iuk iuk Spring 2010

Congratulation to iuk iuk!

Scottsdale Fashion Week has announced iuk iuk by Alina Samasiuk has been named the 2009 Designer of the Year. Siobhan by Elizabeth Albert is the 2009 People’s Choice Award recipient. A panel of independent judges chose the Designer of the Year, while the People’s Choice Award was determined by a popular vote on azcentral.com.

I’m so impressed with the talent and skill of our local designers. Each applicant has a unique point of view and the diversity confirms Arizona’s fashion industry really has something to offer every type of customer. To do this group justice it was essential we spotlight our Top 10 Designers on the SMoCA Nights runway. The show was key for the judges to truly recognize the top designers for their talent, says Designer of the Year Coordinator Angela Johnson.

The Designer of the Year fashion show featuring iuk iuk will be on the Scottsdale Fashion Week SouthBridge Runway on November 6 at 6:15 p.m.

“Alina Samasiuk elevates jersey. Her iuk iuk line is imbued with imagination and versatility yet grounded in a simple elegance. The designs hug, and frill, intermittently, in all the right places. She infuses a refreshingly understated, unforced everyday whimsy into her clean construction. This is couture to which you want to snuggle up,” says Nadia Mustafa, national style journalist and contest judge.

The iuk iuk line focuses on designing garments for modern women that can be worn in multiple situations and fit each environment with elegance and comfort while still maintaining a sense of allure. The designs are flexible enough to accentuate different physiques and help women to feel confident. www.iukiuk.net

Rounding out the Top 4 finalists in the People’s Choice online vote were Nostalgic Boutique by Rebecca Turley, AGA Couture by Alex Garcia, and RAW by Amelia Walsh.

The 2009 Designer of the Year judging panel was comprised of John Michael Capaldi, Canal magazine advertising and marketing director; Kate Cavaliere Birchler, Scottsdale Fashion Square & Biltmore Fashion Park senior marketing manager; Nick Cave, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Design Faculty and contemporary artist; Megan Finnerty, Arizona Republic nightlife editor; Nadia Mustafa, national style journalist; and Dennita Sewell, Phoenix Art Museum fashion curator. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and azcentral.com are the presenting sponsors of the design competition.

0 comments permalink |  4:09 PM |  10.16.2009 | 

Dries Van Noten

What a glorious morning! Breakfast at Barneys was just as magical as I had hoped! The store is so amazing. The labels and products are so carefully chosen. The details and diversity of the store and products, both inspiring and comfortable at the same time.

Lanvin Lady. Me loves her pendant!

My darling friends and I spent a great deal of time wandering the store and label lusting over hot designers we’ve merely read about in Vogue, like Alexander Wang, and being awe-struck by timeless designers like Lanvin.

It’s really a must for fashion and art lovers alike, to breathe in the gorgeous displays of haute couture and charge your personal “Hello Barneys” at the register. And yes, we met the amazing Simon Doonan! Swoon!

Simon says... "Hello Scottsdale!"

Take a look at my favorite things at Barneys New York…

The Lanvin hand bag- to die!

Haute Hats

Isabel Toledo dress. I'm loving bright, happy green again this season.

Louboutin Ladies. Dressed in the namesake brand, Barneys New York

I'm dying for this dress by Alexander Wang! If you buy it before me, send me a picture.

The zipper detail on my Alexander Wang dream dress

The men's Co-Op rocks too! Nelson, Barneys associate and local stylist, showing us around the menswear.

Men's Cashmere Denim. Yes, it feels amazing. But I disagree boys! Underwear is a must!

Simon "bumps it"!

0 comments permalink |  5:17 AM |  10.16.2009 | 

The Care Card, benefitting Ryan House, starts tomorrow, October 16th thru October 25th.

Shop at over 500 participating retailers and Save 20% on your purchases when you Give to Ryan House by buying a Care Card for $50.

Receive a generous 20% discount every time you use your Care Card at participating retailers beginning October 16th through October 25th. Two weekends of shopping at over 500 retailers! 100% of the Care Card sales price from The Board of Visitors goes directly to Ryan House, a respite home for children with life-limiting conditions.

Visit www.thecarecard.org.org for participating retailers and more information.

0 comments permalink |  9:47 PM |  10.15.2009 | 

Peter Harden and his pals at Lucky

Today my favorite mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is all a buzz with the opening of Barneys, the East Wing and Simon Doonan’s visit. Though I’m excited about the fashionable hoopla and can’t wait to shop the new stores this morning, I’m also excited to pay a visit to “The Mayor “of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the fabulous Peter Harden.

Have you met Peter? If you’re a celebrity, like Britney Spears or Diana Krall, chances are you have.  If you’re like me and had no idea that big celebrities come here almost weekly, let alone shop here, you’ve been missing a very special experience to know and shop with Peter.

Peter and the hardworking valet men

Peter’s job is simple – to make sure shoppers at Scottsdale Fashion Square get the red carpet treatment, whether you’re Britney or not. I had the pleasure of accompanying Peter on a mock-shopping spree.  (Surprisingly, I didn’t actually spend any money!) He led me through the mall, introduced me to the store managers, let me shop, lovingly gave me opinions when I asked about a certain shoe or necklace and kept me laughing the entire time. No he doesn’t carry bags or push strollers, but I had a phenomenal time shopping, meeting people and having an honest male opinion for once!

Peter describes his job as his “calling.” He started in retail at J. Riggins many years ago, after moving here and working at MCA/Motown Records.  After J. Riggins, Peter moved into mall security and was let go after a short while for being “too friendly.” But after 2 days without Peter, Fashion Square called him back in to work in this special VIP position created just for him.

Ask anyone at Westcor and they will tell you, Peter can’t be duplicated. Or take it from me, he can’t.  This darling, charming man describes Fashion Square as his “indoor neighborhood” and he gets to chat with his friends, make new ones, make people feel special and shop all day long.

So I had to ask the man who spends more time at the mall than I do, what are some of his favorite stores? Though he shops each and every store and tailors his VIP tours to the tastes of the client, he does have an affinity for Anthropology, Optical Shop of Aspen, LaCoste, Lucky Brand Denim and Jimmy Choo – to name a few! But of course, anything trendy and fabulous that he sees in Vogue or GQ he could probably find for you at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Peter and Me

If you’re headed to the Grand Opening party today, please make sure to introduce yourself to Peter if he’s not swarmed by friends, celebrities, VIP’s and me! And if you would like to shop with Peter, call the mall at 480-945-5495.

0 comments permalink |  6:07 AM |  10.15.2009 |