FPD got the opportunity to attend TEEN VOGUE’s Fashion University, the exclusive weekend-long event (October 21-23) which was designed for the fashion-focused leaders of tomorrow. What a great opportunity to take part in — how many people get to sit in on personal seminars with Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler? Here’s a recap of the event’s curriculum, broken into classes, or panels, that we attended, courtesy of TEEN VOGUE.

MICHAEL KORS: THE AMERICAN ICON

“I was incredibly, insanely fashion obsessed!” Michael began. Impatient to get going, Kors did what he could to see it all, read it all. He literally consumed the industry in the way it consumed him, joking about his valiant efforts at getting Italian Vogue delivered to New York City.

As a young student, Kors held on to the aesthetic he felt so strongly about; a chic woman semi-undone.  Still, he felt ready – ready to enter the world and figure out the puzzle of getting dressed for so many. Finally came his big break: while working at a local store, the owners asked if he would re-design last season’s jeans. In fashion terms, they were out. But, what was in? It was evident Kors knew what women wanted – (“I love women,” he told the audience earlier) – and the store owners took advantage of that.  Soon enough, it became his “thing” as he would do it all himself; he designed, worked, and made window displays… and it all paid off. Bergdorf Goodman’s Fashion Director approached Kors after seeing his window display. That very night he sketched out his collection to bring to them. They loved it, and the rest is history.

For Kors, the key to his success

is having access to the “real woman”. After all, she is the customer willing to place her card on the counter and make the purchase. Additionally, Kors advised maintaining a strong focus. There is no sense in trying to please everyone, in being everything to everyone. Clothing is transformative, but he is not looking to design a revolution. For Kors, clothing is about feeling good in the most familiar pieces. The iconic, yet casual American designer (sporting New Balance sneakers and jeans) stated that his work is “never done”. As he so aptly put it, “You really are only as good as your last collection.”

ALEXANDER WANG: THE STREET KING

Next on the theater’s stage was the incredibly accomplished, yet admirably humble Alexander Wang. At the ripe age of 27, he has achieved distinction and cool sophistication, an aesthetic that is his signature. A native San Franciscan, Wang’s story is a rare example of strong work ethic, entrepreneurship and modesty.

Wang knew New York was the place to start. With that, he made his move to Parsons. However, the classroom simply didn’t provoke Wang enough. His style of learning was rather unique in that he felt challenged outside of school, mainly at his four internships.

Recognizing a disconnect between clothing’s price tag and actual value, Wang wanted to change that. His first line was a small compilation of six pieces of knitwear. The idea was “unisex,” “oversized,” and it “evoked a certain mood.” Playing with sexuality, yet maintaining a sense of ease was a new and fun challenge in Wang’s fashion. He sold these sweaters to consignment shops. With nothing to lose, he kept pushing forward. It turns out people were interested, very, very interested.

Today’s Alexander Wang girl is “cool,” to put it simply. He wants to articulate and streamline this view as he grows to understand his customer more. What’s most fascinating about Wang is his intense involvement in his brand, the business, the production, the packaging, the e-commerce, etc. There is no aspect or department that he is not involved with. Like today’s educated customer, Wang knows that the idea, product, and price need to be transparent. Buying the clothing and loving the clothing are an experience.

As for being called “The Street King?”

“Well, everyone walks on the street, so I guess that’s a good thing,” Wang joked. A soft-spoken, slight individual, Wang permeates his own sincerity. His black sweatshirt and sneakers, his ruffled long black hair, and his lovable nervousness on stage brought us all back down to earth. “Don’t let anyone ever say that you can’t do it,” he declared.

PROENZA SCHOULER: THE DYNAMIC DUO

The last “course” I attended was Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, admitting that they shouldn’t have gone out so late last night. College buddies and collaborators, these two guys possess low-key, easygoing personalities which speak nothing to their driven ways and distinctive point of view in the industry. Two minds with one coherent vision, Jack and Lazaro (it only feels right to refer to them by first name) stand out in a slew of young New York designers.

As two students at Parsons, Jack and Lazaro did their homework together. They worked together, hung out together, and suddenly their two points of view became one. At the time, no one had worked on a senior thesis collaboratively. However, these guys knew what they wanted and approached their teacher, the well-known Tim Gunn of Project Runway. Barney’s bought the collection, and that was just the beginning.

Together, they were forced into starting their own thing. Still today, their creative process begins with the “cultural climate of the moment.” Following, a “dialogue” is constructed around what feels relevant. If it’s not fun creatively, for them it merely isn’t worth it.

Both designers agree that they are attracted to things that are different. It’s essential to start with an idea, but one must “make noise” with something new and different. The business aspect of the industry is still rather new for the pair (Andrew Rosen of Theory just invested in the company). Laz came clean admitting that the pure designer, ie: himself, is not always the best businessperson. Nonetheless, it’s an all- consuming job.

Who exactly is the Proenza girl? According to Jack and Lazaro, she wears it all. She is modern because she can mix the high and the low.

What about accessories? After all, so many covet the PS1 bag, myself included. Accessories are an opportunity to reach a broader audience being that they come in at a slightly more affordable price point. Laughing they proclaim, the beauty of bags is that one size fits all. I don’t know what I want more, a Proenza bag or a chance to just hang with the duo themselves?!

I left the FashionU seminars enlightened and inspired and encourage all of you to relive the Hudson Theatre seminars at fashionu.fora.tv. It’s clear that the grand momentum put forth isn’t just into the creative work, but also the principal business aspects. Fashion will continue to blur the boundaries of real life and work as it continues to define who we are as individuals and as a society.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Held annually in New York City, Teen Vogue Fashion University is a on- of-a-kind educational program where fashion is taught by those who know it best. This exclusive event is available for 500 women who aspire to a career in the fashion industry.  Women can attend seminars the seminars paneled by designers, editors, and fashion entrepreneurs to learn about the multi-faceted and exhilarating business of fashion.

This year’s Fashion University includes program participants Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Whitney Port, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Minkhoff, Jason Wu and Betsey Johnson to name a few. Teen Vogue provides the industry’s young hopefuls with a unique edge, as those who attend are also welcome to interview seminar participants, a truly invaluable experience. The goal is to not only teach, but to inspire the new generation of fashion fanatics.

Moreover, for those who cannot make it to the live event, Fashion University can be experienced online for the first time! Viewers can watch the top six seminars as they happen live from Hudson Theater in NYC on October 22nd.

Registration is now open at fashionu.fora.tv for an early registration cost of $24.95 before Oct. 15th and $34.95 starting Oct. 16th. This year’s curriculum and more information can be found out at teenvoguefashionuniversity.com. Also, be sure to look for FashionU. on Facebook and Twitter. Get started with your fashion future now! Stay tuned for our coverage from the event.

Now, if only more schools were like this…

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Images via Michael Kors]

Michael Kors states, “something that is here to stay in the jewelry world is the idea of modern sculptural jewelry.” After viewing his brand new Fall 2011 jewelry collection, I would have to agree! Offering women’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, Michael Kors will further his partnership with Fossil, initiated during the fall 2004 launch of the Michael Kors watch line. The new line entails chain details and mixed textures, such as, leather with python and leather or tortoise mixed with hardware to give a “rock and roll equestrian attitude.” Describing “accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit,” Michael Kors notes that he can “deliver the full spectrum of the Michael Kors vision for a truly fabulous look.”

Beginning in August, you will be able to feel chic and beautiful in the newest luxury jewelry line, ranging from $100-$500. The collection will be available in select Michael Kors boutiques worldwide, as well as, sold through limited domestic and European wholesale partners.

Please also view the  video narrated by Michael Kors to introduce the newest jewelry collection!

- Ambika Makin

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From our friends at thefind.com:

I must confess that I have no clue what Anorak means. So I did some research. According to Wikipedia, it means “heavy jacket with a hood” and was originally made from seal or caribou, had a fur lining, and continuously coated with fish-oil for optimum water-resistance. Umm, okay – ew.  Now, setting historical facts aside, I must confess that lately I have been obsessing over an Anorak Jacket. Of course, not the pre-historic caribou or seal kind. Again – ew. I’ve been coveting a perfectly olive green, drawstring waist, supple soft, and sturdy Anorak Jacket that will stylishly shield me from the water, wind, and chilly of the current weather conditions here in San Francisco.  After all, they are so easy to wear. Throw them on with tights and rain boots and skinny jeans. They are even available in different sleeve lengths and fabrics to ensure that there is an Anorak jacket that is ideal for any given style and any season.

Now, I say that I still covet one not because I can’t pick just one. Which one would you pick?  Let me know in the comments below!

Plastic Islands Women Tactics Anorak Jacket, MICHAEL Michael Kors Women’s 4 Pocket Anorak, or the Ali Ro Anorak Jacket in Bay Leaf. Ali Ro also has an Anorak Jacket with ruffles, too. How cute is that?

- Mira Torres

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set iPad Case, $129.95 (black patent, natural python, gold pebble, gunmetal) Available at the Apple Store and in select Apple Retail stores, Michael Kors stores and michaelkors.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for all iPhones, $79.95 (black patent, natural python, gold pebble)
Available at the Apple Store and in select Apple Retail stores, Michael Kors stores and michaelkors.com

LUXE City Guides

Available for iPhone or Blackberry, these major city guide apps include international destinations such as Bali, Tokyo, New York, and and can be purchased via the iTunes store for $5.99 each. I tested out the Florence edition, and although I feel like I knew a lot about my favorite Italian city, I learned about new tourist attractions, stores, and restaurants that I’ll have to add to my list the next time I’m there!

ASUS U43 Bamboo Laptop

Kenneth Cole Digital Watches (prices vary, $125-$178)

[Picture via Style.com]

Womenswear Designer of the Year Marc Jacobs

Menswear Designer of the Year Rag & Bone

Accessory Designer of the Year Alexis Bittar

Board of Directors Special Tribute Alexander McQueen

Swarovski Award for Womenswear Jason Wu

Swarovski Award for Menswear Richard Chai

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design Alexander Wang

International Award Christopher Bailey for Burberry

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award Michael Kors

Eugenia Sheppard Award Paper’s Kim Hastreiter

Eleanor Lambert Award Vogue’s Tonne Goodman

L’Oréal Popular Vote Award Ralph Lauren

-Claire Schmidt

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Via our friends at The Budget Fashionista:

What: Fashion designer and Project Runway fav Michael Kors has a new project in the works. The man who’s known for creating chic and luxurious clothing is partnering with Estée Lauder to create an affordable line of cosmetics. Called the Estée Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Color Collection, the new line will reportedly feature two color-palates based on Kors’ most recent runway lineup. It is set to debut at department store makeup counters in January.

What Allure Says:
“‘Bel Air Beige’ is warm, with shimmery peaches for cheeks and lips, beige and chocolate for the eyes, and an opaque beige nail polish. ‘Rodeo Pink’ focuses on that color, at least for lips, cheeks, and nails; the black-and-white shadow duo works for sultry smoky eyes. There’s also a loose shimmer powder in pearly pink for the signature Kors glow.”

What We Say: For years, Michael Kors has been known as the go-to designer for chic clothing that’s inspired by worldwide vacation destinations—from St. Tropez to St. Barths. While we certainly won’t be making any trips to those exotic locales this winter, it’s nice to know we’ll be able to get products to give us the same faux “glow.” While we’re not sure how much makeup expertise Kors has, per se, we’ll go ahead and assume that Estée Lauder’s own experts helped him along the way in picking out the perfect shades.

Will you check out this new collaboration?

Zipper detailed accessories add an edgy dose of ’80s punk to handbags and shoes this season. Add a slash of Sid Vicious inspiration with this fun trend for summer. Look for zippers that add an embellishment that is not purely functional. The zipper frill sandal by Pour la Victoire’s zipper “flower” is pure over-the-top whimsy. We also love the bold zippers and crystal zipper pulls by Christian Louboutin. Wear these zipper accessories with a pair of destroyed jeans and oversized Alexander Wang tank.

Featured from upper left clockwise:
- Christian Louboutin Zip-Detail Clutch, $1,295.00 at Neiman Marcus
- CC SKYE The Skye Bag Black, $699.00 at Zappos.com
- Zipper Frill Sandal by Pour la Victoire, $198.00 at FreePeople
- Michael Michael Kors “Robertson” Zipper T-Strap Platform Sandals, $150.00 at Lord & Taylor ]]> http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2009/06/10/on-trend-zipper-accessories-add-a-dash-of-punk-inspired-whimsy/feed/ 0 http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2008/11/14/fashion-pulse-stylist-michelle-obama/ http://fashionpulsedaily.com/2008/11/14/fashion-pulse-stylist-michelle-obama/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:29:31 +0000 fashionpulse http://fashionpulse.wordpress.com/?p=1204 ]]>