by trish on August 18, 2009

The designing duo Subu and Ina (M641 Co-Founders) aren’t old enough to have been present at Woodstock but hopes that their clothing line provokes the same kind playfulness and freedom. M641 co-Founders state, “Woodstock seemed magical and spiritual.” “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” While there is an obvious style connection with Woodstock, M641 cites much more. As ‘The Q’ states at her Evolved Fashion blog, “Woman-owned, ethical and conscious, M641 has garnered a loyal following among women who demand more from their wardrobe than just a stylish outfit or two.”

M641’s Memorable Escape Collection was inspired by a certain sense of utopia. Neo-hippy road trips, fantastical voyages and indigenous culture have set the stage for Spring. Modern cuts and luxe trims are evident as sprinkled in signature M641 appeal. “This is our largest Collection to date. We’ve dabbled in various fabrications to now include knits to our already existing 100% woven cotton pieces,” Ina S., Co-Founder of M641, reports. “This Collection will include a separate Party Wear category.” Ina continues, “We are also very excited to announce that we will be offering twill shorts to further extend our brand to our customers.” The M641 Spring ’10 Collection releases in early September to the retail sector. In the meantime, M641 invites us to indulge any obsession we have with earthy, easy, bohemian looks. Celebrate in M641 style, while putting on that 8 track of Janis and letting inhibitions fly away. M641 is a label dedicated to making fashion personal. Born in 2007, the brand continues to offer tops, tunics and dresses to the women’s contemporary market. M641 can be found at boutiques across the country and online. For more information visit: www.madras641.com. Shop the current collection online here.

by trish on August 18, 2009

Vietnamese Militia Woman Asphalt Men’s T-shirt – Buy Now
Asphalt (dark gray) 100% Cotton American Apparel Tee with a Black screen print of a Vietnamese militia woman.
Shop full collection click here.
About the designer:
Oakland California based fiftyseven-thirtythree focuses on designs that are at once simple, graphic, sexy and disconcerting. Loretta Nguyen and James Dawson design and produce screen-printed and stenciled t-shirts and appliquéd hoodies. We draw from an urban aesthetic where multi-culturalism and pop culture merge with inner city decay, graffiti and a lo-tech DIY sensibility. We strive to reflect and celebrate this to some degree in our designs. We derive inspiration from politics, history, media and our sexual identities. We look back at our culture to see what has endured and use it as a road map as to where we’re going. As a culture, we are mixing elements from around the world to create the future. It’s important, as Americans, that we see beyond the regression of our recent past and focus on the fact that the world unfolding around us is incredibly exciting.
Keep up on all that fiftyseven-thirtythree has going on in their blog.
by trish on August 17, 2009

One Shoulder Knit Top – Buy Now
Shop Elleira Couture’s full collection click here.
About the designer:
Charlotte , NC Native, Arielle Parker Bergmann, is making her groundbreaking debut into the fashion industry. She began her love for fashion at the mere age of eight years old with the hopes and aspirations of becoming a fashion designer. She expanded her knowledge of fashion and fueled her passion to create with all things around her. Arielle learned more and more everyday by studying the work of the icons and forerunners of the fashion industry. She continued her education by studying fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia . She, now, is an alumni and a recipient of a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. In addition to designing for the everyday woman, she also gives back by sharing her knowledge and love of fashion in the classroom. Arielle teaches fashion and the dynamics of the industry at a local high school.
by trish on August 14, 2009

Sleeveless Isadora top – Buy Now
Sleeveless Isadora is the must have ruffle blouse of the season!
* Ends at wearer’s high hip.
* Slim Fit
* Features include :wearer’s left side seam zipper for easy on and off, fabric covered buttons for a more formal look and feel and a beautiful standing collar ensuring all attention is on your fantastic face.
Made in the U.S.A
Fabric: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Care Instructions: Machine wash cold delicate cycle. Tumble dry low or hang dry.
Shop full collection here.
About the designer:
Kate Boggiano, created by Kate Coxworth in November 2006, is a women’s clothing line that specializes in women’s blouses and tops. Founded on the principles of high quality garments and fabrics as well as ensuring a great fit, Kate Boggiano does all manufacturing in the USA. Kate Boggiano is based in Chicago, and is participating in the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State street, which is designed to help 6 emerging Chicago-based designers further launch their careers in fashion. Kate Boggiano designs, manufactures and retails women’s shirts and blouses through the website, Kateboggiano.com. By using the best materials, the highest quality construction and fitting techniques, and utilizing USA manufacturing, we are able to provide our customer with a lasting garment timeless in quality style and fit. Read More…
by Mo on August 13, 2009
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What’s Going On
We are all trying to soak up these last weeks of summer – THAT is what’s going on! Need a sassy sundress, tank, or skirt because you are bored with your summer wardrobe? You came to the right place – take a look around this page for inspiration!
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Anavaa Kisasa, Paisley Tier Dress, $50 |
What’s New
Just another reason to keep your eyes peeled on the Smashing blog. The Pick of the Day gives you all the details about the featured product of the day, from the Chic Boutique, as well as a bit about the designer who created it. If you don’t have time to peruse the site this is a great way to get a glimpse of the Darling world, as well as learn about designers from all over the country.
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Coming Soon
Soon New York will go crazy over Spring 2010 collections – are you ready? Stay tuned in the blog as we do our best to support emerging designers showing around the city; don’t forget Darling Fall collections are sure to be arriving here very soon! After all, isn’t that what you need now?
Of course Fashion Week is not only for NYC. Learn about great communities all around the country supporting their local, independent designers – like San Francisco, and Austin; check out the links to more right under the Fashion Week heading in the blog.
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Smashing Kudos and tidbits
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If you hang in Facebook, please be a Darling fan!
cheers ~ the Darlings
by trish on August 13, 2009

Seaview Street Earrings – Buy Now
Radiant crystal quartz is perched upon a shimmery cluster of brilliant Peruvian opal briolettes. Each delicious, faceted stone is individually hand wrapped in 14k gold-fill wire. See full collection.
About The Artist:
Amy DiGregorio’s passion for art and thirst for adventure have inspired this unique line of jewelry. Her nomadic spirit has been her guide through the exotic bazaars and enchanting village markets of four continents. These travel expeditions have exposed Amy to many innovative art mediums in their most raw form, helping to enrich and influence her own artistic skills.
Amy DiGregorio grew up in New England, graduating from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a BFA in Studio Art and Art History.
Her sunny Santa Barbara art studio is where she brings back her carefully selected stones and rare findings discovered throughout the world.
Each organic design is named upon references in Massachusetts, keeping her Boston roots in spirit.
by trish on August 12, 2009

Séverine Earrings – Buy Now
From the best-selling Fleur Collection…
In shades of grey & silver reminiscent of heirloom silver, these earrings feature dense, lush clusters of solid sterling silver, labradorite and silver keshi pearls with overtones of green & blue. Slightly over 1″ in length. See whole collection from Passementerie
About the Artist…
The Passementerie collection of artisan fine jewelry is designed by Courtney Laine, a young designer who has already made her mark on the contemporary fine jewelry market with collectors as well as with industry press. Her work is instantly recognizable because of her unique style, combining stunning beadwork with traditional and contemporary metal smithing techniques. Read More …