Move Over Ed Hardy, The Unstoppable Kate Spade Launches A Clothing Line

First there were handbags. Different, adorable, charming and whimsical. Then came shoes and sunglasses. Followed by stationery and tableware. Not long after came products for the home like photo frames, glassware, and more. Baby products were a natural addition and as if that weren't enough, she began designing jewelry and released a fragrance as well as candles. And I'm not even including Jack Spade, the line and store, for men.

The Kate Spade Empire:










and now...


Now, Kate Spade launches a clothing collection. The line is what you'd except if you're familiar with the designer. Sweet but sexy and slightly retro, cute but couture, precious and pricey. The pieces look like items Kate herself might wear. The model even has a look that resembles both Kate and her talented Creative Director and co-president of Kate Spade New York, Deborah Lloyd.


above left: Deborah Lloyd and right, Kate Spade

Here's all the items in her clothing line at present, which just debuted August 11th. I especially love the outwear and jackets. Please click on the images to enlarge.

Tops & Sweaters:






Skirts & Dresses:





Outerwear & Jackets:


A better look at some of the separates:



You can purchase the above clothes, plus jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more here.

Watch out Ed Hardy, this woman is gaining on you. It may not be long now before we see Kate Spade Shiraz.

Today's WTF? Winkers: Handpainted Pants That "Wink"

I will try to refrain from personal opinion as I share the concept of patent-pending Winkers(TM) with you. Rapidly making the rounds on the internet due to a you tube video of the jeans in action (shown below), the company, based in Everett, Washington is hand-painting pants so that as one walks, the images painted on the b'thigh (you know, the place where your butt cheek meets your thigh?) actually 'wink'.



They are pricey as well as hideous (oops, did I say I was going to refrain from personal opinion?) but certainly are imaginative.

It might help their marketing to feature a rear end that isn't quite so... um, bloppy. Oh and some less cheesy music on the video. And yes, a decent typeface on the site. Okay, so much for refraining from personal opinion.

Below are the five designs for which they have pricing and are available by order. But they will also create custom or special designs.


above: Eyes ......................... $159.00

above: Ducks ....................... $169.00

above: Clap Boards ........... $259.00

above: Owl.......... $279.00

above: Lion in the Jungle.............$579.00

When it comes to ordering yourself a pair of Winkers, they ask you to take the following into consideration.

In their own words:
"To order a pair of Winkers a couple of things to take into consideration are what pants and will they "Wink".

Jeans work the best for Winkers. Baggy jeans do not wink very well. Other types of pants work well also. But if the leg is to loose and hangs from the widest part of the buttocks the pants will not wink. Some dresses and lingerie will also wink. I do not have a satisfactory way to decorate lingerie though. Perhaps later. Taking all into consideration men's pants will wink also. Many slacks and overalls do not wink very well though, because they are to (sic) loose.

When selecting a pair of pants to be decorated, select a pair that fit well and will show off your wink. Make sure they are clean. If they are new make sure they have been washed."


Order them here.

Vote For The 2009 Bombay Sapphire Glass Competition "People's Prize" Winner From These Just Announced Finalists

One of the top design contests in the world for up-and-coming designers, the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Designer Glass Competition challenges emerging designers to create a martini cocktail glass inspired by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®. Thousands of emerging designers from more than 20 countries around the world compete each year for a chance to win the £10,000 international prize.

The winner, and there will only be one, will be announced at the London Design Festival this coming September. A renowned jury with members such as designer Stefan Diez, Carsten Kehrein, head designer from Rastal, and H.O.M.E editor Kitty Bolhöfer will judge the entries.

The 9 finalists for the 2009 Bombay Sapphire Glass Competition have been announced and all are shown here. You have a chance to vote for the "People's Prize" which may increase their chance of winning the global competition. The finalist with the most votes will be automatically entered into the top 4 at the global final.

Here they are in order of ranking from 1st place to 8th as of August 22, 2009. Your votes can change that. You can only vote on the UK site. To do that, vote here.

Comet - EKARIN KHUNAPINYA, THAILAND:


Fulfilled - OLA DABROWSKA AND ADAM GROCH, POLAND:


Liquid Sapphire - BRUNO EVERLING, GERMANY:


Martini Ice Cold - LOY KAI YI TIFFANY, SINGAPORE:


Jewel - MICHAEL KARLSSON, SWEDEN:


Sensual Paradise - KLEBER TERRADAS, BRAZIL:


Close Glass - NATHAN STUDER, SWITZERLAND:


Globe - EIVIND NARUM, NORWAY:


Moonlight - GIUSEPPE CELENTANO, ITALY:



vote here.
To view a gallery of the 2008 winners, go here.