H&M teams up with Lanvin for Fall womenswear and menswear collaboration

With every season comes more and more interesting designer collaborations and one of the most exciting ones we’ve heard about in a while is the H&M collaboration with Parisian fashion house Lanvin. Designed by Alber Elbaz, Lanvin’s artistic director and Lucas Ossendrijver, menswear designer, the collection will consist of both womenswear and menswear and will be available in stores on November 23, 2010. But fans will be able to preview the collection through a special film launched online at www.hm.com on November 2.

Alber Elbaz commented: “H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.”

Margareta van den Bosch, creative director of H&M stated: “We are thrilled about Lanvin’s collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment. Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious French tradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men. The launch in November is going to be full of wonderful surprises.”

Elbaz joined the label founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 2001. His personal touch and design aesthetic has been very influential in the fashion world, as he has pioneered some of the biggest trends of the decade, including ribbons, bows, pearls, raw edges, color block, metallic embellishment and more. In short, you know a Lanvin design when you see it.

We can’t wait to see the results of this collaboration. We’ve been pretty impressed with the previous H&M designer collaborations (including Jimmy Choo, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel). Will you be buying Lanvin for H&M?

Another de la Renta designer to watch: Moises de la Renta - MDLR for MANGO

In the de la Renta (fashion) house, the design apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Moises de la Renta, adopted son of legendary designer Oscar de la Renta, is too a design star. He recently launched a limited-edition line of shirts for Spanish retailer MANGO. Called MDLR for MANGO, de la Renta’s capsule collection consists of eight t-shirts inspired by traditional romantic themes, featuring an array of details including gemstones and jewels, tulle, graphic illustrations and patchwork effects.

MDLR for MANGO will be available at MANGO stores and at www.Mangoshop.com this April.

Photo: J. McCarthy for Wireimage

Shop spring blooms at H&M: The Garden Collection

A trip to H&M wouldn’t be complete without discovering yet another new collection in store. Last night I found the H&M Garden Collection - H&M’s first line of clothes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen, recycled polyester and tencel. The 80 piece collection is full of flirty floral prints, details and trims on tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, leggings, denim and jackets, along with 10 garden variety accessories. And every piece is under $59.95! Even though the Garden Collection doesn’t launch nationwide until this Thursday, March 25, I already picked up that pretty, ultra-flattering blue floral dress (pictured left) with a tie waist and drop pockets. Lovely, isn’t it?

Shop the H&M Garden Collection this Thursday, just in time for Earth Day!

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

Badgley Mischka presents “American Glamour” collection for HSN

I recently had the chance to meet design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka. The two behind the glamorous couture gowns we’ve seen dominating red carpets are set to roll out a full segment of their luxury fashions to all of America with their American Glamour collection, exclusive to HSN.

I had the chance to preview the Spring 2010 collection and it is undeniably glamorous. This is not the HSN of the past - Badgley Mischka’s collection for HSN is full of luxurious pieces, but without the luxury price tag. The American Glamour brand launched in 2009 and the collection runs six times a year, with highly accessible prices ranging from $39 to $499.

The line includes everything from haute baubles (jeweled bracelets, chunky cocktail rings, earrings and necklaces), superb leather handbags (satchels, clutches, totes and shoulder bags) covet-worthy shoes (ruffled wedges, dress heels, jeweled ballet flats), fringed scarves and comfortably chic apparel.

The standout pieces were the handbags (we’ve got our eyes on the chartreuse and black patent cage satchel and chain-strap shoulder bags), and the shoes. The red ruffled wedges closely resemble my Badgley Mischka Randee bridal shoes so I’ll be snapping up a pair of these wedges for my honeymoon.

Watch HSN this Wednesday, March 17 and Thursday, March 18 to snag a bit of American Glamour for yourself!

HSN - American Glamour Badgley Mischka On-air schedule (EST)
March 17:
12PM (Jewelry Hour)

March 18:
12 AM-2 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM (Jewelry Hour) 3 PM-5 PM, 7 PM-8 PM, 10 PM-12 AM

Brulee Lingerie: Questions and answers with designer Kristian Giambi

The dilemma women often face when shopping for lingerie is sacrificing comfort for sexy. How great does the combination of comfortable and sexy sound when thinking about high-quality lingerie and loungewear? Well, that is just what Kristian Giambi had in mind when she designed Brulee, a luxurious line of lingerie that is all handcrafted in New York. Composed of fine materials, such as cotton, silk, and jersey, Brulee was born out of necessity. When she couldn’t find the type of loungewear she was looking for, Kristian decided to create beautiful yet sexy pieces that were feminine without all the frills.

I recently had the opportunity to ask Kristian some questions about her new line, and I am very excited about the debut of Brulee. If you are looking to indulge yourself in a new piece of lingerie to spice up your undergarment wardrobe, Kristian suggests a sexy bodysuit, adding that just because “…it is lingerie does not mean that it must go unseen. For example, pair a bodysuit with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and jacket during the day, then simply remove the jacket for instant transition into evening & night.”

If you are revamping your lingerie for 2010 and want to splurge while adding more ’sexy’ to your underwear drawer, then look to add some teddies. Kristian feels that “they are unbelievably comfy while still being beautiful and so sexy.” In fact, comfortable, sexy, empowering lingerie and loungewear were the driving force in starting Brulee.

Available in select boutiques and online at Brulee.net, Kristian feels that women will find Brulee’s pieces to be classic and full of glamour, yet with an edgy twist. One great tip is to try on a bunch of different styles to find what best suits your body type, however, don’t discount finding a good tailor if you need a small adjustment in the fit of your lingerie.

With a wide variety of styles, all with intricate details and fine workmanship, women can wear Brulee undergarments and feel sexy, confident, and most of all comfortable! And as if that isn’t exciting enough, Kristian reveals that in 2010, Brulee “…promises to leave you wanting to see what is underneath.”

Barbie Basics LBD Collection - event recap

Yesterday I told you about the Barbie Basics LBD collection of dolls. Well, I had the chance to preview the one-of-a-kind designer dolls last night at Openhouse Gallery. The Kir Royale cocktails were flowing, the hors d’oeuvres were being passed and I got a chance to catch up with some of my favorite fashion bloggers. Then came the unveiling. Oh boy! If only I could have Barbie’s one-of-a-kind outfits for myself! The looks were everything you’d expect – and more! All of the dolls were styled amazingly, but my faves had to be the Betsey Johnson Barbie with the wide sheer skirt, the Devi Kroell Barbie with mirrored pants and an ‘exotic’ handbag, the Lorraine Schwartz Barbie with $10,000 of real diamonds on it, and the Subversive Barbie with a chunky, layered pearl necklace! Icing on the cake – designer Justin Giunta (Subversive) was there and told me about his inspiration for accessorizing Barbie, his jewelry line and his upcoming jewelry collaboration with Tory Burch!

Overall, all of the dolls were nothing short of fabulous! And as promised, bidding has begun on the dolls so if you want to get your hands on these one-of-a-kind designer dolls, whip out your credit cards and snap up one – or a few! Proceeds will benefit CFDA education and scholarship programs.

Make sure to follow Barbie on Twitter (@BarbieStyle) and check out her blog, where CFDA designer Justin Giunta has a guest blog about his designer doll.

Special thanks to Attention PR, Steven Kolb - Executive Director, CFDA, and Stephanie Cota - SVP, Barbie for hosting this event!

Photos via Racked and TrendHunter

Barbie Basics black label collection of little black dresses

Barbie is the luckiest girl in the world. Who else can say that they have a closet full of little black dresses (LBDs), designed just for them by 12 of the world’s top designers?

To celebrate the launch of Mattel’s new Barbie Basics doll, featuring twelve customized Barbies with varying hairstyles, skin tones and a basic LBD and accessories, the company also invited Council of Fashion Designers America (CFDA) designers to customize twelve one-of-a-kind dresses for Barbie. Designers include Deborah Lloyd (Kate Spade), Isaac Mizrahi, Rachel Roy, Tory Burch, Alexis Bittar, Betsey Johnson, Devi Kroell, Justin Giunta (Subversive), and Monica Botkier. Wouldn’t you just love to have a closet full of their stuff?

Each designer is auctioning their doll on eBay until February 7. Starting bid is $100 and net proceeds will go to the CFDA’s education program and scholarships.

And tonight, I’ll be tweeting live from the first-ever Barbie tweet-up, where we’ll get to take a peek at these one-of-a-kind dolls. Follow us on Twitter: we’re @WhatsHaute!

And follow @BarbieStyle for more updates on the dolls!

Make 2010 your sexiest year ever with Affinitas Intimates lingerie

Have you been keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions? We all tend to make the commitments to lose weight, exercise more, and drop the bad habits. For 2010, how about a resolution to feel more beautiful, to toss your worn-out sensible undergarments and go all-out sexy?

Affinitas Intimates makes affordable, gorgeous lingerie that is well-made, sexy and most of all, comfortable. I had the privilege of trying out the Natalie bra and panty set, and I must say, it really boosted my confidence knowing that even though I was in my everyday attire, I had this really sexy lingerie on underneath. The Natalie set is true-to-size, well-constructed with impeccable detailing, such as contrast trim, bows with dangling charms, and lightweight yet supportive materials. Spring 2010 is the perfect time to upgrade your underwear wardrobe because Affinitas has a fresh, new line that incorporates fresh florals, vintage satin and lace, an all-white bridal line, as well as familiar styles in bright, vibrant colors. Whether you need bras, panties, camisoles, bustiers or babydolls, Affinitas Intimates has both everyday pieces, as well as special occasion lingerie, all at prices to fit your budget. And don’t let the prices fool you, all the pieces in the collection are made of high-quality materials, such as satin, lace, cotton, and even a technologically advanced seamless fabric.

I totally love a bunch of the collections, including the Samantha, which is ultra sexy and racy, but don’t take my word for it, view for yourself at Affinitas Intimates. The lingerie is available in stores or online, and you can locate a retailer in your area here.

Affinitas Intimates can help make 2010 your sexiest year ever! Start your lingerie makeover today.

H&M in New York City slashes its merchandise - literally

Wonder what happens to H&M’s clothes that don’t sell? Well, unlike many retailers who sell their unsold merchandise to discounters like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, H&M reportedly takes a knife to its clothes. According to the New York Times, instead of slashing prices, H&M just slashes its merchandise. (Apparently, this is Walmart’s practice too.) The slashed goods include everything from shirts and pants, to socks, gloves and children’s shoes. Even tons of plastic hangers are tossed. Why? Allegedly, because it’s cheaper than shipping the items and it’s also to prevent the items from being worn or re-sold. But wouldn’t it be better and more socially responsible to just donate the unsold items to charities?

What do you think – is it wasteful or worth the savings?

NYT reports that its inquiries to H&M’s US headquarters were not yet responded to.

She’s here! The Cat Burglar Barbie by Christian Louboutin

Last month we told you about Christian Louboutin’s collaboration with Mattel to create a limited-edition Barbie doll. And now, just in time for the holidays, she has arrived – the Cat Burglar Barbie by Christian Louboutin. The limited-edition doll is super stylish, but would you expect any less of Monsieur Louboutin? She wears a black catsuit with the red-soled Louboutin Differa sandals and comes with 3 extra pairs of mini Louboutin shoes; the Miss ankle boots, the Claudia peep-toe shoes and the Altameche knee-high boots. Each pair comes with its own shoe box and bag. The doll comes packaged in a brown Louboutin box with a copy of Christian and Barbie’s travel journal. Gift it to the young fashionista in your life, or get it for yourself! Go ahead, we won’t tell!

$150, Net-a-Porter.com

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