Giulietta (Brazil) - Just got new styles in!

Literally as I was putting a Giulietta dress on the mannequin a customer scooped it up. That's how cute the clothes are of this Brazilian brand. Check out these new pieces. The beaded bow dress with exposed back zipper and shirt dress with heart pocket are unique and adorable.

Snow doesn't scare me anymore. Thanks San Bernardo!

I used to be scared of snow. Really. Mostly brown/black snow that you encounter in New York City. But even white snow can damage leather. I would tepidly creep around those 5 foot mounds at the crosswalk, walking like half a block to avoid any sort of moisture encountering my shoes. Now( I think it's called maturing) I don't care about fashion only - I care about function. And that's why when I first saw San Bernardo snow boots I knew I had found something that would change my life. These warm waterproof boots are straight from Italy. Chic and sporty they have had a serious impact on my street walking skills. I stomp on puddles and climb icy mounds with ease. I'm not scared of a little precipitation here and there. Water can't hurt me... okay fine the brown/black stuff is a little questionable still.

San Bernardo Boots $259 - In store now.

Maurie and Eve Promo $249 ($300 Reg) until Friday!

Brandy Melville (Italy): The Chic T Shirt

At the end of the day everyone wants to look effortlessly chic. It's just a universal fact. Who wants to look like they laid out their outfit on their bed after trying on several different looks and checked weather.com the night before? Err... I mean... let's be honest. That having been said the new Brandy Melville (Italian brand) batwing-cropped-boyfriend t-shirts are so effortlessly chic its actually weird i haven't seen this silhouette before. In black and white they need to be a wardrobe staple for high waisted skirts or slim leggings and a tank top. Throw it on and feel instantly together. And by "throw" I mean get a henry hanger and try a few options girl -just keeping it real.

If I see another Juicy Sweatsuit on an airplane...

I know, I know - last time you were on a plane the woman next to you removed her shoes and socks (I mean really?) and the man next to you nodded off... onto you shoulder... a total of three awkward times. That's why I have to give props to those bringing travel glamour back. I want the romance of escapism unshrouded by questionable social behavior and inflatable pillows. Black Tomato (http://www.blacktomato.co.uk) and Jetsetter (www.jetsetter) are offering just that. Black Tomato provides the ultimate travel experience complete with a detailed day by day itinerary. Don't have to move a muscle just bring pen to check. If you're on a little tighter budget, Jetsetter has deals with some of the best hotels in the world. Get away from the office and hop onto a plane... in style... come on...

Holiday Gift Ideas

Strange Things: Haiti Documentary

Babel Fair is a sponsor of Strange Things - a documentary exploring street culture and poverty in Haiti. The documentary also supports Soil (Sustainable Organic Integrated Livlihoods) www.oursoil.org. Please check out to donate or get involved.

Movie Synopsis: In the midst of Haiti’s mountains and historic relics lies an orphan epidemic. Over 500,000 children are forced to survive on their own, many of them wandering the streets day and night. Local residents call them the “soulless,” treating them like untouchable spirits from the underworld. Shot in the northern city of Cap-Haitian over a period of two years, Strange Things is a powerful documentary that follows the evolution of three young street boys who all too soon will be adults. Through their eyes, we come to understand Haiti’s current state of crisis and the reasons behind its abandoned youth problem, and are left inspired by the strength and courage of these young boys who do what it takes to survive.

www.strangethingsmovie.com

Gestuz - Danish

Gestuz, Danish brand, just hit and coats are selling out at $269 and $299. Come get before they're gone. Gestuz has great modern silhouettes.

Heavy Machine: Korea

Heavy Machine, a new line of shoes by Korean designer Michelle Wu, has basically accomplished architectural feats. Her shoes are so unique and flattering that most people's reaction are "stop it right now." They are like a shoe lover's dream especially at under $300 a pair. So by stop- we mean keep going.

Babel Fair: Store Pictures

Store pictures

Black Friday - Nov 27th is Haggle Day!

See who's bargaining skills are better on Black Friday...

Zibba - Brazilian Bags

We have been getting so much attention for the new Zibba bags that we just received. A Brazilian company, Zibba makes a line of bags that are fantastic quality leather and just won the award for Independent Handbag Designer. Get them before Bloomingdales does.

Maurie and Eve - Australia

Maurie and Eve, cool/edgy line from Australia has just hit the U.S. for the first time after reaching cult-favorite status down under. The line is like nothing we have seen before - hippy/punk chic? And the silhouettes are fantastically sexy. Sold exclusively at Babel Fair this Fall/Winter.

http://www.maurieandeve.com/home.cfm

Eblis Hungi - China

Drowned by a sea of counterfeit items, we forget that China itself has great designers and emerging talent. One of the most popular streetwear brands right now is Eblis Hungi. Chinese designer Homin from Shanghai has developed a unisex line usually showcasing his signature mummy logo. We've managed to get our hands on a few of his bags for this Fall.

Music: Festival au Desert in Mali

If you're tired of Coachella... and want to fly to Mali we've found a great alternative. Festival au Desert has emerged from a traditional annual meeting held by regional nomads. The annual meeting slowly gained international interest and has morphed into a full blown music festival (local and international musicians) and cultural event. It's set against the backdrop of beautiful Mali and includes "Desert Night Dancing" on the schedule every night. Buy a ticket now for January. I mean what other festival has continuous camel shows?

http://www.festival-au-desert.org/

Travel Tip: Cobblestay.com

Okay so staying in a hotel is a gamble. Sometimes you get the separate shampoo and conditioner. Sometimes you get the 2 for 1. It's just a part of traveling. That's why I'm a big fan of renting apartments. I don't mean picking up keys on a street corner from a guy on Craiglist. I mean legit style. Cobblestay has gorgeous apartments in Paris that are stylish and affordable. They range from $100-$300 a night. With a kitchen and multiple bedrooms you'll feel right at home. That's right - just relaxing in your apartment in Paris.

www.cobblestay.com

Es N Yaa - Ghana

Es N Yaa just made traveling even more enjoyable. We love their large printed totes that are handmade in Ghana. Es N Yaa supports fair trade and their products are eco-friendly (can't beat that). The bags are fantastic for weekend trips and as an airplane carry on. "Wow look at that!" a man said to me with a Texan drawl when I carried mine in Dallas airport. You'll feel pretty exotic.

www.esnyaa.com
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

As Know As - Japan

As Know As is one of our favorite brands from Japan. It is quintessentially Japanese with voluminous dresses and draped silhouettes. But surprisingly a stand out piece from the collection comes from the jewelry line. These large ear cuffs worn around only one ear are gorgeous statement pieces. A little daring for American girls but nothing new on the streets of Tokyo.

Sold at Babel Fair Winter 09

Alessa - Brazil

Alessandra Migani, Brazilian designer of her self-named line Alessa, has gained international attention with her quirky off beat unique prints. She has been described as a conceptual artist over a fashion designer to which, she responds positively. “The image of the brand is wearable art not commercial or plain. It is a story telling collection,” the quadrilingual designer states. Alessa’s last collection focused on gastronomy featuring related prints she created. One such print illustrated mouths she cut out of magazines, while another was created from photographs of colored glasses (pictured left). She constantly finds inspiration from everyday life. We sit in her bright pink house that serves as both her showroom and her home in the Ipanema section of her hometown Rio De Janeiro. She often uses her hometown as a backdrop staging fashion shows on top of Sugar Loaf mountain, in her own house, or even at the car repair garage her parents once owned. Alessa states that her clothes are “very Brazilian.” But her prints and oversized dresses seem very different from the scantily clad Brazilians we have observed so we ask her to clarify. She describes the Brazilian mentality saying her clothes are informal and emerge from humor and creativity. “So to what or to whom would you compare Alessa to?” we ask. After a pause she replies with a smile, “Carnival!”

www.alessa.com.br
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

France: Happy Therapy Perfume?

Okay so how do you take perfume to the next level? Of course it is the French who have found out. Smiley, developed in France and not sold in the U.S. until now, is described as a "happy therapy." Smiley claims to contain "micro nutrients to activate happiness." The medicinal anti-perfume bottle was designed by acclaimed designer, Ito Morabito. When sprayed it starts off with a citrus scent and fades into a spicy musk. Whatever it's supposed to do, we are obsessed. Smiley grows on you. We're not sure if it's happiness or love.

www.happytherapy.com
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

Korea: Jacey Chae Bags

Jacey Chae, a Korean designer, creates bags inspired by everyday objects. Her most recent collection was influenced by - who would guess it - men's apparel. The two seemingly opposing elements actually work quite well and Jacey Chae has been featured regularly in Asian Vogue and on Korean celebrities. Chae uses suit and trench coat details on her bags. There's something compelling about carrying a well-dressed man around town.

www.jaceychae.com
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

Tokyo Flash: Time to Read

The Japanese can make even something as mundane as reading a watch cool. Tokyo Flash is a watch line out of Japan focused on sleek designs and creative time displays. The watches range from using binary code (yes, binary code) to a series of flashing lights to display what time it is. These unisex watches have a Star Trek techie feel and are made of light weight titanium. Sport one this fall and get the Lady Gaga in you going.


http://www.tokyoflash.com/en/
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

Brazilian Shakespeare

New Brazilian brand Giulietta has a website that captures every little girl’s fantasy. I dare you to go on it and try not to turn instantly idealistic and well… happy. In an interview with Babel Fair, designers Priscila Barlehos and Rosa Duarte describe Giulietta as inspired by “modern romance” and Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” They are self-proclaimed romantics and find inspiration everywhere – except other brands. Barlehos and Duarte are quick to point out the uniqueness of their brand and their insistence on individuality. The flower sequin dress made by hand takes ten days to make by several people, a dedication rarely seen these days in the world of fast fashion. Both designers have had extensive experience with big Brazilian labels before launching their own dream. Being Brazilian has had an impact on their work they state noting the light colors and feel of the clothes. “Very carioca” Barlehos says. Carioca is a word to describe a native from Rio De Janeiro. Focused on soft pastels with gold touches, Giulietta for sure will bring a little bit of the romantic carioca feeling to the world.

www.giulietta.com.br/
Sold at Babel Fair this Fall 09

Babel Fair Blog

Our focus on international brands and designers combine two of our loves: fashion and travel. How many times have you been excited to find new designers or brands in another country? Yes there are the must-see sites and the restaurants - but there is something about the thrill of finding rare fashions to bring home and a secret joy in announcing that your leather sandals are from Greece. Or your bag is from Rome. Continue to check out our blog for trends from around the world.