The nominees have been announced and surprise, surprise Marc takes the lead.  I wonder if this has anything to do with his threatening to leave America and only show to the French?  Well, the wonder boy has done it again with two nominations. Look below for our comments on who we think should win the gold.

Proenza Schouler

2008 Womenswear Designer of the Year 

• Marc Jacobs (His 2007 collections we’re unwearable)
• Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein (I fall asleep when I see Calvin Klein)
• Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler (Love everything they do. The safari look for Fall 2007 was definitely A+. Give it to them.)

The Christian Troy of Fashion

2008 Menswear Designer of the Year

• Tom Ford (Over the other two, yes. I would kill for one of his suits.)
• Thom Browne (I don’t know who buys his stuff. It’s interesting in theory. In realit, Thom Browne is the only one wearing Thom Browne.)
• Michael Bastian (eh.)

Marc’s Accessories

2008 Accessory Designer of the Year

• Tory Burch (I pray it’s not her)
• Michael Kors (I pray it’s not him)
• Marc Jacobs (He definitely didn’t disappoint in the accessories department. All hail Jacobs.)

Rodarte Girls

Swarovski Award for Womenswear

• Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte (Beautiful, but unaccessable)
• Alexander Wang (Love the style and look, but maybe it’s too “young” for the CFDA)
• Thakoon Panichgul ( Indie fave)

Partik Ervell

Swarovski Award for Menswear

• Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders (I have most of this collection in my closet right now.)
• Tim Hamilton (Like it, but don’t love it.)
• Patrick Ervell (Hello ground control to major Tom)

Subversive Jewelry

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design

• Philip Crangi
• Joy Gryson (Bags and Shoes for the Kenneth Cole set)
• Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry (I’m Addicted)

The 2008 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place at the New York Public Library on June 2, and will be staged as a theater-style show followed by a dinner at the adjacent Bryant Park Grill. Swarovski is underwriting the event for the seventh year. Fran Lebowitz will be the evening’s emcee.

READ MORE ABOUT: cfda

The Best New Menswear Designers in America project was established by GQ in conjunction with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to recognize the rising stars of American men’s fashion design. Selected by GQ, the finalists will be featured in the February 2008 issue of the magazine. The winning designer will receive a $50,000 cash prize and the opportunity to create a “capsule” collection for Levi’s. The winner will be selected by a panel of industry experts chaired by GQ Editor-in-Chief Jim Nelson, Creative Director Jim Moore, and the CFDA.

John Varvatos & Wifey (r)

Daniel and I got the honor of attending the Pre-Fashion Week Party to debut the finalist’s collections. The designers include: Engineered Garments, Spurr, Steve Alan, Obedient Sons, and Rag and Bone. Along with the designers, the party was filled with industry celebs. I was personally struck by Isaac Mizrahi, who gave me a stare as he strolled by. Lauren Ezersky didn’t look my way, even though I tried to introduce myself. While John Varvatos was pleasant, as usual, and shaking hands with a smile. I love that man!  Micheal Kors dropped in for a min, Andre 3000 made rounds talking about his upcoming well anticipated line, and Tom Brown personified his collection wearing a shrunken suit that seems like it was tailored for a young boy.

Andre 3000

The models, who showcased each collection, stood on display in line two feet above the rest of the humans. They were all gorgeous and thin, most soo good looking that I was jealous of their prettiness. As waiters (also good looking) walked around with trays of Prosecco, fashionistas from all over strolled and mingled amongst each other. The abundance of Chanel bags was alarming and individual style not showcased.

Thom Brown

Each collection had its own individual details of the designers perception of men’s fashion. Rag and Bone idealized the collection with well tailored fitted suits, beautiful fabrics, and traditional concepts. While Steven Alan’s collection looked like Abercrombie reborn, same market, same approach to an already defined client. Engineered Garments could only be described with two words “farmhouse chic.”

Rag & Boners

After an hour, the party got monotonous, and we headed home to rest for Fashion Week. Well, off to sleep. Opening ceremony tomorrow at 8:00AM at the tents. See you there.

Rebecca

READ MORE ABOUT: cfda, gq, john varvatos, rag and bone

WeAreTheMarket.com gives us their inside look at the trends spotted at this shouldn’t miss menswear event.

There were some great fashion statements at the event, which was held in an unused loft space in an office building in midtown. The party was filled with a veritable who’s who in the menswear industry with all the top buyers, editors, designers, stylists and models in attendance. Below are some of the best looks, broken into trends.

NECKWEAR

RUMPLED CHIC

STRIPES

SLEEK BLAZERS & JACKETS

READ MORE ABOUT: cfda, gq