Most Inspirational Speeches From the CFDA Awards

The CFDA Awards is known for fashion designers celebrating each other. If you are not in the industry, you stalk the red carpet for the best looks. The 2016 CFDA Awards was one of the most quotable. It was a night of accomplished women inspiring other women to reach for the top.

The recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon Award was Beyonce Knowles. Bey has been on a roll to make herself a force beyond pop princess, starting with "Formation" then "Lemonade". Her acceptance brought tears to many. She started with her family's history. Her grandmother was a seamstress who used those skills to get her mother an education. Her mother Tina Knowles then went on to help craft Destiny's Child's look with her own fashion skills. Beyonce went on to empower fashion designers with this statement, " Y’all are fairy godmothers, magicians, sculptors, and sometimes even therapists. I encourage you to not forget this power you have or take it lightly. We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color. no shape, no form. Just like all your work it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and flaws and see the true beauty that’s inside all of us."

The CFDA Founders Award was presented to Donna Karan by Calvin Klein. They both spoke of how they climbed the ladder of the fashion industry together. Karan spoke of giving birth to her daughter only to have her employer call to ask when she would finish the collection and finding out her mentor Anne Klein had passed away. She acknowledged "Every single one of us is guided, for an internal strength, creativity of vision and what is needed for the future". "That is what fashion is about". Honoring our heroes and those who support us is something we can all do more of.

"“What really matters is talent. Talent is the solution and talent is what we celebrate tonight" -Diane Von Furstenburg. This fashion icon was voted to lead the Council of Fashion Designers of America over and over again. She was at the front of major initiatives for model health and protecting the rights of designers. 

Menswear Designer of the Year went to Thom Browne. His heartfelt speech thanked his team, partner and the CFDA for their incredible work. Marc Jacobs also thanked his team, citing "My greatest reward is working with them day and night. Creating fashion is what I love to do and the only reason I'm here". 

Norma Kamali was the recipient of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Michael Kors. He honored her for making sweats fashionable long before "athleisure" was a term and sending sleeping bag coats down the runway for decades. She was humble in stating that she understood being "disruptive" in an ever changing fashion industry was difficult. She is constantly asked for tips to succeed in fashion. Ending on a humorous note, her advice was that "Celebrity might help if you can't do it any other way, but maybe you just have to go for the sex tape!". "Fitness and beauty are very important to me, doing it in style". 

Congratulations to all of the winners of the CFDA Awards 2016!

Beyonce photo: Theo Warger/Getty, Designer photos from the CFDA

Check out The Best Fall 2016 Looks by This Year's CFDA Award Nominees
by Jill Manoff at Mode

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Diane Von Furstenburg Casting Fashion Talent!

photo by David TW Leung

Are YOU the hottest new style talent ready to be mentored by fashion icon Diane Von Furstenburg?  Are you smart, creative and ready jet-set around the world as Diane's top fashion star, learning all you need to know about PR, fashion design and everything else you need to build your fashion empire?

The most amazing apprenticeship I have ever heard of is to be an upcoming reality tv series casting for eight contestants for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  You don't need formal fashion education or professional experience (though I'm sure it helps).

To apply, Send your name, a brief bio, 3 recent photos of yourself with contact information, and dazzle them with why you are going to be DVF's ultimate brand ambassador: DVFCastingTeam@gmail.com 

More information on the Diane Von Furstenburg casting.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2014

The queen bee of New York Fashion Week took a trip to Africa.  Diane Von Furstenburg's spring 2014 collection had animal prints and cork textures in earthy tones.  There were also beautiful painterly patterns depicting the dessert, wildlife and ethnic designs in bold colors. 

The silhouettes were long. lean, but more relaxed than previous seasons.  I barely saw a signature jersey wrap dress.  There were intricate crocheted pieces most notably worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell in the show's close.  Handbags and shoes had a leather laced edge technique seen on handicrafts of the region.  Cork and beads were used as well.

Ms. Furstenburg gets women, gets the fashion industry and is the biggest argument for what makes New York the fashion capital of the world.  She has worked harder than any other single person that I know in trying to progress the American fashion world forward on issues good and bad. 

Who do you think has contributed most to the American fashion industry of today?

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NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Fall 2013

 There was some serious animal attraction at Diane Von Furstenburg's Fall 2013 fashion show yesterday.  Ladies came down the runway in bold animal prints, sexy dresses and serious attitude.

In additional to the bold animal prints and black/white/brown palette, there were also bright reds, fuschia and vibrant teal thrown in with solids and graphic patterns.  Variations on the DVF classic wrap dress also was re-styled into leg-baring wrap skirts.  A 1970's influence was seen in the maxi-length, flowing silk jersey silhouette as well as the long, slender jumpsuit.  A-line jackets and slim cigarette pants had all the style of Diane's heyday, but all the chic of the most modern woman of today.

Accessories were clearly a big story at this show as well.  The biggest statement in handbags were the clutch purses in every pattern and color with a distinctive lip-shaped metal closure.  Large suede fringed carryalls took up the 1970's tribute and strappy platforms completed the look.

It's no secret why this is one of the most anticipated shows of New York Fashion Week.  Everyone wants to see a reigning icon keep showing you why she has always been on top.

See the full collection here:

photos by David TW Leung

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Sales Alert: DVF, Tory Burch, Natori, Mackage, Soia & Kyo,

Diane Von Furstenburg:
The lines are long, but I have always found it worth the wait if you love the designer's graphic prints.

When: December 11^th –  December 14^{th
Where: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th street and 29th street)}

Tory Burch:

Socialites and wannabe socialites can grab your fill of Tory Burch's global chic.  Ready to wear, footwear and handbags will be available.

When: Today through Sunday, December 16, 2012. Tuesday - Friday, 11AM - 7 PM, Sat/Sun 11 AM - 5 PM

Where: 261 W 36th Street, 2nd Floor,New York, NY 10018 (between 7th & 8th Ave.)

Mackage and Soia & Kyo:

Canadian labels Mackage has an edgy, urban chic.  Soia & Kyo does super trendy outerwear.  I am planning to check this sale out for a bit of home.

When: Thurs, Dec 13 - Sun, Dec 16, 10am - 7pm (Sun 10am - 5pm)

Where: 530 Fifth Avenue (corner 44th St) NYC 10036

^{Josie Natori:
Josie Natori's beautiful lingerie and ready to wear has beautiful finishes and an Asian aesthetic.  At this sample sale, the prices are amazing, with bras down to $6 and other things marked down to 90% off retail.  Note, no dressing rooms on site, so know your size!}

When: Wednesday, December 12 through Thursday, December 13. Daily 10am—4pm. 
Where:102 Madison Ave between 29th and 30th Sts, third floor

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NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2013

Diane Von Furstenburg's spring 2013 fashion show at Lincoln Center always looks like a celebration of the entire fashion industry.  She is top dog at the CFDA, working hard to promote designers big and small.  

Her multiple decades of success teaches all of us a lesson about branding, design and business.

While knowing that her printed wrap dress is a modern fashion icon, she doesn't feel the need to be stuck on it forever.  This current collection shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week acknowledged the past by showing variations of the future. The wrap skirt gave way to wrap details in skirts or redirected wrap-like necklines in dresses.  Graphic prints were still very important, but so were bold palettes of color blocking and symmetrical patterns. 

Accessories were equally important.  Handbags were color blocked in the same colors as the clothing.  Shapes ranged from structured carryalls to round, oval or odd shaped clutches.  The most innovative accessory this fashion week were the Google glasses many of the models and designer wore. In a twist on those of us in the photographer's pit, the models and designer were filming us from the other side of the runway.  To watch the Google Glass Fashion documentary, click here.

Vive la DVF!

Photos by David TW Leung

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Salvador Dali and Surrealist Fashion

Fashion has always been synonymous with art.  The recent Prada and Schiaparelli exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum reminded everyone of my favorite artistic fashion movements, surrealism.  My favorite surrealist artist growing up was Salvador Dali.  I was clearly not alone as a fashion designer influenced by his unique vision. 

Elsa Schiaparelli was famous for her collaborations with Dali.  Her famous shoe hat was inspired by a photograph the artist took of slippers balanced on his wife’s head.

His painting, The Dream Places A Hand on a Man's Shoulder and Three Young Surrealist Women Holding in Their Arms the Skins of an Orchestra depicts female figures, much like fashion mannequins adorned with rips and tears.  A trompe l’oeil print of tears is combined with actual torn fabric in the artist’s collaboration with Schiaparelli for a dress that imitates art in 1938.

 Designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada has staged some truly surrealist fashion shows.  This dress of drawers from her Fall 2009 show clearly has its roots in Salvador Dali’s The Burning Giraffe.

Diane Von Furstenburg is the go-to label for many chic women.  Much of the appeal is that it flatters most people and practical for most demographics. Yet, Von Furstenburg’s spring advertising campaign pays homage to one of Salvador Dali’s most bizarre paintings, the Atavistic Vestiges after the Rain.  The surrealist backdrop complements the graphic print of the model’s outfit while creating a striking image.  This campaign proves how fashion designers can take inspiration from the most wild of sources and succeed in making it commercial. 

Now I would love to challenge designers to step it up and see if they work with Dali in a new way… Melting watches off a model’s arm?  Waxed moustache makeover? Some surrealist images start to make sense after a few Stoli cocktails, let’s see what they do on a catwalk…

“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.” 
― Salvador Dalí

Have a talented artist, designer, musician you want to share?  Nominate them!   The search for the most original people in art, music, and fashion.
Submit your work or nominate someone at www.orgnl.tv

Museum photo by Mariana Leung, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada FW09 from awwwards, Dali images from the museum , DVF advertising from DVF

Sponsored by Stoli

Savor Stoli Responsibly. STOLICHNAYA® Premium Vodka. 40% Alc/Vol. Distilled from grain. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. © 2012 Spirits International, B.V

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Hot Flavors of Summer Fashion

 Memorial Day is coming up, so you had better be ready with your summer style!  I'm looking forward to warm weather cocktails and bright breezy frocks!  The top shades this year seem the align perfectly with the top flavors this season...

Tangerine Tango was named Pantone's color of the year.  Designers Vivienne Tam, Carlos Miele and Derek Lam certainly knew that.  They worked the color into elegant and flirty frocks perfect for a garden party or Hamptons gala...The perfect accessory?  How about a Citrus Squeeze?  Recipe here.

 Remember having a lemonade stand when you were a child?  It was my first foray into entrepreneurship.  You can give the ultimate summer beverage a nice upgrade by making a Pucker vodka-infused Lemonade Lust.   Dress for success with a printed dress from Diane Von Furstenburg, jewelry from Lulu Frost, or swish gown from Cesar Galindo!

Throw a Raspberry Rave! There is a flattering shade of berry pink for everyone.  Naeem Khan has a bright shade with a lot of movement in his ruffled skirt.  Theia has multiple colors of pink in his crunchy cocktail frock and Farah Angsana has a deep raspberry concentrate in his dramatic gown.

What flavor flatters you?  Discuss on Facebook. 

Break up with boring vodka! Pucker® Vodka is a premium vodka with unique flavors added that will give you a taste experience that’s as intense as it is unforgettable.  Whether you’re hosting a house party or out on the town, the bold flavors are perfect for sipping, mixing and dancing the night away! http://www.puckervodka.com/

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pucker Vodka via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pucker Vodka.

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SAMPLE SALES! DVF, Theyskens Theory, Proenza Schouler, Carlos Falchi & More...

In NYC:
Diane Von Furstenburg 
She's an icon in her own right.  Current fall stock and samples in all the bold prints you love (along with some furry pieces) are up for grabs.  According to Racked.com and Madison Avenue Spy, the selection is big, though you'll be competing with other fashionistas for it.  Prices are $125 for jackets and dresses, $20 for phone cases, samples are $50, in general, up to 75% off retail.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 16

Tues 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm

WHERE: 260 5th Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

photo via racked.com

Nanette Lepore

A crusader for keeping fashion made in NYC, shopping Nanette Lepore's contemporary sportswear would just be patriotic... Holiday 2011 available just in time for the best parties:

When:Tuesday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 14. Daily 9am—7pm. 

Where: 225 West 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, fourth floor (no phone)

Helmut Lang & Theyskens Theory

Sleek, avant-garde, cosmopolitan.  The uniform of fashion's  uber-cool, Helmut Lang and Olivier Theysken's capsule collection for Theory will be up to 65% off this week.

When:Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18. Thurs noon—8pm, Fri 8am—8pm, Sat—Sun 10am—6pm. 

Where: 139 Fifth Ave between 20th and 21sts Sts, second floor (212-398-2777)

Proenza Schouler
One of the fastest rising designer duos this century, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez were an instant hit with models and hipsters everywhere.  Look for goodies up to 75% off:
When: Saturday, December 17, 9am—9pm. 
Where: 495 Broadway between Spring and Broome Sts, 3rd Floor


Carlos Falchi
Covetable handbags in exotic skins and leathers.  They're usually too prohibitive for me, but now that there is a sample sale of 40% - 70% off, watch out... Bring this flyer for entry.
When: Thursday, December 15 through Friday, December 16. Daily 9am—4pm. 
Where: 1450 Broadway between 40th and 41st Sts, suite 802


Zang Toi:
Have a truly glam soiree to attend this season?  You can't get more elegant than Zang Toi.  Ballgowns, the richest fabrics, these are the pieces you dream of...
When: December 13th - December 14th
Where: 30 West 57th Street, 7th Floor


 

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NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2012

 The iconic designer and head of CFDA, Diane Von Furstenburg presented one of the most talked about fashion shows so far.  She sent lots of brightly printed large florals down the runway. The designer also showed sold separates in beige, lemon yellow and pops of turquoise blue.  The prettiest pieces were the shimmering pastel day to evening looks.  There was a iridescent print used in 1960's silhouette dresses, embroidered sweaters, tops and sheaths.  The rolled neck on many looks were also quite retro.

The beauty styling was reminiscent of vintage Hitchcock leading ladies with elegant bouffant hair and ladylike pink lips.

Handbags were multiple variations of the envelope clutch.  Some were solid, some were color-blocked.  A few were produced to match the prints of the clothes. 

Fabulous four, Rachel Zoe, husband Rodger Berman, PR maven Lorenzo Martone, model

In a touching finale, Diane Von Furstenburg acknowledged the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by handing out American flags to guests along the runway.  I love the hug and kiss she gave designer Valentino when she saw him (below).

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Happy Easter! A Special Greeting from Anna Wintour, Karl, John Galliano, Diane and Andre

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Have a beautiful bunny day!  The team at Ms. FABulous

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CFDA's Celebrity Fashion Auction for Japan

Have you shopped or donated to help Japan?  If now, a huge score of top designers and fashion-related celebrities have put together experiences for auctions to help the tsunami victims.  

If you love NY Fashion week, you can bid on front-row tickets and meet & greets with almost every designer involved.  Some designers have donated very intimate experiences, like a paradise vacation at Diane Von Furstenburg's Harbor Island home (in addition to a shopping spree).  You can shop the Olsen Twin's collections right in their studio aided by Mary Kate and Ashley personally.  You and your friends could lunch with Project Runway's Tim Gunn or attend Elton John's Academy Awards Party.  

If you are stylishly inclined, you will find at least one of the 100 auctions to tickle your sartorial bone.  Bid at CharityBuzz today!

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Shop to Help Japan - Designers Save For Tsunami

In times of need, the fashion community gets together to help those who require it most.  Designers and retailers across the board have banded together to produce fundraising events.  Others have donated product for sale with the proceeds going to Tsunami victims like H & M and Uniqlo.  Shopping sites like Ideeli and Gilt have created portals to donate directly.

United Bamboo, Philip Lim body held sample sales to raise aid money.  Theory set up drop boxes for direct donations of items.

If you want to shop for a cause, some designers created a specially-designed product to help. Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 of each red handbag sold to the Red Cross.  Polo Ralph Lauren is selling a special edition polo where the proceeds will benefit the United Way.  Lady Gaga's website is selling "We Pray for  Japan" wristbands.

The BIG shopping event is coming up from Fashion Girls for Japan.  Over 60 NY designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Alice + Olivia, Derek Lam, Richard Chai, Diane Von Furstenburg (just to name a few) will have rolling racks of goodies to be sold to benefit the American Red Cross.  The event takes places this Saturday and Sunday at the Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery Street, NYC).

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Strut the Sidewalk Catwalk on Broadway

A lot of attention has been paid by the media in saving New York's Garment Center. Local Organizations like Save the Garment Center, the CFDA and Made In Midtown have been fighting to keep New York’s fashion industry intact with local manufacturers.

This week through the September 3rd, New York designers are taking this fight to the streets. The pedestrian-friendly parts of Broadway between 35th street and 42nd street will be home to the Sidewalk Catwalk.

Thirty top American designers and student teams have created original mannequins attired in a signature look. The lineup includes icons like Diane Von Furstenburg, Isaac Mizrahi and Donna Karan. New guard designers, Prabal Garung and Jason Wu are represented as well. Many of these designers, like Nanette Lepore manufacture their clothing in New York as a vital part of their business.

In addition to the exhibit, the original artwork for the mannequins is being auctioned to benefit Materials For the Arts. The organization donates supplies and support for arts programs in schools.

Care to take home a piece of garment center history? Bid here.

Sidewalk Catwalk

Click for Full Slideshow Photos by Adam Weinstein

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Red, White & Blue at the Met Gala

Monday night saw the glamorous and the patriotic grace the red carpet of the Met Gala. The Costume Institute's event brought out the top designers, socialites and celebrities to the museum in honor of the American Woman exhibit.
While the gentlemen overwhelmingly chose a classic tuxedo, the ladies on the other hand, showed the love of their country in American designers.

In Red:

Kerry Washington in Thakoon, Camilla Bell in (and with) Jason Wu

In White:

Gwen Stefani in L.A.M.B.(and hubby Gavin Rossdale), Donna Karan in Donna Karan.

In Blue:

Blake Lively in Marchesa. Oprah Winfrey in (and with) Oscar de la Renta.

Star Spangled:

Diane Von Furstenburg and Eva Longoria Parker in DVF.

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