FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2010

The biggest party in fashion retail is happening on Friday, September 10th in NYC.   That is the date of this years Fashion's Night Out.   Vogue's Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour dreamt up the idea for FNO sometime at the beginning of 2009 in her attempt to save the U.S. fashion industry.   ANNA WINTOUR OF VOGUE No small task of course, but Ms. Wintour thinks on those terms.   She is very powerful in the industry and has super human abilities to make aspiring fashion designers and models household names with the blink of an eye - or curl of a lip as the case may be.  Fashion's Night Out for 2009 was a huge success and this year has moved to a Friday night - so it could be even more wild and crazy than the first time around.

The event is a great chance to make plans with friends and check out the stores that you love to shop - or maybe those you want to shop, but don't normally visit.   Dress up and hit the town!   There will be celebrity sightings and designer events in stores all over town.   The FNO website even lets you build an itinerary that you can share with friends and plan to meet up at points around town during the night.   Bergdorf Goodman will host appearances by Mary J. Blige and Sarah Jessica Parker.  Nearby on 57th Street, CHANEL will give CHANEL BALLERINA - PH: NIGEL COXshoppers a unique opportunity to special order the classic Ballerina shoe.   New York City Ballet stars Kathryn Morgan and Robert Fairchild will be on hand to help you choose custom colors and lining not found in stores. FERRAGAMO W BAG IN OSTRICH At the Ferragamo  flagship on 5th Avenue, the Italian luxury house will have an exciting presentation of the newly launched W bag.   The W- named for matriarch Wanda Ferragamo was an instant hit when it made its debut on the Fall runway.   So much so, the house is already introducing additional sizes and shapes, as well as adding the bag to the prestigious Made-to-Order program.   Customize your own W during Fashion's Night Out!   Down in the Village New York based designer John Bartlett JOHN BARTLETT FALL 2010will be on hand in his namesake boutique to launch the Fall collection for Men and Woman and meet and greet customers.   Stop by to meet this talented New Yorker!  You will also be close to a million bars and restaurants where you can continue your celebration!

Activities run the gamut from singers performing live to designers themselves presenting their new collections.  If you are a casual shopper visit one of the big department stores.  The stores have everything and the big crowds feel like a celebration similar to New Years Eve.    On the other hand, if you are a serious fashion fan then visit the boutique of your favorite designer.    Mega luxury brands will have exclusive events happening in the store that night and many smaller labels will have their designers on hand.   Either way, a unique experience for shoppers!   Call your favorite store today and ask if they are participating.   Then makes plans with friends and enjoy the night.   Not in NYC?   No problem, stores all over the country are getting involved (actually all over the world!).   Call that favorite store and see what's happening!

Watch the public service announcement for Fashion's Night Out below: 

BACK TO SCHOULER - PROENZA STYLE!

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.

READY TO swim WEAR

JANTZEN CLASSIC ONE PIECE - 2010No matter what you do for a living, wearing a swimsuit for the first time each season can make you feel like you're center stage on the catwalk!  All eyes at the pool, on the beach, or on your rooftop terrace (that setting feels even more invasive for some reason) can feel like they are immediately drawn to your least desirable areas.   That is why waiting for the last minute to buy a suit for the season is a mistake.  Putting so much pressure on for the "perfect" suit for the coming weekend can be way to stressful.   For this reason, when it comes to swim wear I advocate avoiding the designer price points.   I know I've spent 15 years having my bread buttered by the biggest names in fashion, but even I 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!

FLAGSHIP PREVIEW - FERRAGAMO FALL

There is a definite buzz in the air about the Ferragamo MASSIMILIANO GIORNETTI     Fall 2010 collection!  While the house always has a big following for the luxurious bags and of course those SHOES -  this season there is extra excitement. 
Designer Massimiliano Giornetti has just become the creative director for both Ferragamo Donna and Uomo!  This is the first time that one designer has been in charge of the entire collection since Salvatore Ferragamo himself was alive,  50 years ago.   Industry insiders know that Giornetti has helped make the Ferragamo Mens collection one of the most successful in the business.   With his creative talent now extending to the Womens collection - the industry is buzzing.  Not since Tom Ford had one vision for Gucci has there been this much potential for fireworks! 

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 FALL 2010 PREVIEW!

Spring has sprung, so you know what that means in the Fashion world...  Fall Previews!!   What a great time to hit the stores and pick up great items for the summer, and reserve the hottest pieces that will be hitting the boutiques for Fall!

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.