Hey all you fashion lovers! Hope everyone is keeping up with this New York heat! A little brutal? Yes. But DO NOT WORRY...because I have just the perfect fashion fix for that: Costalmel’s graphic t-shirts. Nothing screams summer fashion like breezy t-shirts with prints that embody the summer feel. These urban street style pieces are a staple for a summer wardrobe.

Their current collection includes short-sleeve and sleeveless t-shirts for both men and women with prints including my favorite summer fruit, PINEAPPLES (yum), florals, and Mexican skulls. They mix these fun prints with j’adore illustrations that are not only eye catching but also jaw dropping.

Made out of 100% cotton, these easy-breezy shirts can uphold the brutal summer heat but can also be transitioned into the fall. There is nothing better to have than versatile pieces that you can style year around to fit the changing seasons. The base color of all of Costalemel’s shirts come in different shades of white (depending on the style), which cannot scream STAPLE PIECE enough. The fact that the actual t-shirt is a shade of white with a colored illustration, makes it that much easier to just pair it with about anything.

REMEMBER: It’s the summer, so have fun playing with colors and mixing different prints within your tops and bottoms. Fashion is supposed to be fearless so go get them!

One of the biggest fashion do’s of the past few seasons has been to mix streetwear with couture. Its been seen all over the catwalks and it is still prevailing. We’ve seen it in collections like Chanel, where dresses are mixed with sneakers and in Kanye West’s Paris debut where he swore by it. It brings the higher and the lower end of fashion into one, which I think is great. I am a huge fan of the trend and think it is super fun. It brings out an urban, effortless edge out of all of us.

Have you miss anything important this week?

Jewelry inspired  in Lupita N´yongo  

Buiding owner of Rana Place faces charges

Espys show style

MFSHOW in Madrid by Lander Urquijo

HM opens the biggest store in New York

Happy Monday everyone! So today’s post is going to be a little different. Today, we are going to explore a part of New York City instead of exploring a trend! So this week we are going to explore the ever so chic and hip SoHo. New York is broken up into all these small, ‘mini’ boroughs that each have their own personality. Just as a cool fact, the names of all these areas refer to their boundaries so SoHo stands for “South of Houston {street}”.

SoHo, out of many other characteristics it intakes, is known for its many art galleries, variety of shopping and the trendy people that occupy it.

FOOD

First, let us start with WHERE TO EAT! If I am good at anything it is knowing where the best food lies. 

For American food, you MUST try the Mercer Kitchen, located on 99 Prince Street. A little pricey and infused with some Japanese culture, your meal is always uber fresh and full of flavor.

For the best French treats, one has to go visit Balthazaar, located on 80 Spring Street. I have yet to try their entrees but the bakery portion of this spot is AMAZING. Once you step into it, you instantly feel as if you left the concrete jungle and stepped into a Parisian escape. If my father has taught me anything it is to never skip on a sweet after a meal and this is the perfect place to fix your sweet tooth!

Next up is Isola Trattoria and Crudo Bar at the Mondrian Hotel. This is by far one of my favorite places to eat. Decked in gorgeous chandeliers and dimmed lights, this place has the best ambiance. It is a foodies dream in there. 

I cannot forget to mention Laduree, located on 398 W Broadway. If you know anything about me it is that I am utterly obsessed with macarons and this is my #1 place for them. Their SoHo location is relatively new and they opened a restaurant with it, so that is on my things to do!

Now, if you recall, I work in SoHo where I help manage PR so I am never able to have a full sit down meal. So where do I go? Gourmet Garage, located on 489 Broome Street. This marketplace has a little bit of everything…and the best part? You can sit on the steps outside of it to enjoy the food you snabbed and people watch! So much fun! Another place similar to Gourmet Garage is Dean&Deluca, located on 560 Broadway. Both these places are awesome for quick groceries or a quick bite. Food is always great and they even offer organic and vegan produce! Both of these places are great for tourists visiting the area because you can grab something quick and everyone will be happy!

TIP: When out to eat with friends, the best thing to do is order a few small plates to share, that way you share and taste more! This way, you get the full gist of the restaurant and really get to know what they have to offer. 

SHOP

Now, lets move onto WHERE TO SHOP! SoHo has a store for everyone. You can find affordable chain stores to high-end luxury boutiques. So, whatever you are looking for….SoHo has!

If you are looking for a variety of shops, you should go straight to Broadway. You will find stores like TopShop, Zara, Club Monaco, and even Bloomingdales! Now, if you are looking for some upscale stops, you have to explore beyond Broadway and head into the many streets that surround it such as Spring St (where you can find Chanel), Wooster St (where you can peak into Barneys and Tibi), and Greene St. (where you can find Saint Laurent, Chloe and Y3).

Cool, independent boutiques surround the area also including the Birkin Bar, which is a super cool consignment store filled with the best Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Balenciaga…to name a few! Another one of my favorites is Opening Ceremony where you can find cool and new upcoming as well as established labels and you will most likely see someone famous!

THE PEOPLE

When in Soho, you will definitely see all types of people. If you head over to Broadway, you will see mainly tourists who are on one of their many stops from their tour bus and ready to do some shopping at the biggest chain stores. You will hear about five different languages at once when walking, haha! If you head over to the side streets, such as the ones I mentioned above, you should be prepared to find people walking with Saint Laurent Bags and some gym gear on. Just as a side, if you are ever in the mood for a great workout head to The Bar Method, Soul Cycle or Equinox! You will always see a cool car parked outside of one of the many shops and can even spot an a-lister.

TRENDS

Because of the different types of people that enlist in SoHo, the outfits and tends you will spot are endless. You will definitely see a lot of people rocking gym gear, who will potentially make you feel guilty for not being as proactive as them. Be prepared to also see a lot of lowing dresses with minimal accessories and people rocking the coolest eyewear. Booties are a year around thing in SoHo where they are paired with shorts and a hat in the summer and over bearing coats in the winter. SoHo is a place where you can really let your creative mind speak.  Wear what you want and be a trend setter because you will most likely be setting yourself up for success!

ACTIVITIES

You will never run out of things to do around this place. Known for their many art galleries and cool clubs, SoHo is one of the top places for a good night out! For art galleries check out place like Pop International Gallery, Terrain Gallery and Martin Lawrence Galleries. You can always stop in for a quick peak at their current expo and it is almost always free. It is a nice little break from your everyday routine so if you are ever in the area, run!

Now if you want to have a night out on the town, I have a few suggestions! You can head over to the rooftop at the Mondrian Hotel where the vibe is always chill and the views are breathtaking. SoHo is best known for their small bars so enjoy a night of bar hopping around this area!

@classy_eug 

Pavan Bahl from Open Source Fashion

Tell us a bit about Open Source Fashion and its main objective.

Open Source Fashion is a community of helpful innovators working with(in) fashion and retail.  We focus on educating our peers and finding collaborative opportunities amongst our community members.  

On July 21st, we launch our new platform which will focus on the Who, What, & Where for our audience.  

Who you need to meet: Profiles of approved creatives, developers, strategists, and technology solutions that you can leverage to grow your business.

What you need to know:  Our educational content that we will be publishing from a community of over forty expert contributors.

Where you should be:  A listing of worthwhile in-person opportunities in your area (starting with NYC and DC)

So, Open Source Fashion is all about networking. What is the reason why you focused in this? Why would you say networking is such a vital tool in the fashion industry?

The business landscape has dramatically shifted over the past five years.  There are now even more moving parts that go into building and sustaining a successful business. Many of these “moving parts” that have become vital components of business (omni channel retailing, social media strategy, big data, fit tech, etc.) were unheard of just a handful of years back.  It is nearly impossible to be an expert on all of these moving parts.  I felt as though if we, as entrepreneurs...learn and supported one another, we would be able to succeed as a group.

Competition is dead and collaboration is the future.  Businesses must align strategically with one another in order to execute effectively.  Since this process relies on relationships,  you need to go out and find folks that you connect well with...as individuals and professionals.  OS Fashion creates environments that are conducive to uncovering collaborative opportunities amongst like minded individuals.  

How did you come up with the idea of creating this meetup community in the first place?

A few years back I started developing a consumer focused brand.  I was selling products to a handful of retail boutiques between New York City and Boston.  I quickly realized that I did not have the proper background or education to effectively develop a successful and long lasting brand.  

At the time, the emergence of digital technologies had just started to give smaller brands an opportunity to compete for visibility in a global marketplace.  I started the OS Fashion Meetup as a way to gain the right education in regards to these platforms and new strategies.  The only way I was able to attract the right educators was by gathering an audience for them to speak to.  

What kind of individuals attend your meetings?

Our events are open to helpful innovators that are actively working with or within fashion or retail.  This can be anywhere from designers, retailers, and brands to technologists and service providers that lend to the industry.

How many networking events do you organize per year and around which topics?

We have moved away from our quarterly meetups, to bi-annual conferences.  OS Fashion produces the Freestyle Fashion Conference every 6 months in New York City.  The conference focuses heavily on education and collaboration.  We are extending this program to Washington, DC and Miami, FL within the next 9 months!

Each program hosts fifteen classes, all taught by professionals that have a very specific domain expertise as it lends towards business development within fashion, retail, and related technologies.  Visit freestyleconference.com for class information - it really spans the spectrum of biz dev.

What’s next for Open Source Fashion? Any new plans in the horizon?

We would like to partner with good people across the globe to bring the Freestyle Fashion Conference to various cities.  An ideal partner would be an individual or team that already cultivates community within the Fashion + Technology space and is motivated to extend them exceptional value.  Ultimately we see Open Source Fashion bridging individual markets so that innovators in various regions can access new markets by leveraging OS Fashion communities worldwide.

For now, we are focused on expanding the conference program, and preparing to relaunch our platform in July.

Any new trend in the fashion industry that you would pinpoint? 

The acceptance and adoption of technology is not only a trend, it’s a revolution in the industry.  Businesses small and large are integrating and experimenting with a myriad of solutions to keep ahead of the curve.  

NY Fashion Tech Lab serves as a great example of how retailers are making a priority to work with startup tech solutions to facilitate their growth.  My guess is that NYFT Lab will serve as a model for businesses globally that are looking to bridge the communication gap between innovation and enterprise.

What would you say about Spanish fashion industry? Do you see a bright future for Spanish designers in the US? 

I won’t bullshit, I don’t have a firm pulse on the actual fashion that drives this industry (i’m more of a solutions person).  What I do see is that the US market is more than ever before, distinguishing themselves through fashion.  From colors to cuts, the “average” consumer is more knowledgable, curious, and better informed in regards to international culture / trends.  Because of this, there’s an open door for international designers to breakthrough in the US market.

And last, but not least. All emerging designers are young entrepreneurs and you are an entrepreneur yourself… Some words of wisdom to share with them?

Read.  Know about...and take advantage of tools that can streamline your processes.  Do not focus on anything that is not within your core competencies.  Find strategic partners.   Try and make forward progress every day.

www.beinfashionspain.com team in a Open Source Fashion Event in NYC

All the week in pictures Fashion Trends and news from the coolest industry

Serpentine Summer Party

080 Barcelona Fashion Show

New social media contest by Marc Jacobs, a call for a casting.

Celebs in Glastonbury 2014

Costalamel POP UP store during 080 BCN Fashion Show

TIE OR BOW TIE?

Now is time to go parties, weddings and official acts, is for that your outfit should be perfect. Wearing a suit or smoking doesn´t matter the real problem is the accessory for men: tie or bow tie? that it is the question and we have the answer. BOW TIE is trend now and if you want to look elegant in an easy manner is your perfect complement.

Top designers as Dolce and Gabbana or Dior are selling this product and also there are a lot of new designers that are making real art works with their designs as La Pajarita, Guiëm or Rama-Lama. Chose yours and give your outfit a hipster style. 

Don´t forget to visit us and shop Guiëm designs.

By @cuquita86 for @beinfashionspain

SHOOTING DAY 

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Interview with Lillian Alselmi from Modalyst

1. Some of our readers might not understand well the concept of e-showroom. Can you tell us with your own words what Modalyst is and what differentiates it from other e-showrooms?

Modalyst is an online wholesale platform that connects buyers and brands. Our goal is not only to increase our designers’ orders but also act as a platform through which they can run their entire wholesale operations.

We specialize in connecting emerging, progressive labels with independent retailers all over the world. We are the only platform that is focusing on providing opportunities for younger brands to gain exposure and maintain control over their wholesale business. 

The Group Buy page is our most unique feature on the site. We are exposing our designers’ orders in real time on the site to encourage new buyers to purchase their items. For example, if a buyer in London sees that a store in New York is buying a bag, they are likely to want to join the order. Buyers, just like consumers, want to know what is trending and be able to react quickly. 

Additionally, our Group Buy offers designers the ability to meet their minimum order requirements by allowing a group of buyers to collectively purchase an item. This allows designers to gain wider distribution while maintaining their production minimums.

2. Jill Sherman and Alain Miguel are the co-founders of this platform. What can you tell us about them?

We are lucky to have great leaders here at Modalyst. Both Jill and Alain come the fashion industry and bring different perspectives to the table. Jill has been in fashion for 11 years, managing the buying team at Harvey Nichols and merchandising for Prada.Alain spent 7 years at J.P Morgan and designed a successful polo collection while an undergrad at Yale.

3. Can you explain us how did they come up with the idea of creating Modalyst?

Modalyst was born at MIT, an unassuming locale where fashion and technology collide. While a buyer for Harvey Nichols, Jill was frustrated by the expensive and tiresome trade shows, where designers' minimums were high and department stores got better pricing on merchandise. It was difficult to compete against stores which could buy volume. Modalyst was launched to level the playing field for smaller retailers, where aggregated orders become market power for indie stores.

4. Which is your role in Modalyst? 

I am Head of Designer Sales at Modalyst which means I get to work with all the amazing and inspiring brands that join us! As a former womenswear designer myself, I am very aware of the frustrations that come with finding stores so I love being able to offer a new and improved approach to connecting with retailers. We look for brands that we feel passionately about and are the right fit for Modalyst. For someone who loves fashion, this does not qualify as work- I am constantly inspired by the brands I speak with and motivated to help them grow. 

5. Modalyst’s main offering to registered designers is the opportunity to connect with interested buyers around the world. What’s your marketing strategy to reach the buyers and what other services do you offer to the designers?

Modalyst is an open platform which means once a member, you can see all the retailers and designers on the site. We feel strongly that designers should have the ability to prospect stores (and not just the other way around)! For example, we allow designers to “follow” any retailer they are interested in connecting with. If the retailer reciprocates, a line of communication is open. We differ from a typical showroom in that we are providing tools to designers that they can use to market themselves and communicate with the buyers directly. We just act as the facilitator. 

We are constantly looking to engage the retailers on the site. In fact, we send a daily digest to buyers to update them on all the designers that they are following including new items that are uploaded and any products that are in the Group Buy. We also have a Retail Relationship Manager, Elyse, who is speaking with several stores on a daily basis to educate them on our new designers and products that might interest them. 

Beyond the sales channel, we offer designers a comprehensive wholesale management tool that includes digital, clickable and customizable linesheets, inbox communication and organization of all previous, pending and current orders so they can track their progress. 

6. Which is the reach of Modalyst right now in terms of number of buyers registered and from which countries? How many of them are from the US? Any interesting market apart from the US?

We have over 3,000 retailers currently on Modalyst representing 75 different countries making us a truly global platform. 60% of the stores are located in the US they so this a great opportunity for international brands to get exposure to the American market. 

Additionally, we have seen increased interest from Asia and Australia which are two very interesting markets for us.  

7. Which are the requirements you ask for to all participating designers?

We curate our designers based on their branding, products and experience. The designers that do the best on Modalyst are those that have quality products with high res imagery and come with at least two wholesale accounts. The platform works best when the designers are engaged and understand how to properly communicate with retailers. 

8. What can you tell us about the future plans for Modalyst?

We have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline here at Modalyst! In fact, we recently sent out a survey to our designers and have already begun to roll out features based on their response. 

For example we are working on developing our matching capabilities on the site. Currently we have items that are suggested to retailers based on things they are buying as well as suggestions to designers as to which retailers may be worth “following.” In the near future we would like to go even further and use the data we have collected to make more specific recommendations to both our designers and buyers. 

 We are also looking to develop content more regularly. For example, writing stories on seasonal trends to offer retailers not only products but also advice on how to merchandise those products in their stores. In fact, we have a partnership with one of the biggest trend forecasters in the US that will soon offer sophisticated analysis of the upcoming trends to our members. 

9. Modalyst targets mainly emerging and independent designers to showcase their collections through its platform. How would you say the market is evolving for these independent designers in the US?

That is a great question- I think the landscape for these designers is changing dramatically. When I was a designer there were only two ways to get into stores- either set up shop at a trade show or hire a showroom. Now, with tools like Modalyst, these brands have an opportunity to reach an audience that is a better demographic for their collection and at a much more approachable price.

We are seeing younger independent designers with unique products become more and more popular around the world. The smarter the consumers become, the more difficult it is to sell them things that everyone else has, so we are seeing stores actively looking for new edgy brands. Modalyst allows stores to not only discover these brands but also be the first to market with our shorter lead times and flexible minimums. 

10. And specifically for emerging designers from abroad wanting to enter into the US market?

In the past, the only ways for international brands to find US buyers was through tradeshows or showrooms which can be exclusive and exorbitantly expensive. Additionally, both strategies tend to focus on domestic network with little to no international reach. 

Through partnerships like Beiñ + Modalyst, designers can now use the success they have found domestically and leverage it through our international platform to find US buyers.