Rachel Roy Steps Out as a Show Designer

Famous designer Rachel Roy is set to release her first shoe line this August. The designer, who worked with Manolo Blahnik last fashion week, has styled her collection with Blahnik in mind. The line is said to be fun and colorful, with a mixture of fabrics, such as wool and suede that include neon colors and animal prints. The designer calls her collection "classic with a twist" and "sexy and strong."

Roy wanted to make this collection at an affordable price. Flats will start at about $195, heels will range from $225 to $325, and boots will be about $500. The designer said that shoes are one of the categories she's wanted to do, but she wanted to wait until she felt she could really do it right. We will all be anxiously waiting for the next couple of months to pass, until the collection is released! 

Text Caitlin Beck

Image Dr Jays

Designer: Shenan

For those of you who had feared the 80's harem pants and cut-off tees,  you might have to get over it, they are a trend for this Summer. While many commit some serious crimes (harem pants, that look like diaper dumps and tees that can fit your little sister and/or cousin), Shenan successfully serves up offerings that have you on trend and not a nostalgia piece.

With a fashion pedigree from Parsons (she also worked at DKNY and Calvin Klein) and clients including Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Shenan Fraguadas has definitely created a niche for herself. With silk cut-off tees and harem pants in silk and knit jersey with ditsy floral prints, everyone can channel their inner Woodstock. More importantly, her offerings are at moderate price points ($80-$300) so anyone can jump in on this trend. Based in New York, the collection is sold at Thistle & Clover (221 Dekalb Avenue) and online at shenan.bigcartel.com .

-Tamera Blair Darden

Best Designer of the Year

The British Fashion Awards took place last night and the bigger winner of the night was Christopher Bailey, Burberry's Creative Director. Bailey was named best designer of the year.

This is not Christopher Bailey's first British Fashion Award, he has previously been recognized with the Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2007 and 2008 and was also named best designer of the year in 2005.

At 38 years old Bailey is Chief Creative Director of Burberry, and is responsible for the design of all Burberry collections and product lines as well as the overall image of the company.

Bailey has helped turn Burberry into a global luxury label and for that we thank him.

Congratulations Christopher Bailey!

- Erin Jones

In Memory of...

From what I understand the recession is suppose to be over. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought things were starting to turn around. But obviously this isn't the case.

After 22 years of their haute couture making runway headlines, the fashion house of Christian Lacroix is set to be closed.

A Paris bankruptcy court has approved a plan to close Christian Lacroix's design house. As a result 100 memebers of the staff will be let go.

Christian Lacroix is a legendary fashion designer for many red carpet celebrities including Uma Thurman. His designs are glamorous, expensive-looking, and unapologetically dramatic. With his background in costume design, his designs are always over the top, he adopts alot of old fashion techniques into his new designs including the corset and the crinoline.

His designs will surely be missed but they will also be celebrated being some of fashions most memorable pieces.

- Erin Jones

Shirts Your Way

It's about time someone started taking an interest in men's fashion. http://www.shirtsmyway.com/ is a fashion website that allows men to be their own fashion designer. With over seven million shirt designs users can pick what type of sleeves, collar, buttons and other detailing by dressing an interactive model.

This is a great site for the guy who never finds anything he likes or the guy who has everything but wants something different. So next time your guy tells you he needs a new shirt tell him to go design his own at least you know he will be happy with that one.

This would also make a great gift. You can personally design a shirt for his birthday or even Christmas. It's the perfect gift when you have completely run out of ideas.

Prices range from $75 to $95, which is comparable to any department store except these are your own design so you know they will look good.

- Erin Jones

Coco Avant Chanel

It looks like this will be the year of fashion movies. While Valentino's movie was released ealier this year, there is still a couple to look forward to. I have already introduced The September Issue, but there is still one more.

Coco Avant Chanel is the story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world.

Coco Avant Chanel or Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who began her life as a headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style.

While this film premeired in France and Beligum on April 22, 2009 it has yet to be released in the US. On September 25, 2009 Coco Avant Chanel will be released in the US.

If you enjoyed the movie of Valentino's life or the movie which follows Anna Wintour through an issue of Vogue, you are sure to enjoy this movie's portrayal of Coco Chanel's early years

-Erin Jones

Moss Signs New Topshop Deal

For some of you who don't know Topshop, it's a London retailer similar to H&M. Kate Moss has a collection there and word on the streets is, it's there to stay. 

Topshop said that they have in fact locked a deal with the supermodel to continue with her collection. Moss will keep designing her Kate Moss for Topshop Collection, she has thus far produced 8 collections for the London retailer since she joined forces with Topshop in 2006. 

Definitely looking forward to seeing her next line for Topshop. Just wish they'd bring Topshop over here to America. It's bound to happen, right? I mean H&M is here...

source: wwd