Mandy Coon

Naughty harnesses are sure to keep the fashion folks in line.

As a seasoned livestreamer, running home from school everyday (and sometimes during lunch period) to catch a show made me feel like I was sitting front row, but without the annoying crowds.

Mandy Coon has the innate ability to mix things that are cute (bunnies) and things that are badass (leather) with ease. From diaphanous dresses to body-conscious jumpsuits, Mandy Coon knows what a woman wants. The eloquent and meticulously organized Texan invited me into her studio to get a peek at the behind-the-scenes life of her young fashion brand. Let me tell you, it's quite amazing. What was the inspiration for you to start your own label? I always wanted to do it, but I was unsure of myself for a long time. Growing up in Texas being a fashion designer wasn’t a thing you could be. I went to college for computer science, if that gives you any idea. Then I ended up in the fashion industry and knew I wanted to design, but I was kind of unsure of myself, so I went back to school at FIT and learned everything technical I could possibly learn. Afterwards I started working for Camilla Staerk, and I knew I wanted to start my own thing, but I was being hesitant. Camilla was the one who really pushed me to start. She was like, “You’re ready. You’re going to do this.” Her believing in me that much was what pushed me to actually do it.

Mandy Coon, recent award winner of the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, is looking to add an outstanding assistant/ office manager to her team. This is an incredibly exciting position that allows the candidate to experience many aspects of the industry, while having the opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding company. Responsibilities include:

In a city known for tourism, chic boutique hotels are a dime a dozen. Still, how many of them boast their very own Global Fashion Director? Last night, we hit the W Hotel in Times Square to toast the company’s new crop of Fashion Next designers. And for a hotel so well known for their contemporary aesthetic, the program seems to be a total no-brainer. “W’s passion is design,” explained Eva Ziegler, the hotel’s Global Brand Leader. “And this is just an extension of our point of view. We want to give these emerging designers a global platform.” This year’s crop of honorees—Mara Hoffman, Frank Tell, Mandy Coon, Tess Giberson, and Michael Angel—were in full celebration mode.

We are super excited about Of a Kind, a new fashion site that launched today, which seamlessly blends retail and editorial content in a way that we've never seen before. What we think makes Of a Kind really amazing is that the product is comprised solely of limited-edition one-offs exclusive to the site (Very limited edition--like 30 units). And, they make a point of featuring emerging designers, allowing accompanying exclusive editorial content to introduce shoppers to new brands. They're also the first shopping site on Tumblr. For their initial sale, Mandy Coon created a special version of her adorable bunny bag. We'll let the site's founders Claire and Erica tell you more. Thankfully, despite launch day nerves and sleep deprivation, they answered all of our questions. Fashionista: What is the main idea behind Of a Kind and why is it unique?

Reader Angie tipped us off to his rather upsetting Adventures In Copyright. It seems that See by Chloe has blatantly ripped off Mandy Coon's "Ginny Bunny Bag." Both bags are black leather, and in the shape of bunny. We wonder though, how the quality of the leather compares among the two bags. The only noticeable difference between the two is that the original bag has a gold chain while the See by Chloe bag has a wrist band. Either way, it's always disappointing to see big labels rip off smaller, independently-owned labels. Especially when the knocked-off piece looks exactly the same as the original. Then again, both bags kind of remind us of those coveted Giles dinosaurs bags.

Jen Kao Sure there was sand on the runway and there were floaty dresses and soleless sandals at Jen Kao's show at Milk yesterday, but there was a dark undercurrent running through her collection. Chris Isaac's "Wicked Games" played for the entire length of the show, and Kao's line sheets said that she was "inspired by the arid sands and shifting light of the powdery dunes where desert princes find their zombie brides." Ok...? The zombie bride thing didn't exactly come across but Kao's color palette--sand, off-white, dusty rose--certainly gave off a desert vibe. Models strolled through the sand in over-sized slouchy knits and loose airy dresses, most of which were crocheted and macramed, and paired with soleless macrame thongs and shin guards. The stand out look? A dusty rose gown with intricate paneling at the bodice.

Alexis Bittar Deal: 25% off the jewelry designer's Spring/Summer 2010 collection, including Lucite, Elements and Miss Havisham. When/Where: Ongoing until they run out. At Alexis Bittar's three shops: 353 Bleecker St., 1100 Madison Ave., 465 Broome St., New York, and also online at AlexisBittar.com. Eva New York Deal: 30% to 70% off clothing from designers like Henrik Vibskov, Mandy Coon, Eairth, Ann Yee, and Logan Neitzel. When/Where: Sunday, July 11 through Saturday, July 31. Sun—Thurs noon—8pm, Fri—Sat noon—9pm. 355A Bowery between Third and Fourth Sts (212-925-3890) Native on Franklin Deal: 25% off all accessories and jewelry. When/Where: Monday - Friday, noon to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 10pm. 5915 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles. (323-962-7710)