FashionIndie » Gwyneth Paltrow

Andrej Pejic Struts Down the Aisle, Carine Rotifeld’s Mag Getting a Doc and Galliano Schiaparelli Rumors

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:23:47 +0000

- Always one to turn lemons into overpriced lemonade, Marc Jacobs is now selling T-shirts bearing his graffitied storefront for $689, to the chagrin of the graffiti artist, Kidult. [The Cut]

- Jessica Simpson can barely give her baby photos away. The new mother has sold them for a mere $800,000 to People, a paltry pittance compared to Jennifer Lopez‘s $6 million and even Matthew McCounaghey‘s $3 million. It’s a sad day when you can’t even pull that Wooderson dough. [WWD]

- Who needs someone to put a ring on it when you look this damn good? Male model and lithe lady Andrej Pejic graced the Rosa Clara runway during Barcelona Bridal Week, thus upstaging every other biological woman. [Styleite]

- Rihanna‘s got a second capsule collection for Armani Jeans. [Refinery29]

- Giorgio Armani has thrown his hat into the Olympic ring, designing uniforms for the Italian team and joining the ranks of America’s Ralph Lauren and the UK’s Stella McCartney for what he calls “the most fashionable Olympic Games ever.” Well, considering athletes used to run around naked, perhaps it’s not that big of a deal. [Telegraph]

- Director Fabien Constant has gained “unprecedented access” to Carine Roitfeld as he films the creation of her new magazine, CR Fashion Book, for the documentary Mademoiselle C, which will feature interviews with besties Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford and Donatella Versace. [Fashionologie]

- Rumor has it John Galliano might take over the relaunched Schiaparelli label, though the man behind the relaunch, Diego Della Vale, remains cagey saying he expects to hire someone by September. P.S. I’m totes taking credit for said rumor. [NYT]

- Gwyneth Paltrow is the new face of “Boss Nuit Pour Femme” fragrance by Hugo Boss. The actress, singer, lifestyle guru and all-around brick house will appear in TV, print and online ads for the scent, inspired by the little black dress. [WWD, sub req'd]

10 Greenest Style Icons

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:13:21 +0000

Too often we judge people by the color of their gowns, and not the content of their character. Aside from acting, or modeling or baby-birding their children, stars today have a cadre of causes near and dear to their famous hearts. As our month of eco awareness rolls along the river, we highlight some fabulous women who are doing their part — and then some — to preserve nature. These ten ladies prove you can help the environment and still look damn good doing it.

Gisele Bündchen A Goodwill Ambassador for the UN's Environmental Program since 2009, Mrs. Brady not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. Her insanely popular line of flip-flops, Ipanema Gisele Bündchen, supports the Fight Against Climate Change Central Strategy and the super launched the Clean Water Project in her hometown of Horizontina, Brazil.

Cate Blanchett Blanchett is equally known for her impeccable style as for her impeccable acting, but in addition she's worked as the co-artistic director for the Sydney Theater Company which she helped install 1900 solar panels at The Wharf Theater.

Stella McCartney Stella comes from a long line of eco-friendliness -- I still remember Paul and Linda McCartney extolling the virtues of vegetarianism on The Simpsons -- but she's taken her commitment to the environment seriously when it comes to her business with organic clothing, carbon neutral shopping bags and a studio powered by wind.

Natalie Portman A vegetarian since she was a kid, Natalie Portman is as green as they come. Even when gallivanting around Rwanda saving gorillas with Jack Hanna, Portman always looks frustratingly gorgeous.

Julia Roberts Pretty woman -- cleaning up the street. Julia's a huge proponent of recycling, organic shopping bags, disposable diapers, composting and just about everything else you can do to go green.

Salma Hayek As the wife of François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of PPR which counts among its stable of luxury brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, Hayek lives a fashionable life. But she also lives a sustainable life by driving a fuel-efficient hybrid and outfitting her home with solar panels.

Alicia Silverstone Silverstone's style credentials are forever sealed thanks to Clueless-- though calling her a style icon is admittedly a stretch -- but her staunch environmentalism, including a book and a website dedicated to "kind" living, makes up for her lack of red carpet appearances.

Gwyneth Paltrow Paltrow may get her red carpet style from a team of professionals, but she got her green roots from mom/my personal hero Blythe Danner who had Gwyneth hugging trees and composting trash for as long as she could walk.

Emma Watson Watson has come into her sartorial own since leaving Hogwarts and that's included creating a green capsule collection for Alberta Ferretti.

Penélope Cruz Pepe is among a fleet of celebrities who tool around to shows during awards season in alternative fuel vehicles with the help of Global Green USA. One assumes these cars are large enough for a diaphanous gown and a towering updo.

Tom Ford’s Fall 2012 Women’s Collection Video

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:30:12 +0000

Ever since his triumphant return to the world of women’s fashion, Tom Ford has been a secretive Sally, keeping his collections under wraps to avoid oversaturation in the market. It’s definitely a strategy, one that keeps people interested and talking, but also one that has blown up in the designer’s face before. But with Gwyneth Paltrow shutting down the Oscars in that gorgeous cream caped confection, and positive reviews abounding, Ford’s Fall 2012 collection was a return to form. And now there’s a video of it. Sadly, it’s not like his glitzy, Beyoncé-filled Spring 2011 video — rather, it looks like it was thrown together by an 11-year-old in iMovie the night before it was due — but you still get the point. Click through for Tom Ford’s Autumn/Winter 2o12 women’s collection video after the jump.

Clooney Cuffed! Rihanna — Fashion Designer and Lady Gaga Finally Shuts Up

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:11:06 +0000

- Gwyneth Paltrow‘s injecting bee venom into her skin these days. The kids call it “stinging” and there’s already a 20/20 exclusive in the works about it. [Refinery29]

- George Clooney brought his charm and good looks to a protest outside the Sudanese embassy and was subsequently arrested after “disorderly crossing” a police line. Finally! A “disorderly” celebrity arrest without “drunk and” before it. [E!]

- Jennifer Lopez‘s manager, Benny Medina, thinks she has bad taste in men. Jennifer Lopez thinks Benny Medina should shut the hell up. [Fashionista]

- “Fashion icon,” “musician” and all-around bad bitch Rihanna will soon be adding fashion designer to her list of pseudo-accomplishments. [MTV Style]

- Speaking of Rihanna and her bad-bitchery, could the singer’s shenanigans as of late – such as her controversial duets with noted creepster Chris Brown and of course this little gem — be a well-calculated publicity stunt? Answer? Duh. But that doesn’t make it any less stupid/amazing. [Huff Po]

- Lady Gaga has apparently taken a vow of silence, thus taking her “Poker Face” to a whole other level. [R29]

J. Lo Straps One On for V, Beyoncé and Gwyneth Starring in Movie Together and Kanye’s Shoes Find a Home

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:00:35 +0000

- FHM offended someone. Yet again. [Styleite]

- Speaking of which, Andrej Pejic is rumored to make his big screen debut. [Huff Po]

- Jennifer Lopez straps on a jock — though it looks more like a codpiece but then again J. Lo does have a huge set of balls — for the cover of V Magazine. [Fashionista]

- Taking a page from Chanel‘s much pricier playbook, Banana Republic took to the skies to show off its Mad Men-inspired collection. [The Cut]

- Good news: besties Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow will star in a movie musical together. Bad news: Ryan Murphy is writing it. Good news: Andy Samberg and his Lonely Island cohorts are producing the music. This could be the best-worst-best movie ever. [Elle]

- Seems like someone liked Kanye West‘s debut collection, or at least part of it. Parisian boutique Colette has picked up his shoes, a collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti. [Refinery29]

- Former Monkee and Daydream Believer Davy Jones died of a heart attack today at age 66. [Paper]

INDIE REWIND: The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns of All Time

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:54:21 +0000

The Academy Awards are this Sunday which means that Meryl Streep is sticking pins in her Viola Davis vooodoo doll, George Clooney is readying his smug acceptance speech and Brad Pitt is scraping the last Jolie-Pitt scion off his scraggly goatee in preparation for the big night. So in celebration and in anticipation, we present to you an oldie but a goodie: The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns…wait for it…OF ALL TIME.

So what is a great Oscar gown? It’s a dress that is memorable, history-making, scene-stealing or just plain fucking perfect. With that, I just don’t get the fuss over Gwyneth Paltrow’s pink prom dress and refuse to even acknowledge that gown or the fact that she has an Oscar.

Audrey Hepburn (1954) Auds became a star and a fashion icon that night when she wore Givenchy, beginning a lifetime collaboration between the star and designer. Along with America's heart, she took home the Best Actress trophy for her debut performance in Roman Holiday.

Grace Kelly (1956) This was no doubt the look Gwyneth was going for when she strolled the red carpet in that wrinkled princess confection in 1999, but make no bones about it, this is how it's done kids. Kelly beat out some major competition the year before -- including Judy Garland and Dorothy Dandridge -- to nab her Best Actress Oscar for The Country Girl, but she really stole the show in this Helen Rose stunner.

Elizabeth Taylor (1961) In the pantheon of great movie stars, few shone brighter or longer than Liz Taylor, thus a list of the greatest Oscar gowns could barely be considered legitimate without Liz throwing her white diamonds into the mix -- I hear they've always brought her luck. Taylor won her first of two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and wore this gorgeous Christian Dior number to claim her statuette. It's generally accepted -- even by Liz herself -- that Taylor won the award through a vote of sympathy after losing her husband Mike Todd in a plane crash -- only to seek comfort with Debbie Reynolds' then-husband Eddie Fisher -- and suffering a life-threatening illness during filming - at one point she was actually pronounced dead. Six years later she took home a well-deserved trophy for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Barbra Streisand (1969) Eschewing tradition and helping to usher in a new generation of movie star, Babs wore a see-through sequined sailor pantsuit by Arnold Scaasi. It was a big gamble but La Streisand came out the winner and made history by tying for Best Actress with Katharine Hepburn when they won for Funny Girl and Lion in Winter, respectively. Kate chose not to attend because, honestly, it was her third (of four) Oscars and she couldn't have been bothered.

Cher (1984) Cher might have proved that she was a serious actress with her Oscar-nominated turn as Meryl Streep's lesbian lover in Silkwood, but she's still fucking Cher. The icon wore Bob Mackie (natch) to the 1984 ceremony but lost only to win three years later for Moonstruck. And that gown was no less show-stopping, but didn't have this amazing headdress.

Nicole Kidman (1997) Nikki Kids was a greenhorn on the red carpet before this Dior gown and became one of its reigning queens thereafter. Though she gave an incredible performance the previous year in To Die For, she was denied a nomination only to finally win once dumping that lilliputian husband of hers for her brilliant portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the saddest movie ever made, otherwise known as The Hours.

Sharon Stone (1998) I usually spell "batshit crazy" S-H-A-R-O-N-S-T-O-N-E, but Stone looked the picture of elegance in a Vera Wang skirt paired with a Gap button down. The marriage of high and low was made in heaven that night, though I still couldn't tell you why she was at the ceremony that year. But like most things with Sharon Stone, I don't question it.

Céline Dion (1999) Was it a stroke of genius that caused Céline Dion to turn her Christian Dior blazer back-to-front or just an actual stroke? Either way, Celine was memorable the year after her heart went on and on to win Best Original Song (though the award itself went to the songwriters, I. Dunno and No-one Cares).

Björk (2001) The dress that launched a thousand jokes, Björk's Marjan Pejoski swan dress was perhaps the last epic thing to stroll down the Oscar red carpet. Nommed for Best Original Song that year, Björk may have left empty-handed but no one will ever forget that she was there.

Halle Berry (2002) Halle Berry not only became the first African American to win a Best Actress Academy Award that night, but she also launched Elie Saab into the sartorial stratosphere. This was Berry's and Saab's shining moment and everything since then has been an enormous letdown. On both their parts.

Harper’s Bazaar’s Redesign Features a Faceless Gwyneth Paltrow

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:16:14 +0000

Harper’s Bazaar has had some serious work done and she is looking good. Glenda Bailey is determined that nobody put her baby in the corner and has revealed a new look for the magazine beginning with the March issue. Harper’s is now one inch larger with thicker paper, new typograhy and features — and who better to launch the makeover than Bailey’s favorite cover girl, Gwyneth Paltrow? Photographed by Terry Richardson, the striking subscriber cover features Gwyneth with her face obscured by her flowing golden locks while giving body and leg for days in a revealing dress by relatively unknown designer Anthony Vaccarello.

“It’s a very daring thing to do, where you don’t immediately see her face.” Bailey told WWD, adding for good measure, “As you know, I was the first to develop this two-cover approach.” Let ‘em know Glen.

While still fourth among fashion pubs in ad pages, the March issue saw a 15.5% increase with new advertisers including Tom Ford, Hervé Léger and Alberta Ferretti. Between those ads you’ll notice new features such as “The List” — “the ultimate list of things to be aware of this month,” according to Bailey — a monthly travel column called “The Escape,” an expanded beauty section, more news and Derek Blasberg‘s previously online only “Best-Dressed List” makes its way to a monthly column.

The new and improved Harper’s Bazaar hits newsstands on February 14. [WWD]

Nicki Minaj in Talks to Cover Vogue

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:34:34 +0000

The New York Times chronicles the rise of Nicki Minaj as a style icon; from “making dresses in her basement” to donning Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci to the 2011 Grammy Awards to being a guest of Vogue editrix Anna Wintour at Carolina Herrera‘s spring 2012 fashion show. Minaj, however, has yet to attain the true testament to style-iconery — the coveted cover of Wintour’s precious publication. But according to the raptress’ manager, she’s “in talks with the magazine.”

If the talks prove succesful, Nicki Minaj would — correct me if I’m wrong — be the first rapper on the cover of Vogue. Although god knows Gwyneth Paltrow‘s been known to drop a hot verse in her day.

What do you think, Indies? Are you excited for a Nicki Minaj Vogue cover or has Anna finally gone over the deep-end?

INDIE REWIND: The Greatest Supermodels of the 60s

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:23:31 +0000

From Twiggy and her doe eyes to Veruschka and her neverending gams, these girls of the 60s originally defined what it meant to be a “supermodel.”

Wilhelmina Cooper (1939-1980) Before starting her own modeling agency in 1967 (yes, that Wilhelmina), the Dutch-born Cooper appeared on some 300 magazine covers, and still holds the record for most covers of American Vogue: 27. Though Gwyneth Paltrow is slowly sneaking up on her.

Photo: The Fashion Spot

Marisa Berenson with many shell headdress is worn to complement the warm Mediterranean make-up up colors, like the different shades of blue circling the eyes. She is also wearing a light blue sheer dress

The Beatles: 27 #1 Singles in Style

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:41:23 +0000

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away, because The Beatles 1 was released – digitally remastered. This album houses the 27 singles by the Fab Four that reached number one on the Billboard charts in the UK and the US. In honor of that, we’ve sequestered 27 little known photos of the Beatles as singles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

A shirtless Paul got a 'Ticket to Ride' to Miami in '64.

Back on 'Penny Lane', John looked like Elvis

'Get Back' the beat Ringo.

There's 'Something' in the way George plays guitar.

'From Me to You', that collar is sensational with John's Sgt. moustache.

'Yesterday' Paul was wide tied and bushy lipped.

Andy Warhol made George one psychedelic 'Day Tripper'.

'Love Me Do' that golden brocade jacket.

Paul can see through this guitar like he saw through 'Eleanor Rigby'.

'Hey Jude', give peace a chance.

George played that guitar 'Eight Days a Week'

'She Loves You' in that sparkling lapel.

'Let It Be' known that John was almost deported from the US because Nixon was afraid of his effects. John also considered NYC his true home.

George to then-wife/model Patti Boyd re: the stunning lamp, 'We Can Work It Out'.

Paul's had 'A Hard Day's Night', but you know, he feels alright.

'All You Need is Love' and a guitar.

They 'Come Together' to make legendary guitar riffs and eventually wife swap.

Paul front row for daughter Stella McCartney. Is that 'Lady Madonna' next to him? No, it's just Gwyneth.

'I Want To Hold Your Hand'.

All Starr drummer or 'Paperback Writer'?

'The Ballad of John and Yoko' is almost as scandalous as the ballad of George and Patti and Eric Clapton

We all live in a 'Yellow Submarine' and ruffled collar.

'Hello, Goodbye'.

'Help!' I need a superhero!

'Can't Buy Me Love' but you can buy me multiple sunnies.

'I Feel Fine' about the upcoming documentary about George's under-told life story and career. It will air on HBO on October 5th & 6th, to be released on DVD soon thereafter.

This might not be a solo Beatles picture, but it represents all the fans that moved the songs on this 'Long and Winding Road' of a list to #1 on the charts. This was the issue that covered the first ever Beatlefest back in 1974 - a celebration for Beatles Fans to gather, appreciate the music, and piece together the full story of the greatest band of all time.

INDIE NEWSROOM: A&F Stock Plummets After Today’s Situation…London Is #1 For Fashion…Coco Rocha is an Irish Dancer?

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:44:18 +0000

- Hooray for the gays! Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere tied the knot today in Southhampton, NY. We can only hope for a men’s bridal line next. [WWD]

- Is this old news for everyone or just me? Model Coco Rocha was discovered jigging about in an Irish dance competition. Now she’s showing her pride for the activity by hosting an online screening of Irish dancing documentary Jig. Weird, yet mildly touching? [Fashionista]

- London was just named the #1 Fashion Capital of 2011, beating out top dogs Paris, Milan and New York for the title. We’re glad (not) rainy old London has a chance in the spotlight, but we’ll scream if we don’t get our title back in 2012. [The Cut]

- Would you carry a red leather 9/11 handbag around town? Designers Jen and Chris Mascali created the “Remember” bag to commemorate their father and others who were lost in the attacks. All wholesale proceeds go to the 9/11 Memorial Fund. Are you sold? [Refinery 29]

- And speaking of 9/11, did you know Gwyneth Paltrow saved someone’s life that day by almost running her over with a silver Mercedes? Lara Lundstrom Clarke said the encounter made her miss the train, subsequently late for work and she completely missed the attacks. Damn Gwyneth, you be cashing in big time these days. [E!]

- OOPS. Abercrombie & Fitch stock plummeted after the company offered Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino compensation to stop wearing the brand. Surely, we in the Indie Newsroom won’t be the only ones laughing about A&F’s douchebaggery. [Just Jared]

Would You Pay $71,600 to Dine With Wintour, Weinstein & Obama?

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:45:39 +0000

Does it really matter, because chances are you weren’t invited to the intimate dinner thrown by Anna Wintour and Harvey Weinstein as a fundraiser for the Obama campaign. But if you’re one of the lucky holding a summons and spare $71,600, you’ll be in the fine company of big guns like Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Tory Burch and Alicia Keys. According to Page Six, the dinner is tentatively scheduled for next week, so start kissing ass now.

The event was originally scheduled for mid-July until President Obama was distracted by the debt ceiling crisis. This dinner sounds way more important, but to each his own I guess.

LINK LOVE: Daily Front Row

Anna Wintour== DONNA KARAN and URBAN ZEN present the First Annual Stephen Weiss Apple Awards honoring President BILL CLINTON, COURTNEY ROSS and DR. MEHMET OZ== Urban Zen Center, NYC== June 10, 2011== (C)Patrick McMullan== PHOTO - RYAN MCCUNE/PatrickMcMullan.com== ==

INDIE NEWSROOM: Voguetron Makes a Video…September Covers Rolling Out…Labels Lose Their NYFW Virginities

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:45:47 +0000

- Vogue edtirices from around the world have combined their powers to once again form Voguetron and promote the shit out of Fashion’s Night Out. [The Cut]

VOGUE Fashion Night 2011 dans le monde (version… by VOGUEPARIS

Four American Photographers We Can’t Get Enough Of

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:06:58 +0000

In this month of Americana, we want to celebrate everything in fashion, art and design coming out of our great country. And what would the American fashion industry be like without photographers? They bring fashion alive, setting the mood wished to be evoked by designers, editors and marketing teams everywhere. Here we will celebrate four American photographers to learn more about them and see some of their work.

David Armstrong

David Armstrong grew up outside Boston and traveled between his hometown and New York City when he studied at Cooper Union. After receiving his BFA at Tufts University in 1988, he moved to NYC permanently where he began work as a photographer. Starting out with black and white portraits, Armstrong began to experiment with landscapes and cityscapes in the nineties. Luckily, he also has a distinct and introspective eye for fashion – his editorials are moving and emotionally-charged.

Above photo: Zac Posen and Tao Okamoto for Purple Magazine Spring/Summer 2010

Spanx for the Memories: The Near Trillion Dollar Shapewear Industry

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:21:54 +0000

Well, now that the Spanx are out of the bag, the $812.5 billion shapewear industry is redefining how men and women dress — both literally and figuratively.Seriously, $812.5 BILLION! Apparently no one exercises anymore and everyone’s squeezing into and slapping on a pair of shapers before heading out for work, onto the red carpet, or off to the clurrrrb. With a 34% increase in volume forecasted for this year alone, Spanx is the new black.

Although most popular among women — from teens to ladies well-acquainted with an old-fashioned girdle — more men are trying to control their muffin tops with such brands as Rip’t by Yummie Tummie, Under Armour and Spanx for Men.

Gwyneth Takes a Seat in Coach

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:31:02 +0000

Emmy nominee Gwyneth Paltrow checks her shame at the front door and laughs her way to the bank in her new ads for Coach.

Remember that time Gwyn-Gwyn was spotted leaving the Coach HQ with Reed Krakoff about 300 years back? Turns out it was for this ad campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh.

INDIE NEWSROOM: 2011 Emmys to Be a Mildred Fierce Affair

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:26:50 +0000

Kate Winslet, duck! There’s an Emmy flying directly at your head. Winslet gets one step closer to EGOT’ing with her nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie for HBO‘s Mildred Pierce, which received the most nominations of any production with 21 nods.

Also nominated from the acclaimed mini-series are fellow Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, Evan Rachel Wood and Mare Winningham — all vying for Outstanding Supporting Actress — Guy Pearce for Supporting Actor and Todd Haynes was recognized for his direction as well as his script.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Put Your Clothes On

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:55:25 +0000

Gwyneth, pump the brakes. I get it, you’re an Oscar-winner — that happened, right? – you’re a recurring character on Glee — I’m reluctantly on board — you’re like BFFs with Beyoncé — I tweeted her the other day, nothing — and you’re a multi-tasking supermom. Fine, you’ve still more or less got it, now put your clothes back on and take the kids — Apple and Grapefruit — to soccer practice. Or since you’re British by marriage, football.

The sometime actress and aspiring singer poses in nothing but Louis Vuitton jewelry and a pair of fishnets — also known as my around the house look — for Vanity Fair‘s jewelry supplement.

I wouldn’t have minded a couture gown. [Daily Mail]

Gwyneth Paltrow as she appears in Louis Vuitton jewellery for Vanity Fair on Jewellery, a special issue that comes out with the August issue of Vanity Fair. Vanity Fair on Jewellery hits newsstands with the August issue of Vanity Fair on Friday, July 1st.

Harper’s 10 Years Under Glenda Bailey Gets the Coffee Book Treatment

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:00:20 +0000

Harper’s Bazaar is perhaps the most editorially-interesting fashion mag in the U.S. and that is thanks in large part to editor-in-chief, Glenda Bailey. Now Bailey has gone through her past decade at the helm to release the coffee table book, Harper’s Bazaar Greatest Hits.

Ever since taking over the tome in 2001, La Bailey’s pushed for fun, daring and unvonventional spreads, from Demi Moore ascending a floating staircase in a McQueen armadillo heel while feeding a giraffe to The Simpsons modeling in Paris with Linda Evangelista and Karl Lagerfeld.

Harper’s Bazaar Greatest Hits starts with Bailey’s first cover — Gwyneth Paltrow…it could be worse — and goes year by year, as edited by Bailey herself over last summer in the Hamptons. I foresee one of the book’s 20,000 copies landing on FashionIndie‘s already full coffee table in the coming months.

And though rumors persist that Bailey is always one stilettoed step away from being replaced at Harper’s, both she and Hearst president David Carey deny them.

Carey refers to a story WWD ran questioning Bailey’s future as “a bad piece of journalism” while Bailey just takes it in stride:

“Any editor at the top of their game has to deal with that. It would be naïve to believe everything you read about yourself in print. I just laugh it off.” [WWD]

Spanx Sightings: The Skinny on Skinny Celebrities

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 26 May 2011 11:46:24 +0000

Ever wonder why the celebs you see at events and on the red carpet look perfect, perfect, perfect? Not only are their stylists, hair and makeup teams working overtime to keep them happy, but most of them have deep dark secrets hidden underneath their designer duds. It’s no secret that Spanx are a celebrity favorite – ladies from Beyoncé to Gwyneth Paltrow admit they are fans. But what about the women who pretend to be perfect but are actually sporting this shapewear phenomenon where the eye can’t see? Click through to see photos of celebrities unintentionally revealing their Spanx.

You can see Selena Gomez‘s Skinny Britches peeking out from her Dolce & Gabbana dress when she gets up to give Justin Bieber a hug at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

Blake Lively‘s Simplicity Panty peeks out through the sheer back of her dress at the Cinema Society’s Twelve screening.

Eva Longoria brought the Hide & Sleek Mid-Thigh Smoother with her to an Allure Magazine party.

Oops! What’s that peeking out from Jennifer Lopez‘s dress at the Gucci Children’s Collection launch? It looks like the Slim Cognito Shape-Suit.

She may be going to the Giorgio Armani couture show in Paris, but Katie Holmes prefers simplicity, the Simplicity Shaper to be exact.

How does Kim Kardashian get such a shapely, feminine body? Check out her Spanx secret, not-so-discreetly peeking out from her dress.

What’s that on stage with Katy Perry? I think I see In-Power Line Super Power Panties making an appearance.

Have you ever tried Spanx for yourself? Let us know what you think about them. For more information on these styles and more, visit spanx.com.

Uniqlo Tees Off with Gaga, Uncle Karl and Nikki Kids

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:06:09 +0000

10 celebrities from the worlds of music, fashion and film showcased their design talents to create 10 T-shirts for Uniqlo and Condé Nast Japan. The special T’s go on sale June 25th for $19.90 with proceeds going to benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld, Nicole Kidman, Alber Elbaz, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom, Blake Lively, Cyndi Lauper, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow lend their considerable star power to the project which is expected to donate about $1.2 million to relief efforts. [WWD]

Alber Elbaz

Blake Lively

Charlize Theron

Cyndi Lauper

Gwyneth Paltrow

Karl Lagerfeld

Lady Gaga

Nicole Kidman

Orlando Bloom

Victoria Beckham

RUNWAY TRAX: Glee’s on the Right Track Baby, They Were Born This Wa-hay!

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:07:21 +0000

Television’s rainbow connection, the lovers and the dreamers of Glee, are once again paying tribute to Lady Gaga with a cover of “Born This Way.” Though a little lackluster at first — much like the original — the New Directions knock it out of the park as soon as Amber Riley* takes it to chuuuuch. Happy Easter!

*Speaking of whom, can we talk about this:

I’m ready for Amber Riley to take over the world. There I said it.

Link Love: Socialite Life

FASHION SCRAMBLE: L.B.D. Good Johnny Weir + Zee, Baby Ain’t I Good to You? + Gwyneth Good for Coach?

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:20:30 +0000

- Olympic figure skater and all-around sassbag, Johnny Weir is designing a line of little black dresses exclusively through eDressMe.com. Ranging in price from $198 to $298, the LBDs will be modeled during the second annual “Ice Dreams” skating show — where young skaters get a chance to skate with their heroes — and will be available for purchase April 30. Naturally, Weir’s dresses are replete with ostrich feathers, sequins and taffeta, much like Johnny Weir himself. [WWD]

- Elle‘s creative director, Joe Zee, needed some extra security after one of the dismissed contestants from his new Sundance Channel reality show, All on the Line, sent him and show producers hundreds of “troubling” emails threatening to kill himself. The drama queen, one Ms. David Victor Rose, admits to “completely freaking out” (you think?) but claims that Zee dismissed him based on false assumptions and limited information….yeah, in hindsight, maybe Zee was on to something. [Page Six]

- Unlikable multi-hyphenate Gwyneth Paltrow was seen walking out of Coach HQ with creative director Reed Krakoff, sparking rumors that she may be the new face of either Coach or Krakoff’s eponymous label. [Refinery29]

The 25 Greatest Supermodels of the Past 50 Years: The 60s

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:45:58 +0000

The supermodel is that most rare of species: the working model who transcends the runway or the pages of magazines and catalogs to become a part of the popular culture. An ageless beauty whose style and personality make up for any shortcomings in talent, or sanity, or choice in men. I was going to create a Top 10 list of the greatest supers, but then I got to thinking, ‘Hey, Lady (that’s what I call my inner self), everyone knows Naomi, Kate, Christy, Linda and Cindy. But what about the ladies of yore; those catwalk pioneers who paved the way in false eyelashes and broken champagne bottles for the supermodels of today?’ So I dove into the past 50 years of modeling and came out dragging the 25 muses who best defined what it meant to be a supermodel. Grace, beauty, versatility, influence and overall fierceness. Let’s start in the swinging 60s!

Photo: The Fashion Spot

Veruschka (May 14, 1939) The Countess Vera Gottliebe Anna von Lehndorff was forever immortalized in Michelangelo Antonioni‘s 1966 classic Blow Up, writhing around on the floor, turning, giving and generally destroying everything in the room. At 6’1 with size 13 feet, some might say she was tranny…”some” like me. Either way, before Lidna refused to get out of bed for $10,000, Veruschka was making that in a day. Go. Head. Tranny.

Jean Shrimpton (Nov. 7, 1942) Shrimpton was a sensation almost immediately when she started modeling in 1960 and is perhaps the world’s first supermodel, despite Janice Dickinson‘s drunken claim to the title. One of the most iconic faces and bodies of the 1960s (her slim figure earned her the nickname “The Shrimp”) Jean caused a stir in 1965 when she wore a mini-dress on Victoria Derby Day in Melbourne. It was so easy to cause a stir back then; now someone has to smuggle blood diamonds just to get some attention around here.

Naomi Sims (1948-2009) Before there was Naomi, there was Naomi. The first black supermodel, Naomi Sims worked overtime to break into what is still a largely racist industry. With a little help from Wilhelmina Cooper, Sims officially made it when she appeared in an AT&T commercial in 1968 wearing a Bill Blass ensemble. And I bet she never threw her phone at anyone…no, she probably did.

Photo: Life

Twiggy (Sept. 19, 1949) A boyishly short haircut in 1966 shot Leslie Hornby to superstardom as the international supermodel, Twiggy. At 5’6 and only 91 lbs at her discovery, she ushered in a new concept of female beauty and a whole rash of eating disorders. A tradition she continued as a judge on America’s Next Top Model.

Photo: Life

Peggy Moffitt (1939) My personal favorite 60s model, Peggy Moffitt was the original edgy girl. With her dark bangs and dark, Kohl-line eyes, she had one of the most distinctive looks of the decade. As a model, muse and eventual collaborator of Rudi Gernreich, she was immortalized when photographed in his topless bathing suit, the monokini, in 1964. How’s that for a stir, Shrimpton!

Donyale Luna (1945-1979) Peggy Ann Freeman escaped the slums of Detroit for the glitz and glamour of New York City. Here, as Donyale Luna, she was exotic and intriguing whereas in Detroit she “wasn’t considered beautiful or anything.” At 6’2, with her already striking features and ultramarine contacts, she was in high demand, scoring the cover of British Vogue in 1966. Donyale lived like, partied like and dated rock stars and died like one when she OD’d in 1979. Then 6 years later she was reincarnated as a sassy fashion blogger (Ahem!)

Penelope Tree (1950) The ultimate 60s “It” girl, Tree was the daughter of socialite Marietta Tree and British member of Parliament, Ronald Tree. When Diane Arbus took some photos of Penelope, her parents threatened to sue the photographer if the photos were ever published. Nonetheless, The Tree became rival to the Twig and inspired John Lennon, when asked to describe her in three words, to respond: “Hot hot hot! Smart smart smart!” Meanwhile, that’s either 2 or 6 words. Pull it together, Lennon.

Photo: Life

Character Study — Fran Fine

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:31:01 +0000

She was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens. Next thing you know her boyfriend kicks her to the curb. It’s one of those crushing scenes. Today’s class (in case you need a refresher; class has been out of session for a while and Gwyneth Paltrow was unable to sub) is dedicated to Francine Joy Fine Sheffield. Though she might be better known as The Nanny, Fran Fine never looked domestic.

Key Pieces: Mini skirts, bold prints, leopard anything, skirtsuits, body-conscious dresses, tights, the occasional statement evening gown for when Mr. Sheffield lets her out of the house and, of course, tons and tons of hairspray.

Designers to Wear: Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, Christopher Kane, Betsey Johnson

Vivienne Westwood Red Label AW 2011

Gucci AW 2011

Christopher Kane SS 2010

Betsey Johnson AW 2011

Defining Fashion Moment: Whenever Mr. Sheffield had any sort of high-brow fête, Fran would make her entrance atop the staircase to the studio audience’s whoops and hollars. Then she would precede to mess up and inevitably repair whatever situation her employer was involved in.

Fran Drescher’s endlessly optimistic nanny was the continuation of a long legacy of whacky ladies who were no strangers to glamour. A legacy that started in the 1930s with screwball heroines like Carole Lombard, Katharine Hepburn and Irene Dunne and which continued for decades more with Lucille Ball.

That The Nanny is still in re-runs is a testament to Fran’s (Drescher and Fine’s) own legacy. Now if we only had more time I could delve into the genius wardrobes of Ms. Fine’s relations: Yetta and Sylvia Fine.

I can see the apple doesn’t fall far from the sequined tree. And for extra credit, study up on Should Be on the Nanny.

Christopher Kane SS 2010

Vivienne Westwood Red Label AW 2011

Gucci AW 2011

Betsey Johnson AW 2011

A Blueish Glow for Gaga

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:49:25 +0000

The future blue facial hue created quite a buzz back at during Fashion Week Spring 2010, think Alexander McQueen. And obviously when you think McQueen, you think Gaga. And right now you’re thinking of her new freak-flag-flying jaw-hitting-floor-worthy Born This Way video in which she’s a glorious being from the future whose facial features are highly pronounced, jutting out and glowing. I am perplexed and in love.

Get the future glow with St. Tropez Skin Illuminator. When applied to the cheek bones, décolletage, arms and shins your body gives off a mysterious delicate glow. It comes in a travel size tube, for on-the-go blueing, and it has a similar scent as sunscreen. I gave this product a bit of a test run, and I applied a droplet to the back of my hand so I could examine it closely. The effect is like a mild black-light-esque buzz. It’s subtle enough to not look alien, but bright enough to garner a double take. My left hand is currently considerably more curious than my right, the highlights shimmer back against the light.

When to use it? It looks best atop our melanin extremes: either the brightest of fair or the warmest of tanned. Against the very pale, the blue leans more McQueen. Against the very tan, it reflects its namesake party island in the French Riviera, parfait after a day of sunning sans top.

The sample batch was used all over London Fashion Week Spring 2010, and now it’s available for purchase. You’re on the right track, baby.

The Oscars in Review

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:14:55 +0000

The Academy Awards are over and with it, awards season, leaving a trophy-sized hole in all our hearts. The fashion was a hit, the show was a miss but god bless Anne Hathaway for trying and James Franco for showing up.

Everyone stood up for Billy Crystal when he showed up on stage at the Oscars last night, as if there was a certain sense of relief: daddy’s home. Hosting the Oscars is basically a thankless job (see: Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Alec Baldwin/Steve Martin etc., etc.). It’s like walking a tightrope above a sea of sharks in couture gowns and Tom Ford tuxedos. Crystal was the go-to person for years and will probably be asked back next year.

Which isn’t to say that Anne Hathaway and James Franco didn’t do a decent job. The opening was hilarious and provided us with this little token of awesomeness, otherwise known as James Franco in a leotard:

They’re actors so they were best in a pre-taped skit, but then things took a quick dive, salvaged only by Anne Hathaway’s plucky charm and seven wardrobe changes (the best being the blue Armani Privé and the final Tom Ford, though in truth I would’ve preferred a few more looks; that first Givenchy Haute Couture seemed to last for. ever.)

Franco was high or just being James Franco, either way he was apparently too busy tweeting to commit fully to his hosting duties. Though, honestly, it’s James Franco and I could care less what he does as long as he’s just around, perhaps lurking in a corner somewhere. And preferably in drag:

Photo: Huffington Post

It wasn’t Cher, but girl will throw a wig on at the drop of a hat.

The acceptance speeches were long-winded and boring, with the award for Most Pompous Grandstander going to Aaron Sorkin, natch. Luckily we had Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo throwing the F-word around like it was going out of style. Combined with 900-year-old Kirk Douglas stealing the show and hobbling away with it, there was nothing really to hold interest past the first 45 minutes of the show.

The King’s Speech took home four awards, the four biggest awards at that: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and most deservedly, Best Actor for Colin Firth, who delivered an eloquent and clever speech like only the British can. I was pulling for dark horse, Black Swan, though The Social Network had blown its wad at the earlier awards shows.

Natalie Portman won Best Actress over multiple snubbee, Annette Bening and delivered another adorable speech. Christian Bale took home Best Supporting Actor and from the looks of him probably went back to living in a cardboard box. Though, forest beard or not, I’d still hit it.

Gwyneth Paltrow made an appearance on an Oscar stage for the first time in who gives a…performing “Coming Home” from Country Strong and Cee Lo‘s presence was certainly missed.

All in all, the show was a big snooze, but I’m seriously going to miss all the hooplah of awards season. There’s nothing to look forward to now until the Emmys in September! Oh, and I guess the VMAs if you’re into that kind of trash. Twas a good season though, full of great movies and a poorly produced Oscars telecast, but now we can all refer to that guy from Nine Inch Nails as “Academy Award winner Trent Reznor.”

The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns Of All Time

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:48:34 +0000

The Academy Awards are this Sunday which means that Los Angeles is full of starving actresses hurling Blackberrys and iPhones at frightened assistants and Rachel Zoe is teetering around on her swollen ankles trying to find a gown for Demi that hasn’t already been claimed by an actual nominee while coordinating Anne Hathaway‘s 55 looks. So in celebration and in anticipation, we present to you, in no particular order, the 10 greatest Oscar gowns…wait for it…OF ALL TIME.

So what is a great Oscar gown? It’s a dress that is memorable, history-making, scene-stealing or just plain fucking perfect. With that, I just don’t get the fuss over Gwyneth‘s pink prom dress and refuse to even acknowledge that gown or the fact that she has an Oscar.

Audrey Hepburn (1954) Auds became a star and a fashion icon that night when she wore Givenchy, beginning a lifetime collaboration between the star and designer. Along with America’s heart, she took home the Best Actress trophy for her debut performance in Roman Holiday.

Elizabeth Taylor (1961) In the pantheon of great movie stars, few shine brighter or longer than Liz Taylor, thus a list of the greatest Oscar gowns could barely be considered legitimate without Liz throwing her white diamonds into the mix — I hear they’ve always brought her luck. Taylor won her first of two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and wore this gorgeous Christian Dior number to claim her statuette. It’s generally accepted – even by Liz herself — that Taylor won the award through a vote of sympathy after losing her husband Mike Todd in a plane crash – only to seek comfort with Debbie Reynolds’ then-husband Eddie Fisher — and suffering a life-threatening illness during filming – at one point she was actually pronounced dead. Six years later she took home a well-deserved trophy for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Cher (1984) Cher might have proved that she was a serious actress with her Oscar-nominated turn as Meryl Streep‘s lesbian lover in Silkwood, but she’s still fucking Cher. The icon wore Bob Mackie (natch) to the 1984 ceremony but lost only to win three years later for Moonstruck. And that gown was no less show-stopping, but didn’t have this amazing headdress.

Halle Berry (2002) Halle Berry not only became the first African American to win a Best Actress Academy Award that night, but she also launched Elie Saab into the sartorial stratosphere. This was Berry’s and Saab’s shining moment and everything since then has been an enormous letdown. On both their parts.

Celine Dion (1999) Was it a stroke of genius that caused Celine Dion to turn her Christian Dior blazer back-to-front or did she simply forget to take her medication that day? Either way, Celine was memorable the year after her heart went on and on to win Best Original Song (though the award itself went to the songwriters, I. Dunno and No-one Cares).

Nicole Kidman (1997) Nikki Kids was a greenhorn on the red carpet before this Dior gown and became one of its reigning queens after. Though she gave an incredible performance the previous year in To Die For, she won in 2003 for her brilliant portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the saddest movie ever made, otherwise known as The Hours. Nominated this year for her third Oscar for Rabbit Hole, she’s got some big shoes to fill: her own.

Anjelica Huston (1976) Former Halston model Anjelica Huston looked flawless and managed to do what few people can claim: take attention away from Jack Nicholson, who won his first of three Oscars that year for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Huston would claim her own statuette, for Best Supporting Actress, a decade later for Prizzi’s Honor, also starring Nicholson.

Sharon Stone (1999) I usually spell “batshit crazy” S-H-A-R-O-N-S-T-O-N-E, but Stone looked the picture of elegance in a Vera Wang skirt paired with a Gap button down. The marriage of high and low was made in heaven that night, though I still couldn’t tell you why she was at the ceremony that year. But like most things with Sharon Stone, I don’t question it.

Björk (2001) The dress that launched a thousand jokes, Björk’s Marjan Pejoski swan dress was perhaps the last epic thing to stroll down the Oscar red carpet. Nommed for Best Original Song that year, Björk may have left empty-handed but no one will ever forget that she was there.

Who will leave tongues hanging or heads scratching at this year’s Academy Awards. Of the 10 Best Lead and Supporting Actress nominees, I’m most looking forward to Kidman, teen breakthrough Hailee Steinfeld (as well as peer Elle Fanning who will get her own nomination one day), the almost always flawless Michelle Williams and kooky Helena Bonham Carter.

Unfortunately, Natalie Portman is preggers so naturally I have no interest in what she’s wearing and just hope her water doesn’t break while accepting her award.

Photos: Vogue UK, Time

Halle Berry The 74th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals Kodak Theater Hollywood, California USA March 24, 2002 Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com To license this image (405400), contact WireImage: U.S. +1-212-686-8900 / U.K. +44-207-868-8940 / Australia +61-2-8262-9222 / Germany +49-40-320-05521 / Japan: +81-3-5464-7020 +1 212-686-8901 (fax) info@wireimage.com (e-mail) www.wireimage.com (web site)

Celine Dion (Photo by Jim Smeal/WireImage)

I Just Died: The 2nd Barbra Streisand Edition

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:42:15 +0000

Barbra Streisand will be performing at the Grammys this Sunday, finally giving me a reason to tune into that sham of an awards show.

Kris Kristofferson, Babs’ co-Star Is Born, will dig himself up from wherever he’s been hiding to introduce the legend, who is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Love Is the Answer.

Streisand joins Cee Lo Green, fellow Oscar-winner *choke* Gwyneth Paltrow, Mick Jagger, Justin Bieber and Arcade Fire on the list of performers for the 52nd Annual awards show.

Do you think Babs has the Bieber Fever? What if they do a duet to “Enough Is Enough” and Bieber sings the Donna Summer part? Meanwhile, this already sounds better than that Stevie Nicks-Taylor Swift debacle from last year.

The Grammys will ruin your evening on Sunday the 13th on CBS at 8 pm.

Link Love: Hollywood Reporter

Muse of the World: Diddy Behind 9/11?

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:34:51 +0000

Diddy is being sued for conspiring to knock down the twin towers, Kim Kardashian feels betrayed over her nipple and now you can get American Apparel for $1.04

Image: IAmBoiGenius

- Gwyneth Paltrow says people are “so mean” to her. You know what would help? Not being Gwyneth Paltrow. [Huffington Post]

- Diddy is being sued for *dramatic music cue* $1 TRILLION by a psycho lady who claims that, in addition to date raping her and her kids, The Ego Occasionally Known as Sean Combs planned 9/11. Mo’ Money, Mo’ Clinically Insane Problems. [Radar]

- Kim Kardashian’s mad that W turned her artsy photoshoot into “full f*cking porn.” Oh, look who’s too good for full f*cking porn all of a sudden. [Popeater]

- Lea T. trannied down to São Paolo Fashion Week and closed Alexandre Herchcovitch. Also performing runway duty, alleged actor Ashton Kutcher. [Style File]

- Naomi Campbell strips down for British GQ to deliver the “naked truth” on those blood diamonds. I like the literal take on the clothing status of the truth, but why not drive the point home and have her naked drenched in blood and showering herself in diamonds? One word: art. [The Cut]

- No need to worry, everyone, Crystal Renn is still not thin. [Jezebel]

- American Apparel is now as cheap as it looks. After major investor Richard Burkle sold off at least 909,500 shares earlier this month, stock prices are about the price of a pack of gum. Slutty, crotchless gum. [WWD]

- Amy Westcott, the costume designer behind Black Swan, on being “airbrushed from history”: “I don’t have a publicist working for me, needless to say, and I was asked…to avoid any bad press towards the film.” Glad to see she’s not holding a Rodarte-sized grudge. [Fashionista]

Image: IAmBoiGenius

Gwyneth Paltrow Wore Laced-Up Pucci to the Country Strong Screening

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:11:17 +0000

This Pucci dress may appear modest from the front, but the back and side are laced together with tiny pieces of string. What do you think of Gwyneth Paltrow‘s look?

I really like this look on Gwyneth, but her hair looks flat. She should have worn it up with this dress.

LINK LOVE: The Cut

Gwyneth Paltrow Continues to Be Employable

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:50:05 +0000

After her smash-hit performance on Glee, Ryan Murphy and co. have invited Gwyneth Paltrow back to reprise her role as Holly Holiday. Looks like we’ll have some more inappropriate outbursts from Mary Todd Lincoln regarding her husband’s sexuality, after all!

LINK LOVE: Oh No They Didn’t!

It’s Time for “Ask Robert Downey, Jr!”

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:06:58 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow, come on down! When researching her role as an alcoholic in her new film, Country Song, Gwyneth needed a little help. And so, like Lue Skywalker, Gwyneth consulted her very own Yoda, RDJ, in the ways of the Alcoholic Jedi. Then she killed Blythe Danner.

Last night, while on Chelsea Handler, the Obi-Won Kenobi of Alcholic Jedis, Paltrow admitted that “[she] didn’t understand how you could do something so crazy one night and kind of wreck lives in your wake and wake up and expect to be back to normal.”

Oh? Smell you alleged Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow. Someone married Coldplay, turned faux-Brit and suddenly forgot how to party. You used to be fun, Gwynnie. And a good actress.

Ok, that last one’s just a boldface lie.

LINK LOVE: Daily Mail

Glee Recap Episode 2.7: When It Rains, It Paltrows

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:43:51 +0000

“The Substitute” gave us a pretty horrible plotline but also gave us a reason to finally like Gwyneth Paltrow and some of Sue Sylvester‘s best one-liners to date. Case in point: “Sometimes you gotta give the inmates what they want. You throw ‘em a comb and hope they stop beating each other long enough to whittle it into a shiv.”

The Monkey flu, from Borneo where, according to Sue, it had been “festering in a small clutch of loud bisexual primates, not unlike [Schue's] very glee club,” has taken Principal Figgins out of commission, leaving Sue interim principal.

Once Mr. Schue too falls victim to the flu, he has to call in sick, leaving the glee club unattended. Enter Holly Holliday (Paltrow), a quirky substitute teacher Kurt fondly remembers singing (one of my all-time favorite songs) Schoolhouse Rock’s “Conjunction Junction,” while subbing for an English class.

She eagerly takes on the task but the club is initially wary of her presence. However she shows a willingness to incorporate more current songs in their repertoire, as opposed to wanting to only do Journey songs as the student’s descriptions of Mr. Schue’s musical tastes suggests, by performing a sassy rendition of Cee-Lo’s “Fuck You,” cleaned up to a primetime friendly “Forget You.”

Will’s much-hated wife, Terri, returns to take care of him while he suffers from the flu. She brings him his favorite movie, Singing’ in the Rain which prompts a fever-induced fantasy of he and Mike Chang performing the acrobatic classic “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Lulled into a false sense of security, and feeling lonely after things fell through with Emma Pillsbury, they have sick sex – just below hate sex, break-up sex and revenge sex on the ‘Acceptable Sex with an Ex’ totem pole – which Will immediately regrets.

Sue, mad with power, tries to disband the football team, but is thwarted once Coach Beiste presents a plausible argument that Sue’s Cheerios would then have no one to cheer for. So in order to gain some respect, and to strike fear into the hearts of any one who would dare oppose her, Sue adopts another cause: teen obesity, banning tater tots from the school cafeteria. This decision really taters Mercedes tots, leading her to pull a Norma Rae on a cafeteria table.

But are the tots the real reason behind her anger? Kurt and his platonic gay friend Blaine have been seeing a lot more of each other, leaving a void in her life for Kurt’s affections. After joining Kurt and Blaine on a date, she feels even more isolated when they fag out over Prop 8, Patti Lupone’s new book (which I have yet to read), the year’s best Vogue cover (Marion Cotillard?…a pretty shallow bag to choose from, but what are they teaching in that fictional school?; try Giselse, kids).

Mercedes at one point imagines a tiny purse literally falling out of Kurt’s mouth. Thus Mercedes must learn to face what every hag dreads – being pushed to the wayside once their fag finds someone else to obsess over. Meanwhile, Kurt is still being harassed by Karovsky who threatens to kill Kurt should he tell anyone about their kiss. Ah, teenage romance.

Holly has won over everyone in New Directions, everyone except Rachel Berry, who does not care for her teaching methods. But Holly indulges her desire to do “an upbeat, glamorous number with a good dance beat,” with a game duet of “Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago. Sue becomes the permanent principal at William McKinley High and her first order of duty is to fire Will, citing the substitute’s success with the glee kids.

The tides soon change for Holliday, though, when her reckless attitude lands her in hot trouble after she fails to punish Mercedes for stuffing Sue’s tailpipe of her Le Car, a car so rare that only seven have been made, full of tots (girl does have a history of vandalizing cars). Holly has no idea how to react when things turn serious and so turns to Will for guidance. Just then Terri finds them and has a blow up, only to have Will tell her to never come back again.I’ve yet to encounter anyone who likes the character of Will’s ex-wife and it seems the writers are really trying to get rid of her for good. I don’t dislike her, she’s just a one note character – an unabashed bitch who lacks Sue’s wit or cartoonish villainy.

Kurt eventually confronts Mercedes, flaunting his budding romance in her face and telling her she needs to find a boyfriend and stop filling the void for love with food. Kurt had, to his credit, tried to set her up earlier with hunky football player Anthony (“one of the five black guys in school”). This is the second storyline involving Mercedes and food, and unlike last season’s empowering “Home,” which actually had something to say about eating disorders and body image, this week’s plot felt more like an insult to the talented Amber Riley. Big girl fears losing gay friend, eats her emotions, rebels in a ridiculous way.

You’re better than that, Glee. Constantly resigned to the background and occasionally given a solo, Mercedes is a character we still no little to nothing about. Hopefully, this Anthony will give her a role beyond sassy sidekick. And speaking of big girls, what was up with the Precious (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire)-esque character that attacks Holliday in her flashback?

Anygay, Holliday resigns as director of New Directions, but not before she, the kids and Schue can perform a limp mash-up of “Umbrella/Singin’ in the Rain.” Perhaps a good idea on paper, the number lacked the spark and energy of previous group numbers and mash-ups (see last week’s: “Start Me Up/Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Stop! In the Name of Love/Free Your Mind.”

Now I’d never thought I’d say this, at least not without a gun to my head, by Gwyneth Paltrow was definitely a highlight of last night’s episode. She showed off her comedic chops (dressing up as Mary Todd Lincoln for a history lesson she exclaims, “My husband is probably gay” and “That teapot is spreading lies about me!”), she has a nice voice and can shimmy for a white girl. But her role seemed more an act of stunt casting than anything intricate to the myriad plotlines that continually seem to fall to the wayside as the season progresses.

At least we’ve seen the end of the Terri Schuester, for now, though I feel bad for poor Jessalyn Gilsig who does the best she can with a character that’s really plain awful.

Next week, get ready kids. Comedic legend Carol Burnett will guest star as Sue’s mom, which means the world will explode from hilarity.

This Is the Most I’ve Enjoyed Gwyneth Paltrow…Ever

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:05:44 +0000

Well, in truth I’ve never enjoyed Gwyneth Paltrow. Especially since she robbed me of that Oscar for that piece of dribble Shakespeare in Love. Give me her mother, the sublime Blythe Danner any day of the week. But this preview from next week’s episode of Glee has got me rethinking my opinion on her. And has also got me rethinking that car bomb I had installed this morning.

LINK LOVE: Entertainment Weekly

Glee Recap Episode 2.6: I Kissed a Beiste (And I Liked It)

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:41:42 +0000

Last night’s Glee, “Never Been Kissed”, was heavy on the bullying and light on the musical numbers but shuffle-stepped away from being boring with the introduction of a potential new love interest for Kurt and not one, but two unexpected and highly inappropriate kisses.

Puck is back and so is his mohawk. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Schue is making the New Directions kids compete in their second annual boys v. girls sing-off. Usually, I’m on the girls’s side, but the boys managed to pull it through in the end. Now let’s explore how that happened.

Puck is out of juvie on the condition that he perform community service, so he “hangs with some crips,” taking on Artie as his community service. He decides to make Artie cool and get him a date with Brittany, for whom Artie still pines. Ain’t that the way it goes? You take a boy’s virginity while trying to make your sapphic bff jealous and then they want to get all clingy.

Cue the first musical number, an uninspired take on Bob Marley’s “One Love/People Get Ready”, which Puck uses to filch money from the student body; money purportedly to be used on a double date with Artie, Brittany and Santana. After their date, where Artie refuses to dine and dash (how well he could have dashed in a wheelchair remains a mystery) he and Puck reach a new level of understanding.

Puck’s time in the clink was not the breeze he claimed it to be. Rather, he hated juvie because he was bullied there every day. So Artie decides to make Puck his community service and tutor him in algebra as Puck performs his real civic duty: picking up trash on the side of the road.

Meanwhile, Kurt unwillingly joins the boys team, but is happy when Schue introduces the stipulation that the boys and girls have to sing songs traditionally sung by female performers. Kurt soon finds his input unwanted and wanders off to all boys prep school, Dalton Academy to spy on their competition for Sectionals, The Warblers. There he meets the adorable and dreamy Blaine (Darren Criss), another openly gay gal who is the leader of The Warblers. Kurt immediately falls for the crooner, as he and his allegedly heterosexual brethren chime out an a cappella rendition of “Teenage Dream.”

Darren Criss plays Blaine, another glee queen

Kurt is inspired by Blaine’s openness and decides to stand up to Karofsky, the meathead football player who’s been tormenting him since season/day one. Kurt angrily confronts Karofsky but receives an unexpected reaction when Karofsky kisses him. Yes, Karofsky is one of those Larry Craig-esque self-hating gays who lashes out against other queers out of his own rage. Much like my idol Karen Walker said, he should save that anger for the bedroom where it belongs.

Coach Beiste (the wonderful Dot Marie Jones) becomes an unlikely victim of bullying herself when Sam begins using her as a sexual deterrent against Quinn’s cockteasing wiles. The trend spreads and the boys in glee (and Tina against the prudish Mike Chang) start imagining Beiste in various compromising positions to cool their sexual embers. When Schue finds out, he does what he thinks is the right thing and tells the coach, who in turn quits.

Sue Sylvester is elated at the developments and rejoices in a storm of confetti, cackling her evil head off. Schue later consoles the wounded Beiste, who’s really a big softie under that large, mannish façade. When she reveals that, like Drew Barrymore, she too has never been kissed, Will kindly obliges and invites her to the auditorium. The boys perform a fierce mash-up of “Stop! In the Name of Love/Free Your Mind,” a la the Four Tops, and all is forgiven.

Diana Ross and En Vogue make everything better.

In the middle of all this bullying, the writers forgot the girls were supposed to perform sot they tacked on a mash-up of “Start Me Up/Livin’ on a Prayer,” that, despite seeming like an afterthought, was predictably amazing.

Rockin' out with their cockin' out

This episode was certainly skimpy on the musical numbers, a total of four, which often leaves the viewer wondering when the singing and dancing will start up again. This faces the other extreme presented by last week’s episode, “The Rocky Horror Glee Show,” which had too many musical numbers and not enough plot. But in order to advance things and keep everyone entertained, it behooves the show to tilt from one extreme to another.

The surprise gay kiss between Kurt and the bully was a great choice, giving another, nuanced angle to Kurt’s continuing gay self-discovery storyline. Let’s just hope he and Blaine get it on at some point. For now, Blaine is more of a mentor to Kurt, inspiring him to stand up to Karofsky and even helping to confront the bully about his own sexuality. But this could all just be a set-up for the inevitable virginity-busting threesome that is part of every young gay’s coming of age.

Next week’s episode guest stars alleged Oscar-winner, Gwyneth Paltrow, but I hope they continue with the Drew Barrymore-themed titles for episodes.

Like “The Wedding Singer,” in which Rachel and Finn decide to quit school and elope only to find that their lives will mirror the sorry fate of the singer at their tacky Vegas wedding, who, it turns out, is Sue Sylvester’s black sheep of a sister, played by Jennifer Coolidge.

Or “He’s Just Not That Into You,” when Sue develops a crush on Schue and goes all Fatal Attraction on him when her feelings aren’t reciprocated, boling his hair gel in a crock pot.

Or “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” where Kurt, Mercedes and Santana form a singing/dancing crime fighting trio with Sue as Charlie.

Ryan Murphy, there’s your third season. You’re welcome.

GLEE: L-R: Artie (Kevin McHale), Sam (Chord Overstreet), Kurt (Chris Colfer), Finn (Cory Monteith), Mike (Harry Shum Jr.) and Puck (Mark Salling) perform for Coach Beiste (R) in the "Never Been Kissed" episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Adam Rose/FOX

Darren Criss plays Blaine, another glee queen

Gwyneth Paltrow Brings Her Pompous to Glee!

Jill — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:42:32 +0000

Just because she can, Gwyneth Paltrow will be guest starring on Glee November 16^th as the substitute teacher every boy wished he had in high school.

Gleeks geeks around the country are anxiously awaiting appearance of the next celebrity to jump on the Glee bandwagon, and even we have to begrudgingly admit we are mildly interested in hearing the episode’s mash-up of “Umbrella” and “Singing in the Rain. “

Leighton Meester, Why Aren’t You More Famous?

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:45:45 +0000

Here the Gossip Girl is in December’s Marie Claire UK, looking absolutely stunning, lensed by Christophe Meimoon.

Yet, like her character, Blair Waldorf, Leighton must eternally live in the shadow of Blake Lively. The Betty to her Veronica. The Marilyn to her Jackie O.

Meanwhile, she’s acting circles around everyone on that show, and has the balls to wear this:

At the Costume Institute's Model As Muse Gala last year

I’m just going to say it: Anna, when is Leighton Meester going to get her Vogue cover? You’ve already given Blake two; both of which were rather uninspiring. Give Gwyneth Paltrow a much-needed break and throw Leighton on there. And for good measure, ban Sienna Miller from ever appearing in another Vogue. Because if you don’t, I will.

Lies Blythe Danner Told Me

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:04:11 +0000

“When I was just starting out, someone suggested that we finish a meeting in the bedroom. I left. I was pretty shocked. I could see how someone who didn’t know better might worry, ‘My career will be ruined if I don’t give this guy a blow job!’”

–Gwyneth Paltrow in Elle

No, Gwynny, your career will be ruined because of Shallow Hal and practically every movie you’ve made in the past ten years. Seriously, do you really expect anyone to believe that that Oscar won itself?

Beauty Fridays: Bumble and Bumble Styling Lotion

The Fashion Web — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:14:10 +0000

%images%
I recently cut my long mane into a Gwyneth Paltrow long sleek bob. But everyone's been asking me if I've had a special hair treatment done. The answer is “no,” but around the same time I started using Bumble and Bumble's Styling Lotion. I needed something…

LINK:http://www.imtheitgirl.com/2010/09/beauty-fridays-bumble-and-bumble.html

STYLE TREND: BLAZER

The Fashion Web — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:57:20 +0000

SOURCE:STYLE TREND: BLAZER
This is one trend that was in last year and will keep you going until next year. Boyfriend or fitted both styles are in. Choose yours. From Hollywood to Bollywood we’ve picked the best looks that will help you see how and with what you can pair this classic piece to look fab.

The Kapoor sisters obviously went all out for it while promoting Aisha so here’s the recap from them.
We’ve already seen this trend replace the conventional gown on the red carpet with Julia Roberts at the NY Premiere of Eat Pray Love & Gwyneth Paltrow for Iron Man.

Kareena also spotted a sequined blazer really well fitted at the Indial Idol finale and Rachel Bilson for a shoot.

Its a keep or invest now Trend.

Julia Roberts on The Elle September cover

Victoria Becham

Kareena Kapoor we are family Press Con London

Kim Kardashian

jessica Biel

Kate Backinsale

Rihanna

Nicky Hilton

Heidi Klum

Miranda Kerr

Kylie Minogue

Emmy Rosumm

Kim Kardashian

Ashley Tisdale

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

Vogue Says Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number

Jason Chan, Señor — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:15:20 +0000

Next month, Vogue is set to release their annual “Age Issue” and good on Anna Wintour for devoting the pages of her magazine to the older broads. Kudos, also, for the focus on ladies that aren’t celebrities. Details and pics after the juuuuump.While Gwyneth Paltrow (who is looking super fine) graces the cover, the three women profiled aren’t Hollywood royalty. No, instead there’s Miyuki Hayotama, 67, the former first lady of Japan; 40-something Christina Norman who’s jumped from running MTV to Oprah‘s new network; and Patti Hansen, 54-year old cancer survivor, model, and wife to Keith Richards.

The women were photographed by Annie Leibovitz, another graceful older gal. Take a guess who’s who.

COVERGIRL: Gwyneth Paltrow For Vogue August 2010

Annabelle Cheesecake, Parisian Princess — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:20:04 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow apparently loves cooking so much that she even wrote a cook book. (Who knew?) More photos of her Vogue spread after the jump…

Tom Ford Confirms He’s Got A Second Movie In The Works

The Fashion Web — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 02:11:51 +0000

We may not like Tom Ford’s eyewear ads, but we do love his lipsticks and, more importantly, his movies. Or, movie, as the case may be. Luckily for us, London’s Evening Standard has just confirmed with the designer himself that a second film is in the works.

Ford wrote and directed 2009’s “A Single Man” which starred Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult — who not so coincidentally stars in those terrifying ads we were talking about — and Colin Firth, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the central character.

Ford let the big news slip at the unveiling of Diane von Furstenberg’s suites at Claridge’s — the same party where Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow palled it up for the cameras — though he kept mum on any of the details. “I’m not telling you anything about it,” he told the Standard.

Evening Standard via Grazia Daily

LINK LOVE:Tom Ford Confirms He’s Got A Second Movie In The Works

Alexa Chung Interviews A-List Attendees of Louis Vuitton Maison Opening @LouisVuitton_US

Rebecca Alexander — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:10:21 +0000

The Louis Vuitton New Bond Street Maison in London held an invitation only opening event for international A-Listers. At 1,500 square meters, the store will be one of the company’s largest and most luxurious in the world. The maison will be open to the public on Friday 28th May, marking the most important date in Louis Vuitton’s 125-year association with London. Video after the jump…

Alexa Chung interviewed Daisy Lowe, Gwyneth Paltrow, and others.

Gallery of the attendees on Envy

Thanks DNA

Giorgio Armani to Dress Stars for Iron Man 2 Premiere

Saynt — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:02:52 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow will wear a Giorgio Armani shorts suit in a gold metallic silk jacquard fabric with a degradé effect. Co Star Scarlett Johansson has selected a Giorgio Armani Privé moon-green triple organza lamé cocktail dress with an interplay of ruffles and trimmed in crinoline. Loving the illustrations, looks exactly like Gwyn and ScarJo.

COVERGIRLS: Hollywood Takes Over French Vogue

Rebecca Alexander — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:44:41 +0000

A very Hollywood driven cover for Vogue Paris staring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, and Gwyneth Paltrow, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

LINK LOVE: Design Scene

COVERGIRL: Gwyneth Paltrow for British Vogue

Rebecca Alexander — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:05:21 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow covers the new British Vogue, and inside she tells the magazine all about her revenge fantasies and pent-up feelings of hatred–possibly directed towards Madonna.

According to UK’s Telegraph, here are some excerpts from the interview.

On being filled with hate:
“Oh yes, I can be mean. I can cave in to gossip. I can ice people out and I can definitely harbour revenge. In fact, I’m having a situation right now with a friend where I’m feeling pretty angry. But revenge is corrosive and it doesn’t make me feel good. I’ll wake up in the morning and think, ‘Ugh, I feel terrible’, and suddenly realise, ‘Ah, that’s why. I’m holding on to so much hate.”

On her trainer Tracy Anderson’s split from Madonna:
“Yeah, it’s good that she doesn’t train Madonna any more. It was too much. She keeps people waiting – it takes up your whole day.”

On staying slim with exercise:
“Oh, I had to work hard to get it like this, but now I’m here it’s so great because I don’t have to think about it. I can just enjoy life. What a relief is that. I can eat what I want, as long as I exercise, which is just as well, because if I put the word’ diet’ into my brain, I immediately gain a stone.”

LINK LOVE: ONTD

Antonio Berardi Declines Lady Gaga

Rebecca Alexander — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:19:26 +0000

Italian designer Antonio Berardi, whose clients include Victoria Beckham, Megan Fox, Amber Rose, Eva Mendes and Gwyneth Paltrow, declined an offer from GaGa to collaborate. “I was approached to design a clothing range with Lady GaGa but I knocked it back because I wasn’t interested in someone whose music is meaningless,” Berardi said. Funny, considering how useless Amber Rose is!

LINK LOVE: ICYDK

#3346096 Lady GaGa left hotel Phoenix in Copenhagen, Denmark July 31, 2009 in a breath taking outfit with a purple beehive hairstyle. Lady GaGa is not shy about wearing ridiculous outfits or showing the world her goods. She signs a few autographs for a few fans in a skin toned leotard and a white blazer while trying to balance the large beehive on he head and does a great job at it. Fame Pictures, Inc - Santa Monica, CA, USA - +1 (310) 395-0500

FIRST LOOK: Sketches From Zoe Tee’s Loves Gwyneth Paltrow

Kirby Marzec — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:38:51 +0000

As the entire fashion world knows by now, actress Gwyneth Paltrow is teaming up with French premium jersey maker, Zoe Tee, a little seven-look collaboration to benefit Kids Company. It looks like Paltrow picked up on the androgyny trend as sketches indicate men’s suiting and 70′s inspired oversized scoop-neck tops. Though the designs appear rather simple and seemingly mainstream, the partners in crime plan on using uniquely crafted fabrics like cashmere blends, recycled cotton and wool mesh.

The duo plans on releasing a Spring 2010 collection, so if this one is a success, we’ve got ourselves a whole year to look forward through!

Thanks WWD!