A sad adieu to a major fashion force. I’ll miss not only his ability to fan flames–because being controversial isn’t that difficult, but the fact that he backed it all up with enormous talent, vision and drive. I’d like to add that he was fearless, too, but I imagine that was built into his DNA and he couldn’t live his life any other way.  The images from above are from his final women’s runway show, held in October 2009. The collection, according to press, ”was casting an apocalyptic forecast of the future ecological meltdown of the world.” In one of his final tweets, McQueen aptly stated:

“From heaven to hell and back again, life is a funny thing. Beauty can come from the most strangest of places even the most disgusting places.” A few minutes later, he posted: “Why people ignore the ugly things in life but within this they are missing the beauty that lies under the rotten fruit!!!!!!!!!!!!”

There’s a lovely written tribute from Tim Blanks on Style and here are a collection of quotes from celebs who knew him well, including Anna Wintour, Kate Moss, and Karl Lagerfeld.

After  seeing one  jewellery line after an other it becomes easy to simplify every thing as “seen it before” However,  once  in a while a designer like textile designer Anita Quansah  comes around who completely has us wowed with her jewellery creations. Entirely handmade the London based textile designer’s fashion jewellery is simply stunning. Look on the next page to admire the creations of Anita Quansah.

Marc Jacobs and Maripol (a stylist/designer from back in the ’80s who is best known for contributing to Madonna’s look during her “Like a Virgin” days–gotta love a guy like Marc who never forgets!) co-designed a collection of tees and accessories, which launch tomorrow at noon at his New York store at 403 Bleeker Street.  And guess what, everything is priced under 50 bucks! Should be an interesting event given the snow that is piling up all around NYC as we speak.

Selectism reports the launch of : “The RAW City Guide New York iPhone/iTouch app  featuring the tastiest restaurants, the coolest bars and clubs, the hippest stores and the hottest art galleries. All these locations are chosen for a youthful audience of art, design and fashion lovers.”

In conjunction with New York Fashion Week, G-Star has also announced the winners of their social media competition. “A Canadian tweeter, an Italian photographer, an American YouTube presenter and a Belgian Facebook fanatic will be sent to New York. A special mash-up page on the G-Star site will go live on February 14, showing all the tweets, blogs, photos and videos from the RAW Reporters and celebrities at Fashion Week.

Camilla Skovgaard’s Spring Summer  2010 collection features her trademark ability to make sexy and feminine footwear with an urban edge. Chains , and fringe with a  thick rugged bottom make for a flawless combination of comfort and style.  We’re totally fiending.  A closer look at Camilla Skovgaard Spring/Summer 2010 on the next page.

CouteQueCoute has up scans from British Vogue’s “Cyber Tribe” editorial, featured in its March issue. It’s a simply amazing shoot (take a second look at the Gucci bodysuit on the left!) and in my opinion is yet another signal that city fashion is in the mist of a subtle shifting from dark, punk-inspired looks to a look that still haunts, but is more futuristic and playful. Case in points, the spikes details are still there (see image on left), but they’ve morphed from menacing to fantastical.

Karmaloop has an exclusive on Jeffrey Campbell’s hot-hot-hot “Tick” style, featuring the white “Tribal” print. Estimated ship dates is February 28. Head to Karmaloop to pre-order yours now.

Here’s a look at one of the newer styles by Pointer for women. The Emily. Sleek inspired by menswear in lightweight materials with a fun striped lining. Luv! A closer look at the other colors on the next page.

To celebrate the opening of the upcoming South Street Seaport Museum exhibit,  titled DECODENCE, (a showcase of the styles of the stravelers and the amazing interiors of the famed SS Normandie ship) Jeremy Scott designed a fun tee, reminiscent of the  30’s era  elegance.While, the French house of  Lalique created a special version of their iconic Cabochon ring  both items will be available  in limited quantities at the museum’s store on February 15, 2010. On the next page more images of the T-shirt, rings  and a glimpse inside  the  luxurious SS Normandie.

In the spirit of approaching fashion week  in NYC,  take a look at José Miró ’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collections presented in Madrid. The clothes are sleek , sexy but most of all they move. Miro managed to pull of some intricate draping and layering without losing softness. Enjoy.