We recently heard about Feiyue shoes (don't ask me how to pronounce it!) and we think they're going to be a big hit at the upcoming (capsule) show, January 22 & 23. THe term refers to an elevation of body & mind, according to Chinese tradition. Like the Converse of China, the brand has been around since the '20s and has been worn by everyone from pro soccer players to Shaolin masters.
Our friend Steven Vogel is out in Miami for Art Basel this weekend and is actually there for the art! He's posted his commentary on some of the shows he's attended and photographed some of his favorite art work on his blog, Blacklodges.com. See what he's up to by clicking here.
Our very own Cator Sparks is down in Miami this weekend covering Art Basel for Style.com. He's attending dozens of parties, soirees, cocktails and fabulous poolside fetes, including Andre Balasz's intimate party at the Raleigh. Check out what he's up to at style.com's blog, Style File.
In response to buyer requests, the AGENDA TRADE SHOW is going to three days; Thursday Friday and Saturday Jan 24-26 2008. The additional time will leave more time for parties, special events and most importantly more business. Agenda has opened a brand new corporate office and showroom on the corner of Melrose and Martel in Los Angeles. The new space is 4000 square feet! There's also a brand new indoor skate bowl courtesy of KR3W Apparel, Supra Footwear and Brooklyn Projects.
Centered around the themes of Media, Environment, Design, Technology, Design, Mobility, Culture, Business, Money, and Health, GOOD Magazine and Openhouse have launched GOOD December, a pop-up community center and gallery store that just opened today. Visitors can look forward to making their own wrapping paper, exchanging books, donating clothing and cell phones, playing music and shuffleboard, and hanging out in the Wi-Fi cafe. Workshops, events, and sales will take place at the pop-up center for the next two weeks. (VIA core77)
Giving charity, rather than gifts seems to be quite in vogue this season. At BPMW, we asked each of our clients to donate to charity this season instead of sending gifts to the editors we work with. And Style.com is launching a new video that features 15 top designers, retailers, models, and other fashion insiders discussing their favorite charities (from OrphanAid Africa to Riverkeeper to TeachersCount) and why they feel it's important to be generous at this time of year.
Today's WWD reports that Marc Gobé, a champion of the role emotions play in the design and marketing of brands, is leaving his chairman post at his company, brand image maker Desgrippes Gobe to out on his own to open his own consulting firm, called Emotional Branding. Gobe has written a book with the same title. Gobé, whose marketing clients have ranged from Coca-Cola and Gillette, to Brooks Brothers, Victoria's Secret and Ann Taylor, will exit Desgrippes Gobé on Dec. 31. A believer in the notion that half of a brand's image stems from its visual identity, Gobé said he will "help top companies understand the various parts of the design process and how to leverage it." If you're a subscriber to WWD you can read the full story here.
According to TimeOut Singapore, the go-to shop for chic street fashion is actually... Actually. No, really, that's the name. The boutique is stocked with a wide range of international designs including UK, Thai, Australian, and American labels. Read more about the one of a kind boutique after the jump.
Posted by Laura Kenkel
pictures from actually.com.sg
Inside this trendy shop, hard to get pieces float eerily feet above the floor on claw-footed tables or in ivory drawers. The furniture seems to protrude of their own accord from the stark brick walls, while chairs dangling from the wire-covered ceiling provide ample hanging room for other items. The haunted house look of the boutique alone is enough to attract tourists and natives alike to venture in for a closer look, not to mention the exclusive items from premium designers like K Karl Lagerfeld and Freitag that await inside.
Next time you're in Singapore, head over to check out the decor and pick up one of their cheeky shopping bags while you're at it - or cross your fingers that store owner Paul Khor will open up a sister shop for fans in the US!
I simply adore European fashion! And when I say "European fashion," I assure you that I don't mean Chanel or Cavalli. I mean the wild, hipster brands that boutiques like (my fave) Seven on Mercer carry. One of those labels is Bernhard Willhelm; their crazy colors and wild silhouettes are always well executed and never blasé or cliché. But their Spring/ Summer 2008 collections for both men and women, straddle the line between crimes against fashion and crimes against humanity! Frankly, no man or woman should be given license to leave their home dressed like this, and we all know that some fashion lemming who "wants to be a non-conformist just like everybody else" is bound to do so.
(Posted by Virginia Jackson-Reed)
I mean, don't get me wrong, from an artistic standpoint, its great; very high-concept pieces, and styled differently (and perhaps with another model) it'd be visually enchanting. The collection has a motley assortment of things going on, though. It has a feeling of "circus-meets-pirate-meets-body builder-meets-wrestler-meets-club kid." I'm not sure about you, but I'm just not sure whether or not all of those different characters should ever meet. And while their men's look book is far too crazy for me to even lend justification to, a few pieces in the women's can be salvaged, I suppose.-(VJR)
Once again we've asked some of the market's top showrooms what their best sellers are for spring 2008. We've got some info and pictures after the jump from Cyanalab, BPMW Streetwear Division and Select Showroom. Check their answers after the jump!
SELECT SHOWROOM
JOEY LIONETTI, OWNER
What were your best selling spring styles? 
Bleach sand madras cargo short by Tailor Vintage
Wholesale: $49
Sold at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Wings s/s tee by Rowdy with gold foiling
Wholesale: $23
Sold at Atrium, NYC
Organic V-neck tee by California Rising
Wholesale: $34
Sold at: Blue Genes
Blow s/s crew by Made U Look with crystal embellishments
Wholesale: $30
Sold at: Revolve Clothing
What are your best selling classifications or trends right now?
There are currently two major trends which we are doing very well with right now. First and foremost is embellishment. Product with studs, crystals, resin coating, embroidery and foil are really working well right now, but done in a clean way. At the same time we are experiencing a “back to the basics” look, with an eco-friendly twist! The Go-Green movement is in full force for Spring 2008.
What classifications or trends are you expecting to be big for fall 2008?
For fall we are anticipating a fusion of skate, street, and preppy looks. It’s a term we have coined, called “Neo-Urban”. We believe that with the downfall of the urban market, and the rise of design conscious street kids, “Neo-Urban” looks will distinguish a sophisticated dresser from the norm. Be prepared to see striped polos over graphic tees, cardigan sweaters finished off with leather jackets and tailored bottoms, with an edge… This classification is the love child of Punk and Hip Hop, an unlikely marriage that seems to be making a lot of noise in the market.
BPMW SHOWROOM STREET DIVISION
Matt Breen, Sales Account Manager
What are your best selling styles? (include retail price and stores)
Full Spin Nylon Jackets by Penfield
Retail: $98
Sold at: Union (NYC)
Romare Hi by Clae
Retail: $125
Sold at: Bodega (Boston)