Archive for September, 2009

How GORGEOUS does Rachel Bilson look here? This was taken at the Giuseppe Zanotti party at Fashion’s Night Out.

An $850 million acquisition of online retailer Zappos.com by Amazon. The Sex and the City sequel where extras are clamouring for Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes. Children’s footwear posting an 11.8% dollar volume in sales increase. While the retail industry in almost all areas is experiencing one of the worst economic downturns in recent history, the shoe industry in the last three months has proven to be a bright light at the end of a very dark, damp, dismal, depressing tunnel.

“When the product is right and offers multiple reasons for wear, the purchases will come,” according to Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for The NPD Group in an interview done by just-style.com.

“Consumers are showing they want footwear and are willing to show their passion on their feet rather than on their backs.”

Cohen’s sentiments could not be more true considering what I saw Mercedes- Benz fashion week. While the most of the collections had buyers barely raising an eyebrow, the shoes on the runway caught everyone’s attention. here are some of my favorites:

Check out these Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain animal print boots. Yes they are priced at over $1,000 but guess what? People are buying them like crazy. Why? Because this country’s mantra when it comes to spending is “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” We’ll discuss that later.

Another Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain boot. Awesome right?

These are my FAVORITE.

Again, another crazy pair of shoes from Giuseppe Zanotti. What would you wear these with?

I think Rhianna was eyeing these…

While it’s not really my thing to a) spend upwards of $300 on a pair of shoes and b) purchase anything at full retail price, these shoes were worth talking about because they are metallic. I have several pairs of metallic shoes and they are the best accessories in my closet!

It’s impossible for me to talk about fashion week with out talking about the parties. Years ago fashion week = an excuse to stay out until 4am seven nights a week. Now I’m lucky if I can make it to 10 pm without passing out! My two fav. galas are pictured here: the opening party for Richard Hambleton sponsored by Armani and the “Free the Noise” John Varvatos party. Way fun. Too much champers.

A picture of the amazing installation at the gallery. Dramatic. Shocking. Riveting.

The night started out of course with a glass of champagne.

The wall at CBGBs. When I was 12 years old I dreamed of going to CBGBs and listening to the NY Dolls perform. Funny I am now attending fashion parties there and rolling with Perry Ferrel.

Look who I found at the party! Sarah Mary and Coyle from Your Vegas!

Hello New York!

A parade of dresses from Dennis Basso but at a $2000 price point and a small customer base- who is really going to buy these?

A little biz note on Brian Reyes. A couple months ago (May to be exact) the designer appointed Stephanie Cozzi as president of the brand. Cozzi came from Zac Posen where she was the VP of sales. What I find interesting about Cozzi is her strategy with Reyes- while most CEOs are staying up all night banging their heads against a wall trying to figure out how to prevent bankruptcy, Cozzi is staying up all night thinking of money making strategic alliances (And no, not with the usual Target/JC Penny/ Kohls suspects). The result- a five year lease on a new, larger space for Reyes and Co. as well as a partnership with “Proper Attire” a condom company who makes designer condoms. Edgy! And just a little fyi– proceeds for every Brian Reyes condom sold will benefit Planned Parenthood. Cool and profitable. I love it.

Trend Alert: short shorts for spring/summer…again. This look is from Brian Reyes.

Brian Reyes: doesn’t this look like the skin of a sting ray? LOVE it.

More from MB Fashion Week: wearable art from Brian Reyes

Manicure break post J. Mendel- OPIs “You Don’t Know Jaques!”In Matte is my new favorite color for fall.