NY Couture wants you at Fashion Week!

Be a guest at NY Couture's Official NY Fashion Week Fashion Show! NY Couture designs are one of a kind originals, that brings to mind an auspicious pairing of Betsey Johnson and Heatherette! The designer, Cassie, a 24 year old that was featured on MTV's True Life, I'm Going to Fashion Week last season and her show was an absolute success! I am in love with her absolutely adorable Panda Dress (Seen on Katy Perry recently!) This is your chance to get in with the wildest, craziest, fashion show yet!!

For more info on NY COUTURE, please visit www.newyorkcouture.net

Monaco Express

Monaco Express

When we heard Club Monaco would be cruising around the city in branded Smart Cars, we were immediately intrigued. From September 7-9, drivers will cruise around stopping in the Meatpacking District, Flatiron District, Midtown and Bryant Park with young professionals modeling the latest must-haves. Once we learned the vehicles would be distribute goodies to 75 lucky New Yorkers at each stop, we have prepared to station ourselves throughout the city in the hopes of scoring some fabulous statement jewelry from the brand.

Christian Siriano to Launch ‘Fierce’ Maternity Collection

Christian Siriano to Launch ‘Fierce’ Maternity Collection

Christian Siriano's maternity-line sketches.Photo: Courtesy of Moody Mamas

Christian Siriano is launching a maternity collection. And good morning! Though he's showing his regular collection on September 11 during Fashion Week, he's already got a full maternity line under his belt for spring 2009. Siriano teamed up with his two friends Marta Abrams and Elise Rosemarin, founders of Moody Mamas maternity clothes, to create a collection called Fierce for Moody Mamas by Christian Siriano. Really? Fierce? It already has originality written all over it!

A Moody Mamas rep told us he signed on because he thought it would be great for a gay man to team up with two women who've never had a baby to do maternity clothes. Reason enough, we guess! It seems from these sketches of Siriano's designs the threesome has created some interesting pieces for you baby makers. Already we see tummy-flattering garments like a pleated baby-doll dress and a purple wraparound sweater that could easily give A Pea in the Pod a run for its money. The full line goes up for sale on MoodyMamas.com in the spring of 2009, but in the meantime, you can examine a few more sketches after the jump.

We're glad Christian realizes that just because you're preggers doesn't mean you have to ditch your four-inch wedge heels.

Spring 2009 Fashion Week Party Guide

Spring 2009 Fashion Week Party Guide

Who needs to sleep during Fashion Week?Photo: Patrick McMullan

Every Fashion Week has its Marc and Prada bashes, the Narciso dinner, and maybe a Proenza gathering to really look forward to. But this week, there are more parties than ever before. From hanging with André 3000 to champers with Karl and Keira Knightley, here's the scoop. Enjoy, and don't forget the aspirin, or your invites.

WHAT	WHERE	WHEN	WHO	WHY
Benjamin Bixby Bash	Barneys	Sept. 4, 6–8 p.m.	Hosted by Stuart Townsend and Charlize Theron for … André 3000.	To see how much of a Renaissance man the OutKast rapper is. Can he design, too?
Erin Wasson's After-Party	90 Ludlow St.	Sept. 4, 7–9 p.m.	Expect Alexander Wang and plenty of skate fans courtesy of RVCA, Wasson's new design partner.	The model turned stylist turned designer is the new "It" girl.
Resurrection: Avant-Garde Fashion & Contemporary Art Party	Christie's	Sept. 4, 7–9 p.m.	Chloë Sevigny, Agyness Deyn, Henry Holland	The trifecta of cool celebrates Christie's auction. But the real action's at the post-party dinner.
The Rachel Zoe Project Launch Party	Rose Bar	Sept. 4, 8 p.m.	Rachel and a few of her celebrity pals (ahem: Marc, Cameron Diaz)	Because you're dying to see her in person, admit it.
Agent Provocateur/Lingerie Miami Cocktail Party	Downtown Cipriani, 376 W. Broadway	Sept. 6, 7–9 p.m.	Rachel Hunter, Joseph Corré, and Serena Rees.	The Agent models are always top-notch — Kate Moss, Daisy Lowe, Maggie Gyllenhaal. Expect some famous faces.
Fashion Rocks	Radio City Music Hall	Sept. 6, 8 p.m.	Beyoncé, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, and Lynyrd freakin' Skynyrd.	For the chance of seeing Anna Wintour get her groove on.
Intermix's Fifteenth-Anniversary Party	Bowery Hotel	Sept. 6, 9 p.m.	DVF, Proenza Schouler, the Olsens, and more are all hitting the private dinner at the Bowery beforehand.	Any excuse to see the Olsens in person.
Alexander Wang After-Party	Cortlandt Alley	Sept. 6, 10 p.m.–midnight	Erin Wasson and Alice Dellal co-host.	Wang's parties are always the coolest, sweatiest, and most fun of the week. Plus, there's a top-secret musical guest.
Rosa Cha After-Party	1 Oak	Sept. 6, 10 p.m.–midnight.	Vogue's co-hosting, so expect the top eds: A-Dubs, Sally, Virginia, ALT.	Models. In. Bikinis.
Calvin Klein's 40th-Anniversary Party	The High Line	Sept. 7, 8 p.m.	Francisco Costa surrounded by his favorite faces.	Eva Mendes.
William Rast After-Party	Roseland	Sept. 7, 9 p.m. (after fashion show)	Justin Timberlake, Erin Wasson.	Maybe he'll bust those Madge-perfected dance moves on you.
L'Uomo Vogue Party	Barneys	Sept. 7, 6–8 p.m.	Franca Sozzani hosts.	All the international Vogue editors in one room!
Purple Magazine Party	Charles	Sept. 7	Olivier Zahm, photographers, stylists, models galore.	Purple is the coolest fashion magazine out. Plus, current cover girl Kate Moss may stop by.
Boucheron's 150th-Anniversary Party	Spiegeltent	Sept. 8, 10 p.m.	Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld and Vanessa Traina host.	It's just not Fashion Week if the Roitfelds aren't in full effect. Sister Julia will join Vlad, along with Lily Donaldson.
Y-3 Store Opening	92 Greene St.	Sept. 9, 9–11 p.m.	Yohji!	Yohji only has a good guest list.
Chanel/Vogue Party	Do you think they'll say?	Sept. 10, 7:30–10:30 p.m.	Karl! Keira Knightley! Anna!	This is the invite to covet. It's for the premiere of Knightley's flick The Duchess. Hosted by Karl.

Fashion Week’s 21 Greatest Moments !

Fashion Week’s Greatest Moments

Fashion Week isn't just about clothes anymore: It's celebrity theater and social blood sport too. Marc Jacobs fighting with critics and editors! Anna Wintour parading Roger Federer around the tents! Heatherette taking club-kid decadence to the runways! There have been many dramatic moments since nymag.com began covering Fashion Week around the clock two years ago; here are 21 of our favorites.

See the Slideshow »

Designer to watch : Jen Kao!

Designers to Watch: Jen Kao

Jen KaoPhoto: Courtesy of Jen Kao

Everyone's always looking for the next breakout talent, but the tents can leave you feeling empty if you don't know where to look. Hence, some guidance: We've got five up-and-coming designers to watch at the spring 2009 shows. This is our second installment.

It's easy to write Jen Kao off as yet another hipster designer. She's a regular in Nylon and a newbie favorite of WWD and Style.com, and her clothes were recently in a V shoot and graced M.I.A. in Paper mag last year. And her spring 2008 presentation was accompanied by photos from Ryan McGinley. But this designer has all the makings of a young Rei Kawakubo. Her tailoring is precise, her draping technique is nothing short of beautiful, and though her palette is somewhat limited to neutrals and dark colors with a few bright colors thrown in, Kao is poised to go far.

See a slideshow.

Scandaloous!! Dove’s ‘Real Beauty’ Campaign Isn't Real!

Dove’s ‘Real Beauty’ Campaign Isn't Real!

Their skin does look suspiciously smooth…Photo: Courtesy of Dove Real Beauty

Dove's "Real Beauty" ad campaign raised many an eyebrow for using scantily clad non-models. Real gals in all their glory! What moxie! The ads intended to emphasize how distorted the world's vision of beauty is, especially with the army of hairstylists, makeup artists, and photo retouchers behind all the images we see in ads every day. However, it turns out the campaign ain't so real after all. Gasp! Expert photo retoucher Pascal Dangin, who works for Box Studios in New York, told The New Yorker he worked his magic on the ad photos.

“Do you know how much retouching was on that?” he asked. “But it was great to do, a challenge, to keep everyone’s skin and faces showing the mileage but not looking unattractive.”

Unilever didn't comment on the statement, but a spokeswoman for the agency who created the ads did:

[S]he said the agency is still attempting to collect details of his work, if any, on the ads.

"We are unsure right now what he did," the Ogilvy spokeswoman said. "He works with Annie Leibovitz, the photographer. And we don't have any record of him actually working on any of the Dove campaign.

"There was no retouching of the women," she said. "If there was a hair that was up in the air, that might have been the kind of retouching that was done. But until I know what he actually worked on, I can't comment on it."

Oh, step off your high horse, lady. This isn't really surprising. We all know nothing is natural these days. And after, like, seeing Nicole Kidman at the Oscars and learning what's really in Pinkberry yogurt and, you know, being alive, we've been trained to understand that just because people say things are natural doesn't mean we should believe them.

Nigel Barker’s Latest Photo Project: ‘Moon Warriors’

Nigel Barker’s Latest Photo Project: ‘Moon Warriors’

The invite to Barker's next show. Just look at all
the sponsors!Photo: Courtesy of Think PR

It seems like just yesterday that Nigel Barker made inroads in hearts across the nation with his baby-seal photography exhibit. But this Fashion Week, Barker will unleash his edgy side with his next exhibit at Bloomingdale's called "Moon Warriors." Moon. Warriors. What is a moon warrior to Nigel Barker? It's a "couture-clad" mannequin sitting on a Montauk beach in the dead of winter for hours on end. Allow the press release to explain:

The shoot occurred in the bitter cold of February, which required that the subjects be mannequins because living models wouldn't be able to physically hold a pose for the needed time in the winter weather … In order to expose a photo properly using only moonlight, the shutter speeds must be up to an hour long.

Like the seal shoot, he tackles the elements, yet again! Why Barker is not the face of North Face yet, we know not. For a taste of the "surreal, avant-garde fashion images amid the dreamy moonlight," click on, fashion warrior.

Photo: Courtesy of Think PR

Saks Fifth Avenue - New York Store Events

		You Are Invited To September Events Saks Fifth Avenue New York Introducing the world of CHANEL In celebration of our new boutiques, please join us for: CHANEL Metiers D'Art demonstration Special Appearances by CHANEL beauty, skincare and fragrance experts CHANEL J12 Jeweled Watch Collection Preview CHANEL Fall/Winter 2008 Accessories Trunk Show Want It! Fall 2008 Wednesday, September 10 10 to 8 Celebrate the fifth iteration of our world-famous WANT IT! campaign with the artwork of French Illustrator Alexandra Compain-Tissier. Shop the Fall's hottest trends while you enjoy designer personal appearances, informal modeling, refreshments, music, and more. Main Floor Cosmetics, Fragrance, Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories Bring this email for your spa events and facials! Special Appearances by CHANEL beauty, skincare and fragrance experts Wednesday, September 3 through Saturday, September 6 Special appearance by CHANEL Celebrity Makeup Artist, Fulvia Farolfi Wednesday, September 3 CHANEL J12 Jeweled Watch Collection Preview Wednesday, September 3 through Sunday, September 7 CHANEL Fall/Winter 2008 Accessories Trunk Show Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5 10 to 4 Cartier Jeweled Watch Trunk Show Monday, September 8 to Sunday, September 14, 10 to 6 WANT IT! Polished Face Kit September 10 through end of month Receive an exclusive Marc Jacobs leather clutch with 5 full-size beauty items to get the look of the season. Exclusively ours for $198. In-store and on Saks.com Tod's Handbag Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10, 10 to 6 Utopia Jewelry Trunk Show Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, 10 to 6 Guerlain Grand Opening of La Maison Boutique Tuesday, September 16 through Saturday, September 20 10 to 6 Join us for personalized fragrance consultations, luxurious facials and makeovers from some of the leading Guerlain National experts. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 212.940.4031 Slane & Slane Jewelry Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Friday, September 12 Simon Alcantara Jewelry Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Friday, September 12 David Yurman Personal Appearance Tuesday, September 23 4 to 6 Meet renowned jewelry designer David Yurman and discover his newest and most unexpected jewel, the David Yurman fragrance. Beauty Secrets at Saks Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, October 4 Our experts divulge private beauty tips and personal tricks of the trade. Receive a black, top-handled beauty bag filled with samples with your $100 cosmetic purchase.* *One per customer, please. While supplies last. Floor 2 Designer Gold Range and American Collections St. John Trunk Show Thursday, September 11 through Saturday, September 13 Fur Restyle and Redesign Event Saturday, September 13 Transform your older fur into a completely new style. By appointment only. For more information, please call 212.940.4465 Floor 3 Advanced Designer and Couture CHANEL Metiers D'Art Wednesday, September 3 through Friday, September 5 11 to 1 and 2 to 4 View the craftsmanship of CHANEL. Meet the artisans as they demonstrate their unparalleled expertise. Alexander McQueen and Alexander McQueen Furs Event Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 Trunk Show Thursday, September 18 through Friday, September 19 10 to 6 Designer Evening Event Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27 Floor 5 Contemporary and Bridal Collections for Women Edgardo Bonilla Bridal Trunk Show Thursday, September 4 through Saturday, September 6 10 to 6 Rock & Republic Event Saturday, September 6 2 to 6 Shop the new Maria Buccellati for Rock & Republic Collection and enjoy complimentary original hem with your full-price Rock & Republic purchase. Juicy Couture Event Saturday, September 6, Saturday, September 13, Saturday, September 20 and Saturday, September 27 Shop the Fall 2008 Juicy Couture Ready-to-Wear, handbag and shoe Collections and receive a gift with your full-priced Juicy Couture purchase.* *One per customer, please. While supplies last. Nanette Lepore Wardrobing Event Saturday, September 13 2 to 6 Let a Nanette Lepore specialist assist you in selecting your Fall wardrobe. Amsale Bridal Trunk Show Thursday, September 11 through Saturday, September 13 10 to 6 Carolina Herrera Bridal Trunk Show Thursday, September 18 through Saturday, September 20 10 to 6 Alice + Olivia Event Saturday, September 20 2 to 6 Anna Maier - Ulla-Maija Bridal Trunk Show Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 10 to 6 Wild Streak Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, September 28 Revel in the bold strokes of fall's fierce fashion Bring this email and receive a Theory plaid scarf with your $450 purchase of Women's Contemporary.* *One per customer, please. While supplies last. Milly Event Saturday, September 27 2 to 6 Floor 6 Classic Men's Collections 10 to 6 Isaia Trunk Show Friday, September 5 to Saturday, September 6 Don't Settle. Customize. Join the world's finest made-to-measure specialists, shoe craftsmen and wardrobe experts as they introduce you to personalized menswear and accessories from popular styles to rare finds. Wednesday, September 10 Armani Collezioni Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Brioni Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Kiton Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Individualized Shirts Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Oxxford Clothes Trunk Show Wednesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 13 Canali Trunk Show Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 Ermenegildo Zegna Trunk Show Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 Hickey Freeman Trunk Show Saturday, September 13 Floor 7 Contemporary Men's Collections 2 to 6 Rock & Republic Event Saturday, September 6 Rag & Bone Event Saturday, September 13 Helmut Lang Event Saturday, September 20 Floor 8 Stuart Weitzman Personal Appearance Wednesday, September 10 4 to 7 Floor 9 Children's and Salon Z Ralph Lauren Children's Event Wednesday, September 10 from 4 to 6 Celebrate the new Ralph Lauren Children's boutique with cool drinks, delectable fare and cool-for-school fashions hosted by Lyss Stern, Cookie Magazine's Lifestyle Correspondent. While the kids enjoy fun activities, stock up for fall and enter to win a fabulous gift. For more information, please call 212.940.2182 Peter Cohen Trunk Show and Personal Appearance Thursday, September 18 from 10 to 6 Personal Appearance from Noon to 4 Informal modeling as you shop the collection, Noon to 4 Fabrikant Trunk Show Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 10 to 6 Personal Appearance on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27 1 to 5 All event details are subject to change.