Many of us find our most unique fashion pieces at trendy, hidden boutiques.  Trouble is, when life gets busy, we don’t always have time to trek to these places to score the newest items when they first arrive.  I love the idea of being able to shop for all of my favorite boutique items in one place.  Lucky for me, the people at farfetch.com share a similar vision.

I spoke with Marketing Director Paul Brine to find out what farfetch.com has to offer, as well as some of his personal “must-haves” for this year.  Herewith is what Paul had to say:

Q&A:

beso: Tell us about the farfetch.com philosophy and the idea behind the site.

Paul Brine: In 2001, farfetch.com founder José Neves helped open a boutique in London called b Store.  He found that when entering the world of e-commerce, marketing a smaller store wouldn’t be easy.  José came up with the idea of a site that would pull all the boutiques together, because they all had a different voice.  farfetch.com began with just 20 stores.

b: Luxe, Lab, and Cult are three ways to shop farfetch.  Tell us how you came up with the idea for these categories and what treasures we would find in each.

PB: These [categories] were José’s idea.  We had a massive list of over 200 labels, in which some were casual and some avant-garde.  We needed a way to separate them.  Luxe is high-end, well known designers.  Lab is up-and-coming and avant-garde designers.  Cult is more casual, like denim and diffusion lines.

b: Are there any plans to expand farfetch.com to include more than U.S. and European boutiques?

PB: Yes, we are working with Brazilian boutiques right now.  We plan to have these out within the next six months.

b: Your site not only carries exclusive designer fashions, but also lifestyle items.  What are some of your favorite pieces?

PB: I like the Snake and Skull Candle by D.L. & Co. because it’s very gothic.  I also like these prints by a company called Jaguar Shoes, which feature various artists’ work.

D.L. & Co. Skull with Snake Candle

b: What are some of your favorite fashion “must-haves” right now?

PB: For women, Pierre Hardy shoes.  They have these silver metallic wedges with lots of straps.  There are also these brass cuffs made by Givenchy.  For men, Henrik Vibskov sweaters, which are colorful and have big faces on them.  I also like the Opening Ceremony Desert boots.

Pierre Hardy Wedge Bootie Sandal

Givenchy Stud and Brass Cuff

Opening Ceremony Brown Leather Boots

b: What hot men’s accessories are key for summer 2010?

PB: Sunglasses.  The Zanzan Zazou sunglasses are very retro and handmade in France, so they are great quality.

b: Who are some of your favorite designers?

PB: For women, it’s Christopher Kane.  For men, I like Martin Margiela and Robert Geller. 

b: Name the one item you have acquired from farfetch.com that you cannot live without.

PB: I have a shirt by Blaak Homme.  It’s a navy shirt with white polka dots.

b: Who would be your ideal celebrity spokesperson for farfetch?

PB: It’s hard to pin it on just one.  We would love to have Lara Stone.  She is a Dutch model who has a lot of personality.

b: With over 400 designers on the site, can you tell us some of the most popular lines right now?

PB: Right now the top is Alexander McQueen.  Although he has always been a top designer, with his recent death we have seen an increase.  Opening Ceremony is big, too;  we have a lot of their shoes on the site and they sell very well.  Henrik Vibskov’s whole collection is on the site and has become a real cult label.  All of these items are hard to find.

Alexander McQueen Yellow Heart-Shaped Peep Toes

b: What do you think it is about your site that keeps people coming back for more?

PB: The sheer amount of products found here.  You can get lost in there for hours!  We add new items every day, so you can come back next week and find all new things.  Also, we have many exclusive brands that you just can’t find anywhere else.

b: Lastly, we’d like to know — What’s your beso?  My beso is “be so unique.”

PB: I’d say our beso is “be so individual.”

- Dana for beso

Caitlin and Justin Frech of Gypsy 05 at their L.A. Headquarters

I had the opportunity to go to the Los Angeles headquarters of Gypsy 05 and meet with Marketing Manager, Justin Frech.  He gave me the inside scoop on this hot brand, which is a favorite amongst celebrities like Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, Alessandra Ambrosio, Taylor Momsen, and Olivia Munn.  I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the new collection; and while I can’t give anything away about the new designs, here’s what I can tell you about this awesome, eco-friendly label:

How Gypsy 05 got started:

Brother-sister duo Dotan and Osi Shoham are the masterminds behind the label.  Dotan brings his many years of experience in the dye industry, and Osi takes the helm as lead designer.  They launched the brand in 2005 because they saw an opportunity to bring a unique vision to life: SoCal bohemian-inspired clothing with an emphasis on comfort.  What began mainly as a t-shirt company has now evolved into dresses, pants, and accessories.

How they developed a following:

For being relatively new to the scene, Gypsy 05 has an impressive list of celebrity clientele and a loyal following.  Perhaps the one design that put them on the map is their hugely-popular cotton maxi dress.  Today, their continued success can be attributed to the quality and comfort of their designs, and word of mouth is a powerful PR tool (also check them out on their facebook fan page).  Celebrity clientele, who are photographed in the designs on a regular basis, keep coming back for more.  Gypsy 05 has also developed relationships with stylists and wardrobe assistants, who have featured their designs on TV shows like Gossip Girl, The Daily Ten, and American Idol.

Where their inspiration comes from:

Born and raised in Israel and currently living in southern California, Osi draws much of her inspiration from her natural surroundings.  The ocean, nature, and respect for the environment are apparent in the colorful, flowing designs of each piece.  Tie dye and organic shapes are signatures to the collection.

On being eco-friendly:

All of their products are made locally in the Los Angeles area using eco-conscious manufacturing processes.  They use organic fabrics whenever possible, and the color process uses low-impact dyes and water-based printing.  As far as they know, they are the only clothing manufacturer in the United States that have installed solar panels to power their office and factory.  100% of their headquarters’ operations is powered by the solar electricity that these panels generate!

What looks we can expect to see this summer:

We can expect to see a lot of their signature prints in the form of flowing silk mini-dresses and jumpsuits.  Updated versions of their sportswear have already been pre-released with huge success.  And in a new twist, some shredded, rocker-inspired items are also being added to the Gypsy 05 summer collection.

Hints at their fall collection:

Staying true to their origins, Gypsy 05 will be releasing fall pieces featuring more bold colors and tie dye prints but will be branching out into new silhouettes.  Expect to see a combination of silk, jersey, and cotton fabrics, and as always, comfort and eco-friendliness will remain at the center of each design.

Where you can buy:

To purchase these products online, please visit the Gypsy 05 Official Site.  Fine department stores Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus also carry Gypsy 05 clothing.

What is Gypsy 05’s beso?  be so natural.

 

Gypsy 05 Organic Maxi Dress

Gypsy 05’s Organic Maxi Dress in Tie Dye is one of their best-selling looks!

Gypsy 05 Allie Silk Jumper

The Allie Silk Jumper is an example of some of the new styles Gypsy 05 is releasing for spring and summer 2010.

Gypsy 05 Cut-Off Sweatshirt

Gypsy 05’s cut-off sweatshirt is another best-selling item.

Gypsy 05 Jade Silk Peasant Dress

The Jade Silk Peasant Mini-Dress is one of my personal favorites.  The silk fabric makes an easy transition from day to night!

 

- Caitlin for beso

Rebecca Stice, The Clothes Horse

The widely read blogger, Rebecca Stice (23) of The Clothes Horse, recently participated in a panel at the chictopia 10 conference. In catching up with her, we learned that she started blogging almost 3 years ago as a form of personal expression upon returning to Pennsylvania after living in Japan for six months. With her post-college plans currently pointing to a career as a (J.A.G) lawyer, we’re certain that her she’ll apply her interpretations of law as judiciously as she does her unique sensibility for fashion & style. So, herewith is what Rebecca opines.

Q&A
beso: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Rebecca Stice: I have a dark green pair of Cheap Monday jeans. They’re surprisingly comfortable despite being skinnies and I love that they’re not a traditional color.

b: What bag(s) are you carrying right now?
RS: I just found this vintage croc doctor bag that barely holds my camera. It makes me feel dainty and elegant, a nice contrast from my usual massive, tote bags.

b: What gloss are you wearing right now?
RS: I don’t wear lip gloss; I just like Chapstick.

b: What’s stores are calling out to you? what stores are you drawn into?
RS: Right now, I like vintage stores and antique malls where you hunt around and find random bits of clothes between cluttered bookshelves and carosel horses.

Votive Light

b: What color is your new black?
RS: I’ve actually never been into black, but I love blues. Lately, I like navy and I am reawakening my love for teal.

Navy Military Band Jacket & Stockings

b: What’s your favorite LBD?
RS: A simple BDG tank dress with pockets; it is really comfortable in summer and can be styled so many different ways.

b: What’s your favorite vintage piece?
RS: A brown feather fascinator, the colors of the feathers blend seamlessly with my hair and since it is a neutral it goes with everything.

b: What Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court (past or present) do you most admire?
RS: Sandra Day O’Connor, I admire her on so many levels and agree with her case-by-case approach to judicial decisions and political views.

b: Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”
RS: Choose happiness.

Well, Rebecca, we wish you much happiness and continued success with The Clothes Horse. Enjoy chocolate!

Handful of Chocolate

Gillian Laub Family Potrait - photo by Gillian Laub

We recently contacted Gillian Laub, the acclaimed and published photographer whose work ranges from portraits of Israelis and Palestinians to celebrity photo sessions, the common thread of which is strong juxtapositions in photographic compositions. Stepping out from behind her lens, she shared with us some of her favorites. Herewith is what she’s feeling.

Israelis at Guard and at Play - photo by Gillian Laub

Q&A
beso: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Gillian Laub: Rag & Bone jeans. So comfy.

b: What’s pair of shoes are you wearing on the weekends around town?
GL: I LIVE in my Martin Margiela boots. I don’t think I’ve taken them off all winter.

b: What bag(s) are you carrying right now?
GL: LeSportsac for work stuff…great durability and Chanel for play.

b: What gloss are you wearing right now?
GL: I don’t wear gloss, just Rosebud Salve.  Good for lips, dry cuticles, and any area that needs some softening.

b: And your scent of choice?
GL: Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Oil.

b: What’s stores are calling out to you? what stores are you drawn into?
GL: I am drawn to small boutiques where it’s an intimate experience and things are more curated.  I wish I didn’t get panic attacks in department stores because I like the idea of a one stop shopping [Gillian, beso.com anyone?]

b: What nail polish color are you loving?
GL: I don’t wear nail polish.

b: What color is your new black?
GL: Black will always be my new black. But I love all shades of purple as well and adding accents of color.

b: What’s your favorite LBD?
GL: A Mayle dress i bought years ago. so disappointed when the boutique closed.

b: What camera do you keep in your purse?
GL: Canon G10; it’s the best digital point and shoot!!

Gillian Laub, camera in hand at her own wedding

b: Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”
GL: I can’t really do better than ‘be so compassionate;’ how about ‘be so open minded’

Rag & Bone Jeans

Martin Margiela Wedge Boots

LeSportsac Handbag

ION ACTIF - Women's Activewear

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions and getting fit in 2010, we had the opportunity to chat with ION ACTIF’s designer and co-founder, Josey Iannotti.  ION ACTIF is an up-and-coming women’s activewear brand that emphasizes form AND function, featuring clothes that are comfortable during your workouts and fashionable inbetween.   Here’s our Q&A with Josey – leave a comment if you have any other questions!

Q&A

beso: Of all the fashion concepts out there, why did you decide to get into activewear?

Josey Iannotti: It’s funny I get asked that a lot.  I’ve always been somewhat of a gym rat… not in a hardcore kind of way, but always thought that exercise is an important part of living.  When I lived in New York, our office gym provided uniforms, so everyone looked equally blah.  After moving to Los Angeles I found I had to squeeze my workout in between running errands, so wanted clothes that were both performance oriented AND street smart.  At the time, most of the stuff in stores were either of the swooshy/striped variety, which are a little too athletic, or the famous terry jumpsuit (read: too loungey).  Outside of a few really high-priced brands, there seemed to be a real dearth of clothing that fit the profile.  Needless to say, I thought I could do better than what was out there.

b: So, what does ION ACTIF offer that really transcends both street and activewear?

JI: One of our most popular pieces is our Jean Pant. It has the look of a pair of jeans with back pockets, stitching details, and cut to really “accentuate” a woman’s curves – just like your favorite pair of jeans. But for ION ACTIF, form has to follow function. The Jean Pants are made from a strong Supplex/Lycra fabric which enhances stretch and recovery.  The fabric goes through a special air-twisting process which creates a feel much more like soft cotton than the more slippery (can I say cheaper?) polyester pieces that are more common at our price range.  We also incorporate moisture wicking fabric in all the right places (i.e. the gusset).

Add to that, pieces like our cotton-modal Short Sleeve Hoodie or moisture-wicking Running Pullover with foldover cuffs to keep your hands warm while outdoors, and you can just as easily and comfortably run a 10-K as push a stroller through your favorite farmers market.

b: You only make women’s activewear right now.  Are there plans to expand the collection?  Perhaps into men’s activewear also?

JI: We are currently planning on expanding into more basics for women as well as trying to add more eco-friendly fabrics such as cotton-modal for the spring and bamboo for the fall.

We’ve definitely gotten requests for men’s clothing.  I know it’s not fair to the guys — and I’m gonna generalize here – but there just isn’t as much demand for creativity there. They all seem to have a dress code of ratty old t-shirts or really basic muscle shirts and a pair of black or gray shorts. And they feel just as comfortable going into a restaurant in them as bench-pressing… That said, we are looking into creating a small collection of men’s basics for yoga, since a lot of our current customers are yogis.  Maybe some shorts in black or gray…?

Spring 2010 ION ACTIF Running Capri

b: I’m generally more of a pilates/yoga person. What would you recommend I wear for my workout?

JI: Honestly, I design the clothes to cross over into many different activities/sports.  Like our Running Capri, for instance, is just as great for running as it is for yoga or pilates because the fitted style is so versatile.  One of my favorite tops (and most popular) is the Halter Tank.  It is made from the Supplex/Lycra fabric which is really comfortable. It has a CoolMax® shelf bra for wicking and support.  And the sexy halter front styling has a t-back for added support while allows for full range of motion in the shoulder blade area.

b: What aspect of ION ACTIF are you most proud of?

JI: You know there are a lot of things I am proud of with ION.  We don’t skimp on fabric quality.  Everything that is performance based uses INVISTA branded Supplex and Lycra.  They’re the ones that invented stretch fabric (elastane) back in the ’50s and they continue to perfect it today.

We don’t skimp on production quality. We try to do as much flat-stitching as possible to provide added comfort and reduced chafing.  We are committed to manufacturing everything in the United States.  Even though it may cost us more, we can oversee production DAILY to make sure that the quality of the construction is up to our standards.

But most of all, I’m proud of our focus on the details that make our clothing even more functional and durable, therefore a better value to the user. We make many of our zippered pieces with zipper garages so the zipperhead doesn’t chafe under your chin while running in the cold. We add fold-over cuffs on our Running Pullover so you can cover your hands while outdoors. We add inside pockets to many of our workout pants so there is a place to keep some cash, keys or a credit card. Our new tank tops and bras have removeable cup liners to avoid headlights in the cold (you know what I’m talking about, ladies).

b: Thanks for chatting with us, Josey.  I’m sure our readers will beso excited to try out ION ACTIF activewear in 2010!

Want to buy?  Check out ION ACTIF products at City Sports, Bodywear Boutique, and Paragon Sports.

—

Here’s a look at more ION ACTIF products from the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 Collections:

Fall 2009 Jean Jacket, Lola Tank, and Jean Pant

Fall 2009 Regina Tank and Basic Pant

Spring 2010 Prima Tank, Cargo Capri

Spring 2010 Gather Back Tank and Zen Capri

Want to learn more about ION ACTIF? Check out these sites:

• ION ACTIF website
• Buy ION ACTIF products at City Sports, Bodywear Boutique, and Paragon Sports.