Welcome to the WGSN Americas blog, focusing on the trends that the
US, Central and South American teams are tracking right now.

WGSN publishes thousands of news and business stories each year, reacting to the events and issues in the fashion and style industries worldwide, predicting what will matter to industry professionals now and in the future.

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Barneys Unveils Lady Gaga's Holiday-Themed Workshop

Barneys opened the doors to Lady Gaga's Workshop today at its New York flagship store. Shoppers were able to peruse an array of Gaga-themed treats, music, accessories and apparel, curated by the pop star. The space is Lady Gaga's interpretation of Santa's workshop and was designed by stylist/Thierry Mugler creative chief Nicola Formichetti, and artists Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide Pierson of international collective Assume Vivid Astro Focus. The workshop will be open until January 2.

--Aria Hughes

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Joseph Altuzarra: 2011 Winner of CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

Last night the 8th CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards dinner at Skylight in New York awarded French-born, New York-based designer Joseph Altuzurra as this year’s winner.

Altuzurra who was nominated last year for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear received $300,000 towards growing his brand alongside invaluable mentoring from key industry leaders. The $100,000 prize was awarded to New York-based designer Pamela Love and newcomers from Chicago, Shane Gabier and Chris Peters of Creatures of the Wind. An exclusive committee that included Proenza Schouler designer Lazaro Hernandez, Theory President Andrew Rosen and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, decided the winners.

The finalist list was a tightly kept secret until last Thursday, when the CFDA and Vogue announced the lucky contenders. The ten finalists included a wide array of emerging designers and also semi-established brands, some of which were nominated in prior years. Names like A.A’s Antonio Azzuolo, Soraya Silchenstedt of Finn Jewelry, Dana Lorenz of Fenton/Fallon, Alexa Adams and Flora Gill of Ohne Titel, and Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty of Suno were a few included.

Keep an eye on Joseph Altuzurra as WGSN notes him one to watch next year!

By Elena Jaramillo

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

A Very Model Thanksgiving


The "Thanksgiving" print by artist and illustrator, Danny Roberts is definitely dinner-time conversation.

The 13x9 print available on Robert's Etsy shop features Karl Lagerfeld playing host to models including Lily Cole, Mona Johannesson, and Tanya Dziahileva. Industry insiders, designers and press alike are speculating on whom the fourth model is but Robert's has yet to disclose the likeness.

No stranger to fashion himself, Robert's studied photography at Cal Pol SLO and later Fashion Design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. He has collaborated with Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers, Forever21, Heutchy Shoes, Lancome and Sundance Channel's Full Front Fashion but drawing remains his passion.

Check out his art store to see a range of prints ranging from cityscapes to illustrated reproductions inspired by fashion campaigns and models.


Monday, 14 November 2011

Tokidoki Barbie: Toy or no toy?

Last month US toymaker Mattel collaborated with LA-based Tokidoki to launch an interesting collector’s edition Barbie doll. With an initial price of $50 the doll is now being sold on eBay for a whopping $500.


Contrary to the classic blonde-hair Barbie style, the Tokidoki doll looks more as a character from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, with a pale-pink bob, tattoos on her back, shoulders and neck and a green pet named Bastardino.

By Elena Jaramillo

Friday, 11 November 2011

Run with Hello Kitty



Sanrio is releasing its first head-to-toe collaboration with athletic brand, ASICS. After their limited-edition collab shoe sold out last year, it's no surprise the beloved Kitty is teaming up with the global sport brand for the third year in a row.

With an entire set of athletic gear made to make your runs more fun, the technical sport capsule includes essentials that will keep you adorably covered.

I can't wait to get my feet running in the lightweight ASICS x Hello Kitty shoe, which is based off the popular GEL-Blur33 model.

The limited edition holiday collection is available at Sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores beginning November 15.

Prices range from $18-$150

Thursday, 10 November 2011

WGSN Loves...John & Mary





The holiday season is right around the corner, promising holiday carols, department story frenzy and the need to update your travel accessories. The brand and bags worth investing your time and your confidence is John & Mary, a company synonymous with craftsmanship and style.

John & Mary pride themselves on the impeccable quality of their products as well as their classic design aesthetic. The silhouettes are timeless, seasonless and effortless, a welcome change in a market rife with cliched prints and kitsch colors. The subtle simplicity of the bags allow them to remain a wardrobe staple as seasons and trends continue to change.

The small classic-carryall is ideal for everyday use and the slim, structured silhouette is the perfect counterpart to a number of this Fall’s slouchy, chunky knits. The carryall style is also offered in three larger sizes that make for ideal travel pieces. The company has also announced that in addition to their classic carryall and duffel bags, they will soon be introducing two new styles: the polo and the shopper bag.

We recommend ordering quickly as the demand for certain styles is heightened during the holiday gift-giving season. Visit the website for more information and stockist.


Monday, 7 November 2011

On-trend: Kanken Backpack

Left-right: maryhouse1.com, rivieramare.blogspot.com, fashion-and-charm.blogspot.com, flickr.com (hemljuvahem), streetpeeper.com, silostore.com

Fjällräven's (Swedish for Artic Fox) Kanken backpack has been spotted all around New York, bringing pops of color to an otherwise gloomy fall. Intended for Swedish school children over 30 years ago, the iconic fox can now be found on the backs of fashion forward girls and guys everywhere.

Find out more about the Fjällräven brand here and take some time out to pick out your own Kanken backpack at I Love My Kanken. You can also purchase the Kanken at J.Crew, Opening Ceremony and at one of Fjällräven's stores nationwide.

Karl Lagerfeld capsule at Sephora

It seems that Karl Lagerfeld has his hands full with his various collaborations at the moment, but that didn't stop him creating a capsule collection of nail polishes and eye shadows for beauty mecca Sephora. He also created a snow globe and doll that will be available for purchase - talking of Lagerfeld dolls, check out the Huffington Post's archive of Karl Lagerfeld dolls.

Thursday, 3 November 2011

Print & Graphics: Occupy Wall Street



The Occupy Wall Street movement continues to build in downtown Manhattan and the creativity buzz coming out of the DIY community there has been great for print and graphics inspiration. Check out WGSN.com for the full report.