2008 Designer Picks

Certainly everyone has their favorite designers and the reasons for why they love their respective collections. If given the opportunity to see any or all of my favorite designer's runway shows, my top three choices would Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta, Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum, and John Varvatos for his own label. I chose these designers in no particular order, but each of these men have created distinct collections for their respective houses that I just love. Although Dior Homme has always been a top choice of mine as well, I am still waiting to see what Kris Van Assche will be able to do with the Dior Homme label after Hedi Slimane's departure from the House two seasons ago.

There is something subtle, but at the same time eye-catching about Tomas Maier's collections for Bottega Veneta. It's funny, Karl Lagerfeld lost how many pounds to fit into a Hedi Slimane suit, I am trying to trim another 20 or so pounds to like sleek in one of Tomas Maier's jacket and suits. From the first time I laid eyes on the Bottega Veneta S/S 08 ad campaign, there is something about his collection that just screamed to me. Great cuts. flawless color choices and a time less look. What more could you ask from your clothes? All I can say about his F/W 2008 Collection, Flawless.

Maybe it is because I started out my career in luxury fashion at Burberry that I fell in love with Burberry Prorsum, but certainly no one can deny Christopher Bailey's genius. He has this uncanny ability to recreate the classic Burberry look over and over again. The highlight collections that I had the pleasure of wearing and at the same time selling was at the hay of Burberry's 150th Anniversary. The rich colors and the choice of textiles was just amazing. Although I cannot say that I was a huge fan of his S/S 2008 Collection, he certainly showed why he is the Creative Director of Burberry with his breathtaking Ready-to-Wear collection for F/W 2008.

Last but certainly not least, there is American Designer John Varvatos. No question, there is always something that I want to buy every time I stop by his boutique. I love how he is able to take something that is really formal and then make it very informal by mixing up tops and bottoms. Like Maier and Bailey, Varvatos, certainly knows how to choose a winning color palette. He never fails to impress me with every collection he debuts during New York Fashion Week. I love the fact that I can wear his clothing during any part of the day whether to a formal or casual event.