Starting a New Shoe Line Is A Struggle Even for Established and Successful Designer

I am a huge fan of Franceso Russo for many years.  He had designed so many gorgeous shoes while he was working at YSL and Sergio Rossi. I think his designs are not only fashion but arts that deserve a place in a museum.

His break from the big brands and huge marketing machines to start his own label really takes tremendous courage.  For one thing, I have realized he hasn't got his own website yet and his 2014 solo collection hasn't received as much PR and media exposure like his former collections did at YSL and Sergio Rossi.  It just shows that big money and big marketing really make a big difference.

Nevertheless, Franceso is an exceptionally talented designer and artist, I just hope he will overcome the lack of access to the resources and support in running a shoe label and continue to create marvelous shoes. Click here to read his struggle in launching his own shoe label and have a glimpse of his 2014 collection. What do you think of his 2014 collection compared to his previous collections?

The Empire Behind the Fabulous Dress

Click here to shop the above dress at $338.00.

BCBG is on top of my list whenever I am looking for an affordable and beautifully designed dress that has both good craftsmanship and good fit.  Little did I know that the man who has been  making these fabulous dresses for the last 25 years is Max Azria, a 64 year old fashion entrepreneur.  I am amazed at how his creativity keeps renewing and refreshing for so many years.   I admire how he creates beautiful fashion.  Unfortunately, Mr. Azria's creativity and influence in my beloved fashion brand may diminish in the near future as his lender, who finances $475 million of $685 million debt that BCBG borrowed, seeks exchange of debt for equity of the company.  I just hope that BCBG's future design isn't going to be dictated by this new potential investor and become something totally different and has little to none resemblance to Mr. Azria's work that I have grown to love so much....

Click here to see photos, video and learn more about the BCBG company as reported by WSJ.