Fashion PR division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, A Fashion Public Relations. Fashion publicity, promotion marketing firm

What is Haute Couture? Is it the same as Couture? Check out Fashion-Era.com and Pauline Weston Thomas will give you a quick little lesson on what makes couture "Haute".

Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion. Couture means dressmaking, sewing, or needlework and haute means elegant or high, so the two combined imply excellent artistry with the fashioning of garments. The purchase of a haute couture model garment is at the top level of hand customised fashion design and clothing construction made by a couture design house. A model haute couture garment is made specifically for the wearer's measurements and body stance. The made to measure exclusive clothes are virtually made by hand, carefully interlined, stay taped and fitted to perfection for each client.

Interesting interview with Cathy Horyn of the New York Times. Cathy shares Julie Fredrickson's viewpoint on the need to take bloggers seriosly. Also discussed, Cathy's take on personally blogging and the "imaginary" conflict that some luxury brands feel when it comes to blogging about luxury. I'm sure if Billy Daily was still working at KCD he would have let Julie from Coutorure Media in to see the Mark Jacobs show at the Spring collections fashion week. Other sources for coverage are: New York Magazine, Fashion Week Live website, with coverage by Lauren Ezersky

I fell in love with Mango as a teenager while on my first European trip. I remember the Spain based clothing retailer Mango as the one place where all of the clothes fit my hour glass shape perfectly and had a playful yet sophisticated look that often evaded American designers. While other European based clothing retailers, such as H & M and Zara, expanded to the US, Mango remained a European treasure.

In the beginning of November it was announced that Sophia Kokosalaki would soon be designing shoes for Payless. For this Fall season, it was Laura Poretzky, who designed Abaete for Payless winter collection. Much to the surprise of trend watchers and even Payless, most of the collection has sold out and has been a major hit in the select 400 stores Abaete for Payless was sold in. So what can Payless do, except extend their contract with Laura Poretzky to design another seasonal collection?

I’m sure that this is only the beginning for Payless. As trends are showing the popularity, not to mention the increase in sales, that top designers coming to the department store level have exhibited. There is no where to go but up with increasing designer shoes made available for the general public at a reasonable price.

I haven’t graced a Payless shoe store since the beginning of the summer, but wonder if the same quality is put into these “public” designer shoes as is in the private label designs. Although, I can’t help but be excited that fashion designers are making their brands more affordable and available to the average consumer. As Target’s motto goes, “Design for All.”

Love the fashion on the popular Showtime drama The L Word? Then you are in luck because Showtime and some pretty fabulous designers have teamed up to create a limited edition apparel, jewelry and accessory line inspired by The L Word. There are select stores in major cities that will be showcasing this line, but if you don’t live close to them, you can always shop the “L”ements of Style collection online at Love and Pride; the line premiers on January 3rd and will be available through February 28th.

The designers involved are Laura Dahl, Blue Cult, Honey Labrador, Udi Behr, Cate Adair and Tali Epstein Segal. “L”ements of Style consists of casual tops, denim jeans and a skirt, handbags (I am in love with the messenger handbag) and jewelry. While on the Showtime website you can even select the Virtual Fashion Show icon and watch Honey Labrador model the items you select from the clothing line. Honey Labrador is not only one of the contributing designers, but she is also an international model and considered a top lesbian icon. Her contribution to the “L”ements of Style collection is the premier of her Honey L Designs label.

Showtime will be donating at least 10% of their profits from "L"ements of Style to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, both purveyors of finding a cure for breast cancer.

If you are feeling creative, Showtime is hosting a contest beginning January 5th in order to find the hottest T-Shirt design for the “L”ements of Style. They will also be holding a sweepstakes beginning January 8th where the winner will receive a $5000 New York City shopping spree (sign me up please!) Be sure to keep your eyes glued to Showtime’s website for more details on these two contests and for more information about "L"ements of Style.

PRIMEDIA Enterprises and TS2 are collaborating to launch a new apparel line dubbed “Busby Ltd.” under the Surfer brand. Surfer, a magazine and brand known for his global reach and connection with passionate surfing enthusiasts, has been around since 1960. With such a connection to loyal surfing die-hard’s, it is only the next logical step to extend its branding into its core market that sees surfing as a lifestyle.

The Busby Ltd. label will create a line of Surfer branded shorts and board shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts and headwear for boys, as well as men’s t-shirts, sweatshirts, and headwear. Also under this label a lifestyle apparel line will launch called JOB Apparel Collective and a shorts-focused line of authentic plaids called TARTAN. All retail lines will become available at the retail level come Spring 2007.

The focus of this apparel line is to keep true to the authentic surfing culture, which is one that is deep and passionate about their lifestyle. Launching this apparel line only deepens Surfer’s connection with its consumers, whom identify the Surfer brand as the voice and authority on surfing.

Once this apparel line debuts, it will be interesting to see if surfers feel that Busby Ltd. has lived up to the Surfer name. For those who want a sneak peak prior to Spring, you can catch Surfer and its Busby Ltd. line at the Surf Expo this January.

You know him from That 70’s Show and Yo Momma, he co-owns three restaurants (Dolce, The Lodge and Geisha House), but now Wilmer Valderrama is looking to do more. It’s reported that he will launch a men’s fashion line called Calavena this February.

Calavena is said to be a clothing line that is a mix of Latino-inspiration and Diesel. The line will consist of jeans, t-shirts and jackets. Valderrama joins the ranks of many celebrities that are launching their own clothing lines such as Tommy Lee, Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stephani. The trend seems to be progressing with celebrities launching not only their own clothing lines, but fragrances as well, with a positive money making track record to boot.

Will this trend continue to move upward and remain successful or eventually bottom out?

Things just seem to be getting better for the stars of Desperate Housewives. They have a PC game; dolls being made in their likeness and now Eva Longoria has scored a two-year contract as the first ever spokesperson for Bebe Sport. The ads will be launched on billboards and in magazines this March and are the company’s first ad campaign.

Bebe Sport is an extension of the Bebe brand and was launched in 2003. Bebe Sport’s tagline is “Where Fashion Works Out” and certainly by the appearance of it’s line of sportswear, Longoria’s look fits in perfectly. Bebe Sport’s top’s and bottom’s definitely put a sense of style into workout wear, making it entirely possible to even wear some of the outfits out running errands without looking too underdressed.

Now there are no excuses for going to the gym looking frumpy.

When I came across a news headline regarding Ali Spizman, a few things captured my eye. Ali is only 19 years old, but has already published two books and designed handbags for Claire’s to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation, of which she is a National Teen Ambassador for.

While this is not breaking news, Spizman designed Handbag of Hope in 2005, I have to say first and foremost, how refreshing is it to see a teenager doing something positive and giving of themselves to others? Secondly, my very dear friend passed away from terminal cancer at the age of 23 in 2001. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish before her death and since her passing I have tried to faithfully make a donation to the charity on the anniversary of her death and birthday each year since. My friend Elke, who also had a good friend pass away from cancer at a young age, is involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well, and as a Celebrity Makeup Artist is able to grant wishes.

If you have not heard of Ali Spizman or have seen her Handbag of Hope, you simply need to do so. Ali was inspired by a 12-year-old terminally ill child by the name of Hope whose wish was for all of the children in her area to be granted their wishes. A radio show interviewed Hope before her death, which resulted in the raising of $1.1 million dollars in 4 weeks for the charity. Spizman was inspired and decided to carry on Hope’s mission by creating her signature handbags. The handbags are sold at Claire’s with a minimum of 10% of the profit going to Make-A-Wish Foundation. To date, Handbag of Hope has raised $300,000.

Thanks to a fabulous post on Fashion Indie, I came across H.O.R.R.S., otherwise known as Habana Outpost Recycled Reject Shop (try saying that ten times fast). Although the name may be a tongue twister, the genius behind this shop will have you tongue-tied.

Lopeti Etu and Sean Meenan are the founders of this eco-friendly fashion shop which began with Meenan encouraging Etu to use the scraps from his friend’s silk screening company to create designs of his own. Etu, who studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, went to work and began creating one of a kind pieces mixing old with new.

Recently H.O.R.R.S. opened The Stroll, their retail shop located in Brooklyn to sell their designs. The Stroll is not only a clothing store, but also a community hang out. The Stroll has events such as Game Night, Knitting and Crocheting classes, a Book Club and Movie Night among other things (you can check out their calendar of events here). Etu and Meenan are more than retailers; they offer a sense of community, something that will bring them brand loyalty as a result.

If you are in the Brooklyn area, be sure to check them out!
The Stroll
109 S. Portland Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Just when I thought I heard it all, Godfrey Deeny at FWD reminds me that I haven’t. In an article today about Milan’s newest runway looks, he points out that leggings were the theme at the Marni Men’s show. I was hoping that the skinny jean look for men would fade out, but to have it transfer over to leggings; oh say it isn’t so.

While certainly the model pictured from Marni’s collection looks pretty good in his burgundy colored leggings, how many guys do you know with the perfect legs to wear such attire (and make it look good)? I supposed in a sense it would be like wearing jogging pants, except a little tighter and a lot more stylish. Somehow I just can’t imagine this trend will take off, but then again I am sometimes surprised at what makes it from the runway into my own closet.

What do you think of this new trend for men?

One thing I have found about Indie designers and the places that carry their collections, are how down to earth and personable they are. Girlshop and its online companion sites of Guyshop and Totshop are no different. You get a great place to shop for indie fashion while being made to feel like you are part of a family. You are, in fact, part of the indie family when you take part in purchasing their special collections at places like Girlshop who only showcase and sell indie fashions.

From afar I have window shopped for a long time at Girlshop through their online store. Some of my current favorite pieces are the Secret Top by Marie Marie, LaRok Bubble Skirt and LaRok Carry Top I love the versatility that comes with browsing the collections at Girlshop. Each designer has their own flare that carries through each piece from top to bottom. Guyshop is just as trendy and fashionable, from Altru’s vintage inspired graphic tees to Kara Janx hip and modern style, Guyshop offers something for every taste.

Laura Eisman founded Girlshop eight years ago and its retail store became a reality in 2005. Since then Guyshop and Totshop have come to life online offering the best indie fashions at the best prices. Best of all, Laura and her husband Todd, have made the look and feel of their sites comfortable and fun at the same time. Their sites allow you to sign up for email alerts of the latest trends and sales, and who doesn’t want to be the first in the know?

You can visit Girlshop’s retail store at 819 Washington Street in the Meat Packing District of NYC or you can also visit all of their sites for your fashion addiction on the web 24/7, because who knows what time of day (or night) you will feel the urge to see what the latest trend is?

Lapo Elkann, heir to the Fiat empire and head of its brand promotion, has launched the first carbon fiber sunglasses under the Italia Independent brand. Elkann, who almost died in 2005 from a drug overdose, has come back in full force doing what he does best; designing and promoting accessories for the Fiat brand.

The sunglasses, the first to be made entirely out of carbon fiber, are the first “personal” accessories to be made by the Italia Independent brand. Sever, the name of the sunglasses, are said to be made of over 40 carbon skins and go through a special process ensuring that these sunglasses cannot be replicated as counterfeit. Their look and style also make them completely unisex. Italia Independent’s “Conceived, developed and produced 100% in Italy” is a new theme to promote pride in Italian craftsmanship and reinstate power of Italian luxury. The sunglasses will sell for 1,000 euros, which is $1300 in US dollars.

The theme of Sever and Italia Independent flow with Fiat’s branding promoting style, strength and Italian luxury. Will Fiat labeled fashion help increase loyalty and that must-have quality giving its cars and fashion accessories that “it” factor? What do you think?

When Cynthia couldn’t find anything less than white cotton, she took matters into her own hands. She went to a manufacturer with designs in mind, although she had absolutely no training in design, and had them create what has now become one of the first lingerie lines for nursing mothers. Who says that we need to wear matronly undergarments merely because we gave birth? You can see my rant about this back in our November archives.

Condessa Inc., which is based in Los Angeles, launched its first lingerie nursing line Condessa Cassandra to international acclaim. The line has no underwire, 18% spandex, lace cups, pearl snaps and satin shoulder straps for support. The Condessa Veronica line boasts beautiful colors, underwire support and drop down cups. The bras are made of Milliskin, allowing stretch while maintaining true cup size and support. The newest collection, Condessa Veronica, was shown this week at the Mom 2 Be show in Los Angeles and will launch here on the East Coast at Lingerie America February 7-9th. Each collection also has matching panties that come in a variety of styles.

I cannot help but want to send a personal letter to Cynthia expressing my sincere thanks in taking an interest in the part of fashion that most of the industry pushes aside. Many don’t think there should be anything sexy about motherhood, but beyond being a mother (and nursing mother at that) we are still women who crave to wear something sexy, yet comfortable and functional. More designers should follow her lead and they will soon find that they will be coming upon an untapped market desperately waiting for them.

I grew up in the 80’s and I can say we had some good fashion and we had some really bad fashion. The styles that I loved most seem to be coming back slowly but surely. Belt’s for one, are everywhere again. Whether they were small or large and worn over your clothing; belts have become “the” accessory to have. Scarlett Johansson designed Reebok’s newest fitness line with 80’s flair and now the masterful Stefano Pilati, has infused it into his men’s fashion runway show in Paris this past weekend.

Can you say peg leg trousers, over-sized jackets and roll-ups in pants? I am honestly excited to see trends from my youth make a comeback. We definitely need some fun back in our wardrobes, but this time with a little more fashion sense than before. Yves Saint Laurent’s picture slideshow of the men’s Fall/Winter 2007/08 collection makes me feel confident we are on the right track to re-emerging our youthfulness, but without the over-sprayed hair and fluorescent colors.

When you work for a designer with such creativity as Betsey Johnson, how can you not be inspired to venture out on your own and show the world your own talents? That is just what Jordi Scott is doing. Scott is a former designer for Johnson and decided to launch her own clothing line, which will debut on February 5th at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC.

The clothing line is inspired by modern art and punk rock and Scott says that the collection will be unlike anything else out on the market. You get a sense of that rock and roll feel from the minute you land on the homepage of her website with the Rolling Stones-like logo on the center of the page. The motto for Jordi Scott’s line is, “Trends come and go, but your spirit will always remain.” It will be interesting to see the styles and colors of her line, as her picture on her website reminds me very much of that punk rock look inspired by The Sex Pistols and The Clash back in the early 80’s.

You can keep up to date on Jordi Scott through her MySpace page and website. Her fashion show takes place on February 5th at Arena, located at 135 West 41st Street, at 9pm.

February 2nd:

The Tent: The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection 11:00am, BCBG Max Azria 3:00pm
The Salon: John Bartlett 10:00am, Marc Bouwer 5:00pm
The Promenade: Perry Ellis 1:00pm, Nicole Miller 7:00pm, Akiko Ogawa 6:00pm
W Hotel 594 Lexington Ave.: Yeolee
Roseland Ballroom: Baby Phat 8:00pm
Altman Building: Grey Ant 9:00pm

February 3rd:

The Tent: Lacoste 11:00am, Alexandre Herchcovitch 3:00pm
The Salon: Chris Han 10:00am, Alice Roi 1:00pm, Abaete 6:00pm, Venexiana 9:00pm
The Promenade: Maticevski 12:00pm, Atil Kutoglu 2:00pm, Sass & Bide 7:00pm
Showroom: Buckler 4:00pm, Cabbeen 8:00pm
Altman Building 135 W 18th St: Gustavo Arrango 5:00pm
Bumble & Bumble: Karen Walker 1:00pm
NYC Bar Association: James Coviello 2:00pm
Prince George Ballroom: ThreeAsFour 5:00pm

February 4th:

The Tent: Diane von Furstenberg 4:00pm, Naeem Khan 6:00pm, Matthew Williamson 8:00pm
The Salon: Lela Rose 10:00am, Twinkle by Wenlan 1:00pm, Terexov 9:00pm
The Promenade: Tadashi 11:00am, Tracy Reese 2:00pm, Tuleh 7:00pm
Showroom: Erin Fetherston 3:00pm
711 Greenwich Street: DKNY 12:00pm
Cunard Building 25 Broadway: Z Zegna 5:00pm
Exit Art: United Bamboo 3:00pm
Sony Music Studios: Luella Bartley 5:00pm
Waterfront Building: 3.1 Phillip Lim 6:00pm

It's -20 below zero and I am looking forward to warmer weather and the fashion that goes with it. To help you forget all about this deep freeze, here is a look at Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2007 Collection that is available at Neiman Marcus.

H&M, who began their relationship with organic cotton in 2003, is ready to promote their new organic clothing collection next month. In the past, H&M’s organic cotton had focused mainly on their baby and children’s clothing line, but now it is being expanded into their women’s, maternity, denim and girl’s lines. Some say this is just a sign of the times.

Fashion and beauty brands continue to go beyond their product image and branch out into aspects that are eco-friendly. As I noted with Lancome and Diesel, H&M becoming more earth-conscious will be just one of the many brands that come forward this year with a greener focus. Whether they’re doing it to exploit a fearful future we all face with Global Warming or because they are truly committed to evolving their brand with a more earth friendly approach, being gentler on the environment benefits us all.

H&M won’t make their organic cotton lines a price point issue for consumers. While the H&M organics will have a special hang tag to clearly identify the clothing from regular H&M lines, the prices will not be much different, which will hopefully encourage more purchases from these lines.

Which brand do you think is next in the environmentally friendly trend? Stay tuned here for more fashion updates!

Stella McCartney well known for her fabulous collections, amazing collaborations and four year partnership with Adidas, will be launching yet another sportswear collection to the Adidas line. McCartney already has designed clothing under her name for Adidas for sportswear in the categories of Swimming, Gym, Running, Tennis, and now Gym Yoga.

As Yoga becomes more popular among mainstream fitness junkies, it’s only natural to add such a line, especially as her Adidas sportswear collections continue to increase in popularity. McCartney’s mission statement for her sportswear collections is: “This collection is for women who take their sport and their style seriously. Why should we have to compromise one for the other?” McCartney brings forward a sentiment that women have been feeling for a while and one that is beginning to materialize interest in designing more fashionable yet practical fitness clothing such as the case with Bebe Sport and also Reebok’s collaboration with Scarlett Johansson.

McCartney’s Gym Yoga Collection, as with all of her fashion house and Adidas collections, offer an innovative style with femininity. Her Spring/Summer Gym Yoga Collection premiers at stores later this month.

If you love Juicy Couture’s lifestyle brand of clothing and you happen to have the pitter patter of little feet ages 0-24 months crawling around your home, then you will be happy to know that Juicy Baby will be launching this Spring according to WWD. Juicy Couture, a Southern California brand, signed a deal with Tawil Associates to make, distribute and market Juicy Couture boys and girls apparel for newborns and infants, as well as layette clothes.

Juicy Couture is known for their pastel velour and terrycloth tracksuits and casual wear, as well as their expansion into handbags, shoes, jewelry, watches, fragrance, sunglasses and soon enough cosmetics and home products however, I wonder what they would call their cosmetics line as there is already a cosmetics company in Canada called Juicy Cosmetics.

Juicy Couture continues to increase in popularity not only here in the states, but globally as well. In April of 2006, they opened their first flagship location in Tokyo with plans to open many more stores throughout Japan. Juicy Baby is an expansion of their current lines that include men, kids, their regular Juicy line and Couture Couture.

You can find Juicy Baby at select Juicy store locations and at many of Juicy Couture’s wholesale accounts such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom’s.

Luxury brand Jimmy Choo, who was recently sold to TowerBrook Capital, is looking to move beyond their infamous footwear and leather good lines and expand into eyewear and fragrance. With new ownership, Tamara Mellon alongside her Creative Director Sandra Choi hope to make Jimmy Choo one of the most treasured luxury brands in the world.

According to WWD, Jimmy Choo will launch an eyewear collection by the end of the year and launch it’s first fragrance in 2008. Another brand expansion in the works is a runway collection of shoes that will start with the fall season. Jimmy Choo, a popular brand among fashionistas, it is also one sought after by many major celebrities.

The history of Jimmy Choo is quite interesting and it’s two acquisitions valued in the millions over the last two years show the investment and growth of the brand under Tamara Mellon’s direction. Now that TowerBrook Capital has acquired the brand with 80% share holding and Mellon still involved at 20%, I think Jimmy Choo’s cult following will only gain momentum as Mellon continues to take the brand in an uphill direction.

Maryam, New York City- Today I am in New York working with a client and the media. With New York Fashion Week out of the way what else is a Fashion Public Relations Girl to do but pass along some trend info on what to look for this Spring. All these items are available at Neiman Marcus and other online shopping sites.

Looking for the top 10 next big thing for Spring? Here's a quick guide and some of the Designers who gives us the best this season:

Dresses: Nanette Lepore Print Shift Dress, Stella McCartney Ruffled Trapeze Dress, Cynthia Steffe Tunic Dress

Delicate Blouses: 3.1 Philip Lim Handkerchief Blouse, Jill Stuart Elizabeth Silk Blouse, Jovovich-Hawk Floral Print Blouse

Cropped Jackets: MARC by Marc Jacobs Cropped Jacket, Juicy Couture Cropped Pea Jacket, Valentino Red Lace Cropped Jacket

Flat Shoes: Chloe Candbury Canvas Flats, Marc Jacobs Stampede Leather Mouse Shoes, Jimmy Choo Jola Leather Flats

Something Silver: Gucci Silver Guccissima Leather Belt, Burberry Silver Patent Platform, Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Tote

Wide Belts: Michael Kors Waist Belt, Nicole Miller Ruched Ruffle Waist Belt, Avignon Soft Leather Belt

Patent Leather: Manolo Blahnik Strappy Patent Sandal, Miu Miu Patent Leather Flats, Calvin Klein Patent Leather Belt

Eyelet: Tracy Reese Eyelet Top, Nanette Lepore Ahoy There Eyelet Dress, BCBG Max Azria Eyelet Kimono Top

Above the knee hemlines: Lela Rose Belted Silk Halter Dress, Temperley London Folk Embroidered Dress , Miu Miu Oversized Above the Knee T-shirt Dress

Statement Rings: Roberto Cavalli Stone and Serpent Ring , Stephen Dweck Oval Carnelian Ring, Barse Oversized Turquoise Ring

The designer brand superstore, Scoop, has opened a 10,000sqft megastore on Broadway that consists of a variety of categories to dress the family from head to toe. The store opened today while converting their previous space on Broadway into an outlet store called Scoop it Up.

The new home of Scoop is so large, that owner Stephani Greenfield will be adding categories to their current line up such as Scoop Home and expanding upon their beauty business, which will include skin care, candles and men’s fragrances. Scoop’s fashion brands include high end and low-end top designers such as Marc Jacobs, Lela Rose and Diane von Furstenberg. Price points meet all variations for these luxury lifestyle brands.

Scoop has a silent rivalry with Intermix, another lifestyle fashion store who is said to be upgrading their store to 5,000sqft. Now that Scoop is expanding into more than just clothing, such as handbags, shoes, jewelry and the expansions mentioned above, it will be interesting to see how Intermix will utilize and maximize their new space to compete with this megastore, which now appears to be a mega-competitor.

If you live in New York, Miami, L.A. or Chicago, then you've probably noticed more and more British accents as you go about your daily routine. With the British pound at the astronomical exchange rate of almost 2 to 1 to the US Dollar we've been holding a half off sale every day of the year!

The deals and steals going on in fashion are so tempting that British families are not only taking more vacation in the U.S, they are coming on long weekend shopping trips! Even if you factor in Airfare and Hotels, they are still finding bargains left and right. Remember, this is not like getting a discount at one store or in one category - its EVERYTHING. Restaurants - half price. Hotels - half price. Taxis - half price. I was in the Miami area a few weeks ago to pay a visit to what I think as one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the country. The Bal Harbour shops are an oasis in the middle of causeways, freeways, and no-ways that are so often part of the Florida experience. Once inside you are not in Florida anymore, you are in the state of Luxury!

Every major fashion designer in the world has shop there. The favorite lunchtime spot of the Madison avenue soial set - La Galoue even has an outpost there. There are palm trees surrounding Koi ponds that hold dozens are the most colorful koi you will ever see. On sunny days, you even find turtles sunning themselves on the rocks - all this while you contemplate that perfect shoe from Jimmy Choo or that dress in Magenta from Oscar de la Renta! It was on one of these perfect days that I strolled into one of boutiques that was having a Spring trunk show. The company is French and dominates the trunk show experience. I was in awe at the amount merchandise for sale, the amount of samples to pre-reserve, and just at the amount of people in the store - all excited to be previewing the new collection, all except one. I overheard a very pleasant sales associate being lectured by an unhappy British woman AKA Ms. London. She was telling the associate how she "never" saw anything like this in London. In London she informed the associate, the boutiques are always kept in impeccable order! The associate said she was sorry to hear that the customer was unhappy with the boutique and she explained that it was busier than usual due to the trunk show. Ms. London was not impressed and said she had been a model (must have been in the 50's!) and that things were NEVER This way. She pursed her lips for a bit and looked around and left. So Ms. London "Debbie downer" soured a moment of my perfect day.

I have spent alot of time in London myself and you know Ms. London was right. Boutiques on New Bond or Bruton Street or Brompton road are beautiful and they are luxurious - but they are not crowded! You see British women shop differently than Americans. British women are frugal. They typically go and browse for something once, twice, even three times before purchasing. The other major difference in London is that like it or not, there is still a definite class system in place. People who work in shops are treated as a lower class than the people shopping in such shops. There is distinct attitude towards sales associates and anyone that works in the service industry. The home of Big Ben can also be the place to find Big attitude by the ladies who shop for a living. The best example of the old school class mentality is found right in Harrods - the most famous department store in the U.K. - if not the world is owned by a non British citizen. Mohamed Al Fayed has been fighting to get citizenship for over a decade. Just log on to his website Alfayed.com to find out how he feels about the British establishment!

The uber fabulous Kenneth Cole has signed a deal with Lanier Clothes to launch a men’s tailored clothing line in the US. While Kenneth Cole is famous for their handbags, accessories and most importantly (at least to me) footwear, Lanier Clothes is known for their innovative yet old-world style tailoring.

Lanier Clothes is also owned by parent company Oxford Industries who happens to be one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the world. Haven’t heard of Oxford Industries? You are most likely to have heard of the brands and private labels they craft: Nautica, Dockers, Geoffrey Beene, Oscar de la Renta among others. I happen to love Geoffrey Beene and found them to have the only jeans that understand my hips post-baby. They are the only brand of jeans I have worn since 1999, although their website shows no indication of women’s clothing, they do indeed have a women’s section in store. I can attest to the quality of Oxford Industries Geoffrey Beene brand. I still have those same pair of jeans, now 8 years old that have only slightly faded, but otherwise look brand new.

The deal between the two brands appears to be a match made in fashion heaven. What Kenneth Cole does for shoes, Lanier can deliver upon and extend into clothing. This is a great way for Kenneth Cole to expand upon their brand and keep up with the expectations and quality standards we all have come to know and love.

The new clothing line, which will consist of suits, suit separates, sport coats, trousers and rainwear, will be distributed under Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Unlisted, a Kenneth Cole Productions label in the fall of this year. You’ll be able to find it nationwide within tailored clothing departments at major retail department stores and select specialty stores.

Everyone has an opinion, you can count on that, and opinions on the designers and their fashion shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is no different. Here are videos from various designers from Fashion Week in NYC with reviews from fashion editors and fashion bloggers alike. Be sure to check out Chic.TV coverage of fashion week on You Tube, for all the videos check out Chic.tv website, it's some of the better quality fashion footage I've seen this year.

Oscar de la Renta Watch Video

WWD: De la Renta’s collection was, in a word, dazzling, and not only in its well-controlled embroideries. It shone as well in its security; its grounded, cross-generational appeal and its fabulous expression of sporty luxe.
Fashion Week Daily: Oscar de la Renta's latest collection was designed with dames in mind. It’s all the contradictions real women have been clamoring for since the babydoll dress came back into fashion. We say: vive de la Renta!
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Oscar de la Renta is twice the age of most of the 200 odd designers who will stage shows in New York this season, yet when it comes to the attitude of his classy fashion, it's probably fresher than any of them and more in step with the real world.
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, WSJ Heard on the Runway: Designers may be collectively heralding a return to more polished dressing and tailored looks, but that’s probably not news to Oscar de la Renta, who has never veered far from his core mission of creating luxurious suits, ballgowns and accessories for the rich and famous.

Diane von Furstenberg Watch Video

WWD: Typically savvy fusion of the sensual and the sensible, but with a notable upgrade to the sophistication level, starting with the palette.
Fashion Week Daily: Though DVF's collection was decidedly dress-centric, that didn't equal a lack of variety. Even the black frocks, of which there were many, had an eye-pleasing uniqueness, and each one she sent one down the runway felt as fresh as the first time.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: Her collection was singular in its focus on dresses. Many of the dresses came with matching coats, a nod toward the designer's sense of practicality, an asset that should serve her industry well in the coming months.
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Von Furstenberg’s fall 2007 collection was a swaggering tour through Iberian culture that inspired prolonged applause in Bryant Park. Though not exactly demure, it was ladylike, poised and entirely fitting for a stroll across St Peter's Square.
Rachel Michaela, Style Bites: The fall collection opened disappointingly with black on black. Sad, since DVF does color so well. At the worst moments (there was the linebacker-like jacket, then the metallic pewter monstrosity of a top and skirt, and at least one graphic dress nightmare) the models looked positively fat.


Doo. Ri Watch Video

WWD: The collection she presented on Tuesday wasn’t groundbreaking, but it showed hints of a step forward. The second half of the show, comprising variations on the jersey dress, often embellished with architectural crystal harnesses, felt a bit one-note and even lackluster.
Fashion Week Daily: Doo-Ri made a tentative foray into color, mixing a mellow, muted turquoise with burgundy and even a pop of lemon yellow. The collection seemed to find her in a transitional phase, gone were the cinched waists of seasons past, replaced by elongated torsos ending just above the hip.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: The crystal cages and harnesses worn over her signature jersey dresses got a little complicated, and it would've been nice to see her work in colors other than bordeaux, emerald, and navy.
Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune: Doo-Ri Chung had a soft and graceful take on silk, draping it into a top over a bib of sequins and scooping up the sides of a jersey dress. The palette of wine, blue and peacock green made for a repetitive show, but its effect was youthful with a touch of romance.
Lauren Dimet, Second City Style: The bubble-hemmed jersey dresses and frocks began looking very repetitious, but the bordeaux and emerald printed Georgette dress with Swarovski crystal blew me away. She will do very well with this line. She is a crowd pleaser and so darn adorable and talented, you can't resist.

Carolina Herrera Watch Video

Fashion Week Daily: The designer seemed to be juggling a widening scope of references: a square, three quarter sleeve fur tunic worn over a straight plaid skirt paired with substantially spangled stockings for an almost grunge-like layered effect, adapted for the Park Avenue set; when the skirt's pattern showed up again in a bustier dress, the effect was nearer to Anglomania.
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan WSJ Heard on the Runway: A polished collection featuring dresses made with perforated felt, coats with dramatic funnel-necked collars and tailored, slouchy jackets with wide lapels. Color-wise, she said her subdued palette of blue, “grape,” ash and bark was influenced by Edvard Munch’s somber portrait of Norwegian philosopher Hans Jaeger.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: With dark menswear plaids and jacquards juxtaposed against the artistic detailing that has lately become a Herrera signature, the effect was altogether different from her confectionary-sweet spring outing.
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Herrera’s collection for fall 2007 oozed haute sophistication, from the remarkable jacquard coats to the stockings finished with jade.
Girlawhirl: Favorite new look are the pants, high waisted, slim through the hip and thigh and full through the rest of the leg to the ground where they flipped and flickered as the models walked.

Erin Fetherston Watch Video

WWD: Erin Fetherston showed froufrou dresses in fabrics that appeared a bit cheap, but her PYT friends are likely to find at least one star in the collection.
Fashion Week Daily: Erin Fetherston sent a sweet and lowdown little collection down her silver, star-spangled runway. For demurely divine, goddess-like evening gowns that closed the show, we'll be dreaming 'til they hit stores for sure.
Lindsay Sammon, Fashion Wire Daily: A memorable addition to this season’s collection was Fetherston’s use of the cape, shown with constellation and butterfly prints, and affixed to the back of dresses in a way that gave the garments lift and endless fluidity.
Meenal Mistry, Style.com: The collection occasionally ventured toward the less-sophisticated side of girlish with a couple of Lurex pieces, it was a solid effort that will keep the growing Fetherston fan base more than happy.
FabSugar: Erin Fetherston's designs are what little big girls dream about. Super feminine and girly, while remaining modern, here is a collection that wisks you away to a beautiful boudoir floating in space.

Louis Vuitton

Sarah Mower, Style.com The show felt a bit all over the place, but never mind: A lot of the women in the audience declared that, once the elements are merchandised for stores, they'll be going shopping.

Fashion Week Daily The show's cheeky title, "Girl with a Monogram Handbag," summed up all the season's components in one tidy tagline.

WWD The famed Dutchman’s canvases inspired Jacobs’ fall show for Louis Vuitton, making for a lovely though surprisingly low-key collection.

Miu Miu

Nicole Phelps, Style.com Despite all the (matron-meets-) porn-star allusions, this wasn't a sexy collection. And it won't necessarily be easy to wear, either. But in her characteristically thoughtful style, Prada has given everyone plenty to ponder on their long plane ride home.

Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily Fashion’s most influential designer Miuccia Prada had her tongue planted firmly in her cheek in a collection that played girlishly with volume and jokingly repeated silhouette’s and outfits in the second half of the show, but in transparent gauze and gazzar.

WWD Still exuding a certain lofty Prada quirkiness, these pieces are bound to have more street legs than those gargantuan molded separates.

Nina Ricci

Sarah Mower, Style.com Theyskens laid on an irresistible finale of trail-y, ragged-edged white and chartreuse fantasy gowns, but still, the question about where he intends to take Ricci was left in the air.

Fashion Week Daily With wavy feather tendrils floating from the clothes and hair down on alien ducklings, what might have registered as sterile futurism in that stark, otherworldly sea of grey and white instead came off as divine newness.

WWD Olivier Theyskens made a gentle return to the runway, one that was as breathtakingly beautiful as it was serene.

Chloe

Sarah Mower, Style.com The show had energy, but it's too early to judge how any newcomer will make his mark based on one collection (it took quite a few seasons for Philo to climb to the ranks of cult leader, after all). For now, the pertinent question is whether Melim Andersson gets the fact that Chloé has to be an easily broken down assemblage of fab pieces that fly out of shops. Reactions were split over that.

Fashion Week Daily Chloe's runway show played out as something of a hardcore curiosity shop. The new girl, under the helm of Paulo Melim Andersson, displayed a taste for the punky alongside the pretty, piling on zippers with equal fervor as mirrored embellishments, enjoying her lollipop-like abstract flower prints as well as her cherry-red platform combat boots.

Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily The collection opened slowly - a navy blue open backed dress worn with improbable bright red Doc Martens-style platforms that did not exactly wow. Like the overly bombastic soundtrack – its mood swung from industrial to piano doodling – the footwear was hit and miss, but one third way through, Paulo suddenly found his groove.

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