FashionIndie » Donna Karan

Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 Years of Style, Sarah Burton’s Cover Story and TIME’s 100 Style Icons

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:22:54 +0000

- The really, really ridiculously good-looking couple of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and Victoria’s Secret catwalker Anne V. – or as I like to call them, Aanne Vvine — have called it quits. Guess we can’t look forward to a sequel to this gem then. [Modelinia]

- Kate Middleton may be the apple of fashion’s eye right now, but let’s not forget that her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II has been royally turning it for 60 years. [Telegraph]

- Speaking of the Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah Burton revealed that she used Alexander McQueen‘s Fall 2011 collection as a cover for the wedding dress that launched a thousand gasps. What’s even more impressive, Sarah managed to look Anna Wintour in the eye while lying her face off about designing said dress. And lived to tell the tale. [Styleite]

- Time came out with its list of the 100 greatest style icons of all Time…magazine’s life. The list is a veritable who’s who of models, fashion designers, muses, photographers, editors and stylists from Diana Vreeland to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. [Time]

- But they neglected to include a few notables, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and my spirit animal André Leon Talley. [Huff Po]

- The release of the 1940 census, detailing people’s names, addresses, whom they lived with, occupations and tons of other personal info proved so popular it crashed the National Archives and Records Administration’s website in a matter of hours. Thank god Facebook came along so we don’t have to wait 72 years to creepily stalk people anymore. [Newsday]

Designer Daily: Ajna

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:30:02 +0000

Designer Beryl Man has shifted her concerns from Donna Karan’s knitwear and Hussein Chalayan’s collection, to focusing on sustainability within her own label, Ajna. Man creates clothing that makes people think, and that makes the world a better place. Convertible, ever changing garments are made up of artisanal and organic textiles with low-impact dyes. She embraces the philosophy of the Tao: a life of simplicity with non-interference with the natural course of events. With that, Man is doing all in her power to create and produce in a way that won’t disrupt Mother Nature.

The Ultimate Beauty Guide to Fashion Week Fall 2012

Jessica Lapidos — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:30:53 +0000

Nature took its course on the runways from New York to Paris. Bushy brows and bare faces wiped the palette clean. Makeup was used sparingly; a vivd lip here, a midnight eye there. They were brought forth singularly. And the effect breathes refreshingly. Learn how to get the looks, and see which makeup artists put what products on which designers’ runways.

Fair ladies, embrace your Nordic tendencies that render you positively innocent when the makeup goes away. Use a pale pink that ebbs nude and a lengthening mascara. To get the Dolce & Gabbana look, mix a touch of their two

Purity Pink

What prevailed throughout all of Fashion Week culminated on the crystal cased Chanel runway with embroidered brows by the famed atelier de broderie, Lesage. If you don't have overgrown eyebrows, or just have fair hair, try like Pat McGrath did at Alexander Wang to give a boyish straight shape by brushing on dark eye shadow. You could also try an eyebrow palette with angled brushes. The

Raised Brows

Cold and angular eyes stared runways down to the chill of midnight.

Cool Night Eyes

Wing tips take flight again in both multiple lines like at Altuzarra, and with an electric blue shock like at Anna Sui. To get Pat McGrath's look for Anna Sui, you're going to use a liquid eyeliner and flick it up at the end. Draw the outline and fill it in using

Wingin' It

Like in Rick Owen's show "Offset the Scary", the brightest red will make a look iconic. Try a look-at-me lip of your own:

Bursting Red Lips

Burning in the fiery shadows of your lids is an orange or red taking up the whole space. You need to span big or else it runs the risk of looking like you've been crying. Not chic. And keep the rest of the face clean, obviously. Go big or go home in tears. Peter Phillips used several variations of orange at Dries Van Noten. From Make Up For Ever, he used no. 66, a mustard and no. 78, a rusty mandarin. Though those are both discontinued, you can try his third shadow,

Fiery Shadows

This look says power bitch in the sweetest way possible. How to get it: Spray the brush with hairspray and brush it back. DVF's hair stylist Orlando Pia used

Deep Sleek Side

Adding a dab of white to your cornea brightens the whole eye and makes them look bigger. Try some Sex to get the look. It's hot.

White Inner Eye

Hot mess dream trend! This look encourages us to fall asleep with our makeup on, roll outta bed and rock the refined raccoon eye. Marc Jacobs approves twice.

Smudged Down

Blackberries haven't gotten this much attention since iPhones hit Verizon. Unfortunately for the smartphone-makers, we're talking color. Perhaps it's the Rooney Mara effect, but oxblood-burgundy lips were everywhere. On the Gucci runway, Pat McGrath used

Vampy Lips

Tyra Banks — Harvard Grad, Beyonce’s Preggers Dereon Ad and Zac Efron Jimmy-Hats All Over The Lorax

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:15:38 +0000

- Angelina Jolie‘s writing the foreword to ~~drug-induced mistake~~ ex-husband Billy Bob Thorton‘s memoir. [Just Jared]

- Tyra Banks got her degree from Harvard Business School, y’all! And now we’ll never hear the end of it. [Modelinia]

- Beyoncé posed for House of Deréon‘s spring 2012 ads while pregnant, but even the Baby Blue Ivy can save that hot mess of a line. [Huff Po]

- Totes Amazeballs! Say hello to the first cereal made from a tweet. And say goodbye to the majority of your teeth. [Paper]

- Someone scientifically ranked the Oscar nominees according to their star power and unsurprisingly George Clooney got a perfect score. Meryl Streep, somehow, only got a 99/100 but then again style is also a determining factor and you can only get away with so many unflattering Donna Karan sacks, Mer. [WWD]

- Starting next week, Tumblr will no longer have “thinspiration” blogs, meaning you’ll have to feed your body dysmorphia on Google and in chat rooms like the rest of us. [Styleite]

- Zac Efron, class act that he is, dropped a condom on the red carpet for the family-friendly pic The Lorax. Looks like someone couldn’t wait to give Taylor a Swift Seussing. Amirite?Just kidding, he’s a total queen, but good for her for using protection. [MSN]

White House Cabinet Gets a President’s Day Fashion Makeover

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:36:11 +0000

Regardless of whether your political education ends at Michelle Obama‘s wardrobe or you actually know the names and faces of those in our Presidential Cabinet, we at FashionIndie would still like to wish you a Happy President’s Day! After brushing up on our Poly-Sci 101, we realized America has been through a lot. Our political opinion? We would be much better suited under a fashion regime, led by the stern Anna Wintour, kept in line by the venerable Diane von Furstenberg, under fiscal guidance by LVMH president Bernard Arnault etc etc… check out our fashionable cabinet after the jump.

(In order of succession to the President)

President Anna Wintour

Vice President André Leon Talley

Secretary of State: Diane von Furstenberg

Secretary of the Treasury: Bernard Arnault

Secretary of Defense: Karl Lagerfeld

Attorney General Steven Kolb

Secretary of the Interior: Ralph Lauren

Secretary of Agriculture: Marc Jacobs

Secretary of Commerce: Valentino

Secretary of Labor: Nanette Lepore

Secretary of Health and Human Services: Glenda Bailey

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Mickey Boardman

Secretary of Education: Michael Kors

Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Carine Roitfeld

Secretary of Homeland Security: Calvin Klein

Chief of Staff: Simon Doonan

Environmental Protection Agency: Emmanuelle Alt

Office of Management & Budget: Donna Karan

United States Trade Representative Ambassador: Daphne Guinness

United States Ambassador: Grace Coddington

Secretary of Small Business Administration: Fern Mallis

And there, indies, is your political lesson of the day.

Now the question is, would you vote Anna Wintour for president?

The other question is, can you find our h McQueen? Happy Presidents Day off!

The Museum at FIT Celebrates 50 Years of the CFDA and American Fashion

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:46:13 +0000

Eleanor Lambert founded the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1962 and since then the organization has had some 600 members. This Friday, the Museum at FIT opens its latest exhibition, Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA, featuring 70 iconic looks that trace the development of American style over the last half century.

Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

Look of the Day: Academy Awards 2012

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:19:43 +0000

The 2012 Oscar Nominations were released today, and, as usual, I’m half way to underwhelmed. But then I began to think of the red carpet and all the praising and bashing opportunities it will bring. And since our invitations here at FashionIndie always seem to get lost in the mail, I took the liberty of putting together a 2012 Academy Awards outfit for myself. Love it or hate it in the Look of the Day.

Evening Dresses by Donna Karan
Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

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

Donna Karan Applique and Wood-Embroidered Gown, $10,000

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Petite Smokey Eye Color Trio, $25

Tasha Caged Minaudière, $88

Giuseppe Zanotti 120mm Silk and Swarovski Sandals, $1,295

Estée Lauder ‘Pure Color’ Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24

Effy Collection 14k Rose Gold and Diamond Ring, $2,280

Samira 13 Silver Earrings, $3,687

Anna Wintour Throws Designers’ Support Behind Obama for Runway to Win

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:59:11 +0000

While the Republicans scramble to choose a nominee from their clown car of potential candidates, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have already laid down the groundwork for their 2012 campaign. The Obama-Biden ticket has recently partnered with 22 fashion designers for Runway to Win, an initiative to create T-shirts, tote bags, scarves and wristlets benefiting the Obama Victory Fund. And the driving force behind it is none other than Vogue‘s very own iron lady, Anna Wintour.

Photo: Vogue.com

Wintour and Vogue have reportedly been “instrumental” in ~~coercing~~ assembling the 22 designers, including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Joseph Altuzarra, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Rag & Bone and Jason Wu. Wary of alienating Republican voters from their brands, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton initially nixed their labels from participating in Runway to Win, but Marc Jacobs — of which LVMH owns a majority stake — designed his T-shirt anyway, “following pressure from the magazine,” according to WWD.

On the other hand, Donna Karan, also owned by LVMH, did not bow to Wintour and is therefore not participating in the fundraising effort. And therefore won’t be seen in Vogue anytime soon…Kidding!…Not really.

Runway to Win’s e-commerce site, runwaytowin.com, officially launches on Thursday, but Wintour’s re-election campaign is not stopping there. She will also co-host an Obama fundraiser with ~~actress~~ Scarlett Johansson in February — which I’m taking as a sign that ScarJo will be on the cover around that time. See, kids, and you thought fashion and politics had nothing in common. They both require a steely nerve, a willingness to compromise and the ability to turn a blind eye to corruption. The blatant abuse of power doesn’t hurt either. [WWD]

Photo: Vogue.com

INDIE NEWSROOM: Tilda Swinton’s Life to Be a Banquet as Auntie Mame…Rihanna’s Armani Ads Not That Sexy After All…Rachel Zoe Slights Brad Goreski’s Baby Gift

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:16:33 +0000

- Tilda Swinton is putting aside the heavy dramatic roles for the heavy pancake makeup and costume jewelry of filmdom’s greatest drag queen, Auntie Mame. The Oscar-winner is planning to “live, live, LIVE!” it up with her I Am Love director, Luca Guadagnino. [Out via NYT]

- Breathable caffeine. It’s a real thing. Though for my money, there’s a much more effective, albeit illegal, way of snorting your way to a quick pick-me-up. [Nylon]

- Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, 69, wants to put those pregnancy rumors to rest! She may be getting married to “forever fiend” Willie Wilkerson this summer, but there’s no royal bun in that majestic oven. The Queen is reportedly considering Donna Karan, Valentino and Vera Wang to do the dressing honors. [People]

- “How you Zoe-in’?” After sending The Baby Skyler an Hermès tower of toys, Brad Goreski told Wendy Williams he never received a thank you note from former boss/current rival Rachel Zoe. [Jezebel]

- Ad Age didn’t think Rihanna‘s Armani ad was the sexiest of the year, though apparently everyone else thought they thought it was. [Ad Age]

- Remember that whole Marc Jacobs sexual discrimination case? Yeah, I don’t care either, but seems like it’s been settled out of court, “to the satisfaction of both parties.” [Vogue UK]

- Cosmopolitan is oversexed, Glamour’s definitely hiding something, and Vogue is surprisingly romantic. The buzzwords magazines used most on their covers for 2011 painted a telling portrait. [Fashionista]

INDIE REWIND: Character Study — Dorothy Zbornak

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:08:40 +0000

All right everyone I hope you brought your cowl-neck sweaters, a culotte, a slouchy boot, anything with a drop-waist and a bad attitude. This week’s class will be on the grand dame of grandmothers, Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak Hollingsworth, as portrayed by the greatest lady of all time, one Ms. Bea Arthur.

Key Pieces: In addition to the previous items, we’re talking sequins, a string of pearls down to the ground, more sequins, Chanel doorknockers, and the occasional kitten heel.

Designers to Wear: Donna Karan, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen

Defining Fashion Moment: Season 7, Episode 19, “Journey to the Center of Attention.” In a bar full of middle-aged horndogs itching to climb up Blanche’s dress (she’s not wearing any underwear…meanwhile, imagine your grandma saying that to anyone and not being able to blame it on the Alzheimer’s) when Dorothy steals the spotlight by singing a heartfelt rendition of Irving Berlin‘s “What’ll I Do.”

All the while, she’s wearing a black blazer with gold piping and epaulets, black pants tucked into a slouchy black boot and only one major accessory — her gold Chanel doorknockers. Perfection. Simple, chic, but still playing on that fun masculine edge. Signature Dorothy.

The Lady Waits in Elle

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:05:15 +0000

Behold a glamorous woman. She wears opera gloves to dinner. Hats just because. She has her suits custom made. She uses a muff. She is a Lady in Waiting in the 1950s, and she’s showcased in Elle next month. In fishtail skirts by Zac Posen and Donna Karan, suits by Oscar de la Renta and Armani styled by Christopher Niquet, Susie Bird is captured stunningly by photographer Thomas Whiteside. It’s a glimmer of hope that women can once again be utterly perfectly tailored in outfits akin to yore, yet still reign in our feminist ways.

BROADCAST: How To Style the Season’s Hottest Hair with Windle and Moodie

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:26:22 +0000

The top runway hair trends of Fall 2011 were wielded by the hair stylist superstars of Windle and Moodie. This London based salon by Paul Windle and Neil Moodie is truly run by masters. Paul Windle was the principal of the Vidal Sassoon schools back in the 80s, and left in ’88 to open his own Salon. His prominence grew in the 90s in editorial and on the runway, styling a good number of Vogue covers. He’s also the reason his swear-by products Bumble and Bumble got so popular in the UK. If you’re in Londontown, you may even snag a coveted appointment for a haircut by Windle himself. Neil Moodie took a moment to shows us how to get the season’s coolest hair. From the tough ponied tomboy girlfriend to the teased, hurried and extreme hair of the Fall ’11 runways, Moodie takes you step by step here.

Tomboy Girlfriend

Neil Moodie engineered the “tough pony” for the BCBG Max Azria show here in NY, but it was also seen at Rochas and Calvin Klein. This self-wrapped pony is easy to do yourself.

And the Naomi Goes to…: FashionIndie’s 1st Annual Model Citizen Awards

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:30:43 +0000

Awards season has just begun and while film and the occasional TV stars are busy patting themselves on the back — among other places — we’d like to take some time out to honor our favorite catwalkers and posers of the past year. Roll out the red carpet and break out your best Joan Rivers schtick — “Ugh, Lara! Were you in a car accident because it looks like you left the airbags under your dress!” — we’re going to the FashionIndie Model Citizen Awards!

Gareth Pugh

Prada

Numêro / Models.com

W's "Transformers" by Steven Meisel

Pop Magazine Fall/Winter 2011 by Gillian Wearing / Models.com

Versace x H&M

Versace spring 2011

cK One spring 2011

Balenciaga spring 2011 runway

Barney

Harper's Bazaar Australia November 2011 / Models.com

Models.com

Vogue September 2011 / Fashion Gone Rogue

All Hail the Schenkenberg: World’s 1st Male Supermodel

Lester Brathwaite — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:28:11 +0000

As October is our month of models, we figured it was important for you, dear reader, to know your model heritage. After all, how can you know where your models are going, if you don’t know where they’ve been. Enter Marcus Lodewijk Schenkenberg van Mierop, better known as Marcus Schenkenberg.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden of Dutch and Indonesian descent on August 4, 1968. Schenkenberg was discovered by photog Barry King while rollerskating in Venice Beach in 1989 after which he appeared in ads for Calvin Klein, shot with the legendary Richard Avedon and strutted on catwalks for Versace, Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani. Schenkenberg has managed to survive over 20 years in the modeling game — as well as a stint on Vh1‘s precursor to Celebrity Rehab, The Surreal Life and a much-publicized affair with Pamela Anderson — rightly earning him the title as the World’s First Male Supermodel.

Models of the Moment: Seven for All Modelkind

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:49:08 +0000

Bring me…my girls. From fresh faces to bona fide supers, these seven models are not only having a moment, they are the moment.

Photo: Models.com

Karlie Kloss – The supermodel of the moment, Karlie’s stardom was cemented with her special cover of Life magazine and her transition to grown-ass woman cemented by her nude spread shot by Mario Testino.

Photo: Fashion Gone Rogue

Photo: MDC

Photo: Design Scene

Photo: MDC

Photo: Style.com

Lara Stone Smokes Her Younger Competition in GQ

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:08:28 +0000

Lara Stone continues to be her sexy, gap-toothed self in the October 2011 issue of GQ. Wearing nothing but a sheet and Donna Karan fur coat, Lara hits the beach for a back-baring photo shoot. Gallery and behind-the-scenes video after the jump.

Stars and Stripes: Building the CFDA American Flag

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:53:52 +0000

Betsy Ross may have fashioned the first ever American flag, but the Council of Fashion Designers of America is more likely to tap Betsey Johnson to design theirs.

The CFDA celebrates its half centennial next year and is launching its “Stars of American Fashion” endowment drive. In an effort to raise $2.5 million, the CFDA is selling 50 stars at $50,000 a pop to designers, who will then personalize their star before it ends up on a special American flag.

28 designers have bought stars so far, including Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. [WWD]

Top 11 Classiest Fashion Schools in the World

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:53:58 +0000

Welcome to our month of Fashion Education. To start you off in the right direction, let’s examine your choice of design university, or more importantly, the fashion schools of choice. Certain alma maters produce an exceptional level of talent, consistently. Let us see where you stand, and who stands out as your alumni and professors. (Note: we are only looking at schools that speak English. Paris has burned.)

11. University of Delaware Newark, DE

Campus Tour: The smallest state also has a small design program that is focused on quality garment making from every angle. The program follows a garment through its entire lifecycle, from the creative design and tailoring, to a focus on sustainably producing goods on both small and large scale in a socially and environmentally minded manner. An entirely student run fashion magazine, UDress, and fashion shows exist outside of class, working to show and pull fashion out of this college driven town.

Programs: Apparel Design, Merchandising, Sustainability

Student Body: 16,500

Tuition: $27,000

Star Alumni: Well, me. And a fierce force that is the backbone of the garment industry.

Alexander McQueen

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones arrives at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City.

Rick Owens

Alber Elbaz

A Very Gaga Wedding?

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:54:44 +0000

And in other “Divas: They Grow Up So Fast” news, rumor has it Lady Gaga may or may not be marrying longtime/on-off/secret boyfriend and author of The Drunk Diet, Lüc Carl. And bets are floating in on who would be assigned the Gaga-gantuan task of designing her wedding dress.

Gag’s little sis, Natali Germanotta, is the odds on favorite — possibly for the Haus of Germanotta – with notable runners-up Nicola Formichetti (natch), Gareth Pugh, Atsuko Kudo, Donatella Versace and Vivienne Westwood.

Stella McCartney and Donna Karan are the least likely candidates — I guess a shawl-collared jersey wedding gown is a bit at odds with the Gaga aesthetic. But what about a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation? I wouldn’t put it past the Lady to get married in the exact same dress as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge…only because it would be hilarious.

As for the material of the dress, bets range from balloons to flowers and glass.

But here we are putting the unicorn before the cart. News of Gaga even dating anyone is news to me, let alone getting married. I’d hope if Lady Gaga were getting married she’d at least have the decency and class to whore the story — and herself — out, Kardashian-style. [WWD]

The Tents, A History of New York Fashion Week

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:48:09 +0000

I just sneak previewed the film that has crept its way into the belly of New York’s fashionable whale. It found three glasses of Chandon and a dime-size ~~hors~~ d’oeuvre dinner. It also found the history of New York Fashion Week, which evolved from a goose chase of Manhattan’s shabbier locales to an editor-friendly runway machine inside Tents that house the most fabulous of circus on the planet. The Tents: The NY Fashion Week Documentary gives a proper remembrance to the 18 years in Bryant Park where fashion changed. Through interviews with Donna, Calvin, Betsey, Isaac, Carolina, Zac, Tommy, editors and NYFW creators, we get an über dramatic (“Editors had to take taxis all over town, HORRIBLE!”), yet pretty darn accurate collective fashion saga. Watch the chill-inducing trailer here.

The Tents Trailer from Marcus K Jones on Vimeo.

Let us remember a time when 7th was on 6th, when Betsey Johnson could roll her rolling racks down the block, skipping and singing to her show. When fashion made a spectacle for commoners to notice in the middle of a “public park”, when there was more than the 1 2 3 to get you there. When NYFW got classy, got prestige, got monetized, then outgrown.

A small recap of the film by James Belzer, formerly of Harper’s Bazaar, before you see it this Fashion Week at its true premiere:

Donna Karan Takes it To Court

Megan Turley — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:57:15 +0000

Lilo, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Casey Anthony. Court has been on the mind as of late, and not always in the most glamorous of ways. Not to worry, fashionistas! Donna Karan is here to soothe your high-heel-induced migraines (ahem, Michelle Bachman) and your sense of propriety with these amazing new images from her Fall/Winter 2011 campaign. The decidedly gray palette understatedly emphasizes the luxurious shapes and fabrics of the collection, and Isabeli Fontana‘s lawyer face makes me want to immediately take out student loans to go to law school (and to buy all of these clothes).

The campaign was shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, with creative director Trey Laird and stylist Nicoletta Santoro. Ruling: guilty of major fabulousness. Check out the images below and decide for yourself.

Fashion Group International’s Starry Night

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:29:48 +0000

Fashion Group International will honor Saks Fifth Ave CEO Stephen I. Sadove with the Superstar Award on October 27th at its annual Night of Stars gala. Also included in the honoring are professional turner of “It,” Daphne Guinness and perennial Oscar snubee, Julianne Moore.

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]

Tommy Hilfiger Wants a Piece of Michael Kors

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:04:30 +0000

Tommy Hilfiger is rumored to be one of the private investors in Michael Kors, who is looking to raise as much as $500 million to fund his eponymous brand’s global expansion.

Hilfiger would join Joel Horowtiz, Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll in the venture; the fab four were the original investors in the Tommy Hilfiger brand, while Chou and Stroll bought Michael Kors in 2003 for a reported $100 million.

Hilfiger remained coy about his involvement, saying that ”Anybody would be crazy not to invest in it. Michael Kors is the next major global player in my eyes.”

He did, however, express great confidence in his partners: ”For over 20 years, we’ve invested in things together. If they ask me, of course I’ll invest.”

Kors is planning on an initial public offering ASAP with some sources estimating the value of the company at $2 billion. While Prada is the latest clothes horse to trot out an IPO, Kors will be the first American designer in a while to do so.

Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan completed their IPOs in the late nineties, but very few brands are in as an advantageous position as Kors to lure investors with an established business that still has room to grow.

And grow it shall with Michael Kors planning on adding 50 retail locations in Greater China over the next three years, as well as a new flagship store on Fifth Ave. [WWD]

Office to Nightclub in 5 Minutes Flat

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 04 May 2011 22:07:08 +0000

The trick to most things in life involves layering. It allows you to transform your look from day to night, leaving you in almost an entirely different outfit. These two outfits side by side are the same look. Minus the blazer of course. I’ll explain what’s underneath, and why it’s okay to hide your swank from your co-workers under an oversized sport jacket.

The ensemble includes:

OVERSIZED BLAZER: This one by Acne, is long enough to cover a tight skirt. You can ditch the skirt at the office on the way out. FYI, A cardinal rule for work appropriateness – cover your bum. That said…

ROUCHE SKIRT: This one by A.L.C., you want to find one that rouches, allowing the most versatility in length. Pull it long at the office, hike it up (just a tad ladies, you’re no ho’) to party.

CROP TOP: This one by Topshop with its overall straps, it crops at the waist and fits snug with the height of the skirt. It has a make-your-own-dress effect, and you can let a strip of high midriff breath sexy.

CROPPIER CARDIGAN: This one by Preen, find a cardigan that buttons above the bust. This gives a gorgeous peekaboo to your decolletage, and makes it easier to stash in a purse. This will be your jacket for the evening.

PATTERNED HEADSCARF: This one by Modcloth, you can wrap a scarf round your neck to hid the cleavage during the day for a classic appeal. At night, tie it round your head in a bow for a royal headpiece look.

CHUNKY CHOKER: This one by Aalia, you can hide your wild jewelry underneath that classy scarf you’re wearing, and bust it out at night.

CUT OUT WEDGE: This pair by Donna Karen, a lace up wedge is perfectly right for work, but the cutouts make it sexy for night too.

**Not pictured** Be a lady, wear stockings to work. If the weather calls for it, take them off later. Play with colors and levels of opacity. Keep it classy.

Rifle through your own closet, you might be able to layer this way with what you have. If not, happy shopping! Remember – smaller separates have a longer life.

MUSE OF THE WORLD: No More Lives to Live, Dov’s Playboy Dreams and Backtracking with Matthew Williamson

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:01:19 +0000

- Here’s proof that there really isn’t life after 40. ABC is cancelling 40-plus year old soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live, leaving only General Hosptial to carry on the softly-lit torch. So where does that leave Erica Kane? How will she survive without rivals to plot against, bitches to slap and men to steal? Or will she just fade silently into that great realm of grand diva bitches…Palm Springs. [Daily Beast]

- American Apparel sleaze, Dov Charney, wants to live the Hugh Hefner lifestyle: hopped up on so many ‘ludes and Viagra he won’t know when he’s coming or on who. [Styleite]

- The world’s most expensive shoe costs nearly $230,000 and is made of solid gold and over 2200 diamonds. That’s nothing, I’ve got the world’s most expensive Crocs: $250, made of solid plastic and Cubic zirconia. It goes really well with my world’s most expensive velour tracksuit. [Telegraph]

- Noted Jew, Donna Karan, thinks John Galliano‘s anti-Semitic remarks were “”blown up out of proportion.” Karan goes on to say that Galliano is “a wonderful designer, a brilliant designer, and he probably needs help and support right now.” Well, I already know of someone who’s on the help and support bandwagon. [The Cut]

- Remember when Matthew Williamson said that Kate Middleton “isn’t a fashion bunny” and “I don’t know why everyone in fashion is waiting to see what she wears. I’m, like, thinking: get over it.” Well, turns out he was just “misquoted”: “I was referring to the fact that I’d been asked about her three times previously in the same night so it was more that I was over the fact that I’d been asked repeatedly about her. I’m setting the record straight: I’m a big fan and I’m sure she’ll make an amazing choice [for her wedding dress].” Yeah, that record is about as straight as Elton John‘s Oscar party. [Fashionista]

How To Wear Appropriate Undergarments With Spring Clothing

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:50:17 +0000

It’s hard to imagine worrying about wearing the proper undergarments on a cold day like this one – I could wear a bullet proof vest under my outfit and no one would notice. But spring is on the horizon, meaning lighter, thinner, sheerer clothing. There is nothing less fabulous than wearing inappropriate undergarments with your new spring wardrobe. Click through for a how-to on finding and wearing the proper undergarments so you don’t look a mess come pleasant temperatures.

1. Nude is a no-show. White undergarments do not disappear under white garments, so get the idea out of your head. Unless you’re going for the whole “look at my underwear” thing and are positive you can pull it off, wear nude undergarments when you see color is showing through your clothes. Chantelle Icone T-Shirt Bra in Skin combines comfort, style and function. As for underwear, Commando Low-Rise Girl Shorts in True Nude and Hanky Panky Lace Thong in Nude are both excellent options.

2. If show-through is your thing, keep it one color. The sheer trend is big, especially when letting your undergarments show through a dress. I am all about it and ready to partake come summer, but don’t channel the rainbow. Stick with one color, or block of colors, for both your bra and panties. The VPL Insertion Bra and matching VPL Convexity Undi are meant to be shown and great if you’re looking for a bright spring statement. Pair this Agent Provocateur Melody Padded Underwire Bra with the Eberjey Pima Goddess Low-Rider Bikini for a super sexy nighttime look.

3. Smooth with a slip. Gone are the days when women wore slips under everything, which isn’t a bad thing per se. But remember, slips smooth-out lumps and bumps under clingy fabrics and body-conscious designs. With a plethora of adorable and sexy slips on the market today, there is no excuse to look your best in the teeniest spring dress. For full-body options, the Agent Provocateur Zelma Satin Contour Dress will give you show-stopping curves while the Organic by John Patrick Bias Slip is perfect for the thinnest sundresses. If a half slip is more your style, the Carine Gilson Egérie Silk-Satin Half Slip is so gorgeous, you’ll never want to go without.

4. Say no to visible panty lines. This is simplest, yet most readily broken rule. If you’re wearing tight pants, WEAR A THONG. There is nothing grosser than seeing panty lines bulging out from a fitted dress or pair of pants. All lovely and comfortable, these four thongs are safe to try: Elle Macpherson Intimates Obsidian Eleanor Stretch-Silk Thong, Cosabella Soire Low-Rise Thong, La Perla Iconic Surpiqué Satin Thong and Topshop White Deep Lace Thong.

5. Conceal your bra straps. There’s nothing wrong with your bra casually peeking out from a weekday tank top, but for the love of God, don’t let it show when you’re all dolled-up and fancy. There are plenty of comfortable options out there that convert into many different styles, so all you need is one or two to start. As far as convertible options go, Donna Karan Luxe Solutions Halter Bra, Natori Body Options Convertible Bra and Huit Cupcake Bandeau Bra are some of the best. If a plain ‘ole strapless is what you’re looking for, the Calvin Klein Ivory Customized Lift Strapless Bra and Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra are both great options.

What are your secrets for looking great underneath your spring wardrobe?

Dressing Charlie Sheen’s Goddesses

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:35:58 +0000

It’s not easy being a goddess, but the first step in reaching those divine heights is looking the part. Now that Charlie Sheen‘s goddesses — a porn star and a marijuana cover girl (the criteria for goddessing these days are noticeably lax) — have been THRUST into the spotlight, it’s makeover time! After all, they’re representing Charlie Fucking Sheen here. And he deserves only the best. So here are 10 goddess-worthy gowns fresh off the runway, sure to keep the Sheen Machine running on all four cylinders.

Photo: People.com

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung really knows how to make a woman feel like a lady; something Sheen usually undoes in a matter of minutes, but a pastel pink can soften anyone’e edges.

Donna Karan

Sheer-ly you jest! I’m sure Charlie’s angels are used to anything see-through, particularly pornogal Rachel Oberlin aka Bree Olson. However, Donna Karan shows how to class up that look while still giving off a whiff of that all-important “whore” vibe; the Charlie Sheen catnip, as it were.

Jason Wu

It’s important to make a statement whenever entering a room and Jason Wu’s finale gown makes that statement loud and clear: “I’ve arrived now kill yourself.” Which is something that Charlie’s been known to utter to more than a few hookers in the past.

Giles

Every goddess has her dark side — even Aphrodite could be a ruthless, conniving bitch — but that’s not to say they still can’t look heavenly. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie loves a little leather (or a lot).

Alberta Ferretti

Some goddesses deign to walk the earth with mortals, while some come alive in nature. And for some, like Chronic Girl 2010, Natalie Kenly, nature holds the promise of some really choice bud. What better way to answer that age-old question “how green was my valley?” then with this floral-inspired number from Alberta Ferretti.

Prada

Besides ancient Greece, the greatest goddesses resided in the 70s: Diana Ross, Cher, Liza, Bianca Jagger, Elton John. Prada took a page out of that glittery era’s chapter with this sequined fur number that would look great hunched over a pile of cocaine on Charlie Sheen’s coffee table.

Versace

The bodice of this gown is positively Grecian, but the skirt says fiesta. A goddess can really kick up her tranny heels with this gam-bearing confection, whether they’re dancing vertically, or more likely, horizontally in a pool of tiger blood.

Dries Van Noten

If anything, a goddess loves to feel powerful. What’s the point of all those Sheen-baiting gifts if you don’t show ‘em off once in a while, am I right? And nothing says “power” like a gold lamé pantsuit. Business-fabulous.

Gareth Pugh

This one’s for good ole Chuck Sheen, for whenever he grows tired of those baseball caps and poly blend button downs and wants to feel pretty while showing off that Adonis DNA

Mugler

Monster Mother Goddess, Lady Gaga, can certainly share some tips on dressing the part: after walking in the Mugler show she subsequently bought the entire collection. It’s doubtful that Natalie and Rachel could walk in these towering platforms, but they’re on Team Sheen and Team Sheen is all about winning. And winners don’t fall, except perhaps from grace.

Runway Photos: Style.com

Muse of the World: Super Bowl XTINA

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:21:24 +0000

Christina Aguilera‘s not doing so well these days. Lea T. gets OWNed. And PETA screams at Donna Karan. Meanwhile, can we get someone to do something about Xtina’s hair…and everything.

Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

-This is what an Oscar looks like. [Movieline]

- Christina Aguilera is really earning her diva stripes. After her now infamous (and perhaps drunken) “reaming” of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, in addition to her divorce, flop album, flop film, and noticeable bloat, she’ll have to pull off a comeback of Spearsian proportions. (Though, let’s be real, Britney is totally phoning it in at this point.) [Gawker]

-Lea T. is getting ready to make her “O” face. She’ll be bringing her story to the greatest network ever created, OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network. Go. Head. Tranny. [Models.com]

- Prince booted Kim Kardashian‘s booty off his stage after she didn’t shake what Kris Jenner gave her hard enough. [EW]

- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen man up. [Refinery29]

- Rich bride, poor bride, tacky bride who probably shouldn’t be getting married after all. Introducing wedding dresses by Urban Outfitters! Just file the divorce papers now. [WWD]

- PETA further endears itself to absolutely no one with plans to “blast [Donna] Karan’s offices with the sound of screaming rabbits.” [New York Observer]

Character Study – Dorothy Zbornack

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:20:56 +0000

All right everyone I hope you brought your cowl-neck sweaters, your drop-waist blouses, a culotte, a slouchy boot and a bad attitude. This week’s class will be on the grand dame of grandmothers, Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak Hollingsworth.

Key Pieces: In addition to the previous items, we’re talking sequins, a string of pearls down to the ground, more sequins, Chanel doorknockers, and the occasional kitten heel.

Designers to Wear: Donna Karan, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen

Donna Karan PF 2011

Chanel HC SS2010

Marc Jacobs SS2011

Alexander McQueen SS2011

Photos: Style.com

Defining Fashion Moment: Where do I begin? I’m facing Sophie’s Choice right now, torn between two scenes. The first is from Season 7, Episode 19, “Journey to the Center of Attention.”

In a bar full of middle-aged horndogs itching to climb up Blanche’s dress (she’s not wearing any underwear…meanwhile, imagine your grandma saying that to a anyone and not being able to blame it on the Alzheimer’s) when Dorothy steals the spotlight by singing a heartfelt rendition of Irving Berlin‘s “What’ll I Do.”

All the while, she’s wearing a black blazer with gold piping and epaulets, black pants tucked into a slouchy black boot and only one major accessory — her gold Chanel doorknockers.

Perfection. Simple, chic, but still playing on that fun masculine edge. Signature Dorothy.

The second is from The Golden Girls series finale; Season 7, Episode 26, “One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest, Part 2.” Dorothy marries Blanche’s cousin, Lucas — played by Leslie Nielsen (say howyoudoin’ to Bea for me!) – after a whirlwind trip of mutual hatred, deceit and finally love that only a sitcom and a Shakespearean play can deftly pull off.

I mean, look at this dress:

Kate Middleton, take note. This is how you turn it out at your wedding.

Donna Karan PF 2011

Marc Jacobs SS2010

You & a Guest Can Dine With Michelle Obama at Donna Karan’s Home for $20,000

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:34:30 +0000

You can dine with the very lovely and always stylish First Lady Michelle Obama at Donna Karan’s home for $10,000 a person.

The reception is on October 18 at 4:30 p.m. Those of you lucky enough to have $20,000 to spare can RSVP here.

LINK LOVE: SFGate

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude Fragrance

The Fashion Web — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:24:15 +0000

%images%
It took me a years to finally breakdown and try the original Cashmere Mist and now I'm all about the extra additions. Donna Karan's Cashmere Liquid Nude Fragrance will not disappoint fans of the original scent. It's still soft and understated with a smooth…

LINK:http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/JuliaConey/all_about_the_pretty/~3/lEaULInCOsw/my-entry-13-2.html

BORDERLINE OBSESSION/FETISH: THE BEST OF THE BEST NYFW’S TOP 10.

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:46:35 +0000

RODARTE

DONNA KARAN

RUFFIAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

MARC JACOBS

ALEXANDER WANG

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

MICHAEL KORS

CUSHNIE ET OCHS

JASON WU

Swarovski Elements 22 Ways to Say Black Exhibition

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:29:58 +0000

Swarovski has partnered with 22 leading fashion designers including Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, Thakoon, Phillip Lim, Alber Elbaz and Vivienne Westwood, to each create an iconic one-of-a-kind little black dress using the brand’s loose crystal. Read more…

3.1 Phillip Lim made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Diane von Furstenberg made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Each of the designs will be auctioned off for charity on Monday, September 20 under the high-patronage of
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, first lady of France. All proceeds of the auction will benefit the American Cancer Society.

3.1 Phillip Lim made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Diane von Furstenberg made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Photography Scheltens & Abbenes

Ditch The Neon: 3 Straight-Off-The Runway Rich Lip Colors To Ring In The Fall

The Fashion Web — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:17:59 +0000

SOURCE:Ditch The Neon: 3 Straight-Off-The Runway Rich Lip Colors To Ring In The Fall

With September right around the corner, it’s time to kiss the bright lip shades of summer goodbye. But what colors could possibly replace those neon reds and hot pinks that make summer beauty so fun? Don’t slip into a beauty depression – check out three new amazing lipstick shades that will get you through the season in style:

Fall 2010 shows, like Peter Som’s (above, at left) saw some deep purple, almost black, lips. While that doesn’t exactly translate to everyday life (unless you work at a voodoo shop), you can go goth-lite with the trend using Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50). The shade looks deep purple in the tube, but glides on to a sheer berry, so it’s totally office appropriate.

We’ve been loving Maybelline’s ColorSensational ($7.49) line of lipsticks since it hit stores a few months ago, and the Red Revival shade is the ideal crimson for the cooler months, just like the one seen in Donna Karan’s runway show. This moisturizing lipstick is easy to apply and the rich color, though not for the shy, will make you want to grab a camel coat and some leather riding boots. It’s autumn in a tube.

Yet, for every bold red or purple lip that marched down the fall runways, there was a nude, almost matte, pout to counter it, like the ones at Alexander Wang. Go Ali MacGraw circa ”Love Story” with Revlon’s Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Timeless Nude ($6.74), a natural color with a hint of pink that looks good on all skin tones and won’t wash you out.

Looking to fill the rest of your makeup bag? Check out our guides for the best mascaras, lip balms, and eyeshadows.

A Rich Leather Satchel That Looks Like It’s Straight Out Of Gossip Girl I don’t know about you, but my budget for leather…
Best Find Of The Day: Trouve Sandals That Look Straight Off The Runway I’m obsessed with these Trouve ‘Trina’ sandals: they look…
Super Sexy Topshop Platform Heels That Look Straight From The Runway Super sexy heels never go out of style, and…

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Beauty Fridays: Red Lips for Fall

The Fashion Web — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:04:31 +0000

SOURCE:Beauty Fridays: Red Lips for Fall
Donna Karan F/W 2010MAC “Ruby Woo” ($16.50 CAD at MAC)Every fall, there is a sudden need for red lips. Perhaps it's the falling leaves and the general lack of colour in winter. Like every year, there were millions of red lips on the fall runways but some of my favourites were the lips at Donna Karan, Hervé Léger and Richard Chai Love. Not surprisingly, there were classic colours by MAC like “Ruby

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Kristen Bell for WWD Accessories

The Fashion Web — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:00:44 +0000

Dolce & Gabbana resin necklace; Alexander McQueen leather clutch; Mawi gold-plated metal, Crystallized-Swarovski Elements and jade bracelet; Gianfranco Ferré metal and leather belt. Oscar de la Renta silk dress

Eugenia Kim turkey feather Anna hat; Donna Karan leather gloves; Bottega Veneta leather clutch; Yves Saint Laurent suede Palais 105 pump. Lanvin wool dress

Louis Vuitton leather clutch; Balmain leather belt; Gianvito Rossi suede and leather boots. Balmain silk and polyester dress

Faraone Mennella earrings; Harry Winston necklace; Damiani necklace; Fallon necklace; Lanvin silk bag; Harry Winston bracelet; Iradj Moini bracelet. Christian Dior Adrianne dress and brief.

On Bell: Mawi gold-plated metal, jade and Swarovski crystal necklace; Brian Atwood silk shoes. Dolce & Gabbana silk bra and briefs

(WWD)

Kristen is absolutely flawless, I hardly recognized her! And those clothes….I’m simply breathless…while I love them all, looks two and three are the pinnacle of all things fabulous!

LINK LOVE:Kristen Bell for WWD Accessories

Obama's Dinner at Anna's: Tonight, the President will have dinner…

The Fashion Web — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:39:53 +0000

Tonight, the President will have dinner on Sullivan Street. Anna Wintour is hosting a fund-raising evening for Obama, who’s in town to tape an episode of The View. Guests include Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, and tickets cost about $30,000 a head. WWD

LINK LOVE:Obama's Dinner at Anna's: Tonight, the President will have dinner…

Caution: Extremely Hot!

The Fashion Web — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:46:37 +0000

As the current magazine issues are trickling in, they are chock full of beautiful coats, sweaters, jackets and boots. I’ll blog about it, but I’m really not ready to think about those cold weather pieces yet…..the first day of summer begins on June 21st. Such is the “cycle of fashion,” but I want to hold on to those spring and summer images for a while longer!

Miu Miu (this can alson be worn as a cross body bag….I love that.)

Alexander McQueen

Versace (I love the colors)

Alexander Wang

Donna Karan

Stella McCartney

Preen (this dress is called “maximum,” which is certainly understandable!)

Alexander McQueen

Theory

Juicy Couture

Red Valentino (this would be a great diy project)

See by Chloe

Juicy Couture

Valentino

T-Bags

One Vintage

Roberto Cavalli (I’m happy to see embellished jeans again. Though they are always around in one form or another, we don’t enjoy an “influx” until one of the popular designers offers them) K. Jacques St Tropez

Shay Todd (this is my kind of swimsuit…perfect for lounging. It’s too pretty to get wet! lol )

T-Bags

(netaporter.com)

LINK LOVE:Caution: Extremely Hot!

MOMENTS OF CHARITY: Celebs Attend Love Ball For The Naked Heart Foundation

Annabelle Cheesecake, Parisian Princess — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:07:16 +0000

Natalia Vodianova hosted the Love Ball for her own foundation, The Naked Heart Fundation, which helps children with cancer. She helped design a necklace with De Beers in order to raise money for her cause.

Natalia dressed in Louis Vuitton and looked amazing. Peaches Geldof was also really cute, but Alice Dellal looked awful wearing some sort of rags. Also in attendance, Donna Karen and Leona Lewis.

SPREAD: ‘Everything and the Farm’ for Vogue November 09

Rebecca Alexander — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:50:06 +0000

Photographed by Mario Testino and styled by fashion editor Tonne Goodman, Karlie Kloss gets dirty on the farm in clothes by Marni, Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Isaac Mizrahi, Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Paul Smith and A.P.C.

Find more photos like this on ENVY

LINK LOVE: trendhunter

Designer Line Up for Mercedes-Benz Released

Rebecca Alexander — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:16:27 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will kick off with Michael Angel followed by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Duckie Brown, Ports 1961, Cesar Galindo, Cynthia Steffe, Yigal Azrouel, Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, This Day/Arise: African Fashion Collective, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Academy of Art University, Christian Siriano, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, DKNY, Thuy, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, TonyCohen, Gottex, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Toni Maticevski, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Dennis Basso, Willow, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein, Chocheng, Argentinean Designer Collections and Tommy Hilfiger.

Most Anticipated Collections for Spring 2010

Marissa Moshell, Student — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:28:07 +0000

With their Fall ’09 collections having hit the runway, we’re expecting just as great of a show for Spring 2010 from these top 20 designers.

MAINSTREAMERS

Alexander McQueen:

Each of McQueen’s Fall ’09 pieces were sculpted to perfection to create forms in unique patterns and versatile shapes.

Marc Jacobs:

Marc Jacobs was all about the bright colors with this collection. Grabbing inspiration from 80s fashion, the neon hues and big shoulders were a hit on the runway.

Prada:

With fur shapes, wool suits, and some knee high boots, Prada styles hit the runway in edgy fashion

Balenciaga:

With draped satin and silk, paired with fitted tops and flowy dresses, the Balenciaga collection was all about luxury and versatility.

Louis Vuitton:

Bubble skirts, coats, and a ton of accessories marched down the runway for Louis Vuitton Fall’09, of course, bright colors added that perfect touch on all pieces.

Donna Karan:

Fitted coats and long skirts accessorized with belts and necklaces produced a strong collection for Donna Karan this fall.

Alexander Wang:

Focusing mostly on blacks and whites, Alexander Wang explored much more with textures for fall ’09. With each style paired with a matching accessory models looked the part from head to toe.

Moschino:

Ruffles and roses were at the forefront of Moschino’s line up for this Fall ’09 collection. Navy and black dresses with a hint of red adds that special something to each piece.

Roberto Cavalli:

Lace leggings, fur jackets, and knitted fabrics were all part of Roberto Cavalli’s image for Fall ’09.

Lanvin:

Leave it to Lanvin to let loose black gloves and intriguing silhouettes down the runway. With dresses and coats in beige, black, and white, the designer remembers the excitement of color with the occasional spark of red.

Proenza Schouler:

Though many designers stuck to inspiration of the past for Fall ’09, Proenza Schouler kept it modern for the runway. High necks and fitted coats were all a part of the designers vision for the season.

Alexandre Herchcovitch:

Alexandre Herchcovitch was all about the idea of chaos for his fall ’09 collection. Taking inspiration from big cities, multi-textured coats and printed dresses marched down the runway.

THE INDIE TEAM

A. F. Vandevorst:

For Fall ’09 A.F. Vandevorst dreamt-up silk dresses and fur vests colored in quite a specific scheme. With trenches in variations of beige, green, and black it’s clear that this collection was one of a kind.

ADAM:

Releasing an array of colorful styles, ADAM put forth bright, upbeat separates for Fall ’09.

Erdem:

It was all about embroidery and intense color for Erdem’s Fall ’09 collection; lace and satin worked together to create ensembles fit for the runway.

Haider Ackermann:

With flowy dresses under more fitted and architectural coats, Haider Ackermann found that perfect line to combine edge and sophistication.

Ann Demeulemeester:

Stiff black works combined with soft white dresses allowed Ann Demeulemeester to explore the importance of balance for Fall ’09.

Rodarte:

Working with pale schemes, leathers, and silk-screened styles, Rodarte lead a flood of breathe-taking dresses and skirts down the catwalk.

Phi:

Zippers and sequins were among Phi’s best looks for the Fall ’09 season. Edgy styles made it clear that the collection was really for the strong and independent woman.

Albino:

Focusing on geometric shapes and silk dresses, bronze, black, and even a few bright-colored numbers made a strong statement when they took the runway.

Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Goes Tonic

Kirby Marzec — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:36:40 +0000

When was the last time you heard of someone bringing philanthropy, commerce and fashion together to raise awareness and inspire change? In today’s economy, such altruists may be few and far between, but rest assured, that someone exists in Pankaj Shah, the founder and CEO of Tonic. With a heart of good intentions and luck in his back pocket, Shah stumbled into the fashion world, collaborating with designers Luella Bartley and Tara Subkoff on t-shirts promoting non-profit organizations and social good.

Though Shah pegs himself to be fashion-senseless, his overall worldly awareness mission recently snagged Donna Karan and her charity, The Urban Zen Foundation, for the most recent of Tonic’s collaborations. Starting today, a variety of eco-friendly t-shirts, sold exclusively on Tonic.com, go on sale to promote and support four main causes: Well Being, Save Our Planet, Preserving Cultures and Future For Our Children.

10% of each shirt sold will go to both, The Urban Zen Foundation and The Tonic Foundation, helping the Karan and Shah’s teams take one step closer to change. Each shirt sells for $65 and is made of a bamboo, organic cotton blend. Help aid two amazing charities, support a designer on a mission and raise awareness.

The first Fashion Indie reader to comment this post will win this exclusive Donna Karan Urban Zen Tee!

WTF!?! Donna Karan #fashionfail

Andy Wass — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:58:04 +0000

Oh, Donna. We can’t all be Olsens!

The surprisingly misguided designer showed up in this deteriorating get-up to Wednesday’s Bent On Learning Charity event at Stephen Weiss Studio in New York.

Photo from Jezebel.

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 25: Designer Donna Karan attends the Bent On Learning Charity event at Stephen Weiss Studio on February 25, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donna Karan

Tonic Launches Celeb Ipod Auction Series

Marissa Moshell, Student — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:00:17 +0000

We tell you all the time that music is a great source of inspiration for tons of designers everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before people started to wonder what that music was, and now you can listen to it! The website Tonic has launched a Celebrity Ipod Auction Series. Listen to all of your beloved designers’ favorite tunes. Every week a new group of signed ipods is up for auction.

The auctions are all intended to benefit Music Rising, an organization that works to replace damaged or lost instruments in a particular hurricane affected region. This week Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs are on the list!

Tim Gunn Joins PETA: Fashion Indie Is FURious!

Kirby Marzec — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:28 +0000

PETA is like that pushy bully back in middle school who told you that all the cool kids money from their mom’s purse. First it’s the purse, then it’s holiday bake sale and before you know it, you’re robbing the Bank of America down the street. Unfortunately for Tim Gunn, peer pressure got the best of him as he is now the new spokesman for decrying the use of rabbit fur in China. What happened to designers with a backbone? Come on people, if your thing is fur, then use fur! Really, I am astounded the PETA actually got to Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani, scaring them away from future fur use. I understand PETA’s plight is for the ethical treatment of animals, but their constant public torture is sacrificing the fashion industry. What fur using designers fail to understand that it is impossible for PETA to crush their market. Okay, so the vegan girl down the street might not buy your mink coat, but someone else will! Besides, she probably has more important things to buy…like buy all natural, organic brussel sprout puffs.

So designers, keep a stiff upper lip and don’t back down to the threats of PETA, completely ruining your reputation and aesthetic as a designer. Instead of running over the fox for your latest fur coat with a semi, lightly smack it over the head with a brick.

Designer Discovery: Forme D’Expression

Corey Moran — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:42 +0000

This amazing Italian came to when Koeun Park, former designer for the Giorgio Armani Black Collection and Donna Karan, decided he had enough with bandwagon fashion. His latest Spring 2009 collection is definitely anything but bandwagon. Choosing to go with straight up fashion pieces rather then a trend saturated collection, Park has made shown how he can mix his past work with Armani and Karan to create a wearable, desirable line.

Thanks to Selectism for the snapshots.