Reborn as...

Prada OTK Boot. $1,400.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

As the story always goes, the argument veers to one direction: Women ultimately dress to impress women, NOT men. Of course, this is debatable on so many different levels. We can always assume that one woman couldn't give a damn what other women are wearing and will leave their apartment wearing lingerie with hooker heels if she pleases. This isn't always the case, however. Some women will find an outfit, any outfit that will put to shame any woman who crosses her path. A tool she sharpens to spear her fashion-frenzied opponents. By analyzing current trends, being aware of product availability and witnessing the fluctuating fashion focus of Hollywood celebrities, women gather this data, create mental charts to bid on the best options, carefully budget (or charge their Amex) and make their final decision as they invest in one of the most seemingly-innocent yet painfully-destructive accessories to date: Their handbag.

Yes. a simple concept, really. Handbags are worn by almost everyone, carting about everyday necessities: agendas, make up, stationery, wallets, hygiene products, you name it. From a simple bag to an extravagant carry case, women compete daily with one another to carry the best of the best. At least in New York. At an upscale salon in New York, women come dressed to the 9's, wearing the latest and the most expensive ensembles, topped off with a gorgeous hand held. Jealous eyes scan the floor, as women carrying the lesser-than version think to themselves, "I should have gone with my Birkin bag, not my Louis Vuitton!"

Marshal Cohen, chief analyst for the Port Washington, NY, research firm NPD Group claims that, "It's the difference between buying a Rolls Royce at $300,000 and buying a Rolls Royce at $150,000," he says. "There's really little difference at some point; it's the status that comes along with it and the desire to separate yourself." Clearly, we can associate the crocodile Birkin bag as the equivalent to the Business class seats aboard United, while the Gucci hobo bag you thought was still an expensive purchase is the equivalent to seat 27D. It's a small plane but you're still the very last seat on the ride.

All across the island of Manhattan, women strive to carry the very best available handbag in their financial reach. For others, a splurge that goes beyond their budget is their only means of survival. For some men, a beautiful girl by his side means he is either financially successful or has the skills to attain attractive women. For other men, a great watch or sleek car shows that he has what it takes. The ultimate badge for most women most likely lies in the vicinity of an expensive accessory. Whether its a timepiece, jewelry, or handbag, these women know that they are raising their flag to warn others that they are "not to be messed with".

So, if you are fashionably "in-it-to-win-it" and think you are carrying a top-of-the-line tote, note that woman in the front of the line at Starbucks is carrying something bigger and better. Let the games begin!

Towering Noir: Wrap it with Black

Georgina Goodman: Crystal Cuved Strap Satin Sandal (£695)


Marsell: Open and Slit Low Boots (£575)


Allessandro Dell'Acqua: Textured Patent Covered Ankle Sandal (£459)


Diana Broussard: Multi Strap Back Zip Sandal $600.00


Yves Saint Laurent: Cage Ankle Boots ($1,290.00)


Berny Demore: Platform Laser Cut Upfront Sandals $930.00

Alexandra Neel: Cleopatra $720.00



Camilla Skovgaard: Zaha Open Toe Booties $580.00


Jil Sander: Asymmetric satin sandals $880.00


Gucci: Iman Triple Ankle Strap Sandal $1,275.00


Stuart Weitzman: Stretchup $325.00


Alexander Wang: Alexis Fringe Boot (£420)

Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo (in New York) 2009!

Japan Fashion Week is here! Quite possibly the highlight of the fashion week season, a good number of Japanese designers presented their Spring '09 collection at the Altman Building in Manhattan. I was lucky enough to score a good seat in the house and get some great pictures to show you just how talented these designers are. Here's a look into each designer...




























































































































About Japan Fashion Week:

このJFW in TOKYOは、第1に、東京コレクションを抜本的に強化し、世界への発信力を高め、ビジネスにつなげるとともに、世界の新進デザイナーの登竜門にしていくこと。第2に、これを一つの起点としてデザイナー「創」、製造事業者「匠」、アパレル・小売「商」の連携を緊密化すること。第3に、街と連携し東京の魅力を高めることの3点を目標とし、官民一体となって2005年10月末から11月上旬にかけて第1回を開催いたしました。
昨年9月開催の第7回では、前回に引き続き、「東京ミッドタウン」を中心とする六本木地区を主会場として開催しました。各ブランドが新作を披露する東京コレクション・ウィーク、合同展示会といったＢtoＢのイベント、そして新人デザイナーファッション大賞最終審査会に加え、一般消費者の方々にもファッションに関心を持っていただけるよう、コンテストやファッションショーなどの多彩なスペシャルイベントを開催しました。また、会場である東京ミッドタウンに多大なご配慮をいただき、場内各所にあるビジョンでコレクション・ショーの映像の放映や街頭バナーの掲出など、会期中はミッドタウン全体がＪＦＷの色に染まりました。来場者についても、海外メディアの人数が前回比で約5％増加するなど、ＪＦＷに対する世界からの注目度も着実にアップしています。(www.jfw.jp)

About Japan Fashion Week:

Firstly, the purpose of JFW in TOKYO is to strengthen the fundamentals of Tokyo Collection, establish a stronger voice, develop business opportunities, and become the gateway to success for up-and-coming designers. Secondly, JFW in TOKYO will strengthen ties between the “creativity” of designers, “craftsmanship” of manufacturers, and “trading” of the apparel and retail industry. Third, JFW in TOKYO works to heighten the appeal of the city of Tokyo. The private sector worked hand-in-hand with the government to organize the 1st JFW in 2005, from the end of October to the beginning of November.
The 7th JFW was held in September, 2008 in the Roppongi area, with Tokyo Midtown at its center. In addition to Tokyo Collection Week, where fashion brands presented new lines, B to B events such as joint exhibitions, and the 2008 NEW DESIGNER FASHION GRAND PRIX Final Selection, a multitude of special events such as contests and fashion shows by apparel brands and leather goods lines were held for the general public to cultivate interest in fashion. With the generous cooperation of Tokyo Midtown, the whole of Tokyo Midtown was dressed in JFW colors – video footage of collection shows were broadcast on high vision displays throughout the venue and event banners were hung throughout the town. There was a 5% increase in attendees from foreign press, signaling a definite rise in interest and attention from all over the world. (www.jfw.jp)