Karl Lagerfeld has Lady Amanda Harlech; John Galliano has Eva Green; Marc Jacobs has Victoria Beckham. Quail designer Michelle Nguyen's muses, however, are of a far less daunting variety—they're her college roommates, her weekend brunch buddies, the girls in her label's design studio.

Although it's as refined as any high-end designer collection, Quail is made for the girl who can't fathom blowing two months' rent on a little black dress. "I've made the line as affordable as I can— that way, a girl can splurge on a really nice handbag or shoes, and then wear Quail to have a polished look without breaking the bank," says the 25-year-old designer. "The reality is that most girls in my generation aren't insanely wealthy, and this idea really speaks to them."

Although this may sound like the philosophy of someone with a well-thought out master plan, Nguyen never considered a career in fashion until a few years ago. It was during an internship at hip Orange County boutique The Closet that the communications student first realized her own talent. "When I was in college, I used to buy up dorky, poorly fitting garments and reconstruct them. My supervisors always encouraged me to start my own line and promised that if I made a few pieces, they'd carry them in the store." She took them up on their offer, and after a massively well-received debut, launched Quail in Spring 2007.

Nguyen's latest collection perfectly embodies her personal design aesthetic, seamlessly mixing refinement and grunge with a distinctly SoCal twist. Feminine high-waisted skirts are balanced out with slouchy tees, while pops of optimistic lime, melon and mint are given substance with graphic black and gray detailing. It's a dichotomy that's sure to resonate with every woman—and we have a feeling that even Eva and Posh would approve.

Quail is available at Catbird, 390 Metropolitan Avenue, (718) 388-7688. For more information, see www.qisforquail.com.

- Erin Magner

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