Tatyana Ali in Christopher Collins Collection January 2013

Tatyana Ali posed in Christopher Collins Collection at SiriusXM Studio in New York City recently, while promoting her new BET show, Second Generation Wayans. The actress wore her Christopher Collins™ Brown Moto Leggings. Project Runway's Season 8 finalist, Christopher Collins is known for his premium line of women's sportswear. Launched in 2008 and made of the upmost quality, Christopher Collins™ breathes luxury, high fashion and femininity.

Tribal Looks for 2013

We're feeling tribal inspired this week.  You really should spend some time learning more about the designers presented below.

Ditch the Flip-Flops for TUKZ

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aside, for many men, the days of wearing hoodies and flip-flops to work are over.

After a decade of increasingly casual office dress requirements (inspired by Zuckerberg’s 1990s Silicon Valley predecessors), CEOs began demanding a more polished look beginning with the 2001 recession. By 2002, more formal dress codes had been reinstated by 19 percent of companies with more than $500 million in revenues, according to a Men’s Apparel Alliance survey.

“The 2001 recession gave Americans a taste of the tougher job market,” says Darnell Jones, a business professional and creator of TUKZ Undergarments for men, which have clasps that ensure shirts stay tucked.

“Then along came the Great Recession in December 2007 and, with it, the layoffs and high unemployment we’re still experiencing. Today, if you want to get hired and if you want to get promoted, you’ve got to look like you mean business.”

Jones notes that it’s not just corporate leaders who want a more professional-looking workforce. In a 2012 survey by Salary.com, nearly 25 percent of respondents said their workplace’s dress code is too lenient. Less than 10 percent said theirs was too strict.
“Right or wrong, how much care you take – or don’t take – with your appearance communicates a lot about you,” Jones says. “If you take pride in how you look, you probably take pride in the work you do. If your outfits are thrown-together or dated, you may be reckless with details and not up on the latest in your profession.”

If you’re ready to give up your office hoodie, but aren’t sure what to replace it with, Jones offers these tips:

• Get a navy blue or gray blazer or suit coat: Solid colors are best, although pinstripes are fine, too. Get the best material you can afford. If wearing a jacket all day doesn’t fit with your workplace vibe, keep one in your office or cubicle to have handy just in case. Whether it’s a surprise visit from a client or an unexpected meeting with the CEO, slipping on a jacket is an easy way to make a good impression.
• Watch your feet: Invest in a good pair of lace-up shoes -- brown, black or, better yet, both. (The color should complement your trousers and match your belt.) Avoid square-toed shoes -- they’re dated. Be sure your shoes are polished, and replace the heels when they get run down, particularly if you’re going on a job interview or attending an important meeting. Of course, you’ll need socks, too. They should coordinate with the color of your trousers – and with each other!
• Avoid the peacock effect: Your shirt should be a solid color – no patterns and no hot pinks. Be sure it’s pressed. An undershirt is a must; it helps prevent unsightly perspiration stains and unwanted views of underlying body parts. If you’re not wearing a tie and leaving the top button or two undone, make sure the T-shirt collar is not visible at your throat. If you’re wearing a coat, about a half-inch of shirt cuff should be visible at your wrist.
• Flatter your face with a V-neck: A good-quality gray, V-neck pullover sweater worn over a blue dress shirt is a great look for business casual. The bottom of the sweater should stop at your belt line.

“You’ll be amazed at how much more seriously people take you when you look the part,” Jones says.
“The best thing is, dressing well makes you stand taller and feel more confident. That’s really a winning look.”

About Darnell Jones

Darnell Jones is the founder and president of TUKZ Undergarments, LLC, specializing in a unique functionality that prevents shirts from becoming un-tucked. He earned his bachelor’s in health with an emphasis in management at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. Jones’ vision is for TUKZ Underwear to reside in every household to improve appearance and build confidence in men and women of all ages. He currently serves as an investor and a Region Manager for Olive Medical Corp. 

PREMIUM F/W 2013/14 Summary

From January 15-17, 2013, the 10th anniversary edition of PREMIUM once again delivered a dazzling performance, this time featuring an exceptional brand portfolio of some 900 labels and more than 1400 collections. Since the very beginning, diligent curation has been a fundamental component of the PREMIUM concept, and this season’s impressive range once again ensured that the retail sector was presented with all the most relevant brands in the areas of womenswear, menswear, avant-garde, denim, sportswear, footwear and accessories. Every season, PREMIUM is fine-tuned with improvements and new features like this season’s innovative new hall concepts. Along with a high number of new brands (30%), some of which were making their debut appearance in Germany or even all of Europe, the PREMIUM concept ensures that retailers receive a fresh, new source of inspiration one season after another. Anita Tillmann: “During this season, which held particular meaning for us, we presented our best brand portfolio yet. We strive to refresh our coverage of the international fashion market every single season and capture all the latest influences and trends in order to inspire the retail industry. The high quality of our brands and our diligent positioning in the high-fashion segment is widely admired and praised. PREMIUM is about presenting high fashion as well as facilitating orders and generating sales, a formula that’s equally enticing to our exhibitors and to retailers. Given the current economic climate, this is extremely important.”

With a 5% increase in visitors from the previous season and steady traffic on all three days, PREMIUM marked a successful start to the ordering season. The increase was predominately due to the rise in international visitors from beyond Europe and particularly from Asia, continuing a rising trend from the last seasons. Visitor breakdown: Germany, Austria & Switzerland 36% | Southern Europe 24% | Benelux & France 20% | Outside Europe 6% | UK & Ireland 6% | Scandinavia 5% | Eastern Europe 3% Anita Tillmann: “The ‘East Goes West’ initiative we have been promoting for several seasons has earned us a reputation for specializing in Asian brands. Our brand portfolio now includes numerous labels from Japan, Korea and China, and the number of Asian buyers at PREMIUM continues to increase.”

With the new “THE ESSENCE OF PREMIUM” showroom concept, PREMIUM presented international cult labels that unite design, authenticity, glamour, luxury and exquisite handicraft, some of whom have been with PREMIUM since the very beginning. Included in THE ESSENCE OF PREMIUM showroom were Giorgio Brato, HTC, Mykita, Roberto Collina, Angel Jackson, Up to Be, Avant Toi, Shinobu, Jacques Morgan and Allagiulia. The loftlike space of the Atelier area was the perfect setting for these iconic brands, with a casual, welcoming atmosphere where visitors could get to know designers over some Italian delicacies. The daily PREMIUM HAPPY HOUR on the Atelier terrace kicked off every evening with champagne from the Veuve Clicquot Airstream trailer. Wednesday’s Happy Hour turned into THE ESSENCE OF PREMIUM PARTY, a chance for both brands and buyers to celebrate the success of the new THE ESSENCE OF PREMIUM concept.

PREMIUM is internationally renowned for its exceptional portfolio of avant-garde Asian brands, which were predominately exhibited in the Hall 7 Dissonance area. Amongst these were the collections from Christian Dada, who has designed costumes for none other than Lady Gaga, Lalaloves London, Mabuya, Mabuya, Gene par Yuki Mishiba, Kaboun, Endehor, D´moment by yeonmi, Designed by Jaewoo Kim, Demoo Parkchoonmoo, Resurrection, Kuro Denim, etc.

For many seasons, PREMIUM has been impressing visitors with its top-notch denim portfolio, and this season did not disappoint. Newcomers such as Koral Los Angeles and Ernest Sewn, repeat exhibitors like 7 For all Mankind and Hudson Jeans, and longtime PREMIUM partners like Current/Elliott, JBrand, True Religion, Joe’s Jeans, Dondup, Silver Jeans Co., Mother, Bleulab, Rock Revival, Robin’s Jean, Superfine, Kuro Denim, Paige Denim, and PRPS Goods & Co. make up what is the most high-caliber denim portfolio in all of Berlin.

Anita Tillmann & Norbert Tillmann: “Our 10th anniversary was everything we hoped and dreamed it would be. We were able to celebrate PREMIUM’s birthday in the location where it all began, amongst the people who are most important to us. We are thankful to all our friends, business partners, exhibitors and visitors who have been part of PREMIUM over the last 10 years, and have stood by PREMIUM’s vision for lasting success. We also want to thank Berlin for continuing to provide the space and opportunities for entrepreneurial growth and creative development.”

PREMIUM’s 10th anniversary was befittingly celebrated with a banquet dinner followed by a party. Harking back to PREMIUM’s beginnings, the event was held in the U3 tunnel below Potsdamer Platz. Guests at the exclusive dinner, including longtime partners, friends, and select members of the press were seated at long tables in a segment of the disused tunnel and treated to a lavish menu from star chef Markus Semmler. Television host Niels Ruf, a longtime friend of the two Tillmanns, kept guests entertained throughout the evening with anecdotes about the early days of PREMIUM. After a warm anniversary address from Berlin major Klaus Wowereit and a video installation with images from the last decade of PREMIUM, it was time for the party to get started. The tunnel’s party section was flooded with party guests who celebrated until the wee morning hours with live acts like “The Cuban Brothers” and DJs “New Glitz on the Block”, “Kill the Tills” and “Horse Meat Disco”. Featured bars from Weekend, Kingsize, Cookies and Flamingo, each serving special birthday cocktails, invited partygoers to revisit all the greats of Berlin’s scene.

PREMIUM YOUNG DESIGNERS AWARD featured by DISTRICT MTV On January 14, the winners of the F/W 2013/14 PREMIUM YOUNG DESIGNERS AWARD were feted in F95 The Fashion Store. This season's winners are: WOMENSWEAR Tom Van der Borght MENSWEAR Asger Juel Larsen ACCESSOIRES Benedetta Bruzziches For further informationen please click here >>

Prior to the presentation of the PREMIUM YOUNG DESIGNERS AWARD was the launch of the YOUNG TALENT SHOWCASE window display at Galeries Lafayette. The showcase presents the collections of the Young Designer award winners of the previous season, arranged by the winner of the PREMIUM WINDOW DRESSER AWARD. PREMIUM’s partnership with Galeries Lafayette gives these young, creative talents the opportunity to be in the public spotlight. The launch of the Französische Strasse window display was celebrated in the lower level of Galeries Lafayette, with invited guests mingling with the young designers.

For Anita Tillmann and Norbert Tillmann, giving back to Berlin means giving targeted aid where it is urgently needed: with the city’s disadvantaged children. In cooperation with online donation platform betterplace.org, they have chosen to financially support three Berlin charities with missions that lie close to their hearts. To raise awareness of these campaigns and encourage individuals in the fashion industry to get involved, these three charity projects were presented at PREMIUM by the team from betterplace.org. Donations were collected via drink sales at mobile betterplace.org bars, via SMS, online at premium.betterplace.org. 100% of all funds collected will go to the selected charity projects. The exact amount raised over the course of this season's PREMIUM will be announced shortly. Anita Tillmann & Norbert Tillmann: “A big thank you to everyone who took part in our donation drive and supported our endeavor to give Berlin’s needy children a better life.”

Participants of Inaugural Class of NYC Fashion Fellows

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and 92nd Street Y today announced the inaugural class of NYC Fashion Fellows, and the start of a year-long fellowship program for these rising stars in fashion management. The twenty fellows will receive executive-level mentoring, networking and community-building opportunities and continuing education and career advancement workshops with industry professionals and their peers. The program will help fellows achieve the next stage of growth for their careers, increase their value to their current employers, and strengthen New York City’s community of fashion professionals as a whole.

Over the next year, NYC Fashion Fellows will have the opportunity to attend relevant programming at 92Y, including the StyleCaster State of Style Summit; the Fashion Icons series with Fern Mallis; and Captains of Industry, a series of interviews with business leaders. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will also participate in educational seminars and skill-building workshops as well as breakfasts with fashion industry CEOs.

“We are excited to welcome the members of the inaugural class of NYC Fashion Fellows who, through this program, will develop skills that will help accelerate their careers in fashion,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. “These fellows will have the unique opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship from some of New York City’s top fashion executives, positioning them well to become the next generation of leaders in this bedrock City industry.”

“Building community and sharing knowledge are at the core of 92Y’s mission and mentorship has long been a Jewish tradition,” said Sol Adler, Executive Director of 92nd Street Y. “We are proud that our values and our programming are able to support these promising professionals.”

“The NYC Fashion Fellows program is such an exciting way to empower and mentor rising talent in the fashion industry. I am thrilled to join my colleagues in an effort that I know will not only secure and improve the future of the industry in New York, but also strengthen individuals, giving them all the tools they need to become leaders in the fashion world,” said Advisory Committee member Diane von Furstenberg, Chairman and Founder, Diane von Furstenberg Studio L.P., and President, Council of Fashion Designers of America.

All selected fellows have at least five years of work experience and currently work at NYC-based companies or internationally-based companies with US headquarters in NYC. The NYC Fashion Fellows Class of 2013 includes:

• Sarah Adelson, CEO and President, Sally LaPointe
• Jon Alagem, CEO and Founder, Trendabl
• Jessica Begley, Manager of College Relations, Bloomingdale’s
• Yvonne Botchey, Founder and Chief Principal, YYB Luxury Brand Consulting
• Annie Chen, Senior Manager, Global Merchandising for Handbags, Coach
• Jenel Chesley, Director of Operations, Tucker by Gaby Basora
• Hillary France, Vice President of Sales, Merchandising, Operations & Marketing, Kimberly Ovitz
• Melissa Hall, Founder, The Emerging Designer
• Alison Jonas, Strategy Associate, LF Beauty
• Tracy Kennard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Lauren Moffatt
• Alice Kim, Asia Pacific Retail and Wholesale Director, Diane von Furstenberg
• Priyanka Sen Kundu, Product Development Manager - Handbag, Coach
• Amy Levin, Founder and Creative Director, College Fashionista
• Leah Macdonald, Senior Manager, E-Commerce, Alice + Olivia
• Kate Nadolny, Account Manager, Men’s Sportswear, Furnishings and Kid’s, Lacoste Wholesale
• Stacey Nathan, Manager Japan Merchandising, Tiffany & Co.
• Guilford Robinson, Vice President of Finance and Operations, PVH Corp. - Retail Management Division
• Kapil Sehgal, Associate Planner, Ralph Lauren
• Vivian Weng, Senior Associate, Corporate Finance Practice, McKinsey & Co.
• Travis Wright, Global Buying Manager, Warnaco/Calvin Klein Jeans

Each fellow will be paired with a mentor from a pool consisting of 20 top executives from across the fashion world. Mentors for NYC Fashion Fellows-Mentors Class of 2013 are:

• Gaby Basora, Founder and CEO, Tucker by Gaby Basora
• Jeff Blee, Divisional Merchandising Manager, Brooks Brothers
• Konrad Duchek, Founder and CEO, The Chief Trunk Company
• Karen Giberson, President, Accessories Council
• Lynne Hiriak, Founder and CEO, Cardigan
• Jarret Kerman, Commercial Director of the America’s – Wholesale, Brooks Brothers
• Ella Kim, Consultant, Coach
• Ed Mandelbaum, President, Designers and Agents
• Joy Marcus, Venture Partner, DFJ Gotham
• Uri Minkoff, Founder and CEO, Rebecca Minkoff
• Henry Roth, Designer and Managing Director, Michele Roth and Henry Roth Bridal
• Daniel Schultz, Co-Founder and Managing Director, DFJ Gotham
• Michele Sodi, CEO, Versace USA
• Marty Staff, President and Founder, Marty Staff Associates LLC.
• Yolanda Wardowski, Managing Director, Avalon Group LTD
• Gary Wassner, Co-CEO, Principal, Hildun Corporation
• Bennett Winick, EVP Wholesale, Versace USA
• Rony Zeidan, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, RO New York

Mentors and fellows will meet at least four times throughout the program for one-on-one executive-level mentoring. Mentors will provide fellows with relevant industry insights as well as guidance on how to achieve their individual goals. Mentors will also offer insight, knowledge, feedback, and alternative perspectives and expose fellows to their network of contacts.

NYC Fashion Fellows is supported by an advisory committee who reviewed the final selection of fellows, recruited mentors, and will host sessions for the fellows throughout the next year. The advisory committee includes Diane von Furstenberg, Chairman and Founder, Diane von Furstenberg Studio L.P., and President, Council of Fashion Designers of America; Terry Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.; Fern Mallis, President, Fern Mallis LLC; and Andrew Rosen, CEO of Theory.

NYC Fashion Fellows is one of six initiatives that resulted from Mayor Bloomberg’s Fashion.NYC.2020 plan, which is designed to sustain and grow the fashion industry in New York. The fashion industry employs 173,000 people in New York City, accounting for 5.7 percent of the City’s workforce, and generating nearly $2 billion in tax revenue annually. In addition, the City is home to one of the world’s largest wholesale fashion markets, which attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year to its trade shows, showrooms and retail stores. The Fashion.NYC.2020 initiatives address the industry’s challenges in two ways: by further positioning the City as a hub of innovation for emerging designers as well as specialty and multi-channel retail, and by attracting the next generation of design, management and merchant talent. The industry chairs for Fashion.NYC.2020 are Diane von Furstenberg, Chairman and Founder, Diane von Furstenberg Studio L.P., and President, Council of Fashion Designers of America; Terry Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.; Andrew Rosen, CEO of Theory; and Kevin Ryan, CEO of Gilt Groupe.

Henry Klum in Junk Food for Kids

Heidi Klum's son, Henry sported Junk Food while out and about in Los Angeles. The adorable NBA fan showed support for his home team in a Lakers fleece hoodie.

Josh Duhamel in K-Way January 2013

Josh Duhamel was spotted wearing K-Way this past weekend. The actor made his way though LAX Airport in his K-Way Manfield Jacket in Army ($225), the same style Sacha Baron Cohen wore in mid-November. K-Way recently opened its first US store in Soho at 424 West Broadway, NY, 10012, 646-476-6669.