Leading up to Fashion Week and the exciting festivities of Fashion's Night Out, Elie Tahari took some time to answer our burning questions. If you'd like to meet the master himself, be sure and stop by his Fashion's Night Out event on September 10th at his Soho boutique -- Alexa Ray Joel will be performing from 7-9 PM!

Luxist: How do you feel your past has shaped your designs and the way you work -- growing up in the Middle East and working as an electrician, for example?

Elie Tahari: My childhood was filled with tough times but those experiences motivated me to succeed. When I first arrived in New York City my goal was to find happiness, success and true love – I was lucky enough to find all three. All of these elements still drive me today.

L: You design such a wide range of collections. How do you make everything from a suit to a gown feel "Tahari?"

ET: I have been dressing women for close to 30 years now and I am constantly learning from the women in my life, namely [my wife] Rory, and my customers too. My collection is known for versatile pieces that are modern, sexy and exude easy sophistication. Each collection incorporates expert tailoring, intricate detailing and luxurious fabrications. This philosophy has not changed. I strive to develop items that fit the wants and needs of my customer and their wants and needs certainly change overtime, but my design philosophy does not.

L: Do you design with a certain kind of person in mind?

ET: I try to create clothes that flatter the feminine figure in a subtle and beautiful way, creating pieces that come alive when a woman wears them. I want to emphasize a woman's natural beauty as opposed to masking or hiding it. To me, the Elie Tahari woman is sophisticated, sexy and confident.

L: How did you get involved with Fashion's Night Out?

ET: Fashion's Night Out is an extraordinary way for the fashion industry and its customers to unite and celebrate their love of fashion. We are hosting an event at our boutique in Soho and Alexa Ray Joel will be doing a special performance that evening. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while shopping the newest fall items and will receive an exclusive gift with their purchase as well. We are excited to be part of this global program and are looking forward to a fun night out!

L: What's next for Tahari? What do the upcoming collections look like?

ET: I want bring the Elie Tahari lifestyle to more customers around the globe. For the spring 2010 collection, debuting on Thursday September 10, I was inspired by exotic voyages as seen through the eyes of a 1940's traveler.

Luxist will be at the debut and we'll have lots of pictures of the new collection for you! See you all at Fashion's Night Out!

Who is James? And why should we care about about his clothes? Because James Andrew, a New York-based interior designer, is hip, effortlessly cool (or so it appears), sports python loafers sans socks, can carry off a mint green suit, and wears Gucci like there's no tomorrow. For proof, and to see what other designers he has in his closet, check out Andrew's aptly named blog, What Is James Wearing?.

It's a vicarious read, and even better are the photos. Andrew models his outfit at whatever fabulous locale he's frequenting (he must rely on the kindness of strangers to take his photo) and then describes what's going on in the photo, followed by a breakdown of his outfit. It seems Andrew does quite well as a designer, because unless he has a personal shopper to do the legwork, he has a whole lot of time, and no doubt funds, to spend on his attire.

Andrew has two handsome whippets, Rupert and Nigel, whom he loves and shows off now and then on the site. I bet come winter, when it's time for their coats, they are the best-dressed dogs in NYC.

[Thanks, Shira.]

We recently caught up with handbag designer Jane August (right, with her adorable little dog) at the Sola Showroom in New York City. Jane splits her time between Italy and the United States but was happy to chat with us about her gorgeous bags -- how they're made, where she gets her ideas, and more!

Click through our gallery below to read the interview and see her gorgeous, luxurious designs for Spring 2009.

Several months ago I read that "master of trend" Allen B. Schwartz, of A.B.S. fame, was to introduce a line at JCPenney. Last week I saw a catalog announcing the line, called Allen B., on its cover. The collection seems to be aimed at teens and women in their 20s. Same with Charlotte Ronson's new line at JCPenney, called I Heart Ronson. Both lines are priced as one would expect from JCP, ranging up to $60 for a long Allen B. dress and up to $40 for a short I Heart Ronson dress. These designers are following in the footsteps of Isaac Mizrahi at Target and Vera Wang at Kohl's, offering lower-priced options to those who still want a bit of trend with a designer name.

Who is the man behind "neo-fierce" luxury jewelry line AZATURE, famous for black diamonds and gothic, industrial pieces for men and women? Azature. It's actually his name.

We've been covering Azature's fantastic designs for a long time. He's recently had a swell of success, with both Rihanna and Beyonce wearing his glittering, substantial pieces.

In this interview, we talk to Azature about his journey as a designer of fine jewelry, Madonna, and more. The items featured are some of Azature's personal favorites, as well as photos of Rihanna in his A.Z. Linked Necklace.

Azature is in N.Y. this week introducing his new line, A.Z.

Azature's pieces, like this ring we covered a few months ago, are made from a platinum-sterling alloy and adorned with black and white diamonds. There are eight rings, eight necklaces, eight pairs of earrings, and six bangles featured in the new A.Z. collection, and they are crafted with 18K gold white-gold plating and nickel details. The above necklace is one such piece, and rings in at $150.00. Now that's a fancy pop tab! Very daring, Azature.

Into that? Click here for the Martin Margiela can tab necklace we recently reviewed.

You can count on Azature for chic, industrial designs, and A.Z. is no exception. The rings and bangles are bolt-like, and even the charm necklaces are multi-chained and made with heavy nickel.

The New York Daily News has called Azature one of "fashion's soon-to-be stars," and we couldn't agree more.

Last week marked the annual JA NY Summer Jewelry Show in New York and the news for most jewelers isn't good. While the upper end of the market (pieces over $20,000 continues to stay afloat) the middle o the market has eroded. Like we have seen with handbags, clothing and other luxury goods, the sharp spending decrease by the "aspirational" customer who generally spends $1,000 to $10,000, is having a huge impact on the market.

This particularly effects some of the big branded designer jewelry. An article in WWD notes that retailers have reported that customers are back to being concerned about what the piece is made of (which stones and metals) rather than being focused on a brand name. Many are seeking what they believe is a safe investment such as gold or diamonds.

Some brands are increasing their upscale lines as a way of staying afloat. One brand, Faraone Mennella whose gold earrings shown at right sell for $1,420 at Neiman Marcus, is now aiming higher with items like a $110,000 diamond cuff to be featured in Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday catalog. Other jewelers are taking the opposite approach such as Daniel K., which has until now sold exclusively diamonds and platinum but recently launched their lower priced Prêt-á-Porter line that features pavé diamonds and other gemstones set in gold (see our gallery of their pieces below).

One of the biggest trends in the last few years, the self purchase of jewelry by women, seems also to be shifting. The WWD article quotes Katey Brunini, founder of K. Brunini who says that the self-purchase has pretty much dropped out and many of her sales are now gifts. The gifts may be what continues to keep the market afloat in the U.S. because although the market is changing there will always be gift occasions that call for jewelry.

Posh Paws is an idea put into motion by Cantoni furniture store and inspired by a small polyethylene dog originally created by designer Eero Aarnio as part of his children's collection. The Posh Paws version takes the original dog, adds in a few local and national celebrity designers, and comes up with an entire line of adorable and unique puppy toys (toys that are puppies, not toys for puppies) that are up for sale to benefit various charities in the name of animal rescue and helping stray pets find permanent homes. My favorite is this one by Zsofia Mezey Koppani.

Busy socialite (and possible Hugh Grant ex -- the jury's still out) Jemima Khan has been named as Parisian label Azzaro's latest guest designer, creating a collection of ready-to-wear and accessories that will be presented at its showroom during the early July couture shows, according to WWD. Khan was named by Vogue in December as the epitome of modern glamour and is just one of the latest group of A-listers joining the design studio: young socialista Eugenie Niarchos collaborated with Azzaro designer Vanessa Seward on an accessories collection last year, and Janet Jackson announced at a recent Versace menswear show that she is working on a lingerie line.

[Via Vogue.com UK]

Not even 30 years old and already making a huge name for himself in fashion, Australian designer Angelo Katsapis is one to start paying attention to if you haven't already. His much anticipated signature line (called Angelokatsapis) was in the works during the years he spent in Milan as a senior designer for Giorgio Armani, once launched it immediately became a favorite among fashions toughest critics. Sold at the finest boutiques including Harvey Nichols you can also purchase select pieces from the collection online. The quality and unsurpassed design is reflected in the prices, dresses range from $1300 up to $10,000.

The Henry IV Convertible High Chair by Sibi costs a staggering $1,350, making it the most expensive high chair I've seen. It was conceptualized by the Sirch-Bitzer design team out of Germany and can be transformed into a regular child's chair once your tot is over the high chair phase. The base is powder coated steel, and the wood portion is birch. I have an issue with the size of the tray, most high chairs trays have ample room for flinging around food, and a few different dishes. This one looks like you could line up, maybe 7 peas, 3 cheerios... single file. I do however love the clean minimalist design, chic simplicity at it's finest.

How well do you think you know designer handbags? We've all seen obviously bad knock-offs, but imitators are getting better and better every day and the good ones are making products that are all but impossible to tell from the originals sometimes. Here's a fun quiz from Portfolio.com that puts your fashion sense to the ultimate test of side-by-side comparisons of brand name goods. Handbags, jeans, and even designer ball caps are included -- take the quiz and let us know how you do. I got a better score than I expected, but I think it was mostly luck!


Via A Luxury Travel Blog

After Balenciaga came out with their $100,000 metallic leggings, there was nowhere for the women's legging industry to go without changing materials and moving away from the easy, form fitting standard that makes leggings what they are. So, designers have moved their leggings onto men. Marni's brand new men's collection for this coming fall heavily features men's leggings. They're made of microfiber cotton and wool, have bottom stirrup straps and come in a variety of colors. Marni is describing them as "sophisticated," but it seems unlikely that too many men are going to dive right in to this extremely form fitting type of clothing for casual or evening wear.

Made by Moooi and designed by Marcel Wanders, the V.I.P. Chair really puts users up on a pedestal. It features flared legs (the "chair with flares") that offer maximum support to the user, while at the same time allowing for some flexibility that a completely solid base would not. It has a steel frame with a soft, upholstered finish and is shaped to offer the maximum comfort to anyone who sits in it. The designer seems to suggest that the chair could work equally well in a conference room at the office or in a home dining room. It measures 31"H x 24 ½"W x 21"D. Price: $1,680.

Fashion heavyweight Fendi, owned by LVMH, has decided to segue from their traditionally high-fashion orientation and establish an "ongoing personal and professional alliance" with Japanese "street" designer Nigo, whose popular label is called A Bathing Ape. "Street" style, in Japan, is not about the mass-produced styles that are fairly common in the US when the term is applied, but about high-quality, contemporary designs that appeal to the next generation of consumers, who are looking for uniqueness at any price, but not necessarily for luxury.

Fendi will not be collaborating with any designs (not at the moment, at least), but recently had the designer host a hip-hop themed party for them in Tokyo to try and impress Tokyo fashion insiders. It is hard to say with certainty whether it worked or not yet, but both Nigo and Fendi have high hopes for the future.