LAZARO HERNANDEZ & JACK McCOLLOUGH - PROENZA SCHOULEROne of the most relevant brands toPROENZA SCHOULER - PS1 BAG come out of NYC in recent years is PROENZA SCHOULER.   The boys behind the brand- Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez sat down for Net-a-Porter to talk about their new favorite PS1 bag.   The bag is inspired by schoolboy bags and the concept of a bag that becomes a classic as you wear it in.

Watch the interview below and shop the collection at Net-a-Porter now.

JANTZEN CLASSIC ONE PIECE - 2010

think it is a sour investment for most to splurge on swim wear.   Of course there are exceptions.   JANTZEN EXOTIC PRINT TWO PIECE 2010If you are one of the lucky few heading to some amazing hot-spot in a tropical location, then by all means - hit Dolce, Prada, or Bottega.   Even then, I say draw the line at $500.   For an everyday suit -  draw the line at $150 - and you can find a great suit for $50-$75.

For those who want a great suit you can throw in your bag when heading to the Hamptons, Fire Island, Malibu, or Miami - I have several sources that will have you ready to dive- even if you never get wet!   When you buy a suit on a budget, the decision to change suits if you realize you chose the wrong style for your body (this year!) won't be too traumatic.   Buying swimwear on-line is difficult, but the following companies make it less of a struggle - and once you are used to the fit, they can be a great permanent resource.

JANTZEN DIVING GIRL CIRCA 1920JANTZEN is an American original.   The company was one of the first devoted to creating sexy swimwear for women who wanted to make a statement while hitting the beach.   Founded in 1910 - the icon was one of the most recognized logos in the 20's, 30's,  & 40's.  Celebrity endorsements began in the 1920's when American Olympians Johnny Weismuiller and Duke Kahanamoku wore the famous Jantzen one piece suit. THE DUKE & JOHNNY WEISMULLER IN JANTZEN AT THE 1924 OLYMPICS  The 100% virgin wool suit they made world-famous was the original suit knitted on machines used to make sweaters.   Ad campaigns at the time boasted "gives that wonderful fit".   100 years later the company is still going strong and available coast to coast in department or specialty stores including Macy's & Everything But Water.    Both have stores nationwide and you can shop on-line!    JANTZEN also has an excellent website.   The classic one piece suits have a definite VARGA girl vibe.  Think sexy, but appropriate.  The company timeline reads like an education in American pop culture.  There is a brilliant fit-guide for swimsuits that can guide you to the bikini shape of your dreams - or his!  Click - BIKINI to be schooled in Swimsuits for your body type! 

AMERICAN APPAREL GOLD BIKINIAMERICAN APPAREL is an L.A. based company that is all American to the core.   Founded by an eccentric character - Mr. DovCharney - the company is proud to be 100% made in America.  The vertical production operations in downtown L.A. is at the heart of the company's desire to restore the pride that was associated with the "Made in the U.S.A."  slogan around the world for decades.    The AMERICAN APPAREL FAUX DENIM ONE PIECEcompany made its name on classic pieces offered in a rainbow of colors.   The t-shirts and socks are favorite staples for a broad customer base, from college students to business executives.  Everyone loves the 80's vibe in the stores and the casual attitude of the staff.   These suits give you straight up sex appeal - as the approach is less subtle at AA.  The website also makes shopping for swim SO easy. AMERICAN APPAREL TERRY CLOTH ROBE  You can sort the collection by fabric, color, size, etc.    Another great aspect to American Apparel is the price point.   Expect to pay about $50 for a great suit.   You can choose bikini pieces separately to create you own look.    Supporting made in America is also a super way to pay tribute to our great country this 4th of July!  

GOTTEX is another name synonymous with lycra and the one piece bathing suit!   A department store staple, there are sure to be great deals on Gottex suits in stores now.   Click BERGDORF GOODMAN or LORD & TAYLOR to shop for GOTTEX.    Most importantly, find a suit that looks great on you - and won't break your budget.   After all, you should be able to buy a glass of champagne at the end of a long beach day - or at least a summer cocktail!   Happy SUMMER!

There is a definite buzz in the air about the Ferragamo MASSIMILIANO GIORNETTI     Fall 2010 collection! 

JASON JOBSON & FAB PRODUCER PAULA HEROLDI recently hosted a Fall preview at the 5th Avenue Flagship and it was spectacular!   Ferragamo is one of the few brands that attracts both a conservative and fashion crowd.  I'm always impressed by the stylish Women who buy this iconic brand.  The gigantic flagship store,  just steps from Rockefeller Center,  Saks 5th Avenue, and St. Patrick's Cathedral is a busy destination on any given day!FERRAGAMO ALLIGATOR FIAMMETTA BAG - $19,000

Author and lifestyle correspondent Susanna Salk stopped by to preview what was on the way for fall.   Of course with her great taste one bag stopped her dead in her tracks.  SUSANNA SALK WITH FERRAGAMO ALLIGATOR FIAMMETTA The Fiammetta in large scale alligator is breathtaking!   Launched in the Spring, the Fiammetta has quickly become a must have bag.WHITE FIAMMETTA  Due in part to the unstructured shape, the unusual and practical Gancio handle, and the fact that the shoulder strap makes it a great hands-free bag.   The Fiammetta is in store now in a range of colors in supple leather, and if you are very lucky - this Alligator version can be yours as well!

Susanna filled me in on her latest book that just hit stores - Room for Children.   Salk is known as an expert on all things interior design related, so Room for Children is sure to be a huge hit with anyone with small children, or one on the way!   The book is full of countless ideas and suggestions on how to create a room that can grow with your child.   

The book was launched in NYC at Bergdorf Goodman in the newly renovated little bg department - of course!

To find the closest Ferragamo boutique, visit - MY FERRAGAMO.

FERRAGAMO HIDDEN PLATFORM PYTHON PUMP W/ HIDDEN PLATFORM - $950.00The Ferragamo Fall collection is chock full of luxe, substantial looks that are the perfect additions to a well heeled wardrobe.    As Salvatore Ferragamo was the man who put design in designer shoes - of course the shoe collection is amazing!

Stand outs include these blue python hidden platforms.   At Ferragamo, it's all about the details, and the wooden heel on this pump adds texture and color that is sure to make this one of the hottest looks for Fall.   Also available in caramel!   The perfect shoe to take on any weekend getaway.   Rock it during the day with trousers or at night with the hottest dress.   Of course, skinny jeans are a no-brainer here.    CARAMEL PYTHON PUMP

Another super luxurious look are these hand stitched patchwork pumps.  HAND STITCHED PATCHWORK - AMETHYST / ROYAL / GRAY - $1,250.00 The top stitching is a true homage to the company archives.   Mr. Ferragamo first created the patchwork pump back in the 1920's.   For Fall 2010 we see a slight menswear influence with a sexy twist.   

Ferragamo's design team has really worked to create one message with this fall collection.   There is consistent styling across the accessory categories, making any of the handbags a perfect complement to every shoe is this huge collection.

Stand outs are the patchwork group for sure!   First take a look at the new Fiammetta patchwork.   The house unveiled this style for S/S 2010 and it was an instant hit in white leather, rafia, and python. PATCHWORK CALFSKIN FIAMMETTA IN RED/AMBER $1,830.00

For Fall, the more cerebral and bohemian combination of leathers in the patchwork leathers are so chic.   These are sure to be a must have for the crowd that appreciates a non-logo luxury bag.   Of course, Ferragamo is one of the houses that gets those women and men.  FIAMMETTA PATCHWORK- LEATHER GANCIO HANDLE The typical client is not head to toe logo, but one who appreciates quality and craftsmanship of a collection made entirely in Italy.

SPLURGE ALERT!

If you are looking to treat yourself to one serious accessory this year, look no further!  ALLIGATOR / CALFSKIN / SUEDE SOFIA - $5,500.00 The classic Sofia shape is realized in Alligator, Suede, and Calfskin for Fall!  Shades of Chocolate brown make this sophisticated and wearable.   This one will be in your wardrobe for life, and is one to give to your daughter one day!   TOP STITCHED DETAIL W/ BRUSHED HARDWARE At $5,500.00 it is a true luxury, but priced conservatively in the exotic market.   

I'm hosting Fall preview events at select Ferragamo boutiques this Spring, hope to see you in-store soon!

To contact the boutique near you or to shop on-line  visit -  www.FERRAGAMO.com

The house has just relaunched their websites globally and the results are  beautiful!  There are big,  rich photos from the latest ad campaign.  Log on now and explore the legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo. 

GUCCI - FOREVER NOW CAMPAIGNNo industry  loves to promote a trend or a catch phrase like the fashion industry.   Season after season marketing campaigns tell us what is the "new" black or the latest silhouette that Women must have on their back and or in the closet.  During the 8 years of the Bush administration (sorry, no other way to capsule it!) consumers were drunk on credit and reacted like Pavlov's dogs to every marketing ploy.   Before the recession burst the bubble, fashion companies were also drunk on luxury.   Luxury was the "new black".    Everyone deserved  some "luxury" in their life.   

I knew the trend had reached a breaking point when I was walking through the Galleria Mall in Houston in the Spring of 2008.  Huge letters in the window of a two story Banana Republic store promoted " The Luxe Cashmere Collection".. ????  This said it all.    Mass marketers had gotten wise to the fact that they could convince customers to spend more money on items that were touted as luxury. LOUIS VUITTON ARTISAN AD  By using better fabrics, the items warranted a higher price - even though they were still being mass produced in China.  

In reality, how could you blame the mass merchants?  A new crop of CEO's at some of the luxury houses themselves had been doing the same thing for several years.   For the first time in history, luxury fashion items were not being produced for a rarified and special few.   The leather goods were being mass produced, often in China, but still marketed as French or Italian luxury items.  After all, they still were a luxury item, or were they?   At the same time that the fashion houses were significantly lowering the production cost of each item, they were dramatically raising the retail price of that same item.  Pure genius, or pure greed?  Or does one point have no bearing on the other?

The problem with the whole scenario is that like all things, more exposure ultimately leads to diminished demand.   What goes up, must come down.

Before the recession, luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus couldn't get the luxury goods fast enough from the mega-brands.   There is a (now hilarious) scene in the movie September Issue in which we see the NM executives asking Anna Wintour of Vogue to help them pressure the fashion companies to produce goods faster!  The hilarity is of course due to the fact that by the time the movie made it to theaters, NM was sitting on more merchandise than they knew what to do with.   They weren't alone of course.  The other designer department stores were overstocked to the rafters and in some cases much more so than Neiman Marcus.

The trouble started when  evil masterminds who were tied to the previous administration in Washington cooked up the concept of the adjustable rate mortgage.   This set in motion a catastrophic trend.   People who had no business buying houses were suddenly granted huge mortgages with almost no money down.   This gave the administration the proof on paper that more Americans owned homes than any time in history, which the administration could take credit for.   Then, since the economy was booming, the value of these homes increased dramatically which allowed these same people to take equity loans on homes that were built like gingerbread houses in gated communities in the middle of nowhere!  These people then proceeded to spend the money on everything from luxury vacations, to cars, to - you guessed it - designer handbags and shoes.  Why not?  They thought they would eventually sell the house they had put nothing down on - for a profit and move up.   It all sounded great, until the mirror cracked in the fall of 2008.   Didn't Bernie Madoff go to prison for a scheme just like this?

S/S 10 FERRAGAMO CAMPAIGNFast forward to 2010.   The worst of the recession is passed.  Things have leveled off.  The luxury sector is preparing for a big recovery.   However, they know it is too soon to be as flamboyant as 2006,7, & 8.  The solution is to market legacy as the new luxury.   The heritage and legacy of the brands that make the purchase a smart investment.  This IS of course the best reason there is to buy a luxury item.  The fact that luxury raw materials are used and that the items are crafted by experienced Artisans, is the whole point.

What is laughable at times is to see companies who have  in recent years made most of their billions by utilizing Chinese factories - advertising Artisan technique in ads featuring models who are as white as snow.   The ads run by Louis Vuitton has many doing a double take, as they think of Hermes when they see this type of quality and precise reference to Artisans.   I think LV did Hermes a favor.   Instead of boosting the LV image, it made you think - "what's new at Hermes?".

The true winners of the entire luxury fall out of course are the companies who never changed their standards due to the increase in demand.   Hermes remains at the top.   The company realized long ago that demand for their incredible goods only increases when they are scarce.   Some women still routinely put their name on the wait list for years in order to have their own Hermes Birkin.   Chanel is another house that refuses to employ football field size factories in China to produce their coveted leather goods.   All Chanel product is produced in Europe, with a majority still made in France.    Ferragamo is an Italian mega-brand with integrity in their production process.   With a staggering assortment of product, Ferragamo still produces every item in Italy.   No small task considering the company has over 550 boutiques globally!  Gucci is another Italian house that has focused an advertising campaign based on archive- workshop photos.   Frankly the Ferragamo archive pictures are more exciting, but the Gucci ads do tell the story.

So be on the lookout for the latest legacy ads.  There are sure to be many more, by companies you wouldn't expect to see touting their heritage.  But jumping on a trend is much easier than creating one.   Be an educated consumer and invest wisely when making those big ticket purchases!  There are so many exciting styles to choose from this year!   While the recession has made designers play it safer with RTW, accessories have never been more colorful or creative!  Click any of the designer links above and start shopping today - but only if you can afford it.  If not, window shopping and surfing is almost as much fun!  See you at the mall! 



CHRISTIAN DIOR - SPRING 2010The house of Christian Dior tapped into the legacy of Hollywood for the Spring Summer 2010 campaign.   Model Karlie Kloss strikes an uncanny likeness to screen legend Lauren Bacall in the Noir themed ads shot by Steven Meisel.  

LAUREN BACALLLauren Bacall was an exotic beauty when she burst on the scene in the 1940's.  Her chemistry with screen heartthrob Humphrey Bogart (who would later be her husband) made her one half of the most famous pairings in the history of film.   Bogey and Bacall were the Hollywood "it" couple of their day.   Twenty five years her senior,  Humphry Bogart was the everyman hero.   Bogart, the unexpected leading man had women all over America hanging on his every word.   Bacall was unique for many reasons as well.   She was tall, she wore pants, and she had a male energy that gave her an androgynous appeal.   A striking beauty, that was ironically shy - which caused her to keep her head down while acting, which became one of her trademarks known as "The Look".   How perfect - it was Christian Dior's "New Look" collection from 1947 that made headlines around the world as he launched his eponymous fashion house.KARLIE KLOSS OR LAUREN BACALL?

The Dior ads are spectacular.   Intriguing and dark, they are sensual and alluring.   What is Lady Dior hiding behind those deep brown eyes?   What secrets are behind that gaze?   While Dior accessory ads can leave you scratching your head sometimes, the house tends to knock it out of the park when it comes to RTW and beauty shots.   Dior designer, John Galliano is a dreamer and a storyteller, so it makes perfect sense that this campaign is on the money.

Bacall's famous quote from- To Have and Have Not- from 1944 is timeless - " You know how to whistle, don't you"? - "Just put your lips together.... and blow!".   So just put your fingers together and click - DIOR.  

See how uncanny the likeness is for yourself.   Watch Bacall deliver that famous line below.

OVANDO'S "EL CORAZON" -$175.00Valentine's day is almost here, and I have a few suggestions that will be sure to have your sweetheart smiling from ear to ear.   There are three classics that are a sure fire hit - flowers, candy, & Jewelry - of course.  

New York based jewelry designer Michael Dawkins has just unveiled several new styles in his very successful "Fabienne" collection.   The collection of earrings, bracelets, & necklaces  are all set in sterling silver, featuring semiprecious stones.   Each is a perfect Valentine's day gift.   DESIGNER -MICHAEL DAWKINS  Candy colored gems  like Amethyst , Pink Pearls, Citrine and Blue Topaz are irresistible.  The earrings add movement and sparkle - but yet they don't overshadow or steal the show.   Just the perfect touch of glamour for that ear to ear grin I was talking about!    For the wrist, there are numerous bracelets that vary in weight and detail.   FABIENNE OPEN LINK BLUE TOPAZ -$595.00Michael's signature "Granulation" is found on most of the pieces.  That is how the designer describes the countless little beads of Sterling Silver that are applied by hand.   For over 20 years Michael Dawkins has been flattering women with his designs, inspired by forms found in nature.  His personal appearances at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue stores throughout the country have built Michael a loyal following.   FABIENNE TWISTED LINK PEARL & CITRINE - $675.00

Sandra De Ovando was born and raised in FLORAL DESIGNER - SANDRE DE OVANDOMexico City, studied in Paris, and chose New York City as the place to open her eponymous studio of floral design.   With a unique look to almost every aspect of her approach,  Ovando's work feels cerebral, eclectic and powerful.  Ovando was also the first shop that was experimenting with succulent plants for years now, long before most other designers even carried them.   There is a darkness that is alluring and captivating, sexy and sensual - in everything she creates.    The cool factor here is off the chart.   OVANDO'S "ROMANTIC VALENTINE" - $150.00Any man or woman in your life would love something from Ovando.

French born Chocolate maker - Jacques Torres French born Jacques Torres has certainly found his home in NYC. CHOCOLATIER - JACQUES TORRES  Mr. Torres aka "Mr. Chocolate" has a skill for thinking of inventive chocolate creations.   Jacques is probably most famous for his incredible truffles.  His combinations will have you savoring your choices as you fill up a box of these heavenly little chocolates.   Also, not to be missed are the deadly dark chocolate covered espresso beans!  Torres has added some deliciously naughty gift ideas for the chocolate lover in your life.   "Spank Me" paddles made of chocolate and a "Chocolate Champagne Kissing Game"  are just the perfect way to end an evening that started with flowers and gems!

One word of wisdom for all the Romeos out there.   Don't make Valentine's day the time to buy your sweetheart lingerie. CHOCOLATE "SPANK ME" PADDLES  If that is your thing, do that throughout the year.  CHOCOLATE CHAMPAGNE "KISSING GAME" After all, isn't that more for you, than her anyway?  

Happy Valentine's Day...  click on the above sites to shop for your love NOW!

*Jason Jobson is a representative of Michael Dawkins.

DOUGLAS HANNANT - SPRING 2010There is a look and a feel to certain fashion collections that make them a calling card for their country of origin.  While it is hard to describe just what it is, you know it when you see it.  Christian Dior is that way for France.   Gucci is that way for Italy, and Douglas Hannant is all American. 

Designer clothing from America is totally unique.   While it can have the sophistication of a Parisian collection, there is a practicality to the look that separates it.   While it can have the sex appeal of an Italian collection, there is a Patrician undertone that remains at the core.DOUGLAS HANNANT -SPRING 2010

Douglas Hannant touches on  these design codes when he is creating, his now decade old, runway collection.   Hannant has developed a strong following of socialites and shopping sprites who appreciate beautiful clothing - but don't love a logo or a label to upstage them.  Usually, that means a woman who is more confident or one that is more conservative - an interesting contradiction.   What we saw after the fallout of 2009 is a parting of the seas for fashion shoppers.   Suddenly, the ladies not wearing letters twined around their tiny waists were the cool chicks.  Many women felt they were all logo'd up - with nowhere to go!    Collections like Hermes, Bottega Venetta, and Douglas Hannant and the ladies who love them don't have that issue.   Fans of these collections know that they are paying for the craftsmanship, the quality of the raw materials, and the unique design. 

DOUGLAS HANNANT AT THE PLAZAHannant loves color and is accommodating to his devoted ladies who know he will always have what they need - something pretty and appropriate.   Like the American design legend Bill Blass, Douglas Hannant is as comfortable designing a smart skirt suit - or that dramatic evening gown.   Naturally, he dresses the ladies who lunch in NY, Palm Beach, and all over the country.   What sets Hannant apart from many well known American collections is the fact that he also dresses their daughters. DOUGLAS HANNANT AT THE PLAZA  Something in the way Hannant uses fabrics and color - lends his design to the young and sexy girls, as well as the sensual but more conservative lady.   He has not become a resource for just "the party dress", or just "the gown".    His looks would be as flattering to Betsy Bloomingdale as they would to Daphne Guinness. 

As if the space were chosen by the casting department for some super stylish sequel to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Hannant opened his first ever boutique in the fabled Plaza Hotel in NYC.   The historic property famously underwent a 200 million dollar renovation two years ago, and has opened it's luxury retail center in stages.   The Plaza stands for everything that is American glamour ( even more now since the property is no longer in the grasp of The Donald!).   Hannant's boutique is right at home.   (The Plaza is also home to the fabulous French perfume collection - KRIGLER).

DOUGLAS HANNANT -SPRING 2010New York is a tough town, and the fashion world is a tough business.  To make it in this business for more than a decade requires more than great taste.   Tenacity and wise business decisions are critical.  DOUGLAS HANNANT Douglas and partner Frederic Anderson understand how to balance image and business- art and commerce.  The two have stayed true to the vision of the company and have found a way to flourish.  Timing is also a key ingredient.  While many companies had overextended themselves with crazy expansions in 07 and 08, Hannant was carefully planning his first retail boutique.  Not having gotten into retail at that crazy height in the commercial real estate bubble was brilliant.   

Another wise decision is the development of Hannant's Bridal collection - a natural extension of what he does for runway.    What better way to develop a client for years to come?  After all, if you can make her shine on the most important  day of her life, won't she also trust you to dress her for lunch?

For more information on all collections, visit the website.   

Plan a day to visit The Plaza, the Douglas Hannant Boutique, and Krigler Parfums.   All three are great examples of the beauty and savoir-faire that New York has to offer.  

PATAGONIA - MEN'S "SWEATER" JACKET IN BLACKHappy New Year! The New decade has started off with a blast.. of FREEZING cold air that is!   All over the U.S., people are bundling up much more than they are used to.   New York is one thing, those of us that live in the Big Apple know just how bad the wicked wind of old man winter can be.   My friends in Miami, however, are freezing their tootsies off!  PATAGONIA - GOLDEN PALM "SWEATER" JACKET

Not to worry, I have the best solution for layering up this winter.   Even if you live in a warmer climate, this jacket is a great way to add warmth, while not bulking up and looking like the Michelin Man!

PATAGONIA - "SWEATER" VEST IN CONTINENTAL BLUEPatagonia makes a jacket that is so thin, and yet so warm.  Filled with the finest down, this "sweater" jacket will keep you smiling this crazy cold winter!  I finally realized just how toasty all those ducks are waddling around in the freezing water of central park!PATAGONIA - MENS "SWEATER" JACKET W/ HOOD IN FIRE RED

The "sweater" jacket by Patagonia is definitely the hottest jacket for those in the know in NYC.  You can't turn a corner from Tribeca to Chelsea without seeing one of the colorful versions of this super warm accessory.   Three versions are available - the Vest, the Jacket, and the Jacket w/ hood.  There are a slew of colors - slightly different for men and women.ODD DUCK SPOTTED IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

Great to wear under your favorite jacket (size down for slimmest fit) , but warm enough to be your protection from the coldest wind.     Prices from $150 - $250 - it also makes it very practical, and a trendy piece that won't break the bank.  Also kid's and baby versions available!

Click on any of the jackets, or Patagonia to shop on-line.

STAY WARM!

Designer Michael Dawkins has been creating iconic jewelry for over 20 years.   Working primarily in Sterling Silver and featuring Semi-Precious stones, the collection is known for bold, clean designs.   Dawkins has built a loyal following of clients from coast to coast, many returning season after season to numerous personal appearances at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue all over the country. WHITE CATS EYE / MULTI-STRAND STERLING SILVER NECKLACE - ACRIA AUCTION DECEMBER 9TH

One secret to Dawkins' success are the unique details that sets his apart from other collections.   One of the strongest details are the clustering of sterling silver pearls that Dawkins calls "Granulation" -giving his pieces a magical sense of volume, without adding density.  Sterling Silver dances around Semi-Precious stones such as White Cats Eye, Blue Topaz, & Hematite to name a few.

FABIENNE COLLECTION - MICHAEL DAWKINS FALL 2009Another key ingredient to any successful designer is being ahead of the curve on trends in the marketplace.   MICHAEL DAWKINSWhen Dawkins was approached four years ago by QVC to design a collection- Michael said yes.  Keep in mind, this was long before every designer in the business was pitching home shopping networks- hoping to strike a deal. At the time department store buyers were convinced that customers wouldn't appreciate big name designers creating lower priced collections for the network.   Michael Dawkins saw it differently, and he was right.   Fast forward four years and the Michael Dawkins collection for QVC blows out in minutes as the designer co-hosts 2 hour segments on the network.    

While his designs are beautiful, Michael has cast a spell on viewers with his Hollywood looks and charming personality.    Women call in to the show and swoon over the purchases they have made - and over Michael in general.    The magic of QVC is that designers like Dawkins are able to create a sense of intimacy with customers via the television that once could only be achieved by individual, local events.MICHAEL DAWKINS FALL 2009

The FAll of 2009 has been a very busy time for Michael Dawkins.   At the end of September, the designer revamped his website with a bold, sharp campaign.  The black and White photos of model Nina Warthen, shot by Brian Dalthorp are spectacular.   The look is breathtaking and the shots really highlight the strengh of the collection - the designs are strong but accent a womans beauty.   You wear the collection, but it doesn't wear you.   That is a hard balance to strike and Michael Dawkins finds that balance time after time.MARTHA STEWART LIVING - DECEMBER 2009

An incredible endorsement of Michael's designs just hit newsstands.   The December 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living features Michael Dawkins earrings on the cover.   Martha Stewart can wear any earring she wants - and she chose Michael Dawkins for the largest issue of the year. BLUE TOPAZ & STERLING SILVER W/ GRANULATION - FEATURED-MARTHA STEWART LIVING 12/09

In early December, Dawkins will take part in the annual acria holiday benefit.   This wonderful charitable organization has been helping people living with HIV on a community level since 1991.   The annual holiday benefit is known to raise large funds from private auction items from the hottest designers and artists.   Michael has generously donated an incredible White Cats Eye multi-strand necklace.  An amazing piece with a retail value of $2,500.00 that would be stunning for the holidays or for any special night you want to shine.   To make a donation to acria - click DONATE.

Watch for Michael's next appearance on QVC in December.   To see the full Michael Dawkins Fall Campaign & to shop the Boutique collection - visit www.MichaelDawkins.com.

You can also follow Michael Dawkins on Facebook.