Nominees & Honorees for the CFDA Fashion Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has revealed the nominees for their Fashion Awards, which will mark the CFDA’s 50th  anniversary. There are five categories this year, along with three honorary awards.

Last year’s "Womenswear Designer of the Year" winner, Marc Jacobs, has been nominated again, competing against Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler. Patrick Ervell, Billy Reid, and Simon Spurr have all been nominated for "Menswear Designer of the Year." McCollough and Lazaro for Proenza Schouler grabbed another nomination for "Accessory Designer of the Year," along with Alexander Wang and Reed Krakoff.

Emerging talents are honored with a Swarovkski award, and the crystal maker returns as the Awards’ underwriter. In the "Womenswear" category, Joseph Altuzarra, Chris Peters, and Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind, as well as Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno, have been nominated. The nominees for "Menswear" are Antonio Azzuolo, Todd Synder, and Phillip Lim. Rounding out the Swarovski Awards is "Accessory Design," where Tabitha Simmons, Pamela Love, and Irene Neuwirth were nominated. 

Tommy Hilfiger will be presented with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award by the CFDA. Rei Kawakubo will receive the International Award, and Johnny Depp is this year’s recipient of the Fashion Icon Award.

The CFDA Fashion Awards will take place on June 4 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, where "Saturday Night Live" writer and star Seth Meyers will serve as host. Who are you routing for?

Text Ashley Amidon
Source WWD
Image Modern Destiny

Hats Off to Marc Jacobs

It’s impossible to predict what Fashion Week staple Marc Jacobs will send down the runway, but one thing’s for sure — it will be a can’t-miss catwalk. His highly anticipated showing at New York Fashion Week on Monday was no exception. Expertly layering floral brocades, knobby knits, and splashes of not-so-subtle sparkle, the line’s eponymous designer topped off each look with oversized fur hats created by milliner Stephen Jones. Even though they were totally yet wonderfully over the top (so much so that New York Times fashion critic Derek Blasberg affectionately referred to them as “furry, fantastical pimp hats”), they still failed to distract from each outfit, especially his to-die-for jackets, oversized paisley prints, and fall 2012’s new must-have: wool stoles.

Set on a delicate winter wonderland backdrop that screamed Tim Burton (read: Mad Hatter) meets Charles Dickens, Marc Jacobs played up his Victorian inspiration with tacked-on bustles, updated tweeds, and oversized shoe buckles. What can we say? Our Great Expectations were met.

Text Kara Solarz
Image New York Magazine

Get Peppy With Peplum

This spring, put a little bit of pep in the step you take from your closet to the sidewalk, as the mid- to late-fifties style trend known as peplum is back for another round. 

When visualizing peplum, think of old school glamour, nipped-in waistlines, and a little bit of volume added out from the waist. Do not fret: Peplum glam is supposed to add curves in all the right places. It can be as easy as adding a bit of “peppy” flare at the tail end of a blazer or giving a simple flounce to the waistline of a skirt. Either way, the trend preaches spring with each effortless bounce. 

True, peplums may seem couture (thank you, Christian Dior), but Marc Jacobs was able to give the old peplum style some street cred. By adding some flare to ready-to-wear skirts, like his Ellsworth Taffeta Dress, he has transported this look from Paris haute couture to coffee shop chic.

Text Katelyn Chef 
Sources Style.com and Marc Jacobs
Image Style.com

Bold, Trendy Bangles

Bangles, bangles, and more bangles: You can never have enough! In the world of fashion, these accessories never go out of style. If you’re a fashionista looking to always keep up with trends, then stock up on bangles!

Marc Jacobs has an abundance of bracelets and bangles, but we love the Marc by Marc Jacobs Concrete Jungle Studded Bangle. With 10-karat gold plated brass studs engraved with the designer's signature logo, you cannot go wrong. They bring an effortless style to any work or weekend look. Bangles can be stacked with any other bracelets in your jewelry box, or worn on their own. For $98 on the Bloomingdale’s website, you can sport these bangles whenever you please. You can definitely thank Marc Jacobs when you get too many compliments when wearing these fearless and fabulous bangles.

Text Sydney Ruby 
Source Bloomingdale's

Graphics Galore

While we've seen techno-tribal bags, polka dot pumps, and other eye-popping, patterned accessories from seasons past, a plethora of lively graphics have captured the attention of the fashion industry once again! With an eclectic and exciting assortment of printed handbags and shoes, it's no wonder why designers have said goodbye to boring, solid-colored accessories and "hello" to energetic (and rather quirky) accent pieces for the spring 2012 season. 

Many prominent designers by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Kate Spade are bringing this wild and playful trend back into the spotlight. But let's be honest, has it ever left? Au contraire, this bold fashion statement is continuing to take the fashion world by storm. Even celebrity tastemakers such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Whitney Port have all been spotted sporting this trend. 

So, spice up your wardrobe with a bold, graphic-printed accessory, and take a walk on the wild side. You will surely be strutting down the streets in style.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source WWD

Louis Vuitton Sees Spots

Louis Vuitton's artistic director Marc Jacobs is no stranger to collaborations with the art world. Remember those graffiti-monogrammed bags every mother-daughter duo was carrying around in 2009, thanks to the pairing of Louis Vuitton and Stephen Sprouse?

Well, come July, every girl and her mother will be going dotty for their newest collaboration with 82-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who is known for her red-and-white polka dot installations — seen on everything from tree trunks to people.

Her spots will appear on Louis Vuitton products ranging from ready-to-wears pieces to shoes (!) and bags to jewelry, and the collection will tie in with a large retrospective of Kusama's work, which opens at London's Tate Modern on Feb. 9.

Special window installations based on Kusama's famous polka dots are also scheduled for the July release.

Text Olivia Fleming

Source WWD

Image AFP

It's Only a Matter of Time

Watches are mechanical devices that are timeless staples (pun intended) in the world of fashion accessories. Watch bearers reap multiple benefits, as these wraparound gadgets not only tell time, but are also sure-fire tools to instantly accessorize an outfit. Over the years, watches have transformed from being strictly functional to becoming both functional and fashionable. Wearing an oversized men's watch was a booming trend, especially this past summer. From lustrous gold watches that sustain a refined aesthetic to colorful rubber watches that provide funk, all types of watches offer two things that make these timepieces worth your penny – quality workmanship and style. 

Check out some of our watch picks below the jump…

STOLEN Part Deux: Louis Vuitton

Earlier this month, we reported the theft of Marc Jacobs’ spring 2012 collection, which took place during the transfer from Paris to London and caused the cancellation of the show. Now, we brief you on a second sketchy scenario, this time revolving around French fashion house Louis Vuitton. Unlike the robbery that plagued Marc Jacobs, this time the situation was more valuable — and more violent.

Last weekend, approximately $400,000 worth of Louis Vuitton goods were stolen from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. At the scene, masked thieves held employees hostage as they loaded nearly half a million dollars worth of goods into their truck. This is nearly six times more expensive than the Marc Jacobs merchandise, which was valued at about $60,000. Police officials are working hard to track down the criminals who fled with the Louis loot. In the meantime, LVMH had no comment on whether or not this caper is connected to the recent robbery of the Marc Jacobs collection.

In light of current events, it's hard to ignore the law enforcement look from the fall 2011 runway at Louis Vuitton. The police-inspired hats are indeed ironic considering the ongoing police investigations surrounding the high fashion heist.

Text Jennifer Bernard 
Image and Source Elle

STOLEN: Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

Marc Jacobs's spring/summer 2012 collection was stolen while being transferred from Paris. Yesterday, there was a scheduled press preview which had to be cancelled due to the unfortunate news.

Marc Jacobs emailed a press release that stated:

"Dear all, the Marc Jacobs PR team is sorry to inform you that our press day in Marc Jacobs store [in London] is cancelled, due to the theft of the spring/summer 2012 collections during its transfer from Paris."

The robbery took place on London's Mount Street, where thieves stole the entire 46-piece collection. It is believed that the thieves are counterfeiters and that the designs will soon be popular knockoffs.

Although the theft of a collection sounds rare, this is not the first time it has occurred. In 2007, Christoper Kane's entire spring/summer 2008 collection was stolen and, in 2009, Victoria Beckham reportedly had $552,000 worth of dresses stolen en route to Neiman Marcus New York.

Text Quinn McBee
Images Style Sight
Source CBS News 

Fresh As a Daisy: Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio Set

Every lovely lady out there can agree that we are all sometimes in need of a midday fragrance refreshment, but carrying a giant perfume bottle in your purse just isn't practical. 

The rollerball revolution got it's start with Estée Lauder's signature fragrance set, and then other designers and fragrances slowly started to take note of the convenience these puppies yield for their customers. Fast forward to 2011, and we now have Marc Jacobs on the go and handy at all times in our purses and clutches. The best part? You have three signature scents to choose from: Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh, and Lola. 

Super cute and ultra femme, the set contains three 0.34 ounce rollerball bottles that a total must for your lust list. You can pick your trio up at Sephora, in-store or online, for $104. 

Text Lauryn Stone

Sources Sephora and Marc Jacobs

Ms. New Bootie

DKNY

As they reappear season after season, boots are perennial staples in our closets — most notably, fall's favorite footwear. The wedge ankle boot, a popular member of the boot family, is known for its simplicity and distinct silhouette. Designers are constantly drumming up ways to recreate the look of this footwear icon. So, it's no surprise that the beloved bootie graced the runway in fall 2011 collections with revamped style.

Check out ten of this season's fresh interpretations after the jump...

Top Picks for Tough Tees

Leather isn't just for bikers anymore. The tough couture was all over the runways this past fall, from luxury collections like Hermès and Louis Vuitton to contemporary lines like Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg. Leather jackets have typically been the go-to option for the upper body, but the new must-haves — leather tops — bring a fresh appeal for a rough-and-tumble chic.

The leather shirt is quite versatile — it can be worn to work under a classic tailored blazer or for a night out on the town with skinny jeans and a sleek pair of stilettos. For a sophisticated approach to the trend, 3.1 Phillip Lim offers a sculptured top combination of royal blue silk-armure and caramel leather. An effortless way to make an impact is the Elizabeth and James Chantal blouse, crafted with leather cuffs and trimming.

Text Tiffany Frasier 
Image 3.1 Phillip Lim

Pretty (and Not-So-Pretty) Feet at Paris Fashion Week

At Paris Fashion Week, the shows not only introduced next-season clothes, but also to-die-for shoes. Most designs fit into one of two groups: fearless and wild, or dull and wearable — with a few (including Marc Jacobs and Chanel) that combined fearless with wearable. For example, Comme des Garcons presented plain white boots that looked awfully similar to rain boots, while Versace chose to showcase transparent heels with a shocking height of at least six inches.

Dries van Noten's show included plain, strapped heels, while Chanel's stylish booties were much more chic and appealing. Prada added to the rush with race car–inspired high heels, and Dolce & Gabbana contributed to the over-the-top category with black netting over strapped heels. Jean Paul Gaultier took the cake with tattoo-inspired, heel-in-the-air creations. This design looks impossible to balance on, let alone walk in — but it would be an incredible showstopper if you could!

What were your favorite shoes during Paris Fashion Week? Did you prefer the dull and functional, or the completely out-of-this-world designs? We prefer the latter ... life's too short to wear boring shoes.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Full Skirted: Maxi Skirts Center Stage

This last week, the New York Times did an almost full two page spread on the trend of the moment: maxi skirts. They covered every different trend from the flowing hippie skirt to the more daring fully sheer option and the different ways the trend has been featured. This past season we saw the skirt on every runway from Marc Jacobs to Charlotte Ronson and back to Fendi and Michael Kors.

As the feature points out, while these silhouettes may be on much more the demure side than some of the looks we've been used to (not a day goes by that some celebrity doesn't have a little mishap with a hoochy-coochy problem if you know what we mean....), that isn't to say that the trend is uptight or prudish by any means.

So here's the real question: with the trend's shooting to the stars popularity, you'd be hard pressed to find much of a selection in any stores...what gives?

Text: Corinna Fabre

Source: New York Times

Photo: Style.com

Marc Jacobs Intern Loses It on Company Twitter

Last night, a Marc Jacobs intern who was responsible for running @MarcJacobsIntl went off on a rant on the company's twitter. On the last day on the job, the intern seemingly had a meltdown and went a little keyboard crazy bestowing bits of wisdom to potential new interns, tweeting, "Good luck! I pray for you all. If you get the job! I'm out of here. See ya! Don't want to be ya! Roberts a tyrant! Seriously! He is tough!" It's safe to say that the Robert being referred to here is Robert Duffy, Marc Jacob's CEO and business partner for 20 years. The tweets were deleted soon after.

In reporting the issue, gadget blog Gizmodo remarks, "Being a fashion intern must be brutal." Naturally, commenters on the "techy" site make a couple of The Devil Wears Prada references. Having some internship experience myself, all I can say is that this industry is not for the faint of heart. Fashion is not at all like living in a Gossip Girl episode. To companies out there (even non-fashion ones), just be careful who to give your passwords to. Social media is a crazy, crazy place.

Text Kristina Bravo

Source: Gizmodo

Bring on the glitz and glamor

New years eve is fast approaching. With champaign and noise makers ready to go, we all have that wild 2011 party in mind.

Problem: WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR?

Solution: If you want to shine and stand out, start the year off right with metallics.

Bronze, silver, and gold metallics give a polished look that are playful, yet sophisticated for any occasion. New years eve is the perfect time to break away from the ordinary and try something daring. Whether you wear a metallic dress or eyeshadow, this flashy finish will not only get you compliments by your friends, but attract that cute boy you see across the room (hello new years kiss). We're in a season where neutral colors are dominating a women's wardrobe, so why not add an element of surprise? You're entire look doesn't have to be one shiny disco ball, (although, it's New Years so WHY NOT?) but you could have flashes of the trend by playing around with purses, pants, or shoes to mix and match. Marc Jacobs has plenty of metallic examples, as does Dries Van Noten and H&M. This year, don't be bland and boring with a little black dress - spruce it up with a metallic finish and you will shine the entire night through.

Text Jessica Moy

'Tis the Season

Now that our turkeys have been carved, stuffing has been served, and stomachs have been filled, it’s finally time to start thinking about (and shopping for!) the upcoming holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or anything in between, finding the perfect party dress is essential. Since I know how difficult and frustrating it can be to create the perfect holiday ensemble, I figured I would spare you the agony of scrolling through page after page of options and present you with a few of my new found favorites.

The first dress is the perfect winter LBD made by Juicy Couture. Its mini strapless silhouette is simple and classic, while the draped velvet skirt adds a subtly luxurious touch. I imagine this dress being perfect for a dinner or cocktail party when paired with classic pumps, a red clutch, and the fluffiest fur coat you can find. The result is a sexy and ridiculously comfortable look that you will be able to wear for many winters to come.

The embroidered polka dot sleeveless dress made by Marc Jacobs is a serious must-have for this season. Its scalloped lace skirt and polka dotted bodice come together to create the perfect feminine fifties-inspired dress. Though its quite pricey, it is very high quality and the camel color makes it timeless. Try wearing this dress with a knee-length peacoat, shimmery tights and nude or black heels. If your style is edgy rather than super feminine, a leather jacket and smoky eye can easily toughen it up.

Milly’s Juliet cocktail dress is a perfect mixture of my favorite recent trends- camel, ruffles, and sequins. The mixture of textures is unmatched by any dress I’ve seen, and the colors will complement any skin tone. This dress looks best when worn with bare legs and some shiny patent booties. Top it off with a head full of cascading curls and bold, bright red lips.

By Ali Antonucci

Marc by Jacobs Spring 2011

FINALLY - the flirty, fun working girl can rejoice as Marc Jacob's second line Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection was shown on the sixth day of New York Fashion week. The American designer's show took place at the New York State Armory and easily pleased the crowd with his new masterpieces. The first model came out wearing a flowing white dress that reached knee length and had prominent horizontal stripes of yellow, blue, and peach. Bringing back the sweet innocent look, Marc kept his signature bold, bright, pieces (such as his purses, bangles, and sunglasses) and mixed it into the neutral blouses, skirts, and jumpsuits. Some models came out with bowler hats (as seen in picture) which covered their frizzy whimsical hair-do. All the models were shown with Orange lipstick which mingled well with the eccentric chic outfits. Orange seemed to be the color of choice - many purses and accessories were coated with the color. Not a lot of designers use the rusty color, but it seems to be the shade for the up-coming season. My favorite outfit went to the model who wore the striped jumpsuit (which looks similar to the opening dress) and put together with beige wedges - only Marc can perfectly match neutral and exotic colors perfectly. Bows accentuated waists in the skirts and pants - not to mention they were also tied at the ankle with some wedges. Marc's collection did not only gear towards ladies, gentlemen you may rejoice as well. My favorite pieces from the male's were the long grey raincoat, copper pants and belt bags (yes, it is what it sounds).

Text Jessica Moy

Practical and Playful

This is the fabulous fashion bag by Marc Jacobs. Miss Marc Shape-Shifter Tote, this bag is designed for the young and playful. Its size makes it practical, you can fit all your daily necessaties, also it has snap sides which expand the bag, therefore fitting in everything you can possibly need. Lets call it the Mary Poppins bag!

A colorful and interesting bag that will stand out with its black and white canvas background, it's covered in fascinating prints, hearts, clovers, rabbits and kitties. Okay, when you write it out like that it does sound like a kids bag and in a weird way it is. Discover your inner child and purchase this fabulous Marc Jacobs bag for $258!

Text Laura Woodbury-Smith

In Bloom

Every year it seems we get a fresh take on that most quintessential summer standby: the short. Thanks to the recent re-imagination of the bloomer, this season is no exception. From this union between the unflattering undergarment and our trusty summer wardrobe piece comes the impossibly hip bloomer short. Bloomer shorts promise to inject life into a perhaps tired warm weather staple. The silk pair pictured left which boasts a fun allover ruffle detail and floral print are part of Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2010 collection and will keep you looking effortlessly chic at summer music festivals and backyard barbecues alike. Since this look packs a lot of style punch, be sure to keep the rest of your ensemble laid back. Paired with a basic tee, braided belt, and your favorite tan soft-leather oxford flats, you can’t go wrong.


By Jessica Best