His name is Shail Upadhya. He’s a retired U.N. Official from Nepal who is now a stylist in NYC. He also makes his own suits. He’s styled them after the iconic YSL Mondrian print, Kandinsky artwork, stripes, dots, checks, you name it. This week, he came in a jacket he imagined up to pay tribute to The Beatles.

In celebration of the anniversary of The Beatles coming to America on February 7, 1964, Shail Upadhya crafted a suit with John Lennon‘s self portrait on repeat.

When The Fab Four came to America, Shail was in London where he lived with his ambassador parents. “At that time I had heard of The Beatles. They weren’t as popular in London as they were in the U.S. London and Liverpool also had a bit of a rivalry. London kind of looked down on Liverpool.”

Soon after their arrival in the U.S., the negativity was shattered. Like many a-boomer, he grew up with their music as his soundtrack.  His fav fab tunes?  Here Comes the Sun and HELP!

Shail Upadhya loves paying homage and saluting people in different fields of art through fashion.

And hopefully he’ll help fight back against people who tweet “Who the hell is Paul McCartney??” Seriously kids, watch yourself.

But then John slips away and, while Paul [McCartney] is drinking a brandy, John comes up with a pillow and smacks him in the back of the head with it, and from then on it went from room to room and all the rooms were messed up. The worst was George [Harrison]’s.”

A photo of Benson holding this photo will be featured in the new book Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends by Tim Mantoani for which each photographer has chosen a picture that means something to them. Benson was originally assigned to photograph The Beatles in Paris against his request to be sent to Africa to cover the independence movements, but looks like all things worked out as they should. Benson recalls, “It was a good time. I was close to the Beatles. The reason they were so successful was because they spoke to everybody, there was no public relations person stopping everyone from doing their job.”

John Lennon understood the impact of his personal expression, he emanated his self in every medium and it magnified to the world. This of course includes his iconic self-made style that he continued to experiment with throughout life. Between originating the mop top with The Beatles, and metaphorically branding his own circle sunglasses just by wearing them, he wore radical yet polished clothing that suited his every moment; what would have been to come? His revolution was peace, and today on the sad anniversary of his unnecessary death, we reinforce his vision. We also get a glimpse at photos previously stored in the shoebox of his former lover, May Pang, released for the first time, today on Rock Paper Photo. So, like we did for George Harrison last week, put on any John Lennon song that moves you right now, and give peace a chance.

The stamps will be available through PETA’s website which also includes some statements from their stamp stars, such as this little gem by Portman: “Eating for me is how you proclaim your beliefs three times a day.” If one follows that logic, Nat believes in a lot of nothing, water with a spritz of lemon and an occasional deep breath — a cause I think we can all support. Click through to see all of the stamps and choose your favorite. I’m particularly fond of the Appleseed — there’s something about a rudimentary drawing of a man carrying a shovel  in a cinched blouse that always gets me going. [NYDN]

Now, where would Johnny Depp fit into the picture?

Sir Paul McCartney looks his absolute best in years (especially since Leatherface Mills-McCuntney royally effed with our main man). I’ve got a feeling that won’t happen this time around. An inside source I know grew up with Nancy as a surrogate aunt, and according to her, she’s the absolute kindest. At 51, she’s an independently wealthy career woman, so money can’t buy her love. And I saw her at his Yankee Stadium concert – she didn’t stop dancing for a minute.

Nancy, thank you girl for being our knight’s white shining armor. Let the ballad of Paul and Nancy continue in beautiful holy matrimony.

And less like Lindsey Wixson at Versace. 

1. Walk like a model. Models are specifically trained to walk in the manner that best carries them on any heel. Check the breakdown beneath Karlie Kloss in Lanvin:

As if a string is attached to the crown of your head, pull your neck upward, then bring your chin down.

Elongate your torso by bringing your shoulders back and down.

With a slight lean back, bring the bottom of your ribcage in toward your spine.

Tuck your pelvis under and forward.

Your stomach should be flat and your abs engaged. This takes the pressure off of your spine and onto your muscles.

Smize.

Scorcese invited Paul McCartney and fiancé Nancy Shevell, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison, Ringo and his wife Barbara to come together to celebrate the life of George Harrison and relive a bit of it through this epic documentary. He invites you to watch Living in the Material World on HBO in two parts on October 5th and 6th. All three and a half hours will be worth the watch.

See who else turned it out last night out of love for George.

Photo source: Style.com

Paul was at nearly every rehearsal – far more hands on than your average ballet composer. He had already been working on an underwater themed symphony when he got the call from Ballet Master in Chief, Peter Martins, to compose a piece for the New York City Ballet. Paul accepted, and created a story and score off of what he had already started. He went back to that workon a computer program he has admittedly become quite obsessed with), with the thought of that sound inspiring dance.

Photo by Jessica Lapidos

McCartney and Martins enter Lincoln Center with a hug. All you need is love, hard work, and the NYC Ballet.

Here, he beholds a Terra Punk – one of the “baddies” as he calls them – in full costume. Stella went along the guidelines of what Dad saw in his mind as he created these characters. He wanted them to be tattooed tribally, so she imprinted the tattoo upon nude dancer’s mesh.

Stella stepped out of her realm of the Stella McCartney brand to create a fantastical skin for the ballet to take place within. After a decade of work with legendary makeup artist  Pat McGrath, in which Stella rarely deviated from the fresh face, she was finally able to let McGrath stretch her theatrical wings and transport these dancers to a kingdom under the sea. She worked with the elite textile printer Dyenamix to create scales out of tie dye, and tattoos out of mesh.

The fabrics she chose fluttered with the movement of water. Part of the ensemble of hand maidens wore tops with a billowing cape behind it, two separate strips of silk attached to the shoulder and waist seams of the shirt. It hit the air like swimming fins.

Three Drunk Lords stumble-danced on stage to a wobbly jazzy sound, in thick multi-color painted striped suits. Perhaps this pattern will find its way onto Stella’s future runways.

The treacherous servent to the Princess Honorata wore a dark rectangular washed silk cape that danced like ribbon around her body, attached to her fingers. See the sketch:

Now see it in action in this gorgeous video by the New York Times.

The harmony of Paul’s bubbling and expressive orchestral musical movements along with Stella’s movement-focused color-blasted underwater mix of breezy chiffons and body suits creates a truly special environment for the ethereal grace of the NYC Ballet.

Who was there last night? Check the gallery.

Sarah will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Image: Vogue September 2011

It is both McCartneys’ first foray into ballet. Paul is donating his time and Stella is lending her services at a reduced rate; essentially they are doing it for the art of it. Though Paul is technically only the composer (whose role typically is over after the music is delivered), he has been there at every rehearsal, contributing to the set, choreography, et all. He wrote the storyline and is seeing the project, as he does, from start to finish with his hands deep in, committed to the project. It was, in fact, not his idea to bring his daughter on board, rather the producers of the show suggested it. Brilliant, thank you.

Paul McCartney with Choreographer Peter Martins

Image: New York Times

See Stella’s sketches and some sneak insight into the costumes ahead.

The early Beatles in their most iconic look: cuban heels, near-Nehru Pierre Cardin collarless jackets, mop tops. This might be how you remember them at their earliest.

The Beatles started wearing them in their Cavern Club nights, aka that hole in the wall in Liverpool, where John, Paul, George and (eventually) Ringo would literally drive the kids into a frenzy. The Fab Four meticulously honed their look. When they hired Ringo in ’62, it was under the condition that he too brush his hair forward into a mop top. Soon, that hairdo, the Nehru jacket and the winklepicker, renamed the Beatle Boot, became just about as internationally crazed as the boys themselves. Stores across the world went wild making and stocking the Beatle Boot, and Andy Warhol even immortalized the advertisements in a work of art.

[Clockwise from the top]

Snaz it up in silver snakeskin. Guiseppe Zanotti

With a toe dipped in patent leather, this ain’t no old brown shoe. Alexander Wang

In betwixt side buckles are cutouts for a summertime winklepicker. Opening Ceremony

Solid black like The Beatles like ‘em. Alexander Wang

Dig it?

“First it’s important for me to say I’m not perfect and that for me, it is about the principle. Sustainability is important, recycling is important. I think it is a mind-set: everyone can do really simple things to make a difference, every little bit counts and there is still a long way to go. My first job is to be a fashion designer — my first job is to make desirable, luxurious, beautiful clothing and accessories that women want to buy but I will always take the opportunity to use a beautiful organic fabric. I obviously don’t use any animal skins or furs in my collections which has a huge impact on the planet. About fifty million animals die for the sake of fashion ever year, which is extremely wasteful and significantly contributes to climate change as farming uses a lot of water, energy and land, devastate forests and pollutes oceans.” – Stella McCartney

How does one become a vegetarian, you wonder? Read here how Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Linda became vegetarians, and how it brought Stella to a peaceful state of mind.

Would you be a vegetarian to save the planet?

Link Love: FabSugar

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

#10 - NIRVANA

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

#9 – GUNS N ROSES

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

#8 THE KILLERS

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

#7 – OUTKAST

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

#6 – THE CLASH

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

#5 – MGMT

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

#4 – LED ZEPPELIN

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

#3 – JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE

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

#2 – THE ROLLING STONES

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

#1 – THE BEATLES

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

In “Paul and Stella McCartney, Gabbana who?,” father/daughter duo flip the bird to Stefano Gabbana. Really, how does Gabbana not know who Stella McCartney is? Are you living in a little Italian bubble over there?

PBS will air Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House” tonight on your local PBS station.

FAB Ritika got lucky and snagged an exclusive interview, a studio tour and a top secret peek at the ‘First Sketch’ of the dress.

Byron at work in his studio

MsFABulous: What were some of your inspirations as you were designing the Fall 2010 collection?


Byron Lars: My inspiration for the Fall Collection was primarily color and texture based. Any fabrication that had either color which I couldn’t get off my mind or that had a texture which compelled me touch it was included in this collection.
The themes involve vintage hybridization. For instance, a bulky cotton tweed boxy jacket that your grandma might have worn gets crossbred with a zip-front hoody, resulting in something that both a skate punk and your grandma could rock.

MsF: How do you develop your collections? Do you have a specific muse in mind as you design?
BL: Each collection is developed from many points of reference at once. Construction alone may inform some of the pieces while the attitude of a particular customer might inform others.
The one thing that I always try to keep in mind while developing new collections is to make sure that I’m providing clothes that help my customer look better. This is why so much attention is paid to proportion and detailing.

MsF: Do you think a great designer piece is a luxury or a necessity?
BL: I’m not so lost in fashion as to think that any designer piece is an absolute necessity. I am fairly certain however, that anyone who has once experienced wearing a designer piece that really fits properly and is made out of superior fabric might see things differently.

MsF: For design aficionados who can’t always afford designer pieces, what is your suggestion to update their Fall 2010 look. Is there one piece you feel is a must have?
BL: I would have to say that the one must-have fall update item is a great fishermen cable sweater. Paired with a super dressy bottom that you already own (for instance that seldom worn beaded or sequined skirt that you got for your cousin’s wedding), this staple becomes fashion that be worn for day or evening.

MsF: What sacrifices did you have to make to have this career? Would you have changed anything looking back?
BL: I haven’t really had to make any sacrifices for this career that wouldn’t had to have been made for any other career. Of course in fashion, as in any career that you are passionate about, there are many long hours and working weekends however, I would love it if I didn’t have to be away from home as much as I am.

MsF: Michelle Obama wore your dress to a recent white house concert. What would be the perfect dress you would suggest for her from your fall collection? Or are you working on a super secret design project for the white house that you can’t talk about…..yet?
BL: There are no super secret design projects for the First Lady…at least not for me anyway.
It was of course a great honor for me to see that Mrs. O chose to ware one of my dresses.
I always have so many dresses in each collection that I think Michelle Obama could rock splendidly that it’s hard for me to narrow it down to just one.
If, however, I had to choose just one dress for her from the Fall collection it would be this simple scoop neck black sheath that has a lace tank under pinning. it’s classic, has a touch of the unexpected and is super chic…just like Mrs. O.

MsF: Can we get a sneak peek at what you’re working on next?
BL: There won’t really be anything to sneak a peek at until I make my next sample development trip to China, which is coming up in the next couple of weeks.

MsF: The last question comes from one of our readers. She wanted to ask if you plan on working with Vogue patterns or designing another Barbie in the future?
BL: At present, I don’t have any future plans to work with vogue patterns but, anything is possible down the road.
My relationship with Barbie and Mattel is ongoing so, there will be more dolls…a new one every year in fact.
The most recent series is designed around the idea of a sister from Harlem traveling the globe and putting her fashion spin on the culture that she has experienced abroad.
Working with Barbie is probably one of the funnest parts of my job! This is one item that you can always afford at every price point.

Byron Lars at work

The “First Dress” for Mrs.Michelle Obama

If you have never worn a Byron Lars dress before, you are missing out. One can rarely find an outfit that combines unique construction, quality and artful design in the same piece.

To find a dress similar to Mrs. Obama’s, shop on-line at Carina New York. The dress comes in Dove and Blue and retails for $316. Tip: Shop now as anything Mrs. O. wears usually sells out within hours.
Isn’t it nice to know that First Lady style is democratically accessible?

LINK LOVE:FAB Exclusive: Byron Lars – First Lady Favorite

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Apparently Pink recently got a little annoyed by Kanye’s affinity for wearing fur.  She sat near him at the Stella McCartney show in January, and noted…

“The entire time Kanye was going, ‘They need more fur in this show.’ He just wouldn’t shut up about how much he loved fur. I mean, he’s saying this to me, the PETA guy and Paul McCartney!

“I was just grossed out by him. I’m like, ‘You’re an idiot’. There are so many people who are a waste of skin and he’s up there. I should wear him. Go on, donate yourself Kanye. People can wear your fur.”

Hm. Would you wear some Louis Vuitton logo-embossed Kanye skin? How overpriced would that be?  

Can’t wait for Kanye’s official blog response.

Via INO.

Eco friendly designer Stella McCartney announced today that she is returning to her father’s roots to present her Autumn/Winter collection. She will stage a one-off catwalk show in Liverpool to mark Liverpool’s year as Europe’s Capital of Culture.

The show will take place June 1st at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) which is a school her father helped set up on the site of his old High School. Paul, among other acts, will be there to support Stella before performing in the city in the evening. Tickets will be sold for the event to raise money for the LIPA.