Gap and DVF Launch Children's Line

Legendary womenswear designer Diane Von Furstenburg will be releasing a children's collection for Gap, set to hit US stores and online March 15.  The girl's collection, ranging from $20-$85, includes a full wardrobe for daughters to match the overall style and fashion sense of the leading women in their lives.  The printed pants have got to be the best piece of the collection; just beware of over styling - you don't want to make your toddler look too grown for her own good! Since I am expecting a niece in the next couple weeks, I have become that much more excited that I can buy her very first DVF wrap skirt from Gap before she can even wear it! Check out the top looks from the DVF for GapKids Lookbook below:

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Kanye West Fall 2012 Runway Show Review PFW

After an over-ambitious rookie appearance last season, Kanye West is back at it again with another collection for Paris Fashion Week.  This collection has begun an aesthetic that can be identified with Kanye; an aesthetic that seems to have the theme of "bondage" surrounding it.   The contrasts in height and depth of fabrics and cuts are evident across both collections; however, in this collection, West used fabrics that are more appropriate for the season.  Using black as the universal palette was certainly on trend, and his contrasts with colored furs and gold accents brought relevance to his collection.  The textures used in the collection were definitely a highlight; most noted with the shearling coat, and multi-fur jacket. The hem of the skirts, for the sake of constructive criticism, were not as finished as they should have been.  In fact, the fit and finish of all the skirts in the collection seemed to lack a certain level of luxury that Kanye lives and raps by.  The outerwear was the definite win with Kanye's collection; a perfect styling addition to West's sophomore debut in Paris (cue #WTT).

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 photos: style.com

GANT by Michael Bastian Fall 2012 Collection

For Fall 2012, Michael Bastian took us on a journey through his collegiate years in Boston. During the mid-80's, during the MOD revival, the collegiate sense of style was still centered around the preppy principle. Drawing from this inspiration, Bastian took a practical approach in translating the era to fashion. Combining functional winter essentials with tailored seasonal fabrics like tweed and corduroy, GANT by Michael Bastian was a representation of prep versus practical.

 Parkas, hooded anoraks, and shetland cardigans portrayed the harsh winters that Bostonians experience, while the impressive styling of the collection de-localized the inspiration into a testament of what all men want visually. Bastian also modernized classic looks by adjusting the fit; favorably seen with the slim fit cargo pants and herringbone trousers. The color palette was collegiate in general, linking both university prep and Americana together. On trend with the deep purples of Fall 2012, GANT introduces the color in corduroy pants, and in color ways within plaid and striped fabrics. The women's collection stood out just as much as the men's, with sharply tailored blazers and winter performance wear. The leggings with contrasting center stripe were a winner with the styling of the looks, and will definitely be a major seller for the ladies.

Rochambeau Fall 2012 Collection

Designers Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper Standing with Model at Rochambeau FW12

The Rochambeau Fall 2012 Collection has been one of the most wearable collections from the brand; however, don't mistake this season's crossover resonance with a lack of editorial element.  This collection is versatile and genuine to Rochambeau; a very smart effort by designers Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper.  Rochambeau maintained their relaxed, layered aesthetic with harem pants and collapsed waist detail, but added an intelligent amount of tailoring to the fit of their Fall 2012 Collection.  With black as the main color of the collection, pops of deep burgundy hues with crisp white shirts and leather detail contrasts against the darkened palette.  Fringed detailing in the letter accessories were a pleasant addition to the collection, while the hats and gloves, though not fringed, also completed the looks with a sartorial edge.

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Photos: Quentin Washington/Avenue Swank

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 Collection

Red Carpet gowns are beautiful.  Weddings are truly moments in time.  But, when a woman can have continuous moments of power and sex appeal with one piece of clothing, it makes for an everlasting fashion experience. 

Duckie Brown Fall 2012 Collection

From waist down, Duckie Brown will always give you a moment; whether a skirt, or long shirts that layer in skirt-like fashion, those who appreciate the aesthetic of Duckie Brown will alway feel the energy of masculine androgyny.  For the Duckie Brown Fall 2012 Collection, the waist-down approach of skirting was achieved with wide leg pants and long coats.  There were more simple, yet memorable dapper moments with dark grey tweed jackets and herringbone trousers.  Of course, a the look couldn't be complete without a moment of street aesthetic, aided by the long chunky sweater gloves and knit beanies - maybe even an occasional wig.  

photos: Getty/Zimbio