Does budget fashion breed innovation among designers? While this issue is hotly debated, I'm inclined to think it most certainly does. It would seem only logical that designers at the top have to push their materials, techniques and styles to new horizons in order to keep ahead of the imitators and knock-offs close at their heels.

Here is perhaps one such example of designer innovation, spurred at least in part by the need to stand out from a "sea of imitation," and create a unique and desirable product that can call a high pricetag:


From CNN.com:
"High-tech fabrics, such as those with anti-microbial or rubberized properties, are increasingly finding their way onto the runways. Burberry is selling a trench coat made from rubberized materials originally developed for scuba diving. Two hundred dollar T-shirts by a company called Established 1887 are embedded with silver chips that have antimicrobial properties to repel stains and odors. As an added benefit, these fabrics are harder to knock off and so help designers differentiate their clothes from a sea of imitation."

Attention XM Radio listeners: Tune in today to Channel 156 to hear Oprah's best bud Gayle King interview Bravo's style mentor, Tim Gunn! The Project Runway star shows a personal side that's warm, endearing and utterly Tim. Paired with Gayle's upbeat, honest attitude, it's an hour of good, clean fun - and fashion! Don't forget the fashion!

>> Get the program schedule here.

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Image source: Oprah.com

At some point or other, stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe has been the fashion force behind such Hollywood "It" girls as Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Kiera Knightly and her now-famously estranged client, Nicole Richie. Love her or loathe her, Zoe (pronounced "Zoh") is showing no signs of slowing down: She released her first book, Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour, and recently signed a deal with Bravo to star in her own reality-tv show, The Rachel Zoe Project.

While Rachel has been criticized for creating mini-clones (known as Zoe-bots) and promoting super-skinniness among her A-list clientèle (debatable), her boho-glam style is actually quite easy to imitate on a budget - and that makes her A-OK in our book! All you need are some oversized vintage sunglasses, layers of gold jewelry, and a peacock feather clutch or two to get goin' with the Rachel Zoe look.

In addition to espousing a "fab-without-a-fortune" style philosophy, Rachel has also dressed gorgeous gals like Salma Hayek, Liv Tyler and Jennifer Garner - not just controversial starlets. Lest we forget, she even put Cameron Diaz in what was perhaps the most stunning red-carpet look of last year: a Dior by John Galliano gown for the 2007 Costume Institute ball. How can we hate on the person responsible for that marvelous fashion moment?

Everybody stay calm: Isaac Mizrahi is ending his five-year deal with Target, and has been named creative director for Liz Claiborne.

From Reuters: "The apparel company said it hired Mizrahi to help 'revitalize' the Liz Claiborne brand. He will oversee the design and marketing functions for women's apparel, accessories and licensing.

His first collection for Liz Claiborne will arrive in stores in spring of 2009, the company said.

Mizrahi's apparel, accessory and shoe designs have been sold at Target since 2003. His Target collection will be available through the end of 2008, Target said in a statement."

While this comes as shocking news for budget fashion lovers everywhere, we must remain optimistic. Target is sure to tap other design talents, while Liz Claiborne might actually make a much-needed comeback.

But what do you think? Does this spell disaster for fashion at Target? Can Isaac bring Liz's clothing line back to life?

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