Last Thursday marked a first of many sorts. For some, it was the unofficial beginning of fashion week, replete with scenesters attempting to juggle several events in one evening (a first for 2010). For model Chanel Iman, the evening was her debut as a bold-faced DJ. For the Rykiel family, it was celebrating the unveiling of their first knitwear line exclusively for H&M.

Celebrities and socials, including Leighton Meester, Kelly Rutherford, Michelle Williams, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Amanda Hearst, and Mark Indelicato, supped on Bobo delicacies and perused the collaboration that marks the first H&M designer series to create looks for both women and girls. In a corner booth of the cozy boite, Nathalie Rykiel explained the inspiration for her line: "I wanted to offer the maximum essence of the Rykiel Parisienne chic in one collection, to all women." Indeed, on February 20th, the signature knits will reach 20 U.S. stores ... Read More

The CFDA has always prided itself on discovering and supporting young and upcoming design talents, but their latest design award program takes this dedication one step further. The Liz Claiborne Fashion Scholarship program, made possible by the generous donation of the late designer's husband and business partner, Art Ortenberg, awards $25,000 to a full-time senior student in fashion design. A merit-based award (judged by a prestigious panel of industry experts), the scholarship is put towards the lucky winner's second semester senior year tuition.

This newest of the CFDA design awards takes Liz Claiborne's "fit the way you live" maxim straight into the 21st century. CFDA Associate Executive Director Lisa Smilor said that the program "recognizes the very important contribution that designer Liz Claiborne made to the fashion industry, and it brings her design aesthetic into the classrooms at the country's leading design colleges and universities."

After looking at 20 submitted portfolios, the ... Read More