Fashion Designers Open Call

Are you a fashion designer in need of a boost?  Here's a round-up of fashion shows, competitions and projects that can help get your buyers, publicity, fame, fortune, etc.

Henri Bendel is legendary for it's open-see day for new designers.  Now they're having an online contest for accessories.  Enter your sketch and have it voted on by your peers.  Winner will have the piece produced and sold in the stores.

Lower East Side Runway is a crowd-sourced project by husband and wife team Cheryl and Marc Maleh.  They conceived a way to give back to the fashion community by producing an event for new designers living in NYC along with a pop-up shop.  They have already drawn the attention of Mashable and BlackBook magazine.  To apply, click through to the application.  

On the West Coast, the Orange County Fashion showcase is looking for both new, emerging designers as well as established designers for their show.  Models will be provided, as well as many opportunities for publicity.  Applications can be downloaded here.

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L.E.S. Runway - Crowdsourcing Fashion Designers

Cheryl Maleh has a dream to bring indie designers to the runway and fashion fans to see them.  She is crowd funding a project on Kickstarter to fund a series of fashion shows with selected up-and-coming designers during fashion week, as a well as a pop-up shop to sell their collections.  This series will also be an opportunity for fans that aren't invited to the main shows to attend events as well.  

Ms. Maleh has long term goals to make this an annual event and add more cities across the country.  You can donate as little as $5 and be kept up to date of all events.  Donate in larger increments for guaranteed tickets to shows, your application fee waived if you are a designer, or received fabulous jewelry from Gemma Redux if you are a true patron of the LES catwalk.  To learn more or contribute, click here.

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Earth Day Style! Eco-Chic Pop-up Boutique in NYC

Cocktails, shopping and supporting indie designers with a conscience.  How's that for guilt-free style?  In tribute to Earth Month, designers Lara Miller, Ailin, Chak Chel, Moonlight, Vella Mode, Boutique Ethique, Tammam, Elena Garcia, Show Me Your Mumu and Tompkins Point are selling their ethical fashion brands in a pop-up shop in the beautiful Nexus Townhouse.  There will also be non-profit collections by Care 4 Kenya + Project Migration.  


In the spirit of style with substance, 10% of the proceeds of the boutique will be donated to the Red Cross for Japan's disaster relief.  

The Pop-up shop and cocktail event takes place April 14th, 2011 from 6 PM - 9 PM.

39 West 56th Street, 4th Floor

New York NY 10019

RSVP: GFB@amp3pr.com

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Project Runway Season 9 Casting!

This is it.  Are you ready to bring your designer 'A' game? Are you ready for catfights on AND off the runway?  Compete for fame and fortune....You know the rest...  Email the address above or check out the website for more information. 

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A Touch of Min-K - Blake Lively's Best Kept Secret

Our beloved West Coast correspondent, Mdivani Monroe came to visit NYC recently.  He got in touch with an old friend of Ms. FAB, Minji Kim, a fellow Parsons alum...  A new mother and talented designer, she has held court with a chic boutique in the East Village for years.  Mdivani gives the scoop:

"When you go to a highly competitive college, you form a special bond with those that survived it with you.  Even though years may go by and you may not even have any communication with fellow classmates, that bond somehow stays intact.  Who else can understand those all-nighters, the unrelenting work load, the ruthless competition, the intensity of the whole experience that changes your life forever.

As I was searching for new shopping venues in New York, I came across a boutique, Min-K, the brainchild of one of my former classmates at Parsons, Minji Kim.  Reminiscing on our time at school, I remembered Minji as always being super creative and for having an eye for what was hot and happening.  True to form, Minji’s boutique is the perfect place to shop for the coolest clothing and accessories in the market.  Showcasing designers from Korea, Min-K has fashion items that you won’t  find anywhere else in the city.

Due to the cutting edge style found at Min-K, it is no wonder that you have seen it’s designs on celebs like Blake Lively, Katie Holmes and many more.

When you are in New York, you have to pay a visit to Min-K and pick up a something special and original!  And if Minji is in the store, say hi for me!"

For more on the boutique and an interview with Minji, check out Mdivani's video blog here. 

Photos and Video by Ritika Wahal
Photos of Blake Lively and Katie Holmes Courtesy of Min-K

www.ladieswholunchtravel.com

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One of a Kind Show and Sale: Sharon Rosenthal Jewelry

The One of a Kind Show & Sale this past weekend pulled together a fantastic collection of independent artists and designers.  The basic requirement of those who sold there was that every piece had to be handmade by the artist.  This guaranteed that if you purchased a piece of clothing, fashion or accessory, it would be a unique, crafted piece you could be proud of.  The midtown location right before the holidays didn't hurt either.

One of my first discoveries of the show was Sharon Rosenthal. Her background was as a multi-media artist.  Her work eventually transitioned into wearable sculpture/jewelry.  The highly dimensional pieces on display at the show were fashioned from semi-precious stones, antique toys, found objects of nature like snake vertabrae, nut shells from the Phillipines or weathered horn. 

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Dots Styles and Beats Launches with a Fashion Face-off

Downtown style mavens and music celebs like Jordin Sparks converged on the launch of Dots Style & Beats Wednesday night for a fashion face-off.  Stylists, designers like Richie Rich and Anne Bowen were among the party-goers sipping Effen Vodka and nibbling on cupcakes.  Documenting the festivities was Rocco Leo Gaglioti of Fashion News Live.

Guests were handed sparkly 'dots' and directed to browse the racks of the Dots collection to choose their favorite styles.  Dots is a retailer that knocks out tons of trendy, ridiculously affordable clothes.  The turnover is high to keep the looks fresh.  

Independent designers like Cora,  Islaet,  Ivan Helsinki, Steel Pony, Vu, accessories by Cleo & Cat,  Clara Kasavina and Eileen Gural showed off their wares for the holiday at the event.  Stylists from Brow-NY to help glam and pamper guests onsite.  

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The Creator's Co-Op store opening - a collective for new talent

The Creator's Co-Op store is a designer's co-operative which is poised to make Astoria a required stop for cool shoppers in New York.  It opened last week with a charming launch party Friday night.

According to the Creator's Co-Op's founder, Kazuki Kozuru-Salifoska , the boutique is  a "co-operative style store of like-minded artists, designers, and craft people."  The space is a roster of  emerging talent from design schools like Parsons and FIT along with other designers who wanted to share their work in a collective design retail space.  The Co-Op houses a diverse group of eclectic and talented designers who make everything from fantastical Lemony Snicket-esque clocks with the secret musical keys to uber  chic, indie children's line, Baby Noir. 

Kazuki is also the brainchild and designer of Baby Noir clothing for kids. Baby Noir is a collection of seriously cool children's clothing which is designed and made in New Y ork City.  Baby Noir dresses range from $28 - $78  with every piece lined in cotton as is the brighter, more bohemian line, Baby Solaire.  

Each square foot
of the store houses great finds for the cool set from super fly skater/hip screened tee shirts for the men in your life to delicate jewelry set in stone.

Jewelry designer Kristen Benson  chisels holes into smooth, round rocks and adds sparkly white sapphires to form necklaces and pendants.  The white sapphires glitter like diamonds, but without the gem's price point. The one necklace I added to my wish list was  $146 (friends take note!). This collection looks like it came straight from the Barney's New York display case.

The Creator's Co-op also has fine ceramics which are hand made and glazed by artist Jonathan Castro. The pieces are weighty and substantial. The nuances of the hand glazed colors lend a museum quality feel to his work which range from practical mugs to show-stopping vases.

For those following Mad Men's foray into the 1960s, there are brocades and textured metallic cowl blouses by designer Mami Suzuki (MSG).  Many of these are wool and silk and have the quality and look of vintage-y 60's pieces but thankfully, without the unwanted issues of vintage 60s' era dresses. To punch up a Mami Suzuki piece,  you can pair  your outfit with a handmade 'pin cushion' ring with chunky crystals or a peacock festooned urban corsage from the glamorously dark Weng Meng line by our own Ms.FABulous founder, Mariana Leung.

 

To visit the Creator's Co-Op store, take the N/Q subway to the last stop at Ditmars/Astoria Blvd and walk a few blocks down 23rd avenue.  Grab some Greek baked delights and coffee and head into the Co-Op to find cool gifts for friends, or yourself !

Gaetano Cannella at work on his collection

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Audrey Talbott Spring 2011

Audrey Talbott?, you ask. You may not be familiar with this line, but I assure you that you will be. Audrey Talbot was launched in 2002 as the women’s division of the successful menswear line, Robert Talbott, and has continued to grow and become a true lifestyle brand.

The founders of the Talbott labels, Robert and Audrey Talbott, began the Robert Talbott Tie Company in Carmel, California after transplanting themselves from a life in New York and Connecticut.  It is from these beginnings that the Audrey Talbott line has taken its inspiration:
an East Coast sense of style and fashion married to a West Coast sense of a relaxed lifestyle. This inspiration has been teamed up with the company’s dedication to the highest quality, both in construction and fabrics, something Robert and Audrey would never compromise on.

During Fashion Week in New York, I dropped into the Audrey Talbott showroom to see what was in store for Spring 2011.  The line is chock full of mix & match separates, dresses and jackets that are all completely in step with the trends for Spring.  The collection is broken up into five color groupings, with a
color sensibility that makes it possible to easily wear pieces from one group with pieces from later groups. Military greens, heather grays, pinks, lavenders, khakis, linens and mochas flow seamlessly into navy, white, pale blues, mango, guava and rosemary.

At least two luscious prints highlight each grouping perfectly and give an extra oomph of interest to them. In addition to dresses, skirts and blouses, the line uses these prints, as well as prints from the Robert Talbott tie collection, to create beautiful facings and turnbacks on numerous pieces in the collection. I love that attention to detail, even if no one but myself knows its there, it still makes the garment feel even more special when wearing it.

While there are many knockouts in this collection a few beg to be be mentioned:

The “OnTheGo” jacket, fits in perfectly with the military trend that will be continuing into next Spring, but in a timeless way. This jacket is a little more casual and can be worn looser or more fitted utilizing the drawstring waist and it has ample pockets, including a left top zippered pocket for your iPhone/iPod with a
channel for ear phones.

The “Tom” jacket mixes a structured jacket with the ease and drape of an unstructured jersey front/collar, bringing a more contemporary edge to the line.

And a centerpiece in each group, the innovative “Itsy” skirt/dress. This versatile piece can easily be worn as a chic and relaxed dress or it transforms itself into a great longer skirt.

Having seen this line progress over the last few years, I have to say that this is the strongest collection yet. Fashionably chic yet wearable, this is a line that will appeal to women on both coasts and everywhere in between.

Reported and photographed by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel.

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FAB Exclusive: Daisy Knights

As part of our spotlight series on designers, accessories guru Ritika W. snagged an interview with the talented, young Miss Daisy Knights in her studio. Daisy is part of the prestigious design alumni of the Central Saint Martins  College of Arts & Design.


Ritika is an Anglophile and has a weakness for all things British. It was perfect timing that her friend, Kaley, introduced her to the work of young British designer, Daisy Knights. Daisy's work has been featured  in Vogue, Tatler and In Style magazines  and is worn by the bright, young ingenues of the London smart set.

MsFABulous : We love your designs for men and women especially the collar stiffeners and the tiepins with skulls (Kit collection). How do you come up your design ideas
for your collections?

Daisy Knight: Thanks! I use friends and family as muses for each collection so all my collections are all really different but have my signature look running throughout. My
best friend Kit who inspired this collection is a gentleman and a surfer, he is trendy but traditional so hence the tiepin (traditional) but with a skull
(modern/trendy).

MF:  As a child, were you always inclined towards the fashion world and esp. jewelry design? Why did you become a designer?

DK: As a child I was into fashion and clothes, but I was way more into jewellery. I learnt how to make jewellery in my fathers workshop when I was 11 and since that moment I knew I wanted to design jewellery.

MF: You have such a range and breadth of designs from skull tiepins to the most delicate feather designs rings. Do you receive custom orders for your work? If so, what was the most challenging piece you have worked on so far?

DK: I do receive custom orders and they are my favourite part of my job! seeing someones face when they see their engagement ring grow from a sketch to the  real thing is the best part!

I did a pre-engagement ring which was challenging because the groom-to-be wanted a ring to propose with but not an engagement ring as he wanted his wife-to-be to pick out the real engagement ring. So i came up with a ring that had "will you marry me?" engraved around the band and a diamond as the dot on the question mark. She absolutely loves it, and now has a lovely custom made Daisy Knights engagement ring and wedding ring to go with it!

MF: After you won, the Bright Young Gem award in 2009, what was the first thing you did to celebrate? And, on a serious note, how did that award impact you professionally?

DK: The first thing I did to celebrate was call my boyfriend John, and tell him! Then we went out to dinner at my favourite sushi place in London.

It really helped me transition from being a student stocking shops to being a brand to be taken seriously. As I am only 23 it helped with the transition into the industry.

MF: It’s wonderful to know you are so eco-conscious and want to keep your designs as British made as much as possible. What are some of the challenges you face?

DK: There are a lot of challenges, if someone wants a specific colour gem for an engagement ring and I can't find one where I can trace it back to where it came from and all along its journey to my work bench then I won't use it.  Also, I use recycled metal because it is the best thing to do right now, but I would love to be able to support the mining community and get ethically mined silver. Recycled silver does not help these communities but as soon as there is another option I will use it.

Keeping it all British made means I can promise quality as everything is made by talented craftsmen, I also still make quite a bit of the jewellery myself as I never want to lose the connection between designing and making.
Even our packaging is made in the UK!

Daisy's designs are carried Stateside at Net-A-Porter.com and for a custom design of your own, please contact her at her studio.

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Runway Ready? Women's Mafia Competition

Is your collection runway ready? That's the challenge progressive networking club Women's Mafia is presenting to up-and-coming fashion designers.

Designers are invited to apply for a coveted spot in their September fashion week show in New York City. Not only do you get a showcase for your work, winning designers will receive the support of a $10 000 PR and branding package to promote their label. Shows from previous fashion weeks have been featured on NBC and other major outlets.

To apply, be ready with images of your work and a pitch of why you deserve to show with Women's Mafia. For full details and to submit your application, click here.

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Karina Wollinsky - Indie Italian Chic

Far away from Milan, even far away from the city of Florence. I was pleasantly surprised to find a stylish boutique in the tiny town of Panzano in Chianti. This sleepy village was mostly famous for it's butcher and agricultural history...Not fashion.
I walked into the chic space of Verso X Verso, a store that sold custom and handmade shoes on one side. The other side had a small, exquisite collection of sculpted women's clothes. Each jacket, skirt and top were meticulously pieced. The silhouettes were very flattering to the curves.
The woman behind this hidden pocket of glamor was Karina Wollinsky. She started her career in economics, but came back to her dream of fashion design after studying at the Florence School for Fashion.
The designer has a clear passion for her work. Touching the shoes and seeing the clothes, you appreciate her eye for detail too. She can be contacted at info@versoxverso.com

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FAB Paris: My Favorite Shops in 3 hours

I had a pitiful 36 hours in Paris. I was only able to shop for 3 of them. I hit the Place Vendome area after a trip to the Musee Les Arts Decoratifs. You can see museum-worthy antique shops and the home boutiques of the top designers of Paris of course. You can also seek out unique designers at stores that strive to bring you something different.
Colette at 213 Rue St. Honore has a modern, rebellious tone. It houses some of your favorite forward designers like Gareth Pugh and McQueen. It also features bold new names like Mary Katrantzou. Gadget geeks will also find the sleekest of tech accessories for their stylish obsessions.

Podium Jewellery drew me in immediately. This Moscow-based chain has boutiques for fashion and interior decor in addition to jewelry. This particular store on 334 Rue St. Honore housed one-of-a-kind pieces from independent designers. Some designers worked with avant-garde motifs, another re-purposed heirloom items and exotic artifacts into elaborate necklaces.
Over in the trendy Le Marais district, my favorite boutique was Arte Else. This petite shop at 12 Rue de Sevigne housed handmade clothing and jewelry by independent designers. The delicate creations included a multi-darted tulle tunic, a feather embroidered corset and sculpted blouses.

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Nolcha's Beyond the Runway Competition

Are you showing during New York Fashion Week this September? Are you an independent designer looking for some extra funds? Nolcha Fashion Week is presented simultaneously along with Mercedes-Benz Fashion week to showcase up-and-coming designers.
The bonus this season, is that Nolcha is teaming up with LooseButton to host the Beyond The Runway contest. The winning designer in September will receive a $50 000 business support package to help them succeed as an entrepreneur.
Judges will include Gabrielle Teare, a stylist from Elle Magazine, Marie Claire and Fashion TV. President of LooseButton, Ray Cao, Sheri L. Koetting, CEO of marketing agency MSLK and Lilly Berelovich, founder of Fashion Snoops will also be on hand to review designers.
The entrepreneurial support will come in the form of legal help, accountants, web consultations, marketing advice and retail placement.
To show in Septembers Nolcha Fashion Week, start with the application here. For more about the competition, check out Nolcha's web site.

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4th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards -Part One

The Independent Handbag Designer Awards were held last Wednesday at Parsons, the New School of Design.

Emily Blumenthal explained the fledgling award show had progressed ‘from the minors to the majors’. The fashion industry elite included supporter from Kate Spade, Swarovski, mark by Avon, Timberland, Carlos Falchi, Singer and Instyle Magazine. Besides the awards, guests enjoyed surprise guests (Tim Gunn!), laughter and inspiring speeches.

Parson’s Dean of School of Fashion, Simon Collins opened the program by reminding us that fashion is perceived as a “ bitchy, cut throat”. In reality, the evening showed a caring community.

“So many designers are anxious to get noticed,” said Emily. This competition provides an opportunity to showcase their talent to an international audience. Categories included Best Student Made Handbag, Most Socially Responsible Handbag, Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ -Swarovski Elements, Best Handmade Handbag Best Green Handbag and Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design and Most Innovative Handbag Inspired by mark.

Independent Handbag Awards - Press Preview

The judging panel consisted of editors, style makers, buyers and professors for each category. selected winners. In addition to international press coverage, awards ranged from apprenticeships with designer Carlos Falchi to selling a limited edition run of their design from CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements.

Where do these awards take you? Rachel Esswood, last year’s winner for Best Student Made Handbag was recently hired by Devi Kroell following her apprenticeship. Another winner from 2009, Lorna Nixon had three bags featured in the film Sex and the City 2.

For more on the awards and individual winners, stay tuned! We will be profiling our favorites in the next few days.

Photos by Mariana L.

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Bright Young Things Launch of the LBD

PYTs wear LBD's..

Thursday night, Maryam Nassir Zahed’s boutique on the Lower East Side hosted the launch of Brooklyn designer, Eliza Starbuck’s new line, Bright Young Things. The concept is simple. The Little Black Dress (LBD) designed in a clever way to be all things to many people. This is ‘slow fashion’ as a parallel to the ‘slow food’ movement where clothes are not disposable.

Some of the live models wearing the LBD had their own comments, explaining it “Molds into whatever you want and it’s the perfect dress and sold as a canvas like art.” The pricing is also practical at $185 for a garment made In New York. Production is in the Garment district and Chinatown. Online sales start June 18th. Orders will take 4-6 weeks to be made and is currently offered in three sizes.

I checked out every young model wearing the LBD, it did seem incredible that so many women of different sizes, heights and body types could rock the dress in independently. One model channeled 70’s Janis Joplin with a furry vest and pink tights. The LBDs were worn wrapped to the front, back, open, tied with an obi or worn simply with a slim belt as Eliza did.

The designer was her own best model. Tall and svelte, the LBD looked amazing on her. Eliza spoke to us about her first gig, “The Uniform project” which inspired her Bright Young Things launch. She found it hard to locate “Made in US” anymore. The oil crisis of recent years had affected shipping costs making it expensive to ship goods in from China and India. She was also concerned about why goods were so cheaply made overseas. Ms. Starbuck started questioning how and in what conditions these items were being produced.

“ There was never a comfort level working in the industry. I felt that consumer culture has been blind”. She felt she wanted to “see and meet the people making the clothes” and decided to produce her clothes in US.

The LBD in cotton pique is the first of her Bright Young Things conceptual collection. She will add on to the collection by adding core pieces to build upon versatile items. “People were ready for it.”

Eliza was ready to leave the industry for good after becoming disenchanted by it. This was until 2009 when she met Sheena Matheiken during a charitable drive. Sheena was out to raise funds by wearing a single dress for 365 days of the year. She designed and created the Uniform dress that could work in any setting for the whole year.

Based on the awareness generated from the Uniform Project, Eliza produced a 365 piece limited edition run of the Uniform dress that sold out quickly. The sales from this raised an additional $10,000 for the Akanksha Foundation that funds education in India.

Resist being the fast-fashion victim. Wear the Little Black Dress and make it your own. We wish Eliza great luck and we hope this is only the tip of the thoughtfully-made fashion movement!

Photos and story by Ritika W.

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Made In Midtown - Keep Fashion in NYC!

Yesterday afternoon, the Design Trust and CFDA launched Made In Midtown, a program focusing on reviving the local garment industry. In a press conference and exhibit, Debra Martone voiced the mission of the non-profit organization, "A study of the fashion industry, how the Garment District works today, and why it’s an integral part of New York City’s economy, identity, and sense of place."

The exhibit itself consisted of examples of locally made garments, patterns and videos. Designers who produce locally were featured, like Jason Wu, Nanette Lapore and Anna Sui. While I was underwhelmed at the exhibit itself, I am really rooting for this program to succeed.

Any designer who doesn't have the huge numbers to produce mass market overseas, or just cares to keep your team and industry close to home should be invested in the findings. In the early part of the 20th century, 95% of garments sold in the U.S. were produced in the Garment district. While that may not be possible ever again, there are many manufacturers who still do produce locally and many who wish to.

Photo from Made in Midtown

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Sak's Showcases Young Designers with Cocktail Couture

Sak's Fifth Avenue is the classic, elegant department store where many a young girl aspired to shop upon maturity. I never thought of it as a fashion forward pioneer of young talent though. That all changed Tuesday night when the store hosted an eventto show off exclusives from the hottest young labels of the industry.
Designers Doo Ri, Prabal Garung, Erdem, Christian Cota among others all presented cocktail dresses that were commissioned from the legendary retailer. 10% of the sales will benefit the Whitney Museum of American Art, another NY institution that acts as a patron for new talent.

Photo by George Chinsee

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Parsons 2010 Graduate Fashion Show

Monday night, the graduating class of the fashion design program held their benefit fashion show. The most talented of students presented their collections. I saw a lot of gorgeous, innovative knits. There was a very good balance of terrific menswear along with the womens collections.

One of the emerging themes I saw throughout the runway was a sense of the urban nomad. Many of the looks had a wrapped and cocoon-like quality to them. I don't know if that was a response to the general climate of the current fashion industry or a sense of self-comfort.

Dean Simon Collins noted that the directives for this class were craft and sustainability. One of the honorees of the evening were from Li & Fung, who would also go on to unveil a new scholarship program for new designers.

Famous alumni include Issac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough had their senior collection purchased right off the runway, eventually becoming CFDA darlings Proenza Schouler.
Other industry heavyweights (in success, not actual weight) in attendance included designers Vivienne Tam, Vera Wang and Lorenzo Martone.

To view all of the collections, click through to the Parsons Look Book.

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Couturious Stylist Scholarship Contest! Ends Sunday

I met the lovely ladies of Couturious.com a few months back during NY Fashion Week and loved their website concept. You can pick your model by body type, ethnicity and then style her in current collections from designers. It's like a high-tech stylish version of paper dolls.

From now until Sunday night, they have a fantastic contest for students. Rather than your typical merchandise giveaway, the site is hosting a scholarship contest for those who are seriously training to work in the fashion industry. Couturious has elevated their site from mere fashion toy to potential career tool! You can't fake this one, you actually need to enroll in one of the top fashion schools that are participating if you win.

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