Where else can you discover Michael Kors in a window, modeling dogs, and a drag queen DJing? None other than Fashion’s Night Out NY!  Along with kickstarting New York Fashion Week, the global initiative of Fashion’s Night Out swept the nation yesterday evening. Even if you didn’t have money to get your shop on, you could certainly get your drink on as many luxury stores were offering up complimentary champagne along with the opportunity to peruse fall collections. I didn’t actually see to many people do serious spending, but did I encounter shoppers packed like sardines inside Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other high end retailers.

My first stop off 5th Ave was Bergdorf Goodman, where they were celebrating thirty years of Michael Kors‘ designs. Bergdorf’s fashion director, Linda Fargo presented Kors with a the key to Bergdorfs and a celebratory cake (no carb concern though, because the oversized cake was fake). Besides having Kors in the window, live models graced their additional whimsical window displays. My voyeuristic side favored two displays, one had French maids hanging up tiny clothing and the other lumberjacks attending to a Rapunzel-like character. Inside Bergdorfs the party continued with a draq queen DJ-ing popular tunes. Based on reactions, I think this may have been the first time some of the more elder Bergdorf customers had ever encountered a drag queen in real life.

Then it was on to Louis Vuitton where they had an expert painter on hand to customize their signature monogram bags for one night only. So if you happen to drop a few grand on a purse, you could request something snazzy painted on it. Obviously, I passed. They also offered up little chocolate bites for those (like me) who were getting famished from the night’s spectacle. Although, the evening had really just begun because over at Gucci they were giving patrons a photo op with the newly released Gucci designed Fiat. Then, Tiffany & Co. felt more like Carnival & Co. because they provided customized cookies, lemonade, sparkly lollipops, a photobooth, a live DJ, and more.

Models at Tiffany & Co.

However, it was Henri Bendel who took the cake for the night, as the retailer merged into the Lower East Side’s Hester Street Fair. Tons of vendors were on hand serving everything from pastries and jam to gourmet mac & cheese. The fair’s independent artists and jewelry designers actually to fit right in with Bendel’s chic atmosphere and luxe offerings. In the heart of the fair, playful pups could be found modeling the latest in collars & leashes.

Henri Bendel's dreamy sweets

And lastly, I swung by Rockerfeller Plaza- an unlikely Fashion’s Night Out destination- but they had live music and a red carpet was laid out with models showing off current trends. It felt like this was the place to grab a drink post shopping.

What did your FNO evening consist of?

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London and Paris (along with New York and Milan) are known as “Fashion Capitals of the World,” but which capital has bigger and better fashionable pants than the other? According to Texan-based group the Global Language Monitor, London is currently leading the world’s fashion trends for 2011. Prior to London, New York was on top for several years… I’m sad to see the big apple falling down to second place, but good for London and their fame, which is mostly due to the passing of Alexander McQueen and royal nuptials between Kate Middleton & Prince William. (I have a feeling we’ll be seeing New York reign over the list once again come 2012.) It’s also sweet to see Los Angeles come in at fifth place just behind Milan, not too shabby for our laid back style and red carpet attire. See the top 25 most fashionable cities below.

Top Fashion Capitals according to Global Language Monitor

(previous year ranking in parenthesis)

1. 1. London (3)
2. 2. New York (1)
3. 3. Paris (4)
4. 4. Milano (6)
5. 5. Los Angeles (5)
6. 6. Hong Kong (2)
7. 7. Barcelona (10)
8. 8. Singapore (15)
9. 9. Tokyo (14)
10. 10. Berlin (18)
11. 11. Sydney (7)
12. 12. Madrid (11)
13. 13. Rome (22)
14. 14. Shanghai (12)
15. 15. Monaco (Debut)
16. 16. Las Vegas (16)
17. 17. Melbourne (9)
18. 18. Moscow (20)
19. 19. Amsterdam (17)
20. 20. Buenos Aires (24)
21. 21. Bali (32)
22. 22. Mexico City (29)
23. 23. Rio de Janeiro (19)
24. 24. Mumbai (28)
25. 25. Sao Paulo (13)

 Do you agree with these rankings? 

[source]

Designer appearances and major parties are in the works for Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) on Friday, September 8th in New York during Fashion Week. We already filled you in on Alexander Wang’s freak show, but now more details have surfaced about the upcoming evening, which is gearing up to the biggest FNO yet. Events are planned in major cities all over the world (including Japan), as well as online (can’t leave the e-tailer’s out). If you’re looking for some celebrities, models, and designers then you might want to swing by some of these NYC happenings on the 8th…There’s even a designer doggy fashion show.

First you need to be able to navigate the terrain, luckily the FNO website has a detailed guide, as well as, a handy iPhone and Andriod app. Volkswagon is also joining the festivities with their Style Express– they’ll be zooming shoppers nonstop between uptown & downtown.

Now let’s get to some standout events:

Saks Fifth Avenue

• - Tilda Swinton will be appearing with the brand Pringle of Scotland and Ne-Yo will be signing hats, oh and we hope to catch Prabal Gurung there too!

Macy’s [Herald Square]

• - Appearances include Tommy Hilfiger, Coco Rocha, Sandra Lee, ANTM‘s Miss J, Bobbi Brown, Anna Dello Russo (with by Karolina Kurkova), Rachel Roy, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Diddy
• - Performances from Joss Stone, Kelly Rowland, and a Gucci Guilty dance party DJed by Samantha Ronson
  

Bloomingdale’s

• - Rachel Zoe will be celebrating the launch of her new line
• - Erin Wasson is going to be on hand to promote her collection for Zadig & Voltaire

Bergdorf Goodman

• - Michael Kors will make hanging out in Bergdorf’s windows in celebration of the retailer stocking his pieces for thirty years
• - Designers Alexandra Vidal, Badgley Mischka, Bibhu Mohapatra, Cushnie & Ochs, John Barrett, Joseph Altuzarra, Kimberly McDonald, Laurance Dacade, Lela Rose, Nicholas Varney, Pamella Roland, Reem Acra & Wes Gordon will all take to the catwalk with their K9′s in tow for a doggy fashion show. Judging will be fierce with Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman & Keren Craig, Santiago Gonzalez, and BagSnob’s Tina Craig in charge of awarding best in show
• - The lovely Oscar de la Renta will signing his limited-edition “Face of Fashion” fall palette made by Le Métier de Beauté

It’s springtime, which means love is in the air and the majority of people you know are in talks of weddings…and babies. Even if you aren’t in that stage of your life or trying to avoid it, I promise before you know, some friend of a friend will appear on your Facebook Newsfeed as newly “engaged”.

So, the clever folks at the St. Regis New York couldn’t have thought of anything better but a Tiffany & Co. suite. Starting this Thursday, guests will be able to check into a one-of-a-kind 1,700 square-foot “Tiffany Suite”. From beautifully gaudy chandeliers to the signature Tiffany blue to the huge windows that overlook Central Park, this could quite possibly be every bride’s dream come true.

Although, at $8,500 plus taxes a night…it is so wrong to say I’d just take the ring over a night in the suite? Or both. Yes both would work too.

[via WWD]

Now, in their fourth initiative, The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has chosen Parsons The New School for Design to be the home of Fashion Campus NYC. Fashion Campus NYC is set to be an intensive weekend of workshops from July 15th-16th where attendees will have the chance to partake in various seminars and learn about all the different business aspects to New York City’s fashion. They have even tapped Parsons alum Derek Lam to give a keynote address at the event. Additionally, Parsons has educated generations of fashion designers, including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Prabal Gurung and Proenza Schouler just to name a few.

And the best news? All students welcome in attending may do so for FREE by registering online at http://fashioncampusnyc.com.

However, before he got caught, it seems that he was able to make an appearance in Numéro‘s latest issue with “Model Monday” alum Kendra Spears. The editorial titled “Hypnose” is beyond seductive with looks pulled by stylist Franck Benhamou. Shot by photographer duo Sean & Seng, I love the lighting and contrast of the images in color and black and white…as well as the sensuality of the spread. Who knew Spears and the snake could be so sexy.

View the editorial and the team behind the scene on MyFDB.

Professional Credits:

What prompted you to become a hair stylist and have you always known that this was your calling?
Well, truth be told I needed a job after high school. So, it really wasn’t a calling, rather fate intervened when I took an apprenticeship at a local hair salon. Guess we can say that was life changing.

With such an established career, how has the hair styling industry evolved throughout the years?
What makes women beautiful will always be ever changing, making the fast-paced beauty industry constantly evolving. It has kept me intrigued for 25 years, considering I have a short attention span. The business is exciting as it changes. Rising prices, women become more career-oriented and fast fashion keeps us all on our toes in order to satisfy our consumers.

What was the design inspiration behind your New York salon?
Our initial inspiration came from a good friend, Abe Gurko, who suggested a throw-back to 1970s glamour with a chic, contemporary feel. After that, my wife Catherine took charge and made it all happen. I was involved every day with the project and was also consulted on changes that needed to be made along the way, as I knew how I wanted the space to feel rather than look.

By having your salon located next to luxury retailers like YSL, which fashion brands or designers are you influenced by?
After the construction, I bought my wife a 3-piece suite from YSL for a job well done. I love classics on a modern woman, they know how to mix and match with other clothes/accessories that make it fresh. Since arriving on the very desirable part of 57th Street, I love looking at all the windows at Chanel, Dior and Burberry on my way to work. It could trigger me at anytime as a source of inspiration and to shape my mood for the day.

Who have been some of your favorite celebrities to work with?
I have the honor to be called upon by many celebs. The ones I seem to enjoy the most are those who have remained grounded and unassuming. It allows for the connection between us to take place that puts me in a “comfort zone” that allows my hands to take over. But, if I was to mention a name that always makes me excited, it would be Hillary Clinton, who I have the pleasure from seeing from time to time. Her energy is exciting but controlled obviously by current affairs. When she sits in my chair, I can really feel she is trusting my work and she never tells me what to do. On the contrary, she would always ask, “So Roy, what are you going to do to me this time?”. Usually at 5am when I see her, I’m not especially chatty, so I would just say “Well, we’ll soon find out!”.

Having lived in London, Paris, Los Angeles, and New York what about each of these four cities continues to inspire you?
I draw inspiration from New York City, which I am proud to call home. All of the other places that I go are to relax, play, or escape. I am constantly moving and thinking in NYC. And I take that energy to Miami and LA, where they tell me to slow down! There’s no place like New York for inspiration. I go to France yearly, where those surroundings help me put my thoughts and ideas into perspective and in order of importance.

What are three hair styling products every girl should own?
That’s easy; L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Spray Level 3, Matrix Styling Mouse, and Osmo Clay. Done deal.

Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring fashion/beauty industry hopefuls?
Stick it out without growing a big head. Easy you say? Then why do so many fall into that pit. Also, choose to work with the best and learn from them. It’s how I did it!

Great advice and that’s a wrap! A big thank you to Roy Teeluck for taking the time to talk to MyFDB and for more about him and his salon, visit his official website.

Have you “overheard” something good? Share it with MyFDB in the comments below!

Even though it’s New York Fashion Week, fellow MyFDBlog Editor Vaneza and I managed to spare a few short hours to explore SoHo for a much needed break from the Lincoln Center tents. Being an NYC and fashion week noobie, I was dying to check out this famous shopping destination off Broadway. Living in Los Angeles, I do have a pretty impressive sleuth of shops at my fingertips. However, there a few shops you just can’t find on the west coast such as Topshop, Uniqlo, and Dean & Deluca. Okay…I realize Dean & Deluca isn’t a clothing store, but they DO make a mean pastry and cup of coffee. After all, you need stay energized while you shop!

You can arrive in SoHo almost anytime of the day and it’ll be full of locals and tourists alike. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be savvy when it comes to navigating your way around other shoppers. Before visiting, I suggest making a game plan of the shops you want to browse. I mean, you can go to a Victoria’s Secret or (depending where you live) an H&M anytime. So, don’t waste your time at these typical mall shops! Follow my lead and head straight for stores you can’t find elsewhere.

First up should be British-born retailer, Topshop; it’s the go-to store for every style concious consumer. Be forewarned though, it’s a bit priceyier than H&M; but to me, feels waaay more stylish and doesn’t have that mass-produced feeling. Attached to Topshop is Topman, where you’ll find fashionable duds for the man in your life, or the one holding your purse while you’re trying on 15 items.

After Topshop, stroll down Broadway to Uniqlo. Here you’ll discover affordably priced basics for both men and women. Known for their sharp denim selection, which can be tailored same day in-store; their price points are very affordable. You can pick up a nice pair of jeggings or jeans starting around $25. Personally, I found myself drawn to their packaged basics on the bottom floor of the shop- they’re soft, comfortable, and very flattering. I suggest working your way to the bottom floor for these, plus this is where the sale section is located.

Aside from these favorites, SoHo is a hub of fashion-forward retailers; some you’ve heard of, some you haven’t, and many you can’t afford. Regardless of budget, I suggest strolling past Prada to oogle at their S/S 2011 collection- it’s bananas!

So, what’s your favorite SoHo destination?

With it being the first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week- and me being new to New York- I wanted to give all of you a peek inside and around Lincoln Center, so you can get a first hand idea of all the hoopla! Given that it’s about 24 degrees, you won’t find many show-goers outside of the venue, but you will find hoards of fashion forward trendsetters inside. Along with a very necessary coat check, fashion week visitors also have access to free goodies from sponsors, a bloggers lounge, a TRESemme hair station, and more. Of course on display are a few new cars from Mercedes-Benz accompanied by Herve Leger dresses on strategically posed mannequins. As you can see from the photos below, the event is crowded, but there’s a unique energy in the air that we’re currently addicted to! Stay tuned to MyFDB on Twitter and right here on the MyFDBlog for more exclusive NYFW coverage.

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