Rodarte’s Muse…

Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte are following in the footsteps of top designers like Vera Wang, Isaac Mizrahi, and Alexander McQueen. Their collaboration with Target launches in stores nationwide and on Target.com December 20th. And not a moment to soon for all those last minute Christmas shoppers with a fashionista to buy for.

For a little something different, the Rodarte sisters used the feisty (and petite!) 13-year-old fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson as their muse for the collection. “Tavi defines Rodarte for Target,” the sisters said. “She’s curious and discerning.” And can you blame them? Looking that fashionable at 13 is an inspiration in itself.

Not sure I quite have the flair of little Tavi, (or her hot off the spring runway custom-sized Rodarte tights), but I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on that little gold dress. It’s OK to buy a little present for yourself too, right?

Slip dress, $40; Lace halter dress, $45.

When Sales And Celebrity Come Before Standards

This is what happens:

Emanuel Ungaro CEO Mounir Moufarrige made a “shocking” decision this fall (even by his standards), in appointing famous wild-child Lindsay Lohan to Artistic Advisor. And now he’s made another: That Lohan will indeed stay on with Ungaro, as “she has a job to do.” Lohan made her big debut in Paris for the Fashion House’s Spring 2010 collection alongside head designer Etrella Archs… and a big debut she made. Blazers with heart-shaped pasties, bandeau’s with glittery hearts resembling a stripper’s uniform, and second-skin leggings in true L.Lo style showered the runway. Needless to say, the audience responded with “polite applause” before racing to the nearest exit.

GUIBBAUD CHRISTOPHE/ABACA

On the other hand, if all Ungaro Execs were looking for out of the deal was a paparazzi frenzy and good sales, they got what they asked for. Moufarrige is notorious for being impatient with his designers and utilizing controversy to increase brand awareness. (He caused a huge shake-up in 1997 when he replaced head Chloe designer Karl Lagerfeld with the then 25-year-old Stella McCartney.) When asked about the harsh criticism the line received, Moufarrige told Reuters, “I am sure we can do better in the collection to be honest, but I think it was harsh … But it did sell well.”

It may have sold all right in the end despite criticisms, but what about a little thing called pride?? Ungaro no longer has a clear style aesthetic or strong following since the “man of the house” himself, Emanuel Ungaro sold the brand in 2005.  And if the critics are anything to go by, it is indeed a safe assessment that Lindsay Lohan’s name alone made sales what they are for Spring 2010. Because it certainly  wasn’t the clothes.

Though this hardly comes as a surprise, it has recently become public knowledge that Mr. Ungaro is disgusted with the direction his former Paris House is headed. According to reports, Ungaro recently told an audience that the house was “well on its way to “losing its soul.” He also called Lohan and Archs’ collection a “disaster,” and added, “I’m furious but there isn’t a thing I can do.”

And Emanuel Ungaro isn’t the only one angered by the acquisition. Former creative designer Esteban Cortazar stepped down due to reported disagreements over Moufarrige’s “advertising strategy.” It has also been rumored Cortazar’s refusal to work alongside Lohan played a huge role in the bringing in of Estrella Archs as his replacement.

If money and publicity are all Ungaro execs are looking for these days, it’s not a good sign of things to come. Disharmony within the house and constant criticisms that are sure to increase with Lohan’s continued involvement can only lead to disaster. It’s a real shame Emanuel Ungaro no longer has a say in creative operations, and as he so brutally put it, “When you give up your house, we’ve also given up our soul.”

2 for 6!

Last month I did a post on six Spring 2010 FW looks I thought could/should appear on a red carpet-gracing starlet. Turns out, a couple celebs (or at least their stylists!) had the same idea. I’ve spotted at least two of the six looks at major film premieres in the past month. So cheers to Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Kristen and Charlize…

Kristen Stewart (left) in Oscar de la Renta

November 16, Hollywood premiere of New Moon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlize Theron (right) in Christian Dior

November 4, Hollywood premiere of The Road

One More Reason To Love CH…

As one of my favorite designers, Carolina Herrera’s trademark is her elegant, feminine pieces right out of a 1940’s film noir. Her shapes never fail to flatter a women’s shape, whether it be hourglass, pear-shaped, or boyish.

And it comes as no surprise that some of the most glamorous A-listers picked this particular curve-enhancing, asymmetrical gray dress from the 2010 resort collection. Renee Zellweger, who is perhaps one of Carolina Herrera’s biggest celebrity fans, wore this back in August while promoting a film. This week, the “Queen of Talk Show” herself, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, wore the same frock when announcing her final show date. Both women have completely different shapes and coloring, yet wear the same dress with a unique beauty. Bravo, Carolina!

‘Lanvin’ In A Different Light

The New York Times style section, T Magazine, recently interviewed Lanvin artistic director Alber Elbaz. For a little under six minutes, a black and white Elbaz talks candidly about his fondness for New York, wrinkles, and how much he would love to see a “Jane Bond.”

Watch it here, along with about 30 other actors, directors, and designers.

A Glimpse Into Red Carpet’s Future…

Ever since I can remember I’ve had a “filtering syndrome” when it comes to fashion. While I appreciate most beautiful, creative, and over the top designs, I may not always find myself wearing said designs when I close my eyes at night. Not everything shown on the catwalks of fashion week is meant to appear in everyone’s closet, but that doesn’t mean art can’t be enjoyed for what it is. After viewing a collection, I always inadvertently categorize based on what I would personally wear (if I could), and what would look much better on someone a bit more fearless. Or taller.

That said, I also have another filter. One where I like to play the role of a celebrity stylist on the hunt for

her  client’s next big red carpet appearance. I enjoy singling out designs that just may be gracing the “Who Wore What” columns of gossip magazines very soon. (Remember I said it here!) Can’t you just see Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman, and Scarlett Johansson being photographed in these already? So, keeping in theme with Spring 2010 FW, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite frocks/ gowns that I would snatch up instantly… (given my client had a hot premiere to attend, of course…)

Marchesa                                                   Isaac Mizrahi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar de la Renta                            Marchesa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Dior                                           Marchesa

Best of LFW: Spring 2010

Even though most of us are pulling sweaters and boots out of storage for the long season ahead, designers and fashion buyers are way ahead of us. Designers just finished showing their Spring 2010 collections in New York, London, and Milan, and Paris. Now, it’s the buyers turn to take what they loved on the runways and translate into mass, workable pieces for fashion lovers everywhere.

Because London is near and dear to my heart, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite shows/looks from LFW that I would LOVE to get my hands on this spring.

Matthew Williamson

No one can deny designers had a lot of fun with these collections. The fashion world is moving out of the economic doldrums in all it’s glory. Flirty feminine shapes, textures, and sparkle was everywhere, and Matthew Williamson was no exception. The runways practically shouted, “Recession over!” to anyone lucky enough to score a ticket (well… hopefully soon anyway.)

Matthew Williamson had a recurring theme of triangles, jewels, bright patterns, and iridescent’s; Playful, stunning, and ladylike with a touch of fearlessness.

Paul Smith

Color, color, (or should I say), Colour! Sir Paul Smith had a distinctly “holiday in the Caribbean sipping piña coladas” feel to his spring/summer collection. Oranges, pinks and yellows were a few of the stops on the colour wheel Paul Smith made to make us want to forget autumn and book a one-way ticket to Barbados.

Burberry Prorsum

According to designer Christopher Bailey, Spring 2010 is “the season of the belt.” And so it was on the runway celebration of all things British.

Bailey used lovely cinched, flowing, and draping fabrics in an array of beautiful pastels. He even updated the classic Burberry trench by adding a belt and gathered shoulders. One thing is for sure, the mini skirt is everywhere for spring. But Burberry uniquely managed to fuse this fashion staple with something out of Swan Lake or Romeo and Juliet.

A little intermission…

Sorry for going MIA for a while… things got a bit hectic with moving back to the east and all. I’ll get back to my “Top 10 Cities” very soon, but for now, just wanted to post a little something that peaked my attention…

While August is coming to an end and we’re all desperately clinging to the last bit of summer,  I’d like to take a moment to jump forward a couple months when the trees turn glorious shades of red and yellow, and the air has that little nip sweater lovers can’t get enough of. 

Leather, velvet, covered dresses, and even tweed are some of the revamps to look out for this fall, and as an avid fashion lover I couldn’t be more excited. However, forgive the tiny rant I’m about to embark on here for a second: I truly love almost (key word being almost!) every era and the fashion that goes along with it. Some of my personal favorites include the beautiful empire waisted gowns of Jane Austen’s prime to the wartime pencil skirt and red lips of the 1940’s.

That being said, there is an “era,” or decade I should say, that I personally feel is better left in the past where it belongs: The 80’s. I was born in the 80’s, I have nothing against the 80’s, in fact I have as much Madonna and MJ on my ipod as the next person. However, there’s just something about the big shoulders paired with over the top ruffles, metallic fabrics, blue eyeshadow and frizzy hair that never cease to make me cringe.  On their own, each of these things can be stunning, but all together can be over the top for anyone not 6′1″ and a size 2. 

Zac Posen is one designer to bring back the 80’s in all it’s glory…  and I hate to admit, but I’m just not feeling it. Give me tweed and lace any day!

2. Los Angeles, U.S.A

LA is often thought of by most Americans as being it’s own country. Tinseltown literally bleeds hollywood glamour, and well, all those delightful scandals we secretly love hearing about. But what about the mere mortals who walk their dogs on Venice Beach or meet friends for a vegan lettuce wrap in Marina Del Ray? Laid back and notoriously shallow, Los Angeles has a completely different vibe than the bustling east coast or anywhere else in the word. (And unlike New Yorkers, people in LA actually wear white!) Like every city, one of the best ways to get a feel for it’s personality is taking in the local fashion culture…

“I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They’re beautiful. Everybody’s plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic.” 

- Andy Warhol

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.A. Staple: Jeans

“Marlon Brando knew it. James Dean knew it. Nothing beats a great pair of jeans.”

                      -L.A. Times January, 2007

Check out The Blues Jean Bar, Santa Monica

  ”The Blues Jean Bar is modeled after a neighborhood pub… to get their hands on the goods, shoppers mosey up to the bar where they can either ‘call’ their brand or rely on the expert advice of the ‘bartender.’”

 

 

 

 

For a trendy boutique complete with celeb sightings, check out Kitson, West Hollywood

 

 

 

 

For tons more shopping ideas, “stargazing,” and places to people watch in Hollywood, take a peek at TimeOut L.A.

1. Roma, Italia

 

“There is the Pope, and there is Valentino. In this city, I don’t know who else is as famous.“

—Walter Veltroni The New Yorker

 

Valentino. Armani. Fendi. Dolce and Gabanna. Just a few of the infamous, Italian fashion powerhouses that will never cease to amaze the big, bad fashion world. From Julia Robert’s winning Oscar gown to David Beckham in his knickers, Italians just do it better. Fashion is as ingrained in this culture of beautiful people as washing down pizza margherita with a glass of Tuscan wine. And in Rome, you can get the real deal from where it all began. Or maybe if you’ve maxed out your credit card on gelato and pasta like me, you can just admire…

 “Fashion is almost a national passion, and to see the latest trends one need only glance around the various piazzas, restaurants and streets…”

 -Iluss.com

Fendi - Via Borgognona
                                                               Armani- Via Condotti             

 

“For Italians, it is not about clothes at all. Italian fashion is actually all about an attitude: an attitude of custom-made, fluid, sophistication.” 

                                                 -lifeinitaly.com

                            

    

     

 

For a great shopping guide of Rome, check out TimeOut Rome.