Diane Von Furstenberg
Can’t Afford Designer Fashion? Get Them on Your Cell
Microsoft Windows just released five cellphone wallpaper themes, available for free at Windows Marketplace, from some of fashions top designers. Themes are available from Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Isaac Mizrahi, Rock & Republic, and Ron Arad (we like DVF the best).
The designer themes are available to all Windows phone users with Windows Mobile 6.5 devices which will be available on October 6, and can be downloaded for free from Windows Marketplace for Mobile beginning the same date.
Designer Dictionary: Guide to Top Desgners N-Z
Prada, Miuccia
Pronunciation: Mee-U- cha Pra-dah
Prada was originally founded as a leather goods shop by Mario Prada in 1913. But, his daughter, Miuccia Prada, with the help of her husband, is really the one responsible for turning Prada into a fashion powerhouse in the 80’s. Miuccia’s innovative designs, such as the nylon backpack, became an infamous fashion symbols of the 90’s, with starlets and socialites alike, carrying the coveted ‘it’ bag. Miuccia’s designs have continued to be ground-breaking yet practical—no wonder the devil is said to have worn Prada.
Posen, Zac
Pronunciation: Zak Poo-zen
This young fashion designer started his collection at the tender age of 16 and got his big break when Demi Moore was photographed wearing his designs while hanging out with Aston Kutchner. With the extensive fashion knowledge and business skills he gained from his internships at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and Nicole Miller, he was able to create a unique and creative line for himself with funding from Sean “Puffy” Combs. Socialites, supermodels, and celebs all love his angular styles and 1940’s Hollywood inspired designs.
*Proenza Schouler
Pronunciation:pro-en-za skool-er
Former lover and design partners, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, created the modern luxury label, Proenza Schouler (combination of their mother’s maiden names), as students at New York’s Parsons School of Design. After presenting their graduate thesis to great acclaim, buyers from Barney’s New York quickly bought their whole line. Their line offers an edgy, youthful take on high-end fashion and is worn by fashion forward Hollywood stars like Demi Moore. The duo won CFDA’s Perry Ellis Award for new talent in 2003
Pucci, Emilio
Pronunciation: E-MEE-lee-o POH-chee
The socialite, Italian skier and designer Emilio Pucci was known for his use of completely unique and infamous prints during the sixties. The brand is synonymous with bold, brightly colored patterns with a kaleidoscopic psychedelic feel.Think Austin Powers.
Reese, Tracy
Pronunciation: TRAY- cee Ree-s
Favored by celebs like Mira Sorvino and Carla Gallo, designer Tracy Reese continues to gain prominence in the fashion world. With intense background training from Martine Sitbon and Perry Ellis, her styles today reflect the elegance of women with a hint of tradition and vintage-inspiration. She freely uses colors and embellishments like beading and sequins in her designs.
Saint Laurent, Yves
Pronunciation: EEV San-LAWRON
Yves Saint Laurent breathed new life onto the French fashion scene in the 60’s. At the age of 21, he was the youngest designer to ever head the house of Dior. YSL’s iconic couture creations include the women’s tuxedo (the memorable Le Smoking), the ultra-chic trench coat, peacoat, shirt-dress and the safari-chic trend. He was also one of the very first designers to use black models in his shows. In 1983, he was the first living designer to be honored with a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Schiaparelli, Elsa
Pronunciation: EL-sa She-a-pa-REHL-lee
Elsa Schiaparelli, along with rival Coco Chanel, dominated the women’s fashion scene in the early part of the twentieth century. It was Schiaparelli who designed the famous pink suit Jackie (Bouvier) Kennedy (Onasis) wore the day her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. She was also of the surrealist camp with the likes of Salvador Dali, and this influence can be seen in her designs, especially in her trompe-l’oeil sweaters. Her collections were recently exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Sui, Anna
Pronunciation: AN-na SOO-ee
Originally from Michigan, Sui is known for her “head-to-toe” looks, unique ability to counter bright colors with black and liberal usage of rich fabrics. The NewYork Times calls Sui a designer who “never panders” and her styles continue to set trends and inspire other designers all around the world.
* Thakoon Panichgul
Pronuciation: Ta-koon Pa-neech-gool
Thakoon’s designs are eccentric yet charming, which is precisely why he’s often a Michelle Obama pick. This former fashion editor puts original spins on ordinary pieces—i.e. a knee-length cocktail design with sequins streaked across haphazardly. Last year, Thakoon’s line at Target flew off the shelves as quickly as they were put on them.
Ungaro, Emanuel
Pronunciation: Eh-MAHN-wayl Oon-GAH-ro
In the beginning, Italian born designer Emanuel Ungaro found himself struggling for appreciation and even acceptance in the fashion world. Today, his works continue to set trends for other designers. His clothing line is put together to “remind women that they are the joy of every man.”
Versace, Gianni
Pronunciation : Gee-a-nee Verr-sa-chay
The late Italian designer, Gianni Versace, found his namesake label in 1978. Although the label is most known for its mix of “grandiose sexiness” and “decadent European-inspired styles” (remember the infamous J. Lo dress?), few remember that the collection first started as a menswear line. Versace is now led by Gianni’s sister, Donnatella, who’s often parodied on Saturday Night Live. It also wins the award as “the designer mentioned most in corny hip-hop songs”.
Von Furstenberg, Diane
Pronunciation : DY-an Von FUR-sten-berg
Diane Von Furstenberg is known for turning the knit wrap dress into a closet staple. The dress, which enhances the feminine body by accentuating its curves, is sported by celebs like Kirsten Dunst and Cindy Crawford. If you can’t afford the original wrap dress, try versions from Rampage, Max Studio, or Anne Klein.
Wang, Alexander
Pronunciation: Alex-an-dur Way-ng
The Parsons’ dropout showed the high-end design school that he could make it even without their stamp of approval. Alexander Wang’s first collection, launched in 2007, was edgy, cool and a little bit grungy. Impeccable cashmere sweaters, shrunken vests and distressed jeans make up an Alexander Wang special and his list of fans include model and muse Erin Wasson.
**Wang, Vera
Pronunciation : Veer- ra Way-ng
This former Vogue senior fashion editor and New York City native, launched her first bridal collection in 1990. Since then, her name has become synonymous with bridal and evening glamour. Her collection now includes footwear, fragrance, eyewear and home furnishings.
Wu, Jason
Pronunciation: Jay-son Wu
The twenty-six-year old became a household name when First Lady, Michelle Obama, chose the newbie designer’s white chiffon dress for the inauguration ball. Prior to becoming the premiere designer of choice by the First Lady, Wu was the creative director for a line of designer dolls called ‘Fashion Royalty’, sold at F.A.O Schwartz. He started his own fashion label in 2006 and was recognized by Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, as a promising new talent. Wu’s designs are distinctly feminine and polished. His teacup skirts, floral dresses and dainty jackets create nostalgia of an earlier era while keeping it decidedly modern. No wonder the First Lady was bowled over by his clothes.
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New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Milly by Michelle Smith
What: Milly by Michelle Smith Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Milly and Diane Von Furstenberg seem to be of a similar mind for Spring—bold bohemian prints, flowy 70s inspiration, and a general sense of fashion freedom. Milly’s take employs a slightly different color palette, however—highlighting turquoise and orange, against brown and white, with a bit of green, purple and pink in the mix. The pieces really run the gamut, from flowy pants, tailored shorts, loose boho dresses, and some safari styling that’s a throwback to last Spring. We like that Milly’s details take us somewhere that other collections haven’t for Spring—adding some fun fringe, lace and tassels to play with for the season. Accessories? At last, there were some—including the aforementioned tassels in necklace form, big chunky bead necklaces, and all kinds of handbags.
Budget Solution: Milly’s aesthetic for Spring is about loose garments that still maintain a waistline, mixed with classic, more fitted pieces. A lace tunic dress (like this dress on sale at Newport News) cinched with a brown belt (maybe this Fashion Focus belt at Bluefly.com, $25) is one option, and if you prefer the fitted aspects, try this Safari jacket at Forever21.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
City Opera Thrift Shop Fall Preview Event
What: The City Opera Thrift Shop’s Fall Preview is set for Thursday, Sept. 11, in NYC
The Lowdown: Budget fashionistas will be in frugal fashion heaven at the City Opera Thrift Shop’s Fall Preview event, which will feature a huge selection of designer goods, from Manolo Blanik, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, L.A.M.B., Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg, to name but a few, at prices between 50-70% off. Yep, we said 50-70%. If that’s not enough, the event will also feature furniture and home accessories as well, at big discounts. We love the City Opera Thrift Shop, because all proceeds support the creation and design of costumes for new productions at New York City Opera, and all donations are tax deductible. So you’re supporting the arts, shopping green (recycling, right?), and getting incredible bargains all at once. Everyone wins.
The Details: The event will take place at 222 East 23rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information, visit www.nycopera.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Diane Von Furstenberg
What: Diane Von Furstenberg Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If it’s spring florals you crave, then Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring collection is for you. Von Furstenberg calls the pieces a combination of goddess and rock star, and that 60s and 70s sensibility comes across loud and clear, with flowy fabrics, bold color combinations (with a widely varied palette including pink, red, berry, orange, yellow, white, and more), offset by floppy hats and floral headdresses and some flapper-style details for good measure. It’s a fantasy collection in a sense, anchored with a few more tailored pieces (like a white pantsuit) and some of the more oversized handbags we’ve seen on the runway yet for Spring . . .
Budget Solution: We’re thinking for long floral flowy dresses and bold hues in the Diana VonFurstenberg strain, Victoria’s Secret might just come through for Spring . . . and for the oversized handbag, Target has some now, and will have more later no doubt. Key accessory elements to focus on? Brown belts at the waist, and while the floral headdress may not translate well to, say, dinner with friends, a flower pinned in loose hair might just add a little Von Furstenberg vibe without going over the top.
Another Reason to Never Pay Full Price- Forever21 Sells Designer Knock Offs
UPDATE: According to Women’s Wear Daily, Diane von Furstenberg is suing Forever 21 over this dress, which she should.. it’s an exact copy.
Lindsay Lohan and somebody else wearing the same dress.
First I saw this dress at the Diane Von Furstenberg outlet for like 1/3rd of the retail price. Now I found practically the SAME dress for $32.80 online at forever21.com.
Outlet Alert: Diane Von Furstenberg Graphic Patterned Dress
Here’s an example of WHY you shouldn’t PAY full price for anything you see on a celeb. Last week, I saw this EXACT, I mean the EXACT, same dress at the Diane Von Furstenberg outlet at Woodbury Commons. Don’t be fooled peeps, celebs (and their stylists) shop the outlet malls as well.
Lindsay Lohan and somebody else wearing the same dress
Plaid is Back: Fall 2006 Fashion Preview
Inspired by the rise of British fashion houses like Chloe and Alexander Mc Queen (and the British pound), plaid is back for fall. Whether you’re sporting a traditional Burberry plaid or the lumber jack checkered plaid, you should have at least one plaid piece in your wardrobe.
A perfect example of the emergence of plaid is the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. I love this dress so much, that If I happened to have $500 lying around this fall (which I guarantee, I won’t), I would definitely add it to my closet. The dress, made from silk taffeta , is available online at Intermix for $465.00.
Now, for those of us unable to spend $500 on a dress, by early fall I’m sure H&M, Zara, Forever 21 or even Jones New York will have a version (although probably not in silk) for a fraction of the cost. If you happen to have the skill of sewing and/or are inspired by the return of Project Runway, then you can try to recreate this dress yourself. This is a pretty common pattern and the only obstacle may be finding the material.
The Fake Debate Goes Legal
Law professor and blogger Susan Scafidi gives us the legal issues behind buying or selling counterfeit goods.
As a law professor with a passion for fashion, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the counterfeit question. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, here’s the scoop on what’s legal—or not:
Q. Is manufacturing or selling a handbag with a fake Louis Vuitton or Prada label illegal?
A. Yes. You already knew that one. In fact, a law passed by Congress last month allows law enforcement to seize not only counterfeit items but also other things used to facilitate trafficking—like computers or automobiles. So think twice before driving downtown to pick up a load of fakes and then printing invitations to a neighborhood purse party.
Q. Is it still illegal if the buyer knows it’s fake, and the seller admits it and disclaims any association with the designer?
A. Yes. There’s still a chance of “consumer confusion” (the test for trademark infringement) among other people who see the bag or upon resale.
Q. What if the bag doesn’t have a logo but otherwise looks just like an Hermes Birkin?
A. That’s a bit more complicated, but for an iconic design, a court might find the bag illegal under a theory of “trade dress” protection. The closer the copy is to a recognizable, famous original, the more likely it is to be illegal.
Q. If selling counterfeits is illegal, why is it so easy to find them online or on the street? In New York, you can even buy unauthorized NYPD t-shirts and hats!
A. Law enforcement is expensive—and there’s an eager market. For some manufacturers, the potential for huge profits makes the risks worthwhile.
Q. So much for handbags—what about Oscar gowns and other clothing?
A. In the U.S., knocking off clothing (without using a fake label or logo) is legal, although creative types have been trying to change that for at least a century. On March 30, a new bill that would give designers protection against line-for-line copyists was introduced in Congress. It’s supported by designers like Zac Posen and Diane von Furstenberg—and if it passes, it will give a whole new meaning to articles like Marie Claire’s regular “Splurge or Steal?” feature.
Q. But this is fashion—everybody copies everybody else! How else would we know that wedge espadrilles and lace are “in” for spring?
A. The new law would apply only to literal copies, not trends or inspiration. But it could bring about some changes—just over a decade ago, YSL sued Ralph Lauren for copying an evening gown under a similar law in France, and won.
Q. Can I get arrested or fined for just buying a fake?
Not in the U.S.—but in the past year, both France and Italy have passed laws targeting consumers of counterfeit merchandise. Also, if you go on vacation outside the U.S. and try to bring back an illegal fake, both you and the merchandise could be stopped at customs. But hey, at least you’ll have a great tan in your mug shot.
The bottom line, from a legal perspective anyway, is that selling and even buying fakes can be risky—but the choice is up to you. Will it be a cheap designer knockoff or an original at an affordable price point? Class dismissed—it’s time to shop!
Susan Scafidi writes the blog Counterfeit Chic
Sample Sale in Dublin, Ireland
For the three people in Dublin who read this site . . .
Billion Dollar Babes is having a sample sale in Dublin featuring up to 80% fashions from designers like Ashish, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ghost, Issey Miyake, and more. Also receive a complimentary make-up consultation from Armani beauty.
Details:
Date: March 25, 2006
Time: 8 am-6 pm
Location: Custom House Quay, Docklands IFSC
New York Magazine’s Guide to Sales and Bargains
For those of you looking for additional resources on saving big in NYC, head to New York Metro’s Guide to Sales and Bargains. Even the most ruthless New York Bargain Shoppers will find the guide, at the very least, interesting reading. That is, if you can get past the ads for Bergdorf Goodman and Diane Von Furstenberg.
In Markdown-onomics, author Maureen Tkacik, chronicles the mark-down life of a green blazer at Saks Fifth Avenue ($410 in August to below $100 right before Christmas) and offers this assessment on leopard printed fashion:
There, on a hanger, was a camisole, covered in leopard spots. Leopard print, I realized, is always on sale . . . Year after year, in store after store, animal prints hit the sales racks first and often stay there till the clearance sales.
There are also other sections of the guide worth reading, like a short list on where to purchase items to build a high-tech living room for less and toe-to-toe comparisons of some of the city’s most famous bargain shopping haunts like Loehmanns and Century 21.
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