I was first “introduced” to Kesh via thee MySpace a couple of years ago. At the time it was her “KESHirts” that caught my eye (and her insanely huge hair…I kinda luv insanely huge hair). Her “KESHirts” are super limited t-shirts she would design and sell via myspace and word of mouth. Rocked by the likes of Lupe Fiasco and Kanye, they would sell-out fast every time! This talented young lass (she recently turned 22) is a self-made star! A model, dj (she rocked it at the Jeremy Scott Adidas Fashion show in Paris and can be seen doing her thing out and about across the Globe), graphic artist and fashion designer, she’s doing it big in both London and NYC. This past Fashion Week in NY, she was asked to present a collection for SS09. She had twelve days to whip something up, which for some might seem like an arduous task but this gal has been known to bust out a frock in a half hours time and rock it that same night….soooooooo, twelve days, provided her plenty of time to create a collection, a menswear collection no doubt! Tailored pants are serious business! Put on by The Fader and held at The Anonymous Gallery, peep her tech in these videos!

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New York Fashion Week also heralded the opening of FIT’s (Fashion Institute of Technology) Gothic: Dark Glamour, an exhibition at the school’s museum dedicated to
Gothic inspired Fashion, which contained myriad leather, lace, and corsetry, ranging from historical costumes, to theatrical gowns, and gothic street wear, many of which bear the marks of haute couturiers, like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

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More shoes from the Swarovski Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Event at Saks. The shoes are gorgeous - they can speak for themselves. Check out shoes from the following designers: Miu Miu, A. Testoni, Jimmy Choo, Gwen Stefani for L.A.M.B., Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik.  We also had a chance to speak with Enzo Vaccari from A. Testoni to learn a bit more about the inspiration and thoughts behind the design.  And, there are still more shoes so check back tomorrow!

Miu Miu

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In celebration of Fashion Week the OAK BOND AGE Shop opened this past Monday. Featuring items from some of their favorite designers, the select designers where asked to created limited items that explore the world of bondage. To celebrate the opening of this limited series, the good peoples of OAK celebrated with a party at The Eagle. The theme of bondage was carried out with the bartenders clad in bondage gear…the Belvedere Vodka was free flowing and the house was packed! See a littel peek of the party action See some of our fav items from the BOND AGE Shop after the jump!

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Fashion week is hectic, competitive and stressful, and like all things hectic, competitive and stressful, it brings out the worst in people. I’ve been on both sides of the fence, as designer and as a writer covering designers and I understand the pressures associated with both responsibilities. I’m not saying that I’m immune to them and I’ve definitely had my moments. But, I have noticed and taken steps to be a better person, and in the end, the people around you are happier, and you end up happier. So, take a deep breath, think “serenity now� and stop being a menace to society.

First things first, there are nice ways and mean ways to say things. Both require the same effort. Be nice.

Second, if you have so much to do that you feel overwhelmed, make a list and cross things off as you do them. I know it sounds elementary but you’d be surprised how few people actually use a list to keep track of the many things they need to do.

Third, your time is not worth more than those around you. If you’re meeting with someone, focus on the task at hand, and when you’re done, cross it off of your handy list. I’ve had meetings with people where they stop to call other people on unrelated matters, check email and they end up wasting my time. That’s inconsiderate and rude. If you have a list, and stick to it, you won’t waste your time, and the time of the people you’re meeting with.

Fourth, if you hear bad news or info that’s a bit stressful, take a deep breath before you do anything. Sometimes when you just react without thinking, you don’t take the action that’s best for you and the situation. Always think things through and make sure that there’s a reason (other than ego) for doing things.

Fifth, sometimes people say and do things that are just plain mean and/or stupid. Instead of following your initial instinct of maybe doing something or saying something a bit unladylike, determine whether the action or statement is even worthy of a response. Sometimes, stupid statements and actions don’t warrant a reaction and I try to keep the higher ground by letting things just roll off of me.

My last point is in regard to your “competition.”  In the Art of War, Sun Tzu said something to the effect of “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”  Don’t shy away from the competition or get into the sneaky, manipulative head games they play.  They need info? Give it to them.  Be confident that you are better and that what you do with the same info will far exceed what they can do.  It’s annoying with people constantly on your tail but the trick is to stay ahead of the pack.  The fashion industry doesn’t have to live up to the stereotype of being shallow and bitchy.  You are in full control of how you present yourself.

I had some unexpected difficulties getting to this show. From tech issues with my phone and then my cab driver taking a “short-cut” to get me there faster which actually meant taking longer….ugh! And then once I made it…the camera battery died after 10 mins. I always carry a back-up battery, damn little purse!! Couldn’t even fit my wallet in it. Sometimes things just don’t go your way. All good. Enough of my ranting. So! Love Brigade, is the design force of Alyssa Key, Jamie Rockaway, and Tinypants. In 2005, Love Brigade was started with the idea of creating a brand of “musically-charged” fashion. Every season they create a formula of one part trend + one part music inspiration to equal a unique collection. View the Spring 09 Look Book Video:

Their Spring 09 collection, entitled “Viva La Future” brought us a “future” look at fashion. There was no typical runway show. Instead 6 staged areas of models “preforming”. View picts and video from the event after the jump!
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3 of the 4 totes.  I was so excited to give Michelle her tote I forgot I had to take a picture first.

What a day!  I’ve been hearing the buzz online for weeks about free YSL totes and I’ve been eagerly waiting for this day.  I didn’t even really think I’d get my hands on some but I scoured the internet last night to find the latest scoop on where the totes would be handed out.  There were many theories.  Some said to go to the YSL Boutique on 57th & 5th, some said to be in the vicinity of Bryant Park (where fashion week is), Times Square, Union Square, and Soho.  But what time? What street?  Oh, the pressure!

Fast forward to Saturday morning, hitting snooze repeatedly but making myself get ready to get into the city in time for the Charlotte Ronson show at 11 am (story & pics to follow - stay tuned).  After seeing the show I exited the tents and made my way up 6th Avenue to walk up to the Colette x Gap store.  The pop-up shop is only 3 blocks from the YSL 57th St. boutique and I figured it would be good to be close by.  As I exited the tent I saw a woman walking down the block with a white YSL tote.  I sprinted toward her and asked “Where did you get that tote?!”  She said they were handing them out down the block.  Could it be that easy??  I run down the block and get a bag.  I actually get 4 - I can be sneaky when I have to.  They weren’t giving out multiple bags but sometimes being a “large handbag” girl comes in handy.  I got a bag and then walked away and put it in my bag and did this 3 times.  By the fourth time I felt like the girls would recognize me so I approached a woman nearby who looked like she did not care about the bags and told her how desperately I needed a bag for my friend but I could only get one - I was ready to offer her money - one of my crazy moments.  She willingly got one for me - and I didn’t have to pay.  Sometimes being polite and smiling will get you what you want. And, no, you won’t see my bags on e-bay.  I have a black and white one for my own collection and I got Liz and Michelle a bag each.

The girls who were giving out the bags gave it to all passerbys, regardless of whether they knew how desirable the bags are.  As they handed you a bag, the girls smiled and politely said in sweet voices, “Yves Saint Laurent.”  That was it.  They all had long blonde hair in pony tails and were clad in black in the same outfits - black leggings, black sneakers and black manifesto cut-off t-shirt dresses (I wanted one of those too!).  I’m not sure how long the girls were there but I exited the tents around noon and from the time I first spotted them to the time they ran out I would say about 2 minutes passed.  I’m not sure where else they were handing out bags but I overheard someone say that he got his in Times Square.  Check out photos from the craziest 2 minutes ever after the jump!

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On Saturday, September 6th, the much awaited Colette x Gap pop-up shop on 54th & 5th opened to the public at 10 am.  I didn’t make it to the store until 12:30, and I figured that by that time any line would have been over and done with.  I was wrong. Very wrong.  The line went around the block.  I took my place and prepared myself to be there a while.  Luckily, the Labor Day parade was making its way down 5th Avenue and the music and chants of the union workers made the time pass a bit faster.  Two hours and a dirty water dog later, I finally made it into the shop.

The first thing I saw was the Alexis Mabille x GapGreyJersey bow purse (pictured below) and I was in handbag heaven.  I grabbed a purse and made my way around the shop to see all the product and tried to decide what else to get.  I decided on the bow purse, a mug and a notebook.  Some of the products were already sold out when I got there (about 4 hours into the shop being open!).  There were only a few pairs of the Repetto GapGreyJersey ballet flats and I saw a woman pick up the last of the Longchamp Pliage GapGreyJersey bags.  The Kangol GapGreyJersey (pictured below) are marked as “coming soon” on the site but they were already out.  Even though they were limiting the amount of people in the shop it was still a bit chaotic - you could feel the anxious shoppers nervously going through product and trying to decide what to get before it was snatched by someone faster.  I documented the shop as best I can and you can check out more pics of product after the jump.

The Colette x Gap is open until October 5, 2008.
54th Street & 5th Avenue (on 5th)
Monday - Saturday 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday 11 am - 7 pm
212.977.7023

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Music and Fashion have always gone hand in hand, which is why it’s no surprise that this past week MTV aired two shows about the Fashion industry, If I Were King (Sean John Special) and True Life: I’m Going to Fashion week. Both shows were insightful and inspiring and are definite must see for anyone interested in getting into the fashion game.

Check them out for yourself down below or on the MTV Overdrive website.

And she don’t stop! 2008 marks the 30th anniversary for Betsey Johnson’s signature collection. M.I.S.S. Alice Adams of Rock It Retro and I (Liz “BusyLady” Baca of The Goods!) found ourselves, not quit front row, but seated at Betsey Johnson’s A/W 08 fashion show at the tents in Bryant Park. You can read about how we got there and see the vintage pieces we helped acquire for the 30 year retrospective portion of her fashion show at The Goods! Here, we take you on the play by play journey from the wait to the runway to back-stage to Nigel Barker!!!! (more…)