DKNY Wine

DKNY is toasting its 20th anniversary with their own champagne. In collaboration with Chandon, they are creating "Twenty Year Cuvée", a sparkling wine with 20 year old grapes and a custom DKNY label. Unless you're a lucky guest at the Spring 2009 Runway show where each person will get mini-bottles and a mini cooler, it will cost you $50 or a trip to the Chandon winery in Napa to get your hands on one.

Armani and Solange

First, he tapped Beyonce to be the face of Emporio Armani Diamonds perfume, and now fashion legend Giorgio Armani is borrowing the other sister in the Knowles family.  Soulful little sister Solange Knowles is going to be the new Armani Jeans ambassador.  "Armani Jeans expresses my vision of a young independent, casual lifestyle with a strong and cool, fashion sensibility [and] Solange epitomizes this style perfectly".  So perfectly in fact, that her debut lines up with the release of her next single "I Decided" which during her press tour she will be wearing what else but, Armani Jeans.  

Eastpak, Not Backpack

Remember the 3rd grade My-Eastpak-Is-Cooler-Than-Your-Jansport days?  Well, they're back.  Eastpak recently showed at Berlin Fashion Week, and the looks were anything but elementary.  In an effort to get away from a sporting goods reputation and being more fashion-friendly, they tapped under-the-radar cool designers Eley Kishimoto to design a line for Spring 2009 and Raf Simons who designed the current season.  Let's just hope they don't bring back the mini-backpack.  

Green Dining: Verterra Dishes

Being green, being fashionable, and being fashionably green just so happens to be the most useful trend of our generation. Bring that mentality to your dining room by using Verterra plates. Not only are they chemical free, non toxic, biodegradable, sustainable, renewable, microwave/refrigerator safe, reusable, and compostable... they are cute too. The name means "true to the earth" and the company believes in using pure materials that we borrow—and then return—to the world. It feels good to be green.

Armani: Vanilla Scented Workout Watch

A new watch from Emporio Armani ($345) is perfectly designed for working out (black is shown but cheerful sherbert orange is the best color!). The colored rubber strap is ideal for a sweaty wrist or intense motion, while you track how long you're hitting the gym. Bonus: it is infused with vanilla scent for a little extra pleasure.

Puma Olympic Bags

Just in time for the 2008 Games, Puma’s new gym bags draw inspiration from the Olympic rings. Hitting stores in August, the bags came from Puma’s second-annual design competition at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. Each bag mimics a colored Olympic ring, inserting a little more motivation into you day at the gym.

DKNY + Rocket Planes

DKNY is forecasting the next adrenaline-pumping trend, and it has nothing to do with fashion. The brand has signed up as the first corporate sponsor for the Rocket Racing League, and tomorrow at the Wisconsim EAA AirVenture Show the league's first rocket plane will debut, emblazoned with the DKNY logo. Pilots and staff will also be in DKNY uniforms and official apparel. So what exactly is rocket race? Six to ten rocket-propelled, flame-spewing planes racing at speeds of up to 300mph around virtual sky tracks set up at airports around the country. This brings an entirely new meaning to "fast fashion".

For more detailed insights, refer to: MSNBC

Eco Footwear: TOMS and Whole Foods

TOMS Shoes and Whole Foods Market are collaborating on an exclusive, eco-friendly vegan shoe collection. Founder Blake Mycoskie took this opportunity to inform a wider audience about TOMS, a charity that donates a pair of shoes to children in need for every pair sold. He stated "I wanted to find a way for more people to be able to truly understand the core of Toms Shoes...and ultimately give more children their first pair of shoes". Shoes currently get sent to Argentina, South Africa, and Ethiopia.

Veuve-Clicquot Globalight

Industrial Designer Karim Rashid introduces Limited Edition Veuve-Clicquot Globalight: a reinterpretation of a traditional French chandelier. Globalight not only looks pretty, but it is multifunctional. It is a portable cooler in which one bottle of Rose champagne will stay chilled for 6 hours while the halo of LED lights give off a soft pink glow. $4,500 at eclicquot.com

VS Pink Making Blue Jeans

Victoria's Secret Pink brand announces the launch of a new denim line with $58 jeans hitting stores and online in October. A natural extension of the Pink brand, whose target demographic "paird everything we sell with her pair of jeans", will offer 3 styles: boot leg, skinny, and flare--each available in 3 separate washes and 3 lengths. The $1 billion brand also plans to add corduroys, jackets, and dresses with a more subtle touch of Pink.

Shopping Guide: Everywhere, Store Adore

New website Storeadore.com helps people find stores to shop in when they are visiting new cities. Harvard Business School alums Meredith Barnett and Cristina Miller launched the site this year, profiling boutiques in New York, the Hamptons, LA, Boston, CHicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and online stores. Cities coming up are San Francisco, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta this fall. Along with profiles the site also offers advice, teaser points like who has free shipping, special discounts, and a space for site users to leave feedback and comments.

Chanel Invasion in Central Park

Chanel's traveling "Mobile Art" quilted-bag inspired project has been to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and now New York! From October 20 to November 9, Zaha Hadid's collapsible futuristic pavilion will be set on Central Park's Rumsey Playfield. Mobile Art is also set to travel to London, Moscow, and Paris, with the mix of artists evolving in each city.

Brazil Fashion Week Trends

Sao Paolo and Rio Fashion weeks have once again brought out the best of South American fashion. Sao Paolo showed 52 collectinos of pricey, fashion forward designs while Rio showed 55 brands of more attainable, commercial wear. Trends coming in Summer 2009 include Metallics, Jumpsuits, Latin-folk inspired prints, Wide strapped bikinis, Strong floral and Abstract prints, and Oragami-style folds.

Versace: Interior Design

Donatella Versace is in a New York state of mind. She has been hired as the interior designer for MetLife's headquarters, the historic Clock Tower building on East 23rd Street. Versace will take care of all interiors and common areas for the 100th anniversary of the building, and developers hope to have 55 high-end, 1,500-12,000 sq. ft. condos and residents in by the end of the decade. "We believe the brand name of Versace plays a significant role in bringing the highest lifestyle for this clientele," Rotem Rosen, CEO of developers Africa Israel said. Prices have yet to be announced but can be speculated to run for up to $3,500 per square foot.

Weatherproof Hopes For A Warm Winter

Weatherproof lays down a heavy bet with their fall ad campaign “If It’s Freezing, It’s Free”. Anyone who purchases a Weatherproof jacket the first week of November is entitled to a full refund if it is a chilly 32 degrees or below on Thanksgiving Day morning. A marketing scheme from Freddie Stollmack, the guy who gave the naked cowboy a jacket, his new initiative will have an “explosive public relations blast” with planned print ads, billboards, and phone kiosks advertising the potential giveaway. Good luck Weatherproof, we know you’ll be wishing for a warm turkey day.

Fashion Show: Cotton?

Supima Cotton strayed from the traditional swatches and material samples when showing off their cottons at the NY International Textile Fair this year. Choosing 25 emerging New York designers, they put on a 100% cotton runway show. The pieces ranged from graceful bridal wear to short trenches and punky dresses, showing buyers and designers alike that there is nothing plain about cotton.

Lagerfeld's Tough Love

In the upcoming 52 minute documentary on fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld's life, he sheds some light into his unique childhood. He shares the memories "When I asked her [my mother] to tell me stories, she would say, 'Learn to read.' And when I wanted to tell her one, she would come back with: 'You may be four years old, but I am not.'" Looks like someone's creative genius was born from tough love.

Shop: Travel Needs

Flight 001 provides a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. Luggage? Travel pillow? Passport cover? iPod charger? It's all here, and it's all adorable. From refreshing vitamin sprays to travel chopsticks, Flight 001's 8 locations and online store cover every travel want and more.

Wine For The Blind

These stylish new wine labels are not only entertaining to look at, but they are a treat for the visually impaired as well. Baud communications has incorporated Braille into the design for Lazarus Wine. And what can one read about for an entire label? The secrets to the wine's manufacturing process.

Lash Pimpin' Contest Winner

Sephora and Make Up For Ever has chosen a winner for their Lash Pimpin' Contest. Oxana Sandoval who "wanted to create a wonderland, a fantasy world" created these totally unwearable but completely beautiful lashes. Her winnings take her to the Make Up For Ever Academy in Paris to meet the brand's founder Dany Sanz.

Working Girl

Being a modern day career girl does not mean one has to lose their feminine side. Hence, See Jane Work, a line of colorful, functional, and stylish home, office, and home-office products catered to the working girl. For the girl who loves being organized, this line was made for you.

Sneak Peek: Proenza Schouler

After a highly anticipated debut, Proenza Schouler sunglasses are finally unveiled to a small audience, set for live show in late August. They are so new they aren't even priced yet and I can't even tell you where to buy them. We do know that they will be available to purchse later this fall, so plan to pick some up on your way to the new TopShop which is also set to open in October.

Rock the Vote Red

The latest Stila collaboration creation taps into your political side with its Rock the Vote Red Lip Color. The message behind this Rock the Vote/Stila dream team? 25% of the proceeds of the first 500 sold will go to Rock the Vote's cause of getting young people to get involved in the political process. Plus, Obama is sure to notice your rockin red lips at the next big fundraiser. Who says beauty and politics don't mix?

Ruby Slippers

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz and benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Warner Bros. and Swarovski Crystal have enlisted 20 designers to design their version of Dorothy's ruby red slippers. Diane von Furstenburg, Oscar de la Renta, Jimmy Choo (shown above), and Manolo Blahnik are all on the roster. Betsey Johnson said her pair went “as high as I could go, as sparkly as I could go and as fun and full of polka dots and a tulle bow as I could make them” while a more understated Tibi did a red crocodile with a small flower for a luxurious, feminine feel. The shoes will be auctioned in Fall 2009.

Vogue: Intern Glory

Excitement stirred for fashionistas-in-training at Vogue yesterday when the interns found out they get an audience with Anna Wintour. Ms. Wintour will share her experience in the journalism industry and even give the girls a little time to ask questions. To make sure they are on top of their game, interns were told to "prepare thoughtful questions" by reading Anna's bio online. Further instructions in the following email floated around:

"The presentation will start promptly at 9:00am. I recommend that everyone is seated in the auditorium by 8:45am in case Anna begins a few minutes early. If the door is closed when you arrive, do not enter because you will have to walk in front of Anna while she is presenting."

Careful little minions, she may bite.

Wear Now, Eat Later: Food Tees

Food Tees win the most clever name of the day contest. These quirky tees have pictures of food on them with clever quotes (a picture of a carrot followed by "bite me") underneath. Added bonus: clicking on each tee tells you the health benefits of each veggie. At $20 each, what foodie can resist?

LC Losing Business

Trendy LA boutique Kitson just dropped LC's clothing line.  Kitson owner Fraser Ross said "sales were lackluster [although] initially great" and when he tried to get her to make a personal appearance, her people couldn't find a date.  Looks like Hollywood glamour can't cover up everything...

Party: Opening Ceremony

Hip specialty boutique Opening Ceremony is celebrating the Beijing Olympics with a 72 hour nonstop party in their Howard Street store in downtown NYC. The party is in collaboration with Nike and will include late night scrabble tournaments, food trucks stocked with ice cream and french fries, and limited edition Nike Air Force 1's and Philip Crangi giftables.

Sleeping In

Papinelle relieves those extra-early-sunrise summer mornings with this adorable lavendar filled eye mask. It blocks out all the light while the lavendar soothes your skin from the night before, and its pretty satin ribbon tie is adjustable to any size.

Justin Timberlake Becomes William Rast

Justin Timberlake becomes the face of his contemporary brand, William Rast. New creative directors Johan and Marcella Lindeberg presented the concept of playing the character saying "It isn't meant to be Justin, it's Justin playing [William Rast as] a role, as an actor." The campaign includes short web-based documentaries titled "My Name Is William Rast" featuring Justin Timberlake as the rebel and model Erin Wasson as the love interest. Insuring their Hollywood appeal, the clips were shot in LA and directed by Grammy-winning filmmaker Jonas Akerlund, who has Madonna and U2 projects under his belt. Strumming his day-job, Timberlake wrote the musical score. The site williamrastmovie.com will launch later this month.

Alexander McQueen Goes Online

Alexander McQueen launches e-commerce today. For the first time, site visitors will be allowed to shop for his innovative creations and customers in the US will even be able to get their orders from London same day if they place them before noon. The well rounded site has picks from the fall collection, runway looks and accessories, and visitors can watch runway videos and special projects of the brand. In celebration of the launch, the company also has a special contest allowing visitors to register to win 2 tickets and accommodations to his spring 2009 runway show in Paris.

Frizz Forecast

Say goodbye to the afro-puff you get on your summer commute: NaturallyCurly.com's Frizz Forecast gives you the humidity and weather for your area, and provides tips on how to control your hair that day. Frizzy hair just got under control.

Shop Now: Colored Sunglasses

Retro shades that brighten up your wardrobe are the best bet for summer accessories. Above are Victoria's Secret Color Shields which at $19 a pop (SUMMER SALE FOR $8.99) they are affordable enough to get every color!

Lord and Taylor, Street Cred?

In attempts to shed its "your grandmother shops here" reputation, Lord & Taylor has commissioned a group of 5 graffiti artists called Tats Cru to paint the windows on their 5th Avenue flagship store. They painted 14 murals on 15x18 foot banners of skyscrapers and streetscapes in bright colors. 30 minutes per mural is all it took to create the designs as Tats Cru, whose graffiti work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and has adorned the walls of hospitals, museums, schools and businesses, proved that graffiti can be a legitimate form of art and expression.

Beatle Mania!

It’s going to be a rock and roll themed holiday season as Bloomingdale’s finds inspiration from The Beatles. The retailer has retained the exclusive rights to Beatles images from Apple Records. Album covers, photos, posters, and promotional materials, have all been reinterpreted by Bloomie’s favorite designers including Marc Jacobs tees, Theory blazers, Converse by John Varvatos hoodies and jackets, and more apparel and accessories. Also, 100 exclusive limited-edition Beatles iPods have been created, making it one of the season's most challenging gifts to acquire. Boxed CD sets will also be available since Beatles songs are not downloadable online.

Personalized Prada

Prada's latest made-to-order service is specializing belts. With materials ranging from python, crocodile, suede, calfskin, and patent leather, the belts are available in several colors and can be attached to metal buckles with aged silver or gold finishes with semiprecious stones. Achieving this customized treasure requires two months wait time, a price by request only, and a trip to view the product at a Prada store in Milan, Paris, London, or beach resorts stores in Capri, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Sweet Scent

Last night marked the elaborate launch party for the first fragrance by John Galliano. The Galliano headquarters were transformed into a bamboo garden draped in love letters, statuaries, bowls of fruit and frothy bias-cut dresses to evoke the sense the designer marks as "she just left the room but we've captured her essence." Sofia Coppola, milliner Stephen Jones and Sidney Toledano were among the crowd of party-goers. France, Germany, Switzerland and England get a whiff of the scent in mid-October but the rest of the world will not be allowed until 2009.

Isla Moda Taps Karl Lagerfeld

Designer, creative director, photographer, publisher, and fashion celebrity Karl Lagerfeld can now add interior designer to his resume. He announced a signed deal with Dubai Infinity Holdings (DIH) to conceive and design 80 "limited edition" homes on Dubai's Isla Moda. Part of the famous "The World" project, Isla Moda is an island dedicated to fashion. The lifestyle development will be "curated" by the world's leading fashion designers and be a combination of a fashion resort with "haute couture" residences, luxury retail outlets, and a hotel, Hotel Moda, with rooms all designed by fashion insiders. "Dubai is a fashion bud on the verge of blossoming into the next fashion hub of the world. The city is alive with culture and rich in personality, making a perfect place for aesthetics, fashion and design to flourish" Lagerfeld said.
DIH said an additional four yet-to-be-named "iconic designers" would be hired to bring their "personal touch" to Isla Moda in the same way Lagerfeld was "We believe that the synergy of cultures will give Isla Moda international status and make it an iconic landmark on the fashion world map," said Samira Abdulrazzak, ceo of DIH.

Fall Trend Forecasts

Head of Paris trend forecasting agency Trend Union, Li Edelkoort predicts seasonless dressing (wearing scarves, sweaters and hats on a year-round basis) and the blurring of gender boundaries for fall. "Society is in dire need of fiction," Edelkoort said. After current economic and political woes have been surmounted she reasoned, consumers will favor rich hues, such as beetroot red and blueberry, and soft romantic shades, like rosy pink and mushroom beige, rather than vivid colors. While winter and summer palettes have been bright in recent seasons, Edelkoort suggested fashion brands should use restraint when working with color. "We won't want [fashion] to be too bright," she said. The forecaster also predicted heavy knits and layering will be important and embellishment and three-dimensional patterns in cotton, wool and jersey will be key elements this fall.

H-Box: Hermes Art

Cucumber martini toasts clinked last night in London's Tate Modern Gallery at the premiere of H-box, Hermès' traveling video art exhibit. The futuristic structure which resembles a piece of honeycomb, was designed by architect/artist Didier Fiuza Faustino. Inside the H-box resides work of eight video artists from different countries and cultures (each year, 4 new artists substitute 4 of the previous). "I really like the work of Su-Mei Tse, she's a very subtle and graceful artist," said Pascale Mussard, co-artistic director of Hermès, "[All the artists] push us and help us to see from a different angle." The H-Box global tour, which sees the video as moving art through the world, will reside at the Tate until Aug. 17, when it travels to the Yokohama Triennale in Japan.

Film: Coco Before Chanel

Audrey Tautou's next role will be of Coco Chanel in a film titles "Coco Before Chanel". Milliner Stephen Jones, who will be designing hats for the film, says of the starlet "She will make a wonderful Chanel, she is equally as petite. We have had to adjust everything. We put a little flower on her head and it looked like a cushion". Tautou commented. "I am very happy with the script because it is about her youth and the elements which tell us what she would become and why her style is what it is today". The movie will document the designer's life before her famous interlocking C logo, plethora of quilted handbags, oversized costume pearls, and world's best selling perfume Chanel No. 5.

Soccer Jacket

What does a bunch of soccer balls and 35 hours gets you? This leather jacket by Martin Margiela. The jacket is made of cut up, flattened soccer balls that are applied to leather that is similar to the rubbery inner tube of an actual ball. Talk about extreme sports.

Louis Vuitton in Nordstrom

Luxury megabrand Louis Vuitton is opening up shop in Nordstrom on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, making this Vuitton's 5th Chicago location and 123rd store in North America. The new partnership results in an 2,000 sq. ft. Vuitton department carrying the designer leather goods, handbags, luggage, ties, sunglasses, and women's shoes. This development fits into Nordstrom's plan of enhancing its luxury designer business and has been Vuitton's first department store collaboration since Bloomingdale's in 1995. "It's new for us, and it's special," Nordstrom said. "We want to try to send a signal that this represents the best of what customers can buy anywhere from anybody and who better than Vuitton to send that signal. It's such a terrific brand."

How To Wear: Vests

If you're going to try the vest-as-a-top look, make sure you follow a few simple rules to keep the look polished. Make sure the vest is fitted and doesn't gap on the sides or in the front. Stay away from anything cropped or plunging (always pair those with a tank or tee) so the vest is more suited as a natural fitting top. Finally, sporting your fitted look with wide leg trousers or super skinny dark jeans are good options while skirts show too much skin.

Resort/Holiday Trends

The Resort/Holiday Market is wrapping up and here are the upcoming trends to look out for this November:
1. Animal Inspired Prints
2. Color Blocks
3. Denim Blues
4. Peach
5. Jumpers/Jumpsuits
6. Wintery Florals
7. Silk/Pajama Inspired Dresses
8. Rainbow Colored Prints
9. Washed Out Spreads

Martha Stewart: Philippines Invasion

The first overseas edition of Martha Stewart Weddings hits Philippine newsstands in September. At a price of 295 Philippine pesos ($6.50 USD), the twice yearly publication wil lbe about 200 pages with a target circulation of 16,000. "Weddings are big in the Philippines, in size and in production. A local edition makes perfect sense," said Tara Santos, associate publisher of Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines, since "Martha Stewart Weddings has set the standard of weddings in the world, and we are proud to bring this to the Filipino bride."

Blogging in Brazil

Brazil fashion has caught the blogging bug. Last week during São Paulo fashion week Liliam Pacce, a São Paulo-based fashion consultant and host of a weekly cable TV fashion program, launched her blog and her Web site, lilianpacce.com.br. The blog includes local fashion ranging from rodeos to raves, links to innovative designers from graphic arts to industrial design, and a link to eco-conscious fashion. Flex your portugese muscle here.

Versace Lamborghini

Announcing the launch of the first ever Versace Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster. Emblazoned with Versace’s signature motif and customized with Versace’s custom nappa leather upholstering, it races up to 330 km/hr and costs a cool $600,000.00. When asked about concerns of a pricey car during a time when gas prices are so high Versace CEO Giancarlo Di Risio replied “For the people who can afford this car, pump prices are not a problem”. Donatella Versace also designer complementary accessories including plush luggage and driving shoes.

Paint Your Own Polo

Ralph Lauren Childrenswear caters to the tastes of the creative crowd through a new paint-your-own polo kit. Bright colors, brushes, and fun stamps come with a white Polo shirt for kids to have fun with their preppy classics. Proceeds from the kits will be donated to the Pink Pony Fund benefiting the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Pediatric Art Program.