There are many signature styles that are MIchael Jackson was infamous for. He burst onto the scene with his afro, bell bottoms and bright shirts. In later years whenever we saw that studded white glove, only one name came to mind: Michael Jackson. It became his trademark, his signature.

I even own a red leather jacket that I named my “Michael Jackson Thriller jacket” and immediately felt a Thriller moment sparking when I added a little attitude with it. I walked down the street thinking I had my entourage of ghouls following me.

The Balmain Military jacket worn by Rihanna and Beyonce this past spring was a representation of Michael Jackson's signature style that was often duplicated when paired with slim-fitting short pants, white tube socks and that single white rhinestone glove. My favorite image of Michael is the one where he transforms into the smooth operator with his fedora, suit , aviator sunglasses and that single curl.

Michael Jackson was definitely the first fashion icon with his international appeal and ultra cool demeanor. So, now I ask: What’s your favorite Michael Jackson style?

Photo Credit: Kenya's Style

Fashionphile is an online retailer and boutique in Beverly Hills for pre-owned luxury handbags.While luxury goods are still in high demand, savvy consumers look to places like Fashionphile to get those authentic luxury handbags at a fraction of the cost. I recently had the opportunity to interview Sarah Davis, founder of Fashionphile, to learn more about her company and her forecast on the "luxury for less" market.

Pierce Mattie: I'd love to hear the story behind how Fashionphile got started.

Sarah Davis: Well, I've always been somewhat entrepreneurial, and I love fashion; handbags and accessories in particular. I needed a way to get through law school and whittle away at my law school loans, so I started very small- just out of my house. I loved it from day one, and by the time I graduated from law school, I was so into growing my business, that as soon as I passed the bar, I got right back to what I loved--selling handbags! Then I got my brother-in-law and partner Ben Hemminger involved and it exploded. I've never looked back.

Continue reading "Online Handbag Marketing with Sarah Davis from Fashionphile" »

Lately we have seen nothing but wet weather and flooded streets up and down the east coast. Many fashionista’s are wondering how to look their best in such heavy precipitation. Not to worry! There are a variety of trendy looks that will not only keep you dry, but keep you looking chic and stylish as usual.

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Chic and Stylish Rainy Day Fashion from Burberry and Michael Kors " »

The Recession: Stealing our money and our high end brands.

Jimmy Choo just announced that it's designing a line of shoes and bags that will be sold in retail giant H&M. Although Jimmy Choo's average prices for their famed -- and if I do say so myself, stellar shoes-- go well over $500, this new line will be priced between $100-$200, and hopefully satisfy stylish yet price conscious consumers. But as high profile brands like Jimmy Choo and Karl Lagerfeld become more affordable, do they lose some of their appeal?

Continue reading "Fashion Marketing: Is the Recession Stealing Our High End Fashion Brands?" »

Since launching his first collection in 2007, Alexander Wang has taken the industry by storm with his rock edge, impeccable style, and his effortless cutting-edge sensibility in his pieces that celebrities, socialites, and fashionistas swoon over. This year with his resort 2010 collection, Wang has gone for the all-American sportswear look, and of course adding his signature edginess as well.

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Alexander Wang Resort Collection 2010" »

There is a reason why producers don’t want Lindsay Lohan on-set to film a movie. Her track record these last few years haven't been anything to be proud of. So you would think that Emanuel Ungaro would have been using a little more common sense recently when they have been rumored to cast Lindsay Lohan to play a real life fashion Creative Consultant for their fashion brand. But here is the catch--this isn’t a film but real life, real business.

I personally am becoming tired of these celebrities becoming clothing designers. What happened to the fashion designers who would design garments for stars to wear not the other way around? And more importantly will Lohan’s touch really influence the sale for the consumer who shops with Ungaro? I don’t think so, but I could be wrong. What do you think?

Photo Credit: The Insider

Oscar de la Renta: designer of beautiful clothes with his feminine, intricate and impeccable taste.

Oscar De la Renta is now pushing a new clothing line through this recession and to a slightly younger consumer: children. His label is launching mini versions of his ready-to-wear dresses with children’s dresses that will be offered in floral prints to match their adult counterparts. The dresses will sell between $200 and $350. To help any mom feel good about spending that much on a dress in this economy, de La Renta is also donating $100 from the sale of each dress to the Children’s Defense Fund.

I'm sure Oscar’s number one fan, Sarah Jessica Parker, will be excited (especially with her new girl twins on the way), and especially since it goes towards a good cause, so head to his Melrose Place boutique and indulge in some mini-me shopping!

Fashionistas everywhere are being drawn in to the world of art this summer at the Hong Kong’s Museum of Art. As a part off their annual French May Arts Festival, they are unveiling an exhibition of artwork called “Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation” which has been a year in the making. Chanel also went the art exhibit route when they toured with their Mobile Art campaign. Is this an emerging trend in the fashion industry--branching out into the art world to market and appeal to another demographic?

Continue reading "Louis Vuitton Unveils Art Exhibition in Hong Kong" »

Barneys New York has always been known for a being a high-end, luxury retailer. Conveniently, Paul Smith has always been known for making high-end, luxurious men’s clothing, which makes their pairing almost seamless. The designer will be doing a new collection of suits, shirts and separates exclusively for Barneys. The new line will be similar to the Paul Smith we’ve grown to know and love, made of Italian and British fabrics and manufactured abroad in Italy. Better yet, the new designs are said to be less expensive (about 20-30% less!) than his signature line. The line, called “Exclusive,” will be available this fall and sold in Barneys flagship stores, giving us something exciting to look forward to come fall!

Diane von Furstenberg, is one of the leading icons in American fashion. This summer, The Women's Jewelry Association will honor fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg as the winner of this year's "Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement" award. The award is designed to represent those involved in jewelry design, manufacturing, retail and advertising. This annual event will be held this year on July 27 at Pier 60 in New York City, which is attended by more than 600 people to enhance the status and contribution of women to the industry.

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Diane Von Furstenberg Wins Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award " »

Despite this economic rundown, it’s nice to see that some companies are excelling. Missoni’s sister line, M Missoni (known for its unique knitwear), is expanding its product line with new accessories this summer and a new denim collection for next spring. With its anticipating 25% annual growth, Missoni seems to be brushing off the recession, perhaps due to their lower price point than their primary brand.

Continue reading "Fashion PR: M Missoni Pushes the Recession Aside and Launches Another Line" »

UNIQLO opened its first doors in June of 1984, and this June, the company is planning on opening 24 more in China. This brings the total to 45 with an aim of expanding to 100 over the span of time. The quality clothing company jumped 100 percent in sales in 2007 and 2008, making 2009 the year to expand their business.

With 760 Japanese stores, expanding the store numbers in other countries is the perfect idea for this casual clothing brand. There’s definitely a guarantee of quality, using the best materials, so you can feel great about investing in some great UNIQLO pieces this spring. If you can’t make it to the New York SoHo store, the casual, comfortable and affordable clothes are available on their website: uniqlo.com.

Photo Credit: DesignScene.net

Two things I love: Saving money and handbags. Hayden-Harnett, a Brooklyn-based handbag, accessories and apparel company, is appealing to the recessionista in us all---at least until Friday April 24th! They are offering 30% off any purchase (with the exception of sale and already discounted items) using the offer code: SPRINGSAV430. So what are you waiting for? Now you can scoop up that HAVANA Hobo Bag in Ginger that you have secretly had your eye on! www.HaydenHarnett.com

These days, locking up your feet like they're prisoners is all the rage. Now that it feels a little more like spring, you can give your feet some air, but still keep them all caged up like it's winter.

Caged platforms, booties and sandals are a tremendously popular spring trend. They come in all kinds of variations, with differently shaped cutouts like triangles and ovals. They have all the edge and style of fall's popular boots and booties, but your toes won't feel like hot sausages. So, will this trend have staying power or should it be locked up for good?

Continue reading "Fashion PR: The Caged Shoe Trend with YSL, Topshop, L.A.M.B and Givenchy" »

With the huge influence of the recession, many designers have been focusing their attention on accessories rather than garments. The handbag is no longer seen as a mere accessory by designers, but as a fundamental must-have that is not only practical, but illuminates a person's personality and style. Popular trends this season range from highly practical huge totes to tiny eccentric clutches for evening wear. One of my personal favorite handbag designers is the ever glamorous Michael Kors. I’m not sure if it’s Michael Kors style or his unique coloring in his bags that just make them stand out and scream buy me!

With a new season approaching, a new bag is a must. Here are just a few of his great bags for the season:

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Michael Kors Handbags for Spring" »

Admit it: you've watched The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo (look out for season 2). I mean, come on. It was just like all the other dramatic reality tv shows. It had the same amount of entertainment and ridiculousness, but instead of trashy, everyone was dressed in pretty fashionable clothes. Even though she's kind of scary and acts like a 20-year-old, Rachel Zoe a great stylist--but she's not stopping there.

Rachel Zoe doesn't just aspire to pick out clothes for people to wear, now she will design them. As a sequel to her first line, Rachel Zoe is set to release a second, yet inexpensive, full-line of products. There is no release date yet, but we're patiently awaiting news. In addition to clothing, the line will feature jewelry, purses and fragrances. So, what will her new line look like? Will it be successful?

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Rachel Zoe's Upcoming and Inexpensive Clothing Line" »

Vera Wang is synonymous with exquisite, exclusive and iconic wedding gowns. Wang’s gowns are not just simply "wedding dresses," but are a work of art. Recently, the high end fashion designer has grown recession-friendly as she released her 2010 bridal collection presented in her New York showroom on Wednesday, April 8.

Wang’s new collection is as elegant and intricate as ever with a slight organic feel, showing she was unafraid to use color to cater to the more informal wedding. The gowns revealed different layers and details from every angle, and as Wang describes it, “It’s as if the dresses have gone through the washing machine.” Vera’s new gowns create a certain lightness and energy with mismatched and strategically placed bows tied in different directions. Wang also has finished one of her career-long dreams; to make a black wedding dress (SJP may not regret her black wedding dress if she wore this one.)

Continue reading "Fashion PR: Vera Wang's 2010 Bridal Collection " »