Designer Spotlight: Katie Ermilio

all photos via Fashionising.com

I came across New York based designer Katie Ermilio's Spring '13 Lookbook and I am really loving this designer's aesthetic.  She infuses ultra-feminine pieces with the latest trends i.e. florals and graphic prints.  I absolutely love what she has done with this spring's graphic black and white trend.  Click the link above to check out the rest of the collection.

Designer Spotlight: Marni for H&M

This Marni collaboration with H&M is beyond amazing.  I love every piece!!

Designer Spotlight: Mary Katrantzou

Photos via Vogue

I am extremely excited about this month's Designer Spotlight.  Mary Katrantzou is an Athens born designer with an interest in architectural design.  With an interior designer for a mother and a father with training in textile designs it is no surprise that Katrantzou designs are infused with these elements.  She makes use of digital prints and transforms them into stunningly beautiful structural pieces.  She started out with a simple shift dress in her first collection that was presented during Spring 2011.  Kantrantzou has managed to balance her bold designs with simple silhouettes that makes her pieces utterly wearable.  I was first introduced to her as a designer via one of my fashion magazines as a number of celebrities have already taken a liking to her.   I encourage everyone to learn more about this up and coming designer and check out some of her past collections.  I am really looking forward to more seasons of her designs and what interesting concepts she will come up with next. 

Designer Spotlight: Kelly Wearstler

Photo credit: KellyWearstler.com

Kelly Wearstler is an American interior designer known for her modern glam decorating aesthetic.  A lot of her interior design work can be seen in high end hotels and resorts.  In Fall 2011 Kelly took her interior design influence and transferred it to a lovely collection of ready to wear fashion.  Kelly incorporates pattern and design aesthetics that directly correlates with her vision as an interior designer.  Her pieces are very modern, feminine and intricately patterned.  To check out Kelly's collection of pieces and also shop visit her website at http://www.kellywearstler.com.

Designer Spotlight: Acne

All photos via Vogue.com

Jonny Johansson is the creative director for the designer label Acne.  Acne was created as a denim brand and has evolved into a much larger designer brand.  Known for its women's wear basics you can find well tailored knits, shirts, trousers made in luxe fabrics and vibrant colors.  Acne is RTW runway fashion that translates well off of the runway.  Just browse your favorite European street style bloggers, the brand can be found all over high street fashion. 

Designer Spotlight: Rachel Zoe

Photo Credit: nymag.com

I was skeptical at first, don't get me wrong I love Rachel Zoe and she is the best in the business when it comes to styling but designing a clothing line is an entirely different thing.  After watching Rachel's reality show the Rachel Zoe Project and seeing how much she put into her line herself it really did legitimize her as a designer in my eyes.  Rachel's line is amazing.  It is totally different from what I was expecting.  We all know Rachel is a glamazon so I was really expecting over the top designs.  What she gave us is what I like to term "classic glam".  She stuck to classic silhouettes with beautiful textures and fabrics.  Her shift dresses are amazing and her maxi dresses are extremely impressive.  The tailoring of her suits and blazers are beyond amazing.  Not to mention the colors which was very shocking because we know Rachel loves her black.  I really am looking forward to future collections and so glad that the items are at price points that are affordable.  To check out more of Rachel Zoe's collections click here.

Designer Spotlight: CFDA Fashion Incubator Designers

The Council of Fashion Designers of America announced its second group of Fashion Incubator Designers today and the 10 emerging designers that were chosen include:
 

• Antonio Azzuolo (also a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist this year)
• Arielle Shapiro of Ari Dein

Photo Credit: CFDA website

• Benjamin and Doug Burkman of Burkman Brothers
• Christian Cota
• Emanuela Duca
• Ricky Hendry and Marc Daniels of Isaora
• Luis M. Fernandez of Number:Lab
• Reece Solomon of Reece Hudson
• Maayan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker of The Lake & Stars
• Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein of Timo Weiland

The program was started in 2010 with the purpose of providing emerging designers with design studio space in the CFDA's garment district in an attempt to help alleviate some of the financial strain of launching a fashion house.  This year the CFDA is partnering with NYU Stern Business Program to help mentor the designers and provide financial advice and education for their emerging businesses.

I am always reading about how hard it is to break into the industry and it is amazing what the CFDA does in support of its designers.  Previous well known alums of the Fashion Incubator Designers' program are Prabal Gurung and Sophie Theallet.  Their recent success in the industry is further proof that the program works.


Full article at Fashionista and CFDA websites. 

Designer Spotlight: Raoul S/S 2011 - Chic Minimalism

the minimalist style aesthetic with a muted color palette is so effortlessly chic