Designers are inspired by the world around them. Their designs usually reflect a personal interpretation of whatever catches their eye while traveling around the world or around the corner.

Checkout the inspiration and looks for these four New York fashion designers for spring 2011… we’ll be watching their shows during Fashion Week to see the final results!

Rebecca Taylor

The Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 Collection girl is the modern juxtaposition between her bohemian roots and her love of what is slick and urban. Distressed, belted trench coats in bright colors are the perfect pairing with Rebecca’s signature silk printed dresses. Perforated eyelet pieces are combined with sleek scalloped-edge leather jackets to provide a worn, downtown look that still remains elegant. Kelly Green, Highlighter Yellow, and Equestrian Orange are the perfect complement to earthy neutrals, integrating her love of both the countryside and the city. Spring 2011 brings us all back to fresh, feel good, American fashion.

Rebecca Taylor

Yoana Baraschi

The Spring 2011 Collection is inspired by a woman fierce in spirit, yet utterly feminine, evoking the sensual confidence of a 70’s Romy Schneider or Gena Rowlands in John Cassavetes films.  A mixture of 70’s and 90’s sportswear classics are reinvented with a modern touch of graphic prints, timeless florals and animal prints.  A color palette that includes sun-kissed shades of coral, lemon, lavender and aqua, complimented by gentle urban grays and weathered natural whites contrasted by navy are found on the season’s key silhouettes.

Yoana Baraschi

Kaelen

“I went Tornado chasing last year, and was inspired by the weather itself, the colors, the momentous shift from calm to crazed that happens in a split second. I wanted to create something that was equally modern and timeless with an element of chaos,” designer Kaelen Farncombe.

Kaelen

Tracy Reese

“Spring 2011 evokes effortlessly chic dressing, redefining favorite silhouettes and offering women simple yet sexy looks with a classic TR touch. Sultry elements animate a minimalist approach, like this nude silk blouse and pleat pocket flare pant, creating a sleek, monochromatic moment of confidence and sensuality,” designer Tracy Reese.

Tracy Reese

PEARLS, by Hubert Bari and David Lam
Skira, distributed by Rizzoli New York, 2010

Published in conjunction with the Qatar Museum Authority to coincide with an exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, Pearls unveils the many mysteries of this exotic gem.

This beautiful book blends historical, scientific and cultural information in a comprehensive work that recounts the fascinating story and interesting facts about pearls. My favorite tidbit… what do all pearls have in common? They don’t have sharp edges.

A must-have for all gem enthusiasts, Pearls features the rich history of the gem including the fascinating legacy surrounding Kokichi Mikimoto and Coco Chanel.

Superb 13.3 mm pearl of the imperial volute (Cymbiola imperialis) stuck to the edge of the shell. Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Collection of the Qatar Museums Authority. © Christian Creutz, photographer

These necklaces belonging to Hussain Alfardan are the very essence of the beauty of the natural pearl. Perfectly spherical and with a superb orient, this quality of pearl catches the light and interacts with light into very subtle pastel tints. Hussain Alfardan Collection, Qatar. © Hubert Bari

Tiara commissioned from Chaumet, Paris, in 1897 by the Marquis de Keroüartz for his wife-to-be Louise d’Andigné, on the occasion of their marriage the same year. It is characterised by seven large baroque pearls that sprout from a composition of diamonds mounted on silver and gold. The tiara can be converted into a necklace. Albion Art Collection, Japan. © Albion Art Collection

The Chanel Fashion show for Fall 2010 in Paris donned models wearing a heart-shaped hairdo with a bow accessory.. similar to the Lady Gaga hairstyle.

Lady Gaga’s bow was originally hand made by herself out of hair extensions wrapped into a bow and bobby pinned to her head.

Music icon, style, fashion…It is clear how influential a pop music singer’s style has become to influence fashion and beauty.

Fashion has often been influenced by famous music artists and designer collaborations creating a synergy between Music and Fashion. In the 90’s Madonna collaborated with Jean Paul Gauthier for the very famous cone-shaped bra.

Iconic male singers often run into this trend too, when creating their own fashion label. Hip hop star Jay-Z co-founded a clothing line named Rocawear. Producer and singer Pharrell Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton for jewelry line Blason and built Billionnaire Boys Club (BBC), a fashion venture between the singer and established Japanese fashion designer Nigo. Pharrell has also helped to bring Nigo’s brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) to the front of urban culture. As a result, Nigo has helped Pharrell to fulfill his dream of having his own fashion label.

It’s seems to be an exchange of inspiration and creativity between both fields, and stylish singers become the ambassadors of the fashion labels.

As a new generation of singer/songwritter, Lady Gaga works as an artist and a fellow fashion icon. Her hair bow seems to have inspired more than just fans.

Does Karl Lagerfeld have a new source of creativity? Or is Lady Gaga a Chanel ambassador?

Whatever the case, one can’t help but appreciate the creativity behind the iconic singers.

Photos: Carole Bonnassies/VIDCAT

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Chanel Store Soho, New York

Spotted on the runways (Hervé Leger and Derek Lam) for spring 2010, flower prints have now invaded the shop windows in Soho, New York… Betsey Johnson and Prada’s store windows featured floral print tops and dresses.

Flowers are definitely a good touch to illustrate the sunshine of the east cost and a good remedy for the ambient gloom on hazy days.

Add vibrant floral prints to your wardrobe and show some flower power for rest of this summer!

Photo: Derek Lam runwayweekly.com

Derek Lam, Spring 2010 runway

Betsey Johnson Window Display

Prada Tee-Shirts

Soho, New York

VIDCAT Productions, a New York-based fashion video production company produced “Style Is Eternal” its first film using vintage and modern footage from the extensive VIDCAT fashion video archive.

The film was created to showcase the video archive and recently premiered at the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival. “We are delighted that the first Fashion Film Festival in the United States chose our film “Style Is Eternal” to close the festival” says Janet Pytowski, The Director and President of VIDCAT.

The film features a stylish montage of vintage 1950s and 1960s black & white fashion newsreels, 1990s supermodels footage, 1980s couture catwalks and recent fashion week runway looks… all tied together with quotes from fashion designers and models.

The seven-minute video engages viewers with the juxtaposition of vintage and modern fashion footage edited to an original musical soundtrack composed by Dwight Collin creating a short, entertaining view of fashion history and culture during the past several decades.

“Style Is Eternal” will be shown on the VIDCAT Video Blog InsideVidcat as well as various online platforms including The VIDCAT Fashion Channel which is syndicated on premium video portals:

InsideVidcat.com http://vidcat.com/blog/style-is-eternal-fashion-film

VIDCAT1 Channel on YouTube www.youtube.com/profile?user=vidcat1

Glam.com http://glam.com/videos/published_by_vidcat

Blinkx.com www.blinkx.com/channel/vidcat

Established fashion designers and brands like Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Marni, Y-3 and Donna Karan have created stylized, dynamic fashion shorts as video components for their websites, social media platforms and marketing efforts. “Producing, sponsoring and distributing fresh and pertinent video content on a regular basis is crucial for brands to keep the interest of new and loyal website visitors” says Pytowski. “As video continues to drive content on the internet and the new media demands exciting footage and professional video expertise, we look forward to providing creative production services, relevant fashion footage and a unique historical context to our fashion video clients all over the world.”

…ISMS: UNDERSTANDING FASHION
Written by Mairi Mackenzie
Universe Publishing

...ISMS: Understanding Fashion, Mairi Mackenzie, Universe Publishing February 2010

This terrific little book is an informative and engaging pocket-sized guide for fashion aficionados with an avid interest in the art and history of fashion. There’s a ton of info packed into this slim volume, and reading it is a great way to connect the dots between what came before- Neoclassism, Dandyism, Industrialism, Orientalism, the Birth of Haute Couture, the Belle Epoch, Victorianism, Surrealism, Existentialism, Punk, Japanese Avant-Gardeism, Deconstructionism, Globalism- and where  we are, not to mention where we might be heading in the richly personal ways we choose to adorn ourselves as individuals, and as a culture.

Author and fashion historian Mairi Mackenzie says that fashion “reflects the social, economic, sexual and political attitudes of an era” and the effect of these trends over time is detailed in this Must-Have concise and easily digestible package.

Copyright: National Museums Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery

Copyright V & A Images, Victoria & Albert Museum

Copyright: Museo Del Traje, Madrid

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