The seven finalists of emerging talents this year are handbag designer Olympia Le Tan, couturier Iris Van Herpen, menswear label AMI Alexandre Mattiussi, London-based brand Masha Ma, and international womenswear designers Yang Li, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, and Pedro Lourenco.

The designers will compete for a price of $321,575 and a dedicated workshop in the Swarovski showroom.  Their autumn/winter 2013-14 collection will also be presented on luxury online boutique thecorner.com.

This year’s judging panel featured a selection of ANDAM sponsors and some of the industry’s biggest names, including Pierre Bergé, of the Pierre Bergé – Saint Laurent Foundation, Nadja Swarovski, executive board member of Swarovski, Emmanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Humberto Leon, co-owner of Opening Ceremony, and Sara Andelman, creative director of Colette.

Also announced were the three finalists for the 2013 First Collection Award.  Aganovich, Calla Haynes, and Christine Phung will compete for a $75,000 prize and the chance to have their designs displayed in Paris department store Galeries Lafayette during Paris Fashion Week.

And then on July 4, the overall winner will be selected from the 10 finalists.  Their prize will include mentoring from Diesel chief Renzo Rosso, a donation of $12,863 worth of Swarovski crystals, and support from Fashion GPS for two years.  Their entire spring/summer 2014 collection will also be purchased by Canadian department store Hudson’s Bay Company.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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Liu started her modeling career in 2005, when she entered the New Silk Road World Model Contest.  Although she didn’t end up winning the competition, Liu began working full time as a model.  She became a national success when she landed the cover of Chinese FHM, and appeared in China’s versions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

By September 2007, Liu had caught the attention of the international fashion industry after she shot an editorial for China’s Cosmopolitan, wearing clothes designed by Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor & Rolf.  She even walked in runway shows for such fashion designers as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Liu has since appeared in multiple campaigns for everyone from Calvin Klein to Oscar de la Renta to Hugo Boss.  In one season alone she appeared in seven campaigns.

In 2009, Liu became the first woman of Chinese descent to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and has walked for them ever since.  And in April 2010, she became the first Asian face of Estee Lauder.

In her private life, Liu is known for her friendly, outgoing, and down-to-earth personality.  She’s close friends with fellow models Joan Smalls, Du Juan, and Fei Fei Sun.

Up next for the 25-year-old Chinese beauty? Being featured as an inspiration for H&M’s The New Icons line and appearing in several summer magazine editorials.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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The 32-year-old actress started her career with bit roles on some of the 90s best shows before she got her breaking role on Dawson’s Creek.  Once the show ended, Michelle began appearing in various films, like Brokeback Mountain (which she received an Academy Award nomination for), Wendy and Lucy, and Deception.  She’s also received nominations for her roles as Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn and Cindy Heller in Blue Valentine.  In her personal life, Michelle has a child, Matilda, with the deceased Heath Ledger, and previously dated director Spike Jonze and Jason Segal.

But aside from her great acting, Michelle is known for her lovely fashion style.  She’s got a pixie-manic dream girl look, drawing inspiration from the 40-60s.  She’s really into polka dots, collared shirts and dresses, and a-line dresses.  So when dressing like Michelle, think of the 40s and 60s.

In this first look, Michelle is running errands.  If you’re looking for a cute, but sleek casual outfit, copy this look!  Go with a white and black sleeveless collared shirt, black jeans or jeggings, black flat sandals, and a pair of sunglasses.

This second look is of Michelle when she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman.  For an old school dinner look, select a long sleeved floral dress and nude heels.

This final look is Michelle at the 2012 Oscar’s.  To turn this elegant look into a trendy night look, choose an orange/coral peplum dress, pink purse, and black heels.

Michelle Williams is a wonderful and elegant actress.  She’s able to change into any character and play them beautifully.  But what’s great about Michelle too is her fashion sense.  She always looks spectacular, even when she makes some questionable fashion decisions.  If you’re looking for a style that’s sleek, cute, and elegant, try Michelle’s.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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The American label’s designers, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, have created a nine-piece limited-edition capsule collection.

“The collection was based on some of our favorite pieces from past pre-spring collections and riff on the idea of surf-inspired classics like the board short and the Baja pullover, but reinterpreted in luxe fabrics like leather and custom tweeds,” the designers said of the collection.

The collection consists of summer-ready mini dresses, shorts, jackets and sweaters, and features the brand’s signature use of bold colors, prints, and stripes.

McCollough and Hernandez chose to collaborate with Net-A-Porter since it was one of the first stores to carry their line online.

The Proenza Schouler for Net-A-Porter collection is available online now, with prices ranging from $250-$8,925.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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The US fashion label is currently searching for a new design head.

The move comes after news that Coach is exploring “strategic options” for Krakoff’s eponymous label, which was launched in 2010.  The plans for the label may involve a sale to a group.

“I am grateful to Lew Frankfort (Coach chairman and chief executive officer) and the the members of the board for the support and the amazing opportunities I have been given. I have every confidence in the Coach creative team and thank them for their dedication,” Krakoff said.

In January 2013, Coach had announced it was rebranding itself as a lifestyle brand, with a focus on women’s ready-to-wear.  Former Paul Smith creative design director Sandra Hill was hired to be the head of that section.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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The capsule swimwear collection hit stores on April 21.

The line is made up of four different styles inspired by the Copacabana girls of the Forties.  It features glamorous bikinis and daring one-pieces with cut-out detailing and bold prints.

The range is being offered internationally, which gives the British label a wider reach then before.

The label’s designer, Deborah Fleming, was given complete creative freedom by Topshop for the collection, which allowed her to experiment with ideas.

“I went a little more over-the-top with the designs and the fabric embellishments than I usually do with my main collection, which has become more fine-tuned over the seasons.  But, essentially, the fits and shapes and the signature are very similar,” she told Vogue UK.

Prices start at $90 for the bikinis.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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Little Mix are an English four-piece girl group that was formed on and won the eighth series of  The X Factor UK in 2011.  Each of the girls, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall, all auditioned as soloists, but were put together as a group after failing to make it past boot camp.  Little Mix’s first album, DNA, was released on November 19, 2012.

But what’s great about Little Mix is that each of the girl’s have their own personal style.  While they might all share similar tastes, and certainly dress slightly similarly for public appearances or on stage, the girl’s shine when they’re casually dressed.  If you’re looking for an added spice of adventure in your wardrobe, look no further then Little Mix.

The first girl featured is Perrie Edwards.  The 19-year-old, who is from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, is currently dating One Direction member Zayn Malik.  Her style mostly consists of floral print, flowy skirts, and crop tops, and Perrie can be described as a bit of a flower child.

In this look, Perrie was leaving her hotel room in Liverpool.  To copy her effortlessly cool look, go with a pair of cream floral printed jeans, a black tank top, tan or cream sweater, combat boots, and a peace sign necklace.

Another member of the girl group is 21-year-old Jesy Nelson.  Jesy is from Romford, London, and recently broke up with Jordan Banjo from English dance troupe Diversity.  Her style mostly consists of baggy or skinny jeans, sweaters, and crazy prints, and has a more urban style.

This Batman dress is one of Jesy’s signature looks, as she’s often spotted wearing clothes with comic book-inspired prints.  If you’re feeling nerdy or quirky and want to dress adventurously for a night on the town, go with a Batman printed dress, black bootie heels, and Ka-Pow comic book earrings.

Next up is Leigh-Anne Pinnock.  The 21-year-old is from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and is currently dating non-league Ashford Town soccer player, Jordan Kiffin.  Leigh-Anne’s style tends to focus on tight skirts, jean material, and sneakers, and she can be described as the sporty girl with a feminine touch.

In this look, Leigh-Anne is on a set.  To copy this look, go with a white crop top, seafoam green bandeau, printed mini skirt, black suspenders, and black sneakers.

The final girl in the group is 20-year-old Jade Thirlwall.  She’s also from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, and is currently dating Sam Craske from Diversity.  Jade’s style tends to focus on plaid, shorts, and bow ties, and her style can be described as nerdy chic.

This look of Jade’s is one of her signature looks.  For a cute day look, select a plaid shirt with red undertones, red high waisted shorts, red sneakers, and a yellow bow headband to accessorize.

Little Mix are on their way to becoming the next Spice Girls, and are hoping to break the US market soon.  Each girl has a unique individual style that mixes all types of trends.  If you’re looking for a new wardrobe, take inspiration from Little Mix!  Whether you want to represent floral chic like Perrie, urban trends like Jesy, be sporty but feminine like Leigh-Anne, or nerdy and trendy like Jade, Little Mix has every style you want!

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:

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The fashion house has partnered with Italian publishing house Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Editore on the international competition.

The idea for the contest comes from the label’s “curiosity to explore innovative languages by means of forms of expression leading to the written word.”  It is also inspired by the metaphor of prescription glasses, which is a tool through which to see and investigate new creative worlds.

Hopeful authors are encourage to enter essays on the following subject: “What are the realities that our eyes give back to us?  And how are these realities filtered through lenses?”

Only one piece of writing per person is permitted and applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.  The winner’s list will be announced on December 31, and the winner or winners, will each receive $6,530 and their essay will be published as a digital book available to read on the Prada website.

The contest is now open and will close on June 18.  To submit an essay, visit the Prada website at prada.com/journal.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:
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On this week’s episode, entitled “Finale: Part 2,” the remaining three designers had to finish their collection and present it at NY Fashion week.  The designers were also given an extra $500 to shop at Mood with their assistant, a previously eliminated designer.  Michelle is still with Amanda, Stanley with Richard, and Patricia with Layana.

In the workroom, Stanley struggled with getting his collection finished and together.  He was still working on four dresses and a top two hours before the runway.  Michelle decided to listen to the judges advice and cleaned up her model’s hair and makeup look.  Meanwhile, with Patricia, Layana kept complaining that without her, Patricia’s collection wouldn’t be finished.

Tim’s also came in to give some last minute advice to each designer.  Tim loved Michelle’s collection, but warned her about using the compasses as accessories because it dated her collection.  Meanwhile, with Stanley he told him that some of his clothes looked vintage, which Stanley took as a compliment.  Tim also told him to hurry up because he still seemed to have a lot to do.  With Patricia, Tim sarcastically complimented Patricia for her organization skills (which were terrible), and he told her to make her collection more cohesive.

At the show, Tim was extremely disappointed with Stanley.  He was having four assistants sew models into the clothes because he wasn’t finished with his collection still.

The guest judge this week was Michael Kors.

The first collection show was Michelle, with her female lone wolf collection.  Heidi felt her collection was the most cohesive, and while there were some silhouettes that weren’t her favorite, overall she loved the collection.  Nina felt the opening piece was phenomenal, and she loved that a lot of the pieces were interchangeable.  Zac thought her clothing was made beautifully, but told her to look beyond the trends of now for what will be popular in the future.  Michael meanwhile found the fabric combinations to be interesting, and told her that she shouldn’t feel obligated to end in a gown, especially when it throws off the cohesion of the collection.

Next up was Patricia, with her tree and Native American inspired collection.  Heidi pointed out to Patricia that her collection made the audience light up, and loved that she made her own fabrics.  Nina wasn’t the biggest fan of the collection, noting that there was a strong disconnect between the styling and felt the collection needed some cleaning up.  Zac loved the movement of her final piece and her exploration of Native culture, but felt some of the textiles came across as old.  Michael thought her collection was fabulous and loved that she took her craftiness and put it into her clothes. He also described the first half of her collection as an art teacher on acid.

Last was Stanley, with his tough urban Park Avenue collection.  Heidi noted that there was a lot of quick sewing and felt the clothes were a bit too old, but did love his white dress.  Nina felt his final gown was the weakest piece in his collection, but loved some of his other pieces.  She did, however, feel he needed to bring his collection into the 21st century.  Meanwhile, Zac felt the beading was all effective, but felt the choice of the mix of material were dated.  Michael loved that the collection was a dressed up woman one, but described the last gown as Betty White on Dancing with the Stars.

After much deliberation, Michelle was deemed the winner, Patricia came in second, and Stanley in third.

Overall, I felt the episode was interesting.  I really loved Michelle’s collection, and felt she deservedly won.  Can I get that bleeding heart sweater sometime please?  I also felt the judge’s made the correct calls on all accounts.  Patricia’s collection was beautiful, but not cohesive enough, while Stanley’s collection looked dated.  I’m excited to see what’s in store for the next season of Project Runway and whether Zac Posen will be back.  I felt he added some fresh new blood to the judging panel and gave the season the boost it needed.  Perhaps Project Runway should think about changing their main judging panel lineup every so often.  I’d sure love to see who they could get to replace Nina, who’s become extremely conservative and complacent in her judging.

So, what’s your opinion on the show? Do you think the right designer won the competition? What was your opinion on Zac Posen as a judge?  Tweet us your thoughts @TheFashionFoot.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:
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Twins Dean and Dan Caten, the designers behind the Italian brand, have kept the finer details of the design under wraps.  However, a spokesperson for the brand confirmed that the “show-stopper of an outfit” will be similar to the label’s spring/summer 2013 collection, which was influenced by the supermodels of the Nineties.

“Beyonce chooses to wear a unique outfit created exclusively for her by Dean and Dan Caten, inspired by an item from the 2013 spring/summer Glamazon catwalk show,” DSqaured2 confirmed.

Written By: Joanelle Navarro

Photo Sources:
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