Here is a sneak peek at what Lily Raskind of  Sunshine & Shadow will have in store for the fall. Her  trademark simple silhouettes accented with colorful woven belts and more versions of the tie-dye silk scarf that won me over. A closer look  at Sunshine & Shadow Autumn/Winter 2009 on the next page.

Julia Lundsten  started her footwear label  Finsk, in 2004  since then  her talent has been praised by some of the most influential names in the footwear world like Manolo Blahnik who describes her creations as “Divine , exquisite and perfect”. The shoes are handmade, using only  bi-products from other industries. On the next page a closer look  at the Gold  Fish Scale Sandals , available at oak.

Holy F! Is the reaction Bhakti Dakshinamurthy hopes you have when you see her designs. Based in Bangalore she  uses blank canvas sneakers to create shoes that “you do not just wear, it’s something you dare. For those who understand  and appreciate the  effort that goes into crafting exclusivity.” A closer look at some of my fave HolyF Designs on the next page  via mc.

We had the opportunity to be the guest hostesses for  The NDA “Yatch”party organised by Katie Longmyer , Tim Yu andKat Popiel. It was also the release of DJ VinSol’ New CD. Fun times with lots of out favorite people, adding lots of style and flavor to Pier 17.On the next page for the a peek at the ambiance.

Nicholas Kirkwood  showcases season after season his talent in footwear footwear design. Sadly footwear design is not copyrighted so we know we’ll see these beauties reincarnated in more “accessible” venues to the joy or dismay of many. Not that we are against everyone having access to great styles and design, but the  minds that create those designs should be protected or compensated when their silhouettes are used. Don’t you agree?  Nicholas KirkWood  Suede Platform with Python cut-out  ,available at browns. More images on the next page.

Ref29 put together a great feature showcasing their top 10  Fashionable Bikes for ladies. The vintage looking Bowery Lane  ranks high on our  list. Check out their picks here.

With hopefully more than just a couple of weeks of hot weather, take a look at the  Maharishi Woman Spring /Summer 2009 Collection which is decidedly more feminine and dressed up , sprinkled with references  of ethnic apparel  that  have always made   the  women’s Maharishi collections stand out .Nonetheless I hope that the lack of  camo/military roots  inspired looks  in the women’s collection does not mark a departure from the aesthetic that made  the label’s success. A closer look on the next page.