Fashion PR division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, A Fashion Public Relations. Fashion publicity, promotion marketing firm

Posted From Paris - March 2nd. Things have always been known to be bigger in the U.S. Europeans talk about the dreamy big sky country of the Western United States. They are amazed by our big cities, shocked by our big food portions, and repulsed by our big asses! This week in Paris however, we saw designers were thinking bigger is better!. Volume was all over the runways by those trend setting designers and the keepers at the gate of the large fashion empires.  Three that stood out are:

Yves Saint Laurent - Stefano Pilati has had a bumpy road in his first few seasons out of the gate at YSL. Some say he is too much of a departure from the Yves look, and some just want reference to the master. For fall Mr. Pilati was all about less structure and volumous cocoon shapes. The sleek styling brought attention to clean lines free of needless detail - something he has been criticized for in the past. The collection was modern and chic. Wearable, yet editorial - which is no easy task. Its seems Mr. Pilati is finding his groove at the helm of YSL for sure.

Stella McCartney - Oversized proportions are nothing new for Stella. She has developed a look for herself with chunky knits. They always have an edge with color or print, but look like you could curl up by the fire with a good book - or at least the latest issue of Vogue. While it was her Saville Row tailoring that put her on the map, it is her more athletic designs that have proved to be commercially successful for her. It is her sportiest looks that girls collect season after season. With swing coats, and jackets she gave them something to get in line for this fall. The perfect things to wear over her active collection from Adidas. Season after season the house known for trainers sell out of her high design "gym clothes". Giving the old saying about ADIDAS a twist - All Day I Dream About Stella!!

Chanel - When Karl Lagerfeld says SEW - the Chanel atelier says "how fast?" - and when Karl said SNOW - Chanel made that happen too! Thats right. It snowed Friday morning in Paris, but only under the glass dome of the Grande Palais. Mr. Lagerfeld showed his Fall RTW collection under a "sky" of giant white tissue clouds. The runway was a large "frozen" lake covered in snow. His ice princess' made their way around the rink in knee high boots in white and black leather. It was the 1870's meets the 1970's as long coats in deep aubergine were cinched with bright white belts and draped with big tweed bags embellished with charms, charms and more charms. Turqoise was all around - from shoes to bags. The gigantic chest plate necklaces made you somehow think African - while the pixie like models with their crimped hair were more Austrian! While Michel Gaubert remixed David Bowie and we heard snippets singing "pressure", it was the girls who looked pressured not to have a wipe out as they tried to make 6 inch stiletto's on "ice" look easy.  We even saw one pair of golden ice skates draped over one girls shoulders- knowing Karl, it could have been a new take on an evening clutch! With KL the sky is the limit! Maybe he was also dreaming of that big sky country out west - just at the finale - the paper clouds started to move and the entire room was bathed in little paper snow flakes.   It was a beautiful site- and a total fashion moment.   After all, what could be more exclusive than having Chanel snow in your hair or on your person as you had lunch afterwards at L'Avenue.   The Avenue Montaigne restaurant was the place to be after the show and the snow!

Diane von Furstenberg is a multi-talented woman whose career has spanned three decades. Most people know that she is a fashion designer, but she has many other gifts that have kept her well rounded and brought her the name recognition she so rightly deserves.

Ms. von Furstenberg began her career selling knit dresses and soon enough designed the wrap dress, which is on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has always been about being feminine and feeling like a woman and this theme is reflective in all of her collections, beauty and fragrance line and accessories. Ms. Von Furstenberg has authored several books a few that are coffee table books and one memoir and also established a French-language publishing house. She designed Venus William’s Wimbledon dress with Reebok and it is now featured in the Wimbledon Hall of Fame. She has created her own cosmetic line and a fragrance she calls “D.” She has also designed an exclusive fine jewelry line with H. Stern and even has a Barbie Doll in her likeness.

In 2005 she was awarded the CFDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and a year later was welcomed as CFDA’s President. She entered this role amidst the model weight controversy and I have mentioned in a previous post my disappointment over how she has handled the issue thus far. However, for all that she has accomplished this far, I have no doubt that she will press forward teaching us all a thing or two about the fashion industry, she is after all, an Icon.

Louis Vuitton

Sarah Mower, Style.com The show felt a bit all over the place, but never mind: A lot of the women in the audience declared that, once the elements are merchandised for stores, they'll be going shopping.

Fashion Week Daily The show's cheeky title, "Girl with a Monogram Handbag," summed up all the season's components in one tidy tagline.

WWD The famed Dutchman’s canvases inspired Jacobs’ fall show for Louis Vuitton, making for a lovely though surprisingly low-key collection.

Miu Miu

Nicole Phelps, Style.com Despite all the (matron-meets-) porn-star allusions, this wasn't a sexy collection. And it won't necessarily be easy to wear, either. But in her characteristically thoughtful style, Prada has given everyone plenty to ponder on their long plane ride home.

Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily Fashion’s most influential designer Miuccia Prada had her tongue planted firmly in her cheek in a collection that played girlishly with volume and jokingly repeated silhouette’s and outfits in the second half of the show, but in transparent gauze and gazzar.

WWD Still exuding a certain lofty Prada quirkiness, these pieces are bound to have more street legs than those gargantuan molded separates.

Nina Ricci

Sarah Mower, Style.com Theyskens laid on an irresistible finale of trail-y, ragged-edged white and chartreuse fantasy gowns, but still, the question about where he intends to take Ricci was left in the air.

Fashion Week Daily With wavy feather tendrils floating from the clothes and hair down on alien ducklings, what might have registered as sterile futurism in that stark, otherworldly sea of grey and white instead came off as divine newness.

WWD Olivier Theyskens made a gentle return to the runway, one that was as breathtakingly beautiful as it was serene.

Chloe

Sarah Mower, Style.com The show had energy, but it's too early to judge how any newcomer will make his mark based on one collection (it took quite a few seasons for Philo to climb to the ranks of cult leader, after all). For now, the pertinent question is whether Melim Andersson gets the fact that Chloé has to be an easily broken down assemblage of fab pieces that fly out of shops. Reactions were split over that.

Fashion Week Daily Chloe's runway show played out as something of a hardcore curiosity shop. The new girl, under the helm of Paulo Melim Andersson, displayed a taste for the punky alongside the pretty, piling on zippers with equal fervor as mirrored embellishments, enjoying her lollipop-like abstract flower prints as well as her cherry-red platform combat boots.

Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily The collection opened slowly - a navy blue open backed dress worn with improbable bright red Doc Martens-style platforms that did not exactly wow. Like the overly bombastic soundtrack – its mood swung from industrial to piano doodling – the footwear was hit and miss, but one third way through, Paulo suddenly found his groove.

Ever since I can remember, I have had an obsession with shoes. It is the one fashion accessory that I am extremely picky about. I’ll never forget the day that I had saved enough babysitting money as a teenager, to purchase a pair of Kenneth Cole sandals. I wore them every day, but unfortunately they met their demise a year later when I got a puppy that decided my beloved sandals would make for a good chew toy.

To me, my shoes are a way of self-expression. I wear a particular style dependent upon my mood and how I want to express myself each day. Something about shoes makes me feel a certain way. If my shoes look good, it instills a certain amount of confidence in the way I walk. When I am out and about, I always want people to notice my shoes. For me, my shoes are an art form.

Prior to having children, my closet has been known to hold up to 25 (or maybe more) pairs of shoes. My husband has never understood my obsession and many times laughs at my preference of style over functionality. He often says that I do not wear “sensible shoes,” which he realized on our honeymoon as I climbed a snowy hill to go tubing in 3-inch heeled boots (and yes I probably fell about a dozen times wearing them).

Fashionista’s everywhere pay attention to the runway for the upcoming trends each season. Imagine my surprise when those trends are now showing up in Old Navy stores everywhere. It’s no secret to anyone who reads this blog and our main blog; I adore Old Navy and have for a long while. I’m definitely their cheerleader when it comes to reviving their brand (and Gap Inc. overall). From the looks of their latest commercial for their Spring dresses, it looks like that revival is here much sooner than we expected.

A few weeks ago I posted the top ten trends for Spring. The biggest trend obviously being dresses, but also the eyelet and above the knee hemlines, and while not on their list, baby dolls are popping up everywhere. I was sitting in my living room when the newest Old Navy commercial played and I couldn’t contain my excitement over their newest line of dresses. I’m not alone; Carleen Pruess from Beauty and Fashion Tech felt the same way:

“The other night the commercial came on and my boyfriend asked what it was for (he missed the intro), he was surprised when I immediately said 'Old Navy.' I hadn't really thought of Old Navy as a source for dresses in the past, but the ones in the commercial are cute and just the type of summer dress I like. I'm a sucker for sundresses and Old Navy prices sure can't be beat! I particularly like the halter dress in the commercial. It looks like I will be going shopping there soon.”

Other fashion Bloggers feel similar...

Scoop, as you know, just opened their Mega Scoop store on Broadway a few weeks ago. Already bursting at the seams with great fashion designers and brands like Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and 7 For All Mankind, Scoop has added yet another fashion iconic label to their list of brands: Helmut Lang.

Here in the states, Helmut Lang has been sold mostly in Barney’s stores and specific high-end retail boutiques. While Lang is no longer involved with his brand (it is owned by Link Theory), the designs overseen by creative directors Michael and Nicole Colovos (who previously owned Habitual, which is also sold at Scoop) have been receiving favorable reviews despite their slight dissention from the brand’s identity.

Scoop NYC will be carrying Lang’s sportswear collection for Spring and Summer 07. Make sure to also check out their fabulous Look Book when on their website.

Carolina Herrera was born with couture in her blood. While some women have it all, some women have all the talent. Ms. Herrera possesses an elegance that is undefined and that sophistication is streamlined throughout every piece of clothing and product that encompasses her brand.

Ms. Herrera began her fashion business in 1980 with a collection she designed to rave reviews among industry professionals. With the encouragement and support of her family, she moved from Venezuela to New York and formed Carolina Herrera Ltd. at the age of 40; an age that most people would consider too old for beginning a fashion label, but Ms. Herrera has proved them wrong. Her collections projected an elegant simplicity and love for detail. Boutiques and specialty stores began selling her line and it wasn’t too long before Carolina Herrera clothing became in demand by chic fashion enthusiasts who admired her craftsmanship.

In 1988, Ms. Herrera began to expand her brand into beauty when she launched her namesake fragrance. Then in subsequent years she launched Carolina Herrera for Men, Flore, Aqua Flore, 212 Carolina Herrera for Women and 212 for Men. Ms. Herrera also has a bridal line, cosmetics line and accessories line, all of which remain equally as popular as her signature fashion designs.

In 2004 Ms. Herrera received the CFDA’s Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award. One of her 4 daughters, also named Carolina, is also very much involved in the brand and is said to be the inspiration to many of its products. Year after year Ms. Herrera continues to impress us with her glamorous designs and I’m pretty confident that she will take our breath away for years to come.

Today was the big day in Australia for Target to launch Stella McCartney’s limited edition collection of clothing. Australian fashionista’s camped outside of Target like Americans on Black Friday eagerly awaiting the doors to open so they could snatch every piece of clothing possible. Many duked it out grabbing clothing from one another while others stripped the mannequins bare. Some kept the clothing for themselves and others quickly posted them to ebay since the collection is not available in any other country.

Stella McCartney’s Target line includes 42 pieces with none going over the $200 mark. This makes for those who love McCartney’s designs, but have to keep budget-minded, the ability to “dress for less.” McCartney’s idea to create this affordable line is to bring her brand to fashion lovers throughout Australia without discriminating monetarily. Once introduced to the brand and the limited edition collection has run its course, McCartney most likely hopes that these fashion enthusiasts will continue to remain loyal to her brand.

One of the highlights of any trip to Paris has to be the food. From simple brasseries to high-styled theme restaurants, the French know how to prepare a dish! If you are in the fashion crowd, then you no- doubt hit the usual suspects. You know, the Hotel Costes on Faubourg St. honore, Cafe De Flore on Blvd St. Germain, Dave on Rue Richelieu. One is trendy, one is legendary, and the third a hybrid: one part ok food - one part major attitude. 

First time travelers by all means - hit the Hotel Costes.   You might run into Kate Moss or Valentino, if not you will for sure see the most concentration of the beautiful people in Paris.   When I say the beautiful people, of course I mean the over accessorized, over dressed - yet under dressed fashion crowd.

If you are a die-hard New Yorker with a craving for Chinese, then ask your concierge to get you a reservation at Dave.  Its on Rue Richelieu and to say it is a scene is an understatement.   It is a year round destination  for artists, writers, rock stars, you name it.   During fashion week however, it is invaded by retailers and design house expats.   If you score a table in the main room that you know one of three things :
1.  you are staying at a VERY good hotel.  2. you work for a Major fashion house 0r 3.  you are drop dead gorgeous and Dave could not resist your look - male or female. 

There is an over the top spiral staircase that leads to the second floor, which can either mean you are being exiled, or you are having an affair and need some privacy.  The French are excellent in this area of diplomacy.  One night I thought I was the victim of the first scenario as Dave lead me and my dinner partner up the staircase.  Then I remembered I was smack dab in the middle of the second scenario!


If however, you have been to Paris and you know the drill at the 3 or 4 must see places and your tired of the velvet rope mentality - then I have a few suggestions:

Maison de L'Aubrac

This restaurant is named after the region in central France that is also the breed of their famous cattle. It is known for its lean, delicious cuts of beef.  However, Maison Aubrac is also a lively place to have a meal low in carbs and high in taste and character.  Most dishes are accompanied by simple vegetables like Haricot Vere, also known in NY as Haricot Vere - and for those Americans not on a coast - Green Beans. The decor is campy as it pays homage to its mountainous namesake region.  The country lodge feeling is a great departure from the typical Parisian decor.   Knotty Chestnut is all around - picket fence style from floor to ceiling!   Decorators take note: that wood costs you a small fortune this side of the Atlantic!  Chestnut is in abundance in France and has similar repellent properties to bugs as cedar.  True Parisians all know this spot also as one of the only places open 24/7.  The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.   On my last visit I was able to get a table without a reservation, and only after waiting about 5 minutes.

Chez Omar

North of Les Halles on the Rue de Bretagne this non-scene scene needs a bit of a disclaimer.   It is extremely popular with the fashion crowd.  However, it is the fashion crowd that cut their teeth on Stephen Sprouse and Thierry Mugler.   It's not the Jessica Simpson wannabe, Marquee club attending set that passes themselves off for fashion people nowadays.  Think Barneys vs. Bergdorf's.

Its all about the Cous Cous. Huge plates of Cous Cous and large terines of delicious stewed vegetables that hit the spot when ladled over skewers of tender lamb or beef kabobs.   Actually, it has to be all about the cous cous because the place is a dump.   It's a wonderful dump that makes the ramshackle details very authentic.  It is all original, even down to the zinc top bar that lines the far side of the restaurant.  Yes Omar is there holding court and you will wait for a table.   The waiters are as French as they come.  They tell you were you will sit and dont' try to ask for a certain open table - they assign you one like a fortune teller!  It is a who's who of fashion insiders.  Yes, you might see Mark Jacobs in that corner and Alber Albaz in that corner - that's just another night at Omar.  Summing it up, go for the food and be pleasantly surprised by the crowd, not the other way round.

A friend of mine who is a native Parisian recently called to reserve a table.  The conversation went like this:

Parisian:  Hi, are you taking reservations for tonight?

Omar:  Well, it depends.  You really don't need a reservation.

Parisian:  Oh, ok well then I would be able to have a table around 9

Omar:  well, at 7 there is no one here and you don't need a reservation.  After 9 it is crowded and you need a reservation.

Parisian:  oh, well then I'd like to make a reservation because I would like to come at 9.

Omar:  Well, we really don't take reservations.

Vive la difference!!

Cafe Chez Rosito

Now this one is a real treat!  None of your friends have been there, and they have never heard of it!  Just steps off the Place des Vosges this restaurant is a breath of fresh air from any uptight French restaurant.

It's a tiny little place run by a husband and wife from Corsica.  Now if you know anything about Corsica, you know it is not typically French in any way.  Corsicans are to France what Sicilians are to Italy.  Different to say the least.   The Corsicans however have a history of blowing up bombs during demonstrations of their desire to succeed from France!  They are one kooky bunch!

Cafe Rosito has that spirit of anarchy in everything... from the country decor of tiny dining room to Mrs. Rosito's own wiry hair style.  Everything has this whatever sensibility that puts you at ease and lets you relax.  

The menu is a mix of everything.  I had pasta with a spicy meat sauce, while my friends had beef and seafood - all excellent!  The prices were easy and if the Rosito's are in a good mood, so is the service.

After a long week of fashion shows where everyone is trying to achieve perfection , this little detour was just perfect for me!

If you are headed to Paris, check out one of the three I mentioned and let me know what you think!  Bon Appetit !! 

Spend a "seamless" saturday with the spring collection of fashion savvy graphic designers and graphically sophisticated fashion designers. Examine the pages of the fashion story from the creator's vision to the public eye, from the swatch to sketch, seam to sale, the fifties to the future. Register Here. See the schedule.

SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2007 Florence Gould Auditorium French Institute 55 East 59th Street

Heidi Klum’s modeling career began when her friend persuaded her in 1991, then only 18, to enter into a national modeling contest called “Model 92.” A year later she wins the contest, only to pass it up for finishing school. A month later school is finished and she begins studying to be a Fashion Designer. In the summer of that year she decides to give up Fashion Design to pursue her modeling career and lands her first real job. In 1993 she comes to the US for a modeling job and decides to take up residence in Manhattan, she has resided there ever since.

In 1997 she began her career with Victoria’s Secret and makes her first runway appearance. In that same year, she becomes engaged and remains married until 2003. By 1998 she becomes the first German model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and soon recognized as an international top model. In the next few years that followed she made her acting debut on Spin City as Michael J. Fox’s love interest, her first calendar is published, she makes her movie debut in Blow Dry, sings a tune at MTV’s Fashionably Loud and continues to rock the world with her images splashed on the covers of Vogue, ELLE, Marie Claire among many others.

In 2004 she became the host of the successful Bravo reality show Project Runway and soon after became the host for Germany’s Next Top Model which is co-produced by Tyra Banks. Klum has designed shoes for Birkenstock, produced two fragrances and designed jewelry for Mouawad. She is an accomplished painter and has had some of her work debut in art magazines here within the United States. Within the last few years she has put out a single called “Wonderland” which was intended for a series of commercials for the German retailer, “Douglas.” She has had a stamp in Germany in her honor and a rose named after her.

For those frequent readers of Jason Jobson's posts, Jason has been on a plane almost every day this week, he emailed me saying he had a great time in Europe and now was jumping all over the states and had a hard time blogging. He promised to get some more posts up in the near future.

I'm having a hell of a week... I'm in Chicago.. waiting for a connection to Pittsburgh.. this morning I was in St. Louis.. yesterday Indianapolis...and everyone thinks my so called "glamorous life" is in LA, NY, and Paris!

In the increasingly commercial world of fashion, few designers are able to remain true to their art while keeping an eye on the bottom line.  Thierry Mugler is a rare exception to this strict fashion rule.  The French designer rocked the runway during the 80's and 90's in Paris.   His unique vision of the world and his Women demanded the attention of editors, buyers, and celebrities everywhere!

Everything he did pushed buttons.  The proportions of his infamous silhouette gave women an hour glass figure regardless if they had one or not!  To be snapped into one of his suit jackets was the modern equivilence of wearing a corset.  The look was so extreme, he was labeled a misogynist by some!

His color palettes were also as strong as the shapes themselves.  Deep purples, firecracker reds, striking yellows - they were all there.  Through it all there was always this underlying sensuality or in actuality - an overt sexuality.   Thierry was not shy about his personal interest in leather, bondage, and the fetish lifestyle.  It was this sense of sexuality pulsing beneath the surface that fueled his image.  His love of the nightlife was also as famous as his collections.   Mugler was one of the trend setters who put South Beach on the map! 

This sensual appeal of Thierry Mugler was also the key to his hugely successful fragrance - Angel.  It quickly became known as the cotton candy - sexy scent.   The only one of its kind to use patchouli and chocolate together.  Over 15 years later, the scent is still a best seller worldwide.   In fact, there are now about a dozen variations bearing the name Angel for men and women.   While many French designers rely on the U.S. market for the bulk of their business, Mugler had already tapped into the middle eastern market years ago.   In countries like Dubai where money flowith over... they love the pungent, intense scent that is unmistakably Angel.  The bottle itself set it apart from any other scent.  The out of this world stellar appearance of a purple comet perfectly matches this mystical scent.

 I was lucky enough to have participated in many of Mugler's projects in the mid - 90's.   I had just graduated from F.I.T. and through some good fortune  -NYC coincidences I landed a job in the New York Showroom.   I'll never forget the first time I went to the space ship in the sky that would become a second home to me.   From the time the elevator opened on the 9th floor above the Paris movie theater, I was out of this world!  You had the sensation you entered into an outer space mother ship.  One that came from a place where women wore black vinyl leggings under short mini skirts and huge guitar pick shaped hats! Many of which were hand made by milliner Philip Tracy. 

The space was a huge open showroom that had one central hallway down the back with offices in a row.  The walls were off white venetian plaster and the carpeting throughout was sky blue - what many refer to as "Mugler" blue.   Six huge white leather sofas flanked the the perimeter of the room.  Small oval Herman Miller tables accompanied each.  I instantly knew I was home!

My experience was magical from that very first day.  With a very small U.S. office I worked on things that I would have never been given a chance at home base in Paris.   We wardrobed a Lenny Kravitz video from start to finish.  We produced the opening segment of the very first Vogue-VH-1 Fashion Music Awards. Live TV no less!! This entailed 20 models all in six inch stilettos winding down spiral stairs like ants.   That night I was introduced to Madonna by Jean Paul Gaultier.  Yes, Gaultier.  It seems that Thierry and Jean Paul shared the same housekeeper and many times I would be giving messages from one to the other.   Needless to say - my head never stopped spinning.

We dressed Jerry Hall, Iman, and Diana Ross to name a few Diva's.  Although to be fair, Diana was always very polite and well mannered.   I became phone buddies with Patty Hearst!  She called almost daily to chat about everything from her fathers lawyers to her little girl Lydia who has grown into quite the little party hound!   Women never said no to Thierry.   He even convinced camera shy Hearst to not only walk the runway in Paris but to do a mock strip tease!

Then there was the fashion show that featured four go-go boys in studded g-strings.  I was in charge of organizing the "talent" to get from L.A., N.Y. and parts unknown (or avoided) to Paris on time!!! Believe me this was no easy feat as many of these talented Hustlers, I mean dancers weren't exactly used to being on time - before 10pm that is!

The cast of characters reached beyond the grave! Sort of...there was infamous New York chanteuse - Joey Arias calling all the time and announcing himself as "Billie Holiday".  This was his alter ego when performing his cabaret act.   It was lost on me as I was 24 and fresh from a sleepy suburb.   That was just a typical phone call at the house of Mugler.  You never knew who would call or stop by or ring us up screaming!  Joey Arias is now headlining the  Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas aptly title Zoomanity.  It's known as the "adult" Cirque show and the entire look of the show was designed by Mugler himself.

It was a wild time those 90's.   I think about it now that the Fall collections saw all this homage to Thierry's unmistakable look.  Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana were just two that had strong Mugler influences for Fall.  To say he was ahead of his time is redundant.  His core creative inspiration was always a mix between Barbarella and Star Trek.   Although I can see the references on the runway for Fall,  I have to say that no one did or does it like Thierry.  

The fact that Mugler never changed his look to fuel retail sales is why I respect him so much.  That was the look - take it or leave it!   There was no back and forth and whipping up commercial looks for department stores so they would have a version to sell in Podunk!   This was high Fashion.  You trusted the designers vision and became part of the fantasy.   His sense of integrity would not waiver, even in choosing to let the house close, rather than be a commercial sell-out.  The best part is that in the end, Thierry has had the last laugh.   When skincare giant Clarins bought controlling interest in Angel, he was set for life.   The millions the house never made (or actually lost) on RTW- were more than made up for by the cosmetic monster Angel has become!   I hope rumors are true and Thierry Mugler collection will find its way back on the runway again soon!

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani is often the name you hear whispered across the red carpet at many Hollywood events. Armani’s designs and accessories are always in demand as they represent understated elegance with a distinct luxurious quality. What began as humble beginnings as a window dresser at La Rinascente, has become a fashion empire that few can rival.

From 1961-1970 he joined Nino Cerruti as a designer and then with the encouragement of his close friend Sergio Galeotti, he left Cerruti to venture out on his own into freelance design work. Within four years he established his own men’s wear label and a year later had one for women as well. Now Armani has established nine labels dabbling into more than just fashion, but cosmetics, accessories, home decor, jewelry, eyewear and watches.

While Armani is best known for his men’s line, it is his adaptation of the same lines and cuts that makes his women’s line increasingly sought after. Armani clothing is known for its precision and easy fit comfortable style.

Fashion PR is a curious thing. There are many fashion blogs out there, most from those who adore fashion, but a select few from those who are actually in fashion public relations. Many times Bloggers are tapped by public relations firms and are sent information regarding new products out on the market or about to hit the market. Occasionally this also means being sent a fashion product to review on our blogs. In a sense, this then puts the average fashion blogger into the realm of Fashion PR.

For my personal beauty and fashion blog I am often contacted by various PR firms regarding their client’s fashion brand or accessory. The following PR Firms that have reached out to me that represent fashion brands are:

Pierce Mattie Public Relations
The Winning Pitch
BelleRinger PR
Style House PR
Wilks PR
Rubenstein Communications

The Fashion PR blog that I read the most is PR Couture by Crosby Noricks. She manages her own PR and Creative Consulting Company, Clever Gretel in San Diego, CA, where she specializes in providing clients with expertise in media relations, creative promotions, branding, creative copy, event planning and design. Her interest in Fashion PR stems from undergraduate work in media studies, where she examined the relationship between feminism and fashion, as well as graduate work in mass communication and media studies. Her master’s thesis, “From Style to Strategy: An Exploratory Investigation of Public Relations Practice in the Fashion Industry” took her to Los Angeles and New York City to interview practitioners, and was the first academic study of its kind. Crosby was gracious enough to answer my questions regarding her reason for entering into the Fashion PR world:

Innovative, unique, stylish and bold; all of these characteristics describe the design of a Storm Watch. Their copywritten designs provide its consumer with the assuredness that their watch is unique only to Storm, lending prestige and credibility to the brand. Storm’s quest for individual style is made by challenging consumer expectations with a product that is different than any other watch out there.

While many people wear a watch for their functionality, why not have the best of both worlds? Storm is a statement of who you are while providing precision instrumentation. This isn’t your average timepiece, as each watch is made of stainless steel with scratch resistant mineral glass. Storm Watches aren’t ordinary looking, which is what I think makes them appealing. Their uncommon look is something that will make you stand out in a crowd. Some of the celebrities that stand out for their Storm Watches are David and Victoria Beckham, Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Amerie, Keke Palmer from Akeelah and the Bee, and LeToya Luckett.

The one thing you can count on with a Storm Watch is that its designers are constantly challenging the perception of how a watch should look. Whether it’s the features, gadgets, colors or shapes, the design is ever evolving and always looking to the future of individual taste and style.

Bags, Bags, Bags... Its all about Handbags. You can't name a fashion company that doesn't have a handbag collection of licensee. If you watch the wrap up of the fashion shows from the past season - the message is clear. Designers realize that such a small percentage of women watching can actually afford - or fit into their RTW creations. On the other hand, a huge portion of the population are willing to stretch their incomes and budgets to have one of the "it" bags of the season. With all this leather everywhere you look, I thought I would focus on three companies who have a true legacy of craftmenship. Each has been in business around 150 years. With that type of experience, you can be sure that any purchase you make would be a sound decision.

 Loewe  - Spain

(pronounced Lo-ev-ay)

 This company dates back to 1872.   Its founder, Enrique Loewe Roessberg was a German craftsman who settled in Madrid during an exciting time of new prosperity that saw the birthplace of the Leather goods industry in Spain.    Bringing a new sensibility from his German heritage to the sensual and passionate leather craft of Spain a unique legacy was born.   The company was first known for creating travel trunks for the Spanish royal family.  Understated luxury has been a consistent trademark of the brand.   Along its long and storied history the house has contracted several talented designers to create it's RTW collection - including Giorgio Armani, Laura Biagiotti, and Narciso Rodriguez.

The company has always had an understated elegance in its style and in the way it distributes its collection.  There are boutiques all over Europe and South America.   With so many brands selling on every corner, this is one to search out and make a long term investment that will always be in style.

Tanner Krolle 

 This British brand holds a stiff upper lip in their style and position in the marketplace.

Dating back to 1856, when Frederick Krolle first began his bespoke service of custom order travel trunks for the new wealth of London and the British Royal Family.

Through the generations outfitting traveling royalty became a tradition.  Famous Royals and lesser known dignitaries have ordered full sets of luggage of the most exotic skins and more than one time - diamond encrusted.  The late Princess Diana was just one of the famous fans from the Royal family.

The last 5 years has seen the company in a bit of a free-fall.   Changing hands more than once, now in those of an ex-pat British hedge fund financier based in Rockefeller center - the collection still has an identity crisis.    In the last three years, there have been as many designers and P.R. companies handling the image.   What is too often the case, our friends from across the pond are a little to cautious to spend some British pounds on advertising here in the U.S.    I would steer clear of the new collections that are bit too constipated and buy one of the incredible classic pieces that have kept them in business for over 150 years.     

 Louis Vuitton

 This brand needs little introduction.   The travel gear craftsmen have a history of bespoke order pieces from its founding in 1846 by its namesake Louis Vuitton.   The patriarch of this legendary brand had a vision of continuity through innovation and custom orders from the French aristocracy and the wealthiest members of Parisian society.

The logo monogram that is so ubiquitous with the mere mention of the name came about via the second generation of Vuitton's.   Now run by the 5th generation Mr. Vuitton the brand is as famous as it gets.   The house maintains a luxury image while at the same time reaching into all walks of life from designer to street customers.  

I am going to stick to the theme of this article and suggest you stick to a classic piece from the company archive catalog in monogram coated fabric.  Those are the pieces that will remain in style for years to come.   The new spring collection is a little scary.  I couldn't help but think that news that the brands creative director Marc Jacobs has re-entered rehab was a confirmation of my feelings about what is now in the boutiques.   I think there was some clouded judgment at play about 6 months ago when the drawing board might have been seen in double or triple or with floating fuzzies on it!

Each of these collections represent an amazing legacy and each was a pioneer in their homeland before the world was so small.  Which you choose is really up to you, whether you want one that will validate your style in the minds of the masses - or the other two that will get you noticed , but not recognized - you can't make a bad choice! 

It’s amazing to me that a supermodel such as Gemma Ward didn’t willingly enter the modeling industry on her own. Just like Heidi Klum, Gemma was coaxed into entering a modeling contest while still in her early teens. While Gemma didn’t win the competition in 2002, it was then that she was discovered at 14 and signed on as a model at Vivien's Model Management in Australia. Not long after, she was scooped up by IMG in New York, where she currently resides. Gemma is currently listed on Models.com as the number 1 top models to look out for.

While Gemma will be 20 this year, she has already had a few “firsts” in her modeling career and an extensive resume of designer collections, fashion shows and magazines that she has been involved in. At only 16 she was the first teen model to appear on the cover of American Vogue and Teen Vogue. She is also the first model since uber model Kate Moss to be the face of Calvin Klein’s Obsession Night For Men. Gemma’s face can be linked to Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Prada and Valentino.

Besides modeling, Gemma was also cast in John Mayer’s music video for “Daughters.” Gemma is said to be insanely popular in the fashion and modeling industry due to her angelic features and naivety regarding just how beautiful she is. Two things that are a rarity in the modeling industry.

7 For All Mankind is a must-have brand for the Fashionista and celebrity alike. 7 For All Mankind’s women's premium denim line exploded onto the scene in 2000 with virtually no competition. In the years that followed they developed a men’s denim collection, a children’s line and an outerwear and shirt collection that reached beyond their comfort zone of denim into a variety of other fabrics such as satin, corduroy and twill. This Spring we’ll see a women’s knit collection, as well as, KA7, a collaboration between designer Katayone Adeli and 7 For All Mankind to create a women’s contemporary sportswear collection.

 7 For All Mankind denim is known for it perfect fit and premium denim leaving you feeling luxurious and certainly not ordinary with their couture styling. Even for moms like Jennifer Garner, you certainly don’t have to wear mom jeans anymore when you have 7 For All Mankind’s “A” Pocket design. Other celebrities who love to show off their assets in 7 For All Mankind denim are Scarlett Johannson, Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz and Rachel Bilson. It is due to their strong celebrity following and product placement that they have been able to bring about brand awareness that has created a frenzy in the denim market.

I took a quick poll from the Pierce Mattie Brand Advocates and found that in addition to 7 For All Mankind, Diesel, True Religion and Levies were the fancy pants of choice in New York and Los Angeles.

To say that Marc Jacobs is a talented fashion designer is a complete understatement. The fact that Marc Jacobs operates more than one fashion brand, a men’s wear and women’s wear collection, as well as, a beauty, footwear, eyewear, fashion accessories and a home collection and does it all equally well only begins to describe the natural talent that is Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs has been on the receiving end of the CFDA’s awards six times. Several times for Women’s Designer of the Year, Men’s Designer of the Year, the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent and Accessories Designer of the Year. Not only has he received these awards from the CFDA, but he has also received many others while studying at the Parsons School of Design in New York City including the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award, the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award and the Design Student of the Year Award.

Mr. Jacobs has had a partnership with Robert Duffy for their company Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc. since 1984 that continues to this day. In the late 80’s Jacobs worked for Perry Ellis as Vice President of Women’s Design and less than 10 years later became artistic director for Louis Vuitton, a position he still holds today. Jacobs also has two successful labels of his own; Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, he also has a children’s collection called Little Marc. 1995 was the year that Jacobs launched his first Men’s Ready to Wear Collection.

Jacobs has countless stores and boutiques stationed around the world making him a household name. His runway shows are always subject to rave reviews and his designs always leave us breathless. There is not one collection that is better than the other and his talent and commitment to high quality and design shine through in everything he does.

What is the most popular fabric in the U.S.? in the world? If you look at the broad spectrum of all price points, the answer is easy - DENIM. This you probably knew. What you might not know is that Denim is French! Yes, thats right, the classic symbol that is as American as apple pie has a history that is more apple tarte. Denim roots are from a small town in France called Nimes. Think De-Nim. Its as simple as that. Way back in 1873 a taylor from Nevada realized that miners with gold rush fever needed some stable work clothes while searching for that big nugget! Jacob Davis had an original idea to reinforce pocket seams with copper studs. He had the idea, but not the money to file the patent. Mr. Levi Strauss , a German immigrant did have the money. He also had a business selling tents to miners made of "serge de nimes". The two had the brainstorm and the partnership was born! Now the original work fabric crosses all price points and life style's. Can you even imagine your wardrobe without that favorite pair of Jeans? Oui? NO!!!

Whenever I’m in L.A. I rely on a few friends who really have their finger on the pulse of what is happening around town. One is a buyer for the coolest fashion store in California and the other is one of the biggest casting directors working in television. They don’t know each other and hang in very different crowds. They give me a great Yin Yang perspective of everything from fashion to movies and just in their own personal sense of style. One lives in the Hills and the other in Hancock Park. One rolls in a Defender and the other in a Benz convertible. Its rare that the hot topic of conversation with them is on the same page. Except a year ago when I got emails from both telling me about their new favorite place to go on sunset after dinner or before going out for a late night. PINKBERRY.

Now New Yorkers are impressed with very few “new” things and let alone of all things .. frozen yogurt. After all, we are the home of tasti-delight on every other corner. We know ice cream and we know frozen yogurt. I tried to get excited and not dismiss it before I saw it and made plans with both during the next week I was spending in L.A.

The whole concept behind Pinkberry is that it is all natural. Two base flavors – green tea of plain yogurt – then an endless combination of fruit or treat toppings give you all the choice you could ever want. I have to admit – they had me at “green tea or plain?” There is something clean and modern about the décor – its like a cross between American Apparel and Alessi design store. There is shocking green color that makes you think health while at the same time it borders on bad Korean take-out. The colorful pink swirl logo is streamlined and happy. The pebble tile floors carry through on the au natural feeling. The location is also the cherry on your yogurt and part of the huge success of the brand. They were wise to open just off Santa Monica Blvd. In the middle of West Hollywood. They had a built in audience of gay men with an eye for design and looking for a natural snack if not low calorie. Just like Samantha told Smith Jarod on Sex & The City -“first the gays, then the girls, then Hollywood!”. No truer lines were ever written or spoken! All three followed suit for Pinkberry. One of the best things about Pinkberry are the portions – LARGE. There is more than enough in each cup to fill the tiny stomachs of all the Mary-Kate and Ashley clones that surrounded my friend and I. For the girls in L.A., this is dinner. After all, they aren’t working off the snack with and hour or two at Crunch on Sunset like my friends and I. I loved the whole experience and was so happy my TV friend had brought me, and happier still that I would have to come back with my fashion friend the next night! The Los Angeles times said that Pinkberry was “The taste that launched 1,000 parking tickets” and most will risk fines for that pink swirl. I put it on my list of things to do when in L.A. Along with visit the Hammer Museum, drinks at the Chateau, and driving around Santa Monica. It was the perfect addition to one of my west coast weekends. You can imagine my surprise one winter morning in NYC when I thought I saw a Pinkberry mirage. I had stumbled out of my apartment in Chelsea bleary eyed on auto pilot headed to Starbucks for my morning fix. As I headed down 8th avenue I breezed past the old lamp store space that had been vacant for a few weeks. I was stopped in my tracks when I saw that little pink swirl logo. I knew what that meant! I immediately started to dial one of my friends in L.A. when I realized it was 5:00 in the morning on the West coast…. Phone call aborted!

The funny thing is that now.. I'm not so excited about Pinkberry.  I have chalked it up to the phenom that happens all the time.   Something that is so AMAZING in L.A. is just so so once it goes east of Nevada!  I've had this happen with clothes, haircuts, and I hate to admit- people, but I never thought it would apply to a frozen treat!

I don't know if its the light in L.A. or the air.... but its almost like the O2 they supposedly pump into casinos... everything seems excellent at the time.   Back at home.. whatever.

SO, now that I have a Pinkberry one block from my house - I have gone once.   Ok, so maybe I'm a totally spoiled NY'er who is always looking for something exotic - but I will be lining up for the stuff when I'm on the West Coast and Cruising on Santa Monica Blvd. with my friends.  Go figure! 

So you think that eco fashion means hemp clothing and designs that are something less than chic? Do you think haute couture is even possible with eco fashion? Linda Loudermilk and her eco fashion line are nothing short of luxurious with polished put-together designs that will have you wondering why you stereotyped eco fashion in the first place.

I came across Loudermilk, an LA-based fashion designer, in an article regarding sustainable chic maternity in Plum Magazine. While the article and photos were a combination of Loudermilk’s clothing (which is non-maternity) and other fashion brands that are non-eco that were maternity (Chaiken, Cynthia Rowley, etc), I was simply amazed by Loudermilk’s designs and moreover, what they were made of.

Loudermilk uses fabrics that are made of sasawashi, bamboo, sea cell, soya and other exotic self-sustaining plants. Presently the only fabric she uses that is not in line with eco fashion is silk. This is simply due to the sheer cost of organic silk, however, there are currently farmers out there developing more humane ways to harvest silk without killing the silkworm, yet still being affordable and considered Vegan-friendly.

Loudermilk’s Couture line proves that eco fashion can be edgy, glamorous and sophisticated. This Spring she has added denim to her collection that is made from Ingeo (a corn-based fiber), sasawashi, bamboo, organic cotton and 1% spandex. For those who wear the new denim collection, you can feel confident wearing sustainable clothing, yet appear that you are wearing denim that could easily be mistaken as any other premium denim line.

Loudermilk’s clothing can be found in boutiques across the country and globally, as well. In New York City you can swing by Kaight and in Malibu be sure to stop by Crush to see her collections in person.

Sometimes I get in this style rut where I start to think the whole fashion thing is pretty lame. When I get this way, nothing in my closet looks good and I start thinking that maybe what would really inspire me would be to live in a beach cave like the chick in Island of the Blue Dolphins, or better yet, Blue Lagoon. These are low points to be sure, but they do happen. Blame it on too much of the So-Cal sun.

Since spear fishing is probably out of the question, it’s supremely lucky for me that there is Nylon Magazine – a rare gift for that rarified, thinking girl fashionista who loves sneaking into the bath with her Lucky magazine stickers, but sometimes needs a bit more substance. Witty, brash, like the cooler hipster girl you wish you were, Nylon comes on strong with art, style, interviews with crush-worthy ladies like Christina Ricci and Maggie Gyllenhaall, and delicious, inspiring fashion editorials that make me weak in the knees, surrounded by the kind of smart writing that truly feeds me.

I’m hoping that Nylon Guys creates the same kind of style-euphoria upon my well-dressed male friends and those complete strangers I see wearing too short suit pants at my local coffee shop. Focusing on sneakers, graffiti, music, with a tad of the sexy lady in her skivvies, Nylon Guys is a stylish pick me up for those XY chromosomes of a slightly more indie persuasion than MR. “I subscribe to GQ and Maxim.” It’s a bit like falling in love with the boyfriend I never had. It’s also free to download.

Tell me what child doesn’t look cute in a pair of overalls? OshKosh B’Gosh is the original creative mind behind the overall obsessed culture for little ones. I openly admit that at one time all three of my boys wore overalls when they were smaller. There is something so cute, yet grown up about them on a child. With only a few weeks to go until baby #4 arrives, I am beginning to stock up on all the adorable baby clothes that I can find that will let my little one offer his own voice of self-expression amidst his three older brothers.

Something I love about OshKosh clothing is its quality and durability. Since I have all boys, hand-me-downs are a way of life. The OshKosh clothes I bought my oldest son as a toddler still look just as good now as they did when he wore them eight years ago despite repeated washings over the years and the wear and tear that three rough and tumble boys can bring on. The new baby will inherit these clothes without anyone suspecting their age or amount of mileage they’ve racked up over the years.

OshKosh clothes are fraught with creativity and imagination and I love their fun and playful designs. My boys always looked like the angelic model baby dressed in their clothing despite the little terror about to toss that chocolate pudding at me erupting underneath. In the next few weeks I am heading down to the OshKosh Outlet at The Crossings and I can’t wait to see their newest arrivals just in time for my newest arrival.

Mathias Lauridsen hails from Denmark and is currently one of the most in demand male models of the moment. This uber gorgeous model with his piercing blue-green eyes has mastered all aspects of modeling in just a short period of time: runway, editorials and campaigns. This makes him the most diverse and most marketable than his male model counterparts.

Lauridsen was discovered in 2003 on the streets of Copenhagen and immediately did some modeling for a few local magazines. It was when he modeled for a Jil Sander campaign that other major brands took notice and within two years his face has been a part of campaigns for Christian Dior, Hermes, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis, DKNY, Lacoste, Kenzo, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, and Gucci.

It’s Lauridsen’s boyish charm and small scar on his cheek that has given him the appearance of rugged naivety. He’s walked the runway for Fashion Week many times and leaves fashion editors swooning in their seats. The rumor that he is shy has created an aura of mysteriousness and intrigue that has commanded the attention of fashion brands and designers across the globe.

David Beckham isn’t just an extremely talented and good looking soccer player. Beckham is a lifestyle brand and with all of that branding comes an extremely well dressed David who is the perfect walking advertisement for his products. In the states, the sports world is in need of a fashion icon and who better than David Beckham to lead the way?

In a time when the sports scene only has a handful of athletes that are exceptionally well dressed, we are desperately in need of someone to infuse good fashion sense back into the sports world. There once was a time when the most endorsement-savvy player, Michael Jordan, dominated with a fashion sense while other athletes attempted to step up their game by dawning designer duds. Over the years this has waned a little with jewelry becoming more of a statement with athletes than clothing; just look at the diamonds Terrell Owens is always showing off in television interviews.

Of course, some athletes have stepped foot into the fashion scene by designing clothing, such as Donovan McNabb’s Super Five apparel under the Reebok brand. However, this is more casual wear than clothing that makes a statement with high end style, so the burden now rests with David Beckham to bring his runway “Dolce & Gabbana look” into the competitive industry of sports here in the US. Athletes are competitive after all and I can’t see our American athletes being up shown by the new kid from across the pond.

My son uses the word “Sports Candy” to describe healthy snacks, with David Beckham’s presence soon to be here, I think I just found a new definition for it.

We live in a time when things move at the speed of light, or faster! The world has shrank, and the old saying think globally, act locally is almost pointless. Everything we do ends up happening globally anyway. No industry feels this evolution more than the fashion world. Designers break budgets holding exclusive fashion shows in Paris, Milan, & New York - only to be copied within the week by online predators and garmento knock off artists. Those celebrity obsessed cheese-fest tabloid shows have legitimized the entire concept by featuring shameless copycats the week after the Oscars showcasing "their" version of a beautiful creation for slashed prices. Everyone knows that the rock bottom priced version is usually of lesser quality and construction - but gives the same Look for much less.

There are also some amazing companies providing great fashion with prices that will make you do a double take! You will think someone left off a zero or two! Zara - the Spanish titan of quality clothes for less is one of the best! H&M is always right on trend and just about disposable at the price points it retails at.

The latest phenom is all together different. Yesterday it was reported that Diane von Furstenberg has filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement against the mass market retailer Forever 21 for blatant copy of one of her latest little party dresses. DVF known by her logo or aka Mrs. Barry Diller is taking a bold stand here. Here's the rub. The DVF dress in question is made of 100% silk and manufactured in China. It retails for around $350. The Forever 21 dress is made of 100% silk and manufactured in China. It retails for around $35. Quite a difference huh? You see, the masters of design who have a true talent in creating fashion for women should be outraged by shameless knockoffs by less talented sleazy businessmen profiting off of someone else's ideas. However, it seems that fashion companies outsourcing American jobs to China with the sole purpose of higher profits and cheaper costs sound a bit like sour grapes when someone is doing it better - at the same time providing great fashion to their target audience - young chic girls. After all, to quote an old saying that still holds true - When you sleep with dogs, you get fleas!

Is there a cutoff point when we don't feel protective of designs because of quality or location of manufacture?  

I want to hear from you.  What do you think?  Where do you draw the line between a knock off or a cheap alternative? 

Elle Accessories magazine has a great compilation of products they deem essential for Spring. Of course, I quickly thumbed to the pages that contained shoes and have picked out the ones I think are the absolute must-have’s with a few of my own personal favorites. Don’t see your must-have listed? Make sure to tell us in the comments which style of shoe and the brand that will be taking every step with you this Spring.

Kate Spade Petunia Espadrille

Steve Madden Design Your Own Pantherr

Kenneth Cole Kill Drill

Flats:

Miu Miu Jeweled Leather Flats at Net-A-Porter

Coach Nicola Flat

J.Crew Metallic Gold Peep Toe Flats

Thongs:

Manolo Blahnik Toe Ring Thong at Bergdorf Goodman

Guiseppe Zanotti Jeweled Flat Thong Sandal at Bergdorf Goodman

Tory Burch Ali Sandal Thong