Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Stripes, Polka Dots and Plaids]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/31/the-fashion-statement-stripes-polka-dots-plaids/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/31/the-fashion-statement-stripes-polka-dots-plaids/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/31/the-fashion-statement-stripes-polka-dots-plaids/#comments 'Tis the season to break out your spring wardrobe (if old man winter would ever go away). But if you don't have this season's take on stripes, polka dots and plaids, get thee to a boutique toute de suite. This is not a time for wallflowers.

These prints have very little in common with the classics. This year, designers painted stripes with a bold brush, used variously-sized polka dots head-to-toe, and paired plaids with floral blouses.

The key is to break every rule your mother taught you: Mix and match patterns. Select stripes in contrasting colors, pair the polka dots with stripes and spice up florals with any geometric design. Just make sure the contrasting patterns have a consistent theme, use the same color palette, or same motif.

Prada and Jil Sander presented some of the best collections of the season. Sander sent out a floor-length gown contrasting vertical black-and-sheer stripes on the bodice with the skirt's pink-and-white horizontal stripes. Prada took a white blouse with a navy monkey print and paired it with a black-and-fuchsia striped skirt. That same skirt served as the foundation for a blue-white-black-green striped top.

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]]> Dolce and GabbanaJil SanderLouis VuittonMoschinoplaidspolka dotsPradaSpring 2011Spring 2011 Fashion WeekstripesThe Devils ClothThe Fashion Statement Kristin Young Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: The Shirtwaist's Enduring Influence]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/the-fashion-statement-shirtwaist/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/the-fashion-statement-shirtwaist/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/24/the-fashion-statement-shirtwaist/#comments I read with interest Ruth La Ferla's article in the New York Times about the shirtwaist.

As you may have heard by now, Friday marks the 100th anniversary of one of the worst workplace tragedies in history -- the Triangle Waist Company fire where 146 people, mostly women, were killed in a New York garment factory. The factory was one of the largest makers of the shirtwaist. That event changed the labor movement forever, not to mention mandated laws like sprinkler systems and unlocked exits in public areas.

As newspapers and TV documentaries chronicle this terrible turn-of-the-century event, some people have asked me, "What exactly is a shirtwaist?"

As La Ferla points out in the Times, the shirtwaist was all the rage in America at the turn of the century. It was a combination of a tailored shirt and a skirt that showed a bit of leg (it would show even more leg years later). The shirtwaist began to take on historical significance in fashion. After the fire, it signified women's demands for better working conditions and a kind of liberation.

Several decades later, it morphed into Dior's famous New Look of the '40s, typified the way most women dressed in the '50s (think: Donna Reed) and, later that same decade, became an emblem of the civil rights movement.

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The Fashion Statement: The Shirtwaist's Enduring Influence originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> apparelfashionshirtwaistThe Fashion StatementTriangle Waist Company Kristin Young Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: The Plight of Japanese Designers]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/the-fashion-statement-japanese-designers/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/the-fashion-statement-japanese-designers/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/the-fashion-statement-japanese-designers/#comments Lakme Fashion Week Japanese Designers Designs
Normally, Tokyo follows India in the global fashion week calendar. But in the wake of the earthquake, the tsunami and nuclear explosions that rocked the country, shows were canceled. Although Tokyo wasn't directly hit by catastrophe, the decision to halt the shows came down to an iffy electricity supply, transportation snafus and the safety of attendees.

Yet some of Japan's top designers showcased their collections at Lakme Fashion Week (pictured above) in India. Tokyoeye, an initiative by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, brought the best of Japanese fashion talent to India. Designers Motonari Ono, Tamae Hirokawa and Sara Arai showed on the very day the tsunami hit their home country.

Arai, implemented a dying art from Japan called Yohenzomei, in the form of a fabric that changes color under light. She hoped to make an impact on India in order to "send cheer back to her countrymen." Designers Hirokawa and Ono noted that they were influenced by their country's traditional weaves and craftsmanship.

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]]> apparelfashionJapanese designersJunko ShimadaKaito Hori and Iku Furudate for CommuunLakme Fashion WeekMotonari OnoSara AraiTamae HirokawaTokyo Fashion WeekTokyoeyeTsumori ChisatoYohji Yamamoto Kristin Young Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: The Rise of Flatforms]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/11/the-fashion-statement-the-rise-of-flatforms/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/11/the-fashion-statement-the-rise-of-flatforms/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/11/the-fashion-statement-the-rise-of-flatforms/#comments
After a long run, the precarious platform shoes we've seen for much of the last decade are giving a new, flatter platform. Or, as I'm calling them-flatforms.

If fashion soothsayers have names like Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Derek Lam, platforms here to stay-in fact, we can expect to see them through fall 2011 (Issey Miyake, above)-but gone are the high arches and their impossible heights. In their place are gentle graduated slopes full of the promise of easy promenades that don't give up much of the stature of their predecessors. That's not to say, these flatter versions are without danger. A fall show in New York featured flatform combat boots that made at least two female models and one male model fall flat on their faces.

By and large, though, this spring designers are delivering walkable wedges with no shortage of style. Marc Jacobs' platforms bring us back to the '70s with their rainbow colors adorning the arches of the shoe. Fendi confounds modern architectural rules with platforms that seem to come in three separate sections-a heel in emerald green, a mid-shoe in brown and a toe in natural wood with a bright blue strap. Derek Lam is probably the most traditional-basic Maryjanes in camel opened-toe or off-white closed toe upon natural-grained wood.

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]]> Derek LamFendiflatformsIssey MiyakeMarc Jacobsplatforms Kristin Young Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Ralph Lauren's Children's Facebook Contest]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/the-fashion-statement-ralph-laurens-childrens-facebook-contes/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/the-fashion-statement-ralph-laurens-childrens-facebook-contes/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/the-fashion-statement-ralph-laurens-childrens-facebook-contes/#comments

Dior's ousting of John Galliano may be dominating the fashion news, but Polo Ralph Lauren's newest children's book and its online Facebook contest is something we couldn't ignore.

Today, a day after the national Read Across America event, have your kids check out Uma Thurman narrating the The RL Gang: A Magically Magnificent School Adventure on RalphLauren.com and Bloomingdales.com. You can also shop the clothes--Ralph Lauren's spring children's collection--highlighted in the book.

In addition, Ralph Lauren is conducting a contest on its Facebook page that allows parents in the U.S. and the U.K. to upload photos of their child. Friends and family can then vote on the child of their choice. The winning whippersnapper will be chosen from the group of children with the most votes, flown to New York and cast as a member of the RL Gang (pictured above).

This is Ralph Lauren's second RL Gang virtual childrens book. As I reported a few months ago, there's a big incentive for adult designers to beef up their childrenswear business. It was one of the few areas that experienced growth during the economic downturn. The company's also experimenting with other forms of retailing.

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]]> Barnes NobleRalph LaurenRoom to GrowThe RL Gang: A Magically Magnificent School AdventureUma Thurman Kristin Young Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Outre In at the Oscars?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/the-fashion-statement-outre-in-at-the-oscars/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/the-fashion-statement-outre-in-at-the-oscars/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/the-fashion-statement-outre-in-at-the-oscars/#comments

Blame Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and consumer confidence: all reasons why Oscar fashion is expected to be dialed way up this year.

Hollywood actresses have suffered a fashion drought for years-showing up in any ensemble that said "conspicuous consumption" was a faux pas in the midst of economic misfortunes. But, now, as consumer confidence rises, so will the ante at this year's awards ceremony, say the experts. Colors are expected to be bolder, silhouettes more distinctive, baubles flashier: In other words, Sunday's red-carpet parade is shaping up to be a good show.

In fashion, one is always emboldened by precedent. "Artists are starting to dress much more crazy, more out there and it has a ripple effect on fashion," designer Marc Bouwer told Reuters yesterday. "While you won't see a Lady Gaga outfit necessarily on the Oscar red carpet, you will see more architectural styles -- an expanded shoulder, a pronounced sleeve. The stronger power woman has emerged, and you cannot ignore that trend."

Last month's Golden Globes, to which numerous luminaries turned out in pink, rose and pale skin tones, is always a good indicator of things to come at the Oscars. But you could see more purples, greens, oranges and indigo blues, too.

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]]> Academy Awards 2011Diamond Information CenterGolden GlobesLady GagaNatalie PortmanNicki MinajOscarsPatty Fox Kristin Young Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Long, Lean and Ladylike]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/the-fashion-statement-long-lean-and-ladylike/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/the-fashion-statement-long-lean-and-ladylike/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/the-fashion-statement-long-lean-and-ladylike/#comments

Among the oddball indicators of the economic future, hem lengths are one of the more popular. Urban lore says short skirts reflect a bullish stock market and hems drop when people get down on their luck.

New York Fashion Week officially wraps up today and, one of the take away messages is longer hems are here to stay. Ne fret pas: That doesn't mean we're in for another meltdown. In fact, the industry has been showing signs of a turnaround. Nevertheless, hems lowered in the middle of the downturn and longer silhouettes seem to be having a lasting effect on fashion.

Except for a nod to the '70s last season, Marc Jacobs has been flirting with a more demure, sophisticated look for a few seasons now. For fall, he showed grown up silhouettes ever-so-slightly reminiscent of Dior's New Look from the '40s in futuristic materials such as a metallic rubber, fur and cellophane.

Looks for the boardroom are what Donna Karan does best, and she was clearly enamored with '50s silhouettes for today's all-business woman. Bloggers mentioned Tippi Hedren and Grace Kelly as a way to describe the Hollywood glamour Karan managed to add to her working girls.

Gallery: NYFW

RodarteDonna KaranMarc JacobsMichael Kors

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]]> Carolina HerreraDonna Karanmarc jacobsmichael korsnew york fashion week 2011new york fashion week fall 2011 Kristin Young Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Life after Couture]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/10/the-fashion-statement-life-after-couture/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/10/the-fashion-statement-life-after-couture/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/10/the-fashion-statement-life-after-couture/#comments
There's life after haute couture.

Christian Lacroix, who delivered his last haute couture collection in Paris on July 2008 to rave reviews, has not chosen to spend his post-retirement days at the beach. Instead, it appears the designer is busier than ever. Lacroix has reinvented himself as museum curator, furniture designer and a fairytale book illustrator. He's also planning to design costumes for a German opera company and is putting out a women's capsule collection for a Spanish clothing brand.

What the couture fashion world has lost in Lacroix--he no longer has anything to do with his namesake label that, after bankruptcy, was acquired by a duty free shops company in Florida--the art and design world has gained. This month alone, you can see what he's done with a museum and a book.

As the artistic director of "Women in Orient," he has curated an exhibition of costumes and accessories that opened earlier this week Quai Branly Museum in Paris and runs through May 16. It's mostly ceremonial clothing from Syria, Jordan and Palestine during the 19th and 20th centuries. But under Lacroix's direction--the designer likes to blend a French sensibility with the exotic--you can expect to see an eye-arresting, rich melange of contrasting patterns and embroidery.

Gallery: Christian Lacroix Sleeping Beauty

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]]> Camilla MortonChristian LacroixDesigualQuai Branly MuseumSICISSleeping BeautyWomen in Orient Kristin Young Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Obama Weathers Storm, Book Praises Style]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/the-fashion-statement-obama-weathers-storm-book-praises-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/the-fashion-statement-obama-weathers-storm-book-praises-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/the-fashion-statement-obama-weathers-storm-book-praises-style/#comments

Michelle Obama has weathered the sartorial storm.

Late last week on Good Morning America, she faced her critics: "Look, women, wear what you love. That's all I can say. That's my motto. I wear what I like because...I gotta be in the dress, so..."

Next week, she will be lauded for connecting with everyday Americans by her attainable style in a book by Kate Betts, Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style (Clarkson Potter, February 8, 2011).

If you haven't been keeping track, here's what all the fuss was about: Weeks after the First Lady wore an Alexander McQueen gown (pictured above) to a state dinner honoring Chinese president Hu Jintao, her fashion choice had grown into a full-blown kerfuffle. Some blogs were even calling it McQueengate.

From a fashion point of view, most critics agreed it was a slam dunk (the color red is auspicious in Chinese culture). From a political viewpoint, several U.S. designers-Oscar de la Renta and Diane Von Furstenberg, in particular-voiced disapproval that she donned a British, instead of American, label on an evening that was supposed to promote American Chinese trade.

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]]> Alexander McQueenAlexander McQueen: Savage BeautyCFDADiane Von FurstenburgEveryday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of StyleKate bettsMichelle ObamaOscar de la Renta Kristin Young Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Haute Couture's Lightness of Being]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/the-fashion-statement-haute-couture-light/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/the-fashion-statement-haute-couture-light/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/27/the-fashion-statement-haute-couture-light/#comments

The Haute Couture Spring 2011 shows have yet to wrap up in Paris this week and, already, we know the end of the story. Designers are walking the tightrope between pale blush, pinks and nudes on the one side, and bright saturated jewel tones on the other. Similarly, styles are either soft, feminine and ethereal or dramatic and rich.

"There's a sense of lightness that we're seeing, particularly in the materials," says Joanna Manganaro, an editor specializing in womenswear at trend forecasting firm Stylesight. "Chiffon, tulle--everything is done in a light-handed way. It feels featherweight. It's something more modern, more uplifting."

That was clearly the case with Givenchy. Riccardo Tisci, a designer better known for being dark and severe, delivered a collection of gowns in pale yellows, barely-there pinks and light nudes as a tribute to Butoh dander Kazuo Ohno. In the end, he remained true to his reputation for boldness. When the models turned, they revealed the backs of the gowns that were embroidered in neon orange, chartreuse and fuchsia.

Christian Dior (pictured above) had a more traditional view of things. John Galliano paid tribute to René Gruau, an illustrator who created the house's iconic images from the '40s and '50s. Remember Dior's New Look from the '40s? Galliano (who has a new look himself--a shag haircut) reinterpreted the New Look in in electric blue, fuchsia, brown, emerald green and red taffeta and satin. One of the highlights was a flaring white skirt topped with a burnt-orange jacket with shoulders out-to-there.

Gallery: Full Bloom

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The Fashion Statement: Haute Couture's Lightness of Being originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> armani priveChanelChristian DiorElie SaabGivenchyHaute Couture ShowsJean Paul GaultierJohn GallianoKazuo OhnoLadyRene GruauRiccardoTisciStylesight Kristin Young Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Designer Kids Lines Boom]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/20/the-fashion-statement-designer-kids-lines-boom/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/20/the-fashion-statement-designer-kids-lines-boom/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/20/the-fashion-statement-designer-kids-lines-boom/#comments

A week ago, I wrote about the hordes of celebrities with baby bumps on the red carpet during awards season. Well, designers must have been some kind of soothsayers, because several spent a good part of last year developing and launching children lines. Soon, they will no doubt see the fruits of their labor (sorry), as more and more of these privileged babies are born.

Jennifer Lopez's twins, Max and Emme, were the stars of Gucci's advertising campaign to publicize its designer munchkin wear (0 to 8 year-olds) which debuted late last year. Lopez said this week she only agreed to let her kids be photographed because it was for a good cause. Gucci pledged $1 million to UNICEF's Schools for Africa initiative.

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The Fashion Statement: Designer Kids Lines Boom originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Carolina Herreradolce and gabbanaFendiGuccijean paul gaultierJennifer LopezMarc JacobsPaul SmithPreenRalph Laurenstella mccartneyTommy Hilfiger Kristin Young Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Baby Bumps and the Red Carpet]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/13/the-fashion-statement-baby-bumps-and-the-red-carpet/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/13/the-fashion-statement-baby-bumps-and-the-red-carpet/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/13/the-fashion-statement-baby-bumps-and-the-red-carpet/#comments

There is serious baby fever in Hollywood. Starting this Sunday at the Golden Globes, more baby bumps will be taking a turn on the red-carpet than you can shake a stick at. Victoria Beckham. Natalie Portman. Penelope Cruz. Gretchen Mol. Mariah Carey. Jewel. Pink. Jennifer Connelly. Rachel Zoe. And, just yesterday, Kate Hudson announced she had a bun in the oven. With so many expectant celebs, TV show Extra compiled a list to keep everybody's due date straight. We're, of course, more concerned with what they'll be wearing.

You might think this many women with child during awards season could foil a designer's grand ambition to see his/her couture gowns on the red carpet. Think again. Designers have pregnancy down. Remember Catherine Zeta Jones in 2003? The word "luscious" came to mind when the nine-months-pregnant star walked the Oscars in a low-cut chocolate-colored gown with beaded straps. And it was a coup for Versace.

My friend and colleague Amy Tara Koch published a book last year called Bump It Up and, in it, are great style tips courtesy of designers and fashion insiders.

"Half of pregnancy has to do with attitude," Filipa Fino, accessories editor at Vogue, told Koch. "I just refused to give in to feeling dowdy. And therefore, I did not look dowdy!"

Gallery: baby bumps




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]]> Adam Lippesamy tara kochDonna KaranIsaac Mizrahij. mendelMilly by Michelle SmithRachel Roythomas wyldeVersace Kristin Young Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Countdown to Royal Wedding]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/the-fashion-statement-countdown-to-royal-wedding/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/the-fashion-statement-countdown-to-royal-wedding/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/06/the-fashion-statement-countdown-to-royal-wedding/#comments

As more details of the royal wedding emerged yesterday -- including the start time ( 11 a.m. on April 29) -- there was, of course, more talk of the dress. Unless there's a press leak the size of a geyser, none of us will know what the bridal gown will look like until that fine spring day. Still, it's fun to speculate and when it comes to designers, there's been plenty of chatter on both sides of the pond. According to the bookies, here's where things stand.

Phillipa Lepley's shop (pictured above) has been under the magnifying glass since bookies first noticed real money being bet on the British designer who's known for simple silhouettes and top-notch fabrics. Another bookie favorite? WWD reported last month that Irish bookmaker Paddy Power says odds are 1-3 that British designer Bruce Oldfield will be Kate Middleton's choice, "and that it has suspended betting on the designer due to a recent 'flurry of big-stake bets' of more than 500 pounds, or $780 at current exchange." Oldfield has dressed everybody from Rihanna to Barbara Streisand. Jasper Conran, who's had his own made-to-measure bridal collection since 2007, is another name being thrown about.

Sadly, Alexander McQueen is not around. If the bride was me, he would be my first choice. Then again, it was rumored McQueen once embroidered the c-word inside Prince Charles' jacket. "I didn't embroider it, I wouldn't waste my time! I wrote it with a biro," he later admitted. Okay, so maybe that wouldn't be the greatest move in father-in-law relations.



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The Fashion Statement: Countdown to Royal Wedding originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alice TemperlyBruce OldfieldJasper ConranKate MiddletonPhillipa LepleyPrince Williamstella mccartneyVivienne Westwood Kristin Young Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Will 2011 be the Year of the Hat?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/30/the-fashion-statement-will-2011-be-the-year-of-the-hat/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/30/the-fashion-statement-will-2011-be-the-year-of-the-hat/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/30/the-fashion-statement-will-2011-be-the-year-of-the-hat/#comments

Hats worn for the express purpose of style hasn't been widely popular since the '20s. Millinery did have a brief comeback in the '80s when Princess Diana gave visibility to the British tradition of wearing hats for special occasions. Now Kate Middleton is again putting a modern face under the British topper. And numerous designers on both sides of the pond made the hat a central focus of their spring/summer runway collections. And then there is Lady Gaga entertaining us all with her theatrical chapeaus.

Not since the '80s have we seen so many hats! So we wonder: Could 2011 be the year of the hat?

Arguably the most buzzed about accessory of the season was the colorful, wide-brimmed hat like the one above at Prada. Badgley Mischka and Marc Jacobs channeled Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver with their bright pink versions shown over hair that had been appropriately curled and frizzed. Sally Field in The Flying Nun would have fit right in at Missoni where almost every model wore hats that flapped down the runway like wings. And Alberta Ferretti went boho by pairing floppy fringed brims with her collection of gauzy ethereal gowns.

Gallery: Hat Gallery

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]]> Alberta Ferrettiann demeulemeesterAnna SuiBadgleyMischkaCarolina HerreraChristian Diordsquared2Giles DeaconHermesissey miyakeJohn GallianoJohn paul gaultierjust cavalliKate MiddletonLady GagaMissonimoschinoPradaPrincess DianaSonia RykielYohjiYamamoto Kristin Young Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: The Best Dressed Women of 2010]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/23/the-fashion-statement-the-best-dressed-women-of-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/23/the-fashion-statement-the-best-dressed-women-of-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/23/the-fashion-statement-the-best-dressed-women-of-2010/#comments

This was the year politician's wives, fashion editors and designers shoved Hollywood (except for Carey Mulligan perhaps) and the music industry aside to become the best dressed women of the year.

Fashion blogs everywhere have been writing about what fashion insiders Japanese Vogue editrix Anna Dello Russo was wearing in addition to their daily chronicles of Lady Gaga. What was French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld wearing front row at Marc Jacobs? What was Elle's style director Kate Lanphear doing in an online campaign for CFDA/Vogue fund finalist Eddie Borgo? Wrote New York Mag's The Cut in July: "Borgo calls Kate, whose regular appearances on street-style blogs have won her an online cult following, the 'epitome of the modern-day punk.' If anyone needed more face time on The City, it's this woman. Then again, her elusiveness is one of the things that makes her so cool." As for Roitfeld (pictured above), who just this week shocked everybody by announcing she's bidding French Vogue adieu, proved that women in their 50s (she's 56) don't have to age.

Gallery: Best Dressed


.




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The Fashion Statement: The Best Dressed Women of 2010 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alexa ChungAnna Dello RussoCarine RoitfeldCarlaBruni-sarkozyCarrie Mulligangeorgina chapmanKate LanphearKate MiddletonLady GagaMichelle Obama Kristin Young Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Worst Fashion Disasters of 2010]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/16/the-fashion-statement-worst-fashion-disasters-of-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/16/the-fashion-statement-worst-fashion-disasters-of-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/16/the-fashion-statement-worst-fashion-disasters-of-2010/#comments

When you think of the greatest fashion disasters of all time, you think of Bjork's swan in the '90s, Cher's evil bird slash cage gown in the '80s and Barbara Streisand's see-through pajamas in the '60s. But 2010 could be the year of the biggest fashion train wrecks of all time!

This year was filled with more fashion faux pas than any of the aforementioned could rack up in a lifetime. Style missteps are an astounding feat these days when you consider that celebrities have an army of stylists, fashion designers panting for exposure and, one would think, a mirror or two.

Of course, at the top of the trashy heap is Lady Gaga and her meat dress she debuted at the MVA's. Aside from assaulting our senses and pushing animal cruelty in our face, she wants us to feel sorry for her because she feels like a piece of meat?

Venus Williams was another grand slam in the disaster department. She showed up to play at the French open in red and black lingerie. Kinda cute idea. Problem was the skin-tight shorts she wore under the getup were the same color as her flesh causing everybody to think they saw her butt cheeks.

Gallery: Worst Disasters

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The Fashion Statement: Worst Fashion Disasters of 2010 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amber roseCharlizeTheroncourtney lovejennifer lopezKeshaSebertlady gagarihannavenus williamsworst dressed Kristin Young Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: British Fashion Awards]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/the-fashion-statement-british-fashion-awards/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/the-fashion-statement-british-fashion-awards/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/09/the-fashion-statement-british-fashion-awards/#comments

All eyes were on the Savoy Hotel and Theatre in London this week, where the 2010 British Fashion Awards took place on Tuesday night. Here are the highlights:

Phoebe Philo (pictured above with Bianca Jagger) earned the British Designer of the Year award for her role as creative director of Celine. She is currently driving the industry with her understated take on minimalism.

The British Style award went to fashion's It girl Alexa Chung (pictured below with Bryan Ferry) for embodying the spirit of London and being and helping to establish London as a fashion capital. If you don't know who Chung is, you will. The New York Times in a story a few weeks ago called "The Making of Fashion's Latest 'It' Girl," called her the most famous person you've never heard of. She's a huge star in England -- the award was decided by public vote -- and a muse for fashion people. She's also highly revered in the blogosphere.

Victoria Beckham, who was nominated for the Designer Brand award, lost out to British handbag maker Mulberry. Jetting in from L.A., where she now lives, the spice girl said she was proud to be British and proud just to be nominated.

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The Fashion Statement: British Fashion Awards originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alexa chungalexander mcqueenbritish fashion awardsbryan ferryburberryfashionlara stonenaomi campbellphoebe philo Kristin Young Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Fashion's Priciest Coffee Table Books]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/the-fashion-statement-fashions-priciest-coffee-table-books/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/the-fashion-statement-fashions-priciest-coffee-table-books/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/02/the-fashion-statement-fashions-priciest-coffee-table-books/#comments

What to get the stylish woman who has everything? (And let's just say you've exhausted gifts like precious gems, haute couture and yacht excursions to St. Barths) Well, then, what about a super collectible, really expensive fashion coffee table book? Here, a list of some of the priciest tomes out there.

1. Couture Fashion Drawings by Hubert de Givenchy, published by the house of Givenchy, Paris, in 1980: This is signed by the late designer himself and includes hand-colored haute couture fashion sketch plates from the period of the '70s to the '80s including original fabric swatches. The book was part of the Estate of Nan Kempner, a New York socialite who died in 2005. Price tag? $9,000

2. Valentino Garavani (hardcover) by Suzy Menkes, Matt Tyrnauer and Armando Chitolina, published by Taschen in 2007: This is the coffee table book version of Valentino: The Last Emperor, a documentary film by Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer. It's an homage to Valentino's legendary career and includes images from his archives, drawings, advertisements, portraits, documentary photographs as well as newspaper and magazine articles. International Herald Tribune's fashion writer Suzy Menkes interviewed 20 of Valentino's closest collaborators and friends, including his life partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Price tag? $4,500

3. Russell James (hardcover deluxe edition with Gisele Bundchen photoprint) with forwards by Heidi Klum, Donna Karan, and Sharen Turney, published by teNeues in 2009: Who wouldn't pay big bucks to Gisele in the buff? This book highlights the work of Russell James, a photographer who is well-known for his nudes and fashion portraiture. The volume is encased in a clamshell box and contains one of only two numbered and signed limited-edition large prints that show his study of human beauty. Price tag? $3,250



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]]> Anna Wintourgiancarlo giammettigisele bundchenGivenchygrace coddingtonMatt TyrnauerNan Kempnerpierre bergeRussell JamesSuzy MenkesValentinoYves Saint Laurent Kristin Young Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Lanvin for eBay, I mean H&M]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-for-ebay-i-mean-handm/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-for-ebay-i-mean-handm/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-for-ebay-i-mean-handm/#comments

Yeah, I did it. Early Saturday morning, I hauled myself out of bed and headed downtown to stand outside in the freezing cold for hours...just to get my hands on a Lanvin for H&M dress. I was in Washington, D.C., and that was good, I thought. The collection was going to be in only one store in the D.C/Maryland/Virginia area. Still, I'd have better odds at F. Street, NW, than on 5th Avenue in New York or the Bev Center in L.A.

An H&M saleswoman told me that the store would open by 8 a.m. and if I got there between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., I should be okay. I arrived at 6 a.m. and was within the first 80 people. Not bad, I thought. I'll definitely get my hands on the dress I want. This is totally worth it.

Just before 8 a.m., they handed out colored wristbands and canvas gift bags containing a Lanvin for H&M scarf. Very nice. Each color wristband would allow 20 people at a time to shop the collection. They'd have 15 minutes. I was in the fourth group which would get me in by 9 a.m. Security everywhere. Very organized. Impressive.

Then the doors opened and, literally, all hell broke loose. Like Supermarket Sweep, people rushed the back corner where the collection was cordoned off, got through the metal barricades and started grabbing. The guards insisted nobody got in before their appointed time. But by the time order was restored and I got in, the collection was completely gone. I actually did walk away with a dress but only because it was too small for someone else.

H&M ostensibly enforces "a limit of purchasing a maximum of two pieces per product, i.e. not more than two sizes or pieces per product per customer." They're most likely trying to discourage people from flipping the merchandise for a profit. Lot of good that did them. I saw an army of guys walk out with armloads of dresses, T-shirts and shoes. You're telling me they're preparing for a New Year's Eve party?

Sure enough, Lanvin for H&M is a hot ticket on eBay. Page after page is filled with dresses and T-shirts. At the store, most dresses were tagged $199. On eBay, "buy it now" options are reaching $700!

As a Facebook friend put it: Lanvin should have just created a collection for eBay.

Did any of you go? Tell us your Lanvin for H&M story.



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The Fashion Statement: Lanvin for eBay, I mean H&M originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> eBayHMLanvin Kristin Young Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Google's Fashion Engine]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/the-fashion-statement-googles-fashion-engine/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/the-fashion-statement-googles-fashion-engine/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/the-fashion-statement-googles-fashion-engine/#comments

Who among us hasn't typed in "nude stiletto" in a search engine box and gotten back enough Lucite heels to make a stripper swoon? Well, things are looking up. Yesterday, Google launched Boutiques.com, and it greatly improves the search process when you're shopping for fashion items online.

Google posted the back story on its blog: "A year and half ago, our team (which at the time was part of Like.com) started to wonder if we could create a better experience for people to shop online. We jokingly called ourselves the computer nerds and fashion nerds (and a few of us were both). So, we set out to create a new way to browse, discover and shop for soft goods online."

The site uses visual search technology developed by Like.com (which Google acquired in August) using images to drive the search rather than text typed into a search box. You can teach the site your style by either taking a quiz or sifting through images while hitting "More My Style" tabs. When you're finished creating your own "boutique," it then helps filter out items you dislike and adds more of what you'd like. It's kind of a Pandora for fashionistas.



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The Fashion Statement: Google's Fashion Engine originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Boutiques.comBryanBoyCarey Mulliganginnifer goodwinGooglelauren conradLos Angeles Timesonline shoppingSusie Bubble Kristin Young Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Indonesian Designer Meets First Lady]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/11/the-fashion-statement-indonesian-designer-meets-first-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/11/the-fashion-statement-indonesian-designer-meets-first-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/11/the-fashion-statement-indonesian-designer-meets-first-lady/#comments
This was a big week for Indonesian fashion designers. Not only did the President Obama make a stop in Jakarta, but he touched down right in the middle of Jakarta's fashion week. While the President was praising the ideals of democracy and development at the University of Indonesia, local designers were sending a parade of pieces down the runways hoping to establish Jakarta as a fashion hub in Asia. Backed by the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association, the goal is to catapult Indonesian designers to the international stage. So far they've mostly had success at home. Until now...

The Jakarta Globe reported this week that one designer hit the jackpot. Priyo Oktaviano snagged a chance to present the U.S. First Lady with one of his designs, a face-to-face meeting most stateside designers would KILL for! Oktaviano, who worked for Balenciaga early on in his career and is known for quirky and edgy designs, said he was contacted only six days prior to the meeting. He had one day to make a dress and a coat and he looked up Mrs. Obama's size on the Internet.



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]]> IndonesiaJakarta Fashion WeekMrs. ObamaPresident ObamaPriyo OktavianoRihannaVictoria Beckham Dresses Kristin Young Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: What are These Guys Doing in Fashion?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/04/the-fashion-statement-what-are-these-guys-doing-in-fashion/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/04/the-fashion-statement-what-are-these-guys-doing-in-fashion/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/04/the-fashion-statement-what-are-these-guys-doing-in-fashion/#comments
What is the "Fashion Capital of the World," you ask? Paris? New York? Mayor Bloomberg is leaving nothing up to chance.

This week, the New York Mayor (pictured above with Diane von Furstenberg) announced six initiatives to give the $55 billion industry a boost. After a yearlong look study, the city is starting an NYC Fashion Fund to help emerging designers get capital and support services. Another initiative, Project Pop-up, will be an annual competition to promote and foster new and unique retail concepts. The New York City Fashion Draft will recruit fashion students to get into fashion management. Fashion Campus NYC will offer business seminars to summer interns led by industry executives. New York City Fashion Fellows will honor 30 rising stars in fashion business (the business side of the business often gets overshadowed by the creative side in award ceremonies). Finally, there will be a Designer as Entrepreneur program that will help emerging designers with the business side of things by teaching them how to draft business plans, their financial management and how to participate in e-commerce.

Whew! It's a lot to take in. We can only hope it helps New York's Garment District that has been decimated by production going overseas.

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The Fashion Statement: What are These Guys Doing in Fashion? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BloombergChad HurleyForbesMagazineGarment DistrictHlaskaNew York CitySilicon ValleyYouTube Kristin Young Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Hells Angels V. Alexander McQueen]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/28/the-fashion-statement-hells-angels-v-alexander-mcqueen/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/28/the-fashion-statement-hells-angels-v-alexander-mcqueen/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/28/the-fashion-statement-hells-angels-v-alexander-mcqueen/#comments

When would Hells Angels and Alexander McQueen be used in the same sentence? Before yesterday I would have said when hell freezes over.

But Wednesday, the notoriously aggressive biker gang you see in barroom brawls targeted another enemy: the fashion industry. Hells Angels filed a suit in California federal court claiming that Alexander McQueen and retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com are selling four-finger rings, clutches and clothing featuring the motorcycle club's "Deathhead" skull and wings logo. The Hells Angels skull and wings logo has been around since 1948 and that's a trademark infringement, the club maintains.

Saks.com had been selling McQueen's "Hells Four-Finger Ring" for $495, but the retailer took the ring off the site when news of the suit broke. On Net-A-Porter.com, you can still find McQueen's "Hells Knuckleduster Box Clutch" selling for $2,325.

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The Fashion Statement: Hells Angels V. Alexander McQueen originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alexander mcqueenHells AnNet-a-PorterSaks Fifth Avenuezappos.com Kristin Young Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Fashion's First Lady]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/the-fashion-statement-fashions-first-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/the-fashion-statement-fashions-first-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/the-fashion-statement-fashions-first-lady/#comments

We know the First Lady has style. But did you know she was responsible for $2.7 billion in fashion sales at the height of the recession?

In a story published this week by the Harvard Business Review, Michelle Obama made more than 189 public appearances clothed in 29 brands between November, 2008, and December, 2009. After each of those appearances, fashionistas ran out to buy something from whatever label she wore, generating an average of $14 million in sales. This in turn affected the company's stock price which sometimes remained at an elevated level for weeks.

A celebrity's power is nothing new to the fashion world. But it turns out Michelle Obama is the holy grail of celebrity endorsements.

The HBR interviewed David Yermack, professor at NYU's Stern School, who found that following 18 of Mrs. Obama's public appearances, sales of whatever fashion brand or designer she chose to wear shot up 2.3 percent. A celebrity endorser-one like Sarah Jessica Parker for Halston, for instance-might only account for a 0.5 percent rise in sales. Not even other first ladies hold this kind of sway. The article pointed out that French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy sticks with one label-Dior-and most people can't afford the brand. Mrs. Obama, by contrast, mixes designer clothing with accessible brands like J. Crew.

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The Fashion Statement: Fashion's First Lady originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carla bruni-sarkozyDavid YermackHarvard Business ReviewJ. CrewMichelle Obama Kristin Young Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: It's Always Fashion Week Somewhere]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/14/the-fashion-statement-its-always-fashion-week-somewhere/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/14/the-fashion-statement-its-always-fashion-week-somewhere/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/14/the-fashion-statement-its-always-fashion-week-somewhere/#comments

When you think of fashion week, you think of the big four-New York, London, Milan and Paris. That's the cities where the biggies like Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent unveil their collections. And press from major publications jump from city to city following this glittery pack.

But did you know there was a fashion week in Washington, D.C. last month? Don't laugh. There's another one going on right now in Houston. There's even one being held this week in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. According to various tallies on the Internet, about 140 fashion weeks take place each year. From places like Omaha and Kansas City to Warsaw and Zagreb, multiple fashion weeks are going on in the world at any one time. There's always fashion week somewhere.

Houston's getting some exposure thanks to some big names, Texas style. Lauren Bush staged the first fashion show for her year-and-a-half-old Lauren Pierce collection, (pictured below) a line that uses artisan and eco fabrics. George Sr. and Barbara Bush (pictured above) turned out for the event, proudly snapping pictures of their granddaughter from where they sat on the front row.

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The Fashion Statement: It's Always Fashion Week Somewhere originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Barbara BushD.C. Fashion WeekGeorge Bush Sr.Lauren BushLos Angeles Fashion Week Kristin Young Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Paris Wraps It Up]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/07/the-fashion-statement-paris-wraps-it-up/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/07/the-fashion-statement-paris-wraps-it-up/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/07/the-fashion-statement-paris-wraps-it-up/#comments
Last but definitely not least. Paris provided the grand finale this week to a string of fashion weeks around the globe that began in New York early September.

While not quite as colorful as their Italian counterparts, Parisian designers delivered collections consistent their houses' heritages. In other words, each brands' fans will be happy. Some of the highlights:

Alexander McQueen was one of the most anticipated shows of the season. It was the first full collection for Sarah Burton who was thrust into the head designer role when the designer committed suicide earlier this year. The verdict? There were stunners such as the ombrè gown pictured above as well as white low-rise pants with two buckles on each hip and sculptural dresses. It's not quite the same anger, beauty or arty story that has always defined the label. But how can it be? I would hate to be Burton who must be burdened with endless comparisons to the late genius.

Chanel's show was darker and more deconstructed than usual. Black dresses looked they had been eaten by moths, edges were tattered, and there were much less fussy versions of the signature Chanel suit. Ines de la Fressange modeled my favorite piece-a black sheer floor-length gown with a cutaway skirt that revealed a slimmer skirt underneath. The gown's blouson featured heavy black stripes reminiscent of Maori tribal tattoos.

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The Fashion Statement: Paris Wraps It Up originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alexander mcqueenchanelines de la fressangeLouis Vuittonmarc jacobsparis fashion weeksarah burtonvalentinovalenton gharavani Kristin Young Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Italians Do It Better?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/30/the-fashion-statement-italians-do-it-better/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/30/the-fashion-statement-italians-do-it-better/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/30/the-fashion-statement-italians-do-it-better/#comments

Milan is delivering the most exciting fashion weeks in years. Fashion critics have been giving rave reviews to Italian designers saying that, for the most part, the collections have been inspired.

One of the more subdued shows of the week, Giorgio Armani (pictured above), presented a spring/summer 2011 collection of entirely navy blue and black--not exactly the most spring/summery of colors. No matter, the fitted double breasted blazers, one-shouldered gowns and skirts over sheer leggings were stunning. Even more interesting: His models were turned out in turbans and veils.

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The Fashion Statement: Italians Do It Better? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aquilano.rimondichignondolce gabbanaetroGorgioArmanigucciMilan fashion weekMissonipradapucciVersus Kristin Young Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: The Flock Hops the Pond]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/23/the-fashion-statement-the-flock-hops-the-pond/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/23/the-fashion-statement-the-flock-hops-the-pond/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/23/the-fashion-statement-the-flock-hops-the-pond/#comments
New York is still recovering from fashion week and, less than a week later, London fashion week has already come and gone. There's a lot to talk about.

Jude Law sat front row at Sienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve show because he loves her, the actor told WWD. Designer Matthew Williamson also sat front row (Miller returned the favor and warmed the front row for Williamson). Miller, who designs the line with her sister Savannah, sent out lace, embroidery, prints and color designed for a girl on a journey from Mexico to Thailand circa 1950. The collection was inspired by Joni Mitchell's "Don Juan's reckless daughter" album.

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The Fashion Statement: The Flock Hops the Pond originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Anna WintourBurberry ProrsumJonathan SaundersLondon Fashion WeekMary KantrantzouMathew WilliamsonTwenty8Twelve Kristin Young Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Top Ten Trends for Spring 2011]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/17/the-fashion-statement-top-ten-trends-for-spring-2011/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/17/the-fashion-statement-top-ten-trends-for-spring-2011/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/17/the-fashion-statement-top-ten-trends-for-spring-2011/#comments
New York fashion week at Lincoln Center is a wrap and we've tallied up the results. In a word? '70s. Want more words? Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver.

Fashion weeks in London, Paris and Milan have yet to dictate the top ten trends of Spring of next year, but here's an early take.

SHORTS: Everyone, and we mean everyone, showed shorts in their spring collections. Whether short and roomy at Badgley Mischka or long and blouse-y at Thakoon or almost Capri-length at Ralph Lauren, shorts are going to be the get for spring.

STUDIO 54: There were so much '70s and early '80s references this week, I could hear Charlie commercials in my head. Halston, famed in that era, showed drape-y colorful maxi dresses and caftans that could have been lifted straight out of the archives. Marc Jacobs showed brightly colored pantsuits and full-length halter dresses.

PRINT MADNESS: Spring is traditionally all about florals. Jason Wu's breezy blouses had cut-out posies. DNKY had tiny flower prints on youthful dresses. Michael Angel went the painterly route with a collection of beautiful multi-colored frocks.

FEMININE VERSUS MASCULINE: Jill Stuart typified the feminine push/masculine pull with high-water tuxedos followed by flouncy, frilly dresses accessorized with masculine belts. The juxtaposition was stunning.

CANDY COLORS: Michael Kors trotted out fuchsia and green. Rebecca Taylor favored orange. Cynthia Rowley went for yellow. Candy colors ruled the day.

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The Fashion Statement: Top Ten Trends for Spring 2011 originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Cynthia RowleyDerek LamDKNYEdunHalstonJason WuJill StuartL.A.M.B.Lincoln CenterMackageMarc JacobsMarchesaMichael AngelMichael KorsNew York Fashion WeekRalph LaurenRebecca TaylorSunoTommy Hilfiger Kristin Young Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: NY Fashion Week Gets Underway]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/09/the-fashion-statement-ny-fashion-week-gets-underway/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/09/the-fashion-statement-ny-fashion-week-gets-underway/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/09/the-fashion-statement-ny-fashion-week-gets-underway/#comments

New York Fashion Week has officially begun here at the Lincoln Center, marking the first time in 17 years the main hub has been anywhere else but Bryant Park.

Yesterday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg kicked off the week, declaring the city the capital of fashion and noting that the Lincoln Center location was appropriate given that fashion is art. He even renamed a subway stop nearby "The Fashion Line."

According to Bloomberg-the wire service, that is-this is the biggest Fashion Week ever with more than 325 designers showing around town through the end of next week. At Lincoln Center, 97 designers will show, up from 75 one year ago.

Show producers say the reason for the uptick is more space and better technology. Among the biggest techie changes are self-service kiosks to detect bar-codes on invitations that will do away with check-in lines and, along with them, probably more than a few catfights. It will also likely prevent show crashers.

Among the trends we should expect to see for Spring 2011? The color orange, maxi skirts, Yves Saint Laurent-esque pantsuits, hot pants and dressy shorts. If resort 2011 is any predictor, we'll also see looser silhouettes-roomy tops worn with roomy bottoms. (The old rule of slim on top, roomy on bottom and vice versa no longer applies). The season is expected to be very colorful, too, doing away with nudes, camel and beiges we've seen in the last few seasons. Finally, blazers sans shoulder pads will be there. Think Julia Roberts après makeover in Pretty Woman.





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]]> Anna WintourBlake LivelyCarolina Herrerafashion weekgisele bundchenLincoln CenterMayor Michael BloombergTommy Hilfiger Kristin Young Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Lanvin at H&M!]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-at-handm/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-at-handm/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/the-fashion-statement-lanvin-at-handm/#comments

I can see the lines snaking around the block now! H&M confirmed it: Men and women will be able to get themselves some Lanvin at about 200 H&M stores on Nov. 23, according to Women's Wear Daily.

Word broke yesterday that the sizzling hot Paris label may be collaborating with cheap chic retailer H&M. Fashion industry bible WWD reported that the Swedish retailer was expected to announce plans with Lanvin and its creative director Alber Elbaz within the coming week.

Upon hearing the news yesterday, the fashion blogs went nuts, writing things like "Yes, Please!" and "Cross your fingers." Even a few well-heeled ladies I talked to vowed they would pick up a piece or ten from the capsule collection.

To wet our appetites, H&M has been posting 23-second highly stylized black and white videos on Facebook and Youtube. Quotes from a mystery designer comes through the mouths of male and female actors captured in flashing images that show everything but an actual face. Initially, the rumor mill focused on Tomas Maier of Bottega Venetta and Carolina Herrera as possible originators of the quotes. Then, WWD wrote yesterday: "While the camera never lingers on the faces long enough for recognition in the clips, the voice-over of designer musings, while electronically altered, are unmistakable Elbaz-isms."

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The Fashion Statement: Lanvin at H&M! originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alber elbazerin fetherstonHMkarl lagerfeldLanvinmadonnarodartestella mccartneyzac posen Kristin Young Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Fashion's Night Out]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/26/the-fashion-statement-fashions-night-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/26/the-fashion-statement-fashions-night-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/26/the-fashion-statement-fashions-night-out/#comments

The fashion world is buzzing about September 10. That's when people like Vogue chief Anna Wintour, Donna Karan, New York City Mayor Bloomberg and members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America will hang out with mere mortals like you and me at stores and boutiques in NYC.

The point? Shopping. And it's a boost to retailers, fashion designers and ultimately the whole fashion industry that has been pummeled of late.

This year's extravaganza is apparently bigger than last year's. On a geographical scale, it certainly is, with events planned for stores in Los Angeles, Paris, Milan and London. Okay, you expect those cities. But Fashion's Night Out is also popping up in unexpected destinations around the globe. Jamaica? China? India? Apparently so.

Aside from shopping, or at least window shopping, Fashion's Night Out is chance for non-fashion industry people to get a glimpse of what a real invitation-only fashion industry party is like. Doesn't hurt that September 10 is the start of New York fashion week, so everybody will be in town. And, this year, there will be cameras around filming for a CBS Special.

Last year, Bergdorf Goodman was a madhouse. Victoria Beckham and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were there, along with designers Georgina Chapman, Mark Badgley and James Mischka and Zac Posen. Charlize Theron showed up at Dior, Kate Hudson at Stella McCartney.







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The Fashion Statement: Fashion's Night Out originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alexander mcqueenbarneys new yorkBergdorf Goodmancalpso st. barthDiorDonna KaranFashions night outNYC Mayor BloombergStella McCartneystuart weitzmanVogue Kristin Young Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Woolly Mammoth Ivory is Huge]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/19/the-fashion-statement-woolly-mammoth-ivory-is-huge/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/19/the-fashion-statement-woolly-mammoth-ivory-is-huge/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/19/the-fashion-statement-woolly-mammoth-ivory-is-huge/#comments

Woolly mammoth ivory jewelry is everywhere.

Luxury retailer Stanley Korshak in Dallas can't keep it in stock. Michelle Obama has been photographed numerous times wearing it. For CFDA design darling Monique Péan and Ivory Jacks in Bothel, Washington, that create jewelry out of the material, business has been good.

The First Lady wore woolly mammoth jewelry by Monique Péan on a trip to Mexico a few months ago (pictured above and below)-specifically earrings, cuffs and strands. She wore the cuffs again recently to greet President Obama on his 49th birthday. The cuffs go for $4,480 to $7,420 at www.twistonline.com. The earrings can fetch anywhere between $915 and $2,970 at www.barneys.com.

Unlike elephant ivory which is primarily off-white, woolly mammoth ivory is unique in that it has many different colors-tan, brown and sometimes blue. Ivory Jacks jewelry designer Courtney Tripp explained to me this week at the Gift Show in New York that the colors are a result of thousands of years of mineralization. No two tusks are the same color. So no two mammoth jewelry pieces can be exactly the same.

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The Fashion Statement: Woolly Mammoth Ivory is Huge originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> IvoryMichelle Obamamonique peanwolly mammoth ivory jewelrywoolly mammoth Kristin Young Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Flight Attendant Wanted New Uniforms, Too]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/12/the-fashion-statement-flight-attendant-wanted-new-uniforms-too/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/12/the-fashion-statement-flight-attendant-wanted-new-uniforms-too/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/12/the-fashion-statement-flight-attendant-wanted-new-uniforms-too/#comments

JetBlue's Steven Slater, the flight attendant who grabbed a couple brews, deployed the airplane slide and said, "take this job and shove it," has become a modern-day folk hero. He certainly set the bar high for how to quit a job with flair.

But did you know Slater was also on the JetBlue's uniform redesign committee? Not only that but he was Chairman, according to businessinsider.com. No doubt he had had it up to here with the JetBlue look, too.

How quickly glory fades. Ten years ago, JetBlue uniforms were the height of chic. Stan Herman designed the window-pane checked midnight blue shirts, midnight blue trousers and skirts. Male flight attendants, like Slater, probably wore a tie with a pattern made to look like a plane's tail fins. Female counterparts could either wear blue check or polka dot scarves.

In 2001, JetBlue's uniforms were recognized for being utilitarian and "Prada-esque" and won design awards and accolades, even one from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The fashion school hosted an exhibition "Work in Uniform: Dressed for Detail" that featured JetBlue's uniforms.

But that was then. No telling what Slater and the committee have been planning. Or who they were collaborating with.


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The Fashion Statement: Flight Attendant Wanted New Uniforms, Too originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> jetblue flight attendantSteven Slaterstevenslaterjetblue Kristin Young Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Jewelry is Buggin' Out]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/05/the-fashion-statement-jewelry-is-buggin-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/05/the-fashion-statement-jewelry-is-buggin-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/05/the-fashion-statement-jewelry-is-buggin-out/#comments

What's with fine jewelry's never ending fascination with creepy crawlers?

The trend has been in full swing for years now, but the craze just won't, er, buzz off. Just look at Isabelle Adjani (pictured above) who had fish (courtesy of De Grisogono) wrapped around her wrists at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Thousands of dollars worth of gems diamonds, sapphires, blue topaz, rubies and more have gotten turned into frogs, dragonflies, spiders, reptiles, snakes, butterflies, bugs, stingrays, sea urchins...and all manner of little creatures.

I get serpents, particularly for their Ancient Egyptian connotations and mystical meaning. I wouldn't turn down Roberto Cavalli's Swarovski serpent bracelet, tagged $675, or Virgin's Saints and Angels temptation bracelet, $635, adorned with Pacific opals.

But you should see the price tag for bird-like claws and insects! For $1,188, you can get stacked rings that look like talons on designer Pamela Love's site. You can also snap up a very large cuff by Aurélie Bidermann, an 18K rendition of a web for $1,795 at net-a-porter.com. Neiman Marcus has bug stud earrings by Ileana Makri, for $3,750.

Dragonflies do quite well, too. At Ylang 23, Cathy Waterman's dragonfly bracelet is going for $28,800 while Barneys New York is promoting Vernissage's pendant necklaces, $1,650.

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The Fashion Statement: Jewelry is Buggin' Out originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Aurélie BidermannCathy WatermanIsabelleAdjaniPadmaRoberto CavalliWendy Yeu Kristin Young Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: A Case for Roomy Trousers]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/30/the-fashion-statement-a-case-for-roomy-trousers/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/30/the-fashion-statement-a-case-for-roomy-trousers/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/30/the-fashion-statement-a-case-for-roomy-trousers/#comments
Reed Krakoff's (Coach president and creative director) new ready-to-wear line this fall featured them. So did Pringle of Scotland. January Jones broke them out for the annual summer Louis Vuitton/Vanity Fair party on Rodeo Drive.

Skinny pants, could your end finally be in sight? Roomy, high-waisted trousers are showing up everywhere.

This isn't the first time roomy trousers have tried to get a jump on the ubiquitous skinny. For a brief moment in 2007, high-waisted wide legged jeans flooded the marketplace. In '08, the wide-legged palazzo had a moment. A year ago, the harem pants made a run for it gaining many headlines and about half as many fans.

What makes this time different? Time will tell.

Fashion is like a pendulum. For every action, there is a reaction. It was always a matter of time before flowing pants nudged skinny off her perch. It usually takes a few tries before the eye gets used to the new look. Even fashion critics who are used to continuous change, are hard to convince. Earlier this year, style.com had this to say on Pringle's slouchy trousers inspired by wading boots: "That's a lot of pant for a body to wear."





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The Fashion Statement: A Case for Roomy Trousers originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Bergdorf Goodmanhigh-waisted trousersjanuary jonespringle of scotlandReed Krakoffroomy pants Kristin Young Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Designers E-tail It]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/22/the-fashion-statement-designers-e-tail-it/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/22/the-fashion-statement-designers-e-tail-it/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/22/the-fashion-statement-designers-e-tail-it/#comments

Luxury fashion designers, who've long shunned e-commerce, are caving in.

Last week, The New York Times reported that Marc Jacobs (fall show pictured above), Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, St. John, Theory, Kiehls, Lilly Pulitzer, Donna Karan and La Perla are finally going to do on the Web what they do in the real world: sell stuff!

To a person in any other industry, I can imagine how crazy this must sound. Companies in the business of selling stuff have not caught on to selling stuff on the Web, a medium that has been around for several decades!

"'The classic luxury brand Web site is basically a Flash site with lots of beautiful imagery, but no one ever goes to it,'" Aaron Shapiro, a partner at the Web design firm Huge, told the NYT.

There are department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman to consider. What happens to their online sites, not to mention brick and mortar stores, if you can go straight to Balenciaga.com and order those Formica and plywood platform loafers thereby cutting out the middleman?

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The Fashion Statement: Designers E-tail It originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alexander McQueenBergdorf GoodmanMarc JacobsNeiman MarcusSaks Fifth Avenue Kristin Young Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Bouffants are Back]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/15/the-fashion-statement-bouffants-are-back/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/15/the-fashion-statement-bouffants-are-back/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/15/the-fashion-statement-bouffants-are-back/#comments
The bouffant, the piled-high hairstyle popularized in the late '50s and early '60s, is back!

Amy Winehouse has been rockin' a beehive for years. But, this year, bouffants kicked into high gear and were seen on the runways of Chanel, Dior, Oscar de la Renta (above) and Vera Wang. On the celeb front Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Kate Beckinsale have all given it a whirl.

Bouffant. Pompadour. Whatever you call it, it was born in France, reportedly first introduced by Madame de Pompadour who was a mistress of Louis XV. But the real bouffant as we know it today was created for Marie Antoinette, who apparently wanted to mask her thin hair. Closer to the truth, it was the fashion. And, as we know, Antoinette was not exactly known for her restraint.

According to Daring 'Dos: A History of Extraordinary Hair, by Mary Trasko, both Pompadour and Antoinette wore their hair high on the forehead, either brushed over a pad or "frizzed." Some estimated the towering styles stretched three feet high. Hair was such a production back then, women slept propped up on pillows. Our quips today that animals could live in those things was more than partly right-the pomades back then were made of lard and attracted vermin.

By the '60s, the style had become so commonplace in the West, it spread to American suburbs. Throngs of women made their weekly trips to the hair salon, usually Fridays. Wash. Set. Tease. And use lots of industrial strength hair spray. Teachers complained about girls whose hair was so big that they blocked other students from seeing the blackboard.

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: Bouffants are Back

Kate BeckinsaleMelodie GardotMischa Barton at the Rosa Clara ShowLady GaGa

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The Fashion Statement: Bouffants are Back originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Amy WinehousebouffantChanelHairStylesLady GagaMadame de PompadourMarie AntoinetteVidal Sasson Kristin Young Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: Paris Couture Pares Back]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/08/the-fashion-statement-paris-couture-pares-back/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/08/the-fashion-statement-paris-couture-pares-back/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/08/the-fashion-statement-paris-couture-pares-back/#comments

The haute couture shows in Paris are in full swing, but rather than enjoy the spectacle, fashion watchers have the nagging suspicion they are witnessing the end of an era.

Sure, clothing that can cost as much as a house, have little relevance in today's world-only a handful of women in the world can afford the custom-made pieces. And fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, pictured above, create the looks mostly for press and to promote brand awareness and maintain an image. (Dita Von Teese guest strutted in black wire and stockings.) But the Great Recession has sped up the decline of an institution of fashion, the highest level a designer can achieve, the crème de la crème of the biz. It's sad!

Signs of decline are all there. Shows have been reduced to six spanning three days. Sets have been pared back. Givenchy eschewed a show altogether to stage "presentations," or museum like display on dress forms-a sure sign of financial conservatism.

"Why not just hang a sign on the door that says, 'Shut?'" wrote Cathy Horyn yesterday in The New York Times.

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The Fashion Statement: Paris Couture Pares Back originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ChanelChristian DiorDita Von TeeseElie Saab CoutureGivenchyhaute couturejean paul gaultierParis Fashion WeekParis haute couturerunwayrunway fashionrunway modelsrunway showsRunwayFashionRunwayShowValentino Kristin Young Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Fashion Statement: It Bags are Back to Basic]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/01/the-fashion-statement-it-bags-are-back-to-basic/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/01/the-fashion-statement-it-bags-are-back-to-basic/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/01/the-fashion-statement-it-bags-are-back-to-basic/#comments
Toss your roomy totes, slim clutches and bohemian bags with hardware and fringe to the back of the closet.

The It bags for fall are small and basic; ladylike, almost to the point of prim; and minimalist. Square-shaped or rectangular, the handbags often have long shoulder straps and feature a very simple fold-over envelope style flap with a simple clasp. Color schemes are fairly basic, too, with most in solid brown and tan leather and black.

These bags resemble the "pocket books" you once plucked from your mother's or grandmother's closet to play dress-up. They are ultra understated and have a conservative '80s power suit feel. With long shoulder straps the bags rest at the hip.

Hermès has resurrected the Constance, a model with an H clasp that can be worn over the shoulder or messenger style.

Phoebe Philo introduced Celine's Classic Box, a small bag with compartments, closed by a square gold clasp. The fashion flock has been seen with the bag in black, brown and red leather.

Ralph Lauren has one in shiny brown croc with a gleaming round gold clasp. Fendi has also brought back a classic: the Logo Square bag emblazoned with Fs.

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: Bags are Back To Basics

CelineChanelHermesSalvatore Ferragamo



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The Fashion Statement: It Bags are Back to Basic originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carla bruni sarkozyCelineChanelhandbagsHermesIt bagsLindsay LohanMadonnaRalph Laurenshoulder bags Kristin Young Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST Luxist