8 Designers To Debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
@ 4:47 pm August 20, 2008Filed under: Op-Ed
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NEW YORK, Aug 20, 2008 / FW/ — Michael Angel, Charlotte Ronson, Andy & Debb, Thuy, Sergio Davila, Leifsdottir, Aurelio Costarella and Zheng Luo are already known in the fashion circle. In September, the fashion world will finally meet them with their debut in Bryant Park.
“We are very excited to welcome so many new talents to the most prominent fashion event of the season,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, producers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
“We are anxious to observe how these energetic, enthusiastic and creative new ‘fashion engineers’ will inspire, influence and impact an industry hungry for new talent,” Mallis added.
Australian designer, Michael Angel, has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years, as a top stylist for many influential celebrities and campaigns. He has now transferred his hyper-color designs into fabric and created a collection that will truly astonish.
Charlotte Ronson has gained a notable reputation and an enviable fashion and celebrity following. With fourteen boutiques already in Japan, her much anticipated debut show in Bryant Park would reinforce her future expansion on the global fashion scene.
Andy & Debb, a famous Korean couple, produce their own collection and run a number of boutiques in major department stores in Korea. Their signature clean, fresh modern cuts are inspired by the artists’ designs in the many museums and galleries they frequent.
Thuy Diep, the Vietnamese born, New York designer inherited her talent and skills from her parents, who used to run a tailoring school and custom-made clothing shop. Thuy’s romantic, sophisticated style mixes together a casual chic reflective of “a woman of beauty and intellect with an artistic and forever youthful soul.”
Peruvian native, Sergio Davila, began developing and marketing a menswear line based on a vision for how he himself wanted to dress. His very first collection created a buzz on the West Coast and was immediately bought by many established retailers. Davila’s character, hard work and talent has helped secure him a mark on the Manhattan fashion scene.
Anthropologie’s new wholesale line, Leifdottir, is a pretty, artsy and quirky collection of clothes for a young, feminine customer. Top American editors have said, “Leifdottir attention to little details such as whimsical prints, vintage buttons and intricate embroidery have secured their reputation.”
Aurelio Costarella has turned a Western Australian based company into an internationally recognized luxury brand. Determined to keep evolving without losing his Perth City identity, his instinctive and sophisticated designs grow each season and are a testament to his success at achieving his goals.
Zheng Luo, a leading Chinese designer, owns Omnialuo Inc., is one of the most successful fashion companies in mainland China. Working with natural fabrics gives her collections an organic and eco-friendly flare. Zheng believes that “the perfection of human nature, no matter whether in the West or the East, is driven by the power of chasing beauty.”
Doucette Duvall to Present Spring 2009 Collection at Christies
@ 5:42 am August 16, 2008Filed under: Focal Point
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NEW YORK, Aug 16, 2008 / FW/ — New York-based design duo Stephanie Doucette and Annebet Duvall are prepared to give you one absolute: timeless designs that embody glamour, elegance and wit.
“Americana” – the theme of DD’s Spring 2009 collection serves as a lens through which one can view an optimistic, endearing and compassionate America – green apples, cherry pie, baseball games, county fairs and prom nights. Their line of daring vintage pieces serves up sassy retro influences with a bit of flash, unedited expression.
One of the few ethical fashion teams around, Doucette Duvall practices environmental and social responsibility with all designs made entirely in NYC’s garment district using rescued fabric and trim.
Their intention: to create awareness and action, and keep their carbon footprint to a minimum. The result: cocktail and red carpet-worthy frocks that sooth your fashion conscience while creating awareness and respect for Madame Earth.
Doucette Duvall Presentation
Sep 9, 2008
Tuesday, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Christies Auction House
New York, NY
Reality Advertising, Another First from Lord & Taylor
@ 4:49 am May 9, 2008Filed under: Boutiques, shopping
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NEW YORK, May 9, 2008 / FW/ — After re-launching its iconic rose last month, Lord & Taylor takes us inside its stores to hear what its customers are saying. Commissioning TV personality and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi to find out, the phrase ‘my favorite store’ kept on coming up.
Together with a camera crew, Verdi surprised customers shopping in the store’s flagship on Fifth Avenue, as well as in its branches in Scarsdale, NY, and Ridgewood, NJ, were delighted to offer to a roving Verdi their opinion about the iconic retailer, America’s oldest.
When asked why she shops at Lord and Taylor, Terry gave Verdi a long list of reasons, ending with “…and because it’s a no brainer.” Margaux, another customer, talked about the great jeans the store has and “…because they have every kind of make-up,” while Joanna, who Verdi found shopping for shoes, said she had come for her prom dress, adding, “….they have a great selection. I come here all the time.”
A radio campaign starring the Lord and Taylor customers interviewed by Verdi will be broadcast in the New York Metro area, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Syracuse, NY, starting May 8. In New York City, taxicabs will feature a video of the interviews.
And as part of this campaign, a video of Verdi’s fashion tips will be featured online in the store’s website, www.lordandtaylor.com.
Founded in 1826, Lord and Taylor is America’s oldest department store and one of America’s premier retailers. In almost 200 years of its history, Lord and Taylor has established a remarkable reputation for personal service, quality and innovation. With a style deeply rooted in American tradition, the store became a standard-bearer for the fashion and retail industries and the favorite of generations of shoppers.
“I remember going to Lord and Taylor every weekend with my Mom when I was a kid … there was always something so captivating to me about the Lord and Taylor lifestyle. All the best dressed people shopped there and I knew that I wanted to be just like them,” Robert Verdi said. “They’re a shopping institution and my favorite store.”
Saks Fifth Avenue Sells ‘water’ Bracelets to Provide Safe Water to Impoverished Communites
@ 1:44 pm April 26, 2008Filed under: Focal Point
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NEW YORK, Apr 26, 2008 / FW/ — According to the ancient Greeks, Earth, Water, Air and Fire are the four basic elements that we simply could not live without. The world had evolved since the time of Greek mythology, but water is as important today as it was during the era of the Greek gods. And, that’s the reason why Saks Fifth Avenue is partnering with ‘charity: water’ to bring safe water to impoverished communities.
As part of the retailer’s celebration for Mother’s and Father’s Day, Saks Fifth Avenue is teaming with charity: water, a nonprofit organization that builds freshwater wells in developing nations for as little as $5000, to provide entire communities with fresh water for years.
For us here in the U.S., Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are time for showing our appreciation and love for our parents. We shower our mom and dad with gifts. But, for millions of mothers and fathers around the world, the most priceless gift is the simplest: water.
In impoverished communities and developing countries, unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness on the planet and lead to 2.2 million deaths every year. Millions of adults and children walk 3 miles every day, carrying 80 pounds of water back to their families — unsafe water. These numbers only scratch the surface of an enormous problem — one that we can have a major impact in resolving.
Beginning April 21st and running through Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Saks customers will be able to become part of the solution by:
- GETTING THE BRACELET: $5 each in Saks stores, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores, on saks.com or through 800.871.SAKS.
- SENDING AN E-CARD: $20 each at saks.com.
- SPONSORING A FRESHWATER WELL: A $5000 donation will help an entire community gain access to clean water for drinking, cooking and basic sanitation. Visit saks.com or call 800.871.SAKS.
Founded by Scott Harrison in August 2006, charity: water has funded the construction of more than 250 wells that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to 150,000 people. charity: water uses 100 percent of the money it raises to directly fund freshwater well and sanitation projects in some of the poorest communities in Africa, India and Central America.
Move Over Cinderella, The Shoes are for Hannah Montana
@ 10:29 am April 24, 2008Filed under: Focal Point, Market Watch
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LOS ANGELES, Apr 24, 2008 / FW/ — Inspired by Disney’s smash hits Hannah Montana and High School Musical, plus the upcoming film Wall-E, a new footwear targeted for tweens is being launched by Crocs just in time for summer vacation.
Combining the magic of Disney and the trademarked comfort shoes, the new footwear line allows kids to live out their pop star dreams and the children to sport the endearing attributes of a lovable robot.
Expected to hit retail stores in May, the Hannah Montana line’s “Mary Jane” style is is accentuated with glam glitter and pop star graphics. Available in children’s and junior sizes, ‘Mary Jane’ has a touch of Hollywood glamour.
And just in time for the back to school season, fans will be able to add the Hannah Montana–themed Mammoth Crocs™ shoe to their collection. This highly anticipated shoe takes a cozy twist on Crocs’ original design and features super soft synthetic fur lining that is perfect for keeping feet warm this fall.
Hannah Montana enthusiasts can also customize their look with Hannah Montana rock-star themed Jibbitz™ brand charms.
The Disney Channel hit series, High School Musical, will also be added to this summer’s line up. The collection will include High School Musical–themed Jibbitz™ brand charms with the names of cast members in vibrant designs and iconic logos.
A special High School Musical Cayman-style Crocs™ shoe will also be added to the collection in July. Tweens and teens alike will be stylish and comfortable with these all-purpose Crocs™ shoes made from Crocs’ proprietary closed-cell resin Croslite™ material, along with graphics printed on the front complete with a contrasting back-strap.
For those anxiously awaiting the premiere of the Disney*Pixar film Wall-E, Crocs is launching Wall-E-themed Jibbitz™ and Crocs™ footwear in May. Crocs™ products inspired by Wall-E are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.


