On this season’s aesthetic:

It’s sort of 20s/30s glamour meets East Village punkiness/funkiness. Imagine if Marie Antoinette fell out of the sky and landed in the middle of the East Village. We’re just going to let her have fun. But it’s going to be more refined and upscale.

On his partnership with Angelo:

Angelo’s kind of my design director, we’re a team, doing this line together. I hate titles, that’s the thing, but we’re having fun. We met on 7th St when I had my line, Heatherette, that was my studio. But he’s right across the street still on 7th St.  Keeping it real with the East Village. I was looking for someone to partner up with me and have fun and direct my crazy mind. It’s like when you decorate the Christmas tree, if you have too many ideas you need to edit it…I think Angelo brings refinement to my glittery fun.

On his upcoming runway show:

The show this season is on February 10th at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Fashion Week is usually very exclusive, invite only, but I’m opening my show up like a rock concert this year, letting people in who never really get a chance to go to a fashion show.

I never realized, like a lot of my friends that aren’t in the fashion industry,  I’ll invite them to my show and they’re like, “Oh my god, it was so much fun! I’ve never been to a fashion show before.” I always take it for granted because that’s what I do. It’s fun when people who haven’t experienced it get a chance to and see what it’s about. And it’s as much fun to watch the crowd as it is to watch the show.

This year I’m selling tickets to the show and proceeds go to DOsomething.org as well as Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, which is a charity for little kids who unfortunately have cancer. We have a good friend who passed away in the last couple days…It felt weird at first, selling tickets, but you know if you can help people it makes sense.

Then again this spring, I think I’m going to do another show to launch a partnership with a Fast Fashion House. I guess I’ll be the first designer that’s ever been the face of something they’ve done.

On casting models:

I look for personality. There are so many beautiful people out there that model. I don’t like one kind of look, I like everything. That’s why I love New York. It’s like an 80’s Bennetton ad. You have the amazing black girl with the Asian kid and the gay kid…I just think we all wear clothes, you don’t have to be a size 0 because beauty comes in all sizes.

On pre-Fashion Week jitters:

I don’t get nervous, really, it’s more like happy nerves, excited, energetic. I’m always like what if nobody shows up? I probably asked my mom that before my fifth birthday party. I don’t really get nervous or scared or intimidated, I’m more excited like it’s Christmas Eve. I just want everybody to come and have a good time.

The worst part is when something goes wrong, like when kids can’t get in or something’s wrong with the door. I’m backstage trying to get everything together and I have all these friends on the alert. You don’t know what’s going on and you end up getting in trouble the next three days or five months. That’s where the nerves come from. That’s the nerve-wracking part.

On other fashion shows he’s looking forward to:

I always look forward to all of it. I go to Marc Jacobs every year. He’s an old friend. I love him, he’s supported me a long time as well. But I just go with the flow. Fashion Week is such a rollercoaster, that’s why I like doing opening night because then it’s over with and I can just have fun.

On his celebrity friends walking the runway:

I didn’t really intend, when I started doing fashion shows, to have celebrities at the end. They just happened to be my friends and were out and about. A lot of people in the media are like, “Who are you having this season?” Your guess is as good as mine. I usually just call up some of my friends, ask if they want to do this. If it’s part of a charity, even better. It just kind of unfolds.

I’ll definitely have surprises this season. I don’t know the surprises until they happen. They’re really always last minute. Last year Ellen [Degeneres] finally called two days before [the show]…

I remember one season, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton were in a fight. So Paris is in one car and Britney is in another car. I went out to get them but they both knew each other was there. I didn’t know they were feuding and they decided not to come out of their cars.

And Kimora Lee was also walking so she’s like, “Well, where are Paris and Britney?” I said they’re not coming out and Kimora goes “Well I guess I’m the finale!”

Kimora was great, I like having other designers walk. I think it should all be a big family. I don’t believe in the whole competitive thing, we’re all having fun for the same reason.

On meeting his icons:

My friends enticed me to move to New York and I sort of moved here on a whim. The night I came they threw a party for me at this club in Union Square. I had long finger waves and was wearing this discoball-ish headpiece when Madonna walks up to me with a beer and a cigarette in hand.  She just kind of looked at me like, “Who is this?” and said, “Hey, what’s up?”

I’ve always been a huge fan, obviously, of hers – and I was just like, “WOW. I’m staying in New York!”

And the next night, I was living at the Hotel 17 in Gramercy Park with my friend Amanda Lepore, who was my neighbor and David Bowie was in the elevator with me. I grew up with my brother loving David Bowie. We ended up doing a photoshoot literally outside of my hotel room with Interviewmagazine. Then two nights later I met Debbie Harry!

New York came alive in a week. It just felt like it was meant to be. I think that’s why I appreciate fashion and pop culture so much: the sheer will of having a dream, letting it unfold and hopefully inspiring other people to realize their dreams. Which is what all those artists have done for me.

On his own style:

I pretty much wear everything from Dots and H&M mixed with Chanel, everything from Marc Jacobs to Prada, Dior, The Gap, vintage. I’m just all over the map. I think if you think too much it doesn’t make sense.

But on the flip side, if you do a fashion shoot and somebody else styles you, it’s fun to see how they envision you. Like popstars for example. It’s not really their vision, but somebody else giving it to them. Even Gaga, she’s bringing back to the surface what club kids did for years, but she’s smart about it. She has good people around her.

Kate Moss’s best friend, he’s gay, told me there’s always a good f****t around any fabulous girl. [laughs]

If you want a ticket to enter Richie’s glittery fun world, you can buy them here — that way you can be fabulous and support two great causes!

Anne Slowly

“I’m seeing a lot of stuff that, um, I think people would like. But, you know, I think there’s maybe a little bit of focus lacking, in terms of fashion with a capital “F,” uh, point of view. You know, to hear [that] you want to see yourself alongside someone like a Phillip Lim or an Alex Wang, you know, I mean, they—they are real designers. And I think that it doesn’t mean you can’t be a real designer someday. I’m not sure that I’m really getting a point of view.”

Ouchies. Hopefully, that punch to the vadge doesn’t end Whitney’s dreams of making it to the big leagues, cause honestly, I do like many of the things she’s released.

Cry Wolf- Located in St. Marks (111), this boutique features goods for men and women from awesome designers such as: 80%20, Chronicles of Never, Creative Recreation, S2Vs, Jeffrey Campbell, Gram, and Nudie.  Find the best shoes, accessories, and clothing from your favorite indie designers worldwide, without having to scour through tons of internet sites.

Inven.tory- Located at Lafayette and Spring, get GREAT deals (outlet pricing) on emerging designers, and catch up on the latest trends! Inven.tory’s inventory changes weekly, so stop in frequently to make sure you get the best stuff! They don’t have a site quite yet, but you can check out their blog for all the latest news about the store, and what you should be wearing.

Gargyle- Located on Orchard near Canal (16A), this store is aiming to revitalize the country club lifestyle, and features designers like Vena Cava, Fred Perry, Karen Walker, and Surface to Air (among others).  They claim to love ‘golf, tennis, concerts, and parties,’ so if you fit into any or all of the above, or just enjoy ‘anything that lets us have fun with our family and friends,’ check out Gargyle.  Shop online if you must, but to get the full country club party experience, you have to stop in!

In God We Trust- They’ve got three stores in town, 265 Lafayette, Ludlow btwn. Stanton and Rivington, and 135 Wythe in Brooklyn.  Stop in for the sickest jewelry, antique and new, as well as fun, adventurous clothing that brings out the vintage nature in everyone.  Check out their site for previews, and stop in to get the real treasures.

Tokyo 7- Located on 7th St. btwn. 2nd and 3rd Ave, this consignment store offers limitless designer goods, everything from Prada, Gucci, D&G, Miu Miu, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Heatherette, and 5Preview.  Save on anything you could possibly want, and enjoy the ever-changing stock. No site available, sorry to all of you non-NYC natives.

Love Brigade- Located at 230 Grand Street, you’ve probably heard us talk about Love Brigade, but we want you to love them as much as we do.  They sell their original line Love Brigade, a diffusion line (ex.oh), as well as an experimental line (As We Are), as well as selected pieces from other great indie designers.  Stop in and say hi to our friends, and get some awesome clothes while you’re at it!

Assembly- Located on Ludlow btwn. Stanton and Houston, this store is just for the boys (with the occasional women’s accessory filtering through).  Get new and vintage clothing and accessories from the greatest collector in town, with tons of foreign labels and indie stuff, too.  There’s even a vinyl section in the back, so you can get your music and fashion all in once place!

Valley- Located on Elizabeth btwn. Prince and Spring, the ultimate experience in one-stop shopping.  Enjoy looking through clothing from avant-guard designers, and favorites like Grey Ant, Lady Leisure, and Caroline K, and also enjoy the skin, nail, and waxing salon, and a cafe.  This store really has it all, check it out as soon as you can!

Kiosk- Located on Spring St. btwn. Broadway and Mercer, this isn’t exactly a clothing or accessories store, but they sell a bunch of random trinkets and other goodies that would be great for a DIY project.  If you’re in one of those moods to look for something, but you aren’t exactly sure what, head over to Kiosk.  Plus, they’re right next to that window that sells the mini cupcakes, which is awesome.

First Among Equals- Located at 177 Orchard, this store sells 0044, Bess, Dunlin, Michel Berandi, and more (just for guys).  First Among Equals has recently opened a dark downstairs that you enter through a narrow spiral staircase, and enjoy a private shopping feel with handpicked clothes from designers, offering a rare flair that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out their site for up-to-date sales, but don’t miss out on this unique shopping experience.

What’s your favorite store in New York City?

“Well, I created Heatherette. It’s not like working at McDonald’s. I decided I didn’t want to do it anymore, because the backers we had were basically assholes. I love what I do, I’m an artist. It’s like being in a band. If the lead singer gets fucked over, you move on. I’m not mad at Traver, it’s just that the people who backed us who really weren’t nice people. They took advantage of us, in every respect.”

LINKAGE: NY MAG

Finally! A plus-size model story with success, confidence, recognition and a happy ending! If you think back a few years to the runways of Vena Cava, Heatherette and most notably, Jean Paul Gaultier, you’ll probably remember seeing a model that looked a little out of place…a plus size model. Although model Crystal Renn started off as a thin model in the industry, after being told to lose 1/3 of her body fat she threw in the towel. That decision, my friends, has made all the difference. Renn gained 70lbs, putting her back at a normal and healthier body weight, and was re-marked by agents as a plus-size model. Happy, healthy and on scoring editorials in Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. Honestly, what could be better!? I don’t care if Crystal Renn is a size 2 or a size 12, she is the woman that this starving, corrupt modeling industry needs.
 

Thanks Bobble Bee!

If you’re a true fashion savant, then you’ll probably remember her from the infamously salacious Ellen Von Unwerth spread with former boy toy Boyd Holbrook. As for me, Omahyra Mota’s presence has haunted me since watching her crash a posh runway show in Jay-Z’s “Change Clothes” video. The Dominican Republic-born model possesses a striking combination of androgyny and femininity as well as a bad-ass devil may care attitude that sets her miles apart from the wannabe hipster models of today. Please God, no more naked pictures of Agyness Deyn. Ugghhh.

I am so captivated by Omahrya’s brash, around the way demeanor, killer bod, and unconventional sharp beauty, which isn’t the least bit tarnished by a collection of audacious tats and piercings. She’s modeled for both men and women’s clothing, which I find terribly admirable, she has also graced the covers of numerous rags, been featured in many a print ads including Rocawear, has walked for Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Heatherette, Fendi, and Jean Paul Gaultier, and made the list of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful in 2001. I haven’t been this in love with a model since Helena Christensen. I can only hope that people would stop salivating over vacuous, airbrushed celebs and get back to appreciating the ones who make looking insanely gorgeous an art.

It starts with Daddy staying a little too late at work with his new secretary. Then mommy’s crying in the bathroom with a bottle of gin. And pretty soon you have two Christmas’ and a slew of step brothers who like playing “Hide the Inhaler” when you come over.

The break up is so eminent. Richie Rich has signed with shit maker Hot Topic to create a line of clothing without Heatherette.

“He didn’t want to do it,” sighs Richie. “They asked Heatherette to do it initially, but Traver said no, so I was like, well I’ll do it! I love Hot Topic!”

The line will hit the retailer in the near future and should fit well with equally crappy goods from Perez Hilton and Avril Levine.

Dammit Richie, we wanted to like you but this is unforgivable. Hot Topic is where emos go to die!!!

Richie Rich is reportedly going solo for his very first shoe line. Launching tonight in the LES, rumor has it that fave girl Lydia Hearst is hosting the party and wearing his first pair of shoes.

Very interested to see the collection, loved Heatherette.

Lydia Hearst looks like she bedazzled her own top for the Sex and the City premiere.  I’m sure the thing is from Heatherette, which is starting to fade in “wow” with age, but it’s way to underdressy for an “event” of this caliber. Oh, wait, it was just a movie.  That’s right. So maybe this is just perfect.

What do you think indies?

And why was Lydia the only model on the red carpet?

]]> http://fashionindie.com/lydia-hearst-at-sex-and-the-city-premiere/feed/ 4 http://fashionindie.com/fashion-indie-at-tulips-pansies-2008/ http://fashionindie.com/fashion-indie-at-tulips-pansies-2008/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 14:45:31 +0000 Saynt http://fashionindie.com/?p=2903

Fashion Indie hit up this years Tulips & Pansies event with true swagger, dressing our asses up for the show that helped raise money for HIV/AIDS charities. The event was hosted by Gossip Girl/Model Lydia Hearst, Richie Rich and Travis Rains from Heatherette.

There was a ton of excitement (and Botox) in the air and a scene of real accomplishment as the giant floral monstrosities came down the runway. Fashion Indie favorites FORM took top prize, which got us all excited. We absolutely heart Jerry Tam.

How real men wear flowers.

Rebecca and I became acquainted with a bunch of fashion heavy hitters like Dandy Patrick McDonald, James Aguilar and Richie.  I got comfortable with wearing flowers. And we helped raise some capital for a great cause.  We’ve got over 150 photos so check some out after the jump…

Jerry Tam from FORM takes top prize

Not at all intoxicated. Promise.

 Miami is developing itself into a fashion force to be reckoned with. Attending FUNKSHION for the first time was an enlightening experience where fashion prevailed. A delightful blend of casual, urban, trendy, Avant-Garde, and business casual looks sashayed down the runway. Models such as Eva Jay, Lee, Keola, and Bobby strutted their stuff for designers including Puma, Akademiks, Sweetface (by Jennifer Lopez), Marceau + D’Amore, Girbaud, William Rast (by Justin Timberlake shown above), Jockstarzz, Heatherette, and Russell Simmons’s Argyle Culture.

Russell Simmons’ new line, Argyle Culture (above), stood out in terms of colors, fabrics, and style. The line appeals to a sophisticated yet trendy audience, maintaining both a contemporary and timeless essence.

Noticeable as well was the Marceau + D’ Amore line (above) ; Marceau presented men’s and women’s jeans, bathing suits, and dresses reminiscent of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct: fun, sexy, and provocative.

Naturally, Puma, Akademiks (above), and Girbaud’s work solidified their favorable position within the fashion industry.

Leave it to Heatherette (above) to spice it up and stand out from the other shows. Remaining true to their innovative ways, the duo presented a different approach to their show. Richie and Traver shot the full runway version of the fashion show earlier in the day with just the press as live audience.

Later on that evening, as the public arrived, the set was full of models, make-up artists, hair stylists, and the designers themselves getting busy and “ready” for their fashion show. In other words, the public thought they were backstage and took quite an interest at the fashion madness developing in front of them. As Traver and Richie displayed the runway show on big screens, the audience realized they were getting a close up view of both the backstage and the final product for the price of one.

FUNKSHION’s final surprise, however, was Kevin Everett (above). Everett, a former Buffalo Bills football player, who, in September 2007 dislocated and fractured his cervical spine, walked down the runway during the Jockstarzz fashion show. The Jockstarzz show benefited the Kevin Everett Foundation and featured a blend of models and pro-players such as Roscoe Parrish (Buffalo Bills), Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota Vikings), and Lauryn Williams (2004 Olympic silver medalist). Nadia Turner (American Idol contestant) opened the show singing the Star Spangled Banner while Cool (Cool & Dre) and K. Foxx (99. Jamz) walked down the runway. Kudos!!!!

Rock and Ska

Britpop and Indie 

Ben Sherman has just put out a collection of dresses from London-based label PPQ.  The dresses cover multiple time periods, each with their own style inspiration and name. According to Racked.com, there is a black-and-white 60′s Mod frock, a paisley-print 70′s Rock number, a gray-and-black 80′s Ska outfit, a stripey 90′s Britpop look and a boho 00′s INDIE design. That’s right indies we are in the generation of INDIE. (Aren’t you special for reading fashion indie)

Who’s PPQ: Think British Heatherette with Peaches Geldoff taking the place of Paris Hilton on the runway.

The dresses are going for $300 a piece, but their limited nature makes them worth the cash drop. Head to Ben Sherman’s 96 Spring Street location to get the indielicious dresses.

(photos from NYMag)

We get it already, you released a MAC collection. Please stop making shitty internet ads!!! Also, big ups to Andre J for breaking into their scene. You’re beautiful baby.

This new video for the Heatherette for MAC collection is thoroughly freaky and caused me some nightmares when I watched it without sound last night. Something about someone smearing pink lipstick all over their body automatically triggers the freak the flip out button in my brain.

Not sure if it makes me want to pick up of stick of Tranny Gloss, but it does make me want to do some traveling on the roof of a car.

As for the fashion, here’s a filler in case you missed out on what has become “hot”, it happens when your brand hasn’t mattered to anyone other than Paris Hilton in a few seasons.  Sequins are out, as are owls (that was the creature of choice two seasons ago, turtles are in, but most people prefer whistles or other random objects that aren’t furry or feathery), also is that a Ed Hardy T-shirt!!!  It better be Heatherette, our I’m gonna toss my cookies in a few seconds.  Also, what’s the deal with the hat? Did you swipe it from one of the Fly Girls at an In Living Color auction?

All in all pretty boy, your fashion sucks.  Which makes you our Hot Tranny Mess of the week!!!

(We probably won’t continue with the Hot Tranny Mess of the week for fear of getting sued by Christian Seriano. I’m sure the boy has pulled a Hilton an copywrited his catchphrase by now.)

His contributions to the brand won’t be forgotten  as his technical expertise helped the label build more sophisticated shapes and complicated patterns – plus that infamous paper pineapple dress which indie Lydia Hearst rocked last year.

“I’m doing menswear,” he told Fashionista.com, but when they pouted, he quickly amended it to “Unisex! Unisex!”

Seems like another sign of the end of Heatherette clothing, as the brand slims down and focuses on figuring out ways to not lose anymore investors.  We’ll always love you boys, so bring out some more goodies for us to spend our cash on.  (I already have the whole Kid Robot collection.)

Source Fashionista.com