Duckie Brown

When the first model turned the corner at Duckie Brown, it was clear that designers Steven Cox and Daniel Silver were up to something. Present were the usual immaculate manoeuvrings of fabrics like tweed and wool; and the ”bespoke” elements that turn a sweater into a chic straightjacket and a pair of pants into much-improved harem trousers. I say bespoke here because Duckie Brown has a specific client, and they want that specificity from Duckie Brown. What was new was the unmistakable minimalism: muted tones, almost no accessories. But as we said before, we like less, a lot.

[Images via Kaci Hamilton]

W Hotels Global Glam

For a hotel group synonymous with inimitable style, and locations on just about every continent, it was only a matter of time before W Hotels translated that combination into a global fashion melting pot. For the second time, W presented its Global Glam collection, a gathering of some of the hottest international designers, curated by fashion authority and W Hotels Worldwide Global Fashion Director, Amanda Ross. This year’s presentation featured Mara Hoffman, Eugenia Kim, Paolo Hernandez, Andrea Possé, Shaesby, Twinkle by Wenlan, Catherine Nicole, Fernanda Sibilia, Myne, Contego, iLuck, and Deepa Gurnani. The folks at W had the idea that instead of just having a lounge backstage, they could get closer to the public, with a display of tastes from around the world. Now that’s the kind of thinking we can get behind.

[Images via Allprojectrunway.blogspot.com]

Irina Shabayeva

Since winning Season 6 of Project Runway, Irina Shabayeva has continued to show the world that she is still that force to be reckoned with. Fall 2011 was all about lux contrasts, and embodied a statement Irina herself made: “For me, designing is an expression of who I am as a woman.” On-point minidresses were paired with chunky knits (very reminiscent of her winning look from the Michael Kors “Aspen Challenge”), ballooning gowns were amped up with crystal beading, and laser cut chrysanthemum petal appliqué and cut outs conjured thoughts of her PR alum Christian Siriano. It seems the Irina Shabayeva woman is a lot like the designer herself: focused, self-assured and, of course, chic.

[Images via Style.com]

Buckler

No offense Lincoln Center, we love the tents and all, but when Andrew Buckler blocked off his stretch of Grand St to create his Fall 2011 runway, we knew that’s where the action was. The gesture was just another step in Buckler’s homage to urban street art and the artists who create it. The collection was about the refined ruggedness of the craft, of the anonymity that comes with being a street artist, and a revamping of utilitarian staples – overalls, parkas, cargo pants. These are pieces that express individuality, simplicity, and a willingness to evolve, much like their inspiration.

-Kaci Hamilton

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Even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel, W Hotels The Store is definitely a shopping destination worthy of a trip! We recently went to an event for W Hotels the Store, and discovered that the shop features a mixture of (mostly) reasonably priced gifts, clothing, jewelry, fashion accessories, handbags, shoes, beauty products, home supplies, and other unique items. It’s a complete 180 from the traditional hotel gift shop; many of the trendy products are unique and limited edition.

Some of our favorite gift giving ideas? The Rubiks Pepper Mill ($17), a pepper mill in the shape of a Rubiks Cube; high-end, aesthetically pleasing office supplies by Neo-Utility (each individual item priced at $39); and a leather bangle by House of Harlow ($95).

In addition, the store recently launched “Global Glam,” a limited edition designer collection inspired by five of the W’s new hotel locations: South Beach, Hong Kong, Santiago, downtown NYC, and Istanbul.

The hotel hopes that this new feature will begin and continue to “align the brand with the world of fashion in an authentic and innovative way.” And I can’t see the idea failing, especially when you consider some of the designers who have already collaborated on the Global Glam collections: Foley + Corinna, Lauren Merkin, Rachel Leigh, Wink, and Susan Daniels are just some of the big names who have created pieces exclusive to W Hotels The Store.

Currently, 16 W hotels feature W Hotels The Store, including: multiple Chicago and New York locations, Dallas, San Diego, Mexico City, Atlanta, Hong Kong, South Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Many items available for in-store purchase can also be found online.

-Sarah Nason

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