Alexander McQueen (British, 1969–2010). Dress, autumn/winter 2010–11. Courtesy of Alexander McQueen. Photograph © Sølve Sundsbø / Art + Commerce

Since I was a child I would go visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my grandparents to view exhibitions curated by The Costume Institute.  My love of fantasy and romanticism intertwined with history and of course fashion originated from these visits. Each exhibit aided in the evolution of my creative spirit, but this year viewing the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” was mind-stopping. I of course having worked in fashion for the last thirteen years have followed Mcqueen’s career and always remained a fan of his approach to fashion and how he was able to intertwine various facets of his own knowledge and his perceptions with historical events and the ethereal through transformation.

The Romantic Mind “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” —Alexander McQueen

The show followed his career thematically offering a view on his approach to romanticism at the beginning of the exhibit focusing on traditional tailoring. While always staying true to his underlying motive of “empowering women,” the show evolved focusing on the role politics played in collections, as well as his attention to detail, craftsmanship, construction and symbolism.

Romantic Nationalism “The reason I’m patriotic about Scotland is because I think it’s been dealt a really hard hand. It’s marketed the world over as . . . haggis . . . bagpipes. But no one ever puts anything back into it.” —Alexander McQueen

It is almost overwhelming the emotions evoked when walking through the “Cabinet of Curiosities.” Impeccably installed was accessories created by McQueen, hats by Philip Treacy and jewelry by Shaun Leane, with footage of his runway shows showcased within.

Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities “People find my things sometimes aggressive. But I don’t see it as aggressive. I see it as romantic, dealing with a dark side of personality.” —Alexander McQueen

Meandering to the next room, were some of the most memorable McQueen shows that had taken place in Paris. My personal favorite was the Kate Moss hologram of her floating during the McQueen show for Fall/Winter 2006.

“It is important to look at death because it is a part of life. It is a sad thing, melancholic but romantic at the same time. It is the end of a cycle- everything has to end. The cycle of life is positive because it gives room for new things,” said McQueen.

The above exemplifies for me everything that McQueen stood for in both his belief system and his approach to fashion. This show was by far my favorite visit to the Met.

Romantic Naturalism “I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.” —Alexander McQueen

Romantic Primitivism “I try to push the silhouette. To change the silhouette is to change the thinking of how we look. What I do is look at ancient African tribes, and the way they dress. The rituals of how they dress. . . . There’s a lot of tribalism in the collections.” —Alexander McQueen

Romantic Exoticism “I want to be honest about the world that we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes. . . . That’s mundane and it’s old hat. Let’s break down some barriers.” —Alexander McQueen

“Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” runs through August 7th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; (212) 535-7710, metmuseum.org.

All photography by The Photograph Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fashion industry has always been infamously known for it’s hunger, the thirst for the newest, the better, and the unexpected. Countless reality shows have been based upon the very fact that the industry is a revolving door of models, designers, and trends ad nauseum.

It is this reason why when something is discovered made so purely of a creative revolutionary essence that the entire world sits up and takes notice.

Cue the entrance of one ‘Sally LaPointe’.

From the very moment I laid eyes upon this incredible woman, I knew there was a sort of arcane fashion magic within her. Her very essence tantilizes you with the promise of something momumental. She stood out from the crowd, her then platinum locks in straight shock of mane like some incredibly plumed bird of paradise. She teetered atop sky high platform heels as she danced to the retromusic blasting at the TriBeCa Grand Hotel, a favored hang-out due it’s it’s close proximity to her design studios.

Her company was founded by her best friend and business mind Sarah Adelson, whom has the paitience of a buddhist monk in corralling the creative mind of the artist as well as defending her from the dangers that lurk within this industry.  Together they emerged on their own two feet starting from the ground up, rather than the following the beaten path of interning for an established design house. Experimenting with neo-couture design techniques of her own invention, blending her painting background with clothing theory she has the ever elusive skill of creating wearable art.

She explains that everything she does comes from her own intuition and that she never realized that her conceptual and avant garde designs would stand out from the crowd. She believes she is just following how she feels at that moment, what she knows, and what is natural to her as a designer.

She has focused her perspective and made a true definining tale for each piece of clothing she creates delcaring her voice for women, and being a woman as one of strength. Sally believes a woman should be intellectually sexy not needing lavish skin exposure to show that she is truly a woman. She wants her client to be taken seriously in the world whilst still holding onto feminine wiles that seperatly defines the softer sex.
The message is clearly one that women of all shape, size and age have been starving for and the clientele speaks volumes in defense of this. Her customer base is wildly diverse ranging from fresh faced fashionistas in their teens and twenties to mature women who are wearing the exact same pieces.

Sally has even attracted the attention of Lady GaGa who has donned her designs and has since requested custom orders for public appearances such as  the performance for Oprah‘s final show where GaGa donned a blood red jacket with strong shoulders from the designer.  In one of her latest videos ‘Judas’, the popstar wears a custom order golden gown as the tides wash up over her like the goddess Venus.  GaGa’s stylist and creative head of Mugler, Nicola Formichetti had given Sally just four descriptive words for the order, not asking for anything too specific and and she certainly delivered as the internet was set a blaze with buzzing surrounding what she wore.

Sally LaPointe has become part of the life blood of New York City now, well on her way to become one of the legendary American Designers. The once the fledgling artist now is taking her turn of serving as fashion inspiration to the new wave of unhatched designers all over the globe.

Sally LaPointe is available in New York at OAK (http://www.oaknyc.com/), as well as in Los Angeles at Church) http://churchboutique.com/).

For additional information or past collections, visit: http://www.sallylapointe.com/

“MY WORK IS ALWAYS ABOUT EVOKING A CERTAIN EMOTION TO THE VIEWER, TO CREATE A FEELING, A MOOD, TO TELL A STORY.”
– Sally LaPointe

All images care of MAO PR in association with Sally LaPointe

Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen

Identical twin daughters of David & Jarnie Olsen were born on June 13, 1986 in Sherman Oaks, California. At only 9 months old in 1987, the girls made their debut on the ABC family sitcom Full House.

Full House Cast with Mary-Kate Olsen

When Full House ended in 1995, the girls already had their company Dualstar Productions, which they launched in 1993.

The girls in Full House days

Products from the company included games, dolls, and a wardrobe line for girls ages 4 – 14 as well as a beauty line called “Mary-Kate and Ashley: Real fashion for real girls” sold in Wal-Mart, generating $1 billion in sell sales alone per year.

Filming New York Minute

In 2004, Mary-Kate and Ashley began attending New York University for their undergraduate degrees, later that year they released their movie, New York Minute. Since the film, the girls have been working nonstop and in 2005 they took full control over their company. Two years later, the pair were tapped as the faces of Badgley Mischka and then also launched their own couture fashion label “The Row” named after the famous Savile Row in London.

Olsen's for Badgley Mischka

The pair have also started a new line for The Row, entitled “Elizabeth & James“, named after their siblings, and by 2007 Forbes reported the twins ranked as the eleventh-richest women in entertainment – estimated net value sits at scarcely $100 million.

Influencers by The Olsen's

Never seeming to slow down, in 2008, the twins released the book Influence, taking readers on a journey through their lives, reflecting on what and who has helped shape them into who they are today.  never-before-seen photographs from private collections, pages of original material, and interviews with some of the most influential tastemakers in the world. Famed photographer Rankin shot the cover, and the book was designed by renowned book-designer Rodrigo Corral and edited by writer Derek Blasberg. Its four major sections are: Fashion, Environment, Art & Giving Back, explaining how we all can have “influence”.

The Row For Men

The girls are both spotted daily working in their offices at Dualstar in New York with their CEO Jill Collage, and in the past year they announced the launch of menswear underneath their Elizabeth and James line.

In just 25 years the girls have gone from sharing a role on the popular TV show Full House to sharing several clothing lines, movie producing and books. We look forward to seeing what’s new and next for them, but meanwhile certainly enjoy their hardwork and dedication – the world needs more role models like these two. Perhaps we will see that someday from the Fanning sisters who also just announced Dakota will be heading east to attend New York University this fall.

Malibu Native, DJ, Bikini Designer,Model AND Style Seen Daily friend Caroline D’Amore founded “D’Amore Swim” with Ryan Horne.  This busy style setter calls her line motorcycle vintage.

Caroline explains, “It’s girly vintage and rocker chic.”  We have the first look at D’Amore’s first campaign shoot here. Caroline is the perfect bikini model and I am in love with the black one piece with studs — what a statement that swimsuit makes!

Congrats Caroline on this amazing Spring 2011 line.  The swimsuits are available at a variety of high end stores like Barney’s, Fred Segal and Planet Blue.  Check out the first lookbook here…

For more information, visit D’Amore Swim.

One shoulder suit "Mother Earth" presents bold tribal colors.

We here at Style Seen Daily have the latest on the gorgeous swimwear line Lisa Blue , Call Of The Whale straight from founder and designer Lisa Burke. Designing looks for all women is one of Lisa’s goals, she told us she designs for “sporty girl who ride the waves and the girl who simply enjoys to frolic on the beach or just wishes to look fabulous by the pool.”

This swimwear line is now launching here in the US, and we must stay it’s fashion fabulous.

Twilight Desert.

Bikini “Twilight Desert” is enriched with beautiful colors to stand out on the beach, also notice the neon braids that tie the suit together, simple yet elegant details. Great colors to go over your summer tan. Swimsuits range from $50 to $150.

Suit Freesia makes you look like a "Freesia" goddess.

Add some ruffle to your life with this “Freesia” bikini, made especially for those women who are more well-endowed. The top is made with more support to help alleviate back pain while keeping your girls perky — making you look sexy and feel confident at the same time.  How about that color too, bold and bright, perfect for summer.

Sexy one piece Sirens.

Artwork on your body, these unique suits are derived from the Rosie Miller’s exquisite Australian Aboriginal paintings. Rosie is from the Mirning Tribe also know as the Whale Tribe, and has united with Lisa to help save the whales and dolphins. Who knew one swimsuit could mean so much. The “Sirens” cut out swimsuit is literally like wearing a painting.

The “Cupid” suit (below) is great for all body shapes, highlighting a women’s feminine waistline.

Get struck with love with this bikini, "Cupid".

Ten years ago Lisa discovered her inspiration for her swimwear line, not just to make women look and feel beautiful but to make a difference. Lisa Burke is from Byron Bay,  Australia and made it one of her sole purposes to travel to Tonga to swim with humpback whales. She got the incredible chance to come face to face with a mother whale and its baby and during this moment Lisa made a promise to forever protect these beautiful animals.

Keeping her promise Lisa has created Lisa Blue,  25% of the profit for Lisa Blue is donated towards helping protect the whales and dolphins, through the Australian Whale Conservation Society.  Lisa has created a line of swimwear that brings confidence, beauty and environmentally awareness all at the same time.

Swim with the dolphins in this suit, Dolphin Song.

Bikini “Dolphin Song” a colorful suit with dolphin designs is perfect to show your support to the Australian Whale Conservation Society. Also added to many pieces in the collection is the whale’s tail charm located on the top piece, a unique accent. The charm clips off, so you can add it to your jewelry collection as well.

Founder and designer of "Lisa Blue Call Of The Whale" Lisa Burke and Kelsey Kenson.

Lisa Blue appeared at the 2010/2011 Mercedes-Benz Swimsuit Fashion Week held in Miami, Florida. She showcased her line as well as showing footage of her swimming with humpback whales.  Lisa told us the crowd was so moved by her story some were in tears during the show. Creating a powerful mood for fashionistas and  eco-friendly viewers.

Click here to check out Lisa Blue, Call Of The Whale .

For more information on how to help save the whales and dolphins go to the Australian Whale Conservation Society here.

Swizz Beats and Christian Louboutin Collaboration.

It’s time for guys to get laced up in some red soled shoes as well, thanks to music producer Swizz Beats (or maybe you know him better as Alicia Keys husband).  Yep, Swizz has teamed up with Christian Louboutin to create a men’s sneaker collection, and we have some preview pics here.

Swizzy showed up to Drake’s “Fancy” music video filming rocking these exclusive sneakers that he designed with Christian Louboutin. No word yet if this design will hit the market.

Swizz Beats showing off his new designs with the famous red soles.

Swizz just announced the titled of his next album  – “Haute Living”  –  and as he explains on his twitter, @therealswizz:

“MY NEW ALBUM NAME IS (HAUTE LIVING ) BECAUSE THATS MY ART ,FASHION, MUSIC, LIFE STYLE HAUTE MEANS THE HIGHEST LEVEL!”

We here at Style Seen Daily agree with Swizz on the meaning of haute, and that is why we have teamed up with Haute Living Magazine to bring you Style Seen Daily Hauteness — debuting in a matter of days.

So, what do you think about this new sneaker collab?  Leave us your comments below.

Sometimes we start off on one path and are lead to another, which changes everything. This can be exciting when you find yourself in love, which is what happened when NY Fashion Institute graduate Meredith Kahn went from clothing designer to jewelry creator.

“Jewelry is given to share one’s heart, and it’s amazing to be a part of that.” Meredith mixes diamonds with feathers, various metals and plastics with multiple colors, textures and styles. The feathered bracelet here makes for a delicate, yet hip and romantic accessory. Its also so different than anything else you can find, it really feels special when you wear it.

Plume Bracelet

Hollywood talent like Rihanna, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Kate Bosworth and Eva Mendes are among her devoted following. Editors, tastemakers, entertainment executives, and Lower East Side hipsters are all coming together to agree that Kahn’s creations merge soft romantic with edgy chic, appealing to both the romantic and inner rock starlet in each of us.

Check out the story from Life & Style with a Q & A from Meredith;

Prices range across the board, meaning there is something for all budgets and we believe you will be seeing a lot more of her beautiful wearable art. Kahn creates limited amounts of each design and style, but a variety enough that you can purchase everything from rings, to necklaces and bracelets or even handbags to wear year round and with nearly anything. Her funky and fun style is inspiring to us here at Style Seen Daily, where we believe that we all need to create our own style and people like Kahn make it possible to do that.

For more on Made Her Think, click here.