Jil Sander: Spring Summer 2011

Yesterday, Jil Sander designer Raf Simons unveiled his fifth collection for the label. The show took place at a villa in Florence and the collection was inspired by the setting and nature. I think that the best word to describe this collection is electrical. I love love love love it. It gets me excited and makes me want to dance. The whole collection is so vibrant and fun, but also exceptionally tailored. Bravo, Mr. Simons!

(Photos are from Style.com)

The fashion world was abuzz on Twitter last night and @BryanBoy tweeted this photo of the jackets' backs with reflector velcro straps:

@BryanBoy: Some of the jackets have reflector velcro straps on the back. Love this detail. http://twitpic.com/1xmxeo

All Around the Web: Neil's Affair with Sundek and Z Zegna behind the scenes

Images from Loewe Leather Icons

Good morning y'all: Bryan Boy wore the ultra-high Finsk wedges to breakfast, and Diane Pernet blogged about it (A Shaded View on Fashion)

Iconic: Loewe Leather Icons launched this past week and the black leather jackets couldn't be more perfect. (00o00 and Kate Loves Me)

This Is Art: Neil Barrett released a video of his collection for Sundek and I can't wait to go swimming. (Neil Barrett)

Take Me There: Z Zegna has been positing behind the scenes videos of their Spring/Summer 2011 collection all week. (Z Zegna)

Vintage Finish: I am loving the Pre Fall 2010 Dolce and Gabbana shoes! (My Many Bags)

Gianfranco Ferré FW2010 - Campaign

Here is the first image of the Gianfranco Ferré FW2010 campaign starring Clément Chabernaud.

(Image via: The Fashionisto)

Fall 2010 is now available on LuisaViaRoma. Ain't it a little early?

Sure most of the items are on pre-order until September 30th, but still isn't it early? I can't help but being reminded of that article in Vogue (the one with Karlie Kloss posing in a swimsuit during a snow blizzard in NYC), about how costumers are buying Fall pieces in Spring, and Spring pieces in Fall.

Are costumers ready to plan their Fall outfits in Spring? There are a million things that I want to buy from these untimely new-arrivals but do I really know what I want for Fall?

What about you? Are you ready to splurge on Givenchy and Dolce and Gabbana's fall collections while you are still lusting for the spring collections?

HE by Mango at $9.90

I just checked Mango's menswear line and there is a sale with items (like shoes, a windbreaker, and shorts) for $9.90! There are many other items that are at incredibly low prices! Take advantage! I am thinking about buying the Adam Lippes for Mango shorts above (at an incredible 14.90 price tag).

Visit Homini Erecto by Mango.

Current Obsession: Lanvin Lambskin Messenger Bags

You guys know how much I love a good Lanvin bag, right? Well, this one is no exception. The subtlety of the navy leather along with the sublime execution is driving me wild. Although it is still outside my budget range, I think that the bag has a reasonable price.

Available at LUISAVIAROMA.

Louis vs. Jeffrey

Clicking away on the pages of Sole Struck, I came upon the Jeffrey Campbell Barker shoe in Old Gold. Immediately, I thought of the yellow-golden oxfords Marc Jacobs did for Louis Vuitton. Although the two shoes have different shades of gold, the idea of a golden oxford was seen first at Louis.

What do you think? Are they or aren't they too alike?

Thom Browne will show in Paris

To showcase his SS2011 collection, Thom Browne has decided to ditch the New York runways for the ones in Paris. Thom will show his eponymous collection the last day of Paris fashion week, June 27th. I think the Avant-Garde Paris is better to show his designs because New York is usually about wearable and marketable clothing.

Matthew Williamson loves Gossip Girl as much as I do

British designer Matthew Williamson collaborated with Gossip Girl's stylist Eric Daman to create the window above which is reportedly tied to the April 5 episode of the show. Blair Waldorf is going to be featured shopping at the Meatpacking District and wearing one of the designers designs. I wonder why they didn't use Williamson's new jumpers on the male mannequins.

C'est très rad

Rodarte is amazing. What the Mulleavy sisters do each season is amazing and awe inspiring. Unfortunately, most people can't afford their designs unless it is in a collaboration with Target or stuff like this. I think this sweatshirt is really cool, and a great way to support the Mulleavys!

Hoodie available at Opening Ceremony

Pierre Cardin Futurism

I just found these amazing images of Pierre Cardin's avant-garde men's collection. Aren't they super cool? As I look at the picture I expect the models to suddenly fly away!

Images via: Old Pipes and Torn Jackets

Band of Outsiders to launch a lower-priced women's line, might this mean a lower-priced line for the boys too?

On Monday, Fashionista reported that the genius behind Band of Outsiders, Scott Sternberg, was going to launch a lower priced line, girl., to accompany his women's line, Boy.

I think that it is a really great step for Scott because now more people will be aware of the greatness that Band Of Outsiders is. The news also incited my curiosity to wonder if a lower-priced line for men is close. Scott already launched some less-expensive polos on his site. A whole collection could be just a few steps ahead.

What do you think - would you like to see a lower-priced version of Band of Outsiders?

Shopping Spree: Marc by Marc Jacobs SS2010

I really loved Marc Jacobs' SS2010, Aztec/African inspired collection. Everything was so fun and upbeat, just what spring is supposed to be! Most of the pieces have finally arrived in stores. Here are my favorite pieces that are online now:

1. Beige and Pink Quart Block Tee, $156.75. Available at My Wardrobe.

2. Floral Denim Pant, $228. Available at Barneys New York.

3. "Jaco" Plaid Shrunken Fit Blazer, $398. Available at Bloomingdale's.

4. Striped Jersey Tank, $78. Available at Saks.

5. "Robbie G" Leather Messenger Bag, $458. Available at Bloomindale's.

6. Color Loop Sweater, $200. Available at SSense.

7. Plaid Sportshirt, $178. Available at Saks.

8. Plaid Shorts, $158. Available at Saks.

Model Behavior: Gucci FW2010 Backstage

Ruffian for Macy's Has Launched - and It Disappoints

The Ruffian for Macy's collaboration has finally arrived in stores and online. The Williamsburg-inspired collection consists only of tops, not bottoms yet. Frankly, I am underwhelmed with the collection. When I heard that Ruffian's Brian Wolk and Claude Morais were partly designing a menswear collection for Macy's, I seriously couldn't wait. I have always wondered why retailers don't do more collaborations with designers for menswear.

Sure there are some pieces that I like. The green military shirt goes right on with Spring 2010 trends, but I just don't know if I would actually buy it.

Pretty bland, no?

Former Aquascutum Designers Confirmed at Bally

Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler have been confirmed as Bally's new creative directors.

The rumors that they had joined the house began about a month ago, when they suddenly left the Aquascutum house. Brian Atwood was the previous creative director of Bally.

"After ten seasons of what has been an amazing journey, it feels like the perfect time to move on to what will be a fuller international challenge. This is an opportunity to bring together all that we have learnt from our joint previous experiences to an exciting and multi-faceted role at Bally. Bally is a Swiss luxury heritage brand with a huge potential. We will explore what is at the heart of Bally, not just its archives but also its charm, its mentality and its intelligence," explain the designers. They both began working for the fashion house seven years ago, Herz as head of womenswear and Fidler as head of menswear.

The Aquascutum menswear line was understated chic. I am excited to see what the designer pair do at Bally, which really is an amazing brand.

Current Obsession: Matthew Williamson Sweaters

British designer Matthew Williamson finally releases his small collection of jumpers and scarves for men. After taking a stab at menswear in his collaboration with H&M, Williamson decided to do a collection for his own line. I am loving the cashmere sweaters, which not only come in plain colors but there are others with different prints. I am curious as to see how the Matthew Williamson line for men evolves.

Available at Matthew Williamson.

Prints Gone Wild in the Latest Issue of VHI

French Vogue editor (and alleged thief), Carine Roitfield lends a hand to Vogue Hommes Internationel for its spring issue. The model is Vladimir Ivanov, who looks incredibly seductive, and the shoot was shot by famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier. I love the mix of the animal prints, paisleys, and Liberty of London fabrics with spring's collections (like Givenchy and Missoni). The Tom Ford pajama pants are AMAZING, um can I get a pair? The only thing that is quite bothering me is the eye makeup, why why why?

Trends for Fall 2010: Sheep + Chic!

Shearling invaded the FW 2010 runways on fashion week. Designers, ranging from Christopher Bailey at Burberry to Stefano Pilati at YSL. To be honest, I didn't really like the trend at first but it has definitely grown on me. I normally associate shearling with the Malboro man, but designers definitely turned shearling chic.

Images via GQ

FW2010: Balmain

Balmain unveiled the FW2010 menswear collection last January at Paris Fashion Week. There is a lot of discussion on the creativity and construction of these pieces, and of course the sky high prices. Balmain's women collection is always favored and ooh'd and ahh'd by all fashionistas because women feel that not only are the pieces sexy, but they really are what women want. I think the menswear collection is just that. Most guys don't like to dress up, and this collection is all about effortless style. Sure maybe the pieces are not daring enough, but they really are amazing. The boots and that quilted jacket are driving me nuts! Balmain is the brand for the cool guy, who doesn't care too much for what he's wearing (or at least doesn't show it.)

Apparently Zoolander Really Had an Effect On The Fashion Industry

- Christopher Bailey's newest protégé Sebastian Brice on what he thought about the fashion industry before working in it.

Out of The Jungle in Louis Vuitton

GQ Australia's February/March 2010 editorial featuring the SS2010 Louis Vuitton collection. The Singaporean jungle complements the collection quite well.

Images via The Fashionisto

Sneaky Sneaky

These 3.1 Phillip Lim, desert sneakers are featured in this month's issue of Details. At $130, they seemed as a steal! Immediately, I called in to Phillip Lim's store and described with zeal the shoe. The woman seemed confused, as if she hadn't seen the show before. She asked another worker, only to tell me that the sneakers were only a sample and were not produced. Sigh.

Campaigning: Marc by Marc Jacobs - Spring 2010

Lyle Lodwick sure looks happy to be in the latest ad of Marc by Marc Jacobs. The ad is shot by Juergen Teller.

The Face Shirt: Which One Would You Choose?

Christopher Kane Doll Face T-Shirt, $309 at Studio Homme

Jil Sander Female Face Sport Shirt, $595 at Barneys New York

Caulfield Prep Goes Woof

I was watching a behind the scenes video of Vincent Flumiani, the designer of up and coming fashion label Caulfield Preparatory. Their pieces are really cool, sort of preppy with a twist.

Don't you just love his specs?

But then I spotted a glimpse at this AMAZING, Arctic-wolf printed shirt and I almost died! When will it be available?!

Style should be all about fun, and Caulfield Prep is definitely fun. The shirt is the equivalent to their whale print shirt, which I also love:

Lanvin FW2010: Bags

Lanvin backpacks are incredible!

This season at Lanvin was really great. The styling was superb and the clothes looked amazing. Clearly the message at Lanvin was power and intimidation. It was a really rugged but elegant. The only thing that disappointed me were the shoes. Lanvin usually has a great variety of shoes, the sneakers being the most coveted. I didn't really favor the boots with an exposed, gigantic zipper. I thought the zipper overwhelmed the boots. The bags, though, were my favorite. I love the straps that look like seat belts. The backpacks also feature the exposed zipper, but doesn't overpower the bag. The knotted bags were also really cool, as well as the sweaters.

All Images are from GQ.

Balenciaga FW2010 - Look Book

The FW2010 look book for Balenciaga is now on their webpage. The collection mostly consists of great jackets, one following the shearling trend that was so evident on the runways. I really like the white sweater and the black trench coat, would love to pair them together. The white gloves are kind of weird, they look like Mickey Mouse hands. But truly, the collection is all about the jackets.

All images are from Balenciaga

COMUNE Brooks T Cardigan

Clicking away through the pages of Urban Outfitters, I spotted these ultra cool acid wash cardigans by skateboard fashion label COMUNE. I especially like the navy one, but the maroon one oozes a rockstar vibe.

Available at Urban Outfitters, $52.

My Favorite Shoes FW2010