Haute & Bothered

Coke Head: Karl Lagerfeld Coca Cola Light

2010-04-02T11:54:00.004-04:00

kinny is as skinny does. Soda pop culture. The Diet Coke of chic.

We could go on and on but let's get to it. Karl Lagerfeld is lending his slender silhouette to Coca Cola Light for a limited edition run at Colette. Available individually or in a light box with a matching bottle opener, pre-orders are being taken now.

Boxed set $80, individual bottle, $ 4.71 at Colette

[via Racked]

NY Fashion Week in Pictures: Adam

2010-02-19T17:04:00.003-05:00

NY Fashion Week in Pictures: J. Mendel

2010-02-19T12:14:00.001-05:00

NY Fashion Week in Pictures: Marchesa

2010-02-18T14:15:00.003-05:00

Things that Make You Go Hmm... The D-bag

2010-02-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

For spring, Tods is heavily advertising its new D-bag. And since people won't be carrying around little Spencer Pratts, it begs the question, really Tods? The D-bag?

MJ's $35 Valentine

2010-02-12T14:25:00.002-05:00

ark Jacobs has love to give. Lots of it. And he's sharing it in the form of super affordable, super fun accessories at his Marc by Marc Jacobs Stores. Available for a limited time (read: get 'em while you can) the above PVC Heart Mirror bag costs a mere $35 while the wallet will set you back just $16. What's not to love about that!

At Marc by Marc Jacobs stores only. [via Racked]

Sonia Rykiel pour H&M

2010-02-12T13:05:00.003-05:00

ast week we headed down to the subterranean West Village spot Bobo to fete the upcoming launch of Sonia Rykiel pour H&M's upcoming knitware line, hitting 20 stores on February 20th. Today we got a peek at the entire line and we are trés excited.

Prices range from $5.95 for socks to $59.95 for a sweater dress.

On McQueen: Love, Loss, And What They Wore

2010-02-11T17:08:00.001-05:00

Remembering McQueen

2010-02-11T16:44:00.004-05:00

t's a shocking day in the fashion world. Amidst the glamour and glitter of fashion week, Alexander McQueen commit suicide, devastating the fashion community. WWD has compiled reactions from friends and fellow designers:

Marc Jacobs
"He was such a great guy and such an amazing talent that it is so devastating to know he is gone. We have a lot of mutual friends and some of them are working here, and everybody is walking around crying today.
"I will miss him, and I will certainly miss the beauty that he created, and his vision and his world. You just ask yourself 'Why?' and then really the answer to that question is so unnecessary in a way, since knowing 'why' doesn't change anything. Death is always horrible."

Naomi Campbell
"I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries, and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day for all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten."

Katie Grand
"I remember going to Lee's first show at the Bluebird Garage; It was one of those 90s happenings where no one quite knew what we were going to see, but there was a huge amount of curiosity about it. There was no seating, and it was all incredibly cool. The girls came out covered in terracotta make up and that weird proportion with the bumster, which is now so famous. There were so many beautiful things in that show - it was just relentless.
"I met him afterwards with Issy Blow, and shot him for a very early issue of Dazed & Confused together with new, happening designers. Some of my favorite shows ever have been by Lee, and early on it was always such a bloody drama getting in - that was half of the fun. The one in the church on Shoreditch High Street which was lit by candles, the water one at the Royal Horticultural Halls, the only New York show at the end of a pier during massive floods and thunderstorms. The last time I saw him was at the end of his men's wear shows a couple of weeks ago, I ran backstage to congratulate him but he had already left the building to go skiing, what a shame I'll never see him again."

Daphne Guinness
"He was an aristocrat in the true sense of the word. He had a natural grace, natural patrician instincts. And he had so much compassion and a big heart he was such a friend. We would go to his studio and do simple things sit and have a cup of tea and just have fun. We'd play around like kids and imagine that we were in a world that wasn't so cynical and money-driven." Guinness said she first met him years ago: "He spotted me across Leicester Square. I was wearing his Givenchy kimono with the dragon on the back. We became good friends. He was the kindest, shyest, funniest person. And when the chips were down he was there. He wasn't a flake. You could count on him. I will miss him."

Domenico de Sole
"I loved him. He used to come to the house for dinner; he knew Eleanor and my girls well. At the last McQueen show I went to, the fall 2004 collection, he came up to me and hugged me, and he was crying. He was very upset that I was leaving. He was shy, but once you got to know him he was very open and he had a great sense of humor he used to make fun of people. He was also a very decent man: He was unbelievably nice to all of the seamstresses in the factory in Novara (Italy) who made his collection. He treated them well and they loved him. He was just a fabulous person."

Simon Doonan, Barneys New York
"He is a uniquely British kind of phenomenon, a working class lad who bootstrapped it. He had enormous innate creative passion that ultimately gave him an incredibly broad frame of reference, from art to obscure movies to history, this spongelike passion and amazing imagination that in the end informed his design. He became within a very short period of time a very cultivated person that's sort of a function of the English class system, which makes people so tenacious and aggressively curious." Comparing him to John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, Doonan characterized McQueen as "a provocateur, almost like a highwire act, an exercise in daring creativity. He raised the bar so high on what was even possible with clothing."

Philip Treacy
"In a world where every man and his dog is a designer, Alexander McQueen was the real deal. He was the greatest and most genuinely talented designer I have ever worked with. His talent was supersonic. As with true talent, it comes from nowhere and reaches everywhere. His originality and exceptional talent always impressed me. He was a very kind and loving friend to me."

And from New York: Anna Wintour
"We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing — from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."

Be Mine

2010-02-11T11:35:00.006-05:00

Romance is in the air!

Valentino rosette metallic peep-toe pumps, $700, Net-a-Porter.com

Stamp of Approval

2009-12-02T09:46:00.004-05:00

We may have Simpsons stamps, but over in France the mail just got a whole lot more fashionable. In celebration of Lanvin’s 120th anniversary, creative director Alber Elbaz has designed two stamps for La Poste, France's postal service. Doodled by Elbaz himself, the stamps will be part of a collection that also includes pencils, paper presses and notebooks.

Available at French post offices and online early next year.

Anna Wintour on Letterman

2009-08-25T11:32:00.001-04:00

Anna Wintour, was on Letterman last evening to promote the upcoming documentary "The September Issue" as well as Fashion's Night Out. Quick witted and showing a slightly warmer side, she was willing to poke fun at herself despite a visible wince when the "Devil Wears Prada" was mentioned. Watch the full interview here.

That Bitch Has Everything

2009-08-18T12:50:00.003-04:00

As if it wasn't bad enough that she has legs down to there, a nonexistent waist, a never-ending list of couturiers wanting to design for her and basically the best career ever (for someone with ADD anyway), Barbie now has Jonathan Adler on the pay roll.

Available come Fashion Week, the $50 doll comes with a night table, lamp and of course, 3 mini-vases.

Must be nice. Must be nice.

[Racked]

STEAMY! Leighton Meester & Ed Westwick Set Elle Afire

2009-08-12T13:39:00.002-04:00

How do we love them, let us count thee ways!!!

[Elle]

Graff Burgled: $65 Million Stolen

2009-08-12T11:22:00.002-04:00

We're just saying: If we, say, were the purveyors of a luxury boutique with a shop in London or Paris, here's what we're doing - closing up shop for awhile! What the heck is going on in those towns? Graff's New Bond Street location was raided on Thursday with $65 million worth of jewels seized in a heist that goes down in Britain's record books. The armed robbers made off with 43 items of jewelry including rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches before firing a shot on the street (no one was injured) and jumping into a getaway car.

This is only the latest in a series of jewelry heists across Europe, following in the wake of Cartier (July), Chopard (May) and Harry Winston (December), not to mention the slate of luxury robberies by the "Pink Panthers" a group of luxury burglers that have plagued London since 2003.

[WWD]

The Zoe Report Launches

2009-08-04T09:40:00.004-04:00

Rachel Zoe's "The Zoe Report," a daily newsletter of the stylist's fashion and beauty finds launches today with a love letter to Brian Atwood's Lola Platforms Pumps:

"A striking leopard print, sexy elastic detailing and high platform—I DIE."

While we do miss Zoe-isms something awful, the newsletter is a bit dry. Nothing of course that a little Tay or Brad couldn't fix.

Read more here

Amazon.com Aquires Zappos.com

2009-07-23T11:39:00.002-04:00

Amazon.com is set to acquire Zappos in a cash and stock deal valued at $927 million. The deal is expected to close in the fall with Zappos's s CEO Tony Hsieh staying on to run the company.

Stating the Obvious?

2009-07-08T10:42:00.003-04:00

Project Runway's Leanne Marshall's Collection Hits Bluefly

2009-07-08T09:31:00.004-04:00

Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall's long awaited collection bows today at Bluefly and as expected it is comPLEAT with her signature folds and flaps. The 9 piece, eco-friendly collection ranges in price from $98 for a tanktop to a $990 ball gown. Top pieces include:

$990

$248

$98

$275

Also, don't miss Kelly Cutrone's interview with the designer:

Collection available exclusively at Bluefly.com

Grr baby, very grrrrrr

2009-07-07T16:37:00.003-04:00

Despite appearances, we are not a shoe blog, but lately, we clearly have shoes on the brain. Case in point? These meow-rrific Charlotte Olympia platforms we spotted at TheOutnet this morning.

Originally $825. Now, $412.50

Object of Our Obsession: Red, White & Shoe

2009-07-06T18:05:00.002-04:00

Sure it's the 7th of July, but we're still crushing hardcore on Bruno Frisoni's star-wattage wedge. $558, brunofrisoni.com

H&M CHOOSes Jimmy Choo for Next Collaboration

2009-06-17T10:36:00.002-04:00

Coming on the heels of Matthew Williamson's recent H&M success, is Jimmy Choo, the latest brand - and first accessories company - to be selected by Swiss retail giant H&M for a designer collaboration. Bowing November 14 in 200 stores across the world, the occasion marks another first - Jimmy Choo will extend its line for this collection to include women’s clothing to as well as accessories for men.

“We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags. They are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to the simplest of outfits. I like the way we have worked with clothes to accessorize the shoes and bags rather than the other way around. This collaboration is particularly exciting because it’s our first shoe designer collection (photo above shows 2 pieces of the line). It’s a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers,” says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor, H&M.

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too,” says Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, Jimmy Choo.

Superflat: Superfly?

2009-06-11T12:45:00.002-04:00

Six years after introducing his first Louis Vuitton collection, Takashi Murikami is back with a duo of sequels: a new collection and a new anime.

In this newest video, Superflat First Love, a follow up to Superflat Monogram, Aya follows around a small panda (despite the fact that he swallows her whole) and winds up after a series of trippy jaunts in the studio of a 14-year-old Gaston Louis Vuitton (why this never happens to us, we will never understand). Love at first monogram? Check it out for yourself.

[via Fashionologie]

Vera Wang To Dance With the Stars

2009-06-10T15:42:00.002-04:00

E! News reports that Vera Wang is the first celeb to be tapped for next season's 'Dancing with the Stars.' The 60-yr-old designer, a former ice skater, is sure to add some serious style.

End is Near for Eluxury eTailing

2009-06-09T13:57:00.002-04:00

On the bright side? Nina Ricci, Proenza, Rag & Bone and 3.1 Phillip Lim at 60% off.

[via Racked]

Lick It Up Babies, Lick It Up!

2009-06-03T10:52:00.006-04:00

Neon is already everywhere and the film industry is going Lady Gaga over 80s films (hello forthcoming remakes of 'Footloose' and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'). So can rubber bracelets and Aquanet be that far behind?

All of this plastic fantastic culminates in a most exciting/taunting bit of news from Winona Ryder - according to an interview in the July issue of Empire magazine (we haven't heard of it either) a sequel is in the works for cult-classic 'Heathers.'

Now, we would never say that dear Winona is unreliable, but apparently, she's been singing this song for years and the director and writer deny it is happening. That said, this time she swears it's true:

"Whatever you hear there is a sequel in the works, I swear to God."

F@#% me gently with a chainsaw! Don't toy with us like this Winona. We're already teasing our hair in anticipation.

[via EW]

La Vie MH

2009-06-02T14:52:00.005-04:00

Marion Cotillard, the Oscar-winning star of La Vie en Rose and the current face of Lady Dior, caused a paparazzi frenzy when she arrived at the Louis Vuitton tower on 57th Street earlier today (conveniently located above Dior) to show her support for the company's "Bike in Style" award ceremony.

Graciously stopping to take pictures in front of the store, the actress looked downright stunning, with her short and sleek and a trés feminine Dior suit.

The challenge charged FIT students with designing stylish, practical and affordable biking essentials--a poncho, a jacket and a travel bag for both men and women--in support of Mayor Bloomberg’s bicycling promotion initiatives.

Prototypes of winner Jessica Velasquez's designs will be unveiled this summer, in conjunction with the return of the City’s “Summer Streets,” program which closes to cars a 6.9-mile route from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park for people to run, bike or walk on three Saturday mornings in August.

Also present were LVMH Chairman Renaud Dutre, Donna Karan, Hillary Duff (on behalf of DKNY) and FIT's Dr. Valerie Steele.

Act Two: Marie Claire, The Nina Years

2009-06-02T11:43:00.003-04:00

The changes that everyone's been expecting since Nina Garcia arrived at Marie Claire have apparently begun. According to Page Six, it's curtains for market director Kathryn Floyd and market editor Paula Knight and enter stage right for junior staffers Nina Sterghiou and Christine Kistner.

A rep for the magazine told Page Six, "Under Nina Garcia, a few organizational changes were made to the fashion department."

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

2009-05-27T12:03:00.006-04:00

UPDATE: Mistrial declared.

The federal jury currently deliberating whether Forever 21 knowingly copied Trovata's designs has told the judge that it is deadlocked.

The suit covers seven Trovata pieces from fall '05 and early '06 including cardigans, hoodies, shirts and a jacket. While Forever 21 admits that the garments were similar, it denies wrongdoing saying they did not infringe upon the brand's intellectual property.

Top row: Forever 21 shirts. Bottom row: Trovata shirts

The case's outcome (if decided) could have wide implications for an industry in which cheap runway knockoffs often appear in fast fashion chains before they even hit the designer's boutiques. The jurors will return today to try to come to a decision and avoid a mistrial.

[WWD]

Ideeli's One-of-a-Kind

2009-05-27T11:51:00.010-04:00

Oscar de la Renta has designed a one-of-a-kind frock for invitation-only (although invites are pretty easy to come by) site Ideeli.com.

Members (1st row and general alike) will have the opportunity to enter to win the floral silk faille bubble-hemmed dress, as well as a sketch of the design signed by de la Renta, for 30 days beginning June 1.

“We are very excited about this initiative with ideeli," says Alex Bolen, ceo of Oscar de la Renta. "We believe them to be an emerging leader in the growing field of online marketing and we look forward to great success with this promotion.”

Not a member? Go to ideeli.com and enter invitation code "friends".

Rachel Roy on Rachel Roy

2009-05-19T16:40:00.003-04:00

One of H&B's ab-favorite designer's Rachel Roy, will be launching a diffusion line, Rachel Rachel Roy, for Macy's come Fall. "Iʼve always wanted to do a clothing line that had designer sensibilities, that really respected the art of design and the thought behind design," says the designer. In anticipation of the launch, the designer has posted a few walk-throughs of the line, filmed in her showroom, onto YouTube. Catch an installment here:

Pop It Like Its Hot

2009-05-19T12:42:00.003-04:00

Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are all planning pop-up shops in the coming months. Good for luring new customers, building brand excitement and generating some extra sales, these pop-up shops are also a safe way to test the waters in new markets.

Hermés is heading to the Hamptons (East to be exact) for the four-month high season and supposedly has several other pop-ups in the works... Chanel will open a temporary boutique at Podium in Moscow later this month... And Louis Vuitton will also open in a temp space later this month is Tokyo.

[WWD]

Sale on Buy

2009-05-19T12:39:00.003-04:00

Biggest sales of the season - so they say... Net-a-Porter (50% off Lanvin!) and Anthropologie are having sales, sales, sales. They're both online but you've got to be in it to win it!

12 of 60 Minutes with Anna Wintour

2009-05-15T10:35:00.003-04:00

Anna Wintour sits down for her first long interview stateside this Sunday with Morley Safer of CBS's' 60 Minutes.' Discussing her famed sunglasses (her armor), her future at Vogue (she's staying) and of course fashion (she dictates it), the interview follows her to the spring fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York.

As for the rumors about Wintour stepping down, she seems determined to lay them to rest. "This is a really interesting time to be in this position and I think it would be, in a way, irresponsible not to put my best foot forward and lead us into a different time," she tells Safer, who asks whether Wintour believes there are others eyeing her crown. "Probably several," she says.

The interview airs on CBS Sunday, May 17 at 7pm.

Agyness Deyn's Trés Uniqlo

2009-05-15T09:52:00.005-04:00

Agyness Deyn has been tapped by Japanese retailer Uniqlo as the face of its summer sports campaign. The ads, which were shot in New York by Dan Jackson, go live in Japan today and here in the US and UK June 1.

“Agyness reflects a fresh, youthful and vibrant side of life, which was perfect for the campaign,” said Amy Howarth, head of PR and marketing at Uniqlo in the UK.

Also in the campaign is model Gabriel Aubry, better known as Mr. Halle Berry.

Look for the ads in mags and rags in the UK and US, and throughout London's Tube.

[WWD]

Big Day! We've Been Waiting Decades

2009-05-14T12:16:00.004-04:00

It's a big day for fashion openings here in New York.

Decadestwo, the amazing LA-based designer consignment shop opens its pop-up shop in SoHo's Kiki de Montparnasse. Says Decadestwo co-owner Christos Garkinos "Our New York fans have been begging Decadestwo to come to the city since we were founded 10 years ago. Although we are fashionably late, it will be so more than worth it."

The D2 pop-up will feature designer duds by Chanel, Louis Vuittton, Chloé, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Gucci and many more from the closets celebrity consignors including Julianne Moore, Selma Blair, Rachel Zoe, Monet Mazur, Lisa Rinna and Garcelle Beauvais.

Schedule:
May, 14: Launch party
May 15: Appointment-only for existing east coast clients
May 16-17: Open to the public

Location: Kiki de Montparnasse, 79 Greene Street

Fitting Room Follies

2009-05-12T15:57:00.004-04:00

Big day for video, fashettes. Chanel also released a new vid today, this one shot by The Czar himself. Called "Fitting Room Follies," the five-minute short features models Lara Stone and Baptiste Giacobini trying on clothes from Chanel's pre-fall collection in a dressing room, with Karl Lagerfeld's verbal cues clearly audible.

Wish we could upload the video or report more but the site has been pretty unresponsive all day. Keep trying though, we all suffer for fashion!

[WWD]

Keyleidoscope

2009-05-12T10:56:00.004-04:00

Apparently, video is the new black. Fresh on the heels of Chanel No 5 & Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany has released a video of its own. Featuring its new key collection, Through the Keyhole is an animated video that draws you in through a hypnotizing keyleidoscope (we couldn't resist!). Pretty mesmerizing (think 'You love these keys. You love these keys!), we find ourselves staring and staring in a Dazed & Confused / rabbit hole sorta way. What do you think?

Attack of the Killer Frizz

2009-05-11T17:06:00.005-04:00

Our fave beauty site, Total Beauty ranked the top 13 worst cities for your hair, a little list we like to call, 13 cities in which you won't find H&B. Here the hair raising results:

13. Eugene, OR
12. Albuquerque, NM
11. Cincinnati, OH
10. New Orleans, LA
9. Tucson, AZ
8. Houston, TX
7. Fresno, CA
6. Pensacola, FL
5. Phoenix, AZ
4. Las Vegas, NV
3. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Olympia, WA
1. Corpus Christi, TX

[Total Beauty]

It's Friday, I'm in Love

2009-05-08T17:21:00.004-04:00

Swoon alert! Today's object of our obsession is a fanciful little clutch by Giuseppe Zanotti. With a little white dress, it's the perfect summer accessory.

Silk and patent leather. $769 at Zappos.com

Space Invaders: Et Tu Rihanna?

2009-05-08T12:43:00.004-04:00

We are very happy to see Rihanna back on the scene, Monday at the Met gala, Wednesday at Derek Lam's SoHo boutique opening and last night, here at the DKMS Gala at Cipriana. However, please tell us this martian trend (See Leighton. See Molly.) is NOT here to stay. We hear Star Trek is opening to rave reviews and all (sidebar: really?) but this look has got to go.

Good Vibrations

2009-05-08T10:37:00.004-04:00

Maybelline is shaking things up. After much hoopla around Estee Lauder and Lancome's vibrating mascaras, the mass market cosmetic co. is entering the arena with Pulse Perfection. While it's not the first to hit mass retailers, it is the first of the major drugstore cosmetic companies to do so.

The product won't hit shelves until July, however, for one day only - May 18 - the product will be available for preview exclusively at Maybelline.com/pulse. 10,000 Define-a-Lash Pulse will be available for $14.95.

“Innovation is critical and given the economic times we are leveraging the technology and excitement to give true beauty junkies a preview before it is available to the masses,” said Maybelline Marketing VP Serena Giovi.

Quote Unquote: The Fashion Show

2009-05-07T16:47:00.013-04:00

"Isaac Mizrahi is the host and lead judge instead of Heidi Klum, which is a little like giving the Grace Kelly role in To Catch a Thief to Rosie O'Donnell."

-Alessandra Stanley on Bravo's 'The Fashion Show', NYT

Marni UES Store Opening: Hats Off?

2009-05-07T12:57:00.004-04:00

Ali Lee and Vera Wang at the new Upper East Side Marni boutique opening on Tuesday night

Jack Bauer Beats up Jack McCollough

2009-05-06T16:41:00.004-04:00

Put down the Jack, Jack.

Post-Met Costume Ball, Kiefer Sutherland allegedly head-butted designer Jack McCollough at an after-party at the Sub-Mercer in the name of defending Brooke Sheilds' honor. Claiming McCollough pushed Brooke and wouldn't apologize, the "24" actor took matters into his own, er, head, causing lacerations and quite a stir!

[TMZ]

Anna Sui Tapped by Target

2009-05-06T11:26:00.004-04:00

Following on the success of Alexander McQueen's recent line, Anna Sui has been tapped by Target as the second participant in its Designer Collaborations series. Unlike Go International, Designer Collaborations features established designers instead of up-and-comers.

Says Sui, “I have always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers. I think it is a great way to bring fashion to everyone. I love Go International and was intrigued with Target’s new take on designer partnerships. It’s a fresh approach. I was able to select a muse or source of creative inspiration to focus the collection around. It is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus.”

The line, which will hit stores September 13, draws inspiration from the four female characters of "Gossip Girl." And the teeny-bopper inside us could not be more excited. "Please let there be headbands! Please let there be headbands!"

[WWD]

And the Muses...

2009-05-06T10:14:00.003-04:00

L to R: Iman in Donna Karan, Helena Christensen in Zac Posen, Shalom Harlow in vintage Bob Mackie, Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs, Claudia Schiffer in Atelier Versace, Cindy Crawford in Versace, Tyra Banks in Badgley Mischka

L to R: Angela Lindvall in Jil Sander, Amber Valletta, in vintage James Galanos, Agyness Deyn and Twiggy both in Burberry Prorsum, Alek Wek in Emanuel Ungaro, Karolina Kurkova in Richard Chai, Heidi Klum, in J. Mendel, Gisele Bündchen in Versace

L to R: Doutzen Kroes in 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lily Donaldson in Narciso Rodriguez, Natalia Vodianova in Fortuny, Jessica Stam in Rodarte, Daria Werbowy in Balmain, Magdalena Frackowiak in Thakoon, Coco Rocha in Isaac Mizrahi

Met Costume Gala: So last year

2009-05-05T14:58:00.003-04:00

Ditto: Leighton & Molly!

Met Costume Gala: The Stars

2009-05-05T14:30:00.004-04:00

Last night was fashion's premiere event - The Met Costume Gala. Co-chaired by Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Justin Timblerlake, this year's event, 'Model as Muse' had almost an even ratio of A-list celebs and supermodels, all dressed in their Monday best.

Couplets, clockwise from top left: Victoria Beckham in Marc Jacobs with Lorenzo Martone, Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior with John Galliano, Claire Danes in Armani Prive & Tiffany jewels with Hugh Dancy, Jessica Alba in Jason Wu and Van Cleef jewels with Jason Wu, Madonna in Louis Vuitton with bird, Rachel Bilson in Bally with Brian Atwood.

Clockwise from top left: Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs and Van Cleef jewels, Blake Lively in Versace, Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture in jewelry with Joshua Jackson, Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera, Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney, Jessica Biel in Versace Atelier with Justin Timberlake in bespoke William Rast.

Video Killed the Radio Star

2009-05-05T12:03:00.004-04:00

Chanel N°5 today released 'Train de nui' (Night Train), a short film (aka fancy commercial) by Jean-Pierre Jeunet starring the precious Audrey Tautou and Travis Davenport. Tautou, one of our absolute favorites, will star as a young Coco in the upcoming biopic 'Coco Avant Chanel,' making her the perfect fresh face for the campaign.

The film captures the magic and sensuality of a midnight train en route from Nice to Istanbul. A sexy, young man is traveling alone when suddenly, he encounters a beautiful woman. Sparks! Strangers-in-the-night-excitement! Chanel! Oh how we love it when that happens!

Jeunet and Tautou have worked together before (he directed her in Amelie). Catch them in 'behind the scenes' footage at chaneln5.com or watch the film here.

SPREAD THE WORD CHICKENS

2009-05-05T11:59:00.001-04:00

Believe it! We're baaaaaaack.

The Manifesto is Coming

2009-02-12T17:39:00.004-05:00

YSL's Spring / Summer 2009 Manifesto is hitting the streets of New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, London & Hong Kong this Valentine's Day and as in the past, to mark the occasion, 2,000 limited edition free totes will be distributed in as of yet undisclosed locations.

Filling the totes will be both print and digital (hello USB!) copies of this 4th installation of the Manifesto, which features Claudia Schiffer in the Hollywood Hills. As if the anticipation wasn't bad enough, there is a countdown over at YSL.com letting you know just how long you have to wait for it to be available in your city.

Waiting in the McQueue?

2009-02-12T17:27:00.003-05:00

Hope you RSVP'd in a timely fashion, kittens. The guest list is officially closed for tomorrow evening's Alexander McQueen for Target private shopping event. Are you on the list?

Things You Should Know: Bits & Bobbins

2008-12-11T14:14:00.002-05:00

Cheap shoes to fill: Heading to a Payless near you? Christian Siriano, season 4 Project Runway winner. The line of shoes and bags is expected to hit stores in Fall '09 and debut at NY Fashion Week this winter.

Shalom H&M: Swedish retailer to open its first store in Israel. Oy vey!

Doo.Fusion: Doo.Ri Chung is launching a lower priced clothing line next year. While it won't be labeled with the designer's name it will bear her signature draping and jersey. Price points from $80 - 475.

Even More Diffusion Infusions: Zac Posen and Thakoon to join the one-off fray.

Breaking! Target to Launch McQ Line

2008-11-04T15:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's been 14 years and 3 days since I last and posted. And yes, i feel awfully crummy about it. But this news was just too big to let lie. Target will launch a new limited editions initiative called 'Designer Collaborations' that will kickoff in March with a new McQ by Alexander McQueen line for Target.

Designer Collaborations will differ from Target's 'Go' collections in that it will highlight established designers, whereas Go International will continue to focus on emerging talent. More of both types of capsule collections are in the pipe line.

[WWD]

Where does the time go?

2008-10-03T13:10:00.003-04:00

Bluefly.com is celebrating its 10th birthday - 10th (have we really been whittling our savings down for an entire decade???)! And you dear readers can reap the benefits. For the next 3 days they'll be offering all kinds of discounts in honor of the occasion - starting with 10% off bags today. Happy Bluefly, happy you!

Emmy Fashion Spotlight: The Colors!

2008-09-22T10:20:00.008-04:00

Spring was in the air at the 60th Annual Emmy Awards -- nevermind that today is officially the first day of fall -- as stars turned out in the brightest of hues for a delectable rainbow of eye candy.

Teri Hatcher (in Monique Lhuillier) and Mariska Hargitay (in Carolina Herrera) shone as bright as the sun in bright shades of yellow, while Brooke Shields certainly worked a 'pretty in pink' angle in a sweetheart Badgley Mischka. Holly Hunter went for a lilac Jenny Packham and our perennial fave Mary Louis Parker looked resplendant in a blue Roberto Cavalli. Rounding out the pack was Julia Louis Dreyfus, who sparkled up her coral Narciso Rodriguez with Tiffany’s Metro Diamond Bangles in yellow, white and rose gold and a pair of Tiffany's 6 carat glamtastic diamond studs.

Brooch the Subject
Even the greenest of fashion pupils would have been hard-pressed to miss one of the biggest trends of the night - the brooch. From Lauren Conrad (we really didn't want to mention her) to Melora Hardin (in Tadashi) many celebs opted to accent their looks with diamond and crystal brooches (see Shields above).

Boo Radley

2008-09-18T14:34:00.004-04:00

Top Shop is playing top tease these days, delaying its fall SoHo opening to *gasp* March.

Confession: Forgive me fashettes, for I have...

2008-09-17T11:23:00.002-04:00

Spring '09 in Video: Benjamin Cho

2008-09-10T10:18:00.002-04:00

Spring '09 in Video: Matthew Williamson

2008-09-10T10:18:00.001-04:00

Spring '09 in Video: Monique Lhuillier

2008-09-10T10:16:00.000-04:00

Spring '09 in Video: Carolina Herrera

2008-09-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

Spring '09 in Video: Betsey Johnson

2008-09-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

Urgent Fashion Reminder: Colette x Gap Now Open

2008-09-07T09:30:00.003-04:00

Fifth Avenue x 54th Street

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm

Sunday: 11am - 7pm

The Colors You'll Rock in Spring '09

2008-09-05T09:46:00.006-04:00

Pantone has released its top ten colors for spring '09 and the mood departs from the fall's rich purple jewel tones to a light and lovely palette of Easter eggs. “It’s a time of newness, of bringing a new optimism forward,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

The number in each box represents the percentage of designers showing at New York Fashion Week that will be using the shade. The colors (shown above from left to right, top to bottom) in order of popularity are:

Palace Blue (18-4043): Nicole Romano, Christian Francis Roth
Lavender (15-3817): Rebecca Taylor
Super Lemon (14-0754): Reem Acra, Rachel Roy & Carmen Marc Valvo
Salmon Rose (15-1626): Miss Sixty and Kimora Lee Simmons for Baby Phat
Fuscia Red (18-2328): Peter Som, Erin Fetherston, Rebecca Taylor, Reem Acra
Rose Dust (14-1307): Tia Cibani for Ports 1961, Charlotte Ronson and Alvin Valley
Slate Gray (16-5804): Yigal Azrouël and Tadashi Shoji
Vibrant Green (16-6339): Tracy Reese
Dark Citron (16-0435): David Rodriguez
Lucite Green (14-5714): Nanette Lepore (font used for percentages)

For more on the Pantone palette, visit WWD.

The Weekend in Fashion

2008-09-05T09:31:00.001-04:00

Click to enlarge

Y'all Want This Party Started, Right?

2008-09-05T09:20:00.006-04:00

Ah, the real change on the jet set's mind. Get ready... Spring is in the air!

Swoon Alert! Channel Chanel

2008-08-22T10:36:00.004-04:00

One of our favorite rising stars, Pedro Garcia has had a few slightly disappointing seasons, but we are very excited to report that for fall '08, he is back with gusto.

Our collection favorite is a sequined pump, embellished with pearls, crystals and a perfectly delicate bow. Everything we've ever wanted in a shoe- they're classic, feminine, old-school glam with more than a bit of edge. In the tulle-filled landscape of our imagination, Coco takes a wiff of her long cig before saying, "I'm Gabrielle Chanel and I approve this message."

Also available in flats, denim, and satin.

Quote Unquote: And Then What???

2008-08-21T11:34:00.004-04:00

"You can rationalize blowing your rent on Gucci’s $1,900 swinging fringed boots — by telling yourself you’ll spend only $89 for Zara’s copy of Gucci’s mini peasant dress. But you would know immediately that your cheap-jack Doctor Zhivago outfit wasn’t working, and then what? " -Cathy Horyn, Tiptoeing into Stores, today's NYT's Thursday Styles

Really though, AND THEN WHAT???

Attention Upper East Siders

2008-08-18T12:56:00.003-04:00

...Haute & Bothered here with some juicy scoop on a certain other H&B. Tomorrow, Henri Bendel will unveil its GG windows, as in Gossip Girl. The show's costume designer, Eric Daman, has fashioned Serena, Blair and Jenny mannequins in Anna Sui, Peter Som and Gryphon. Plastic fantastic.

You know you love it. XOXO,
H&B

Hues of Trina Turk

2008-08-11T10:51:00.004-04:00

She's got legs! And knows how to use 'em...

Trina Turk is the latest designer chosen to partake in Hue hosiery's Guest Designer Program. Collaborating with Hue, the contemporary designer - known for her flair with color - has created a capsule collection that will be featured in her runway during New York Fashion Week in September and sold in stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.

The collection plays off her "Miami Vice" RTW collection, featuring neon sheer washes in pink, aqua and yellow and geometric prints like diags and stripes. “It was an interesting process,” said Turk. “I’ve never done hosiery before, so the possibilities are vast. But it was a great back-and-forth, and it was similar to developing any product.”

Turk joins past participants Tibi and Tracy Reese (pre-req that the designer's name begins with a "T"?). Hue by Trina Turk will bow at her spring show during New York Fashion Week next month and will retail for $28.

[WWD]

What you'll be wearing

2008-08-08T12:21:00.005-04:00

Forget the runways (um, did we really just say that?)... when it comes to fashion fads, no one is more bankable than the very forward Madonna. And with an upcoming tour, you can bet your rubber bracelets and cowboy hats there'll be a look or two that finds its way into the mainstream.

For 'Sticky & Sweet,' Madge again collaborated with her longtime costume designer costume designer Arianne Phillips, building a wardrobe of Givenchy, Tom Ford (for the band), YSL, Roberto Cavalli and Jeremy Scott as well as accessories from Miu Miu (3 custom pairs of shoes), Stella McCartney (thigh high boots) and Moschino (sunglasses).

Four key looks will dance across the stage including 'gangsta pimp,' 'old school,' 'gypsy,' and Japanese influenced 'rave.' So, which'll it be?

A Givenchy-costume for Madonna's "gypsy" look, designed by Riccardo Tisci

"Old-school" created by Jeremy Scott, recalls Madonna's early NYC years

Images from WWD

Designers Go For The Gold

2008-08-07T14:14:00.003-04:00

The Olympics is upon us and as always, fashion has risen to the occasion. Now, we don't know if we'd consider this sportswear per se, but...

Lane Crawford, the Beijing-based department store invited 12 world-class Fashion Houses including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, YSL, Emilio Pucci, Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, Neil Barrett, Givenchy, Costume National and Alberta Ferretti to create a one-of-a-kind garment based on their interpretation of an Olympic event. The wares are currently on display at the store and are being auctioned off to benefit Driving Dreams Unicef charity.

Stefano Pilati for YSL's winged running number is belted with an olympic rings chain

Maison Martin Margiela's badminton-inspired outfit is detailed in abstract shuttlecocks

Phillip Lim headed to the table-tennis courts for inspiration with this two-piece knit

Lycra was never put to better use than in Matthew Williamson for Pucci's 2-piece gymnastics leotard in Diamante print

Things that make you go hmm... The Louis Vuitton Pig

2008-08-06T12:26:00.003-04:00

For nearly two decades, Belgian artist Wim Delvoye has been tattooing actual pigs out of 1 part artistic expression ('it's art that grows') and 1 part (however ironic) humanitarianism: it saves the pigs from a trip to the slaughterhouse. There've been disney princesses, your everyday assortment of biker designs and the odd luxury fashion house logo. We're just hoping Chinatown doesn't catch wind of this...

[ArtKrush]

Mad for Plaid

2008-08-06T10:47:00.005-04:00

In Thakoon's hands, plaid is downright sexy

Now available ONLINE at NYC-favorite Kirna Zabete, $1295

Space NK to Open 9 In-store Bloomies Boutiques

2008-08-06T10:11:00.003-04:00

Space NK, the brilliant beauty emporium, has inked a deal with Bloomingdale's to open 9 in-store boutiques across the US starting in November. The aesthetic will mimic the British company's 4-stateside shops, introducing a greater audience to its well-curated selection of brands like Tracie Martyn, Sue Devitt, Darphin, Chantecaille and more.

New York's flagship 59th Street Bloomingdale's as well as California’s Newport Beach and San Francisco stores are among those that will see the new apothecaries. “This is a powerful partnership of two brands that believe in the importance of accessible luxury,” said Michael Gould, chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale’s. “Together, we can offer the Bloomingdale’s customer a unique shopping experience and access to top beauty brands from all over the world.”

[Cosmetic's Business]

Getting Stoned: Graff's 224-carat Necklace

2008-08-05T10:00:00.006-04:00

If only this post opened with the theme music from Titanic...

Meet the Lesotho Promise, a 224-carat Graff necklace, comprised of 26 white D-flawless diamonds (only the most valuable on the grading system) that has been inducing gasps since its introduction last Thursday. Remember when 5-carats seemed gaudy? No? Ok, moving on...

All of the stones were extracted from a 603-carat stone - the 15th largest rough diamond ever found - discovered in a mine in Lesotho, South Africa, last year. The stones themselves have an estimated value of $50 million, however Graff execs wouldn’t disclose the necklace's asking price.

For now, the necklace is on display at the Salle d’Empire at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, along with several other ultra-rare gems. But the company doesn't expect it to be there long - there has already been much interest in purchasing the piece. “In bad times, the diamond jewelry business is very successful,” said the company's managing director François Graff. “It’s another class of investment, increasingly recognized by new economies like Russia and China. They consider it to be treasure, something safe to pass on for generations.”

[WWD]

Diet Coke Chic: Roberto Cavalli Ltd Edition Diet Coke

2008-08-01T11:01:00.004-04:00

Like heroin chic only less dangerous? Roberto Cavalli has designed a series of limited edition diet coke bottles, fashioning them in animal-brilliance like the good lord intended.

The designer bottles of Coca Light, as the Euros say, will be available in Italia just in time for Milan's fashion week - from the end of September thru December. 300,000 of these chic little numbers will be in circ.

[WWD]

To be filed under: Bothered

2008-07-31T13:20:00.004-04:00

H&B thinks THE SUEDE is THE EQUIVALENT of nails on a chalkboard. Drop the 3rd person. The royal 'we' is obviously where it's at.

Oh, and in related news, The Suede's winning dress sold out in less than a day on ebay. Hope you weren't counting on it for prom or the like...

Headline of The Day

2008-07-31T09:16:00.004-04:00

Kudos AdAge - you win today's bestest headline of all the internets:

[AdAge]

Crossing our fingers: Tory Burch Seeks Investor

2008-07-30T10:47:00.003-04:00

If you dear readers are anything like us, you love Tory Burch, but hate how her precious accessories are SO hard to come by! Well fear not lovelies. If the socialite/designer has her way, she'll soon have an infusion of $300 mil in exchange for a 30% stake in the company. And you know that that means - disitribution... so much distribution. Like, the Reva may finally take off!

Fierce or Not Fierce? Christian Siriano Launches at Bluefly

2008-07-23T09:51:00.007-04:00

Project Runway enthusiasts: Season 4 winner Christian Siriano's first collection bows exclusively today at Bluefly. The 9 piece collection is very true to the designer's style with price points running from $96 - 590.

So, what do you think? Fierce or hot tranny mess?

Black metallic wool 'Dinner at 8' jacket, $480

Grey jersey 'Transylvania' crewneck, $96

Gold silk 'red carpet shift', $325
Black cotton sateen 'Park Ave' shirt dress, $305

Gold silk 'Heidi' pencil, $240

Pedal to the Medal at Victor & Rolf

2008-07-22T09:40:00.004-04:00

Victor & Rolf are getting pumped up.

Diesel's Renzo Rosso has acquired a majority stake in the fashion brand. "We cannot do everything ourselves," Rolf Snoeren said. "This is all a question of having the right partner with the force, the power and the know-how to do it...What we noticed working with L'Oréal [their FlowerBomb licensee] is that a good business partner can bring opportunities that we ourselves could never realize," he said. "We want to achieve the same thing with the ready-to-wear."

WWD reports that Rosso's plans include bolstering the duo's ready-to-wear business, licensing eyewear and jewelry, and opening freestanding stores (they currently have but one). "To be a brand today, you need to produce all the products a person can wear every day," Rosso said. "It can be jewelry, watches, everything: bags, shoes and accessories in general...My idea is to build one of the most modern [fashion] groups for the future," said Rosso, who also acquired Maison Martin Margiela in 2002. "[V & R] are much more modern, close to the new young mentality," he explained. "I believe much more in the new luxury that is less expensive, more approachable for the new upcoming consumer."

Free of business pressures, the pair hopes the partnership will allow them to focus on design. "It's a new chapter to start building on the brand and to focus on creativity," said Snoeren.

[WWD]

Hearts on Fire

2008-07-21T10:28:00.007-04:00

Just in time for The Dark Knight's box office killing, Paloma Picasso has come out with some serious Pow!-filled accessories of her own. Crown of Hearts, her new collection, features the two sterling and red enamel necklaces below, that while being tres Bam! in design are not so in price (just as we like it!).

From left $135 and $185 online and at Tiffany stores

Just asking: Maison Martin Margiela

2008-07-21T09:06:00.002-04:00

We know that Maison Martin Margiela showcased these Star Trek worthy shades during his runway:

But did he really need to put black bars across the faces of the models who'd be showcasing his clothing on e-tailers?
When browsing his wares over at eLuxury, the poor model looks like a Glamour "Don't" and well, if the black bar fits...

Object of our Obsession: Prada Fall '08 accessories

2008-07-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Miuccia Prada has ruffled our feathers in the bestest of ways. To say we are obsessed with her latest bag collection would be the understatement of the year. Nearly every bag for the season (hello lacey lovelies!) is on our wish-list.

We might even pay retail!

CFDA Finalists Announced

2008-07-15T16:06:00.002-04:00

The CFDA announced its 10 fashion fund finalists today. They are: Richard Chai, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Irene Neuwirth, Albertus Q. Swanepoel of Albertus Quartus, Alejandro Ingelmo, Juan Carlos Obando, Swaim and Christina Hutson of Obedient Sons & Daughters, John Patrick of Organic, and Sophie Mayock and Lisa Buhai of Vena Cava.

Our money is on Vena Cava. What do you say?

Today in faces

2008-07-14T17:05:00.000-04:00

Gucci has tapped Rihanna for the first series of ads for its UNICEF Collaboration and apparently Claudia Schiffer, as reported by Fashionista.com, has been signed by Dolce & Gabbana for its 2009 resort collection.

Patience is a Virtue

2008-07-14T15:17:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers:
Do you remember a while back when I had myself a good costume bawl over an Erickson Beamon bauble at Scoop? If not, allow me to review. I dropped by looking for a fun piece to wear to a wedding, fell completely head over heels with a necklance, only to find it as $1,200 - for costume. I was devasted (to say the least!).

Until Friday that is, when I stopped into Scoop on a lark to find the necklace not only still there but marked down a 2nd time for a total of 75% to $299. Imagine my delight! I SCOOPed that baby up and have been prancing ever since.

Patience is a virtue fashettes!

XOXO,
H&B

Once Bitten, Now Bye

2008-07-10T11:27:00.004-04:00

Steve & Barrys, the everything-for-under $20, has filed for bankruptcy. Defaulting on a $197 million asset-backed loan, the company was forced to petition for Chapter 11 in a Manhattan court on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old cheapo chain was home to Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line as well as lines by Venus Williams and Amanda Bynes.

"High costs of materials and fuel prices have increased our cost of goods and cost of operating. At the same time, our customers are not in a position to pay higher prices, impacting our operating margins," said founders and co-CEOs, Steve Shore and Barry Prevor in a statement.

Are You In? Project Runway Casting Call

2008-07-09T17:57:00.007-04:00

Think you've got what it takes to be in? Or better yet, gunning for Tim Gunn? Project Runway is hosting casting calls in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas, and the deadline has just been extended (dearth of talent? what?) to July 16 for those outside NY.

Applicants must submit:

A personal video (steering clear of 'fierce!' It's like so Season 4)
A "virtual portfolio"
A completed application questionnaire, available here

Visit projectrunway.com for more info - and make it work people!

Marc Jacobs Sale-apalooza

2008-07-09T10:36:00.004-04:00

It's ON! MJ's annual shoe sale - 70% off all shoes at the Bleeker Street and San Fran locales. Get 'em while the gettings good!

And we're back

2008-07-09T09:41:00.003-04:00

Dahlings:

H&B here - you know, your faithful fash friend who until this week posted daily without oft missing a beat? Riiiiight. So sorry for the abrupt departure grasshoppers. H&B's been on hols - you know how these last minute jaunts crop up. OK, so our last mintute jaunt has been planned for months and when it comes down to it we were really just frantically packing and waxing and manicuring and and and... Anyway, I never signed off and I hope you didn't fret your dear H&B fell off the deep end. Just off the blogosphere for a spell.

The good news is we're back, refreshed, bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Stay tuned. Lotsa good stuff heading your way.

XOXO,
H&B

ps - don't I look tan! And don't even tell me you don't lie out in formal wear! I don't believe it!

Fashion Criminal: Jail Time for Jacob the Jeweler

2008-06-24T15:45:00.003-04:00

Move over Naomi Campbell. Another fashion notable is heading to lock-up, and this time - it's for 2 and a half years! Jacob the Jeweler, ne Jacob Arabov, was sentenced today by the U.S. district court in Detroit for lying to investigators (falsifying records and giving false statements) looking into a multistate drug ring.

In 2006, hip hop royalty's favorite jeweler was indicted for conspiring to launder more than $270 million in drug profits for a Detroit-based drug ring called the Black Mafia Family. Arabov plead guilty to obstruction (the money laundering charges were dropped as part of the plea) in October and was sentenced today.

The jeweler will report to a federal penitentiary on January 15 (he'll also have to forfeit $2 million and pay a $50,000 fine). Jeez Louise! If things keep going as they are, H&B is fast going to become a fashion blotter!

Are you an Insider?

2008-06-24T13:26:00.003-04:00

Clinique is currently running a contest that will give 20 women an editor's eye view of its latest and greatest in skincare and makeup.

As part of its soon-to-be-formed 'Insider's Club,' members will be able to try and review new products before anyone else as well as attend special industry events. Plus, they'll get a Flip camcorder so they can record it all!

To enter and for more info visit Clinique

200 Chanel Bags Hit the Auction Block

2008-06-19T15:24:00.004-04:00

Portero.com, the luxury online auction house, has amassed a collection of 200 Chanel bags including many vintage, discontinued, and one-of-a-kind styles that it is auctioning off between now and June 30th (the first round of auctions ends June 23). "You expect Chanel to be the classic pieces, but there's so much more," said Stephanie Phair, VP of merchandising for Portero. "Most of these bags are one-of-a-kind or discontinued."

The site authenticated all of the pieces, which were acquired from private sellers.

Driver's Ed with Karl Lagerfeld

2008-06-19T13:10:00.004-04:00

Road safety's a far cry from Grand Theft Auto (for which he recently DJ'd), but that's just what Karl Lagerfeld will be preaching on billboards in France this summer.

Clad in typical Karl fashion: a black suit, leather gloves and dark sunglasses - the fashion designer adds one not so typical accessory - a yellow reflective safety vest, aimed at encouraging French drivers to act in kind.

The ad's read, "It's yellow, it's ugly, it doesn't go with anything, but it could save your life."

In fashion as in life, the Czar never ceases to amaze us. Can't wait to see where he'll show up next.

[WWD]

Give me Grumpy or Give Me Death

2008-06-18T15:10:00.003-04:00

Came across this Grumpy Girl t-shirt today and am over the moon for it! You know how I feel about Juicy (overpriced sweatpants!) and look! I'm not alone:

The shirt reads "It's not Couture - it's just a t-shirt," and underneath it says "because we think there is something just slightly criminal about a $70 t-shirt. You Grump Girl! (Not so sure it's Grumpy Girl I want as my ally but for today...so be it!).

Get yours for $14 at Grumpy Girl

Topshop Gears Up

2008-06-17T15:21:00.003-04:00

Topshop intends to make a huge splash come October when its first US store opens in SoHo - what else could explain it outfitting Williamsburg hipster hangout McCarren Park Pool's staff for the entire summer?

The park features concerts, films and pool parties thru Labor Day, drawing thousands of students and young adults.

But it's not just the staff that'll get to play. Style consultants will "inconspicuously" patrol the grounds scouting trends snapping pics of the crowd.

[Fashion Week Daily]