Louis Vuitton Fall 2010

It appears the increase of curvey models in magazines and on the runway may become a more dominant trend than was first realized.  A few days ago Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, designer Michael Kors and model Natalia Vodianova were panelists at a forum regarding the overall health of models.  Of course the topic of eating disorders was a central theme.  Major news that will affect the fashion industry came from that event.  One is the promise by Ms. Wintour that Vogue will use models of various sizes on its pages.  That is big news indeed because her proactive stance on depicting positive body images in the fashion bible can have a rippling effect on the industry.  The other big news is Michael Kors’ announcement that he will no longer use models under the age 16.  He also intends to call on his peers to do the same.  Change has definitely come to this industry, and I say it’s about time.  Many young girls grow up emulating the girls they see in magazines, and seeing images of models of various body sizes will have a profound impact.  It sends a message that our society is ready to celebrate the beauty of real women.  Let’s face it, the industry benefits when girls and women feel better about themselves.  Should you doubt that last statement, remind me of the last time you went shopping while you were feeling self-conscious about your own body image.  If you can’t remember it’s because it doesn’t happen very often.  In the end, everyone benefits from a positive body image in this industry, and the industry will see it reflected in their bottom-line. 

Anna Wintour Says Vogue Does Not Photoshop Girls Thinner, and Now Aims to Show a Wider Variety of Body Types  [The Cut]

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

Jason Wu Fall 2010

Altuzarra Fall 2010

Prabal Gurung - Prabal is a new designer who debuted his first collection in New York  for Fall 2009.  His Fall 2010 collection was extremely strong, and if it’s any indication of his future work, we are excited to see what else he has in store.  If you’re in the market for desireable sportswear, then take a look at this label.  His collection can be found at Bloomingdale’s.

Jason Wu – Jason is the veteran in this group.  He dresses many big name clients, and most notable would be First Lady Michelle Obama.  Wu’s style is the more elegant of the nominees, and you can see that in his beautiful dresses.  His collection is sold in Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue.   

Joseph Altuzarra – Meet the other newcomer of the group, and another big talent.  Altuzarra’s Fall 2010 collection was rocker chic and sexy; his style is more avant garde.  There’s still so much to learn about this young designer, and we can’t wait to find out in his designs.  His ready-to-wear collection can be found at Barneys New York.

Alexander Wang Fall 2010

Donna Karan Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has announced the finalists for the 2010 Fashion Awards.  Who says social media is not a good source for breaking news?  Alexander Wang, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs were each nominated for womenswear Designer of the Year.  Today has been a big news day for the CFDA, it announced earlier that Diane von Furstenberg would remain as president until 2012, and now the nominations.  Too bad we’ll have to wait until June 7th to find out who will walk away with the awards, but for now, we can always speculate.  Check out the list of other nominees for the coveted awards.

Other Nominees:

• Menswear Designers of the Year – Michael Bastian, Tom Ford and Rag & Bone (David Neville and Marcus Wainwright)
• Accessory Designer of the Year - Alexis Bittar, Proenza Schouler (Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez) and Marc Jacobs
• Swarovski Awards For Womenswear - Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu
• The Swarovski Award for Menswear – Simon Spurr, Patrik Ervell and Richard Chai
• The Swarovski Award For Accessory Design – Dana Lorenz, Alexander Wang and Eddie Borgo
• CFDA Special  Award Tribute – Alexander McQueen
• The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael Kors
• The Eugenia Sheppard Journalism Award – Kim Hastreiter (Paper Magazine)
• The International Award – Christopher Bailey (Burberry Prorsum) 
• The Eleanor Lambert Award – Tonne Goodman (Vogue)
• The Fashion Icon Award – Iman

We highlight Stella McCartney for her efforts to make the world a better place.  Her sense of responsibility to the environment extends to her fashion line. 

When you look at her fall 2009 collection you marvel at the thought that such beauty can come from being so environmentally aware.  Stella McCartney uses no fur or leather in her collection. Take a look at her fall 2009 collection from Style.com.  

Her efforts to protect the environment is being recognized, she is due to receive an environmental award in New York this week.  Suzy Menkes conducted an interview with Stella McCartney on her ecological stance.  [International Herald Tribune]