An Avant Guard

Follow my lead...........

2010-06-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

You didnt think I would just abandon you do you? Follow my new progress at www.themensissue.com

The E.N.D.

2010-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm sure many of you are wondering where the HELL I've been right? An Avant Guard is getting a face-lift, tummy tuck and breast augmentation by being split into two different entities. I've been working the new blog concepts that I will be unveiling in the next few weeks! Stay tuned!

The Last Song

2010-03-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen's last collection for Fall 2010 was unveiled this week in Paris and consisted of 16 looks. The late designer took inspiration from the art of the Dark Ages with jaquard embroidered dresses, feather head pieces, printed gowns and embellished thigh-high boots.

Brian Reyes Fall 2010

2010-03-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's been almost a month. I know, I know! But it's that time of the year where we get all dressed up in the bitter cold and hit the tents for the FALL FASHION SHOWS!! One of my favorite New York designers Brian Reyes showed his collection a few week ago to rave reviews. Brian's collection was inspired by elements in nature specifically trees that he saw during his travels to the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C. and the Kew Gardens in London.

Trussardi 1911

2010-02-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought a small Italian leather goods company started in the early 1900's would be resurrected into one of the newest sought after labels in fashion! Trussardi 1911 has been known for leather goods, but now specializes in men's & women's RTW and accessories. Creative Director Milan Vukmirovic (who is a former designer at Jil Sander and co-founder of uber cool boutiques Colette Paris & The Webster Miami) took Native American and rock & roll influences for both the men & women collections. Still staying true to it's original form, Trussardi's accessories stay at the forefront with ultra lush leather bags and shoes in cool textures & colors. For more on Trussardi 1911 visit their website at http://www.trussardi1911.it/

The Webster Miami

2010-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

If Miami isn't sexy enough, now there's another reason to take your top off! Luxury boutique The Webster Miami has taken up residence on Collins Ave bringing uber luxe to South Floridians. The store was conceptualized by former Gucci Group alums Milan Vukmirovic, Laure Heriard Dubreuil and Frederic Dechnik. Webster Miami sits at 12,000 sq ft with 3 levels of shopping for men & women and a rooftop restaurant. As you scale the racks you will find the likes of Alaia, Balenciaga, Victor & Rolf for women and Trussardi 1911, Billionaire Boys Club, and Spurr for men. For more on The Webster Miami, visit their website at http://www.thewebstermiami.com/

Cassius Eyewear

2010-02-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Cassius Eyewear is bringing vintage elements from the 1960's and 70's into modern eyewear. Creative Director Jason Ng was inspired by shape and design and wanted to bring ultra luxe eyewear to a mass consumer. Cassius is the go-to eyewear for Kanye West, Estelle, Rihanna and Lady GaGa. For more on the brand check out their website http://www.cassiuseyewear.com/

Men's Fall 2010 Collections Preview

2010-01-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Top to Bottom: Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Paul Smith, D&G

For Men's Fall 2010, It was all about getting into character. McQueen gave us a secret agent caught in a sand dune, D&G put a gentleman in a snow suit, Lanvin showed what to wear as you prepare to save the world, and Paul Smith just brought the swinging 60's back!

Phi Spring/Summer 2010

2010-01-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

Phi is one of the freshest new labels to bring edgyness into american sportswear. For Spring/Summer 2010, creative director Andreas Melbostad infused the collection with grunge, goth and bondage. This collection has similar elements that we saw on the runways of Givenchy, Gucci and Balmain. For more on Phi visit their website at http://www.phicollection.com/

Kanye Love

2010-01-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

This is one of the many reasons I like Kanye West! Keeping it casual in a floor length fur, white tee, jeans and timbs. The Louis Vuitton Don's looks stay consistent and he never follows the standards of the fashion industry! He's pictured at the Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 show in Paris with girlfriend Amber Rose.

Casbia By Edmundo Castillo & Manuele Bianchi

2010-01-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

When women's shoe designers Edmundo Castillo & Manuele Bianchi decided to launch a men's line called Casbia By Edmundo Castillo & Manuele Bianchi they got inspiration from where else? Their CLOSETS! The design duo was inspired to create a men's line because of their love for sneakers. Castillo is known for making women's shoes under his own name and is creative director for Italian shoe label Santoni. Edmundo was a 2001 CFDA Swavorski's Perry Ellis Winner for Accessory Design. Here's a sneak peak of the new line.

Brian Reyes Cruise 2010 Collection

2010-01-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

Designer Brian Reyes is one of the most innovative new talents to enter fashion. Reyes collections embody youthful classics with an avant garde view and his Cruise 2010 collection was no different. The designer was inspired by elements of nature and how they connect to the human life. Mixing nature inspired prints with sportswear, this collection is bold enough to hit the mainstream and even makes a statement on the red carpet. For more on Brian Reyes, visit his website at www.brianreyes.com

Givenchy Men's S/S 2010

2010-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci has taken the house's Men's line and made it into something more edgy and mainstream from the previous collections. The Givenchy Men's line was resurrected in 2005 under designer Ozwald Boateng creative direction and was critically acclaimed for his expert tailoring and attention to detail. Several years later, the design went in-house and Tisci was chosen as the creative director for the label.

Balmain Men's S/S 2010

2010-01-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek of the new Balmain Men's 2010 Campaign. Designer Christopher Decarnin infused the same military elements from the women's collection into men's, using distressing and staining on garments giving them a more worn in look.

Always Resort To Stella McCartney

2009-12-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is frightful which means its time to pack your suitcase and head to the South of France! For Resort 2010, Stella McCartney has all of your bases covered while on holiday to keep your look feminine, playful and sultry.

Bow In The Presence Of Bapeness

2009-12-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Kanye West is the master of effortless style and A Bathing Ape has chosen him for it's Spring 2010 look book.

Vionnet Spring/Summer 2010 Shoes

2009-12-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

In a previous post, I featured looks from the relaunched fashion house Vionnet. For Spring 2010, creative director Rodolfo Paglialunga has introduced footwear that compliments looks from the collection.

Spring 2010 Denim Report

2009-12-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

For Spring 2010, Denim is giving an ode to classic American workwear in muted tones , Japanese selvage and vintage blues. Top to bottom: PRPS, D&G, Robert Geller.

"I Hear The Angels Calling"

2009-11-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

Christian Louboutin has previewed his second Men's collection for S/S 2010. The shoes have a starting price point of $1200. Recession friendly? I think not! I hear the angels calling, can you?

Carine Roitfeld

2009-11-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

If you think Anna is the most powerful woman in fashion, THINK AGAIN! Carine Roitfeld has single-handily brought the "sexy" back into fashion. Roitfeld is the Editor-in-chief of Paris Vogue and is responsible for all the looks personified at Gucci during the Tom Ford era, Carine started her career as a model and eventually into a freelance stylist. In 1990 while working as a writer and stylist for French Elle, Carine met iconic photographer Mario Testino. The two formed a partnership and while doing shoots for Vogue, they were approached by Tom Ford to do consulting for Gucci. Carine instantly became Ford's muse and styled all Gucci & Yves Saint Laurent campaigns until the end of Ford's career at the fashion houses. Appointed to Editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris in 2001, Roitfeld has captured the true essence of Parisian culture. Mixing romanticism with the edginess of the streets of Paris.

Alexander The Great

2009-11-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen introduced his "Skull" Jewelery Collection this past spring and has expanded into Men's accessories as well. The collection retails between $250-$650 and is available at www.alexandermcqueen.com

Gold Skull Ring, Skull Bracelet

THE WAIT IS OVER

2009-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

No I'm not quoting a Rihanna song! I'm talking about Elizabeth & James Men's Fall/Winter 2009. Guys ever wanted to look like an Olsen twin? Well now you can at least look like their boyfriends! The collection is exclusive to Barneys New York, was inspired by Oliver Twist & Peter Pan's Lost Boys.

PRPS: A Denim Story

2009-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Looking for that vintage Levi's 501 fit modernized? Well look no further than PRPS! The luxe denim brand was started in 2003 by Donwan Harrell (a former Nike designer and founder of Akademiks) and epitomizes a "premium denim" label. What makes PRPS so unique is not just it's rich washes and hand finishing, but the process that creates this look. Japanese looms from the 1960's are used to give the jeans the texture and look of the original Levi's 501. Organic cotton grown in Africa is used to create each jean so that it is both durable and eco friendly. The brand is a staple for celebrities such as Halle Berry, Jay-Z, David Beckham and Katie Holmes. PRPS Denim retails between $250-$400 and can be found at retailers such as Barneys New York, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus.

Nike Sportswear X Cassette Playa

2009-10-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Switching gears up a bit, I'm adding some new Men's features starting with the Nike Sportswear X Cassette Playa collaboration. This is the second installment of Nike's collaboration with the British label which is known for it's tribal cartoonish prints, famously worn by M.I.A. and Dj Steven Akoi. The shoes feature bright colorways & prints on a classic Nike Dunk High and are available at pickyourshoes.com

INSANE FOR HUSSEIN!!

2009-10-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

For S/S 2010, Hussein Chalayan imagined the 1950's woman meets Total Recall. The designer paired futuristic frames with body hugging dresses and over sized hats, gave us the new "working girl" in geometric power suits and sultry dresses with plugging necklines. Futuristic Chic!

The Return Of Madame Vionnet

2009-10-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Legendary designer Madame Vionnet has been rebirthed with a new collection, combining her famous bias cut and Grecian style on a modern day pallet. Acquired in 2009 by former Valentino president Matteo Marzotto and designed by former Prada womenswear designer Rodolfo Paglialunga. Prior to it's new acquisition, the house was designed by Sophia Kokosalaki and was carried exclusively in the U.S. at Barneys New York.

Paris Fashion Week S/S 2010

2009-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

As Paris Fashion Week is coming to a close, I have picked my favorite looks from the collections.

From top: Givenchy, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen.

Versus By Versace S/S 2010

2009-10-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Versace's diffusion line Versus has been reintroduced for Spring/Summer 2010 courtesy of designer Christopher Kane. The Versus line was created in the 90's by shoe designer Brian Atwood to give the mass consumer access to the seductive world of Versace. The revamped label will focus on women's RTW, accessories and eventually men's under Kane's creative supervision.

E-V-E

2009-09-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Eve is back on the scene doing press for her new film "Whip it" and on the red carpet at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors. Her style is so effortless, yet has a edgy vibe that only she can master.

Iceberg Spring 2010

2009-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here are looks from Iceberg Spring 2010. The iconic italian brand used Mickey Mouse as inspiration for this collection.

Bad Gal's

2009-09-15T18:49:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday's VMA's was the start of the awards season. So you know what that means.......... My favorite looks from the ceremony were Whitney Port in Christopher Kane and Jennifer Lopez in Louis Vuitton. HAUTE!

Spring Fashion Rap-Up

2009-09-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from top left Alexander Wang, L.A.M.B, BCBG Max Azria, Helmut Lang.

The Return Of Halston

2009-09-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

Halston was the epitome of 70's fashion. His seductive jersey dresses were worn by fashion icons such as Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor. The house saw it's greatest success throughout the 1970's, but after a failed collaboration with JC Penny, Halston lost his luster. The label has been resurrected today by Hollywood powerhouse Harvey Weinstein (Project Runway) and shoe designer Tamara Mellon (Jimmy Choo) modernizing Halston's vision. The collection is available at Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com and has several pieces featured in the upcoming Sex And The City 2 sequel next summer.

It's a A Wang thang!

2009-09-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

"If I were a girl, even just for a day. I would wake up out of bed in the morning, throw on my Alexander Wang "Lara" Combat Boots and go." That's how I feel as soon as I saw these boots from Alexander Wang's Fall 09 shoe collection. This boot is by far, one of the best I've seen this season!!

Artist Spotlight

2009-08-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of one of the most influential fashion stylist in the game Andrea Lieberman? If you haven't you've been living under a rock! Lieberman has been responsible for creating the looks of iconic stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Diddy, and Mary J. Blige. Her aesthetic is very bohemian chic meets the street. Crafting looks for over 10 years, she now has taken the reigns as creative director with a jewelry line with Mouawad and a clothing line A.L.C. which both can be found at Barneys New York. For more info on Lieberman check out her work at www.margaretmaldonaldo.com and www.mouawad.com

Fall Fashion for les femmes

2009-08-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Rick Owens Croc Leather Vest

McQ Alexander McQueen Skirt

Alexander McQueen "Marilyn Monroe" T-Shirt
Nicholas Kirkwood Mules

Avant fashion for the Men'zes Part 1

2009-08-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, Men's post the next day..... more like 2 days later! LOL. My men's picks this fall are the Charles & 1/2 Jersey Sleeve Jacket ($98) at urbanoutfitters.com and the Y-3 Honja Painted Striped High ($248) at ssense.com. Very edgy men's pieces, sure to stick out in your fall wardrobe!!! More men's to come................

Haute Summer

2009-08-10T21:34:00.001-07:00

I love Cassie!! I cant help it, her style is so effortless! Burnout tee, hot pants, Giuseppe Zanotti wedges. Singer or not, she's still my B-I-T-C-H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Ladies!!

2009-08-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

The big trend in womens shoes this fall is the "Hooker/Stripper Boot". Criteria for the shoe is as follows: It needs to have a heel least 5"in, platform sole at 2"in high or more and be in a bold colorway. The shoe above is by Giuseppe Zanotti and retails for $825 from net-a-porter.com. While the price will burn a hole in your g-string, TRUST the girl walking in these boots will earn all her money during the "nightshift". I haven't forgot about my fellas, I will have a Men's post up tomorrow!

The French Revolution

2009-08-10T20:32:00.001-07:00

First Karl, then Stella & Phoebe, next Paulo and NOW Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe. MacGibbon was appointed creative director of the french house in 2008 since starting with the label in 2001. This is her second collection for Chloe, with looks from the Fall 2009 collection being inspired by illustrations from artist Antonio Lopez. The collection includes blanket coats, peasant blouses, and high waisted trousers. I think of the collection as "Working Girl meets Little House On The Praire!"

Bon Jour!!!!

2009-08-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to An Avant Guard! This blog is dedicated to all things avant garde, combining fashion, art and culture into a local awareness for your viewing pleasure. Look out for daily features from all walks of life, including everything from fashion editorials to interviews. Time to get with the movement!!!!!