Laguna Beach and The Hills star, Lauren “LC” Conrad, has made the jump from TV to the runway, where she supposedly will be showing her line Lauren Conrad Collection during Fashion Week. The show would most definitely draw a celebrity crowd including BFF’s to the designer herself, Audrina Partridge and Brody Jenner as well as ex-boss Lisa Love, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue.

Lauren’s collection is made up of the clothes she and her gang parade around in, swishy, flowing, clean lines and very southern California.

Popularity: 9% [?]

There are many pre-parties for Fashion Week, and last night we had the honor of attending one of them. Personally invited by the honoree, Matt Levine of Steelo, the party was buzzing with industry folk, local celebs, models, and a slew of very well dressed fashionites and trendsetters. The brand encompasses en entire lifestyle which was evident throughout the crowded lounge, most of whom were wearing pieces from Steelo’s (which means ’style’) latest collection. Matt, wearing, of course, one his own creations greeted all guests and happily posed for press photos.

He started the collection back in 2004 with the idea of fusing together nightlife, entertainment, and fashion. ”My first collection was comprised of just t-shirts and customized blazers. I wanted to start off slow where the mistake and setbacks would be minimal. The first piece I created was a shirt entitled ‘I Love Paparazzi’ which was featured on the NBC Today Show—worn by Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. It was actually a men’s sweater, but women loved the oversized look of it. I was sold out of it immediately.”

With this kind of celebrity endorsing your threads, Steelo was sure to be a huge hit throughout the industry.

“In creating Steelo I wanted to create a sophisticated collection with style, fresh with elegance, the Lower East Side fused with Wall Street, the confidence of New York, the influence of Los Angeles, and the creativity of Japan.”

A true visionary, Matt believes that “if you sell to the right store, the right people will buy it.” Whatever his strategy, the boy is doing something right and we definitely respect his passion for the industry. His collection is available locally and online at Caravan.

Popularity: 3% [?]

So this just in through the grapevine; it is rumored that Alexander Wang, one of our fave designers, is UNIQLO’s next pick for a capsule collection. Known for his clean lines and refined simplicity, Wang would be perfect for the project.

Wang will be following last years sold out collections from Phillip Lim and Alexander Plokhov.

This is all just talks, so if it doesn’t happen don’t blame us, blame Fashionista for starting the rumor. (JK)!

Stay tuned for more on this rumor…

Popularity: 3% [?]

An indie great is dead at 28. Brooklyn dies a little bit inside. This dude made the city cool again and hipsterdom hit the mainstreams of Hollywood cause of his Boho lifestyle. It’s really sad to see someone so young and talented fade away. Thanks for your great contributions Heath. You will be missed.

Popularity: 3% [?]

To keep on with our interviewing streak, I decided to take a crack at interviewing Daniel Saynt, Fashion Indie Media’s President & Founder. Why? Cause he’s a self-satisfying, media whore who made me do it, that’s why.

RA: What makes Fashion Indie different from other blogs/fashion sites?

DS: We have hotter staff. Yeah, here’s looking at you kid. *wink. Nah, you’re all ugly mo-fos. (Rebecca proceeds to beat Daniel with notebook). Sorry, we are different cause we actually care about the designers we write about. Most fashion blogs out there focus on the big names, the Marcs, the Laurens, the Guccis. We look at the newbies and get to know them and really want them to succeed and be discovered. Also, we don’t take fashion too seriously. We just kind of enjoy it for what it is so you’ll never find “stick up my ass” Vogue-like reviews in here. I guess people like that.

RA: How does it make you feel that Fashion Indie is one of the most visited young fashion sites on the web?

DS: It makes me feel proud. We put a lot of work into this and I always hope it shows. It also makes me feel exhausted, this sh*t ain’t easy.
RA: What are Fashion Indie’s goals for the future?

DS: Our goal is to build on the base we’ve created. We want the site to grow bigger and really encompass all aspects of independent fashion. We’ve worked out some creative deals to build our content and connect to bigger organizations. In events we want to take our fashion parties global, infusing a generation with exciting new designers. We’ve structured ourselves for growth and are now starting to see our company get recognition from WWD, Lucky Mag and others.

RA: Fashion Indie and Trendible are merging. Tell us a little about that?

DS: I’ve been playing double duty at Trendible and Fashion Indie for nearly a year now. Now Trendible has offered me a CEO position which would allow me to work on both companies together. The goal would be to engage Trendible’s platform into a bunch of the projects and events we are currently working on. It’ll also secure some much needed tech folks (I’ve been doing the tech here for some time) and some major street cred (Trendible’s founders former company was responsible for the Fendi Great Wall of China show). Basically it’s all a plot to ensure I retire with a couple hundred million in the bank.

RA: You’re business partner Busie doesn’t have a presence on the blog. What does she do at Fashion Indie?

DS: Busie is our behind the scenes gal. She helps connect the dots on a ton of our projects and is the point person for any organizational nuggets at Fashion Indie. In addition, she keeps us connected to the dozens of charitable organizations we work with and will be heading up our personal charity, Designers for Humanity.

RA: Your background is in business, what attracts you to the fashion world?

DS: The models, duh.

RA: You eat, breathe, and live Fashion Indie. How do you make time for a personal life?

DS: I honestly have no idea. It just happens. Plus all my friends seem to be in the industry and I consider our staff to be friendlies I’d hang out with. (we try not to hire lame-o’s.)

RA: Have you ever been star struck by anyone you met?

DS: Only Tyra Banks. I was on her talk show two years ago talking about racism in fashion. I couldn’t talk to her without smiling which made it really ineffective when I was talking about the seriousness of the problem. When off camera, I told her I loved her and proposed marriage. Still haven’t heard back from her. (sounds like a joke, but it’s totally true.)

RA: What about fashion week are you looking forward to and who are your favorite desigers?

DS: Looking forward to our shows with indie darlings Love Brigade and the insanely addictive New York Couture. Their collections are totally different so we’re expecting two crazy crowds. In terms of designers I really want to see where Marc Jacobs takes his collection after his public bashing. I also want to see what Gregory Rogan brings since his CFDA win and if Philip Lim can make a menswear line I’d actually want/fit into to. Also,want to see what FORM does this season (love them) and if the People’s Republic shows are as good as they we’re last year. Also, Rock & Republic, Varvatos and Buckler cause they make my dookie twinkle.

RA: You keep arguing the “Death of the Trend”. Explain.

DS: It’s not so much the “Death of the Trend” it’s more of a lack of need for them. People are slowly, but surely, discovering their personal style and keeping with it. They are looking outside of the traditional designers for inspiration and focusing on the ones they personally discover. Blogs and website, like the wondrous FashionIndie.com, allow users to get style advice from a new slew of inspirators; also see - why celebrities suck lately.

Trends will always remain in the mainstream front, since mass production designers need to stay safe and sell, but the continued flow of young talent suggests that there are more options out their for consumers. More options, mean more choices, means less dependence on trend driven mainstreamers. a.k.a. The Death of the Trend.

RA: So you’ve heard that “luxury has lost it’s luster” a big theme in “Deluxe - How Luxury Lost it’s Luster” (Great Book, Buy it now!!!), but you still carry around a black Louise Vuitton messenger bag…

DS: What can I say Marc loves me. He sent it after he lost a sh*t load of weight, before he headed to rehab. (Do you see the connection people? I do. Can someone write a nose candy diet book already?).

Who started the vicious cycle? I blame Courtney Love.
Nah, the bag was a gift from a very special lady. I wear it cause it’s brown and black, two colors that I wear a ton. In addition, I don’t necessarily subscribe to the whole lost luxury thought process. While I do question what brands push out as “Luxury” I feel that it is the consumer who eventually shapes their own thoughts on status and branding. That view affects the way they see others who can spend ridiculously. In the end, it’s all good for the economy and the rich folks need something to spend their money on, right?

RA: It is rumored that you want to start your own capsule clothing collection. Is it true? And with so many friends in the industry, who are you looking to collaborate with?

DS: It’s true. I have been considering the possibility of a capsule collection. I feel that I have a really good idea of what’s needed in the market especially for men. There are pieces out there that just don’t exist and I want to make them. Something along the lines of smart, functional urbanite clothes and outerwear, with an accessory or two for good measure. As for collaborators, the options are open but I love the collections of Wrath Arcane, Love Brigade, Endovanera, and Guilded Age. We’ll see what happens, but it should be really, really good and heavily promoted on FashionIndie.com. (make that money).

Possible space in Williamsburg
RA: It is also rumored that Fashion Indie plans to open a retail space. Tell us about that.

DS: Rumors are true. We are shopping around for a space in Billyburg right now. Actually, as I answer these questions I am walking a giant loft space near the L Train. We want to bring together the international designers we’ve discovered and provide a new kind of shopping experience with live video feeds, an interactive meet the designer projection screen, and the kind of fashions you can’t find anywhere in the USA. We are expecting to open up in March, right in time for my 25th birthday.

RA: Thanks Daniel for taking time out of your oh so busy schedule to talk about you, I know it’s been a terribly long two hours… And please no more self absorbing Daniel Saynt interviews! I have actual designers to interview…

Popularity: 3% [?]

Wanted for being the hotness

Continuing in our series of fashion interviews with fashion professionals, we caught up with Samantha Lennon our rock metal enthusiast/beauty expert to ask her about being a make-up artist in this ruff and tumble NY landscape. She gave us insight on Britney, her must have accessory and some tips on getting camera ready in five minutes or less. To hire Ms. Lennon for any future joblets, click here to visit her MySpace.
Name: Samantha Lennon

Company Name: Samantha Lennon Makeup

Years as a Make-up Artist: 8+

FI: What got you into your craft?

SL: I would say a combination of the metal music scene I grew up in as well as my fashion background and surroundings. I also live and was born & raised in New York City.

FI: Where does your inspiration come from?

SL: My inspiration comes from everyone around me - all of the average hardworking women who have desires and goals to rule the world on a daily basis. It comes from working with so many talented photographers, wardrobe stylists, and models, and just walking down the street each day absorbing the transitions through which this city is constantly going.

FI: Could a fresh coat of make-up prevent Britney from looking like a trainwreck?

SL: I would actually prefer an embroidered paper bag.

FI: What tips would you give someone who only has 5 minutes to apply in the morning?

SL: Moisturizer, foundation primer under eyes and T-zone area followed by a little concealer. Then cream blush, gloss or lipstick, a little brow pencil if needed and of course: 2 coats of mascara!

FI: What is the most important tool in your arsenal?

SL: Tough question for makeup artists- Definitely the 217 MAC blending brush, but my most important overall tool has got to be the arsenal with the wheels to get all my tools around ☺

FI: Best current Make-Up trend?

SL: I have never really been into “trends.” I am more of an overall observer. Right now I would have to say softer, more confined matted eyes, matted red/coral color lips, and more contoured perfected skin.

FI: If you could start any trend, which would it be?

SL: For more people to sharing their knowledge freely with others

FI: Models or Musicians? Who’s more fun to work on?

SL: I can’t choose! I have worked on both because I also work in the music industry. Musicians are more laid back, but are more careful with their image. They generally have more say in a shoot as opposed to models. They also tend to show more personality and we share a lot in common. Music is my first true love and passion. Makeup came along soon after. Models, however, are open to everything and it’s more of an overall team effort. I definitely learned most of what I know from the world of Fashion. It is what I received my degree in. Sometimes it’s better to be able to be a part of something amazing overall instead of getting a job done, which is what musicians’ shoots tend to be about. Above all I am lucky to be a part of both and will continue do so.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Popularity: 2% [?]