CFDA

Recently, Joonbug had the pleasure of chatting with designer Tracy Reese at her gorgeous flagship boutique located on Hudson Street in Manhattan. Perfect for the modern woman with a busy schedule, Tracy's pieces are designed with an impeccable sense of flattering a woman in every way possible. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 2000, Reese has severed as a member of the Board of Directors since 2007. She is also a key player in selecting recipients to receive grants from the CFDA’s AIDS Fund initiatives. It certainly was a fashionable honor to chat with her! While there, we were able to pre-screen an episode, which aired last week, of Project Runway: Season 11. In the episode, Tracy offered her stylish expertise and opinions to the remaining cast members regarding their designs for the challenge. The evening was nothing short of amazing as we browsed racks of vibrant frocks, gorgeous jackets, and beautiful pieces that could easily transition from workday to after work drinks with friends. Reese was wearing a gorgeous purple sweater with cut-out shoulders, neutral skirt (beautifully cut), and a to-die-for persimmon/orange motorcycle jacket that fit her to a "t." As we perused around the store, we couldn't help but notice all of the detailing on every garment. It's these additions that finish off your look in an ultra-polished, edgy, and stylish way. Some of our favorites included; a yellow neon shirt dress, a coral and tan ombre strapless dress, a cornflower blue moto-jacket, fringed suede short, and a bohemian patterned shoe that would look amazing with everything in your closet. We also were in-love with a wedge shoe from her Plenty collection that featured a soft glittering peep toe in a blush pink color. Tracy Reese's celebrity clients include First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore a custom-made Tracy Reese dress for her 2012 DNC Convention speech. Here's what Tracy had to share about this spring season and her fabulous collection. I see a lot of color around the store, which I really love. Can you share with the Joonbug readers your take on the Spring/Summer 2013 season. It's all about color this season. I think it's the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather here in NYC. You can see my use of color in many different ways—such as color on color. Many of our dresses have a color slip/undergarment already built in as a useful layering piece. Many are talking about neons. My advice is to pair a neon with a neutral to create an ultra-chic look. This season you will also see my use of fringe and metal chains on the handbags. Many are excited to see you appear on Project Runway. Can you tell me about that experience? It was a great way to offer budding designers positive and helpful advice. I really enjoyed it, too. You have a successful business in a challenging economy. What's the best advice you can give those looking to break into the fashion industry? Have your eye on quality and special details. Be directly connected to your brand in every way. If something is not up to my high standards, I will take the necessary steps to ensure it is. My client expects a certain quality garment from me and they will always get that. As you walk around the store you will see special details everywhere.

Judging by the media, the rest of the country may have all but forgotten about Hurricane Sandy , but the devastation left behind by the super storm is still fresh in the memory of most of the tri-state area as those affected begin to pick up the pieces. Just Friday night we learned Obama has formally asked Congress for $60.4 billion dollars in an effort to alleviate the suffering of so many who lost so much. Although helpful and necessary this relief package will barely put a dent in the total bill Sandy wracked up, and more installments are expected as damage continues to be assessed.

Shoppers brace yourselves for the ultimate collaboration that has finally been concocted as Neiman Marcus’ high-end looks will be combined with Target’s budget-friendly price tags! This holiday season the luxury retailer and the affordable, trendy chain will be partnering up to bring us designs by 24 CFDA members in a limited-edition collection!

Back in 2001, Doo-Ri Chung created her namesake brand and after much success over the past decade, has decided to step down from her position at the fashion house. Though we have little details on the matter as of now, according to WWD, there is a possibility of selling the firm while members of the Tharanco Group, owners of the Doo.Ri brand, evaluate new strategies for the fashion house.

Tommy Hilfiger's VIP Shopping Event

What: Don’t miss out on Tommy Hilfiger’s VIP shopping extravaganza at their flagship store! Shop the Hilfiger fashions with beauty and style expert, Jenn Falik and receive a look book with all of your favorite styles! Limited edition goodies will also be distributed to those who make a minimum purchase including custom monogramming. After all that shopping, you will of course be exhausted, so why not join them for the post shopping fun at Bishops & Barons for some cocktails and treats!

The term “man jewelry” can conjure up traumatizing images of pinky rings and gold chains, but contemporary menswear designers are offering bold, innovative, and generally bad-ass accessories that will keep you looking uniquely stylish rather than a GTL stereotype.

A Man-Friendly Friendship Bracelet

There's no reason you guys should miss out on the arm party! Although the creations from Vanities and Miansai are not technically 'friendship bracelets', there's no better way to describe these colorful, interesting, hand-made quality bracelets. Taking their name from Vanitas, 17th century Dutch genre paintings that contained symbols of death, it makes sense that Vincent Ribat and Thomas Franc, the designers behind the Vanities brand enjoy playing with the skull motif. The skull adorns their tiepins, bow ties, and signature bracelets. The bracelets are by far the brand's most popular item. Made from vintage silk and a myriad of other fabrics, these bracelets are a great way to add a bit of masculine interest to an otherwise plain look.

Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution

Just as the ’60s were a revolutionary period for politics and youth culture throughout the world, the era redefined fashion. "Once only the rich, the Establishment, set the fashion. Now it is the inexpensive little dress seen on the girls in High Street," British designer and boutique owner Mary Quant has said of the transition. London's mod scene and American hippies began setting trends—dressing for self-expression, blurring traditional lines of gender identity, embracing sexuality and new silhouettes. Youthquake! explores the decade with an exhibition that showcases garments and historical footage. (NYCGO)

CFDA and Ebay have taken a second lap around with their collaboration of customized handbags promoting awareness for the unfortunate spread of counterfeit fashion with a strong tag line in big bold print saying “You Can’t Fake Fashion." More than 70 designers have contributed their creations to this cause including Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Betsey Johnson and The Row. The auction started this morning at 11 am EST, and all will be sold on Ebay until March 31st. At $200 a bag, the designs are in 4 exclusive shapes: the duffle tote, the satchel tote, the gear tote, and the bucket tote. There is also an exclusive line of simpler bags going for $45, encouraging all you creatives to customize them yourselves. But hurry up and get them while they are still available! Many have sold out in just hours, and if it’s anything like the CFDA and Ebay collabo that went down last year, fans from all over the world will be scrambling to get the last of these stylish totes! All items will be sold under Ebay’s “buy it now” tab.

Join in on a good cause; contribute to the awareness of counterfeit designs and carry around a great bag to show your support for fashion and its right to be real!

According to the CFDA, the "Americans in Paris” initiative was created as a global showcase for emerging American designers. As Paris Fashion Week attracts a wide array of international retailers, the showroom will provide invaluable global exposure for the designers as well as the sales, marketing, and media support necessary to expand their respective businesses." This spring Tommy Hilfiger and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund collaborate with ten lucky American designers to design their own versions of the Tommy Classic Trench Coat. “My own experience at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young designers,” Hilfiger comments in a release. “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to enter the fashion industry and I believe designers benefit from supporting and inspiring one another.” Not only are these trenches gorgeous and unique, three of each are for sale worldwide--talk about exclusive--and we foresee our favorite styles trickling down into our wardrobes in the near future!

Who: Rubin & Chapelle

What: Rubin & Chapelle is having a generous sample sale at up to 70% off their sophisticated high-fashion designs including:

Cotton Denim Jackets now $290 (originally $850)

Draped Silk Dresses with Sash belt now $185 (originally $980)

Spiral cut Cotton Beach Dresses now $210 (originally $1450)

White Cotton silk dresses belted now $295 (originally $980)

Color blocked Long silk Evening Halter Dresses now $420 (originally $2500)

And many, many more!