Last night on the hit reality show Fashion Star three finalists competed to take home the title of being America’s first “Fashion Star”.   In the end the coveted title was awarded to Kara Laricks.

Former fourth-grade schoolteacher Kara Laricks always told her students to be true to themselves. Finally, she took her own advice and pursued a career in fashion. She designs androgynous clothing for men and women, inspired by her love of menswear and an avant-garde Japanese design aesthetic. Best known for her hoodie scarves and collar-and-ties, Laricks puts a spin on what is deemed traditional women’s fashion. She considers her partner Melissa to be her biggest supporter because she encouraged her to make fashion her full-time job.

Kara competed in the finale with Ronnie Escalante, who once interned with Chado Ralph Rucci and Zac Posen, and Nzimiro Oputa, a self-taught designer from Detroit.

Fashion Star provided 14 contestants to compete with each other to create the best clothes and have them purchased by a buyer from one of three stores: Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M.  Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and Luxury Designer John Varvatos mentored the contestants in each challenge. Following a runway presentation the designers would turn to face the judges to see if their designs would be bought. Representing the luxury side was Terron Schaefer, the buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue.  For moderate the judge was Caprice Willard from Macy’s Department Stores.  H&M was the budget chain store with buyer Nicole Christie.

For the final challenge the remaining three designers had to create a capsule collection of three pieces for each one of the retailers.  After a meeting between the mentors and the judges Kara Laricks was chosen having made a sale in 7 out of 10 episodes which resulted in $6,630,000 worth of sales between the three stores.

All of the 102 winning looks for Season One of Fashion Star on NBC can be found on Pinterest.  Many of last’s night designs from Kara can still be purchased online and in stores.

Week 10: The Winner’s Interview

 Do you think you have what it takes to be the next “Fashion Star”?  If so, visit fashionstarcasting.com to apply.

Photos by: Tyler Golden/NBC

Black wool gown with open back and lace skeleton detail designed by Jordan Randolph

The Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) top graduating Fashion Design students presented their designs to an audience of fashion notables at The Future of Fashion, the college’s annual end-of-year runway show, on Wednesday, May 2nd.  This professionally produced event showcased sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel, and children’s wear designed for Fall 2012 by some of the world’s most talented young designers.

Prior to the fashion show FIT hosted a VIP cocktail party at the FIT Museum which was attended by industry luminaries including Dennis Basso, Josie Natori, Rebecca Minkoff, Amsale Aberra, Joe Zee, Nanette Lepore and Calvin Klein who showed his support for his alma mater with a gift of $2 million dollars making the evening possible.

The show opened with a video showing clips from the critics and the five judges; Laura Brown (Harper’s Bazaar), Kate Betts (Time, Inc.), Alana Kelen (VH1), Lilliana Vazquez (NBC), and Joe Zee (Elle).

Mallory Williams

Anya Shakhmeyster, Sportswear - Grey raglan blazer with leather pants and graphic tee

Yen Hua Wendy Chen, Sportswear - Taupe wool seamed structural dress

Joshua Myrie, Sportswear - Navy neoprene coat with white shirt and pants

For each category the critics who lent their expertise to the graduating students throughout their final semester chose a garment designed by a student that was deemed “exceptional” for a special citation.  In the category of sportswear the students who were selected as the Critic Winners included Anya Shakhmeyster, Yen Hua Wendy Chen, Joshua Myrie and Mallory Williams who presented the first look; a black pony hair jacket with a full length flare skirt.

Shannon Green

Rosa NG

The next looks were knitwear and there were two Critics Winners; Shannon Green who designed a beige and neon convertible dress with a scarf and student Rosa NG putting together a Multi-color cotton/mohair vest, cotton blend/steel top, boy shorts.

Mimi Prober

Andrea Lucchese

In the category of special occasion the critics also selected two garments as outstanding, an ivory cotton asymmetrical corset gown with antique lace designed by Mimi Prober and a blush novelty ensemble with tulle embellishment designed by Andrea Lucchese.

Tara Ricci

Next came the smiles and giggles as the audience watched precious little girls and boys show off their best poses in the category of children’s wear.  The exceptional garment in this category was a pewter satin-faced organza crystal-encrusted petal dress designed by Tara Ricci and worn by the little girl who posed and spun delighting the audience.

Lorna Laurentino

To round out the show and create a variety of garments there was also an intimate apparel presentation.  Lorna Laurentino showed off her design skills presenting a black/silver lace bra, panty and waist cincher with sheer cocoon.

My personal overall take from the show was the future of fashion is in good hands with a school such as FIT turning out garments that looked more like they belonged in the windows of Barney’s then in a student auditorium.  Congratulations to all the students who participated on a job well done.

For more information about the show please see The Future of Fashion online.

Show Credits:

Stylist: Jenni Lee

Hair: John Barrett Salon

Makeup: MAC Artists

Photos: FIT / Lorenzo Ciniglio

Black Dress photo: Mariusz Pawlowicz Photography

ENJOY THE FULL 2012 FASHION SHOW:

Calling all fashion designers who have watched Project Runway for nine seasons and thought.. hmmm..  I could do that.  Good news; now you can do that.

Season 10 of Project Runway is holding an open casting call on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at The Roosevelt Hotel, Cordoba Room in Hollywood, CA from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Please bring 5 or 6 of your garments that demonstrate your sewing skills and your fashion point of view. Please do NOT bring bridal, costumes or garments designed by you but sewn by someone else. Be prepared for only two of your garments to be looked at so choose accordingly. No models please. Also, bring a portfolio if you have one.

Not in the LA area? You can still have your moment in the sun.  Look TV has teamed up with Project Runway to accept video submissions. All videos must be in by April 26th.

Here is the procedure to submit a video to Look TV:

1. Subscribe to Look TV, a brand new fashion and entertainment channel: http://www.youtube.com/look tv

2. Make a 1-2 minute video explaining who you are as a designer “with your style, your spirit, and your muse.”

3. Email a link to your video to looktvnet@gmail.com.

4. Look TV will post the best videos, so keep checking back to see if your video was picked!

5. Comment and get your social media friends to join in. Users will help pick the winner.

Questions? Send your e-mails to prcasting@bunim-murray.com.

As you know in fashion one day you’re in, the next day you’re out.  We hope you are in.  Best of luck.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 400 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award, and the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship. Member support is provided through the Business Services Network, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities.

The CFDA has announced the winners of the Fashion Fund Award which will take place Monday, June 4 at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center.

“There is no other event that puts the spotlight on American fashion like The CFDA Fashion Awards,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director. “We look forward to once again honoring the best and brightest talent working today. Winning a CFDA Fashion Award is the highest and one of the most coveted honors one can receive in our industry.”

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is now accepting preliminary applications for it’s 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

TO BE ELIGIBLE, AN APPLICANT MUST:

• Have an established, primary design business in the United States;

• Be in business for a minimum of two consecutive years;

• Be a designer of demonstrable talent: i.e., have garnered substantial and recent editorial coverage, and have support (i.e., orders) from key retailers;

• Have professional staff (paid or volunteer) that can devote the time and effort required to accomplish the stated aims of an applicant’s design career plans;

• Complete a preliminary application, which will include a 350-word biographical statement which is due by Wednesday, May 9th 2012.

To get started a designer needs to contact Sacha Brown at S.Brown@CFDA.com to request an application. The selection committee will review all applications and narrow the pool to 100 applicants who will continue onto phase two of the application process.

At Phase 2 each of the invited candidates are asked to provide specific information which outlines:

• His/her short-term and long-term business goals and objectives;

• How the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s financial award and business mentoring would encourage and enable the recipient to pursue his/her design career plans;

• His/her existing business, including:

• Current organizational structure (employees/functions filled)

• Consultants, outside advisors and professional firms that the candidate works with

• His/her current brand positioning, and where the candidate envisions his/her brand in the future

• Candidates are asked to submit a portfolio presentation containing work from their Spring and Fall collections, which may include sketches, photos, editorial photos, ads and/or videos.

• Candidates are asked to submit 3-5 references (editors, retailers and one other fashion industry professional with whom they have a close, working relationship) that the Selection Committee can contact for their comments and opinions.

To learn more or to apply visit the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund site.

Lingerie designer and supermodel Elle Macpherson hosts the show.

The designers are mentored by 3 celebrities all of whom have their own line of clothing and shoes; Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. These celebrities critique the designs immediately following the designer’s runway presentation.

Following the celebrity critique and comments the designers turn to face the buyers; Caprice Willard from Macy’s, Nicole Christie from H&M, and Terron Schaefer from Saks Fifth Avenue.

The first challenge was for the 14 designers to take one of their signature looks and design it three ways to be shown on three models.

At the end of the show Macy’s chose 3 designers to carry in their store and online. Nikki Poulos’ resort wear caftans for $89.00 which are sold out online, Lizzie Parker’s asymmetrical tunic in three colors for $79.00 and Edmond Newton’s black party and white party dress for $110.00.

H&M also chose two designers to sell. Sarah Parrott’s reinvented little black dress with the cutout back in 2 colors for $19.95 which is sold out and blazers from Nzimiro Oputa for $49.95.

The high end retailer Sak’s only selected one designer, Orly Shani. This up and comer was the most innovative designer coming up with a short skirt with a zipper which was used to create detachable outside shells. Sak’s is selling the skirt with only a black chiffon wrap and at $350.00 the skirt is sold out online.

Each week one designer is saved by the buyers and one designer is eliminated. The first designer to leave was LA based fashion designer Nicholas Bowes. His snarky comment did not help his cause when Bowes told Jessica Simpson “I think it’s a very fashion-forward piece. If you understood what was going on right now, you’d probably understand that that’s what is going on right now with men’s fashion”

While I think the concept is genius and an opportunity that the competition, Project Runway, does not offer I found the show a bit confusing and lackluster. Will you be watching the show this season? Comment below…

Photo: Macys.com

Wish you had more time to spend on the creative aspect of your business?  Introducing Stitch Labs, a business management tool that helps designers with inventory, invoices, orders, packing slips, expenses, contacts and so much more.

Stitch Labs was founded by Brandon Levey in January 2011 after realizing a need for streamlining the business aspects of running a successful design company.  Using Stitch makes inventory management tasks easy by keeping real time data of what has sold and what needs to be reordered or restocked.  Managing sales is now easy as this San Francisco based start up creates invoices & packing slips for all of your customers, online and offline.  With the help of Stitch a business owner can generate all encompassing reports and analytics which can be then be exported as excel spreadsheets or to a PDF for review and complete analysis by your staff.

They can also help you stay up to date with your billing by notifying you if a payment is late and providing quick access to your customers orders and invoices.

“Stitch is built for small businesses that design, make, and sell products. It’s an online tool to manage all your contacts, products, orders, expenses and files in one place, find them with ease, and never worry about losing anything again. Our online system allows multiple users to manage your business from anywhere in the world.”

One of the top features offered by this service is the integration with popular shopping cart platforms, like Etsy and Shopify, simplifying the process of running multiple online store(s).

Stitch Labs offers a free 30 day trial to test their product but as a fan of Find Fashion Rep, your trial period will be extended to 45 days. Just click here to sign up, watch their informative videos and learn more about how Stitch is helping independent business owners.

On February 13th, 2012 Polyvore, the largest fashion community on the web, teamed up with Covergirl to present a runway show held at La Venue in NYC.

A contest was held by FIT inviting the next generation of fashion designers to celebrate their work during February 2012 Fashion Week in NY.  Four designers were featured in Polyvore’s Online Challenges where the Polvyore community can create “sets” using their items.

These four emerging designers presented a 10 piece collection worn by fashion blogger models.  The hair was styled by Sarah Potempa, the make-up was done by Beau Nelson and manicures from Ten over Ten.

The winning FIT alumni designers included:

Lauren Bagliore for Lauren Bagliore

A 2005 graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Lauren gained fashion industry insight by working for designers like Vivienne Westwood, Zac Posen and TOD’S. Her own collections, which have shown at Canada’s LG Fashion Week, are noted for their draping and unique combination of edgy yet wearable sensibilities.

Vengsarkar Budhu for Gavaskar

In 2006, Vengsarkar graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, was named FIT Designer of the Year and earned additional awards from Reem Acra and Saks Fifth Avenue. After graduation, Vengsarkar took his talents to Florence, Italy to continue his fashion studies. Ultimately, his roots brought him back to New York, where he currently resides and designs his collection.

Sergio Guadarrama for Celestino

Before his graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Sergio established his own label, Celestino in 2006. During his time at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Sergio refined his ability to create eveningwear inspired by architectural balance and proportion. Sergio is known for his uncanny ability to create season-less eveningwear and has crafted gowns for the Metropolitan Opera.

Dana-Maxx Pomerantz for Dana-Maxx

After graduation from the Art Specialization program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Dana-Maxx worked for Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs. The invaluable experience she gained working for noted designers inspired her to fulfill her lifelong dream and launch her eponymous line in 2007. Dana-Maxx was selected as one of Women’s Wear Daily’s “Hot New Designers” and was featured on ELLE Magazine Creative Director Joe Zee’s hit television show, All on the Line.

Dana has made her looks from the Polyvore show available for pre-sale online now.

The Blogger models included Amy Levin of www.collegefashionista.com, Alicia Lund of www.cheetahisthenewblack.com, Natalie Suarez of natalieoffduty.blogspot.com and others.  The complete list of Bloggers and links to their blogs can be found on polyvore.com/livebloggers.

Watch the entire fashion show:

Photos: Polyvore

We caught up with Pam to ask her about her design process and this is what she shared with us.

When did you first realize you were destined to work in jewelry design?

My background is in interior design, which I have been doing for the last 20 years. Last year I started to design jewelry and I really loved it. For me it was very similar to some of the tile work that I have done with interior designing. What I like about jewelry design is that it can take me to many unexpected places all over the world and I love that idea.

Where did you go to school?

University of Vermont

Any additional training?

I have been working in interior design for the last 20 years. I love tile work and it has really laid some ground rules for me in terms of my jewelry.

How did you learn to work with metals and semi-precious stones?

I actually taught myself. It feels instinctual.

Where did you intern?

I learned my aesthetic working in interior and home design for the last 20 years. I love mixing surprising elements together in my homes as well as with my jewelry.

Who do you credit for mentoring you?

Gustavo Jasso. He is a great friend and he helped build my house in Mexico. He is a true artist and I love his organic mix of elements as well as the playfulness that comes through in his work. I feel as though I tend to emulate this.

Where do you draw your inspiration and ideas from?

The inspiration comes from many places for me. Nature & architecture are exceptionally powerful for me. I like bringing those two very different elements together and making something wearable and different for people.

How did you choose the name for your label?

Pame Designs is what the local people in Mexico call me at my vacation home there.

What is your design aesthetic and who is your customer?

My jewelry has a lot of texture. It’s all about juxtaposition…A rough hewn ring set very dainty. A massive cuff with just a tiny bit of sparkle. I love surprising my customer with the materials I choose. My customer can be a lot of different things. She is looking for style that she can wear all the time. She can be a bit edgy but also a bit pretty. She isn’t scared to be a bit different.

I understand you have traveled extensively. What were some of your favorite places you visited?

I live in Aspen, Colorado so most of my travel is to coastal areas. I have a house in Mexico and I travel there every chance that I can.

Who/What is your muse?

Nature is my muse. When I am outside in a beautiful area I can think and be creative. Most of my creativity comes after I have been in the ocean for hours. Color combinations in nature are fascinating to me and they never get old.

How long did it take you to launch your line?

It took me a few months. I feel as though I am constantly creating my line. I always have new designs that are coming out that I have been working on. I love the design process. I find it very relaxing and exciting all at the same time.

What was your biggest hurdle in launching your line and how did you overcome it?

My biggest hurdle was, and still is, balancing work and life with a family. I know that this will always be something I am trying to keep in balance.

What magazines/blogs do you scour for inspiration?

I love fashion magazines like W, Vogue, Lucky, In Style etc..I love Tory Burch’s blog and Marlien Rentmeester’s new blog Le Catch. The web is such a great place for finding all different kinds of shoes, dresses, jewelry and bags. I can be inspired by the simplest of things…especially a new color. I will search high and low to try and replicate a fabulous color from an evening dress or a clutch.

What is the message you would like to convey through your designs?

I would love to convey that beautiful style can be simple. I don’t like complicated fashion or complicated jewelry. I want it to be easy to wear so that you wear it. Adding a piece of jewelry can really spruce up an outfit in an instant.

I read about your love for the ocean and how you give a portion of the proceeds from your sales to keeping rivers alive and well. How did this come about?

When I was growing up, I spent my summers in the Hamptons. Sometimes the beaches out there were closed due to dumpimg of trash in the ocean. When the ocean was taken away from me something resonated in me. I have always tried to do my part and help out in any way that I can. I donate to surfrider and waterkeeper alliance to try and help preserve our waterways and oceans. I am a surfer and I don’t want the ocean to ever be taken away.

Did you tune in to watch Project Accessory on Lifetime TV?  If so, how accurate a portrayal is reality TV to the actual time and work it takes to design jewelry?

I think some things were portrayed accurately. For me designing can go either direction Sometimes it comes really easily and other designs I have to work hard for. If I wake up in the middle of the night with a design I usually get up and get my idea on paper. I love when I tackle the idea and get it just right.

What are you working on now?

Rings, rings and rings. I hope to have this new collection out by this fall. I love giant cocktail rings with big stones as well as dainty rings on chains.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I would love to spend more time traveling the world. I love architecture, and draw inspiration from European cities, especially Paris.

To learn more about Pam and purchase the line visit Pame’ Designs online.

Gen Art is dedicated to showcasing and elevating emerging talent in film, fashion, music and the visual arts. Gen Art hosts an array of high profile signature events including the Gen Art Film Festival and Fresh Faces in Fashion, and will be introducing exciting new events this year at Coachella and Art Basel. Gen Art has a 16 year history cultivating an extensive following of loyal supporters who view them as arbiters of emerging talent. Gen Art’s designer alumni include Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Philip Lim, Duckie Brown, Vena Cava, Rodarte, Ohne Titel, Alexandre Plokhov, Raquel Allegra and countless others.

Reality Star Whitney Port opened the show introducing the designers and DJ Harley Viera-Newton kept the crowd upbeat.

The first designer to present her collection was Gemma Kahng.  In 1990, Gemma started her own namesake fashion house. For her first season, she showed a tightly edited collection representing her personal style. As a total surprise, that first collection was a big hit, opening over 30 top retail accounts across the country. It was also featured in a full page editorial in Vogue Magazine. From then on, Gemma was well on her way to be recognized as a respected designer in the fashion industry and soon became a member of the CFDA.  Her collection was a mix of leather and lace with a gothic feel.  The color palette was dominated by black with some cream silk dresses and skirts.

Next up was Samantha Pleet who called her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection “Romantic Revival”.  Her story began in 2006 when Brooklyn Designer Samantha Pleet debuted her namesake collection, intertwining elements of the mysterious and fantastical with a sense of modernity. Each season new and ancient ideas from music, art, history, and literature are conjured along with various feelings and are transformed into Pleet’s silhouettes, then shown in collaborative projects from films, photographs to unique installations. The clothes, made in New York City using organic materials whenever possible, have become favorites among creative girls around the world including musicians like Beach House, The Dirty Projectors, and Au Revoir Simone.  The collection was the flower child casually strolling at a beach resort in floating floral silk viscose print dresses.  The models wore boots and brimmed hats giving the collection a boho chic feel.

The last designer was the duo that calls their label William Okpo.  Gen Art alumni designers, Darlene and Lizzy Okpo created the women’s wear collection, William Okpo in 2010. A nurtured love for fashion and creativity brought about the birth of the collection named for their father, William Okpo. The concept behind the William Okpo line is inspired by the parents of the Okpo sisters. Daughters of Nigerian immigrants, Darlene and Lizzy were motivated by the interplay of their parent’s personal style with the American culture. With William Okpo, the Okpo sisters wish to illustrate the unique aesthetic that results from the juxtaposition of the immigrant’s sense of style against American cultural sensibilities, offering the modern feminine designs with touches of masculine elements. William Okpo is for women who celebrate their cultivated sense of style.  This was the collection that infused bright colors with a college prep vibe.  There were pants and skirts in orange, fuschia, yellow, turquoise and forest green.  Some looks were accessorized with plastic aviator hats and neon ankle socks worn with handmade african shoes.

Let’s hope this is only the beginning of a long career in the fashion industry for these designers.  As far as Gen Art they have many events coming up in 2012 so stay tuned.

Photos:  Gen Art

CALLING ALL DESIGNERS!!

Henri Bendel, one of Manhattan’s chicest shopping destinations best known for it’s iconic brown and white striped shopping bags is hosting an open call for designers.  Held twice a year at Bendel’s flagship store located on Fifth Avenue and 53rd St expect to see a very long line of designers hoping to have their merchandise carried by this upscale department store.

Created in the 1960s by Bendel’s president, Geraldine Stutz, the event has launched the careers of designers including Anna Sui, Todd Oldham and Stephen Burrows.

This event is open to all on a first-come first-served basis and numbers will be handed out.  Arrive early (I suggest no later than 7am), come dressed warmly and be prepared to stand on line for up to three hours.  Bring business cards, line sheets, company profile, etc.  Make sure you have something you can leave behind so you make an impression.

If you are a fashion designer have garments steamed, on hangers and in garment bags while you wait on the line.

Henri Bendel buyers will personally review all merchandise in the following categories: women’s apparel, fashion accessories, lingerie and loungewear, beauty, fragrance, gourmet edibles, and gifts.

When: Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Where: Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue, NYC)

Who: For more information please call 212-904-7992

Photo: Henri Bendel

Good luck to all and let us know in the comments below if you planning to attend or do attend.