Liz Claiborne is a Belgian-born fashion designer. She immigrated to the United States in 1939, and was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended St. Timothy's, a boarding school then in Catonsville, Maryland. Rather than finishing high school, she went to Europe to study art. In 1949, she won the Jacques Heim National Design Contest, and then moved to New York City where she worked as a sketch artist at the sportswear house Tina Leser. She worked as a designer for Dan Keller and Youth Group Inc., before starting her own design company, Liz Claiborne Inc., in 1976. The firm grew from its origins designing affordable active sportswear for women and is now a multi billion-dollar enterprise. Source

There are a few names in the fashion world which elicit a knowing smile and confident gleam in the eye. Donna Karan is one classy designer who never fails to surprise with innovation and satisfy with classic good looks and quality. Need a little something special for your red carpet occasion? Join the celebrities who depend on Karan for creating a distinctive and dignified sexy look that will plaster their photos all over magazines, news flashes and fashionista blogs. Don a DKNY and you joins the ranks of confident women who wear only fine designer fashions with a quality that lasts. For her spring sumer collection, she has launched a line of hand twisted silk dresses in Tribal prints. Touted as “timeless objects of desire”, that is a perfect description of the Donna Karan woman. Classy corporate wear, unbelievably and gorgeously dramatic formal gowns, a resort 2012 collection to drrol for and a personal favorite, the double trench coat somehow manages to transform the classic black trench coat into a frothy confection. Ladies, Donna has done herself proud this year so you better make it into her Manhattan boutique before you get to headlong into your annual shopping New York shopping spree.

When shopping for the finest New York City clothing and fashions, one has to take the time to visit one of Manhattan’s most unique and culturally significant apparel stores; Fendi. Originally founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi has undergone a change from a regional fur and leather shop to one of the most sought after clothing and accessories stores in the world. Headlined by creative director Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi has branched into many different forms of fashion and personal wellbeing products, including an extensive line of perfumes and fragrances considered to be illustrious and delectable. While visiting this Manhattan fashion store, make sure you ogle the world famous Fendi baguette, which has been considered one of the finest made handbags throughout the world and is the staple for which Fendi has been founded. With celebrities such as Rihanna, Solange and Kerry Washington wearing this fab label, it is no wonder Fendi’s popularity has continued to grow, attracting thousands of fashion shoppers worldwide. Without a shadow of a doubt, Fendi’s Manhattan clothing emporium is one of the greatest fashion attractions in the world today and is worth every moment and dollar you spend.

During the 1960s and 1970s the firm popularized fashion trends such as the beatnik look, tweed suits, tight pants and tall, thigh-high boots, including the creation of arguably the most famous classic tuxedo suit for women in 1966, Le Smoking suit. He is the first to popularize ready-to-wear in an attempt to democratize fashion. He is also the first designer to use black models in his runway shows. Among his muses were Loulou de La Falaise, the daughter of a French marquis and an Anglo-Irish fashion model, Betty Catroux, the half-Brazilian daughter of an American diplomat. Source

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. The company currently operates a total of 465 stores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 373 Wet Seal stores and 92 Arden B stores. The company’s products can also be purchased online at www.wetseal.com or www.ardenb.com.

Dedicated to upscale European vintage clothing and accessories from 1940´s to the 1980´s.

agnès b. is a keen observer of life from which she draws inspiration as the sole designer for her collections for women, men, children, sport b., and Voyage, as well as a cosmetics line. She has often taken inspiration for her collections from everyday life, believing that the clothes are 'less important' than the person wearing them, and she has created a trademark style that is modern and pure, elegant but not conventional, and that has seduced people all around the world.

Ralph J. Lauren was born in the New York City borough of The Bronx to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants Fraydl and Frank Lifshitz, his father was a house painter.
From a very young age, he started working after school to earn money to buy stylish, expensive suits with an early preference for quality over quantity. His attire soon gave him a trendy reputation among his peers. The well-known Calvin Klein, a younger contemporary also lived in the same Bronx neighbourhood. Source

Every elegant woman, whether residing in or visiting New York, deserves to shop at this exclusive clothing store. For fashion that doesn’t stop at the door, go to the astounding Anne Fontaine fashion empire located in beautiful Manhattan. Anne Fontaine has reinvented everything that is considered simple and designed some of the most valued and exquisite blouses in all of the acclaimed fashion world. Using creatively innovative techniques, Anne Fontaine has taken the mundane white shirt and developed a literal cornucopia of designs and styles not seen anywhere else in the fashion designer world. Once you visit this Manhattan clothing, store you will also see the design and quality craftsmanship that goes beyond the shirts and lends itself to the variety of other jewelry, clothing and accessories now available for purchase in their stores. Anne Fontaine has over 70 locations world-wide including stores in Paris, Tokyo, Chicago and London and has quickly established itself as a worldwide leader in shirt design. With a friendly staff, a well-maintained quality location and the desire to help make you look fabulous, Manhattan’s Anne Fontaine is a must stop New York Clothing shop for anyone to visit.

For any young business woman, Akris, located in Manhattan right off of Madison Avenue, is a stylish new twist on business attire. They have business ensembles with clean lines, gorgeous knit wear and double closure jackets, plus bright jackets and dresses. This New York City fashion boutique has absolutely gorgeous apparel and is perfect for any woman in the business world. You've never seen such elegant clothing gathered into one store. The store is very clean and proper, organized perfectly. The employees are sweet and helpful, very smart and they add to the professional atmosphere of the store. Even if you aren't a business woman, it is a great store for any classy party or gathering you may be going to. Swiss designer Albert Kriemler, designs for the woman’s personality to eclipse her apparel. The styles are mature and elegant representing perhaps the newest trends that will be touching down Spring-Summer 2012. If you feel the need to dress classy, with the small pop of color, and look more professional and smart, look no further. You'll look and feel very business-like and yet for those after hour affairs, you will certainly turn heads.

Etro is synoonymous of style. It is a lifestyle based upon quality and sophistication, not only in terms of desigh, but also regarding materials and production techniques.

Serving the fashion-savvy consumers of the New York Metro area for 25 years has been very rewarding, and our appeal to the many out-of-state and international shoppers that visit our stores each day makes us equally proud. The next time you are in New York, we invite you to visit one of our stores to experience in-person the legendary Dr. Jay's selection and service. Please visit official site for additional locations.

All that is youthful, sexy, vibrant, full of life and beautiful in draping cloth on men and women, young and old, is exuberantly displayed at this Manhattan shrine to the genius fashion designers, Dolce & Gabbana. JLo loves them, soccer gods model their clothing and movie directors feature their distinctive collections. All because they are really good at what they do. Deceptively simple and outrageously alive, these two Italian fashion designers have transformed quality clothing into an art. What use is designer fashion if you have nowhere to wear it? Favored by celebrities, dignitaries and the man/woman on the street, D&G give a spark of life and creativity to the streets of New York City. Their Spring Summer 2012 collection is extraordinary in fabric, line, and color, embracing the family with fashions for men, women and children, with D&G Junior. Sign up for Swide, their fashion magazine and download their app on your Iphone for everything D&G. You are sure to see some of the world’s most beautiful actresses and sports heroes in their Manhattan boutique. It is worth your while to browse through the beautiful people of the world and their clothes when shopping in New York City.

In case you aren't in the mood for overly colorful clothes, and getting bored with funky, spunky, and bright colors, fear not. Dr.Jays in Queens will help you out. While most fashion these days uses color to sell their product, Dr. Jays uses quality and more muted styles; perfect for any of those boys or tom-boys out there that don't want to attract too much attention to themselves when they're just trying to walk down the road. Dr. Jays' style seems to really blend in better with the younger people of the nation with their almost hip-hop like clothes. They have an extensive collection for both the men and women that want to try something a little different from everyone for Summer 2012. They even feature a kids section for the little tots that want to be in fashion this year. Employees are extremely helpful and not afraid to help steer you in the direction of something they believe will suit you better, which is very helpful for those wandering in, unsure of what they should be purchasing. Not to mention the hat selection! What a perfect store to go to for those fun summer parties, or even just your everyday wardrobe.

Versace has eighty-one boutique locations around the world, in the U.S. and Canada specifically: New York, Atlanta, Boston, Bal Harbour, Tysons Galleria, Rome, Beverly Hills, Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston, King of Prussia (near Philadelphia), San Francisco and Vancouver, Canada. Versace also features 123 retail areas in a variety of luxury multi-designer department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The larger part of their stores are located in the two most style conscious markets in the world, Europe and Japan. Cities like London, Paris and Tokyo are home to multiple Versace outlets, not to mention the company headquarters in Milan. There is also a Versace Hotel and Spa in Gold Coast, Australia named the Palazzo Versace.

Ready-to-Wear
Spring/Summer 2006 - New York
Carolina presented her Spring/Summer 2006 collection during New York Fashion Week in September 2005. A beautiful dress from the collection is shown on the right, a powder-blue gown with a beautiful hand-painted floral panel on the skirt. Her evening gowns were fitted to the knee and then flared out to the hemline.
For daywear, she teamed leg-elongating trousers with tiny knit sweaters and pencil skirts with short-sleeved tops. This was a collection that combined glamour and grace. Source

Starting out as Daffy Dan’s Bargaintown, the new Daffy’s has revolutionized quality clothing stores by giving you the opportunity to wear the best designer collections while not breaking the bank to do so. Daffy’s became famous as the first fashion clothing store by making Madison Avenue and European designer brands available to all consumers. With their location in the heart of Madison Avenue, Daffy’s has been recognized as one of Manhattan’s premier clothing stores and is a must visit for anyone looking to do some serious shopping. With extensive selections of dresses, sweatsuits, sportswear and even houseware, Daffy’s is sure to have a little bit of something for everyone. Daffy’s fashion clothing store maintains the highest of quality control and makes a promise to its consumers to maintain these values. A family run business, Daffy’s allows its customers a chance to relax and feel at home with some of the best customer service available in New York City. Evolving from a single New Jersey store specializing in samples and irregulars to a 19 store corporation carrying the finest apparel available, Daffy’s has firmly established itself as one of the best New York clothing stores at bargain prices.

Noted for its quality materials, use of color, and elegant and femininine designs, Escada successfully widened its clientele and by 1981 established a name in many categories of womenswear, specializing in formal wear and knitwear. In 1982, the company opened their first store in the United States on Fifth Avenue in New York City and opened its first store in Asia the following year in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong boutique became a worldwide landmark, marked for its use of gold in the store's design.
Though debuting in America in 1982, Escada did not gain national prominence until 1984 when the leading fashion and women's wear magazine Vogue published an entire edition devoted to promoting Escada. Its worldwide prominence led its 1986 IPO on the FSE to be highly anticipated and Escada's debut on the stock exchange marked the headlines in hundreds of major newspapers worldwide. 30 years later, Escada has established itself as one of the largest fashion houses in the world. Escada?s headquarters are based in Munich, Germany and Escada?s collections are available in nearly 500 locations in 60 countries. In the United States, the company has 16 boutiques in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington. Escada has opened several larger stores carrying various fashion lines including Escada, Escada Sport, and Couture and Accessories. The largest of these stores is located in Vancouver, Canada, and is 16,000 square feet.
Like many fashion houses, Escada also has a line of fragrances for both women and men. Source

Vera Wang, a native New Yorker, understands women who embrace fashion. As a child, she accompanied her mother as she shopped Parisian and American couture. Vera studied at Chapin, Sarah Lawrence College and The Sorbonne.
Vera Wang has created a unique aspirational world that alludes to sensuality and youthful sophistication. Exquisite details, intricate draping and a nonchalant sense of style characterize the Vera Wang aesthetic.

A company dedicated to upscale European vintage clothing and accessories ranging primarily in era from the 1940’s to the 1980’s, and featuring famous labels as well as great undiscovered manufacturers. These carefully selected vintage goods, often dead-stock, are obtained on seasonal buying trips throughout Europe, especially in Italy, homeland of the owners, Patti Bordoni and Marco Liotta.
Amarcord Vintage Fashion first opened its doors in the East Village in December 2000, immediately earning recognition as the “best vintage store” by New York Magazine and The Village Voice. The East Village shop continued to build on its early success by providing an original vision to the NYC market. Vintage lovers, media and the fashion industry alike appreciate Amarcord’s stylish selection of merchandise, renowned for design, condition and quality.

The Years of Cristobal Balenciaga
1918 saw the founding of Cristobal Balenciaga’s first haute couture house in San Sébastian, Spain. Local admiration for his designs was so strong that a second haute couture house was opened in Madrid and a third in Barcelona. In 1937, 10, Avenue George V became the Parisian home of Cristobal Balenciaga’s creative influence. Balenciaga’s Paris flagship store is still located at this address.
Balenciaga soon came to embody Parisian elegance. Cristobal Balenciaga was hailed as ‘The Couturier of Couturiers’ and ‘The Master of us all’’ by designer Christian Dior. In 1946, the House of Balenciaga launched its first perfume, ‘Le Dix’, aptly named after its first atelier, 10, Avenue George V. ‘Le Dix’ attracted the same acclaim as the famous Balenciaga couture pieces, and the perfume soon even rivalled that of Coco Chanel herself. In 1968, Balenciaga closed his couture house, to the deep dismay of his favourite clients. Countess Mona Bismarck lamented the event by locking herself indoors for three days.

After traveling to India in the early '70s, Ferré dove into fashion, first with accessories, and later, launching his own label, Baila, in 1974. Signature women's and men's collections soon followed, and Ferré stepped onto the field of high fashion with the debut of his couture line in 1986. He took his philosophy to the house of Christian Dior, where he was stylistic director from 1989 to 1997. Still influenced by his first trips to Asia, Ferré's designs display an East-meets-West aesthetic that vehemently rejects trends and gimmicks, concentrating instead on a relaxed sophistication and casual elegance.

Max has used macramme this season, as embellishments on top of soft jersey dresses. Also present were gold and wood beading, flax embroidered linen jackets and silk peasant blouses with twill shorts. A creamy leather cape topped long dresses, and belts cinched in curvy coats. He put snakeskin flat footwear on all his models. It was a personal and laid back collection. Source

Deep within the heart of the Bronx lies a New York City clothing store whose rich history has grown with the city around it. B&G Clothes has been a Bronx clothing magnate for over 80 years and continued service, quality and fashion sense has kept this store on the top of must see lists of many fashion clothing shoppers. Like the high class of Little Italy surrounding the store, B&G Clothes constantly pleases its customers with a wide variety of men’s clothing that can be used in all aspects of daily life. From your shirt and ties to car coats and overcoats, there is sure to be something to please all shoppers that come in through their doors. Even more amazing is B&G’s custom and tailor made business suits which give you a sense of exclusivity and an opportunity to be totally involved in this Bronx fashion experience. With its uniqueness, variety and quality, B&G has established itself as a part of the Bronx’s inherent fashion culture and opens its doors for you to enjoy. It is highly recommended you take the time to stop into B&G and experience this part of the Bronx for yourself.

Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer. He attended the High School of Art and Design and graduated in 1981. From there, Jacobs entered the Parsons School of Design in New York City. At Parsons, Jacobs won the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award in 1984, and in the same year was also awarded the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award and the Design Student of the Year Award.
Jacobs has sometimes bucked prevailing fashion trends. In Spring 2004/2005, when designers were following the "safari theme", he made his collection completely lady-like and the catwalk which the models walked on had an archway of 450,000 roses. Jacobs' Fall 2005 collection received sharply mixed reviews. In 2006, he is set to bring out a watch collection this year under the brand of Marc Jacobs. Source

Casual sophistication birthed out of traveling around the world, Custo and David Dalmau seized the psychedelic beach style of Southern California and created a lifestyle from their own bohemian Barcelona roots. Surfing in Spain was popular, but clothing was unremarkable until the advent of the two Spanish brothers to the global fashion scene. If you think you can just go online and shop for Spanish surf inspired clothing, you will be sadly mistaken. Custo and David sank their souls into the development of innovative graphics and color treatments that simply cannot be experienced virtually. Their Manhattan boutique is a simple journey to Greenwich Village, so if you were already planning on stepping out for a bite to eat, take a little more time and shop at their New York City store. The colors are divine – fuchsias, turquoise and magenta hues for women and graphite blues for men, casual chic is well represented in their full line of t-shirts, skirts, dresses, jackets, tops, and pants for men, women and kids. Wear the Custo Barcelona brand and you will be initiated into the lifestyle of sun, wind, water and long beaches of fun.

For sweeping lines and a classic designer look, seek out Yohji Yamamoto’s exclusive boutique on Manhattan’s edgy Canal Street. Japanese fashion has always presented strong lines and striking styles, but this Japanese fashion designer has interwoven the strength of the Japanese culture with the spirit of the West, pioneering traditional Imperial Japanese structure, phenomenally successful Japanese animated art and the individual spirit of those of us who live in America. His Spring Summer 2012 collection, Noir, for men and women is as pleasurable to the eye as it is comfortable to wear. His flowing styles enhance the human form with grace and elegance, transporting us away from down and dirty jeans and steel and glass Wall St. executive sterile suits. If you are looking for quality clothing you can wear everywhere, the opening of a new night club, the announcement of your promotion at your marketing company or just because you love to wear clothes that make you look and feel good, then head on down to Yohji Yamamoto’s one-of-a-kind designer New York City boutique. With three collections to choose from, Yohji Yamamoto Femme, Homme, Noir and Y’s, you have every opportunity to dress in the height of fashion.

Develops and produces a distinctive line of contemporary women's apparel and accessories, which it markets under the bebe, 2b bebe and bebe outlet brands. Current Chairman and Founder Manny Mashouf opened the first bebe boutique in 1976 in San Francisco. At that time, three categories dominated the women's wear market: junior, briouh women inspirational, sexy fashion.