FALL ACCESSORIES FORECAST PART 3: EYEWEAR

Thinking a lot about eyewear lately.. ever since I attended a trunk show for SALT to be precise. And I have a confession: I have perfect vision. The reason this is embarrassing is because I just ordered a pair of optical frames (with clear lenses)- the Martin in black. But what can I say, I’m just that girl. I wanted braces in third grade because my bestie had ‘em too. Technically they are both accessories, right?

Oh- and about eyewear for fall? Cat-eye is still around, and overall frames are getting smaller. Come on- like any of these girls have bad vision??

Posted by: Francine Davis Ballard

Photo: Francine Ballard and Taylor Whisenand, President of SALT Optics

FALL ACCESSORIES FORECAST PART 2: ACCESSORIES

Of the many interesting trends that came down the runways this season, one of my personal favorites was the sautoir necklace, which extends down to the waist. Necklaces are getting longer this season, with accessories becoming more dramatic in general. Shoulder dusters, for instance put a big spin on earrings and could replace the “big neckpiece” altogether in seasons to come.

Belts are thinner and in some cases doubled, with the exception of the uber-wide corsets that seemed to be everywhere. These look fantastic with layered ensembles, and almost act as another layer of clothing. Natural stones are still prevalent, as well as chains and cuffs of all kinds.

Another quirky trend-piece is the safety pin, which was seen at Sonia Rykiel and Dolce & Gabbana. But whatever the item, it seems that massive over-accessorization will continue in almost every form.. which, of course, we love.

Posted by: Francine Davis Ballard

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FYI: ELLE’s TOP 10 Accessories Trends and Designers for FW2010

Not on this list, but worth mentioning in my opinion: Skinny belts, corsets, driving gloves, cuffs, sautoir necklaces, cat-eye frames, leg warmers, stacked (square) heels, kitten heels, saddle shoes, pony hair, over-sized clutches and spats (worn over pumps to create a boot effect). Photos T/K.

Posted by: Francine Davis Ballard

Accessory Report: Falling Whistles

We love catching wind of accessory trends here at DesignerSocial, especially ones that represent a great cause.   Just as founder Sean Carasso had intended, our discovery of the Falling Whistles necklaces was through seeing people wearing them and starting a conversation.

What may seemingly be an “It” necklace (seen on celebrities, DJ’s, socialites, etc.) is actually a symbol for peace in the Congo. Many of our friends have been passionate about this cause, which is why we were thrilled to learn more about it at the Falling Whistles Installation this past Wednesday in NYC. While traveling in Africa, Carasso found himself in the middle of the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He witnessed first hand the war affected children… some of which were sent to the front lines armed with nothing but a whistle.

100% of the proceeds from the sales of Falling Whistles go to rehabilitate and advocate for the freedom of war affected children in the Congo.  Hear the story from Carasso himself, and help spread the word by becoming a whistleblower for peace.

The original Falling Whistle retails at $34, as well as brushed metal and gunmetal versions for $44, and gold for $104. Visit their website for more information, and follow the Falling Whistles Interns tumblr for updates from those who have dedicated their time to the cause.

posted by: BC

DO TELL.. MEET MICHAEL KORS’ NEW DIGITAL EDITOR, CAROLINE TELL

The former Accessories Market Editor at WWD jumps into cyberspace with both feet this week at Michael Kors, and DS is there to hear about her move first-hand. Here, our exclusive interview:

DS: What prompted your decision to leave WWD? That must have been tough! We should note here, that you pretty much had what many people would consider a “Dream Job”..

CT: When this opportunity at Michael Kors presented itself, I knew I had to see where it could go. I spent the last five years as a fashion editor, most recently at WWD, but was finding myself more and more interested in the burgeoning “social” side of the industry and, like everyone else, knew that this was the future of fashion and media. I knew I had to take a chance and challenge myself in a completely new space.

DS: What are you being tasked to accomplished as Digital Editor at Michael Kors?

CT: At the very basic level, I want to bring Michael and his voice and the visual “world of Michael” to his fans and consumers in the social media community. By connecting with them in an engaging, intimate way, we can further distinguish our brand message, drive business to our stores and bolster our e-commerce business. I think my editorial background plus my understanding of the brand will help lead us into this exciting, growing space.

DS: What are your personal favorite blogs/sites?

CT: I have to shout out WWD.com for its all-access, democratic approach to fashion reporting. I like reading Fashionista.com for its sense of humor and for its ability to recognize when fashion is being just plain silly. I think Refinery29.com has been offering great street style before the entire “street blogger” trend blew up. Newyorkmagazine.com’s “The Cut” has shown how a magazine can offer diverse content online and not lose itself in the process.

DS: This is somewhat of a “homecoming” for you, but did anything surprise you on your first day?

CT: I was surprised and touched at how many people remembered me and welcomed me back, considering I left five years ago. It really is like a family here.

DS: Have you met with Michael yet? What is he like in person?

CT: Unfortunately I have not yet met with Michael since I started yesterday and he left today for a PA in San Francisco. But I look forward to picking his brain on our participation in the social media space. However, I did have the great fortune of meeting with him while I was at WWD on many stories and interviews. I’d sit there thinking, ‘how is it that I’m here in Michael’s office interviewing him? Shouldn’t I be unpacking samples down the hall?”

DS: Do you have a favorite handbag or accessory designer?

CT: You mean aside from Michael?? I love all of Michael’s footwear - from Collection to Kors to Michael Michael Kors.Outside of the company, the fashion editor in me is loving Alexander Wang’s handbags and my Proenza Schouler PS 1 bag is an all time favorite, as is anything by Miu Miu. Jerome Dreyfuss and wife Isabel Marant are creating that “new luxury” middle ground. Costume jewelry is also a great category to watch these days. I love anything by Alexis Bittar, Philip Crangi and Janis Savitt.

posted by: FDB

photo: Pasha Antonov

D2D: Dannijo Fall 2010 Preview

We stopped by the Dannijo showroom to get a preview of their Fall 2010 pieces.  See what’s in store for next season as well as some DS favorites.  Get the inside scoop and check out their pieces on DesignerSocial!

posted by: Lani

DREAM JOB: MEET LAETITIA CRAHAY

Inspired by a recent feature in Marie Claire magazine, we decided to do some digging on this Parisian party girl who’s day job just happens to be Accessories Designer for legendary fashion house, CHANEL.

Like most awesome creatives, her lot in life is not accidental. Her beginnings were inspired at home, with artiste parents. And of course she worked in fashion (she was Artistic Director at Delvaux before landing at Chanel). Though she went to fashion school at La Cambre with Olivier Theyskens, you won’t catch her talking about clothes..

From NY Times blog:

“Clothes are superboring! It’s fashion that’s interesting, the sociological phenomenon of fashion, not talking about clothes.. I was never obsessed with fabric or anything like that. I was never like the gay boys in my class who would spend 10 hours draping fabric on a body. Boring!”

And On Karl:

“He’s supercool! He’s the coolest person in that company. Nobody knows that! He’s so sensitive about everything. He enters a room and he can see how you’re feeling. “Are you sad?” or something. It’s so different from what people see on the outside. He is the one that makes people stay at Chanel.”

One thing’s for sure.. she brings new meaning to the words COSTUME JEWELRY. We’re just hoping to be invited to her next b-day bash.. (photos above with graffiti artist, Andre Saraiva, and French model and actress, Lou Dillon—photos courtesy Olivier Zahm for Purple Magazine’s purple DIARY).

posted by: FDB

D2D: Direct to Designer Ted Rossi

We caught up with accessory designer Ted Wertz of Ted Rossi during Coterie this year to talk about his inspirations for Fall 2010.  We’re really loving all the giant studding and chains going on in the collection.  Find out which R&B rock diva inspired him, and get the look with these awesome Ted Rossi pieces that will be available on DesignerSocial this Fall:

Posted by: BC

EDITORS PICK

This week our editor’s pick is this sublime piece from DANNIJO.. The Winslet Necklace. No matter what you wear it with all eyes will be on you. Look back on previous posts to learn more about the brand or see what celebs are currently wearing it..

Enter: GODDESS at checkout for 30% off this item, this week. Discount not valid on any other merchandise.

D2D: Direct to Designer Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2010, Paris Je t’aime

Despite the horrid weather, Rebecca Minkoff said the show must go on, and oh it was definitely on. Inspired by fashionable Parisiennes, Rebecca does it again with this très chic and très wearable collection of apparel and handbags.  Pleated skirts over tights, moto-jackets in softer fabrics, sweet dresses under trenches and oversized blazers.

These models looked like they were stylish girls hanging out downtown who just walked into the show and onto that platform… of course with their zippered, studded, and tasseled handbags in amazing textures and colors.  We LOVE that.

But we don’t have to keep trying to describe it to you… watch the video and see for yourself, then visit DesignerSocial to shop Rebecca Minkoff handbags.

Music: DJ Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe- 2010 Grammy Mix

posted by: Bianca

Coming Soon from LV: Emotion Monitoring Bags- A bag that feels what you feel.

Louis Vuitton bags and wallets will now be able to detect owners’ emotions thanks to these new jewelry accessories. The bag incorporates a new HERM (heart and emotion rate monitor) in the form of a piece of jewelry which can be purchased with a bag or separately at Louis Vuitton stores.

When attached to a bag the HERM automatically transmits your location and heartbeat via Bluetooth/WiFi to the owner’s smartphone. In sticking with their “Journey” theme, the concept is that the owner will be able to re-trace a trip that they took with their bag, and note when they were happy or sad. While we love the ingenuity, and applaud the brand for trying to create a broader social platform, is this a little far-fetched and/or gimmicky?

Realistically speaking do you know/care if your bag knows how you “feel”? We love handbags as much as the next girl, but for the sake of their own beauty and the way they make US feel. Just seems a little “Cabbage Patch Kids” or “Virtual Pettish” to us.

From: LV Art Director Fernando Lahoz’s website as reported by BoF.

posted by: FDB

WOULD YOU PAY $1800 FOR THESE?

As much we love shoes, that’s a bit spendy for most of the US population. But apparently, Prada doesn’t have much faith in the American consumer either. A Fashionista spy tried them on recently in the Soho store, and when she asked to be put on the waiting list (just for the hell of it) she discovered that all three pairs- which is the ENTIRE Spring shipment- were already allotted to the Trainas (as in Samantha, Vanessa etc).. figures. I wonder if they know that they literally bought out Prada this season.

Obviously the shoes are not meant to be worn by us mere mortals, but rather meant to look great in their ad campaign and in magazines. Hope this isn’t a sign of things to come, Prada.

GRACIAS: Fashionista.com