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August 31, 2006

Haute Couture, Couture and Toiles...What Makes It "Haute"?

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.

Continue reading "Haute Couture, Couture and Toiles...What Makes It "Haute"?" »

January 22, 2007

Southern California: The Land of Fake Chests and Fake Louis Vuitton.

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of all the knock-off handbags running amuck these days. You know there’s a problem when someone comes up to you and says, “I love your handbag, is it real?” I saved for months to be able to buy my large black Gucci hobo. I love that bag, and I worked hard to get it. Its real. You just hurt my feelings. You hurt my handbag’s feelings. Same thing goes for my friend and her Louis Vuitton obsession. She actually got in an argument over the legitimacy of her LV Damier Alma bag at a party the other night.

The source of the problem comes from two main places in Southern California. The Orange County Market Place (better known as the OC Swap Meet) and the Fashion District of LA . Both places are a fountain of phony designer items. From supposed Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, to Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes, and Gucci handbags. A fake Birkin bag goes for $80.00. It even has a Hermes tag on the inside. Blasphemy!

There are many ways to tell a fake though. Louis Vuitton fakes are the easiest to spot at a glance. Louis Vuitton will NEVER cut off their logo. This means that a real LV bag will not have the logo cut by a seam of the bag. Fake Gucci bags are harder to tell… but the quality of the leather is usually the dead give away. The serial number underneath the leather tab on the inside of the bag is usually a sign too. Also, some of the cheaper fakes will have the G’s look more like C’s. Fake Pradas are easy because of the lining. The real Prada lining is very intricate, and the fakes don’t have it. Fendi has a gold metal plate on the inside of the bag. It is very hard to duplicate, and usually a decent tell-tale sign of a fake.

Counterfeiting is a real serious crime. The law punishes not only the counterfeiters, but the people that purchase those items too. This can include not only fines, but other legal actions. Counterfeiting of designer items can be associated with child labor and even money laundering. So even if you don’t mind wearing a phony bag… don’t do it. Even if just for the kids.

February 1, 2007

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Schedule February 2007

February 2nd:

The Tent: The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection 11:00am, BCBG Max Azria 3:00pm
The Salon: John Bartlett 10:00am, Marc Bouwer 5:00pm
The Promenade: Perry Ellis 1:00pm, Nicole Miller 7:00pm, Akiko Ogawa 6:00pm
W Hotel 594 Lexington Ave.: Yeolee
Roseland Ballroom: Baby Phat 8:00pm
Altman Building: Grey Ant 9:00pm

February 3rd:

The Tent: Lacoste 11:00am, Alexandre Herchcovitch 3:00pm
The Salon: Chris Han 10:00am, Alice Roi 1:00pm, Abaete 6:00pm, Venexiana 9:00pm
The Promenade: Maticevski 12:00pm, Atil Kutoglu 2:00pm, Sass & Bide 7:00pm
Showroom: Buckler 4:00pm, Cabbeen 8:00pm
Altman Building 135 W 18th St: Gustavo Arrango 5:00pm
Bumble & Bumble: Karen Walker 1:00pm
NYC Bar Association: James Coviello 2:00pm
Prince George Ballroom: ThreeAsFour 5:00pm

February 4th:

The Tent: Diane von Furstenberg 4:00pm, Naeem Khan 6:00pm, Matthew Williamson 8:00pm
The Salon: Lela Rose 10:00am, Twinkle by Wenlan 1:00pm, Terexov 9:00pm
The Promenade: Tadashi 11:00am, Tracy Reese 2:00pm, Tuleh 7:00pm
Showroom: Erin Fetherston 3:00pm
711 Greenwich Street: DKNY 12:00pm
Cunard Building 25 Broadway: Z Zegna 5:00pm
Exit Art: United Bamboo 3:00pm
Sony Music Studios: Luella Bartley 5:00pm
Waterfront Building: 3.1 Phillip Lim 6:00pm

Continue reading "Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Schedule February 2007" »

February 14, 2007

The Next Big Thing For Spring Fashion 2007: A Shopping Guide For Spring Fashion Looks

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Maryam, New York City- Today I am in New York working with a client and the media. With New York Fashion Week out of the way what else is a Fashion Public Relations Girl to do but pass along some trend info on what to look for this Spring. All these items are available at Neiman Marcus and other online shopping sites.

Looking for the top 10 next big thing for Spring? Here's a quick guide and some of the Designers who gives us the best this season:

Dresses: Nanette Lepore Print Shift Dress, Stella McCartney Ruffled Trapeze Dress, Cynthia Steffe Tunic Dress

Delicate Blouses: 3.1 Philip Lim Handkerchief Blouse, Jill Stuart Elizabeth Silk Blouse, Jovovich-Hawk Floral Print Blouse

Cropped Jackets: MARC by Marc Jacobs Cropped Jacket, Juicy Couture Cropped Pea Jacket, Valentino Red Lace Cropped Jacket

Flat Shoes: Chloe Candbury Canvas Flats, Marc Jacobs Stampede Leather Mouse Shoes, Jimmy Choo Jola Leather Flats

Something Silver: Gucci Silver Guccissima Leather Belt, Burberry Silver Patent Platform, Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Tote

Wide Belts: Michael Kors Waist Belt, Nicole Miller Ruched Ruffle Waist Belt, Avignon Soft Leather Belt

Patent Leather: Manolo Blahnik Strappy Patent Sandal, Miu Miu Patent Leather Flats, Calvin Klein Patent Leather Belt

Eyelet: Tracy Reese Eyelet Top, Nanette Lepore Ahoy There Eyelet Dress, BCBG Max Azria Eyelet Kimono Top

Above the knee hemlines: Lela Rose Belted Silk Halter Dress, Temperley London Folk Embroidered Dress , Miu Miu Oversized Above the Knee T-shirt Dress

Statement Rings: Roberto Cavalli Stone and Serpent Ring , Stephen Dweck Oval Carnelian Ring, Barse Oversized Turquoise Ring

February 17, 2007

Shopping with class, not the class system. America has become the half-off discount shop for the British.

If you live in New York, Miami, L.A. or Chicago, then you've probably noticed more and more British accents as you go about your daily routine. With the British pound at the astronomical exchange rate of almost 2 to 1 to the US Dollar we've been holding a half off sale every day of the year!

The deals and steals going on in fashion are so tempting that British families are not only taking more vacation in the U.S, they are coming on long weekend shopping trips! Even if you factor in Airfare and Hotels, they are still finding bargains left and right. Remember, this is not like getting a discount at one store or in one category - its EVERYTHING. Restaurants - half price. Hotels - half price. Taxis - half price. I was in the Miami area a few weeks ago to pay a visit to what I think as one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the country. The Bal Harbour shops are an oasis in the middle of causeways, freeways, and no-ways that are so often part of the Florida experience. Once inside you are not in Florida anymore, you are in the state of Luxury!

BEST LUXURY SHOPPING EXPERIENCEEvery major fashion designer in the world has shop there. The favorite lunchtime spot of the Madison avenue soial set - La Galoue even has an outpost there. There are palm trees surrounding Koi ponds that hold dozens are the most colorful koi you will ever see. On sunny days, you even find turtles sunning themselves on the rocks - all this while you contemplate that perfect shoe from Jimmy Choo or that dress in Magenta from Oscar de la Renta! It was on one of these perfect days that I strolled into one of boutiques that was having a Spring trunk show. The company is French and dominates the trunk show experience. I was in awe at the amount merchandise for sale, the amount of samples to pre-reserve, and just at the amount of people in the store - all excited to be previewing the new collection, all except one. I overheard a very pleasant sales associate being lectured by an unhappy British woman AKA Ms. London. She was telling the associate how she "never" saw anything like this in London. In London she informed the associate, the boutiques are always kept in impeccable order! The associate said she was sorry to hear that the customer was unhappy with the boutique and she explained that it was busier than usual due to the trunk show. Ms. London was not impressed and said she had been a model (must have been in the 50's!) and that things were NEVER This way. She pursed her lips for a bit and looked around and left. So Ms. London "Debbie downer" soured a moment of my perfect day.

I have spent alot of time in London myself and you know Ms. London was right. Boutiques on New Bond or Bruton Street or Brompton road are beautiful and they are luxurious - but they are not crowded! You see British women shop differently than Americans. British women are frugal. They typically go and browse for something once, twice, even three times before purchasing. The other major difference in London is that like it or not, there is still a definite class system in place. People who work in shops are treated as a lower class than the people shopping in such shops. There is distinct attitude towards sales associates and anyone that works in the service industry. The home of Big Ben can also be the place to find Big attitude by the ladies who shop for a living. The best example of the old school class mentality is found right in Harrods - the most famous department store in the U.K. - if not the world is owned by a non British citizen. Mohamed Al Fayed has been fighting to get citizenship for over a decade. Just log on to his website Alfayed.com to find out how he feels about the British establishment!

As I mentioned, I have spent quite a bit of time in London and I have many British friends who are great fun, but I definitely find shopping in the U.S. a more pleasant experience.

February 20, 2007

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Review: Fashion Editors & Bloggers Give Their Opinion

Everyone has an opinion, you can count on that, and opinions on the designers and their fashion shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is no different. Here are videos from various designers from Fashion Week in NYC with reviews from fashion editors and fashion bloggers alike. Be sure to check out Chic.TV coverage of fashion week on You Tube, for all the videos check out Chic.tv website, it's some of the better quality fashion footage I've seen this year.


Oscar de la Renta Watch Video

WWD: De la Renta’s collection was, in a word, dazzling, and not only in its well-controlled embroideries. It shone as well in its security; its grounded, cross-generational appeal and its fabulous expression of sporty luxe.
Fashion Week Daily: Oscar de la Renta's latest collection was designed with dames in mind. It’s all the contradictions real women have been clamoring for since the babydoll dress came back into fashion. We say: vive de la Renta!
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Oscar de la Renta is twice the age of most of the 200 odd designers who will stage shows in New York this season, yet when it comes to the attitude of his classy fashion, it's probably fresher than any of them and more in step with the real world.
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, WSJ Heard on the Runway: Designers may be collectively heralding a return to more polished dressing and tailored looks, but that’s probably not news to Oscar de la Renta, who has never veered far from his core mission of creating luxurious suits, ballgowns and accessories for the rich and famous.


Diane von Furstenberg Watch Video


WWD: Typically savvy fusion of the sensual and the sensible, but with a notable upgrade to the sophistication level, starting with the palette.
Fashion Week Daily: Though DVF's collection was decidedly dress-centric, that didn't equal a lack of variety. Even the black frocks, of which there were many, had an eye-pleasing uniqueness, and each one she sent one down the runway felt as fresh as the first time.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: Her collection was singular in its focus on dresses. Many of the dresses came with matching coats, a nod toward the designer's sense of practicality, an asset that should serve her industry well in the coming months.
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Von Furstenberg’s fall 2007 collection was a swaggering tour through Iberian culture that inspired prolonged applause in Bryant Park. Though not exactly demure, it was ladylike, poised and entirely fitting for a stroll across St Peter's Square.
Rachel Michaela, Style Bites: The fall collection opened disappointingly with black on black. Sad, since DVF does color so well. At the worst moments (there was the linebacker-like jacket, then the metallic pewter monstrosity of a top and skirt, and at least one graphic dress nightmare) the models looked positively fat.


Doo. Ri Watch Video


WWD: The collection she presented on Tuesday wasn’t groundbreaking, but it showed hints of a step forward. The second half of the show, comprising variations on the jersey dress, often embellished with architectural crystal harnesses, felt a bit one-note and even lackluster.
Fashion Week Daily: Doo-Ri made a tentative foray into color, mixing a mellow, muted turquoise with burgundy and even a pop of lemon yellow. The collection seemed to find her in a transitional phase, gone were the cinched waists of seasons past, replaced by elongated torsos ending just above the hip.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: The crystal cages and harnesses worn over her signature jersey dresses got a little complicated, and it would've been nice to see her work in colors other than bordeaux, emerald, and navy.
Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune: Doo-Ri Chung had a soft and graceful take on silk, draping it into a top over a bib of sequins and scooping up the sides of a jersey dress. The palette of wine, blue and peacock green made for a repetitive show, but its effect was youthful with a touch of romance.
Lauren Dimet, Second City Style: The bubble-hemmed jersey dresses and frocks began looking very repetitious, but the bordeaux and emerald printed Georgette dress with Swarovski crystal blew me away. She will do very well with this line. She is a crowd pleaser and so darn adorable and talented, you can't resist.


Carolina Herrera Watch Video

Fashion Week Daily: The designer seemed to be juggling a widening scope of references: a square, three quarter sleeve fur tunic worn over a straight plaid skirt paired with substantially spangled stockings for an almost grunge-like layered effect, adapted for the Park Avenue set; when the skirt's pattern showed up again in a bustier dress, the effect was nearer to Anglomania.
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan WSJ Heard on the Runway: A polished collection featuring dresses made with perforated felt, coats with dramatic funnel-necked collars and tailored, slouchy jackets with wide lapels. Color-wise, she said her subdued palette of blue, “grape,” ash and bark was influenced by Edvard Munch’s somber portrait of Norwegian philosopher Hans Jaeger.
Nicole Phelps, Style.com: With dark menswear plaids and jacquards juxtaposed against the artistic detailing that has lately become a Herrera signature, the effect was altogether different from her confectionary-sweet spring outing.
Godfrey Deeny, Fashion Wire Daily: Herrera’s collection for fall 2007 oozed haute sophistication, from the remarkable jacquard coats to the stockings finished with jade.
Girlawhirl: Favorite new look are the pants, high waisted, slim through the hip and thigh and full through the rest of the leg to the ground where they flipped and flickered as the models walked.


Erin Fetherston Watch Video


WWD: Erin Fetherston showed froufrou dresses in fabrics that appeared a bit cheap, but her PYT friends are likely to find at least one star in the collection.
Fashion Week Daily: Erin Fetherston sent a sweet and lowdown little collection down her silver, star-spangled runway. For demurely divine, goddess-like evening gowns that closed the show, we'll be dreaming 'til they hit stores for sure.
Lindsay Sammon, Fashion Wire Daily: A memorable addition to this season’s collection was Fetherston’s use of the cape, shown with constellation and butterfly prints, and affixed to the back of dresses in a way that gave the garments lift and endless fluidity.
Meenal Mistry, Style.com: The collection occasionally ventured toward the less-sophisticated side of girlish with a couple of Lurex pieces, it was a solid effort that will keep the growing Fetherston fan base more than happy.
FabSugar: Erin Fetherston's designs are what little big girls dream about. Super feminine and girly, while remaining modern, here is a collection that wisks you away to a beautiful boudoir floating in space.

Continue reading "Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Review: Fashion Editors & Bloggers Give Their Opinion" »

February 26, 2007

Enrobing the production in style and glamor, ABC puts the magic back in Oscar show!

The 79th annual academy awards was televised last night on ABC. From start to finish it was a big 3 hour breath of fresh air! The network made Hollywood glam look as easy as A-B-C! I felt like I was dreaming when the red carpet pre-oscar show began. It was glamorous, faced paced and Sophisticated! Chris Connelly and Lisa Ling kept the pace running smoothly. A brilliant use of captions below the stars told us what they were wearing. What a concept! The actors could actually speak and talk about their art instead of the canned “who are you wearing???”. GWYNETH PALTROW wears a Zac Posen gown, KATE WINSLET in Valentino and Chopard jewelry, CATE BLANCHETT in Giorgio Armani Privé - a silver one-shoulder Swarovski crystal mesh gown with tulle overlay and jet black paillette floral motif, PENELOPE CRUZ dazzles in a strapless Versace gown and Chopard jewels, plus Daniel Swarovski clutch, JENNIFER LOPEZ wears a Marchesa gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, REESE WITHERSPOON in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci with jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels, HELEN MIRREN is in a Christian Lacroix gown with Chopard jewels, BEYONCÉ in Giorgio Armani Privé. The whole idea reminded me of Hollywood from days gone by. Instead of feeling like we were watching one big commercial, we felt like we were watching stars shine "broadway" style.

I thought of the times I watched the oscars on the living room floor of my grandmother’s house when I was 10. My cousins and I would line up stretched out on our stomachs across the rug. Our scrunched up fists holding up our heads would go numb as the Hollywood royalty dazzled us. Grandma’s house was in a suburb close to New York City, but it felt like it was light years away from that magical place called Hollywood! I had that same feeling watching the 79th annual academy awards. The fashion was a major part of the show. Glamour was definitely back. There were no swans or ballerina tutu’s on the red carpet. The industry was represented as well in the pre-oscar show by Vogue Editor at Large , Andre Leon Talley. Its was great to see him tone down his fabulousness and be the true professional he is. It was also great to see him looking so dapper in men’s clothes. You almost forget sometimes. (Trust me, if you have ever been in his office you’d know what I’m talking about.)

Ellen Degeneres was a perfect host. She has the kind of demeanor that makes you smile the moment she takes the stage. It is a sense of trust we all have with her because we know she won’t lead us astray. Her humor is good natured and friendly. Wearing one of her famous pant suit looks she made the whole idea cool with white shoes and an open collar shirt. The comedian is a big fan of Victor & Rolf , Gucci, & Dolce &Gabbana. Ellen also pointed out just how diverse the nominees were this year. The amount of Mexican nominees was unprecedented. It really reminds us what an amazing time we live in. Our generation is one where farm girls become super models, Out and Proud lesbians can host Talk shows, and Marky Mark can be nominated for an Oscar! To say that you can achieve anything if you try hard enough is an understatement.

One stand out style star was newcomer Jennifer Hudson. She was blessed by two Oscars this night! Her Oscar de la Renta ensemble was elegant with its fitted silver python shrug jacket over a long brown satin gown ruched just right to showcase her curvaceous shape. We saw footage of Jennifer as she met with the designer for their fitting in his atelier in New York. That is what makes Oscar such a class act – (the designer that is, not the award) - he knows how to do things right! He is always there with his signature suit and tie with a smile from ear to ear! Jennifer looked amazing and how exciting to have launched her career in such a dazzling way! Nicole Kidman was the lady in Red in a Balenciaga halter dress. Its was pretty, but the red was not so flattering for her porcelain complexion. Gwyneth Paltrow was able to salvage the reputation on the red carpet. She shined in a sheer apricot Zac Posen dress. No-one can forget how her cleavage fell flat in that pink Ralph Lauren gown on her big Oscar night a few years back.

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Visit the oscars comprehensive website for hours of video footage, historic facts, road to the oscars series, past oscar fashion info, the tank you camera, artwork and more. The website is truly the best place for anything oscars!.

 
Achievement in Costume Design deservedly went to Milena Canonerofor her superb vision of Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette! This industry veteran has been nominated eight times for her inspiring creations. The award was a perfect metaphor for such a romantic evening. See you at the movies.
  • 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

About Couture

This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Fashion PR division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, A Fashion Public Relations. Fashion publicity, promotion marketing firm in the Couture category. They are listed from oldest to newest.

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Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

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