Eartha Kitt - "Santa Baby" (1953) Lyric: “Come and trim my Christmas tree/With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.”

Sister Sledge - "He's the Greatest Dancer" (1979) Lyric: "He wears the finest clothes/ The best designers heaven knows/ Ooh, from his head down to his toes/ Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci/ He looks like a still/ That man is dressed to kill."

Klymaxx - "Meeting in the Ladies Room" (1985) Lyric: (Spoken Intro) "I had to leave my condo to come to this/ Well I'm back/ But this time I'm with my man/ And these women are puttin' their hands all over his Yamamoto Kansai sweater that I bought/ And I'm much, much unhappy about that/ I'd hate to come down to their level and become a BW/ A basic woman/ But if they don't stop/ It's gonna get SCANDALOUS."

Run-D.M.C. - "My Adidas" (1986) Lyric: "NOOOOOOOW/ Me and my Adidas do the illest things/ We like to stomp out pimps with diamond rings."

The Notorious B.I.G. - "Hypnotize" (1997) Lyric: "I put hoes in NY onto DKNY/ Miami, D.C. prefer Versace/All Philly hoes, dough and Moschino/ Every cutie wit a booty bought a Coogi."

Lil' Kim - "Crush on You (Remix)" (1997) Lyric: "You got to hit me off/ Buy this girl gifts of course/ So I look slick in my 6 with my Christian Lacroix (pronounced Lacross)

Jay-Z - "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It to Me)" (2000) Lyric: "What do you say me, you and your Chloe glasses/ Go somewhere private where we can discuss fashion/ Like Prada blouse/ Gucci bra/ Filth Mart jeans/ Take that off."

Gwen Stefani - "Rich Girl" (2004) Lyric: "Think what that money could bring/ I’d buy everything/ Clean out Vivienne Westwood/ In my Galliano gown."

Beyoncé - "Upgrade U" (2006) Lyric: Audemars Piguet watch/ Dimples in ya necktie/ Hermès briefcase/ Cartier top clips/ Silk-lined blazers/ Diamond-creamed facials/ VVS cuff links/ Six-star pent suites."

Vampire Weekend - "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" (2008) Lyric: "As a young girl/ Louis Vuitton/ With your mother/ On the sandy lawn"..."Can you stay up/ To see the dawn/ In the colors/ Of Benetton."

Kanye West - "Niggas in Paris" (2011) Lyric: "What's Gucci my nigga?/ What's Louis my killa?/ What's drugs my deala?/ What's that jacket Margiela?"

Lady Gaga - "Fashion of His Love" (2011) Lyric: "You know that I'd never cheat on a man/ 'Cause I'm not like that/ I'm physically crafted to be/ As fitting as McQueen." Add your favorite fashion lyrics in the comments below!

Defining eco-fashion as “the work of environmentally-conscious designers who use, produce, and/or promote sustainable and ethical products,” Eco-Fashion: Going Green utilized six themes to illustrate the eco-fashion movement: the repurposing and recycling of materials; material origins; textile dyeing and production; quality of craftsmanship; labor practices; and treatment of animals. Thus one learns of both the positive and negative aspects of fashion’s environmental impact.

So take those pencils out of your updo and put on our reading glasses because we’re taking a brief history lesson on the origins of eco-fashion.

This silk brocade gown from 1760 is an early example of sustainability due to its superior quality and the level of care put into it. After all, it's still around ain't it?

Imagine something being vintage 170 years ago. This gown dating back to around 1840 was made from repurposed silk from the eighteenth century.

While there are more environmentally-sound ways to dye fabrics these days, back in the mid-19th century, that wasn't the case. Many green dyes, like the one used in this dress from 1865, used arsenic, rendering both the textile worker and the wearer susceptible to poisoning from inhalation of the fumes.

Rayon is considered the first manmade fiber and by the 1920s was widely used in low-price clothing, as in the orange dress on the left. Meanwhile, legendary couturier Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975) -- whose ivory silk georgette dress is seen on the right -- was the first to offer paid vacations and coffee breaks to her workers. Thanks Madge!

The evening cape on the left was made out of cellophane, a material composed of regenerated wood, cotton, or hemp; while biodegradable, its production also created pollutants. The man's dressing gown to the right was made from a 19th-century "crazy quilt," which itself had been made from scraps of leftover fabric.

The label in this dress reads "New York Creations," which appeared in garments produced after July 1941, indicating "that the fashions were all locally manufactured and adhered to union standards of fair labor and product quality."

This nylon seersucker suit from 1959 was part of a wave of synthetic "wash and wear" clothing that was allegedly wrinkle-resistant -- can't tell from where I'm sitting -- and also water-repellent, thus reducing the need for routine ironing and conserving energy in the long-run. The wool suit on the left was made out of the reversed side of a paisley shawl, a practice called "turning" (it) that dates back to the 18th century.

The skirt on the left was handmade by "Mountain Artisans, an Appalachian-based women’s cooperative that sold clothing in high-end New York stores such as Bergdorf Goodman." The dress on the right is by Betsey Johnson from 1971 and bears the Woolmark label, guaranteeing that it was constructed using virgin, non-reprocessed wool.

The dress on the left from the early 70s was made using fabric from the 1920s while the Halston number on the right was made of Ultrasuede, a versatile, durable, machine-washable but non-biodegradable material developed by the designer in 1971. And worn by Liza to this day.

Martin Margiela was dubbed "fashion's founding father of recycling" by Suzy Menkes in the 90s. For the top on the far left, Margiela used repurposed silk scarves and for the two sweaters wool socks. The incomplete sweater (middle) is held together by pinned, unsewn seams while the complete sweater brilliantly utilizes the contours of the heels for the curves of the elbow, shoulder, and bust.

While faux fur is seen as a more humane alternative to real fur, its production still has its share of environmental challenges. Like polyester, it's made from petroleum and requires an energy-intensive production. The Oscar de la Renta coat from 1995 incorporates both faux leopard skin and Mongolian lamb fur, though today de la Renta uses Origin Assured furs, which regulates sourcing. The subtle tiger print faux fur jacket is from Dolce & Gabbana in 1992.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good, because they’re going to need a little trial and error. Ever since Roy Halston diluted his brand with licensing in the 70s — which led to his firing from the company in 1984 and subsequent death in 1990 — the Halston line has been under something of a curse. Everyone and their mother has tried to revive it with Harvey Weinstein and SJP being the last foolhardy souls to attempt salvation.

Whereas Weinstein’s background is in film and Parker’s main hoof is in acting, Malka comes with a mass of fashion experience under his belt. For over ten years he served as president of BCBG Max Azria and he was planning on retiring until he got offered the job at Halston. “There were maybe two or three brands that could pull me out of retirement, and this was one,” Malka said. “But it had to be all about the way I run it. No outside interference.”

So Halston is now the Ben Malka show. Hilco, which owns the Halston brand, and a silent investor serve as passive partners while Malka holds the largest share in the company. Malka hired away BCBG’s chief creative officer Marie Mazelis to design for Halston then picked up and moved the headquarters out to L.A., where he shares studio space with Mad Men. The unlikely move to the west coast is an attempt to refocus the Halston Heritage line, which they are using as a platform to relaunch the brand.

“[T]he Heritage line… is contemporary and obviously this is the place for that.” Malka explained. “It’s also a global city and a brand like this belongs here. I think it will be a boon to the Los Angeles fashion community.” Halston Heritage will range in price from $50 to $500, with certain pieces going for as much as $2500. The Halston runway line, however, will be based out of New York where an atelier is currently being constructed and is set to debut for the fall 2013 season. Prices are expected to go as high as $10,000. “I want to create a strong differentiation between the two…Halston [runway] is about innovation in technique and fabric. It’s about exclusivity and luxury. Heritage is about making the brand more accessible using timeless codes like fluidity and tailoring.”

Malka will focus on creating a brick-and-mortar presence with shop-in-shops in stores like Bloomingdale’s and Harrods, and there are plans to open as many as five freestanding stores this year alone. Taking a note from Burberry, social media will also be a key factor in Halston’s revival as well as celebrity partnerships. “Halston was one of the pioneers of marrying fashion and celebrity. I value that enormously. Celebrities are incredible ambassadors and we will be making some thoughtful choices after market.”

For now, it certainly sounds like Halston is in good hands. Malka is running a tight ship that includes a heavily-detailed four-year plan and an employee manual that even dictates the font of email signatures. Only time will tell if he and his crew can do Roy justice, but Malka believes they’re certainly on the right track. ”I think if Halston were here today, he would be very pleased.” And so would Liza. [WWD, sub req'd]

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Halston's latest savior, Ben Malka

Halston's chief designer, Marie Mazelis

- Chanel has confirmed rumors that Alice Dellal is the newest face of its Boy Chanel handbag campaign, shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself. [WWD]

- Speaking of the industrious Herr Kaiser, more images have been released from his upcoming Karl line. [Vogue UK]

- Iris Apfel may well be nearing the 3,000-year-old mark, but she’s showing no signs of slowing down. The bespectacled harridan‘s MAC cosmetics line will launch on January 5. [Fashionista]

- Miss Sixty’s creative director Wichy Hassan passed away today after a long battle with cancer. [WWD]

- The trailer for the new Halston documentary, Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston, looks fucking awesome — particularly since Liza Minnelli crawled out of whatever gutter she’s been jazz-handing in to provide commentary. [The Cut]

CHT167969 Maxim's, c.1901 (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Sem (Georges Goursat) (1863-1934) pen and ink and watercolour on paper Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France Archives Charmet French, out of copyright

Carolina Herrera, owning the world

Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell’s Studio 54 was one of the greatest moments in New York City nightlife when everybody who was anybody would don their glittery best and dance the night away to the toot-toot-beep-beep of the thumping disco beat. Now, doorman Marc Benecke and Rubell’s former executive assistant Myra Scheer take us back in time with their talk show premiering this Sunday at 10 pm on Sirius XM Channel 15.

Halston with his girls — Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson

- Halston is apparently falling apart at the seams. First SJP, then Harvey Weisntein, now Marios Schwab is the latest to jump the label’s quickly sinking ship and there’s no Spring 2012 collection planned. [WWD]

- Beyoncé dropped a measly $15K on a 90-minute shopping spree with mom Tina Knowles at Topshop and Selfridges. Meanwhile, let me loose in a Wal-Mart for 90 minutes and I could rack up the same bill.  [NY Mag]

Sarah Jessica Parker‘s departure was a tiny little mention in her Vogue cover story:

When Sex and the City, to her own surprise, made her a fashion star, she launched her own design label and perfumes, as well as signing on to run the Halston Heritage label, a relationship that recently came to an end.

Days after that story broke, Harvey Weinstein has followed SJP out to pasture, leaving the company in which he had equity stake for the past few years. Well, the good news is Halston’s parent company, Hilco, is still confident in the label — at least someone is — as its seen recent growth in retail.

And also, Liza picked Diana up in the Beemer  and they’re on their way with Elton riding bitch. Happy days are here again! [WWD]

Alexander McQueen

Nini Ricci

Marchesa

Elie Saab

Vivienne Westwood

Lanvin

Alexander McQueen

Elie Saab & L'Wren Scott

Producer/actress Sarah Jessica Parker arrives to Bravo Media's 2010 Upfront Party to promote her new show "Work of Art", which she serves as Executive Producer. Skylight Studios, West Soho New York, New York Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Johns PkI/Splash News

Stella McCartney

Dolce & Gabbana

Yves Saint Laurent

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Halston

Dior Haute Couture

Seven for All Mankind‘s Michele Manz wants to stuff the royal pair in their designer jeans, while Kevan Hall offers Kate one of his statement-making gowns for a  BAFTA red carpet event.

Unsurprisingly, everyone’s clamoring to pretend-dress the Duchess with Juan Carlos Obando envisioning her in a Halston moment and BCBG  Max Azria giving a nod to Kate’s homeland with a tea-length dress.

My favorite look, however, comes by way of Rachel Zoe and her boundless love for Boho chic – a white blouse tucked into a maxi skirt. I’m sure she’d add 300 bracelets and a breastplate of necklaces, though people’s princess Kate would most likely eschew all that bling.

Meanwhile, poor Will has to settle for a board short and some T-shirts, the epitome of Cali style, it seems. Not that he cares — or anyone else for that matter — but if Kate Middleton goes from Alexander McQueen to wearing flip flops and beach hair, I will never forgive the West Coast. [WWD]

BCBG Max Azria

Bleu Rod Beattie

Juan Carlos Obando

Kevan Hall

Oliver Peoples

O'Neill

Rachel Zoe

Tarina Tarantino

- Dov Charney no longer holds the majority share in American Apparel after an influx of cash last week from a group of Canadian funders, including private investor Michael Serruya. Unlike everyone else in the world, Serruya has confidence in the American Apparel brand and in Dov Charney, whom he thinks is the victim of a “shakedown,” in reference to that whole sex slave thing. [WWD]

- Are your alarms set? Are your puffy-sleeved gowns steamed and at the ready? The Royal Wedding is tomorrow, meaning that people might stop doing creepy things like tattooing their front teeth with Prince William‘s and Kate Middelton‘s likenesses, or spending 490 bucks (or three easy payments of 163 bucks)  for a vinyl doll bearing the Issa engagement dress seen round the world (as soon as that wedding dress debuts, however, that doll is getting an upgrade). But there’s perhaps nothing creepier– or…classier? —  than slipping on some royally-inspired latex to get it on in the boudoir. Though for $13, I’d expect more than three lousy Will and Kate Jimmyhats — I’m ready to consummate all over that couple. [Fashionista]

@fashionindie: So, first things first, what are you wearing?

@marian_kihogo: today I like to call my look ‘car mechanic by way of the 70′s’ I’m in vintage jumpsuit-vintage headwrap-vintage accessories

@fashionindie: You’re speaking my language, lady. I knew I wanted you to be my 1st Tweet-à-Tête interview b/c of your incredible style.

@marian_kihogo: total honour for me, seeing that it’s fashion indie and it’s your first!

here is a pic of what I’m in today

@fashionindie: I’m living for that scarf. Where’d you get it?

@marian_kihogo: the scarf is actually the product of a long story.To cut it short,I bought it off a lovely elderly lady She had it on her bag!

I paid her in bangle. We did a swap on a bus. Hilarious story, told you it was long

@fashionindie: I remember when I first saw you at NYFW. 12 ft tall, stunning, black head2toe, black fur coat, FUCHSIA LIP. #dead

It was like you were the walking embodiment of fierce. What inspires your style?

@marian_kihogo: thank you so much. Over the winter it was all about the faux fur and fuchsia lip. Something so rock’n'roll glam about it

my style has always been directed by the emotive plus a love of the 70′s,sharp tailoring & a need to express a present moment

I’m inspired by everything and nothing; a film, a moment, a woman on the street, a song, a place, inspiration is all around

@fashionindie: I’m all about the 70s. It’s funny you’re werqing a 70s car mechanic look, I was going for 70s college art prof.

@marian_kihogo: I love that ’70s college art prof’ I might have to try that tonight for a clients party

@fashionindie: Feel free, it’s all about a cardigan.

@fashionindie: When I actually spoke to you, I wasn’t at all surprised you were British. The Br. fashion scene’s always been so cutting edge

@marian_kihogo: I think it is because the UK has always been known for experimentation, that certain spirit of fearless willingness to create

the fashion scene here is such a mix. The slick established luxury – eg Burberry to the clever wit – Giles etc

we are fashion’s ‘enfant terrible’ but it has birthed incredible talent

@fashionindie: I agree. In NY it feels like you can always wear anything or try anything, but there’s no sense of rebellion. Are u a rebel?

@marian_kihogo: Im most defo a rebel in a sense.I’ve always lived by the ideal that the mass market is myself.what I want to wear for me goes

but I think that rebel is in every creative,a need to create a new path, to dress to pls self. No real creative can be a clone

@fashionindie: Rebel w/ a cause. Do u have any labels you absolutely can’t live w/o? Or are u more of an eclectic anything goes kind of gal?

@marian_kihogo: wow I’m more of a ‘does it move marian?’ kind of girl

so if it moves me it is a done deal. All I ever bought fashion wise challenged me mentally/emotionally.style is emotive

so designers like. Ana Šekularac, Jean Pierre Braganza, McQueen, Balenciaga, Halston, Prada (maria francesca pepe)@MFPepe

have become faves over time because I resonate with their vision, aesthetic and journey as creatives

@fashionindie: I’m looking over some preview images from the #McQueen #Met retrospective. It’s breathtaking.

@marian_kihogo: there will never be another McQueen; the fearlessness, the vision, the technical ability, the ability to weave a story

@fashionindie: So true. Though I love what Sarah Burton‘s been doing with the house. Are you interested at all in the #RoyalWedding ?

@marian_kihogo: ha I knew a question about the #RoyalWedding was coming! I’m actually interested in the gown. hoping for contemporary

@fashionindie: It’s all I hear about! Americans haven’t been this Anglophilic since the Spice Girls. I think we all love a giant spectacle.

@marian_kihogo: well hold your prada clutches and Dolce corset dresses as something tells me it is going to be huge

@fashionindie: But as a Brit, does it mean anything to you besides the gown? #stillhoping4McQ Is there a patriotic pride attached?

@marian_kihogo: there is patriotic pride attached as I think the Royal family is a beautiful thing. So for me, a new princess is exciting

there is a feeling of being all part of an extended bridal party as it were. Like one big party celebrating with them

@fashionindie: It seems to really bring the country together.

@marian_kihogo: Well put!

@fashionindie: I know here, our 1st Lady has a tremendous influence on fashion. Will it be the same for Kate?

@marian_kihogo: I think Kate will have an influence on fashion. Whether she will have as much effect as Princess Diana remains to be seen

I know a few people who are already tipping her as icon, there are those who went out and bought the Issa engagement dress

@fashionindie:  That dress was cute and all but Di’s a huge legacy 2 live up 2. So tell me about your blog? How’d you get started?

@marian_kihogo: my blog was actually the internet version of a scrapbook I’d compiled over yrs. It had fabric scraps,images, quotes etc

if I found something thought provoking/inspiring, it went into that tattered book. When I moved and lost it, the blog was born

@fashionindie: That’s brilliant! And you’ll never lose it, unless the internet disappears. #knockonwood And how did you get into styling?

@marian_kihogo: I started styling at 14,my friends mother looked a mess for dinner. I cut up her designer dress. She became my 1st client.

@fashionindie: “my friends mother looked a mess for dinner.” I hope you’re as honest with your other clients!

@marian_kihogo: oh honesty(with tact no doubt!:) is an important policy and most people value and respect it.

@fashionindie:  What’s a typical styling gig?

@marian_kihogo: there is no typical styling gig! That’s why I love it.

Everything from pre-styling someone for an alps winter get-a-away for month to a red carpet function.Its fun-hectic-constant

@fashionindie: When dressing a client, do you buy what you think THEY would like or what YOU would want to see them in?

@marian_kihogo: that’s a great question. It is always about what they like, what image they want to have the public see.

with clients we work to suit an image they want to create-develop-maintain.I offer tips/ideas but they must be happy

so it is a very symbiotic relationship. They provide the desired dream image and style icons, I bring the fuel with ideas

@fashionindie: Okay, for my final question. Music and fashion always go hand in hand for me. What are you listening to these days?

@marian_kihogo: love your last question! Rihanna‘s Loud album is fantastic, Notorious Big(brilliant), Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix

I am a huge music fan both new and old. Music and fashion go hand in hand.Thanks for the tweet-interview. Glam kisses, Marian

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.

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.

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)

When discussing his role in the 2002 flick Sonny on Bravo‘s Inside the Actor’s Studio, Franco revealed how he researched for the role. He shadowed an actual man-whore, even witnessing the dirty, sweaty sex that takes place in the back of a stripclub.

Because there’s no other kind of sex that takes place in the back of a stripclub.

“It went down.” he said. “Everything went down, as you see in the movies and hear about. The eerie thing is, it was like a movie, but it wasn’t a movie – it was the real thing, happening in front of me.”

Ah, that takes me back. I remember seeing an orgy on the dancefloor of 54 in 19-I-can’t-quite-recall. I tell you, you learn a lot about life after seeing Liza spread eagle between two shirtless hustlers while Andy Warhol spanks her with a Halston turtleneck he’s jerry-rigged into a cat o’ nine tails.

Good times.

LINK LOVE: Daily Mail

Don’t miss these tidbits about some of the world’s top fashion designers:

Point of origin

• Kate Spade – Kansas City, MO
• Yves Saint Laurent – Oran, Algeria
• John Bartlett – Cincinnati, OH
• Anna Sui – Detroit, MI
• Texas – Todd Oldham, Tom Ford
• Bronx, New York – Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein

Getting started

• Marc Jacobs — stock boy for Charivari, a New York clothing store
• Ralph Lauren — road salesman for a neckwear manufacturer
• Halston — window dresser at Carson-Pirie-Scott
• Coco Chanel — clerk in a hosiery shop
• Tommy Hilfiger — freelance designer for Jordache jeans
• Tom Ford — actor/model in TV commercials
• Michael Kors — sales assistant at a boutique
• Giorgio Armani — buyer’s assistant for a department store
• Alexander McQueen — tailor’s apprentice
• Jil Sander — fashion journalist
• Laura Ashley — secretary
• Manolo Blahnik — jeans buyer
• Salvatore Ferragamo — factory worker making cowboy boots

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology

• Calvin Klein
• Norma Kamali
• Jhane Barnes

Parsons School of Design

• Donna Karan
• Mark Badgley & James Mischka
• Tom Ford Anna Sui
• Alexander McQueen – St. Martins School of Art
• Issey Miyake – Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne
• Gianni Versace – No formal training, learned tailoring from dressmaker mother

Started on a different path

• Vivienne Westwood — teacher
• Thierry Mugler — dancer
• Christian Dior — art dealer
• Miuccia Prada — PhD, political science
• Joan Vass — museum curator

(Credit: About.com)

Models display creations of Prada Spring/Summer 2010 ready-to-wear fashion show on September 24, 2009 during the Women's fashion week in Milan. AFP PHOTO / Giuseppe Cacace (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

Styled by Cathy Kasterine and shot by Miles Aldridge, Charlotte looks beautifully stiff, like a gorgeous mannequin from the secretary pool. The clothes are very 70s Halston, a look I can never get enough of, with some pretty epic hair. Though the daily grind might have killed Char’s soul, at least she can still tie a hair bow and drag herself to work.

The Project Runway alum is beginning to come into his own, transcending the roots of his reality TV roots in his latest collection.

Read on for the review.

An hour before the show, the backstage area was tame compared to the storm of publicity that swept through once the front row took its seat, including my personal fave, Miss J. Alexander. Then the lights dimmed and Sessilee Lopez stomped out in the first look, a simple brown leather safari jacket and white pant.

Simplicity was not a central theme, though as graphic prints were slowly introduced and ornate gowns swept the floor. A collective gasp went up in the air when the finale dress came down the runway, a mass of tulle and ruffles whipped up into a fit of ecstasy.

The Haus of Siriano certainly knows how to do a statement gown.

The entire collection had an air of the 70s with a very palpable Halston influence throughout. The use of white and beige and the flow of the caftan-like dresses in particular come to mind. However, there was a lack of cohesion.

As Christian tries to grow his brand and be taken seriously as a designer, it’s understandable that he would try to do everything and appeal to everyone. But a little judicious editing might have resulted in a stronger collection.

Still, the young designer is coming into his own and this is no doubt his best collection yet.

It’s May 5th so strut your stuff in honor of Cinco de Mayo! If sombreros don’t fit your personal style, Rent the Runway is a fiesta of designer fashion and is the perfect way to spice up any spring fling. Whether your style is laidback cool or sizzling sexy, RTR has something for everyone. With rentals starting at just 10% of retail prices, every occasion is an opportunity to look fabulous. Olé!

Halston Heritage’s Retro Romper (pictured above) is festive, fun, and flirty. Pair the one-piece with AV Max’s Geometric Bangle Set, and you will be sure to turn heads at the fiesta!

Prefer something even spicier for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Herve Leger’s Siren Bandage Dress is sizzling hot! To up the ante, mix, match, and stack Chamak’s Vacation Bound Bangle Set and Rainbow Bangle Set on both arms. With this look, Cinco de Mayo will be HOT, HOT, HOT!!

Don’t forget, it’s cinco times dos with $10 off at Rent The Runway for Fashion Indie readers. Use promo code: INDIE2010 for $10 off at check-out.

I think that Sarah Jessica Parker, the Sex and the City queen, looks so beautiful in this Halston dress, which she perfectly accessorized with Fred Leighton vintage diamond bracelets.

05-03-10 New York City, NY Celebrities attending the Metropolitan Museum Of Art's 2010 Costume Institute Ball, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY... Non-Exclusive Pix by Flynet ©2010 818-307-4813 Nicolas 310-869-0177 Scott

Halston Heritage Carrie Dress available at www.renttherunway.com for $50

Only 5 days left to use promo code: Indie2010 to receive $10 off your first rental!!

An amazing collection by Halston, with Sarah Jessica Parker obviously in attendance. Not only were the pieces in the collection very distinct and strong, the accessories are to die for. The boots, hats, and very modern take on the ‘earring’ really allowed for an unforgettable statement in the mind of the viewer.

SJP arrived just in time for the Halson show yesterday, wearing, of course, Halston. The fashionista is the creative director of the house and will help design the brand’s lower priced “Halston Heritage” line.

“It’s not like I had anything to do with it. I’m just happy to be part of this incredible design team.”

LINK LOVE: Faded Youth Blog

Does this mean that Rachel Zoe’s been kicked to the curb?

I may have missed when Rachel left the legendary brand, but I’m uber excited about SJP’s new placement. This could be really great for a brand that’s come strong with a lot of great concepts (video fashion shows, just in time production) but has failed to gain a winning customer base.

LINK LOVE:  Vogue U.K.

All sales start at noon, so hurry cuz all this stuff goes so fast! Click here to join.

NY Mag has the breakdown of the outfits from the SATC 2 trailer, stating that there are more Louboutin appearances than necessary!

We already know that in the the opening clip Carrie is wearing limited edition Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm sunglasses ($525 @ Patricia Field.) Her white dress is Halston and the necklace is Solange Azagury-Partridge, and costs almost $200k.

The shoes are Louboutin and the clutch is Chanel. Big is treating Carrie very well!
In the clip taking place in front of Bergdorf Goodman, we have Samantha with a VBH bag ($1300) and black Ray Bans. Miranda is wearing YSL Tribute heels. Charlotte is in head-to-toe pink Dior (including the bag) but not the shoes. Those are Loubs.

Fashionista doesn’t like the news, and here’s why:

1. Halston is a disaster. Though we’re sure Marios Schwab will end its curse and do something brilliant, a brand can’t have a face for a collection that doesn’t exist (yet).

2. Last time Harvey chose a face, Rachel Zoe, to be associated with a brand, it failed. It really, really failed.

3. As if fashion wasn’t sick enough of celebrity, whatever comes down Lindsay Lohan’s runway for Ungaro this week will probably put off even the most celeb-friendly of the fashion world for a moment.

4. It’d be silly to pay Sarah Jessica Parker to be the face of a brand when Carrie Bradshaw’s been photographed wearing it all over Manhattan, for free, and will be seen on every screen in the same dresses come May.

Personally, I’m not specifically a fan of celebrity models, but maybe that’s just because I love models? What do you guys think of this new rumor?

LINK LOVE: Fashionista