SuperCaliFashionistic

I love irony in high fashion - especially the destruction of conventional beauty, whether that's my graffitied Prada painting from Fluorescent Palace, a dripping Chanel logo on a grimy brick wall, or my favorite piece of art at the Tate Modern - a bare canvas with a red gash. So when my gold "Fuck Off" necklace from new boutique label Bunnies in LA arrived, I couldn't be more delighted. While broadcasting profanity was never my cup of tea (no thanks, UNIF tees), this inscription is so subtle that it can only be seen up close. From the average distance of interaction, it's barely noticeable.

Prabal Gurung and Eddie Borgo were named runners-up, but it was menswear designer Billy Reid that took home the prize.

A brief bio and a look at each of their latest collections:

BILLY REID

The Alabama-based designer got his big break in the 3rd Annual GQ "Best New Menswear Designers in America" project, showcasing his talents in their March 2010 issue. The Lousiana native fuses modern fashion with casual New Orleans style, creating wearable ensembles that are edgy (faded snakeskin-print shorts, shrunken vests) without being overdone. And now that he's taken the creme de la creme of sartorial awards, the world has taken notice.

























PRABAL GURUNG

In his latest collection, the Nepalese designer combined the elegance of Oscar de la Renta with the simplicity of Max Azria and the cool factor of Phillip Lim. Quite a feat for a collection of 41 looks. Add to that Demi Moore, Thandie Newton, and Michelle Obama on his client list, and you've got a recipe for success. Gurung's second nomination for the award proves that he's still going strong.





The latest ad campaign featuring Elle's style director Kate Lanphear.



Taking up where Alexander McQueen left off is no easy task. But Sarah Burton, who worked with the designer for 15 years, was the most likely candidate for carrying on the line. Her debut collection didn't stray too far from the path her predecessor had already carved. All the elements of a McQueen presentation were there: the matted, braided hair, the exaggerated silhouettes, the familiar blend of futurism and fantasia. At the same time, she countered the brand's signature severity with a touch of softness in the form of delicately frayed hems, transparent organza, and a plethora of ruffles. Bell-shaped skirts and the structural folding on jackets were evidence of McQueen's technique. It wasn't quite as elaborate or ingenius as his original work, but there were a few innovative ideas, including a dress that appeared to be constructed entirely from butterfly wings. Ebony confections that mimicked intertwined strands of leaves made the girls wearing them look more like woodland nymphs than catwalk models. Though footwear wasn't quite as farfetched as the famous crocodile shoes worn by Lady Gaga, heels constructed from metallic foilage and sandals adorned with simulated wheat were promising. Following up such a celebrated designer was more than difficult, but Sarah Burton executed it with admirable finesse.

all photos from style.com

Well, that was quick. Oscar de la Renta jumped on the technology-meets-fashion bandwagon with an iPad clutch retailing at $290. The reason? Aside from its obvious profitability, Mr. de la Renta is the lucky recipient of a new iPad - and you can expect he will be toting this case around as well. De la Renta's focus on quality is apparent in the clean lines, luxe leather exterior, and signature motif. The sharp-looking, limited-edition bag also comes in white, marigold, and stone, all available exclusively on de la Renta's website (http://www.oscardelarenta.com/). Oh, and only 100 will be made, so get there fast.