Get them for $1,195 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Leather Jackets by Balmain
Boots by Chrissie Morris

Clockwise from top left (click photo above to purchase):

Chrissie Morris Dakota Bootie, $496

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian Textured Slice Bangle Set, $64

Oscar de la Renta 24-karat Gold-Plated Geometric Link Clip Earrings, $185

Incase Chrome Slider iPhone 4S Case, $34.99

3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Woven Trousers, $665

Balenciaga Montre Acier Silver Watch, $1,795

Pierre Balmain Metallic Leather Baseball Jacket, $1,335

Graciously Yours,

Lady Jessica, Indie of Fashion.

Photograph by Ricky Zehavi

So, what exactly makes the Synactif facial so special? After years of research, Clé de Peau Beauté discovered a way to strengthen our lymphatic channels – when they are in a healthy state, they help to purify skin by removing harmful substances that cause the dermis to easily wrinkle, puff and become dry. I left my treatment at Bergdorf Goodman and was literally glowing – everyone in the FashionIndie office commented on my radiant complexion. I experience no redness or breakouts following the nurturing treatment, which is always a concern for my sometimes troubled skin. The question that immediately followed was “how can I continue to get my skin in such prime condition on the daily?” The answer lies inside the beautiful box above. Page two has all the juicy details.

Pakistan, a country known more for extremist violence than for extreme couture, possesses a thriving fashion community of dedicated individuals working for something in which they truly believe. Pakistani designers won’t see their clothes in Bergdorf’s or Barney’s anytime soon, let alone on their country’s own women, many of whom still don traditional burqas from head to toe. Despite this passion, it’s hard for Islamabad Fashion Week to shake the stigma of fear and religious conservatism — after all, the fashion shows were staged in a former bomb shelter.

Even for Charlet Duboc, the lovely and statuesque hostess of Fashion Week Internationale, going to the Middle East was a challenge for which she wasn’t sure she was prepared. “I consider myself a fairly worldly person but it made me start thinking: fashion week in Islamabad. What do I know about Pakistan? Militant…a fucking load of shit going down. Nothing good! Fashion? No way, everyone covers up. But there was a story that really needed to be told.” Charlet then went about educating herself but along the way she had to deal with her family, who actually staged an intervention to keep her from going. But as soon as she arrived in Islamabad, she didn’t want to leave.

Me with Fashion Week Internationale's Charlat Duboc

Greeted by “wonderful, warm” people, Charlet was struck by the youth of the country and their dedication to fashion, particularly the women, who were volunteering backstage and sitting front row. “I couldn’t quite believe it. How does that work? How can you look at that and admire it and yet know you can’t wear it? But they were there, they were appreciating it and it didn’t feel like there was a divide. Like, ‘You do your thing, I do my thing’ and everyone got along.”

Islamabad Fashion Week ultimately proved to be a learning experience for Charlet: “Pakistan is strictly not what we see on the news. There’s shit going on [but] they’re wonderful people, it’s a beautiful country…They have a budding textile industry, even though the economy is up the creek without a paddle. It’s still massively divided, but the people are some of the warmest, most open people and I’ve remained friends with them. I have friends that come visit me in London and I’m going to go back there.”

Throughout the documentary, the thing that intrigued me most was the gay culture in Pakistan, if one even existed. After all, and speaking from experience, fashion is a queen’s industry. “The few guys I spoke to, and that I recognized as gay, when I asked them ‘How is it being gay here?’, they were like, ‘You know, there’s opposition but we get by. We have our own network, we just cope with it. Not a big deal.’  Some of the models weren’t so forthcoming about it. I got the impression that a lot of the men working behind the scenes, like the stylists…they were gay and that their wives quite clearly were like beards.” These men that Charlet came into contact with were very rich, however, and she noted that being gay and poor was probably “not as forgiving.” But then again, where is it?

New York’s first Full Figured Fashion Week was more of a celebration of women than of the clothes themselves. Whereas in the mainstream shows, the clothes often end up wearing the models, at FFFW, the models most definitely wear the clothes. And the celebratory air of the show was contagious, causing Charlet to enthuse that it was one of the best fashion weeks she’s ever been to. And the after party, making no qualms about it, was the best fashion party she’s ever been to. “They were fucking wilding out! You go to fashion week and everyone’s going to faint, no one’s had anything to eat. They were just the most warm-hearted and open [people].”

But like Islamabad, Charlet, being tall and thin (hard life, I know) was a bit wary about infiltrating the world of plus-sized fashion. But turns out she had nothing to worry about. “They were so accepting of me. They were happy to make jokes about it. And when I spoke to them off camera they were like, ‘We were bullied at school. It’s not like I was born being confident about my body.’ That’s what’s inspiring. At the time, I felt like if I woke up tomorrow and I was a size 22, these women are here. There’s a support network. It’s not the end of the world.”

After Islamabad and Full Figured Fashion Week, we saw a preview of the third episode, taking place in Medellin, Columbia, renowned for being Pablo Escobar’s old stomping grounds and thus high on its reputation as a cocaine capital. To shake that stigma, the government stages its own fashion week, Colombiamoda. But downtown is the “real” fashion week, Colombia Para el Mondo, put on by the people and purportedly funded by drug money. Aside from a different clothing aesthetic, the models in Colombiamodo represent a European ideal whereas girls in Para el Modo are curvy and cosmetically-enhanced. Plastic surgery is so prevalent, in fact, that 70 percent of Colombian women have had plastic surgery, starting as young as 16 or 17. To better understand the phenomena, Charlet actually sat through a butt implant procedure — an experience that left her feeling much better about her own assets.

Further installments of Fashion Week Internationale are planned, with Las Vegas International Lingerie Week, followed by Russian Disabled Fashion Week and then Charlet and co. are off to Lagos, Nigeria. But to catch the completely enthralling first episode on Islamabad, log onto Vice.com next week.

Amanda‘s Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

1. Tilly & William Armer

2. House keys/coke spoons

3. Wallet

4. Makeup bag with assorted contents: MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation, Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional, Benefit Cosmetics Play Stick, Lancôme Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner, Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss, Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge

5. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

6. Business card for Time Will Tell Watches

7. Other assorted business cards

8. M.Patmos cheat sheet

9. Norma Kamali 3D glasses and lookbook

10. Front row seat card for Anne Bowen

11. Sunglasses

12. KAUFMANFRANCO lookbook

13. Broken POS Apple Earphones

14. Hugo Naturals French Lavender Hand Sanitizer

15. Sephora makeup brushes

16. FashionIndie Mixtape Vol. 4

17. Hand creme from some gift bag

18. FashionIndie stickers

19. iPhone 4

20. Piazza Sempione tote

21. Macbook

22. Go green wireless phone charger

23. Concept Korea lookbook

24. Lemon-Lime Emergen-C

Color palette: Black, white and neutral growing to rich art deco purples and yellows witgh a spot of illustrated pastel florals.
Mood: Black tied man meets ancient Greek goddess.
Statement Pieces: She’s fused the tuxedo shirting with volumes of jersey that flow like water in betwixt the wovens. It is the piece I want to take home with me now.
Front Row Name Drops: Vogue European Editor-at-Large, Hamish Bowles among top buyers from Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf’s and more.
Gossip: Snubbed by the Naked Cowboy who made an appearance last year.
Runway Music: A fiddling melangé. 

Let’s see, we have:

- Michael Kors celebrating his three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, along with live performances and their “BG Best in Show,” featuring designers such as Joseph Altuzarra, Reem Acra and Pamella Roland trotting down the runway with their dogs

- Live performances from Kelly Rowland and Joss Stone at Macy’s Herald Square, with appearances by Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudemire

- Rachel Zoe and Erin Wasson will show face at Bloomingdale’s

- Jade Jagger will launch her new jewelry line at Henri Bendel’s

- Lord & Taylor will have Solange Knowles on the turntables and an appearance by Ivanka Trump

- Saks Fifth Ave will feature appearances by the inimitable Tilda Swinton with Pringle of Scotland designer Alistair Carr and Central Saint Martins professor/Kanye West mentor Louise Wilson, while Ne-Yo performs and signs hats

This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of  events listed on FNO’s website and you can filter through all of them by neighborhood, category or specialty. FNO also has an iPhone/Android app to help you plan your itinerary on the go thus ensuring this year you can make as many regrettable, booze-induced purchases as possible. [WWD]

Brazilian-born installation artist Eli Sudbrack of Assume Vivid Astro Focus — working under the direction of Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman – developed the artwork for Gaga’s Workshop, which will be featured throughout the workshop, in display windows, on shopping bags and in packaging.

The workshop — open from mid-November through January 2 — will be a Gaga-inspired shopping environment featuring limited-edition gifts designed by the popstar and her wonder twin, Nicola Formichetti. Barneys.com will also carry these gifts — which include candies, toys, apparel, accessories, candles and cosmetics – through a special microsite with 25% of sales from the workshop being donated to a charity of Lady Gaga’s choosing.

“Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that,” explains Mark Lee, chief executive officer of Barneys New York. Lee took his inspiration from Gaga’s recent takeover of New York landmarks — “from Carnegie Hall for the Rainforest Benefit to the Metropolitan Museum and the Today show at Rockefeller Center” — and, of course, Babs Streisand‘s first TV special featuring a performance in Bergdorf’s.

While Gaga is expected to show up to the unveiling of the workshop, Lee hopes that she’ll be so “blown away” she puts on a little show of her own right then and there. Ugh, imagine? It would be something of a miracle on Madison Avenue. Oh, I do believe in Lady Gaga! I do! I do! [WWD]

Halston with his girls — Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson

See it from the side. I know you can’t get enough either.

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict . Join me as we explore this week’s best online sample sales, NYC street deals, exclusive discount codes from your favorite designers and more. Like what you see and want more of it?! Check back with us every Tuesday, and visit my blog Diary of a Fashion Addict for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Remember Angelina’s arrival at the Jersey Shore Season 1? Since when do garbage bags = suitcases? Get new gear and travel in style with Tumi via Hautelook, July 12^th. Do you think they’ll throw in that man with my purchase???

For an invite: email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

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.

- Prada‘s IPO was initially valued at $9.5 billion but that number’s looking more along the lines of $15 billion. [WWD]

- Besides starring in early 90s sitcoms, Ashley Olsen and I have something in common. According to one half of The Row: “I don’t like being around a lot of people, I don’t like being in crowds….” Join the club, Ash. Except I disbanded the club because there were too many people in it. [Style.com]

- Models without make-up, airbrushing or retouching are still very much…models. [Models.com]

- Zoeheads can go bananas for Rachel Zoe‘s clothing line in July when it hits the shelves and racks of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Intermix and Selfridges. [The Cut]

- Lady Gaga‘s “Glam This Way” project with MAC Viva Glam will allow her little monsters to upload photos of themselves which in turn will be used in a gown created by Nicola Formichetti to be worn by the Lady this fall. [Us Mag]

The Cut: The length is demure cutting just below the kneecap, and the details on the side provide outer thigh shaping.

The Pattern: The dark stripes keep it colorfully subdued, and the low espadrille flatforms complement it.

The Confidence: The thing is, Marc Jacobs will always be taken seriously in this skirt. You can pull it off too with a demeanor like that.

The Verdict: Let’s put a Bookmarc on this trend, we’ll see who catches up.

- A test shot of Julianne Moore as Hillary Clinton for the HBO movie, The Special Relationship, proved so strikingly similar to the real Mrs. C, I had to do a double take. Though the part ultimately went to Hope Davis after Moore dropped out to do The Kids Are All Right (good choice), I can’t help but wonder what could’ve been. Much like everyone who voted for Hillary in the 2008 election. [Blackbook]

- Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman, a documentary about the luxury retailer, is set to begin production this month. A party was held for the movie this week at Bergdorf’s, which has given writer-director Matthew Miele full access to shoot in the store. Miele’s wish list of interviews include Valentino, Sarah Jessica Parker and the reason I get up in the morning, Liza Fucking Minnelli. [Page Six]

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

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)

The line is expected to cater to a younger, hipper demographic and will include boots, leggings, knit tops, handbags, jewelry, jackets, handbags, shoes and sweaters all for under $60.

In an interview with WWD, Vergara, who took home the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series with her Modern Family family, said of the collection:

“It’s comfortable and chic, affordable, and versatile to wear from day to the night. It’s fantastic because you can mix and match.”

Kmart may seem like an odd choice for Vergara but she chose it not only because of the store’s large Latino customer base, but also because she’s familiar with it:

“This is not a new store for me. When you have kids you don’t go to Bergdorf Goodman to buy underwear and socks. You go to Kmart.”

John Goodman, Executive Vice President of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings Corp. echoed the sultry star’s sentiments and stressed that Vergara’s line will be sexy, but not slutty:

“Some pieces are more curvy. We don’t go too far. We go with what Sofia is comfortable with. We want to make sure her image comes alive.”

Check out Sofia come alive in some of her Kmart kouture:

Link Love: WWD

1.  LOOKBOOKS.COM- With more professionalism than the presidents of fashion, their blog connects the fashion industry through everything designers, street style, fresh faces, and interviews with creatives like Danielle Levitt. All names to know for any aspirational fashion guru, and if that isn’t enough they’re always giving away million dollar baby prizes like Manolo’s!

2.  The Ford Models Blog- This is their second time being on a FashionIndie influence lists as they were on the list of The Top 10 Websites Every Fashion Professional Should Know and today making it second on our favorite writers worth reading! Fresh faces, and a wicked tongue on every tweet Damien Neva keeps us updated on model lust all day!

3.  Modelinia- It might say it in the name but if you really want top news about any model, from endorsements to what shoes they wore last night keep up with Bianca Posterli our favorite blogger on Modelinia.com

4.  @DKNY- If we only could wish this anonymous PR guru had a blog! But luckily she does have a Fashion Week SS11 for Elle Collections out on news stands now! And with tweets like “Do you ever notice that the light never turns red when you are trying to reapply to lipstick” to “Is there a word stronger than QUEEN for Drama? Queen is just not cutting it” this Donna Karan super tweeting girl is the one to follow from all things fashion, to laughing at her so true statements!

5.  Collegefashionista.com- A website filled with Zuckerberg’s  inspiration of creating a connection with every fashion guru throughout every University in the world! From Yale to the many campuses of NYU, Amy Levin has pushed the limits of what fashion means to a younger audience and allowing everyone to glimpse into the innovative styles that the young create, and follow! Any fashion business would be dull without a little CollegeFashionista.com in their life!

6.  @IamSamLim- I’d be surprised if you all weren’t familiar with Lookbook.com ‘s Fashion Director & Stylist, Samantha Lim. A wicked fashionista taking on New York City with killer six in pumps no matter what weather, having the best closets any girl would kill for, and getting to attend all the best style filled events out there! Not to mention she’s ridiculously funny and can write up a mean article!

7.  NYLON Magazine Blogs- Not only is NYLON magazine a wicked piece of print that we anxiously wait for every month but it’s also one of the best blogs in fashion whom the magazine’s witty digital director Faran Krentcil dominates! From songs of the day, to behind the scene fashion perks, and twisted culture, it’s all about the NYLON blog.

8.  @COACD- Just like a modeling agency but better! Douglas Perrett a model-casting director says it like it is and keeps his blog running with fresh faces not to mention was listed under Refinery 29’s Fashion’s 50!

9. Refinery 29- From putting together the perfect outfit dictionary for just about any occasion any glitter-veined girl would have to attend, Refinery 29 is like the guide to a perfect and easy outfit life. Clearly with some of the best street style coverage R29 is rocking it!

@Bergdorfs- Bergdorf Goodman, two words that can change any bad situation for any women into pure bliss! With a timeline dedicated to inside tips from the designers, to the store’s events, and some twitpic beauty here and there, we’d be crazy not to love @bergdorfs tweets and blog.

The price range of these awesome filled accessories aren’t always in everyone’s wallet budget, but it’s always fun to twist up designer styles and mock up your own outfit! These are just some perky ideas, we all know we love nothing more than all the pretty sh!t we can’t afford!

Karen Millen Studded Leather Dress, $302, ASOS.com

Velvet Bandeau Dress, $35, Janenorman.co.uk

Lucifer Spike Bow Pump, $995, Bergdorfgoodman.com

Christian Louboutin Denim Pigalle studded 120 denim pumps, $975,

Net-A-Porter.com

Pamela Love Double Cage Sterling ring, $485, Net-A-Porter.com

Lulu Guinness Studded Padded Lips Clutch Bag, $681, ASOS.com

Judith Jack ‘Contrasts’ Stud Earrings, $75, Nordstrom.com

Alexander Wang Rocco leather studded bag, $875, Net-A-Porter.com

Camilla Skovgaard Studded leather platform sandals, $515, Net-A-Porter.com

Bettye’s Fancy Wide Black Crystal Studded Necklace, $85, FantasyJewelrybox.com

Alexander McQueen Jersey Samurai-Print Dress – $2,165 at Bergdorf Goodman

Issa Strapless sequined silk dress – $586 at Net-a-Porter

Lanvin Jersey-silk sequin draped t-shirt dress – $2,485 at Lanvin

Alice + Olivia “Priscilla” Bustier Dress – $495 at Bloomingdales

Express Metallic one-shoulder banded dress – $79.90 at Express

D&G Ocelot Print Stretch Satin Bustier Dress – $625 at Nordstrom

ABS Silk organza strapless dress – $330 at Saks

Badgley Mischka Platinum Label black silk georgette covered sequined v-neck dress – $259.20 at Bluefly

Motel Spider mesh dress – $80 at Nasty Gal

French Connection Morningstar knits dress – $298 at French Connection

The bag costs $2,600 and is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus Los Angeles and Net-A-Porter.com. Stay tuned for more fabulousness from Beckham‘s bag line as the styles are released.

LINK LOVE: The Zoe Report

Looks from Halston III for JCPenney

Looks from Halston III for JCPenney: a marabou jacket (about $150) and an ostrich-trimmed velvet jacket ($110) and skirt ($70).

Looks from Halston III for JC Penney: A crepe suit ($200) and a wool coat ($190.)

A look from the Halston III for JCPenney holiday 1984 show.

“Who needs cashmere?”

So said the legendary Halston on June 7, 1983, as he made his way through the racks of pieces he had designed for Halston III, his lower-price line for J.C. Penney. Looking back, the pact made Halston a pioneer in the world of high-low fashion, but it was ruinous for him personally. At the time, though, he sounded quite optimistic.

Though his dresses had appeared on Studio 54 regulars such as Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston now had his eye on the Everywoman. “When I think of these clothes, I think of my family,” the Iowa-born designer said. “I have a sister in Little Rock [Ark.] and a sister-in-law in Gainesville, Fla., and they’re dying for these clothes to come out.”

Prices ranged from $24 for a casual shirt to $200 for a coat, and included splashy items such as an ostrich-trimmed velvet jacket. In keeping with the venture’s populist spirit, Halston made appearances on “Phil Donahue” and “Good Morning America.” White- and chrome-fixtured Halston departments were built in the individual stores to house the line. “The idea is to display the merchandise to its best advantage, without things like Dynel wigs taking away from them,” the designer quipped.

But would selling at J.C. Penney hurt his cred with the Beautiful People? “I haven’t had that much flack from the stores,” Halston insisted. “I have a big public, which has been conditioned to buy my things for the past 30 years.”

In a separate story that day, several top retailers shared their reaction to Halston III. According to Bloomingdale’s Kal Ruttenstein, the line “is so much lower-priced [that it] will not hit the same customer.” Phillip Miller, then president of Neiman Marcus, agreed: “I don’t think this will have any adverse effect on Halston’s top line.…It’s a totally different market.”

In fact, the effect was disastrous. Bergdorf Goodman dropped Halston’s main line immediately, and a year later, he would lose the rights to his company and name. Still, in his vision of high-end design for the mass market, Halston anticipated the trend that Target, Kohl’s and other big-box retailers would mine two decades later.

(WWD)

As a lover of ANYTHING Halston, this article kind of saddens me a bit. I’m fully aware that many designers have their ups and downs when trying to market their “particular brand” to certain segments of the population, but that was such a different time in the world of fashion. My personal feeling is that, it had less to do with his design aesthetic and more to do with the fact that the high-end stores such as Bergdorf and Neiman’s want exclusivity from their designers.

I’m quite sure the “rankling point” was the fact that, while Halston wanted to reach that “everywoman,” the high-end stores obviously wanted to disassociate themselves with his brand, as their target market is always the “monied set.” The thought, I’m sure, was that if the “average” woman could purchase Halston, it would no longer prove appealing to that particular group.

While some of that feeling still exists today,(a few years back, I read an article about Bally, and the fact they really prefer, that only a certain segment of consumers wear their designs, so as not to “sully” the Bally name. So there again, they fall into that category of high-end brands, that would never entertain the thought of partnering with Target or anyone of the kind; that’s fine, as that’s their absolute right, it’s just some information that I find interesting). Today’s designers do possess much more levity in how their collections will be distributed, which is evident by those who continue to partner with Target. Reputations certainly aren’t as “fragile” as they were in past years, as the high-end stores will always receive the “best of the best,” regardless of any “side ventures” in which a designer might engage.

LINK LOVE:A Trip Back in Time: Halston for J.C. Penney

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

LINK LOVE: NY Mag

The collaboration, which will be sold only online,  “ranges from chiffon day pieces to more structured sheaths, inspired by what Wu calls classic American style.” The line features defined waists and a color palette of lemon yellow, red, and navy blue. Dresses will retail between $1,150 to $2,990.

LINK LOVE: Racked via WWD

I haven’t had a chance to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox yet, but I am hoping to get around to it something within the next week. In the mean time I may have to head up to Bergdorf Goodman to check out their store front based on the movie.

LINK LOVE: I Watch Stuff

According to New York Magazine, Courtney Love leaves the tags on her $7,800 Bergdorf Goodman dress so that she can return it the next day. That’s an interesting way to remain chic through the recession. Guess the songstess has never heard of RentTheRunway.com.

Last night, Love was wearing a slinky black dress on her hanger-like frame. We noticed that there was still a tag on it, and she politely asked us to rip it off, before hesitating: “Oh, no — what if I want to return it? No, no, I can’t. That’d be bad.” We hand her the evidence of the $7,800 dress she bought at Bergdorf Goodman today, and she laughs.

Definitely killing two birds with one monogrammed stone, U.S. chairman of LVMH Renaud Dutreil saves money on private cars and manages to get in some daily exercise. The team player cycles to work daily and parks his bike at Bergdorf.

LINK LOVE: WWD

High-tech meets high-fashion in a new collaboration between Dell and D.L. & Co. creative director Douglas Little. The designer has created a limited-edition line of opulent Adamo laptop skins, which evoke various “Tales of Technology”—working with Bergdorf Goodman’s senior director of visual presentation, David Hoey, to enhance each computer’s concept with a dazzling display in the store’s famed Fifth Avenue windows.

Read more here.

Designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Matthew Williamson, Alberta Ferretti, Yohji Yamamoto and Alexander McQueen grace the holiday windows of Bergdorf Goodman.

More here

Here is a look at the current Bergdorf Boodman window display.

Find more photos like this on CULT

LINK LOVE

Well respected designer Robert Danes is looking for new interns, and we think you indies deserve the first crack at the job! This CFDA certified designer is looking for new interns to start ASAP! There are multiple positions available, and the designer is looking for a specific person for each position. Check out the job details:

1. Pattern Assistant Intern:

-Strong interest in drafting patterns.

-Understands patterns, very neat & clean work, organized and is a good team member.

-Self motivated, naturally wants to help.

-Preferably a 3rd or 4th year student or a student with many years experience in making clothing.

2. Fabric Assistant Intern -also- Notions/Supplies

-organizing & up-keeping all fabrics notions & trims

-Will visit all of our vendors in the garment district and will learn about many types of fabrics; as well as the organization and        purchasing of such…

3. Marketing/PR

-Sales, public relations assistant will visit couture departments of Bergdorf’s and Saks assist with all sales marketing and public relations.

-swatches for sales/ photos for sales/ presskits / phone assistance / fitting assistance

-showroom assistance

Still interested? All you have to do is send me your resume!

corey@fashionindie.com is the e-mail address (serious inquiries only, must live in NYC)

www.robertdanes.com

]]> http://fashionindie.com/want-a-chance-to-intern-for-a-cfda-designer/feed/ 1 http://fashionindie.com/neiman-marcus-sued-for-false-cava-fur-advertising/ http://fashionindie.com/neiman-marcus-sued-for-false-cava-fur-advertising/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:40:33 +0000 FashionIndie http://fashionindie.com/neiman-marcus-sued-for-false-cava-fur-advertising/

According to the petition the Humane Society filed, Neiman’s and Bergdorf’s have been hawking $1,500 Manolo Blahnik boots trimmed with “cava fur” and “natural ocelot fur.” Just two problems: There’s no such thing as cava fur, and it’s illegal to sell ocelot fur because the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service classifies the animal as an endangered species.

LINK LOVE: huffingtonpost via treehuger

If your getting the need to feel all exclusive, here’s your perfect shot. Edward Bess has created a room service makeup company for 24 hr service  7 days a week. Yes everyone, you can get your makeup done professionally at 4 in the morning. But before you start running for the phone, and your wallets of course, here’s the exclusive catch: The service is only available to those that hold the Bess card pictured above. You can purchase the card in Bergdorf Goodman at an Edward Bess counter, that’s in addition to the cost of a makeup artist, which runs at the small price of $400 per visit.

So if you live in NYC or the Fountainebleau Hotel in Miami, the only two places the service is available, get your hands on the Bess, you’ll feel just as important as the black card holder from American Express.

LINKAGE: Glamour

Goodbye Virgin Megastore, hello Nordstrom Rack! In addition to the discounts offered at Filene’s Basement and DSW, Union Square is making a name as the recession battle capital with the first branch of Nordstrom to open in New York City! Doors are slated to open sometime next spring providing shoppers with 50%-60% discounts on the same brands that Nordstrom carries. Alright Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman, you better present some macho sales or Nordstrom is going to eat you alive! 

Thanks NY Mag! 

20LTD Print Clutch.

I stumbled upon this adorable mesh clutch, and I simply had to find out who made it! Back in 2001, friends Lily Rafii and Sulaika Zarrouk decided to design affordable luxury accessories to compliment the stylish outfits of city-slicking New York women. Mostly inspired by vintage flea-market finds, Felix Rey accessories are modern enough to accommodate the 21st century woman while providing quaint epochal style. Despite their main focus on couture handbags, Felix Rey, named after a painting by Vincent Van Gogh, also designs belts, chic umbrellas and other accessories. 

Felix Rey handbags and other accessories are available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and other boutiques across the globe. 

The for the photo Highsnobette !