-
model behaviors
Hanging With The Boys
For a refreshing, balanced look at the allegedly glamorous world of male modeling, read this story about a (really, really ridiculously good-looking) kid from Tennessee named Petey. [New York Magazine] -
fashion/function
Armani's NY Times Blog Not Actually Written By Armani
The Times has an answer for anyone wondering exactly how involved Giorgio Armani is with the special fashion week column that's being posted under his name at their The Moment blog. More » -
fashion show
Marc Jacobs Fall 2009: Relax, Don't Do It
On the Marc Jacobs runway last night, the year was 1984: Aggressive shoulders, bold neon colors, Flock of Seagulls hair and sunglasses at night. This is what it sounds like when doves cry. More » -
fashion show
Barbie's Runway: Big Hair & Lots Of Pink
Barbie's first-ever runway show was created with the participation of 50 designers and celebrated "the past, present and future of fashion, with Barbie® doll as the muse." Translation: Short, pink dresses! More » -
fashion show
Jason Wu's Dreamy Dressy Dresses
Kicking off New York Fashion Week this afternoon, Jason Wu showed frocks fit for a First Lady — or anyone interested in ladylike ensembles. Was there anything for Michelle Obama on the runway? Let's look! More » -
rag trade
Dita Von Teese Will Wear As Much Couture As She Wants
- Dita Von Teese wears two Elie Saab couture creations in her limited-run Paris show. Is it strange that the only people who can afford couture these days are burlesque artists and Saudi princesses? [IHT]
-
rag trade
Dolce & Gabanna's Domenico & Stefano Are Devout Designers
- Sometimes the morning brings good news: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are going to play Italian priests in the movie version of Nine, which was inspired by Fellini's 8 1/2. Priests! [Elle UK]
-
rag trade
Pam + Viv 4-Eva; Fashion Week To Leave Bryant Park?
- Vivienne Westwood's campaign with Pamela Anderson (and Viv's hot, much-younger husband) was shot on election day last year. The ladies talk about their friendship, which is based on sending each other books. [Times of London]
-
-
rag trade
Ms. Obama: Oh, This Old Thing?
- Michelle Obama wore Tracy Feith yesterday. She has yet to warn any designer what she's wearing — which is kind of awesomely normal. It must be the best surprise one could get. [WWD]
-
rag trade
Theyskens Sticks To His Guns At Nina Ricci; Retail Bigwigs Trade Insults
- Olivier Theyskens is holding true to the fundamentals. “When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate,” he said, after showing his pre-fall collection for Nina Ricci. [WWD]
-
badgley mischka
Fashion Show: Badgley Mischka
20 years into their collaboration, Mark Badgley and James Mischka are still turning heads with their commitment to pure glam. While the current collection kept the voltage high, the gowns on parade skewed a bit lighter and rather less sparkly than in the past - albeit still with a serious emphasis on 1980s excess. The parade of impeccably-groomed models embodied flawless glitz and sported looks that made no bones about the jet-setting lifestyles of the clothing's intended audiences. It's good to see these red carpet fixtures (the gowns, not the guys) keeping the flame alive. Click on the image at left to see the gallery. More » -
donna karan
Fashion Show: Donna Karan
Donna Karan has made her name on a relaxed, sophisticated aesthetic that blends comfort with artistry. This signature collection was no exception, bringing us a parade of flowy, body-conscious pieces that scream rich bohemian in an an appealingly muted palette, with a few soft menswear-inspired pieces as a gentle nod to the current vogue in 8os power dressing. It's classic DK, but at the end of the day, that's probably what her customer wants! Click on the image at left to see the gallery. More » -
zac posen
Fashion Show: Zac Posen
Is Zac Posen still considered a "wunderkind" at 27? I guess he is, given that after only six years in the spotlight he's one of the most celeb-beloved and established designers on the scene. Normally he's known for his tailoring, but this collection went in a different direction entirely. There was some definite weirdness - padding (which actually made the models look voluptuous), plastic, metal decoration - but some of the evening wear and the bombshell-ish animal prints were just completely glam. See if you don't flip over that sea green gown! Click on the pic at left to see the entire gallery. More » -
calvin klein
Fashion Show: Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein, as we all know, is renowned for his classic minimalism. Francisco Costa's spring line was distinctively CK, but not necessarily his most wearable: it was aggressively architectural, and while some of the origami-like pieces, in their muted white, nude and cobalt palette, were very pretty, others just looked like stiff silk faille boxes plunked on top of incidental bodies: read, not exactly flattering. What say you, friends? Click on the picture at left to see the gallery. More » -
new york fashion week
Gossip Girl's Nate Archibald For Versace?
- Is Gossip Girl pretty boy Chace Crawford set to replace McDreamy as the face of Versace? [Perez Hilton]
- Fashion slang seems to have no regard for a word's actual meaning: "Designer Ashleigh Verrier said her favorite fashion word was "diaphanous" — an adjective characterizing fineness of texture. 'As in, 'That dress is so diaphanous!'' she said. 'I like 'Glamit'," said fashion designer Marc Bouwer, who uses the term for a fashion line. 'It is so gorgeous and glamorous. You don't want to use cliched words.'Designer Thuy Diep said 'prune"'was popular within her fashion crew to express disapproval." [Reuters]
- Vogue-interning hockey playing fashionisto Sean Avery on who should play him in the rumored movie about him: "'Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit, man. I dunno I dunno I dunno I dunno I dunno. Fuck. I dunno!...I don't know anything. That's what casting guys are for! Shit. No questions!'" Sounds like that'll be some sparkling dialogue! [Radar]
-
new york fashion week
Work It! The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Of New York Fashion Week
As everyone knows, the best action at Fashion Week doesn't happen on the runway. So we bring you a GBU from yesterday's tents! It's hard to say exactly what the dress code is for fashion shows, since some people wear cocktail dresses at 9 am. What's not hard to say is that some fashionistas look like total ass, which, it's true, might be a dress code memo I didn't get. And it's gotta be hard to figure out who you're going to wear when you're hitting several high-profile shows in a day, so you have to feel for them. Tinsley Mortimer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Aubrey O'Day, Joy Bryant, and some seriously awesome dandies — after the jump! More » -
rebecca taylor
Fashion Show: Rebecca Taylor
I was gonna live-blog this for ya, but that's kind of hard to do when you're in "standing seating" and sort of overwhelmed by how young the models are! I read the designer's description of "The Rebecca Taylor girl for Spring 2009" as "a bohemian world traveler...she mixes her inherited couture pieces from her French actress mother with great finds gathered from exotic locations around the globe." If one of those locations was "1985" I guess I can see that! Because there were several flat-out 80s animal prints along with the more expected romantic boho flowing shapes and dainty florals. Rebecca Taylor is a super-girly designer, and the flowy, flirty pieces were my favorites. What say you, kids? Post-jump! More » -
milly
Fashion Show: Milly
Last year, the New York Times ran a spectacularly obnoxious Styles piece about being "downgraded" by economic necessity from big-name designers to "minor talents." One fashionista writes, “Last summer I had to buy a dress for an engagement party, and I actually bought a Milly — a Milly. Four years ago, I would have sawed off my left pinky toe before considering such a purchase.” Ever since, I've felt protective of Michelle Smith's line, and its pretty, 60s-inspired clothes. Yeah, maybe she's not setting the world on fire with Spring 09; maybe early-60s tailoring is done to a turn and boho chic's been pretty much beaten into the ground by Tory Burch, but the clothes on the Milly runway, if not exactly barrier-breaking, are frequently pretty, good for lots of bodies, and things I'd be happy to wear - if I could "upgrade" to them, that is. What say you? More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Marchesa
If you're feeling like a dose of fantasy, then Georgina "Mrs. Harvey Weinstein" Chapman is your woman. Her latest collection for Marchesa alternates between sleekly romantic Grecian and a lacy, voluminous, Flamenco-scented little girl's dream come true. (Well, a sophisticated little girl who likes black.) You can totally see why any billionaire bride would choose a Marchesa — they're literally showstopping. Click the picture at left to view the gallery. More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Michael Kors
In his Spring 09 show, Top American Designer Michael Kors channeled Miami retiree. No, seriously: the models are wearing sun visors. And while a great many of the crisp looks on display were unabashedly, wildly frumpy, there were moments of great charm. Almost to a look, though, you can just see these on a well-turned-out, cosmpolitan Grandma who comes up to New York to see museum exhibits and takes her grandkids to Europe when they turn ten. More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Narciso Rodriguez
Narciso Rodriguez is known for architectural shapes and a lot of tailored seams. You certainly got some of that in this latest collection, but I gotta say: I was not feeling the love. Yeah there were a few very pretty romantic touches and a couple of interesting silhouettes, but it was one of the least breast-friendly collections in a week not known for kindness to busts. He's cited ninjas as an influence here, so I guess showcasing curves doesn't rate high, but even by the dictates of "fashion as art" I found this troubling! Am I being too harsh? See what you think in the gallery by clicking on the picture at left. More » -
naomi campbell
Naomi Campbell Is Late To Feed The Needy
- Naomi Campbell's started her latest round of amends, this time a stint in a soup kitchen for assaulting a cop. Apparently she was ten minutes late. [The Mirror]
- No one will either confirm or deny that Ellen is a new Cover Girl. [AdAge]
- Nastia Liukin thrown in with the sharks. "Ms. Liukin was excited—giddy, almost—but perhaps also a tad intimidated. Dressed in a marbled, off-white bubble dress, Ms. Liukin had attended her first Fashion Week show, Peter Som’s spring 2009 collection, just that morning." [Observer]
-
marc by marc jacobs
Fashion Show: Marc By Marc Jacobs
After Monday's rad Marc Jacobs show, it's no shocker that the younger, slightly lower-end Marc by Marc Jacobs ready-to-wear collection is a delight and a despair. Like MJ, it's eclectic and belt-heavy. But it's also young, fun and completely wearable, from the flirty silhouettes to the bold prints. Yeah, some of it skews a little Gossip Girl - you can just see some wealthy 14-year-old flouncing down Madison Avenue in one of these delicious frocks and a little patchwork jacket - but every single one of us is going to be able to rock the H&M iterations that should be appearing in two days or so! Drool with me, by clicking on the photo at left to begin the gallery. More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Rodarte
The sisters behind the young label Rodarte, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, are kinda fashion It Girls right now. And it's hard not to dig designers who are inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald's paper dolls. Not only have they netted tons of highbrow fans and glowing reviews for their meticulous craftsmanship and whimsical detailing, but get this: Agyness Deyn walked in their Spring show. So, the show itself was...how shall I put this...highly conceptual. S&M details duking it out with craftsy, Stevie Nicks-ish hand-knits; flesh-toned kilts with perversely dowdy 80s shapes; and then some dramatic gowns that are just flat-out stunning. I'm guessing High Fashion's gonna swoon. You'll just have to draw your own conclusions! More » -
derek lam
Fashion Show: Derek Lam
Derek Lam is known for hearkening back to power dressing with his crisp, sporty pieces, so it's funny that now that everyone else is going 80s, Lam jumped it up a decade: from the styling to the clean lines to the palate, this Spring collection felt totally, well, 90s! And while this was basically refreshing, there were moments when he definitely channeled some kind of horrible Germanic LizSport hybrid that brought back less fond memories of the late decade. What say you? Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show. More » -
monique lhuillier
Fashion Show: Monique Lhuillier
When you think Monique Lhuillier, you think "pretty dresses," and she rarely disappoints. Sure, there were the few obligatory 80s silhouettes, a dash of jet-set resort, but there's a reason the Filipina designer is a Big Name in Bridal: her gowns are unabashedly romantic, Grace Kelly-worthy confections. Thing lace, think bows, think the fantasy getup you'd wear if you were going to, I don't know, that New Year's Eve ball they have in Vienna. Basically, any event more formal than anything you'll ever go to. It's getting to be that time of the afternoon when we can all use a pick-me-up: have some spun sugar! Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show. More » -
new york fashion week
Bloomie's After Dark: Kind Of Like Bloomie's During The Day Plus Booze & Nigel Barker
Kids! As I may have mentioned, I am somewhat disillusioned by fashion week parties. But last night, out of pure love, I attended the opening party for AmericanPHOTO's "first ever fashion issue" and, more to the point, Nigel Barker's fashion photos, "Moon Warriors." The party (co-hosted by Elle) was at Bloomingdale's SoHo (which was still open when we got there, allowing me to purchase a MAC eyeshadow in "Jest.") I couldn't get anyone to go with me, so my boyfriend came. I was also in work clothes and shlepping around a computer all night, but at least I was sporting my (new) signature glasses chain! What follows were a couple of Housewives, much humiliation, some LU biscuits and a lot of waiting on line. Our adventure, after the jump! More » -
proenza schouler
Fashion Show: Proenza Schouler
If you're feeling nostalgic for Nancy Reagan chic, you've come to the right place, baby, cause Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez , the minds behind Proenza Schouler, were feeling 80s power in a major way. Yes, you've got the shoulders, the glitz, the jumpsuits. But there's also a major nod to the "eccentric art patron" great-aunt type - you know, the one in the huge glasses with "avant-garde" tastes. If the collection feels slightly schizo, well, maybe that's a nod to that other period icon, Bret Easton-Ellis. And yes, we are talking about the rubber gloves. Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show. More » -
Rag Trade
Hockey Player Sean Avery's Vogue Stint To Hit The Silver Screen
- You know how we said yesterday we were kind of over hockey player Sean Avery's novelty Vogue internship? Yeah, now they might make a movie out of it. Devil Wears Prada meets The Cutting Edge?! [Reuters]
- Naomi Campbell wants to be a mother. FYI. [Daily Express]
- Posh's line of gowns is...not too bad. Says Posh: "The collection was inspired by the femininity and sophistication of the midcentury silhouette...I’ve always been drawn to intricate, seam-detailed designs, as their structure enhances the flattering shape of a woman’s silhouette.” Silhouette. Just to make it three! [IHT]
- Whoa whoa whoa. JLo to guest judge at Runway finale?! [NY Mag]
- Another one bites the dust: Viveca A. Fox is launching a clothing line. [USA Today]
-
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Jill Stuart
To call Jill Stuart's spring line "diaphanous" is a major understatement: it's a total Greek goddess wardrobe, layers of chiffon and sea foam gowns and Isadora Duncan-worthy tunics. And then, out of the blue, this random gym outfit. It's a lot of romance, kids — besides the gym outfit, I mean — and cynics shouldn't even apply. But for the rest of you, dust off your Bullfinch's Mythology and get ready to embrace your inner deity. More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Charlotte Ronson
For a while there, Charlotte Ronson just seemed like a day-tripper with a suspicious amount of pink in her store. And yet, along with her entire fam, it's suddenly impossible not to kind of love her. Seriously, she gets better all the time. Her collection, as always, is girly, sporty and fun, but the cuts are cool and there are a few surprises with fabrication. You could actually wear every one of these looks. And, more to the point, would! More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Diane Von Furstenberg
For those of you expecting DVF's usual brand of sophisticated career-wear, don't hold your breath: her deranged bohemian preferred an eclectic , brash romanticism - think Arden Wohl on a cruise - that left some of us longing for silk jersey. Which is not to say there aren't some treats in store: DVF's signature prints took a turn for the dainty and, while some of the cleaner shapes skewed a little Tory Burch, they're eminently wearable. Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show. More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Herve Leger
It only takes a look at the pics from the VMAs last night to appreciate how hard the Leger bandage dress has hit — and how many bodies can wear it and look amazing. Max Azria for Herve Leger played with the bandage to mostly good effect and amazingly managed to keep us from getting bored. However, boredom would have been preferable to bandage swimwear.Just sayin'. (Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show.) More » -
new york fashion week
Fashion Show: Alexandre Herchcovitch
If you're jonesing for the bite of something more experimental and decidedly less pretty, perhaps you'll cotton to Alexandre Herchcovitch's exercise in perverse volume. Risky, sure: think a lot of khaki mixed with silk charmeuse, novel shapes and a serious mix of textures. Wearable? Not so much. But a few of these deets, judiciously used, will feel truly fresh come spring. Others will just feel like a linebacker's uniform made of a big ol' mess of butcher paper. More » -
fashion week
Fashion Show: Abaeté
Laura Poretzky started her label, Abaeté (her family name, which means "person of virtue") in 2004. It has quickly gained recognition thanks to a mix of girly dresses, tough skirts and a decidedly downtown vibe. Her Spring 2009 collection was shown on Saturday afternoon. The Abaeté vision for spring sticks to the "typical" Easter-egg palette: pale blue, soft pink, bright yellow — but with some choppy seersucker dresses and clingy black '80s skirts thrown in. Click the photo at left for a gallery; then click any picture to start the show. More » -
the greatest show on earth?
Entertainment Weekly is reporting "exclusively" that "two well-placed sources" have informed the magazine that The Greatest Show On Earth (i.e. Project Runway) the show will leave New York for Los Angeles in its sixth season. Honestly, could Lifetime do anything else to fuck this show up? Actually, yes! Replace Tim Gunn with Rachel Zoe. [Entertainment Weekly] -
rag trade
George Clooney Is Not A Fashion Designer
- Holy fuck: George Clooney, fashion designer?! [WWD, sub req'd]
-
rag trade
Agyness Deyn's Mother Reveals The Reason Her Daughter Is So Fat
- Agyness Deyn's mom Lorraine Collins is as amazed as we are that someone as FAT as Agyness could ever make it in fashion: "She has wonderful curves and a bit of meat on her. When she's home, she eats everything." [Mirror]
-
the greatest show on earth
Project Runway Finale: I Remind You That Victoria Motherfucking Beckham Is Here
Yup, it's the night we've been waiting for: By 11 p.m. we'll all know who won Project Runway season 4. And I don't know about you, but I've been a wreck ever since I saw the final collection in Bryant Park but a mere 4 weeks ago, replaying them over and over again in my minding, tormenting who will be in, and who will be out. Will Rami make all Christian Palestinians from Jerusalem proud of his draping abilities? Will Christian utilize the secret powers of Ferocia Coutura to pull the hair and blind his competition with his pageant of puffy sleeves? Will Jillian's monotonous Long Island accent seduce the judges like a siren song? Jesus Christ, I can't take the questions anymore! Thank God the finale (with special guest judge Victoria Motherfucking Beckham!!!!) starts....now.
More » -
the greatest show on earth
Project Runway Finale, Part I: Welcome To The "Monkey House"
Last night on Project Runway: Home visits! There's something so real about the finalists introducing Tim Gunn to where they live and work, and who they love. (Let's not forget that, during season 1, this episode yielded one of the greatest moments in Project Runway history, when Jay McCarroll met Tim out in his lawn wielding a shotgun.) Anyway, much was learned. Christian: Lives in a little apartment; grew up in Baltimore; used to cut hair. Rami: Born in Jerusalem; mother died when he was young. Jillian: Has a Christmas stocking on her door; boyfriend is very proud of her; mother on Long Island relies on advice of psychics. Chris March: Missed Tim dearly; has friends who support Hillary and an unnatural love for rococo furnishings. In addition to getting background on his beloved designers, Tim perused everyone's collections. The lowdown: Rami's looked heavy, Christian's looked voluminous, Jillian's was too "muddy" and, well, Chris used human hair as trim. Clip above.








































