Scenes From a Party: The Last Magazine (NYC)

who: Alexis Bledel, Philip Lim, Richard Chai, Dree Hemingway, Alexander Wang, Rumi Neely, Bryan Boy and others
what: Last Magazine with Kanon Organic Vodka
where: The Bunker, NYC

The IT Boys of CFDA.

Richard Chai + Keds.

via WWD - Richard Chai’s new contemporary women’s line isn’t the only news to come out of the House of Chai for spring. The designer has partnered with Keds on a small men’s collection. “They’re such an iconic brand,” says Chai, a self-professed sneaker buff. “Initially, I just wanted to use their shoes for the show, but then the conversations started.”

Chai will offer a variety of high- and low-top styles from Madras canvas to charcoal gray leather, with edgy details such as zippers in lieu of laces. Prices for the shoes, which will hit stores in January, have yet to be determined. Chai is also working with Alexandre Birman on thong booties for his Richard Chai — Love footwear collection, although that collaboration is still solely runway-bound.

*photo by Kyle Ericksen

Who's Next For Bill Blass?

"It's been a very good year for Richard Chai, following his well-received Fall women's collection and the Spring 2009 launch of his men's line, which was celebrated last Thursday at Barneys New York. Now, it appears the designer's star will rise even higher. Several industry sources have indicated that he is in talks with the new owner of Bill Blass, Peacock International Holdings, about the creative director position at the house. "I'm afraid we can't comment at the moment," said a Chai spokesperson of the rumors. "We can't comment on who we're interviewing for the position," Peacock's executive vice president of licensing and sales Scott Patti told The Daily. He did, however, confirm that the announcement of a new creative director will be made in a month or so.

Chai, an industry veteran with a loyal following that caters to both downtown and uptown clientele, began his career launching the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. He then moved on to TSE before launching his eponymous collection in 2004. Chai won the Ecco Domani award in 2005, and in 2008, he was named one of the ten finalists in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Chai proved his mass appeal by designing a capsule collection for Target's Go! International brand last fall.

Bill Blass Couture abruptly closed on December 19, when parent company Nexcen Holdings (which acquired the Bill Blass brand in February 2007) let go 80% of its 34 employees. Ten days later, Nexcen sold the remainder of the label (which continues to operate about 20 licenses) to Peacock International Holdings for approximately 10 million dollars. The Wall Street Journal reported that Peacock is angling to relaunch the Bill Blass collection in the next 9-12 months, following a 6-month embargo period that was a term of their contract with Nexcen. "Michael Vollbracht was terrific--they were all pretty good, but there was some conflict that (they seemed to have) with the company," Patti told the Journal at the time. "You need somebody with a vision that really ties in to the Bill Blass DNA--and you need consistency, someone who will be in place beyond a year or two." " - Fashion Week Daily

Richard Chai For Target

Here's a "sneakage" at Richard Chai's upcoming line for Target.  The exclusive collection will be out in August.

Presse Boutique

L.A.'s Presse Boutique recently celebrated their one year anniversary and now their newly launched e-commerce website.  This shop is loved by W Magazine and it's probably due to their so chic and exclusive designers roster; Doo.Ri, Sari Gueron, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Bruce and Thakoon to name a few. Owners Zoe Schaeffer and Renee Klein are so excited to welcome new online shoppers that they're offering 50% off selected items. 

doo.ri navy & white ruffle blouse

was $1,050 / now $525

proenza schouler gold pleated linen skirt

was $1,275 / now $638

richard chai marine & black striped low-waisted belted trench coat

was $1,295 / now $648

sari gueron mustard cotton front pleated dress

was $995 / now $448 

What's On Sale

chloe two-tone platform sandals 

was $455 / now $318 at net-a-porter

day birger et mikkelsen little sleeveless dress

was $275 / now $138 at net-a-porter

karen zambos karen-scallop jumper

was $438 / now $109.50 at lisa kline

richard chai seamed classic jacket 

was $895 / now $445 at shopjake.com

tibi velodromo dress

was $356 / now $178 at active endeavors