Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

Link Love: Vogue.com

11. University of Delaware Newark, DE

Campus Tour: The smallest state also has a small design program that is focused on quality garment making from every angle. The program follows a garment through its entire lifecycle, from the creative design and tailoring, to a focus on sustainably producing goods on both small and large scale in a socially and environmentally minded manner. An entirely student run fashion magazine, UDress, and fashion shows exist outside of class, working to show and pull fashion out of this college driven town.

Programs: Apparel Design, Merchandising, Sustainability

Student Body: 16,500

Tuition:  $27,000

Star Alumni: Well, me. And a fierce force that is the backbone of the garment industry.

Designer round up, left to right:

Aquilano e Rimondi, Jil Sander, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Jason Wu, Paul Costelloe, Kimberly Ovitz

Want acidic sunflower in your closet? Check out these subtly singeing pieces.

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Lucia Suede Concho Pant $1,298 – Ralph Lauren knows Americana, and it shows in these classic pants adapted from vintage riding chaps.

Anna Sui is getting in on the action to help commemorate Hanky Panky’s silver milestone with an “Anna Sui Celebrates Hanky Panky” seven-piece collection in a special print launching this September. Sui is a fan of the brand and said it “epitomizes creativity, style and true quality – three things that have been the cornerstone of my work as a designer.”

Classy! But did you know the name Hanky Panky wasn’t always considered a household staple? Stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus would not buy the product line in the 80s because they thought the name was too risqué. But the indie boutiques knew what was up. “Pants were getting tighter and tighter… I really do believe that women saw how unattractive a visible panty line was,” Epstein told WWD. She noted that specialty boutiques embraced the idea of thongs.

You can read more about Hanky Panky and check out all the amazing goods on hankypanky.com.

Look 1 – Slutty Preppy:

From the Ivy League to 20,000 Leagues.

Look 2 – Chic Week:

An officer and a gentlewoman.

Look 3 – Funny Girl:

People who need sailors are the horniest people in the world.

Look 4 – Shore Thing:

Bling it out Jersey style for some sailor smoosh time.

Look 5 – Boys Just Want to Have Fun:

Don’t ask, do tell for the boy hoping to get his deck swabbed.

NAVy Anchor Motif Chino Shorts – Mens Shorts – Clothing – TOPMAN
topman.com

1. Isaac Mizrahi

Though I live by Unzipped and gave Bravo‘s The Fashion Show a shot (even before the inclusion of Iman), once the mandals came out I just couldn’t keep my silence any longer.

2. Christian Audigier

Audigier would land on this list just for creating Ed Hardy, but religiously wearing it only cements his inclusion.

3. Vivienne Westwood

You know Crazy Cat Lady from The Simpsons? Dye her hair Carrot Top orange, throw her in a combat boot and call her Vivienne Westwood.

4. John Galliano

I’m less offended by his ringing endorsement of Hitler than by his penchant for gay pirate dandyism.

5. Kate Mulleavy

Turns out you can go wrong with all black, whereas a pop of color and a show of effort are always in fashion.

6. Jeremy Scott

Scott’s look says to me “Club kid who kept partying long after the trash was swept up” only Scott then rummaged through said trash for this jacket.

7. Patricia Field

Though she practically single-handedly created the fashion icon known as Carrie Bradshaw, Pat Field can give off too a bit too much sex in the city. Though kudos for rocking that Jessica Rabbit red hair better and before Rihanna.

8. Anna Sui

I saw Anna Sui on the street the other day…though it could’ve been a bag lady. Either way her China Bang was stunning.

9  Karl Lagerfeld, Perhaps a controversial choice, but the gay vampire look sometimes leaves me…cold.

10. Betsey Johnson

There’s nothing I want more than to see Betsey Johnson doing cartwheels in a ballerina tutu at age 90. Just because it’s bad doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel good.

FI's Sam Lim in Opening Ceremony's limited edition tee

Opening Ceremony’s Carol Lim and Humberto Leon along with actress Rinku Kikuchi and former Angelina Jolie scissor sister, Jenny Shimizu are offering a limited edition T-shirt. The shirts are $30 and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

In collaboration with artist Dean Landry, Anna Sui has created the “Japan We’re All in This Together” tee for men (in black) and women (in lavender). Both sell for $20 each and will begin shipping April 15th. All proceeds go to Japan Relief Effort.

Rebecca Minkoff will donate $100 from each sale of their red handbags to the Red Cross while deciding on a “larger initiative.” The bags range form $295 to $495.

For the Brits, Simeon Farrar is giving away a free Kate Mouse T-shirt if you donate at least £20 to Save the Children by the end of March. To put this into context, there’s been a 300 person waiting list for the tee since December.

Tory Burch‘s Japan Relief T-shirt retails for $29 with all proceeds going to the Red Cross through Sept. 15th.

Monocle and Brooklyn Tokyo are releasing a special edition Support Japan Bracelet for £10 or $18 USD with 100% of the proceeds going to Japan’s Civic Force, a non-government organization that responds to domestic humanitarian disasters.

And last, but certainly not least, Lady Gaga has already raised over $250K with her $5 We Pray for Japan wristband. All $250K of which went directly to Japan relief efforts.

So whether you feel like dropping $5 for a bracelet, $20 for a tee, or $400 for a bag, there’s an easy and  fashionable way to help out the thousands of people affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Get to shopping!

Link Love: Daily Front Row

The contents of someone’s bag tells a lot about them. And here at FashionIndie, our bags can’t keep their goddamn mouths shut.

Sam – Louis Vuitton backpack

My favorite moment was about 4 hours into our Blogger Break Room when we had like 80 people simultaneously getting spa services, drinking champagne, being fabulous and magically nothing went wrong!

Rebecca Minkoff mini wallet
Camera
Grey matte nail Polish
Keys
Gucci aviator sunglasses
Fashion GPS front row seat and after party drink tickets to L.A.M.B. and Ivana Helsinki
Taxi receipts
A fat pile of business cards
NYFW credential badge
Dollar bill from the VMAN Magazine party
Louise Manna body wrap jewelry
3 pens
Moleskine mini notebook
Liquid black eyeliner
Maybelline lipgloss from the Tents
Lotion
Vitamins

Amanda – Bag made from recycled plastic bottles from Love Brigade

- These are my favorite sunglasses of ALL TIME. I bought them at my favorite old lady consignment store like 6 years ago. The case is from Topshop.
- My wallet is full of maxed out credit cards and a $5 bill, so sad.
- I keep vitamins with me in case I start to feel under the weather during fashion week.
- There’s nothing worse than when a nail breaks, so obvi a nail file is necessary.
- iPod, headphones, self-explanatory.
- Notebook and pen for notes and doodles.
- My Canon EOS 20D camera – I’ve been snapping photos all over town.
- My many keys
- Deck of cards from the Malan Breton show yesterday.
- My everyday beauty essentials – hairbrush, makeup brushes, Make Up For Ever Powder, Sephora eye shadow palette, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Burt’s Bees, Benefit Bad Gal Liner, MAC Satin Lipstick in Rebel, Sephora lip gloss and Maybelline Falsies mascara
- Hand sanitizer for public transportation horrors.
- The collection description sheet from the Son Jung Wan fall/winter 2011 show.
- Business cards from Fashion Week that must be filed away!

Lester – H&M tote

While typing up my list I realized I’m basically a woman. And am fine with that.

Sequined clutch — I don’t care for man wallets
Interview mag with Tom Ford
Nail polish remover — for the 2 bottles of nail polish I got from Blogger Break Room
Headphones
Hand sanitizer
Notebook
2 pens
Duane Reade Cold & Sinus Relief — I crawled over the fashion finish line with a fever and god knows what else
T-Mobile crap since I “lost” my phone and had to get a replacement
Carmex
Programs from various fashion shows, including Richie Rich and Kimberly Ovitz
Box o’ biz cards
Trial size deodorant, baby powder and lotion, should I spend yet another night on someone’s couch
Stain remover pen (LIFESAVER)
The Socializer under eye treatment
Orbit gum
The First Wives Club– one of my fave movies so I decided to check out the book
Body oils (red Egyptian musk and Sandalwood)
Lanvin perfume, Arpege
Lollipop from Cocktails and Couture
Press pass from Diesel
Cough and eye drops
Mirabella eyeliner lip and cheek ink and
Compact — I got so much free make-up even though I don’t wear any of it. Now I have a reason to start.
Gloves
Christian Siriano Payless pump Polaroid
Swiss Army knife should I ever need to cut a bitch

Jess – Faux fur bodybag from LF

1. My brand spankin’ new Macbook pro, that I would have died without. Frequented that AOL StyleList blogger’s haven with it on the regs.

2. Multiple sparkly Milani nail polish. I did my nails everywhere, painting over layers to change up the colors constantly. There was a rotating slew of colors that cycled through the bag this week.

3. Lipsticks: Illamasqua: The Box (rouge), YSL fucsia, Iman (Pat Field‘s) Jaguar

4. Business cards. Gave out about 75, received at least as many.
5. Several WWDs and Daily Front Rows. I do admit I love reading the Daily.
6. Tickets. Many. Some I’ve disposed of, some made it. Some standing, some seats. None actually with my name on it.
7. Various runs of show. Ones that have lingered in my bag: Timo Weiland, Anna Sui, Dennis Basso, Alexandre Herchcovitch.
8. ESSENTIAL: Blackberry. Can’t believe it took me this long to talk about it. Maybe because I’ve done so much damage on it that it actually just broke. Fashion Week broke my phone…. now…. iPhone?
9. Because that’s not an iPhone, that’s an iPod touch and it’s been keeping me cat walking myself from place to place.
10. Biggie camera. I spent 3 years, that’s 6 seasons in the PIT with this guy. Not this year. Now I just got to use it on celebs backstage, at presentations and the like.
11. WIRES. OMG. My bag was like a radio shack. Heaven forbid I should be without a charge.
12. Small purse. Vintage. Used it when I stashed the big lady mama at the after party coat checks.
13. Wallet. Duh.
14. Deck of cards? The last free gift to remain in this bag. They’re usually the first to go when I get home.
15. Voice recorder, which I ditched for my Blackberry video camera.
16. Pashmina – much lighter than a laptop case. I didn’t wear it, my MacBook did.
17. Vintage Korean flower cardi I wore yesterday. I took it off when the world got mild.
18. Urban Zen literature – got my reikis healed (?) in the AmEx Skybox. Still confused about the process, but I felt great after.
19. My handy dandy notebook. All of my show notes are in this little thing.
20. Napkin from Timo Weiland’s after party on which Paul Steiger (as in Walter‘s son) drew shoes for me. I’m going to the press sample sale today!

That is all that remains. I’m surprised I didn’t find at least 3 Frappacinos and a slew of Fijis, but I lightened my load as I went along.

Mac – Faux croc tote from 21Men

I used the camera to take amazing photos all over NYC this Fashion Week.The Coke Zero is used solely for caffeine purposes but Lord knows I dont need any empty calories. I have two pairs of sunglasses to switch up my eyewear but maintain my air of mystery. The Marc Jacobs ones were gifted to me by stylist Robert Verdi as was the Kenneth Cole cologne, Reaction (the scent is fresh and young).  Finally the latest copy of VMAN for the train and cab rides all over the city. And yes I still have the dollar that was in his mouth.

Coke Zero
Powerade
VMAN
Sony Camera
DOTS Wooden Bracelts
Forever 21 Sunglasses
Marc By Marc Jacobs aviators
Notebook
The Daily
Brush
Chapstick
Fashion Indie Vol 2 mixtape
Biz cards
Cash
Metrocard
Pens
Hand Sanitizer
Ray Ban glasses case

Josh – Laptop bag

At the Richie Rich show I heard several people say, “Oh my god! That Rod Stewart impersonator looks so convincing!” I later learned that person was the real Rod Stewart.

Olive Leaf Extract Pills
Vitamin C
Shades
Icebreaker mints
3 $15 iTunes gift cards
Apple wireless mouse
Apple ear buds
GQ magazine
3 Random pens
1 Show invitation
Notepad
Small USB dog that humps computer
Sony voice recorder

That jacket she was talking about? So fab.

Going chronologically here, when I arrived at the backstage area, the models were all in run-through mode so there was zero motion by the ready mirrors. This gave me a moment to check out the Anna Sui Beauty Bar - she was showing press like me her signature perfumes, her new shoe collaboration with Hush Puppies, and her collection of spectacles.

I told you I went a little nuts with the glasses, but they’re so fly I had to give you a little show of them.

That was fun, but seriously, back to the real models. Zuzanna Bijoch and Daphne Groeneveld give serious backstage face.

The über talented Pat McGrath was responsible for the cosmetic creation. The aesthetic is perfect natural skin with futuristic lashes and lids. She achieved this look with tons of mascara infused with beeswax for extra thickness and playing with liner above the crease of the lid. Just a very small amount of blush on the apple of the cheek keeps the face nude without looking dead. The light white shimmer on the eye is Snow Blossom by Covergirl.

The famed Garren styled the smooth mod sixties hair that carried the show. He calls the look the “Mod Bardot” with fullness at the crown and full fringe with a center part, “Kind of the way Anna [Sui] wears her hair.” To get that voluminous lift at the root, he used Furterer Volumea. Girls with shorter hair were styled in that curly Twiggy kind of way. He envisions this hairstyle on girls having fun, not taking itself too seriously. And we’ve been forewarned, Garren states more as a fact than a vague prediction, “Fringe will be for Fall.”

I serendipitously crossed paths with Anna Sui on my way to enter the front of house to watch the show (we heard the announcement, FIVE MINUTES!) and I managed to squeeze two questions in:

What are you most excited about for your show?

“I hope people like it, that’s what I’m feeling.”

From what I’ve seen backstage, I’ve noticed a mod theme. Is the whole collection going that way?

“You’ll see. There’s a transition that happens, that’s what I’m trying to express.”

Now, more images for your viewing pleasure:

1. Ochre Pintuck Jumpsuit ($80 missselfridge.com)

2. Janis by Janis Savitt Multi-Strand Snake Chain Necklace ($569 bergdorfgoodman.com)

3. Arden B. Faux Suede Wedge Pump ($59 ardenb.com)

4. Cynthia Rowley Ostrich Feather Vest ($330 cynthiarowley.com)

5. Karen Walker Agent Sunglasses ($210 gargyle.com)

1. Celine Linen Dress (lanecrawford.com)

2. YSL Oval Turquoise Ring ($295 cultstatus.com.au)

3. Casadei Ankle Boots ($820 thecorner.com)

4. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

5. AllSaints Caledonian Jacket ($490 allsaints.com)

1. Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Top ($620 farfetch.com)

2. Balmain Cropped Leather Motocross Pants ($5,190 net-a-porter.com)

3. Noir Gotham City Ring ($238 charmandchain.com)

4. Alexander Wang Dakota Lace-Up Terracotta Ankle Boots ($800 shopmrsh.com)

5. Marc Jacobs Leather Julie Bag ($1,348 colette.fr)

1. Mulberry Sandwashed Silk Blouse ($460 mulberry.com)

2. Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans ($200 net-a-porter.com)

3. Alexander McQueen Studded Skull Pumps ($1,250 ssense.com)

4. Fendi Patchwork Calf Hair Peekaboo Tote ($4,600 bergdorfgoodman.com)

5. Oscar de la Renta Crystal Tassel Drop Earrings ($257 bergdorfgoodman.com)

1. Tibi Fitted Jacquard Dress ($184 theoutnet.com)

2. Anna Sui Magenta Microfiber Tights ($14 zappos.com)

3. M.A.C. Lustreglass Lip Gloss in Wonderstick ($14.95 amazon.com)

4. Prada Satin Half Bow Peeptoe Pumps (£495.00 flannelsfashion.com)

5. Dominic Jones Tooth 22-Karat Rose Gold-Plated Ring ($129.50 theoutnet.com)

1. Vivienne Westwood Red Label Classic Black Blazer (£439.00 hervia.com)

2. Ramzi Musa for Browns Leopard Print Silk Shorts ($265 brownsfashion.com)

3. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

4. Maison Martin Margiela Line 10 Paperbag Ankle Boot ($925 barneys.com)

5. Topshop Coral Leather Lock Handle Bag ($110 topshop.com)

1. REDValentino Ruffle Blouse ($495 valentino.com)

2. D&G Stretch Satin Skinny Trousers ($313.50 my-wardrobe.com)

3. American Apparel Poly Canvas Bow Hair Clip in Shale Green ($14 americanapparel.net)

4. YSL Tribtoo Shimmer Leather Pumps (£545.00 harveynichols.com)

5. Paige Novick Becca Bangle Set ($575 farfetch.com)

1. Topshop Lilac Sleeveless Tea Dress ($95 topshop.com)

2. Rick Owens Gold Calf Leather Jacket ($2,146 shopmrsh.com)

3. Acne Hydro Leather Plateau Boot ($440 youheshe.com)

4. Erickson Beamon Spike and Crystal Ring (£250.00 harveynichols.com)

5. YSL Rouge Personnel Lipstick in #23 Irresistible Violet ($25 yesstyle.com)

What made you want to start designing?
I never thought I would pursue a career in fashion. I originally did not have formal and technical training, I didn’t go to FIT. I went to school for fine arts, so I always assumed I’d do something in that realm but didn’t know what that would be. But then I started making my own clothing and got some really great feedback. My pieces developed quick notoriety because of their eccentricity and experimental appeal. It led me to start branding the label and making custom dresses. I realized my passion and that creating clothing was my art. It is what I wanted to do, but I did not want to work traditionally and looked at clothing as wearable art. Although I taught myself about the fashion industry as a business, as far as being a designer, I am first and foremost an artist before anything else – an artist with a fashion business.

Photographer, Robin Souma. Models, Mollie Stein & Vincent Fanwick. Mollie in House wife dress

You started out reworking vintage clothing? Do you still take a lot of inspiration from vintage fashion for your line? Is the line still costumesque?

From what was once an ‘inspiration collection’ of crazy altered vintage clothing, a handful of these pieces were later reworked to create a RTW collection which is consistent with my conceptual ideas yet is more universally wearable. It creates an attainable outlet for girls to dress up in their everyday lives that I thought the fashion world was lacking. I am inspired by vintage but now use new fabrics that are re-orderable.

Photographer, Robin Souma. Model, Flor wearing the Doll Dress

In your bio, it says you pay a lot of attention to the “magic of childhood dress up.” Were you a super girly girl as a child or did you have some tomboy in you? Did you play with Barbies?

I did have Barbies, I loved them, but I wasn’t super girly. I always went against the grain. All of my girlfriends loved pink but I loved purple. But I like pink now and feel it can be extra cute and feminine, but in my collection, there are dark details too. I think it’s more about dress-up and reconnecting to the characters which inspire the dresses and the idea of adding fun to the wardrobe in everyday life. You can explore dress-up in a more grown-up and sophisticated way by wearing Lolli Popitt.

Photographer, Robin Souma. Model, Erin Lucas wearing the Eggplant Flora Fairy Dress

I love your housewife dresses! When you design your collections, do you keep specific people, like the housewife, in mind or are they imaginary, inspirational characters?

The housewife dress is just a satirical piece created for runway.  These dresses are kind of poking at society’s idealistic housewife since they are really short & sexy.

What are some of your other styles?

The Lolli Cupcake dresses are the brand’s trademark. They’re girlie, fun and cute, which all describe the line. We call the feathered dresses “Fairy Dresses.” The psychedelic pieces are 60s mod styles and the “Doll” pieces often have a lot of lace and embellishments.

Cupcake Dress and Doll Dress

Lolli Popitt is for “daring who like to stand out in a crowd.” Could you walk me through the ideal day-in-the-life of a Lolli girl? What does she do? Who does she meet?

If wearing one of our couture pieces, a Lolli girl should probably by prepared to meet and talk to anyone because she is bound to get attention. These dresses are conversation pieces, so she must be daring to wear them. But when wearing our RTW pieces, a perfect Lolli candidate is confident and just wants to have fun with her wardrobe.

When I wear the crazier stuff, I think I kind of become a performance artist. I think the clothes can bring out a personality that you may not have known you had.

So, you don’t always have to be a fashion risk-taker to wear Lolli Popitt? Does the Lolli Girl ever dress down?

Although the line is risky and avant-garde, that is not our entire collection. The line IS wearable. The really crazy stuff is just an over-the-top and accentuated take on our conceptual ideas. But the garments are wearable. They can also be worn every day without the commitment to that non-stop attention that our couture yields.

Black chantilly lace Doll Dress

I noticed a lot of your designs feature inner-wear as outer-wear – corsets, bras, bustiers. What inspired you to focus on this trend for Lolli Popitt?

The feathered bras are technically lingerie, but you can wear them out. You can wear them alone with jeans or a skirt, but I think they look best accompanying something. They are fancy and functional. They can be worn underneath a button down (revealing the feathers) as well as over a slip with a skirt to make them fancier. Musicians have worn them to red carpet events and in their music videos.

The lace lingerie shorts were originally created to go under the dresses that we put down the runway, but we then realized that they compliment the clothing really well.

Photographer, Robin Souma. Model, Erin Lucas wearing Feather Fairy bra &Crystal Knuckles jewelry

Where do you find inspiration? Who are your style icons? What other designers and artists do you look up to?

I was inspired by performance artists like Leigh Bowery, who literally was his art. He dressed-up eccentrically every day for all to see. Joanna Frueh, an artist/writer who studied the correlation between femininity, sexuality and  beauty in everyday life. Twiggy’s signature dresses have inspired my psychedelic pieces.

Recently, I have been dressing musician, Neon Hitch, an incredibly unique performer whose daring and organic style embodies the ideals of both of my lines, especially the Crystal Knuckles jewelry.

My aunt, Carole Feuerman, a well-known photo-realist sculptor, is one of my biggest idols. Learning from her has helped me see how I could create a foundation to turn art into a business.

Psychedelic Mod shorts & cut out bra set

Your Crystal Knuckles jewelry line looks amazing. How did you get started designing jewelry and what is the inspiration behind the pieces?

I’ve always collected crystals. My aunt would give me a crystal whenever I saw her while growing up. My initial collection was started using those stones, the ones that I had from my aunt. I owned several over-sized rings which I loved and thought that using natural crystals to create jewelry would be a really unique idea. In fact, in gemology you’re supposed to have a crystal on you at all times because they are said to bring healing and protective powers. The rings will be featured on Ideeli.com and we are currently in contact with Henri Bendel, Barney’s & Scoop NYC. I will keep you posted on what’s to come!

Amethyst - Photographer, Andrew Werner

Azurite/Malachite - Photographer, Andrew Werner

Artist Neon Hitch wearing Crystal Knuckles

Uma Thurman wearing Crystal Knuckles

You can learn more about Lolli Popitt here.

Ranging from the trend setting fashionista, to the romantic girlie girl, to the sexy bombshell, here are our favorites (23 of them!) for the season:

For the Fashionista:

Take the trends to the next level with these killer sequin styles from luxe designers and their affordable counterparts. Shop: 3/4 sleeve sequin dress 3.1 Philip Lim, $850; Embellished silk dress Adam $748; One shoulder dress, Tibi $935; Sequin dress Balmain $11,500; One shoulder sequin dress, Halston Heritage $500; Paprika Sequin Sweetheart Dress, Rare Fashion $35; Red frill sleeve backless dress $50; Backless sequin gold dress, Rare $70; Velvet sequin dress, Rare Opulence $100.

For the Girlie Girl:

Play on your feminine side with these romantic, whimsical styles. Shop: Gold sequin cap sleeve, Dorothy Perkins $80; Maggie strapless dress Alice & Olivia $484; Sequin tank dress Alberta Feretti $1,480; Sequin evening gown, Rachel Gilbert $1,480; Pink sequin mini 3.1 Phillip Lim, $750; Silk tulle sequin dress, Anna Sui $697; Graingers glitter dress, French Connection $250.

For the Bombshell:

Vamp it up in a sexy number to ring in the New Year. Shop: black maxi dress, TopShop $200; sequin tube, Arden B. $79; black rose dress, French Connection $250; 3/4 sleeve gold dress Malene Birger, $450; Nicolette strapless Alice & Olivia, $396; Ro sequin dress Alice & Olivia $368; strapless Paul & Joe $700.

Don’t miss these tidbits about some of the world’s top fashion designers:

Point of origin

• Kate Spade – Kansas City, MO
• Yves Saint Laurent – Oran, Algeria
• John Bartlett – Cincinnati, OH
• Anna Sui – Detroit, MI
• Texas – Todd Oldham, Tom Ford
• Bronx, New York – Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein

Getting started

• Marc Jacobs — stock boy for Charivari, a New York clothing store
• Ralph Lauren — road salesman for a neckwear manufacturer
• Halston — window dresser at Carson-Pirie-Scott
• Coco Chanel — clerk in a hosiery shop
• Tommy Hilfiger — freelance designer for Jordache jeans
• Tom Ford — actor/model in TV commercials
• Michael Kors — sales assistant at a boutique
• Giorgio Armani — buyer’s assistant for a department store
• Alexander McQueen — tailor’s apprentice
• Jil Sander — fashion journalist
• Laura Ashley — secretary
• Manolo Blahnik — jeans buyer
• Salvatore Ferragamo — factory worker making cowboy boots

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology

• Calvin Klein
• Norma Kamali
• Jhane Barnes

Parsons School of Design

• Donna Karan
• Mark Badgley & James Mischka
• Tom Ford Anna Sui
• Alexander McQueen – St. Martins School of Art
• Issey Miyake – Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne
• Gianni Versace – No formal training, learned tailoring from dressmaker mother

Started on a different path

• Vivienne Westwood — teacher
• Thierry Mugler — dancer
• Christian Dior — art dealer
• Miuccia Prada — PhD, political science
• Joan Vass — museum curator

(Credit: About.com)

“Linda and Naomi… were so important in helping me get all the other models to do my first show….We’d have birthday parties, gatherings and hung out at my apartment before we would go out.”

Imagine, partying with the Supers before heading out on the town? The pounds of cocaine that must have been consumed? The dozens, nay hundreds, of broken martini glasses used as shanks? I miss the 90s.

So was the power of the Supermodel. Linda and Naomi caused quite a stir after wearing some of Sui’s baby doll dresses, before the designer even had her first show, prompting phone calls from the likes of Helena Christensen.

But there’s a downside to all that power.

“It was the most terrifying thing to do fittings with supermodels, because they would come in and look at your Polaroid board, and count how many outfits they had, what order they came out in and who were they next to…They’d literally pull the Polaroid off the board and say they want to wear this. There was a reason they were supermodels, though. When they put on an outfit, everyone was floored.”

Yes, like Spider-Man’s uncle once said right before getting his ass handed to him by an armed robber, “With great power comes great responsibility.” The Supers were a moment in time. A moment where six gorgeous Amazons ruled the catwalks and the airwaves with an iron manicured fist.

A moment that, alas, shall never return.

LINK LOVE: The Huffington Post

The collection includes signature dresses from Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen and Tucker.

The exclusive designer styles were originally created for the Target GO International program and will be available March 13, 2011 through April 10, 2011 at most Target stores and online at Target.com. The GO International Designer Collective underscores Target’s ongoing commitment to fashion talent and the belief that everyone deserves great design at an affordable price.

Anthropologie has decided to help ring in 30 years of Anna Sui! The store has collaborated with the designer to pull out three past looks from Ana Sui collections to sell in their stores. All of the looks will be sold alongside an Anna Sui retrospective book.

LINK LOVE: Fashion Foie Gras

Chronicle Books has announced that “Anna Sui,” a visual retrospective of the renowned American fashion designer, is due in November of next year. In the first book to cover the entire scope of Sui’s twenty-year career, fans will get rare access to the designer’s creative process. Keep reading…

The book will feature photographic spreads and detailed commentary on everything from Sui’s first show, which snared the support of supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss, to the role she’s played in making the babydoll dress one of fashion’s most iconic silhouettes.

Anna Sui, “The process of compiling and reliving favorite memories from my career was very gratifying, and working with Andrew Bolton was a joy. It is wonderful to see so many years of my work illustrated in Chronicle’s retrospective. I feel that this book truly captures the World of Anna Sui.”

LINK: Emily Deyn Designs For Uniqlo!

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

Anna Sui has partnered with Leg Resource to create a new line of hosiery, launching for the Fall/Winter 2010 season. The collection features feminine prints, graphic patterns, sheer metallics and metallic prints on nylon or thinly knit tights. Keep reading…

All prints are created by Anna Sui – most were used in the fashion show, and matched looks that went down the runway. Retail prices for the collection range from $20 – $40 and it will be available at major department stores, specialty retailers and the Anna Sui NYC store in August.

I might need all these, the prints are so fun, adding the perfect oomph to any outfit.

LINK LOVE: Urban Anna

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

1. Harmony Lane (harmonlane.com) 2. Blugirl Folies (farfetch.com) 3. Alexander Wang (mytheresa.com) 4. laundry by Shelli Segal (bloomingdales.com) 5. Juicy Couture (farfetch.com) 6. Guess (nordstrom.com) 7. Leifsdottir (leifsdottir.com) 8. Marc Jacobs (mytheresa.com) 9. Mackage Brice 10. La Rok 11. Eryn Brinie 12. Mackage Brice (all-revolveclothing.com) 13. Betsey Johnson (betseyjohnson.com) 14. Creenstone (searlenyc.com) 15. Michael Kors (michaelkors.com) 16. Mac & Jac (dillards.com) 17. & 18. Betsey Johnson 19. Elie Tahari (all-bluefly.com) 20. Loft 21. Anna Sui (netaporter.com) 22. Berman (asos.com) 23. Burberry (saks.com) 24. Catherine Malandrino (stylebop.com) 25. Merona 26. Coffee Shop (both-target.com) 27. Chloe (outnet.com) 28. Bebe (bebe.com) 29. & 30. scervino (both-farfetch.com) 31. Arden B (ardenb.com)

I’m on the lookout for a least two new trench coats. I’ll probably end up with more than two, because I want a couple of the short ones, a long one for everyday and a long one for going out. While I love the traditional khaki (which is what I now have), I want to “jazz” things up a bit and go with at least one metallic, probably more than one with color and the frilly details such as ruffles.

I am also looking to change styles and go with something a bit more trendy, such as a bubble hem. I might even venture out and try a leopard look…….the thing with that is, I’d have to find just the right texture as I don’t want it to look fall and winterish. The search is on!

LINK LOVE:"The Trench"

CONTRIBUTE:Join Envy to Add Your Own Stories

27 JAN, 1988Born in Yongzhou, Hunan, China 2005Begins modeling MAY 2007Appears on the cover of Chinese FHM JUL 2007Appears in editorials for Chinese Vogue and Chinese Harper’s Bazaar SEP 2007Styled as Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf, and other designers in an editorial for Chinese Cosmopolitan DEC 2007Lands on the cover of Chinese Marie Claire 2008Signs with Marilyn Agency in Paris FEB 2008Appears in four editorials in Chinese Vogue FEB 2008Debuts on major runways, closing the fall Trussardi show in Milan; also walks for Burberry, C’N’C Costume National, and Pollini FEB 2008Walks the fall Chanel, Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo, and Maison Martin Margiela shows in Paris MAR 2008Lands on cover of Chinese Elle, alongside fellow Chinese rising star Emma Pei MAY 2008Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Mei Yuan Gui MAY 2008Walks the resort Chanel show in Miami JUL 2008Walks the fall Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier couture shows in Paris SEP 2008Walks the spring Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Balenciaga, Chloé, and Louis Vuitton shows in New York, Milan, and Paris OCT 2008Style.com features Wen as a top-ten newcomer of the season Story» 2008Signs fragrance contract with Calvin Klein’s one, photographed by Steven Meisel NOV 2008Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Terry Tsiolis 2008Angelo Pennetta photographs Wen for the winter issue of Pop DEC 2008Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Feng Hai 2009Terry Richardson photographs Wen for the French Vogue calendar 2009New York Look features Wen as a rising star JAN 2009Walks the spring Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier couture show in Parirs FEB 2009Walks the fall Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Chloé, and Lanvin shows in New York, Milan, and Paris FEB 2009Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Daniel Jackson MAR 2009Appears in Teen Vogue editorial, photographed by Daniel Jackson APR 2009Appears in editorials for Italian Flair and British Harper’s Bazaar JUN 2009Appears in editorials for i-D and Chinese Vogue JUL 2009Walks the fall Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier couture shows in Paris JUL 2009Appears in British Vogue editorial, photographed by Josh Olins 2009Nathaniel Goldberg photographs Wen for DKNY SEP 2009Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Thomas Lagrange SEP 2009Walks the spring Anna Sui, Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Yves Saint Laurent shows in New York, Milan, and Paris OCT 2009Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Kai Z Feng NOV 2009Becomes the first Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Story» NOV 2009Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Alexi Lubomirksi 2009Sebastian Kim photographs Wen for the winter issue of i-D 2010Becomes the face of ck by Calvin Klein JAN 2010Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Kai Z Feng FEB 2010Appears in Chinese Vogue editorial, photographed by Max Vadukul JAN 2010Walks the spring Christian Dior, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier couture shows in Paris (style.com & nymag.com) What an impressive resume…….she has certainly earned the Super Model title!

LINK LOVE:Model Spotlight: Liu Wen

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

Just in time for the holidays, Anna Sui has launched a new, e-commerce website: www.annasui.com.  Anna Sui customers can now shop online and order items such as illustrated t-shirts,  fragrances, as well as miscellaneous gift items such as the collectible Be@rbrick and Anna Sui tote bags.

Illustrator for the website is Dean “Chooch” Landry. Dean was also the illustrator for the previous Anna Sui website, plus has created artwork for several Anna Sui t-shirts and fashion show invitations.

1) Alexandre Herchcovitch

2) Anna Sui

3) Charles Anastase

4) Danielle Scutt

5) Kinder Aqqugini

6) Marc Jacobs

7) Rodarte

8) Vivienne Westwood Red Label

9) Mary Katrantzou

10) Louise Goldin

All images via Style.

Anna Sui’s Spring Summer 2010 collections seems to resemble her Gossip Girl inspired collection for Target.

Via Jezebel

1) ALEXANDER WANG

2) PHILLIP LIM

3) YOHJI YAMAMOTO

4) REI KAWAKUBO

5) THAKOON

6) DEREK LAM

7) ANNA SUI

DOO-RI CHUNG

9) JASON WU

10) VIVIENNE TAM

The normally androgynous model Agyness Deyn looks super feminine in this ad for Anna Sui cosmetics. Guess Agyness has decided not to quit modeling after all.

SOURCE:Modelinia

Despite Daisy Lowe’s recent agency switch and rumors of her hard partying ways jeopardizing her modeling career she has landed the Fall ’09 Anna Sui campaign. This looks like an out take to me, maybe they should have hired a real model.

SOURCE: Catwalk Queen

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:

A genius collection from Anna Sui, so young and girly, perfect for back to school and a new season of Gossip Girl. Available Sept 13th.

GALLERY: Anna Sui for Target
LINKAGE: NY Mag

Anna Sui’s new collection for Target pays tribute to the her past collections and is inspired by Gossip Girl.

LINKAGE: Nylon

As if Marc Jacobs didn’t have enough obnoxious tattoos, he recently told fellow designer, Anna Sui, about his new ink: “Elizabeth Taylor from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with 3-D sunglasses on.” Images aren’t yet released, but I’m sure they’ll rouse a good laugh once the photogs get wind. 

Thanks Fashionologie!

Anna Sui is set to be designing for the Designer Collaborations program at Target, and follows in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen. This is separate from Target’s Go International range which uses up and coming designers such as Luella and Proenza Schouler.

Sui’s inspiration for the range is Gossip Girl, Sui told WWD:

“I have always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers, I think it is a great way to bring fashion to everyone. I love Go International and was intrigued with Target’s new take on designer partnerships. It’s a fresh approach. I was able to select a muse or source of creative inspiration to focus the collection around. It is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus. I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters’ style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion. By combining the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour, we created a collection that exudes New York City fashion.”

Available Sept 13th.

LINKAGE: my fashion life

Naomi Campbell walked in a charity show at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai over the weekend. Many designers like Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta, DVF and Naeem Khan donated dresses for the event, to be auctioned on eBay to raise money for victims of the Mumbai attacks. Unfortunately, many of the bids are still going for pennies, which means no one is buying these amazing gowns.

Get your hands on one of the dresses here, you have seven days.

LINKAGE: NY MAG

“This season, we saw a return to simple, yet beautiful hair. Whether the look of the show was
soft and feminine or exhibited more of an edge, the common thread remained the hair looks -
face flattering and pretty. And the best thing about these styles is that they are easy to achieve
with the right products and tools,” says Hawkins.

Here are the trends, right off the runways, courtesy of TRESemmé:

Wave of Independence
“Gone are the days of binding curls and waves. This season, it is all about laid back, yet feminine glamour,” adds Hawkins. Rachel Roy, L’Wren Scott, Rebecca Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Sui all sent this look down their runways. To get these hot waves:

1. Scrunch TRESemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Lotion Crème into damp hair.

2. Blow dry the hair with a diffuser using the fingers or let it dry naturally.

3. Part hair evenly down the middle and finger comb each side into a ponytail.

4. Taking each ponytail, twist the lengths of the hair until it starts to twist onto itself,
creating a bun on each side of the head; secure each bun with a hair pin.

5. Using the diffuser, dry each bun and let the hair sit for 20 minutes.

6. Remove the pins and finger comb hair, creating beautiful, tousled waves.

7. Run a dime-size amount of the TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème over the
lengths of the hair to tame flyaways and add shine.

Mixed Up
“A lot of shows this season featured a dual-finish hairstyle with either a mix of shiny and matte or rough and smooth,” notes Hawkins who created such a look for Cynthia Rowley’s show.  Other designers who showcased the look included:  Alexander Wang, Erin Fetherston, Thakoon and Richard Chai.

To copy the ponytail follow these simple steps:
1. Pull hair back into a ponytail using a boar bristle brush

2. Work TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème into the hair at the top of the ponytail
but not throughout the lengths of the hair.

3. Spray the mid-shafts and ends of the hair with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat
Tamer Spray.

4. Blow dry hair against the natural direction of the cuticle to create a rough texture, which
will contrast the sleek, shiny top section of the head.

5. Finish this look with a touch of TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray
throughout the ponytail.

Hawkins and the TRESemmé Styling Team tied shiny black ribbon on all of the models at the Cynthia Rowley show to add a touch of glam.

Soft Around the Edges
“Stick straight locks had their moment on the runway, but the look right now is all about smooth hair with some bend and movement,” says Hawkins.  This chic style was seen on the runways of some of fashion’s biggest names including BCBG, Doo.Ri and Donna Karen.  Hawkins loved the way this styled complemented the straight lines at the Herve Leger show.

Getting the look is simple:

1. Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to hair, followed by a liberal application of TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse from the roots of the hair to the ends.

2. Blow hair dry with a medium-sized round brush.

3. Spray Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray onto the hair again.

4. Take sections of hair twice the depth of the flatiron plate, pull the iron away from the head to create a slight curvature.

5. Add runway-worthy shine by lightly spraying the TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray.

The Anna Sui Soho Boutique is having a little sneak peek at the Spring 2009 makeup collection this afternoon.  I just hope the makeup artists aren’t the ones drinking!

If you can’t get an invite, you can always buy a seat, at least that’s what a couple of Craigslist ads are promising.

FASHION WEEK TICKETS – TOP DESIGNER SHOWS – $250 (Midtown) [Craigslist]
AMAZING FASHION WEEK SHOWS!!! – $250 (Midtown) [Craigslist]

Runways like Narciso Rodriguez, BCBG Max Azria, and Matthew Williamson are up for grabs for $250 a seat.

Just remember, just cause you bought your way in, doesn’t mean you’ll get in.

LINKAGE: NYMAG

(This is RAW content from a feeder. We are not the original publishers but wanted to share this story with you. To see the original content you must head to the Source.)

In September’s Elle, the famous bohemian designer,Anna Sui was interviewed. She was fantastically personal and candid. Sui covers everything from her favorite junk food to her distain for butt cleavage. Here are my favorite excerpts:

What’s your favorite color? Black.

What are you most vain about? My hair.

What are you most shy about? Talking about myself.

If you could have somebody else’s body, whose would it be? Naomi Campbell’s.

Whose diary would you most like to read? Elizabeth Taylor’s.

Who is your worst enemy? Myself.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? London.

What current trend would you like to see disappear? Butt cleavage.

What’s your biggest fashion regret? Perming my hair.

Favorite trend of all time? Bohemian mixed with ethnic.

Always: Live your dream.

Never: Say never

Read the whole interview here!

“Come Fall, designers like Maurizio Pecoraro are advocating a monochrome vision that extends from head to stockinged toe. “My idea was to create a pure look,” explains Pecoraro, who conjured his eighties-era memories of singly hued looks from Claude Montana. The cherry on top of this ultra-matched look is tights, particularly in hard-to-find hues like persimmon at Bottega Veneta, ocher at Nina Ricci, and burgundy at Albino. (Stow the matte black Wolfords for next season.) Knee boots created a similar effect at Akris and Halston, but hosiery’s hegemony is undeniable. Even pattern-loving designers like Anna Sui and Paul Smith ordered up custom leg wear for complete coordination.”