If it looks like Goldenbleu and walks like Goldenbleu

...is it Goldenbleu?



How does Steve Madden, which is arguably a step above a Forever 21 get away with ripping off every designer under the sun - without even trying to hide it?

Above at right is Goldebleu's Parker Patent tote. And at its left is Steve Maddens near-identical imitation. We don't get it. Re-jail him we say! Take the keys and lock him up!

Marimekko's Moment

Marimekko's Unikko pattern (at right) is blooming all over the place! In addition to a fashion collection at H&M (see sneak peek pics below!) and a beauty line slated for year-end with Avon, several major fashion houses are getting in on the poppy trade too! What is going on? It's poppy madness!

Jumper from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

Dress from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

Tunic from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

And now designer poppy (the poppy copies?):

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Satchel, $845, Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik was inspired this season by Marimekko and partnered with the company to use its Unikko pattern on a number of shoes. Here, the Mary Jane Slingback, $675, Bergdorf Goodman

Egg-cellent Spring Dresses

Being that today is Good Friday and all, I couldn't resist offering up dresses in easter egg-inspired hues (Peep couture?). Happy holidays chicklets!

Miu Miu Pleat-front mini dress, $760 at Net-a-Porter

Marc Bouwer Glamit! Empire Chiffon Mini Dress, $430, Saks Fifth Avenue

Peep! Norma Kamali Peasant Scoop Neck, $350, Nordstrom

Robert Rodriguez Silk Petal Dress, $429, Neiman Marcus

Karta jewel patch shift in turquoise. $242 at Pink Mascara

Hafize Ozbudak Iris Cap Sleeve Ruffled, $450, Forzieri

Heatherette for MAC

Let's hear it for the boys! Richie Rich and Traver Rains' limited edition collection for MAC is dancing its way into stores on Thursday and while the packaging is Barbie dream house pink, the palette is a far tamer than the faboyant duo who designed it.

"The packaging is the candy part, but the makeup you can wear to the prom or school or whatever," said Rich. "All the creative people with MAC thought we might want neon-neon, and then we wanted wearable makeup. There was a collective sigh. It is Estée Lauder after all."

Reports WWD:

"About a year ago, Rich and Rains started the product development process by scooping up the contents of their studio — sequins, glitter, swatches, bows and rhinestones — and bringing them in a bag to a meeting with MAC. The compacts' holographic foil mirror ball decal with the Heatherette logo can be traced to those sparkly origins."

Gotta love that! The collection includes 4 lipsticks, 4 glosses glasses, 3 eye shadow trios, 4 eye liners, 2 powders, and natch - it is Heatherette afterall - 2 glitters and lash sets. Prices range from $14 to $32.50.

Milly NY Actually Coming to NY!

WWD brings exciting word this morning that Milly's Michelle Smith is scouting shopfronts in NYC - fitting considering her website is MillyNY.com, and all! The designer and her husband Andrew Oshrin, Milly pres., are hoping to open a flagship on NY's Upper East Side (come downtown, Michelle my belle!) within the year.

Additional stores will be considered dometically in strong markets like Chicago, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco and Atlanta.

Fashion Cross-Dressers

Tons of designers are moving into areas they hadn't previously occupied (mostly accessories which are volume movers). So rather than individually report, we thought we'd give a round up of the best fashion cross-dressers!

Gryson Tie-up Ballerina flat, $295 at Gryson

Botkier Isis sandal, $475 at Botkier

Jimmy Choo Rock Sunglasses, $430 at Neiman Marcus

Badgley Mishka Platinum Scarlet Tote in Mustard, $495 at Luna Boston

3.1 Phillip Lim Camera Bag, $685 at Barneys

Who are your favorite cross-dressers?

Chrome Hearts Attack

Last night I was perusing Bergdorf's giant spring catalog - a true feast for the eyes, when I was taken off guard by a pair of sunglasses of all things. Sitting among Jimmy Choos, Chanels and Guccis was a pair of Chrome Hearts sunglasses priced at a heart-stopping $1195. Now, yes this is the jewelry brand of choice of Czar Karl, and yes, I'm sure it's top top top quality, but $1200 bucks for sunglasses? C'mon! I mean seriously - they're not really made of Chrome - I'm sure I could still bend 'em, twist 'em, mangle and lose 'em!

How much is too much? What's the most you'd spend on shades?

Breaking: Botkier for Target

It's a big bulls-eye day over here at Haute & Bothered!

First we announced that Subversive for Target was on sale early. Then we gave word that Gryson was collaborating on an accessories collection slated for April. And now, we just got word that the giant discounter has signed Botkier to do an accessories collection come summer.

The handbag collection - the fifth of its kind - is due in stores July 21. We implore you though: USE. REAL. LEATHER. That said, to whomever is signing designers we applaud you! They're Botkier with us!

Subversive for Target Aptly Arrives Early

CFDA fashion fund finalist Justin Giunta's limited edition accessory line, Subversive for Target, wasn't supposed to bow until March 23, but a quick click over to Target shows the pieces ripe for the picking. Most of the pieces won't ship for 2 weeks, but at least you can guarantee a bauble or two. Recommendations include:

Multi-layered beaded necklace, $59.99

Blossom Cherry Pendant, $29.99

Crystal Charm Bracelet Pink, $29.99

Lucite Hinge Cuffs, $14.99 each

Multi-strand watch fob, $59.99

In related news, Gryson for Target will launch April 6th nationwide. Stay tuned...

Gap Designer Whites: The Sequel

Coming soon to a Gap near you: 3.1 Phillip Lim! Band of Outsiders! Michael Bastian! Philip Crangi! And Threeasfour!

Since last year's showing was such a sleeper hit (and by sleeper hit we mean just try getting your hands on a small size), the retailer is bringing its design limited edition program back as part of its partnership with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

The collection, which this year in addition to iconic white shirts features men's wear and jewelery, will bow tax day (April 15th) nationwide, with a much wider distribution, including more stores here as well as the UK, Japan and Canada.

Despite the A-list design roster, Gap was only able to book no-name models like Chanel Iman, Jessica Stam, Lily Donaldson, Du Juan, Catherine McNeil, Anya Rubik, Doutzen Kroes and Irina Lazareanu to appear alongside the designers for its print ad shoot. Wonder what all the real models were doing?

[WWD]

If it looks like a Gucci, and walks like a Gucci..

is it a Gucci?

Nine West's gold sandal looks an awful lot like Gucci's Sevigny high heel, wouldn't you say?

Splendid Weekend Reads

The weeks Splendid best!

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away spa products worth $48.

Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint thinks that the K-Palette Real Lasting 24 hours Liquid Eyeliner is the best thing since sliced bread. See why.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Hot Mama Daily talks about a new color obsession for Spring 2008.

Aging Fabulous asks, Do you use eye cream?

She Knows Best wants Justin Timberlake to give Iggy Pop some lesson.

Haute and Bothered's psyched to see a Murakami grow in Brooklyn.

Style It Less wants to show Britney Spears how to wear a white halter dress for less.

Style Tots asks, an Xbox 360 or a Burberry Peacoat?

STYLEnosh quips that confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.

Wardrobe Oxygen reviews plus size couture line Trentacosta New York.

A Touch of Blusher will be buying the latest fragrance from Stella McCartney.

My Wardrobe Today reviews a few beauty products from Benefit and Philosophy.

Snarkstress shares a lesson on how to completely overwhelm a small frame, compliments of the lovely Hayden Panettiere.

Teen Style Lounge is budget shopping in 5’s, finding 5 Super Sweet Easter Dresses under $20 and 5 Short and Sassy Prom Dresses under $75.

The Fashionable Kiffen celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Beauty Banter speaks exclusively with Smashbox Cosmetics Lead Makeup artist, Lori Taylor, backstage at our dear friend, Nicky Hilton's, L.A. Fall Fashion show. Find out the inspiration for the look... and what products she used to achieve it!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shows you how to recreate the look Stila created for Wayne Lee, Fall 2008

A Betty Says What?

Betty and Veronica have taken over Jeffrey's, sparking the age old debate, "Are you a Betty or a Veronica?" Modeling this seasons wares, the famous blonde and brunette toons appear larger than life in the entranceway sporting their best makeover to date (Archie would SO be drooling).

We've put the pair in a saucy Marc Jacobs and a sweet Miu Miu, but we can assure you, they look far better in person than our dicey photoshopping job. Fashion fun, right about now we're thinking a Betty says, "THANK YOU!"

Rachel Bilson for DKNY Jeans

She's constantly snapped around LA rockin' her laid back jeans & a tee style (plus she's easily one of our top five fave fashettes), so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that Rachel Bilson has signed on to design a line for DKNY Jeans.

Interestingly enough, it was Bilson who contacted DKNY, to see if they'd be interested in collaborating with her. "This is something that I have been interested in doing for such a long time," said Bilson. "I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity for it to be done right."

In addition to designing the line, Bilson will star in its fall ad campaign. "Rachel has real personal style and she is very involved in every step. You can really see that in the collection," said Kevin Monogue, president of DKNY Jeans. For the launch, the line, which will be called Edie Rose (after her grandmother and a close family friend), consists of 15 items including tops (sweaters, jackets, tees, button downs), dresses and two styles of jeans, all moderately priced.

Added Bilson, "For me, I love vintage clothes and I shop vintage all the time. It's fun to play and put things together. You don't have to spend a lot to get a great look."

We're fairly confident the collection will be oOC (get it? get it?). Look for it in Nordstrom, Macy's and Lord & Taylor.

It's Coming! A Murakami Grows in Brooklyn

The Takaski Murakami/LV exhibit that's been in Los Angeles is heading east.


Soon, more than 90 works in various media as well as a pop-up Louis Vuitton store will be installed at the Brooklyn Museum, for the exhibit's April 5th opening date. But enough about art! To coincide with the exhibit, Vuitton will premiere a new collection, which will launch in the museum boutique on June 1, and select Vuittons starting June 15 (take that LA!).

[WWD]

Breaking: Target Announces Richard Chai as the Twelfth GO International Designer

After weeks of speculation, Target has confirmed that next up in its Go roster is Richard Chai. Though his name may not roll off the tongue like some of the designers in recent Go history, Chai is hardly a fashion neophyte. After working for both Marc Jacobs and TSE, Chai opened up his own shop, and has been presenting at Bryant Park ever since (see runway pics at right).

The collection is expected in stores in August.

Sad Clown

Today, I am seriously singing the blues. So to match my mood, I've compiled a whole bluesy playlist wardrobe to fantasy wallow in.

Crispin & Basilio Flutter Dress in Blue Ombre, $418, Revolve Clothing

Nanette Lepore Mille Baci Ruffle Dress, $250, Bloomingdales

Plenty by Tracy Reese, $184, Revolve Clothing

Lacey Parker One Shoulder Chiffon Ruffle Cami, $225 at Intermix

Theory Irea Pendant Sleeveless Top, $190 at Bloomingdales

Coach Miranda Vintage Leather Satchel, $798 at Coach

Forever 21 and Steve Madden Breathe Sighs of Relief

Well, it's a good thing for Thrasher Funds that the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) rejected a deal with the CFDA regarding federal legislation to provide copyright protection to fashion designs, yesterday.

For just this morning, in today's Daily Candy Weekly Deals, Thrasher Funds - an investment company, was promoting its services by way of this very familiar looking bag:

Recognize it? That's because it's a pretty blatant rip-off of Louis Vuitton's Globe Shopper Cabas tote, shown below, which was available in a variety of colors, including the hot pink shown on the Thasher tote.


Under the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, infringers could be penalized $250,000, or $5 for each copied item, whichever is greater. Of course cease and desists are still on the table.

CFDA 2008 Nominees

The CFDA announced its 2008 nominees last night at the Rooftop Gardens atop Rockerfeller Center. Making the grade were:

Womenswear Designer of the Year
Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein
Marc Jacobs
Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler

Men's wear Designer of the Year
Michael Bastian
Thom Browne
Tom Ford

Accessory Designer of the Year
Tory Burch
Marc Jacobs
Michael Kors

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte
Thakoon Panichgul
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Men's wear
Patrick Ervell
Tim Hamilton
Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Philip Crangi
Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry
Joy Gryson

Additionally, Dries van Noten will receive the International Award; Carolina Herrera will receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award; Mayor Bloomberg will get the Board of Director’s Special Tribute and Style.com’s Candy Pratts Price will receive the Eugenia Sheppard Award for fashion journalism.

The awards will take place on June 2nd at the NY Public Library. Fran Lebowitz will emcee.

[WWD]

Not sure if it's the clock change or a case of the Mondays

but H&B sure could use a nappuccino!

Breaking: Changing of the Guard at Chloe

After just three seasons, Chloe is bidding adiue to creative director Paulo Melim Andersson; naming Hannah MacGibbon his successor.

[WWD]

What's a Petite Anorexic To Do?

"I would never put my health at risk. Obviously, working out is important. Well, I don't. What do you wear on the running machine? I can't bring myself to wear flat shoes."

- Victoria Beckham in British Vogue

Close Encounters: Rachel Ray & Rachel Roy

Not so in the mood to hurry back to her desk, H&B was ducked into Chelsea Market. Home to the Food Network and Oxygen, the place is booming with foodies and b-listers and you can pretty much always see someone parading through. Anyway, today we heard (long before we saw) Rachel Ray in Chelsea Baskets (we think that's the name). And we can now confirm she is just as cloyingly annoying as she is on tv in person.

With one measely vowel separating them, all we could think was why couldn't it be Rachel ROY? Why not Rachel ROY! Which brings us to our real point...the glamtastic designer is having a sample sale today and tomorrow, with tops and dresses up to 65% off. 148 W. 37th St, (between 7th and Broadway), 2nd fl.

Things that make you go hmm...Avril Lavigne for Kohl's

If you thought Vera Wang for Kohl's was an odd pairing (which it is!), then get a load of this: the company has signed a deal with Avril Lavigne to create an exclusive juniors line for the company called Abbey Dawn. According to WWD, the line will "blend an authentic rock ‘n’ roll attitude with a feminine edge." We get the deal from Kohl's perspective, but it doesn't seem very rocker-chick to us Avril...what's the story?


Is this the look of Kohl's 2008? Oh wait, it probably is. Expect the line in July just in time for back to school, priced to move at $24-48.

T or F: Tory Burch is the most overexposed designer of 2007/08

Ans: A resounding true! Sure she has tons of cute women's wear and even more societal connections but that logo makes us wanna Tory Lurch! Anyone else?