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Handbag Designer Spotlight: November XVIII

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:00:08 -0800

You know when a bag's leather is so soft and buttery you just want to eat it? OK, that's a bit extreme, but you know what I mean. Meet November XVIII. The designer, Patricia Lukoszek, is all about slouchy, soft bags with a nondescript allure. You'll find no flashy hardware. Lukoszek claims, “I actually approach the handbags as if they are clothing.” The collection, which is named for her birthday, will be available at Barneys in the Spring and I'm calling it the next big bag thing. The prices aren't cheap — wholesale prices from $210 for a clutch to $395 for an oversize bag — but it's that yummy leather we all covet.

To see a few more November XVIII bags,

Designer Spotlight: Maggie Ward

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:00:22 -0800

There are designers whose collections have certain pieces you like, then there are designers whose entire collection you crave. Maggie Ward, an LA-based designer, tempts me with each and every one of her delicate yet cool pieces. Jumpsuits, trench coats, T-shirts, and jodhpurs ranging from $45 to $270 are all part of the mix. The line uses custom-developed Japanese fabrics and exudes a modern American sportswear aesthetic that is super Fab.

Ward's fabrics are super soft — that's because they're created in the old tradition of spinning fabric using authentic man-powered machinery. Sounds and looks fancy.

To see more desirable pieces from Maggie Ward,

Designer Spotlight: Ondine Karady

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:30:32 -0800

Today's Designer Spotlight goes by the name of Ondine Karady. Ring a bell? That's probably because you've watched her facing challenges and wowing us with her design skills on season two of Top Design. As you may know, Ondine was part of a small team of designers on the set of Sex and the City. Unfortunately for all of us (tear) Sex and the City's television pulse stopped beating, but Ondine moved forward, starting her own eponymous SoHo-based boutique design firm. She's since carried an impressive list of clients, including celebs, Hollywood directors, and Washington political elite. Her firm, OK, also has a collection of custom furniture, ceramics, and hand silk-screened wallpapers inspired by mid-century designs. If that weren't enough to impress, she also designed the sets of Requiem For a Dream and 25th Hour. To see some work from her portfolio,

Designer Spotlight: Doucette Duvall

FabSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:00:08 -0800

A few years ago Stephanie Doucette and Annebet Duvall took their neighborly friendship to the next level and collaborated on a clothing collection dubbed Doucette Duvall. To date, the designing duo are still going strong and creating beautiful vintage-inspired offerings. Liv Tyler looks stunning in their asymmetrical LBD, seen left.

In their effort to green the planet, Doucette and Duvall manufacture their entire collection in NYC's garment district and use recycled fabrics and trim. Their Spring collection is inspired by their female lineage and includes a whimsical assortment of dresses made in quaint prints. I particularly love the mix of modern and vintage in this floral print bubbles dress. Items range from $250 to $400 and are available at ShopFlick.com and boutiques worldwide.

To see more from Doucette Duvall,

Designer Spotlight: Sara Shepherd

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:22 -0800

I love discovering local designers. My latest find, Sara Shepherd, is originally from Britain but has since jumped continents. She now calls San Francisco home and her hybrid of American and British influences has resulted in an amazing and meticulous collection of clothing.

Two years after graduating from the Academy of Art University in 2005, the designer debuted her first collection in 2007.

In her third collection to date, Shepherd shows off her masterful skills in tailoring creating a modern menswear-inspired line. Her amazing cape coat — seen left — is just one example of her eye for fine detailing. I fancy how she mixes masculine cuts with feminine details. Shepherd's been heralded as an emerging designer, so don't say I didn't warn you!

To see more of Sara's Fall collection,

Designer Spotlight: Oh de Cologne

FabSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Most of you were on Team Cologne from Stylista. Though she got the boot, she's not sitting at home crying. Nay. The California girl has a clothing and jewelry collection called Oh de Cologne. Eau de perfume, Oh de Cologne — cute. Much like her outfits on the show, the line consists of vibrant floral print frocks, tempered by brown belts and tall boots. Her jewelry is limited to cologne bottle vials. She's certainly taking advantage of her unique name. The prices are steep — $189 to $229 for dresses, $86 for the necklace — but the selection and styling is fun. Cologne has found her signature style and is sticking to it.

To see more from Cologne's clothing and jewelry line,

Designer Spotlight: Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak

FabSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:00:22 -0800

Imagine my joy when I came across Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak. This only feeds into my cardigan obsession, you know. Having worked as a design consultant for Thakoon, Derek Lam, and Lela Rose, Hiriak set out to create cozy knits and cardigans with just-right prices. Her items, found at Barneys, eLUXURY, and Saks, hover between $145 and $695, with most in the $200 to $300 range. Not bad for a classic knit you will have for decades. The designer explains: "We do offer a lot of products in a range that is affordable. People say we're a fashion line and we're a product line. We're utilitarian."

As someone who is is cardigan-obsessed, my cardigan collection ranges from cheapy H&M ones to cashmere White + Warren ones. Both can deliver the buttoned-up or laid-back style of the omnifunctional cardi, but this Cardigan is going on my Christmas wish list.

To see more cozies by Cardigan,

Designer Spotlight: Pour La Victoire

FabSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:47:43 -0800

Whoever this Victoire character is, she is one lucky girl to have a stunning shoe collection dedicated to her. Perhaps it's Princess Victoire of France, or maybe it's the concept of victory. Either way, designer David Giordano has done an impressive job at creating killer footwear for women who can handle height.

The New York City cobbler draws inspiration from Dries van Noten and Alessandro dell'Acqua, hence the avant-garde quality of his work. We've seen cutouts, but this Pour La Victoire Bianca Cutout Platform Bootie ($292) executes it with such softness. I'll take that. And that, and the others.

Designer Spotlight: Le Sang des Betes

FabSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:00:22 -0700

Looking at Trang Chau's designs makes me want to fast forward to the future. Her label, dubbed Le Sang des Betes, is filled with experimental pieces that remind me of sci-fi superheroes. With her debut collection, Aborigine, Chau draws inspiration from sculpture, film, architecture, and costume design, creating an intriguing collection of Gothic-meets-modern marvels.

Not only are her insect-like cuts refreshing and innovative, but they're also sustainable. This conscious designer sources all of her materials from LA. Clap, clap!

To see more from Le Sang des Betes,

Handbag Designer Spotlight: Jasmin K

FabSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:00:22 -0700

Sometimes, all I want is a simple bag. Sounds easy enough, but you'd be surprised with the number of nasties I've run into lately. Some designers tend to mistake simplicity for drab, but not Jasmin K. Her handbags evoke a cool, modern aesthetic without looking busy. Succinct and sexy.

Jasmin's newly launched line encompasses a casual lux attitude and I'm loving it. My favorite is the Tia Shoulder Bag ($310). I like the slouchy shape and better yet, it's affordable! Most of her bags range from $150 to $300, which is not bad for a handcrafted piece. I suggest you nab one before they go mainstream.

To see more designs from Jasmin K,