And these are exactly the locations where Gottex Creative Director Gideon Oberson will take us for Spring 2009.

“For me, dressing for the beach is no different than dressing for a night out. My clientele is able to go from poolside straight to cocktails and dinner by simply adding a breathtaking pareo or skirt to complete her ensemble,” says Oberson.

That said, all we have to do is sit back and relax while Gottex takes our breaths away.

GOTTEX Spring 2008
Monday, Sep 8, 2008, 8:00 PM
The Tent, Bryant Park
New York, NY

[MARI DAVIS]

Together with a vintage, rock n’ roll-inspired accessories line, the pop culture assignation usually associated with Converse and the century old history of the brand that has influenced music, arts, sports and fashion, the Converse One Star brand continues its evolution.

For women, traditionally athletic silhouettes were re-imagined to be more feminine. Fall color palettes and collegiate-themed logos, the preppy urban style is achieved.

The One Star women’s footwear — from houndstooth skimmers and wedge oxfords in berry and taupe, to metallic Skidgrip® footwear styles and satin ballet skimmers in fuchsia and black proposes a youthful rock & roll look.

For men, rugby-striped shirting and military jackets evoke this season’s One Star style of prep school and punk rock. Using deep green, navy and red, accented with vintage gold and blue, the look is uniquely One Star and effortlessly stylish.

The fall One Star footwear collection for men includes retro skate and soccer shoes, as well as a suede hi-top-style shoe.

The Converse One Star fall collection also marks the debut of vintage-inspired, versatile accessories for men and women. Sold exclusively at Target, the newest addition to the One Star roster includes canvas totes, striped neck scarves and bowler bags for every day.

Converse One Star Collection is available at select Target stores nationwide and at www.target.com beginning August.

[MARIKIT YAMATO]

Photos courtesy of Converse

As part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the classic tale, Warner Brothers and CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements collaborated with top shoe designers to re-imagine Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers.

Participating designers includeA. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi and Tuleh.

Their version of the red ruby slippers will be unveiled on Sep 4, 2008 at Saks Fifth Avenue’s 10022-SHOE and will be on display at the retailer’s store windows.

The event will benefit philanthropic partner, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Additionally, CRYSTALLIZED ™ - Swarovski Elements ruby bracelets will be sold exclusively at Saks New York with 100% of the proceeds going to The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, beginning the evening of September 4.

The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be exhibited in a special installation surrounding the fountain at MBFW’s Bryant Park tents beginning Sept. 5.

[MARI DAVIS]

Scheduled to be unveiled during the traditional Monday before Thanksgiving date (November 24, 2008 this year), this partnership brings CRYSTALLIZED ™ - Swarovski Elements front and center to the mainstream.

Already well-known to the fashion set, CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements is the product brand for Swarovski’s precision-cut loose crystals, a source of inspiration to leading designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, lifestyle and home accessories and interiors.

During the 2008 Holiday season, all 26 of Saks Fifth Avenue New York store windows will be branded and decorated with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements for six weeks. It will also be on display at the Saks Holiday Season festivities in Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chicago, Bal Harbor, Boston, Atlanta and Houston.

[MARI DAVIS]

Photos courtesy of Swarovski

“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.”

Paraphrasing a very popular 1960s slogan, Martha Lee adopted the mantra ‘MAKE LOVE NOT TRASH’ putting them on shopping bags that can double as messenger bags at times.

Very eco-conscious herself, Martha Lee made sure that each bag is conscientiously crafted with all natural, non-toxic materials. Part of fulfilling its social responsibility, Make Love Not Trash will work with a new charity each year in an effort to raise awareness for their cause.

This year, the company has chosen to support THE LEEZA GIBBONS MEMORY FOUNDATION, a charity organization fully dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease.

www.makelovenottrash.com

[MARIKIT YAMATO]

Rubens Display, a custom manufacturer of mannequins, focuses on ‘special effects’ mannequins or forms, be it for a retail environment, or entertainment such as the movies, even museums.

Their expertise lies on creating special mechanisms for movement, lighting or voice activation given to a mannequin or form. These types of mannequins are used as focal points, and in other times to ‘imitate’ or ‘duplicate’ a real person, i.e., become a body double.

Some of the most famous works of Rubens Display are the mannequin body doubles of Keanu Reves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie Moss in the Matrix Trilogy. These units were used for a producers exhibit in New Orleans and now they are stationed in the Warner Bros archives in Burbank CA.

Rubens Display can also customize mannequins for you. Do you want a Bette Middler or Will Smith look-alike? They can do it for you.

The usual turn-around time is 2 weeks. Add a few more days for shipping, Rubens Display ship all over the United States. For international orders, please discuss this before making an order.

Mechanical mannequins? No problem! Rubens Display can make those for you also. Turn-around time for mechanical mannequins vary. It depends on what you want the mannequin to do.

Rubens Display expertise is not limited to just mannequins and forms. They also design creations in animals and display props with movement and sound.

To contact Rubens Display:

RUBENS DISPLAY WORLD
Contact: Ruben J. Esparza
1428 East Francis
Ontario CA 91761
Tel: 909-923-5671
Fax: 909-923-5670
Web: www.rubensdisplay.com
Email: ruben@rubensdisplay.com

Photos courtesy of Rubens Display, click on image to see bigger photo

“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

 On sale starting yesterday, American Express offers a selection of packages to experience the world of fashion in a dynamic and meaningful way:

• American Express Skybox: American Express unveils a newly enhanced Skybox this season that provides premium access for American Express Gold Card members, Platinum(R) Card members and Centurion(R) members to experience the runway shows in a truly unique way.

Overlooking both the Tent and Promenade but undetectable from the runway, the Skybox features a VIP lounge-style viewing room where Card members can mix and mingle over great refreshments and premium beverages, and converse with influencers from the world of fashion.

This season’s Skybox will be designed by American Express OPEN(SM) Card member Frank Carfaro, acclaimed founder and creative director of contemporary home furnishings company, DESIRON. Special guests and other surprises are in store for guests of the Skybox, making this an experience not to be missed.

To purchase, visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.

• ‘By Invitation Only’® Experiences: The American Express “By Invitation Only” Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week packages, available exclusively for Platinum and Centurion members, offer full-day access to the Skybox on September 6 and 7, coordinated meet-and-greets with fashion industry insiders, behind-the-scenes tours and a visit with hair and make-up stylists onsite to perfect their red-carpet-ready look.

To purchase, visit www.americanexpress.com/platinum.

And the best part, as a part of American Express’ continued support of designers and the fashion industry, proceeds from the sale of event packages will contribute to the $500,000 American Express donation to the Council of Fashion Designers of America Vogue Fashion Fund which helps emerging American designers find continued success in the business of fashion.

The collection of women’s fashion will launch in late December and be available throughout the month of January.

A native of Thailand, Thakoon Panichgul immigrated to Omaha, Nebraska with his parents when he was 11. After earning a business degree from Boston University in 1997, he moved to New York and worked at Harper’s Bazaar as a fashion writer. That was when he discovered that his ideas for articles were often conceived from a designer’s point of view.

Eventually, he decided to pursue formal design studies, enrolling at Parsons School of Design from 2001 to 2003. In September 2004, Panichgul produced his first ready to wear collection and quickly became a favorite with the fashion press, top editors and stylists, and celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Demi Moore, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

[MARI DAVIS]