New York Mag (March 17): "Shop-A-Matic" New Spring Finds

NY Mag (Jan 21): Ay Not Dead's Spring Collection Melds Coco Classics and Argentine Art

Argentine label Ay Not Dead has always embraced a bit of an edge-- its first collection was titled "Le freak c'est chic." Founded by brothers Diego, Martin, and Noel Romero in 2003, the label is rooted in South American music and art, incorporating liberal doses of leather, laces, and splashy prints. But despite its rock undertones, the brand doesn't skimp on wearable basics, from versatile jackets to slim-cut denim and cropped trousers. Though Ay Not Dead has four stand-alone stores in Argentina and wholesale accounts throughout Mexico, Hong Kong, England, and Sweden, spring 2011 marks its first foray into the U.S. market.

Inspired by an imaginary encounter between designer Coco Chanel and Argentine painter Xul Solar, the "Coco & Xul" collection melds recognizable Chanel elements like tweed jackets, sailor stripes, bow necklines, and menswear-inspired shirting with bold geometric prints, bright colors, and cutouts borrowed from Solar. Ranging from $40 to $150, the refreshingly affordable line is stocked at Babel Fair, Court, and Pixie Market. Click ahead to see more.

NY Mag article here.

NBC New York - One to Watch: Numph

A Danish-based label is a classic example of how a team can be stronger than an individiual, as the creative thinking behind the designs is the product of a whopping seven industry insiders.

The result is Numph, a Danish label offering a solid selection of affordable knitwear, tailored trousers and blazers, dresses, flowy tops and basic separates. The group of seven, comprised of designers and fashion-industry business managers alike, have been designing in Europe for several seasons now, but only made their stateside debut last year, giving Americans a dose of the sartorial goodness that comes as a result of so many points of view.

Silhouettes are sharp and well-constructed, without sacrificing a certain prettiness. What comes across as serious style -- bold trouser cuts, exaggerated accents like fringe and shoulder ruffles -- doesn't skew so far off the grid as to be rendered a downtown-after-midnight item.

Currently, Numph is stocked stateside by savvy shops like Babel Fair and Pixie Market, who'll have the goods front and center come spring.

BY KELLY O'REILLY // WEDNESDAY, JAN 5, 2011 AT 09:15 EST

See the article here.

Black Book: J'adore myPetsQuare

Fans of the French New Wave and Godard films should know about the Australian clothing brand myPetsQuare. Channeling Anna Karina's iconic '60s style, the spring '11 collection, "Club-Cine Cinematheque," is quirky yet classic. Whether it's a fitted cotton dress with a twist (literally) or a bold navy striped tank that hangs delicately, each piece captures the breezy sophistication that kept characters in new wave flicks looking fashionable until the fin.

And New Yorkers will be happy to know that myPetsQuare is available at Nolita shop Babel Fair.

BlackBook Article here.

PAPER MAG: Babel Fair Covers Seoul Fashion Week - By Erica Kiang

As proprietor of women's apparel and lifestyle shop Babel Fair, Erica Kiang jet sets to far-flung locales, scooping up the latest and greatest looks from the streets-way before they hit any stores. This past summer she told PAPERMAG what caught her eye in Barcelona, and today she shares the goods from Seoul. Check it out:

Seoul Fashion Week just wrapped, having presented the best Korean designers to international buyers and press for the tenth year running. True to Asia's reputation as a trendsetting terrain, the talent at SFW proved to be innovative and inspired. Here's who sizzled, what they showed and why it was hot:

WHO: Kaael E Suktae
WHAT: Geometric collection inspired by Star Wars
WHY IT WAS HOT: Pushed the the limits of wearable fashion. Loved the Blade Runner feel of his clothes, specifically his angular patchwork crop tops. The expert cut-outs and structured shapes showed off his tailoring chops, honed at Sonia Rykiel and Christian Dior.

WHO: pushBUTTON
WHAT: Quirky fun line by Seung Gun-Park
WHY IT WAS HOT: Without any formal fashion education, Park's lighthearted line has become a Korean celebrity fave. Tiny puff balls, loose silhouettes, and lots of fringe demonstrated Park's knack for creating the impossibly cute. A+ for the scarf pants, too.

WHO: Imseonoc
WHAT: Wearable fashion juxtaposed with progressive pieces
WHY IT WAS HOT: Featuring a dueling pianist and DJ booming techno beats, this show was one of the most interesting of the week. The music reflected the contrasting fashion vibes: a classic buttondown followed by a futuristic dress, for example. The finale wowed with the pianist softly singing "When the Saints Go Marching in" as a model sashayed down the runway in a plastic bubble cape.

Photos by Erica Kiang, Philippe Pourhashemi and Joseph Quartana

NY Mag (Oct. 26): Babel Fair Credit for Mike Gonzalez Zola Coat

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