A fun version of the quintessential ballerina flats, The Reed Evins Ballerina  Flats. Available at Oak. Want!

Top Row Forever21 shirts/Bottom Row Trovata shirts

We’ve always had  a special outlook  on retailers like Forever 21 , who often  do  not merely  get inspiration from high end labels but flat out copy them. One might argue the fact that  such retailer  make the design “accessible” to all but, on the other hand what happens to the team or designers that actually came up with the design ? Trovata is the latest label to have had design” inspiration” issues with the retailer :

“…companies including Diane Von Furstenberg, Anna Sui, and Anthropologie have filed over 50 lawsuits against Forever 21 over the last three years relating to copyright infringement. (Forever 21 settled the cases out of court.) Unlike previous lawsuits against Forever 21, Trovata’s doesn’t accuse the store of copyright infringement, but alleges that Forever 21 copied unique button placements, decorative stitching, and fabric patterns, among other details…” via Nymag
 In our book there’s no substitute for quality ,craftmanship and the respect of  creativity…

We attended the opening of artist Mickalene Thomas at the Lehman Maupin Gallery a few weeks ago. Titled “She’s Come Undone ” The collection of works includes large scale paintings and collages adorned with Thomas’  signature  use of rhinestones , acrylics, bright colors and patterns as well as various installations  highlighting the models used for the pieces . We were totally in awe of her amazing attention to detail, this show is a must see !  A closer look on the next page.

Usually flowers and bright colors on sneakers would be very typical in my mind,  and just overly girly . But, the floral version of the “Straptastik” which I  am a proud owner just has the right combination of detail. embroidery on canvas, printed half  sole and a bright metallic purple toe-box making them very rockable,  for me tough with all black gear. Image via Sneaker Freaker. Available at Shoemania.

Leave it to Christian Louboutin, to give us  a reason to want a silhouette of ankle boots that has been so popular this season , by covering them in gold patent leather! The  Christian Louboutin Robot 120 Ankle boots. Available at Net-a-porter. Detailed view on the flip.

We had a chance to take a sneak peek at the Kidrobot fall ‘09 collection featuring artist collaborations and jewelery in collaboration with Tarina Tarnntino. The men’s  collection sees the introduction of wovens and ties and the women’s collection stays  true the the playful aesthetic of the Kidrobot brand. A closer look at my favorite pieces on the next page.

Shot in front of a red background Catherine Dupire-Clement’s Back to Noise inspires a sense of fearlessness. Staying true  to the punk inspirations  of the brand, Back to Noise Autumn/Winter 2009 presents a “dressed-up” version of punk with the use of strong colors like red and black balanced by the softness of silks and furs. Spotlights include an amazing wool blazer with fur panels, a spider web crochet sweater and gladiator like leather shoulder pads. On the next page a closer look at the Back to Noise Autumn/ Winter 2009 Collection.

Making an amazing statement of architecture. The Peep toe Sandals by Ennio Capasa’s Costume National. Available at Saks.

Pierre Hardy launches the #4 sneaker called “Cube Perspective” featuring a geometric print with an optical illusion. Available in June 2009, in select boutiques. Only 500 pairs were made. Via Vogue France

Garance Doré photographed by Scott Schuman/Sartorialist

I’ve always  had a special admiration for Garance Doré, as she has been able to capture effortless street style while tinting it with a certain sense of poetry. Her blog is  a lot more than a snapshot of the well dressed. Garance talks to Refinery29 about her ideas of what constitutes great style, her admiration of the sartorialist and much more. Read the feature here.