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M by Madonna. As if this 48 year old mother of three needs to do one more thing to prove to the world just how talented she is, Madonna has officially added fashion designer to her stable of titles. While a career half as accomplished would satisfy most people, this head strong Leo is always striving for the unknown or more to the point - the unconquered, which deserves respect!

Of course Madonna is no stranger to fashion. While some celebrity labels warrant a head scratching, this collaboration was a no brain-er! Her fashion statements have garnered world wide attention for two decades. No women has done more to make us rethink gender roles. Much like icons before her such as Marlene Dietrich and Coco Chanel, Madonna is a creation of her own making. This month in London, British Elle presented her with a Style Icon award to formally acknowledge all she has done for the runway over the years.

Last year her Confessions tour was the highest grossing female concert tour - EVER. The tour was heavily influenced by images of horses and riding crops. The inspiration was born out of Madonna's riding accident earlier that year when she was thrown and broke her collar bone and several more in her hand. Steven Klein immortalized the concept in a breathtaking spread in W magazine. Her inspiration was undoubtedly Lola Montez - a dancer born in Ireland, who debuted herself in London in 1843 at the age of 25 as Lola Montez - "the Spanish dancer". Her personal life was legendary and to say she was ahead of her time is beyond an understatement. She died at the age of 42 penniless in the Hell's kitchen area of New York. Her look was unique and with "just one look from your eyes"... you can see why Madonna was inspired.

This was also the year she released the fifth in a series of hugely successful children's books. Then, out of nowhere she was thrust into an international political debate on adoption in third world countries when she chose an orphaned boy from Malawi to be her son. Its seems Madonna had crossed paths with the boy during a mission to donate funds to AIDS ravaged Africa. While its exhausting just reading about all she does, to Madonna all I just mentioned was just "last year". That's life in the fast lane when you have so much to do, give and help change.

It is amazing how a suburban childhood life in Michigan can really motivate a girl to shine! Sometimes greatness comes from the least expected places. Just think of those oysters sucking on sand year after year far from the warmth of the sun until one day, they spit out that breathtaking pearl that is forever .... beautiful!

The Academy Awards is sometimes considered one of the biggest nights of fashion for the year. It’s a time when a dress can make or break a star’s image and when a sometimes virtually unheard of designer can be launched into the stratosphere. There are Oscar nominees that we know will wow us with their sense of style and who we wait with baited breath to see walk down the Red Carpet, and then there are the ones we know will just crash and burn. Occasionally, there is the celebrity whose notorious history of poor fashion sense surprises us with a winner and then there is that one dress that, guaranteed, will have us talking for years to come.

One such dress that seems to pop up every time you mention the Oscar’s is the black-and-white vintage Valentino dress that Julia Robert’s wore in 2001. When I think of the Academy Awards, this dress always comes to mind. Back in the late 80’s, Cher’s sheer Bob Mackie dress was hailed as gaudy and outrageous, but now it’s being looked upon as fashion forward. Celebrity news shows and websites have already begun to buzz, pondering which designer will get the most mentions on the Red Carpet and who they feel will be the best dressed celebrity.

Jason Jobson, Dallas Texas: Last month I spent a FREEZING weekend up in Litchfield County, Connecticut. I was a guest of a friend who has one of those compounds with staff, stables and Style by the acre. The whole area is fabulously chic in an un-hampton’s way. You know the crowd, they don’t chase after the latest "it" bag. In fact, they have more bank than bags. What they do buy is horses. No, actually they have horses bred for them. There are rolling hills of undisturbed country and you usually don’t think about a neighbor unless you get in your car and drive over to see one. I have to say, it is one hell of a place to snuggle up and have a good night’s sleep. It’s also a dream of a place to find antiques and super chic collectibles. One place to spend a few hours browsing and buying is Michael Trapp antiques in West Cornwall…. The owner and shop keep is a most interesting fellow who has created a fantasy world of stone, fountains, and decorating finds – a bit Italian loggia meets Miss Havisham – Great Expectations.

My gracious host planned for us to have dinner at another friends house on Saturday night.  That’s what the Connecticut crowd does. They don’t throw on every piece of new clothing and line up for reservations at one of two hot spots in town to eat. They make plans and invite a small group of people to dinner at their home. Now I must throw in a disclaimer here. I grew up in a poor-cousin version of this Wasp’s nest known as Litchfield County. So it goes without saying that everything should be taken with a grain of salt. The somber serenity of rolling hills can cut like a knife day after day in the grey winter months. The bucolic aesthetic and lock-jaw attitude can be quite stepford like. It’s enough to send a boy running for a 3 day bender in the east village, desperate for a non homogenized experience! On the flip side, living in NYC can also send you running for a long walk on a country road in an L.L. Bean barn jacket and some knee high Wellies! So here I am – Range Rovering from town to town to have dinner with another group of refugees from Manhattan -all of us trying to forget the honking horns, and squealing garbage trucks that are too often embedded in the psyche of New Yorkers. Our dinner host had a cozy place decorated like a big white washed country lodge, with a great room filled with sofa’s and chairs all surrounding a humongous fireplace that crackled and roared with cool spurts of air from the flu. It was a perfect setting for a Winter Saturday night in the country.

The pleasant surprise of the evening was who was seated to my left at dinner -none other than the Queen of celebrity news and Hollywood chatter – Liz Smith. Yes, that Liz Smith, the syndicated columnist who has been reporting scoops on everyone from Liz Taylor & Richard Burton to Jude law & Sienna Miller.

 I was in awe of this legend who was as personable as could be. This is someone who could hide behind her own celebrity – after all she knows EVERYONE.  She had just had lunch the day before with Rupert Everett.  On the contrary, she was friendly and funny and held court all night with stories that had us all laughing and at times gasping! After all, there are things that she just cannot print. Things that are worth gold to a captive audience of New Yorkers who thought they were in the know. Two things struck me the most. First how incredible Ms. Smith looks for her age. She just celebrated her 84th birthday! I’m not one to throw around peoples age, but I saw her on that Michael Eisner show “Conversations” talking about it, so I know she is cool with it. Half the room was half her age, but no one had a quicker wit! The second thing I noticed was her clothes. She was wearing the most beautiful Periwinkle blue leather Jean jacket that you would find on a 40 year old,  and she rocked it! Paired back with a multicolored turtleneck and grey flannel trousers, the leather jacket was a shot of color that hit the spot. It was a great choice that drew her deeper blue eyes out and made them dance as she told story after story. I just had to ask her where she found this keepsake leather piece. I was thinking Armani, or Akris, - maybe Jill Sander… all wrong.

It turns out her entire outfit was all from the Carlisle collection. Doesn’t ring a bell? Well you know the collection, or at least you have seen it. It’s worn year after year by first ladies and Washington wives who have an eye for fashion but who might not have an oil heiress budget to keep them well heeled. It’s also the favorite of those I mentioned above who would rather buy a horse than a shearling from the latest runway show. The collection is only sold through appointments in representatives homes, so you won’t find it in any store. Which does add to the appeal. Fashionable clothes, well made, that don’t cost an arm and a leg, that won’t be seen coming and going all over Madison avenue!

This was the kind of weekend that makes living in New York so special. At any given moment, you have the chance to meet anyone! Liz Smith is an inspiration and a class act. I hope to run into her again, maybe next time in a warmer place!

As we are heading into the warmer months, the biggest complaint about wearing shoes is how uncomfortable they can be to wear when the temperature rises. Now a Chinese company called Guangzhou Tianfu Electronic Company has created several fashionable men's shoes that are meant to look great and feel great at the same time through temperature regulation.

Guangzhou Tianfu Electronic Co. is a professional high-tech enterprise, specializing in developing, manufacturing and marketing electrothermal series products. Their electronic shoe line known as CEO shoes has complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductor or CMOS chips, which controls temperature at a comfortable level. According to an article on Fibre2Fashion it, "Emits biological energy according to body temperature that helps in normal biological functions, improves endocrine balance, increases metabolism, stimulates cell activity."

While celebrities are honoring their own at the Academy Awards on Sunday, there seems to be a controversial issue brewing and one that appears to be a contradiction when they honor Blood Diamond. As with at the Golden Globes, A-list celebrities walking the red carpet are given gorgeous diamonds to flaunt through the Raise Your Right Hand campaign. Raise Your Right Hand began when the diamond miners in southern Africa felt the pressure from the issues Blood Diamond brought to light. Fearing that the movie will jeopardize their industry, they decided to use some star power to promote their trade. We all know that diamonds play a major role in the fashion of the Oscar’s, but during a time when a movie such as Blood Diamond is the talk of the movie industry, I would think diamonds would be played down being substituted by other gems or even smaller sized diamonds that won’t steal the show, but simply compliment the dress.

Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist…at least it did in the invention of Insolia, shoe inserts that were invented to distribute weight evenly when wearing high heels. With the help of a MIT-trained Rocket Scientist, Dr. Howard Dananberg a podiatrist, invented Insolia to help those of us who love our heels but hate the pain.

Insolia insoles are plastic inserts that are barely noticeable to your feet, until you realize that you are no longer wincing in pain while running around the city in your 3-inch heels. They work by preventing your foot from sliding down to the front of your shoe, which puts all of your weight on the balls of your feet. Insolia’s inserts create a 50/50 weight distribution between the balls of your feet and your heel. The result enables better ankle stability and gives you the feeling of wearing flats. Even DKNY and Ipanema are in love with the idea and have begun creating their shoes with Insolia built into their design.

This is definitely a product I could’ve used while in the city last July wearing my 3-inch espadrilles walking through Manhattan and up and down those subway stairs. By the end of the day I was in so much pain that I was ready to walk barefoot through the city. As I am only days away from being back in Manhattan again, I purchased 1-inch heels as to not make the same mistake of unbelievable pain to my feet. Certainly a product such as Insolia is one that sounds perfect no matter where you live and can open the doors to many who so desperately want to wear those fabulous heels in style and not in pain.

• Best Picture - The Departed
  
• Best Director  - Martin Scorsese - The Departed
  
• Best Actor - Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland
  
• Best Actress  - Helen Mirren - The Queen
  
• Best Supporting Actor - Alan Arkin - Little Miss Sunshine
  
• Best Supporting Actress – Jennifer Hudson - Dream Girls
  
• Best Foreign Film - The Lives of Others

Remember when I said I was predicting a strong come back for Gap? It definitely appears that a lot is going on company-wide to make this prediction true. Gap Inc. announced today that they were closing their Forth & Towne brand, meanwhile last Friday they hired Michael Cape as head of Old Navy marketing. Gap Inc. has stated that from here on out, their focus is bringing back to life their Gap and Old Navy brands.

Forth & Towne, Gap Inc.’s 18-month old brand is one I had never heard of until today. They have only 19 stores in 10 US cities spread among 6 states and I have never seen any print or commercial advertisements for the brand. Looking through the site today, I am surprised that this line of chic clothing hasn’t taken off in terms of fashion. It is definitely in the ranks of Banana Republic high-end style. However, you can’t make a brand succeed with a good marketing plan in place. Gap Inc. has decided to lose the brand stating that it had no “long term potential.” Without the ability to purchase online and that the brand was a relative unknown in the other 44 states would definitely give any brand an uphill challenge, especially at a time when Gap Inc. was failing in every corner of their business.

We all noticed Leonardo DiCaprio with his mother on his arm at the Oscar’s while many of us miss Gisele by his side (although Tom Brady is not complaining). How much do you know about this gorgeous supermodel that is in the Guinness World Book of Records for being the richest supermodel to date with an estimated value of $150 million? She may be stunning, but there is a lot more to this model than meets the eye.

Gisele began as a model with Elite Model Management, but like Naomi Campbell did recently, she jumped ship and joined the ranks of IMG. Modeling has been good to her bringing her a reported $7000 an hour and covering campaigns such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chloe, Louis Vuitton and obviously the one we all know her best for: Victoria’s Secret. Combined, she has literally hundreds of campaigns, magazine covers, fashion shows and editorials to her resume.

Dipping her toes into acting, just this past year we saw her in Apple’s Mac advertisement, on The O.C. and in The Devil Wears Prada. Prior to The Devil Wears Prada, she was also in the movie Taxi in 2004. Gisele also has a shoe line with Grendene through the Ipanema brand called Ipanema Gisele Bundchen. She also owns a hotel in Brazil called Palladium Executive.

Can this fabulous model do anything more? She is impressive with what she has been able to accomplish (over 400 magazine covers) since she was discovered approximately 13 years ago…in a McDonald’s no less.

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.

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.

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? 

How many of you change up a handbag simply because the one you are currently using only looks appropriate for the season we are currently in? Then of course there are the trends, and I know that for most people like myself, trendy bags only have so much life to them and then they put off to the side when the next big trend arrives. If you are going to invest in a quality handbag, why not chose one that looks good no matter the season, or trend for that matter?

There is this new handbag designer, Bryna Nicole, who designs some fantastic looking handbags that really are timeless designs. We all use a clutch at one time or another, or a tote or even a satchel. It’s all based on our own need to be expressive with our fashion accessories to make a statement about our own individuality. Each one of Bryna Nicole’s handbags does just that, not just through design but through color as well.

For example, the Rossi Wristlet is a handbag that can take you from day to night, and its luxurious too with its Italian leather body and suede interior. The Minna Slouch is one of those “comfortable” handbags that hugs the body of its owner with its calfskin material. It has a few color choices, but my favorite is bronze as it gives it that ultra chic type look to it.

The best part is knowing that Bryna’s collections are based on what women are looking for in a handbag: style, taste, design and color that transcends season after season and trend after trend. Her handbags fit into the gap created by many designers that look to have their handbag simply be the next “it” bag and not one that will have any long lasting style quality to it. Her handbags are one of those unique finds where you don’t mind investing the money to purchase one because you know that you will have it for the long haul.

What qualities do you look for when purchasing your next handbag? An expression of yourself, design, material or something completely different?

Everyone’s attention lately has been on trying to fix the fashion industry, which when it comes to the whole modeling/weight/eating disorder issue, is in need of some serious PR. Each country has their take on what should be done, the CFDA doesn’t appear to really want to “weigh in” too much on the issue, but now the very talented Donatella Versace can no longer be apart of the masses that are in denial about the issue, as it has been confirmed that her 20 year old daughter suffers from Anorexia.

Seeing pictures of Allegra Versace with a feeding tube in her nose as she walks down the street is certainly one reason to make you stop and think. I can only imagine the pressure and microscope she lives under being surrounded by the industry and all the good and bad that comes with it. However, the title to this post is two-fold as Anorexia is not only hitting home with the Versace family, but also with mine. Tonight we spoke with family who let us know that my niece is Anorexic.

This gorgeous young girl, only 15 who I have always admired for her height (5’7”) and fabulous figure, was forced out of the closet when her parents found a purse-full of diet pills hidden in the basement this weekend. When they went into her room, they discovered pictures of ultrathin models from the best fashion magazines taped to her walls. This hadn’t previously set off alarms, but it all began to make sense now with the diet pills and also the discovery that she had been visiting “pro-anna” sites on MySpace that were teaching her how to hide her disease from her parents. Her mother had noticed her recent obsession with the model reality shows and how her eating had become substantially less. This week she took my niece to the pediatrician who confirmed her BMI as 17; my niece only weighing in at 110lbs.

Jockey’s latest collection called 3D-Innovations has a new “body” to show off the line. One of the biggest heartthrob’s in New Zealand is Rugby player, Dan Carter. In New Zealand he is basically the equivalent of David Beckham, certainly not just due to his Rugby skills and ability to capitalize on his fame through endorsements, but he has those stunning good looks to match.

While Carter has been promoting Jockey since 2003, it is with the launch of 3D-Innovations that he is becoming their international spokesmodel, and well, you won’t hear me complaining. However, his international campaign seems to be falling short of the US and will only be promoted in Europe and the UK.

The new Jockey 3D line offers cotton spandex underwear that incorporates technology, so as to enable them to mold and reflect the movements of human body. It is said to offer an excellent comfort fit and hugs the body like second skin. While the line was launched in New Zealand today, it is also offered in the US and can be seen on their website, just without the fabulous imagery of Dan Carter wearing them.

We see it every Fall and Spring during Fashion Week, designers dictate what everyone will be wearing the following season by what they display in their runway collections. If they deem a particular trend to be in style, then we are guaranteed to see it in one form or another throughout each collection. While that style trend is prominent, each designer does their own take on it and lends their own spice of creativity to the mix.

While many brands have some designs patented, such as Levi Strauss’s pocket embroidery, which almost serves as a trademark of the brand, the fuel behind Intellectual Property Law is lost on most of the fashion industry as their “creative ideas” are not copyright protected. This is according to an article I read in the International Herald Tribune today which discusses why the fashion industry flourishes on copying each other’s ideas.

According to the article, fashion designers promote the latest trend sending us all running to be the first among our friends to be wearing that trapeze dress or grabbing that silver handbag off the rack. Once we become a sea of silver handbag, wedge shoe wearing, statement ring flashing individuals in baby dolls with leggings, we are immediately bored and begin looking for something new and interesting to wear. Thus begins the cycle of designers churning out the next trend for us to gush over all due to the expansion of creativity that isn’t confined due to copyright of anyone’s design idea.

Put into this perspective it’s almost amusing to look back on my fashion behavior, yet something I would absolutely not want to be without. Season after season I love watching the shows during Fashion Week and watching each trend emerge and how wonderfully creative each designer is with it. I openly admit to being one of “those people” who run to the store to pick up the latest trend-wear of the season. Isn’t that what makes fashion fun after all?

Whats new for Spring? Whats new for Fall? Whats new for Next Fall? What season you are talking about all depends on what your business is. Fashion designers that work on runway collections are always working on what will be in stores 6-8 months from now. Designer merchants who produce all the truly profitable fashion that pays the rent for many companies are usually a year ahead of in-store sales.

Designers drive themselves crazy staying ahead of the curve, and hoping their vision is the right look for next season. Others play it safe and follow what has been successful for bigger names than their own. What I'm wondering lately is - What is the next big look? Decades always have trends when we look back in retrospect. What will this period between 00-10 be all about? We don't even have a name for this decade. The 00's??

The 60's were all about thigh high boots and Baby doll dresses

                                  The 70's were about Prints and bell bottoms.

 

 The 80's were all about big hair and big shoulder pads!

 

The 90's saw a grunge resurgence all over the place.

 The last 5 years saw an obsession with Shoes and Handbags.... true fashion has taken a back seat to accessories & denim. So, where do we go?

What will we be wearing 10 years from now?

Are we going futuristic or retro?

Will we all be walking around in monochromatic uniforms with mandarin collars?  Or maybe we'll be wearing linen tunics made with all natural dyes!

Any thoughts?

Who knew that being a manager at The Gap, having some fashion savvy and owning an iMac with a built in video camera to shoot a few video blogs on, would one day land William Sledd You Tube celebrity status, as well as possible offers from NBC and Bravo.

William Sledd is the 23 year old vlogger behind the now hugely popular video clips on You Tube, “Ask a Gay Man: Fashion Edition.” With over 45,000 subscribers and millions of viewers, big media is starting to take notice. He has signed a deal with NBC and Bravo (owned by NBC) has discussed with him their ideas on some possible scenarios that he could fit into on their network.

Sledd has a good sense of humor and answers subscriber emails in his video series. He has no fashion background beyond managing The Gap, but its his interest in dressing everyone better and his unique standing as the average gay guy dishing out fashion advice that has captured everyone’s attention and lead him onto celebrity status with the jump from ordinary blogger to someone who may be gracing your television screen sometime soon.

Be sure to check out his fashion video series on You Tube. I’ve posted my favorite above, Ask a Gay Man: Fashion Victim Edition, it is very funny and I laughed out loud during the woman and the salt and pepper shaker scene. William Sledd is definitely one to watch!

This blonde haired blue eyed soon to be 21-year-old Canadian model was discovered at age 16 at a restaurant in Ontario by an agent for International Model Management and later went on to win the Los Angeles Model Look Search. She has quickly become a name you will often hear mentioned by anyone discussing a top ten list of models, which is no surprise when she has had a spectacular start to her modeling career.

Stam, which is also the nickname she is known by, lit up her career when she was placed on the cover of German Vogue. Since then she has appeared in ad campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Vera Wang, Atsuro Tayama, Cerruti Jeans, Valentino, Miu Miu, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Holt Renfrew, BCBG, and Banila B. Marc Jacobs has even created a handbag and named it the Stam Bag in her honor.

Stam is a beauty whose face and body can convert to any fashion vice without looking out of place. Despite participation in such high profile ad campaigns, she remains well grounded and certainly not full of herself. This down to earth quality makes her all the more attractive considering that most supermodels attain a diva attitude when they are in such demand.

Stam will continue to strut the runway until her gorgeous piercing blue eyes go out of style. The fact that she lives in New York City (one of the Mecca’s of modeling) and is represented by IMG (who represents a majority of the women and men we call supermodels), I have a feeling she has a long modeling career ahead of her.

Rainy days need not be the only day you dawn a trench coat. Designers have begun to include them as pieces to an outfit that look good worn both outside and indoors. Similar to the pantsuit’s jacket, trench coats are now becoming a versatile fashion accessory.

Over the last several weeks I’ve been watching trench coats pop up as the “in” item to be wearing this season. I first witnessed it on one of my favorite shows, What Not To Wear, where a pink trench coat was used as a top. I first balked at the idea, until I saw the fashion victim pair it up with some other great accessories and pieces of clothing. Next came an email from Isaac Mizrahi’s website that he had a Country-City Slicker available on his new online store. Looking at his gorgeous creation, I began to envision pairing it with gray or linen dress pants and some heels, maybe unbuttoning that top button to reveal some pearls. Since I know Mr. Mizrahi’s sense of style is never wrong, I knew a trend was emerging that would soon be seen no matter the city or town…at least when this weather decides to warm up.

One of the great things about trench coats is that it is figure flattering. While the basic layout of the trench coat is all the same, there are varying cuts and designs that can make any girl look good. It also adds a new dimension of style when you chose a trench coat with different patterns, cropped or below the knee, and with different adornments on it. Nevermind simply wearing it with pants, there are quit a few trench coats that are nice enough that they could be worn as a dress or paired with a skirt. Being that it is also an item for outerwear, it’s a great way not to have to add more bulk to your attire when heading outdoors. The fabulous trench coats you see in this post can be found at Bergdorf Goodman.

What do you think of the trench coat trend?

There is no crowd more jaded than the fickle fashion industry. Withstanding a constant state of sensory overload - who can blame them for Blase reactions to fashion hopefuls?  After all, collections are launching daily with bigger and fancier launch parties every season. Store buyers and Magazine Editors can develop permanent lip pursing from all the mediocrity - think Miranda Priestley in "The Devil Wears Prada".
This makes the opening of Tom Ford's new boutique on Madison Avenue all the more significant. A private party at the spectacular space on Monday night has Fashion executives as excited as teens who win tickets to the MTV Music Awards! (it was the Gianfranco Ferre space for years)

They all turned out to support Mr. Ford in his next venture in the designer role.

Tom Ford put the F back in Fashion in the mid 90's.  If you don't know what F I'm talking about, you don't have a pulse!   There were no fashion ads sexier than Tom Ford for Gucci.   Mr. Ford has always understood designer fashion at its core.   It is the art of seduction that makes the difference between a pretty collection and one that becomes legend.  Men and Women want one of two things from a designer campaign.   People either want to look like the models in the ads - or sleep with them!  It is as simple as that. 

Never one to be shy about his vision Ford sent shock waves around the world with his direct approach to what was sexy and what inspired him.   It was this maverick sensibility that took Gucci from a sleeping old Italian luggage company and turned it into the  fashion collection of the decade. 

 Hollywood quickly took notice and embraced this hot new designer who looked more like a model or actor than your typical designer.  It was in fact his acting background that allowed him to be so comfortable in his own skin.

One of the first style icons to jump on board was Madonna.   Never one to miss a hot new style on the horizon, she famously wore head to toe Gucci to the 1995 MTV Music Awards.  She uttered the words "Gucci, Gucci, Gucci" when asked what she was wearing.   Tom Ford himself credits her with "starting it all".

Mr. Ford not only changed the look of the collection, he changed the look of the company.   He and his long-time partner Richard Buckley had dreamed of living and working in London.   Suddenly, Tom had the power to make that happen. 

Once Gucci had the clear vision he wanted, the next challenge made itself clear.   Taking the helm at Yves Saint Laurent.   Parent company PPR had taken over the legendary design house and Mr. Ford would re-invent the wheel that was the life-force of the fashion industry during the 60's,70's, and 80's.

The most interesting aspect to this period was when Tom stayed true to his personal ideal of sensuality with the launch of M7.  A musky scent in a sexy brown bottle was sure to be a success.   Except, Mr. Ford insisted on launching the campaign with a portrait of a male model with natural body hair completely nude.   Now chiseled male models nearly naked are nothing new.  However, this was the full monty with penis in full few.   It was beautiful , sexy and refreshing - of course it became banned by publishers in the United States.   It is still one of the best mens fragrances out there.  I have been wearing it since the launch- now I have to find it when traveling in Europe.  

With the new Boutique on Madison Avenue Mr. Ford is sure to give more of the same in terms of his sensual vision of the well dressed man.   A large portion of the collection will be bespoke - or custom order, so don't expect to run in and find anything on sale - ever!

If accessories make the outfit, then a handbag should be a priority to make your fashion statement complete. No one understands this better than up and coming handbag designer, Amanda Che. Che, whose collection of handbags makes its official debut on May 17th, has a style to complete every outfit leaving your friends wondering how you became so fashion forward.

Each handbag in the A.Che handbag collection is made of luxurious deerskin leather with a logo plate decorated with genuine Swarovski crystals. A constant among each handbag in the line are A. Che’s signature diamond knots.

Not only did Marilyn Monroe inspire Anna Nicole, but she was the inspiration behind Amanda Che’s Marilyn Collection, as well. The Marilyn Collection comes in three colors, white, black and nude, and represents Marilyn’s timeless presence in Hollywood. The Audrey Collection and Sophia Collection also symbolize the significance of two classic Hollywood beauties. My favorites among her collections are the Sophia Clutch and Marilyn Satchel, although I also think the Marilyn Basket is also very unique.

If you are in Los Angeles, the A.Che handbag collection can be found at Le Trend in the California Market Center. Soon the bags will be available for sale on the A.Che website for the Fall 2007 season. You can get a sneak peak of all of the handbags in each collection by going to www.a-che.com, clicking on “collection” and using the username: signature and the password: collection.

For more information about Amanda Che and the A.Che line please contact:

Fashion PR Division: Maryam at piercemattie dot com

One big fashion mistake that many of us make is not choosing the right clothing to accentuate our shape, no matter what size we are. I know that I have fallen prey to this faux pas many times when I try to wear baggy clothes to hide a waistline I am not in love with. Getting my mindset away from “hiding” my figure and into choosing pieces of clothing that will flatter me hasn’t been easy, but if you don’t want to end up a fashion victim on What Not To Wear, it’s best to learn how to dress for your shape.

There’s more to shape than your typical “Apple” and “Pear” and what you chose in terms of cuts and patterns can either minimize the positive (or negative) or put the focus on a part of your body that is less than flattering. The various shapes range from petite, tall, triangle (hip heavy), top heavy (wedge), curvy/hourglass, or rectangular. What can complicate things even more is when you are petite in height or tall in addition to another shape, thus having to take many tips into account when choosing the correct pieces of clothing for you. It can get confusing and frustrating to say the least.

A great site I have come across is MyShape.com, which breaks down shapes into M, Y, S, H, A, P and E. Based on the measurements you enter into their survey, the system will accurately tell you which shape you are. You then set up a profile to also determine the type of style you prefer and MyShape.com can then make style recommendations that will flatter your figure. There is even an area where you can determine your color palette so that you know in addition to various cuts, which colors will also be flattering to your look. Using a site like MyShape simplifies shopping for the right look, fit, style and accessories so that you can emphasize the positive aspects to your shape.

Once my son is born, this is a program I am excited to try out. There is nothing worse than trying to shop for the right clothes, only to come out of the dressing room disappointed that an outfit didn’t fit right. MyShape.com looks to alleviate that anxiety and disappointment and make shopping fun again and looking like you have your own wardrobe stylist to boot!

Fashion is beginning to merge itself with social media. Fashion communities are popping up where you can mix and match pieces of clothing with shoes and various accessories and publish your fashion match for others in the network to see. Of course, no fashion site would be complete without telling you who sells the items and enabling you to purchase what you’ve styled (or the styles of others).

In a previous post I mentioned MyShape.com, a place where you can shop for put-together outfits based on your shape; sites like Polyvore and FashMatch have taken the idea of a clothing match site one step further by creating a community of members who are the driving force behind the mix and match ensembles allowing them to create outfits from pre-existing brands in their database and upload fashion items of their own for every fashion members mix and matching pleasure. Each site tells you the brand and store where the items are available, not only making the whole process fun (and addictive), but allowing you the ability to purchase some pretty terrific looking outfits.

Both sites offer top designer names and brands in fashion like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Baby Phat, Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs (among many others), as well as brands that may be more for the budget oriented like Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever21 and Target. Both sites are also free to join, which is always a bonus if you are inclined to purchase clothes you fall in love with.

Honing your styling skills can be fun, especially with an audience filled with like-minded fashion addicts, but I can also see how it can be bad for your wallet when you find wardrobe after wardrobe that can’t seem to live without.

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta will be inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame by Kent State University's School of Fashion Design and Merchandising on Friday April 20th. The induction will coincide with a fashion show featuring the collections of more than 20 of the school's seniors who are majoring in fashion design. The school has been inducting prominent names in the fashion industry into its hall of fame since 1989.

Oscar de la Renta has received many honors over the years both within the US and internationally. He was inducted into the Coty Hall of Fame in 1973 and has won their Coty American Fashion Critic’s Award twice. In February 1990, he was honored with the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award and received their Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2000. Oscar de la Renta has also been awarded the French Legion d’Honneur as a Commandeur.

The fashion school will be holding two shows, of which de la Renta will be present at the 7pm show. Ticket prices for non-students are $65 for the matinee and $200 for the evening show. All profits will benefit Kent State's fashion school. For more information about the shows you can visit their ticket website, however, online tickets are no longer available due to limited seating availability.

For Boaz David, music and fashion are not two separate entities. Having grown up in Israel with exposure to the British punk rock era, he was inspired by the fashion and imagery of many of his favorite punk groups. He attended the Shenkar School of Fashion in Tel-Aviv and designed wardrobes for both television and theater before moving to New York City in 1996. It was then that Boaz decided to take his love for music and fashion and merge the two together to create his own style of clothing.

The result is a women’s clothing line with a rocker-chic look that has an edgy, yet fashion forward sense of style. The line’s trademark pocket in the shape of a shield, detailed with distressed leather and accents of metal zippers and rivets was inspired by the simple geometric shapes placed on the shields of medieval armor and used to identify individuals and represent their place in society. One could hardly feel ordinary dawning a Boaz blazer or pair of trousers.

Today I had the chance to ask Boaz more about his line and see what he is working on for the future:

Who are some of the fashion designers you have worked for before making the decision to start your own line?

For 10 years I worked in the contemporary market for lines such as Yigal Azrouel when he just started, Nili Lotan when she started and Alice & Trixie (among others).

I love the writing on the trouser legs and the back of the blazers, is this Hebrew and what does it say?

The writings on the pants are indeed in Hebrew. The circle print just says my name in Hebrew, but all the other prints (the one along the right leg, on the back yoke of some of the pants and the jackets) is a sentence from a Jewish morning prayer and it means, "Bless you (God) who dresses the naked." In Hebrew it sounds like, "Baruch Malbish Aroomim."

A friend of mine who is in the modeling industry forwarded me this great article written in the Daily Mail today. The Daily Mail is a UK news site that I also read at least once a week to gain perspective on how those outside the US view our beauty and fashion industry (plus I cannot resist their celebrity gossip, it’s always entertaining). This particular article speaks of our fashion industry and model standards and how here in the Western World, we have a great love for fashion models with little meat on their bones.

Previously I had raved about John Lewis Department Stores forward thinking by using “average-sized” models in their swimwear campaign. Average being a size 12 and not a size zero. What I found most interesting today was the Daily Mail’s discussion on how those with curves and “average-sized” women are those who are most sought after in the African fashion industry. It’s really quite interesting to hear that high profile and in demand models such as Kate Moss or Jessica Stam, would rarely get a second glance if they hit the runway in Africa. Our idea of beauty is the complete opposite to those in Africa, where a healthy looking body is the sign of wealth and status. In the West, a healthy looking body means maybe you ate 3 meals today instead of 1.

While our ideals of what beauty in fashion means spreads throughout the world, I have to say it is refreshing to find a Country not caught up in it and relishes in their shapely figures. According to the Daily Mail, even Levi Strauss made changes to their red label jeans to accommodate those in Africa wanting to dawn a pair, yet couldn’t fit in the jeans aimed at Western shaped bodies.

I do find the modeling industry fascinating and I surely love the fashion industry, but you can’t help but love how another country is sticking to their ideals despite the pressure of conformity from Western society.

What do you think about seeing more average-sized models on the runway; does it take away from the beauty of idealism or does it represent our society today?

Ford Models can now do more than just strut on the runways or land a designer print ad campaign; they can also star in the new web series by Ford Modeling focusing on beauty, fashion, modeling and fitness tips. In a time when many companies are trying to spread brand recognition through viral marketing with web videos, Ford Models seem to have found the right formula of a high quality video, the right beauty and fashion professionals offering attention-grabbing behind the scenes tips, content to keep the viewer interested and of course, beautiful models to look at.

FordModels.tv has several different web series to choose from: Beauty Tips, Fashion Flash, Model Fitness, Ford Models 360 and Model Lifestyle. All episodes are under 3 minutes, most ranging from 30 to 90 seconds, making load time much faster and offering content that is simple and to the point.

Beauty Tips is just what the name implies; Fashion Flash are quick fashion trend “flashes” of fashion; Model Fitness focuses on fitness tips by Ford fitness model Kim Strother; Ford Models 360 is a blend of episodes about the season’s latest trends, while Model Lifestyle has the entertaining, “Changing Room Confessional” series. If you are a Blogger and your niche is beauty, fashion or fitness, FordModels.tv offers a variety of code to fit into a variety of blog formats including MySpace, RSS feeds and your typical blog. Code for the web series is provided by Revver, an online video service similar to You Tube, however those who produce videos and use the Revver service to upload them earn money each time their video is viewed.

FordModels.tv is a great way to get behind the scenes in the fashion and modeling industry in a pretty down to earth manner. I’m most in love with their Beauty Tips series, but have loved watching many of their fashion webisodes. Since FordModels.tv is a new venture for the modeling agency, it will be interesting to watch how these webisodes evolve.

After years in menswear, fashion designer Emmett McCarthy took an unexpected chance – he completely reinvented his image and parlayed his talents and expert technique into designing womenswear that is as classically chic as it is fashion forward.

Stylistically, Emmett favors clean lines, redefined details, and subtle construction, and finds himself applying this sensibility to the marvelous variety of silhouettes and fabric possibilities for women. Women have so many choices in terms of fashion. Looking beautiful, appropriate and fashionable can pose a challenge. Emmett and his design team strive to make the EMC2 experience a pleasure, whether in person or online. Emmett’s goal is to design pieces that truly make women feel as comfortable as they are confident – that is how Emmett defines luxury.

Emmett’s decision to open a studio boutique immediately rather than seek out other retail outlets, is at the heart of his creative process. He conceived EMC2 as a self-financed retail prototype, wholesale incubator, and creative laboratory where he could innovate the old-fashioned way – one product at a time, face-to-face with his clients.

As a Project Runway (Season Two) alum, Emmett continues to embrace the new roles both reality television and the online communities are forging in fashion. The intersection of mass and new media represents the future of how fashion is discussed and marketed, and is the new model for how brands are born and cultivated.

EMC2
240 Elizabeth Street, NY
www.EmmettMcCarthy.com

Media Contact:
Fashion PR Division: Christina at piercemattie dot com

While eco-fashion can be chic or trendy looking, it can also be practical for the ordinary person, including babies. MyConservationBaby.com designs upscale eco-fashion for the little ones so that they can make a statement with earth friendly clothing that spread the word to save our environment.

When gas prices began to skyrocket in 2006, Ellen and Michael McNeill became interested in conservation. While doing research on what impacts gas prices, they learned about energy, global warming and conservation. Rather than complain, they decided to do something about it and felt it was best to begin with those who would be the future environmental leaders of this world: children. Through their new line of baby and toddler clothing, your little one can declare conservation inspired messages such as, Stop Global Warming, Protect the Environment, Save the Forests, Recycle and Re-Use and Conserve.

Onesies and toddler t-shirts do come in both organic and non-organic cotton. However, for each of their non-organic cotton products the company has pledged to donate 1% of gross annual sales to environmental organizations through membership in 1% For The Planet.

I think these adorable onesies are perfect for families who already wear eco-friendly clothing and want the same for their new arrival.

Whenever we see any behind the scenes photos at fashion events, many times the models are seen with cigarettes in hand. Many even say they smoke to fill a hunger void. However, as we’ve seen with Camel taking on the beauty angle with Camel No.9, Davidoff Cigarettes decided to promote its brand at a pre-fashion week party in Australia last night.

Davidoff Cigarettes, a German cigarette company, collaborated with Belvedere Vodka to promote their cigarettes on the bar and through scantily clad promotional girls handing out free packs of cigarettes. The pre-fashion week party this was held at? A Red Ribbon Foundation party, which is an AIDS charity fundraiser, held by Fashion TV. I suppose you could say Davidoff was simply trying to help fundraise for one health issue while ignoring the fact that cancer is another. The double whammy of course being that cancer caused from smoking and AIDS are preventable deaths.

In Australia, they have a Public Health Act, and promoting a tobacco product by giving away free samples is an offence that could result in a fine anywhere from $5500 to $20,000. I’m not sure I understand why free cigarettes were promoted at an AIDS event, but I can only conclude that Davidoff was capitalizing on the fashion industry and glamour that has been associated with smoking and fashion in the past.

What do you think: Was it in bad taste for Davidoff to promote their cigarettes at an AIDS fundraiser? Do you think that the cigarette company was glamorizing a deadly habit through this fashion event?

Now that it seems like Spring is really here, one of my favorite fashion accessories to wear into the Fall is sunglasses. Sunglasses can totally make or break a look and can really enhance your fashion savvy quotient.

When you are choosing sunglasses, make sure you are buying a pair that will look great on your shape face. I see too many people either swimming in their sunglasses or wearing them too small. Men’s Flair wrote a great post on choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape a few weeks ago. Of course, a complimentary color and lens type should also be a consideration, as well.

Here are a few sunglasses I have a lemming for:

Juicy Couture Logo Rimless Glasses

Gucci Oversize Square Frame Sunglasses with Buckle Detail

Yves Saint Laurent Mask Sunglasses with Safari Rings

Giorgio Armani Pink Frame, Mauve Lenses Sunglasses

There are few things more utilitarian as a piece of luggage. We rely on these items time and time again to be the gatekeeper of our valuables on the way to that long awaited vacation - or that very important business trip. Often overlooked until we need them, these tried and true members of our wardrobe are more often treated like annoying step-children. They take up room in our apartments and we want them - only when we need them to make us look good.

The fashion industry found a way to take these items out of the dog house and into a coveted category by adding luxurious details once reserved only for women's handbags. I've written before about the storied history of companies like Louis Vuitton and Tanner Krolle. Brands that had luggage roots that crossed into the fashion world. Another such company is on the move. Few names are more well known worldwide than Samsonite. It is a brand that is reliable and edgy at the same time. The company has always been ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and technology. Founded by an American in 1910 and based in the Western U.S. - the company grew quickly to be a truly global brand.  They were the first suitcases to made from non-leather material that were durable and light weight.

In 1999, the company launched a black label clothing division for Men that instantly put the non-chic brand in every fashion magazine around. There is something modern and streamlined about the brand that looks great without trying too hard. The company has also launched little mini collections of interesting detail. Their Black Label Vintage Collection saw Isabella Rossilini as it's global face - to represent the modern traveler who knows how to live.   The line was small and went nearly un-noticed compared  to the volume
this mega brand moves every year.   However it was a great marketing tool to help elevate the image of the company.

The latest move to keep current was announced last month.   The Company named a new global creative director.   Quentin Mackay will be the new creative force behind the image worldwide.   Far from a household name, Mr. Mackay has had the luck of cat with nine lives  or at least one with Three.  

Having Graduated from London's St. Martins with a degree in Men's Design - it was his small accessory line that caught the attention of the ultra chic Loewe.  Soon he was living in Spain and designing the sleek line of leather goods.   Fast forward two years and British staple Tanner Krolle lured him back to London.  The conservative line was all shook up with the hard edge approach that Mr. Mackay has a taste for.  His look has a strong bondage theme that runs throughout.  Soft and cuddly they are not.  At a time when women wanted soft and unstructured shapes - Mr. Mackay was giving them sharp edges and studs.  Ahead of his time?  Maybe- his designs for his few collections at Tanner Krolle still look fresh today.   That brand is now on it's third designer in as many years in a desperate attempt to be current or on trend.

So it will be interesting to say the least to see just what Mr. Mackay will bring to Samsonite.   Heres hoping his collections can live up to the namesake legend the company has been able to acquire in nearly 100 years.  No pressure Quentin!!

I just spent 3 days in Las Vegas. While New York is known as the city that never sleeps, it seems that Vegas is the true insomniac. Where else can you find tourists in bad sweat suits chain smoking at 3 am with as much energy as they have on Saturday afternoon at a nascar race? The oasis in the desert is like no other place on earth. Its 100 degrees in the shade most of the year, there are people movers that take you above and over the intersections, and as long as you are feeding bills into a slot machine - you drink for free!

When you think of Vegas - you think gambling, however that is just part of the equation.   For the past four years the revenue from retail stores and restaurants has surpassed gaming.   Walk around for one hour and you will know why.  There is no city with more five star restaurants than Vegas.

 The bellagio is one of the places where gaming, shopping, and eating come together in a symphony of lights, glass, and wood.   At Fix, the decor is as beautiful to look at as the food is savory to eat.  The smooth waves of Costa Rican Padouk wood that envelope you gives the warmth of an exotic cave.  The flavored martinis and mojitos are sure to set the mood for a great night at the casino.  The menu is classic american fare of fish, poultry, and meat.  The presentation is anything but classic.  One appetizer for instance is served on nine mini forks sticking straight up from the plate with a bite size morsel on each!  It is a great place for a group of friends to catch up and watch the sights. Boy are there sights!  In one hour you will see  everything from possible playboy playmates  - to those who look like cast offs from the island of misfit toys!!  Everyone seems to  feel right at home in Vegas.

There are few hotels as pretty as the Bellagio.   The atrium is a seasonal display of floral decadence.   Each season has a theme - for summer a huge ferris wheel made entirely of flowers overwhelms the space.   The people are as interesting to watch as the decor.  Vegas is truly a cross section of the melting pot of America.  

This town is a metaphor for the new American dream.   All you need is a bit of luck to make it big.  The reality show mentality of instant fame and fortune is waiting around every corner.

when you win big, there is no shortage of designer boutiques to spend it all!  They are all here - Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Chanel, you name it.   In fact there are several of each in town.  Chanel has three if you count the in-store shops at Neiman Marcus.   The luxury department store has a beautiful space at the only non-gaming shopping location in town - The Fashion Show Mall.  

So whether you are a gambler, a foodie, or a fashionista - Las Vegas has the goods to impress even the most jaded customer!   Let it ride!!

Mexico City - July 7, 2007

I just spent 5 days in Mexico City or D.F. (District Federal) as the locals say-and with 25 million residents and growing, that is a serious amount of locals! Thats right, with 3 times the population of New York City - to say they have the hustle and bustle of a big city south of the border is an understatement.

While Most Americans have only spent time there on a layover on the way to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City is an undiscovered treasure that you should not miss. Dating back to the 1300's, this megalopolis was originally built on a lake - as the entire city is actually a valley ringed by beautiful mountain ranges and two volcanoes. Not to mention the fact that it is has one of the highest elevations at 7300 feet above sea level. Don't be surprised if you see troops of runners training for a marathon. With such thin oxygen, after training in D.F., running in a city like L.A. or N.Y.C. feels like you have twice the O2 to fuel you! The zocolo or center of the city is dwarfed only by Tiananmen square in China and Red Square in Russia. Shakira recently gave a free concert there for 200,000 people!

It was also the site of the ultimate fashion statement while I was there.  A group of Native Mayan Indians from the Oaxaca region who were protesting the Mexican presidential elections and the governments treatment of their people and the land had brought the message all the way to the Zocolo.  - and they brought nothing else with them - literally!  The protest was in the nude.  The only coverage a few of the men had were pictures of the new president, Mr. Calderon - covering their private parts like a loin cloth - but most were as naked as the day they were born. 

I have to say it was beautiful to see people unaffected and free to express themselves.  There was no sense of shame towards their bodies.   I was really impressed with the women, who on average were not a size 2,4, or 6.  In fact, the women were more like 12,14,16 - but so beautiful in this zoftig way.   The men too were letting it all hang out - or flop around as the case may be!    This was so much stronger a message than any piece of clothing could have ever been.

The Mexican government owes its indigenous people much more than they currently receive.  The amount of billionaires in D.F. alone should be enough to wipe out the staggering poverty you see in the rural Oaxacan region.  Unfortunately, the Mexican government's most comprehensive plan to help the nations poor has been three little words :  CROSS THE BORDER.

This is just the start of what I found in Mexico City... stay tuned for more of my trip.... 

ROME-ITALY

This year I traded Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing for mozzarella and pasta. I just spent a week in Rome and how thankful I am!
When you think of Rome, you think of the Spanish Steps, The Colisseum and of course- The Vatican. The city is alive with treasures from the past. Rome has an unprecedented history of wealth and culture. Not only are there public monuments at every turn, the parks and palazzo's of the founding families are everywhere you look.

Rome is also one of the best shopping destinations in Europe. While Milan is home to the corporate end of the fashion business, Rome is definitely the first destination for first class shopping. The luxurious Via Condotti is the Rodeo Drive of Rome. Designer boutiques flank this fashionable address that begins at the mouth of the Spanish Steps - What an entrance! Expect to see all the big Italian names.

Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli to name a few.
What struck me the most while in Roma was an overwhelming trend I saw everywhere - RED. There were red coats, red hats, red bags, you name it!

Rome is also home to Valentino. He is the maestro of Italian fashion who made deep dark red his own trademark. The sexy rich color is also the name of his younger, hipper collection - Valentino RED.

The designer has been based in Rome for his entire career. Recently stepping down from his namesake company, the designer went out with a bang - holding a 45 year finale fashion show in Paris this past show season. It often confuses fans of the house as the designer has show his runway collections in Paris for 25 years, even though the company is based in Rome.
While the fashion flock might at first think that the love of the blood red hue is all due to the godfather of Italian fashion - however there is a more divine inspiration for the color. The Pope.
Rome is also of course home to the Vatican and the center of the Roman Catholic church. Remember, before the modern day Italian government - the Vatican was the ruling body of the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope was the ultimate ruler and to those who believe - the right hand of God on Earth. How could one argue with that??
The new Pope - Benedict XVI was famously photographed wearing Red Prada Loafers during his first days as Pope.

Who knew that the Pope was a fashion trend maker? There are even several stores near the Vatican where you can buy the same vestments the pope himself wears. I decided to go to the true source - Gamarelli's, just of the Piazza Minerva. They are the official tailor of the Pope. Of the top selling items are the RED socks worn during specific ceremonies. I couldn't resist.
The love of Red is taken to a whole new level by numerous women in Rome with their choice of Hair color! You be the judge - I shot these ladies from the back to.. lets say.. protect the innocent? Ciao Bella!!

Land on the front page of the fashion boutique Benny & Shaw, and you'll be captivated by the gorgeous ruby colored satin ball gown from Butter by Nadia (I know I certainly was). Benny and Shaw is a start-up internet boutique created by a husband and wife team in New York City--and where else to start a fashion boutique other than in one of the great fashion capitals of the world?

Benny & Shaw started out with only a few local lines and are now expanding to include other lines that will be available come Spring. Currently, their best selling designer collection is Butter by Nadia, creator of the "miracle" signature wrap dress; a comfortable, convertible, one size clothing line--which really looks amazing on women of various sizes (I desperately want the Verena Top in Charcoal!). Butter by Nadia has a celebrity following too..such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Watts, and Jordin Sparks just to name a few. If you happen to planning your nuptials, Benny & Shaw also offer Butter Bridal as well.

Jewelry is another find on Benny & Shaw's boutique. They currently carry New York fashion jewelry line sensation Andrew Hamilton Crawford. His pieces are inspired by everyday objects, such as a bluebird or a butterfly and with each concept taken it is refined into a chic piece of jewelry. His celebrity clientele include Oprah, Beyonce, Fergie and Paris Hilton.

Popular New York City jewelry designer Keri Starker of Kayla Designs is also found on Benny & Shaw. She creates one of a kind timeless pieces with stunning semi-precious stones and fine metals. Currently Benny & Shaw are the exclusive online retailer of this line.

So start your holiday shopping now or just splurge on yourself and head over to www.bennyandshaw.com.

With all the "reality" shows that run the networks these days, it is so refreshing to discover a novel that you can dive into as a distraction to all the noise around us. Yes, thats right - remember books? I know you can read!! I recently tore through one I could not put down and had to share it.
The Last Day of Paradise is one of those books you pick up because of the interesting cover art and unusual title. It doesn't take long to discover the double entendre of the title and realize the book is not at all what you thought. That is how the best works of fiction usually hook you. What you think is coming doesn't - and what you find you weren't looking for!
The book is the coming of age story of a young girl named Sunday living in Greece. Her and her friends reject their parents repressive ideas of family and culture that shackle them to the past. The kids speak English to each other as a code of cool talk and to liberate themselves from the world of the past that lingers on.
The author, Kiki Denis was herself born and raised in Greece and is a longtime New Yorker. She is able to make us feel that sense of longing that is universal for any young person growing up in a small town. It is that universal ambition for more that we can all remember- the desire to expand your horizons and get out and see the world.
A first time author Ms. Denis uses a wonderful technique of switching into a unique dialect of broken English mixed with contemporary slang - so much fun to read and process!
Denis herself is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College which is one of the most prestigious Universities in America. Actually, it is the founding University of the Seven Sisters - a network of Universities exclusively for Women to be the female alternative to the Ivy League schools for men. For Kiki to write in this broken English style must have been a challenge. In her own way, it is a poignant commentary of the culture that raised her and to remind us just how much things have changed.
The story has twists and turns and takes you on a wonderful journey that is at times hysterical and at times very emotional - never an easy task. There is also a great fashion tie-in woven through the story.

The novel has gotten attention from some major competitions and important book reviews. Denis received an honorable mention in the
2007 Hollywood Book Festival (category: wild card) for her work.

Published by Gival Press, the easiest way to find it is to click on the title link above. The book is a perfect read to take on a weekend trip or better yet to give as a gift this holiday season.
If anyone has already read the story, please let us know your thoughts!

ZenTrend.com is a haute online fashion spot that not only sells unique designs from undiscovered talent (which sometimes I find is the best fashion), but ZenTrend has a unique fashion tool called iStyler which lets people vote on designs submitted by unknown designers from around the world. The winners of the poll will then have their designs manufactured by ZenTrend and sold through ZenTrend.com. Amazing, right?

Each design that is sold on ZenTrend.com has a customer review section so you can see what others have said about the pieces showcased. I absolutely love how each product sold on ZenTrend is given multiple pictures so that you can see exactly how the piece fits and the detail to the garment. A great example is of the Chiffon Halter Dress with Shell Belt; in the head to toe shot the detail in the belt and the small sequin design that outlines the neckline of the dress are barely visible. However, with the closeup image provided you get a clearer picture of what the dress looks like, giving you that mental imagdry as if you were right there in the store seeing it first hand.

ZenTrend showcases tops, skirts, dresses and Pashmina shalls all in luxurious fabrics, most with intricate details and embroidery. My favorite is the Chiffon and Brocade Dress, but I also have my eye on the silk Brocade Skirt with that gorgeous red belt...I think Jason mentioned in an earlier post seeing red everywhere while in Rome, this skirt immediately made me think of him.

So whether you are looking for an indie designer to purchase from or you are an aspiring designer looking to get a jump start, ZenTrend.com is the perfect place for fashion.

The dynamic duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid a visit to New York City for the first time in two years this past week. No, it wasn't to see the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center. The reason for their visit was the re-opening of their namesake boutique on Madison Avenue. The boutique has had a full face-lift and is beautiful. Now the two designers are no strangers to the big Apple or to face lifts for that matter! (google pictures of the two to watch the progression) With a larger than life image and Ad campaigns featuring naked male models whenever possible, D&G should be commended for having the nerve to push the envelope year after year. The boutique is clean, sleek and don't forget Gold. They love gold and even opened a restaurant in Milan called Gold!

In other D&G news, Mr. Beach boy himself Matthew McConaughy was spotted shooting new ads for the brand. Shocking to see him fully dressed I know! He even made it to the party and yes - kept his clothes on.

FENDI took the concept of runway to a whole new level last month. The Italian fashion house staged their runway show atop the great wall of china! The show was the first for both the wall and the fashion house who is owned by LVMH. While the event got great press, it is strange timing - considering the backlash building from reports that several "luxury" companies are producing goods sweatshop style in China and sending them back to Italy for a "made it Italy" tag to be sewn in. Author Dana Thomas wrote an excellent report of the state of affairs happening in the luxury sector titled Deluxe - how luxury lost its lustre. Published by Penguin press, the book has started a conversation that is getting louder and louder!

Madonna is hitting the fashion scene once again in early February to help Gucci unveil its new boutique (don't gag) in Trump Tower in NYC.
Never one to miss an opportunity to help out a charity - the party will benefit her charitable foundation Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
Also in the news this week is Madonna's battle with her NY co-op who appear to be trying to prevent her from buying the next door neighbors apartment to expand her Central Park West digs. Who did they think they were dealing with? some shrinking violet??

**the title of this post was an homage to the BEP song "my humps". - not the real version but the parody by Alanis Morisette

Runway fashion now has a magazine to call home. Unlike any other magazine I have read, New York Look has me mesmerized. Not to be confused with their Look Book; New York Look has a sense of fashion all its own. It found its way to my mailbox last week and I haven't been able to put it down since. A chronicle of events that occur during Fashion Week, this is a magazine that you will look at every page with wide eyes, and each time, discover something new. New York Look literally gave me goosebumps.

If you've ever attended Fashion Week or are one who goes from blog to blog to hear all about the runway shows and the trends that emerge, this magazine is for you. Covering every angle and even delving into minute detail, New York Look gives you an insider's view backstage, front row and even atop the runway. Emerging trends, tried and true classics and unique fashion pieces are displayed side by side throughout the pages in brilliant colors that capture your attention and leave your heart racing.

Published only twice a year, I already cannot wait to get my next issue. You will be breathless, you will be captivated--you will be mesmerized. If you weren't obsessed with Fashion Week before, you will be now.

Find it on online at NYMag.com, but believe me--you'll want the print version!

*Photo Credit: NyMag.com

Before I headed to Paris earlier this month, I took a small detour and headed south to Miami for what has become one of the most important art shows in the United States.
Art BaselMiami is the sister show of Art Basel - Switzerland which has been the leading art fair worldwide for over 35 years.
The concept of having the show in Miami was really a win/win for everyone involved. It gave the hippest art crowd an excuse to go to the beach in December. Miami is not just any beach - the white sand of the southern shores of Florida are some of the finest beaches in the world.
With over 200 galleries showcasing their latest "find" or showing off their partnerships with established giants - it goes without saying- there was much to see!
The show is easy to navigate as most of the action takes place in the Miami Convention center that is steps away from Ocean Drive and super easy to get to and fro.
The city becomes a zoo and as the show has become more and more commercial - there are people walking around you would never expect to have anything to do with an art show. Like fashion week in New York and the Oscars in L.A. - Art Basel is a reason for being and many people head to Miami to be part of the action. The difference with the art show is you can buy your way in.. unlike Fashion Week or the Oscars - art shows actually have an admission price.

As the crowds are now overwhelming - it makes sense to get yourself settled in a great hotel. My personal favorite while in Miami is The Raleigh. The property is historic and the moment you start up the curved driveway - your taken to another place. There are black and white photos the re-tell the glamour days of Miami's hey day back in the 40's and 50's.
Andre Balazs is the man responsible for this dream of a hotel. He is the chic hotelier that brought you the Mercer in NY and the Chateau Marmont in L.A.
He has an amazing talent for providing the chicest hotels for the coolest crowd without any of the pretentious insanity that has become the norm these days. One of the highlights is the most beautiful pool in all of South Beach.
With all the things to do and see, between South Beach for the Art scene and the Bal Harbour shops for the fashion scene - you have to schedule time to relax!

There were parties and dinners and after parties all over town. I was really pleased to be invited to the premiere dinner of The Supper Club NY in MIami. If you haven't read about it yet, it's the latest members only social group that is bringing together the coolest NY'ers and those in the know over dinner. The NY events have been hosted in some very impressive private homes as well as those restaurants where it is hard to get a reservation this month. I was happy to be seated next to Tasmin Lonsdale, the founder of the Club and one the cutest export's London has had in a very long time! Lonsdale is witty and talkative and just exactly the right type of person to be organizing social events.

The Raleigh was a great host and set up a long table for 30 alongside the pool. The ladies from Miami at the dinner really has great personal style. One gorgeous gal was 5 months pregnant- but I couldn't even notice until she abstained from drinking champagne. She was rocking a black baby doll dress with great jewelry and black Jimmy Choo heels. Who says Pregnant women can't be sexy! Of course, she happened to be the P.R. wiz for Neiman Marcus in Coral Gables- so it should be no surprise she knew how to put a look together! I have to say the only disappointment at the dinner were the other NY'ers there! I never met such a group of desperate name droppers in my life! Bravo Miami - your in crowd know who they are.. and don't have to brag, brag, brag!

When you think of knitting and crocheting, does your mind immediately envision a cute little elderly woman sitting in a rocking chair, hair in a bow whipping up a sweater or blanket? Actually that is exactly what I thought when East London twins, Calliste and Carissa Yeboah, approached me about their indie fashion brand, Made With Hands. However, this is yet another one of those times when you shouldn't judge a book by its cover--nor that part about making assumptions.

Made With Hands creates simple, hand-made pieces with 100% natural fibres. There's something about their style that gives me an air of London underground and reminds me of The Clash. While their products are sold in the UK, you can get a look at their Bobble Necklace at the New York Design Center.

I actually think their Bobble Makeup Bag is pretty unique and I'd probably more want to use it as a purse than to simply leave it on my vanity collecting dust. You've got to admit, these twins really took something ordinary and made it extraordinary. Made With Hands really gives a unique spin on traditional and gave me a new way to look at "knitwear."

See for yourself at www.MadeWithHands.co.uk 

Copyright: The Fashion Rag