Model of the Week!

Tyler Riggs

Born: Tampa, Florida

Date: 1986

Represented by: Red Models NY

Walked for: Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Kenzo, Marni, Givenchy

Campaigns and editorials include: Details, i-D, Topman, V Man, D&G, L'Officiel Hommes

Factoid: In Feb 2008 during New York Fashion Week, Riggs gives an interview to Fashion Week Daily saying if it weren't for modeling, he'd be in school and working at Starbucks.

Sophie Theallet Wins Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund!

Sophie Theallet was crowned as the winner of the Vogue/CFDA fashion fund in New York last night. The French-born, New York-based designer, who started her own label three years ago after 14 years spent working with Azzedine Alaia and Gaultier, scooped the $200,000 prize, which will be used towards developing her company.
Theallet, 45, was up against nine other emerging designers for the prize, which last year was awarded to Alexander Wang. The philanthropic jewelry maker Monique Péan and the menswear designer Patrik Ervell were named runners-up, each taking home a $50,000 check.
Last night's award ceremony was co-hosted by US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and the CFDA's president, Diane von Furstenberg, and attended by designers Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, Vera Wang, celebrities Nicole Kidman and Alexa Chung, and models Karen Elson, Jessica Stam and Jaquetta Wheeler.

Mateo Bijoux

As the purveyors of all things chic, it was only a matter of time before Plaids and Stripes featured the fab and ULTRA-glam Jamaican-born, New York-resident and scene-ster (and great friend) Mateo de la Harris! He's making a buzz in the fashion industry and with fashionistas all over; get to know him here!

1. How did the Mateo Bijoux line come about?

Well after college I started my own small marketing and management consulting business, Severe MGMT. I started marketing and account management for small jewelry designers, placing clients at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus and other select high-end retailers. After successfully doing so, and through experience in jewelry, I decided to start Mateo Bijoux. I felt it was always difficult to find really great mens jewelry. So I wanted to take on this challenge and then move on to women fine and fashion jewelry.

2. Did you always see yourself designing jewelry?

I laugh at this question because I really didn't. Having lived in Jamaica, such things are far from your mind or imagination. In college, I studied for my undergrad, a Bachelors of Science degree in Hospitality Management (Hotel Management) at Southern New Hampshire University and for my Masters at Strayer University in DC, I did an MBA in Marketing and Management.
Me designing jewelry is so on the opposite side of the spectrum from what i have studied.

3. Do you see yourself NOT designing jewelry?

At this point no. I mean everything I see, whether it be a leaf, the zipper on my bag, ripples from the rain, I see jewelry. It has become a part of me. I like to think that when people wear Mateo Bijoux, they are carrying a piece of my heart.

4. How is living and working in NYC different than working and living anywhere else?

Well, its certainly different from living and working in Jamaica. (laughs)
People here are more open to change, they are more passionate, radical, and most just unique in their own way.
I live in Manhattan on the Lower East side, where I work from home and design in my studio. The Lower East side, as we call it LES, is very different from let's say the Upper West side. It's almost two different world in this Big Apple.
Working and Living in New York, you have to be focused as you can be sidetracked by the many distractions here. But overall it's great to be in New York; it's great for fashion, the arts, historical landmarks, theatre, and believe it or not you can get great Jamaican food here, too. (laughs)

5. Artistically, where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from my daily life, culture, and just the desire to be different, innovative and always making a statement no matter how subtle.
For example for my upcoming Spring 10 collection you see a lot of nature in the collection. My mother is big on gardening and I remember I would watch her in the morning watering the plants. I did an 18kt gold leaf cuff with diamonds. The way the diamonds are set resembles water dripping off the leaves. Just Magnifique!!
But overall my inspiration comes from everywhere, you can see that in my current, somewhat unisex collection; I turn general tools into jewelry, like a wrench into a very strong and masculine cuff, a screw into a pendant... Sometimes the simplest and basic element can be so powerful.

6. Who's your fave celebrity and why?

Hmmmmmmmm... My favorite... That's a hard one... I mean there is so many out there... I am very old school. I still love the divas like Patti La Belle and Whitney. I love Rihanna because she is causing a stir in the fashion world and just the overall media, taking fashion risks, being daring and just damn fierce. I like Beyonce also, I mean these young ladies are certainly standing out in the crowd with there talent and style.

7. Tell me some of the famous people you have fitted, designed for or who has worn your pieces...

Well so far, celebs are just hearing about Mateo Bijoux. Rihanna, Mischa Barton, and Vivica A. Fox have been seen wearing pieces from the collection. Other celebs such as Estelle and Joy Bryant have pieces from the Mateo Bijoux cocktail ring collection.
Alexandra Richards daughter of Rolling Stones star Keith Richard, has shot for Mateo Bijoux.
Countless models have been wearing my pieces, too. Last week I caught Dree Hemmingway, Cover Girl and friend of mine is wearing Mateo Bijoux, a spider web necklace with 18kt gold spider and diamond.

8. Who would you love to have wear your pieces?

To be honest, I know the best answer for this question would be some hot, famous celebrity like Hally Berry, Oprah, Nicole Kidman or even Mrs Obama to be wearing my jewelry. But in truth, I really wish everyone to be wearing Mateo Bijoux, no matter how small or elaborate of a piece. I want Mateo Bijoux to be a household name.

9. In your business, which aspect do you like the best- the part where you sit down with pencil and paper and design? The part where you source material and start making the pieces? Or the business aspect where the pieces are sold and a profit is earned?

My favorite part of the business is certainly where I just sit down, turn my Jill Scott and Floetry play-list on and sketch away, while drinking some peppermint tea. I love designing a piece on paper and then actually hold the final product in my hand, not to mention how the piece sits on the body. It's like therapy for me. The experience does something for my soul. If one were to take this away from me, I honestly would be lifeless.

10. Have you ever thought of interning with jewelry houses like Harry Winston or Tiffany & Co.? What are your thoughts on that?

I have thought about doing an internship with a major jewelry house. I was actually hired by one. They had offered me a great position to close my consulting firm and join them to manage their accounts and co-ordinate their sales with high profile clients. I turned down the position as I was being loyal to a client of mine, as well as because I felt it was just not my destiny. I am doing what the lord and the Universe want me to do, which is to create Mateo Bijoux. One day I will get to where they are today- Mateo Bijoux worldwide. (winks)

11. What are some of the future plans for Mateo Bijoux? Where do you want to see your line in the next 5 years?

Well, when I started Mateo Bijoux, I didn't just want it to be about jewelry, but I wanted to create a luxury brand. To be one of the first major black owned luxury house. Within the next 5 years, I want Mateo Bijoux to be available nationwide at some of the best retailers including Saks Fifth Ave, Neiman Marcus, Maxfield LA and others. I would like Mateo Bijoux to be on its way to becoming a household name. In the next five years Mateo Bijoux should have already launched other luxury items such as a men shoe line, a clutch and women shoe line and bag collection using some of the best skins.

Be sure to visit the website for more info!! http://www.mateobijoux.com

Luella Ceases Trading

Luella, one of Britain's top fashion labels, announced it had ceased trading last Tuesday after the licensee that funded the brand for the past five years pulled out.
Designer Luella Bartley, a former fashion journalist who unveiled her first collection in 1999, said the situation was "very disappointing" and "upsetting" but expressed hope she could restart the business in the future.
The brand's fun and feminine clothes and accessories have attracted rave press reviews and were beloved of celebrities, however, the brand's ready-to-wear producer in Italy, Carla Carini, closed down last month, and in a statement Tuesday, Luella announced that distributor VSQ Limited, a subsidiary of global retail group Club 21, "has taken the decision not to invest further in its relationship with Luella Bartley Limited."
Bartley, who was last year named designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards, said she had a "number of options" available to her. In the meantime, she and members of her team have been employed as creative consultants to London department store Liberty for their Christmas windows and store decorations.

Pakistan Fashion Week

Twice postponed for security concerns, Fashion Week brought out the best in the city's designers in Pakistan, where participants in the inaugural event took part under the threat of Taliban execution.
For many, even the prospect of taking part was nerve-wracking. That's understandable, given that the show was staged next door to an American consulate bombed by Islamic extremists in 2002. Yet the parade went ahead. "This is our gesture of defiance," said 2009 Fashion Week CEO Ayesha Tammy Haq.
The show was off-limits to foreign designers and buyers. Organisers couldn't risk inviting them in case they were targeted by Taliban fanatics, who last year threatened to throw acid at women not wearing a burqa. The punishment was in line with the group's 1997 pronouncement, which stated that, "If women are going outside with fashionable, ornamental, tight and charming clothes to show themselves, they will be cursed by the Islamic Sharia, and should never expect to go to heaven". The women in question could, however, expect to be beaten, mutilated or stoned to death.
In the face of such ongoing threats, it seems extraordinary that anyone could conceive the concept of a fashion show, much less see the idea through to fruition.

Stella McCartney Teams With BabyGap and GapKids

Ranging from US$14 tights to $128 jackets, Stella MCCartney has teamed up with the Gap, designing items for both boys and girls 0- 6 months to 12 years, some of which are already going out of stock. The famous vegan designer (daughter of Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney) is also a mother of three, so one can safely assume this was a project close to her heart; the 70-piece collection is said to be "fabulous" and "melds a mother’s dream for practical stylishness with kids’ desire for fun and fantasy."
For boys, McCartney’s mix includes monster and superhero graphic tees with the likes of a navy wool peacoat with concealed hood. There are organic jeans, anoraks made from recycled fabrics and simple baseball tees. Girls' pieces consist of a leopard print knit, a velvet blazer and cable knit sweater dressing. There are also skinny jeans and classic flares, even very girlish tulle tutu, ruffled front smock dress, oversized hoodie sweaters, chunky cardigans and colorful high top sneakers.
Word is that McCartney used real kids rather than professional models for her fashion shoot.

China Fashion Week: Tsai Meiyue 2010 Spring/Summer Collection

Models wearing voluminous wedding-like gowns in Tsai Meiyue's 2010 spring/summer collection at China Fashion Week.

China Fashion Week: Ying Cuijian 2010 Spring/Summer Collection

Models display frivolous cocktail dresses from designer Ying Cuijian at China Fashion week.

Kings of Leon: Rock Star Designers

American rock band Kings of Leon have made a foray into the world of fashion by designing their own clothing line. The Grammy award-winning hitmakers have gone partners with French fashion house Surface To Air to bring out a 12-piece collection, which showcases their distinctive checked shorts and leather jackets, reports the Daily Star.
The range will hit the markets of Denmark in December this year.

Akris 2010 Spring/Summer Collection

Using his clothes as a canvas, designer Albert Kriemlerhas designed his very first handbag for the house of Akris. There were a few coats and dresses made from leather, and for the most part, it was a very scaled back collection. However, I found it a bit to tame, and especially towards the end, a bit too full of gowns. Still, the knits and silks that were used through-out let a gracefulness that was always evident.

British Fashion Council Launch New Designer Project in Association with British Vogue

The British Fashion Council (BFC) and British Vogue magazine have joined forces in a new project to support fashion’s future global stars.
The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, launched today, Tuesday, November 3rd, will provide one British-based designer with £200,000 and high-level mentoring support to build his or her business on the international stage. The scheme is similar to the Vogue/CFDA (Council of Fashion designers of America) fund, pioneered by American Vogue’s Anna Wintour, which was established in 2003, and has boosted the careers of Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, and Rodarte.
Applicants who wish to be considered for the new BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, must be UK-based, have an established business, international stockists and a strong media profile. They must also demonstrate a clear vision of how winning the £200,000 would contribute to the growth of their name as a global brand.
Harold Tillman will be the chair of the fund and Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, will chair the inaugural judging panel.

Junya Wantanabe 2010 Spring/Summer Collection

For Spring/summer 2010, Wantanabe's collection was wholly about menswear for women—tailored jacket, slim pants, and shirting explored in a rigorous way that deftly sidestepped the image of the powersuit.
With towering head wraps and flat pointy lace-up oxfords, the collection started out with a midnight blue jacket and narrow trousers in silk and proceeded through dozens of variations in menswear checks with the obsessive logic only Watanabe brings to every collection.
Moving on to pristine white shirtdresses over black leggings, a welcome dose of femininity via drapery was added to the mix, eventually transposing the black-and-white graphics of checks into a riff on geometrics, including a couple of brilliant shirred, checkered synthetic tissue body pieces with a frill in the hem. The genius of the collection was that, for all of the hip experimentation, it was fully tooled as pragmatic daywear—avant-garde, but completely utilitarian.