Sneak Attack

For the past 7 years, Mihara Yasuhiro has been elevating the design of the sneaker to new heights. Commissioned by Puma, Yasuhiro’s designs have been high-fashion meets low-brow all packaged with his unique flare for Japanese Zen traditions. In his own words on how sneakers have evolved, he quotes: “My primary goal is to continue this kind of movement, continuing the trend of looking at the sneaker as fashion and I think I have succeeded. Before, you had to think of grips, cushions, spikes for soccer … the goal is to continue this since the sneaker is now accepted not just for sport but also for fashion.” [EP]

Arigato Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto’s Fall 2007 Collection is a twisted apocalyptic thrill ride through a war-zone Afghanistan during the Victorian Era. *pause* In another words, Yamamoto is a genius. Always pushing the boundaries of fashion, Yamamoto defies the traditional garments with angular cuts and disarrayed patterns that would leave the average joe in sheer confusion. Often described as the “Designer’s Designer” – Yamamoto is a mad-scientist that might just rule the world. [EP]

All Hail Mikhail …

So in a bout of fashion rebellion, the brains of Louis Vuitton said, “Fuck, Giselle, we want Mikhail!” That’s Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the USSR. The Fall07-Spring08 ad campaign is on fire. Shot by renown Anne Leibowitz, it captures the old don in a battered-down current Russia, and of course, the LV bags are pretty fly too. Check out the NYTimes article on this momentuous flight from supermodel supremacy. [EP]

Dover Street Market London

If you’re in London, hop on over to 17-18 Dover Street in the West End, there you will find one of the city’s fashion gems, Dover Street Market. This uber-sleek boutique highlights some of tomorrow’s couture findings along with ready-to-wear apparrels. Taking cue from one of fashion’s timeless masters, Rei Kawabuko, you will notice many post-modern touches of shift-space/time design within the store’s layout. As the British would say, “It’s Brilliant, mate!” (EP)

Sander Summer ‘08

Screw all the haters of the “Jil Sander is an Armani Wanna-be” camp! Sanders is the real deal and offers a lot more than just hungry powersuits and German Bauhaus! Her latest Menswear Collection for Summer 2008 is a homerun – complimenting both design and functionality. Its the future of men’s suits, bar none! No more of the boring ties and pleated Hugo Boss corporate uniform — we’re talking bold, beautiful and ballsy! (EP)

Thank Thakoon

Thakoon Panichgul is one to watch right now in the fashion industry. This Thai born, Omaha, Nebraska native has been making some mini tsunamis since his entre into the world of high-studded couture design 2 years ago. With his angular, sleek design – often architectural in presence yet sheepishly feminine at the same time, Thakoon’s clothing has graced every A-Lister on the block, not too mention Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, tagged him as the new ‘it-boy’ for next season! Check out his pre-2008 Spring Collection here and thank Thakoon for bringing sexy back. (EP)

Lam-bitious

San Francisco/NY based fashion designer Derek Lam has been making moves since his introduction into the high fashion world back in 2004. Having won the prestigious CFDA Perry Ellis Swarovski Award for new designers in 2005, Lam has been on every Top 10 list of “Designers to Watch”. He just recently landed the Tod’s account and will be creating a specific Ready To Wear line for Fall 2008. Haute, indeed! (EP)

Marc Jacobs Vans

Who would’ve thought Marc Jacobs was a skateboarder?  The man who brought grunge to the high fashion runways is about to bring limited edition (we’re talking 50 pairs for each design!!!) skate-shoes, courtesy of Vans.  The box looks tight — rumors flying that he also designed some uber-sleek boards as well.  EBay, here we come.