French designer Jean Touitou launched Paris-based A.P.C. in 1986. The collection has been highly garnished as one of the best labels out on the market. Thanks to their premium denim, giving way to classic urban styles & sharp cuts readily made for both men & women. Oh and who can resist those classic peacoats? We know we can’t!
Visit: A.P.C
(pronounced ah-BYE-ah-tay) – was founded by designer Laura Poretzky, and is renowned for the highest quality fit, fabric, and of course craftsmanship. The NYC based, Abaeté brand has garnered much attention from fashion junkies across the globe. And let’s not forget about that Payless collaboration!
Vist: Abaeté
Which stands for “Ambition To Create Novel Expressions” was established in 1996 as a creative consultancy to bridge brands in the fashion & entertainment industries. The label itself came to live in 1997, when Jonny Johansson designed over 100 pairs jeans from raw denim adorned in red stitching. Then that is where the magic began! The brand has a strong cult following in Stockholm thanks to their classic boyfriend & skinny fitting jeans. Oh yeah….and they make other good high-priced stuff too!
Vist: Acne Studios
The Brit designer teamed up with Adidas in 2004 to create a stellar collection of performance collection loved & adored by the masses. Mixing a blend of her own personal flare in addition to Adidas’ signature styles, both Stella McCartney and Adidas have already given us a full dose of their running, gym, yoga, dance & tennis looks over the past five years.
Visit: Adidas By Stella McCartney
Also known as “AG” jeans, the brand was founded in 2000 by denim guru Adriano Goldschmied in South Gate, CA. The company started off as a small boutique and quickly flourished into one of the biggest premium denim brands out on the market.
Visit : AG Adriano Goldschmied
Akris has been in this game for over 80 years! That’s a long time…right? Found by Alice Kriemler Schoch (in 1922), the company still continues to produce well crafted garments and remains located in Switzerland at the firm’s own production centers in St. Gallen, Zurich and the Ticino.
Visit: Akris
The designer sportswear collection division of Akris was launched in 1996. The Akris Punto line is aimed at the active & professional woman who is always on the go but has a taste for all things high-end. Currently Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue carry the the collection here in the states.
Visit: Akris
Artistic director of Lanvin (since 2001), the Israeli born designer can be often seen with glasses and his trademark bow-tie. Did we forget to mention that this man creates genius clothing made for the practical woman? YES INDEED!
Think Uma Thurman & Sarah Jessica Parker. Think romance, finely draped gowns, luscious silks and chiffon. The Alberta Ferretti brand is know for their delicate pieces and high prices…you better ask somebody!
Visit: Alberta Ferretti
(pronounced: Ala-sand-roe del-la-kwa) Designed for a series of top Italian brands which include Iceberg, Les Copains, & Mariella Burnai. The Naples native also worked along side the late Gianni Versace. Alessandro debuted his signature collection in 1996. His staple is sharp tailoring for the female silhouette.
Visit: Alessandro Dell’Acqua
Former model, turned British television personality had a show “It’s On With Alexa Chung” which lasted two seasons on MTV, but was given the axe in 2009. She’s quirky…but we all love her clothes.
Alexander McQueen is a highly acclaimed designer known for “climbing out of the box”. His style is razor sharp & advanced. McQueen has collaborated with Puma in 2005, Samsonite in 2007 , and is generating serious buzz for his off the wall Spring 2010 collection – (which you can view here).
Visit: Alexander McQueen
(Side Note) We recently lost our beloved iconic designer Lee Alexander McQueen on Thursday, February 11th 2010. Reports say that McQueen has lost his life to an apparent suicide. This news came as a total shock to the fashion world, and his designs & vision will live on through his work. May he rest in peace.
Everyone knows the name, since the NYC-based designer made his name famous in 2004. Wang’s style is basic, clean, and straight to the point. Some fashionista’s make it a priority to fork over the green just to rock his label. And we can’t be mad at that!
Vist: Alexander Wang
Designer Stacey Bendet successfully launched in 2002. Since then her collections have been dominated by perfectly hemmed garments. Everything in her collection gives you that full dose of retro-inspired flare that many of us have grown to love.
Visit: Alice + Olivia
Ahhh…despite what people may thing about CEO (Canadian born) Dov Charney we love him! American Apparel is the largest clothing manufacturer here in the US. Aside from selling super cool retro spandex tights, American Apparel is better known for their extra comfy multi colored basic cotton T-shirts & raunchy advertisements.
Visit: American Apparel
NYC-based Anna Sui is known for her boho-chic annual line up. Sui has been in this game for 30 years deep, establishing herself in the realm of fashion in 1980. Her collections have been long been known for their multi-pattern finishes, patchworks and all things that take you back to the psychedelic era of the power-flowerchild.
Visit: Anna Sui
(Pronounced: Ann-deh-moo-la-mee-ster) Is known for her modern monochromatic pieces. The Belgian born designer is often referred as one of the most edgy designers in the industry. Ann has featured many menswear-inspired items that of which many of her loyal followers appreciate.
Visit: Ann Demeulemeester
French designer Gabriella Cortese birthed Antik Batik back in 1992. Her brand epitomizes dramatic and romantic looks that capture highlighted color & true glamour. Her clothes are definitely made for your inner Carrie Bradshaw.
Visit: Antik Batik
Created in 2004, Antik Denim has quickly become one of the most noticeable denim brands out on the market. Thanks in part to their extra embroidered back pockets. Since 2005, Antik Denim has expanded itself across the globe and opened their flagship store in 2005.
Visit: Antik Denim
Luxury home collection created by Giorgio Armani. You can trick your house out in style none the less! The collection features such items such as furniture, linens, lamps, & dining essentials. There are 40 Armani/Casa establishments located worldwide.
Visit: Armani Casa
(Once known as Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni) is another high-end division under the Armani umbrella. It’s less expensive than it’s main label Giorgio Armani but sill will run you a pretty penny.
Visit: Armani Collezioni
Got it’s jumpstart onto the scene in 1991 here in the U.S., and continues to be one of the leading fashion retail brands across the globe. Another sector under the Armani label, the A|X brand manufactures, distributes, and retails a collection of lifestyle items which would include accessories & ready-to-wear items for both men and women. There are at least 140 free standing Armani Exchange shops world wide, which accommodate the streetwear savvy demographic.
Visit: Armani Exchange
Mainly sold in department stores, the denim-related collection was established by Giorgio Armani in the early 80’s. There are only 15 freestanding Armani Jeans locations in the world.
Visit: Armani Jeans
Children’s division of the Armani division. With only a limited number of free standing shops (15 to be exact) worldwide, you can still dress your tot in the finest luxury has to offer. Luckily you can find Armani Junior items at select high-end department stores. Did I forget to mention that you can purchase Armani baby bottles for $45 a pop? Yeah, it’s that serious.
Visit: Armani Junior
So happens crème de la crème of the Armani empire. If you recall the first haute couture Paris show was streamed live online. If your Rachel Zoe, and have the right connections you too can slip on a piece of the good life. Armani Privé is only sold at select luxury retailers at a very high price.