A Very Fashionable Art Basel

Art Basel is upon us, people! Are you excited? You should be. As the sister event to Switzerland's Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach is one of the most important art shows in the United States.

The week-long event, beginning December first, combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties, and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design; and for the first time this year: fashion.

This year, artfully crafted, limited-edition fashion pieces are among this year's hottest tickets.

Don't believe me? We have it on good authority that items like a Jill Sander T-shirt printed with work by the French-Japanese painter Tsuguharu Foujita, and a pair of hand-drawn Vena Cava slip-ons, both of which were designed for Interview Magazine's 40th anniversary party, will be sold only in vending machines at the Mondrian hotel.

And if you find yourself in the Design District, an array of fashion houses will be opening pop-up shops, as part of the Limited Edition Experiences program. Among them are Fendi, which will have Roman artisans and the French graffiti artist André customizing handbags; Gucci, which will offer its Miami-exclusive Mark Ronson-designed sneakers, and the bag designer Katherine Fleming, who asked 16 artists to rework her python Jane clutch.

Starting Nov. 30, they will be auctioned off in her shop. Viva Basel!

Andy Warhol's Jock Art

As you all know, Andy Warhol is responsible for some of the most recognizable and iconic images of the twentieth century. The Marilyn prints, the Campbell's Soup Can paintings... they are everywhere and his artistic endeavors, on a mainstream level, are more often remembered for their pop-art qualities and avant-garde grandiosity.

But for all you New Yorkers, you have a chance to see the raw simplicity that lay behind Warhol's method, in a series of straightforward portrait shots that is being shown at Danziger Projects.

Shot with the Big Shot camera, the show features a series of Polaroids of famous athletes of the 1970s and early '80s. Though the images are tiny (4 1/4'' x 3 3/8'') there is a larger-than-life quality surrounding them. The straightforward shots capturing Muhammad Ali, Dorothy Hamill, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pelé, and Wayne Gretzky at the height of their youthfulness and fame, is tingle-inducing.

The portraits were originally commissioned by a collector in the 1980s, and can now be seen at

Danziger Projects at 534 West 24th Street, through December 12th.

Alexander Wang wins 2009 Swiss Textile Award

Congratulations, Alexander Wang! But one question: how do you have time to design clothes when you are so busy accepting awards?

In case you haven’t heard, the New York-based designer is hot on a winning streak after taking home the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund last November, being the 2009 CFDA Swarovski Womenswear winner in June, and most recently, beating out some stiff competition at the 2009 Swiss Textile Awards.

The Swiss Textile Awards are basically the pinnacle of Europe’s Fashion Awards, and awarded to one talented designer each year- past winners include Halston designer Marios Schwab in 2007, and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte in 2008.

So besides extreme bragging rights, what does did Mr. Wang win?
Winning the Swiss Textile Awards means that you receive a prize of 100,000 Euros (about $150,000), 10% of which is to be spent on Swiss fabric, while the remaining portion is to be used on the next collection as the designer sees fit.

This win for the New York-based designer marks the second-time and second-year in the row that a U.S. House has won the award (the ladies of Rodarte were the first), and Mr. Wang had to beat out some seriously stiff competition. Contenders included the UK-based line Erdem, Michelle Obama’s favorite, Thakoon, and French couture star Alexis Mabille, as well as Ohne Titel, Peter Pilotto.

The panel of twelve judges (one of which was Isabel Toldeo) afterwards noted how difficult of a decision the first-place win was, but ultimately went with Wang because of his “cool commercialism”.

The San Francisco native and Parsons School of Design graduate launched his first collection in 2007, and his rise to the top of the fashion industry can now, only be described in one word: metoric.

Below are some of our favorite Alexander Wang looks from his Spring RTW 2010 Collection

Fashion Travels: Destination Denver, CO

Wanna join the Mile High Club? With 300 days of sunshine, views of the Rocky Mountains, and a sense of style as fun and funky as the city's inhabitants, (not to mention the 5,281 ft elevation!), a visit to the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado should leave you floating on air! Trading one "metronatural" city for another we find another cross section between fashion and function, and with an emphasis on playful combinations and an incorporation of vintage, recycled materials, local Denver designers certainly put the fun into function!

Fashion Denver is an excellent collaborative creating awareness of the local fashion scene by bringing together a host of talented Denver designers and making fashion forward events accessible to all. Their showroom features unique designs such as custom creative couture by JM Designs (shown above), flirty fashion by Rae Marie, delicately crafted, earthy jewelery by Freedom Star, daring designs by Madame Q, and wearable art by L Train Recycled.

Check out these racks! (Shot at Fashion Denver's "First Friday" celebration for this month).

You might also find yourself inspired by local designer Francis Roces who introduces the idea of fusion into fashion with his line Kimono Dragons inspired by Japanese styles and patterns for a fun and fresh twist. His mission to keep his funky fashions affordable by reusing quality fabrics is largely representative of what is overall an eco-conscious, community-oriented collection of couturiers existing in Colorado's capital.

Once you adjust to the elevation and the ear-popping subsides, be prepared for some eye-popping fashions from the Mile High City that'll get you noticed from miles away.

The Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Dining

Tis the season for dinner parties! We Fein Girls love a festive gathering, and nothing is more fun than a good time with the people you like most.

But there is an alarming trend that makes itself apparent each and every year: dinner table faux pas; Horrifying, I know.

That's why we here at Cece Feinberg Public Relations put together a list of dinner table Do's and Don'ts so comprehensive, that would make Emily Post cry...

And of course this isn't for you, dear reader..we are just spreading the manners, so feel free to pass it along!

The Do's

1. Once seated, Do unfold your napkin. At the end of dinner, leave it tidily on the place setting.

2. If you are the host, you should serve the lady sitting to the right of the host first. Then the other ladies in a clockwise direction, and lastly the gentlemen.

3. Hold the knife and fork with the handles in your palms.

4.While you are eating, you can rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate, if you excuse yourself, but when you are finished eating you should always place them side by side in the center of your plate.

5.If you are full and cannot finish your serving, leave some food to one side on your plate.

6. If the food served is not up your alley, make an attempt to eat a small amount or, at the very least, cut it up a little and move it around!

7. Desserts can be eaten with both a spoon and fork.

8. Chivalry is not dead- it is polite for a man to get up when a lady excuses herself for the restroom. But it might also depend on the formality of the party.

9. Always thank the host and hostess!

10. It is good dinner table etiquette to send a personal thank you note shortly afterwards (e-mails are the easy way out!)

The Don'ts

1. Never begin eating before the host does.

2. Unless at a more informal dinner party, like a barbecue, you should generally always eat with both your knife and fork, never just your fork. (exception for items such as peas)

3. Using your bread as a dipping tool is frowned upon

4. No loud noises when eating! That includes slurping and burping !

5. No talking with your mouth full!

6. Please do not stretch across the table crossing other guests in an attempt to reach food, wine, or condiments

So there you have it, the Do's and Don'ts to successful dining. Remember, good dinner table etiquette sometimes involves a degree of diplomacy when it comes to the host's choice of food. Even if you feel that you can do it better, please check your criticism with your coat. And if you feel unable to pay compliments, at the very least remain silent on the subject.

Happy Dining!

Trend Alert: Velvet

Ah velvet, the fabric long associated with all things frump. Velvet is one of those materials that most of us mere mortals simply avoid, but why? Perhaps because it seems far easier to be 'wrong' with velvet than it is to be 'right'? It's true, velvet does seem to have acquired a bit of a lackluster reputation, I say lackluster because it remains an incredibly popular upholstery fabric...but a person can't really say the words: 'velvet dress' without conjuring up a mental image of a rather Victorian-era style outfit- you know, a high neck, some puffy sleeves, maybe a lace trim at the collar?

But ladies, here is something to ponder...maybe it is time to put aside all negative connotations associated with velvet clothing and give it a go. Why? Because some of our most beloved designers have taken on the challenge of reinventing the fabric and they are producing some pretty exciting and cutting-edge pieces that speak to a broad range of women.

Alexander Wang, for example, has used it for biker jackets, while Proenza Schouler has rather ingeniously cut it into skinny jeans. Christopher Kane applied strips onto organza to create a series of cocktail dresses, while Chloé sent a slouchy, velvet skirt down the runway. Also, one big 'cheers!' goes out to Diane Kruger for demonstrating how to expertly wear a Halston-era velvet jumpsuit, also by Chloé.

So, you see? Velvet is not all bad. And when you think about it, it has been quite fashionably popular in years past; Tom Ford sent out a series of chic velvet pantsuits at Gucci in 1996, and let's not forget a certain curtain dress worn by Scarlett O'Hara.

What? You thought we could make a blog about velvet and not cite the curtain dress? Please.

xoxo The Fein Girls

Wool and the Gang - a revolt against throwaway fashion

This winter display your knits!

Funky scarves, hats and even gloves are in, and no one has it more right than Wool and the Gang--a year-old company that counts a former designer for Balmain as well as a former publicity director for Colette, among its creative team.

Think street-chic ladies. Fingerless gloves and crop-top sweaters are included in the mix of items which are equally eclectic, cozy and creative. Already the Foxy Roxy oversize scarf is gaining a noticeable amount of attention, while the Snood Dog chunky cowl is high up on this Fein Girl's wish list.

Wool and the Gang has just opened its first shop-a welcoming little niche in SoHo, where you can purchase said items- plus more, as well as learn the craft yourself! The nook, found at 98 Thompson Street, sells kits of wooden needles, vivid Peruvian yam and easy-t0-understand patterns which allow you to create and customize each design of your own. They even offer knitting workshops.

So, this is a place where we can not only purchase beautiful and practical items, but learn how to construct them ourselves? I'd like to sign up please.

"It's important to have this kind of craft," says Aurelie Nicod, a designer for the label. "People are tired of disposal fashion."

Visit Wool and the Gang at their SoHo location (98 Thompson Street, between Prince and Spring Streets) (212) 966-9266.

Designer Highlight: Astrid Poletti

We Fein Girls had the pleasure to sit down with Astrid Poletti, a jewelry designer from Paraguay and we were lucky enough to get a better glimpse of her jewelry collection. After a delightful thorough examination, it became clear to us that Astrid is a deeply spiritual person greatly influenced by the natural harmony of life.

Freedom, equilibrium and inner peace are words that represent Astrid’s collections. Delicate filigree pieces are combined with stones, sterling silver, 18 k gold, leather and glass, making it less of a fashion accessory and more of an instrument of art. Each handmade piece usually takes more than two days to assemble and focuses on elements that represent positive energy and spiritual freedom.

Poletti says she’s stimulated by ancient beliefs and cultures, for example: the elephant, which in many cultures represent protection and good fortune, or leaves and flowers, a simplistic element which symbolizes awareness. By taking advantage of the double significance of colors, like green and red that represent hope and life, she uses duplicity representation to serve a higher spiritual purpose.

Her pieces are simple and eclectic, which are the perfect ingredient to any outfit. In today’s economic times, being able to play with a piece that can actually revive an old outfit is worth gold! In addition, her pieces give you the freedom to use them in a variety of ways, as a head piece, a long necklace and a bracelet. Economically sound but still fashionable, financial bliss!!!

Here is preview of her latest collections, enjoy!
Balance- summarizes the theory that in every experience, good or bad, there will be an outcome that will lead to spiritual enrichment. Every touch, every simple human contact should enrich the soul of another. Numerology, the ancient belief in a mystical relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things, plays a strong part in her creations, thus the reason behind the knots in her pieces.

A Modo Mio, or My Way Collection- tries to highlight Paraguay’s philosophy with a dash of Astrid’s personal touch. In this collection she used religious symbols as the Cross and Hamsa, who is often used as a defense against the evil eye. Her intention is to ignore the religious designation behind each symbol, but rather balance spiritual entities into one peaceful essence.

Astrid welcomes the opportunity to customize each piece so that it represents the best of you and most importantly, your personal attitude.

For more information visit : http://www.astridpoletti.com/ or you can find all of her designs at Green Grass Boutique and Art Gallery http://www.greengrasshouse.com/

Designer Highlight: Unaluna

Should you crave a little bit of chic, sexy, affordability this party-going season, the Fein Girls urge you to take a little peak at Unaluna, the latest import from the sprawling sands of Miami Beach.

Irmgard Estelrrich and Paola Lecointre are the Argentinean duo and childhood besties responsible for this collection, which began in 2002 as a series of beaded corsets and custom made designer gowns for private clientele. But the scenesters and fashionistas of the beach couldn't get enough of Unaluna and in 2003, the ladies expanded their line to include a versatile range of women's apparel.

Though considered a print driven collection, their solid pieces are not to be ignored... we personally are loving their take on the little black dress. And having won the Perrier Emerging Designer Competition in 2006, and being nominated as one of the "top-five emerging designers to watch" at Miami Beach Fashion Week 2007, Unaluna is extending their reach and evolving with the times. You can now find their collection in upscale boutiques throughout the United States, Europe and South America.

Timeless, trendy, and imaginative... what is not to love?

See More! http://www.unalunacollection.com/

Fashion Travels: Destination Seattle, WA

This "definition" taken from Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau is as accurate a description of the city's casually chic inhabitants as it is of the active metropolitan itself. As a mecca for corporate headquarters, balanced by lush green surroundings, the city takes on a style of cool sophistication, blending subtle colors and classic styles with just a touch urban flair and functional footwear.

Here are some shots from a great blog needle+thread documenting city slickers who take on the Seattle streets with style.

Of course, the birthplace of shopping dream Nordstrom also turns up the haute each spring with Seattle's fashion week April 15-18, as well as in nearby Bellevue fashion week in the fall, sponsored by Nordstrom. Here's a look at some of the styles you'll see...

As the skies turn a bit grayer we can take a style tip or two from Seattle locals. With a great raincoat, boots made for walking, and a travel coffee mug in hand, you can weather the weather in true casual city chic.