Meredith L. Fisher

R29: Jasmin Santanen

Ice Age

Jasmin Santanen's name is Finnish, her education American, and her place of business is Parisian. But it's precisely this sort of global intersection that makes the designer's new namesake collection so universally appealing. "All three cities play an important part in my work and influence my designs," says Santanen, who studied at Parsons School of Design in New York and went on to work in Paris with Yves Saint-Laurent and Hermès before embarking on her own venture.

"When I first started, I was thinking of something more casual and day-to-day," recalls the designer. "But then a client who was fond of my evening-wear came to me asking for more feminine pieces…these are now the trademarks of the line." Her attention to these details and various couture traditions of designing comes full circle in her first ready-to-wear collection for spring/summer 2008—an intricately woven tapestry of medieval references and modern silhouettes, all finished in a palette of clean, cool whites, blues, and warm creams and gold.

"Living in Paris exposes me to many medieval ideas, but my main point of reference this season came from Elizabeth I," says Santanen. "She had such a natural elegance, but she was also a warrior." This balance between grace and power is directly reflected in an embroidered cotton tank dress that's both sexy and sobering. And even the finest of lace skirts is precisely cut to fit the waist for a sharp silhouette. (More)

JC Report: Menswear Openings

Eastside Shopping: New Openings in Menswear

In New York, we've got three new men's stores on our retail radar this week: a haberdasher for Dapper Dan, a flagship store for non-sneaker freakers and an East Village boutique with international reach. read more »

      

Metro: Following the foot prints

NYMag.com: Tote Recall

Tote Recall

Now that you’ve relegated your “I’m Not a Plastic Bag,” to “I’m a gym bag on Sunday nights when nobody can see me,” your under-sink collection of plastic bags has grown to Guinness-worthy proportions. Neiman Marcus has the answer with their ecochic alternative. They’re reusable (check!) and reasonably priced (you get five for the price of one), and they come in two seasonally appropriate trends—floral and monochromatic (bound to match something you’re wearing). They also fold easily, can carry the same weight as two plastic bags, and come with their own storage case. Fortunately, saving space and the environment is always in fashion.

$40 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Buy it online

R29: Paris Match

Paris Match

Just because the Euro could eat the dollar for breakfast, doesn't mean all French design is out of reach. Grab hold of these two French handbag designers who are making it easy and relatively affordable to ride out the accessory recession, with designs that are fully functional but far from just basic.

The first comes from a 24-year veteran of the accessories business—from Lamarthe, to Paloma Picasso, and even a stint with Hedi Slimane at Dior—Stéphane Verdino's premiere namesake collection has been in the making since he was 16. "The direct inspiration for the line was the design of the 20th century, the modern art, and, of course, some of the fashion brands that I admire, like Margiela and Comme des Garçons," says Verdino. "When I did my first line, I wondered what kind of bags I could do for those brands, and the first collection was born out of that spirit." The result is a collection built around a few classic shapes, like the Cabas Vertical (translation: the perfect tote) or the 48 Heures (translation: overnight, not overstuffed). "When you decide to do a product with your name on it, you really have to be honest and true," he says. "And my style is pure, radical, and with no concessions—I think this is the biggest quality for the people who like my brand." Each authentic style comes in a variety of the softest leathers (vernis, cuir, and perforé), and colors that range from neutral to neon, so the size of the handbag statement is up to you, not the other way around. (more)

NYMag.com: A Shiny Finish

A Shiny Finish

                 

You’ve avoided the patent-leather trend like an old pair of Uggs. And just when you thought you’d escaped the shiny fabric, it hits you—Cacharel’s bubble necklace. Big and oversize like Marni would make, this bulbous bauble lets you work the trend, not the other way around. It looks like a strand of pearls went shopping at Trash & Vaudeville. But you’ll just look like you’re not trying so hard.                                

$125 at Mickmargo.com.

                               

• Buy it online

NYMag.com: Check Mate

Check Mate

Holiday travel often leads to endless waits at luggage carousels, pulling off every black rollaboard known to man in hopes that one’s yours. This year, instead of floating endlessly in a sea of suitcases, snap on a metallic foil luggage tag. These shiny identifiers don’t only go the distance but also make sure that when you get there, you can spot your bag from an aisle away. Available in four colors—pink, blue, green, and silver—it’s just the right amount of flash, for the perfect amount of cash. (Resort-perfect wardrobe not included.)                                

$25 at Henribendel.com.

Refinery29: The Nines

The Nines

One of Mark  Twain's most famous maxims is "Clothes make the man." And he was right. But the best-dressed guy in the room is usually the one whose style is subtle enough to blend in, but bold enough to stand out.

So, rather than let the barrage of holiday party requests make you stress your dress—and succumb to that old-school suit and tie—take a cue from these menswear pros on how to do Mr. Twain proud this party season. (more)