Hasta La Ideas

Nineties fashion darling Christian Francis Roth is back in action! At 21 he was welcomed with open arms by 7th avenue as their latest prodigy with his designer label Christian Francis Roth. This spring marks his comeback to the New York fashion world with Francis, an upbeat women’s contemporary line. The collection offers fresh, happy modern clothes for the girl who is looking for something with a cool new vibe. Known for his Crayola crayon colors and pop art references, the new collection retains all of the interesting detailing and lighthearted approach he did in the 90’s. The collection is meeting the girl gangs roaming the halls in “Gossip Girl” and the cult flick The Warriors, leaving us with a tongue-in-cheek look. Preppy staples like classic blazers with oversized crests and polo dresses are mixed with downtown cool graffiti prints and flirty cocktail dresses, perfect for the uptown girl living in a downtown world. The line hits the streets soon, so grab your own girl gang and your wallet and head to the stores! Christian Francis Roth will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom stores nationwide.

Among the fashion elite who are actually granted access to the highly-exclusive Bryant Park tents are some of Hollywood’s most noted celebrities — after all, what kind of star would you be if you weren’t dressed by the best of the best in designer royalty? Some famous fashionistas like Kellie Pickler and Jessica Stroup couldn’t stay away from the glamour of the runway and were spotted warming up the front row seats of several designers’ shows, including Badgley Mischka, Pamella Roland, and Lela Rose; meanwhile, other more low-key VIPs saved their appearances for just their favorite style mavens, like Mickey Rourke for Domenico Vacca. While New York Fashion Week is ultimately about the clothing, many stylish starlets’ presences in the front row are inevitably photographed even more frequently than the designer threads themselves (oh, the price of fame), but most celeb attendees made sure they shared the spotlight and showed their support by arriving in their favorite pieces from the headlining label, like Brittany Snow in her gorgeous beaded Diane von Furstenberg dress. I know being famous must be exhausting, but I really can’t think of anything I wouldn’t give to switch places with one of those front-row ticket holders just for a day (preferably Herve Leger day, please), even if I had to be Paris Hilton. Check out the slideshow for more pictures of stylish superstars, both in the audience and backstage at some of New York Fashion Week’s hottest shows!

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Ever wonder what things are like down under? As if you didn’t already wish you were in the land of Oz, just one look at awesome Aussie designer Maurie and Eve’s collection and you’ll be ready to book your next vacation. This Australian label already has a pretty sweet history, having been inspired by the love of designer Kelly Davies’ grandparents, but it’s seen through by the camaraderie of family, (brother Scott) and like family, Maya Clemmensen (Scott’s girlfriend). The clothes are definitely a far cry from any Crocodile Dundee undertones and are the ultimate in chic fashion. Each piece calls out its own bold character, as it’s beach and bohemian-driven with a bit of an 80’s edge. Their lovely pieces exude a free-spirited confidence that will have you greeting your friends with “G’day” and insisting that they call you Sheila. So, calling all trendy US style-lovers — allow us to introduce you to a down under designer that’s most definitely blossoming. Click READ MORE to a sneak peak at the designers’ fun personalities in their interview, and see some of their many addictive looks in the slideshow!

With the opening of her first US boutique at the Plaza Hotel, a recent feature on the last cycle of America’s Next Top Model, and a fashionably fun fantasy-inspired lingerie line, Marlies Dekkers is taking the whole world by storm – not just her native Netherlands! Ranging from riding gear gone risque, Shakespearean forbidden love, and spider web beading and design, Dekkers’ inspirations may be unconventional, but the results of these off-beat ideas are undoubtedly fabulous. Whether you’re looking for something slinky and seductive to wear on Valentine’s Day, or just have a year-round infatuation with lovely lingerie like I do, Dekkers creates daringly imaginative and sexy high-end intimates for every size (she even has an award-winning maternity line!) that are bound to find their way on just about anyone’s wishlist. Check out the slideshow for some favorite picks, courtesy of renowned photographer Carin Verbruggen, from Marlies Dekkers’ recent and upcoming collections!