I noticed the other day that we were set to hit a major milestone in our company this week, our 10,000th post!!!

That’s right indies, everyday for the past two years, we’ve given you our (sometimes disagreed upon) opinions on fashion, breaking news stories and shared with you our favorite editorials, videos, and more. We’ve come a long way from the days when I was the only writer on the site, providing a once daily dose of my own views on fashion, to now where there are nearly a dozen regularly contributing writers and a growing network of Cult members, provide a wide range of ideas and opinions on the industry.

We wanted to thank all our loyal readers for making FashionIndie.com one of the fastest growing fashion destinations on the web. You guys are awesome and we couldn’t have made it this far without you. I’d also like to thank all our writers for making FashionIndie.com the greatest fashion publication on the web. You guys, but mostly girls, rock and I’m so happy that I’ve gotten the chance to be your friends through your work at Fashion Indie.

So without further ado, I’m inviting everyone who reads this site to provide comments below. Share your favorite articles, send us some fan mail (or hate mail, you know we love it either way), and let us know how we can make FashionIndie.com’s next 10,000 posts better than the last.

Hugs and Disses,

Daniel Saynt

P.S. We’re celebrating our 10000th post by giving you the chance to advertise on every page of FashionIndie.com for one month for $5 bucks. Reach nearly 1 million dedicated indies for cheaps. Click Here for details.

Celebrities I Would Love to Be Friends With: Mary-Kate Olsen, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Justin Timberlake. In that Order.

So for those of you who don’t know we’ve been in some major transition.

We’ve left behind our Brooklyn Office to transfer everyone to remote status (they all work from home). We’re now renting a mini, meet-up office in the city, which will allow Becks and I to do more work and travel less and everyone else to do the same. We’ll probably move back into an office in June when all our summer interns start, but for now we’re keeping ourselves lean and mean, prepping for the funness that is the recession, potential investors and getting ready for a new launch we’ll announce March 20th in partnership with our homies at [insert awesome magazine here].

Here’s a quick photo essay on what our first day was like working from our new home office.

Becks Really, Really, Really likes her chair.

Foxy Cleopatra likes to bring us toys. We like to ignore the fact that she’s overweight.

The monsters contemplate how best to shit in the new office.

This dude is a total sexual deviant. We caught him face humping Foxy like thirty times in one day.

Becks contemplates her Thakoon for Target purchase. I say she should have held out for McQ.

Daniel Saynt Defends Fashion Bloggers

Hey Indies,

As many of you know we are currently pursuing a class action lawsuit against The New York Observer for printing a false article about me and Fashion Indie. The article has led to the cancellation of Fashion Indie Week and a major financial blow to our company which may lead to reduce our coverage of fashion week and adjust our business model.

We are just a bunch of bloggers looking to change the fashion world one post at a time. It’s sad that a publication as big as The New York Observer could print things that could so badly effect our business.

We hope that we have the support of the blogging community as this case could potentially change the way independent online publishers are viewed forever. We’ll be contacting members of our blogger network Sayntly with details on how they can join “Team Indie” and support us as we try to defend our name and prevent The New York Observer’s libelous claims from destroying our reputation in the industry forever.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN SAYNTLY.

Below is our press release, please add it to your site immediately.

For Immediate Release

February 18th, 2009

Blogger Versus Goliath; FashionIndie.com Prepares Class-Action Lawsuit Against The New York Observer Over Christian Siriano Claim

New York – Daniel Saynt (25), President and Blogger-In-Chief of FashionIndie.com, is pursuing a class-action lawsuit against The New York Observer for a recent article that described the new media mogul and his employed writers as “a crew of crony bloggers” looking to destroy the relationship between the fashion industry and online publishers by barreling their way into the Bryant Tents uninvited and with complete disregard to designers and fashion week organizer IMG.

The New York Observer caught wind of a scheduled editorial piece listed on Fashion Indie’s events page titled Fashion Indie Crashes. The piece was to be a written expose on the not-so-secret “art of crashing” and would offer readers insider information on the best ways to approach fashion week events and gain access. “The Observer took this editorial piece and made it seem as if it was going to be a crazed media stunt to garner “cheap traffic” for our website by crashing Christian Siriano’s show,” states Saynt. “Without any confirmation or outreach to myself or my organization, they printed a libelous story that makes our company seem juvenile and unprofessional.”

“We are registered members of the press and have every credential necessary for entrance into Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We also have established relationships with the public relations firms of hundreds of designers and have never had to “barrel” our way into any fashion event.  Their representation of FashionIndie.com, our writers, and myself as anarchists set to unhinge the fashion world with our careless behavior was completely irresponsible and this type of defamation of character has already begun to affect our relationship with an industry we love and respect.”

The story has led to the cancellation of Fashion Indie Week (a seasonal series of events and editorial coverage focused around emerging designers during New York Fashion Week), editors of the site being denied entrance to fashion week shows they had been confirmed to attend, Saynt’s mailbox being bombarded with emails from members questioning the media groups behavior, and the potential loss of a major client which accounts for 65% of Fashion Indie Media’s yearly revenue.

Further proof of the articles affect on Daniel Saynt’s reputation can ironically be viewed on the Observer’s blog posting of the article in which Lauren Dimet Waters of SecondCityStyle.com deems Saynt “sophomoric” and a “rotten apple“, blaming him for setting “online media back 50 paces” and stating that other bloggers should “distance themselves from [Saynt] and others who display bad behavior.“

Saynt continues, “I have always been a vocal advocate for blogger rights and have worked tirelessly to gain us the notoriety and respect we deserve. My views on fashion have always been sharp-tongued and I have never been afraid to thoroughly enforce my right to an opinion.  If we as bloggers allow publishers like The New York Observer step on us and push us around, making such broad, false accusations about our practices, then we are all threatened to be censored and lose our freedom of expression. This lawsuit is meant to set precedence and truly encourage positive changes in the way this traditional media and the fashion industry views independent publishers.”

For more information about this story, please feel free to contact Daniel Saynt directly at 917-450-5238 or through email at saynt@fashionindie.com

About Fashion Indie Media (FashionIndie.com)

More than a fashion blog, Fashion Indie Media provides services to fashion brands looking to understand the new media landscape.

They are currently working with a national high-fashion magazine to create a performance-based advertising structure for fashion brands looking to influence bloggers. The group has produced fashion events associated with companies such as H&M, The Body Shop, and Smart Car.

In addition to FashionIndie.com, the media group owns and operates 7 online publications and social networks which reach out to a global audience of nearly 1.3 million readers per month. One of the fastest growing digital properties on the web the company has attracted the attention of nearly every major fashion label and publication. Their events and websites have been covered by nearly 500 online blogs and have been featured by the BBC, The New York Post, The Daily News, The Village Voice, Time Out New York, New York 360, Numero, Elle Magazine, MTV True Life and The Tyra Banks Show.

Fashion Indie Media has produced events for Project Runway designers including Malan Breton, Diana Eng, Zulema Griffin, and recent winner Leanne Marshall. In addition, they grant access to producers and casting directors to engage with their database of over 500 emerging designers. The results have been collaborations with Maurices (owned by Dress Barn), Polartec Fabrics, The CW, The Travel Channel, Project Runway and MTV.

Their event development work with charitable groups including All for Africa, Action Against Hunger, and Fashion Delivers has helped raised over $10,000,000 for those in need throughout the world.

About Daniel Saynt

For nearly three years, Saynt has been a vocal advocate for blogger rights and their desire to be recognized in the fashion world, a landscape dominated by traditional media publishers.

In February of 2008, Saynt critiqued Gucci’s “Gucci Hearts New York” blogger campaign and was the only New York-based blogger who was invited to their Madonna hosted charity event at the UN. The story was featured in WWD and set a standard in the industry in regards to how large labels should work with bloggers.

He’s established a network of over 50 select independent publishers called Sayntly, a group of partners supporting each other through content sharing and opt-in advertisement opportunities provided by Fashion Indie Media. Saynt’s views on the need to enforce freedom of expression across the blogosphere led to the establishment of the TRIP (The Rights of Independent Publishers) Initiative which acts as a suggested code of conduct to bloggers and details the editorial responsibilities of online publishers and the rights they are entitled to in regards to blogger networks.

Saynt is a firm believer that bloggers should have the freedom to express themselves and not feel threatened by fashion labels or industry leaders.

“I believe that bloggers can unite to support each other without the rules established by faulty, ready to censor networks. Through the actions of independent publishers like myself, fashion is truly becoming a democracy that will one day encompass the views and ideals of the greater number rather than the chosen few.”

Figured I’d give you an update on what’s going on behind the scenes at our little budding fashion empire.

With the wifey in Cleveland for Thanksgiving. Thought I’d share of the satorial quonundrums I spotted along the way. Here are a few from a rest stop in Penn. Yes, those are Jesus Starbuck tees and there’s nothing you can do about it.

This is what I was considering doing to Daniel today!

Well Fashion Indie are big supporters of Funday Friday, and that is exactly what I had today (despite the numerous efforts by Daniel Saynt to rain on my parade). Now normally I wouldn’t talk about my daily happenings (mostly because you would realize the awesome life I pretend to live and be jealous), but when I found this picture I knew it was an omen from a higher power to tell the tale of my day’s voyage.

The day started as any normally does, dragging my exhausted carcass out of my bed and into a piping hot shower. Breakfast was standard (oatmeal and a glass of water gross!), and the trip to work was boring and cold. A quick wake up was in order before Daniel and Becks got to the office, so grabbed a Guru and poured it all over my face in the same manor a college football team would do if they won some form of championship.

All fueled and ready to go I got to blogging as fast as possible throwing up stories left and right, and working on February’s Fashion Indie Week (it’s going to be AMAZING!). I had fun re-reading the interview I did with Chris from I Heard They Eat Cigarettes (I love working with new designers, they are always so nice!).

Then the most exciting part of my day came! Our new Fashion Indie mascot dropped by for a visit. Her name is Kimmy Nibbler, she is the squirrel who lives on our balcony. She was hanging out on our screen (more pictures when we get them uploaded), so I decided to make friends and offer her some pistachios…She ran in terror and Daniel laughed at me (strike #1).

Back to work, lots of stories in such little time. As the rest of the ultra supportive Fashion Indie crew took Daniel’s side in laughing at my attempt to make a friend (strike #2), I came across this cool little DIY laptop stand made of cardboard.

In an attempt to regain my superiority in the office I grabbed some left over cardboard and got to work on my new toy. Apparently, all the logical utensils for proper office tasks don’t apply here at Fashion Indie, including scissors. I found myself risking my blogging (and thumb war) career by hacking away at the cardboard with Daniel’s switchblade…FAIL!

Finally my new toy was complete, and as I hoisted my Mac up onto the stand, it crumbled into shambles. Daniel laughed, and I considered quitting Fashion Indie and trying my luck at the failing Conde Nast.

Which brings me to now. Daniel has since given me a near brain aneurysm due to my anger and frustration (and so called “dumb” ideas), and the thought of round housing him Chuck Norris style seems quite refreshing. 

So as I sit alone under my archway of year-round Christmas lights, I leave you with this epic tale of an average Friday in the life of Corey Moran. Enjoy your weekend, and for all of you traveling home for the holidays this weekend, have a safe trip.

Thanks Flickr for the kick ass (get it!) image.

Lovie Dubie

As Fashion Indie Week comes to a close, I look to next season and the rest of my life.

Some of you may not be aware but there’s an interoffice romance afoot at Fashion Indie Media. See, Rebecca Alexander and I have been bumping uglies for some time and to make a long story short, we’re getting married on Saturday. I know some of you are like, “OMG, You’re crazy for getting married the day after fashion week.” And I’d have to seriously agree with you, but it’s kind of an important day for us, as it’s our one year anniversary. Yeah, we’ve only been dating a year, but it feels like we’re some sort of old married couple already.  It honestly feels like we’ve known each other for years, as if we’re some sort of “meant to be”, fated couple who are just soulmates. Oh god, that’s the gayest thing I ever said. 

We met last year during fashion week. Fashion Indie was hosting a show for Love Brigade and I was running around like a madman trying to make sure everything was set. She was interning for the Brigaders at the time. She noticed me first and hunted me down like Sarah Jessica Parker for a bottle of Covet (I had to have it).  She claims she didn’t steal my bag, but in the course of the night it went missing only to turn up at Love Brigade’s Williamsburg showroom, very convenient.  We met again at some smaller event we held for Love Brigade at Barna.  It was Rosh Hashanah and she was dolled up like a classic pin-up, full chested, round rumped, and with huge curls in her golden hair. She had me vexed.

She told me she had my bag and wanted to make plans to meet me in the city to drop it off. I offered to buy her lunch for doing me the favor. Lunch never happened, but we made plans to meet at the Planetarium for some concert to be held there. We spent the night taking shit about poorly dressed douchers on the dancefloor. It was love. 

On our six month anniversary we flew out to Paris and she proposed on the top of the Eiffel Tower. I said yes. On our seven and a half month anniversary I proposed under a flowering tree in Central Park. She said yes. And on our one year anniversary we will be married in the Park and will enjoy a reception of French Creole at Lola’s in Soho. 

It’s been one of the greatest years in my life and at 25 I’m happy to say that I have found the woman I want to spend the rest of my days with. She is the most engaging person I’ve ever met. She makes me happier than any man should be. She challenges me and makes me a better person. She makes every morning bright and is the warmth that brings to home every night. I wish all of my friends could experience this type of love at some point in their lives.

Well indies, that’s enough of the mushy stuff. Now back to your regularly scheduled bashings.

Is it lonely on the runway>

If it wasn’t for the fact that I live and work with my future wife, I’m not sure if I would see much of her with the schedule I’ve been strapping on lately.

Tomorrow, I’m giving a speech on the future of fashion to a bunch of Berkeley students, Gossip Girl Nights, our series of screenings for the highly anticipated show starts on Monday which also marks the start of a major contract with a major, hush-hush client, on Tuesday we’re hosting the first ever fashion show to take place on the Brooklyn Bridge (models still needed), Wednesday starts Fashion Indie Week Brooklyn, our fashion week featuring 15 of our favorite designers, on Thursday New York Fashion Week starts and we’ll be giving you coverage of every show that really matters, the rest of the week is a daily stream of fashion shows, on September 10th Fashion Indie Week Brooklyn closes with the biggest fashion event of the season, the New York Couture Fashion Show at Mansion (you’re all invited), on September 11th I have my bachelors party, and on September 13th I watch as the love of my life walks down the aisle and finally says I do to a lifetime as Mrs. Saynt (you all know her as editor-in-chief, Rebecca Alexander).

Not to mention the four new interns which have walked into our offices this week and the countless interviews and on camera bits I have to do for Fashion Week and you’re looking at a schedule that could make a normal man run for the hills. Of course I’m no normal man. I’m Daniel Saynt.

This should be a breeze in the park, but believe me if it’s not, you’ll be hearing my wrath on FashionIndie.com. Which, we can all admit has gotten a lot nicer lately, no?  I’ve been working extra hard to make this Indie Empire into something amazing. And everyone at Fashion Indie has been pretty amazing, hustling their asses off to create a company that knows how to have a good time. Basically, all is nifty in the world of Daniel Saynt, I just needed to get it off my chest.

Thanks for sharing this moment for me to just vent. I’m quickly realizing the extents of my greatness and sometimes I just need a second to take a piss.

1. Because 8 > 2.
2. Because Fashion Indie rocks out harder than Amy Winehouse. We realize that might not be a good thing considering the emphysema thing but oxygen tanks are totally the next TrendSpark.
3. Because our celebrity appearances will be better than Paulie Shore and the “Oh Face Guy” from Office Space.
4. Because our models like to party. Like “Kate Moss” party, not “lame-ass second cousin who you never talk to who insists on inviting you to his graduation party” party.
5. Because Fashion Indie encourages scenarios in which you wake up belligerent after a night of sake bombs with a used Durex in your hand laying next to that random chick you were eyeing on the runway the night before.

14. Because Fashion Indie Weekend will get you laid. Corey promises…

 Abs may appear more hardcore in person.

Let me be the first to admit it, yeah I’m an asshole. I’ve never claimed to be the nicest person in fashion and I’ve never made it seem like I’d ever sugar coat my thoughts or views. I just want to be as honest as possible and give an opinion which is well within my freedom of speech and expression.

So I said some mean things. So I posted unflattering pictures of a rival. Sue me. It isn’t like I said shit that hasn’t been said before, behind peoples backs, without them knowing, said in jest so it’s “okay”. I’m saying the stuff some folks in fashion are afraid to say and now I’m getting flacked for it. Well, fine. I’m okay with being the media’s whipping boy for a few cracks, as long as I get my point across it’s all good.

Now onto part deux of Torture Coutorture in which Julie responds to her company’s idiotic practices, I try to make good with one of the few nice people in fashion, and I apologize (kind-of) for being a royal doucher

The email from Julie came in on Friday, soon after the Coutorture crew realized that the story had gone viral and was on sites like Gawker and Refinery29 (great Civil War pict, seriously).  The email had all the details we were initially looking for as to why we were kicked off their pubescent network.  Basically, Meghan and Sarah had been reading through Fashion Indie, red-flagged a post as offensive (just one?) and made efforts with Julie to kick us off.  When the issue was properly explained, kicking us off the network made perfect sense since they are try to foster a sedated message across their publisher sites. So, playing nice for advertisers (wait, they don’t have any) trumped freedom of speech and we were kicked off. Understandable. We never stated we we’re a PC site. We’ve been pushing envelopes since day one and we get it if certain folks don’t want to associate themselves with us. That’s okay. What’s is not okay is how the issue was originally handled with anonymous comments and criptic emails from the Coutorture crew.

Next Julie explained why they didn’t do the right thing from the beginning…

We are concerned with the culture of fear in blogging and indeed we had been concerned to address these issues with you and the Fashion Indie team for sometime precisely because we were afraid of your reaction given your preferred methods of engagement. Sadly we let that fear color our short email towards you ending our relationship because we did not wish to go into detail lest it be used against us. For this we apologize sincerely.

Hold up. Numero uno, I’m not a scary dude. Ask anyone who knows me or has met me in person and they’ll tell you that I’m a pretty easy going, rational individual.  I’ve never engaged in such “methods of engagement” before so it made no sense for Coutorture to assume (make an ass out of you and me) that this is they way we would respond if they had initially treated us with some respect and explained themselves properly.

Two, Julie, Sarah and Meghan all know me personally. I’ve known Julie for nearly three years and while she has remained the same cold fish she’s always been, I’ve been nothing but personable and friendly with the girl.  Personally, I think she’s suffering from an Anna Wintour complex, but that’s just from observing her sitting at runway shows, with her sunglasses on, not speaking to anyone, not even me when I go up to her and say hello.  Sorry, I just believe that people like that don’t belong in fashion.  Sarah is also another Coutorture chick I’ve known for sometime. Our editor IM’s her on the daily and we’ve maintained a friendly relationship. We’re always ready to blast anything she requested out to our email list and we’ve been more than kind to her. So her responding this way was also idiotic and childish.

And three, GROW SOME FUCKING COJONES. YOU’RE IN BUSINESS JULIE AND YOUR NETWORK MAKES MAJOR CLAIMS. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LEARN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AT SOME POINT OR AT LEAST LEARN TO CRAFT A PROPER EMAIL.

So basically, Julie admitted to not handling the situation well, apologized and all is once again good in the world of online fashion blogging. Congrats on being the bigger person, it’s not always the easy thing to do.

Next Up, I apolize to Fat Folks.

I know it’s not easy being fat. I tipped the scale at 270 when I was 17 and that was the worst time in my life. I’m still not the thinnest dude on the block (there hasnt been a pair of skinny jeans that have met the crease of my crack) but honestly folks, is it so wrong to call someone fat? They make it seem like I’m a monster for stating something that everyone else is aware of. You’re fat, it’s okay, it’s not the best thing in the world to be, and you’ll probably die earlier than those of a moderate weight, but it’s okay cause that extra slice of cheesecake is so worth it, right?!?  No one is forcing you to be overweight. No one is telling you to overeat. And in a society of liposuction, gastric bypass, and Alli, there is no reason why you can’t drop a few pounds, unless of course you like being fat, in which you shouldn’t be offended if I say you are.  Yeah, I would love it if this wasn’t the case, if we could all sing around the campfire and gouge our eyes out so we can’t see each others imperfections, but that’s not the way life works and if you’re are in an industry that stresses the need for lack of flaws, it’s a little difficult to get by with such a big one.

I’m all for big is beautiful and I’ve had my share of thick loves in my life, but enough is enough.  It’s okay if you want to be fat, just be ready for the occasional stare, chuckle or thoughtless comment.

I’m sorry for offending anyone with my fat jokes or commentary.  Just don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s not easy being a big girl in a size zero world.

Sarah, I am honestly sorry if any of my comments hurt your feelings. That was never my intent.

Now on to Terrorist.

Terrorists,

I’m sorry for associating Turbans to your practices of mass terror and destruction. You see, over here in America we have magazines like The New Yorker and a station called Fox News which is run by super racist-bigot billionaire Rupert Murdock.  On it, all the men who attack and attempt to destroy our country wear turbans, have beards, and weird names I don’t understand like Akemed Ikahina bin Laden.

Really? Who decided this was a good idea?

These images of turban wearing terrorist fester in my weak mind and I begin to associate all terrorist as turban wearing middle easterners.  I realize that not all terrorist wear turbans, so it was wrong to associate all of you together and adhere to such a stereotype. I now understand that some of you may enjoy wearing fitted New Era caps or knit hats, some of you out there may wear Sunday Derby sunhats or may choose to rock a nice suede kippot when you’re feeling fiesty.  It was wrong to think all of you wear turbans and I’m sorry if I offended you with my comments.

Hugs and Disses,

Daniel Saynt

To other Turban wearers.

I’m not an idiot. I know you’re not all terrorists. Homeland Security doesn’t, but I do.  It was a joke. Hell, you can’t really consider it a religion if you don’t suffer a little persecution, right?

So that’s about it indies. I know it’s been a harrowing ordeal for some of you, but the whole thing was pretty easy for us. This week we plan to launch an initiative to prevent such things from happening to bloggers in networks and to provide a means to identify sites that aren’t censored by their networks. We’ll be wearing our badge proud and will continue to give you the type of stories and posts you’ve come to expect from the sons of bitches at FashionIndie.com.

P.S. In one day Fashion Indie was compared to Fox News and the Bush Administration for stating the facts and reporting on our experience.  Damn, there must be something really wrong in the world when battling a larger power, defending your freedom of speech, and speaking up against censorship is considered Republican.

It has been a bit of a hellish week at Fashion Indie.

We’ve been revving up, prepping for our biggest project yet, Fashion Indie Week Brooklyn. It will be a massive undertaking featuring over a dozen designers, boutiques throughout New York, and two major parties that are being created by us. We’ve already begun securing designers and it seems like we may have already found two major presenting sponsors to help us make this event a huge success.

The new offices kick major ass and are right between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge in Dumbo. There’s this awesome park right outside our doors which provides ample breathing room when the office gets too cramped. Bruce Wrobel (serial social entrepreneur and founder of All for Africa) stopped by on Friday to discuss some goodness about our work with his charity. We’re incharge of piecing together some major online auction packages for the cause that will hopefully fetch upwards of $400,000 (if only we had that kind of capital backing for FashionIndie . We’re setting up some pretty killer packages, including a James Bond Experience (with the help of Jeffery Wright) which includes tickets to the premiere, a Tom Ford suit, killer gadgets, and an exotic car rental. There’s a New York Fashion Package being put together as well and we’re reaching out to host committee member Russell Simmons to help us piece some things together. See that indies, that’s called name dropping. Learn it, live it, love it.

On another note, our new interns are flipping awesome. Corey is hilarious and his articles are pure snarky joy. He hails from Buffalo, NY and is exactly the type of person we love at Fashion Indie.  Our other intern newbie, Hilary comes to us from upper crust Westchester. She’s the epitome of polished grooming and has impecable manners, which totally throws me off.  I mean honestly, how many 15 year olds do you know who want to one day be the Editor-in-Chief of Vanity Fair?!?  Scratch that, how many 15 year olds do you know, know what Vanity Fair is?!?  We have been seriously blessed with two of the best interns ever.

In other news we’re on the verge of securing a major partner, a major client, and a major round of funding. We’ve been growing quickly and our dedicated readers have been returning on the daily.  By the end of July we’re expecting to hit the eyes of over 500,000 readers, a number comparable to any international issue of Vogue. In addition, we’re launching an offline marketing campaign to raise awareness of FashionIndie.com to the general public. Our organic growth has been substantial, but now it’s time to spark a fuse.

If you have read these before you know that I’m hearts about Steve Aoki.  Well on Monday at 3PM I will be speaking to the legendary DJ’s manager about partnering with Fashion Indie Media.  Partner in crime Busie Matsiko secured the call. Expect a slightly crushed Daniel Saynt on Tuesday if things go badly.

Well I think that’s about it indies. I know I haven’t been on the site as much as before, but I hope Rebecca’s editing and our new slew of writers are keeping you entertained. I’ll be periodically writing so watch for the goodness.

Oh god, please no suits.

So in the past Sinners & Saynt has been a great means for me to just vent out about the behind the scenes of Fashion Indie Media, as we grew from a small event development site to a full fledged media company with deadlines, responsibilities and investors.  Strangely, through this whole process I guess it was not as apparent as it should be that Fashion Indie Media is a real company. Obviously I realized we made money and were noticed by other companies but recent development of a investor board and editorial standards are starting to make me get the corporate itch. 

Now, we’re moving into bigger offices to handle all the new hires, writers and interns who will be starting in June.  That’s right folks. We are getting official.

There’s a lot you can expect, but the most important thing to watch for is less of me, Daniel Saynt. I will still write daily, but as we move towards increasing our daily posting to 40 – 60 stories a day, my presence will be less apparent. But don’t worry indies, I still love you. Realize I’m just working more in the background to get Fashion Indie Media to hit the milestones we’ve set in our plan. It’s all very scary to me, as if I’m losing a part of myself by not being the full time voice on the site, but alas with growth we change.

I guess it’s all a part of being a real company.  Promise we won’t go too corporate, too fast.

In order to prevent the corporate strain here are some rules we are setting for Fashion Indie Media staff.  It’s all part of our “corporate” culture.

• Pets are so allowed, just as long as they get along with Calvin and Foxy, a pomeranian and shiba inu which are the official office mascots.
• At any time during the work day you are allowed a 30 minute siesta on the Fashion Indie day bed.
• The fridge will be regularly stocked with anything you want. Seriously, just let us know and we’ll be sure to pick it up.
• Dancing is encouraged.
• You will be filmed so dress like you’ve got some sense.
• There’s a company shared idea board. If you don’t contribute we will think you’re dumb.
• Everyday is show and tell. Be sure to have something new and fresh to tell us about. It can be a new band, scene or fashion label. Whatever it is just make sure it’s new.
• There will be a goodie bag and freebies closet. Take what you want, contribute when you can.
• Cursing and talking shit about people not in the office is perfectly allowed. Be sure to add it to the site when appropriate.

Peace in the Lower East,

Daniel Saynt

So, maybe I’m a bit behind, but there is an all “black” issue of Italian Vogue that is set to hit the stands pronto. Chanel Iman, Iman, Veronica Webb, and Jourdan Dunn are set to be the models of choice for the issue that will surely detarnish Vogue’s current position as least Afrocentric of all style tomes.

The Vogue name has endured it’s fair share of scrutiny for recent exploitations, most recently Lebron James/King Kong cover, and I’m guessing this is some way to make good to the black community.  Of course, there are some questions I must ask about the intentions of this issue and whether or not an all black issue of Vogue is not just another way to sell more magazines by taking advantage of an entire color of people.

Is an all black Vogue really necessary?

While African American’s, Africans and just about every other race of person who isn’t “fair” skinned have not enjoyed much attention in the pages of high fashion glossies, it seems that a black issue of Italian Vogue is just a bandaid over the  blood wrenching decapitation that are the countless years of segregation, racism and the overall lack of diversity that has permeated the fashion world.  While changes need to be made to incorporate race into fashion, I feel that a Black Vogue will only be a minor fix, as if some high level executive decided to throw tan folk a bone by giving them the chance to be on every page of the famously pale tome.

While it is appreciated, in the long spectrum of what will bring on positive change, this will only be a baby step on securing more spots for blacks in fashion magazines like Vogue.

Why not American Vogue?

Anna Wintour is quick to play superhero at the MET, but when it comes to being a champion for all people it seems like her super vision is set to white.  Anna’s main fault as an editor has been her inability to diversify. The cover of Vogue, which once was graced with models, is now filled with the images of top light skinned celebrities (though rare talents like Jennifer Hudson have once graced the cover).  The pages are filled with top models who vary from shades of eggshell to tan eggshell, but rarely do we see spreads devoted solely to black talent.

So why didn’t Anna take this opportunity to showcase black models in a special edition of American Vogue?  The reason is really unknown, but I’m sure the idea didn’t sit well with Wintour or controlling company Conde Nast.  I feel in a magazine marketplace like America, where African Americans have formed their own niche with magazines like Essence, Jet, and Vibe it has become increasingly difficult for companies like Conde Nast to infiltrate and attract an audience of African American readers.  No increase in readership, no desire to diversify.  In business terms it makes sense, but is it good enough reason to ignore an entire race, especially when considering the power magazines like Vogue have in the fashion world?

Do we need to instill Affirmative Action Initiatives in fashion? 

Answer after the jump…

The MET Costume bash is tonight. And I could give a flying rats ass.

Yes, I’m bitter cause I’m feeling like a total Zoe (spread it like wildfire indies: Zoe – to be excluded as in Rachel Zoe’s dis-invite to the MET ball by matron Anna Wintour).  Like a true fashion lover, I am excited by the lure of events that are only for the fashion elite and if my invite had showed up weeks ago (or through some magical courier service tonight from the desk of Anna Wintour with a personal note saying “Can’t Wait to See You Tonight, Saynt. P.S. Here’s a thousand bucks to make yourself pretty”) then without a doubt, the tone of this Sinners & Saynt tonight would be very different (I’m thinking it would be a more “Haha, bitches guess who’s going without you losers”-ish, but I’m only guessing). But alas, no invite came and I’m stuck watching the festivities from the sidelines, which got me thinking. Why in the fuck should any self respecting individual care about a party they aren’t invited to?

Suddenly, I had a bunch of flashbacks from my days in elementary school. I remembered Rooney Dutchman, the middle school cool kid who through some miracle of modern hormonal imbalancing had a six pack in fifth grade. Rooney used to throw the coolest parties and I was never invited. For three years Rooney was the man. He’d throw big huge bashes at the end of the school year and it seemed everyone was there, except me. Year after year, I was excluded until one year when Rooney was throwing his biggest bash yet, an end of middle school party, I got invited. We were headed for High School and Rooney wanted to end the time in Monroe-Woodbury Junior High right.

I  was more excited than I had ever been. I forced my parents to drive me to Abercrombie & Fitch to pick up a new outfit (hell, it was Upstate NY cut me a break). I got a haircut, picked up new shoes, and got to the party right on time. Hour One. About 20 people arrived and began drinking from pitchers of Koolaid and checking out Rooney’s Star Wars collection. Hour Two. Rooney finally decides to put on music but has no good CDs. Times were dark before the iPod. Hour Three. MTV goes on.  A Real World Marathon. For the first time I contemplate suicide. Hour Four. Some chick high on Grape Ice Pops decides that we should all play Truth or Dare. Finally the festivities begin. Hour Five. Realizing we are surrounded by the biggest group of prudes in the world, we end our game of Truth or Dare. It is revealed that no one has a crush on me and that “give me a BJ” is not an appropriate dare request. Hour Six. Parents arrive to pick me up, but not before hearing a mouthful from Rooney’s mom about my “daring” request.

All in all, the party I was so excited to attend sucked.  So basically, everyone and their still in the closet brother are all excited about the Costume Ball, which is probably just a modern day version of a Rooney Dutchman party. A whole bunch of hype, but a total bore to all in attendance.

1. Anti-Advertising Agency Strikes Again
2. Fashion F*cks: Why Middle America Scares Me
3. Spring/Summer Hair Trends 08
4. Whitney Port Must Really Hate Lauren Conrad’s Shadow
5. Comme Des Garcons for H&M
6. MTV True Life : I’m Going to Fashion Week on SATURDAY at 2PM
7. Miss Bimbo aka The Simple Life Game
8. Stuff Fashion People Like #17 Runway Falls
9. How Tight Do You Like It?
10. Fashion Controversy: Is It Still Fashion Design If You Use a Butterick Pattern?

These are the most popular posts of the past month. According to this list you like it when we talk shit about “Middle America”, hate advertising, and really can’t wait for the Commes Des Garcons H&M collection.  Nice job indies, I think we can be friends.

Many of you may or may not know this, but we here at Fashion Indie are active activists (as opposed to people who say they care about shit and then sit on their lazy fat asses while people in the world die of starvation, genocide, or other forms of oppression. Not judging or anything, to each his own).  We’ve been a little bit behind on posts today because of our work with All for Africa, a charity that plans to launch a massive initiative on the continent that will provide aid to nearly 700 on the ground organizations.  In September, the organization will host a boxing event that will feature star boxers and live performances by various music talents (John Legend and Mos Def are the most likely candidates) at Hammerstein Ballroom.  Today we hit the Ballroom and scoped out the space for our massive event.

It’s been an amazing adventure so far since one of my favorite actors, Jeffery Wright is on board for the event. Aside from his recent performance in The Invasion and Casino Royale, Jeffy boy was in Basquait, one of my all time favorite films!!!  It’s weird being around him on such a one-on-one level, cause all I want to talk about is the films he’s been in and the folks he’s worked with. I mean in Basquait alone he worked with David Bowie, Gary Oldman, Parker Posey and indie goddess Courtney Love!!! (okay goddess might be a stretch, but I love her).   So yeah, I’m a bit of a fan.

Which brings me to the point I’m trying to make.  Jeffery Wright will be General Colin Powell in the new Oliver Stone movie based on George W. Bush!!!  I can’t even deal with the cool in that, since Colin Powell is the shit for quitting on Dubya and this movie will become an instant classic of our generation!!!

Congrats mucho Jeffery. Someone give this man a fucking Oscar already!!!

Alright enough for the non-fashion talk, back to work.

So Fashion Indie has spent the past month on the investment trail. We just finished a massive business plan which sets us on the course to build an ad network for indie publishers. We just moved in with our lawyers, who have been kind enough to provide us space in their 10th floor office on 57th and Lex. And we’ve been meeting with a couple of financial advisors who have been helping us with valuation of our company (which seems to be worth a lot more than I originally thought, score). Now comes the fun part. Pitching.

You see we know what we have here.  Our events have brought in thousands, our network of designers is larger than Gen Arts, and we have been increasing in site traffic by 25% EVERY MONTH SINCE JANUARY 2007!!!  We have become a voice for independent fashion and our talents have been noticed by companies like H&M, maurices, Pervonia, Gucci, and American Express.  Time Out New York just listed us as one of the Top Five blogs in New York City and we our last fashion week event was chronicled by MTV True Life.  Plus, next month I make my person debut on Lawrence of America, a show on The Travel Chanel.  Basically, Fashion Indie Media has hit the tipping point and now it’s time to find someone to put a little bit of money in, so that we can take this homegrown company on the road.  But the question is, who?

That’s where Steve Aoki comes in.  Ya see, Steve is kind-of my hero.  He’s uberly cool, he’s a self made “Kid Millionaire”, and he’s known in the indie field as a king of sorts.  Steve would not only bring the finance we would need to grow, but working with him would help FashionIndie.com and our 20 other partner sites reach out to a dedicated audience.  So I’ve spent the past two weeks trying to get in with Steve Aoki. The Cobra Snake has become our new favorite source for photos, Aoki events are getting pushed out to our network, and I just got accepted into the Dim Mak Facebook family.  All and all, it’s been getting me a few steps closer to the Mak daddy himself, Steve Aoki.

So indies, here’s where you can help.  If you or anyone you know, is friends, acquaintances, and/or are Steve Aoki, contact me at saynt@fashionindie.com.  Yes, I plan to ask Steve for money, but it’s for a really good reason and we’re looking to unload some stock in his hands.  Shouldn’t be that hard to get him in, once he sees that most of our readers have bought his last CD, attend his concerts, and wear Dim Mak on the daily, right.

PS. If any of you out there are looking to invest in a company that speaks to a young, hip urban market let us know. We can take your money as well.