Jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris has been in the business for about 40 years. He’s worked with Donna Karan during the launch of her namesake line, and on her fall 2009 collection.  Rollcall selected Donna Karan’s fall 2009 collection as one of the best during fashion week partly for the fantastic accessories.  Mr. Morris has also worked with Calvin Klein during the eighties, and today he works closely with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen on their jewelry line.  He gets much of his inspiration from his older works, and the fashion editorial community still looks to him for his unique pieces.  If you are an accessories fan, you will be glad you viewed these pieces.  Enjoy the feast, minus the calories.

The debate over the extreme photoshopping of fashion magazine covers has made our Rollcall list this week. The New York Times tackles a subject that’s been on the minds of many in the industry.  To retouch or not, that is the question.  Fashion magazines tend to be aspirational, and some women aspire for perfection.  The argument is cyclical, it comes and goes.  The good news is that the debate is informative, even if the issue is never resolved; it’s likely to have a positive effect on impressionable young men and women who are made aware of the wonders of photoshop.  Some will grasp the fact that they are struggling to attain an impossible standard of beauty, a standard that the person in the photoshopped image cannot live up to.  If that’s the only thing we can accomplish through this debate, then it will be worth it.

Smile and Say ‘No Photoshop’ [The New York Times]

The Maxi dress is a summer must-have.  It’s sleek, sexy and sophisticated.  Isabella Oliver’s striped multi-way dress made from Italian knit jersey fits the bill.  The black and white stripes gives this dress an instant classic look.  Will you be wearing your maxi dress this summer?

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has brought the popular vote to the masses.  They will be presenting the Popular Vote Award to your favorite designer, and you get to cast your vote.   You have the chance to reward your favorite fashion designer with an award as a special thank you for keeping you looking fabulous.  Voting is from May 27^th to June 9^th, and you can vote here.  The winner will be announced on June 15^th at the CFDA Fashion Awards.  Each time you vote, you will be entered to win an invite to a show during New York Fashion Week in September.  So vote early and often, you know the drill.

The vibrant colors and flattering silhouette of this dress caught my eye; it’s ladylike without being too formal.  The lime green and lemon yellow sherbert print dress is perfect for summer, and is from the spring/summer 2009 collection of new designer Rafael Cennamo.  The Miami-based designer is known for his signature of bold colors and luxurious fabrics, all in his usual dramatic fashion.  His young and flirty style is most likely influenced by the heat filled days and nights in Miami.

Lately I’ve found myself a little consumed with thoughts of make-up, and I even peruse the beauty counters in department stores, and drug stores.  I can’t be the only one; I am never alone at the beauty counter, or in the beauty aisle for that matter.  Call me crazy, but I think the state of the economy could influence the sale of beauty products, namely make-up.  There’s a desire to take that extra step in our beauty routine.  We all want to look better because when you look good, you feel good.  Watch the video and start using these make-up tips during your Memorial Day Weekend.  The make-up artist advises that, ‘this summer is about keeping it light, fresh and pretty’, words to live by in our summer fashion as well.

The Titan

How could I resist naming the titans of the fashion industry to the Rollcall list this week?  On the one hand we have Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, on the other hand is Carine Roitfeld, Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue.  Both were in the forefront this week, Ms. Wintour had her turn on 60 Minutes, and Ms. Roitfeld with a reporter from the Guardian UK.  Though emphasizing any discord between these two women has great entertainment value, we should not lose sight of their tremendous accomplishments.  Yes, we must take the high road.  Sure there have been rumors that Carine Roitfeld will replace Anna Wintour at American Vogue, but Ms. Roitfeld has dismissed those rumors.  The bottom-line is that they are two strong and powerful women with impeccable taste in fashion, and stellar reputations within the industry.  It is far more empowering to young women to focus on their achievements.  Let’s hope that more young women are learning that you can have a love of the finer things and still kick ass.  It is a delicate balance, but these women manage to keep stride in their stilettos.  It’s a testament of how hard work, sacrifice and passion can lead to fulfilling careers. Click here for the interview with Carine Roitfeld.

Related Posts: [Anna the Great]; [Anna Wintour Speaks].

The good news for online luxury retailer, Bluefly, is that women are still buying, they are simply more conscious about their spending these days says Bluefly CEO, Melissa Payner-McGregor.  She goes on to say that women are buying fewer ‘it bags’, browsing more from site to site, and taking more time to decide on purchases.  It’s about having new stock every day, being on-trend with seasonal and current items says Mrs. Payner-McGregor.  The luxury online retailer believes they have educated customers to expect value, and women will no longer want to pay retail after receiving deep discounts during the last holiday season and even beyond.  All of this spells good news for the stock price because it’s up 76% this year.  A part of their success may be attributed to their commitment to customer service and treating customers to a full price experience.

Camera Diaz graces the cover of Vogue’s June issue on eco-friendly fashion.  She is the perfect choice for this issue; she’s natural, funny and sexy.  Her ability to laugh at herself is one of the endearing qualities that have propelled her into a star. Take a look at the video of her Vogue photo shoot with fashion photographer, Mario Testino.  She is so engaging, and her winning personality shines through.  Having Cameron Diaz on the cover is a good way to showcase how eco-friendly fashion has evolved into sleek and sexy styles.  How’s that for aspirational?