Andrew Rosen

Largely self-funded since it was founded in 2008, Reformation brought in the big bucks as it gears up to expand.

InStyle USA is one of the last full-service production companies operating in New York City’s Garment Center. Fashionista meets the manufacturing team behind many of the city’s most beloved fashion brands.

Is this the luxury conglomerate's next young designer get?

The duo's recently shown fall 2014 collection will be their last.

The Fashionista 50 slideshow. Click through for a short bio on each of our picks.

Click through to dig into our list of the most influential members of the New York fashion industry.

Did anyone else get a little emotional during the premiere?

To survive in this business, you've got to have more than talent. You've got to be shrewd, savvy, determined—and a crazy-hard worker.

The Fashionista 50 slideshow. Click through for a bio of each of our picks.

Lauren Sherman talks hairstyles and low-end collaborations at yesterday's WWD CEO Summit.

Theory CEO Andrew Rosen began working in New York City's Garment Center before you were probably born. Both his father and grandfather were in the garment business, so he's witnessed its fairly steady decline over the past 50 years. Today at WWD's CEO Summit, the serial investor—he helps back Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, amongst others—announced a new program to help reverse that trend.

Theory President and all around New York fashion business guru Andrew Rosen is the subject of a lengthy Wall Street Journal profile detailing his rise to success--from learning the apparel business ropes from his "garmento" father to co-founding Theory with Elie Tahari to investing in other successful brands like Proenza Schouler and Rag & Bone. In it, Anna Wintour declares, "We don't have a Gucci or LVMH in this country, but in his own way, Andrew is creating a kind of American equivalent." She's probably right, and not just because she's Anna Wintour and that means she has to be.

You either like Helmut Lang or you don't. And if you're in the former category (like me), you're going to like the fall collection a whole bunch. They're one of those brands that when you talk about their "brand DNA" an image immediately pops up. From the spare white warehouse space to the flashy strobe light in the beginning, I knew I was at Helmut Lang.

Last night, despite a cold, blustery rainstorm, the fashion industry elite put on their black-tie best and headed down to Cipriani Wall Street for Fashion Group International’s Annual Night of Stars Gala. The event is known for it’s glittery mix of designers, retail execs, editors and celebrities, and this year’s event was no exception. Elle’s Kate Lanphear (in an incredible YSL cape) told us, “This is one of my favorite events of the year. I’m a big fashion nerd, and I always try to come if I’m in town.” Spotted in the glamorous crowd were fashion luminaries like Proenza's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey, Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo, model Lindsey Wixson, and style legend Lee Radziwill, who accompanied Star Honoree designer Giambattista Valli. Many designers in attendance were excited to support Corporate Leadership Award winner Andrew Rosen, the President of Theory and an investor in young fashion brands. Stacey Bendet Eisner, founder and designer of Alice and Olivia, a company that Rosen has invested in and mentored, said, “I worship him. I talk to him every morning at 6am, or around that time. He’s the most amazing person in this industry; he’s the Godfather.” Misha Nonoo of Nonoo NY added, “Andrew Rosen is one of the most exciting people in fashion at the moment. He recognizes talent at a seedling level.” Some highlights from the awards ceremony:

Permira's stake in the Proenza Schouler company has officially been sold to a group of investors led by Andrew Rosen and his business associate John Howard. The deal was finalized today, WWD reports. Jack McCollough, Lazaro Hernandez and Proenza Schouler CEO Shirley Cook said in a joint statement, “We are thankful to VFG [Valentino Fashion Group] for giving us a start, and allowing us to get where we are today. There’s so much we’d like to accomplish and have found the perfect complement in John and Andrew to help us realize our dreams.”

Looks like Proenza Schouler and Andrew Rosen are finally teaming up. It's been over a year since we first learned that Theory ceo Rosen was interested in buying Proenza Schouler. The label is part-owned by Permira Group, a London investment firm that also owns Valentino. Permira put its 45% stake in Proenza on the block in February of 2010. At the beginning of 2011, we heard that the deal had been penned for months but that Permira wasn't happy with the terms, resulting in severe delays. Then Mark Holgate pretty much confirmed on the pages of Vogue that it was all happening! Now WWD reports that it is indeed happening, probably by the end of this month. The partnership will be structured similarly to the agreements Rosen has with Rag & Bone and Alice and Olivia, which are also personal investments. Rosen runs Theory and Helmut Lang, but they're owned by Uniqlo.

1. Sometimes, Tumblr tumbles. Despite the awesome access the Tumblrs received, including a private party at Donna Karan, breakfast with Nina Garcia, and more, the week's events were reportedly badly organized. 2. Strippers are the new new thing. From go go girls at Rag & Bone's after party to casino hostesses at Karen Walker, topless dancers haven't been this big since Striptease. 3. If you are under 21, you can still DJ an over-21 party. Thanks for the lesson in NY State law, Tavi.

In the midst of this week's shows there are some truly interesting conversations going on at Milk Studios. I've been fortunate enough to sit in on two of them. Thursday night, it was the Proenza Schouler talk at the IFB conference. Design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez sat down with the Business of Fashion's Imran Amed to discuss The Web. (As in bloggers, e-commerce, and viral campaigns.)

Click through to see who made our list--and why.