Tons of exhibitors lined the IBS New York show this year featuring every conceivable tool and product for beauty professionals. Essential products for salons were displayed on the show floor (I picked up a few bottles of my favorite Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy shampoo and hair conditioner from Coppola) and attendees packed the Main Stage programs.

I was lucky to catch the Main Stage performance by Vivienne Mackinder, five-time winner of the North American Hairstyling award, and one of the most highly respected international leaders in the hairdressing profession today. Her creative show was stylish and informative and had the audience mesmerized by her innovative techniques. Checkout Vivienne’s must-see website hairdesignertv.com

Malaysian born fashion designer Zang Toi celebrated the 20th anniversary of the House Of Toi with luxurious gowns, men’s wear inspired suits and bold accessories. His Haute Fashion designs have a celebrity clientele including Sharon Stone, Eva Langoria, Fergie, Ivana Trump and Melinda Gates.

All Photos: Maha Mohtaseb/VIDCAT

Zang Toi Fall 2010/VIDCAT

Zang Toi Fall 2010/VIDCAT

Zang Toi Fall 2010/VIDCAT

Zang Toi Fall 2010/VIDCAT

The eclectic A Detacher collection by designer Mona Kowalska reflected an idealized vision of city and country life… sophisticated slip dresses were shown with chunky sweaters and scarves and plaid dresses and tops started the show.

All Photos: Maha Mohtaseb/VIDCAT

A Detacher Fall 2010/VIDCAT

A Detacher Fall 2010/VIDCAT

A Detacher Fall 2010/VIDCAT

A Detacher Fall 2010/VIDCAT

During New York Fashion Week, socialites, fashion editors and designers gathered in Soho to give a proper farewell to ABC’s Emmy-Winning show Ugly Betty. The event was hosted by Joonbug.com, style360 with Elle magazine at the lavish location Capitale in Soho. Stars of the show Vanessa Williams, Marc Indelicato and Ana Ortiz plus hundreds of fashionistas and industry people showed up for this beautiful celabration. The show has given us drama, comedy and most importantly fantastic fashion moments for four seasons and has won over 60 awards, including 3 Emmys. The last season will reportedly end with a 20th episode scheduled to air in April or May 2010.

Ami Ortiz & Mark Indelicato

Vanessa Williams

Capitale, Soho

SuperTrash debuted this season for the first time in New York. The brand was founded in L.A. but has had great success in Europe since 2004 do to the vision of Dutch fashion entrepreneur and current creative director for the brand Olcay Gulsen. It’s easy to see both the L.A. glam inspirations and the European sleekness in the fall 2010 collection. Using leather, fur, sequins and custom knitted pieces SuperTrash may be born in L.A. but was defiantly raised in Amsterdam.

SuperTrash fall 2010

SuperTrash fall 2010

New Zealand based fashion designer Karen Walker showed a cute, indie-girl focused show for fall. The “Sound of Music” meets Bob Dylan inspired collection included trendy boy-blazers, skinny pants and shapely skirt suits.

All Photos: Maha Mohtaseb for VIDCAT.COM

Karen Walker Fall 2010, Maha Mohtaseb/VIDCAT

Karen Walker Fall 2010, Maha Mohtaseb/VIDCAT

Karen Walker Fall 2010, Maha Mohtaseb/VIDCAT

Yves Saint Laurent-Pierre Berge Collection: The Sale of the Century

In February 2009, 733 pieces from the Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent’s art collection- one of the largest private art collections in the world- was auctioned off in a record-breaking sale of the century. Modern paintings, baroque bronzes, antique silverware and statutes, cameos and minerals comprise this diverse collection which furnished Berge’s and Saint Laurent’s two luxurious residences in Paris. Also included were major art works by Picasso, Brancusi, Matisse, Klee and Mondrian. Many works sold for prices far above the highest estimates, making this the most importatnt auction of a private collection to date.

The five-volume catalogue published by Christie’s for the event sold out before the end of the auction… leaving many collectors and art enthusiasts the world over empty-handed. Thankfully, Flammarion presents a new volume featuring photographs of this fabulous collection, highlighting 100 of the most important piecees with detailed commentary by Christie’s experts, including estimated values and final auction prices.

This visually stunning volume with lush photos arrives in a fine slipcase and is a must-have for all art lovers and serious collectors.

© Christie’s Images Limited (2009) from The Yves Saint Laurent Pierre Bergé Collection: The Sale of the Century (Paris: © Flammarion / © Christie, Manson & Woods Ltd, 2009).

© Christie’s Images Limited (2009) from The Yves Saint Laurent Pierre Bergé Collection: The Sale of the Century (Paris: © Flammarion / © Christie, Manson & Woods Ltd, 2009).

YVES SAINT LAURENT-PIERRE BERGE COLLECTION: The Sale of the Century
Text by Francoise de Ricqles and Christine de Nicolay-Mazery
Flammarion 2009

Copyright Nabil Elderkin and Kanye West, Kanye West: Glow in the Dark, Rizzoli 2009

In his record-breaking, sold-out 2008 Glow In The Dark tour, artist and performer Kanye West created a musical and visual odyssey unlike anything ever before experienced by concert-goers. West performed on a massive, other-worldly stage set creating a unique world of his own making.

After the enormous success of the tour, Kanye turned his pop artistry to creating this deluxe book which represents another stage of the Glow In The Dark universe. This book provides Kanye’s fans with a breath-taking ride through his life, both onstage and off, featuring Kanye’s personal sketches and reference imagery, 3-D models of the stage and costume designs and a CD which includes previously unreleased instrumentals from the show as well as an interview with tour collaborator Spike Jonze.

Base, an award winning creative group specializing in graphic design and art direction, created this luxurious book that fuses the visual language of a musical tour with high fashion. The large format book and full-bleed photography highlight the dynamic and theatrical aspects of the Glow In The Dark tour and will be appreciated by fans of the ten-time Grammy Award winner.

Copyright Nabil Elderkin and Kanye West, Kanye West: Glow in the Dark, Rizzoli 2009

Copyright Nabil Elderkin and Kanye West, Kanye West: Glow in the Dark, Rizzoli 2009

Kanye West: Glow In The Dark
By Kanye West
Photographs by Nabil Elderkin
Rizzoli, 2009

This book documents the work of one of the truly great pioneers of fashion photography. Norman Parkinson is famous for redefining glamour in fashion as something more spontaneous and modern than it had every been before him. As a true innovator, Parkinson took models out of the artificiality of a studio and placed them in real-life settings from gritty working-class districts of London to the English countryside.

Parkinson got his start at Vogue in London and was a protege of the great Alexandre Lieberman at American Vogue when he came to New York… he produced some of his most innovative work during the Diana Vreeland years at Vogue. His career spanned more than four decades and he worked with some of the greatest models, from Carmen Dell’Orefice to Jerry Hall.

This beautiful book, showcasing 200 color and black & white photos, is a lavish portrait of Parkinson’s long career from the 1930s through the 1980s. It includes a unique collaboration with the Norman Parkinson Archive in London, his iconic photographs for Vogue, Queen and Harper’s Bazaar and a trove of previously unpublished fashion work.

This book is a Must-Have for all fashion enthusiasts and will be appreciated by anyone with a love of the glamorous history of fashion photography.

(c) Norman Parkinson Ltd., provided courtesy of the Norman Parkinson Archive, London

(c) Norman Parkinson Ltd., provided courtesy of the Norman Parkinson Archive, London

Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour
By Louise Baring
with contributions by Grace Coddington and Jerry Hall
Rizzoli New York, 2009

The New York based designer Karen Sabag showed us that she can do more than just bridal with her spring 2010 collection “A street in Barcelona”. Her color scheme mimics the natural colors of the pebbled streets and walls of Barcelona, with light pink, mint green, gold and silver.  The collection is made from the finest fabrics like 100% Italian and French Solstice lace. Many of the creations are adorned with Swarovski crystal, pearls or topped off with embroideries and fine hand beaded embellishments… which is what the young designer does best. The collection is mostly evening attire but there are also beautiful separates that can be worn in everyday life.

Author : Cecilie Berg

Photos by : Kristian Rickert

Karen Sabag dress

Karen Sabag skirt and blouse

Karen Sabag gown

Extreme Beauty in Vogue

Edited by Phyllis Posnick with an Essay by Eva Respini

Skira, 2009

Extreme Beauty in Vogue, Skira 2009

Extreme Beauty was created to accompany the Milan exhibition of the same title which was produced in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.  Over one hundred iconic photographs by the likes of Edward Steichen, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz and Steven Klein provide a rich history of female beauty in photography.

Vogue magazine investigates the role of beauty in our culture through the superb quality photos of the most significant images of the past 75 years. The photos explore the limits of contemporary ideas of beauty in images by the greatest photographers of this century. The featured prints reveal profoundly sensual and highly provocative narratives that bear witness to our complex attitudes toward female appearance and self-expression.

From the neoclassical figures of Edward Steichen to the unconventional nudes of Annie Leibovitz, the aggressive portraiture of Helmut Newton, and the modernism of Steven Klein, the photographs in this book explore the complex female form and is a Must-Have for all beauty enthusiasts.

Edward Steichen, “Beauty Primer” Your Hands, June 1934

Resort Fashion: Style in Sun-Drenched Climates
By Caroline Rennolds Milbank
Foreword by Amy Fine Collins
Rizzoli International Publications

Resort Fashion, Rizzoli 2009

This book celebrates the quintessential vacation style from around the globe… emphasizing the history of resort wear. More than four hundred color and black & white photographs, as well an insightful text, chronicles the everything from the role of prints and stripes in resort fashions to the evolution of swimwear.

The history of resort clothing is fashion at its most fun! Fashion historian Caroline Rennolds Milbank writes engaging text as she documents resort style, crossing continents and generations, and takes us on a visually stunning trip from early Chanel beach pajamas to sailor stripes and Emilio Pucci prints. The evolution of swimsuit styles, from the maillot to the bikini, are also explored.

From the resort capitals of Palm Beach and Montego Bay to St. Tropez, this book celebrates resort wear’s vibrant history with an allure that extends beyond the runway. This book is a Must-Have for all fun-loving fashion enthusiasts.

Resort Fashion, Copyright Everett Collection

Resort Fashion, Slim Aarons Copyright 2005 Getty Images

The Chanel brand is the essence of luxury. It’s every woman’s dream and her credit card’s worst nightmare! The Soho lifestyle store has a black and white theme, huge sliding mirrored panels, see-through shelving and perfectly-placed track lighting. The store is segmented into little rooms for an intimate feel. Go to spend money or just to look and appreciate the beauty of this store, located on 139 Spring St.

Author: Cecilie Berg

Photos: Cecilie Berg/VIDCAT

Chanel shoes

Chanel window

Karen Millen is a Icelandic owned women’s designer clothing brand, specializing in tailored separates, evening wear and stunning signature jackets. The Rich mixture of textures and combination of shine and matt textiles alongside lush embellishment is perfect for any occasion. You can find very chic office dresses alongside tailored cocktail looks, and the store has lots of shoes and bags to match. The Soho location is the only Karen Millen store in New York city, located on 112-114 Prince Street.

Author: Cecilie Berg

Photos: Cecilie Berg/VIDCAT

Karen Millen store interior

Karen Millen Bags

Karen Millen dress

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

Rizzoli New York, 2009

Contributions by Simon Castes, Jill Gasparina, Emmanuel Hermmange, Taro Igarashi, Marie La Fort, Ian Luna, Rebecca Mead, Cedric Morriset, Glenn O’Brien, Olivier Saillard, Valerie Steele, Marie Maertens & Philippe Tretiack

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

This beautiful book is a deeply detailed and richly presented documentation of the Louis Vuitton historical patronage of an international roster of architects, designers, photographers, and fine artists including Jun Aoki, Shigeru Ban, Vanessa Beecroft, Olafur Eliasson, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, David LaChapelle, Jean Larivière, Annie Leibovitz, Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, Stephen Sprouse, and James Turrell.

Luxury and art have never been more closely linked than they are in these early years of the 21st century when virtually all the world’s major luxury houses have associated themselves with contemporary art through sponsorships, commissions or foundations. The symbiotic relationships between fashion, art and architecture are evident in our everyday lives through advertisements, limited product launches and retail store environments.

Of all the luxury brands, Louis Vuitton stands out as having the most varied and eclectic associations with the world of art. This book, divided into alphabetical groups, is structured as a visual anthology of the house’s most popular collaborations with critical essays that examine and position Louis Vuitton’s patronage- under the guidance of Artistic Director Marc Jacobs- during one of the most engaging periods of contemporary art and design.

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture is a Must-Have book for all fashion, art and architecture enthusiasts and will be a luxurious addition to your library.

Don’t miss this!… Louis Vuitton stores will carry a special edition cover featuring the Monogram Hands created by Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton in 2003.

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

The California style clothes by Christian Audigier is perfect if you want to add a little “bling” to your wardrobe. The Ed hardy collection mixes elaborate tattoo art, with modern street wear and rhinestones to create a unique rock and roll look. The lifestyle clothing brand is known for its detailed t-shirts and caps but you can also find cool jeans and beautiful silk scarfs in the Soho shop on 49 Mercer Street, NYC.

Author: Cecilie Berg

Photos: Cecilie Berg/VIDCAT

Ed Hardy dress

Ed Hardy bags

Ed Hardy shoes

Madeleine Vionnet
Edited by Pamela Golbin
Photographed by Patrick Gries
Rizzoli New York, 2009

Madeleine Vionnet, who founded the House of Vionnet in 1912, revolutionized the world of fashion by introducing the bias cut… enabling garments to move effortlessly with the wearer while clinging to the body. This book pays tribute to the “architect among couturiers” by showcasing Vionnet’s pioneering designs. Also featured is an illustrated chronology of Vionnet’s life and career, archival material and images from Horst and Steichen.

Madeleine Vionnet created designs that showed off a woman’s figure… she avoided corsets, padding and anything that distorted the natural curves of a woman’s body. She also pioneered the use of crepe de chine, silk chiffon and satin in woman’s fashion of the 1920s and 30s.

This beautiful book is a must-have for all fashion libraries… Vionnet dominated haute couture in the 1930s with her sensual gowns worn by Hollywood stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Katherine Hepburn and Greta Garbo. Today, Madeleine Vionnet remains one of the most influential fashion designers of modern times.

Photo by Patrick Gris, from Madeleine Vionnet, Edited by Pamela Golbin, Rizzoli New York, 2009

Photo by Patrick Gris, from Madeleine Vionnet, Edited by Pamela Golbin, Rizzoli New York, 2009

Photo courtesy of Les Arts Décoratifs, Union Française des Arts du Costume from Madeleine Vionnet, Edited by Pamela Golbin, Rizzoli New York, 2009

Workwear: Work, Fashion Seduction
by Oliverio Toscani and Olivier Saillard
Marisilio, 2009
distributed by Rizzoli New York

WORKWEAR looks at a long neglected sector of the fashion industry that has its roots in functionality but has also become a style influence. The 19th century industrial revolution created the necessity for outfits that could be mass-produced cheaply and worn as a uniform for specific jobs. As clothing and design evolved, and ready-to-wear items became the norm, the fashion industry borrowed workwear concepts, designs and construction to incorporate into everyday wear. WORKWEAR looks at the influences of utilitarian items (overalls, Velcro, welder’s helmets etc.) in contemporary style and function.

This book is a must-read for everyone interested in the long neglected sector of the fashion industry that has its roots in functionality and uniform style… tool-belts as accessories, steel-toed boots as seasonal trends and much more!

Workwear: Work, Fashion, Seduction

George Barbier: The Birth of Art Deco

Edited by Barbara Martorelli,  Marsilio 2009

Well-known in collecting circles, George Barbier (1882-1932) remains largely unknown to the wider public  who may be more familiar with Art Deco artists like Erte and Aubrey Beardsley from the same era.

The Fortuny Museum in Venice recently hosted a painstakingly assembled and comprehensive exhibition on the life and work of Barbier, one of the key artists of the Art Deco movement. To accompany the show, curator Barbara Martonelli wrote this book in which she explores the artist’s fashion illustrations, his friendship and relationship with Louis Cartier, his sets and costume designs for the theater and the ballet, and his exquisite illustrations for books, magazines and posters.

George Barbier’s work deserves examination and rediscovery by all design enthusiasts of the early 20th century. The book is an essential reference and a must-have for the well-rounded design and fashion library.

George Barbier:The Birth of Art Deco

George Barbier:The Birth of Art Deco

George Barbier:The Birth of Art Deco

George Barbier:The Birth of Art Deco

REBEL REBEL: Anti-Style
by Keanan Duffty with Paul Gorman
Universe Publishing, 2009

Tracing the roots at the intersection between the world of fashion and rock music, the book Rebel Rebel explores how music and “anti-fashion” icons like David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, and Gwen Stefani have created their own “anti-style” and have inspired true rebel style.

Taking cues from edgy, rebellious and underground looks, this book explores wearing common and mundane items with a sense of creativity and individual style… classic James Dean leather jackets remain the symbol of “outsider” fashion, jeans are slashed and re-cut by every generation and the skirt can be worn to subvert every image of feminine and masculine identity.

This book is a must-read destined to become the anti-style bible that will inspire the next generation of designers, club kids, fashion enthusiasts and everyone who wants to create their own personal style outside of rules and fashion faux pas.

Rebel Rebel: Anti Style by Keanan Duffy

Rebel Rebel: Anti Style

Rebel Rebel: Anti Style

Artist Susan Olmetti abstract art show in the Hotel Chelsea NYC was fabulous… especially the paintings and photography displayed on the walls of the landmark hotel. The party/show also featured  the artistic fantasy eyewear by Mercura NYC (the designers, sisters Rachel Cohen-Lunning and Marillee Lichtenstein-Cohen also designed the fabulous Mercura sunglasses for the Barbie Fall 2009 fashion show.)  The party was wonderful and  the stylish guests loved posing with Mercura sunglasses… me included!

Photos: Janet Pytowski/VIDCAT

Mercura Sunglasses

Mercura Sunglasses

Mercura Sunglasses

Mercura Designers: Rachel Cohen-Lunning & Marillee Lichtenstien-Cohen