Michael Thompson Ruffled Neck, New York City, 2007 © Michael Thompson Courtesy of the artist

Fashion photographs are now some of the most sought-after and collected images in the world, drawing upon the influences of both the fantastical and the everyday. Groundbreaking images by fashion photographers reflect upon the needs, wants and values of modern society while simultaneously pushing through its boundaries. In order to dedicate serious attention to the art of fashion photography, the International Center of Photography (ICP) is declaring 2009 the Year of Fashion. From January 16, 2009 to January 3, 2010, ICP (1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street) will present six innovative exhibitions including presentations of the fashion work of the legendary photographers Richard Avedon and Edward Steichen as well as exhibitions that showcase work by some of the most inventive fashion photographers and artists working today.

Edward Steichen Two Models wearing dresses by Vionnet, 1930 © 1930 Condé Nast Publications

The series will feature images by such legends as Richard Avedon and Edward Steichen as well as work by young emerging photographers that will provide a contemporary context. ICP is organizing the Year of Fashion to dedicate serious attention to one of the most influential forms of contemporary photography. The Year of Fashion will address a variety of topics, including the history of fashion photography, the relationship between fashion and other cultural and social phenomena, our perception of fashion and women in photographs, and the long relationship between art and fashion.

Source: International Center of Photography 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street New York NY www.icp.org

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

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New York - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kick started with b. michael’s firing up the runway. And he has kept his promise of offering us more glam than ever. With great cuts and perfect lines. Sensuous and sexy fifty inspired fashions. And delightfully accented dresses with poker dots, bold geometric fabrics, and his usual classic chic - stark black.

From the top, orange and pink mauves could not have been more greatly appreciated than in a bold geometric design using silk. The dress flows beautifully, adding a little roaring twenties gatsby into the models stride.

When I see this next outfit, I just want to be sitting down to afternoon tea. The design is very high couture, with the beiges and strong plush hat accenting this to be the perfect Ascot wardrobe. Very dreamy.

My third choice of dress is delightful in oceanic blue, with two contrasting colors beguiling each other. To create the perfect Zen moment. It’s almost like drawing water in a Japanese inspired garden - the perfect cut in color - is the perfectly drawn stroke in the sand.

Hot to trot in poker dots and snappy heels. Yes girls, it’s time to get your bee-hives up with a lot of hairspray. In this surely well rounded 1950’s inspired number.

Stiff colors and scarf’s for the sophisticate women. Accented with great lines, and exotic patterns. Once again we are seeing the Zen trend sparkling through.

My favorite of the collection. We see the best of b. michael here in this stark black cocktail dress. Tighting up the waist with a beautiful corset stylization. And the cleverly accented signature mark of b. michael’s geometric pattern. And frill cuts ties up pure sophistication to his spring 2009 look.
b. michael’s has transformed, created, and conquered the runway. And has brought back the romance to fashion. And for that my friend we applaud you.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Check out the fashion show with b.michaels Spring 2009 collection at b michaels Spring 2009 Collection/a>

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With fashion week just around the corner I know that we are all curious about what’s out there for Spring 2009. Questions like is Justin Timberlake the new Gwen Stefani? Will goth be the new grunge? Here’s everything you need to know—to be in the know—before New York fashion week even starts.

William Rast Is the New L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani is taking things to a new level with her savvy brand L.A.M.B. But copycat Justin Timberlake is hoping for a similar business fashion model success with William Rast, a denim collection that’s been expanded to include men’s and women’s ranges designed by Johan and Marcella Lindeberg.

Joseph Altuzarra Is the New Boy Wonder

Joseph Altuzarra’s only a few years out of school, Altuzarra doesn’t even have a Web site yet—although he has an internship with Marc Jacobs and stints with Proenza Schouler and Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy under his natty belt. His precocious debut is being shown by appointment in New York next week.

Nicholas Kirkwood Is the New Christian Louboutin

Nicholas Kirkwood is ready to step into being in control. As he’s landed a gig making shoes for Pollini, where the appointment of Jonathan Saunders as ready-to-wear director has made it one of Milan’s must-see shows. Celebrities such as Selma Blair have been spotted in his architectural stilettos and platform heels.

Source: Style.com

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Our exclusive giveaway this month is the ELLIOTT LUCCA handbag collection! Couture in the City with ELLIOTT LUCCA are joining to give away five handbags for the month of June! This extravaganza begins Friday June 6th. So stayed tuned every Friday to enter to win! This exceptional designer out of New York, has the most exotic and modern handbags ever!

Calypso Shopper by EL

These signature and extradinary pieces can be yours! Yes yours! Each ELLIOTT LUCCA handbag bears uncompromising quality of craft. “Starting from its shape, texture and styling, down to the most subtle design detail, each handbag is a result of the artisan’s touch.”

Exotic, modern and sleek. EL designs fuse the “indigenous with the sophisticated” revealing the most luxurious handbag ever. Transforming handbags from ordinary to extraordinary. “This is the soul of ELLIOTT LUCCA.”

So remember to enter! Read “Today’s Couture” each Friday for the month of June. Five of you lucky readers will be the proud owner of this exceptional designer brand! So good luck!

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