Victoria Beckham in Hervé Léger & Marc Jacobs  

Move over Marc Jacobs: Hervé Léger—the label that launched a 1000 sexy silhouettes—is coming to New York fashion week…bringing its VIP fan club with it. As WWD announced today, on February 4th BCBG’s Max Azria will unveil his new designs for the fashion house that he acquired in 1998. While the Léger show’s 11am timeslot isn’t exactly appealing to the glitterai (unlike Jacob’s ritualized post-dinner show) it’s a sure bet to expect that more than a few curvaceous, Leger-loving vixens will turn out. Perhaps even Victoria Beckham—who’s well acquainted with the house’s famous bandage dress—will take a break in her touring schedule to stop by for the show.

P.S. All you fashion-fiends may want to file away the interesting fact that Max Azria is Tunisian, as is Azzedine Alaia.

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Ivanka Trump wears earrings from her new collection

Ivanka Trump is one smart cookie. While her real estate mogul-turned-reality TV mega-star Dad has trailblazed in the business world, Miss Trump is forging her own path by creating what women really want to invest in—glittering gems. We catch up with the multi-faceted young designer—fresh off the launch of her own diamond line and Manhattan boutique—to discuss gems and other indulgent treats.

What was your first piece of major jewelry and who gave it to you?
A strand of pearls from my father, which was just a beautiful and classic piece. I still have it, of course!
When & where did you get your ears pierced?
When I was 2, at my mother’s doctors office.

What’s your birthstone?
Opal.

What’s your favorite gemstone & why?
I love diamonds, because they are so elegant! They also look great with just about everything. I think stones like white agate and black onyx, which we’ve incorporated into my namesake collection, are also timeless.

Ivanka Trump’s diamond tassel necklace

What’s your favorite era in terms of jewelry design?
I think the 1920s, art-deco era is gorgeous, and the jewelry from that time is really unique and modern, even today. We’ve used some of the same design elements from that era to produce what we call an ‘heirloom chic’ vibe for the collection.

If you could wear any piece of jewelry in the world, what would it be & why?
Diamond stud brilliant-cut earrings from my collection because they are classic and simple yet add instant excitement to any outfit.

When starting to build a jewelry collection, what’s the first piece a girl should splurge on/invest in?
I would say a pearls, like the tassel pearl earrings in my collection, are must-have basic for any woman’s jewelry wardrobe. It’s a true building block and goes with just about any outfit.

Any tips on how to wear major gems in a modern, youthful way?
Mixing and matching stones of different types and sizes is the best way to keep a significant look youthful. I also love stacking gems, so the look appears over-the-top and glamorous intentionally. No matter what- you have to own your look when it comes to major gems!

Ivanka Trump diamond and enamel cuff

What’s does your everyday jewelry consist of?
Ivanka Trump mixed-cut hoop earrings. If I’m feeling especially daring, I’ll throw on a rock crystal or onyx cocktail ring from my collection too.

What bag do you carry most frequently?
Crocodile Armani bag for day, antique bags for night.

What was one favorite red-carpet ensemble of yours and what made it so special?
Jason Wu black and white evening gown since it was specially made just for me which made it one of a kind!

Which pair of shoes do you wear most?
Black pumps for the office and peep-toes for parties. Christian Louboutin is one of my favorite designers.

What do you collect?
Jewelry! I am a true jewelry collector and lover. From new pieces from my collection to vintage finds, I am always looking for unique and fun pieces to add to my collection.

Where did you have your most decadent meal?
Hangar 7 in Strasburg, 15 courses.

What are your favorite indulgences?
Definitely a good massage.

Where are a few of the best places wear fantastic gems?
My office in New York, any café in Paris, and while driving along the Amalfi coastline in a convertible.

Technorati Tags: Ivanka Trump, Ivanka Trump Jewelry, Diamonds, Diamond jewelry, Celebrity Designers, Celebrity Photographs

*Photos courtesy of designer

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Check out Lyn Devon’s Spring 2008 Show

Like I said before, today is a big day in the fashion week line-up. In addition to all the bold-faced names, there are a few up-and-comers showing today who are definitely worth pointing out, including Lyn Devon. The born-and-raised New Yorker (and Zac Posen atelier alum) unveiled an effortless, sporty-chic collection this morning at the Bryant Park tents. Though Devon explained that she drew inspiration from “the Bauhaus beach architecture that was built on the dunes of Eastern Long Island” in the ‘30s, lines, there was nothing severe about her collection.

Instead her color-blocked two-tone frocks, floor-grazing silk halterdresses, and bandeau-and-short combos recalled the breezy, joie de vie we all attached to the Hamptons beach lifestyle (before all those reckless drivers and McMansions invaded the place). Models wore unlaced Keds to look “as if they were walking down the beach” said the designer who was looking as relaxed and glowing after the show, as if she herself had just enjoyed a sun-drenched holiday, not a frantic fashion morning. (Such must be the power of one of her fuss-free frocks!)

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It would be easy to introduce new designer Starr McCaleb and her debut line of a-line frocks by using catchy, playful phrases like “starry-eyed,” “rising star,” etc. But a closer inspection of her first collection—a well-edited line of dresses fashioned out of supple silk in a refined, tri-tone palette—makes any light-hearted terms somehow seem crass. To avoid any such indelicacies, I’ll simply let the clothes—and their designer—speak for themselves, and wait patiently until fall when McCaleb’s line hits stores. (In the meantime, let this peek at her collection tide you over.) x S.C.

Starr McCaleb Fall 2007

Name: Starr McCaleb
Age: 29
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Sign: Aquarius

Current residence: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Schools attended: NYU, Parsons
Designers worked for: daryl k
Favorite fabric: Heavy silk

I’d describe my aesthetic as…currently inspired by the color theory of Joseph Albers and interior designs of Josef Hoffmann.

My favorite period–in terms of fashion—is… the late ’60’s.

Trickiest thing about being a designer is…taking into account the various female forms!

I learned the most about fashion & design from…Leana Zuniga, a dear friend and brilliant designer of the clothing and jewelry line Electric Feathers.

My silhouettes are most flattering when worn with…brightly colored tights and patent leather shoes.

My favorite book is…The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.
Movie…Days of Heaven
Album….Glenn Gould plays Bach French Suites.

The most prized piece in my closet is…my own Vivien dress in black and white.

The most inspiring thing in my apartment is…a painting by Flowe Hout of a long open highway stretching into the horizon line of the Arizona desert.

The most inspiring thing I’ve seen in the last few weeks is…my new, perfectly
round tortoise shell sunglasses.

McCaleb, at home, in dresses of her own design

Technorati Tags: New Designers, Starr McCaleb, Fall Dresses, Fashion

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The mark of many a good designer lies not just in their ability to whip up innovative (and ideally, flattering) clothes, but also in their capacity present them in interesting ways. John Galliano has his theatrical runway shows, and Giorgio Armani has red-carpet poster girls to sport his threads, but for those that don’t show on the runway, the look-book becomes their most powerful platform. (FYI, for those not in the 5,000+ group of industry insiders, look-books are outfit-by-outfit guides–often printed in book, poster, or pamphlet form–created by the designer for editors, stylists, and buyers alike.)

And while creative bindings, glitzy covers, and celebutante models are all worthy eye-candy, the look-books that always keep my attention are those that offer wardrobe styling inspiration.

Take, for example, the latest lookbook from Clu, the three year-old luxe-cotton-separates line from L.A.-based designers Seung Lee and Jin Lee. Inside their book’s matte black cover, lies 20 head-to-toe looks that offer a valuable lesson in Layered Looks 101. Thanks to the duo’s designs (and no doubt with a little help from the lookbook’s photographer Dan Martensen and stylist Natasha Royt, a Vogue and W Magazine alum) each ensemble looks fresh not frumpy—the goal of any outfit that features piled-on pieces.

Below are a few of my favorite looks, but be warned: While these styling tricks work well now (especially as winter weather shows little signs of letting up), you can’t get your hands on these particular separates till late summer. Fortunately there’s plenty of Clu’s spring pieces available now (for a shopping shortcut, click HERE). x S.C.

Get Waisted: Because the key here is the belt: A flash of patent dresses up a cropped cotton hoodie and voluminous olive dress while also streamlining the silhouette.

Block It Off: Turn any outfit into a modern, color-blocked look by pairing several monotone pieces together. (Hint: For beginners, keep a muted palette. Too many hues and it turns into an 80s nightmare.)

Tone it Down: A sporty, zippered mini suits an urban sophisticate when worn with a somber black blouse and boots.

Cinch it In: Transform casual separates into chic –and flattering–attire by cinching an a-line top into an empire-waist piece. Socks worn with platform sling-backs add a quirky cool twist.

Technorati Tags: Glam, Clu, Styling Tips, Layered Look, Natasha Royt, Dan Martensen,

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I told you I had a lot to report back on. Anyhow, also located in the Cooper Building, is Movement Showroom. The team there has a rather ingenious way of displaying their lines (which include Development, Erika Davies, and Diabless, among others). Artfully hanging their latest separates by elongated hangers hooked to the ceiling, the showroom staff transforms their studio into an installation-like space.  

Movement Showroom

Meanwhile, Tricot showroom boasts a big open studio. In the far back corner there’s sweet nothings from Les Prairies de Paris. Best known in the states for their starkly beautiful leather flats and sandals (housed in a wonderful kitchen hutch at Tricot) the label’s ready-to-wear pieces are also worth taking note of.

 Les Prairies de Paris

For spring (which is available now in stores, while some earlier seasons can be scooped up on Yoox.  the house unveiled a number of adventurous, yet timely pieces. Take the striped jumpsuit. Slightly Stella McCartney, right? The same goes for their jersey harem pants. Surely you remember those waltzing down the runway not long ago (how could you forget the sight of I Dream of Jeannie-style threads?). For fall, it’s another ’60s moment with fuss-free dresses, skirts, and flats.

Les Prairies de Paris

Spring

Photographs by Corinne Malet

Fall

In one corner sat Myth Ritual, an L.A.-based line that’s just a few seasons old. Lady-like velvet dresses sashed at the waist and bib-front blouses were among the highlights.

Myth Ritual

Tucked in another corner was Webster’s latest separates, which also have a slightly retro feel. Again, I spot more cropped jackets and capes, this time in grey flannel—yet another trend to be on the look out for fall. x S.C.

Technorati Tags: Glam, L.A. Fashion Week, Market Appointments, Fashion

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 At long last, I’ve got all my look book picts and personal snaps loaded up. As L.A. market week heats up (ie, when all the editors and buyers descend on Tinseltown to get a sneak peek at and place their orders on designers’ latest offerings), here’s a quick look at the highlights from my recent tour through L.A.’s Cooper Building.   

First off, I visit my friend Carey at Belle. She is as lively and bright as her showroom space (decorated in black and pink hues, it’s both playful and sophisticated at once) and always has a number of up-and-coming designers. This season she debuts Nora Marcella, a newbie line from—get this—two Chicago-based 18 and 20-year old sisters, Nora and Marcella Volini. Simple ’60s-style dresses is the name of their game, and the girls put a focus details: A white a-line shift comes adorned with bright red buttons while a swiss-dot blouse looks all the sweeter when trimmed with baby-blue lace.

Nora Marcella

Another sister duo are behind the Vanessa Barrantes line. For fall, Vanessa and her sister Jacky tried their hand—quite successfully I might add—at smock dresses and darling scallop-collar dresses.

Vanessa Barrantes

Also at Belle is Dace, a line from Canadian designer, Dace Moore. Now in her second season of being sold in the U.S., Moore continues to perfect the girlish shapes her clients seek out: Jaunty bubble skirts, elongated cardigans, cropped coats, and the like

Dace

Photos by Shannon Mendes

Located just down the hallway, Riot Showroom also boasts an impressive collection of up-and-coming designers. Vanessa tours me through the new Boudoir by Diyasa line, which is chock full of whimsical jewelry, patterned cocktail frocks, and knit vests. (Think Marc by Marc meets Rebecca Taylor.)

Boudoir

Further down the racks sit Wayf’s latest pieces. Now in her second season, the 19-year old designer, Meredith Anne Fisher whipped up another batch of tempting shift dresses. (With their flattering A-line cuts in sophisticated silks, who wouldn’t want to wear them?)

Wayf

Next to Wayf was Harlow’s fall line. First making their name on fashion-focused novelty tees (“Save Rochas,” and a Kate Moss tee being the most popular) designers Megan George and Michelle Wenke expand into a full-fledged ready-to-wear line. The duo cannily crafted tent-dresses out of polo-shirt fabric (that’s cotton pique to you material girls) and gave the basic white tee a fresh spin by stitching a black, bustier-like piece on top. (Hmm. Check out my previous post of Kova & T. Seems this t-shirt corset combo is a burgeoning trend in the sportswear circle.)

Harlow 

Also on view was Jenny Jen, the label from Paris based designer Jenny Jarmoune. For fall, Jarmoune was all about pleated silk shirt-dresses, ribbon-sash skirts, and breezy shifts. Effortless elegance is clearly her M.O.—no surprise considering she formerly designed at Chloe. And for all you trend-spotters, check out her crested jacket. Remniscent of Balenciaga this season, no?

Jenny Jen 

Photos by Alexandre Vazart

Last but not least, I sussed out the latest pieces from UK cult label, Cassette. Among the many slim-fitting pants and edgy, body-conscious knits, Cassette’s crisp black cape—capes being one of the top trend items for fall—stood out to me. x S.C.

Cassette

Technorati Tags: Glam, L.A. Fashion Week,  New Designers, Dresses,  Fashion

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I almost forgot to mention that I also spotted the latest pieces from Goldenbleu and Bensoni at BlueStripe. (Forgot because I’d actually tucked the look books aside to circle a few pieces to put on my personal Fall Must Buy list. It’s never too early to start!) 

Goldenbleu reimagine one of spring’s big trends—the transparent bag—transforming it into a piece that works with fall’s darker palette. I love the oversized version of their see-thru tote, especially since the dark vinyl makes it harder to see what kind of goodies you’ve got stored inside.

Also on view was the second season from NYC-based label Bensoni. Helmed by Benjamin Clyburn and Sonia Yoon—both recent Parsons grads—the line has blossomed this fall, ranging from origami-pleat chiffon blouses and shift dresses in textured knits and wools.

And for you fashion editors trying to sort out your fall shopping guides, keep in mind Bensoni’s pea coats and tweed styles with oversized buttons. (As for the rest of us, we’ll just keep an eye out for them to hit stores in late August, and for a piece on the duo to run in an upcoming issue of Bazaar.)

Technorati Tags: Market Appointments, Goldenbleu, Bensoni, Fashion

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