Target x Odin: Finally - One Just For The Guys

Earlier this week, Target released the look book images for the upcoming collaboration with menswear store ODIN.  The collection looks very ODIN-esque and has some great knit pieces, slim-fitting slacks, outerwear, desert boots, and a utility duffel.  With every item coming in at under $100, the collection is easy on the eyes and pocket.  The collection drops September 9, 2012 at Target (in stores and online) as well as ODIN if you're located here in the city.  Can't wait! In the meantime - here's the full lookbook (courtesy of Target):

Coming Soon: H&M x Maison Martin Margiela

Yesterday, WWD confirmed that the next H&M collaboration to launch will be with French label Maison Martin Margiela.  If you're a fan of the avant-garde label here's your chance to snag some pieces at some down to earth prices.  As per usual, the collaboration will include womenswear, menswear and accessories. MMM x H&M drops in 230 select stores around the world and online November 15, 2012.  Can't wait!

The house of MMM released a statement that, "The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further...We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all. "

In the meantime here's a couple promo videos H&M just released - loving the illustrations!

Kaelen Fall 2012 Lookbook

I previously told you to watch out for the rising New York based, Toronto raised design talent, Kaelen Farncombe.  Her collection takes wardrobe classics like button up shirts, cigarette pants, the boxy jacket and shift dress and re-invents them with strong style lines with an architectural feel, graphic prints and color blocking to create clothes that are still wearable, modern and bold.


The Fall 2012 collection is all about texture with the use of charmeuse, lace, lame, velvet and textured wool. Details like cowl backs, cut out shoulders and angular hemlines are seen throughout.  Charming bow ties add a dash of whimsy while column dresses look goddess-like but in a simpler more elegant way.  The collection also featured several drop crotch pants but I am a little torn on my thoughts of those.  Do you think would you wear drop crotch pants?

Check out her full lookbook after the jump.

Coming Soon: Anna Dello Russo At H&M

H&M announced today that next up on it's collab list is Fashion Director (Vogue Japan) Anna Dello Russo.  Like her hats, the collection will be comprised of "over-the-top" accessories. Pieces will include jewelry, sunglassess, shoes, bags and a trolley. The collection drops October 4, 2012 in about 140 stores worldwide and online.

Friends with Benefits Fall 2012 Lookbook

I was introduced to the line Friends with Benefits a couple weeks ago - created by New York City based design duo and couple Clark Sabbat and Lynn Levoy.  Clark Sabbat has worked in a variety of fashion jobs from retail at Barneys to design work at various NYC and Paris based labels to owning and operating his own label.  Lynn Levoy has a background in styling for publications such as Vanity Fair, Elle and New York Magazine in addition to celebrity clientele.

The pair use their unique abilities to design a collection that is modern but with pieces that are not trendy.  The designers hope that each piece of their collection can be viewed as unique in aesthetic to the label but also timeless.

Hallmarks of their collection are strong shoulders, asymmetric details and body contouring panels.  Most of the fabrications used aside from the sequins have a warm cozy feel so that you could looks strong and sexy in comfort.

Eleven Objects Fall 2012 Lookbook

Eleven Objects is the creation of Linh Thi Do and Christine Rhee when they simultaneously decided that their wardrobes would be vastly improved by the addition of a new type of accessory.  They gave birth to their line in Fall 2011 with a variety of luxe embellished detachable collars.

Fall 2012 expands upon the aesthetic with the launch of the debut Ready-To-Wear collection. "Inspired by the movie Amadeus and New Order album covers designed by Peter Saville, Fall 2012 is a modern interpretation of baroque luxury."  

Metallic brocade, silk organza, patent leather and latex come together to create a multi-dimensional variety of textures.  The color story for the season is for most part subdued in Burnished Gold, Black, Ink, Royal Purple and Emerald.  Hand applied gold foil and pearls help to add light and novelty to the collection.  Peplums, exposed zippers and strong shoulders are hallmarks of this collection.  My personal fave looks are the monochromatic looks 7 & 8 below. If you are a fan of lady-like silhouettes and layering keep your eye on this label.

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Check out the full lookbook after the jump.

NYFW Presentation: Norisol Ferrari Fall 2012

The Norisol Ferrari presentation was one that took me back in time in what the designer describes as Jean Harlow meets Tina Turner in Mad Max.  There were dramatic silhouettes that made me think a little bit of Charles Worth-esque (late 1900s) glamor while other items that made me think of something a very put together Goth might enjoy.

NYFW Presentation: Mathieu Mirano Fall 2012

When I entered The Box at Lincoln Center I knew very little to nothing about the 20 year old designer behind the namesake collection Mathieu Mirano but I was pleasantly surprised.  My efforts leaving Brooklyn twice in one day had been rewarded by a skillfully tailored collection that was inspired by a dream about dragons and the women that conquered them.

Runway Review: Geoffrey Mac Fall 2012

I started off this past Sunday hitting up Geoffrey Mac's show at Exit Art in Chelsea. The mood of the show was upbeat with tons of color, plays on geometric shapes and textures. The models all sported these amazing voluminous 60's hairdos paired with bold eyeshadow to complement the collection.  In some ways it reminded me of the Stepford Wives of the future!

In addition to the multitude of colors including neons, aquas, yellow and red were paired with neutrals like black, white and camel. A lot of the pieces sported strong and exaggerated shoulder lines which gave the collection an edgy and futuristic vibe.  Leather was combined with different fabrics and shapes was seen throughout the collection.

Overall definitely one of the more out there and light-hearted shows I've been to in a while! My work schedule has been brutal for the last month and it was refreshing to be reminded that life is fun, full of color and not always serious!

Here's a quick video I shot of the final runway walk - excuse the shakiness though! It's one of the first videos I've taken with my new camera so I'm still getting used to it!

Runway Review: Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012

The runway show started and before I even see the clothes in person, huge screens are projecting the models as they walk from multiple angles providing an artful backdrop to the show. It's no wonder seating was arranged entirely on one side of an extra long runway.

The collection is inspired by mechanics and the idea of a overall that is so easy, effortless but also simultaneously tough and sexy.  Design details like zip fronts, buckle straps, button ups reference the garb that mechanics wear but the fabrications in silk, leather, denim, plaid and jersey and clusters of sequin patches suggest luxury instead of a garage.  It's not to say this collection was without any layering - turtlenecks looked great with sparkling DanniJo jewels that come so high up the neck that it makes me think of women pictured in National Geographic. 

Burgundy, Fire Orange, Chocolate, Olive, Denim, Indigo Blue and White comprised the sophisticated color palette for the collection.

The prints were most interesting.  Some reminded me of that swirly pattern you see in a puddle of oil while others looked tie-dyed in a way that a bright rag might look if a mechanic wiped their hands on it at the end of the day.  Others prints almost machine-like giving a robotic feel and others still look a bit like a burning flame.

The collection contrasted boxy easy tops or leather tee shirts with slip skirts and slim cut trousers with a slightly dropped crotch for a slouchy effortless look.

I loved how this collection stuck very closely to the theme but in a very non-literal and unexpected delivery while keeping true to Rowley's aesthetic of creating non-girly feminine clothes that are both comfortable and effortlessly stylish.