Apparel Search presents its first annual Top Five Fashion List for 2008.

Top Fashion Designers 2008

Top Fashion Brands 2008

Top Fashion Retailers 2008

Fashion Designers

Ralph Lauren - Elegant. Tasteful. Timeless. From apparel and accessories to home décor, every item this American designer fashions is the epitome of style.

Ralph Rucci - This designer's clothing collection truly belongs in an art gallery. Rucci's exquisite pieces reflect superior craftmanship and a keen attention to detail. What makes Rucci's designs so artistic is outstanding design and form coupled with a focus on unique fabrics and sumptuous textures.

Yigal Azrouel - Azrouel's effortless looks are relatively simple, but the styles come alive through jolts of color and interesting fabric details.

Michael Kors - Tailored and timeless, Kors' American sportswear collection offers a refreshing sense of effortless, easy style.

Kenneth Cole - This New York designer is known for his sleek, sexy, simple designs that have just enough detail to make a real fashion statement.

Fashion Brands

Ralph Lauren - Again, every item in Ralph's collection draws us into his idealistic world, one of impeccable taste and traditional style.  Regardless of the item, a wallet, handbag, or sunglasses, if it has Ralph's name on it, chances are we love it.  

Calvin Klein - Calvin Klein's well tailored minimalist designs offer a respite from the excess and bling that dominated society within the last few years.

Patrizia Pepe - An old favorite, from pencil skirts to dresses, this Italian label offers basics, as well as interesting, designer driven pieces.

BCBG Maxazria - Femininity is in full swing in this sophisticated collection with a European flair.

Furla - The handbag has certainly been a hot category within the last few years. There's been too much of an emphasis on Coach and Louis Vuitton, but not enough of Furla, an Italian brand that offers timeless style and luxury.

Fashion Retailers

Garmany - This unique Red Bank, NJ-based retailer offers some of the best names in fashion—from Armani to Gucci and St. John. Service is of paramount importance at Garmany, which offers a concierge service, private shopping consultations, a children's theater, and separate coffee and refreshment bars for men and women.

Ralph Lauren - By now I guess you get the picture.  Ralph Lauren is truly an Apparel Search favorite this year. When shopping for his classic American looks, fashionistas can also enjoy a stylish retail atmosphere that draws us deeper into the charm and grace of Ralph's elegant world.

Mango - Apparel Search fell in love with the trendy and affordable retailer Mango many years ago while on a trip to Amsterdam. With every trip to Europe, we were sure to scout out the nearest Mango shop. Luckily New York City recently opened its first Mango shop downtown. Considering the cost of an airline ticket and the weak dollar, we are glad we can now shop Mango in our own backyard.

H&M - Apparel Search simply could not omit this Swedish-based retailer, which was among the first to lead the movement to cutting edge trends at affordable prices. The guest designer partnership model that H&M employs creates quite a buzz in the fashion industry and keeps consumers wondering who will be the next high profile designer to partner with H&M to bring us chic looks/fast fashion for less.

Zara - This is another European-based retail chain that offers the latest trends at affordable prices. Rather than focusing on the basics, Zara's style savvy collection offers a twist with simple shapes embellished with a subtle European sense of style.