Chic Obsession: Lanvin for H&M

So we're in a new style era. The moment Jean Paul Gautier collaborated with Target it was confirmed. Its an era where high end fashion houses produces capsule collections for retailers so that everyone has access to that glamourous life. Mathew Williamson and Jimmy Choo haved definitely paved the way for everyone's favorite LANVIN; well by now you should know that the designs are out, the full collection. It's everywhere on the web, you cant miss it! With that being said I'm sure you'd agree that the entire collection is GENIUS, every single piece. The Chic Notebook has a few favorites we'd like to share with you... See you at  H&M on the 20th!

What are your favorite pieces? We also love the accessories from this line.

Rachel Roy Octopus Ring

In case you're wondering why The Chic Report loves Rachel Roy so much then this should answer your question. This week my overwelming obsession with one of a kind rings continues. I praise the Rachel Roy collections season after season merely because her work carries a flirtacious edge pushing fashion boudaries to create the most impeccable pieces. Ladies! When I saw this Octopus cocktail glam ring I immediately fell in love. Sparkles, Pearls... a definate summer must have.

Chic Pick: "Signature" by Sue Tsai Rings

There's nothing like spotting a vintage inspired cocktail ring that's really hard to find drawing countless compliments. Thats how exclusive I try to shop for rings because if you're an avid reader of this blog you would know that this accessory holds a special place in my heart. No seriously... Not too long ago The Chic Report featured an amazingly talented jewelry designer Sue Tsai where she introduced her new collection "Signature" by Sue Tsai. Well her new line launched on May 4th (Im still so sad about not attending to cover the launch party) and the line is readily available. As I looked through the pics of her new collection I was blown away by the pieces. The rings stole my heart as per usual. These are a few pieces (amongst MANY) that I would like to own almost immediately.

NIGEL THE DRAGON
Price: $210.00

DANIELLE
Price: $165.00

HEIDI
Price: $80.00

HEATHER
Price: $120.00


Click the link in the "linkwithin" below to view interview. Also check out her jewelry at http://www.suetsaidesigns.com/.

DESIGNER $1 SALE

U heard right!!! Designer Sale $1. Make sure you RSVP BEFORE April 11th!

INTERVIEW: JEWELRY DESIGNER SUE TSAI

(Wide Gold Cuff with Leaf Imprints)

One doesn't expect too much from a young entrepreneur who has a pocket full of aspirations, determination and drive but jewelry designer Sue Tsai is about to give us a definite reality check. I'm always inspired by any woman who can sing every word of " Independent Woman" like it was a personal letter from them to Destiny's Child. I embrace everything in the name of talent and enthusiasm this is why its a pleasure to feature Jewelry Designer Sue Tsai on The Chic Report. Not only does MTV reality stars and footwear designers Vanessa and Angela Simmons love wearing her jewelry (check TEENVOGUE March 2010 issue "Style Blogger"pg 80), she's sponsors events (including Vanessa Simmons birthday party) and has been selected to participate in the Emmy gift bagging suite. Congrats! Tsai has combined her love for fashion and a handfull of tremendous talent to create an exceedingly fabulous line and will soon release an exclusive high end collection "Signature" by Sue Tsai. Her jewelry line offers pieces in a wide selection of flirty accessories everything from bands, bows, beads and crystals adds edge and exudes girlish elegance. As determined and talented as she is, Sue Tsai will undoubtedly continue flourishing in her spotlight not only as a designer but as inspiration for the up and coming young professionals. Read her interview with The Chic Report below...

These are the black bands in which first started Sue Tsai Designs and became widely popular. They come in almost every color and combination and people mix and match them to create a set of bangles. They are 14k gold filled with swarovski crystal, gold beads & charms, and have a rubber tubing over memory wire. They are flexible.

Vanessa Simmons wearing her own mixed match set of Black Bands out in LA.


This is a set called Bamboo Vermeil Bangles.

These are large crystal beaded bracelets that tie together with an oversized bow that come in 3 different color combinations.

One of a kind Rose Ring, hand-made, 14k gold and swarovski crystal with a coral cut rose

The Chic Report: Who is Sue Tsai?

The world will soon find out :)

The Chic Report: What inspired you to start your own business?
Sue Tsai: From a young age I've always been exposed to art as both of my parents are designers. Designing is something that I want to do for the rest of my life and in order to do that I have to make money doing it. I love fashion and I've always made jewelry and clothes for myself. I took the next step and want to share that with everyone else. That's why I started my line.


The Chic Report: You've worked with designers/reality stars Vanessa and Angela
Simmons, are there any other celebrities that you would like to wear
your pieces?

Sue Tsai: I really love Rihanna and Keri Hilson's style. Look out for them to be wearing the pieces soon. But I dont want only celebrities to wear my pieces, its for everybody. I wish everyone could be my personal accessory barbie and I could just decorate them from head to arm in my stuff! haha

The Chic Reporter: Did you face any hurdles while building your brand and how were you able to overcome them?

Sue Tsai: As with accomplishing anything in life, there are going to be hurdles. I feel like you don't deserve your accomplishments unless you worked hard to get there and your perseverance has been tested. Honestly, most of my hurdles have been more mental than physical. All of the finance, labor, and time hurdles I've faced are nothing to me, they're just a part of the plan. As much as I hate to say it, the worst is dealing with haters; people who cant stand to see someone else on their way to success and constantly try to bring them down. But you know what, they're not really hurdles, more like stepping stones. Gotta step on them to climb to the top. Ha

The Chic Report: True...So tell us how do you perfect your craft as a designer? For instance, did you go to school for accessory design?

Sue Tsai: I actually went to school for marketing not design. A lot of my technical skills I've picked up from my parents. I believe that design and creativity is not something that can be taught, only technicalities. I decided to study marketing because I believed that was going to be the most applicable major for my business. I had no problems designing and making the jewelry, I just had to learn how to sell it.

The Chic Report: Just by reading your tweets I see that you travel alot, what does
your working day / week look like?

Sue Tsai: I'm usually away on the weekends for trade shows. In the past 3 months I've done shows in LA, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Sarasota, and Philadelphia. During the week I'm in the studio making new pieces or in the office shipping out orders. I think I spend more time in the air than on the ground though. You wouldn't believe my frequent flyer mileage.


The Chic Report: Without giving away too much, what other projects are you currently working on?
Sue Tsai: I just recently finished designing a jewelry line for a popular clothing line. I can't tell you which one until it comes out, so I guess you're going to have to wait and see. Rite now, I'm working on my new high end line. These pieces are all one of a kind and less commercial. I've always been making them for individual custom orders but I want to be able to sell them while keeping them exclusive. I'm really excited about this line, its called Signature by Sue Tsai and the only person who's seen the pieces are my mom haha. I'm having the launch event early May, so be on the look out.

The Chic Report: Where do you see your business Sue Tsai Designs in the next 5 years?
Sue Tsai: I'm going to take over the world. (evil laugh)


The Chic Report: Lol, So where can interested readers find out more about your business Sue Tsai Designs?
Sue Tsai: They can check out my website www.SueTsaiDesigns.com or read more about me at www.SueTsai.com. I tweet a lot so if they want to get to know me on a more personal basis they can follow me on twitter at @SueTsai (parental discretion advised ha)

The ChicReport: Congrats with the success of your line and keep up the great work.
Sue Tsai: Thank you so much, I appreciate it. Hope both of us can continue to work together on our journey to the top.

Definately... Thank You for your time!

http://www.suetsaidesigns.com/

www.twitter.com/SueTsai

Hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I did...dont forget to comment!

Deola Sagoe Designer Exhibiton

Not everyone who shares some sort of interest in the fashion industry recieves invites to designer shows at the tents. I mean ofcourse, thats understood this is why it mentains its value but I'm sure designers would love for everyone to see their collections especially the up and coming. Arise Magazine is an African publiction hosting shows for upcoming as well as established african/african American designers during New York Fashion Week. Last week Saturday three up-and-coming African brands, Black Coffee, Deola Sagoe and Loin Cloth and Ashes took Byrant Park by storm showing off their creative cultural achievements in such a global setting. I remembered last year Fall 2009 shows ARISE was my first show at the tents and my first time ever being backstage and all of a sudden I look to my left and Grace Jones (yes...the Grace Jones) was standing next to me. #faints. This is where I fell in love with African designers and went back to work their show for the Spring 2010 collections where I met and saw some amazing people. I was disappointed however this time around because I thought Niomi Campell's Fashion for Releit: Haiti was scheduled at the time time as ARISE. (#dont ask..lol)

I recieved an invite from Deola Sagoe's PR people to come in to LOFT on 5th to view the collection during the exhibition and I immediately grabbed the oppurtunity. The sole purpose of the exhibition was so that people who didnot make it to the show could have a chance to view the collection up close and have a chance to meet the designer herself.  I fell in love with a few pieces from the collection especially its metalic and lace flourishes, embroided slim pants, statement shoulders and embroided appliques. Nigeran designer Deola Sagoe may have made her Mercedez Benz Fashion Week debut on Saturday but this creative genius holds quite a resume. With numerous awards, nominations and appointings including one by Andre Leon Talley of US VOGUE (read http://www.deolasagoedesign.com/ for bio) Deola Sagoe is proving herself as one of the Africa's top designers and have previously showcased on the runway her collection along side world renowned fashion houses such as Chanel Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren. (thats huge) Here's a look at the pieces from the exhibition ...

I absolutely adore these pieces. The details are top notch! What do you think? For more of Deola Sagoe click the link above to view her official website.
(Excuse a few of my pics...took them with my personal camera)

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010 Betsey Johnson

Whats a comeback on a straw runway??? You call it pushing the envelope but the fashion savvy calls it Betsey Johnson. She made her comeback to the tents this Fall and definitely didn't disappoint the mass... Betsey's inspiration behind the collection and her runway decor is self explanatory, take a look...

What do you think about the collection? More NYFW updates coming up!

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010 Custo Barcelona

Hi fam, can't believe we're already on Day5 of New York Fashion Week. WOW! I must say that the best thing with working backstage at shows (for writers/bloggers) is that you get to feel and see the garments before they hit the runway, that way its much better to give an acturate review compared to sitting front row. (FYI...I still envy all the editors, press, celebs and stylist gracing front row seats lol). So yesterday evening the Custo Barcelona label took Bryant Park by storm, cute models and perfect stylish fall ensembles with an arcade of international celebrities. What I really loved about the collection was that everything had color, bold prints, furs and embellished fabrics were key staples. A few looks were edged with bold geometrics and fur lined boots. The backstage Maybelline crew did a perfect job with hair and makeup so soft and effortless as the models prepared for first looks. The Custo Barcelona model crew was young and diversed so they definately brought fun to the runway. These are a few looks from lastnight's show.....

Great stuff... Its another Fashion Day and duty calls so I'm on my way to Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Show!

Fashion Week Review: DAY 1

I cannot begin this post without acknowledging the lost of one of Fashion's most greatest icons Alexander McQueen. Died at age 40 at the height of his career will be remembered for his artisitic thematic statements made on runways, billboards, magazines and on the skin of the world's greatest celebrities. R.I.P Alexander and thank you for paving the way and bringing us nothing but ART for the past seasons. We love you Lee McQueen. The news of his passing definately left a dark cloud on the first day of New York's Fashion Week.

Hey Readers! I know I am so late with my fashion week reviews now that we're on day 3 of one of the most fabulous seasons in NYC. #NYFW !!! Well I've been super exhausted running around the By rant park tents and off site locations doing my freelance stuff with hardly anytime to sleep. But its NEVER too late to give you fashionable news now isnt it?

If you follow fashion and is familiar with the scheduling then BCBG is always on of the first designers to show at the tents. Its always exciting to see whats new on the runway and as usual BCBG Max Azria didn't let us down. Draping and light layering in light silhouettes clinched with an elastic belt was the highlight trend on the runway. Strong hues of black, white and grey elevated by 6 inch platforms made the show a great success!

Fall/ Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week

The season of fashionable fun and madness is finally here and while the V.I.P's of the industry are pulling looks from their closet and dusting off their loubi's (louboutins) to get ready for the events, design teams and their PR people are working hard getting their lists and last minute alterations together . For those of you who do not know what New York Fashion Week means to the style savvy then you must be living under a rock and need to get in the know NOW! Fashion Week is an INVITE ONLY event where designers showcase their latest collections in front of buyers, press, stylists and celebrities. It is not open to the public nor is it a ticketed event and apart from runway shows and presentations there are celeb studded industry parties and networking events all over New York City. This is my third season at Fashion Week and I'm a few seasons in, of following this fabulous event. I'm excited to see so many new designers debut and the return of the greats. Magazines, blogs, newspapers and other press outlets are on the stand by for reviewing runway looks and designs were so cordial this season by releasing sketches and their inspirations for the coming collections. My favorite designers during Fashion Week are too numerous to mention because they all bring something different to the industry and never seem to disappoint the style savvy. I'm especially excited for Marc Jacobs, Altrazara, Anna Sui, Issac Mizrahi, Phillip Lim as well as the fun brand like Tracy Resse, Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller and BCBG. Here are a few sketches and inspirations for the upcoming collections, these few days ahead are promised to be exciting...

Max Azria

G-Star




DKNY - Donna Karan New York


PORTS 1961

Tracy Reese

An eclectic mix of urban and rural style makes for a very modern yet infinitely wearable fall 2010 collection. Rustic Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by cosmetic toned lingerie and made cozy by soft alpaca sweaters.” –Tracy Reese, (Designer)

Rebecca Taylor

"The fall 2010 collection was inspired by a mixture of 70's Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl. With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs. The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold. Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality ".

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller is definately stepping out of her comfort zone with A line dresses and venturing into more male inspired chic ensembles this season. Love it...

Eli Tahari

"My fall 2010 collection is homage to the great women who traveled the globe in style." – Designer, Elie Tahari

Milly

“For my fall collection, the artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank are my inspiration, in a combination of luxe fabrics, clever techniques and cool attitude.” – Michelle Smith, Designer

This is my third season at Fashion Week and although I am not doing press coverage, I will however be doing front and back of house assignments and red carpet. My mission for Spring 2010/2011 collections (hopefully in Lincoln center) is to cover a few shows for Chic Report. Who knows I may be sitting front row one day. :-)