by SMITH is participating as a team in the 39.3 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City.  In an effort to raise funds, we will donate $10 from the purchase of each by SMITH item on Wondermode to our team fundraising account.  Funds raised by Avon Walkers are awarded by the Avon Foundation for Women, with a focus on making sure women and men get the care and treatment they need regardless of their ability to pay and to ultimately find a cure for breast cancer.

Click to Shop for a Cause

Luxembourg Dress

Soiree Blouse

You can learn more about the Foundation at avonfoundation.org.   If you wish to make a larger donation, or donate without purchasing a by SMITH item just visit our fundraising page by clicking here DONATE.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO GO TO bySMITH'S FUNDRAISING PAGE

NOTE: by Smith $10 donation purchase term expires 10.31.12.

(images: by Smith)

The post by SMITH Supports AVON’s walk for a Cause appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Summer is here and that means a new crop of top picks (and designers!) on WonderMode. KENTON magazine editors have handpicked their favorite summer items from unique designers around the globe. Budget friendly, these pieces will have you right on trend.

We have a beautiful Lucite necklace by New York jewelry designer, Brianna Fano that’s sure to pack a punch to any outfit. But why stop there? In Pirate We Trust’s Tribes bangle is tough, industrial and downright fierce. A printed maxi skirt is a must-have item and Standing Armed has one with a beautiful eastern pattern.

This round of picks also welcomes menswear to WonderMode’s offerings. Doribug’s patchwork sweater features an asymmetrical design and tribal-like pattern. If you’re looking for a unique dress shirt, DT has a chic black and white button down that definitely makes a style statement.

Shop KENTON’s  summer picks on wondermode.com!

The post Kenton Summer Picks: Hot Style at a Cool Price appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Those were the simple yet succinct words from multidisciplinary artist Billie Madley, whose one-of-a-kind pieces have recently hit the newly launched WonderMode Vintage marketplace.

Billie Madley (1998) — Artist, Stylist, Actress & Vintage Collector

Billie Madley (Today) — Artist, Stylist, Actress & Vintage Collector

Billie’s creative credentials surpass simply her work as an international performance artist and a major instigator of the new burlesque movement of the nineties. At just 21 she was living in London, serving as a contributing editor and stylist for various European publications, worked as an actress/producer & muse, and even graced the cover of Time Out London. With such a personal bond to the fashion industry, for Billie, vintage is not just a “classic” fashion statement. In fact, she would insist it is anything but.

“Vintage is history, sexuality, politics. It’s about color, eccentricity, and drama,” she says. “I’m not really into vintage, so to speak. It’s design, fashion, culture, and history that drive me.”

According to Ms. Madley, interest in the vintage genre has always been popular, spawning countless “vintage-inspired” lookalike brands from the  mass market to high-end  collectors who have an appreciation for the tangible remnants of past eras that vintage clothing represents. “You can go anywhere in the world — even outer space — but no amount of money can get you to 1932. The closest way to get there is through vintage.”

Norma Kamali 80s Flower Print Skirt (Available on WonderMode)

There is a certain creative eye that is required to take the genuine vintage pieces — completely as is — and integrate them into modern personal style. Today, we’re living in a new age of social sharing and an era of style blogs (a la The Sartorialist, Jak & Jil, Bryanboy, and the like) from which we clamor for the next big trend and “inspiration.” True individuality, however, cannot be so closely imitated, especially when integrating vintage is concerned. “Either you can take it or you can’t. It shows that you’re a badass, there’s a confidence to it. You’re wearing something that somebody else isn’t — it’s a more fearless choice.”

SHOP THE PIECES from Billie Madley’s unique vintage collection, and many more on WonderMode Vintage.

Zandra Rhodes 1970s Cocktail Dress (Available on WonderMode)

Jean Louis Evening Dress 1970s (Available on WonderMode)

Norma Kamali Harem Pants & Scarf (Available on WonderMode)

The post Fearless Vintage: Artist Billie Madley Talks Retro Inspiration appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Shanghai Fashion Week kicks off….

Chris Chang hosts a show for her celebrated Poesia label for the first time ever in her long career as a top fashion designer in China. The show prominently featured insects and colors, with great textures and shapes. A fun yet sophisticated collection was a great kickoff for the FW12 collections at Shanghai Fashion Week.

Poesia by Chris Chang

The post Poesia by Chris Chang, Day 1 at Shanghai Fashion Week appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Alexander Liang | April 4, 2012 |

KENTON + wonderMode

Earlier this year, we were introduced to an amazing new ecommerce platform called wonderMode. Focused on the emerging designer market, wonderMode provides a platform for fashion designers to promote, sell and build their brands online. It’s a highly curated retail environment that connects shoppers with designers – what’s not to love?

Today, we’re excited to announce that KENTON magazine has partnered with wonderMode to showcase some of the hottest new names in fashion. On an ongoing basis, our editors will be selecting their favorite items on wonderMode, which will be marked with our “K” icon.

From a statement chiffon top by KAL REIMAN to a playful, nautical bangle by Meredith Wendell, we’re handpicking the most unique pieces from designers around the globe.

Check out our first picks below and shop the styles here.

The post Shop KENTON’s Style on wonderMode! appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

WATCH INTERVIEW

The post wonderMode + by Smith TV Interview appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Below is a round up…

Timo Weiland
What to say, I can see why Barneys picked up his collection!
Jacksonville native closed fashion week here with a breath taking collection. The collection showed cool yet romantic dresses and separates for that hip city girl! The menswear had a retro youthful edge to it for that cool contemporary guy, I want to be 25 again and wear it all. I loved the sophisticated color palette of earthy beach tones mixed with pops of vibrant color, as well as use of tribal and digital print techniques, which looked so fresh.

All in all, it kept making me wanting to see more!

Timo.Weiland SS12

Timo.Weiland SS12

Timo.Weiland SS12

Timo.Weiland SS12

By Smith
Already a best seller on wonderMode ( ok we are a little biased to this designer, but can you blame us!).
Smith Sinrod of label bySmith fuses her artist skills with modern sportswear design. Already becoming known for her vibrant prints – she creates the art on canvas first before printing the designs on Thai silk( a favorite material she works with). Her collection stand outs include vibrant printed dresses along with her fun flirty shorts and tops. We loved this very wearable Spring/Summer 12 collection that will take you from day to night and make you stand out!
Watch out for this American rising design talent as she is heading for big things in the contemporary sportswear space.

by Smith SS12

by Smith SS12

by Smith SS12

by Smith SS12

Brittany Blair
Watch out for Brittany Blair as this is one designer that will no doubt be on the New York runways in the near future! We particularly loved her take on the little black dress, dressed up short ensembles and very chic dresses of all lengths. Great American fashion that reminded me of 60s mod meets 70s Halston, yet thoroughly modern.

Brittany Blair SS12

Brittany Blair SS12

Brittany Blair SS12

Brittany Blair SS12

Bobby K
Already has a growing fan base (from the reaction of the crowd they cheered loudly when he sent out his first look) this Gainesville designer showcased an edgy contemporary collection that meshed sorority girl with an underground 80s vibe. We particularly loved the black and white “bad-girl” check dress and separates, a well as his use of color blocking in sexy form fitting silhouettes that I could see on rockers to party girls. This collection is for “Where the cool kids hang out” and I want to be there!

Side Note: Pilot Pen also asked Bobby K to create a custom “pen” dress, which we thought was genius! Fashion comes in all forms… As does talent.

Bobby K

Bobby K

Bobby K

Bobby K With His Pilot Pen Dress Design

Lile Useche
Orlando based designer Lile Useche showcased a very worldly collection of vibrant colors and exotic prints that could take you from day to night. There was definitely a sensual sexy vibe coming from the collection that showcased this designers talents incorporating lace, silks and chiffons. We loved the printed pieces and semi transparent chiffon tops. We hope to see more from this designer in the coming seasons.

Lile Useche

Lile Useche

Lile Useche

Lile Useche

Trunk Beach Couture
The beachy inspired collection blended the best of east and west coast. It reminded me of a more grown up Abercrombie with sophisticated pieces for that fun summer beach Vibe from Miami to Southern California. We especially loved the fun retro printed summer dresses, adorable shorts and tops!
NOTE: I could’nt help thinking that this very commercial line reminded me of J.Crew meets Trina Turk ! Not a bad comparison at all!

Trunk Beach Couture SS12

Trunk Beach Couture SS12

Trunk Beach Couture SS12

Trunk Beach Couture SS12

That’s a wrap!

DAY 1 – JACKSONVILLE FASHION WEEK BLOG POST

(images – Takuya Suzuki)

The post Jax Fashion Week showcases what’s next: Timo Weiland, By Smith, Bobby K and more… appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Jacksonville may not be on the map of global fashion buyers and fashionistas but this evening proved that design talent (with very American “melting pot” last names) is alive and well in smaller US cities beyond the big four( ie New York, London, Paris and Milan)!!

Here is the round up of day 1 runway shows at Metropolitan Park in beautiful downtown Jacksonville.

Mia Merritt

Mia Merritt rocked the house in her 70s inspired chic sportswear. Loved the drapey fabrics and update flair legs. Perfect for a day out on the yacht or strolling Bal Harbor Shops…Sizzling Florida!

Mia Merritt

Mia Merritt

Mia Merritt

E Marie

Tampa based E Marie showed a very mature and sexy sportswear collection – loved her sexy silhouettes – perfect for that modern southern bell and confident women who’s looking for a little rock n edge ! She also sells on WonderMode - SHOP her collection

E Marie

E Marie

E Marie

Liz Dunham

Not to forget the men -Liz Durham sent out an edgy contemporary collection for the guys. Loved the clean slim silhouettes mixed with a classic American vibe. I could totally see this in the streets of NYC and beyond…

Liz Dunham

Liz Dunham

Uliana Urubzhilova

Sexy!! Uliana Urubzhilova sent down the runway a sophisticated collection of very wearable sportswear – a jet setting women comes to mind!

Uliana Urubzhilova

Uliana Urubzhilova

Uliana Urubzhilova

April Wilder

April Wilder showcased some great American sportswear – day to night with slimming contemporary silhouettes. Wurk it!

April Wilder

April Wilder

Janie G Couture

From Panama Beach Florida, Janie G Couture showed a sophisticated resort collection of chic dresses and fun romantic styles.

Janie G Couture

Janie G Couture

Janie G Couture

Amanda Perez

Designer Amanda Perez sent down the runway some super cute contemporary childrens wear looks with some awesome prints and fun silhouettes that would be great for adults as well.

Amanda Perez

Amanda Perez

Lisa Kaminski

Swimwear designer Lisa Kaminski showed us that Brazil isn’t the only place to wear bikinis and show off your best assets! Great cover ups and sexy swimwear steamed up the runway. No doubt we will be seeing this on the beaches from Miami to the Hamptons and beyond this summer!

Lisa Kaminski

Lisa Kaminski

Lisa Kaminski

That’s a wrap day 1 !!
DAY 2 – JACKSONVILLE FASHION WEEK BLOG POST

(images: Mario Peralta)

The post Southern Fashion Heats Up Jacksonville Fashion Week appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

Timo Weiland Spring/Summer 2012

From left to right: Tiffany Hager, CEO/Founder;  Christina Farrell, Co-Founder;
Melissa Intemann, Community Relations Director; Sonia Thomasino, Executive Director

Having spoken to Sonia Thomasino, Executive Director for JFW, it is clear that Fashion Week is no longer constrained to major cities which have traditionally maintained their “fashion capital” statuses; instead, many local hybrids have collectively become an emerging trend throughout the nation to offer small designers the chance to showcase their talent at a fraction of the cost, while maintaining legitimacy and a broader brand appeal. For Jacksonville, it’s about the community — its designers, professionals, and a uniquely Floridian flavor.

“Supporting this breed of up-and-coming talent while drawing attention to our coastal town’s potential and promise is the goal of Jacksonville Fashion Week,” said Tiffany Hager, founder and CEO of JFW. Local community sponsors include Downtown Vision and Visit Jacksonville to promote the city’s tourism, while industry networks like Fashion Group International of North Florida and Florida Public Relations Association lend professional guidance and insight.

The week’s featured designers form a highly curated yet widely varied pool of local and established names, such as Timo Weiland (Jacksonville native and Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week veteran), Heidi Elnora, and Lisa Kaminski, among others. These designers are from metro areas in the Southeast, and represent a diverse range of styles from edgy ready-to-wear to charming bridal gowns and chic tropical swimwear.

Timo Weiland Fall/Winter 2012

Timo Weiland is a Jacksonville native and an established name on the New York fashion scene. His collection is marked by artistic NYC influences and the idiosyncrasies of the post-punk era. His ready-to-wear collection can be found on his website, as well as via high-profile retailers Barneys New York and Steven Alan.

Designer and Project Runway alum, Heidi Elnora

Heidi Elnora “Bonnie Belle”

You may recognize Heidi Elnora as the Season 2 contestant on the hit reality series Project Runway. A true Southern belle, Heidi is from Birmingham, Alabama and adds a distinct “Southern sparkle” to the designs of her namesake bridal brand, heidi elnora.

Swimwear designer, Lisa Kaminski

Lisa Kaminski “Watercolor”

This self-taught designer truly puts “local” on the forefront. Born and raised in Florida, Lisa Kaminski began designing bikinis at the age of 15.  Her limited edition swimwear pieces are handmade in Florida and sold in local boutiques.

Finally, one of wonderMode’s designers, by SMITH has been invited to show at the event.  ”I am so excited to showcase my Spring 2012 collection at Jacksonville Fashion Week as it is a great platform to be a part of. I grew up in Florida and I am really looking forward to be being in the show this week.”

PROMOTION:  wonderMode is offering a 15% off promo good thru March 30th when you purchase an item from by SMITH on her wonderMode shop.  Use promo code BYSMITH15  at checkout. SHOP bySMITH

Looks from by SMITH Spring/Summer 12 Collection

In addition, Jacksonville Fashion Week will kickoff with an industry panel — featuring WonderMode’s very own Aaron Duncan, as well as local industry players such as former Top Model and Jacksonville native Yoanna House, fragrance designer Kim Spadaro, designer Timo Weiland, and Lisa Cera, celebrity stylist to the Kardashians, Paula Abdul, Shakira, and the like. This panel will create a direct and informative exchange among key figures in the Floridian retail circle to foster a holistic view of the fashion and retail sector for the participants, as well as an invaluable networking opportunity.

With such varied perspectives and positions within the industry — both emerging and established, Jacksonville Fashion Week will bring a refreshing collective of experiences which will fit its own personal fashion. Stay tuned for the complete coverage and exclusive updates on the week’s events!

(Images: Jacksonville Fashion Week,  Style.com, Soliloquy Bridal, by SMITH)

The post Fashion Locale: JACKSONVILLE FASHION WEEK appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.

“Fashion doesn’t have a zip code,” said Cindy Wall, one of the key organizers of Nashville Fashion Week. “We’re not trying to be New York, but bringing a distinct Nashville flavor [to Fashion Week].”

The lineup for the week truly reflects the “Nashville flavor” of the city’s talent and tastes to include established names like Versace Collection and G-Star Raw to local stars Julianna Bass, Leona, and Amanda Valentine. If you’re picturing denim cutoffs and cowboy boots, think again. These designers represent a diverse range of styles and vibes, from red-carpet sophistication to spunky bohemian — Stetsons not included.

Julianna Bass

Julianna Bass (WonderMode Featured Designer) became the inaugural recipient of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award following Nashville Fashion Week 2011. A Tennessee native, Julianna Bass maintains a distinct signature look throughout her collection with a modern edge.

Amanda Valentine

Valentine Valentine by Amanda Valentine (who was born and raised in Nebraska) is a cohesive hybrid of contemporary pop culture and the designer’s Midwestern roots.

Leona

Leona is the contemporary luxury brand designed by Lauren Leonard, who seeks to redefine the southern belle with the right balance of whimsy and sophistication. Since its debut in 2008, Leona has gained considerable media attention in Elle and Lucky magazines and hit television series Gossip Girl and 90210, as well as celebrity fans Taylor Swift and Giuliana Rancic.

by Smith

by Smith (WonderMode Featured Designer) is the brainchild of contemporary designer Smith Sinrod, a graduate of the University of Alabama Apparel Design program who is now based in New York. Smith’s inspiration is sourced from retro bygone eras with mod influences, fused with bold prints and bright colors. You can also shop by Smith Spring/Summer 12 collection on her wonderMode shop.

Kal Rieman

Kal Rieman (WonderMode Featured Designer) is known for her clean tailoring to transform a woman into a chic and sophisticated “powerwoman.” Her love of classic styles is combined with a uniquely simplistic vision to create a timeless yet modern collection.  You can also shop Kal Rieman’s Spring/Summer 12 collection on her wonderMode shop.

Wai Ming

Described as fresh, timeless, and effortlessly chic, Wai Ming is the womenswear collection designed by Emily Brady Koplar, a Parsons School of Design alum who is influenced by her multi-cultural background, global travel, and art.

Nashville Fashion Week lies within WonderMode’s commitment to foster young and emerging designers upon a globalized e-commerce spectrum. For a second year, proceeds from this week’s event will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, awarded to select local talent with prior demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field.

In addition, WonderMode will select one designer at the conclusion of the week’s events to feature on the WonderMode website and offer business mentorship as well as a global platform to launch the budding collection.

“We are excited to work with Nashville Fashion Week and offer our expertise in supporting new American talent, incubating vision and creativity, and providing a platform to increase new talent’s brand awareness and global distribution,” said Aaron Duncan, WonderMode’s founder.

Stay tuned for the complete coverage on Nashville Fashion Week — an exciting and distinctly Nashvillian event featuring wide global appeal on a local scale.

The post Fashion Sans Boundaries: WonderMode Collab with Nashville Fashion Week appeared first on wonderMode: The Style Frontier.