Dutch designer Iris van Herpen is branching out from haute couture and launching her first ready-to-wear line. Among the 28-year-old's more daring fans are the likes of Bjork and Lady Gaga. Concerning her feelings about the brand's extension, van Herpen comments that "… it’s nice to take the next step and to translate it into something that is reaching out to more people.” The collection is entitled Py-tha-go-rash, inspired by Dutch artist Bruno Burke's "Tree of Pythagoras." With a resume of jaw-dropping pieces, her ready to wear collection is sure to be a knockout. — Mariah
Sportswear label DKNY has partnered with famed NYC street-wear label Opening Ceremony for a study in pure '90s genius. The throwback collection is now available for purchase and you can expect everything the '90s were good for: puffer jackets, over-sized logos, hoodies and graphic tees. The campaign, shot by Anthony Maule, features Cara Delevingne, Vashtie Kola, Ian Sharp and Kim Ann Foxman. Its simply Bangin'! — Chad
Watch out world, H&M is launching its new brand, &Other Stories. Its price point begins where H&M leaves off, and aims to dress the whole woman — from clothes to shoes, bags, jewelry and even a line of makeup created in collaboration with Lisa Butler. According to PR manager Elie Kieft, of utmost importance to the brand's success is its social media presence. In addition to its own site, &Other Stories will explore Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Tumblr. One thing is for sure, we can't wait to see what they have in store (pun intended). — Mariah
To create and launch her spring campaign, Rebecca Taylor decided to hire a branding firm for the first time. One guess who she opted to work with. We at MODCo are thrilled to be collaborating with such a talent, and on a campaign that really celebrates modern feminity. The campaign was shot by Alexi Lubormirski, and stars Aline Weber. Read more on the collaboration and Taylor's visions for spring at WWD.com. — Mariah
World-renowned interior designer Andree Putman passed away last week at age 87. Putman transcended the boundaries of conventional design, allowing her work to illustrate a timeless, creative, and eclectic intersection of art, fashion, design, and architecture. Karl Lagerfeld described her work as “very French, impeccable, very clean, like herself. She was flawless.” Each design great and small had a personality all its own while reflecting Putman's unique aesthetic. An unforgettable icon, her creative genius will be missed. To read more about her life and work, The New York Times honored her with a thoughtful and thorough obitiuary.
H&M has annouced a three year global partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to pioneer water stewardship and conservation efforts. H&M has numerous facilities located in areas that suffer water scarcity, and they aren’t the only ones. Fashion manufacturing places a huge strain on the planet’s liquid resources, and this partnership represents the industry’s most comprehensive global water strategy to date. Beyond innovating their extensive manufacturing practices, H&M will enlist all 94,000 employees in the effort, with training in water conservation and sustainable practices. The depth of the Swedish retailer’s plan is impressive, and will hopefully inspire other fashion houses to take their sustainability practices up a notch or two. See the H&M website for further details. — Erika
Today President Obama will recite his oath of office in front of a crowd of over 900,000 people, reminding us of the power of the American democracy. With an agenda packed with controversial topics such as gun control, healthcare, immigration and igniting our economy, we wish Obama all the best during his second term. — Mariah
Georgia May Jagger is the fresh face of H&M's Rock 'n' Roll Mansion Line, due to hit stores this February. Photographed by Terry Richardson, Georgia channels Bridget Bardot in studded biker jackets, shift dresses, and tie dyed skinny jeans. The daughter of Mick and Jerry Hall, this leggy stunner embodies nothing short of rock and roll royalty. Check out WWD.com for more details.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed off on the nation's first gun-control bill since the Newtown shooting last month. According to Governor Cuomo, "you can overpower the extremists with intelligence and common sense." The new laws strengthen New York's existing assault weapons ban, instill a statewide gun registry with a uniform licensing standard, as well as reduce the number of bullets allowed in magazines. But perhaps most importantly, they strengthen rules that govern the mentally ill. An amendment to Kendra's Law will permit closer monitoring of the mentally ill and expand upon guidelines already in place. Although receiving an abundance of support, not everyone is in favor of Governor Cuomo's policies, most notably being the National Rifle Association. According to CNN legal analyst Paul Callan, the changes in New York are "the toughest gun laws in the United States." New York has always been a trendsetter. Here's hoping Cuomo's initiative will pave the way for other states to reform and strengthen their gun control laws. Read more at CNN.com.
Target always does a great job of bringing high-end fashion to the masses. Through their designer collaborations the mass retailer exposes a wide audience to the different points of view of fashion, and makes new and innovative styles accessible. This spring they will be teaming up with Prabal Gurung with a collection that is modern yet feminine and totally evokes the light-hearted nature of the season. Fashion girls better get ready because blazers for $50, dresses for $40 and tees for $20 are sure move fast. Kudos to Target, they sure do it right. Prabal Gurung x Target hits stores February 20th. Check out the full collection at Elle.com. — Cris
As always, the women of the Golden Globes did not disappoint. With their fresh faces and effortlessly-beautiful gowns, I couldn't take my eyes off the red carpet. Check out Vogue.com to see all the looks.
Art has often been an instigator of social change, and also cultural observer and policical commentator. Currently on exhibit at the MoMa, 9 + 1 Ways of Being Political: 50 Years of Political Stances in Architecture and Urban Design explores the ways architects over the last fifty years have responded to the perpetually-evolving political theater. Running through March 25th, this multi-media installation highlights the political power of architecture in the neo-avant-garde age.
This season's pre-fall collection trend? Black, black, and more black. Designers are once again embracing this elegant yet edgy shade. Catch a glimpse of what's to come at WWD.com.