Kirna Zabete's FNO Designer Exclusives

Last year's Proenza Schouler FNO Bag

So are you filling up your calender for Fashion's Night Out this September 10? Just got word that luxe Soho store Kirna Zabete will be filling up with exclusive FNO out merchandise by various designers. Last year's FNO merchandise included a $65 limited edition Proenza Schouler bag!

So who's participating?
The list of designers include Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Peter Som, Jason Wu, Aurelie Biderman,Chrissie Morris, Elise Overland and TRACY ANDERSON will be at Kirna Zabete to meet clients and launch exclusive products. And according to Facebook, Frank Tell is also working on a special collaboration with details to come.

What's the story on the goods?
Proenza Schouler: mini PS1 wallets, Thakoon: wave print top and tap pants, Jason Wu: owl scarf, Aurelie Biderman: swan feather earrings, Peter Som: fashion-y cocktail napkins, Elise Overland: sleek tunic. Plus an Exclusive CELINE purse. Kirna Zabete designed a limited edition iPad case.

Everything will be launching exclusively in store and at Kirna Zabete.com.

Adieu to Blass?

Bill Blass has announced that they are going to shutter their doors. The company will be shutting down the showroom and letting go of the 30 remaining employees by the end of the week. This move isn't surprising considering parent company Next Cen lacked the funds to fully see though Peter Som's vision, hence he left the company in October and hadn't yet been replaced. Due to unstability of the brand, buyers were reluctant to buy any of this brand for their stores.

The company was set to turn 50 next year and it sends a sad message to the design world. Blass was the epitome of clean, wearable, modern American style. Former Bill Blass designer Michael Vollbracht tells the NY Times “The demise of Bill Blass is not just saddening. It’s another rude awakening to this industry, I think.”

Guess it goes to show in these current economic times, Iconic American Brand or not, you are not exempt from going under.

Next Cen is still looking to sell the Blass name but who knows when and if Bill Blass will be revived again.