Designers are inspired by the world around them. Their designs usually reflect a personal interpretation of whatever catches their eye while traveling around the world or around the corner.

Checkout the inspiration and looks for these four New York fashion designers for spring 2011… we’ll be watching their shows during Fashion Week to see the final results!

Rebecca Taylor

The Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 Collection girl is the modern juxtaposition between her bohemian roots and her love of what is slick and urban. Distressed, belted trench coats in bright colors are the perfect pairing with Rebecca’s signature silk printed dresses. Perforated eyelet pieces are combined with sleek scalloped-edge leather jackets to provide a worn, downtown look that still remains elegant. Kelly Green, Highlighter Yellow, and Equestrian Orange are the perfect complement to earthy neutrals, integrating her love of both the countryside and the city. Spring 2011 brings us all back to fresh, feel good, American fashion.

Rebecca Taylor

Yoana Baraschi

The Spring 2011 Collection is inspired by a woman fierce in spirit, yet utterly feminine, evoking the sensual confidence of a 70’s Romy Schneider or Gena Rowlands in John Cassavetes films.  A mixture of 70’s and 90’s sportswear classics are reinvented with a modern touch of graphic prints, timeless florals and animal prints.  A color palette that includes sun-kissed shades of coral, lemon, lavender and aqua, complimented by gentle urban grays and weathered natural whites contrasted by navy are found on the season’s key silhouettes.

Yoana Baraschi

Kaelen

“I went Tornado chasing last year, and was inspired by the weather itself, the colors, the momentous shift from calm to crazed that happens in a split second. I wanted to create something that was equally modern and timeless with an element of chaos,” designer Kaelen Farncombe.

Kaelen

Tracy Reese

“Spring 2011 evokes effortlessly chic dressing, redefining favorite silhouettes and offering women simple yet sexy looks with a classic TR touch. Sultry elements animate a minimalist approach, like this nude silk blouse and pleat pocket flare pant, creating a sleek, monochromatic moment of confidence and sensuality,” designer Tracy Reese.

Tracy Reese

Checkout the stylish swimsuits and bikinis from swimwear collection Caffe…

Checkout the sexy swimsuits and bikinis from swimwear designer Tyler Rose…

Checkout the interesting backstage interview with sexy Australian designer Lisa Burke of Lisa Blue swimsuits.

Watch the amazing light-show and fashion spectacular from major retailer Target… shown at the Standard Hotel NYC.

PEARLS, by Hubert Bari and David Lam
Skira, distributed by Rizzoli New York, 2010

Published in conjunction with the Qatar Museum Authority to coincide with an exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, Pearls unveils the many mysteries of this exotic gem.

This beautiful book blends historical, scientific and cultural information in a comprehensive work that recounts the fascinating story and interesting facts about pearls. My favorite tidbit… what do all pearls have in common? They don’t have sharp edges.

A must-have for all gem enthusiasts, Pearls features the rich history of the gem including the fascinating legacy surrounding Kokichi Mikimoto and Coco Chanel.

Superb 13.3 mm pearl of the imperial volute (Cymbiola imperialis) stuck to the edge of the shell. Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Collection of the Qatar Museums Authority. © Christian Creutz, photographer

These necklaces belonging to Hussain Alfardan are the very essence of the beauty of the natural pearl. Perfectly spherical and with a superb orient, this quality of pearl catches the light and interacts with light into very subtle pastel tints. Hussain Alfardan Collection, Qatar. © Hubert Bari

Tiara commissioned from Chaumet, Paris, in 1897 by the Marquis de Keroüartz for his wife-to-be Louise d’Andigné, on the occasion of their marriage the same year. It is characterised by seven large baroque pearls that sprout from a composition of diamonds mounted on silver and gold. The tiara can be converted into a necklace. Albion Art Collection, Japan. © Albion Art Collection

The Chanel Fashion show for Fall 2010 in Paris donned models wearing a heart-shaped hairdo with a bow accessory.. similar to the Lady Gaga hairstyle.

Lady Gaga’s bow was originally hand made by herself out of hair extensions wrapped into a bow and bobby pinned to her head.

Music icon, style, fashion…It is clear how influential a pop music singer’s style has become to influence fashion and beauty.

Fashion has often been influenced by famous music artists and designer collaborations creating a synergy between Music and Fashion. In the 90’s Madonna collaborated with Jean Paul Gauthier for the very famous cone-shaped bra.

Iconic male singers often run into this trend too, when creating their own fashion label. Hip hop star Jay-Z co-founded a clothing line named Rocawear. Producer and singer Pharrell Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton for jewelry line Blason and built Billionnaire Boys Club (BBC), a fashion venture between the singer and established Japanese fashion designer Nigo. Pharrell has also helped to bring Nigo’s brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) to the front of urban culture. As a result, Nigo has helped Pharrell to fulfill his dream of having his own fashion label.

It’s seems to be an exchange of inspiration and creativity between both fields, and stylish singers become the ambassadors of the fashion labels.

As a new generation of singer/songwritter, Lady Gaga works as an artist and a fellow fashion icon. Her hair bow seems to have inspired more than just fans.

Does Karl Lagerfeld have a new source of creativity? Or is Lady Gaga a Chanel ambassador?

Whatever the case, one can’t help but appreciate the creativity behind the iconic singers.

Photos: Carole Bonnassies/VIDCAT

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Store Window Chanel, NYC

Chanel Store Soho, New York

Checkout the classic 1990s American fashion show from designer Anne Klein… don’t miss Tyra Banks fab walk on the catwalk!

Spotted on the runways (Hervé Leger and Derek Lam) for spring 2010, flower prints have now invaded the shop windows in Soho, New York… Betsey Johnson and Prada’s store windows featured floral print tops and dresses.

Flowers are definitely a good touch to illustrate the sunshine of the east cost and a good remedy for the ambient gloom on hazy days.

Add vibrant floral prints to your wardrobe and show some flower power for rest of this summer!

Photo: Derek Lam runwayweekly.com

Derek Lam, Spring 2010 runway

Betsey Johnson Window Display

Prada Tee-Shirts

Soho, New York

Watch the fabulous supermodels walk the catwalk for the Isaac Mizrahi 90s fashion show…

Checkout the backstage interview with designer Georges Chakra just minutes before his Fashion Week runway show starts! Don’t miss the red-carpet gowns and elegant tuxedo jackets and lace skirts….

Checkout the swank resort collection from fashion designer Douglas Hannant… perfect for Palm Beach getaways and parties!

Checkout the super chic fashion collection for fall from fashion designer Richard Chai…

Watch the always chic and modern fall fashion collection from designer Vera Wang…

Checkout the Boho-chic collection from fashion designer Nanette Lepore… don’t miss the best hair on the runways for fall!

Watch the classic American style of the Perry Ellis collection for fall…

Watch the Monique Lhuillier collection of pretty party dresses and gowns for fall…

Checkout the stylish fall coats on the runways of Fashion Week…