These canvas boots are the ultimate Summertime staple. Paired with a gauzy white frock, pair of cut offs, or even a vintage swimsuit, the Frye 'Paige' Tall Buckle Boot is a lightweight, versatile boot that proves just how impractical stiff leather riding boots can be in the heat. The boots garner support where it counts and the leg of the boot, where the canvas comes into play, make it such that they can be scrunched down, folded over, or worn all the way up. They've a rugged, safari-like aesthetic that make us want to do something drastic. Like, er, tackle the backyard gardening or, you know, go camping. Frye, a staple for fashionistas of all aesthetics, has some other sweet offerings this season. Check out our spread below for more from the company that makes us, dare we say it, proud of American design.
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Posts for April 15th 2008
Interview With Designer Steinunn Sigurd
Can you tell us a little bit about your inspiration for the Fall 08 collection? My inspiration always comes from Iceland, this season it is the texture of the lava, the orange colour of the magna, the floating lava and the misty silver, grey colour from the steam of the hot springs.
The details of each garment really stand out. This was part of the reason why we chose to shoot the collection with photographer Wayne Liu, in black and white film. Does detail come before, say, color or silhouette in your designs? I always start with texture, that is the most important part of the collection, it is the reason behind the collection. I didn't know that you choose to shoot in black and white, it must look amazing.
What did your experiences working as Design Director for La Perla and Senior Designer for Tom Ford teach you about what it takes to run your own label? Mr. Ford made me independent, to stand and work on my own and make my own decisions, He gave me an insight in to sex appeal and rock and roll. La Perla gave my the first oppertunity to prove my independence.
Is there anything you miss about working for another designer? What I do miss about working with the big fashion houses is the professionalism that surrounds them. Their names stands for crafmanship, pure design and standard that is very high. Everyday I think of this craftmanship.
If Seinunn could go anywhere, be anything--what would be in store for the label? The most amazing pieces of clothing with crafmanship that can withstand decades...timeless elegance. 6. Outside of Steinunn, what is your everyday life like? My Reykjavík life is very simple: family, friends, dog, house, summerhouse, gardening and being part of the Reykjavík creative melting pot.
Pretty Legit Shoutout: Special Night Panties
Pretty Legit has turned our attention to Forever 21's incredibly cheap and yet totally darling panties. At first we thought we were simply going to enjoy the look but find ourselves disgusted by the fabrics. But miraculously the collection includes many 100% cotton options. Thus while community members Fashion Indie, Catwalk Queen, and Chic and Untroubled focus in on Kate Moss' return to Agent Provocateur for their new bridal range we think we prefer the cheap chic option for a change. There are plenty of lacy white underthings if you have a rational aversion to debt when getting hitched.
Check out Other Shoutouts
LookOnline Shoutout: Over "It"
Being bored to death with fashion is almost as trendy as being obsessed with fashion. Or at least that is the impression we get from LookOnline's Marilyn Kirschner's report on Fashion Group Internationale's Fall/Winter 2008 Audio Visual Trend Overview.. FGI’s Fashion Director Marylou Luther narrated the presentation and afterwards the "best eyes in the business" weighed in on the report including Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President, Bergdorf Goodman; Michael Fink, Vice President – Women’s Fashion Apparel, Saks Fifth Avenue; Ana Maria Pimentel, Senior Accessories Director, Harper’s Bazaar; and Jane Larkworthy, Beauty Director, W. The Special Guest Moderator was Hal Rubenstein, Fashion Director, InStyle.
The general consensus formed around the frustration with the fall season. Not only were the looks lacking in cohesion or direction but the focus on "it" procuts from bags to shoes had everyone sighing. Hal Rubinstein asked “What are we watching?” “What are we looking at? “What are we selling”?
Thankfully Marilyn helped us focus in on what might work best for fall , she tells us that you can start stocking up on black and purple garments, prints (particularly winter florals), coats (a category which is now very much focused on statement pieces), jackets (structured, cutaway, swallowtail, peplumed, boyfriend) pants (wider in New York, narrower in Europe), blouses (often bow tied at the neckline and worn with a skirt or tailored pants): skirts (there is literally a “hemline for every age”): knits (particularly the knitted coat); evening (cocktail lengths outnumber full-blown gowns); embellishment (everything from safety pins and staples, to sequins, holograms, feathers); fur (from savage to super-chic); accessories (the “fundamental ornamental for fall is the necklace”); shoulder bags (slung diagonally across the body).
Fashion in 50 Seconds 4/15/08
Marni now has 68 stores thanks to the opening of with its first freestanding store in Istanbul. The chic Turkish shopping district Akaretler will house 1,620-square-foot space. There are two rooms entirely dedicated to accessories and characterized by large stainless steel displays or backlit fiberglass showcases. The clothes are showcased on polished stainless steel racks that curl around the walls while suspended mannequins float in the air moved by fans. Other elements used for the decor include aged teak floors and walls painted with an unfinished hand. Marni is clearly banking on its international appeal as 20 more stores are in the pipeline for this year including retail outlets in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries.
The husband and wife design team Hanii Yoon and Gene Kei are eliminating their Y & Kei designer line. Its replacement is the duo's contemporary label Hanii Y. The Seoul based global marketing company SK Networks is backing the new initiatives. Fashionistas curious about the new Hanii Y collection will have a chance to see it shown in New York at the next fashion week.
The endless parade of international fashion weeks continue this week with Vancouver. Vancouver Fashion Week is hot on the tail of BC Fashion Week thus adding to the tally of alternatives for Canadian fashion designers to the traditional Toronto Fashion Week. Designers to watch include Katherine Koniecki, David Leach, Kaylyn MacKenzie and Coquette Couture 1827.
Fashion collaborations continue unabated as the second Gap/CFDA White collection hosted its launch party last Tuesday. We remain nonplussed.
Want old news? Check out older Fashion in 50 Seconds.
Coutorture Community's Morning Must Reads 4/15
Distract yourself from today's tax deadline. Find fun Spring beauty and fashion ideas in today's posts from:

High Snobiety is perplexed by the idea of sneaker vending machines.
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Grooveeffect previews Carhart's Spring/Summer 2008 streetwear line.

ShopDiary covers Prada's one of a kind auction.

Neutrals pique Blooming Lily's interest.

Limo Heels wears a sunny Spring inspired outfit.