The 5th Annual Fashion 2.0 Awards

A couple weeks ago I had the fortune to attend the Fashion 2.0 awards. Since the launch 5 years ago, social media has changed drastically from something that brands never talked about to an integral part of marketing strategy and customer relations.

The Fashion 2.0 awards founded by the beautiful Yuli Ziv, the founder of Style Coalition and Fashion 2.0, are the first industry recognized distinction honoring fashion brands for outstanding achievements and communication strategies across a variety of digital media channels. When the awards first launched, DKNY's DKNY PR girl aka Aliza Litch was one of the only attendees and Foursquare was honored as the best start-up. Could we have dreamed then how much times would have changed? Today over 400 industry insiders helped celebrate the event at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. 

The awards were hosted once more by the ever charming Robert Verdi with legendary designer Zac Posen invited to give a keynote speech. After he ended his speech he attempted to take an audience wide "selfie" but ended up leaving himself out of the picture. Host Robert Verdi later corrected the error in good fun and soon the entire room was standing to be a part of it!

As for some of the winners, Marc Jacobs won big, sweeping awards for best Instagram and Twitter. Nordstrom won for the Best Pinterest. DKNY won for best online campaign with DKNY Draft. The campaign featuring both models and football players for the Super Bowl taught us in the words of pioneer Aliza Litch that "Models can't throw for shit". Acustom Apparel won for best start-up

Eva Chen was honored by Fashion GPS with the online Navigator award and rushed in a little late after being caught in a heated ping pong match with the Warby Parker boys. The Fashion Navigator Award took into consideration the fact that ambitious women are not just bossy, ambitious women can become the boss. Eva Chen exemplifies this modern attitude.

Fashion expert Jeannie Mai presented the Visionary award to the Warby Parker boys, while telling a touching story about how the brand changed the life of one woman who had a life altering ordeal in which she no longer had the confidence to go shop in public. The award celebrates not only what fashion can do, but what fashion can do for others.

The beautiful and charming Coco Rocha presented the evenings top honor for Top Innovator to ASOS as she shared how this year both the internet and herself turned 25. "For decades, industry standards dictated that models be seen and not heard. This model is one with an opinion, not seen but heard. If you have a loud voice, have something to say. Social media has given me a voice to be someone beyond just a face".

After the awards ceremony let out, everyone hit the cocktail reception for some in-person socializing. It was a grand night with red carpet glamor and beautiful people celebrating the digital world. I wonder how the awards will change and change again in the next 5 years!

Special thanks to photographer Ken Arcara for the bottom three images.

Sample Sales NYC: March 4-10, 2013

Who: Frette Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off lux linens
When: March 3-7, 2013. 10am-6pm.
Where: 111 E 59th St (b/n Park & Lex)

Who: DKNY Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories
When: March 4-9, 2013. Mon-Tues 9am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: J. Mendel Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off womenswear
When: March 5-7, 2013.
Where: 27 Union Sqare W (b/n 15th & 16th St)

Who: Ted Rossi Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off accessories
When: March 6-7, 2013. 11am-6pm
Where: 15 E 30th St (b/n Madison and 5th Ave). 212-683-1726

Ongoing Sales:
Who: What Goes Around Comes Around
What: Up to 90% off vintage and the WGACA collection with prices starting as low as $5, and thousands of vintage items under $30.
When: Feb 15-March 7, 2013. Mon—Thurs 10am—7pm, Fri—Sat 10am—8pm, Sun 11am—7pm.
Where: 440 Lafayette St (at Astor Place) 646-370-6391.

Who: Odin New York and their women's counterpart Pas de Deux
What: Snag women's and men's fall merchandise at 60-75% off retail. The sale includes well curated items from brands such as Richard Chai, Acne, Duckie Brown, Verlaine, Engineered Garments, Alexander Wang, Carven, Todd Snyder, and more.
When: February 22-March 10, 2013. Daily, noon—8pm.
Where: 330 East 11th St (between First and Second Ave)

Sample Sale Report: DKNY

I stopped by the first ever DKNY sample sale last night which is up to 70% off but now featuring additional reductions.  One of the surprises of the sample sale was there was also a small selection of Donna Karan Collection on the rack.  In addition there were quite a few faux fur coats that claimed to be runway pieces now marked down from $2000-3000 down to $300.

DKNY Price List
Handbags $40
Belts/Scarves $15
W Boots/Booties $50
W Shoes/Sandals $20
W Flip Flots $10
Wallets $10
Gloves, Hats $10
Small cases $5
Sunglasses $45
Hosiery, socks & tights $5

NYC Sample Sales August 20-26, 2012

Who: Beirn Pre-Fall Sale
What: Watersnake handbags and accessories at a great discount
When: August 21-22, 2012. Tues-Wed 10am-5pm
Where: 12 W 57th St, NY, NY 10019

Who: David Lerner sample sale
What: 40-70% off Spring & Fall 2012 Collection
When: August 20-22, 2012. Mon-Wed 11am-6pm
Where: 413 West 14th Street, Suite 403

Who: Camilla Sample Sale
What: Up to 50% off on Spring/Summer 2012 collection from the Australian label with global inspiration
When: August 22-24, 2012. Wed-Thurs 10:30am-6:30pm, Fri 10:30am- 3pm
Where: 231 W 29th Street, Suite 302, New York, New York 10001

Who: Barneys New York Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 75% off on a selection of designer clothing, shoes + accessories
for men, women + children as well as gifts for the home
When: August 23-September 9, 2012.
August 23, 2012 8am - 9pm
August 24, 2012 8am - 9pm
August 25, 2012 9am - 8pm
August 26, 2012 9am - 8pm
August 27, 2012 10am - 9pm
August 28, 2012 10am - 9pm
August 29, 2012 10am - 9pm
August 30, 2012 9am - 9pm
August 31, 2012 9am - 9pm
September 1, 2012 9am - 8pm
September 2, 2012 9am - 8pm
September 3, 2012 9am - 7pm
Where: 255 West 17th St (nr 8th Ave)

Who: DKNY Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Women's apparel, shoes, accessories and handbags as well as Men's apparel, shoes and accessories.
When: August 21-25, 2012. Tues 10am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: Bird Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 80% off women's, men's, shoes, and accessories from designers that are easy to love like Isabel Marant, Suno, Thakoon and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
When: August 24-26, 2012. Fri noon—8pm, Sat noon—7pm, Sun noon—6pm.
Where: 316 Fifth Ave (b/n 2nd and 3rd St) Park Slope, Brooklyn. 718-768-4940

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Ash Footwear
What: The 2nd annual warehouse sale is now being held in the back room of the store. All summer styles for women, men and children are marked up to 65% off retail, including the popular sneaker wedge style. Most of the prices range from just $57-$175!
Where: 44 Mercer Street
When: August 10-26, 2012. Store Hours

NYC Sample Sales: August 13-19, 2012

Who: Issey Miyake Sample Sale
What: Snag men's and women's pieces at a great discount at this one day only sample sale.
When: August 14, 2012. Tuesday 9am~4pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave), 4th Floor

Who: Lauren Merkin
What: Up to 70% off on handbags, clutches, and accessories are up to 70% off. Bargain boxes starting at $30.
When: August 14-16, 2012. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 231 West 29th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), Suite 201

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Ash Footwear
What: The 2nd annual warehouse sale is now being held in the back room of the store. All summer styles for women, men and children are marked up to 65% off retail, including the popular sneaker wedge style. Most of the prices range from just $57-$175!
Where: 44 Mercer Street
When: August 10-26, 2012. Store Hours

Who: Honey in the Rough
What: 50-70% off jewelry and clothing
When: Now through August 15, 2012. Mon—Sat noon—8pm, Sun noon—7pm.
Where: 161 Rivington St (at Clinton St) 212-228-641

Who: Openhouse Gallery Nolita Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off retail on skirts, dresses, jeans, blouses, pants, sweater, swimsuits, accessories, handbags, ties and jackets. Designers include Tailor Byrd, Custco, Edun, Dolce Vita, 2B Rych and many more. Prices ranging from $10 to $90.
When: Through August 15, 2012. Daily 11am-8pm
Whre: 201 Mulberry Street (nr Houston)

Upcoming Sales:
Who: DKNY Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Women's apparel, shoes, accessories and handbags as well as Men's apparel, shoes and accessories.
When: August 21-25, 2012. Tues 10am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Pre-Fall 2011 Trends: Cherry Bomb

I’ve previously wrote in Pre-Spring 2010 that red shoes were a definite trend to keep your eye on, but now the designers have taken it from the feet and moved on up, many creating bold head to toe color outfits in all shades of red.  From Cherry to Pimento, Apple to Beet the reds are all here to stay and making a statement. 

Pre-Fall 2011 was an explosion of red all over the runways, regardless of occasion or fabrication.  Deep red tones from Adam, Armani Collezioni and Elie Tahari look great for eveningwear, while classic reds at Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang look great for cocktails and making a statement.  My personal favorite use of red is the top and bottom combos that have a slight menswear feel by DKNY, Jenni Kayne and Thakoon.  If you are feeling lady like though Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci and Reed Krakoff looks might fit the bill.  If all that red makes you nervous though, just try on a red jacket ala Preen, Stella McCartney or Michael Kors. 

Would you wear head to toe red or is it a look for runways only?

Adam, Armani Collezioni, Elie Tahari

Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang

DKNY, Jenni Kayne, Thakoon

Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci, Reed Krakoff

Preen,  Stella McCartney, Michael Kors

Sneak Peek: Lord & Taylor Holiday Windows

So last night I had the chance to get a sneak peek at some of the holiday window displays at the Lord and Taylor Flagship store in NYC. I found myself under the street of 5th Avenue in Lord and Taylor’s basement where they have the room to create stimulating visual merchandising displays. there is room to breath, take a step back and scrutinize their handiwork.

Scott Devine, Lord & Taylor's VP of Visual Merchandising, took the time to share with a small group of bloggers some of the heritage behind the windows and to explain this year's theme.

Lord and Taylor is home to the world’s only hydraulic lift window displays and therefore able to create the display's underground before unveiling their creations to the public above ground in 4 of the street level windows. I also learned that from Mr. Devine that, “Lord and Taylor was the actually very first retailer to ever do Christmas windows for pure delight. Not to show of any product, not to sell anything. We look at it as our gift to New York City and visitors.” It is a tradition that spans over 75 years.

This year a team of 54 people are working to create the theme for the season “Sharing Joy”. “Sharing Joy” is based on the favorite holiday stories and traditions of actual customers. The stories were selected from letters received from customers or shared on Facebook. In the end, 12 stories were chosen and 3 will be displayed per window. The team at Lord and Taylor decided to take the ideas behind these stories and base them in NYC as a common thread to tie the stories together. The names of those customer's whose stories were chosen will appear in the windows and some of the local customers selected will be present at the opening to see their stories come to life for the very first time.

Some of the stories I got a chance to hear included:

A story of a man remembering when he was a little boy and he received is very first bicycle for Christmas.

The story of a family who’s aunt was a great seamstress and made all of the family matching outfits to prepare to take their annual Christmas photo.

“A story of a woman who grew up in up in the North East and moved to the South and Christmas was just never the same for her, so she just moved back to New York and she got to experience through the eyes of her children her youth again, because it was their first snowflake, their first snowball fight.”

They will also be sharing a part of the rich heritage of the windows by placing in the 2 end vestibules animated figures from of the team’s favorite windows of all time as a tribute to the past.

I can’t wait to see the rest of the windows and plan on heading down on Monday night to take a peek.

To commemorate the window unveiling this coming Monday, November 15, 2010, Lord and Taylor will be hosting a series of exciting events all day at the flagship store. If you purchase a $5 ticket to the festivities, you will get at 20% savings coupon for one item plus 15% off almost anything in the store, including cosmetics and fragrances! Plus know that you are supporting a great cause. All ticket proceeds go to the American Red Cross!

Here is a rundown of some of the events:

Noon: Meet Sarabeth and receive complimentary signed copy of her book Sarabeth’s Bakery: From My Hands to Yours.

Noon: Receive complimentary monogramming with your purchase of any fringed L&T cashmere or novelty scarf

1pm: Meet Laurent Bush and Ellen Gustafson Co-Founders of FEED Projects. They will also be signing your FEED Bag purchases.

5:30pm: The Young People’s Chorus of NYC will be performing a special song written for Lord and Taylor called Share the Joy with Emmy & Tony award winner Kristin Chenoweth.

6pm: Meet Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar and receive a complimentary signed copy of her book, Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap your Sweet Life

6pm: Enjoy a special event with DKNY/DK intimates and enter for a chance to win a Donna Karan handbag, cosmetics case and coin purse ($1500 value)

6:30pm: Holiday Fashion presentation for the whole family

If you are not in the NYC area the entire unveiling ceremony will be live streamed here at 5:30pm on Monday.

Green Pop-Up Gallery: pureDKNY & SHFT

Earlier tonight, Erin and I previewed the pureDKNY/SHFT pop-up gallery, which opens tomorrow. pureDKNY is the new environmentally-conscious fragrance from DKNY made with a drop of vanilla from Uganda. The "chandelier" in the top left was actually made with pureDKNY bottles.

SHFT is the environmental new media platform founded by actor/activist, Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer. The two joined forces to bring a cute and green pop-up gallery and shop to SoHo.
The space was included two floors of eco-conscious art; many of them are pieces that are up at SHFT's online shop.


There was also some really fun merch like a keyboard made from bamboo wood ($99) and speakers made with recycled paper ($20). Other items were made from materialis like recycled plastic bottles and old rubber tires.

I have a laptop, but wow, I wish I had a reason to buy this!


Cute, tiny speakers... novelty gift, anyone?

Who: pureDKNY/SHFT Pop-up Gallery
What: DKNY Fragrances and SHFT, the eco-friendly website founded by actor and activist Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer, will open an eco-conscious pop-up gallery. The gallery is a collection of sustainable designed products with over 50 pieces of artwork by Los Angeles and New York based artists.
When: October 22-23, 2010. Fri-Sat. 11am-7pm
Where: 112 Greene St (b/n Prince and Spring St)

Go: pureDKNY/ SHFT Pop-Up Gallery

Who: pureDKNY/SHFT Pop-up Gallery
What: DKNY Fragrances and SHFT, the eco-friendly website founded by actor and activist Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer, will open an eco-conscious pop-up gallery. The gallery is a collection of sustainable designed products with over 50 pieces of artwork by Los Angeles and New York based artists.
When: October 22-23, 2010. Fri-Sat. 11am-7pm
Where: 112 Greene St (b/n Prince and Spring St)

Participating Artists:
Corey Arnold, Glen Baldridge, Vaughn Bell, Lauren Bon, Isa Brito, Kevin Cooley, Ramon Coronado, Alex Dodge,Elkpen a.k.a. Christian Kasperkovitz, Isidro Ferrer, Shepard Fairey, Balazs Gardi, Tierney Gearon, Dana Helmuth, Jay Mark Johnson, William Earl Kofmehl III, Ellen Kooi, Alia Malley, Luigia Martelloni, Andrew McConnell, Rebeca Méndez, Ilka Meyer, Ben Ryuki Miyagi, Sam Moyer, Mie Olise, Thomas Ovlisen, Aviva Rahmani, Marina Deb Ris, Dirk Skreber, Kerry Skarbakka, Eva Struble,
Anais Wade, Patrick Winfield, Liz Young, Ward Yoshimoto

Inside Designer Sketchbooks FW 2010

I honestly don't like to pay too close attention to the news on a daily basis (excluding the fashion & food world) because most of the time it it can be a bit depressing. I do randomly look at daily papers while I commute so I won't be completely clueless about the world.

The other day was just one such morning I was glad I looked! am New York featured some illustrations by various designers that showed a peek of what is to come starting today + some quotes about their inspiration. I love looking at illustration sometimes even more than looking at photos. There is so much feeling and thought with each line and I love how illustrations often reflect something about the designers themselves or their ideal woman.

To note, I love how Erin Fetherson's figure even resembles her! Jill Stuart & Herve Leger look to be sexy with an attitude. Vivienne Tam and Brian Reyes looks similarly sculptural and simplified, I'm interested in seeing the different execution of the real garmnts. The Tibi girls look to be funky and adorable. DKNY appears to be New York glam and cool but her figure looks a little shy and humble too. Pamela Roland and Edition by Georges Chakra look elegant, mysterious and untouchable. Do these sketches speak to you?

Fashion Suffers Bad Markets

If you were hoping to catch the Chanel Mobil Art Exhibit in London, Paris or Moscow, sorry to disapoint in a moved relating to the crumbling of the global economy, New York's showing ending last month will now be the stopping point of the costly endeavor.

A Chanel spokeswoman told WWD, "Considering the current economic crisis, we decided it was best to stop the project. We will be concentrating on strategic growth investments."

This is yet another reflection of how bad things are getting in the fashion industry as countless labels are now canceling their Bryant Park runway shows in favors of presentations and small parties. DKNY, Vera Wang, Carmen Marc Valvo and Betsey Johnson will not be showing at Bryant Park. J. Mendel, Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra are also considering other options for February.

On the plus side, much at Barney's is now 75% Off! If you're above the economy and have money to spend, now is the time to do it.