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I don't know if I agree with the list from JCR...perhaps we can post our 5 designers/Labels for 2008. Mine will be up shortly.
From JC report
We've been globetrotting all year to bring you the most relevant fashion lifestyle news from every crevice of the planet. As we look forward to 2009, we bring you a series of "Top 5" lists looking back on an eventful 2008. From the Philippines to London, the first roundup features our top picks for the five best designers of the last year.
Balmain
French designer Christophe Decarnin may be shy, but his crystal encrusted mini dresses, Sgt. Pepper jackets over torn jeans and ragged-looking, leg-baring gowns for spring/summer '09 are anything but timid. In a moody Paris season that lacked a singular creative direction, Decarnin's 80s-inspired, rock 'n roll infused collection sizzled with an irresistible devil may care attitude that only impossibly cool Gallic girls can chicly pull off. It's little wonder the French Vogue girls—including editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld—are fans.
Bea Valdes
It's no secret that accessories market is competitive, but the Philippines-based Bea Valdes came out of nowhere and sparkled like a rare gem. Ever since Valdes was featured in a 2005 American Vogue profile and on our virtual pages last year, her show-stopping, crystal-engulfed bags and oversize necklaces gained some serious traction. But this year, her wares rode the statement jewelry trend [9], and are now must have pieces at prestigious international retailers such as Podium in Moscow, Barneys in New York, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and Couturelab [10] online.
Lanvin
Arguably one of the greatest designers of our generation, Alber Elbaz [12] follows his own fashion rhythm, but never seems to skip a beat. In Paris, his collection for Lanvin's s/s '09 collection of rich fabrics and textures, undulating shapes and tempered decadence was a poetic outing that gorgeously captured the sober mood of the season. But his use of leopard prints and bold colors also gave women a reason to stay optimistic in these depressed economic times.
Hoorsenbuhs
High-end jewelry isn't all about overly marketed, flashy wares. Santa Monica-based Hoorsenbuhs is the prefect antidote those who prefer a quiet kind of luxury "by creating pieces notable for the inherent beauty of their raw materials rather than for their logos or megawatt bling." With a steady following among LA's tastemakers, this label's "intergity focus" design practice is yielding a unique chain link signature style on the cusp of breaking out.
Nicholas Kirkwood
Though only three years out of the gate, Nicholas Kirkwood is already considered fashion's go-to renaissance man. With Pollini, Rodarte and Alberta Ferretti collaborations under his belt, the London-based shoe designer has not only managed to win over his design contemporaries, but has also earned their respect. This year alone he took home Footwear News Designer of the Year Award and the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award at the British Fashion awards. Kirkwood's ascent has been a fast one, and Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik better watch out. Nicholas Kirkwood is right on their vertiginous heels.
From JC report
We've been globetrotting all year to bring you the most relevant fashion lifestyle news from every crevice of the planet. As we look forward to 2009, we bring you a series of "Top 5" lists looking back on an eventful 2008. From the Philippines to London, the first roundup features our top picks for the five best designers of the last year.
Balmain
French designer Christophe Decarnin may be shy, but his crystal encrusted mini dresses, Sgt. Pepper jackets over torn jeans and ragged-looking, leg-baring gowns for spring/summer '09 are anything but timid. In a moody Paris season that lacked a singular creative direction, Decarnin's 80s-inspired, rock 'n roll infused collection sizzled with an irresistible devil may care attitude that only impossibly cool Gallic girls can chicly pull off. It's little wonder the French Vogue girls—including editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld—are fans.
Bea Valdes
It's no secret that accessories market is competitive, but the Philippines-based Bea Valdes came out of nowhere and sparkled like a rare gem. Ever since Valdes was featured in a 2005 American Vogue profile and on our virtual pages last year, her show-stopping, crystal-engulfed bags and oversize necklaces gained some serious traction. But this year, her wares rode the statement jewelry trend [9], and are now must have pieces at prestigious international retailers such as Podium in Moscow, Barneys in New York, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and Couturelab [10] online.
Lanvin
Arguably one of the greatest designers of our generation, Alber Elbaz [12] follows his own fashion rhythm, but never seems to skip a beat. In Paris, his collection for Lanvin's s/s '09 collection of rich fabrics and textures, undulating shapes and tempered decadence was a poetic outing that gorgeously captured the sober mood of the season. But his use of leopard prints and bold colors also gave women a reason to stay optimistic in these depressed economic times.
Hoorsenbuhs
High-end jewelry isn't all about overly marketed, flashy wares. Santa Monica-based Hoorsenbuhs is the prefect antidote those who prefer a quiet kind of luxury "by creating pieces notable for the inherent beauty of their raw materials rather than for their logos or megawatt bling." With a steady following among LA's tastemakers, this label's "intergity focus" design practice is yielding a unique chain link signature style on the cusp of breaking out.
Nicholas Kirkwood
Though only three years out of the gate, Nicholas Kirkwood is already considered fashion's go-to renaissance man. With Pollini, Rodarte and Alberta Ferretti collaborations under his belt, the London-based shoe designer has not only managed to win over his design contemporaries, but has also earned their respect. This year alone he took home Footwear News Designer of the Year Award and the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award at the British Fashion awards. Kirkwood's ascent has been a fast one, and Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik better watch out. Nicholas Kirkwood is right on their vertiginous heels.
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