Justin Howard

In a surprise move, the City of San Francisco becomes one of the first major US cities to not only recognize a fashion designer for their contribution to the world, but to give them their own holiday.

The Mayor of San Francisco, Edwin M. Lee, honored the dynamic fashion duo Max and Lubov Azria by presenting them with an official declaration stating that May 8th was to to be known as "Max and Lubov Azria Day in the city by the bay. This declaration was in honor of the contributions the creative pair had not only for the City, but for the global fashion world as well.

In addition to this declaration by the Mayor of San Francisco, the President of the Academy of Art University, Dr. Elisa Stephens, presented fashion designers Max and Lubov Azria of BCBGMAXAZRIA with honorary doctorate degrees later in May.

For more on my exclusive interview with fashion designer Lubov Azria, of BCBGMAXAZRIA, check out my fashion column on About.com

The Summer fashion season has started and it is time once again to update your wardrobe with new fun pieces. A fashion designer whose festive print creations caught my eye was Ramy Sharp, of Ramy Brook.

Ramy just launched her new summer line of colorful print beach wraps called "Ramy Brook Beach." One of the features I like about these flowy pieces is that you can transition easily from day to night with them.

For more on my exclusive interview with fashion designer Ramy Sharp, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of Ramy Sharp

Recently I had the pleasure of tagging along on a true jungle 
adventure to the Latin America country of Panama with Crocs Cares and 
its director Melissa Koester.
 


It was there I got some first-hand experience of the reality of 
international aid and how a billion-dollar fashion brand like Crocs can make a real difference to those who truly need their help. All by
 simply giving out the one thing they have to offer - that is to say
 shoes.
 


For more on Crocs Cares, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of Justin Howard

Famous in Hong Kong and Mainland China for the fashion brand's invisible heel shoes that can add 2 to 5 inches to your height without anyone knowing. iiJin is fast becoming a favorite with the Hollywood elite including Mario Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Clarkson, and Zooey Deschanel all for the same reason - height.

I was introduced to the line during the launch of their women's clothing line "The Love Revolution" at Los Angeles Fashion Week. Their star-studded fashion show then launched them to a wider audience in America thanks to very favorable coverage via "The Insider", "Access Hollywood", and "EXTRA."

Stay tuned for the opening of iiJin's flagship US store to open this summer in the artistic district of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles.

For more on my interview with fashion designer June of iiJin check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of iiJin

Recently the Entertainment Director of Ladies' Home Journal and a cast member of Bravo's Real Housewives of New York, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, decided they wanted to give back so they teamed up with Crocs via the fashion brand's charitable program "Crocs Cares" in a life- changing trip to Haiti.

As blogger Jennifer Brandt put it, "I'm not saying that my trip to Haiti was brave. I'm just saying that it made me worry. Until I saw the children. As always, children change everything."

That quote perfectly sums up my own experience traveling with Crocs Cares to the jungle of Panama.

For more on Crocs Cares, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of Justin Howard

During Brit Week 2013 in Los Angeles I was introduced to the elegant creations of Costume Designer Birgit Muller at the Christopher Guy reception for Jaguar.

As the models walked about the room in flowing silk designs, Birgit took a moment to introduce herself to me as the designer behind those pieces.

During our conversation she revealed her creations were once again gracing the silver screen in a new series on the CW.

For more on my exclusive interview with Costume Designer Birgit Muller, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of Birgit Muller.

Every year the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York plays host to the Met Gala - honoring the opening the Costume Institute's new exhibit. At $10,000 a ticket, the opening night gala is packed full of socialites, top fashion designers and fashion icons like Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue.

One of my favorite quotes from the 2013 Met Gala Red Carper comes from Fashion designer and icon Tommy Hilfiger "Punk rock has a unique culture and distinct style that I really admire. Music of all genres has always been a central influence in my designs. I tend to gravitate more toward classic American rock, but I listen to and love punk rock albums from The Ramones and Blondie."

For more on the Met Gala Red Carpet and who said what, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo courtesy of IMAXtree

With all the styles, patterns and designs out there,  it can be something of a challenge to find the perfect special occasion dress to meet your needs. To help sort out these challenges, I sat down with fashion buyer Lisa Dibello of David's Bridal to get her perspective.

A Guide To Special Occasion Dresses

Justin Howard - What would you recommend for the woman who has nearly-grown children who  is still elegant and trendy?

Lisa Dibello - It is really about the tummy coverage and about dresses that look great on all body types, and these usually have some kind of ruching around the belly area. It really slenderizes you, makes you look skinny, makes you feel great. Also, with the little bit older customer,  the length would be a little longer, so instead of being four inches above the knee it might be right at the knee or an inch above the knee.

So these gowns are geared towards the more mature customer. Some of the dresses have a little bit more construction in them. They are more built up, because she is not 16 years old and gravity has taken its course a little bit. So they have a little support in them to tuck you in at all the right places so you feel good in the dress.

For more on my exclusive interview with fashion buyer Lisa Dibello, of David's Bridal, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of David's Bridal

Bridging the high standards of quality that Hong Kong is known for and the exacting perfection of British tailoring lies the couture suit line The Artful Gentleman. Behind these handmade suits is designer Jake Wall and his unique experience.

The Artful Gentleman

Justin Howard - How was that process of apprenticing in a different culture like Hong Kong? What was the experience like?

Jake Wall - The first time around I was just there for a couple of weeks. I took an extended vacation. Then I continued the relationship with them, continued to work with them on different things. I created my own items. We got to joking one day and they were like "You are not so much a client as you are a designer. You are incredibly particular and you make us work hard for things." From there we have continued our relationship, and by continuing the relationship we have continued my education.

So my skill set has just improved and I am nowhere near as good as these guys who spend every day churning out suit, after suit, after suit. My space is much different in the way I play. It was definitely an immersive experience and continues to be now after three years.

For more on my exclusive interview with fashion designer Jake Wall, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of Jake Wall

May is one of the most popular months of the year to get married. With that in mind, it was a pleasure to sit down with David's Bridal fashion director Catalina Maddox and talk weddings and bridal fashions.

Justin Howard - What are some of the goals of David's Bridal?

Catalina Maddox - We are in the business of making dreams come true. No matter how small or big the budget, we will make sure that our customers feel beautiful and celebrated. We focus on making sure that every single bride can try on her size, no matter what her size is  - being able to see herself in a gown that fits her body is very important to her. Most brides come with ideas of what they want and most brides leave the store with a completely different gown. It is all about how she feels and fits in her gown - for this she has to be able to try it on.

For more on my exclusive interview with Catalina Maddox, David's Bridal Fashion Director, check out my fashion column on About.com

Photo Courtesy of David's Bridal