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]

Evening Dresses by Donna Karan
Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Clockwise from middle (click on above photo to buy):

Donna Karan Applique and Wood-Embroidered Gown, $10,000

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Petite Smokey Eye Color Trio, $25

Tasha Caged Minaudière, $88

Giuseppe Zanotti 120mm Silk and Swarovski Sandals, $1,295

Estée Lauder ‘Pure Color’ Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24

Effy Collection 14k Rose Gold and Diamond Ring, $2,280

Samira 13 Silver Earrings, $3,687

Photo: Vogue.com

Wintour and Vogue have reportedly been “instrumental” in coercing assembling the 22 designers, including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Joseph Altuzarra, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Rag & Bone and Jason Wu. Wary of alienating Republican voters from their brands, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton initially nixed their labels from participating in Runway to Win, but Marc Jacobs — of which LVMH owns a majority stake — designed his T-shirt anyway, “following pressure from the magazine,” according to WWD.

On the other hand, Donna Karan, also owned by LVMH, did not bow to Wintour and is therefore not participating in the fundraising effort. And therefore won’t be seen in Vogue anytime soon…Kidding!…Not really.

Runway to Win’s e-commerce site, runwaytowin.com, officially launches on Thursday, but Wintour’s re-election campaign is not stopping there. She will also co-host an Obama fundraiser with actress Scarlett Johansson in February — which I’m taking as a sign that ScarJo will be on the cover around that time. See, kids, and you thought fashion and politics had nothing in common. They both require a steely nerve, a willingness to compromise and the ability to turn a blind eye to corruption. The blatant abuse of power doesn’t hurt either. [WWD]

- Breathable caffeine. It’s a real thing. Though for my money, there’s a much more effective, albeit illegal, way of snorting your way to a quick pick-me-up. [Nylon]

- Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, 69, wants to put those pregnancy rumors to rest! She may be getting married to “forever fiend” Willie Wilkerson this summer, but there’s no royal bun in that majestic oven. The Queen is reportedly considering Donna Karan, Valentino and Vera Wang to do the dressing honors. [People]

- “How you Zoe-in’?” After sending The Baby Skyler an Hermès tower of toys, Brad Goreski told Wendy Williams he never received a thank you note from former boss/current rival Rachel Zoe. [Jezebel]

- Ad Age didn’t think Rihanna‘s Armani ad was the sexiest of the year, though apparently everyone else thought they thought it was. [Ad Age]

- Remember that whole Marc Jacobs sexual discrimination case? Yeah, I don’t care either, but seems like it’s been settled out of court, “to the satisfaction of both parties.” [Vogue UK]

- Cosmopolitan is oversexed, Glamour’s definitely hiding something, and Vogue is surprisingly romantic. The buzzwords magazines used most on their covers for 2011 painted a telling portrait. [Fashionista]

Key Pieces: In addition to the previous items, we’re talking sequins, a string of pearls down to the ground, more sequins, Chanel doorknockers, and the occasional kitten heel.

Designers to Wear:  Donna Karan, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen

Defining Fashion Moment: Season 7, Episode 19, “Journey to the Center of Attention.” In a bar full of middle-aged horndogs itching to climb up Blanche’s dress (she’s not wearing any underwear…meanwhile, imagine your grandma saying that to anyone and not being able to blame it on the Alzheimer’s) when Dorothy steals the spotlight by singing a heartfelt rendition of Irving Berlin‘s “What’ll I Do.”

All the while, she’s wearing  a black blazer with gold piping and epaulets, black pants tucked into a slouchy black boot and only one major accessory — her gold Chanel doorknockers. Perfection. Simple, chic, but still playing on that fun masculine edge. Signature Dorothy.

Tomboy Girlfriend

Neil Moodie engineered the “tough pony” for the BCBG Max Azria show here in NY, but it was also seen at Rochas and Calvin Klein. This self-wrapped pony is easy to do yourself.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden of Dutch and Indonesian descent on August 4, 1968. Schenkenberg was discovered by photog Barry King while rollerskating in Venice Beach in 1989 after which he appeared in ads for Calvin Klein, shot with the legendary Richard Avedon and strutted on catwalks for Versace, Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani. Schenkenberg has managed to survive over 20 years in the modeling game — as well as a stint on Vh1‘s precursor to Celebrity Rehab, The Surreal Life and a much-publicized affair with Pamela Anderson — rightly earning him the title as the World’s First Male Supermodel.

Photo: Models.com

Karlie Kloss – The supermodel of the moment, Karlie’s stardom was cemented with her special cover of Life magazine and her transition to grown-ass woman cemented by her nude spread shot by Mario Testino.

The CFDA celebrates its half centennial next year and is launching its “Stars of American Fashion” endowment drive. In an effort to raise $2.5 million, the CFDA is selling 50 stars at $50,000 a pop to designers, who will then personalize their star before it ends up on a special American flag.

28 designers have bought stars so far, including Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. [WWD]

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.

Gag’s little sis, Natali Germanotta, is the odds on favorite — possibly for the Haus of Germanotta – with notable runners-up Nicola Formichetti (natch), Gareth Pugh, Atsuko Kudo, Donatella Versace and Vivienne Westwood.

Stella McCartney and Donna Karan are the least likely candidates — I guess a shawl-collared jersey wedding  gown is a bit at odds with the Gaga aesthetic. But what about a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation? I wouldn’t put it past the Lady to get married in the exact same dress as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge…only because it would be hilarious.

As for the material of the dress, bets range from balloons to flowers and glass.

But here we are putting the unicorn before the cart. News of Gaga even dating anyone is news to me, let alone getting married. I’d hope if Lady Gaga were getting married she’d at least have the decency and class to whore the story — and herself — out, Kardashian-style. [WWD]

The Tents Trailer from Marcus K Jones on Vimeo.

Let us remember a time when 7th was on 6th, when Betsey Johnson could roll her rolling racks down the block, skipping and singing to her show. When fashion made a spectacle for commoners to notice in the middle of a “public park”, when there was more than the 1 2 3 to get you there. When NYFW got classy, got prestige, got monetized, then outgrown.

A small recap of the film by James Belzer, formerly of Harper’s Bazaar, before you see it this Fashion Week at its true premiere:

Lilo, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Casey Anthony. Court has been on the mind as of late, and not always in the most glamorous of ways. Not to worry, fashionistas! Donna Karan is here to soothe your high-heel-induced migraines (ahem, Michelle Bachman) and your sense of propriety with these amazing new images from her Fall/Winter 2011 campaign. The decidedly gray palette understatedly emphasizes the luxurious shapes and fabrics of the collection, and Isabeli Fontana‘s lawyer face makes me want to immediately take out student loans to go to law school (and to buy all of these clothes).

The campaign was shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, with creative director Trey Laird and stylist Nicoletta Santoro. Ruling: guilty of major fabulousness. Check out the images below and decide for yourself.

Sadove joins a long and prestigious list of Superstar honorees including Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Valentino Garavani.

FGI will also honor some Stars who aren’t quite as Super such as Raf Simons, recent haute couture hero Giambattista Valli and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte in the fashion category and Jules Moore will get her dues in the entertainment category. Guinness, meanwhile, will receive the Fashion Provocateur award.

Loveable mo Simon Doonan will host the event at Cipriani on Wall Street and Ruben Toledo will handle the award artwork. [WWD]

Hilfiger would join Joel Horowtiz, Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll in the venture; the fab four were the original investors in the Tommy Hilfiger brand, while Chou and Stroll bought Michael Kors in 2003 for a reported $100 million.

Hilfiger remained coy about his involvement, saying that ”Anybody would be crazy not to invest in it. Michael Kors is the next major global player in my eyes.”

He did, however, express great confidence in his partners:  ”For over 20 years, we’ve invested in things together. If they ask me, of course I’ll invest.”

Kors is planning on an initial public offering ASAP with some sources estimating the value of the company at $2 billion. While Prada is the latest clothes horse to trot out an IPO, Kors will be the first American designer in a while to do so.

Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan completed their IPOs in the late nineties, but very few brands are in as an advantageous position as Kors to  lure investors with an established business that still has room to grow.

And grow it shall with Michael Kors planning on adding 50 retail locations in Greater China over the next three years, as well as a new flagship store on Fifth Ave. [WWD]

The ensemble includes:

OVERSIZED BLAZER: This one by Acne, is long enough to cover a tight skirt. You can ditch the skirt at the office on the way out. FYI, A cardinal rule for work appropriateness – cover your bum. That said…

ROUCHE SKIRT: This one by A.L.C., you want to find one that rouches, allowing the most versatility in length. Pull it long at the office, hike it up (just a tad ladies, you’re no ho’) to party.

CROP TOP: This one by Topshop with its overall straps, it crops at the waist and fits snug with the height of the skirt. It has a make-your-own-dress effect, and you can let a strip of high midriff breath sexy.

CROPPIER CARDIGAN: This one by Preen, find a cardigan that buttons above the bust. This gives a gorgeous peekaboo to your decolletage, and makes it easier to stash in a purse. This will be your jacket for the evening.

PATTERNED HEADSCARF: This one by Modcloth, you can wrap a scarf round your neck to hid the cleavage during the day for a classic appeal. At night, tie it round your head in a bow for a royal headpiece look.

CHUNKY CHOKER: This one by Aalia, you can hide your wild jewelry underneath that classy scarf you’re wearing, and bust it out at night.

CUT OUT WEDGE: This pair by Donna Karen, a lace up wedge is perfectly right for work, but the cutouts make it sexy for night too.

**Not pictured** Be a lady, wear stockings to work. If the weather calls for it, take them off later. Play with colors and levels of opacity. Keep it classy.

Rifle through your own closet, you might be able to layer this way with what you have. If not, happy shopping! Remember – smaller separates have a longer life.

- American Apparel sleaze, Dov Charney, wants to live the Hugh Hefner lifestyle: hopped up on so many ‘ludes and Viagra he won’t know when he’s coming or on who. [Styleite]

- The world’s most expensive shoe costs nearly $230,000 and is made of solid gold and over 2200 diamonds. That’s nothing, I’ve got the world’s most expensive Crocs:  $250, made of solid plastic and Cubic zirconia. It goes really well with my world’s most expensive velour tracksuit. [Telegraph]

- Noted Jew, Donna Karan, thinks John Galliano‘s anti-Semitic remarks were “”blown up out of proportion.”  Karan goes on to say that Galliano is “a wonderful designer, a brilliant designer, and he probably needs help and support right now.” Well, I already know of someone who’s on the help and support bandwagon. [The Cut]

- Remember when Matthew Williamson said that Kate Middleton “isn’t a fashion bunny” and “I don’t know why everyone in fashion is waiting to see what she wears. I’m, like, thinking: get over it.” Well, turns out he was just “misquoted”: “I was referring to the fact that I’d been asked about her three times previously in the same night so it was more that I was over the fact that I’d been asked repeatedly about her. I’m setting the record straight: I’m a big fan and I’m sure she’ll make an amazing choice [for her wedding dress].” Yeah, that record is about as straight as Elton John‘s Oscar party. [Fashionista]

1. Nude is a no-show. White undergarments do not disappear under white garments, so get the idea out of your head. Unless you’re going for the whole “look at my underwear” thing and are positive you can pull it off, wear nude undergarments when you see color is showing through your clothes. Chantelle Icone T-Shirt Bra in Skin combines comfort, style and function. As for underwear, Commando Low-Rise Girl Shorts in True Nude and Hanky Panky Lace Thong in Nude are both excellent options.

2. If show-through is your thing, keep it one color. The sheer trend is big, especially when letting your undergarments show through a dress. I am all about it and ready to partake come summer, but don’t channel the rainbow. Stick with one color, or block of colors, for both your bra and panties. The VPL Insertion Bra and matching VPL Convexity Undi are meant to be shown and great if you’re looking for a bright spring statement. Pair this Agent Provocateur Melody Padded Underwire Bra with the Eberjey Pima Goddess Low-Rider Bikini for a super sexy nighttime look.

3. Smooth with a slip. Gone are the days when women wore slips under everything, which isn’t a bad thing per se. But remember, slips smooth-out lumps and bumps under clingy fabrics and body-conscious designs. With a plethora of adorable and sexy slips on the market today, there is no excuse to look your best in the teeniest spring dress. For full-body options, the Agent Provocateur Zelma Satin Contour Dress will give you show-stopping curves while the Organic by John Patrick Bias Slip is perfect for the thinnest sundresses. If a half slip is more your style, the Carine Gilson Egérie Silk-Satin Half Slip is so gorgeous, you’ll never want to go without.

4. Say no to visible panty lines. This is simplest, yet most readily broken rule. If you’re wearing tight pants, WEAR A THONG. There is nothing grosser than seeing panty lines bulging out from a fitted dress or pair of pants. All lovely and comfortable, these four thongs are safe to try: Elle Macpherson Intimates Obsidian Eleanor Stretch-Silk Thong, Cosabella Soire Low-Rise Thong, La Perla Iconic Surpiqué Satin Thong and Topshop White Deep Lace Thong.

5. Conceal your bra straps. There’s nothing wrong with your bra casually peeking out from a weekday tank top, but for the love of God, don’t let it show when you’re all dolled-up and fancy. There are plenty of comfortable options out there that convert into many different styles, so all you need is one or two to start. As far as convertible options go, Donna Karan Luxe Solutions Halter Bra, Natori Body Options Convertible Bra and Huit Cupcake Bandeau Bra are some of the best. If a plain ‘ole strapless is what you’re looking for, the Calvin Klein Ivory Customized Lift Strapless Bra and Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra are both great options.

What are your secrets for looking great underneath your spring wardrobe?

Photo: People.com

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung really knows how to make a woman feel like a lady; something Sheen usually undoes in a matter of minutes, but a pastel pink can soften anyone’e edges.

Donna Karan

Sheer-ly you jest! I’m sure Charlie’s angels are used to anything see-through, particularly pornogal Rachel Oberlin aka Bree Olson. However, Donna Karan shows how to class up that look while still giving off  a whiff of that all-important “whore” vibe; the Charlie Sheen catnip, as it were.

Jason Wu

It’s important to make a statement whenever entering a room and Jason Wu’s finale gown makes that statement loud and clear: “I’ve arrived now kill yourself.”  Which is something that Charlie’s been known to utter to more than a few hookers in the past.

Giles

Every goddess has her dark side — even Aphrodite could be a ruthless, conniving bitch — but that’s not to say they still can’t look heavenly. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie loves a little leather (or a lot).

Alberta Ferretti

Some goddesses deign to walk the earth with mortals, while some come alive in nature. And for some, like Chronic Girl 2010, Natalie Kenly, nature holds the promise of some really choice bud. What better way to answer that age-old question “how green was my valley?” then with this floral-inspired number from Alberta Ferretti.

Prada

Besides ancient Greece, the greatest goddesses resided in the 70s: Diana Ross, Cher, Liza, Bianca Jagger, Elton John. Prada took a page out of that glittery era’s chapter with this sequined fur number that would look great hunched over a pile of cocaine on Charlie Sheen’s coffee table.

Versace

The bodice of this gown is positively Grecian, but the skirt says fiesta. A goddess can really kick up her tranny heels with this gam-bearing confection, whether they’re dancing vertically, or more likely, horizontally in a pool of tiger blood.

Dries Van Noten

If anything, a goddess loves to feel powerful. What’s the point of all those Sheen-baiting gifts if you don’t show ‘em off once in a while, am I right? And nothing says “power” like a gold lamé pantsuit. Business-fabulous.

Gareth Pugh

This one’s for good ole Chuck Sheen, for whenever he grows tired of those baseball caps and poly blend button downs and wants to feel pretty while showing off that Adonis DNA

Mugler

Monster Mother Goddess, Lady Gaga, can certainly share some tips on dressing the part: after walking in the Mugler show she subsequently bought the entire collection. It’s doubtful that Natalie and Rachel could walk in these towering platforms, but they’re on Team Sheen and Team Sheen is all about winning. And winners don’t fall, except perhaps from grace.

Runway Photos: Style.com

Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

-This is what an Oscar looks like. [Movieline]

- Christina Aguilera is really earning her diva stripes. After her now infamous (and perhaps drunken) “reaming” of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, in addition to her divorce, flop album, flop film, and noticeable bloat, she’ll have to pull off a comeback of Spearsian proportions. (Though, let’s be real, Britney is totally phoning it in at this point.) [Gawker]

-Lea T. is getting ready to make her “O” face. She’ll be bringing her story to the greatest network ever created, OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network. Go. Head. Tranny. [Models.com]

- Prince booted Kim Kardashian‘s booty off his stage after she didn’t shake what Kris Jenner gave her hard enough. [EW]

- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen man up. [Refinery29]

- Rich bride, poor bride, tacky bride who probably shouldn’t be getting married after all. Introducing wedding dresses by Urban Outfitters! Just file the divorce papers now. [WWD]

- PETA further endears itself to absolutely no one with plans to “blast [Donna] Karan’s offices with the sound of screaming rabbits.” [New York Observer]

Key Pieces: In addition to the previous items, we’re talking sequins, a string of pearls down to the ground, more sequins, Chanel doorknockers, and the occasional kitten heel.

Designers to Wear:  Donna Karan, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen

Donna Karan PF 2011

Chanel HC SS2010

Marc Jacobs SS2011

Alexander McQueen SS2011

Photos: Style.com

Defining Fashion Moment: Where do I begin? I’m facing Sophie’s Choice right now, torn between two scenes. The first is from Season 7, Episode 19, “Journey to the Center of Attention.”

In a bar full of middle-aged horndogs itching to climb up Blanche’s dress (she’s not wearing any underwear…meanwhile, imagine your grandma saying that to a anyone and not being able to blame it on the Alzheimer’s) when Dorothy steals the spotlight by singing a heartfelt rendition of Irving Berlin‘s “What’ll I Do.”

All the while, she’s wearing  a black blazer with gold piping and epaulets, black pants tucked into a slouchy black boot and only one major accessory — her gold Chanel doorknockers.

Perfection. Simple, chic, but still playing on that fun masculine edge. Signature Dorothy.

The second is from The Golden Girls series finale; Season 7, Episode 26, “One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest, Part 2.” Dorothy marries Blanche’s cousin, Lucas —  played by Leslie Nielsen (say howyoudoin’ to Bea for me!) –  after a whirlwind trip of mutual hatred, deceit and finally love that only a sitcom and a Shakespearean play can deftly pull off. 

I mean, look at this dress:

Kate Middleton, take note. This is how you turn it out at your wedding.

The reception is on October 18 at 4:30 p.m. Those of you lucky enough to have $20,000 to spare can RSVP here.

LINK LOVE: SFGate

RODARTE

DONNA KARAN

RUFFIAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

MARC JACOBS

ALEXANDER WANG

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

MICHAEL KORS

CUSHNIE ET OCHS

JASON WU

3.1 Phillip Lim made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Diane von Furstenberg made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Each of the designs will be auctioned off for charity on Monday, September 20 under the high-patronage of
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, first lady of France. All proceeds of the auction will benefit the American Cancer Society.

With September right around the corner, it’s time to kiss the bright lip shades of summer goodbye. But what colors could possibly replace those neon reds and hot pinks that make summer beauty so fun? Don’t slip into a beauty depression – check out three new amazing lipstick shades that will get you through the season in style:

Fall 2010 shows, like Peter Som’s (above, at left) saw some deep purple, almost black, lips. While that doesn’t exactly translate to everyday life (unless you work at a voodoo shop), you can go goth-lite with the trend using Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50). The shade looks deep purple in the tube, but glides on to a sheer berry, so it’s totally office appropriate.

We’ve been loving Maybelline’s ColorSensational ($7.49) line of lipsticks since it hit stores a few months ago, and the Red Revival shade is the ideal crimson for the cooler months, just like the one seen in Donna Karan’s runway show. This moisturizing lipstick is easy to apply and the rich color, though not for the shy, will make you want to grab a camel coat and some leather riding boots. It’s autumn in a tube.

Yet, for every bold red or purple lip that marched down the fall runways, there was a nude, almost matte, pout to counter it, like the ones at Alexander Wang.  Go Ali MacGraw circa ”Love Story” with Revlon’s Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Timeless Nude ($6.74), a natural color with a hint of pink that looks good on all skin tones and won’t wash you out.

Looking to fill the rest of your makeup bag? Check out our guides for the best mascaras, lip balms, and eyeshadows.

Related posts:

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2. Best Find Of The Day: Trouve Sandals That Look Straight Off The Runway   I’m obsessed with these Trouve ‘Trina’ sandals: they look…
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Dolce & Gabbana resin necklace; Alexander McQueen leather clutch; Mawi gold-plated metal, Crystallized-Swarovski Elements and jade bracelet; Gianfranco Ferré metal and leather belt. Oscar de la Renta silk dress

Eugenia Kim turkey feather Anna hat; Donna Karan leather gloves; Bottega Veneta leather clutch; Yves Saint Laurent suede Palais 105 pump. Lanvin wool dress

Louis Vuitton leather clutch; Balmain leather belt; Gianvito Rossi suede and leather boots. Balmain silk and polyester dress

Faraone Mennella earrings; Harry Winston necklace; Damiani necklace; Fallon necklace; Lanvin silk bag; Harry Winston bracelet; Iradj Moini bracelet. Christian Dior Adrianne dress and brief.

On Bell: Mawi gold-plated metal, jade and Swarovski crystal necklace; Brian Atwood silk shoes. Dolce & Gabbana silk bra and briefs

(WWD)

Kristen is absolutely flawless, I hardly recognized her! And those clothes….I’m simply breathless…while I love them all, looks two and three are the pinnacle of all things fabulous!

LINK LOVE:Kristen Bell for WWD Accessories

LINK LOVE:Obama's Dinner at Anna's: Tonight, the President will have dinner…

Miu Miu (this can alson be worn as a cross body bag….I love that.)

Alexander McQueen

Versace (I love the colors)

Alexander Wang

Donna Karan

Stella McCartney

Preen (this dress is called “maximum,” which is certainly understandable!)

Alexander McQueen

Theory

Juicy Couture

Red Valentino (this would be a great diy project)

See by Chloe

Juicy Couture

Valentino

T-Bags

One Vintage

Roberto Cavalli (I’m happy to see embellished jeans again. Though they are always around in one form or another, we don’t enjoy an “influx” until one of the popular designers offers them) K. Jacques St Tropez

Shay Todd (this is my kind of swimsuit…perfect for lounging. It’s too pretty to get wet! lol )

T-Bags

T-Bags

T-Bags

T-Bags

T-Bags

(netaporter.com)

LINK LOVE:Caution: Extremely Hot!

Natalia Vodianova hosted the Love Ball for her own foundation, The Naked Heart Fundation, which helps children with cancer. She helped design a necklace with De Beers in order to raise money for her cause.

Natalia dressed in Louis Vuitton and looked amazing. Peaches Geldof was also really cute, but Alice Dellal looked awful wearing some sort of rags. Also in attendance, Donna Karen and Leona Lewis.

Photographed by Mario Testino and styled by fashion editor Tonne Goodman, Karlie Kloss gets dirty on the farm in clothes by Marni, Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Isaac Mizrahi, Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Paul Smith and A.P.C.

Find more photos like this on ENVY

LINK LOVE: trendhunter

MAINSTREAMERS

Alexander McQueen:

Each of McQueen’s Fall ’09 pieces were sculpted to perfection to create forms in unique patterns and versatile shapes.

Marc Jacobs:

Marc Jacobs was all about the bright colors with this collection. Grabbing inspiration from 80s fashion, the neon hues and big shoulders were a hit on the runway.

Prada:

With fur shapes, wool suits, and some knee high boots, Prada styles hit the runway in edgy fashion

Balenciaga:

With draped satin and silk, paired with fitted tops and flowy dresses, the Balenciaga collection was all about luxury and versatility.

Louis Vuitton:

Bubble skirts, coats, and a ton of accessories marched down the runway for Louis Vuitton Fall’09, of course, bright colors added that perfect touch on all pieces.

Donna Karan:

Fitted coats and long skirts accessorized with belts and necklaces produced a strong collection for Donna Karan this fall.

Alexander Wang:

Focusing mostly on blacks and whites, Alexander Wang explored much more with textures for fall ’09. With each style paired with a matching accessory models looked the part from head to toe.

Moschino:

Ruffles and roses were at the forefront of Moschino’s line up for this Fall ’09 collection. Navy and black dresses with a hint of red adds that special something to each piece.

Roberto Cavalli:

Lace leggings, fur jackets, and knitted fabrics were all part of Roberto Cavalli’s image for Fall ’09.

Lanvin:

Leave it to Lanvin to let loose black gloves and intriguing silhouettes down the runway. With dresses and coats in beige, black, and white, the designer remembers the excitement of color with the occasional spark of red.

Proenza Schouler:

Though many designers stuck to inspiration of the past for Fall ’09, Proenza Schouler kept it modern for the runway. High necks and fitted coats were all a part of the designers vision for the season.

Alexandre Herchcovitch:

Alexandre Herchcovitch was all about the idea of chaos for his fall ’09 collection. Taking inspiration from big cities, multi-textured coats and printed dresses marched down the runway.

THE INDIE TEAM

A. F. Vandevorst:

For Fall ’09 A.F. Vandevorst dreamt-up silk dresses and fur vests colored in quite a specific scheme. With trenches in variations of beige, green, and black it’s clear that this collection was one of a kind.

ADAM:

Releasing an array of colorful styles, ADAM put forth bright, upbeat separates for Fall ’09.

Erdem:

It was all about embroidery and intense color for Erdem’s Fall ’09 collection; lace and satin worked together to create ensembles fit for the runway.

Haider Ackermann:

With flowy dresses under more fitted and architectural coats, Haider Ackermann found that perfect line to combine edge and sophistication.

Ann Demeulemeester:

Stiff black works combined with soft white dresses allowed Ann Demeulemeester to explore the importance of balance for Fall ’09.

Rodarte:

Working with pale schemes, leathers, and silk-screened styles, Rodarte lead a flood of breathe-taking dresses and skirts down the catwalk.

Phi:

Zippers and sequins were among Phi’s best looks for the Fall ’09 season. Edgy styles made it clear that the collection was really for the strong and independent woman.

Albino:

Focusing on geometric shapes and silk dresses, bronze, black, and even a few bright-colored numbers made a strong statement when they took the runway.

Though Shah pegs himself to be fashion-senseless, his overall worldly awareness mission recently snagged Donna Karan and her charity, The Urban Zen Foundation, for the most recent of Tonic’s collaborations. Starting today, a variety of eco-friendly t-shirts, sold exclusively on Tonic.com, go on sale to promote and support four main causes: Well Being, Save Our Planet, Preserving Cultures and Future For Our Children. 

10% of each shirt sold will go to both, The Urban Zen Foundation and The Tonic Foundation, helping the Karan and Shah’s teams take one step closer to change. Each shirt sells for $65 and is made of a bamboo, organic cotton blend. Help aid two amazing charities, support a designer on a mission and raise awareness. 

The first Fashion Indie reader to comment this post will win this exclusive Donna Karan Urban Zen Tee!

Oh, Donna. We can’t all be Olsens!

The surprisingly misguided designer showed up in this deteriorating get-up to Wednesday’s Bent On Learning Charity event at Stephen Weiss Studio in New York.

Photo from Jezebel.

We tell you all the time that music is a great source of inspiration for tons of designers everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before people started to wonder what that music was, and now you can listen to it! The website Tonic has launched a Celebrity Ipod Auction Series. Listen to all of your beloved designers’ favorite tunes. Every week a new group of signed ipods is up for auction.

 The auctions are all intended to benefit Music Rising, an organization that works to replace damaged or lost instruments in a particular hurricane affected region.  This week Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs are on the list!

So designers, keep a stiff upper lip and don’t back down to the threats of PETA, completely ruining your reputation and aesthetic as a designer. Instead of running over the fox for your latest fur coat with a semi, lightly smack it over the head with a brick.

This amazing Italian came to when Koeun Park, former designer for the Giorgio Armani Black Collection and Donna Karan, decided he had enough with bandwagon fashion. His latest Spring 2009 collection is definitely anything but bandwagon. Choosing to go with straight up fashion pieces rather then a trend saturated collection, Park has made shown how he can mix his past work with Armani and Karan to create a wearable, desirable line.

Thanks to Selectism for the snapshots.