Z Spoke by Zac Posen: Affordable Sophistication?

Z Spoke is Zac Posen's latest fashion baby: a line aimed to his youngest clients. This Fall 2011 collection is fun, flirty and a little retro. It's more affordable than Zac Posen's main line but don't expect discount prices just yet! I definitely prefer this Fall collection to the spring one... so keep it up!

-Christelle-

NY Fashion Week: Chat with Isaac Mizrahi on Tuesday, February 15!

For the first time ever, fashion lovers will be able to Skype and chat with the New York City's Fashion Week Stars.

If you'd like to ask questions to Isaac Mizrahi at 6:30PM EST Feb. 15, here is your chance!
Isaac is not only a talented fashion designer but he's also co-hosting the Bravo TV Fashion Show with Iman.

All you have to do is email Tiffany at  tmiller@vidicom.com and she will put you in the Skype lineup...so hurry!

-Christelle-

Live Videos by Ustream 

Forget Winter with Rebecca Minkoff's Spring Campaign!

Winter is upon us...but I've decided to pretend it doesn't exist. I'm only looking at summer clothes and accessories. Because I can! Rebecca Minkoff released this spring 2011 look book and her handbags look pretty fabulous. From Blake Lively, to Halle Berry or Reese Witherspoon, Hollywood seem to have embraced Rebecca Minkoff's casual luxury approach to accessories.
Find out where you can buy these leather bags here.

Spring Presentation at NYFW

-Christelle-

Comfort or Edge? Sometimes You don't Have to Choose! Check out SocietyofLES' New Knitwear Line.

The Ani - $70

It has only been shipping for a few weeks, but SocietyofLES - a collaboration between fashion stylist Susan Siegel and her husband, a Wall Street financial advisor - has already been featured in fashion magazines like inStyle, Teen Vogue and worn by the likes of Eva Longoria-Parker or Jessica Alba... not too shabby for a new knitwear line!

It is a casual style but I think it still looks edgy and interesting, design wise and most of all it screams young Hollywood if that's the look you're going for - just make sure you don't pair these tees with ripped tights a la Miley!

Society of LES includes 12 knitwear designs in various colors and can be purchased online at Singers.com or in stores like 25Park, or Fred Segals if you're in the US.

The Perry - $82

The Harper - $98

The Ana - $82

The Hudson - $66

-Christelle-

Project Artisan: a New Designer Shopping Portal Has Arrived!

After my shopping adventures from last week, I wanted to introduce you to another type of shopping experience: Project Artisan is a new shopping website featuring designers who focus on craftsmanship, sustainability and ethical practices.  You'll find really original accessories, clothes from indie labels. I've asked a few questions to Robin Keyser, the founder of Project Artisan: 

What's the concept behind Project Artisan, how did you get the idea? 

Project Artisan founder Robin Keyser grew up understanding the plight of garment factory workers.  Her mother and grandmother both worked in factories manufacturing the fashions of their day.  Robin was taught that every piece of clothing, every accessory, has a story.  As a lover of fashion, Robin was always discovering emerging designers and introducing them to her friends and family.  She was inspired to start her company because she saw the need for one site that would offer socially responsible emerging and established designers a way to reach a global marketplace. Project Artisan offers high-fashion, ethical luxury items that have been specially selected to appeal to the eye and to the soul.  

 

Who is the founder behind Project Artisan?

Robin Keyser  is a global fashion importer centered on fair trade practices in the garment industry. Robin  is a member of the Ethical Fashion Network

Long time volunteer Robin has been involved in numerous non-profit organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank, The American Heart Association and is on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Ballet.

What type of designers do you collaborate with? How do you pick the designers you want to work with?

Project Artisan designers produce high-fashion items in sustainable, socially responsible ways. That is what they all have in common.  Some of the designers are new, just emerging, and others have been established for quite some time.  Project Artisan likes offering new, emerging designers the opportunity to reach a larger audience. 

To find new designers, Robin Keyser and her staff constantly search the Internet, read blogs, page through fashion magazines, travel to retail stores and listen through word-of-mouth.  Recently, new designers have been contacting Project Artisan, wanting to be a part of the site.  A lot of research goes into the final selection, and we make sure that any new designer’s manufacturing practices fit within our ideals. 

All pictures: Alabama Chanin - featured designer of the month

What can we expect to see in the coming months? 

We are very excited about adding new designers both here in the US and internationally.  We have plans to open our doors to international e-commerce in the next few weeks and have a list of designers we can’t wait to invite to join us.

Two of the international designers we will be adding:

Nike Kondakis, who works with Maasai women in Kenya to produce the most amazing designs from recycled parachutes and Ariane Dutzi who was just mentioned in Marie Claire magazine for her burlap bags produced with the skilled hands of women in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Sounds interesting? Then, check out Project Artisan's website here.

-Christelle-