While at Project we always make sure to visit California-label Rojas which had its booth at Pool, a section of the show dedicated to indie brands with a more upstart attitude. You can depend on Rojas season after season to put out a collection that is relevant, well edited and beautifully constructed, and frankly better than what shows up on a lot of runways. We loved the Aztec cropped top featured above (who wouldn’t??)…a bunch more similary appealing items after the flip.

Here’s a lil’ sneak peak of Belle of the Brawl, a freshly-launched label that made its debut at Project, courtesy of the great folks at Hellz. What you’re spying is the top half of a cropped bra top that’s part of a very awesome cut and sewn collection that feels fun and light yet still has a distinct design edge. And no, this does not mean Hellz goes away–the phenomenal collabos and special projects will continue, rather the new label signals designer Lanie B’s own expanded experience and a desire to reflect that with more grown designs. We love the collection AND seeing women making bold moves so we couldn’t be more excited.

The KAS New York  label, created by Kirat Anand a few years ago, boasts a wide assortment of lush prints, embroidery and beading, reminiscent of his Indian origins. The pieces we loved the most were the signature ”‘Tarah”embroidered caftans, which  play along with our love of global luxury “à la gypset .” More on the next page.

B-store ’s shoe offerings for Spring 2012, in my opinion, were the overall best at Project. There were other brands who had either single or multiple pairs capable of making the heart beat faster, but for B-store it was every single shoe–want, want, want, to the point where it was very tough to pick one for the front page (and in fact I may pull one or two for separate posts). An unusual blend of colors, materials, and silhouettes combined to create a collection that exuded warmth and beauty. Just lovely.

Enjoy more shoes (and one bag) on the flip.

Took a look at the Pointer Footwear styles for this upcoming Spring 2012 . The collection includes a wide variety of textures and silhouettes with the above styles  representing a more dressed up aesthetic,  keeping with the brands emphasis on sleek  profiles .

This week we were very excited to attend  the Elements Showcase , a scents focused trade show exhibiting some of the finest in scents  and skincare.  A true delight of the senses for those in search of  the unique  and luxurious . Immaculate presentation, conceptual art, gourmet catering, we walked away floating… On the next page a peek at a few of our favorites.

Enjoy a peek at one of our favorite lines recently shown at Capsule Paris, Esther Perbandt’s Autumn/winter 2011. Keeping her edge and sense on androgyny, the male and female collection includes a collaboration with street artist Marco Pho Grassi and fun slogan tees like the one above. More on the flip courtesy of Karl Hab.

While Lois has long been an admirer of  plushy or furry things, I somewhat resisted apparel and accessories that to me were too closely related to teddy bears. Nonetheless, the cold weather we’ve been consistently getting in New York makes Shida Tatsuya’s creations now wearable to me. Having perfected the art of faux, the label experiments in textures and colors,  making embracing furry things a reality. Check out more on the flip including a polka dot skirt that has me pondering …

Based in Japan and designed by Ryo Katori, Rusty Thought creates accessories with the intent of them lasting  a lifetime. Inspired by nature religious  symbols we found the overall eccentricity of the bird and flower pins too enchanting to ignore. A closer look on the flip. You can view more  of the collection here. Images via Highsnobette.

Melissa showed an Autumn 2011 collection, titled “Time Code,” with each style name after ways we spend our time: “Kissing,” “Waiting,” “Making,” etc. What’s different  and exciting about the brand is all the new material offerings. The pumps on this page are still “plastic dreams,” but during the manufacutring process, a velvet material is blown on the shoe, resulting in a lightweight and waterproof shoe. And since velvet is having a moment, we are loving it. Many more styles on the next page including a convertable fur rain boot and another Alexandre Herchcovitch collaboration, this time a super neat Beatle boot. There are also menswear-inspired oxfords and for the first time sneakers! More on the next page with all images via Highsnobette.