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Michael Bastian was born in Lyons, New York, a small Upstate town near Lake Ontario. After graduating from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, he moved to New York City, where his first job was as an Assistant Buyer at Abraham & Strauss. This was followed by positions within Sotheby's, Tiffany & Co., Polo Ralph Lauren, and most recently, Bergdorf Goodman, where he was the men's fashion director for five years. It was this experience that led Bastian to launch his own men's wear line, MICHAEL BASTIAN. "Through the process of setting the men's fashion direction for Bergdorf Goodman, it became increasingly clear to me that there was a real need for a new American voice in the men's designer world — something modern and luxurious, but also a little broken down and familiar. I start with something perfectly designed and executed, then spend a lot of time knocking the edge off of that perfection." Now in its sixth season, MICHAEL BASTIAN is carried in over 50 retail locations in America, Canada, Japan, Europe and the Middle East.
Bastian was nominated for the 2008 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award, as well as CFDA Newcomer Menswear Designer of the Year in 2007. He was also a finalist for the 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, which lead to a collaboration with the GAP/CFDA on 3 limited-edition white shirts for men and women that were launched in spring of 2008. He is currently Creative Director for Menswear at Bill Blass. He is a resident of New York City
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Born in Iowa to a Lebanese mother and an American/English father, Tim Hamilton founded his New York based menswear line in 2007. He has twice been nominated for the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear. Merging refined elegance with youthful energy for his Men's sportswear and tailored collections, he aims to create looks that make men's fashion interesting, intriguing and exciting.
In his most recent presentation, Hamilton's Spring/Summer 2009 collection was inspired in part by the artist Frank Stella. "What you see is what you see," Stella once said. Yet Hamilton played with what seems to be a straight-forward remark. "I wanted to create shapes that are gender ambiguous but inherently masculine," he said. The collection portrays Hamilton's idea of futuristic street wear: boundaries are erased and more emphasis is placed on the conception and creation of each piece.
While his collection is sold at luxury shops around the world, Hamilton has partnered with Uniqlo and Top Man expanding the brand's reach. Despite his global success, Tim Hamilton is still a small, family company based in New York.
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New York designer Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over the top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since the 1960's. Her commitment to remain true to her one-of-a-kind vision has afforded Betsey continued success in an industry known for its fickleness. Her ability to change with the times while keeping her designs pure has not gone unnoticed. At the 1999 CFDA Awards, Betsey was presented The Timeless Talent Award created especially for her, which recognized her influence on fashion throughout her career.
Betsey was born in Connecticut and spent her childhood in dance classes. Her aspirations to be a dancer and her love for costumes laid the foundation for Betsey's creativity and inspiration, which is still evident in her designs today. In 1964, Betsey officially entered the New York fashion scene by winning Mademoiselle magazine's "Guest Editor Contest. One year later, she landed the top designer position for Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique that at the time housed the hottest young London designers, including Mary Quant and Paco Rabanne, among others. What would soon become known as Betsey's trademark look began its formulations here: sexy silhouettes, hippie inspired flowing fabrics, whimsical detailing and, most importantly, a fabulous fit.
Now firmly part of what was considered the "Youth Quake, Betsey soon found herself in the unforgettable 1960's Warhol scene. Edie Sedgwick was her house model, while the Velvet Underground's John Cale took to wearing her designs both on-stage and off. In 1969, Betsey began her foray into retail by opening a new boutique called Betsey Bunki Nini. Directly following the opening store Betsey was offered a job from Alvin Duskin in San Francisco and thus began living a bi-coastal life for the remaining years of the 60's.
Along with the new decade came new career opportunities for Betsey and in the early 1970's, she came into creative control of the label Alley Cat, a label which set the trends for the 70's rock n' roll clothing, with bohemian and ethnic styles. In 1972, along with Halston, Betsey won the coveted Coty Award becoming the youngest designer to ever receive the honor.
After a decade of designing for other labels, Betsey decided to make a dramatic change in her life and in 1978, she formed a partnership with Chantal Bacon and started the Betsey Johnson label, as it is known today. Designing for herself allowed Betsey the creative freedom to execute her vision to it's fullest potential. The same year Betsey and Chantal launched their first retail store in the heart of Soho. In the early 80's, they were one of the first to open a store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, helping the street to gain its worldwide recognition as one of the best shopping areas of the 1980's. Today there are over fifty Betsey Johnson stores worldwide. International expansion came in 1998 with the opening of the wildly popular London store. In 1999 the Vancouver store opened its doors and Toronto opened in early September 2003. In September 2006, the first Betsey Johnson store opened in Japan. Betsey Johnson clothing is also available in better department stores as well as in specialty stores throughout the country, and in Europe and Asia.
The year 2003 marked some exciting licensing endeavors for the company, taking Betsey's signature prints and whimsy to new audiences with categories including handbags and lingerie. She continued this trend and has since added shoes, belts, cold weather accessories, eyewear, watches, jewelry, swimwear, legwear outerwear and a fragrance thus effectively emerging as not only a clothing designer but a top American Lifestyle brand.
In late 2002, Betsey was honored with an induction into the Fashion Walk of Fame, honoring her contribution to American fashion. A bronze and granite plaque containing an original sketch, signature and biography was embedded into Seventh Avenue sidewalk in early 2003. In March 2005, the Signature Awards and NAWBO-NYC committee honored Betsey with the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award. And following that, Betsey received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Accessories Council in November 2005. Betsey Johnson was recently honored with the Designer of the Year Award at the annual Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball (FABB) in May 2007.
In 2003, while on vacation in Mexico, Betsey bought a magical little hotel, which she named "Betseyville and proceeded to turn it into a dream vacation home, where she regularly visits to work and get inspired. She fell so in love with the culture and surroundings that in 2004, Betsey purchased a second house in Mexico, this one dubbed "Villa Betsey. Always loving a home project Betsey decided to turn Betseyville into an estate for rent to the public and chose Villa Betsey to become her main home in Mexico. Both homes abound with Betsey's signature touches can be seen when "Betseyville was exclusively featured in In Style Homes in April 2005 and on www.betseyville.com.
A survivor of breast cancer, Betsey continues to be a strong advocate in the fight against the disease, making public appearances, participating in numerous fund raising events and creating one-of-a-kind items that have been auctioned off to raise funds for various charities. In 2003, the CFDA asked her to be an Honorary Chairperson for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative, which she graciously accepted. In April of 2004, she was awarded another honor by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) for her continuous fight against Breast Cancer at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Ron Perlman. In Spring of 04, she teamed up with Geralyn Lucas, the author of the book "Why I Wore Lipstick...to my Mastectomy, designing an accompanying t-shirt which was launched in Betsey Johnson stores nationwide in October 2004 at a series of events called "Courage Nights. Courage Night continued for its second year in October 2005 where CFDA Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and SELF Magazine joined the cause.
Betsey Johnson, both the woman and the label, is constantly moving forward and continues to keep a strong foothold in the fashion industry with no signs of letting up anytime soon. Her love of detail and design is evident in everything she does in life and in business. Her enthusiasm, creativity and boundless talent that have kept her at the forefront of fashion for the past 43 years will keep Betsey going for years to come.
"Making clothes involves what I like…color, pattern, shape and movement…I like the everyday process…the people, the pressure, the surprise of seeing the work come alive walking and dancing around on strangers. Like red lipstick on the mouth, my products wake up and brighten and bring the wearer to life…drawing attention to her beauty and specialness…her moods and movements…her dreams and fantasies.
– Betsey Johnson
As one journalist recently quoted, "If Betsey Johnson didn't exist, we would have to invent her, simply to remind ourselves that fashion can be fun. She's the original wild child and set to paint the town pink!
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A quintessential American designer and native New Yorker, Nolan is renowned for creating simple yet elegant classics with a contemporary edge.
Nolan's fascination with fashion began at an early age, influenced by his mother's glamorous lifestyle and sensibility. After graduating from FIT, Nolan apprenticed for the legendary houses of Dior and Bill Blass, where he honed his design aesthetic. Recognized for his refined style, Nolan was tapped by Ellen Tracy in 1991 to become its chief designer, taking the brand to the number one position in the market. Nolan later rejuvenated the Anne Klein brand, saving it from bankruptcy and elevating its net worth.
Following a decade of retail success, Nolan in 2004 simultaneously launched his namesake label, charming his customers with fashions that are fanciful yet elegant, and opened a boutique in New York's Meatpacking district.
The store, designed entirely by Nolan, embodies his global inspiration and lifestyle with a selection of goods found in his travels, from handbags crafted in South Africa to children's travel books to antique jewelry. The boutique carries his women's ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, and accessories; his exquisite custom men's clothing; as well as a collection of Nolan-designed home furnishings.
Recognized as one of America's leading designers, Nolan became a member of the CFDA in 2001 and currently sits on the Fashion Group International's Board of Directors. In 2007, he received the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award, given to individuals recognized for innovation, creativity and accomplishments in women's apparel and retail. In 2008, he was commissioned to design the costumes for the American Ballet Theater's Marie Antoinette-inspired production "Cake".
Charles Nolan's women's clothing is carried extensively throughout the United States at retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom.
Nolan creates clothing with a quiet exuberance and timeless sophistication.
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Ports parent company originated in Canada under the direction of Mr. Luke Tanabe, who founded Ports International in 1961. His interest in European fashion was the creative force behind the luxury brand. Ports was later purchased by business owner Alfred Chan and expanded throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Revolutionary changes in the global marketplace lead to Ports newly developed collection.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
European fabrics, fine tailoring and unique craftsmanship is the cornerstone of the Ports label today. Tia leads the brand in its embrace of the new global village. Her work is fused by the international cultures she moves in. Cibani lives beyond borders and is inspired by an eclectic mix of modern luxury, comfort, and design. Ports 1961 flagship stores will open in Los Angeles & New York City later this year. Tia's interpretation of Ports private boudoir is the ultimate closet; the stores unfold as a backdrop to experience a singular expression complimentary to the progressive sensibility of the Ports 1961 lifestyle. Tia Cibani's attention to luxury details and tight schedules is changing the way women dress in the modern world, where elegance must meet their everyday needs. European fabrics, fine tailoring and unique craftsmanship is the cornerstone of the Ports label today. Tia leads the brand in its embrace of the new global village. Her work
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John Varvatos grew up in Detroit — the music melting pot of America - where Motown, rock & roll, blues, jazz, and punk melded together in unforgettable period of music history. At an early age John was exposed to defining musicians including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Detroit's own MC5, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, and The Stooges. The creative spirit, electricity and edginess intrinsic in the personal style of these rock ‘n' roll icons inspired John at an early age, and influenced the evolution of his eclectic sensibility.
John's designs often draw inspiration from the past only to repurpose these ideas into something entirely new. The resulting collections reflect the quality and attention to detail inherent in old world tailoring, while creating luxurious, comfortable clothing for a modern lifestyle. "I have a great reverence for the craft of old world tailoring but a big part of what I love designing is functional, timeless clothing that is created to be lived in."
John Varvatos joined Polo Ralph Lauren in 1983. Recruited by Calvin Klein in 1990, he was appointed head of menswear design and oversaw the launch of the men's collection and the influential cK brand. In 1995, he returned to Polo as Head of Menswear Design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands and created the highly successful Polo Jeans Company.
For Fall/Winter 2000, John launched his premiere men's collection and in the same year was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer. He received a second CFDA award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001; this successive honor was an unprecedented achievement in his category. In 2005, John was once more recognized by the CFDA with the Menswear Designer of the Year Award. In its 12th Annual "Men of the Year" issue, GQ magazine named John "Designer of the Year" for 2007.
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