DESIGNERS I LOVE//

There are a lot of designers out there; so many in fact it is hard to fathom.  Of course, the designers people love and think are the best are partly defined by taste and personal preference.  ( I personally think Comme des Garcons is outdated and frankly, ugly) but I know a lot of fashion folks who love the label).  While there are elements of any designers creations that can be great (Vera Wang's ability to drape and transform any material into drop dead gorgeous gowns for example), there are some designers whose visions transcend fashion for fashion's sake; they transform our idea of fashion from "just clothes" to attitudes and lifestyles, ultimately (whether we know it or not) redefining our place in the world.  Just looking at their work makes the world more beautiful and if you are lucky enough to wear these designs, you automatically feel different.  Not because they are expensive or because celebrities have been spotted in their clothes, but because you are making a statement about culture and society by participating in its aesthetic relevance.   Everyone can take inspiration from these artists and their creations - look at the textures, the exquisite attention to detail, the innovative use of material, and often times, the paradoxical simplicity of it all.  What makes these designers the best of the best is their relevance - they are reflecting and predicting cultural attitudes through fashion.  I think we better all pay close attention....

CELINE by Phoebe Philo

Clean lines, muted color, classics updated to be modern and chic, and above all, totally wearable.  I am obsessed with Phoebe Philo. When she left Chloe, I think I cried.  Thank god she's back.  She's been missed.

I

Is there anything here you wouldn't wear??  This is how the modern, chic, strong, sexy woman dresses.  Period.

ISABEL MARANT

 Ok, I think Isabel Marant is the thing I am most obsessed with...it's sick really.  I literally would wear every single piece she makes.  The thing I love the most about her line is the attitude and lifestyle it conveys - chic, bohemian, feminine with an edge, cool Parisian style.  Her fabrics and shapes are always fresh and unexpected.  And they work.  Women of any age, shape, or sensibility can wear her pieces.  Her versatility and dynamic approach to fashion is enviable.  I love her. A lot.

Perfection - right??  Oh yeah, I have the camo boots!

BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquiere

The House of Balenciaga is steeped in fashion tradition, and for a good reason.  This line is all about experimentation with fabric and architectural silhouettes - at times venturing on the side of science-fiction.  There is something paradoxical about this line - it is classic but avant-guard; minimalist yet dramatic.  Every aspect of this line - from ready to wear to handbags to shoes - is equally perfect and aesthetically advanced.  While it may not be for every woman, Balenciaga is undeniably influencing every designer out there.  Nicolas Ghesquiere defines the future of fashion.

ALEXANDER WANG

 Even though this young man has only been around since 2007, he has transformed the world of fashion with his chic street wear.  I remember when his debut line came out - I spent every cent I could find on his clothes...and I still do.  He combines everything I ( and millions of other women love) - an 80's sensibility mixed with a grungy rock and modern chic attitude.  He is totally urban and totally nonchalant.  Nothing is perfect - on purpose.  The best thing about his designs is that they don't feel fussy and restrictive like a lot of fashion does.  He wants you to look and feel as cool as he is.  And when you wear his clothes, tees, shoes, accessories you really do feel cool.