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

What is Haute Couture? Is it the same as Couture? Check out Fashion-Era.com and Pauline Weston Thomas will give you a quick little lesson on what makes couture "Haute".

Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion. Couture means dressmaking, sewing, or needlework and haute means elegant or high, so the two combined imply excellent artistry with the fashioning of garments. The purchase of a haute couture model garment is at the top level of hand customised fashion design and clothing construction made by a couture design house. A model haute couture garment is made specifically for the wearer's measurements and body stance. The made to measure exclusive clothes are virtually made by hand, carefully interlined, stay taped and fitted to perfection for each client.

On Tuesday, August 29th, STAGR launched its premier collection at the “G-Suite” in Palms Casino Resort. UFC fighter Chris Leben was the evening’s special guest. Guests and members of the media enjoyed music spun by special DJ Malik from The Real World, Back to New York and had the chance to create their own customized STAGR shirt.

Today marks the first day of Olympus Fashion Week. Although festivities
technically have just begun, parties and events have been ocurring all
over the City. Jay Z unveiled his new line Wednesday night at BED.
Turns out, he is taking Roca Wear to the next level with a women's
lingerie/sleep wear line called Sleep Sexy. It was pretty hot--I
enjoyed it. The line was sexy without being slutty, tasteful if you
will. It really seems like Jay is involved with his companies and I can
appreciate that. His line extensions/licensing deals are definitly
always in line with his style.

The devil wears green pants! See Almost Girl fashion blogger making contact with Anna Wintor.

I don’t think I have ever been more terrified in my entire life. As much as I talk a lot of shit about numbers being the only arbiter of access in an ideal new media world I still harbor a lot of fear. I know that I am only in my position because of luck, timing, and very little aversion to risk. I talk smack about KCD because I know that they can’t hold us off forever: there are more of us than there are of them and this time the barbarians are out for good. I know that numbers don’t lie because well the economists at the University of Chicago told me so.

But still when I arrived early for Costello Tagliapetra and saw Anna Wintour alone in the front row I didn’t think I had the guts to go up and interview her. I had already tried at Rag and Bone and she waved us off. But heart pounding I steeled myself, left Patryk in the pit, and requested to ask her a few basic questions. She didn’t want to talk about collections because it was too early in the week but I assured her I was interested in her experience and not her opinions on current fashion. Ever the consummate professional she agreed.

I recently opened Friday’s WWD, and the quote of the week was on Badgley Mishka’s choice of Sharon Stone as the face of the brand.

“She personifies what we always stood for with our collection,” said Mark Badgley.

American Idol host Randy Jackson is certainly a fan of luxury male accessory designer Aaron Barak. Randy was spotted recently purchasing the Aaron Barak Aviator bag at the hot Los Angeles boutique H. Lorenzo. Cash doesn’t seem to be an issue for Randy these days as the Classic Aviator bag retails for $1,075.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BLOGGERS

Trendsetters around the globe are engaged in a fashion race, scouring boutiques and department stores in a desperate search to be the first to discover the new “It” denim line. Now, more than ever before, jeans are the staple item in stylish wardrobes. Jeans have also progressed in the fashion world. Designer denim has made its mark, appearing everywhere from the runways of New York to the office and bars during happy hour. Dressed up or dressed down, designer jeans are an essential item. Given the popularity of denim, the market is over saturated with new designer denim lines. Bread Denim is a unique brand in the overwhelming world of designer denim. Bread Denim’s fresh styles and flattering cuts have rendered them the next premium designer denim line.

New Un-retouched Photos Released: October 10, 2006

Photographer is Clarence K @ Frank Management
Models are Agatha @ Elite and William @ IMG
Photoshoot, October 10th.

Rather than following current trends, the creators of Bread Denim took a chance and ventured on their own. The young entrepreneurial team prides themselves in their “anything fly’s” mantra that is reflected in their unique designs. Bread Denim’s styles are as fresh as their namesake. The hot new line specializes in ultra sexy and stylish denim for men and women. Bread has quickly risen to the top of the competitive world of denim and established itself as the “Must Have” brand for 2007 and has already become a celebrity favorite.

The Predator Skinny Zip Jean is the company’s best selling style. A zipper extends from mid-thigh down, making The Predator an adjustable skinny-jean that is flattering on all body types. “It is minimalist, but super-sexy and sophisticated,” states Jason Ferro, the head designer of Bread. The line has three other styles for women and six styles for men. The designs come in a variety of six washes and three colors. The environmentally conscious line uses non toxic dyes at the wash house and the finest denim from Italy, Turkey, Japan, and U.S. Bread Denim has exclusivity on all their denim, which makes each piece unique and original.

Bread’s Holiday line and much anticipated spring line will debut at fashion havens such as Hollywood Trading Company, Fred Segal, Atrium, Selfridges, Isetan and Gallerie Lafayette. Get Bread while it’s hot.

From bathroom stalls to concert halls to the red carpet thralls, Bread Denim designers Sun, Jason, and Clark bring the outlandish and glamorous and grittiness of Los Angeles into their line. Visit www.breaddenim.com to learn more about Bread and get it while it’s hot.

Media Contact
Quinn Doan
Pierce Mattie PR
323.469.5500
quinn@piercemattie.com

You know him from That 70’s Show and Yo Momma, he co-owns three restaurants (Dolce, The Lodge and Geisha House), but now Wilmer Valderrama is looking to do more. It’s reported that he will launch a men’s fashion line called Calavena this February.

Calavena is said to be a clothing line that is a mix of Latino-inspiration and Diesel. The line will consist of jeans, t-shirts and jackets. Valderrama joins the ranks of many celebrities that are launching their own clothing lines such as Tommy Lee, Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stephani. The trend seems to be progressing with celebrities launching not only their own clothing lines, but fragrances as well, with a positive money making track record to boot.

Will this trend continue to move upward and remain successful or eventually bottom out?

Things just seem to be getting better for the stars of Desperate Housewives. They have a PC game; dolls being made in their likeness and now Eva Longoria has scored a two-year contract as the first ever spokesperson for Bebe Sport. The ads will be launched on billboards and in magazines this March and are the company’s first ad campaign.

Bebe Sport is an extension of the Bebe brand and was launched in 2003. Bebe Sport’s tagline is “Where Fashion Works Out” and certainly by the appearance of it’s line of sportswear, Longoria’s look fits in perfectly. Bebe Sport’s top’s and bottom’s definitely put a sense of style into workout wear, making it entirely possible to even wear some of the outfits out running errands without looking too underdressed.

Now there are no excuses for going to the gym looking frumpy.

The Golden Globes had quite a few fashion trends going on, did anyone else notice? I was surprised to see so many bare necks, when flashing the jewelry has always been a staple of the Red Carpet. At least Heidi Klum didn’t let us down with her one million dollar diamond necklace, plus she looked positively radiant in her gorgeous Givenchy gown.

More trends were white gowns, black belted gowns and unfortunately multi-layer ruffle type gowns as evidenced by Rinko Kikuchi and Cameron Diaz (who almost looked like Snow White.)

While it’s split down the middle about Sienna Miller’s look on the Red Carpet, I think her gown by Marchesa was gorgeous. Despite many other’s nay’s, I also liked her hair. However, that “I just got off the treadmill” shiny look to her face was the least beautiful thing about her.

I think Drew Barrymore and Angeline Lily were the best dressed of all. They both looked stunning and had this beautiful elegant look to them. Worst had to be Rose McGowan, although she looks much better post-Marilyn Manson, and Vanessa Williams.

My biggest surprise had to be when I saw Sacha Baron Cohen with Reese Witherspoon out of Borat attire. WOW. Imagine my surprise at how absolutely gorgeous he is.

Many other Bloggers gave their input about the beauty and fashion gracing the Red Carpet, be sure to check them out:

Beauty Addict: Worst Makeup, Best in Beauty
Second City Style: Best & Worst Dressed
HiiFii Celebrity Entertainment: Best & Worst Dressed
LMNOP: Golden Globes Fashion Recap
Seamsters: Fashion Honorable Mentions

What were some of your favorites?

Stephanie Howell, LOS ANGELES, Monday at the golden globes there was a sea of black and white on several big and little screen goddesses. White is a gorgeous color, but few can pull it off as spectacularly as Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz. Some say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I believe that “Black” is the absolute best friend and girl can have.

Black is slimming. Black is elegant. Black is comfortable. But, Black is safe. Was black too safe? Shouldn’t the ladies who govern the pages of Elle, Cosmo, People, InStyle and Vogue absolutely daring? A few ladies dared to be bold by wearing the jeweled toned jade, purple, gold, red, yellow and emerald. But, were they the odd ones?

Will the Black and White trend continue through the entire awards season? Is Hollywood going back to the olden days of B.T. (Before Technicolor), when they had had no choice but to be in black and white, or will the Black and White trend melt as quickly as the snow in Malibu? Will Black and White make a grand appearance next year, or will their love child gray make its debut?

Ladies, what makes a brand a must-have for you? Is it the style? Versatility? Fresh take on fashion? Unique pieces? A designer that understands what you want? One that knows the lines of a woman’s shape? When I came upon Hale Bob, I felt like I had found my perfect fashion match.

Hale Bob, a collection of fabulous pieces of fashion, is the brainchild of Daniel Bohbot. If that last name doesn’t sound familiar, it should. Daniel’s brother, and co-founder of Hale Bob, is Marc Bohbot. Marc is also co-owner of Bisou Bisou, which he and his wife Michele run together. It appears that knowing and understanding what makes great fashion runs in the family.

Hale Bob fashion is one that is stylish and versatile; with many pieces being able to be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. When I look at how well put together the designs are, I feel like I am looking at art. My favorite has to be the Silk and Velvet Burnout Baby Doll dress. Gorgeous design with a flair of elegance. Hale Bob sells mainly tops, jackets, dresses, cami’s and tracksuits. I love how they shout comfort and their shape can spice up different body types.

Pinko, the young Italian trend-wear fashion brand for women, has announced Mariah Carey as the spokesmodel for their brand. Pinko was established in the late 80’s as a spin-off from CISCONF and has increased in popularity in the last 4 years. Mariah Carey says to have found the fashion brand while working in Italy and fell in love with their clothing. When she was approached by Pinko to be their spokesmodel, she gladly accepted.

Mariah Carey is almost unrecognizable on their website. I’m so used to seeing her in less than flattering clothing and pastel colored makeup that I was taken aback by how stunning and gorgeous she looks. When on the site descriptive words to illustrate the brand flash before your eyes: Glamour, Lifestyle, Irony, Sensuality and Seduction. All of these words can easily be related to Carey, as well.

Pinko has 410 retail stores in Italy, including 60 single brand shops, 100 corner stores, 250 multi-brand stores and 210 overseas sales points. While you can shop Pinko online, unfortunately the US in not included among the Countries that one can shop from. So for now, we can stand in awe of their very cool, very chic collection.

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.

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.

• 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

As always there is a best and worst dressed when it comes to the red carpet. Some gowns amazed me, while others I was amazed even came off the hanger in the closet. These are my picks for best and worst dressed with a few undecided’s thrown in for good measure.

Best:

Helen Mirren: Wow, she took my breath away. If she is not the signature for aging gracefully, I’m not sure who is. I absolutely adored her beaded gown by Christian Lacroix. It was elegant and tasteful and just made her look amazing.

Beyonce: Her Armani Prive' gown was exquisite. She certainly didn’t need to wear jewelry around her neck with her jeweled strap. The mint green color was amazing, as well.

Reese Witherspoon: Her Nina Ricci gown made her figure look amazing. It was the right fit, the perfect color and I loved the layering.

Worst:

Nicole Kidman: Nicole always looks gorgeous and while I thought her red gown by Balenciaga did look beautiful, I couldn’t help thinking the big red bow with long sash made her look like a present, like she was on a leash or even the back to one of those wind up dolls.

Cameron Diaz: It may not be the gown itself by Valentino, but the color. I just don’t think white is a color that brings out Diaz’s beauty. It also definitely did not highlight her figure. Also, the fact that she kept standing pigeon-toed on stage and on the Red Carpet took away from the look as well.

Sally Kirkland: Oh my. I was cringing and hoping she wouldn’t make a false move revealing what was underneath her sheer dress. Maybe she could’ve used her parachute to cover herself up better.

Undecided:

Jennifer Hudson: While her Oscar de la Renta gown was gorgeous, the silver bolero jacket should’ve been left on the hanger. I think the jacket completely takes away from the richness of the gown.

Penelope Cruz: The strapless Versace was gorgeous on top and was such a lovely color, although the bottom of her dress makes me think of Goose Down.

Other Reviews Found Here

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.

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? 

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.