We didn’t really need another reason to love ModCloth’s eclectic collection of clothes and accessories, but they’ve given us one anyway: their “Make the Cut” Customer Collaboration Collection. This week, the San Francisco-based online retailer launched a private label comprised mostly of user-submitted designs available for purchase. 

After a call for design sketches on the ModCloth blog last November, their chief creative officer narrowed the almost 2,000 submissions down to a trim 90, then put them up for an open vote on the ModCloth Facebook page. Winners ranged from trained and amateur fashion deisgners to high school students to fashion-loving moms. The winning pieces are now available on Modcloth.com.

Too often, “crowdsourced” competitions result in a watered-down, company-altered version of what consumers really want. However, ModCloth executed a transparent, democratic campaign that carries out the company’s mission to involve customers in the production process, thus creating an engaged (and well-dressed) online shopping community. Votes have already been cast for a second collection of of user-generated designs that will launch in September, and a third, holiday-themed contest will be announced in coming months. Not happy with what’s on the racks? Start sketching!

Filed Under: 100 Unforgettable Dresses

Yesterday, Trendera had the wonderful privilege of attending LACMA’s Costume Council’s event 100 Unforgettable Dresses with InStyle’s fashion director Hal Rubenstein, author of said book, and fabulous fashion booth critic Booth Moore. Rubenstein’s latest book is filled with, yes, 100 unforgettable dresses that changed the way we collectively perceive fashion, and women, forever. Far from a picture book, however, Rubenstein offers informative insights, stories, and secrets behind these memorable ensembles and the equally memorable women who wore them. We were amazed to hear his endless knowledge (and hilarious one-liners) of the designers, dress creation, and gossip-worthy anecdotes behind dresses such as Elizabeth Hurley’s safety-pin Versace dress to Audrey Hepburn’s gown for Sabrina. This book is certainly as unforgettable as the 100 dresses within!

Filed Under: Beyond White Bridal

Continuing on MaryLeigh’s bridal note, designers showcased their new bridal collections last weekend, revealing new trends that go way beyond white. Last season, Vera Wang debuted an almost all black collection, which she followed up with an equally risky (and simply stunning) red collection last week. Angel Sanchez showed something blue, and Douglas Hannat translated the floral print trend from runway to aisle. If fashion is any indication of social climate, marriage is certainly bucking tradition as of late. 

ED NOTE: We love Refinery 29’s non-white wedding dress option slide show this week too!

The animals print trend that we called continues! The only question is—- is it too much for one girl to own TWO dresses with rabbit prints? I’ll have to order it from ASOS to find out I guess…

We love when niche interests combine to make one super-niche subject. Take  British magazine Arena Homme+’s latest editorial of Final Fantasy characters wearing the latest Prada season (a marriage of niche interests in and of itself; western, Mr. Brady). Perfect idea, why is it so new?

Filed Under:  ’90s Glamour

Recently we have been loving all-over, busy prints - especially floral prints.  In 1995, 17 years ago, Vogue printed this springy look…something that you might see on the runway today.  The 90’s are definitely back!  And not just in grunge but in glamour, too.

vogue:

NOSTALGIA: Shalom Harlow Photographed by Irving Penn for the April 1995 Issue of Vogue

While women wearing rings is certainly nothing new, the trend we’re seeing has gone way beyond typical designs to the point where the “rings” have so much size and weight to them that they should really be called sculptures. And for the influencers getting down with this fashion trend one ring to rule them all is clearly not enough- stacking and donning a sculpture on every digit is the way to go.

Here’s to hoping we’re not over floral by fall because MSGM’s Pre-Fall collection is too great. Check out some of our favorite picks! 

Filed Under:  Attention Grabber

We often browse Etsy to find trends.  It’s a great resource for gauging if a trend has caught on or is oversaturating the marketplace.  There are sellers that prove to be great curators through their dependably desirable offerings but also through their product displays.  I came across a seller today that is right on the money with her collection and her branding.  Yard 666 Sale is waist deep in the 90’s fashion trend but also is creating psychedelic meme-like imagery to stand out from her competition.  Sellers like this know it’s not only what you sell, it’s how you sell it.  Gen Ys look for and appreciate quirky marketing that makes a brand feel personal.  

Filed Under: Nicole Miller Artelier Rocks the Sportswear Trend

The Nicole Miller brand just elevated the basic evening wear staple to awesome style go-to with the launch of Nicole Miller Artelier. The line’s bright separates, amazing prints, and wearable silhouettes bring fun, forward-fashion to functional sportswear. On-trend but not temporarily trendy, the art-inspired Artelier is sure to rejuvenate the Nicole Miller name, and hopefully my closet. 

We’ve talked to you before about some of the key fashion statements in music videos, but MIA’s recent video, “Bad Girls” might be the most fashion forward of the year. The Fader pointed out some of their favorite co-star outfits, but we know that fashion and style isn’t only what you wear but how it’s worn. The confidence and attitude in the above video put half-steppers to shame. 

While Lil’ Wayne is trying to convince everyone that he’s a skateboarder by creating Trukfit, an out of touch line that will not be supported by the skate community, A$AP Rocky is coming up as the true new fashion icon to watch out for. Rocky’s most recent video “Wassup” (Directed by A$AP Rocky and Andy Capper) is chock-full of fashion trends for 2012 from tassel loafers to French silk scarves. And not to forget the girl above whose 5 seconds seem to steal the video.