CITYist

Adding to their illustrious roster of collaborators, J Crew announces the launch of Eddie Borgo at J. Crew on Jcrew.com.

If you are a guy who wears a basic uniform of a plain t-shirt and dark jeans, and love that minimal look; WESC has some great summer styles for. Check out our faves after the jump.

Cynthia Rowley has been so busy with all her side projects and collaborations that its easy to forget the brilliant ready-to-wear collection she sent down the runway for fall. One feature we’re loving in particular is the use of feathers, which crop up on jewel-toned minis, sassy flapper dresses and funky accessories. While the use of color and texture does give off a certain modern vibe (à la Proenza Schouler), we can’t shake the 20s influence. This may be partially due to our near hysteria over HBO’s upcoming Board Walk Empire (Atlantic City in the jazz age? amazing), but mostly we’re just feeling the “looking backward in order to look forward” aesthetic, to reference Oscar de la Renta’s recent pearl of wisdom dispensed on (where else?) The Rachel Zoe Project.

If you’re the type who not only avoids eating animals, but wearing them too (yes, that includes leather), then you’ve probably already heard of pioneer vegan accessory brand Matt & Nat. But for the rest of us, recognition might be less forthcoming. Even if you’re a red-blooded, fur-wearing carnivore, however, there’s something to be desired here: style, plain and simple. With handbags and wallets made with no animal by products, Matt & Nat’s trendy, zipper and stud-adorned goods look like the real deal, without the guilt. So you can rock that “leather” chain-strap shoulder bag and spout environmental gospel at the same time. We’re already converted.

Like we mentioned yesterday, it seems that natural elements are increasingly finding their way onto the fingers and necks of many a jewelry fan. In Sophie Monet’s collection, the earthy substance of choice is wood. The large carved rings and necklaces feature an array of geometric shapes—triangles, squares, half circles and pentagons, to name a few. But what makes this line especially unique are the ethereal crystals and stones that adorn the pieces; each possesses a translucent, mesmerizing quality that is in stark contrast to the darker wood, physically and conceptually. Tribal, environmental influences mixed with luxury living? We love a good juxtaposition.

Jewelry line Crea-tiff Bijoux goes back to the garden with its use of natural materials to create organic, simple pieces. Created by British-Swiss designer Tiffany Rowe, the line’s Bourgeois collection counts seeds, pebbles and shells amongst its list of materials. While some of the metallic resin rings may bring to mind the ancient Bronze Age, others pre-date humans entirely by resembling the natural materials themselves (it’s no coincidence that the look book was partially shot on the beach, as if the grey pebble rings had miraculously washed up there).

A good print is a good print, whether it’s on a slinky dress, a vibrant blouse or a throw pillow. Just ask Suki Cheema, the print guru enlisted by Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Diane von Furstenberg, who has now debuted a home goods collection. Cheema draws on the bright colors, culture and atmosphere of India (as well as his Central Saint Martin’s education) to create zig-zagged, rainbow-colored textiles that adorn pillows, quilts, throws and tableware (look for retailers on the Suki Cheema site). If your pad is begging for a bit of color to liven up the space, then this might be just what the doctor ordered.

Fashion never stops—even when you’re gliding down snow-covered mountains at very high (and exhilarating) speeds. D&G knows this well: its new ski mask collection launches this October, just in time for the winter season. Customized for both men and women, the masks are big and bold—think: gradient lenses and thick rims in dramatic red, blue, gold and silver (and additional black and white for guys). What’s more, the goggles don’t just look the part; high-tech features like the double lens and antifog system are designed to increase visibility. And did we mention that the women’s pairs come encrusted with 2,500 Swarovski crystals? Just a minor detail. (Pick up the limited-edition Swarovski pairs at D&G boutiques in New York, Milan, Paris and London.) If your moves on the slopes don’t get you noticed, we’d say these definitely will.

No, the air is not getting crisper and the leaves are not yet turning gold. In fact, most of New York still feels like the tropics. But that doesn’t stop us from fantasizing about all manner of fall fashion, from camel coats to thermal leggings to a good, solid pair of boots. We’re not talking stilettos here, but simply a rugged, wearable daytime boot (and perhaps a slightly more elegant, though no less easy to wear pair for after hours). Enter Fiorentini + Baker, the Italian craftsmen whose business is boots. From a buckled and wooden-heeled cowboy-influenced pair to a fur-lined sherpa-inspired boot (available at Barneys and Bloomingdales), we round up our favorites from the Autumn collection.

To many, Jackie Kennedy is known as the absolute pinnacle of sophistication and grace. If you ever wondered how much that sophistication is worth, we’re guessing somewhere around the tune of £25,000-35,000 (or about $40,000-55,000). At least, that’s how much Sotheby’s is estimating Jackie O’s simulated three-strand pearl and diamond necklace will go for when its auctioned off August 15th at the “Pioneers of Popular Culture” auction in the UK. The necklace comes in its original box along with a photograph of the former First Lady wearing it. Also for sale is a similar single strand necklace and a pair of simulated pearl and diamond ear-clips. If the word “simulated” is catching your eye, you would be right: these aren’t even real jewels. Jackie’s just worth that much.

Can’t settle on one edgy statement chandelier to go over your dining table? No problem. Yakuza Lou, a stunning “light sculpture” created by artist Eddy Sykes, offers many shapes, sizes and degrees of light—all from the same fixture. Expanding and contracting like a piece of elegant, gilded origami, Yakuza Lou shifts and transforms like the patterns inside a kaleidoscope, opening and closing pathways of tiny light bulbs to create different effects.

These days, a plain old 24-foot pool just doesn’t cut it in the luxury hotel circuit. From Italy to Indonesia, Mexico to Thailand, designer hotels are offering up creative, innovative swimming pools in exotic locales. Infinity pools are enhanced by stunning ocean vistas, surrounded by tropical jungles or dramatized by sharp drop-offs, giving the standard indoor hotel pool a run for its money.

Bike obsessives and photo aficionados be warned: Gant is hosting a giveaway starting today that combines your two greatest loves. Teaming up with The Impossible Project, an organization aiming to preserve analog instant photography, the pioneering sportswear brand will be giving away a limited-edition Gant Rugger cruiser bicycle and an original, vintage Polaroid camera to one lucky individual.

The coveted iPad case is all the rage when staying technologically savvy and fashion-forward. Now, Trussardi 1911 has entered the game with its patterned leather cases, coming in classic black, grungy camouflage or sassy leopard-print pony leather ($300 each). The Italian artisan brand has applied its skilled workmanship to the well-crafted pieces, so you can be sure your e-reader will be safe within its plush leather clutches. Look for the iPad cases starting in November at Trussardi 1911 boutiques. As accessories go, the leopard print is our favorite. Now we just have to get an iPad.

What happens when one of the most recognizable denim brands collides with a famed Japanese photographer, whose prints are just as (if not more) recognizable? This August, 7 For All Mankind teams up with Mika Ninagawa for a collection of screenprinted tees, jeans and shorts with some not-so-hidden, bright floral surprises.

Keds has just released the newest addition to its Century line, the men’s “Call of Duty” shoe. Inspired by 1940s military sneakers, they come in muted olive, gray and a deep charcoal with leather laces. Retailing for $55, the canvas Keds will be available exclusively on the brand’s site. The subdued design of the shoe reflects a period of mobilization and patriotism for the war effort (they’ll certainly go well with the utilitarian, militaristic looks from the Spring runways). Who knew sneakers could lead to a history lesson?

Those who love Pamela Love’s edgy, eclectic jewelry will now be glad to know they’ve got a place to store it. Love has created her first ever handbag, sold exclusively on Revolveclothing’s online outlet, The List. The compact, metallic envelope-style bag is attached to a chain link shoulder strap and comes in cool silver or muted gold, just like Love’s other wares. While the metal detailing adds a touch of punk rock, the sleek coloring makes the bag ideal for the nightlife club circuit. We could think of more than one outfit that would benefit from its brassy flash.

There’s no place we’d rather live than New York, but even we’ll admit it: sometimes we just need an escape. At Panoramic View Resort, a renowned Montauk location for over fifty years, it’s all too easy to find one. As the name suggests, the view from Panoramic View Resort is something that needs to be seen in person to be believed, which is why every guest room has a balcony for guests to enjoy the unreal beauty of the landscape.

Mara Hoffman’s creations are known for their tribal prints, bold colors and playful silhouettes. So it’s not surprising that her Resort swimwear line, available starting in October, followed suit. Premiering at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the line is categorized by African prints offset by strips of solid black and red, gauzy cover-ups and feathered and bejeweled accessories. Some triangular and attached by strings, others wide and boy short-inspired, all the suits are designed to let the wearer go “on a mystical journey through the jungle, visiting crystal caves, rivers, oceans; a tongue-in-cheek Amazonian tribeswoman in a bikini following her White Horse spirit guide.” Bring on the peyote.

To some, the work of the grand dame of fashion, Diane von Furstenberg, is so amazing they’d just like to live inside it. Well, living inside her clothes is one matter, but now it’s possible to be totally enveloped in DVF style within the 20 guest rooms and suites she’s designed for London hotel Claridge’s, which will begin unveiling on June 23rd. The designer has been a loyal patron of the art deco space for the past 30 years, and considers her work nothing short of the preservation of old-style, luxurious hotel life.

Who knew booze was so beautiful? Bevshots, perhaps the most ingenious art/science/commerce combo venture we’re ever heard of, crystalizes various alcoholic beverages on lab slides and photographs them under light microscopes. The result are stunning, psychedelic images of the drinks’ molecular makeup, electrified with color. Mint Julip? Black and tan? Vodka Tonic? Chances are there’s a print of your poison of choice. Ranging from $37.99 all the way up to $549, most pieces fall way below normal modern art prices. Plus, it gives you the chance to say things like, “Oh that? That’s just my American Light Lager.” To infuriate art classicists and take a peek at our favorites, read on. And remember: next time you’re downing that margarita, consider it a work of art.

Like a true rock ‘n’ roll archeologist, Archive 1887 unearths concert tee gems of yesteryear and aims to put them straight on your back. We’ve shown you some of the tees before, and we’re pleased to discover that Fall 2010 is about to roll in with the same rebel yell as the first season. And this go around, they have one of our favorite icons—Iggy Pop—at the core.

So it’s no secret that we get a severe hankering for the West Coast due to the laid back, sunshine infused stylings of Wavves and Best Coast. Now, Best Coast has released another single that brings to mind a female version of the Beach Boys. “Boyfriend” is a psychedelic, sun-drenched confection with singer Bethany Cosentino declaring her love high school style (take a listen after the jump). Meanwhile, we’ll be seeing Wavves perform tonight (!!!) at The Fader’s issue release party—be jealous, but don’t worry, there’s enough to go around. Due to leaks on the Internet, the iTunes release of Wavves much-anticipated LP, King of the Beach, has been moved up from August to July 1st.

Despite the fact that Mara Hoffman’s cited influence for her Resort 11 collection is “electric garden,” the patterns and colors are decidedly more tame than this summer’s collection. That’s not to say less interesting or alluring, but simply toned down, relaxed and fitting for leisure time on a yacht—like we said, resort. Fitted bodices and demure shorts give a sort of sailor vibe (with Hoffman’s psychedelic undertones mixed in, of course), while flowing dresses and minis exhibit floral prints in a wash of blues, pinks and blacks. Certain pieces, like an oversized black tee, display her signature statement backs, this one open and connected by bows. Garden? Yes. Electric? Well, that at least describes the energy with which shoppers will grab these pieces off the shelves. Read on for more looks.

We may or may not be nursing a slight obsession for Top Chef—which makes us partial to any large gathering of celebrated culinary experts. Out of consideration for people who haven’t gotten a chance to watch last night’s TiVo-ed episode (present company included), we’ll stay mum on the show, and tell you about Montana Master Chefs instead. Held at the quaintly Western-sounding Resort at Paws Up, the fall festival (Sept. 30th through Oct. 3rd), will feature celebrity chefs Mark Peel (Campanile Restaurant, LA), Brian Bistrong (Braeburn Restaurant, NYC) and Top Chef alums Lee Anne Wong and Dale Levitski. Expert California vintners will also be on hand to serve up some first class wine. Food, wine, former contestants…all that’s missing is Tom and Padma.