Anastasia Chatzka, a Chicago designer that has worked with the likes of Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui, is making a splash in the headband world with these crazy decorated bird and bow bands.  A refreshing change from plain or simple bowed headbands, these are sure to get noticed, and become the perfect accessory!  They’re currently unavailable through Anastasia’s Etsy shop, but her online shop should be up soon! In the meantime, check out the headband collection, among other things, on her site. 

SOURCE: High Snobette

UPDATE: I’ve just received the media kit, Anastasia’s online store will be up VERY soon, and will have all of the S/S ‘09 stuff, including:

READ MORE ABOUT: anastasia chatzka, anna sui, betsey johnson, headbands

Hailing from Japan, designer Akira Naka puts an edgy twist on basic, tailored garments and knitwear, certainly deserving of praise. Best known for his deep European influences, Naka worked alongside a tailor in the United States and top knitwear designer, Els Arnols, in Antwerp before starting his own label in 2007. Although his tailored suit-coats are stunning, I simply cannot get over how Naka combines his two constructive strengths with his blazers that fade into bulky knit sweaters. 

Naka has yet to open a flagship store, but many of his pieces can be purchased at various department stores throughout Tokyo. 

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Akira Naka

For more information, check out Akira Naka here! Thanks Dazed Digital!

READ MORE ABOUT: Akira Naka, Els Arnols

There is so much going on in Johanne Kappel’s magpie inspired collection, but somehow there is the perfect balance between the smaller digital prints, the larger pastel (almost Pucci like) prints, and the simpler speckled and hand painted work. Some of the prints have a really graphic quality, which contrasts well with the sheen of the Lycra bodysuits…

QUICKLINK: Johanne Kappel Anderson

READ MORE ABOUT: Johanne Kappel Anderson

Allison Parris and Marissa Kim came together in the fall of 2008 to produce Allison Parris, ” a feminine and sophisticated line that combines luxurious fabrics, contrasting textures and vintage-inspired detail.”  The line uses many recycled fabrics (always a plus), and features cocktail attire and accessories.  I adore that tutu skirt, and the brass plates used on the top cocktail dress that look a bit like feathers, it comes is 4 different colors too!

Check our Allison Parris 

READ MORE ABOUT: allison parris, marissa kim

Taking a hint from Stella McCartney’s chic wearable vegan-friendly style, Olsen Haus has created a another shoe line for all of you animal friendly fashionistas who want to avoid Birkenstock-style shoes. With her reasonable price points (averaging between $140 and $250), Olsen Haus incorporates bright colors and materials such as cork, linen and ultra-suede. Vegans, remember this name because Olsen Haus will soon be expanding into bags!

SOURCE: The Cut

READ MORE ABOUT: olsen haus, shoes, vegan

Kingdom of Style found Dean Quinn on I Don’t Like Detours a site like Not Just A Label that features the collections of up-and-coming designers.  Quinn’s stuff isn’t too wild, and seems versatile and ready for anyone to wear. I really like the black dress, it’s really different with the architecture and fabrics used.  Quinn uses simple black and white to create eye-catching pieces that are a must-have.

QUICKLINK: Kingdom Of Style

READ MORE ABOUT: dean quinn, i dont like detours, kingdom of style

Put a little twist on the classics and you’ve basically got the aesthetic for designer Kai Kuhne. From pencil skirts to high waisted pants and Chanel’s “little black dress” to the trendy boyfriend blazer, Kuhne reigns a viking at manipulating basic pieces in a classically simple buy edgy way. Leaning on the twisted-classics side myself, I’m surprised that Kai Kuhne hasn’t been more widely recognized, however, artist Terence Koh recently wore a Kuhne blazer to the Whitney Art Party while Samantha Mathi looked stunning in a Kuhne dress at the 2009 Tony Awards. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Kuhne, because I think he is exactly what our minimal loving recession needs in a designer. 

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Kai Kuhne Fall 2009

Check out Kai Kuhne here!

READ MORE ABOUT: Chanel, Kai Kuhne, terence koh, Tony Awards

READ MORE ABOUT: Bordelle, Sexy Time

With the bondage look as one of my newer obsessions, it seems to be a blessing that I stumbled upon the dark, prisoner-like designs of Lotta Volkova. Volkova’s concentration in menswear is apparent in her 2009 womenswear collection as many of the pieces stray away from the body-conscious silhouettes and embrace a boxy, masculine freedom. Embellished with grommets, metal rings, leather straps, ruffles and buckles, Volkova’s designs exude a tough-girl, edgy vibe, not for the faint of heart. Now, wish me luck getting my hand on that black, leather-strapped dress! 

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Lotta Volkova 2009 Collection 

Check out Lotta Volkova’s interview on Flasher and visit her blog here!

READ MORE ABOUT: Lotta Volkova

SOURCE: Stylelines

READ MORE ABOUT: neurotica

On May 25th Atlanta native Wes Gordon got the great privilege and honor to close the world famous Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design womenswear fashion show with an amazing and innovative collection.

The seven pieces shown incorporated one of the most unique design elements seen on the runway to date: blown glass. Gordon worked with Peter Layton to create 7 expertly blown glass pieces which Wes used as oversized collars, sleeves, a bodice, and epaulettes.

Other CSM alums who have previously closed the womenswear show include John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen.

There is no doubt that Wes Gordon will continue to make a large impact in the fashion industry in America and Internationally.

Be sure to check out his website at www.wesgordon.com and become a fan of his on facebook.

READ MORE ABOUT: Central Saint Martins, sweden

Great silhouettes and divine structure, American-born designer Keemia started her design journey in Paris working under designers, and established her own company in 2005.  I had a chance to talk with Keemia about her designs, her motivation, and future plans for her label:

FASHION INDIE: How did you get your start in fashion? Was it a path you always knew you wanted to take?

KEEMIA: There is no direct path to becoming a designer. I have always had a passion for fabric, design and the manipulation of the two. This enthusiasm led me to seek apprenticeships with many designers. My advice is to never accept “no” as the first answer. In fact, when I applied for an apprenticeship with a French designer in Paris, I was turned down three times before being accepted.

FI: Where do you get your inspiration for those awesome drapes and silhouettes?

K: Curiosity inspires me to design. I try to always be creative and innovative in my work and my endless curiosity inspires me to do so. I draw inspiration from what I have not yet discovered or a feeling I am trying to recapture. My most recent collection was an inspired study in romance, fluidity, and, simplicity.

With what is happening in today’s world, I feel it will slowly mark the end of meaningless clothing. What is not real will go. As a cursor to this, for my fall 2009 collection, I chose not to design for a season, but to instead focus on a body. The result: classic, stylish fare that fuses high fashion with a universal aesthetic.

FI: Who is your favorite designer right now?

K: Winston Churchil once said, “Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft”.

I admire and study the great designers who have formed how we see fashion today as well as those who influence our current fashion culture. To name a few of my muses: Valentino Garavani, Cristobal Balenciaga, Sonia Rykiel, and Azzedine Alaïa.

FI: Where do you hope to take your company next?

K: International.  My ultimate goal is to be balanced in my work life as well as in my home life. As an entrepreneur, I am constantly setting goals and deadlines for myself and for my company… and the achievement of one goal is simply the starting point of another.

FI: Any advice for hopeful designers?

K: It’s important to research and absorb current trends by reading books and magazines and observing fashion shows online. While I do think education and technical skill is valuable, I feel that one must understand the steps one needs to take to materialize a design concept. I encourage those interested in fashion to go and see as much fashion as they can, which means examining the quality and style of garments at not just department stores and boutiques, but also at thrift stores and museum exhibitions. As a designer, you need to be able to pull from all of those influences.

Check out Keemia’s fall preview, past collections and runway shows, retail information, and more on her site.  You can’t buy her designs on the site, but there are tons of retail stores that have her designs (ranging from $50-$400) online.

READ MORE ABOUT: Keemia

The last time I saw a ring/watch combo was probably around the 6th grade when they were considered a cheap novelty, were most likely to be found in one of those grocery store bubble gum machines and, 9 times outta 10, didn’t actually tell time. But after coming across these lovely little baubles from urban jewelry designer Melody Ehsani, I cannot wait to get my hands on one. With an emphasis on creativity, Ehsani’s finger pieces are flashy without being tacky and come in an assortment of styles: The Rolee, The White Diamond, The Cartee in silver and The Cartee in gold. Any one would make for a fun, hip, not to mention practical, accessory.

READ MORE ABOUT: melody ehsani, ring watch

There is something dynamic about mixing different styles. Shows the world that you’re confident enough to blur the lines and create your own look.

It’s cool to have one cohesive look but that’s easy. How bout mixing a little dazzle with your grunge. A little flow to your tailored. A little feminine to your masculine. A little tribal with your rock and roll. You follow?

That’s why I’m super excited to introduce Countess Vintage. The pieces might seem out of place but trust me when I tell you…..they make sense.

If you open your eyes to mixing and matching.

Clip on earrings were all the range in the 50s and they’re back if you ask Cocolah.com.

What better way to add some sparkle to tshirt and jeans but some standout sparkly earrings. Jean jackets have made a comeback….throw on a brooch for a little dirty class. Are you a scarf fanatic too!? What’s hotter than the hard to find vintage scarf clip!? A collection of them that’s what.

Start your collection with Countess Vintage. Stay tuned for a line of vintage bags from this designer to hit the web pronto.

READ MORE ABOUT: clip on earrings, countess vintage, trendspark

Move over Christian Louboutin, there’s a new shoe designer on the scene, and his third collection for Spring 2009 has completely stolen my heart! Welcome, one and all, to the architectural and geometric shoe and bag designs of Seoul native, Raphael Young. With haute couture in his blood, Young prides himself on the quality of his shoes, over mass quantity manufacturing. Thanks to cobbling instruction from an uncle who spent his days designing shoes for Yves Saint Laurent, Young’s skill in women’s footwear has evolved to men’s footwear and even bags. Raphael Young is available in Los Angeles and in New York at Eva and Seven! 

GALLERIES:

DESIGNER TO KNOW: Raphael Young Spring 2009 Women’s Collection

DESIGNER TO KNOW: Raphael Young Spring 2009 Men’s Collection 

DESIGNER TO KNOW: Raphael Young Spring 2009 Bags 

Check out Raphael Young’s website here!

READ MORE ABOUT: Christian Louboutin, Raphael Young, yves saint laurent

Psychology Jewelry is making a name for themselves as pure sophistication at reasonable prices (pieces ranging from $65-$125).  They’re mixing silver and gold chains, cameos, bows, pearls, and other stones in order to create vintage-inspired pieces with a modern twist.  Their site says their new luxury line draws from the 1920s, and is already being picked up by magazines and celebrities.  

Making a debut as glamorous as their jewelry, Psychology is hosting an elite Tea Party in LA to benefit Sharon and Kelly Stone’s organization Planet Hope (that fights poverty, homelessness, and domestic abuse) and release their line.  Psychology does philanthropy, how fitting!

This jewelry is gorgeous, and for the price, I recommend you head straight over to their site to pick yours up…the bad news is, their online store isn’t up yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as it is! Check out the stuff in the mean time and check back for FashionIndie updates on Psychology.

READ MORE ABOUT: kelly stone, planet hope, psychology jewelry, Sharon Stone

I’ve been on quite the jewelry binge lately, and browsing the streets of the Lower East Side certainly isn’t helping my case. Despite my passing by when the store was closed, I couldn’t help but notice the seemingly ancient, inscribed metals, gems and stones that made up the window display of Agas and Tamar on Mott street. Inspired by nature, pieces by Agas and Tamar embody a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, ancient coins and gems, set in a roughly cast base. The craftsmanship is unlike any other, each jewelry piece appearing as if it were recently unveiled from a prehistoric crypt. I love how the stones and gems are naturally held in place and exhibit the imperfections that so many jewelers continue to create. 

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Agas and Tamar

Check out the Agas and Tamar website here! 

READ MORE ABOUT: Agas and Tamar

Tatyana Merenyuk is a Chicago designer originally from Kiev, Ukraine, making dreamy made-to-order dresses, jackets, and skirts.  The dress above is part of her Fall ‘09 collection, previewed through her site.  Some of the designs are available on etsy, and Merenyuk claims to be happy to chat with any potential customers about her designs and purchases (you can stop by her store in Chicago to pick stuff up too!).  I adore the neckline of the dress above, and how it’s a minidress (it kindof reminds me of an ice skater’s dress). Check out her site!

READ MORE ABOUT: red doll, tatyana merenyuk

Most of these pieces can be worn as both an outerwear accessory, or an add on in the bedroom. Hot either way you where it.

READ MORE ABOUT: fleet ilya

Barcelona designer, Gemma Degara has hit the streets in unique style. All designs are created to be both functional and comfortable with a wide array of colors to choose from. Dresses and more formal shirts are created just as works of architecture; with lengthened backs and unique shapes it’s clear that Gemma tags each piece with that signature flair. Decorated with numerous awards for her work, the designer continues to evolve with each and every ensemble.

GALLERY: Gemma Degara designs

READ MORE ABOUT: Gemma Degara

Mark and Estel make really easy clothes, fun to wear and layer, with their signature ripped/shredded leggings as the collection ‘must have.’

READ MORE ABOUT: leggings, mark and estel

Or should I say Hussein Chalayan, since he was the originator of her bubble outfit…Japanese artist Daisy Bubble makes haute couture outfits from balloons, amazing!

READ MORE ABOUT: daisy balloon, hussein chalayan, lady gaga

Get ready for designer Ana Locking! Versatile creations for both men and women never fail to impress when it comes to this designer. With a strong focus on bold colors, all of the clothing is painted in brilliant golds and edgy blacks. Ana treats each piece like an individual work of art, with each piece accessorized fully from head-to-toe it’s no wonder that people can’t help it  just stop and stare.

GALLERY: Ana Locking designs

READ MORE ABOUT: Ana Locking

The perfect collection for Lady Gaga…

READ MORE ABOUT: VISBØL DE ARCE