As spring kicks into full swing, the creative spirit is stirring everywhere. We profile emerging shoe designer Chrissie Morris, who incorporates semi-precious stones and stingray skins into her footwear, and dig into the rich backstory of Virginia-based label Nostalgie. We continue to track fashion developments Down Under with a look at Bassike's casual chic, and we detail an innovative marketing campaign coordinated by luxe Brazilian retailer Daslu. Finally, we chat with Behance founder Scott Belsky about how his site fuels creatives' productivity.

At a certain point, a shoe stops being a shoe and becomes a work of art—like when it's made from stingray and python skins, embedded with semiprecious stones and crystals, and amazes from every angle. By these guidelines, Chrissie Morris' shoes are veritable masterpieces, but the last thing she wants them to be is precious. "I want to create something that's unusual, yet feminine and easy to wear," Morris explains. "My shoes are for women like me, my mother, my sister—strong women with strong personalities, who like beautiful things."... keep reading »

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We profile Nostalgie, an emerging label poised to become a formidable lifestyle brand, below. The 175th respondent to name a label that's designed by a twenty-something designer and has more than just a ready-to-wear collection will win Nostalgie's blue cotton headdress T-shirt and a necklace with an ivory pendant. Total value, $325.

Who wouldn't like being recognized by their favorite retailer? To celebrate its 50th anniversary this spring and show its appreciation, Daslu, São Paulo's top luxury department store, cast each of its 375 most loyal clients on individual covers of the quarterly Daslu magazine... keep reading »

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While many T-shirts are more or less disposable, Bryan Bowie, the founder of the Virginia-based label Nostalgie, makes styles that can handle a bit more mileage. The 24-year-old designer prints his own hand-drawn illustrations onto super-soft tees spun from 3.08-ounce cotton, and last summer they struck a chord amongst the male clients at New York's Odin, where they sold out in a matter of weeks. Having identified a void in the casual luxe category, Nostalgie is now on a brand-building tear... keep reading »

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We can't say enough about a basic white tank, and lately all the great ones seem to be coming from Down Under. The most recent line to pop up on our radar is Bassike, a collection of organic cotton staples created by the twosome of Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan. The line follows in the footsteps of other Aussie designers who have tapped into the market's need for luxury basics, such as Chronicles of Never, Mesop and Ksubi—where, coincidentally enough, the two both used to work... keep reading »

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You might have been unwittingly introduced to Behance when a colleague whipped out one of their nifty "action notebooks," but these cleverly designed pads tailored to maximize creative output are just part of the brand's larger mission, which is all about connecting creatives and making ideas happen.... keep reading »

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What's hot right now: "Number (N)ine - an intriguing store lost in Tribeca, which features a Japanese clothing line. The cuts are very flattering and modern, and the fabrics are amazing. Very wearable but expensive. Also Foundry Theatre..." keep reading »

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Fast Fashion Taking a Bite Out of Luxury
Stylistas are mingling clothes from fast-fashion chains with luxe accessories, reports Forbes.com.

Fashion Deal for Amy Winehouse
Roberto Cavalli has offered troubled soul singer Amy Winehouse a fashion deal, reports The Daily Record.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's Cachet Gives Derided Dior a Boost
By wearing a Dior dress, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy gives the French luxury brand a lift, reports The Times UK.

Beyond Bollywood, Is Indian Fashion Going Global?
India's young fashion industry has global aims, reports the International Herald Tribune.

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