lifestyle brand, expanding its product line to include men’s, sportswear, handbag, footwear and kids collections. The brand’s offerings also continue to expand through innovative collaborations with highly regarded designers such as The Great China Wall, Zac Posen, Azzedine Alaia, Evan Yurman and Pucci.Seven for All Mankind Exciting partnerships that push the envelope of design and creativity are now a signature part of the brand’s exploratory endeavors. 7 For All Mankind continues to merge the worlds of denim and couture to redefine the fashion landscape. The brand is currently sold at luxury retail stores such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as high end specialty boutiques in over 80 countries throughout the world." - 7ForAllMankind.com
Splendid
Yum. There’s really no better way to describe a Splendid tee. With its famously delicious, color-saturated blend of supima cotton and micro modal, Splendid has garnered a cult following among today’s chicest women and men. You just gotta wear it to believe it.
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Taverniti
In 2004, Jimmy Taverniti and friend Paul Guez (founder of Sasson jeans) joined forces to launch “TAVERNITI SO JEANS” denim line. The designers were inspired by the look of worn and loved denim and sought to create a line of jeans with a vintage chic quality. Jeans that would look worn - but still elegant. By employing new wash treatments, special dye techniques, and their own unique sense of style Paul and Jimmy developed a denim line unlike any other! Traverniti So Jeans powerfully combine sexy Italian fits, sophisticated French Fashion, and the heritage of all American Vintage to create and truly worn-and-loved look.
Theory
"Theory was founded in 1997 on the principle that women wanted to feel comfortable and sexy in modern clothing. In Theory, the principle seemed obvious, but it was unrealized at the time. There were many designers making either sleek, clean silhouettes or comfortable, reasonably priced separates. But there were no fashion brands in America doing both.
Theory defined its customer as the intelligent, active, and fashion-savvy woman. She wanted clothes to go with her to the office, with the family, on the weekend, and out at night. Placing a premium on fit and fabric quality, Theory created a collection that fused great separates and outfits together. Theory seized the technological opportunities available to spin lycra into other fabrics, creating slimmer,Theory more comfortable shapes. The philosophy of dressing caught on, and Theory's signature "stretch" developed a cult following. The Theory pant immediately became a must-have for every woman's closet.
A decade later, Theory continues to evolve as a product, as people, and as a company. Theory’s growing global presence remains grounded in its principles—the focus has never been on advertising, marketing, or brand-building. Except, of course, through its clothes. Ask a woman about her favorite black pants, or her most comfortable pair of jeans, or the jacket she throws on over everything. She’ll tell you, It’s Theory." - Theory.com
The Sak
Grab hold of one of The Sak's gorgeous handbags. Designers Mark Talucci and Todd Elliott began an overnight phenomenon by importing unique textiles from local hippie fairs in Brazil and Mexico. Their casual handbags became one of the most coveted items of the 90s, coining the phrase "A Sak on every back".
My favorite part of these designs is that you can wear them so many different ways. For instance, let them hang long over your shoulder for a boho-chic look or you can knot the strap shorter for a more polished vibe.
Tibis
"Tibi designer and founder, Amy Smilovic, began her career in the fashion industry shortly after moving to Hong Kong in 1997. Following a successful marketing position at American Express in New York City, Amy relocated to Asia with her husband and began designing a small collection of contemporary dresses. The company has rapidly expanded into its current offering of ten collections per year as well as a complete shoe line, swimwear, and home accessories. Amy hand designs a range of prints and styles to match her personal taste and distinctive approach to dressing which she showcases in the tents of Bryant Park each season during NYC’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Two years into the business, Amy was joined by her husband Frank Smilovic, now President of the company. Frank is responsible for developing and implementing Tibi’s global growth strategy and managing the day-to-day affairs. Before assuming this role, Frank was Senior Vice President of Gateway’s Japan, Asia and Australia operations. Prior to Gateway, Frank was with American Express for over 25 years in a variety of senior positions including Head of Finance for Europe, Vice President Worldwide Marketing based in New York and President Merchant Services Group for Asia.
September 2006 marked the opening of the first Tibi retail boutique in New York. The 2,200 square foot space, designed by Steve Blatz and Antonio Saracino, is located in SoHo at 120 Wooster Street and has received architectural acclaim in notable publications such as Interior Design Magazine. This is the first of many free standing stores in the comprehensive Tibi retail expansion strategy.Tibi
Tibi is now one of the largest contemporary lines found in over 500 specialty stores and upscale department stores worldwide including Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Scoop. Smilovic has recently opened showrooms in Los Angeles, Dallas, London, Milan, Australia and Canada to better support the company’s expansion. Scarlett Johansson, Liv Tyler, Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon are all fans of Tibi’s sophisticated prints and feminine designs." - Tibi.com
Thomas Wylde
After three years at the helm of Thomas Wylde, Paula Thomas, the Head Designer and Founder of Thomas Wylde, is as ambitious as ever. The innovator whose chic rock n' roll aesthetic has left an indelible imprint on the fashion industry continues to break new ground as she enters her sixth season. The global expanse of Thomas Wylde is a true phenomenon. After only five seasons, Thomas Wylde has been branded on an international level. Through Paula's vision the brand has become a force to be reckoned with. As it should: Paula has been quietly plotting her empire for years.
Her experience in fashion is vast, having played numerous roles in the fashion industry. Working as a top model, Paula was shot by world-renowned photographers for editorials in publications such as Vogue, I.D., The Face, and Elle. During this time Paula met the highly esteemed knitwear designer, Julien MacDonald, and from there became his muse and later his right-hand woman in the business, co-designing collections, producing fashion shows, selling to international buyers, and dressing celebrities. During her five years with Julien, Paula's fierce creativity and business savvy led to marked sales increases and heightened brand awareness. In 1999, Paula orchestrated Julien's appointment to the top design position at Givenchy.
In 2001, with the talent for design still coursing through her veins, Paula formed a partnership with Milanese designer, Stefano Guerriero (formerly of Versace), to create his pret-a-porter collections. Italian Vogue lauded the Fall/ Winter 2002 and Spring/ Summer 2003 collections amongst the top ten shows, a direct result of Paula's efforts.
The creation of Thomas Wylde, the name stemming from Paula's Welsh grandfather, Robert Thomas, and her great-grandmother Catherine Wylde, was simply destiny in the making. The design inspiration behind the brand is in part the woman who fully embraces her rock n' roll past, present, and future. All the elements of a diamond-in-the-rough, coupled with rocker style are infused into Paula's designs. The Thomas Wylde woman is intelligent, strong, and certainly not afraid of ambition, characteristics that Paula not only values but is also a pure example of. She is taking on new challenges, applying her talents to home furnishings. In Spring 2007, the Thomas Wylde Home Furnishings collection debuted to rave reviews. As the collection grows each season, the Thomas Wylde Empire is erected, brick-by-brick.
Tory Burch
"Tory Burch is an attainable, luxury, lifestyle brand defined by classic American sportswear with an eclectic sensibility, which embodies the personal style and spirit of its co-founder and creative director, Tory Burch. Perceiving a void in the market for a sophisticated American aesthetic at an accessible price point, Tory wanted to create stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories for women of all ages.
Tory Burch was launched in February 2004 as a lifestyle concept with multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry.
Tory’s childhood on a farm outside of Philadelphia, as well as her mother and father’s unique sense of personal style, influence the aesthetic of the collection. Her sensibility is also inspired by art, photography, films travel, and the work of interior designer David Hicks. Graphic prints, bold colors and ethnic detailing are all signatures of the brand. Celebrity fans include Cameron Diaz, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman and Hilary Swank." - ToryBurch.com
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Valentino
Valentino was born Valentino Garavani in Voghera, Italy in 1932. He studied French and fashion design at the Academia de'll Arte in Milan (1948), in preparation for his move to Paris.
In Paris, he worked as assistant designer to Jean Desses and Guy Laroche (1955-1958). In 1960, he returned to Italy, and established his company in Rome.
In 1962, he presented his collection in Florence. During this time, his clientele is already a who's who list of the rich and famous - Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1965, he received the Neiman Marcus Award, and during the rest of the 1960s, Valentino would gain international fame. He will be a member of the elite group which would make the "Made in Italy" label famous and equate it with luxury goods.
Valentino's signature style is "opulence" He is known for his meticulous detailing and magnificent embroidery. The perfection of luxury in Valentino is never ostentatious, but rather a very strong yet discreet appeal of shades stolen from precious stones, from the impalpable delicateness of powder and milk. Absolutely unique, incredibly elegant Valentino style contain all the best italian fashion design and style.
Valentino GaravaniIn 1998, Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP) acquired Valentino with plans of creating a new luxury goods group.
In 2002, HdP sold the company to Marzotto, another Italian luxury goods group which includes Hugo Boss, world-wide leader in menswear, and the Marlboro Classic, Gianfranco Ferre Studio and M Missoni licenses.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Designs likes its customers to carry around lots of baggage. It designs and makes quilted handbags and travel bags, as well as travel accessories, such as cosmetic bags, curling iron covers, and pocket wallets. The company's products are available in some 3,500 gift and specialty stores and about 30 Vera Bradley retail stores in the US. In addition to its core products, it offers licensed items, including Vera Bradley-brands rugs, eyewear, stationery, and home decor items. Vera Bradley Designs was formed in 1982 by friends Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard when they realized a lack of good-looking luggage for women. They named the company after Barbara's mother, Vera Bradley.
Vera Wang
Vera Wang is for women who understand clothes. After years spent designing a wildly successful bridal collection, in 2004 Wang launched her ready-to-wear line, using the same ultra-feminine but often serious aesthetic. With elegant, muted colors, rich fabrics and luxe details, Vera Wang’s covetable collection is consistently chic. Her layers of texture and thoughtful silhouettes are romantic and often a bit whimsical, made with an eye to intellect and history.
Vince
A hit in the states for sometime now, Vince is a contemporary fashion brand best known for its luxe staples that reflect a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. The line make everything from shorts and cords to dresses, but they are probably best known for their luxurious knitwear. Based out of LA, Vince has established a huge celebrity following and has been seen on everyone from Madonna, to Kate Hudson, and Kate Moss. A Vince cashmere sweater is, or should be a go-to-basic in every well dressed woman's wardrobe!
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William Rast
William Rast is the child of talent, design, and success. When a multi-platinum recording artist and his best friend and business partner decide to make clothes, the potential becomes limitless.
Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, dressed up or dressed down, define class, comfort, and style. Together they design the threads to match and deliver a brand that infuses the soul of authentic southern heritage with the energy of contemporary Hollywood.
William Rast allows the wearer to go confidently from casual to cosmopolitan. It is perfect for the man on the go or the starlet out on the town. It is fashion minus the pretense. Inspired by Dixieland, William Rast is a testament to Justin and Trace's Tennessee roots; "William" is the first name of Timberlake's grandfather and Rast, the last of Trace Ayala's.
William Rast first hit retail floors of North America in November 2005. Today the line has expanded to include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Lisa Kline, Blue Genes, Harvey Nichols, and major boutiques around the globe.
In October 2006, during LA Fashion Week, William Rast officially launched their expanded sportswear Collection. The highly anticipated fashion show took William Rast to the next level. The collection consists of jeans, vests, shirts, sweaters and a signature pea coat. The show solidified William Rast as a brand beyond celebrity, delivering quality, detail, design, and comfort and making a clear statement that rock & roll sex appeal and modern sensuality are always in style!
We'd really like you to try out the William Rast line. They're popular with the celebrity crowd in LA, but much more important than that, our families and friends back home like them too.
Whitney Eve
We all oogle at her incredible style on her hit show, The City. There's no denying the fact that Whitney Port dresses to utter perfection from head to toe. Thanks to the tall, pretty blond, we can now steal her looks with her nouveau collection, Whitney Eve. Just like you'd think, her designs are a mix of LA's laid back look with New York City's more sophisticated vibe. Her line includes flowy feminine blouses, breezy dresses, and sharply tailored miniskirts and blazers in cool pastels and lace.
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Yves Saint Laurent
Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent frequently uses ethnic themes in his garments, as well as bright colors contrasted with black. His day clothes have a slightly masculine flavor, and his luxurious evening wear is tinged with fantasy. He is famous for "Le Smoking" tuxedo jacket, see-through blouses (1968), peasant blouses, bolero jackets, pantsuits, and smocks.
Although a shy person, Saint Laurent believes he is the last true couturier. He maintains the highest standards of classic cut and tailoring, and he receives a standing ovation after every collection is presented.
Yvette Mandell
The Yvette Mandell brand is the item to wear among Hollywood’s elite ladies. Yvette Mandell’s ladies and girls’ clothing is nothing short of classic and edgy. Yvette Mandell’s vintage styles incorporated with unique designs and embellished with Austrian crystals give clothing that unmatched exclusive feeling. Flattering patterns, comfortable and quality materials, and creative colors make each Yvette Mandell design a lasting closet favorite.
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Zac Posen
"Zac Posen launched his namesake label at the tender age of 21. His first show—in 2002, in a former synagogue on the Lower East Side—received mixed reviews, but generated major buzz among young socials (including Barbara Bush) and industry insiders. Posen’s work has gained respect for its increasingly streamlined aesthetic of forties-inflected tailoring, mermaid-esque gowns, and itty-bitty cocktail frocks. In 2004, the CFDA gave Posen Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear. Fragrance and diffusion lines are on the pike for 2009." - NY Mag
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