Burberry- OFF THE RUNWAY!!

The time has finally arrived where you can act like a buyer and receive catwalk looks just weeks after Fashion Week! Since most of us didn't get the special invite to Burberry's "Retail Theater" last week, my go to luxe retailer is helping us out!

Luisa Via Roma presents Burberry Prorsum pre-order today!! What are you wanting??

New LOVE- McQueen Boots

COLA LIGHT GOES LUXE

Italian designers for Milan Fashion Week S/S 2010

When I first arrived to Florence, I thought it was normal to be served a Diet Coke in a Missoni decorated bottle---I was, however, in Italia, land of fabulous fashion and 3 euro Coke's. I quickly learned that this was not the norm, yet, a very generous collaboration called "Tribute to Fashion".  Donatella Versace, Marni's Consuelo Castiglioni, Angela Missoni and Alberta Ferretti are some of the designers who lent their talents to the soft drink bottles. The all-female team came up with the designs to help raise money for the Milan for Abruzzo charity project. An earthquake hit the region last year and the charity helped young women from the area find scholarships.

Gianfranco Ferre

This year, for the second edition of "Tribute to Fashion", Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, Creative Directors of Gianfranco Ferré, drew inspiration from four of the house's signatures: a rich croc texture, an Obi belt, a white silk shirt, and the brand’s identifying symbol: the Signature Pin - all of which celebrate the famous Contour bottle. Ferragamo and Armani Jeans also participated in this years installment for MIlan Fashion Week. Most bottles are available at La Rinascente department stores-- in Italia only--sorry!!

Karl Lagerfield

STYLE ICON-Anna Dello Russo

Italia native, Anna Dello Russo, has been on the fashion radar for quite some time now. Her long history--more than 15 years-- as fashion director at both Vogue Italia and L'Uomo Vogue landed her as Fashion Editor-at-Large at Vogue Nippon.  This fashion icon often receives first dibs on runway pieces and pulls them off perfectly! While some shy away from being eccentric and wearing the "not-so-wearable" catwalk pieces, ADR embraces being different and truly having a style all her own! I just adore her!!

LUXE FOR LESS-Louis Vuitton | Madewell

I have loved this scarf ever since American artist, Stephen Sprouse, designed it for LV last Fall. Can you tell the difference between the much more budget friendly--Madewell version-- and the original Celeb favorite??

LV Cashmere/Silk Stole 2010- $715-$1400

Madewell F/W 2010 Two-Tone Cheetah Scarf-$50

Animal Instincts- VALENTINO

Don't want to fall too hard for the leopard trend this season?? Rest assured--I absolutely adore this Valentino handbag I stumbled upon on NeimanMarcus.com. It makes the perfect statement of edgy glamour goddess, without overdoing it! So please, ladies, put that leopard leotard away and stick to hinting a trend, not exuding it...

Valentino- Aphrodite Leopard Print Shopper

OBSESSED WITH: GEORGINA GOODMAN

Few people have ever heard of young, yet very successful, shoe maven, Georgina Goodman. So, unless you are an Editor, Head Buyer or Lady Gaga, chances are this post will be your first encounter with the eccentric designer.

Georgina Goodman for  Alexander McQueen SS 2010

Most people aren't even aware Georgina Goodman is responsible for the sky high "Armadillo" shoes that the late Alexander McQueen premiered just one year ago in his iconic S/S 2010 collection. I must say I was an outsider to Mrs. Goodman's individual line until stumbling upon it at MICAM in Milan this past Spring. Ever since then, I have fallen in love with her more practical, easy wearing, yet unique designs--and even her kick-ass philosophy. Hire ME!!

Georgina's philosophy has always been straightforward; Be Consistent, Be Clear, Be Who We Really Are and most importantly; Be In Love. This philosophy is expressed in everything Georgina Goodman, even down to placing the words ‘Made in Love' on the sole of every shoe.

Her flagship on Old Bond Street is every shoe lovers dream in itself (and the youngest designer on the block I might add)!! Below are some of my favorite designs from Georgina Goodman's latest collection--they may be pricey, but the excellent craftsmanship, exclusivity and wearability will leave you feeling satisfied for years to come! 

Georgina Goodman F/W 2010

I love anything bronze because it is a color that goes well with anything in your closet. Goodman's signature striped sole also adds that perfect hint of edginess.

Georgina Goodman "Made in Mayfair"

Georgina's "Made in Mayfair" line takes last springs essential, the clog, to a whole new level-- and I adore it, especially the cut-out bootie on the right!!

See these styles and more here.

BACK TO BASICS- Chloe' F/W 2010

There is something about the way a leather bag looks better after a little wear and tear. This Chloe' bag is vegetable tanned calfskin which ages beautifully, and best of all--there are NO logos, or clutter!! I love a bag that stands alone, yet tells a story. I am dying to get my hands on this amazing new Chloe' creation. This bag, and Chloe' itself, exudes the type of understated elegance that will NEVER go out of style. Find this bag and other Chloe' staples here.

Chloe' Aurore Top Handle 

Chloe' Aurore- Side View

Also available in the colors below

NYFW PART ONE

New York Fashion Week has revealed some pretty clear trends for Spring 2011. Geometry, color, transparency and neutrals are all big players among the designers this season. I have kept tabs this weekend and posted some of my favorite looks below. There are obviously more fabulous shows over the next couple days-- like Marc Jacobs, The Row, Donna Karan, and Preen, which can be viewed by a live stream provided by Stylelist.com, M.A.C. Cosmetics and Milk Studios!!

Top Loves:

 Geometric halters by Nicholas K

 Eccentric suitings by Peter Som

Nicholas K

Peter Som

Prabal Gurung

Jason Wu

Charlotte Ronson

Band Of Outsiders

Images from Style.com

Burberry gets TECHNICAL

Burberry's "Retail Theater"- September 21, 2010

Burberry's "Retail Theater" takes fashion shows to a whole new level. I have previously mentioned my frustration with eyeing fur coats and wool sweaters on display in the steamy months of summer. Thanks to Burberry, the fashion world is getting a little closer to solving this problem. Burberry's, Christopher Bailey, introduces the concept of direct-to-consumer runway shows, which now gives the public almost the same access as some of the world’s top editors and buyers when it comes to seeing next season’s collections.

Burberry will host live streaming iPad parties, and yes, iPad's are provided, at 25 stores worldwide where lucky individuals can purchase items literally off the runway! The items are shipped within 7 weeks compared to the normal lead time of 3-6 months!! If your invitation to Burberry's event gets lost in the mail, don't fret, items will be available via their website as well! 

Talk about fast fashion! Not only is the British house bringing its collection to loyal customers more quickly, but people can now also decide for themselves what they want to hang in their closets rather than be at the mercy of buyers and retailers -- as well as have items that otherwise may not have been produced.

I love that the industry is embracing technology and real-time communication so well. With style.com and bloggers showing a design houses every move, adaptation is inevitable. We all know how hard it is to wait for that to die for piece for nearly 6 months--well, now we can have it!! 

Read more about "Retail Theater" here
Image property of Burberry

LUXE FOR LESS-ZARA'S SEPTEMBER LOOKBOOK

ZARA gets you and your wallet in the mood for Fall with their September Lookbook showcasing chunky knits, camel-tone capes, and fabulous outerwear. This fast-fashion powerhouse looks more like high-end chic--and I'm loving it!!

Images courtesy of ZARA

MORE FABULOUS COLLABORATIONS

It's safe to say that most of us are becoming obsessed with the fabulous collaborations that have entered the fashion world over the last few years. I am very excited to point out the much anticipated Alber Elbaz' Lanvin collection for H&M debuting November 23!!

                    "I think I loved the idea that H&M was going luxury, 

                      rather than Lanvin was going public."- Alber Elbaz

Gap also recently announced that House of Valentino will be introducing a capsule collection to premiere in the European market celebrating the US mogul's arrival in Italy. Valentino creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli stated,

"In this way, Valentino and Gap synthesize the current trend of combining luxury with basics."

In addition to the Milan Flagship store, the collection will also be available from Gap's London flagship on Oxford Street, Dover Street Market and Colette in Paris this November!! It's going to be a good year fashion people!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2010

It's that time of year again, where fashion people come together around the globe to literally- shop for a cause. Last year I was fortunate enough to spend my first week as a NYC resident at the inaugural FNO, now I am spending it in Milano!! Two nights, spanning every time zone, one love--FASHION! Go out and have fun--I know I will, plus the industry needs us...

Nicholas Kirkwood X Keith Haring

Any avid shoe lover + art lover, like myself, would KILL to have a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood's new line inspired by 1980's modern artist, Keith Haring. Kirkwood's 12 piece line debuts in February next year, but the famed British shoe god was recently in Hong Kong presenting the line in his first exclusive retail space. The collection of Haring-inspired shoes showcases the late American artist and activist's most classic works, including Haring’s "Radiant Baby" as a wedge heel--LOVE!!

Interview with Nicholas Kirkwood here

NEW LOVE- MIU MIU leather studded bag

Find this fabulous bag and other accessories at Miu Miu boutiques or online at Net-A-Porter.com

TUCKER X TARGET

Its no secret that fast fashion houses have increased sales and awareness by implementing designer collaborations.

Target's designer collaborations always hit the right spot. With past designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Rodarte, Thakoon, and Alexander McQueen, Target is pioneering the concept of luxe brands for a fraction of the price. Tucker x Target debuts this month, and we could expect nothing less than the bright, vibrate prints that Tucker is famous for. Check out a few looks from the Tucker x Target Lookbook below. I have been awaiting this combo since February, and its finally on racks September 12!!

Images courtesy of Nitrolicious.com