The Costume National Fall 2010 collection is all about morphing from the man-made to the technological. Omnipresent in the collection is the juxtaposition of organic fabrics and classic tailoring alongside modern technicalities of design.

Knits, leather and fur are the backdrop of the collection with a refined, rock n’ roll attitude for the edgy chick that remains sophisticated and timeless. The pieces are warm, yet remain very light and every item is deconstructed and put back together to create the look. The colors for the pieces are monochromatic, in different tones of the same shades. There palette is doubled with an urban feel in the black, silver, charcoal and concrete and a natural feel with ivory, almond and dark brown. Taking nature and marrying it with the urban evolution creates a collection that is stunning to the eye, with so much depth lying in the details. The embroidery is a unique “bark” which is an organic and iridescent surface of hand-folded gold sequins covered one by one with black voile. An artisans technique that is complimented by the innovations of modernity.

One of the best parts of Costume National is that the line is all encompassing from head to toe. Dresses, pants, coats, jackets, bags and shoes are all from the brand, and work together effortlessly to create looks that are raw yet ornamental and stunning. The Fall 2010 collection is on trend with all of the natural colors that we have been seeing, and what girl can go without a fabulous over-sized bag and funky, rocking shoes? Every garment is incredibly thought out and put together to create true “looks” that are lust-worthy for the girl that isn’t afraid to make a statement but likes to always keep it classy.

Every jet-setting beauty junkie understands the knotty complexity of putting your best face forward after an arduous flight. Jetlag takes its toll ladies and the last thing you want is for it to show on your face. Fortunately for the glamorous globetrotter, Chris Benz and Beauty.com have collaborated to suit your needs.

Meet the ‘Globetrotter Beauty Case’. This little treasure trove contains all the products you need while on the go.  “The Globetrotter Beauty Case is inspired by the glamorous Golden Age of travel, when women would pack a custom-made train case filled with portable versions of the most elegant fixtures of their dressing table,” says designer, Chris Benz.

Benz is renowned for his American-sportswear-meets-European-tailoring design sensibility and this has trickled down into the design of this beauty case. This compact 1960’s-inspired carry-all comes stuffed with samples from Beauty.com including Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss,   Euviance Evening Restorative Complex, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and many other goodies.

So before you head off to that spring break getaway, make sure you grab one of these cases to stay beautiful on the go. The Globetrotter Beauty Case ($ 130) comes with products worth $100 and is available on Beauty.com.

-Dyuti Mishra

After several seasons delivering outlandish yet ingenious garments, Gareth Pugh may have finally toned down with an almost unilateral collection for Fall 2010. The outfitter-in-chief chose to shun his alternative ways for a much acceptable and wearable collection. The results however did not live up to expectations.

Neoprene and pleather may be a sensible choice of materials for the new age but the trick lies in using these fabrics prudently. Unfortunately for Mr. Pugh and us, what walked out on the runway was unpleasantly reminiscent of tyre tubes moulded around the human form.

Junkyard chic is not likely to develop into a trend anytime soon. In the process of expanding his demographic in order to gain entry into the mainstream, he seems to have lost touch with his signature traits and in a way, his creative side. While the asymmetrical crocheted coats are undisputedly genius, the trapeze silhouette seemed aridly recurrent in the form of jackets, capelets and frock-coats; the latter much capable of serving the purpose of a stylish scuba-outfit when teamed with equally deep-sea-friendly rubber leggings, as seen on the runway.

The occasional glimpse of gauzy silk and frayed cashmere did, however, make for a pleasant change.  From leather to metal, the transition was very apparent with the same silhouettes putting on a second skin, draped with thin chains. Nothing groundbreaking of course; not very unlike the work of a new whiz-kid on the block we’ve taken notice of some time ago.

So, what then could be the highlight of the collection? Believe it or not but Gareth Pugh did leave his mark behind by sending out a pair of sunray-pleated palazzo pants…for men.

More from the show below. -Dyuti Mishra

(Images courtesy Style.com)

Black is back and more classic than ever, this is the color that’s tried and true, and appropriate all year round.

With accessories, it is paramount to build your collection with at least one or two pieces in black. If you’re limited on space and you’re a no frills man then your staple tote should be in a good solid black.

Lust: Mark Marmel Steamer bag $1410 Barneys.com

Must: Prospect Portfolio bag from Brooklyn Industries  $68 BrooklynIndustries.com

Outerwear is essential and even as the temperature is climbing consider a trench or simple peacoat with a military twist to protect you from the changing elements.

Lust: Modern Fit Trench Coat by Burberry $1695 Burberry.com

Must: Military Peacoat by Topman $140 Topman.com

Black shoes are what every man regardless of their style sense needs. Pointed luxury or Patent and high-end, take your pick!

Lust: Apron Toe Venetian by Prada $595 Barneys.com

Must:  Black Luxury Formal by Topman $140 Topman.com

A lot of men don’t wear watches but will wear accessories in other forms, consider an accessory with function and style. Think bold mechanics and texture, a lot of it.

Lust: Black Carnival by Ritmo Mundo $500 Vivre.com

Must: Chronography Dial by Fossil $125 Fossil.com

For their Spring 2010 collection, Lutz and Patmos has teamed up with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in creating a adorably fun sweater that is fashion forward and a definite must have. Tutu is a South African cleric and activist and have been a key player int he fight against Apartheid, AIDS and poverty in South Africa and around the world. His work for humanity has won him too many awards to even begin naming, and his quick jump into fashion is just another way that he is working to give back.

The organic cotton, short-sleeved sweater has a scoop neck and a very relaxed fit with a banded collar, and the highlight is the detachable necklace. The necklace is handmade by Hillside AIDS Centre Trust, a South African artisan cooperative. The sweater is available in black, eggshell and tutu pink (pictured), and is a truly classic piece.

Now, for the philanthropic part of this fabulous collaborative effort. $40 from the purchase of each sweater is being donated to the Desmond Tutu Peace Center, and $30 from each necklace purchased will go to the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. With your purchase of this sweater, you will not only look totally chic, but you will be supporting AIDS and Peace in South Africa and abroad. We are so used to seeing designer collaborations with starlets or fellow designers, but this one is surely different, and a great approach to bring fashion’s tie-ins with philanthropy to the forefront.

The Lutz and Patmos/Desmond Tutu sweater retails for $425 and is available at Lutz and Patmos, Barneys and Kirna Zabete. Two high-profile names, two different platforms, one amazing design. Easily worn with a skirt or jeans, the only choice we can think of is what color you want to frolic around in. Plus, your jewelry is already done, so it is one less thing to worry about.

It was hard to not hear about the fabulous collaboration between Barbie, and her god-father, Monsieur Louboutin. The first doll, the Cat Burglar, launched in November, and sold out with rave reviews. Now, everyone’s favorite trend-setter has received her second head to toe makeover by the uber designer, for a look that is fresh for spring, and totally Parisian chic.

Dressed in a khaki, safari-inspired dress and over the knee, hot pink fringed boots, Barbie looks fashion forward, chic and well, damn, those boots are amazing! This look is completely different from the Cat Burglar, and represents a different facet of the Christian Louboutin woman. And the added bonus, this doll comes with a wardrobe of three alternate pairs of shoes, complete with mini Christian Louboutin boxes and bags. I don’t know what is more fun, carrying your own Louboutin box, or being able to dress your Barbie doll in different shoes each day. I must say, the safari look has never looked so glam.

The ultimate collectible item, Safari Barbie by Christian Louboutin, will be available starting tomorrow, March 3, for $150 at Net-A-Porter and BarbieCollector.com, but you better hurry.  This fashionable lady has many admirers; there’s already a wait list! And hopefully, I am at the top of it. And remember, this is only the second of the line of Barbie by Christian Louboutin, there will be a third released in May, so stay tuned. 

Designers extraordinaire and best friends, Shoshanna Gruss and Charlotte Ronson have teamed up for a second season of their line, Made With Love. This collection features matching mommy-and-me cover-ups and bikinis in three prints, all with a very retro vibe that is beachy paired with sophistication.

Along with swimwear, the designers created a limited edition tie-dye tote, which has already garnered celebrity fans including Kristen Bell, Emmy Rossum and Michelle Trachtenberg. The bag is perfect to pair with your go-to jeans and t-shirt or to hold your favorite magazines, iPod and sunscreen for hitting the beach.

Now, fashion mavens can dress head to toe in two of their favorite designers while soaking up the rays, which probably won’t be the only thing staring down at them. Shoshanna Gruss creates girly, flirty, fun pieces while Charlotte Ronson focuses on the more edgy and glam. The marriage between the two designers has an outcome that is stunning and is sure to make every girl long for summertime. The prints full of 60s and 70s retro flair are bold and fun, while remaining classic and the epitome of beach chic.

The mommy-and-me swimwear and cover-ups retail from $66 to $220, and the Tie-Dye Wooded Beach Bag retails for $154 at ShopBop. If you don’t have a daughter, grab your closest niece, sister, friend’s daughter, whoever, because this mommy-and-me look is anything but stale, in fact, it is serious boy bait. The collection is up for grabs this month.

Loomstate, one of fashion’s favorite eco-friendly brands, has launched a Limited-Edition Dress, with 1% off the proceeds going to 1% for the Planet, which benefits the Organic Exchange. The partnership is not a far stretch for the brand, which prides itself on green style, proving that it is effortless to be chic, sexy, sophisticated and good to the planet.

The Limited-Edition Dress is made of 100% certified organic cotton on the bottom, with recycled scarves on the top. With limited fabrics, there are only a few of each style that are exactly alike, and in total there have only been 800 dresses made. It is available in two silhouettes, one short and one long, and two body colors, black and white.

The Loomstate Limited-Edition Dress retails for $225, and has currently just hit the racks at Barneys, so hurry before you miss out on this flirty, fun dress that will not only look great on this spring and summer, but gives back to Mother Earth too.

They say change is the only constant when it comes to fashion, but Miuccia Prada begged to differ and chose to stay ahead of the curve; quite literally. While the rest of the fashion world struggles to be inspired by the most mundane things, she remains focused with just one notion in mind: women’s needs. Enter: a collection that is basic, simple and the spells out pure style; while staying au currant of course.

Gracing the runway were Victoria’s Secret regulars like Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Lara Stone, women with curves in all the right places that is. Make no mistakes though; this was no publicity stunt. This particular cast was essential as Prada’s collection is a celebration of the curvaceous womanly figure. Playing on her strengths, Prada sent out revised versions of hitherto classics. Full skirts, nipped-in waists and bust darts characterized the compilation which, somehow, hinted on late fifties-early sixties fashion with models sporting bee-hives to suggest the same.

A-line skirts in patent leather, pea-coats with double collars and cable knitted sweaters were the order of the day; all in rich hues of carbon black, crimson and ochre with a sporadic appearance of azure. The lady-like look was replete with librarian glasses, ruffled knee-high socks and pointed-toe pumps but what we absolutely love about the collection is that it is not intended for mannequins alone, but for real women. Now that is something to look forward to.

–Dyuti Mishra

More highlights from the show below. (Images courtesy of Style.com)

Be one of the first to smell the scent from a fabulous new collection of travel candles. Soon to launch, ecowix, is a budding candle company devoted to the growing eco-conscious society. The assortment is a varying range of scents, so there is something for everyone to fall in love with! The candles are travel-friendly, eco-friendly and economically-friendly, so basically, they are friendly all around, and yummy, too. They are meant to be purchased as gifting items for someone special, especially for those who you never know what to gift, because everyone loves a delicious smelling candle that they can take on the road. Spruce up your bedroom, living room or hotel room with a scent that lifts your spirits and makes you happy.

The winner will receive one of the first developed scents, a delicate marriage of Rose, Ylang Ylang and Vanilla (it’s a bedroom candle). If you are interested in winning* the first in a series of newly crafted scents, tweet this giveaway @POSHGLAM, and email Kimberly@POSHGLAM.com, with “ecowix fan” in the subject and your name, address, phone number with your favorite scent .

*Giveaway deadline is March 7, 2010.

For the GenArt “New Garde” presentation for New York Fashion Week hosted by Molly Sims, the theme was “Plastics Makes It Possible” and designers had to create two dynamic womenswear looks made out of plastic and plastic-based fabrics as part of their collections. WesFeld was one of the lucky designers selected to show at the event, which showcases emerging fashion talents.

Designers Daneil Feld and Wesley Nault of WesFeld prove that plastics really do make fashion possible, as plastic-based materials include lycra, lucite, chiffon, nylon, sequins, organza and cotton, to name a few. For their collection, the design duo was inspired by water and nature and the whimsical elements that both evoke. WesFeld beat out over 160 other designers to become a part of the intimately selected grouping of designers, and from their designs, we can surely see why. The collection of dresses is impeccably tailored with the most sincere attention to detailing. The gowns have a mermaid like feel, and the earthy tones of the monochromatic gowns leave all of the attention left on the design aesthetic, which is effortlessly beautiful.

WesFeld’s luxuriously glamorous dresses are sleek, and ultra feminine with a classic approach to instant sex appeal. The gowns are girly, yet each has its bit of edge, from peeped out corset tops to form fitting design. GenArt is always on the pulse of the next greatest thing is fashion, and they definitely hit the nail on the head with WesFeld. The gowns are perfect for anything from a fabulous cocktail affaire to a wedding or the red carpet. Draped fabulously with silhouettes that are to die for, this design duo made plastic look ultra luxe, and showcased just what plastic can do.

To view the designers in their creation process, click here.

After coming across Kimberly Cole on twitter, I could totally understand why she’s an instant hit! With over 1million followers, she one of the most well-known underground songstresses on the LA scene. She has performed with the likes of Katy Perry, LMFAO and Shiny Toy Guns. Her voice complements both her style and popstar good looks and her clever poppy lyrics leave you bopping to the tunes. Represented by The William Morris Agency, her talent is well pronounced and she’s sure to please her devoted fans as well as engage new ones with her recent releases.

Growing up as a champion roller-skater who trained at The Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, this groundbreaking artist has found a fun and edgy way to incorporate roller-skating into her dance routines! Kimberly’s charismatic and witty demeanor makes for good TV and unforgettable interviews. This young, well-rounded entertainer is truly unique and a refreshing break from the usual suspects. Kimberly is bringing a new level of talent to the pop music world that is gimmick free and respectfully praise worthy…she is definitely one to watch. Listen to her songs on Myspace.com/KimberlyCole

Follow her @KimberlyCole1

Bold colors, funky silhouettes, eye-popping patterns and beautiful embellishments were the backdrop of Alexandre Herchcovitch’ Fall/Winter collection. Inspired by Soviet legends and folklore with a tribute to Georgian director Sergei Paradjanov, Herchcovitch’ runway presentation showcased the cross ties of ethnic urban culture.

There are definitely notes of the 1960s punk era brought into the modern day with fantastic detailing and futuristic design. The collection is uniquely feminine with the use of fishnets, bright plaids and crystal and chain headpieces. However, whilst the designer takes a nod from Paradjanov’s intriguing and poetic sociopolitical elements, he contrasts them at the same time with rock inspired garb creating a dreamlike environment with a look at cultural stories.

The collection looks at first unusual, but the pieces are put together effortlessly for ensembles that make a sensual, sophisticated statement. environment which was equal parts unusual and seductive. Rock, folklore, politics, cinema and poetry blend together to create a strong and innovated image. And Herchcovitch’ signature elements of pleats, frills and Swarovski Elements embroidery are brought together in harmony against bold prints and more muted solids. The range is absolutely fantastic, making urban culture look of-the-moment, and making ethnic design a true element of fashion future.

In an impressive 37 look runway collection, Catherine Malandrino used the view of earth from above as her inspiration. From above, the world is full of varying landscapes, breathtaking colors and stunning geographical wonders. With all of this in mind, Malandrino created her collection with contrasting colors and textures.

While ornate, each ensemble shows an instant flair of nature, and Malandrino sees the woman wearing these garments embodying “strength, ease and raw femininity.” The mineral color palette is muted yet bold, and the variations of color in each piece allow the entire look to come to life.

Malandrino marries soft, floating fabrics with rough, animalistic ones, and the end result is eye-catching with an indigenous vibe cemented together with a beautiful sense of modernity. The fur coats and jackets are primal, but are stunningly complimented by form-fitting silhouettes. Most of the bodies of the ensembles are enclosed, for a cocoon-like effect, protecting the body, and showing it off at the same time.

This collection is full of innovative contradictions that work together flawlessly. Raw and gritty has truly never looked so refined and classic. In each look, you can immediately notice the attention to detail and with each new ensemble, you see a quick nod to different parts of the world. Even the accessories have a primal look to compliment the outfit. The shoes have horn-shaped toes appearing hoof-like while the jewels are twisted like ropes.

The Fall/Winter 2010 Malandrino girl is untamed, and she doesn’t have to be. She owns the runway, the city street, the boardroom and answers to herself. The true, vibrant nature girl comes out in looks that are eye-catching, of the moment and delicate with a rough flair. From dresses to separates and dazzling coats and outerwear pieces, dressing earthy has never looked so damn good.

NCL Couture is a truly beautiful line, and the brain child of designer Nicholas Clements-Lindsey, who is the youngest African American male to ever show at Fashion Week. If that isn’t an achievement enough, his creations are one drool-worthy piece after the next.

The collection focuses on stunning dresses and gowns, but integrates some luxury basics as well, with funky separates and glam sets. NCL Couture is fashion forward as Clements-Lindsey puts his unique take on fashion into each piece, with the result being truly innovative and ahead of the trends. You would never know the designer has not gone to design school, as his tailoring is seamless and the silhouettes are true perfection.

I had the privilege of meeting Nicholas before his presentation, and while I only got to see Spring/Summer (which was to die for as well), I was waiting very impatiently to see what the designer had up his sleeves for his Fall/Winter presentation. The inspiration for the collection was a movie mash-up between Roman Holiday and Dangerous Liasons, two classic movies whose marriage has created a runway full of wearable, timeless looks.

Nicholas incorporates red into most of his pieces (it’s his signature color), and the embellishments are seamless, and truly make each outfit come to life. From ornate bows to stunning jackets, each pieces flows both on the body and down the carpet with a light spirit that many designers aspire to create. His looks bridge the gap between preppy chic and the avant garde, making them the perfect go-to outfits to create a statement while looking utterly refined. Oh, and if you are a lover of this designer, as I am, and have the extra change, the designer can even commission a one-of-a-kind dress for your special occasion. As for now, I’m sticking to the runway looks, the bow gown has me in a outworldy fashion dream of amazement.

For more information, visit NCL Couture.