With all the shows, parties, and general merriment during New York Fashion Week, it’s tricky deciding what to go to and what to say no to. Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Abaeté…yes please. So many shows, so little time. Despite where your fashion loyalty resides, the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show is a must. If you want to be in-the-know about the next “It” designers and support the future of fashion, this is the event for you. A New York non-profit organization, Gen Art debuts the best up-and-coming prodigies in art, film, music, and fashion. The company hosts runway shows, networking parties, shopping extravaganzas, and fashion seminars in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and San Francisco. Gen Art has also teamed up with Bravo’s super hot show, Project Runway, to assist with casting for seasons 1, 3, 4, and 5. In the past, established designers like Zac Posen, Rodarte, and Geren Ford have emerged from the Gen Art runway. This year, six womenswear, 2 menswear, and 3 accessory designers will be featured in the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. For womenswear, JF and SON, Ideeen, SARIAH, LIALIA, Richard Ruiz, and CRHEE will show their collections. Menswear designers include Hyden Yoo and Philip Sparks, and accessory designers consist of Antoinette Lee Designs, DEKA RAY, and Heutchy. The event will be held Thursday, September 4th from 7pm to 11:30 pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center on 311 West 34th St. Grab your tickets quickly! The prices range from $50-$150 depending on where you sit and if you’re a Gen Art member. You can order tickets from www.genart.org/event. See you by the runway… ~ Maria Denardo

**Gen Art photo via www.genart.org **

**JF and SON photo via www.jfandson.com **

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In yesterday’s edition of WWD, singer/songwriter Ariana Delawari graced the cover as well as a 2-page spread inside. Her look is street chic, endearing, and so much fun. On the cover, she was pictured wearing a buffalo skin jacket from William Rast by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala. It’s a great little leather number especially when worn with her adorable Victor Osborne fedora, purple nails, and Rebecca Beeson jewelry. Gorge pictures overall. She’s a natural in front of the camera. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to know more. Who is this girl? What’s her story? So, where did I go to find out? MySpace, of course. Just before her birth, Delawari’s family moved from their home in Afghanistan to California after the Soviet invasion. There she learned about Afghan culture and music while also forming her own taste through the likes of Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, and many other 60’s phenoms. Following the horrific events on September 11th, her family moved back to Afghanistan in order to aid in the rebuilding process. Since that time, Delawari has been flying back and forth from the U.S. to Afghanistan. She documents her travels through the use of photographs, video, and her own music under the name Lion of Panjshir. This young singer is refreshing, honest, and eclectic. Check out music from Ariana Delawari by visiting her at www.myspace.com/lionofpanjshir. Cheers to fashion, music, and talented artists that are more concerned with politics than panty flashing. ~ Maria Denardo

** Top photo via www.WWD.com **

**Bottom photo via www.myspace.com/lionofpanjshir. **

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As summer comes to an end, many of us get that sinking feeling in our stomach. No more pool parties and carefree days tanning in the sun. Apple cider takes the place of fresh-squeezed lemonade or another lighthearted drink of choice. Sweaters and tights replace bare legs and brightly painted manicures. The pace of life seems to pick up again and the weather seems to drop off…again. Nevertheless, we move on and create our own fall fun. And what’s more fun than fashion? Look forward to this season’s striking fall collections that will no doubt add flavor to your wardrobe. One great way to dress stylish and keep up with the trends this season is to keep your eyes on 5 fashionable shows while you’re hibernating in your snug abode.

1. The Rachel Zoe Project- Highly anticipated, the show premieres on Bravo September 8th with celeb stylist, Rachel Zoe! She’s dressed stars like Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie, and Jennifer Garner. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her life as well as her brilliant styling techniques as she works on shoots and for her personal clients.

2. Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style- Tim Gunn, Project Runway extraordinaire, is back with his own successful show on Bravo. If you want to learn how to build a proper wardrobe, watch Tim Gunn and pay close attention to his 10 must-haves for any closet, at any age. He’s particularly a stickler for fit and the proper silhouette for your body type.

3. Lipstick Jungle- Airing its second season on September 24th on NBC, this television show is about 3 successful business women living in New York City. There’s love, hardship, friendship, and of course exceptional fashion.

4. 90210- On September 2, the CW is bringing a new and remixed version of the famous 90210 series that aired in the early 90’s. This show is sure to feature a young, audacious sense of style and enough drama to match it.

5. Gossip Girl- Starting September 1 on the CW, we’ll be able to see what former Sex and the City costumer, Eric Daman, has in store for our favorite preppies in their second season. High-end labels and designer shoes… it’s like Sex and the City never left. ~ Maria Denardo

**Lipstick Jungle photo via Washingtonpost.com **

**Gossip Girl photo via Gossipgirlinsider.com **

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Let’s talk Ray-Bans versus oversized shades. As most of us know, the Ray-Bans are the primo choice at the moment for fashionistas everywhere. I love love love them as do fashion-forward celebrities like Kate Moss, Rachel Bilson, and Ashley Olsen. However, I don’t know about you, but I’m still having some trouble keeping my obnoxiously large shades in the drawer. There’s something so mysterious and classic about both, right? On the other hand, I find the mass of oversized shades sometimes more comforting. Some women seem to switch back and forth as I do, but for the most part, Ray-Bans are the go-to. What is a woman like me to do…alternate or make a choice? The question of the day is: Can one really choose between iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn? Or can we flirt with the idea of having our red velvet cake and eating it too?

Exhibit A: Jackie Kennedy wearing her signature oversized sunglasses.

Exhibit B: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s wearing Ray-Bans. ~ Maria Denardo

**Photo with Jackie Kennedy from www.youngbrokeandfabulous.net.
**Photo with Audrey Hepburn from www.the-fashion-bomb.com.

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“There’s no one else out there who looks like her. She personifies joie de vivre. She can reflect what the designer wants but give it her own personality.” ~ Anna Sui, designer.

Japan’s uber-popular clothing brand, Moussy, just launched their new Autumn/Winter 2008 campaign! Model, It-girl, and fashion icon Agyness Deyn (pronounce “Dean”) was featured in the ad. The collection is straight out of LA’s 80’s punk rock scene and seems inspired by Deyn’s own wardrobe. The 5’10” British model first made a name for herself in 2006 and has exploded onto the fashion scene ever since. During the 2007 British Fashion Awards, she was named “Model of the Year”. She’s been on every sought-after magazine cover and runway show while signing lucrative advertising deals from Burberry to Galliano to Hugo Boss. Known for her unique and quirky style, cropped bleach blond hair, and Madonna-esq dark brows, this model-of-the-moment is being heralded as the next Kate Moss. As you know those are big shoes to fill and I’m not so sure that any other model can pull it off. On the other hand, if anyone could do it, it might just be Agyness. Her androgynous physic and daring personal taste is a refreshing change from the Gisele’s of the world. I love Gisele, and she’s stunning but Agyness has that j’ne sais quoi that elevates her to a different level. I can’t wait to see what else this hipster-fashionista accomplishes, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her on the runways during New York Fashion Week! ~ Maria Denardo

** Photos via www.Nitrolicious.com **

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Following Christian Siriano’s controversial yet entertaining Bluefly “Tranny” video, Moody Mamas announced that the Project Runway winner and fan favorite designed a Spring 2009 collection for them. It’s entitled Fierce for Moody Mamas by Christian Siriano. Since their launch last spring, this will only be the second spring collection for founders (and friends of Siriano) Marta Abrams and Elise Rosemarin. Some of Siriano’s sketches include sexy baby-doll dresses and form-fitting wrapped pieces. When asked why the collaboration, a rep for the company told reporters that they thought it would be fabulous if a gay man and two women who have never had babies teamed up for maternity wear. Makes sense right? After checking out their website, www.moodymamas.com, it appears that Siriano will bring a more fashion forward edge to the duo. As of right now, there are mainly very casual pieces. The site lacks the wide array of fashionable choices and eveningwear of established shops like A Pea in a Pod or Isabella Oliver. However, with Christian Siriano’s wit and talent, I have no doubt that the young Moody Mamas will soon be a force to be reckoned with. Don’t forget to watch for Siriano’s own collection this September during New York Fashion Week. I’m sure he will be as innovative, dramatic, and fierce as ever! ~ Maria Denardo

**Photos via Moody Mamas**

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Right now, you might be sitting at a little French café planning your new fall/winter boot purchases. I know I am! Boots make the world go ‘round. Boots…and lattes. There are so many different kinds to choose from this season, from motorcycle to ankle to over-the-knee boots. Some have spikes and studs, others have lace-ups or buckles. One of the most important things to remember when shopping around is to distinguish between fabulous stiletto boots (snaps) and boots you’ll need when trudging through mounds of snow. One of my favorite boots for the dead of winter is the effortlessly stylish and uber-warm Canadian Mukluk boot! You might have seen fashion-conscious celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Milla Jovovich, and Kate Moss don these bad boys too. Here’s a photo with Kate Moss wearing a beautiful light grey pair while dating that slimy ex of her’s last year. (Who’s happy he’s gone? Raise your hand. Me too.) -Maria Denardo

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Fashion week’s new rising star isn’t what we would expect. This time around, it isn’t a fresh face model, instead it’s a hot young designer, 23-year-old Alexander Wang. He jump started his career hosting a friend’s fashion show, and from there he was soon discovered by various agents and fashion companies like UNIQLO.

Fast forward to February 2008 during NY Fashion week, his emo collection earned rave reviews. Picture this: a steamy runway and a dark background, it looked like a mixture of grungy London meets downtown New York. His fall collection is mysteriously androgynous, with pieces like black beanies and knee high black leather boots.

REMINDER! Leggings are still on deck this season, as you’ll be seeing them everywhere, on everyone… even Lindsay Lohan designed a capsule collection chock full of them! If you’re looking to fit in but still stand out, those designed by Alexander Wang are absolutely genious, his ripping and scratching details make leggings look that much more badass. (I would never look at a ripped legging the same way; usually I chuckle, but now it’s hip and doesn’t give me anything to laugh at anymore.) Congratulations to Alexander Wang and Erin Wasson!

Different topic: Is it me, or are Alex and Erin getting close? Faghag much? I haven’t seen a guy and a girl this close in ages! They are finishing each other’s sentences, loving each other’s work. They live a floor above each other, I completely see them walking over to each other’s pads in their pajamas to borrow eggs. Adorable! Definitely cool as well, how Alex’s muse turned into somewhat of his best friend. It’s rare to be able to find a model that understands the designers work inside out. One’s the brains, and the other’s the look, one’s short, and one’s tall, either way, they’re working it and I’m pretty sure this isn’t the end for Alexander Wang and his muse.

xx, Raymond Qi

*Snaps via Style.com 

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