Google+ November 2012

The Curator, Tastemaker, Style Influencer ...

November 27, 2012


The curator, tastemaker, style influencer, fashion ambassador and celebrity; They are changing the scene of online shopping.  I see one consistent trend being the use of curators in recommending products. Marketing research has shown that we as consumers like recommendations from people we know and/or admire and are more inclined to shop these suggestions.  So is the curator the new online marketing strategy of today as was the flash-sale of previous years?  Below are four unique online websites that have adopted the curator-based business model.

AHAlife is an online discovery and shopping platform that offers unique handpicked products by the likes of Donna Karan, Daniel Boulud, Tina Brown and Tim Gunn.  


The Coveteur offers a look into the closets of tastemakers, celebrities and fashion elite with the ability to actually shop pieces from their closets.

Vaunte recently launched and is also offering up fashionable closets by redesigning the world of online luxury consignment shopping.


The Cools is a social network and an e-commerce site.  Its tastemakers include Erin Fetherston, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, and Agyness Deyn.

Guest Blogger: tone saravia on American Holiday Fashion

November 23, 2012


There is nothing more American than Thanksgiving and nothing more New York than than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Covered in thick coats and warm colors, friends and families gathered together along the West Side apartments this morning for mimosas, coffee, and pastries overlooking Central Park and the parade. We were lucky to be invited to one of these special gathering. Magic occurs in the small spaces of this city, where dark colors, thick furs, modern leather cuts, and vintage style come together to embody what is the epitome of American holiday fashion. 

For more on tone saravia see here

Trend: Gothic Black

November 17, 2012






We all know burgundy/oxblood is the new black this season.  But let's not forget about black as the classic, chic and sophisticated color we all can wear and this season's new take on it: Gothic.


Photo credits: Pinterest

Content is Key - Part 2 of 2

November 13, 2012


In Content is Key - Part 1 of 2, I discussed the importance of content marketing strategies to attract, acquire and engage consumers by producing good content continuously.  I gave Net-A-Porter as an example of an online fashion retailer doing it really well with a frequently updated and beautifully presented online magazine highlighting product offerings, seasonal trends and exclusive insider interviews.

But good content marketing strategies are not only reserved for online-based businesses.  We are now frequently seeing brick-and-mortar companies conquering this space by using social media platforms or blogs to reach out to consumers.  The blog DKNY PR Girl run by Aliza Licht, Senior VP of Global Communications for Donna Karan, has captivated readers with her smart and witty take on highlighting the brand.  Mixing insights on style and life in NYC with current product offerings, you almost forget she is a Senior VP for Donna Karan!  And it works with over 400,000 followers on Twitter.  

I hope more fashion companies (both on and offline) adopt Ms. Licht's approach to content marketing. It is always amusing for consumers such as myself to read fun and insightful content by people-in-the-know in addition to DKNY PR GIRL proving to be a more than successful communications strategy.


Photo credit: DKNY PR Girl

Inside Emilio de la Morena's Design Studio

November 12, 2012




Last week I visited one of my favorite London Fashion Week catwalk designers Emilio de la Morena's design studio.  Filled with his signature colorful clothing and accessories (and my excitement!), I got a tangible sneak preview into the SS'13 collection.  "I wanted to make SS'13 easy-to-wear," Emilio told me.  Easy-to-wear and impeccably tailored, his collection reminded me of a modern take on Spanish flamenco dancers (see dresses above).  "I felt I wanted to bring back memories from the past," the designer originally from Spain said. Thank you Emilio for showing me your as beautiful as always new collection.

See the full SS'13 collection at Style.com and London Fashion Week

DVF and Evian Team Up

November 7, 2012


Another fashion industry collaboration with a beverage!  I previously posted on Diet Coke and Jean Paul Gaultier and Starbucks and Rodarte.  This time it's Evian and Diane von Furstenberg (DVF).  Evian's brand image is luxury bottled water.  DVF is best known for the use of colorful graphic prints and the creation of the iconic wrap dress.

DVF has designed Evian's 2013 limited-edition bottle with the words "water is life is love is life is love is life is water” and with the designer's signature heart logo in red.  This is Evian's first time to link up with an American designer however the company has partnered previously with Paul Smith, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.  The DVF limited-edition bottles willl be available in stores this month.


Photo credit: WWD

Guest Blogger: J.A. on Vintage Watches

November 6, 2012



I always believed that when you buy a luxury item you are first and foremost buying history and legacy.  This surely applies to vintage watches.  Wearing a 50 year old beautiful watch is a powerful statement and clearly defines a personality that believes in heritage, history and a passion for things well done.

I personally have a preference for 2 brands: IWC and Patek Philippe. Both of them have passed the test of time and have always been at the forefront of the best Swiss technology and tradition.  It’s a very difficult task to find the right piece at the right price, but research definitely helps in making the right purchase.  Always remember to buy from a reputable dealer and don't forget to choose a cool strap!

J.A.


Black on black plus Valentino

November 5, 2012


(Balenciaga coat, Rag & Bone jeans, Christian Louboutin heels, Valentino bag, Ray-Ban sunglasses)

Color is all over the runways these days but I'm still partial to an all black outfit.  The weather in London changed significantly last week and its time to bring out the coats.  This is one of my favorites: leather-trimmed and double-breasted.  Styled with a pair of killer pumps and F/W '12 studded Valentino bag and I'm ready to brave the cold!


The Little Black Jacket we all know and love

November 3, 2012

 

Yesterday I visited the Saatchi Galley to see Chanel's Little Black Jacket exhibition.  Simple, elegant yet daring is how I would describe the exhibition, much like the Little Black Jacket itself.  113 poster prints of the classic jacket shot by Karl Lagerfeld and modeled by a range of celebrities connected with the House covered the white walls of the gallery.  Styled by Carine Roitfeld, each model was shot to reflect his or her individual style.  It was difficult to choose but I finally managed to narrow down my favorite shots to share with you.  

Designer Spotlight & Exclusive Interview: Meera Sharma

November 2, 2012


London-based designer Meera Sharma's debut collection, titled Femme Fatale, is inspired by the female superhero: sexy, strong and powerful.  To Meera she is the "ultimate" woman and much like the women she designs for.  I recently came across Meera and instantly loved her strong point-of-view and creative use of materials.  

I had the chance to interview the emerging designer:

How did you decide to become a fashion designer?
I have always been fascinated by fashion from a young age, be it observing what people are wearing or designing clothes for my Barbie dolls so it was a natural progression. It's great to be able to show my viewpoint on fashion to other people via my designs. 

What business advice would you give other designers or entrepreneurs wanting to start their own lines?
Make sure you understand business, read up on it or ask someone for advice as you need to understand about costings. At the end of the day you want to be able to know how to keep costs down to increase profit margins. Starting your own line is not an easy thing and you do need to have funding of some sort so make sure you are ready for setbacks as it is a difficult industry to get into!

What are your three "must-have" pieces this Winter?
Oo three must have pieces I want, that is a difficult one as I go through phases. I really want some trendy, colourful knitwear. I also saw these leggings with faux diamonds on them (they look much nicer than they sound!) that I want. Also maybe a leather skirt? 

As a budding talent, Meera is up for the MUUSEX VOGUE TALENTS YOUNG VISION AWARD 2012.  Vote for Meera here For more on Meera Sharma see her official site here.  

Good luck Meera and can't wait to see more from you! 

What's next for Tamara Mellon?

November 1, 2012


The woman behind the Jimmy Choo label and now multinational company recently told The New York Times “As soon as my resignation came out from Jimmy Choo, I had lots of people e-mail me saying, ‘I would love to invest in your new project.’ ”  One year ago Tamara Mellon left Jimmy Choo.  So what exactly is she up to now?  Apart from moving to NYC from London, Ms. Mellon is writing a book.  “It’s not strictly a business book and it’s not strictly a memoir,” she said. “It’s a hybrid.”  Even more interesting, there is talk in creating her own lifestyle brand.  “I’d rather take the risk and have a new challenge,” she said.  Well, we are all excited to see what's next from this ultra-successful businesswoman and personal favorite I look up to.   

See full New York Times article here

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