In the latest of many moves to stream fashion shows online this season, photographer Nick Knight has announced that he is collaborating with designers Alexander Wang and Rodarte by digitally presenting their collections on his website, SHOWstudio.com next week. Alexander Wang’s show will be presented on February 13th at 5:00 PM EST and Rodarte on February 16th at 12:00 PM EST.

Wang and Rodarte’s shows are two of the most exclusive during New York Fashion Week and entry is granted to only a select few. But this year, both the fashion shows will be streamed live on SHOWstudio.com and viewable after the presentations, continuing an increasing trend which sees more and more designers digitally capturing their fashion shows and presenting them either live online, or as film vignettes. Recently, even established fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Armani announced plans to stream their shows online, opening up both criticism from fashion show purists and kudos from mainstream media and bloggers. What do YOU think about the move online? Does it take away from the excitement of the shows, or does it help the brand build buzz? And how will it affect potential buyers? After all, the painstaking details that go into a garment might not be visible from a computer screen. Will it affect the public’s perception of the collection? Let us know what you think in the comment section below…

A friend of ours heard we were having a busy couple of weeks preparing the new issue and stopped by with a basket of goodies from UK-based accessories company, Keep Calm and Carry On. The company takes its name from a propaganda campaign launched by the British government in 1939, to prepare citizens for the onset of war with Germany. The simple but effective poster created for the campaign featured only the words “Keep Calm and Carry On” and the crown of King George VI, symbolizing the monarch’s commitment to protecting his country. While a few posters were plastered around London, the Ministry of Information decided against the campaign shortly after it launched. It was relatively unknown until a copy of the poster turned up some 50 years later in a pile of old books bought at an auction.

Now, the company is hoping to capitalize on both British patriotism and the campaign’s globally-applicable message with a reproduction of the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster produced by the Ministry of Information. It has been screen-printed by hand on high quality, heavy duty paper with a matte finish. Other items stamped with the crown logo and slogan include notebooks, mugs, T-shirts and even boxed chocolates. A little bit of overkill? Perhaps. But who are we to beat down a good idea? We’ll just enjoy the products, take the company’s slogan to heart and carry on… To find out more about the company, its history and its line of products, go to www.keepcalmandcarryon.com. Select items ship internationally.

- TC

What does one do after having seemingly perfected the art of the iconic basic blue denim jean? Well the answer is simple, according to Acne: you foray into furniture.

The Stockholm-based label unveiled its debut line of plush chairs and sofas this past Monday in Paris, in conjunction with Haute Couture Fashion Week. Inspired by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten and executed by Acne head designer Jonny Johansson, the pieces play off a traditional Scandinavian minimalism, with soft pastel colors and clean, smooth, rounded edges. But the furniture is given a modern Acne “twist,” with the company playing around with shape and proportion and even upholstering some of the chairs in the brand’s signature, hand-treated denim. The delight is in the details: shorter chair legs, curved backs, deep recesses in the seats… all subtle but powerful ideas for pieces we’ve seen done over and over before.

The move to furniture design isn’t a complete surprise. The company has already designed children’s toys, home accessories and even a successful bi-annual magazine. And Johansson actually got his start designing furniture, before he made the transition to clothing. Now he’s hoping to prove that loveseats and living room chairs can be just as inspired — and fashionable. The new line of Acne furniture can be ordered online. Pieces will be produced in limited qualities and the prices reflect that, ranging from €4,000 to €15,000.

- TC

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy gift to surprise someone with this Valentine’s Day, this probably isn’t what you had in mind.. The good people at Happy Socks have started a new service available through its website for people to order socks for their loved ones, to be delivered along with a personalized note. Instead of getting twelve red roses delivered this year, the folks at Happy Socks have come up with a slightly more comfortable alternative; why not send a dozen red socks instead?

The socks are all made from a high quality, combed cotton, which prevents them from stretching and pilling, and each toe is hand-stitched to ensure a snug fit. And the Stockholm-based company is famous for its colorful assortment of stripes, patterns and polka dots… ensuring that there really is something for everyone. Traditional? Not exactly. Unique? Most definitely. A romantic gift to be appreciated? Well, here’s hoping the happy socks get your Valentine’s Day started on the right foot…

- TC

If you missed the “Hope for Haiti” telethon in the U.S. and the “Canada for Haiti” telethon in Canada last night, check out two of our favorite performances below. The numbers you see on the screen will continue to be active to take your donations, even as the telethon is over. In the U.S. call 1-877-99-HAITI or visit hopeforhaitinow.org. In Canada, the number to call is 1-877-51-HAITI or visit canadaforhaiti.com. Donations will be split between a number of charitable and relief organizations, including the Red Cross, Unicef and Oxfam America. So listen to the songs below, read up on the needs of Haiti and then call or click on the links to donate what you can…

“Lean on Me” – Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Keith Urban

“Wavin’ Flag” – K’Naan