CFDA Fashion Fund Popular Vote

Don't forget to vote for your favorite designer for 2009 so they can get some moo-lah without you actually purchasing their clothes (not that I wouldn't want to own a piece and support designers that way, but a dress is probably more than my rent). The only problem now is who to choose- I have too many favorites!!

Vote CFDA Fund

You can vote once a day and you are entered for a giveaway of 2 tickets to a Spring Summer 2010 Fashion show. Doesn't say which one or cover transportation costs, but you do get a nice swag bag including a Linea Pelle handbag.

Vera Wang Bridal

Although Vera Wang is a fixture in the NY Fashion scene, she is best known for her wedding dresses. Many celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman, Mariah Carey, and Kate Beckinsale chose to wear Vera Wang for their special day. It's no wonder that her 2010 Bridal collection is something to be in awe of. The collection is what I call 'beautifully disordered' because even though the ruffles have raw hems and are arranged randomly, the effect is still elegant. The amazing part is that Vera has lowered her median price point 30 to 40 %, from $5,500 to $3,800.

'The Dress' I would happily get married in.

Images: FWD

More Video Presentations

Looks like other designers are following Halston's video presentation. Gareth Pugh surprised its attendees with an eight minute video presentation instead of a runway show. I found the video more creepy than beautiful but that's to be expected from Gareth. And of course it's in black and white.

A Look At Prada Bags and Shoes

When it comes to bags and shoes, no one sets the trend quite like Miuccia Prada. As soon as the runway is over, underground manufacturers are trying to knock off the bags. Lets be honest, women love their Pradas. Next to the LV monogram, the triangle Prada plaque is the ultimate status symbol a woman can carry around her arm.

This year's collection was ... different. Much more severe- deep v cuts, lux materials, but fewer bells and whistles and strangely utilitarian.

Bags

The bag collection was more conservative. I can see a lot of working ladies carrying around the tote next fall. It didn't really show a new 'it' bag. Instead it focused on more classic shapes but in luxury materials- in this case, croc, velvet and fur. Not bad but not terribly interesting. I wasn't struck with intense window-shopping lust like I was for the SS08 Faerie collection.

Shoes

I can't say I'm a big fan of the shoes. In fact, I think they are rather hideous. The 1st pump is okay but only redeemed by the animal skin print. It looks a cross between 'school marm' and mountain climbing shoes. The ones that were all black looked even more so. At least no models fell or had to take off their heels. On the opposite end of austerity, there were pumps that looked like armored birds of paradise.

What do you think? Any resemblance?


And then there were these... which I dub 'leather wellies.' They are not fitted around the calves and worn with thick wool sock and a strap tied around the leg?? I'm confused Miuccia.


She also had uber tall versions of the 'leather wellie' which was strapped to the belt. Again, more question marks. Maybe Miuccia expects next fall to be very rainy because these boots certainly won't let water in. I'm going to restate my opening opinion that the collection was 'bizarrely utilitarian.'

Speechless at Giles

I don't know what to say, except perhaps- "It's not just me, right?" Huh, fashion as a phallic symbol. Maybe Giles is implying that women are being masculinized. Women are protecting themselves in male-dominated industries by imitating men. Only Giles would create fashion that requires a dissertation which is why he's the enfant terrible of British fashion. Here are some less controversial looks.





Browsing the Giles collection is always fun because it blurs the line between fashion and art, ugly and pretty. I can only say that the clothes aren't very wearable but I can see the odd accessory being worn by a fashion editor. I loved the wide brimmed hat that resembles Japanese straw hats, the touches of fur, and the amazing, open-zipper, tall boots.

Le Pommier Shoes

The Asian part of me is drawn to cute things, and nothing's cuter than cartoon rabbits and bears. When said rabbits and bears are on shoes, it's a match made in　heaven． When I stumbled upon Le Pommier by Ameber (also known as No Concept but Good Sense) shoes, I let out a girly squeal and cooed over the little cartoon animals stitched onto flats. The left and right shoe are a little different from each other but that's what makes these shoes so charming. I am determined to get a pair but they seem to only be available in parts of Asia. Supposedly, the brand is Japanese but I can't locate a website or even a department store that sells them. I know there's a store in Singapore and Shanghai. Maybe next time I’m visiting relatives in China, I might make a side trip to Shanghai　for a shopping spree.

Image Source:Flickr, Welcome to Your Destiny, http://eatshopbemerry.livejournal.com, Food. Fashion. Ferrets.

Lost But Not Forgotten… Jillian Lewis

Second runner up and one of my favorite designers from Season 4 Project Runway, Jillian Lewis proves that she has a place in fashion. After quitting her job with Ralph Lauren, she produced her own line for Fall 08 and Spring 09. The line centers around her signature ruffle trench, elegant knits, and figure-flattering dresses. The judges had constantly mentioned her ability to dress women and that holds true when you see her clothes. The only question is, where do you buy her clothes?

I would love to get my hands on one of these jackets. I remember the avant garde challenge and being wow by the over-the-top punk trench with a train of ruffles and plaid lining.

Jillian also worked on several design projects. She did the costume design for A Two Part Affair and created sketches for GenArt.

I love the mix of couture and clowns.

Deliciously Cute

Yum Yum, an online French boutique, has fun, whimsical creations that delight the child in me. I love the homemade, arts and craft- feel. You just know a lot of time was dedicated to each piece. From pin cushion- like flowers to cheerful bird mobiles, these creations are sure to delight.

This mobile is so dainty. I love the touch of Japanese influence in the Sakura fabric.

A bold, statement necklace that is in vogue (from Burberry, Lanvin, Dries van Noten, and so many FW08 and SS09 runway shows). I love the different play of textile texture and pattern. The flower pattern really reminds me of Marimekko.

Pin-cushion Flowers!!

I have a certain weakness for Japanese dolls. Every time I land in Narita Airport I always buy some wooden Japanese dolls in the duty free shops. These are just adorable- I want, I want!

Kooba Galore

There's something decidedly 'cool' about Kooba. Their line of leather handbags are constructed thoughtfully but not overwrought. The design is graceful but carelessly so. The bags easily go with any outfit, so it's a great everyday bag, but the special touches make them statement pieces that will get noticed in a sea of handbags. It's very different from Valentino or Prada bags that are so beautiful and delicate that you just want to place in a display case; the Kooba bag is edgy, tough, but casual. I can easily see this bag on an Alexander Wang girl. I would love to see a collaboration between the two brands, that is if Wang doesn't try designing bags under his own label. It certainly seems likely now that Wang won the CDFA award and has been collabing with Shu Uemura and Mattel.

Left to right: Rachel Shoulder Bag, Tracy Hobo, and Lilly Shoulder Bag
Images: Neiman Marcus

Milan SS09 9/25- Versace

Hands down the best show on September 25, Versace always knows how to bring the house down. The collection incorporates heart emblems in creative ways and shows off impressive technique.

Donatella Versace also showed off her fun side.

I Want a Piggy Ride too Heidi!

How cute is this picture taken backstage of Christian Siriano's SS09 show?! I love this picture for two reasons. 1) There's such a big height difference that Christian is a good two feet off the floor and 2) Heidi is actually supporting a Project Runway winner.

Here are some of the dresses from his show. L-O-V-E, Christian's proving he's not just a one hit wonder.





I think he really used vertical pleats, sheer fabrics, and bright bursts of yellow and red thoughtfully. The overall look was polished and not overdone.

Designer Vehicles

Instead of rolling up in Hummer or a Lamborghini, how about flashing real bling-bling by driving a Chanel trucker or maybe a Louis Vuitton oldsmobile.

Chanel

Gucci

Burberry

Louis Vuitton

Although I first thought the idea was ridiculous, I actually like the multicolored Louis-Vuitton momogrammed Harley and the Burberry Vespa. What do you guys think, fab or just bad tastes?