Tomas Overtoom has always loved the nightlife. A well-known DJ and events coordinator, the Dutch-born designer has always had a knack for dressing the part—defying the pitfalls of "smart casual" without ever looking overdressed. With such personal and professional taste, it's no surprise that Overtoom has combined his various interests to form a new line of menswear.
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Kokon to Zai founder Robert Risteski is helping to bring underground fashion to Amsterdam with Destinationshop. Working with independent fashion labels to create a monthly fashion installation, Risteski has built a place for people to spend time, try on new labels and discover inspiring new trends.
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Julia Menthel is an enigmatic German jewelry designer with a bright future ahead. Her collection skillfully mixes old world elegance with a hipster twist, creating jewelry that defies categorization.

Like many of her contemporaries, Menthel came to jewelry by way of fashion, having initially studied design in Florence, New York and London. She later designed accessories exclusively for Anne Klein and eventually became a jewelry consultant for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, before moving back to her native Berlin to create her first solo jewelry line.
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Prova's skinny fringed scarf was inspired by the beautiful beading and craftsmanship seen in Native American clothes and accessories. This stunning detail work gives the piece a dual purpose: it serves as both a scarf and an interesting neck piece. Buy it for $339 at www.kirnazabete.com.

In 2008 we traveled to the most countries than in our seven year history. We started off January in Brazil to attend Fashion Rio and ended the year back in Brazil at Claro Rio. (If there was any doubt to Brazil's emerging status, its rise got full certification in 2008). Other highlights included a trip Down Under in April to attend Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (a fabulously organized event that's staking a claim on the global fashion calendar), a number of swoon-worthy parties in Paris, London and Los Angeles as well as our own blowout event in New York back in May.  read more »

In the wake of California's controversial move to pass Proposition 8 (which strips the right of same-sex couples to marry) and in light of the major Hollywood motion picture depicting the life and death of politician Harvey Milk (California's first openly gay public servant), citizens of the US have found themselves in the middle of a new culture clash. Fueled by the fire of injustice and determined to expand the breadth of universal civil and human rights, people everywhere have chosen to act by raising awareness about the queer community.

Amid this clamor, a group of independent gay arts magazines have gained momentum. As recently noted in New York magazine's article on their success, these flourishing publications champion the histories, art, culture and rights of the gay community. Unabashedly honest publications are forging the path of exploration, portraying the realities of these "counter" culture communities, while producing poignant and powerful work.

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Chicks On Speed first attracted Karl Lagerfeld's attention with their Girl Power attitude, pounding electro and savvy fashion. But the girl's latest single, "Super Surfer Girl," sees the singing stylistas moving in a new direction.



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Every good fashionista understands the pluralism of unique vs useful accessories, but Jil Sander's hot and hefty Show Bag Mix Up combines both. The oversized 19" x 17" bag evokes a sleek, vintage vibe with its light gray canvas, bright leather accents and extra pockets, making this an eye-catching carry-all fit for any occasion. Buy it for £755 at www.oki-ni.com.

It was a monumental year for us. We began publishing daily, reported on some of the most discussed issues in our seven year history and travelled to more than 15 countries in doing so. It's a thrill to travel and we get excited for every event, but, frankly, some resonate more than others. Here's a look at our top five moments of 2008.

New Home for JC Report  read more »

As a rule, we live on the road to bring you firsthand news from across the globe. Some places we found more influential than others and below we present our shortlist of cities that rocked us in 2008.

Los Angeles  read more »