STYLEHIVE | Koi Suwannagate

Fashion designer Koi Suwannagate first came to my attention when she collaborated with Phillip Lim for his Spring 2007 collection (remember those rosette dresses that were sold out everywhere?). Also in 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue chose the designer as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Born in Bangkok and now designing out of Los Angeles, Koi is known for her romantic designs and signature draped cashmere pieces. It's easy to see why Kirsten Dunst, Oprah Winfrey and Christina Ricci have all worn pieces by Koi! We got a chance to talk to Koi, amidst her busy schedule, about who her favorite designers are and what we can expect from her next! Read on to see the interview and check out the slideshow to see her favorite pieces from her Spring collection, as well as a few beautiful looks that you can purchase from her online store. See more fashion stories from our fiends at Stylehive here.

London Fashion Week FW09: Mary Katrantzou

Greek- born designer Mary Katrantzou is one of the new names in the LFW show schedule but not in the fashion industry: since her collection A/W 2008 following the MA at Central Saint Martins, she has already got a lot of attention on her and after this first amazing show we can see why. Trompe l’oeil digital effect prints inspired by perfume bottles: the choice already invokes the sinuosity of the woman’s body…the dress is the print…the print is the dress. The colours are bright and sharp, the graphics oversized and enlarged, but because the dresses themselves are simple in shape, nothing goes overboard. And as Coco Chanel said “A Woman that does not wear perfume has no future”, we think Mary will have a great one. Click here for more info.
- Gabrielle Teare

Gabriele Colangelo- A New Italian Superstar Fashion Designer Joins Castor Srl

A significant combination of creativity and top-level production expertise can only lead to a project with extra-ordinary expectations of success for the present and future of the Italian and international fashion environment.

Starting from the Fall/Winter 2009-2010 collection, Castor Srl, on the basis of a license agreement lasting 9 years, will take care of the production and distribution of the Women’s collection of Gabriele Colangelo, young Milanese designer who officially launched his label during Milano Moda Donna Spring/Summer 2009. He represents one of the most interesting, gifted and promising individuals of the new Made in Italy elegance.

Born in Milan on the 27th of February 1975, Gabriele Colangelo was undoubtedly “born into the profession”, as he is the heir of a family that has owned for generations a specialised fur workshop characterised by bespoke culture, and by delightful craftsmanship in processing techniques and use of materials.

After obtaining his high school diploma in classical subjects, and while he was taking a Degree in Antique Literature, Gabriele Colangelo took part in a competition organised by the Italian National Chamber of Fashion, winning a scholarship as Fashion Stylist.

In the course of a few years he gathered a lot of experience. For four years he collaborated with Itierre Spa, designing the Versace Jeans Donna line. After this first job, he worked with Versace, with Roberto Cavalli for the Just Cavalli Donna project and with the Mariella Burani Fashion Group, for whom he was Artistic Director for the Amuleti J line.

In February of 2008, during Milano Moda Donna, his label Gabriele Colangelo debuted. The young designer introduced a capsule-collection, in which his genetic propensity for craftsmanship in fur was combined with embroidery. Finally, in July, he won “Who is on next?” for prêt-à-porter, a competition invented and managed by AltaRoma together with Vogue Italia, aimed at seeking new creative talents in fashion and accessories. He will take part in Milano Moda Donna Spring/Summer 2009. The seasonal trend is looking chic. -Gabrielle Teare

Interview With Designer Cody Ross Of Priestess

The hottest new New York designer, Cody Ross of Priestess has become one of our new favorite designers. Cody's designs are unique, edgy and most of all new. Every piece from the collection is a statement piece. Priestess screams glamour with a lot of edge. Launched in 2007, Priestess has gained a huge cult following here in NY among the most stylish fashionistas and celebrities alike. We had a chat with Cody to get his insider take on fashion, style and his tips for aspiring designers. View the entire Priestess collection here.

HM: Describe your style in one word.

C: Kitschy-freaky

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?

C: I find inspiration in anything shock-worthy and crass . ..but I also loverainbows and honey-bees!

HM:Where is your favorite place to shop?

C: Cherry on 8th Ave . . . Seven NY on Mercer Street. . .oh, and LaneCrawford (in Asia)!

HM: Who is your style icon?

C: Jeremy Scott is cool . . .and so is Walter Van Beirendonck!

HM: What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?

C: Any departure from ‘subtle-chic’ doesn’t sit well with me . .. Hmmm,applying excessive make-up is annoying . . .!

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your careerin fashion?

C: Randomness is a virtue!! . . .and that there is value in whimsical dressing!

HM: What advice would you give to young fashion industry professionals trying to make their fame?

C: “Fashion abhors a vacuum” . . so work hard to identify a niche andthen rush to fill it! . . .oh, and be honest!

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?

C: First, wear Priestess NYC! And second, try to deliver a ‘modest shock’to onlookers!