CITYist

Our favorite “Back to Basics” store has a new tagline, “Made for All”. We know you love UNIQLO’s well-crafted and simple items, but we especially adore the brand because they are committed to making clothing that is available to everybody, no matter what their age, sex, income or nationality is. Actors Charlize Theron and Orlando Bloom are the new Global Brand Ambassadors for this philosophy. Theron has been committed to several charity projects in Africa while Bloom is a UNICEF Ambassador and supports several charities.

In a fall collection based on the Nancy Drew mystery stories, young Brooklyn-based designer Rachel Antonoff presents a full house of feminine day wear and graceful gowns straight off the pages of a detective novel. Printed tops and sassy shorts come in the distinctive shade of mustard macaroni that color the bindings of the Carolyn Keene books, yet Antonoff’s true talent is revealed in the cuts of her dresses.

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.

We were greatly saddened to learn of photographer Corinne Day’s recent death due to a long-held battle with a brain tumor. Through Day’s lens we witnessed a bare bones beauty that was honest and unapologetically raw. In the early 90s it was she who ushered in the antithesis of the 80s glitz and glam with “grunge.” And ever since, her visions have inspired and influenced, pushing the once-deemed fad into an actual point of view. It was Day who was the first to capture a gangly 16-year-old Kate Moss for The Face, images recognized as launching the model’s career. Whether it was documenting her own battle with cancer or shooting other faces like Georgina Cooper and Jessica Stam, Day has surely impacted the fashion world—and because of it we are thankful.

The idea of the holidays in California seems rather nonsensical—what with the palm trees, lush greenery and abundant sunshine. Nevertheless, pure California-bred line Odylyne has debuted a look book video for its holiday collection, featuring lace, sequins and a whole lot of virginal white. While certain instances appear unintentionally laughable (the evil woodland fairies come to mind), the video is overall a visual dreamland, complete with Big Sur forest views, Pacific ocean vistas and nymphs dressed in suitably nymph attire.

New York City-based designer Gary Graham’s pieces conjure up imagery of a metropolitan wonderland with unique textures and prints in quirkily layered ensembles. Lucky for us, Graham has launched a new website so we can gaze at past collections and look books galore. Graham’s skirts, jackets and other separates offer a solid alternative to stuffy office wear, while the draped shirts and dresses, luxurious fur and knit leggings provide alternately romantic and trendy weekend looks. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes news, event listings and even the designer’s online journal for a look into the design process (think sketches and insiders’ views of the studio). All in all, it’s a young professional’s online shopping paradise.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

I Remain, You Desire, 2010

We’ve been saying it since last December: model Lindsey Wixson (the one with the plumped-up pout that looks like this) is one to watch. Her already impressive modeling resume just got another boost—she can now add muse to photographer Gabrielle Revere to her list of accomplishments, whose new exhibit I Remain, You Desire at Sotheby’s features portraits of Wixson looking something like a teenage dream.

CFDA members and brother and sister team Nicholas and Christopher Kuntz have put a militaristic foot forward with the spring collection for their line Nicholas K. Showing at Lincoln Center during Fashion Week, the line takes the utilitarian trend to new heights with dusty-colored harem pants, draped camo-printed skirts and jackets in olives and browns. With berets and head scarf-like accessories, the collection feels infused with global influences, all grounded by a pair of combat boots. Take a sneak peek at the fall men’s and women’s looks before they hit the runway.

Okay, so obviously children’s clothing is not usually on our radar. But when said children’s clothing includes paisley-printed dresses, gypsy skirts and elbow-patched blazers by Cynthia Rowley, who put out a killer, fringe-filled women’s collection for fall, we have to acquiesce. Known as Hooray by Cynthia Rowley, the autumn collection for infants and toddlers includes velvet on jumpers and boys’ jackets, while corduroy and sweater dresses also crop up. Overall, we’re impressed by kids clothes that look like smaller, more twee versions of adult clothes—and these certainly fit the bill.

Fashion’s Night Out is basically Christmas for fashionistas. And while it would be convenient to clone yourself so you can stop at all the booze and SWAG-filled events, the sheer impossibility of such a scenario makes time management key. Here, we highlight some of the best stops, including “healthy” cocktails, excellent tunes and chances to rub shoulders with super models.

With an Autumn/Winter collection that’s self-described as “Star Trek meets voodoo,” it’s safe to say that two very different worlds collide in the Julian J Smith looks for fall. Only in its second season, the line is a tamer version of Smith’s elaborate stage costumes—like paneled one-pieces for Beth Ditto and glitter and sequins for Georgeois Bourgeois. But when tame means dresses fit for either an Amazon warrior or an Icelandic goddess, the collection is still anything but ordinary. Smith’s use of Navajo-inspired prints and colors, mixed with crisp, futuristic shapes and lines makes for a time-bending collection.

Parsons graduate Jane Oh channels pure New York charm with her eponymous line. With an all-black palette and a black and white look book shot on the streets of New York, Oh’s models exude old Hollywood glamour with Marlene Dietrich hairdos, sheer, long-sleeved blouses and dramatic capes. There’s an emphasis here on outerwear, as well as little black dresses, of course, making the line’s focus appear to be timeless and wearable collector’s items. PS: pop culture props to anyone else who noticed America’s Next Top Model Cycle 5 winner Nicole in the images.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

We’re pleased to announce that you can now view our past covers and editorials on My Fashion Database, a vast archive of fashion spreads and a valuable industry resource. (Don’t worry: you can still view our editorials on the Fashion section of our site, as always). MyFDB was also kind enough to share its thoughts on CITY’s overall style on its blog. Take a look through our archive and let us know which covers you like!

Braided silk, handmade details and just a touch of off kilter kitsch are what makes label Leyendecker praise-worthy. Design duo Jessica Moss and Lisa Guajardo are the brainchildren behind the label—which launched four years ago and has been steady on the rise since. The Los Angeles-based pair construct strong pieces with classic lines and their recent collection is the answer for those craving unique, wearable pieces.

It’s that time of year again: the release of Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List (at least August has that going for it). Gaga, Vogue darling Carey Mulligan and queen of the Worst Dressed List and perpetual risk-taker Helena Bonham Carter are all given nods, while the men were represented by David Beckham, hotelier André Balazs and Pharrell Williams (to name a few). While fashion types (Tory Burch, Georgina Chapman, John Galliano) and celebrities (The Gyllenhaals, Diane Kruger, Javier Bardem) were certainly represented, we have to agree with Refinery29 that the absence of Chloë Sevigny and The Olsens is acutely felt. Check out the entire list here and let us know who you think is missing.

Fans of larger than life—not to mention low in price—statement jewelry need not look too much further than the designs of Melody Ehsani. Bold, throwback nameplates, two and three finger baubles and chunky earrings are all big reminders that accessories are meant to be fun and playful, and with gems under $100, you can afford to splurge a bit and stack them up.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

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.

It’s about time. That song was simply begging for a clothing line. Now, Madonna is finally cashing in on her 1985 song, with input from daughter Lourdes, on a new juniors line for Macy’s debuting August 3rd. The influences are clear (original 80s Madonna) the references are numerous (the cowgirl phase, the punk phase) and the target audience is obvious: tweens and teens who want to look like Taylor Momsen, at least in theory. Momsen is, in fact, the face of the line, although you won’t get a good look at her in the teaser video (after the jump). We do, however, have a video interview with Madonna and a first look at the line itself, consisting of a floral mini, a biker vest, button-front pleated shorts and a lace-detailed plaid button down. While we can’t say it’s original, we can say this: Madonna fans, and those simply looking for cheap, digestible fashion, won’t be disappointed.

It’s not a simple task—wearing the same piece again and again in a variety of different ways. But when you can master the art the way Funktional has for its Summer 2010 collection, the idea is charming, and indicative of a wider trend. A romper, crop top and layered dress are all cut from the same black silk thread, yet still lead to distinctive looks. Think it could be a bore to wear the same flower print three times? Not when it decorates a zip up dress, cropped layer dress and one shoulder zipper top. Royal blue silk is fashioned into a T-shirt dress, tunic and open-backed tank. Get the picture? In this day and age, it might not be such a bad idea to spend a little less and use your imagination, as this New York Times article, which explores the movement toward a smaller, more effective wardrobe notes. Similarly, Funktional demonstrates that it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.

While most resort collections conjure up thoughts of yachts and private islands, with wardrobes suited for slinking around elusive white sand beaches off the coast of who knows where, the Cynthia Rowely 2011 Resort collection stays a little closer to home (read on to see a healthy selection of looks). Instead, it’s easier to imagine the playful prints and silhouettes somewhere a little cooler, and rather than being just another collection designed for a December-January escape, we imagine these pieces seamlessly transitioning into your winter wardrobe, even if you don’t have an elaborate vacation planned—just don’t forget a pair of tights under those sheer skirts.

Fluid. Dark. Mysterious. Designer Gabby Applegate’s newest collection pays homage to dark femininity, to say the least. The LA-based designer recently debuted her video lookbook featuring the track “Lovely Blood Flow” by Baths and the direction of Aurelien Levitan. Applegate—previously known as Witches prior to her namesake label—channels Stevie Nicks for this collection. With items like velvet and lace leggings, conceptual silk dresses and leather jackets, there are definitely more than a few hits for the coming autumn season. A personal favorite includes a lace hoodie. It’s the perfect mix of sophistication and inspired creativity. Check out the video after the jump.