You Better Work

On Sonia Sotomayor...

Because the worlds of fashion and politics lately converge more often than Britney Spears and a Frappuccino, news about Sonia Sotomayor's nomination for supreme court justice of course did not go without scrutiny from the fashion blogger frontlines. Along with discussions about her stance on the abortion issue came fashion-obsessed nitpickers cutting into her ill-hitting hemline, and we wont even get started on her hair. THIS ARTICLE in the Silicon Valley Mercury News even asks who should play Sotomayor in a feature film rather than speculate on the ease of her confirmation into office.

Granted it's an op-ed, but it raises questions on whether or not the focus on the stylings of women political figures has overshadowed the front page. During the campaign and inaugural seasons, Michelle Obama's wardrobe was not just a publicity vehicle, it was a runaway train. Her J Crew Sweaters affirmed a recession conscious platform the way her Alaia dress shed light on the need to emphasize diplomacy and foreign policy. Deliberate statements they were, but does this mean as a result of their effectiveness that every woman in politics must follow suit? Furthermore, if they do not make greater efforts to dress like the top tastemakers, should this open criticism about their political or gubernatorial competency?

We think not. Of course, being able to incorporate fashion into politics can catapult any public figure into a new stratosphere of celebrity, but they are not so dependent that clashing colors or a poorly fitting suit spells a lack of knowledge about world issues. Whether or not Sotomayor will be right for the job is a truth that should manifest in her actions, not her outfit choice. So will she be the right choice for America? we guess if the shoe fits...

OMG

a new article has surfaced to stir the eco-friendly fashion debate:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/31/ethical-living-fashion

it says...

"A 2007 WWF report "Deeper Luxury" gave LVMH a C grade, while Tod's scored an F (after failing to answer basic questions) for sustainability. Then in March 2007, LVMH was expelled from the FTSE4Good Index Series, which tracks businesses conforming to its environmental and social criteria..." reports UK's The Guardian. According to the same article there is little chance LVMH's status on the eco-friendly scale will improve.

If they have not made steps toward improving their product to meet socially conscious standards, should this affect our decision to purchase LVMH products over cause-minded brands like Stella McCartney?

tsk tsk Marc Jacobs...

OMG

FABULOUS FASHION CONTEST:

Fashionista.com is reporting that Radio station 93.9 WNYC (that would 93.9 on your FM dial, 820 on your AM) is holding a Become Your Own Designer Contest.

The grand prize is a chance to chat with Isaac Mizrahi on the Leonard Lopate Show, along with a signed copy of the designer’s book How to Have Style.

There are essentially no rules. All you have to do is design a t-shirt and submit a picture of yourself in their flickr group wearing it by June 5th.

Should you win, what would you ask? Question number one in our book: who is Isaac's favorite model, cindy or naomi? its about time he chose once and for all!

for more info: http://fashionista.com/2009/05/do_it_for_isaac.php

To post on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fashion_tshirt/

Up and Coming

Cant make it out to the Hamptons this memorial day? Here are some fashionable (and recessionista friendly!) alternatives for your national holiday:

RICHARD AVEDON FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
where: International Center of Photography (1133 6th Ave), 212.857.0000
what: displaying a selection of Avedons shots from Vogue covers to jumping models, the exhibit will feel like you're flipping through your favorite glossy, only in public. and not in your pjs. Break out your Sunday Prada, because there's sure to be a lot of sartorialists in attendance.
when: all day, but call the ICP for hours.

JAPAN BRAND POP UP STORE
where: Felissimo Design House (10 W 56th St), 212.956.4438
what: we mentioned it in yesterday's post but nothing says memorial day like shopping for japanese designs.
when: 11-6

JOHN LENNON EXHIBIT CURATED BY YOKO ONO
where: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC, 76 Mercer St between Broome and Spring Sts
what: titled "John Lennon: the New York Years" displays photographs and memorabilia from John Lennon's life as manhattanite. Sure, he's from london, but if he's not the epitome of the ultimate New Yorker, then we're not sure where else to turn.
when: 11-10pm

MODEL AS MUSE EXHIBIT AT THE MET
where: the met tisch gallery floor 2
what: We didnt get to go to the Gala, so we're definitely not missing the chance to catch the exhibit!
when: MET standard hours

OMG

We love our pop up retailers, and like every other nyc fashionista will drop everything, run scrambling through the subways, pushing other luboutin wearing divas out of our way, just to get to that sale if that sale brings us things we cant find in New York. You can imagine in a city this fashionable, that is a hard thing to do and definitely worth checking out, even for a new york minute.

We're putting our best running heels on for this one: the Japan Brand pop-up store arriving May 18 and departing the 30th. located on 56th and 5th across from the Trump Tower, this temp-boutique will carry impeccably crafted pieces from designers currently unavailable in the US. You know what that means: ONE OF A KIND! You wont have to worry about having a "who wore it better" moment in the line for One Oak.

Check this site for more info:

http://flavorpill.com/newyork/events/2009/5/18/japan-brand-pop-up-store

OMG

Anna Wintour's recent 60 minutes interview: http://www.tressugar.com/3165175

Decide for yourselves.

UPDATE: here's a better link!!!

http://www.stylesightings.com/index.php/2009/05/19/anna-on-anna/

You Better Work.

Good resort collections move beyond bikinis and kaftans, taking the opportunity to create a design perspective that is unique rather than just a complement to spring/summer. Nobody does this better than Chanel, who plays on the idea of travel with each resort collection, not by creating beach totes and carry-on friendly garments, but by calling upon design to recreate the feeling of being in a different time and place. In 20 or so looks, Lagerfeld takes you there, and the lucky few invited to the show actually get to go there. This year's destination, Venice. The show, titled "Coco on the Lido" was an excursion through black lace dresses, girdle-and-brassiere bathing suits, sandy chiffon tops and smoky eyes to "the café society of the thirties and the life Chanel lived here, which is gone now," said our favorite uncle to style.com. That being the case, we'll have to credit Mr. Lagerfeld with knowing the secret to immortality. Coco came alive in every piece that marched down the boardwalk-as-runway, though staple elements like fringy tweed and dramatic pairings of black and white were noticeably scarce, or at least overshadowed by sailor stripes and rich vibrant red dresses and tights. If the era is gone, its certainly been revived, and will live forever in this romantic and whimsical collection.

Take a look at the style.com photos : http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2010RST-CHANEL