INTERVIEW: Yuko Shimizu, Creator of Rebecca Bonbon & Hello Kitty

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Rebecca Bonbon isn’t your everyday pet bulldog. This adorable little pooch knows how to live, travel and shop in style. From her penthouse overlooking Central Park, Rebecca lives an ultra-luxurious life. Her personal chauffeur assures she shops at the finest boutiques on Fifth Avenue and in SoHo via the comfort of her limo. She never misses a show at Fashion Week and doesn’t travel without her private jet. But where did Rebecca come from? How does she live such a charmed life? I got a chance to ask Yuko Shimizu, creator of Rebecca Bonbon and the legendary Hello Kitty these questions and more. Check out our interview after the jump.

Yigal Azrouël and Steven Kolb on the Verge of a Glorious Breakthrough

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

Last night in a glass room above 29th St at Bar Basque, members of the CFDA, W Magazine, and I (and others) witnessed though the window several ladies go bat shit crazy. Well actually, we watched Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, a film by Pedro Almodóvar. Only, it was quite difficult to concentrate on the movie when there were such interesting people with whom to converse.

Penelope Cruz Transforms for V Magazine

Edited by Megan Turley

Penelope Cruz recently posed for the cover of the Tranformation Issue of V Magazine, and the result is certainly transforming. No, really.

INTERVIEW: Terry and the Amazing Technicolor Denim

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

Last week we showed you our favorite colored denim of the season, but one of those jeans is not like the other. They were invented by the designer Terry Siegel, founder of M2F, along with a team of top secret scientists. M2F is literally made to fade. That means that through natural wear, they will turn that worn white you love from your oldest bluejeans. The others have been dyed the old fashioned way, so no matter if you stone wash them, rub against sidewalk, or wear them for years, they will stay their original solid color. Which is fine if you want a pant. But M2F are true jeans.

We talked to Terry about his brilliant technique, and how it came into being.

INTERVIEW: Anni Shades Wants YOU to Wear Wood

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Topping the list of overpriced fashion items we pay way too much for is eyewear. We’re accustomed to spending $300 on a pair of designer shades that took about $2 to craft from ordinary plastic. While most of these aren’t even made in America (gasp!), there are some incredibly inventive companies out there producing quality eyewear in the U.S. of A. I recently got a message from Phillip Mastroianni introducing me to his smart wooden sunglasses line Anni Shades. Made in the Ohio suburbs, these sunglasses and custom prescription glasses are crafted from ethically-sources exotic woods, making no two pair the same. I had the chance to talk with Phil about the conception of Anni Shades, how the company gives back and, most importantly, why wood?

Emma Watson Gives Good Face For Harper’s Bazaar UK

Edited by Megan Turley

Emma Watson explores her dark side for Harper’s Bazaar UK as the August cover girl. The Harry Potter star looks positively witchy in an Emilio Pucci dress from his Fall/Winter 2011.12 collection. The cover and spread played with dark and light pallets, and was photographed by Alexi Lubomirski.

INTERVIEW: Designer Raquel Allegra Makes Gaga Lose Her Sh*t

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have fought Nicole Ritchie for these clothes. Lady Gaga demanded they be in her music video. Barney’s clients were lusting over them before they were even on the rack. Prisoners were wearing these before anyone. Wait, what? Yes, LA based designer Raquel Allegra has created these very garments. Using meticulously sifted clothing from massive rag warehouses, she uses her own brand of deconstruction to turn old t-shirts into cloud-like textiles that drape like butter. Find out her secrets, and what it was like to make Mother Monster “lose her shit” over her designs.

INTERVIEW: Amanda Joy, Luxury Handbag Designer

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Amanda Joy knows simplicity is important, especially in an industry constantly over-saturated with fleeting brands. In 2010, she left her career as an art director in the advertising industry to develop her unfussy, yet luxurious handbag. Her dedication to using only the finest materials for her exquisitely crafted  line shows: there’s no doubt her collection will be a must have come this fall. We caught up with Amanda to talk about what goes into developing each bag, her philanthropic mindset and why manufacturing in New York City is important to her.