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.

J.Crew is a fully integrated, multi-channel retailer specializing in men's, women's and children's apparel and accessories. J.Crew was founded in 1983 with the launch of its catalog and expanded into brick and mortar retailing in 1989 with its first store at the South Street Seaport in New York City.
It has since become an American brand known worldwide for its collections of classic styles with a quirky, J.Crew twist. In addition to its men's and women's clothing, accessories, and shoes, the company has a Wedding & Special Occasions shop through its website, and a high end J.Crew Collection available in select stores. In 2006, J.Crew launched a children's line, CrewCuts. The company sells clothing with a "preppy" look similar to retailers Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren.
Currently J.Crew's catalog has a circulation of over 80 million, and J.Crew has 175 retail stores and 52 outlet stores. Their website was launched in 1996 and allows buyers to browse both J.Crew's online only offerings, and normal catalog and retail offerings. Source

A leading pioneer in denim and casual fashion, known for moving outside and ahead of trends in its industry. While retaining always its DNA, in recent years Diesel has evolved into the world of premium casual wear, becoming a true alternative to the established luxury market.

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.

Video: New York Fashion Week 2007 - DKNY Fall Runway Show

Simply stated, DKNY is the energy and spirit of New York. International, eclectic, fun, fast and real. DKNY addresses the real-life needs of people everywhere, from work to weekend, jeans to evening. Both fashionable and friendly, DKNY consistently delivers its unique mix of style around the world.

Shopping in Manhattan is a cultural experience. Once you have visited the staple of American pop culture, New York City clothing stores’ Guess on Broadway, there is no turning back; your budget for the best will never be the same. Known for its often risqué and trendsetting advertising campaigns with endorsements from Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Anna Nicole Smith and many others, Guess designs for the eternally youthful whose beauty is extraordinary and never ending. Their eyebrow-raising designs set them aside as a trendsetting New York shopping experience with a Manhattan department store expense account. The brainchild of founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, Guess symbolizes the American dream. These edgy designers borrow from their unique backgrounds to create the desirable clothing and accessories that make Guess a global lifestyle brand. With over 1200 stores and worldwide distribution, it is no wonder Guess has become such a recognized symbol in the fashion world. Shopping for jeans or a hot date, make sure you make time for this icon of fashion. The enthusiastic clerks of this Manhattan clothing store will gladly dress you with every pair of shoes, jeans, casual and sexy to your heart desires.

Founded in 1963 with one women?s apparel store in Columbus, Ohio, Limited Brands is committed to building a family of the world?s best brands to create sustained growth of shareholder value by focusing its time, talent, and capital on the highest return opportunities. Historically, Limited Brands has been viewed as a multi-divisional, largely apparel-based, popular-priced retailer. Ten years ago, that was true. Lingerie, personal care and beauty made up less than 30% of its sales. Today?s reality is very different. Over the past ten years Limited brands has reinvented itself completely, becoming a predominantly a personal care, beauty and lingerie company, with over 70% of its sales coming from those areas, primarily through two great brands, Victoria?s Secret and Bath & Body Works.

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.

The Missoni boutique, located in Manhattan off of Madison Avenue, is a rather popular store, garnering plenty of attention with their vivid colors and unmistakable prints. Shocking blue dresses with strong brown compliments, bright yellows gently calmed with clean whites, even their most creative combinations seem to blend and contrast to create a gorgeous color pallet on their selections. The Summer 2012 collection is a perfect example of the uniqueness of the store. The brilliantly sophisticated collection is a massive favorite amongst the women of New York, as they rush to buy the dresses. For those interested in a little something for those summer getaways or parties, Missoni has an impressive swim suit collection that doesn't skip out on the fabulous summer fun color choices. The quality of the clothing is superb, all that we have come to expect in the best Italian designers. This vastly unique store is well put together, clean and alive with happy, helpful employees. The location is grand, in the middle of so many other top fashion houses, but still standing out amongst the crowd. A truly unique shopping experience that will keep you coming back again and again for more.

CHERRY's flagship store in NYC's West Village is ground zero for New York City's most fashionable folk. Designers, stylists, and other fashion freaks know Cherry is the place to find all kinds of vintage treasures, including: 1960's mod couture from Pierre Cardin, Andre Courreges, Ossie Clark and Mary Quant--Sexy 1970's evening wear from Halston, Giorgio Di Sant'Angelo and Yves Saint Laurent--Edgy 1980's urban chic from Commes Des Garcons, Kansai Yamamoto, Alaia, Versace and Thierry Mugler--An exquisite collection of 1930's chiffon gowns and 1940's rayon "swing" dresses--Victorian and Edwardian lace, crochet, and velvet dresses and separates--Knits, textiles, FABULOUS jewelry and TONS of shoes, boots and bags.

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

Shopping at Manhattan’s Hugo Boss clothing store is one opportunity you cannot miss. Experience the very best in Manhattan fashions and German luxury ware at this premier New York City location. Specializing in both high-end and casual men and women’s clothing, Hugo Boss maintains a level of excellence and dedication from years of experience. The fashion design collection has created a variety of in-house brands to better suit their individual customer needs., including Boss Black a line of classic clothing, Boss Orange, denim based casual wear, Boss Selection, higher priced clothing aimed at a more mature market, Boss Green, which offers a golf-style active wear collection, and finally Hugo, a more European and contemporary fashion line. The fashions at Hugo Boss are not just limited to clothing, however, as their marketing and licensing agreements have opened up a vast selection of merchandise, including agreements with Samsung for cell phones, C.W.F. Children Worldwide Fashion SAS for a creative children's clothing line, Procter & Gamble Prestige for designer fragrances and skincare, Movado for watches, and Safilo to manufacture sunglasses and eyewear. With incredible selections, phenomenal quality and a history of satisfaction, Manhattan’s Hugo Boss is one of the top spots to shop in New York City.

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

Today, the Company is a national department store retail chain which offers current, high quality, designer merchandise at prices up to 60% below those at other department stores. Burlington Coat Factory stores feature coats, apparel, shoes, accessories for the entire family, baby clothes, furniture, toys, home decor items, and gifts. Over 350 stores can be found in 42 states nationwide. The Company also owns and operates the following divisions.

Incredibly well staffed with some of the friendliest, most enthusiastic, and helpful people you've ever had the pleasure working with. This place is an absolute pleasure to visit, and amazingly well stocked, too! If you're doggedly searching for that one special piece, but can't seem to sniff it out at any other locations, you'll be delighted to know that this store has nearly every fashion American Eagle currently has in stock! You could lose yourself for hours in Manhattan just by just taking a leisurely browse. Everything is so beautifully arranged, so you won't have worry to about your eyes tiring of pleasant sights. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the vast selection of clothes in the Woman's section, any of the cheerful employees would be more than happy to help you pick out the perfect outfit, no matter the occasion. Whether it is the perfect top to compliment your figure, or a beautiful dress to wear to a party, they'll help. If you ever happen to be in NYC, do yourself a huge favor and stop by here. You will always find just what you're looking for in Spring and Summer 2012.

Bad-Ass Things With Hoods! The Hoodie Shop is a perfect convergence of style and fun - come visit and enjoy hagning out with awesome people at cool events, and choose from a selection of stylish (often hooded!) apparel.

Spring/Summer 2006 - Paris Fashion Week
Alexander presented his Spring/Summer 2006 collection during Paris Fashion Week in October 2005. An outfit from the collection is shown on the left. It consists of grey cuffed shorts (so popular this season) with a matching jacket over a white blouse. The model is wearing gladiator sandals.
Alexander has changed from the designer who scared and shocked his audience. He sends out his models in orderly fashion, so that we can see the clothes he has designed. His black suits, beautifully tailored as always, have lost their exaggerated waists and jutting shoulder, they are now much more wearable. Spencer jackets with button-down lapels, short flippy skirts and shorts with a girl-rocker look about them, appeared. His evening gowns had the look of Greek goddesses. However a little of the old McQueen appeared in fantasy gowns with metalwork bodices, rather like eighties sci-fi TV programmes. Source

The House of Chanel, more commonly known as Chanel, is a Parisian fashion house in France founded by Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel. According to Forbes, the privately held House of Chanel is jointly owned by Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer who are the grandsons of the early Chanel partner Pierre Wertheimer.
The Luxury Line, introduced in 2006 featuring a metal chain embedded in the leather, is one of the most desired "it" bags of the moment.
The House of Chanel, under the leadership of Karl Lagerfeld, has defined the style and fashion of Chanel as being the five essentials: audacious, perfectionist, unique, passionate, and visionary. Source

Just North of Little Italy and Chinatown is a fantastic clothing store that many women would die to shop at. Miu Miu, located just off of Broadway in Manhattan, is a chic, girly and super fun store. Stocked full of all sorts of clothing, from skirts and dresses, to boots and purses! Perfect for those who love Prada! Miu miu is also known as Prada's "Edgier, hipper, younger sister", and they couldn't be more right! Full of bright, colorful and comfortable clothes, Miu Miu is great for upcoming Spring and Summer fashion. Everything is well made and worth the money you spend in the store. You've never seen employees happier to help out there customers! They are quick, kind, and super helpful. The customer service is just outstanding. The location is a dynamic and eclectic part of New York, which just adds to the shopping experience. So easy to find and great for those days when you just want to shop, shop, shop! This is a perfect store to shop in for Spring 2012 and the upcoming season of Summer 2012. The fashion designers at Miu Miu really do make women feel beautiful! All in all, you'll be coming back again and again.

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.

Established in 1960 by legendary fashion icon Valentino Garavani, the Maison has grown over the years and now operates in more than 70 different countries counting over 1250 points of sale, 66 of which are directly managed.

Jeffrey is a one-stop, easy shopping experience. The owner, Jeffrey Kalinsky, selects the most exciting pieces that fashion has to offer while emphasizing service. The company defines service as warm, fun, friendly, and educational for the customer. Each associate is trained to be a personal shopper for his/ her client.
Jeffrey likens his store as the perfect closet for any man or woman. Every season, Jeffrey and buyer, David Rubenstein edit each collection to feature the best of the best.
The philosophy of the store, can be summarized as providing the best service and the best product in a fun, positive, upbeat environment.

Looking for Far Rockaway clothing and accessories? Then ride, drive or run right over to Forever 21. Nestled in the heart of Queens, Forever 21 is more than just another NYC clothing store; it is a New York City shopping fashion culture experience. Heralded by many fashion conscious and trend setting shoppers, Forever 21 has taken the philosophy of looking great for less and realized it to its full potential. This Queens clothing fashion store has grown quickly, featuring new and exciting in-store environments that offer a constant flow of fun that makes normally mundane shopping a truly delightful experience. Designer of several brands, including Forever 21, Heritage 1981, Love 21 Contemporary, and 21 Mens, this Far Rockaway clothier has something for everybody and sells it at the best possible pricing. Forever 21 has become a marvel in the fashion world, providing shoppers with an unprecedented selection of today's fashions that is forever changing and always in style. So if you are looking for a good Queens clothing store and are eager to experience something new in fashion, chart your course to Forever 21. You and your wallet will be well pleased.

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.

Shopping in Queens for specialty casual apparel and accessories for your teen? How about trendy clothing at competitive prices for your 7-12 year old? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you are fortunate enough to sop your heart out at Queens Aeropostale, a New York City clothing gem and an icon in youthful quality casual clothing that your teen will actually wear. Located on the middle of Queens Boulevard, Aeropostale has raised the bar for young adult fashion by offering high-quality, active-orientated clothing at compelling values. Aeopostale has been able to curb costs and control their brand by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale fashions can only be purchased from their own clothing stores, giving an air of exclusivity to their trendy clothing styles and clients by being one of the few designers to be sole distributors of their own brand. Also known for its in-store atmosphere, they provide a hip ambiance that is cool for kids and enjoyable for adults. Catering to the young at heart, don’t be surprised if you end up selecting a few items for yourself. This Queens clothing store is a must while shopping in New York City.

As the country's oldest clothing retailer, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values for nearly two centuries.
In 1818, Henry Sands Brooks founded Brooks Brothers, the first ready-to-wear fashion emporium in America. Since then, we are proud to have become an institution that has shaped the American style of dress through fashion innovation, fine quality, personal service, and exceptional value in our products.