Designer Crush

If you know NSF, then you know this: the label's a go-to for easy knits, polished but not overly complicated separates, and a cool, tomboy aesthetic. Its evolution from menswear brand to a women's line with an independent SoCal spirit that draws closely on its menswear roots is now a mission that creative director Jamie Haller will confidently expand. With more than 10 years of experience as a designer in LA, plus a memorable run at the helm of Ever, a brand she relaunched as an instant success (with a major celebrity following) in 2008, Jamie has big plans for taking NSF into even more awesome territory. For starters, she's expanded the collection's base of knits to include a selection of soft, drapy sportswear, Italian leather finishes, and Japanese hand-processed denim — and it's only been about a year since Jamie took the reins. Keep reading to learn more about the very talented Miss Haller and just why we're crushing on the creative director and her very cool-girl collection.

• On the NSF girl: "Relaxed, casual, and cool are words that best describe the NSF girl. She is free spirited, easygoing, [and] timeless, but with a forward sensibility. Our customer wants to be both laid back and yet look pulled together, to be styled, and yet understated."
• On what inspires the collection: "Everything. I try not to be too rigid about how the collection comes together. It is a very organic process. I look at a lot of different fabrics, silhouette inspirations, vintage. I go flea market hunting, we scour our own closets for old favorites, and I borrow from the boys. We sit around and daydream about good ideas and what we would be really excited to design or wear. Sometimes something as simple as a distressed old tee can be really inspirational. Pulling the collection together is an evolution. I trust that sometimes what we do at the last minute is often the best thing in the line."

Read on for Jamie's fashion icons, Fall dressing tips, and a look at our favorite NSF Fall pieces.

Does the name Duro Olowu sound familiar to you? While we were first turned onto the London-based Nigerian designer when Michelle Obama was spotted in his brightly colored wares last Summer, we promise you — come March 1 — you will be singing the praises of Duro Olowu, too. And here's why. Olowu has teamed up with JCPenney to put forth a massive, albeit very impressive, lineup that includes his signature mix of prints on everything from long flowy maxi dresses and silky blouse-and-trouser sets, to hard-shell luggage and bold dish sets (if you dare). To see it is to believe it, and soon enough, we'll be able to share the full collaboration with you. Until then, think faded brocade textures, statement jewelry (he even enlisted Iris Apfel to help with this one!), bags that are just as functional as they are fashionable, and, oh yeah, everything is priced under $100. Yes, there's some waiting involved here, but in the meantime get to know Olowu a little better below.

From left: the designer (at middle) with his models and a look from his Spring '13 collection

On what this collaboration is all about: Everything I did with this is new, so it's not a "greatest hits" collection. I wanted to create looks that were based on my ideas of American classics, all with a global flair. I think America already has a tradition of classics — the perfect pants, the perfect trench coat — and I wanted to give it that extra oomph. I don't want people to think 'oh, he just took all the things that sold well for him over the years and put it here,' because I didn't. This is all new, they should become the new classics.

On why he's drawn to bold prints: I'm always looking at textiles from all over the world because I think people travel a lot in their minds. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to go somewhere and see them [the textiles] in person. If I can bring it into your home, that would be great.

What is "funky granny?" Keep reading.

We're going to go out on a limb here and say that the Prabal Gurung for Target collection — slated to launch Feb. 10 — is one of our favorite designer collaborations come to life yet. Yesterday, we got our first in-person look at the collection, and while we can guarantee you'll want a piece, we had to promise not to take any photos (translation: our lips are sealed). On the bright side? Instead of Instagramming up a storm, we caught up with the designer himself. Gurung was on hand to speak candidly about this exciting new partnership, dish on what it was like to veer strongly (and if we might add, he nailed it) into the accessories category, and what he's giving and getting this holiday season. Hint: he's got love on the brain. Want to know Gurung a little better? Right this way.

On the piece he loves most: It's really difficult to pick just one piece. For me, the essence of every look is to make my friends, the girls that I know, and the girls that I don't know feel beautiful. That's the idea behind it all, and for girls to feel and look their best possible. I'll say — in the most abstract way — that any piece that makes you feel great is the piece I love most in that moment.

On how a collaboration line is different: From a design perspective, there wasn't much of a difference between doing a collaboration line and working on my own line. I always approach designing from [the angle of] what makes a girl feel beautiful. Yes, the volume [of a collaboration line] is bigger, so from a logistics standpoint, it's a bit different. But the way I design is very similar.

On his (very cool) lineup of accessories for Target: I wanted this girl to have a head-to-toe look without looking too matchy-matchy. She should look very put together. With the accessories — shoes and handbags — you feel like you've got the complete wardrobe.

On holiday giving . . . and getting: I always give one thing — love — and I want love back. That's it.

He may not be a household name yet, but we'd recommend committing Jonathan Simkhai's name to memory. Just one look at his latest collection and it's pretty obvious: the guy knows what he's doing, and we're all the luckier for it. Since launching his own label in 2010, the New York-born-and-raised fashion designer has quickly mastered the art of boy-meets-girl chic. Since age 14, he's been exposed to the fashion industry in some capacity, first assisting in a clothing store and sharpening his buyer skills, then studying at both Parsons and FIT. And now, you can find his eponymous wares in Barneys.

For Spring '13, his collection showed off ultrafeminine silhouettes streamlined against more traditional menswear-tailoring techniques. Example: a floral-printed wide-leg trouser gave way to something that was both structural and sweet. And did we mention it just oozed California cool, too? It's hard to put our finger on just one thing we love about Jonathan, and maybe that's because there's too much to chose from. Get to know Jonathan Simkhai in 60 seconds, including his design inspiration, the things he never expected to experience, and the celebs he'd most love to see wearing his clothes — it's all here.

• On the things he never expected since starting his own label: I never expected to see some of my favorite fashion icons in my clothes. When Drew Barrymore wore one of my dresses to her engagement party, I was thrilled. And I still get goosebumps when I see my clothes at Barneys.
• On who his fashion icons are right now: Taylor Tomasi Hill and Jayne Min of STOP IT RIGHT NOW.

Read on for his Spring '13 inspiration, dream clientele, and more.