and the winner is…. Wakana Koike (Wanamaker)

Last night, I attended the inaugural “It” Designer contest put on by Yuli Ziv of MyItThings, held at Lotus Space in Manhattan. I always have high hopes when I go to see new designers, and this event did not disappoint. I think everyone in the style and fashion industry loves to see a new, fresh approach to fashion. The beauty is that the younger designers still believe in the craft, and haven’t sold out yet. Their designs are based on their creativity and vision, and not necessarily on pleasing the mainstream. Honestly, I’m so tired of mainstream. I want more creativity, and originality in designs. Lately, I walk through stores and I’m so painfully bored. I suppose it has something to do with our economy, but it’s sad to see no one taking any risks. Now, more than ever, I want to buy a piece that has character, not a piece that every Tom, Dick, and Harry has. For now, I suppose I will have to stick to creating unique looks on my own – mixing it up a bit. Congrats to Wakana Koike on a great collection, and to Yuli for putting on an awesome event.

We also had the chance to catch up with great friends in the online fashion community. Pamela Pekerman, and her sister Michelle Finkelshteyn of Bag Trends (looking fabulous on the bottom left picture above). We were able to meet Anna Sabino, the jewelry designer who runs Lucid New York, after many Tweets back and forth! Designer Kathlin Argiro (on the right with the pink bag on her shoulder) took in the show. And last, but certainly not least, our fav girls from the best Indie fashion site around Smashing Darling, Trish Ginter and Mo Puia.