Saturday, June 30, 2007

Men's Milan Fashion Week Round Up

The top 5 menswear trends to come out of Milan.

1. The Trench


Top Left to Bottom Right: Bottega Veneta,Costume National,
Alexander McQueen, Burberry Prorsum

2. The Biker Jacket


Top Left to Bottom Right: Versace, Gucci, D&G,
Salvatore Ferragamo

3. The Skinny Tie.


Top Left to Bottom Right: Gucci, Costume National,
Dolce & Gabbana, Versace

4. The Scarf Neck


Top Left to Bottom Right: Dolce & Gabbana, Costume
National, Dries Van Noten, Versace

5. The Bomber Jacket


Top Left to Bottom Right: Bottega Veneta, Costume
National, Dolce & Gabbana, Dries Van Noten


Photos: style.com

Friday, June 29, 2007

Men's Milan Fashion Week

The fall 2007 men's shows in Milan provided some interesting editorial looks. I perhaps would not venture to far to say wearable looks, as one of the most prevalent themes running throughout the entire show circuit from Prada to Burberry, was femininity. And not just that understated flower printed shirt kind of men's feminine, we are talking low cut V-necks, shimmery fabrics, slender fitting shapes, baby pinks and lilacs to rolled sleeves and beyond.

Burberry - The V neck, wide sleeve shirt & slim-fitting pant
Costume National - The light-weight shirt with a bateau neckline
Versace - The tight lilac top & high-waisted pant
Gucci - The V-neck, sheer, rolled sleeve shirt
Fendi - The shimmery shirt& purse bag

Photos: style.com

Thursday, June 28, 2007

The Classic Look

L'Wren Scott pulled off the classic look to a perfect T at the Milan menswear shows in her high-waisted below-the-knee cylinder skirt and buttoned down shirt. What would be an otherwise boring ol' librarian look is updated by subtle style details - an exaggerated high-waist, a body-hugging cylinder shaped skirt, a soft pale pink tissue soft shirt and rolled sleeves. On first glance these details may not even stand out, however, collectively, they truly are what make the outfit outstandingly sharp. Try taking away these details and what you come out with is a boring ol' librarian look (no offense to our trusty library gate-keepers).

Photo:thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Beyonce's Balenciaga Gams

Are those gold Balenciaga robot-inspired second-skinners from the spring 2007 collection the same sported by Beyonce for her BET Awards performance?


Photos: style.com, wireimage.com

Monday, June 25, 2007

The Influential Italians

By looking at them (seen here front row at Missoni for the spring 2008 Men's shows in Milan) one might come to the assumption that they are a little off the charts, yet Beppe Modonese and Anna Piaggi are two of the most influential Italians in the industry. Modonese is the Honorary President of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion and credited as the mastermind for making Milan the fashion capital of the world. Piaggi, is a fashion writer for Italian Vogue and style icon, whom apparently owns 2865 dresses and has been described by Manolo Blahnik as 'The world's last great authority on frocks'.


Photo: wireimage.com

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Want It Now: Gianluca Soldi Pumps

I'm loving these sparkle infused evening pumps by Té Casan designer Gianluca Soldi. Soldi's shoes are described as passionate with an intoxicating elegance, and by looking at these chic satin shoes I couldn't agree more. Merging old-Hollywood elegance with modern shapes and new technology is Soldi's modus operandi and, I think, an infallible design approach. Today, everything old is new again, so why not incorporate that into your fashion philosophy, your wardrobe, or your personal style. The results may be surprising, but at the very least, you may find yourself sporting Soldi's elegant footwear.

At Té Casan, 382 West Broadway, 212-584-8000


Photo:nymag.com

Saturday, June 23, 2007

News Flash: Barneys New York Up for Grabs

Jones Apparel Group has agreed to sell Barneys New York for 825 million USD to Dubai-based Istithmar, a private equity and alternative investment house. The buyout outlines increased growth and expansion for the luxury retailer...I forsee a Barneys Dubai in the near future.

Friday, June 22, 2007

FYI: I Am Not A Plastic Bag

"Umbrella toting shoppers from Midtown to SoHo started assembling as early as 2:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, braving the June rainshowers for a chance to purchase one of Anya Hindmarch’s $15 “I Am Not a Plastic Bag” canvas tote..." - as reported by Fashion Week Daily
For those hoping to get their hands on one of these totes you will have to wait until July 18 when 20,000 units will be made available at select Whole Foods stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. However, for those really desperate, I am sure you'd be able to score a knock-off on Canal St.
Seriously though, I think it is beyond ludicrous that anyone would stand in the rain at 2:00 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. store opening to purchase anything other than food (in limited supply). It's surely great for business but it does not say much for what our consumer society has amounted to.
But really all it is, is a basic supply and demand equation. The company has consciously chosen to release a limited number of bags knowing that the demand would far exceed supply. This would be marketing at its best. Tell someone they can't have something and they want it more.
By releasing limited units, controlling how many units a consumer buys (two bags per person, apparently) and where they are sold, they are creating a worldwide surge that, at the end of the day, does wonders for brand recognition.

This only proves how we, as a society in general, are so easily manipulated, controlled and deceived. We think that we are living in a "free world", I think we may want to re-think that classic statement that is so freely used, no pun intended.


Photos: fashionwiredaily.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Roberto Cavalli for H&M

Another H&M designer collaboration is among us. Hot off the heels of Kylie Minogue's launch this past week, it has been announced that Roberto Cavalli will design a 50-piece collection for the mega retailer. Slated for a November 8th launch date, in select locations worldwide, the line will consist of 20 menswear and 25 womenswear looks, including lingerie and accessories. I have not even seen a sketch of what the line will look like but I can guarantee we will be seeing some signature Cavalli feline spotted garments.


Photo:style.com

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Fashion Quote of the Day

"My role as a fashion designer comes from a complex process, where creativity and imagination play an important role, but are supported by a firm rational analysis."

Gianfranco Ferré
Courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman

GianFranco Ferré's Sudden Death

GianFranco Ferré, the Italian designer, prominent in the '80s and '90s, dies suddenly from a massive brain hemorrhage. Although he wasn't on the front lines as fellow designers Giorgio Armani or Valentino, Ferré was one of the original greats. At the helm of Dior in the eighties and early nineties, Ferré was notoriously known for defying the trends and designing for, what he considered, real women. His style was classic with ever the most attention paid to detail and craftsmanship. He truly represented Italian design.

"Imposing, with a full beard and a self-regarding air, he was a challenging figure whose refusal to adapt to trendy designs or changes in fashion often put him at odds with his peers and the press." (NY Times)

The GianFranco Ferré group of brands includes, GianFranco Ferré, Ferré, GF Ferré, Accessories, and Fragrances.

Ferre's spring-summer 2008 menswear collection is scheduled for Sunday, June 24th during Milan's Mens Fashion Week.

Visit style.com to see previous Gianfranco Ferré runway shows.

Photo: nytimes.com Ferré's Fall/Winter 1996 collection

San Diego - '80s Dinner Party

As promised pics from UGG Australia's '80s-inspired dinner party at Prado. It was interesting to see all this creativity in one room but some, unfortunately, take themed parties too far. Costume required events do not mean a Halloween free for all but an opportunity to revive the past. When done properly, these events prove to be quite a fashion fest.

The Crowd
The Atmosphere
The Band
The Table Center Pieces

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

MMVAs Wrap-Up

My promise to keep you updated on all the MMVAs happenings has botched due to an un-insipiring (style wise) gift lounge, show and red carpet. It was a successful show, as all shows somehow usually are but the style presented during the entire weekend did not inspire a tell all fest. What did interest me the most were two up-and-coming brands in the gift lounge - BalmShell, a Canadian cosmetic line, and Glamour Campaign, an L.A. based clothing label, but more on that later.

Joss Stone
Avril Lavigne
FergieEmilie de Ravin Jay Manuel

Nole Marin Images:wireimage.com