Fab Read: The Black Dress

FabSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:00:22 -0800

We all know that black dresses are hardly just reserved for funerals anymore - they're wardrobe staples! In The Black Dress ($15), Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (my alma mater!), explores the zeitgeist of the black dress and how they've become timelessly chic.

The tome is filled with pages of iconic black dress images pulled from Chanel's collection, Audrey Hepburn's films, and more, plus quotes on the color black from writers, artists, and fashion personalities. Definitely one to check out - especially if you love your LBDs as much as I do.

Fab Flash: High/Low Designer Collaborations at an All-Time High

FabSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00:22 -0700

During dismal economic times, designer collaborations are the way to go. “We’re definitely going to see a lot more of these high-low marriages,” said Valerie Steele, of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “People are going to want a lot of fashion for their buck.” With that said, now is the time to nab a creation from your favorite high-end designer for a fraction of the price.

For example, J Brand has teamed up with Hussein Chalayan to create an exclusive denim line. “The opportunity to work with Hussein brings both brands to another level,” said Suzy Crippen, of J Brand. “It is all about business. The business of making something beautiful, a collector’s item you can afford, like a cheap Picasso.” Affordable designer goodies? That's always been the Fab way to go . . .

For a list of upcoming designer collaborations, read more.

Comme des Garçons for Tretorn and Converse
Rick Owens for Eastpak
Bernhard Willhelm for Mykita Sunglasses
Y for Dr. Martens
Salvatore Ferragamo for Yohji Yamamoto
Karl Lagerfeld for Rubt Helmets
Hussein Chalayan for J Brand
Jil Sander for Uniqlo
Zara for MTV

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