Madison Square Garden was set ablaze with Alicia Keys sizzling performance. Spectacular as always, Alicia elevated the glamour quotient of the evening in all black sequined black pants. The pièce de résistance of her outfit though, was adorning her neck.

This layered, multi-stranded, statement necklace is a part of Vera Wang’s spring 2010 RTW line-up. Called ‘Partying with Poiret’, the collection is a contradictory in itself. On one hand it draws inspiration from romantic flowers of the season like tulips and poppies while on the other are dark undertones and the midnight blues. The clothes are wispy, light with slight drapes and gentle gathers; all in nocturnal colors like charcoal, indigo, violet and gray. As a counterpoint to this are the accessories. Countless strands and chains intertwine and interlace together to make strong and bold necklaces which add some drama to the ensemble.

This one-of-a-kind neckpiece is surely this season’s must have accessory and with Alicia donning it, a new trend has just begun.

For more information visit Vera Wang.

Dakota Fanning never fails to make fashion statements; whether it’s on the red carpet or off it. From the doe-eyed little ‘uptown’ girl to a refined and elegant teenager, the transition is evident. Her refined style and sensible sartorial choices are closely followed by the fashion-sphere and have landed her a spot on best-dressed lists everywhere.

The star was recently spotted all over NYC promoting her latest, The Runaways; every bit of her looking absolutely elegant and polished. While attending press junkets and promoting the movie, Dakota looked fresh and stylish in a tuxedo jacket and tulle skirt which she chose to team up with studded booties she drew all the attention. The Zoyla booties ($225) by Sam Edelman are just right to give a sudden uplift to any outfit. These sheep leather and suede booties will make sure your feet remain stylishly warm when it gets chilly and will be available in August. For spring, the studded sandals and wedges on offer give a similar outcome.

Later in the day, Dakota arrived at the after-party looking every bit relaxed and laid back. She did however; manage to channel some of that new found rock star spirit with an All Saints vest. The Queen of Bones vest ($ 55) is a product of All Saints collaboration with artist Laurie Lipton. This longline vest has a racerback and an eerie yet beautiful hand-illustrated panel in the front. The brand, which started out as menswear and later branched out into womenswear and accessories, is you go-to for everything thanks to their versatility and variety. The graphic tees are perfect for running daily errands in while drapedskirtsand dresses can be worn at work and, with the right accessories, for cocktails afterwards.

For more information and to shop for the look, visit Sam Edelman and All Saints website.

The military trend was all over the runways for Spring 2010 and returned for Fall, so why not embrace it when it looks as good as this? These booties are essential for the warm months and will put you right alongside the sartorial greats at the next Fashion Week. Not to mention that owning anything McQueen designed is to have a cherished piece of fashion history.

These bad boys aren’t for the faint of heart, boasting a 6 inch heel, but beauty is pain right? The Military Lace-Up Faithful Bootie retails for $1085. Visit www.alexandermcqueen.com to purchase.

The anticipation is over. The CFDA Nominees & Honorees have been announced. CFDA President, Diane von Furstenberg, hosted the nominations ceremony at her studio in New York City’s Meatpacking District along with Nadja Swarovski, the Vice President of International Communications for Swarovski. Nominees and honorees are selected by CFDA members, retailers, press, and stylists. The public also has the chance to get involved and vote for their favorite designer with The Popular Vote Award sponsored by L’Oréal Paris.

“American fashion designers continue to prove their creative mettle. This year’s nominees and honorees truly represent the depth of great accomplishment and immense talent.” – Steven Kolb, the Executive Director of the CFDA (pictured alongside von Furstenberg and Swarovski)

And the nominees are:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Alexander Wang

Menswear Designer of the Year: Michael Bastian, Tom Ford, David Neville & Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone

Accessory Designer of the Year : Alexis Bittar, Marc Jacobs, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler

Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu

Swarovski Award for Menswear: Richard Chai, Patrik Ervell, Simon Spurr

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design: Eddie Borgo, Dana Lorenz, Alexander Wang

HONOREES

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Kors

Eugenia Sheppard Award: Kim Hastreiter, Paper Magazine

International Award: Christopher Bailey for Burberry

Board of Directors’ Special Tribute: Alexander McQueen

Fashion Icon Award: Iman

Eleanor Lambert Award: Tonne Goodman, Vogue

The winners will be announced on June 7th at the CFDA Fashion Awards Gala. Needless to say, we are on the edge of our seats.

Elie Tahari and Sue Devitt invite you to an exclusive shopping event
Thursday, March 18 | 5 – 8 pm

Shop the Spring 2010 Collection and receive $100
off your purchase of $400 or $250 off your purchase of $800 or more.

Enjoy the latest beauty tips and a gift from Sue Devitt.

Elie Tahari Boutique
417 West Broadway
between Prince and Spring streets

Many fashion mavens remember the fabulous Rebecca Beeson tee-shirts, that donned every girl’s wardrobe as a go-to staple. In Fall 2009, Beeson and her design team introduced Market, shirts with a fabulous fit, impeccable quality and shockingly low price points. Market provides a full line of colors for their tees which include tanks, short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and boyfriend styles. Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively, Kate Beckinsale and Hilary Duff are just some of the celebrity fans that the line has quickly garnered.

Inspiration for Market came from globally iconic supermodels and fashion personalities for an honorary imprint on every garment from the “Amber” tank to the “Milla” boyfriend tee. For each season, the talented design team introduces 22 new colors to their palette, for limitless options. For Spring 2010, some new colors include inky blue, chanterelle, tapestry and roses. Market literally acts as a market, giving you numerous options to pick the perfect shirt for the gym, running errands around town, lunch with the girls, or a night out. Just as simple as picking out your favorite fruits and veggies.

Market has design studios in San Francisco and Los Angeles, a true California brand with a classic Americana feel. Comfortable shirts that are relaxed yet chic, with beautiful silhouettes that hug the body with perfection. The prices range from $24 to $55, making Market not only an easy choice, but a wallet-friendly one. We all spend so much on our favorite bags and shoes, spending money on tees can seem like a waste. But with Market, you can turn your everyday shirt into a refined look, and your friends will be jealous when they see how fabulous you look for the price tag that will leave them speechless. But, be a good friend, and turn them onto your favorite new grocery store, to Market we go.

For more information, visit Market.

Jason Wu truly has the Midas Touch. Whether it be a barbie doll or an amazing frock fit for the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama, his popularity is finally catching up to his immense talent. It’s no surprise that TSE Cashmere snagged Wu to create a collection, after their past collaborations with designing greats from Narciso Rodriguez to Richard Chai.

For the Fall 2010 Collection, Wu shows us that he is capable of designing pieces for the young and hip set and not just for the ladies that lunch. He mixes textures in a way that is a little bit downtown, yet still impossibly chic. Silhouettes are feminine in true Wu fashion from draped silk chiffon dresses to pleated skirts, all with modest hemlines. Outerwear definitely makes a statement from a chunky bouclé coat to a fox fur, sure to be seen in both the East Village and on the Upper East Side.

The accessories are also a standout from looped wool scarves to hats with mink fur pom poms. Fun ways to stay warm and breathe a little life into your fall ensembles.

No word if this collaboration will span more than one season so stay tuned.

More looks from the collection below. Images courtesy of Style.com.

A fresh new wave of talent has washed right over us and made us sit up straight and take notice. Barely three collections old, The Twentyten has already given the fashion scene a much needed stir with their cutting edge designs and contemporary approach.

The label is the brainchild of three immensely creative designers: Nina Zilka, Jeff Dodd and David J. Krause who got together at the Pratt Institute when they discovered they shared similar design sensibilities and a mutual liking for avant garde fashion. Sculpted, gothic and almost whimsical, each ensemble is an interesting juxtaposition of flow and structure. While Collection One (Fall/Winter 2009) weighed heavy on the architectural side with certain pieces that seemed like a brilliant form of fabric origami; Collection Two, their line-up for spring, was all about an interesting amalgamation of austere tailoring and light drapes. The color palette is essentially achromatic with whites, greys and nude tones but the occasional burst of fuchsia, violet and cobalt are as deliciously refreshing. Silhouettes appear to vary quite distinctly. On one hand is the poufy little coral skirt, tad difficult to pull off but remarkable nonetheless, while on the other is a sheer mesh gown. We also love the snail skirt for its versatility and the mesh back long sleeve dress for the evening. As for men; the net cardigan and moto vest is simply dandy.

Collection Three is the Fall/Winter 2010 line-up and take our word for it when we say that it is nothing short of fabulous. With their impeccable tailoring and outrageous designs, who knows, maybe Lady Gaga might chose to be a part of their fan following very soon. Keri Hilson, for one, certainly chose to do so when she sported origami jodhpurs and fluorescent chain-print top for her video Everything, Everyday, Everywhere.

The Twentyten is available at EVA New York and KIFKA + HELLER’s BLANK and will be available online soon.



Fabulous Spring/Summer 2010 Sample Sale in NEW YORK
Contemporary Young Designer Line – 43.46 aggaj
March 17 – March 19, all day
Discounts on wholesale price up to 70%.
Buy 3 dresses and get the fourth one free
Contact:  info@4346aggaj.com for more information or send PM.
www.4346aggaj.com

Fabulous Spring/Summer 2010 Sample Sale in LOS ANGELES
Contemporary Young Designer Line – 43.46 aggaj
March 24, 9am to 6pm
Discounts on wholesale price up to 70%
Buy 3 dresses and get the fourth one free
Contact: info@4346aggaj.com for more information or send PM.
www.4346aggaj.com

As the fashion industry makes the shift to the digital world, several designers are exploring new ways to reach audiences online from virtual runway shows to backstage video footage. Of all the runway presentations that debuted online in recent months, the Lauren by Ralph Lauren show is the most innovative.

In addition to giving fans a front-row seat to the online runway show, Lauren by Ralph Lauren has weaved commentary from the industry’s top Magazine editors into their presentation. While watching models walk the runway, viewers can take in remarks from such icons as Marie Claire’s fashion director Nina Garcia, Harper’s Bazaar’s executive fashion and beauty editor Avril Graham, Cosmopolitan’s fashion director Michelle McCool and O, The Oprah Magazine’s creative director Adam Glassman.

The innovative show also features a “Buy Now” capability, allowing viewers to purchase the safari-inspired and chambray denim looks directly from the site. In addition, an interactive Q+A component enables viewers to seek style tips directly from the aforementioned editors. “It felt very futuristic to be a part of an online fashion show,” said Nina Garcia.  “Fashion is always about the Next Big Thing, and a virtual front row, where women can buy the looks they love immediately, is incredibly modern.”

Visit www.ralphlauren.com/Lauren to view the runway show and commentary.

As part of the launch of Lauren by Ralph Lauren’s new interactive runway show, POSHGLAM was invited behind-the-scenes to interview O, The Oprah Magazine’s creative director, Adam Glassman. Oprah Winfrey’s go-to style expert, Glassman has been the Creative Director at O Magazine since 2000, and is credited with pioneering the use of real women in the publication’s photo shoots. Glassman pens a wildly popular column, “Adam Says,” where he fields questions from O readers on a variety of fashion topics. He also recently worked with Sarah Jessica Parker on the debut of her clothing line, “Bitten.”

POSHGLAM sat down with the industry icon to chat about the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection, why he loves virtual runway shows and the four pieces every woman should have in her Spring wardrobe. Read on.

POSHGLAM: First, I have to say it’s an honor to speak with you. I’ve followed your work for years and love what you’ve done with O Magazine. What do you think about the new Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection?

Adam Glassman: Thank you. The collection is stylish, but understandable and attainable. It’s what women really need right now. When I’m editing for O Magazine, we reach a very broad group of women. We reach three generations of women. And I think designers that are able to dress Grandmother, Mother and Daughter are the smartest ones out there right now. Everyone wants to look chic, stylish and youthful no matter where they are in life. And these clothes make you look great.

POSHGLAM: Absolutely. And they’re attainable without sacrificing quality.

AG: Yes, quality is key. And fit is key. The fact that they are able to dress women from Size 2 to Size 16 is also a good thing.

POSHGLAM: Very true. What were some highlights from the collection?

AG: I loved all the whites and the creams. I don’t think women should be afraid to wear white or cream. White around your face makes you look younger and fresher and more alive, especially in the Springtime. You get noticed and everyone wants to be noticed. It’s all about a great first impression.

POSHGLAM: Absolutely. I agree. Speaking of Spring, what are the strongest trends of the Spring season?

AG: There’s a lot of military dressing: utility jackets and army green, which the Lauren collection touched upon. I’m loving the military jackets but not worn as a uniform. I love it thrown over an evening dress. I love the mix of day and night together in an outfit. Another trend I love are the far and away ethnic prints. I’m seeing a lot of that. And also, I love the spice colors: oranges and saffrons. They look great on every skin tone and hair color. They make for a no-fail color palette that can work from Spring into Summer into Fall. And clothes that endure through the seasons provide great value as well as great style.

POSHGLAM: Yes! I love spice colors. I’m sure being a part of this innovative virtual show was a fascinating experience. What are the benefits of a virtual runway show as opposed to a traditional show?

AG: You can stay at home and watch them in your pajamas. (Laughs) You don’t have to worry about who is staring at you or about being in the front row. I’ll always appreciate the glamour of a traditional runway show but virtual shows are cool because it makes the experience available to a larger group of people. And everything is so fast now so the moment an editor sees it, so does a shopper, so does a blogger and everyone else. There used to be a time where an editor saw the collection and the public didn’t see it for six months. But now everyone wants to see it right away.

POSHGLAM: Right. The Lauren by Ralph Lauren even has the Buy-Now option, where you can purchase the collection as soon as you see the runway show! When it comes to shopping, women trust your advice as a style expert. What are four items that every woman should have in her Spring wardrobe?

AG: (Laughs) A style expert? Thank you. I think every woman should have a white jean. You can’t go wrong with it. Everyone needs some shine in a sparkly tank top or sequined tee. But don’t use it just for evening. Wear shine during the day for a combination of clean and fancy. This Spring, everyone should get a military jacket to just throw on. Another thing is a soft, romantic blouse. If you’re going to the office and you wear a structured suit, a blouse adds a nice play between structured and soft underneath. It’s also great with a pair of jeans for date night or girl’s night out.

POSHGLAM: Yes, very versatile. I saw a lot of blouses like that in the Lauren by Ralph Lauren show, which is great.

AG: Definitely. There are plenty pieces from the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection that will be wardrobe staples this Spring.

Visit www.ralphlauren.com/Lauren to view the runway show and commentary.

(Photo of Adam Glassman Courtesy of O Magazine)