Longsleeve Shirts by G Star
Boots by Frye

Clockwise from top middle (click photo above to buy):

Theory Caldin Jacket, $272.50

Barneys New York Two-Tone Skully Hat, $150

G-Star Tunnel Fil Shirt, $72

rag & bone  RB23X Jeans, $185

Frye Fulton Lace Up Boot, $182.99

Ernst Benz  GC10115 Watch, $4,600

Colombo Plaid Scarf, $179

John Varvatos V764 Sunglasses, $220

If you’re in or around the city, have a pair of brass knuckles with which to navigate the crowd and need an injection of holigay queer holiday cheer, head on over to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at  Barneys flagship on 60th St between Madison and Fifth Ave. [Facebook]

Christian Louboutin: Celebrating 20 Years and the Launch of the Book from BARNEY'S NY/ Michelle Chu on Vimeo.

All photos from Barneys The Window

To see the rest of this shoe puzzle come to light, visit Barneys The Window every day until November 1 when the shoe will be revealed in all it’s splendor. Not sure about you, but we’re dying to see the finished product.

Brazilian-born installation artist Eli Sudbrack of Assume Vivid Astro Focus — working under the direction of Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman – developed the artwork for Gaga’s Workshop, which will be featured throughout the workshop, in display windows, on shopping bags and in packaging.

The workshop — open from mid-November through January 2 — will be a Gaga-inspired shopping environment featuring limited-edition gifts designed by the popstar and her wonder twin, Nicola Formichetti. Barneys.com will also carry these gifts — which include candies, toys, apparel, accessories, candles and cosmetics – through a special microsite with 25% of sales from the workshop being donated to a charity of Lady Gaga’s choosing.

“Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that,” explains Mark Lee, chief executive officer of Barneys New York. Lee took his inspiration from Gaga’s recent takeover of New York landmarks — “from Carnegie Hall for the Rainforest Benefit to the Metropolitan Museum and the Today show at Rockefeller Center” — and, of course, Babs Streisand‘s first TV special featuring a performance in Bergdorf’s.

While Gaga is expected to show up to the unveiling of the workshop, Lee hopes that she’ll be so “blown away” she puts on a little show of her own right then and there. Ugh, imagine? It would be something of a miracle on Madison Avenue. Oh, I do believe in Lady Gaga! I do! I do! [WWD]

Thus, Barneys struck a one-year exclusive with Walter Steiger, and hope to watch it grow.

Get your mouth watering for them here:

Freedman turned to a wide variety of artists, architects and interior designers, including Rafael de Cárdenas, Joe Grillo, Peter Shelton and Lee F. Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Associates and Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, giving them carte blanche to create their own environments: “I said, ‘Here’s your space. That’s your room. Within that room I really want you to let your imagination fly,’” he explained.

Housed in those environments are looks by  Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Rick Owens, Holms + Yang, Azzedine Alaïa, Chloé and Céline.

Since his first installation – when Daphne Guinness turned the Barneys windows into her personal dressing room before the Met Gala — Freedman has tried “to bring in different kinds of talent to do projects and make something new and fresh.” Whereas Doonan’s windows were often whimsical and heavy on the kitsch, Freedman said he hopes to “have a dialogue between fashion and [other disciplines such as] art, design, music and architecture.”

So I guess that means no ball gowns made of recycled coffee cans? [WWD]

Sadove joins a long and prestigious list of Superstar honorees including Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Valentino Garavani.

FGI will also honor some Stars who aren’t quite as Super such as Raf Simons, recent haute couture hero Giambattista Valli and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte in the fashion category and Jules Moore will get her dues in the entertainment category. Guinness, meanwhile, will receive the Fashion Provocateur award.

Loveable mo Simon Doonan will host the event at Cipriani on Wall Street and Ruben Toledo will handle the award artwork. [WWD]

Oval - Lucky you! People with oval-shaped faces look good in most sunglasses. But to best flatter and highlight your features, you should look for sunglasses that are broader than the widest part of your face. Go ahead, movie star, grab the biggest shades you can find. Check out some of our favorites below.

Clockwise from top left:
Tory Burch Stud Temple Sunglasses $165, bloomingdales.com

Karen Walker Bunny Sunglasses $180, gargyle.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Square Sunglasses $130, nordstrom.com

Topshop Black Oversize Round Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Square – The very architectural square face is characterized by a wide forehead and distinctive jawline and cheekbones. You want to make your features look longer, and choosing frames with rounded edges will do just that. Look for oval and round sunglasses to flatter your chiseled features. We love these four styles.

Clockwise from top:
Squint Topshop Tortoiseshell Round Oversize Sunglasses $45, us.topshop.com

Oliver Peoples J Gold Oval-Frame Acetate and Titanium Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

Roberto Cavalli Wrap Sunglasses $360, endless.com

Prism Paris Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $375, net-a-porter.com

Heart - Almost like a triangle, the heart-shaped face is distinguished by a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a pointy chin. Choosing a pair of sunglasses that mimic this shape are best, making aviator frames perfect for your face. But any sunglasses with wider tops than bottoms will do. Here are some great pairs.

Clockwise from top left:
Topshop Black Plastic Aviator Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Old Navy Wire-Frame Aviator Sunglasses $9.50, oldnavy.gap.com

Ksubi Atik Charcoal Tiger Print Sunglasses $329, superette.co.nz

H&M Red and Metal Sunglasses $5.59, hm.com

Round -A round face is well, round, and needs to be balanced with harder edges. Square and rectangular frames will look best because they bring out the angles in your features. These styles are some of our favorites.

Clockwise from top:
Oliver Peoples Myriel Square-Frame Metal Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

ASOS Whistles Gray Retro Sunglasses $77.58, us.asos.com

Kirra Cut Up Square Black Sunglasses $9.99, shop.pacsun.com

The Row Rectangle Wrap Frame Sunglasses $325, barneys.com

What is your favorite pair of sunnies to complement your face shape?

Spotted Friday at the Givenchy mens show, Carine will once again be sitting front row at the July haute couture shows in Paris where she’ll be impersonating a client for W. Paolo Roversi is rumored to be shooting the story.

Meanwhile, this sounds even better than that Carine Roitfeld-inspired editorial a few months back, though one can only hope that they dig up “Cardboard Tom Ford” again.  [WWD]

1. Perfect for a Hamptons getaway; Coach $88

2. Treat your toiletries like royalty; Bottega Veneta $520

3. Match your tote to your dopp; Jack Spade $155

4. K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) Barneys New York $475

5. Go wild and break the mold; Paul Smith $180

6. Designer label for basement prices; Dolce & Gabbana $48

7. Monograms can go everywhere; Gucci $375

8. Great for every style; Calvin Klein $30

9.  Mix up your textures; Lacoste $80

Originally a nightclub in the 80s and 90s, the original Limelight closed about 10 years ago and went through a series of other nightlife reincarnations before the marketplace was born in May of last year.

I personally remember when Limelight was known as Avalon during my gay-underaged-college-partying days, though I’ve never been to the marketplace. Mostly because a.) I hate malls — especially in Manhattan; this isn’t Jersey, give me a storefront — and b.) it just sounded all kinds of bougie. And not in the fun, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills way.

But now that the bloom is off that rose, Menashe is changing direction and has already gutted some of that fancy dead weight: “We just actually terminated a bunch of tenants, so the whole main floor is being opened up now.” Heartwarming.

Along with the department store makeover, Limelight will also get an aesthetic makeover with a stronger fashion angle. The stainglass windows will be more visible thanks to all of those wiped out tenants, the walls will be darker, the lights will be dimmer but the DJ wil continue to play on.

Oh, yeah, there’s a DJ — leftover in a pile of glitter and cocaine from one of Amanda Lepore‘s orgiastic wild nights some ten years ago, no doubt.

By giving Limelight a darker, moodier atmosphere, Menashe hopes to “add a level of sophisticatedness to it, if that’s a word.” It’s not, but good luck anyway, Jack.

Sounds like you’ll need it. [WSJ]

Like clothing, your makeup choices “reveal not just where you are from but where you are headed,” Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York says in the forward. “…François reminds us that makeup is also about narratives, fantasy and imagination. Makeup is about unleashing a cinematic range of possibilities. …François Nars is all about optimism.”

Nars chose not to learn about his subjects’ professions before applying their makeup, as he didn’t want to be limited by what he knew. “Instead, I looked at each person as objectively as possible and went about creating a look based on her or his individual features,” he said.

All of the subjects in the book sat on the same stool in front of the same neutral background with the same lighting and their hair pulled back. They all made indifferent expressions as not to distract from the before and after looks. To use the book to its full advantage, both Nars and I suggest studying the before and afters closely before using the transparent overlays to see what makeup was used where.

“No matter what age or stage you’re in, banish the word ‘shouldn’t’ from your makeup vocabulary,” Nars says. “As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t apply. Find your own way, have an open spirit and believe in your own beauty.”

What owning this book says about you: I am fabulous, just the way I am, and I will be for the rest of my life.

What your dinner guests will say upon seeing this book on your coffee table: What a helpful set of makeup tools. I must buy this immediately!

How this book will make your fashion brain grow: By trying different faces of makeup showcased in this book, not just those applied to the subjects that look most similar to you, you will expand your beauty horizons and find the bravery to test looks you never would have in the past.

If you like this, you’ll love: Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution by Bobbi Brown

Favorite floral dresses, from left:

Charlotte Sparre Garden of Eden Silk Dress $320 – pret-a-beaute.com

French Connection Lilly Dress $99.99 – usa.frenchconnection.com

D&G Pleated Mimosa Print Boned Dress $1,526 – my-wardrobe.com

Topshop Cream Rose Wrap Fifties Sundress $75 – us.topshop.com

Favorite floral tops, clockwise from top:

Paul & Joe Floral Print Halter Top $858 – boutique1.com

Bird by Juicy Couture Floral-Patterned Cotton Mesh Top $280 – net-a-porter.com

Madewell Floral Waterfall Top $110 – shopbird.com

Tao Comme des Garçons Flower Front Top $705 – barneys.com

Favorite floral bottoms, clockwise from top:

Dries Van Noten Pyrus Pants $659 – mytheresa.com

Dorothy Perkins Black/Red 50s Poppy Skirt $28 – dorothyperkins.com

Cacharel Impatiences floral print shorts $284 – matchesfashion.com

Jil Sander Floral-Print Silk-Twill Pencil Skirt $745 – net-a-porter.com

Favorite floral shoes, clockwise from top left:

Betsey Johnson Maggi Denim Pumps $100 – heels.com

Brian Atwood Court Shoes $3,903 – colette.fr

Seychelles Eyes Of Mars Strap Sandals With Rose Front $161 – us.asos.com

Alexander McQueen Tan 3D Flower Wedge $995 – alexandermcqueen.com

Favorite floral accessrories, clockwise from top:

Fendi Rose Chef Zucca Canvas Medium Satchel Bag $960 – forzieri.com

Jack Wills Evington Floral Head Band $24 – jackwills.com

Ksubi Atik Blue & White Floral Sunglasses $329 – superette.co.nz

Elie Saab Floral Chain Belt $436 – boutique1.com

Cheery & bright - clockwise from top left:

UncommonGoods Color Wheel Stick Umbrella $40 – uncommongoods.com

Topshop Auto Walker Umbrella $36 – us.topshop.com

Bombay Duck Sparkles Folding Umbrella $31 – brolliesgalore.co.uk

Unique Vintage AID FOR JAPAN**Red & Orange Gerbera Daisy Umbrella $25 – unique-vintage.com

Bold prints - clockwise from top:

London Undercover English Breakfast Umbrella $75 – farfetch.com

Fulton Union Jack Garden Folding Umbrella $29 – johnlewis.com

Blue Banana Cherry Skulls Print Umbrella $13.65 – bluebanana.com

Barneys New York Dot Folding Umbrella $130 – barneys.com

Clearly chic - clockwise from top left:

Linea Butterfly Border Birdcage Umbrella $33 – houseoffraser.com

Urban Outfitters Clear Bubble Umbrella $18 – urbanoutfitters.com

Totes Bubble Umbrella $22 – macys.com

ModCloth Vintage Unburstable Bubble Umbrella $34.99 – modcloth.com

Clean & classic - clockwise from top left:

London Undercover Classic Tartan Umbrella $85 – frenchtrotters.fr

Louis Vuitton Umbrella $700 – louisvuitton.com

Vista Umbrella For Two $49 – umbrellastand.com

Burberry Checked Umbrella $165 – farfetch.com

- Vogue UK is, expectedly, going all out for the Royal Wedding with a trifecta of bridal-themed covers. Lara Stone,  Natalia Vodianova and Freja give Terrified Bride Realness for the May issue, which takes a gander at British Vogue‘s 95-year history of covering royal weddings. 95 years of thinly-masked indifference and heavily-veiled brides; where does the time go? [Fashin]

- Though she allegedly told guests at a Topshop dinner that John Galliano would be designing her wedding dress, Kate Moss‘s fiance, Jamie Hince, says that that is “unfounded entirely.” The future Mr. Kate Moss also offered some surprisingly thoughtful insights on the shamed Dior designer: ”You can judge them on the stupid words they said – which I think were stupid, I hope that goes without saying – or you can dig a bit deeper and you can try and find out what the problem is. And I think it’s obvious that it’s alcohol. People are trying to say those are his politics. ‘I love Hitler’ – that’s not political, that’s somebody in trouble.” I must admit I wasn’t too keen on Moss marrying this Hince character, but he seems to b a step up from Pete Doherty. Then again, it’s hard to take a step down from Pete Doherty. [Vogue UK]

1. Spying on your man in church. You never know when pulling a Carrie Bradshaw and spying on your own Mister Big is going to take you into God’s house. Make sure you’re prepared with wrist gloves and a Sunday hat that will knock his mother off her pew. For a colorful, sophisticated look, try Linea Large Brim Spikey Feather Hat, Nordstrom ‘Drama’ Wide Brim Straw Hat and Kaliko Bright Pink Straw Bow Hat.

2. Cruising on a doomed ship. Vacationers on the Titanic didn’t know about their impending fate, so they were all riding the fabulous high horse. But you don’t need to choose a sinking ship to look as remarkable as they because these fine boating hats will do just fine. For a more traditional look, try the Linea Stripe Bow Tilted Hat or John Lewis Women Stripe Floppy Hat with Bow. If you want a modern take for your summer boating adventures, Vans I’m on a Boat Straw Boater and Eugenia Kim Honey Striped Toyo Sun Hat are great options.

3. Shopping. A lady would never have entered Tiffany & Co. without a hat in Audrey Hepburn’s day – how slovenly! Channel your inner socialite while perusing the Goodwill by covering that risque head of yours. Either the Louis Vuitton Mink Bell-Hat, Vintage 1960 Black & White Sparkle Bow Cloche Hat or Brenda Lynn Audrey Hat will do.

4. At the doctor’s office. If anyone knows how to seduce, it’s Sophia Loren, especially when she is after a man playing hard to get. You too can feel sexy and chic getting your yearly check-up by channeling her look ala The Millionairess. These will all look fabulous with your corset: MARKET Red Floppy Hat, Brenda Lynn Milan Boater Hat, French Connection Spice Blush Floppy Hat and Nordstrom Floppy Ribbon Sun Hat.

5. Boozing. Hats, headbands, it’s all the same in casinos and speakeasies. Breaking boundaries with nonpareil style, flappers knew how to look fantastic while drinking the Devil’s elixir. Though not quite hats, these hairpieces will get you the look and the swagger. Try Colette Malouf Mesh Puff Flower Crocodile Clip, Zara 1920s Style Headband, Dorothy Perkins Brown Feather With Bead Centre Stretch Headband or Mother Plucker Red and Purple Side Feather Headband and get your drank on.

6. Mourning the loss of ruined winter shoes. It happens to us every year in the land of snow, sleet and freezing rain. We sacrifice a pair of shoes to keep our feet dry and warm. Although tragic, you can mourn your favorite defunct footwear in style by channeling superstar mob wives like Carmela Soprano, Sandra Corleone and Rosalie Aprile. Black and dramatic is the way to go with styles like these: Misaharada Valeska Hat, Comme des Garçons Bow Detail Hat and Lanvin Swarovski Crystal Pin-Embellished Straw Hat.

7. Frolicking and/or walking on water. Wouldn’t we all love to live in Mary Poppins’ wonderful world of animated fantasy? The answer is obviously yes. And although this may not be possible in a city as grimy as New York, you can still frolic about, wherever you are, in a bonnet of fantastic allure. Kokin White Rose Feathered Silk Hat, Bonnets 1870′S Bandeau Hat and Vintage Vine and Big Blossom Straw Hat will have you flying high like the whimsical Poppins herself.

1. H&M black and pink dress ($14.99 hm.com)

2. Topshop leather bow headband ($32 topshop.com)

3. ASOS leather boyfriend belt ($36 asos.com)

4. Sandra Dini organic ring ($865 barneys.com)

5. KOTUR “Breen” lace clutch ($550 shirise.com)

6. Marc Jacobs Daisy Pop Art Edition Eau de Parfum ($88 nordstrom.com)

7. Jimmy Choo cosmic suede pumps ($695 net-a-porter.com)

8. Philosophy “sweet on you” candy hearts lip shine ($10 nordstrom.com)

9. NARS eyeliner pencil in Kyoto ($21 barneys.com)

10. Marc by Marc Jacobs studded chunky chain-link watch ($250 net-a-porter.com)

11. Rodney Holman black enamel and gold plated petal earring ($26 make-me-beautiful.co.uk)

Doonan is being replaced by W‘s former Creative Director (and certified hottie) Dennis Freedman. Freedman left W last April after  Stefano Tonchi left T (the New York Times Style Magazine) to edit W in some weird fashion equivalent of an alphabetic game of dominoes.

Though his title is different, and funny-sounding, Doonan “will continue to be a key media spokesperson for the company, will continue to contribute to special window projects, will host special events with customers and media, and will serve as roving ambassador with links to all creative and communication areas including social media.”

Meanwhile, Freedman “will be responsible for the overall creative direction of Barneys New York, including the Co-Op and Barneys.com, providing leadership in the areas of all photographic and video images, graphic design, store design and image, and visual merchandising… [and will] also serve as creative curator of the Barneys New York windows, engaging various artists, designers, and creative collaborators including Simon Doonan for a constantly evolving mix of style influencers.”

Out of all of that mumbjo-jumbo, I got that Dennis Freedman is in but Simon Doonan, refusing to go quietly into that good night, bitch-slapped anyone  and everyone at Barneys who tried to get rid of him until they made up a position to keep him quietly content.

Go head, Lady Ambassador!

Link Love: NY Mag

It’s always a bit easier to start with a staple piece whether it’s your dress, handbag, and in this case shoes! Thanks to my new found obsession of Polyvore , I can’t stop lurking the random fashion thoughts that race here and there, in this case I’m on a look out for the PERFECT Valentine’s Day shoes! Thanks to Mr. Louboutin here are the picks of the day:

Just the name of these booties says it all; Christian Louboutin Canon 140, Barneys, $1,295

Playing the perfect part on Valentines day these would look perfect with any black frock; Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo, Barney’s, $795

Silky and black statement bow heels; Christian Louboutin Madame Butterfly, Barney’s, $795

Girly-girl on a mission to make a statement; Glitter-Covered Peep toe Pumps, Saksfifthave, $595

A bit on the rocker-chic side; Christian Louboutin Madame Butterfly Booty, $1,170

Seductive yet cute; Christian Louboutin, Pony Lepord Pump, $800

Classic & simple; Christian Louboutin Suede Bibi Pumps, Net-A-Porter, $557

The above display was crafted entirely out of recycled Illycafè cans, bags, cups and tins and features the divine “Miss Illy.” She was originally named “Contessa Caffeina,” but according to Doonan, “we decided she’s no Italian aristocrat, she’s a nice Jersey girl.”

Of course this Jersey girl is a Barneys girl as well, so in addition to the Espresso machine headdress, Miss Illy is also wearing Christian Louboutin pumps and giant sunglasses by The Row.

Barneys new windows will be unveiled on November 16th and will also feature homages to Julia Child in addition to 70 other cultivators of the gastronomic arts.

If all this talk of food seems out of place for a Barneys window display, Doonan, who claimed to know “nothing about food,” explains that he was “interested in the dissonance between fashion and food.” He went on to add, “Whenever we do an event, the fashion people say, ‘No food please. Let’s just serve vodka.’”

Well, vodka’s an important part of any balanced breakfast, no? And though I haven’t looked at one recently, I’m pretty sure it’s at the top of the food pyramid. Right above marijauna, Mexican diet pills, cocaine, fruits and vegetables.

LINK LOVE: T Magazine

Barneys New York has agreed to sell Katie Holmes and stylist Jeanne Yang‘s line Holmes & Yang for another 8 months because its been selling so well.

Yeah, because Tom‘s probably paying all the Scientologists to buy that expensive shiz.

The new contract will reportedly make Katie $5 million.

Ridiculous.

Image via WENN.

LINK LOVE:Barneys Extends Their Contract With Holmes & Yang

Photo Credit: Niko The Ikon

Alex Kazemi: How are you? What’s the tour been like with GaGa?

Justin Tranter: I’m good, fucking amazing. We are having the time of our lives.  GaGa is a good friend of ours and it’s just been a dream come true being back on tour with her. It’s nuts that she opened up for us just a few years ago.

Kazemi:  I am happy the tour is going well. What was the journey like  making the transition from performing in small rock bars to performing in major venues across the world and settling on a huge record label like Interscope? Was it a “filthy” hustle to get where you are today?

Justin:  It was extremely glamorous in my own way. I love the fact that I was so broke that I had to collect cans and cash them at the grocery store to eat dinner, I also love the fact that I had to walk over bridges because I couldn’t afford the subway. I think all that stuff is fabulous.

Kazemi: You made it glamorous Justin.

Justin:  Haha! Exactly, anything can be glamorous as long as you make the decision. It’s great though, we love playing the dirty little bars that fit  fifty people. A lot of people would see that as pointless and a lot of work for no money, but  I guess driving six hours to play at a bar with fifty people seems kinda insane, but when it’s all you wanna do… It’s a lot of fucking fun!

Kazemi: Yeah, it is also more intimate then playing a huge venue. Well, I  am sure past experiences connected with  the trash glamorous life style you lived with inspired lyrics like “Sticky with champagne it’s OK it’s her birthday” and “I can’t pay my rent but I’m fucking gorgeous.”

Justin: Yeah, everything in the songs come from real life experiences, basically. For example “I can’t pay my rent but I’m fucking gorgeous” , was because I literally couldn’t pay my rent and I even got evicted. You can watch my eviction on YouTube. It’s pretty awesome. In my brain I thought I looked like a million bucks even when I had no money, so it all comes down to real life. With “Sticky With Champagne,” it’s  about the many times  in my life that I’ve had champagne poured on me  and that’s where that chorus comes from  A lot of my song’s are inspired by amazingly  beautiful  self destructive things and my looks.

Kazemi: “Sticky With Champagne” rules when seen live. I remember back when I saw you in December on “The Monster Ball” tour.You were holding a bottle of champagne with your face on it and poured it on the crowd and you changed on stage. Will we ever be able to purchase Justin champagne bottles? Will every Semi Precious Weapons show be that eventful?

Justin:   You will be able to buy Justin Tranter champagne bottles. I don’t know when, but it will happen! Every Semi Precious Weapons show is eventful, not always the same things happens.  The champagne bottle and changing my outfit will always be apart of the show. We feel like rock fans have really forgotten  that its OK to be really serious musicians and put on a crazy show Everyone just wants to stare at their feet and say “Look at how smart they are.” We aren’t really interested in that.

Kazemi: How the hell did you think of such crazy stage antics?

Justin:  Talking to friends and brainstorming ideas.  Our friend, Jimmy Knehans, tours with us  and makes most of my clothes. He and I brainstorm  a lot of ideas. It’s kinda my favorite thing to do. I just sit in a bar with my friends and think of ridiculous things we could do on stage that people have to watch. Haha!

Kazemi: Crafty!  So I understand your debut record “You Love You” was recently released. While recording that record who would you cite as influences on the sound/writing direction.

Justin: Patty Larkin, Sharon Stone, Jillian Welsh, Marilyn Monroe, May West, Gwen Stefani. Haha!  Usually endless amounts  of amazing woman! Oh yeah! Courtney Love  I love Hole!  “Live Through This” is one of my favorite albums of all time.

Kazemi: “Live Through This” is one of my favorite records as well.  Any male influences?

Justin:   Yes, “Miss World” is an amazing  song. David Bowie, but I don’t think he has been that big of an influence. I think he’s a genius obviously, but I’ve only listened to women for the most part.

Kazemi: Do you have a favorite track on the debut record?

Justin:  It always changes. It depends on the reactions at shows. “Statues Of Ourselves” is my favorite song on the album.

Kazemi: What inspired that track?

Justin:   It’s about a very specific party that Lady Starlight was throwing on Thursdays that only about ten people would ever go to. It was just me and my best friends and Lady Starlight DJ’ing. It was the most amazing thing ever! The song is important to the listener as well because I want people to get that “you and your friends are probably the coolest people your ever gonna meet.” The kids who are coming to see GaGa are some really fuckin cool kids and I wanna dedicate it to those people .  People should think its OK to be cool and you should think you’re cool enough to build statues of yourself.  Basically its OK to think you’re awesome.

Kazemi:  Rock N Roll self esteem boost! . Why don’t you tell me a bit about how the NYC party scene has inspired your band’s image/music?

Justin:  Hahah!  Most of the New York City party scene is pretty boring. New York  for the most part is just a bunch of girls pretending to be “Sarah Jessica Parker,” which isn’t very inspiring ! But the thing with New York is those girls trying to be “Sarah Jessica Parker” have no shame in it. Like in LA everyone pretends that their not working but in New York everyone is very open about how they are only making friends with people who can fuckin vamp up their career. Its a very exciting scene. It’s the only place I’d ever wanna live but I think the glory days of CBGB and Andy Warhol are sadly at the moment dead. I think with Lady GaGa inspiring a whole new generation of kids and SPW inspiring a whole new generation of “Rock N Roll” fans, every party Lady Starlight throws is getting bigger and bigger. So I think New York is slowly but surely getting back to the era of the 70s/Early 80s that I romanticize.

Kazemi: I guess the media’s perception about the New York party scene is pretty accurate. Didn’t Lady Starlight and GaGa open up for SPW back in 2007? How did you guys meet and what were those shows like?

Justin:  They were a fuckin blast ! We would sometimes throw a party called “Glamor” and sometimes they were just Semi Precious Weapons shows and we needed an opener and while we were selecting the slot there were a lot of bands that were boring and took themselves so seriously but then their was this girl “Lady GaGa” who was a big fan of our band. Someone told us she was a really great performer so we checked out her MySpace page and they were right. She was fuckin awesome!  So we had her open for us and it was fantastic. In New York at the time we had developed an awesome following. There was about 500-1000 kids who would come to every show/party that we were throwing and it was this amazing little world of filthy glamor. It was something that the New York Press and media wouldn’t wanna talk about. The shows  were  just in rock clubs, and there was no budget,  just a sound system and a stage and then everything else we just created with our existence.

Kazemi:. I bet those 500-1000 kids are still with you guys today! I  saw on your Twitpic of some fans holding up a sign that said “Monster Weapons.” How far along on the tour did you start to see that??

Justin:  It started happening when we got to Australia/New Zealand. I saw kids Facebook and Tweet it! For some reason we really blew up really quickly over there. We played 2 shows with GaGa and there was kids in the audience holding signs that said “Monster Weapons.” I took a picture, and put it on twitter.  I guess now all the kids have caught onto it. So now at upcoming shows we definitely see a few kids holding signs that say “Monster Weapons.”

Kazemi: Was New Zealand your favorite city you toured too?

Justin:  New Zealand is amazing. They love Rock N Roll so I love them! Haha! It’s really hard to say. We have been waiting so long and been waiting so hard to get to this moment where we are living our life on the road and playing shows for thousands of people every night.

Kazemi:  Besides music/touring, you design a jewelry line called “Fetty.” While designing the collection did you ever think the pieces would be sold at “Barneys NYC.”

Justin:  Fetty Jewelry started at our very first SPW show and we just made some pieces to make some money because we were all broke!  I have worked at jewelry stores in NYC and I  just got fired at the time… We didn’t have t-shirts, we didn’t have albums to sell and it was our first show! I made these “Gun-Heart” necklaces for all of my friends who came to the show and they freaked out over them! Then I started getting them in boutiques around New York and then I harassed the people at Urban Outfitters until they “expressed interest.” I didn’t really know what I was doing.  You know I have a degree in music so Urban ended up liking them and told me “Oh! This is great! So we would love two thousand necklaces in three weeks” because they were convinced I was a massive jewelry company that could just produce these necklaces, but realistically it was just me and my band members and my friends in my loft in Brooklyn.

Kazemi: Wait, so you had to make three thousand pieces in three weeks?

Justin:  Luckily I did, so then I had a jewelry line! I started getting the kind of people who could make the pieces in 14 karat gold and diamond. I sold that to Barneys. Basically, it was this amazing accident that took an amazing amount of work. I assembled three thousand pieces with my own two hands! It was a lot of hard work but it was worth it because the band was able to fly to LA, London, and Paris to perform, and make our first indie record. It was an amazing way to start out as an indie band.

Kazemi:  It seems like the jewelry was the savior of the music.

Justin: Literally! If it wasn’t for the money from the jewelry, the band wouldn’t have been able to move on.

Kazemi: Doesn’t Kate Moss wear Fetty?

Justin:  Yeah, but so does Taylor Momsen and I think she’s  fabulous. Taylor always wears the big “XL” gun. The best part about her wearing Fetty is that she doesn’t even wanna wear the fancy stuff at Barneys. She wears the 20 dollar “big gun” we sell at shows. It’s so awesome!

Kazemi:   That is awesome! She is super young. Speaking of young, what was your college experience like at Berklee School Of Music?

Justin: It was amazing!  I can’t complain. It was like any other college.  Some parts are really awful and some parts are really great. Some teachers suck and some teachers were life changing, but the fact that I could study songwriting and get a degree from it…I really can’t ask for much more! Hahha!

Kazemi:   I assume that’s where you met your bandmates of today?

Justin:   Yeah, that’s where we all met. All of us studied different things. We all met in the first week of school.

Kazemi: Did you have any idea you guys were gonna work with each other and form the glam rock band, Semi Precious Weapons?

Justin:  We had no fucking clue. We did not start the band until five years after we met. We were just friends for a very long time. I thought I was gonna be a very serious somber singer/songwriter and Stevy & Cole thought they were gonna do jazz compositions. Dan thought he was gonna be a classical composer.  At some point we just got so bored of being so “intellectual” and started writing the music that inspired us as kids in the 90s:  Hole, Nirvana, Guns and Roses, Metallica and AC/DC. That’s how we became “Semi Precious Weapons”.

Kazemi:  So rock music on top 40 today isn’t really rock like the people you just listed. It’s more of a bubble gum juiced down rock.  Is Semi Precious Weapons going to change that?

Justin: We wanna be the biggest band in the world. I have intentions to go mainstream because I would love if “Real” Rock N Roll was on top 40 radio again because it use to be.  You would always hear rock on the top 40 stations, but now  you can’t even hear the guitar in the “rock music” that is played on the radio today.You can’t call that “rock n roll” when you can’t even hear the guitar. We are going to make “Rock N Roll” the new “Pop”.

Don’t forget to pick up the new Semi Precious Weapons album, “You Love You,” today!

LINK LOVE:   ALEX KAZEMI

]]> http://fashionindie.com/interview-justin-tratner-of-semi-precious-weapons-preciousweapons/feed/ 0 http://fashionindie.com/barneys-dedicates-window-displays-to-iman-4/ http://fashionindie.com/barneys-dedicates-window-displays-to-iman-4/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:43:57 +0000 FashionIndie http://fashionindie.com/barneys-dedicates-window-displays-to-iman-4/

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Iman has always been our fashion icon, but when she receives the Fashion Icon Award at this year’s CFDA’s, it’ll finally be official. To celebrate the honor, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan is dedicating two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to the supermodel/mogul/ESSENCE.com blogger. According to WWD, one display will include collages and cutout images of her; while the other will showcase a Bruce Weber portrait of Iman with quotes about her from style luminaries like Diana Vreeland and her hubby David Bowie. Check out the displays when they’re installed on May 11th!

(essence.com)

Wow, how exciting! I can imagine how thrilled she is to be honored in such a fashion. She is indeed a style icon and still looks very much the supermodel. Congratulations Iman!

LINK LOVE:Barneys Dedicates Window Displays to Iman

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Alpha Omega (“that vintage vibe”)

B Store

B Store

B Store (love it!)

Marsell Goccia

Marsell Goccia (perfect with skinny jeans)

La Suite (another unique design….the color is also very inviting)

Raphael Young

Marsell Goccia

Raphael Young

Swear

Left & Right (love it!)

Marc Jacobs (this is a perfect summer shoes that will work well with so many looks)

Acne (love, love, love it!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (the tassle is a nice touch)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Cesare Paciotti

Cesare Paciotti (oh that heel!)

Roberto Cavalli

Pollini

Pollini

Pollini

Gianvito Rossi

Pollini

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla (lush luxe!)

Giuseppe Zanotti (work of art)

Giuseppe Zanotti (another artisan beauty)

Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti (breathtaking!)

Casadei

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana

Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana

Rodolphe Menudier

Rodolphe Menudier (I envision this shoe with everything from dresses to jeans)

Gianmarco Lorenzi (lovely!)

Maison Martin Margiela

Leopoldo Giordano

Gianmarco Lorenzi (feminine frills at it’s best!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (love it!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (another great wardrobe staple) this and all previous farfetch.com

Jerome C. Rousseau (perfection!) apparelnews.net

Donna Karan

Donna Karan

Under Cover (love the “punch” of color as well as the unique design) this and previous farfetch.com

Christian Louboutin

Prada (another feminine beauty….love the print)

Prada

Bottega Veneta

Giuseppe Zanotti

Prada

Altuzarra

Altuzarra (luscious!)

Manolo Blahnik

Pierre Hardy

Fendi (love, love, love it!)

Balenciaga

Lanvin

Lanvin

Henry Cuir

Henry Cuir

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Co-op Barneys New York

Co-op Barneys New York

Sigerson Morrison

Antik Batik

Maloles (nice with shorts or a maxi)

Opening Ceremony (gorgeous!)

Opening Ceremony

Lanvin; this and previous barneys.com

Shoes are my absolute weakness as evident by the large number that I usually post. I can’t help it……there are just SO many beautiful styles!

LINK LOVE:"The Big Shoe-to-do"

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Alpha Omega (“that vintage vibe”)

B Store

B Store

B Store (love it!)

Marsell Goccia

Marsell Goccia (perfect with skinny jeans)

La Suite (another unique design….the color is also very inviting)

Raphael Young

Marsell Goccia

Raphael Young

Swear

Left & Right (love it!)

Marc Jacobs (this is a perfect summer shoes that will work well with so many looks)

Acne (love, love, love it!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (the tassle is a nice touch)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Cesare Paciotti

Cesare Paciotti (oh that heel!)

Roberto Cavalli

Pollini

Pollini

Pollini

Gianvito Rossi

Pollini

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla

Le Silla (lush luxe!)

Giuseppe Zanotti (work of art)

Giuseppe Zanotti (another artisan beauty)

Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti (breathtaking!)

Casadei

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana

Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana

Rodolphe Menudier

Rodolphe Menudier (I envision this shoe with everything from dresses to jeans)

Gianmarco Lorenzi (lovely!)

Maison Martin Margiela

Leopoldo Giordano

Gianmarco Lorenzi (feminine frills at it’s best!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (love it!)

Gianmarco Lorenzi

Gianmarco Lorenzi (another great wardrobe staple) this and all previous farfetch.com

Jerome C. Rousseau (perfection!) apparelnews.net

Donna Karan

Donna Karan

Under Cover (love the “punch” of color as well as the unique design) this and previous farfetch.com

Christian Louboutin

Prada (another feminine beauty….love the print)

Prada

Bottega Veneta

Giuseppe Zanotti

Prada

Altuzarra

Altuzarra (luscious!)

Manolo Blahnik

Pierre Hardy

Fendi (love, love, love it!)

Balenciaga

Lanvin

Lanvin

Henry Cuir

Henry Cuir

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Co-op Barneys New York

Co-op Barneys New York

Sigerson Morrison

Antik Batik

Maloles (nice with shorts or a maxi)

Opening Ceremony (gorgeous!)

Opening Ceremony

Lanvin; this and previous barneys.com

Shoes are my absolute weakness as evident by the large number that I usually post. I can’t help it……there are just SO many beautiful styles!

LINK LOVE:"The Big Shoe-to-do"

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Clockwise from top: slant ring, Coomi ($8,000). Special order, Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000. Necklace, Coomi ($3,800). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Minaudiere, R & Y Agousti ($675). Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., 212-826-8900. Sunbeam cuff, Jack Vartanian ($4,720). 996 Madison Ave., 212-988-2881. Earrings, Stephen Russell ($9,000). 970 Madison Ave., 212-570-6900. Ring, Dyanne Belle ($3,440). Fragments, 116 Prince St., 212-334-9588

(gotham-magazine.com)

Lapis (Lapis Lazuli) is one of the most beautiful of all the gemstones…….that blue is so vivid that it’s almost magical! Perfect to wear all year round, as it’s sure to liven up any outfit.

LINK LOVE:"The Subject was Lapis"

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

LINK: "The Subject was Lapis"

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

1. Sweater, Opening Ceremony ($375)

LINK LOVE:Jessica Capshaw for Los Angeles Confidential Magazine

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

Dee & Ricky’s latest collaboration brings us a set of interchangeable rings with LEGO pieces. The designers partnered with M & M on this collection which features classic LEGO sunflowers, cactus, scorpion, diamonds and more. You can grab the collection at Barney’s New York.

LINK LOVE: Highsnobriety

Agyness Deyn has decided to add another slash to her long title. She’s created a special collection of 11 dresses, knits, scarves, t-shirts and leggings. Selling from $212 – $307 bucks, the collection is part of Barney’s environmental Go Green Go campaign. Proceeds go towards planting trees in Mongolia. The collection looks nothing like Aggy and is pretty boring. Expect to ignore it starting March 13th.

Mackage brought Rock n Roll flair to some amazingly tailored suiting, dresses and outerwear. Designers Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy’s collection ran the gauntlet of edge, with body-aware dresses, downtown scenester separates, and great elements of studs and leather. Shoulders followed tradition of other designers previous season and remained sculptural.

My personal fave aspect of this show was how every piece remained independent. While the collection was cohesive, the looks didn’t feel like duplicates.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM MACKAGE ON ENVY

Never send a gay to do a Martha job. Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney’s is causing quite a stir in the White House after including three questionable ornaments on the Christmas tree. Right-Wingers everywhere prepare outrage.

LINK LOVE: Gawker

Check out the Barneys New York Fall 2009 Denim mailer here!

Whoa. This gives a whole new meaning to ‘I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.’  Madison Ave. shoppers were a bit disturbed to see this new Barney’s display…I guess they thought it would be eye-catching, but I think all it did was offend a lot of people. Let the infuriated commenting begin…

SOURCE: Racked

Whether you’re into the trendy, hipster styles, the classic look or a conglomerate of everything the fashion industry has to offer, there is no doubt that all men love a good, comfortable basic. Bringing our men of the world possibly the most comfortable and meticulously constructed tees, polos and underwear is English label Sunspel. Having dressed celebrities from Casino Royale’s Daniel Craig to The Dark Knight’s Christian Bale, Sunspel items are constructed from Egyptian cotton with longevity in mind. Ranging anywhere from $25 for a classic boxer to $71 for a polo shirt, Sunspel prices are common among the men’s basic-wear market and can be purchased locally at Barney’s New York.

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Sunspel

Check out Sunspel here!

Battling the recession with the newest addition to the Comme Des Garçons family is Black Comme des Garçons, a bridge line slated to hit New York and Paris, as well as two-week pop-up shops at Barneys New York and Colette in Paris, on June 22nd! The label, already widely accepted in Seoul, Hong Kong and Japan, was originally created to boost sales during our current economic crisis and is expected to exists as long as the recession does. Designs play it safe with popular silhouettes in checkerboard, gingham, polka-dot and floral prints and range in price from about $90 for tees to $630 for jackets. Not exactly recession ready prices in my books, but hey, Comme Des Garçons, what did you expect? 

Thanks WWD!

Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati’s New Vintage collection of 60 limited-edition pieces at Barneys almost all sold out after just a day on the sales floor.

LINKAGE: WWD

The British designer is hosting a Fall 09 trunk show at Barneys’ Madison Avenue store on Tue May 5th. In between browsing the collection, Simon Doonan will host a Q&A with Stella that promises to be a “must-see repartee.” The whole thing lasts from 1 to 3 but Simon will ask his first question at promptly 1:30. Be there to meet her at person, or at a close glance.

LINKAGE: Fashionista

Istithmar World Capital (which paid $950 million for Barneys in 2007), the Dubai sovereign wealth fund and owner of Barneys will provide a $10 million bailout in order to help ride out the recession.

LINKAGE: Racked via NY Post

These are a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes which were imprinted with a unique selection of Barneys “materials”, aka shit they found in a wastebasket. It’s great that Barneys is embracing the fact that dumpster dipping is now an okay fashionable alternative for recessionistas, but adding a $1000 price tag to your trash?!? I ain’t buying.

LINKAGE: Christian Louboutin Trash Shoe

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