OMG

the NY Post's Page Six rumors that MTV is discussing a revival of the 90's hit show House of Style.

The gig that put Cindy Crawford on the map is said to feature Leo Dicaprio's GF Bar Rafaeli and degisner darling Chanel Iman as hosts.

WORK IT! It's about time they brought good programs back to MTV. Now if only they'd resign Downtown Julie Brown...

For the page six post: http://www.nypost.com/seven/01302009/gossip/pagesix/style_reborn_152684.htm

OMG

In an article discussing preparations to sell Yves Saint Laurent's art collection, his life partner Pierre Berge revealed to the London Telegraph that the designer struggled with depression.

“Designing made him deeply miserable,” Berge, cofounder of the label, told the Telegraph. “Sadly, Yves was not built for joy. He was an unhappy person who didn’t have a taste for life. Occasionally, he was happy, but life was difficult for him. The depression ran deep.”

Even after his death last June, Yves Saint Laurent's designs continue to be some of the most celebrated in the industry, and this new information reveals even more depth to his creations. Perhaps his melancholy is translated through his constant use of black, or the hint of macabre that always accompanied his innovative hemlines and nods to old-hollywood glamour. A designers personal point of view almost always translates to his public collections. Berge's revelation certainly sheds light on that special quality we all recognized, yet could not explain, about YSL. Whatever the case, we continue to celebrate his designs and hope he is now resting in peace.

for the article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/4389152/Why-Yves-Saint-Laurent-was-never-happy.html

You Better Work

We've been expecting a Kanye West clothing line ever since he resurrected the Louis Vuitton backpack from its resting place in the late 90's, but we've never been so pleasantly surprised by a celeb-designer collaboration.

Considering he's been a such a huge fan that he named himself the Louis Vuitton don, Kanye's partnership is a dream come true. He designed five sneaker styles for the French House and one, cherry red with smooth lines and clean detail, made it to the runway. Mr. West told NY Time's T magazine that the raised back was inspired by a jacket in the movie Dune. We're thinking the entire look is very Disco meets Dorothy, something you'd see on the dancers in Madonna's Sticky Sweet tour. We don't just like it, we LOVE it. Now we know where we'll be spending our Obama Stimulus Check!!

Congrats Kanye, you WORKED it!

for the T magazine article: http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/
mens-fashion-kanye-wests-vuitton-kicks/?ex=1248584400&en=493adeac09cfc8ae&ei=
5087&WT.mc_id=TM-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M079-ROS-0109-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click

OMG

Not since the Harry Winston Jewelry Robbery has our WWD Email Alert been such a jaw-dropper.

Granted, its more typical to hear of a mag or shop closing these days than not, but when WWD reported the closing of its home decor guide Domino, we were truly astonished.

In some circles this publication is coveted more than Elle Decor for its DIY tips and budget friendly recommendations. They also designed and featured products with a younger, fresh perspective that was thoroughly enjoyed and copied.

Thankfully their clotheshorse counterpart LUCKY is still around. still, we'll be sad to see it go.

for more info: http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=6626081

You Better Work

"She has already eclipsed Carla Bruni, the super-model chanteuse and wife of Nicolas Sarkozy, the hyperactive French president. Not since Diana, Princess of Wales, has there been such a glamorous role model at the apex of society," comments Sarah Baxter of the UK Sunday Times.

We'd say she's made the greatest statement by staying out of Andre Leon Tally's Louis Vuitton clutch...so far, that is.

Her outfits for the Inaugurational Ceremonies were about as disappointing as they were highly anticipated. They lacked refinement in detail, and more importantly they failed to present a unique point of view. At best she looked like Jackie-O, the Target version. Her lemon Isabel Toledo ensemble was an interesting color choice, but then she accessorized using lime green gloves and teal pumps. The complete look was not so ironic or smart as it was trite, the way one might style a little girl playing grown-up in an episode of Gossip Girl. Her Narciso Rodriguez combination from the previous day was more sophisticated, but still just a little too safe to deserve comment. We won't even get started with the Jason Wu.

That said, one thing is clear: she did not use a stylist. If this was deliberate, then its the boldest and most necessary message she could have sent. America hasn't welcomed a fashion icon this warmly since Carrie Bradshaw. If she were eager to fill those shoes, we would have seen her marching up to the white house in Manolo Blahnik. Instead she chooses to show America how to dress appropriately on a budget. Buy your kids JCrew and skip on the 500 dollar shoes.

Ok fine, well go there: We hated the Jason Wu, Michelle, but we love that you're just like us.

Surely she'll be in a fabulous Vogue shoot soon. When she does we hope she works it in H&M.

for the article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5581109.ece

You Better Work

Italian hair guru Giannandrea, who is responsible for Drew Barrymores marshmallow puff at the Golden Globes this year, refuses to apologize for the creation.

Giannandrea told WWD that he drew inspiration from Marylin Monroe, but we (and almost every credible fashion critic out there) think the look was a little more 80's Dallas than Old Hollywood.

"People say sometimes less is more, but to me less is less... The idea is always to do something that really stands out," he said.

If that was the intention, he certainly accomplished it. Bobble-heads in powder blue gowns are hard to ignore.

We certainly respect Giannandrea for defending his work, yet he acts as if this bigger-better philosophy is part of some Italian doctrine we fall short of in the American concept of style. Our favorite Italian Designers are no doubt imaginative, and partial to grandeur. John Galliano and Cavalli produce some of the most colorful and inventive collections every year. But when it comes to beauty, we've always found the most world-renowned Italian stylists to be acclaimed for their traditionalism and their expertise with perfecting the classic. After all, no one looks better than an Italian woman in red lipstick, or silky black, goddess-like ringlets. In fact, after a top Italian stylist chased us out of a super-exclusive Rome salon simply because we'd dyed our hair, we swore off experimental cuts and color forever.

That said, next time Giannandrea wants to make a statement he should channel Monica Bellucci and not Dolly Parton. We already have enough playboy blondes over here.

for the original article: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-blogs/hollywood_hair-09-01

Up and Coming

It's not unusual to find funky silhouettes from Nicholas Ghesquiere or Yohji Yamamoto. Only when these new shapes and bolder structures are seen translated by less adventurous designers does it become apparent we are witnessing the birth of a trend.

Balenciaga's unforgettable Spring 08 campaign started it all. The collection featured armor-like styles that forecasted an antithesis to Herve Leger and other body-hugger trend aficionados ruling the runways at the time. Ghesquiere's silhouette was created by the structure, the stiffness of the garment itself and not the other way around. Instead of showcasing what our mama's gave us, Balenciaga opted to encase it in a cocoon of exclusive print and experimental design.

In Spring 09, this type of forward-thinking takes form as a hoop skirt. Designers have always found success with styles that cinch the waist, and this season are taking the concept a step further, using materials that create a definitive shape rather than adding pleats, darts, or fabrics that simply float away. Yet, they are doing it in a more accessible, consumer-friendly way than Balenciaga did last season. Luella Bartley beckon's late 50's/early 60's color palate and layering traditions to make the statement, while Balmain simplified their version using black-on-black to complement their signature touch of rhinestone beading at the waist.

It's nice to see new silhouettes take shape in the fashion world. We've suffered through enough oversized smocks to warrant a need for spandex dresses and these extremes--though highly inventive--have never fully kept up with the changing nature of the feminine silhouette the way a hoop skirt can. Perhaps because of its unwavering structure, it never strays from what is most desired across the board: curves, a tiny waist, proportional shoulder width.


We always look back at fashions of the past with a hint of admiration, and thanks to the hoop skirt we're coming full circle. Once you eliminate the controversy of corsets, theres no doubt it's amazing what a little wiring can do.

for more photos and info: http://www.style.com/stylefile/2009/01/hooping-it-up-for-spring/

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We are so excited! The September Issue, a documentary following Anna Wintour and friends throughout the production of their 2007 fall fashion issue --the largest magazine ever printed--will debut tomorrow at the sundance film festival.

The documentary, produced by RJ Cutler of War Room, is a compilation of 300 hours of footage and featuring famous faces like Andre Leon Tally, Karl Lagerfeld and Grace Coddington (we're crossing our fingers for a Bee Shaffer cameo!). Cutler told the Wall Street Journal that Ms. Wintour, notorious for her tight-lipped demeanor, opens her doors just a crack, but enough to provide a raw glimpse and squash the rumors about her that have shadowed her career since the beginning.

Once this premieres we can finally put away our Louis Vuitton documentary dvd. Move over Marc Jacobs, there's a structured bob in a Chanel suit taking over the spotlight...though was it ever really on anyone else?

for the WSJ article: http://blogs.wsj.com/runway/2009/01/15/vogue-documentary-the-september-issue-seeks-to-capture-glamour-toil/

You Better Work

Don't get us wrong. We love Katie Holmes. We loved her in Go and Wonder Boys, but we're thinking she should limit her career to feature films and TV teen dramas.

She does deserve credit for trading in her pouty teen persona for Tom Cruise and international celebrity. There has yet to be a wedding more fabulous than hers and Tom's, or a bride more stunning than she was, in one-of-a-kind Armani lace. And that paparazzi shot of Katie and Suri playing in central park is in fact responsible for this season's boyfriend jean trend. Yet we're not sure whether or not designer doting and temporary trendsetting is enough to progress into a couture modeling career.

Her new Miu Miu campaign seems an effort to launch her into the fashion icon realm, but we were honestly more impressed with Kirsten Dunst's spread last season, and that's not saying much. The entire shot looks like it was produced for PF Chang's or Virgin Atlantic rather than a cutting edge design house. Katie just fails to project enough attitude to carry this photo into an artistic realm. We're looking at second-rate Victoria Beckham in this picture when we should be marveling at a fabulous dress. Granted, it may not completely be her fault. The collection may require a face with more creative edge to make it stand out, someone like Agness Deyn.

Katie should stick to what she knows best, hit up a sale at Barney's or feed Suri organic apple juice and Teddy Grahams. She does jet-setting mom as well as she did Joey Potter, and we love her for it.

Work it Katie, just not in an international campaign.

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WWD is reporting that the tax office for Lazio, Italy has issued a 33 milllion Euro fine to fashion label Valentino, including mr. Valentino Garavani himself along with business partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

The tax office speculates that "the retired couturier and Giammetti avoided declaring their revenues in Italy by moving their residence outside the country, while keeping their businesses here," according to WWD's report.

But we highly doubt Valentino is attempting a Bernard Madoff. the partners behind the design company claim they moved their residence over 10 years ago. Considering the casual pace at which Italian business is conducted, its more likely it took the tax office that long to notice they'd changed locations.

Still, the issue, and sadly the declining state of Italy's economy, is no joke. We hope the entire thing gets wrapped up in a bow bag soon.

more info: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/valentino-giammetti-cited-in-tax-probe-1922370?src=rss/fashion/20090114

You Better Work

And the award goes to...

Kate Beckinsale for best dressed on the 2009 Golden Globe's red carpet. Her look was a perfectly executed combination of this seasons trends in eveningwear, with teardrop earrings and intricate pleats complementing a to-die-for mermaid silhouette. (we doubt anyone else could pull off this dress without an amazing figure, especially since we saw Eva Longoria try). Its always refreshing when every element of an ensemble works together, nothing standing out more than the rest. Kudos to her stylist, and work it Kate!

You Better Work

OBAMA-LEIBOWITZ 2009...

Acclaimed and Accomplished Vanity Fair photographer Annie Leibowitz arrived at the Hay-Adams hotel this morning, and it wasnt for the continental breakfast.

Barack Obama is a guest at the hotel, and where there are cultural icons in the making, you'll find Ms. Leibowitz and her camera.

Obama's Person of the Year cover for Time Magazine sold 5 times their newsstand average, 575,000 copies, as reports politico.com. A collaboration with Ms. Leibowitz is sure to surpass that statistic for the publication of choice.

Look out for the spread, most likely in Vanity Fair though it has not been announced. And work it Obama!

for more info: http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/

Up and Coming

Over 50 designers will be showing at Bryant Park for the spring '09 collections, as reports Fashion Week Daily. Newcomers include Adam by Adam Lippes, Monarchy and William Rast.

While we are fans of RTW companies of this calibur popping up in our favorite boutiques, will such a large influx of contemporary brands at this years tents downgrade New York fashion week's role as a trend forecaster?

Monarchy has long been a brand more closely associated with Ed Hardy than Michael Kors, and William Rast, while slightly more upscale, has no more clout than Rag and Bone. These seem like legitimate American brands more suitable for the runways in Los Angeles.

At this poignant time, we should be representing America's power in the fashion industry by showcasing our top talent, such as Zac Posen, Yigal Azrouel, and Ralph Lauren, or is it that these big leaguers have moved on to better playing fields? If we only have the power to book secondary designers, then our future as a fashion mecca may just be ove before Michelle Obama even gets to pick a dress.

To view the fashion week daily article:
http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=6624925

Up and Coming

As a result of our declining economy, designer bargains and major markdowns are running more rampant through manhattan than pinkberry storefront openings, but they come with a high risk. Given the long lines and crowds of fashionistas hovering over the sale racks, it seems more likely you'll get a black eye than a bargain.

Thankfully, the demise of department store has opened the door for new, sophisticated shopping events that showcase up-and coming designers. We recently attended a jewelry trunk show for Mara Scalise, whose designs combine gold with leather and precious stones and are inspired by the Argentinian natural landscape. At the party, Held in the back of a boutique-y hair salon on Houston street, we sipped wine with friends, traded stories on failed relationships and recent outings, all the while selecting a personal engraving for our new 14k surfboard pendant. Actor Leiv Schreiber stopped by with his baby son to pick out christmas gifts for wife Naomi Watts and we didnt even notice.

This seems to be the new way to go. Free fashion events are popping up all over the city, and the discounts are just as prevalent. New designers are more willing to sell new pieces at a markdown to generate exposure. Who knew that finding a deal would be no big deal at all.

Buy Mara's Jewelry: www.mcsjewelryny.com

You Better Work

Galliano's Good Knight

If Christian Dior is the king of french fashion houses, then Galliano certainly deserves the merit he's about to receive. France has elected the fabulous creative director and designer to receive the prestigious Legion of Honor award, established by Napoleon in 1892.

Galliano joins colleagues like Sonia Rykiel and Yves Saint Laurent in this elite society, though he'll certainly be the most avant garde member yet. Here's hoping the honor will inspire a versaille-themed collection next season.

Congrats to Galliano...Work it!

for more information: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/090105-john-galliano-honoured-.aspx