With the tactile effect of crepe de chine, Phillip Lim makes our senses wander to the texture of the plush fruit.

This nail lacquer isn't just the perfect shade of peach, It's also good for the environment. Made without the commonly found toxins of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP, it's safe to breathe. And the cap is made from sustainably harvested wood instead of plastic, reducing its carbon footprint by countless pedicures.

Get the hue on the skinny.

Moonstone glows peach, making it the unofficial gem of the season.

Shades of peach grade light to brighten the face.

Mr. Ford spikes this lipgloss with Absolute Peach.

This peachy ombré takes the color off the shoulder, and send it sweetly rushing down.

This stiff calfskin has assumed the hue of peach through meticulous tanning.

Guiseppe and the giant wedge peach ankle strap peep toe provides the perfect transportation for a season in transition.

Over 75 designers including CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Robert Geller, Betsey Johnson, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch and recent CFDA womenswear designer of the year nominee The Row have contributed customized totes, retailing for $200 on eBay.

If that’s a little out of your price range, basic limited edition totes in four styles are also available for $45.

According to eBay’s senior vice president of global communications, Alan Marks, the demand was so great for the fashion forward totes they “doubled the size of the collection in addition to offering more styles.”

The collection goes on sale today with sales benefiting the CFDA Foundation. Check out some of the bags up for grabs in the gallery below. [WWD]

This year, marking the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s 50th anniversary, the awards will be presented on June 4 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tulley Hall in a ceremony hosted by Saturday Night Live also-ran Seth Meyers.

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs
Proenza Schouler
The Row

Menswear Designer of the Year

Patrik Ervell
Billy Reid
Simon Spurr

Accessory Designer of the Year

Alexander Wang
Reed Krakoff 
Proenza Schouler

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent – Womenswear

Joseph Altuzarra
Chris Peters and Shane Gabier, Creatures of the Wind 
Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, Suno 

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent — Menswear

Antonio Azzuolo
Todd Snyder
Phillip Lim

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent – Accessory Design

Tabitha Simmons
Pamela Love
Irene Neuwirth

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Tommy Hilfiger

International Award

Rei Kawakubo

Eleanor Lambert Founders Award

Andrew Rosen

Eugenia Sheppard Media Award

Scott Schuman and Garance Doré

Fashion Icon Award

Johnny Depp

So what do you think of the nominees? The Olsens sure have come a long way, baby, but does Marc Jacobs really need/deserve another CFDA nomination?

And bloggers have made their official entrée into the CFDA with noted streetstyle documentarians, Garance Doré and The Sartorialist‘s Scott Schuman, receiving the Media Award — is this a new level of legitimacy for the blogosphere? And if so, who’s next?

Also, when did that homeless man on the street known as Johnny Depp become a fashion icon? These questions and others will be answered on June 4 at the CFDA Awards. [WWD]

See the future ahead.

Pulling some tricks from Stella McCartney this outlining trick slims and stuns all at once. it tricks the eye into giving the body perfect curves.

Color blocking has been vertically integrated. Split the scene two-faced for a cool contrast.

The hues run deep in Fall 2012, but none deeper than burgundy. Red wine flooded nearly every runway this week, and left us delightfully buzzed.

Perhaps inspired by the multitude of collar necklaces that have surfaced since Spring, collars are now stepping into the light, taking on their own colors separate from the rest of the garment. And it pops in a way that you won't have to lift it up.

Fanny who? These waist bags are all grown up, and some have even doubled. Hands and shoulders-free has become so chic.

The boob tube turned fuzzy as black and white meshed like a snowy television. The signal may not be coming in clear, but the trend certainly is.

Designers are pointing out your sexiest curves: hips, boobs, shoulders. On point.

Jackets hems hit the floor, billowing out behind as you take a step. The look is regal, the effect is long.

Because we live in the future (and Christopher Kane flourished with it last season), laser cut leather lace is cutting out everywhere.

Whether we're getting our athletics on, or yearning for old "glory days," this trickle up trends has saturated the runway and blown up street style. They. Were. Everywhere.

Michael Bastian’s set is looking natural, but a little bit lavish. 

I love that you used the word lavish!

How does your aesthetic change between a show with the classic American prep of Michael Bastian versus some of the more wild designers?

It was important to give Michael Bastian a refined look, as soon as people walk in the door. They’re used to him being a little big sporty, but this season it’s very refined. I approach all my shows with same intensity. People always ask, what has been your favorite show? They all become your babies when you’re in the middle of making them. It’s a constant evolution from the minute you have the idea till the lights go on.

What past experience led you to being the Creative Director on so many top shows like Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, and now Michael Bastian?

I come out of the fashion magazine world. I was a fashion editor for many many moons. I always felt my job was not just get people excited by the clothes, but to almost make the clothes feel legendary within the picture. I was coming up in an era where we were making clothes famous.

If you were in the city this weekend, you might have noticed a number of freakishly tall and thin girls running around town, their books in hand,which means one thing – it’s casting time for New York Fashion Week! Over the course of six hours, hundreds of girls — from up-and-comers to  bona fide runway stars — ushered through the Hudson Hotel‘s gorgeous library to see and be seen by Andrew Weir and his team of professional model wranglers from ACW Worldwide.

“I met her seasons ago in Paris when she was 14,” Weir later tells me once Tanya Dziahileva has left, with more than a hint of wistful sentiment. “I could never pronounce her last name and I don’t even try. She’s always been Tanya D. to me.” On his note card he writes “No Words.”

Mr. Weir seems to have a personal relationship with many of the models that stomp through his biannual casting. He jokes with them, asks them about their vacations, their families and boyfriends — anything to make them feel at ease. Meeting a doe-eyed 16-year old Brazilian who spoke little to no English and who was wandering about the city all by her lonesome, he seems genuinely concerned. But he is also impressed with her walk, noting that she indeed has potential although she’s not quite ready for the runway.

Whenever a girl does strike his particular fancy, Weir has them walk twice, maybe more and he personally takes their photo. In the case of Arlenis Sosa and Ajak Deng — both big names in the industry — a fuss is understandably made with Mr. Weir remarking to Ajak, “You’re going to lose three pounds by show time we’re gonna make you walk so much!” But sometimes there is a new girl that also warrants a fuss, such as a statuesque brunette who recently switched agencies. “If you’re at the wrong agency, I’ll never see you. It’s insane,” he says before taking some photos of the girl. After she’s left he confides in one of his agents, “She’s going to be huge. This is like a star moment.”

Which has to be a compliment to any young model — a seal of approval from one of the top casting directors in the business. However, only time will tell if he will cast her for one of the four shows ACW is handling this season: Jen Kao, Thakoon, Rebecca Taylor and Joseph Abboud. Sunday saw the second round of casting and the final list will be decided upon the night before the shows. For some girls it will be a busy season and for others it will be better strut next time.

One girl who made an impression had walked for Mr. Weir in the past, but like the doe-eyed Brazilian teenager, she wasn’t “there” yet. ”Quite an improvement from a few seasons ago,” Mr. Weir says with a smile of approval. He then gets up from his chair to take several pictures of the model, jots down a few notes about her then calls the next sartorial lamb to the altar.

Photos: Richard Guaty

A model gets photographed

Grazing gracefully

A tender moment with Arlenis Sosa and Andrew Weir

"And she is giving us a loooook."

"No Words"

Some quiet time with Arlenis Sosa

Shooting Arlenis

The fabulous Sui He

Legs for days

Lined up at the library

Pert and pouty

Strutter

"You're going to lose three pounds by show time we're gonna have you walking so much!"

he stunning Ajak Deng

Samantha Gradoville

More waiting...

Girls awaiting their fate outside the casting

Kress comes with a long list of luxury credits to his name — before Prada, he was managing director and CEO of Bulgari North and Latin America and president of Fendi North America. The Olsens, clearly impressed with his haute history, created the post especially for him.

“His experience and sensibility will add great value to The Row in its next phase of development,” Ash told WWD. Then MK chimed in, “He quickly became the obvious choice for us and for the brand, having experience in multiple categories which we feel is essential for growth of The Row.”

To think, the Olsens were just looking for the perfect T-shirt when they started The Row nearly five years ago…now they’re luring away top talent from Prada. Our little girls are growing up so fast! Great, now I’m ferklempt. Pardon me while I pop in Double, Double Toil and Trouble. [WWD]

Wang makes a rucksack with mucho storage. The straps also zip together for when you'd rather carry it off one shoulder.

The Rizzler's sassy tassels will carry all your stuff on the fringe.

With an essence of the Givenchy Pandora bag, this one closes square and hangs evenly.

Neutrally crescent, it's an ideal purse replacement.

Stripe it clean on canvas then flap it.

This small satchel acts like lumbar support as it rests low on the back.

A chill out pack to take downtown or out of town.

Sunflower with a hint of mustard, this brightens up the back.

Let someone else break in your pack for you. This vintage style sack looks like it's been yours forever.

MK and A draw the string on fine leathers.

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

- Franca Sozzani, editrix-in-chief of Vogue Italia and all-around bad bitch thinks Dior should just hire back Galliano. And as usual, she’s right. [Daily Beast]

- In Saudi Arabia, hands off the girls. Men are now outlawed from selling lingerie. [Styleite]

- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have partnered with Steve Madden to become creative directors of Superga, an upscale version of which will be launched with The Row‘s spring 2012 collection. [Fashionologie]

- The next generation of It girls is pretty much fucked. [Styleite]

- Anna Wintour‘s been in a great mood this Fashion Week. Something awful is about to happen, isn’t it? [Refinery29]

Bianca Jagger, 1979

A complimentary pair of The Row sunglasses! Hurry! You don’t want to miss this deal.

Sidenote: Is it just me or is that water bottle shaped like a flask?

Oval - Lucky you! People with oval-shaped faces look good in most sunglasses. But to best flatter and highlight your features, you should look for sunglasses that are broader than the widest part of your face. Go ahead, movie star, grab the biggest shades you can find. Check out some of our favorites below.

Clockwise from top left:
Tory Burch Stud Temple Sunglasses $165, bloomingdales.com

Karen Walker Bunny Sunglasses $180, gargyle.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Square Sunglasses $130, nordstrom.com

Topshop Black Oversize Round Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Square – The very architectural square face is characterized by a wide forehead and distinctive jawline and cheekbones. You want to make your features look longer, and choosing frames with rounded edges will do just that. Look for oval and round sunglasses to flatter your chiseled features. We love these four styles.

Clockwise from top:
Squint Topshop Tortoiseshell Round Oversize Sunglasses $45, us.topshop.com

Oliver Peoples J Gold Oval-Frame Acetate and Titanium Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

Roberto Cavalli Wrap Sunglasses $360, endless.com

Prism Paris Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $375, net-a-porter.com

Heart - Almost like a triangle, the heart-shaped face is distinguished by a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a pointy chin. Choosing a pair of sunglasses that mimic this shape are best, making aviator frames perfect for your face. But any sunglasses with wider tops than bottoms will do. Here are some great pairs.

Clockwise from top left:
Topshop Black Plastic Aviator Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Old Navy Wire-Frame Aviator Sunglasses $9.50, oldnavy.gap.com

Ksubi Atik Charcoal Tiger Print Sunglasses $329, superette.co.nz

H&M Red and Metal Sunglasses $5.59, hm.com

Round -A round face is well, round, and needs to be balanced with harder edges. Square and rectangular frames will look best because they bring out the angles in your features. These styles are some of our favorites.

Clockwise from top:
Oliver Peoples Myriel Square-Frame Metal Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

ASOS Whistles Gray Retro Sunglasses $77.58, us.asos.com

Kirra Cut Up Square Black Sunglasses $9.99, shop.pacsun.com

The Row Rectangle Wrap Frame Sunglasses $325, barneys.com

What is your favorite pair of sunnies to complement your face shape?

Red Lips & Sunglasses

Head of the Class — As and high Bs all around:

Lady Gaga in Mugler — Leave it to Gags to show up shitting tulle in a bodysuit, 24-inch tranny heels and an aquamarine wig. You don’t win the Fashion Icon award by resting on your Hussein Chalayan rebirthing egg laurels.

Daphne Guinness in Abed Mahfouz – Another member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Tranny Heel, the always impeccable Daphne Guinness chose relatively unknown Beirut designer,  Abed Mahfouz to wonderful effect .

Kirsten Dunst in Patrik Ervell — I feel like I’m experiencing a Kirsten Dunst renaissance. First she wins the top acting prize at Cannes, now I actually like her choice in red carpet attire? What goes on here? Though honestly, I’m always a sucker for a woman in a tux and a high bun.

Karolina Kurkova in Diane von Furstenberg — An emerald, hooded jumpsuit, sashed at the waist? Karolina literally looks like the ghost of Grace Jones…and she very well might be since god knows where the hell that brick house full of crazy is these days.

Chloë Sevigny in Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony — Leather and lace and giving face. Nothing’s wrong with a little free self-promotion, though her lady humps seem to be angling for some attention all their own.

Betsey Johnson in Betsey Johnson — Why the hell not? Betsey looks great — and in all black! — but the tulle ballerina skirt remains in tact, if only a few inches south. But for girls our age, Bets, everything ends up heading south eventually.

Chanel Iman in BCBG Max Azria — Lady and the vamp! Looks like Chanel and Karolina both hopped on the same 70s soul train, but with a bit of leg, a flash of cleav and a shoulder or two, Chanel is ready to steam up some mirrored disco balls.

Call me crazy just as long as you call Michelle Harper perfect. I’m not sure what she’s wearing, but I want one in every color.

Thanks for coming –  Solid effort, solid C‘s, high D‘s

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row — I’m convulsing over MK’s gold lamé jacket, I just wish Ash had chosen to accessorize a little more. Hair up, statement necklace and a cat eye never hurt anyone. The Row bags, while cute, also look like mini-briefcases, which for an evening dress, is a little jarring.

Vera Wang in Vera Wang – Vera, Vera, Vera. While I love a cowl neck, this look makes Morticia Addams look like Patricia Goddamn Field. Where’s the color? Where’s the fun? I would’ve taken a beading wedding gown over this funereal frump any day of the week.

Erin Fetherston in Erin Fetherston — The CFDAs might have to instill a ban on designers dressing themselves. Though the dress is lovely — and that bang is flawless — the color washes Erin out completely. Also, another lack of accessories! Does no one wear jewelry anymore?

Expelled — Failing grades, F’s, you

Joy Bryant (and Rachel Roy) in Rachel Roy — For the permanent record, Rachel looks good, not her best look, but she gets a passing grade. Barely. Because after all, she also dressed Joy, who’s going to have to stay after school and bang the erasers. And from the looks of that dress, she might also be banging the janitor.

Tory Burch in Tory Burch — You can try to dress up a burlap sack as much as possible, but then it’s just a burlap sack with some awful polka dots and some even more awful ill-placed beads. Or bottlecaps. What are those actually?

Sessilee Lopez in Zac Posen — One question: why? An old lady dress on a stunning, young supermodel still looks like an old lady dress. And frankly, I doubt any dames of a certain age would be caught dead wearing this. It’s unflattering, there’s too much going on about the bodice and worst of all it looks cheap. Zac, I would like to see you in my office. Bring the butt paddle.

Photos: WWD, Style.com, NY Mag

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are living the high life as of late, with a CFDA Award nomination and a successful brood of fashion lines under their boho belts. The sisters, notorious for their grungy, “hobo chic” style, recently dished to Style.com about their inspiration:

Ashley: That moment for us was us waking up, going to school, and not wanting anyone to take our picture. Kind of a piece of protection.

Mary Kate: For me, it was so cold, like the wind chill. How could you not put on 20 things when you’re going from Los Angeles to walking through the snow?

A: Yeah, we were California girls.

MK: I think it was probably that. And laziness.

And there you have it; the purveyors of granny chic themselves have chalked it up to a combination of being cold and lazy.

Yet the Olsens are anything but lazy, competing with the likes of Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent at the CFDA Awards, and micromanaging ever aspect of their fashion line, The Row.

On the success of their multiple lines, including the Row,  Ashley says, “I feel like it’s been this constant slow growth but a consistent growth.” Mary-Kate adds, “all the companies run on their own.” We get it Mary-Kate, you’ve only been in forty two movies. You’re obviously incredibly lazy.

Source Love:

http://www.style.com/stylefile/2011/05/the-future-of-fashion-ashley-and-mary-kate-olsen/

http://www.wwd.com/eyescoop/mary-kate-and-ashley-olsen-scissor-sisters-3632307?module=recent_home

- 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]

•Bid on a chance to meet Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour and attend a photo shoot for the magazine
•One full week’s stay at the private home of Diane von Furstenberg in the Bahamas
•Ralph Lauren’s Paris – Two Round Trip Business Class Tickets from NYC to Paris, two nights at the Bristol Hotel in a deluxe room, dinner for two at Ralph’s, the quintessential American restaurant in Paris, a 1,000 euro shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store on St. Germain, and two tickets to visit “The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces of the Ralph Lauren Collection,” an exclusive exhibit of Mr. Lauren’s vintage automobiles featured at the Musée des Arts décoratifs.
•Live like a Vanity Fair writer for a day—minus the torture of actually reporting and writing. The winning bidder will take a tour of the Vanity Fair offices, have lunch with one of the editors, sit in on a meeting in Graydon Carter’s office, and then finish off the day with a dinner for four at Mr. Carter’s restaurant, The Monkey Bar.
Night: 2 tickets and backstage passes to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s concert
•Morning, Noon & Night with Tory Burch – Morning: $3,000 shopping spree at Tory Burch with a personal stylist; Noon: Lunch with Tory and the design team;
•Lunch and style consultation with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, includes a tour of her offices and additional styling tips from her team
•Go behind the scenes with The Hilfigers at the Spring 2012 Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign shoot. Get prepped out in a full Tommy Hilfiger look at the brand’s Fifth Avenue store before having your photograph taken with the Hilfigers.
•A meet and greet with The Row designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen plus an entire wardrobe of Elizabeth and James and The Row Collections
•Two tickets to the Elton John Oscar’s Party
•The opportunity to intern for a day at Elle Magazine along with a personal fashion consultation with Elle Creative Director Joe Zee
•Have a Barbie custom made by Mattel in your likeness, valued at over $10,000
•Courtesy of DKNY, enjoy a “VIP” experience at Yankee Stadium for four guests. Experience includes a private tour of Monument Park followed by watching the Yankees’ batting practice from the field, followed by a meet and greet with Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. Afterwards, watch the Yankees take on the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9th, 2011, from four front row Legends Suite seats
•A lunch and style consultation with TV Personality and Project Runway Judge Tim Gunn
•Two tickets to the Vera Wang Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Show followed by a meet and greet with the designer and a $2000 shopping spree at the Vera Wang flagship store
•The opportunity to personalize a PS1 ‘it’ bag with Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez
•A “Made to Measure Experience” custom suit and fitting from designer Tom Ford.
•Eight tickets to the Metropolitan Opera and dinner with Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy
•Two tickets to a live filming of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” along with private cocktails with host Andy Cohen following the filming
•And many, many more……….

So get bidding on Charity Buzz, and support Japan in the most fashionable way possible (or any way you can).

Other CFDA nominees include:

Menswear Designer of the Year:

Michael Bastian

Patrik Ervell

Simon Spurr

Accessory Designer of the Year:

Reed Krakoff

Alexander Wang

Proenza Schouler

Swarovski Award (which recognizes up and coming talent; “recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from Swarovski as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative Swarovski crystal resources”):

Womenswear –

Joseph Altuzarra

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, The Row

Prabal Gurung

Menswear —

Alexander Wang

Philip Lim

Robert Geller

Accessories —

Eddie Borgo

Jason Wu

Pamela Love

International Award:

Phoebe Philo, Celine

Eugenia Sheppard Media Award:

Hilary Alexander, The Telegraph

Eleanor Lambert Founders Award:

Hal Rubenstein, InStyle

CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award:

Arthur Elgort (in honor of his impact on fashion and photography)

Who do you think will win in the competitive categories? And this is my first time seeing the actual CFDA trophy, but is it just me or does it look like something recovered from an alien spaceship? And furthermore, the trophy kind of has a little gut. If it insists on being a fashion award, I think it’s time to get on a diet…

Link Love: CFDA

For more info visit Elizabeth and James online!

Kate Coat in Wolf/Rabbit

Chapman Dress in Stretch Georgette

Usagi Dress in Stretch Georgette

Feather Sienna Coat

Chiffon Maddie Blouse

Herringbone Alton Coat

Herringbone Victor Jacket

Herringbone Freeman Skirt

Slim Long Car Coat in Persian Lamb Boiled Wool

Cashmere Blend Long Dress

Liquid Gold Brenna Dress

Modern Stretch Paris Jumpsuit

Herringbone Shawl Collar Vest

Double Face Knit Kurt Jacket in Heather Grey

Knitted Rabbit Long Salma Coat

Boysenberry Lydia Coat in Toscana Lamb Fur

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]

Photo: Fashionista.com

If you’ve been succumbing to your body’s innate, and frankly annoying, compulsion to fatten itself up to combat the ravages of winter, then a giant sack is no doubt your best friend. An oversized T-shirt is versatile, simple and even better, cheap. American Apparel has great T-shirt dresses for $45, or you can probably get a pack of Hanes undershirts for a third of that price.

Photo: American Apparel

It was hard to pick just one thing from Givenchy‘s excellent Fall 2011 men’s collection, but these lace-up boots are perfect for stomping through the slush still prevalent on New York’s sidewalks.

Photo: GQ

Perhaps the most important accessory during Fashion Week is a good bag. One that can hold your laptop, a notebook, a change of shoes, a bottle of booze and a concealed weapon should any would-be fashionistas try to cut you in line. With Balenciaga‘s Arena Giant Feed Sac, you can carry your life and perhaps a dead body, from show to show.

Photo: Barneys

I’ve been all about volume as of late and The Row‘s Apleton Cape gives it in spades…then belts it at the waist. You’ll be able to keep warm in the cold February air and should a strong breeze kick up, you can just unbelt the cape and float on over to the next collection.

Photo: Barneys

After working hard, you’re going to need to play hard and luckily fashion people LOVE to play. For the plethora of after parties, you’re going to need a good evening look, including a proper heel in which to dance the night away. Twirl it, shake it, don’t break it, kick it and drop it like it’s hot in Miu Miu‘s graphic Spring 2011 pumps. (Jazz hand finish)

Photo: Style.com

And to keep the party going, you’re going to need the perfect party dress; something short and flirty that comes off easily and looks great crumpled in the corner, should you be so lucky to find the one heterosexual man lurking about. Gucci‘s Spring 2011 cocktail dresses fit the bill, managing to be both sexy and sassy.

Photo: Style.com

Photo: Style.com

Lauren Hutton is one of fashion’s greatest icons, and she looks absolutely stunning in this photo from the February issue. I can’t wait to read the entire article, but here are some highlights:

On modeling: “I became a model to see the world, to make enough money to travel and experience other cultures,” she says. “I knew I had to get to New York to get to Africa.”

On starring in Tom Ford’s ultra exclusive fashion show: “He said, ‘I’m going back to fashion.’ I said, ‘Oh no, why? I like your work, but I love your movies!’ But, anything for Tom, and he knows that.”

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen asked her to pose for their lookbook in 2008: “I think I was 64 at the time and they were 22,” she says. “I thought that was fantastically hip. I did it, and they paid me in clothes, which is great.”

LINK LOVE: Harper’s Bazaar

According to WWD, creative director Jo Black’s team of 14 designers crafted two looks, Hudson and Fairfax, both made of acetate, high-nickel and stainless steel, with oversize black frames. Hudson is intended to be a variation of the classic aviator shape, and Fairfax is inspired by a cat-eye silhouette.

The sunglasses collection is slated to release this November priced from $155 to $265, there will also be a limited edition version of the Fairfax (pictured above) with 24 karat-gold-coated lenses, will retail for $425 at select doors. The collection will be available at stores including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols. Word around the street is that their Spring 2011 collection will be topping this one!

What can we expect from one of the youngest pair of successful people in this world… all I know it I’m definitely snagging a couple pairs!

The perks of waiting till mid-season to invest? Sweet discounts.
FLEXI SLEEVE: Rick Owens slicks down a side-licked collar on a column wool coat. He keeps in mind mobility with stretch insets under the arms. Rick Owens Wool Sparta Coat – was $2,350, now $1,175

SHAPED SHEARLING: Paul & Joe give us shearling with shape. Let the legs stand slim, but keep the bootie warm.  Paul & Joe Mongolie Shearling Coat – was $2,175, now $1,523

SCULPTED DOWN: Marios Schwab uses down to sculpt a futuresque silhouette. It’s a new era of poufy. Marios Schwab Quilted Structure Coat – was $2,175, now $1,523

COVERALL CAPE: The Row has shaped a cape that doesn’t leave your arms out in the cold. Wrap your secrets in a fitted blanket of wool and mink. The Row Apleton Cape – still $5,000. It’s that glorious.

SNEAK HOOD: Creenstone hides the hood – it simply rolls into a collar. Hoods are so practical when they’re on your head, but look so limp just hanging out. Find a sneaky hood like this. Creenstone Padded Trench with Hood – £265. Do the math.

… and while we’re on this Olsen subject have a laugh at www.verymarykate.com

I’m interviewing Joe Karban, the Sourcing and Production Manager behind the brand, and getting a glimpse into his side of the fashion business.  I walk through two large antique doors to The Row design studio and take a seat in a floor-skimming, espresso brown leather chair.

Mr. Karban welcomes me warmly and introduces me to the entire team on the way to his office. A thirty-year veteran of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and luxury brand Ginny H, he certainly knows his way around the industry.  We chatted about his views on creating the perfect collection, on building the design vision of the Olsen girls, and what qualities it really takes to succeed in the competitive fashion industry.

What is the perspective of the production side of the small luxury house?

The Row works very tightly. It is a close-knit team and a design driven company.  There are no formal rules.  We develop procedures and processes that help us produce the vision of the design team, Mary Kate and Ashley.  The aim is to create processes that give design the ability to support the vision of the brand. Everything is done in tandem so Production’s role is to create processes that marry back to what everyone needs. Everyone here owns their job and every role is crucial.  From the interns to the directors, The Row is established so that everyone is as fulfilled as possible.

In terms of developing a collection, walk me through what it is like coming from your point of view as the Production and Sourcing side.

The Row is different because it is small and very high end.  First, we sit and analyze the current collection, we look at how last year sold, and what things are trending against the current season.  Then, we build a score card. The score card is made by merchandising, production, and sales.   It determines how much to sell, how much of everything to order, and determines how the line is divided between fashion pieces, foundational pieces, and image/aspirational pieces.  Once the scorecard is developed it is given to the design team and they take it to buy all the fabrics and establish the fabric delivery schedule.  Then, styles are designed, tech packs and patterns are made, it really is a process that is somewhat mathematical, somewhat inspirational, and somewhat trend.  Design marries back to the fabrics that they inspire.

READ THE REST of Sam’s interview on LookBooks HERE.

The above display was crafted entirely out of recycled Illycafè cans, bags, cups and tins and features the divine “Miss Illy.” She was originally named “Contessa Caffeina,” but according to Doonan, “we decided she’s no Italian aristocrat, she’s a nice Jersey girl.”

Of course this Jersey girl is a Barneys girl as well, so in addition to the Espresso machine headdress, Miss Illy is also wearing Christian Louboutin pumps and giant sunglasses by The Row.

Barneys new windows will be unveiled on November 16th and will also feature homages to Julia Child in addition to 70 other cultivators of the gastronomic arts.

If all this talk of food seems out of place for a Barneys window display, Doonan, who claimed to know “nothing about food,” explains that he was “interested in the dissonance between fashion and food.” He went on to add, “Whenever we do an event, the fashion people say, ‘No food please. Let’s just serve vodka.’”

Well, vodka’s an important part of any balanced breakfast, no? And though I haven’t looked at one recently, I’m pretty sure it’s at the top of the food pyramid. Right above marijauna, Mexican diet pills, cocaine, fruits and vegetables.

LINK LOVE: T Magazine

“Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen seemed unaffected by the vigorous workout in their long-sleeved cashmere sweaters and long pants (although if it’s any consolation, an onlooker said they sat down on their bike much more than they expected).”

I mean who could blame them? They’re basically royalty they just have to show up to get the job done… Plus, I don’t really want them loosing anymore weight, do they really need any negativity in their lives, I think not!

“We wanted to keep it consistent, but change the silhouette a bit,” Mary-Kate Olsen said about The Row’s spring lineup during Paris Fashion Week.

It all looks like the same silhouette to me – long and straight. Was I expecting too much from the Olsen twins? What do you think indies?

LINK LOVE: because im addicted

“I’d love to get Michelle Obama in the Row,” Ashley says. “The simple suits and things. It’s all made in America, so why not?”

“Remember that crazy time when all of us young girls were being followed?” Ashley says. Now that they have both moved to New York full-time, we see them less. “We’re either at home or here at the studio,” Mary-Kate notes.

“When we were growing up, our mother taught us never to have your belly button exposed,” says Mary-Kate. “We’ve always been attracted to longer— “Layers, silhouettes,” Ashley says, finishing her sentence.

Photo credit: Heidi Slimane for Harper’s Bazaar

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: Style

The duo known as Mary-Kate and Ashley are expanding their high-end fashion line, The Row, to include a collection of sunglasses. They’re said to be teaming up eyewear designer Linda Farrow and the line is expected to be ready in time for next spring.

They’re said to be creating only four looks, which would include aviators, oversized, vintage-inspired, and round rims– all of which reflect both of the girl’s personal taste in shade-wear.

The Olsen Twins finally have every fashion base covered! Mary Kate and Ashley recently teamed up with sunglass designer, Linda Farrow, to launch their new collection of eyewear for their accessories line, The Row. But the question is, are you ready to dish out $325 to $390 for these relatively basic shades?

Thanks NY Mag!

T-shirts may never go out of style, but as with any fashion item they have gone through their fair share of trends. Click to see view their progression from underwear to couture.

T-shirt’s were first worn by American soldiers in World War I as undershirts because they were cool and comfortable. Everyone has some basic Hanes in their closet, even Marlon Brando. In the 1951 film A Streetcar Named Desire Brando’s controversial fitted t-shirt had to be sewn in the back as one could not yet buy fitted t-shirts. James Dean was also a pioneer of this underwear as outerwear look; with such sexy iconic men wearing them no wonder the t-shirt is such a long lasting piece of trendy clothing.

In the late 50′s screen printing began on shirts in Miami, Florida. Used to publicize resorts and fictional characters, Mickey Mouse was one of the first screen printed t-shirts to become popular! Still popular today, Mickey Mouse has quite the history in fashion! (Who knew!)

The 60′s t-shirts worn by hippies can be defined by one awful word: tie-die. Thankfully, we have replaced this phenomenon with the much nicer looking and involving less clashing color color fading known as ombre. Ringer shirts also became popular with wanna-be rock stars in the late 60′s.

The 80′s brought the invention of thermochromism dyes into the t-shirt world, which cause the fabric to change color in the heat. American Apparel has attempted to bring back these t-shirts which are sure to be a nightmare if you forget to put on your deodorant. The 80′s also mark the time when t-shirts began to be used for personal expression, such as anti-war statements.

A lot of advertising for designers in the 90′s was done for free by consumers courtesy of t-shirts. Designer logo t-shirts were a huge trend that rivaled Britney Spears’ ever-present crop top. Apparently, the crop top is coming back. Wear with high wasted skirts to cover your belly button, please and thank you.

The new millennium’s celebrity infatuation ushered in the trend of humorous/ironic t-shirts. The Team Aniston/Jolie trend has been replicated with many other celebrities since then. Websites now make personalized screen-printing widely available, so you can make your own “feed the models” t-shirts: we all know they need some more meat on those bones. American Apparel t-shirts (left) are the most popular for screen-printing because of their availability and softness.

Recently, t-shirts have become more expensive then ever. Know as “it t-shirts”, this fad includes the Olsen Twins line The Row where t-shirts are made with couture details and cost around $250. Raquel Allegra’s t-shirts, which retail for $490, are hand shredded and have been a big hit with the DIY culture. 

One things for sure, t-shirts will always be around. What do you think will be the next t-shirt trend?

The Olsen twins have announched that they are launching a menswear collection under their label The Row and are determined to make the garments in the U.S.

“That’s our thing — an American brand made in America. When we looked in the men’s market, we couldn’t really find basics you could wear with designer — the same concept as our women’s. So we started the process with pants and blazers, because we knew it would take time to get that right.”

LINKAGE: Just Jared via WWD

The Row meets Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds meets amazing Erik Madigan Heck.

LINKAGE: Lovebirds

Mary-Kate and Ashley sure are keeping busy!

They’re already working on a menswear line for The Row and an Elizabeth & James shoe line with Steve Madden.

Now, just weeks after the sneak peek at the men’s pieces for The Row, WWD has reported that the Olsens will also launch a menswear line for Elizabeth & James. It will be available at Barney’s this fall.

Ashley said the collection will be “about balancing uptown and downtown.” The sisters reportedly found inspiration in Oliver Twist and Peter Pan’s Lost Boys.

Photo from People.

Oh, and maybe I should mention that the line will be for sophisticated men with a few bucks in their back pocket…$230 for a tee and $3200 for outerwear…YIKES. 

For more, check out WWD!

We told you back in September about the rumors that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were formulating a men’s collection for The Row.

Now it looks like the rumors were true, and some more concrete plans have emerged.

The 35-piece line is set to debut this Fall with an estimated price range of $230-$3200.

This development only makes sense, given the current menswear-inspired feel of The Row, as well as its big success.

More at WWD.

Image from Olsen Twins News.

Ashley Olsen was reportedly spotted in LA Wednesday scouting out retail spaces near Maxfield’s.

Unflattering outfit and unsubstantiated rumors aside, I am starving for more information to back up these claims. So, no word on whether it’d be a boutique for The Row, Elizabeth and James, or something else.

Photo from Olsen Files.

Ashley Olsen looking for a space for a clothing store next to Maxfield on Melrose Nov 25, 2008 X17online.com exclusive

There are a ton of celebs out there thinking they should be designing fashion, but only a few that really do it well (aka Mary Kate and Ashley’s The Row and Elizabeth & James).

Think nothings stronger than the bond between sisters? Ashley Olsen may beg to differ. Rumor has it the star has downgraded her sister, Mary-Kate, concerning her participation in the launch of the menswear collection for their line, The Row. Ashley wants to be seen in a professional light and feels that Mary-Kate’s “antics” are tearing apart any possibility of that happening. Instead, Ashley wants Mary-Kate to focus on the cheaper Elizabeth and James line. How adorable? At least Ashley didn’t totally kick her kin off the cliff!

Yesterday the blogs went crazy discussing the possible separation of Mary Kate Olsen and her twin Ashley’s fashion lines. The demise of the wobbly two-some has been predicted for some time now, because after all everybody loves a good breakup even-if it is among family. The dividing line seems to say that Ashley will design Rick Owen’s rip-off The Row, while Mary Kate will work on the funkier Elizabeth and James. Ashley has reportedly banned Mary Kate from The Row designing duites till she gets her personal life in order. Really? If every designer need to have their personal life in order before they worked, we would never get a collection from Marc Jacobs…..

Here’s a breakdown of the two lines

Elizabeth and James

For the upscale hobo look

The Row

For the sleek, nouveau riche city girl

WWD isn’t giving us much to go on, but word on the street has it that Ashley Olsen has started “conceptualizing” a debut men’s collection for The Row.