Turlington Turns Up the Heat and Gisele Jumps Around

Edited by Hilary Price

Although Penelope Cruz is August W‘s cover girl, the supermodels steal the show. Christy Turlington, the iconic 90′s supermodel and Gisele Bundchen both grace the pages of August’s W. The editorials are dramatic, strong and structured. Turlington and Bundchen, obviously, look gorgeous. The clothes are serious and paradoxically whimsical. W has beautifully woven precision and fun into their magazine. A+ for W‘s choice of models and editorial execution. Pick up a copy of August’s W today!     

Chanel in Central Park

Edited by Hilary Price

Chanel has just paid a steep price of $400,000 to The Central Park Conservatory, in exchange to take over our lives. Beginning October 20th, Chanel will have their own building in Central Park, to showcase contemporary art inspired by… Chanel. As much as we all love Lagerfeld, a huge building in the park, to glorify the classic line, is not necessary.

Art exhibits in the park are interesting but risky. Remember Christo’s orange gates throughout the park? It was wack, and a waste of money. Coincidently, this is also a waste of money, and predictably disappointing. While it may be inspiring and provocative, it will only cater to a very small appreciative audience. The dog walkers and cyclers will be infuriated. As for buildings, in the park, Tavern on the Green is all we need.

Fashion Quotable: Betsey Johnson

Edited by Hilary Price

 “I just can’t walk three blocks without spending serious money.” 

According to WWD Betsey Johnson has moved uptown, and purchased two Madison Avenue apartments. Johnson purchased one for herself and the other for daughter. Johnson’s roots are downtown, so fans were surprised. Once asked about her new uptown dwelling and inspiration, she responded that she now drops crazier cash, like spending 8,000 at Alexander McQueen. For verification, check the quote above. 

Thanks to NY Mag for the pic! 

OMFG! Gossip Girl is Risque?

Edited by Hilary Price

Gossip Girl…everyone loves it…parents are pissed!!! The preceding ads have caused quite the stir among parents. Call me cynical but these same parents protesting should be watching their little “active” teens. It is a television show. Get over it. Since when is teen sex considered risque? Especially, when the baby boomers hit puberty? The current parental generation invented crazy sex and drugs. At least today’s teens are not dropping acid and walking around naked in Berkeley CA.  Look who’s calling the kettle black. At least the CW has shown their humor by using the Parent’s Television Council’s (PTC) negative review of GG and other disapproving reviews, in their own ads. For instance the PTC called the program, “mind blowingly inappropriate”, nice pun! The PTC’s quote can be seen on the top right, in all it’s glory.

Here Comes the Groom!

Edited by Hilary Price

The beloved Simon Doonan, creative director at Barney’s, is getting married! The self proclaimed fashionista will wed interior designer and Top Design judge  Jonathan Adler. The ceremony will take place in California. Although the ceremony is a joyous occasion, Doonan says that Adler is already his spouse unofficially and getting married “is more like paying a parking ticket.” He assures his fans that the event will take place after the main event: New York Fashion Week. Congrats Simon!  

Zac Posen’s New CEO Means New Influence

Edited by Hilary Price

Zac Posen, known for his gorgeous, typically colorful, gowns has recently hired Laura O’Connor as the Franchise’s new CEO. Formally, O’Connor worked as the president of the Women’s Wear department, for Theory. Posen has said that he looks forward to collaborating with O’Connor.

While I love Theory and adore Zac Posen, they are very different brands. Zac Posen has an intangible flair while Theory is classic. Both brands are wonderful but nonetheless different. Thankfully, you cannot really go wrong with Zac Posen or Theory. Only time will tell what the two new fashion forward partners will come up with.

The Dark Night… Literally

Edited by Hilary Price

The London premiere of Batman:The Dark Night, brought the stars and London guest together. I couldn’t help but notice a cohesive pattern among the red carpet: darkness. While Heath Ledger’s death and the film’s title evoke a dark tone, it’s summer! Summer is the time for white, pastels and brights. While most of the guests looked stunning, the lack of variation was disappointing. On a brighter note, the film raked in 155.34 Mill during the weekend, at box office, now there is something to smile about!

Disney Disappoints

Edited by Hilary Price

The newest Disney animation film, “The Princess and the Frog” is scheduled to debut in 2009. The film has incorporated a new kind of princess. Disney’s newest princess is, surprisingly, African American. Although some may rejoice at Disney’s weak attempt to embrace diversity, I am thoroughly disappointed. The Disney franchise’s intentions are questionable because of their notoriously racist history.

The princess and protagonist, Maddy is from New Orleans and is a servant. I find her occupation to be curious. It seems as though the only thing the producers did correctly was hire the gifted and charming Anika Noni Rose, as Maddy. Disney seems to be continuing onto their incorrigible path with their newest project.

In addition, to successfully developing a racist reputation, the franchise has managed to instill fear in young people. Think about it. How can Pocahontas and the Native American people’s plight be cheery? Yes, the trail of tears was wonderful walk. Cinderella’s evil step family showed little kids, all over the world, to deter daddy from every getting remarried. The “Beauty” and the dark savage like “Beast”. Need I say more? Who thinks of this shit?

The story takes place during the Jazz Age, so her place of residence, New Orleans, seems appropriate. Yet, there is still something unsettling about Princess Maddy’s portrayal. While, little girls around the country will have a new heroine and role model, Disney’s older viewing demographic is less transparent. Ranting reviews have already hit the web. People are disgusted. Disney better do a great job. The culmination of her lowly occupation and the racial southern tensions are a recipe for misunderstanding and disaster.