The Years of Cristobal Balenciaga
1918 saw the founding of Cristobal Balenciaga’s first haute couture house in San Sébastian, Spain. Local admiration for his designs was so strong that a second haute couture house was opened in Madrid and a third in Barcelona. In 1937, 10, Avenue George V became the Parisian home of Cristobal Balenciaga’s creative influence. Balenciaga’s Paris flagship store is still located at this address.
Balenciaga soon came to embody Parisian elegance. Cristobal Balenciaga was hailed as ‘The Couturier of Couturiers’ and ‘The Master of us all’’ by designer Christian Dior. In 1946, the House of Balenciaga launched its first perfume, ‘Le Dix’, aptly named after its first atelier, 10, Avenue George V. ‘Le Dix’ attracted the same acclaim as the famous Balenciaga couture pieces, and the perfume soon even rivalled that of Coco Chanel herself. In 1968, Balenciaga closed his couture house, to the deep dismay of his favourite clients. Countess Mona Bismarck lamented the event by locking herself indoors for three days.

Alberta Ferretti is an Italian fashion designer and dressmaker. She designs for Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. Her showroom is in Milan, Italy but her studio is in the picturesque village of Cattolica, near Rimini, Italy.
Ferretti extended her the breadth of her company outside of Italy beginning with the acquisition of a building at 30 West 56th Street in New York City. She started Aeffe U.S.A., which produced and distributed clothing by Moschino, Rifat Ozbek, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Narcisco Rodriguez. Aeffe is owned by Ferretti and her brother, Massimo. The locale also became the hub for marketing her own collections. Source

Almost everyone wants stylish clothing, and even more people want stylish decor in their homes. What if you could shop for both in the same place? Roberto Cavalli in Manhattan allows you to do just that. While you're searching through their extensive clothing collection, you can also be looking at new linens for your bedroom. Their designer clothing line is really eye-catching, dynamic and extremely fashionable. Their 'Iconic Leopard' line is great for those who enjoy the daring animal print, or maybe check out their unique swim suit collection, which is jubilant for Summer 2012. They have a very new style, full of beautiful golds and bright greens that easily complement each other in a way that is pleasing to the eyes. Once you have done shopping for clothing, take a look at the interior design selections. Great quality towels and bed sets that are designed with spacious and beautiful of homes in mind. Your living space has never looked more in mode. Roberto Cavalli is easily one of the better high end stores this side of Manhattan. You will positively adore the quality and quantity of the selections, and fall in love with this designer boutique.

Stella McCartney operates 3 flagship stores, in Manhattan‘s Meatpacking District, London‘s Mayfair and LA‘s West Hollywood. Her collections are now distributed in over 40 countries through 300 wholesale accounts including specialty shops and better department stores.Stella McCartney has ventured outside the world of fashion through several collaborations with artists including Gary Hume in 2002, David Remfry in 2002, Robert Crumb in 2005, and with Jeff Koons on her spring/summer 2006 collection, using his prints on dresses and accessories.

In addition to its heritage as a leather goods firm, Longchamp has cultivated a devoted following and brand that is now known for its designs. Venturing into partnerships with notable designers, artists and celebrities has seen the likes of Thomas Heatherwick design Longchamp's SoHo boutique, and Tracey Emin and model Kate Moss create special collections. Moss has also appeared in a number of Lonchamp advertising campaigns. Source: en.wikipedia.org

Serving the fashion-savvy consumers of the New York Metro area for 25 years has been very rewarding, and our appeal to the many out-of-state and international shoppers that visit our stores each day makes us equally proud. The next time you are in New York, we invite you to visit one of our stores to experience in-person the legendary Dr. Jay's selection and service. Please visit official site for additional locations.

In New York City shopping? This clothing destination is a must. From a 900 square foot humble clothing store to one of the pinnacle’s of fashion acclaim, Beacon’s Closet has rocked the New York clothing scene and established itself as one of the best the seven boroughs has to offer. Located on famous Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn clothing store Beacon’s Closet goes beyond the clothing norm by offering a variety of vintage favorites and modern influences. Offering name brand shoes, shirts, pants and accessories, Brooklyn fashion emporium gives you the feeling of being at a friend’s home and looking in their closet to see where they shop and what fabulous deals they found. With coverage in several nationally received fashion journals and receiving two ‘best of’ awards from the New York newspapers the NY Press and the Village Voice, Beacon’s Closet has quickly won over the hearts of consumers due to its quirky nature and fun-loving atmosphere. As reported, Beacon’s Closet is known as just having “the best stuff” and it appeals to everyone looking to look great, pay less and have a great shopping experience. Come and rub shoulders with the residents and visitors in the know.

Celebrated by many style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers, Forever 21 has quickly become the source for the most current fashions at the greatest value.
Forever 21 is growing quickly, featuring new and exciting store environments, a constant flow of fun and creative clothing designs and the accessories to make your look come together at the right price.

If you ever find yourself in Manhattan, looking for something unique and different to wear for Spring-Summer 2012, stop into Etro right off of Madison Avenue. Probably the most interesting clothing store you'll find yourself in with their colorful, visually daring dresses. If you really want to stand out in a crowd, this would be the perfect place to go. From formal attire with a beautiful Italian twist to almost spunky men's accessories, they have a grand selection. You truly have to have a need to stand out if you shop here. The employees mirror the interesting and colorful style of the store, some of them dressing in bright red corduroy trousers with rainbow striped shirts. Don't let their colorful clothing scare you off, however. The employees are some of the most friendly and are exceptionally helpful. The store holds a great reputation as a fashion destination for jet-setters and celebrities alike. If you feel as though you're getting lost in a sea of colors and bold patterns, worry not. The colorful and trendy accessories will lead you all the way up to the register and leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Since it began in 1921, Loehmann's has occupied a unique position in the fashion industry; it stands alone as the only national upscale off-price specialty retailer. Loehmann's is best known for its world-famous Back Room, where fashion-conscious women can find their favorite designers at prices that are always 30% to 65% lower than department or specialty stores. In recent years, Loehmann's has expanded its offerings to include shoes and accessories, juniors, fragrances, gifts and intimate apparel. In addition, over 45 of its stores now include complete men's departments.

The Armani signature label is the most expensive Armani label and is available in its 75 worldwide boutiques. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

After traveling to India in the early '70s, Ferré dove into fashion, first with accessories, and later, launching his own label, Baila, in 1974. Signature women's and men's collections soon followed, and Ferré stepped onto the field of high fashion with the debut of his couture line in 1986. He took his philosophy to the house of Christian Dior, where he was stylistic director from 1989 to 1997. Still influenced by his first trips to Asia, Ferré's designs display an East-meets-West aesthetic that vehemently rejects trends and gimmicks, concentrating instead on a relaxed sophistication and casual elegance.

Eddie Bauer became a household name for quality and classic styling. The designer has a history rich in innovation and scope. Looking for classy quality? Don’t be surprised if you find the Eddie Bauer signature on your car or your cap. Known for their outdoor lifestyle and clothing, Eddie Bauer has branched into a vast selection of Men’s and Women’s casual wear providing style and class for all of their clientele. The Queens clothing store continues with these ideals by showcasing the vast selection of merchandise designed by Eddie Bauer. Shirts, pants, polos, sweaters, swimwear, jeans, jackets and more have all been meticulously designed. It only takes shopping once to become an Eddie Bauer fan for life. After all, you have to come back for their shoes, bags, accessories… Redesigning your home? Eddie Bauer has begun a line of bedding and home ware so enjoy Eddie in the comfort of your own home. Eddie Bauer is an American icon and continues to produce the highest of quality merchandise. If in Queens, stop into Eddie Bauer and see why they continue to thrive today as they have for the last ninety years.

There is no secret where you should shop for sexy and alluring lingerie and women’s intimate apparel. Only one NYC clothing store provides the best: Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret is a New York City clothing boutique that has remained classy in the world of lingerie by maintaining a sense of sophistication and elegance and upholding the high quality synonymous with its brand. VS mails over 400 million copies of their catalog to customers knowing that the true shopping experience only happens by touching the real thing. Shopping at the Queens store gives you allows you to truly appreciate the time and effort put into the design of their quality merchandise. Victoria’s Secret sells bras, panties, hosiery, beauty products, sleepwear, and more all while offering the best advice and service money can buy. Victoria’s Secret also refuses to rely on cheap gimmickry or celebrity endorsements. Instead, they showcase their lovely designer collections as enhancements to woman’s natural beauty. This Queens clothing store is a breath of fresh air from a quality driven company unsurpassed by anyone in the industry. If you are looking for a great service environment, or just that sexy gift for a loved one, visit Victoria’s Secret and experience why it is held in such high regard.

In case you aren't in the mood for overly colorful clothes, and getting bored with funky, spunky, and bright colors, fear not. Dr.Jays in Queens will help you out. While most fashion these days uses color to sell their product, Dr. Jays uses quality and more muted styles; perfect for any of those boys or tom-boys out there that don't want to attract too much attention to themselves when they're just trying to walk down the road. Dr. Jays' style seems to really blend in better with the younger people of the nation with their almost hip-hop like clothes. They have an extensive collection for both the men and women that want to try something a little different from everyone for Summer 2012. They even feature a kids section for the little tots that want to be in fashion this year. Employees are extremely helpful and not afraid to help steer you in the direction of something they believe will suit you better, which is very helpful for those wandering in, unsure of what they should be purchasing. Not to mention the hat selection! What a perfect store to go to for those fun summer parties, or even just your everyday wardrobe.

Serving the fashion-savvy consumers of the New York Metro area for 25 years has been very rewarding, and our appeal to the many out-of-state and international shoppers that visit our stores each day makes us equally proud. The next time you are in New York, we invite you to visit one of our stores to experience in-person the legendary Dr. Jay's selection and service. Please visit official site for additional locations.

Develops and produces a distinctive line of contemporary women's apparel and accessories, which it markets under the bebe, 2b bebe and bebe outlet brands. Current Chairman and Founder Manny Mashouf opened the first bebe boutique in 1976 in San Francisco. At that time, three categories dominated the women's wear market: junior, briouh women inspirational, sexy fashion.

Deep within the heart of the Bronx lies a New York City clothing store whose rich history has grown with the city around it. B&G Clothes has been a Bronx clothing magnate for over 80 years and continued service, quality and fashion sense has kept this store on the top of must see lists of many fashion clothing shoppers. Like the high class of Little Italy surrounding the store, B&G Clothes constantly pleases its customers with a wide variety of men’s clothing that can be used in all aspects of daily life. From your shirt and ties to car coats and overcoats, there is sure to be something to please all shoppers that come in through their doors. Even more amazing is B&G’s custom and tailor made business suits which give you a sense of exclusivity and an opportunity to be totally involved in this Bronx fashion experience. With its uniqueness, variety and quality, B&G has established itself as a part of the Bronx’s inherent fashion culture and opens its doors for you to enjoy. It is highly recommended you take the time to stop into B&G and experience this part of the Bronx for yourself.

From simple beginnings as a shoe retailer to becoming one of the most upscale department stores in the world, Manhattan’s Nordstrom’s has revolutionized the industry and continues to be one of the foremost department stores in the world. Originally started as a little shoe store in Seattle, Nordstrom’s now provides one of the hottest quality shopping experiences in the world. The staff are superb – hand-picked and superiorly trained to help you make your selection from the top quality clothing, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics and home furnishings, it’s no wonder Nordstrom’s has continued to thrive over its hundred and ten year store existence. For some of the best service, best quality in uptown apparel, and best New York City shopping, you need to make a visit to Nordstrom’s. By having great shoes, fashionable clothes and trendy wares for the entire family, they have won many awards and even now appear in Fortune’s Top 100 list. As it has grown, it also acquired several other brands under the Nordstrom banner including HauteLook, Jeffrey and Treasure & Bond. Implementing wellness programs to ensure quality service, is just another of the many accolades for this New York City department store.

Returning after a season's maternity leave, Phoebe sent out a collection with crisp new shapes, proportions and vigour. A line dresses and stiffer couture fabrics were used with flares from the shoulder, and swinging skirts with models on great chunky platform shoes. Sixties ruffled skirts (so popular this season) were intricately worked in crunchy embroidery, organza applique and frills. Lots of new accessories like handbags were seen this season. Source

As the country's oldest clothing retailer, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values for nearly two centuries.
In 1818, Henry Sands Brooks founded Brooks Brothers, the first ready-to-wear fashion emporium in America. Since then, we are proud to have become an institution that has shaped the American style of dress through fashion innovation, fine quality, personal service, and exceptional value in our products.

A store called the Banana Republic was opened in San Francisco in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler. Both the Zieglers worked for the San Franciso Chronicle, Mel was a writer and Patricia an illustrator.
Banana Republic specialized in casual Safari styles and Army Surplus clothing. Many of the utilitarian items had sturdy zips and snaps and were double-stitched and reinforced. The store sold desert army hats, sheepskin vests, shorts and other items of travel clothing to armchair travelers. The garments were designed by the Zieglers for people to wear when mountain hiking or rafting. Source

The name Bottega Veneta means “Venetian atelier” and the company was begun to produce artisanal leather goods. The company’s artisans developed a leather-weaving technique, called intrecciato, that remains a signature of the brand.
In the years since, Bottega Veneta has introduced additions to the collection, including fine jewelry, eyewear, home fragrance, and furniture, while continuing to offer an assortment of handbags, shoes, small leather goods, luggage, home items, and gifts. Bottega Veneta presented its first women’s ready-to-wear runway show in February 2005 and its first men’s runway show in June 2006. Today, ready-to-wear and furniture presentations are held in the corporate offices in Milan.

As one of the only vertically integrated clothing manufacturers in the world, American Apparel is also one of the only truly in-house clothing brands and proudly stands behind the “Made in the USA” tag. A New York clothing store located in the heart of Brooklyn, American Apparel is proud of its American culture and holds true to everything that America stands for in homeland manufacturing. Offering a variety of clothing and accessory choices such as crop-tops, t-shirts, shorts and tank tops, American Apparel is a Brooklyn shopping destination for comfortable and affordable casual and sportswear. Recently, American Apparel has begun to offer even more in its accessory line with a variety of leather goods, watches and eyewear. American Apparel keeps much of its prices down by doing everything in house. From dyes and stitching to photography and marketing, not one stitch of American Apparel is outsourced, keeping jobs in the USA and keeping costs down for the American public. The next time you are in the Brooklyn clothing district make it a point to stop into American Apparel to not only make yourself look great but to also support this genuine staple of pure American culture.

Lacoste is a French apparel company founded in 1912 that sells high-end clothing, footwear, perfume, leather goods, watches, eyewear, and most famously, tennis shirts. The company can be recognized by its green nan crocodile logo. Lacoste has the reputation of being culturally preppy, especially in the United States.
René Lacoste was a famous French tennis player who achieved fame in two areas: tennis and fashion. While winning the 1926 U.S. Open championship, Rene Lacoste of France wore something that he himself had created: a white, short-sleeve shirt made exclusively of a light knitted fabric called ‘jersey petit piqué’ that served to wick away moisture due to heat, the very first version of performance clothing in sports. The shirt was a radical departure from tennis fashion of the day, which called for stiff, woven, long-sleeve oxfords. In 1927 during the Davis Cup, the American press nicknamed Lacoste "the Alligator" because of a bet made about an alligator-skin suitcase. With no cognate in his native tongue, the nickname was changed to le crocodile in French. The nickname stuck due to his tenacious behavior on the courts, never giving up his prey. Lacoste’s friend, Robert Georges, drew him a crocodile which Lacoste then embroidered on the blazer he wore on the courts. Source

Benetton Group S.p.A. (NYSE: BNG) is a global upmarket clothing brand, based in Treviso, Italy. The name comes from four members of the Benetton family who founded the company in 1965. Benetton Group is listed on the Borsa Italiana, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Its core business is clothing with the casual line marketed as the "United Colors of Benetton", a fashion-oriented "Sisley" division, "Playlife" leisurewear, and "Killer Loop" streetwear brands. Their products include womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and underwear and they have recently expanded into toiletries, perfumes, exclusive watches and items for the home such as kitchen accessories and baby products. Source