It’s that time of the market when we’re done with Fall Ready To Wear and we all start getting ready for the mens shows. Regardless of season or styles, nothing is better than attending a fashion show. I was cordially invited to Gen Art’s Styles 2008. What makes this show special is that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Gen Art and it’s hosted by none more fashionable than Mr. Robert Verdi.

For those unfamiliar with Gen Art, it’s a platform for emerging designers, filmmakers and artists with stages in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco. The committee distributed over $35,000 in awards and introduced designers to major industry heads. Many have used Gen Art as a launch pad to their success in fashion; think Peter Som, Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor…just to name a few.

I found many young, talented designers for clothing and accessories. I remember trooping to the Lower East Side way back when, up a fourth floor walk up to see emerging shoe designer Alejandro Igelmo and later to see his designs at Gen Art. I get all giggly when I find a collection that’s unique, non-commercial and hasn’t been tainted by the industry.

Although Alejandro didn’t win Accessories Designer that year (2006) he did go into Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Holt Renfrew (courtesy of moi). But no need to stroke my ego on just doing my job, I’m here to congratulate those winners who competed against 850 finalists from over 35 countries and were chosen by some of the best in the industry: Michael Fink (Saks Fifth Avenue), Victoria Bartlett, Carlos Falchi, Douglass Hannant, Mark Ecko and Alexis Bittar who started his company by selling jewelry on the streets of NYC. Much love and congratulations from Americanisado!

Yujin Song- Ready to Wear

Timothy Franklin - Menswear

Ninaki – Jewelry/Accessories

Maria Potesta- Avant Garde

Jolibe- Vision Award for Radiance