Photo: Style.com

Color Palette: Evergreen, red oak and heather grey

Mood: Dark but sensual, mysterious and glamorous

Statement Pieces: Obviously the aforementioned giant raccoon hats as well as an opulent silver fox coat. But a sheer python print silk chiffon gown paired with leather evening gloves — a reoccurring and rather lovely accessory featured throughout the entire collection — was sublime.

Front Row Name Drops: Tried my darndest but I couldn’t recognize anyone. Guess it’s time I brush up on my directory of mid-range celebrities.

Runway Music: “Too Insistent” by The Dø

[Fashion Gone Rogue]

All the girls at the party, look at that body of work – the line is comprised of 15 pieces ranging from coats, jackets, vests, scarves, gloves and other accessories.

It’s out now, available in the Fur Salon of select Saks Fifth Avenue, and Maximilian Fur Salon at select Bloomingdales.

Sure, the tanuki — the Japanese name for a raccoon dog –  is a real animal that is skinned alive for its fur; unarguably an awful and inhumane practice. But Mario is a fictional character. And he doesn’t actually kill any tanukis to gain his flying abilities — if my memory of Super Mario Bros. 3 serves me correctly, there’s a feather involved — so PETA’s argument that the little Italian plumber is “sending a message that it’s ok to wear fur” is,  like most things PETA does, complete and utter bullshit.

But, never ones to let logic get in the way, the lovely folks at PETA took time out of their busy paint-throwing schedules to concoct this little game in which you play a tanuki chasing after a flying Mario, dripping with blood from his ill-gotten fur. Kudos to those belligerent tree-huggers for bringing to light the plight of the tanuki, but their argument against Mario is as facile as claiming the game reinforces stereotypes of Italian-Americans or promotes drug use.

Okay, the drug use thing might have a ring of truth to it, considering that Mario and Luigi dig up more mushrooms than small-town Deadheads…but I digress. [Buzzfeed]

After a unanimous vote last month to ban the sale of new fur apparel, the council is taking a time out to clarify what fur goods would be covered under the ban and to gain information from retailers who would be affected. The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce opposes the ban and local retailers — 46% of whom carry fur — are worried that their customers will go to neighboring cities to get their paws on some paws.

Sure, banning fur seems like the “humane” thing to do, but the city council is overlooking the true victims of this impending ban: the drag queens of West Hollywood. Are they really going to force those trannies to schlep across city lines just for a fur chubby and matching muff? Won’t someone think of the queens?! [WWD]

Dora Abodi

Hungarian designer Dora Abodi designed a faux fur coat for her Fall/Winter 2011 collection that will have you bright-eyed and bushy tailed despite harsh temperatures. Girly from the front with plush red buttons, this coat has a tail on the back that will ward off the big bad wolf on your way to grandmother’s house.

- More fashion shows featured models of color this season than in seasons past. Yay dwindling racism! [Styleite]

- i-D‘s “Dreams and Aspirations” issue features a very-Twiggy Abbey Lee Kershaw, Lara Stone, Fei Fei Sun and of course, Carine on its covers. [Models.com]

- Raquel Zimmermann goes through 14 YSL looks in under a minute, as shot by Inez and Vinoodh. [Modelinia]

- Gisele got out of a speeding ticket — with the kids in the back — basically for being Gisele. [Boston Herald]

- West Hollywood is this close to banning fur — a sigh of relief to the city’s massive bear community. [Refinery29]

- Speaking of the gays, queens from coast to coast can now serve openly in the armed forces. Finally! I can find a few good men. [HuffPo]

What: Boardwalk Empire, Season 2

When: September 25th, 9 p.m.

Where: HBO

Trends to look for: Fur, beaded flapper dresses, red lips, Marcel waves, three-piece suits, cigarette holders, long pearls, cloche hats, fascinators and watch fobs

There can only be one explanation for such a dream….

I won a trip to COACHELLA 2012!!! Here’s how:

If you haven’t heard of SSENSE.com by now, my friends you are in for a treat (the stylish kind, not the caloric kind).  SSENSE is a killer online luxury retailer with just one brick-and-mortar shop located on a beautiful cobblestoned street in Old Montreal.  The site has been a major influence in online luxury retail since 2003, with over 10 million visitors monthly  and over 400,000 visitors per day.

“‘One picture is worth ten thousand words’* and these carefully selected images are set to inspire anybody fascinated by either fashion, foibles, or simply the photographs themselves,” Elizabeth Walker says in the book’s introduction. “It is all about stylish contrasts, strange situations and rarely glimpsed pictures; all set to get the mind buzzing and the creative juices flowing.”

*Frederick R. Barnard 1927 Printer’s Ink

It’s difficult to put this amazing book into words when the story in-between the covers are told through photographs. And so, here are some of the coolest images that will surely inspire your wardrobe this week.

Rolling Stones Brian Jones sports a striped suit in 1967.

Lauren Hutton rocks a menswear-inspired look at Studio 54 in 1978.

Kate Moss wears a white fox wrap at Mario Testino’s London exhibition in 2002.

Diana Ross wearing a graphic black and white jumpsuit in 1983.

Joan Collins looking gorgeous in high-waisted jeans in 1955.

And there is more where that came from. Walker explores 13 trends that have been relevant since the 19th century until modern times.

What owning this book says about you: I love fashion history and the evolution of trends throughout the years. I’m a classic girl always looking for ways to update a definitive dressing movement.

What your dinner guests will say upon seeing this book on your coffee table: This book goes so well with the vintage clothes in your closet. I love Oscar Wilde in that fur coat!

How this book will make your fashion brain grow: By learning where trends came from and how they’ve evolved throughout the years, you’ll find new ways to recycle your classic pieces. True style comes through knowing the art and adaptation of fashion through time.

If you like this, you’ll love: American Fashion, Special Edition by Charlie Sheips

The show, scheduled for June 2nd, was meant to “promote Seoul to  the world,” according to Joseph Sung, a Seoul government official, but local civic groups won’t let the fur fly. Says Sung, “The [animal lovers] are against it.”

A house spokeswoman insists, however, that fur is “part of the DNA of Fendi” and they are staunch in their position. Understandably so, as all the time and energy Karl Lagerfeld put into personally strangling those baby animals — he’s very hands on when it comes to design — would be for naught. [WWD]

For more info visit Elizabeth and James online!

*Bands. No solo acts were considered for this list. Or we all know Bowie would be up here.

#10 - NIRVANA

Kurt Cobain embodies the grunge revolution of the nineties. He synced the music to the laying low layered baggy flannel I-couldn’t-care-less look. It was an anti-fashion statement, a call to his own philosophy with reckless comfort, and thus it became fashion.

#9 – GUNS N ROSES

Of the glam metal hair bands that existed in thick of the eighties, Axel Rose and his lusciously locked bandmates were some of the most authentic in the genre. Their punk tinged solid rocker look made their shaggy manes manly. Power leather, head banging bandanas, faded shrunken graphic tees and hand cut effects complement their genuine rockstar songs.

#8 THE KILLERS

The intrinsic cool of Brandon Flowers emanates throughout The Killers. They create the kind of music that so easily sounds contrived when attempted by others, and the same goes for their look. Their polished quality with major statement, like feather shoulders or fur jackets, embodies both music and style in the best light.

#7 – OUTKAST

Big Boi keeps it hood. André 3000 blasts it into the future while tossing around a twenties vibe. He raised his waistline when no one else did and created mayhem with his look in “Hey Ya!” Their music is as smooth and superfast-paced as their appearance.

#6 – THE CLASH

As key players in the original wave of British punk, their shredded, zipped and right tight aesthetic weighed heavily in the formation of the genre. Their politically driven lyrics are backed by their F-you look and general badassery.

#5 – MGMT

This psych rock group from the here and now is a major reason that American Apparel stocked its shelves with blinding neon. Their exceptional style leads Andrew VanWyngarden and Benjamin Goldwasser to experimentation and wild inspiration. For instance, on their website a fan asks, “What inspired the fashion choice for Lolla[palooza] in Grant Park? You looked pretty hot in those jackets. (In every sense of the word.) Amazing.” Andrew’s answer? Quite amazing indeed.

#4 – LED ZEPPELIN

Gah, it’s effortless. The unbuttoned bare chested sexiness of Robert Plant is only upped by the fur collared leather trench of John Bohnam, complemented by the multi-tonal jacket on John Paul Jones and completed by Jimmy Page‘s slick tweed. Their ever present style had the same air as their music; the loudest, most soulful wails and riffs and rips always rode the chillest undercurrent.

#3 – JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE

Jimi Hendrix dressed like the psychedelic royalty he was. Purple and mind altering patterns enwrapped him as he lit guitars on fire, shredded it with his teeth, and as LSD dripped down from the scarf tied around his head (allegedly). The Experience was a spectacle; heady music enhanced tenfold by the showmanship of Hendrix.

#2 – THE ROLLING STONES

The Stones are the greatest vaudeville act of all time, never ceasing. Clothing slings on their rockstar bodies with ease, as does some of the greatest rock and roll ever performed pour out of them. They started out, much like The Beatles and every early British Invasion band thereafter in straight suits and matching haircuts. With time and money they evolved into wearing spectacle-worthy designer pieces like Mick Jagger’s Prada cock feather fedora or these pants. Keith Richards sparked the eyeliner earringed look that Johnny Depp so famously adopted for Captain Jack Sparrow. Undeniable sex appeal lies as much in their music as in style of larger than life, gender bending (yet deeply masculine) cool. And they’re still at it now.

#1 – THE BEATLES

The boys who brought rock and roll to the masses went through a series of evolutions in their seven years as a band. They began clean cut and mop topped, singing sweet yet earth shaking songs of holding hands, sharing secrets, twisting and shouting above the echoing shrieks and screams of crazed fans across the globe.  Always the epitome of class, they experimented with the finest suiting in the world, and it was Pierre Cardin who introduced them to the Indian Nehru jacket. Once they receded from the touring spotlight, they blossomed further as style icons. Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour brought psychedelia to the forefront with neon military regalia, wild paisleys, beads, thin chains, moustaches and acid. Onto The White Album, which they wrote most of while practicing transcendental meditation in an ashram, they developed further spiritually and grew into newer versions of themselves. John Lennon was looking more like Jesus every day, and solidifying his round spectacle staple. Paul McCartney kept charmingly classy, now paring back the brights. George Harrison grew ever more spiritual, keeping a relaxed finery about him. Ringo was actually the most fashionably daring of the four, hamming up the giant rings and divinely accessorizing. The Beatles were indisputable trendsetters as their image and sound transformed through time, transforming the world around them.

Made from Kidassia goat hair, this skirt makes her seem like a mythical creature.

Chinchilla dyed marigold holds its appeal in the bright horizontal gradation.

Drawstrings at the wrists allow for adjustability, and he introduces the rope as belt. And look at the lining, it seems to be like some kind of super soft jersey. You could just crawl up and die in it.

Photos courtesy of nymag.com

In other Fashion-Johnny Weir related news, he will be the featured “centerpiece” in Elise Øverland’s show at NY Fashion Week. He’s also teaming up with furrier Adrienne Landau to mastermind a fur coat, the likes of which we’ve probably never seen. Johnny’s unabashed passion for fur makes perfect sense. He lives on the ice. And he was probably Russian in a past life. “I love things that come from dead things,” said he on an episode of his Sundance reality show Be Good Johnny Weir. But please no PETA hating for Johnny. Just love.

Link Love: The Cut

Oversized raccoon skin hat – Intermix, $225

Alexander McQueen shearling ski boot, $674

Stella McCartney for Adidas neck warmer, $90

Chanel ski set, $4500

Italian fur lined leather gloves, $136

Godiva hot chocolate, $10

This is not a joke, New York. Prepare, for we are getting inches, no, feet! of white (and soon-to-be black) precipitation, sure to snuff out sanitation service again. Arm yourselves now with the proper tools to get you through such another blizzard.

If you think you’ll need to get somewhere quick, or don’t want to give up your morning central park jog, get these Adidas by Stella McCartney sneaker/snow-boot hybrids.

Just trying to curl up inside and sit with cocoa and Kahlua till the storm passes? I’d prefer a cape like this See by Chloé Reindeer (this season, too, shall pass) Cape, as opposed to the Snuggie. Your blanket doesn’t need arms, you need a cape.

This is an appropriate time for a fluffy down coat, such as this Marc by Marc Jacobs double breasted poof.

If you can get your hands on Grandma’s luscious vintage mink coat, that will keep you roasty toasty till the snow’s gone. (Really, vintage, please… we’ve had enough dead animals this week).

Screw a simple scarf and think bigger. You need the depth and warmth cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren.

Forgo everything, if you can hibernate in the Chanel wookie suit.

Blizzard Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images North America

LINK LOVE: TFS

More than 200 fashion leaders in Norway are rallying behind the cause. Save the critters!

Oslo Fashion Week in Norway will look a little different this February. Men and women will be unashamedly fur-less.

Forest creatures and animal lovers can thank a group called Mote Mot Pels (Fashion Against Fur) for the pelt prohibition. The fur-loving group won the support of fashion giants like Norwegian Elle, Norwegian Cosmopolitan and designers Leila Hafzi and Thomas Ryen to cap their victory.

Well done, Norway. You’re like the Ace Ventura of world countries.

[Link Love: Ecouterre]

1. Wear more fur. I want to be on PETA‘s “Most Wanted List” in 2011. Hell, I’d kill a family of chinchillas, skin them and wear them if I could. Nature is going to shit anyway, so why not put those endangered species to good use? Drape me from head to stiletto in fur and if possible, blood diamonds — I will single-handedly ruin what’s left of this world.

2. No more jeggings. This is a hard one. I officially own more pairs of jeggings than I do of actual jeans, but the trend is already becoming horribly outdated. Still, on a bloated day, there’s nothing more comfortable than breathable cotton. Except maybe breathable cotton and a pint of Mint Chocolate Chip iced cream. I mean, you’re already bloated, might as well go down with the ship.

3. Find shoes that actually fit me. Yesterday I found a bit of blood in my socks from my combat boots digging unmercifully into my heels. And my pinky toe is all but dead from being constantly wedged into vintage shoes. But sometimes you have to pounce on a Cuban heel and suck it up for the sake of fashion.

4. Learn to tie a bowtie. Right now I only (sadly) have one bowtie, a clip on chambray from American Apparel. However, it behooves a gentleman to know how to properly affix a bowtie. That, and to mix a proper cocktail and to properly kiss another man with tongue.

5. Rely less on H&M. Gaga knows I love those damned Swedes. The majority of my wardrobe derives from Hennes and Mauritz, but as my style and tastes develop, I will inevitably have to stray from the flock. However, if they continue with their all-star collaborations, I might have to throw this resolution under the bus, much like the year I decided to “cut back on drinking.”

6. Bring back the ascot. This has been a resolution of mine since I was about 14 and why not?, it’s a perfectly reasonable neck accessory that doesn’t at all remind people of hapless, blond, teenaged snoops.  Over the years, I’ve periodically worn ascots to varying degrees of success. Once, I wore it on a job interview and I like to think it had nothing to do with my not receiving a callback.

7. Get photographed by The Sartorialist. This is partly just me stroking my own vanity. Okay, it’s completely just me stroking my own vanity, but dammit, do you think I’m walking around in capes, sequins and harem pants for fun?! Okay, I totally am, but I would at least like it documented for posterity’s sake.

8. Find a practically-sized day bag. When traipsing about New York, I like to be prepared for any and everything, thus I carry a man purse that would put Mary Poppins’ magical carpet bag to shame. More than once have I pulled out a coat rack from the depths of my tote, but no longer! I’m actually contemplating a stylish backpack (suggestions, anyone?), or a medium-sized tote for my everyday travels. And that’s what I like to call “progress.”

9. Find a good tailor. A good tailor is absolutely essential — not just to let out one’s clothing after gorging on holiday fare, though that in itself is god’s work — but sometimes the perfect pair of pants can be a bit too big or a bit too short. Enter a tailor and for a few bucks, those Cheap Mondays look a little less cheap.

10. Shop more. The bottom-line to all this resolving and promise-making is that I need to step up my shopping game. That means I’ve got to throw around more plastic than an Ultimate Frisbee championship, roll out more dough than a pizzeria and carry more bags than Oprah‘s eyes.

It’s a tough job, but in order to truly make a change in 2011, it’s necessary.

Yes. I. Can.

Cartoon: Political Graffiti

1. The Fur Coat (preferably over a bikini) – Fur is an absolute necessity come winter and it’s so warm that you can wear anything underneath it. So why not throw on your favorite maillot, two-piece or speedo to sex up that dead animal carcass draped around your shoulders. Or if that’s not your cup of vodka, there’s always the reliable fur bikini: the perfect melding of two disparate worlds into one completely unnecessary garment.

Raquel Welch, fur bikini pioneer

2. The Union Suit – This practical one-piece, usually intended as an undergarment, is easily translatable to chic outerwear. Just think of it as another fashion-forward jumpsuit with adjustable decolletage: you can unbutton to collarbone, ribcage or navel level. And if you’re feeling especially frisky, undo the butt flap to reveal something chic…or something cheek.

3. The Muff – Basically a giant portable sleeve, the muff is perfect for concealing a compact, a lipstick or my favorite accessory, a purse gun. It’s the lady’s way of smuggling contraband while keeping those murderous manicured nails warm and unchipped.

4. The Trapper Hat – While your hands look like they are covered by a pillow in a muff, your head can look like a family of raccoons made a nest then subsequently died on it with the irresistibly comfortable trapper hat.

5. The Cape - Capes aren’t just for vampires, superheroes and drag queens (my own personal superheroes) – they’re a sleeveless alternative to a boring old coat and come in a variety of shapes, lengths and materials. And also come in handy when pretending to be a vampire/superhero/drag queen…or the resulting combination, André Leon Talley.

6. The Cowl – The cowl is my preferred method of neck warmth, not that  I have anything against a scarf. After all, you can’t dramatically throw a cowl around your neck for a scene-stealing exit, but it’s charm is in its ease and functionality. Just slip your head through one end and burrow your way through to the other. It’s like birth without all that unpleasant vagina action.

7 . Opera Gloves – This last staple is for those strapless fancy nights on the town spent dancing, boozing and schmoozing, since no one goes to the opera anymore. Adorn them with bracelets, cuffs and whatever diamonds you can smuggle in your muff to ratchet up the glamour.

And there you have it. If you have at least some of these items in your closet, this winter might not seem as bleak nor chill as many bones. And if you need any more incentive, you’ll probably save a clutch purse of dough on Halloween.

Roger, dahling, you’re absolutely wretched!

Imagine, this fox body bag is not available for purchase in all the World Wide Web. You’ve got to go direct to the source for this one. $5,200 at Roger Vivier, New York 212.861.5371

1. Johanne Mills Mink Fur Earrings, £150- The semi permanent earmuff stays on when the coat comes off. These little mink dot earrings will tickle the lobes all day long.

2. L’Agence Shearling Pocketed Stole, $1,515- These pockets, though useful for an iPhone stow, are best made for hands. Keep them toasty in-pocket, and release the need for an iffy finger-tipped touch screen-friendly glove. Throw it over a coat in the great outdoors, and keep it on over the base layer once inside.

3. Dolce & Gabanna Three-Zip Lily Twist Satchel, $1,790- Who’d bother to lug a living pet around town when your tote can be just as cuddly, and a little less wily? D&G use calfskin and coyote fur to create man’s best gift.

4. Rachel Comey Fur Purse, $128-  Fur pom-pom as purse is a tactile pleasure. With just enough space for the essentials, it’ll swing soft and light against the body, like a light nuzzle.

5. Rick Owens Three Fox Rings Gloves, $853- Give the gift of fur-cuffed long-armed gloves. Keep your wrists bundled and the warmth will spread.

6. Pierre Hardy Fur Bootie, $1,937- A bootie with tufts of hair sticking out the middle? Surprisingly, yes please. Pony hair down the tongue of this bootie makes for an elegant stride.

7. SpiritHoods Wolf Hat, $128- Won’t kill for fashion? Camouflage an animal lover in this one-man-wolf-pack hat. It’s faux, so when she goes running with wolves, they won’t sniff her out as a furrier.

A look at the sauciest fur leg warmers this side of penguin country…

Holy Sasquatch! What’s you favorite(s)?

Here’s a list of what to get the dog or dog lover in your life by Manny Serrano:

If approved by Obama, it might just change your shopping habits.

(The next time you grab a varmint fur coat for 90 percent off at K-Mart – you’ll know it’s a ferret/cat blend.)

The bill applies to any fur valued under $150.

I’m not sure this is a good thing or bad thing. Do I really want to know I’m buying a ferret/cat coat?

Idris & Tony shot this editorial  called “Let It Grow”for Geil magazine’s Fall/Winter issue. Nothing keeps you warmer during those winter nights than a burly man dressed in nothing but his own fur.

There are better photos  in  the LB World… which one wins the top spot.. thoughts?

The luxe fur and incredible iceberg inspired heel get me excited for the cold weather that is soon coming.  Love or hate?

Authentic Marc Jacobs CHEWBACCA hair-on satachel. M Jacobs partners with Evil Empire to bring you the galaxy’s hottest handbags.

Marc Jacobs is clearly an innovator. But did you know he is bananas for Star Wars?

For his latest handbag installment, Jacobs scoured the outer galaxies finally landing in the nether regions of Naboo to obtain the ultimate satchel medium: WOOKIE FUR!!

Available at a space retailer near you for remarkably low £37 solar shillings.

Absurd girl-crush on Freja Beha Erichsen aside, this is every hedonist’s dream. Hopefully nothing’s too NSFW, as we couldn’t quite tell the difference between the emaciated boy chests and the girl boobs.

Get in on all the sexy action at LOOKBOOKS.

LINK LOVE: Jezebel

oiiiiiiii – loving Alexander Wang goat fur boots.

….he’s showing off now innit!!!

LINK LOVE:oiiiiiiii – loving Alexander Wang goat fur…

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The Nutria is an overpopulating rodent that is destroying wetlands across America. It also makes a nice coat…

The above creature is a Nutria, a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent which is destroying wetlands across North and South America by tearing vegetation out at the roots. It is 20 pounds big and two feet wide, and has luxurious coat worthy fur. The animal has overpopulated and the officials have decided that the way to deal with the situation is to make fur.

This brings us back to the original question: Is it eco friendly to kill and wear animal carcass if the animal is destroying our food resources?

LINK LOVE: VF

“If you cannot afford it, just forget about it. Don’t use it as an investment piece to show people how rich you are. Use it like a cheap knitted thing. It’s like a big stone. Lucky you that you can have a big stone, but if it troubles you financially to have the stone, don’t have the stone. If you can afford it, OK. But if you think it’s an investment, then forget about it.”

Check out more here.

Entire interview on Vice

Fashion week in New York kicked off last week and one prominent trend seen for Fall/Winter 2010 was fur—in every way imaginable. From the more typical fur jackets & coats to fur cover purses and even furry shoes.

Hopefully, the masses will only wear fur if it’s fake when fall comes around again this year, otherwise I just find the trend slightly nauseating.

Can’t believe I’m writing something positive about Amber Rose, but I LOVE/NEED/MUST HAVE whatever this fannypack/muff/belt Louis Vuitton thing is!!!

Image via ICYDK

I get it, you’re rich! But is this much dead animal really necessary? This is just obnoxious!

Image via Just Jared

“People in fashion just don’t want to hear the messages. I find it astounding, because fashion is supposed to be about change – I mean, we’re supposed to be at the cutting edge! I can only think they don’t care as much as people in other industries. So, yes, I think people in fashion are pretty heartless. They must be! Why on earth would they use fur and leather otherwise? There’s no excuse for fur in this day and age. Baby kids are boiled alive. Foxes are anally electrocuted. If that’s not heartless, what is?”

- Stella let’s us know what she really thinks about fashion peeps.

Love the fur shawl! The shoot is pretty simple and low key. Definitely dig it!

Gallery: SPREAD UM: Leelee Sobieski For Oyster Magazine

via Egotastic

GALLERY: FIRST LOOK: Zara Fall 2009 Collection

Thanks Racked!

GALLERY: TRENDSPARK: Touches Of Fur

Thanks Elle!

“Wear Fur and I’ll Eat Your Fucking Head Off!!!!”

PETA just hired strippers from Rick’s Cabaret to represent their anti-fur campaign. Apparently, they know a thing or two about keeping themselves “fur-free”. That was pubic hair joke if you didn’t get it.

LINKAGE: PETA Hires Strippers for New Anti-Fur Ad Campaign