Fair Trade!

“Just remember, she’s very shy.”

That was Diane von Furstenberg‘s warning to Kolb before meeting Anna Wintour. By the time he met Vogue‘s diva doyenne, Kolb had already gotten the job as Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America – a title that would eventually morph into his current as Chief Executive Officer —  and even though Wintour was not a member of the CFDA, meeting her was still obligatory. But they got along swimmingly.

And why wouldn’t they? This from the man who, after his initial interview with von Furstenberg and the CFDA board,  received an email from DVF herself saying simply, “I love you — Diane.”

Hailing from a non-profit background, Kolb has often claimed he’s an “accidental fashion drone” and despite his standing as the head of an organization that counts among its members the biggest and greatest designers in American fashion, he still gets excited by fashion shows. Though becoming a member of that prestigious organization, as one would expect, is no easy feat.

To be considered for CFDA membership, a designer has to have been in business for at least three years, have two letters of recommendation from CFDA members, retail presence and positive editorial coverage. Kolb stressed, however, that the most important thing for a designer to possess is a personal and unique point of view. It is also important for designers to do their homework.

Literally.

Applying to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, for example, requires a lengthy personal essay outlining why you love fashion, how you got started, the ins and outs of your business, as well as a five and ten year business plan. “Clarity on what you want your brand to be,” he said, “along with real talent is an ideal candidate.”

Since announcing their move from the Garment District, the CFDA has come under fire for seemingly abandoning the made in America, or at least Midtown, mantra. To wit, a member of the audience asked why the CFDA didn’t consider Harlem, with its surplus of abandoned buildings and cheap rent, for the future of manufacturing.

“The industry is stuck on Midtown as where fashion needs to be,” Kolb responded but he also insisted that with rising costs abroad — particularly in China —  ”You’re going to see a return to manufacturing in Manhattan in a big way.”

But the night wasn’t all about business. Henderson wrapped up her conversation with Kolb by asking him what was something that no one would know about him. Turns out Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, was a football jock.

“I was the setter.” He was quick to clarify. “The guy who gives the ball to the guy who throws the ball.” Though he spent most of his time on the bench, Kolb proved popular with the cheerleaders who had a cheer especially for him: “Put Steven in! Put Steven in!”

Nevertheless, Kolb quit midway through the football season and joined the drama club. And I guess the rest is more or less history.

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]

Photo: Vogue.com

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

The event is presented by Moët Hennessey USA. Here are some of the major highlights:

• Theory: Debut of Theory Fashion Insider:  The Remix, featuring a live DJ set by Andrew Wyatt, a founding member and the lead vocalist of Swedish/American trio Miike Snow, and a video “mash up” by artist Philip Ashley.  Theory Fashion Insider stylists will also be on hand to remix shoppers’ fall looks.
• Stella McCartney: Selma Blair hosts the evening’s festivities that features an exhibition of Helena Christensen’s work to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
• Hugo Boss: Grammy award winning artist, Robin Thicke will perform an acoustic set.
• Moschino: Singer, Kelly Rowland hosts Moschino’s fantasy world of surrealism where guests will be photographed in a giant handbag.
• Tory Burch: DJ Cassidy to spin and Shake Shack on the BBQ.
• Diane von Furstenberg:  Hosted by Refinery29, the DvF and HP Experience Lounge features cutting-edge fashion installations and a photo booth.
• Helmut Lang: Explore the world of Helmut Lang with Creative Directors Nicole & Michael Colovos, along with DJ Harley Viera Newton, a photolab presented by Cobrasnake, spirits provided by East Village’s Death & Company and bites catered via Rickshaw’s Dumpling Truck.
• Jeffrey New York:  Personal appearances by designers L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu, Nicholas Kirkwood, Monique Pean, Christina Ricci, and Current/Elliott.
• Maybelline New York makeovers for the mini-catwalk and a chance to win a year’s supply of makeup.  DJ Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon to spin.
• Scoop NYC:  EDUN Pop-Up shop with Ali Hewson and a DJ set from Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio.
• American Express ZYNC ZONE with Style Pack partner Gilt Groupe: Providing makeovers, a photo-booth and lounge.
• Tracy Reese:  Hosting a dance-a-thon featuring DJ Rajni Jacques of Nylon. Wallflowers can receive complimentary manicures from Sally Hansen.
• Vince:  Performances by DJ Mia Moretti and pop-rock violinist Caitlin Moe.
• Click here for a link to the entire list.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Spring merchandise is more than 50 percent off at the Tracy Reese and Frock! sample sale. The black embroidered cami jumpsuit is $140 (originally $310), the Plenty by Tracy Reese Daisy Sequin T is $75 (originally $198), and the Frock! Louise strapless dress is $99 (originally $200). Through 6/9. 260 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (646-438-6928); T–W (9–7).

• Summer 2010 merchandise is up to 75 percent off at the DVF sample sale. Wrap dresses are $150 (originally $325) and beach cover-ups are $100 (originally $250). Through 6/11. 260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St.; T (9–6:30), W (10–8), Th (10–7), F (9–3).

• Leather bags, fabric totes, clutches, and more are all $150 or less during the Tucker Paisley two-day blowout sale. Through 6/9. Online only.

• Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are up to 75 percent off at the Lee Angel sample sale. The multicolor bangle set is $38 (originally $95), the gold leaf drop earrings are $18 (originally $45), and the stone drop earrings are $84 (originally $210). Through 6/10. Prices start at $5. 524 Broadway, at Spring St., sixth fl. (212-334-6573); T–Th (11–7), F (10–5).

• L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers handbags are up to 70 percent off at the Savvy & Co. sample sale. Through 6/11. 307 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; T (8–8), W–Th (10–8), F (10–6).

• Dresses are $120, tops and skirts are $90, and shorts are $70 at the Lauren Moffatt sample sale. Through 6/9. 214 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1503; T–W (9–7).

• Napkins are $12 to $20 (originally $20 to $48), beaded place mats are $24 to $45 (originally $60 to $122), and beaded table runners are $150 to $225 (originally $410 to $525) at the Kim Seybert sample sale. Through 6/10. 37 W. 37th St., nr. Fifth Ave., eighth fl.; T–Th (9–7).

ENDING TOMORROW
• All new and regular-priced apparel is 30 percent off during Charlotte Russe's 48-Hour Sale. Online only.

Read more posts by Lauren Murrow

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping

LINK LOVE:Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 50 Percent Off Tracy Reese; 75 Percent Off DVF

Loving this dress, has a super cute sheer top and comes in two different color patterns. And it’s only $119 on Gilt.com, from the original price of $275. Click here to shop Gilt.

Daniel Wearing One of The Headdresses

My favorite event of the year, ‘Tulips and Pansies-The Headdress Affair’ is next Thursday, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for this years lineup. Carolina Herrera, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Lilly Pulitzer, Tracy Reese among many others, will join forces with NYC’s finest floral designers to create a runway show of elaborate floral headdresses made from living plants and fresh cut flowers. Keep reading…

The springtime event, which raises funds for VillageCare (www.villagecare.org), a non-profit organization providing vital healthcare programs to people living with HIV/AIDS, will be hosted by TV Personality & Style Guru James Aguiar and Co-chaired by People’s Revolution Founder Kelly Cutrone and Writer & Direct-Action Philanthropist Ariana N. Rockefeller. Guest judges include Fern Mallis, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, John Bartlett, Ashleigh Verrier, and Freddie Leiba. They will honor the headdress design teams in the categories of “Most Beautiful, Most Original, Most Entertaining and Most Outrageous.”

Shop W Style is a retail celebration of W’s first-ever shopping issue. On Saturday, March 27, W will bring its unique take
on chic to the Meatpacking District with in-store events, appearances by Weditors & experts and special offers at over 40 retail destinations.

Highlights will include:

The Shop W Style Lounge
W’s headquarters for the day will be in the Shop W Style Lounge at The Standard Hotel, New York. Be sure to visit the Lounge first for:

* A detailed event map and W shopping bag
* Make-up applications by Shiseido expert Renato Almeida and his team of talented make-up artists
* Appointments for a stylist-on-demand
* Exclusive opportunity to shop Tacori’s new 18k925 line
* Private Style Sessions at Hugo Boss with celebrity stylist, Sarah Gore Reeves

More info here.

Participants include: ADAM, Brass Monkey, Buckler, Calypso, Catherine Malandrino, Charles Nolan, Diane von Furstenberg, The Earnest Sewn Co., Generra, HUGO BOSS, La Perla, Wonderland Beauty Parlor, Moschino, Paige Denim, Ports 1961, Revel, Scoop, Theory, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, VINCE., Yigal Azrouel, Zero Maria Cornejo

Denim leggings, skinny jeans and shorts were all over the runways this season. In other words: I saw legs, legs and more legs. Get working on those thighs now.

This February, NYC Fashion week runways were crammed with cool shorts. Tracy Reese, Carolina Herrera and Cynthia Steffe rocked super short leather shorts, tweed shorts over tights and knee-length shorts with thigh highs. You can pull these looks off too – Just follow these workout tips and your legs will be shorts-ready all year long.

The most important tip to keep in mind is that cardio alone will not shed body fat. Weight training is necessary to add lean muscle mass to the body and must be worked into any fitness regiment. Some women don’t weight train for fear of “bulking.” However, that “bulk” is mostly fat beneath which lies curvy, sexy muscle, which even when trained for years, is not as voluminous as you think.

For the roundest, hardest built possible, my secret formula is deep lunges and stiff legged dead lifts – both with intense butt squeezing.

Most importantly, know that with the right legs and butt, you can look hot in WalMart shorts.

I usually love Tracy Reese, I own about 6 of her dresses, but this season was a bit disappointing. As usual, Tracy showed tons of prints, but in terms of innovations in cut or fabric or drape, I saw none. I was almost as thought this collection came at the last minute, the above look seems thrown together backstage, and reminds me of an attempt to be DVF.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Jezebel

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Designer Tracy Reese walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at Tracy Reese Spring 2010 fashion show at the Salon at Bryant Park on September 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

“This season, we saw a return to simple, yet beautiful hair. Whether the look of the show was
soft and feminine or exhibited more of an edge, the common thread remained the hair looks -
face flattering and pretty. And the best thing about these styles is that they are easy to achieve
with the right products and tools,” says Hawkins.

Here are the trends, right off the runways, courtesy of TRESemmé:

Wave of Independence
“Gone are the days of binding curls and waves. This season, it is all about laid back, yet feminine glamour,” adds Hawkins. Rachel Roy, L’Wren Scott, Rebecca Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Sui all sent this look down their runways. To get these hot waves:

1. Scrunch TRESemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Lotion Crème into damp hair.

2. Blow dry the hair with a diffuser using the fingers or let it dry naturally.

3. Part hair evenly down the middle and finger comb each side into a ponytail.

4. Taking each ponytail, twist the lengths of the hair until it starts to twist onto itself,
creating a bun on each side of the head; secure each bun with a hair pin.

5. Using the diffuser, dry each bun and let the hair sit for 20 minutes.

6. Remove the pins and finger comb hair, creating beautiful, tousled waves.

7. Run a dime-size amount of the TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème over the
lengths of the hair to tame flyaways and add shine.

Mixed Up
“A lot of shows this season featured a dual-finish hairstyle with either a mix of shiny and matte or rough and smooth,” notes Hawkins who created such a look for Cynthia Rowley’s show.  Other designers who showcased the look included:  Alexander Wang, Erin Fetherston, Thakoon and Richard Chai.

To copy the ponytail follow these simple steps:
1. Pull hair back into a ponytail using a boar bristle brush

2. Work TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème into the hair at the top of the ponytail
but not throughout the lengths of the hair.

3. Spray the mid-shafts and ends of the hair with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat
Tamer Spray.

4. Blow dry hair against the natural direction of the cuticle to create a rough texture, which
will contrast the sleek, shiny top section of the head.

5. Finish this look with a touch of TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray
throughout the ponytail.

Hawkins and the TRESemmé Styling Team tied shiny black ribbon on all of the models at the Cynthia Rowley show to add a touch of glam.

Soft Around the Edges
“Stick straight locks had their moment on the runway, but the look right now is all about smooth hair with some bend and movement,” says Hawkins.  This chic style was seen on the runways of some of fashion’s biggest names including BCBG, Doo.Ri and Donna Karen.  Hawkins loved the way this styled complemented the straight lines at the Herve Leger show.

Getting the look is simple:

1. Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to hair, followed by a liberal application of TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse from the roots of the hair to the ends.

2. Blow hair dry with a medium-sized round brush.

3. Spray Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray onto the hair again.

4. Take sections of hair twice the depth of the flatiron plate, pull the iron away from the head to create a slight curvature.

5. Add runway-worthy shine by lightly spraying the TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray.

LINKAGE: Reese’s Polishes: More and more beauty companies are…

I guess Obama’s message about designers will be more evident in the future, but as for now, I enjoy Obama’s colorblind approach to choosing labels. White, black, asian, hispanic, middle eastern- every race has brilliant designers. Let the first lady wear what makes her unique. Nobody is telling you who to keep in your closet, so why should America tell Obama who to keep in hers? 

Thanks NY Daily!

Last week’s Fashion Week was no different than any other Fashion Week. Designers still scrambled to show off their edgy silhouetted designs. Celebrities still claimed coveted front row seats to Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga. And, once again, the runway lacked diversity. This time, however, the white domination of the catwalk has some fashion icons on edge.

It seems like this past Fashion Week tried to mask its lack of black runway models.In the past,The Council of Fashion Designers of America left ethnic diversity up to the designers. This year’s president, Diane von Furstenberg, urged all designers to keep their models racially varied. Sure, black models walked in DKNY and Tracy Reese, but what about the hundreds of other designers who used few, or even no black models? It takes more than a few designers to launch ethnic diversity in the fashion industry, and with the runways creeping back to white, the “black issue” is again on the rise. 

But is the tendency for white models a racist ploy by designers or merely in consciousness of their designs? Some designers claim to use mostly white models in order to keep the “ethnicity” of the model from influencing the interpretation of his or her design. Others claim that the black model is unavailable by the agencies. Some even claim that selection is natural, and ethnicity is never in consideration.

Indeed, it is the designers right to cast models regardless of race, but if designers are truly conscious of women, shouldn’t they consider “women” as a general term? Black. White. Asian. Hispanic. Middle Eastern. We’re all women, right? Show us you design for women. All of us.

Thanks Style and  Reuters!

I must say that I am a little disappointed in this Tracy Reese collection. For the past two seasons, I have missed her bright patterns and bold tailoring, along with the feminine suits and bubble skirts which I so love. This was a very safe collection and showed no growth for the designer as a whole, instead it showcased a look that other designers have already exhausted, but please feel free to disagree with me.

Thanks Style.com for the pics

Tracy Reese is taking an additional 10 percent off merchandise already marked 40 percent to 60 percent off. Through 8/24. 641 Hudson St., nr. Gansevoort St. (212-807-0505); Mon.–Wed. (11–7), Thurs. (11–8), Fri.–Sat. (11–7), Sun. (noon–6).

Flight 001 is taking 30 to 75 percent off carry-on bags, gadgets, and other travel accessories from Orla Kiely, Y-3, and Paul Smith. 96 Greenwich Ave., at Jane St. (212-989-0001), 132 Smith St., at Dean St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-243-0001), and 58 Fifth Ave., at Bergen St., Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-789-1001); call for store hours.

ShopRobertson.com has 30 to 70 percent off apparel and accessories from Mike & Chris, Geren Ford, and Vegas & Mia. The Madrid slingback wedges by Dolce Vita are down to $32 (originally $108).

Thanks NY Mag.

Tonight at 8:30pm, BET is airing its much anticipated special Fashion Blackout. This show will bring together all the big names in black fashion (Naomi Campbell, Andre Leon Talley, Constance White, Tracy Reese and more) to talk about the lack of black presence within the industry.