FashionIndie » Prada

INDIE REWIND: Open Bar Etiquette

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:32:49 +0000

With New York Fashion Week comes an endless array of open bars from sun up til sun down…to sun up again when you find yourself face down in the Meatpacking District drooling on a cobblestone…draped in nothing but a fur, a horse hoof print on your Prada bag and a distant feeling of regret creeping closer by sobering minute. So have fun kids and make the most of these gifts from the alcohol sponsorship gods. From the Indie Achives: Open Bar Etiquette.

Everyone wants to imbibe freely and some places allow you to do just that. But if you find yourself in this proverbial land of milk and honey — where the milk and honey are actually vodka and tequila — it’s important to adhere to certain protocols.

10 Essentials Elements for (an Unseasonably Warm) New York Fashion Week

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:32:57 +0000

Twice a year, we at FashionIndie raid, ransack and rape our closets in an effort to put together a compelling look that will have all other fashionistas wishing they had stayed the eff home. In September, the last vestiges of summer make it slightly easier to turn it proverbially out, but February usually requires a lot of layering and the outfit often has to be cruelly covered up to stave off the ravages of winter. This New York Fashion Week, however, the winter has been suspiciously mild. Temperatures have barely dipped below freezing and nary a snow flake has dropped in weeks. So let’s just ignore our impending doom thanks to the totally buzz-killing reality of global warming and instead focus on what matters: dressing for the Tents. Here are 10 staples — 5 for the guys and 5 for the gals, but feel free to mix and match since we actively don’t subscribe to gender constructs — for NYFW.

Karlie Kloss Steps Out a Lady In Vogue

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:17:47 +0000

We’ve been laboring under the impression that Karlie Kloss had her coming-of-aging party in that naked yet demure Allure spread by Mario Testino. Now, months later for March 2012 Vogue, she emerges as a lady. Fully attired in the most ladylike of looks. Swathed in Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino Cheap & Chic ($665 for a sequined cardi – neither that cheap nor chic… I digress), and some other of Queen Anna Wintour‘s all time favorite ~~advertisers~~ designers, Karlie looks like the proper woman of the house. Strong. Do you see those poses? She’s matrixing in stilettos, her body is practically horizontal in some, captured moving through space on an arched foot. It’s called WERQ.

THE DAILY GASP: Prada Film Goes Grease Lightening In a Glam Gas Station Stare Down

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:38:51 +0000

Miuccia Prada has greased her lightening for the go. In fire bolt shoes and heartbreakingly ornate Susie Homewrecker dresses, the Prada Spring 2012 campaign video, shot by Steven Meisel, is a proper glare-down at the gas station. In effects like lacquered tail light frames and appliqués of dimensional lace, they pursed their deep red lips and charged at it like an old fashion drag race (and not entirely unlike RuPaul’s, because bitches are fierce). Bejeweled along collars, engines revving at the shoes, they’re off! We win.

Digging the tune selection? We’ve got the track list for you:

Funnel of Love by Duck and Cover

Dirt by Tobacco

Musaphonic by Tom Recchion

Kids by Sleigh Bells

Written All Over Your Face by Ariel Pink

The Wall Street Journal Magazine Presents: The Look of Spring

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:27 +0000

Trying to keep up with the cycles of fashion can be an exercise in futility. Herewith, a peek at the top five [Spring 2012] collections with the accessories of the moment. When the going is this good, sometimes a new shoe or handbag is all you need.

This peek at the top five collections casts a spotlight on the most au courant accessories. Proenza Schouler and Prada both look to midcentury Americana, invoking the smoldering glamour of 1940s California and summery, slightly cheeky 1950s Southern California, respectively. With Louis Vuitton, sugar sweetness is superbold. Céline creates streamlined cool with androgyny and minimalism, and Jil Sander explores all of the nuances and complications of femininity. Our look at the season ahead.

Re-posted from WSJ Magazine. Check out the original post here.

Olsens Elect Prada Head for President of The Row

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:38:18 +0000

It’s an election year and in that spirit, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have already turned in their votes for president. The twin titans have hired François Kress, the current president and chief executive officer of Prada USA, as the new president and chief operating officer of The Row.

Kress comes with a long list of luxury credits to his name — before Prada, he was managing director and CEO of Bulgari North and Latin America and president of Fendi North America. The Olsens, clearly impressed with his haute history, created the post especially for him.

“His experience and sensibility will add great value to The Row in its next phase of development,” Ash told WWD. Then MK chimed in, “He quickly became the obvious choice for us and for the brand, having experience in multiple categories which we feel is essential for growth of The Row.”

To think, the Olsens were just looking for the perfect T-shirt when they started The Row nearly five years ago…now they’re luring away top talent from Prada. Our little girls are growing up so fast! Great, now I’m ferklempt. Pardon me while I pop in Double, Double Toil and Trouble. [WWD]

Prada’s 24 Hour Museum Opens Tonight

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:33:52 +0000

And you better hurry because Prada‘s latest venture means exactly what it says. Designed by Francesco Vezzoli with AMO, the museum opens tonight in Paris at the Palais d’Inéna and will close tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. AMO’s instillation for “24h Museum” is separated into three sections, each inspired by a different type of museum space. Including historic, contemporary and forgotten, Vezzoli is using the divisions to create a “non-exisistent” museum where he attributes allure of contemporary divas to that of classical sculptures. “They are my icons turned into sculptures and placed on marble pedestals,” Vezzoli said.

If you weren’t invited to the opening dinner and disco party afterwards, not to fear. You can view the 24h Museum live on 24hoursmuseum.com.

Backpedalling with Prada: Brand Insists Miuccia’s Met Exhibit Comments “Taken Out of Context”

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:16:46 +0000

The Elsa Schiaparelli-Miuccia Prada Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is still months away, but why not get the buzz rolling early on? Backstage after her celebrity-filled men’s show in Milan, Prada appeared not too enthused about the upcoming exhibit, saying: ”It’s too formal. They are focused on similarities, comparing feather with feather, ethnic with ethnic, but they are not taking into consideration that we are talking about two different eras, and that [Schiaparelli and I] are total opposite. I told them, but they don’t care.” Now, her namesake label claims these comments were “taken out of context.”

“Miuccia Prada is honoured and proud to take part in this exhibition which is ‘an impossible’ conversation between Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli,” a brand spokesperson said. ”The comments printed are taken out of context and therefore misconstrued. Mrs. Prada confirmed that she admires the total curatorial independence of the museum to the extent that they almost did not take into consideration her vision.”

Yeah, it’s totally plausible that “I told them, but they don’t care” was a funny aside said with a self-deprecating chuckle and a playful roll of the eyes. And it’s totally plausible that after making these “out of context” statements, Miuccia went around slapping every underling that dared to even breathe in her general direction, which — when taken out of context — seems like a violent outburst but is really just a little thing the house of Prada does for kicks. [Vogue UK]

Look of the Day: Betty Draper

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:44:26 +0000

Love her or hate her, one thing is for certain – we all want a wardrobe like Betty Draper. With a cinched waist, cat eye shades, pearls and pink everything, it’s easy to master her fashionably feminine demeanor. Teleport back to the 1960s with our Look of the Day.

Day Dresses by Zac Posen
Pumps by Miu Miu

Mia Mia for Miu Miu: Wasikowska Stars in Brand’s Spring 2012 Ad Campaign

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:28:36 +0000

Miu Miu has added another actress to its roster of campaign stars. Having previously featured the likes of Drew Barrymore, Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst and most recently Hailee Steinfeld, Prada’s little sis tapped Aussie thespian Mia Wasikowska for its spring 2012 campaign.

Wasikowska, who once told Vogue UK that she was ”not sure about becoming a campaign star” and that “it would depend on what brand is, what it was for…” fits nicely into the Miu Miu stable of starlets. And because the 23-year-old is of age and not allegedly in harm’s way, chances are her ads won’t be deemed “irresponsible.”

Photos: Models.com

5 Fab & Fashionable Headphones

McArthur Joseph — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:49:28 +0000

The other day we featured the brand new Oscar de la Renta headphones. That got us to thinking that there must be other designers must be doing the same. Here are 5 earpieces that will have your lobes looking as fashion forward as the rest our your outfit.

INDIE NEWSROOM: Fresh Prince Reunion…Derek Lam v Ivanka Trump, Round II…Brittany Murphy’s Cause of Death: Poisoning

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:53 +0000

- Now this is a story all about how..this happened. The majority of the cast from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, including Willow Smith‘s dad, reunited last week for cousin Hilary’s charity and some much-needed family time, although Geoffrey and the Aunt Vivs were sadly not present. [Huff Po]

- The feds seized $76.8 million in counterfeit Burberry, Coach, Fendi, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and other fashionable items as part of a six week sting appropriately titled “Operation Holiday Hoax.” [WWD]

- Oh, Rihanna. Following a legal flip of the weave by David LaChapelle over copying his photographs for her “S&M” video, the pop tart looks to have turned her pilfering eye on the work of Sølve Sundsbø with her latest clip, “You Da One.” [Fashionista]

- Mark Fisher, who produces the controversial shoes Derek Lam has accused Ivanka Trump of “blatantly” copying from him, “strongly denies Lam’s claims.” Fisher argues that Lam’s design “has been used by numerous manufacturers for many decades” and adds for good measure, ”There is nothing iconic about the appearance of the Lam sandal.” Calling a man’s wedge sandal not iconic? Dem’s fightin’ words. [WWD]

- Oooh-la-la…oh, no. No. French health authorities are recommending that 30,000 women who received potentially defective breast implants from a French company have them removed as a preventative measure. [NYT]

- Brittany Murphy‘s mother is claiming her daughter and son-in-law Simon Monjack were killed by toxic mold found in their Hollywood home. The mold apparently caused the pneumonia that killed both Murphy and Monjack and now Momma Murphy is taking legal action against her lawyers for mishandling her case against the construction company back in January. [TMZ]

Pitt Crew: Prada Taps Michael Pitt for Spring 2012 Campaign

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:04:59 +0000

Feeling cinematic, Prada chose actor Michael Pitt, of Boardwalk Empire fame, to front their spring 2012 ad campaign, shot by David Sims. For their fall 2011 ads, Prada similarly paired Sims with another actor — the rather unlikely choice of Tobey Maguire — but if Miuccia is known for anything, it’s her love of quirk. And while Pitt is no model, he certainly photographs well. Pics after the jump!

Photos: The Fashionisto

Prada Takes It Back To The 50′s In Their Latest Campaign

McArthur Joseph — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:15:14 +0000

Girls and cars are the stars in Prada‘s Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.

Steven Meisel has once again taken on the job of beautifully creating another Prada’s campaigns.

The diverse casting of models with distinct characters such as the blonde bombshell or the noir heroine creates a utopian celluloid narrative. A virtual collage of feminine film iconography unfolds in this hyper-real gas station fantasy.

INDIE REWIND: The 10 Greatest Fashion Films

Lester Brathwaite — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:36:05 +0000

The drama of the business, the transcendent beauty of the clothes, and the backstabbing bitchery of the fashion world have always been popular subjects in film. Whether it’s a satanic editor with a taste for Italian couture, a young fashionista dining with diamonds, or a group of disenfranchised queens hoping to set the City of Lights ablaze, these 10 movies are the greatest odes to fashion.

FIT Celebrates “The Great Designers” in Two-Part Exhibit

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:10 +0000

For its ambitious, year-long, two-part exhibit “The Great Designers, Parts One and Two,“ the Museum at FIT went about acquiring some never-before-seen items to add to its already extensive permanent collection of 50,000 garments and accessories. 50 pieces, organized alphabetically by designer, will be displayed per exhibit; from iconic brands like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy to young, avant-garde designers like Boudicca and Gareth Pugh. Part One, which opened yesterday, runs through May 8, followed shortly by Part Two, opening on May 23.

“The Great Designers” will also be accompanied by the book The Great Designers: Fashion’s Hall of Fame from A to Z, highlighting 500 of the museum’s masterworks by 100 of the 20th- and 21st-century’s most important designers. Publishing in April 2012, the book will include an essay by museum curator Valerie Steele on the history of fashion museums and exhibits, along with short bios on the 100 designers. Click through the gallery for some of the designs featured and to keep you occupied until you can make your way to the FIT Museum to see them in person. [WWD, FIT]

The Tracks of Hailee Steinfeld’s Tears: Teen Starlet’s “Irresponsible” Miu Miu Ad Banned

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:51 +0000

It’s not easy being Hailee Steinfeld. Sure, being prematurely gorgeous and precociously talented, earning an Oscar nomination while barely in high school, having designers clamor to dress you for the red carpet and place you in their ad campaigns seems like a dream. And for all intents and purposes it is. But leave it to the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority to rain all over the young actress’ somnambulant parade.

The 14-year-old Steinfeld is seen sitting on a railroad track, wiping away what appears to be tears, in this image from Miu Miu‘s fall 2011 campaign, shot by Bruce Weber. Following their ban on fellow underaged starlet Dakota Fanning‘s “sexually provocative” ad for Marc Jacobs‘ “Oh Lola!” fragrance, the ASA has deemed the Miu Miu ad “irresponsible” for depicting a child in an unsafe location.

Parent company Prada argues that the allegedly offensive photos is ”part of a serious, high-fashion campaign” and “based on the set of an imaginary film,” adding that Steinfeld ”could have easily moved from where she was sitting because she was not restrained in any way.” But considering her age, the ASA is standing their moral-high ground. [Telegraph]

99 Vogue-balloons: aleXsandro Palombo Fills Anna Wintour with Hot Air

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:17:44 +0000

Sketch satirist aleXsandro Palombo may have recently fallen ill as he battles cancer, but his wit and pencil are still as sharp as ever. In his latest work, “Anna Wintour, Balloon and Dangerous” the bobbed Vogue editrix may look like a festive part decoration, but I doubt you’d want her helium-filled head floating anywhere near you.

Starring as a series of deadly and devilish balloons, the devil has apparently moved on from wearing Prada to rubber. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, aleXsandro and for another wonderfully inappropriate portrait.

Liz Taylor’s Jewelry Up for Sale Online

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:41:56 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor‘s fabled, multi-million jewelry collection is being put up for sale in a three-day auction by Christies, but in addition, the legendary star’s baubles and bits will be available during a special online sale from December 3-17.

Over 950 pieces of fine and costume jewelry, accessories, and decorative objects will be available for perusal and possible purchase – from Chanel, Christian Dior, and Cartier jewels; to handbags and shoes from Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. Though of course that’s just the tip of the diamond-encrusted iceberg.

The full collection goes on view November 18, but a preview is available through Christies and e-tailer Moda Operandi. Then come Decmber 3, interested parties can begin to register for the auction itself.

So this holiday season, show that you really care with a gift from the vaults of Hollywood royalty. And instead of wrapping said gift and placing it under the tree — storm into the room Christmas morning, rip off a pair of diamond earrings, plunk them in front of the giftee and breathlessly say, “These have always brought me luck.” Then clutch your figurative pearls and disappear as mysteriously as you came. It’s what Liz would have wanted. [Hint Mag]

Inna P is Bold & Bright for Harper’s Bazaar Singapore

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:28:50 +0000

To celebrate a milestone 10th anniversary with its November issue, Harper’s Bazaar Singapore channeled the art of cinema for the dramatic and colorful spread “Celluloid Couture.” Starring Inna P, wearing the likes of Prada, Mary Katrantzou, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, donned a yellow wig and bright blue eyeshadow for Gan‘s lens. Kenneth Goh did the honors of styling Inna as she prepared for her close-up in Singapore’s own Chinatown neighborhood.

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

Anna Dello Russo Teams With Prada for a Stunning Display

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:27:30 +0000

Resembling the classic ski goggle but with a much chicer edge, the Prada Illusion Sunglasses are the only shades you’ll need to protect your peepers from the winter wind and sun. Originally shown with the Fall 2011 collection, the sunglasses are now on being shown at the Prada Aoyama Epicenter on an army of mannequins. The display was exclusively designed by Anna Dello Russo on November 5th during Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. Click through for the gallery.

Pat McGrath Shares Her Favorite Backstage Polaroids from Fashion Week

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:55:59 +0000

Famed makeup artist and Creative Advisor for Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up Pat McGrath has plenty of Fashion Week experience under her belt. With the Spring 2012 collection shows behind her, McGrath wants to share her backstage polaroids with the world. Not only can you see her brilliant makeup jobs on the industry’s top models, but these photos give you a glimpse of the most exclusive backstages in the fashion world. Click through for the gallery.

Link Love: Vogue.com

Now That’s What I Call High Fashion: The Latest in Cannabis Couture

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:04:33 +0000

Take a close look at this. Sure, it ‘s kind of hideous and tacky and made out of macramé and other refuse from the 90s, but this piece of hippie rubbish is the greatest narcotic accessory since Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s cokespoon cross necklace from Cruel Intentions.

Those familiar with smoking weed, aka ganja, aka reefer, aka Mary Jane, aka giggle leaf — which is certainly no one at FashionIndie — might recognize this as a “pipe.” One end is a bowl with a filter and the other end has a little bead that when unscrewed reveals the mouthpiece. But these little beauties aren’t just for marijuana — though if anyone asks you they’re solely for tobacco.

Innovative low-lives can hide any number of drugs in there “such as crack, heroin or prescription pills.” There’s nothing I love more than functional jewelry. And it comes in a necklace too!

For $40, you too can carry your drug habit in the open air, however my only gripe is the design. It’s so, how do you say, god awfully ugly. Maybe we can get Prada to make one out of crocodile and emeralds. How classy would you feel getting high on that supply? [Gawker via WTSP]

Prada’s Resort 2012 Campaign is Blingtastic

Amanda Gabriele — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:00:37 +0000

Diamonds and flowers, lace and exotic skins – this is what the Prada Resort 2012 campaign is made of. Starring the lovely Léa Seydoux, Steven Meisel worked his camera magic on both the photos and video. Prepare to be dazzled and totally jealous of Seydoux’s wrists, neck and earlobes.

Prada Plays with Skins and Bears

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:45:49 +0000

Dripping in crystals, flowers, exotic skins and mini teddies (bears, not dresses), Prada is playing with their jewelry and clutching for their life come Resort 2012. Meanwhile, Léa Seydoux is turning it out good and slow in a summer’s night lace. Watch her werq close up in the campaign.

ALT Has a Gallery and Now an Exhibit to Put in It

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:45:13 +0000

Caped crusader, Vogue editor and Top Model judger André Leon Talley has curated the first exhibit to be featurd in the André Leon Talley Gallery of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Talley, a board member of the college, will focus the exhibit on past recipients of the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award. And next year, SCAD’s just going to throw up its figurative hands and rename itself the André Leon Talley College of Art, Design and Openly Yelling in People’s Faces.

Tapping his considerable resources, ALT has secured a gown worn by Oscar-winner Penélope Cruz to a Met Costume Institute Gala from Oscar de la Renta; a black sequined wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg; a coat trimmed with feathers and plastic fringe from Prada‘s fall 2007 collection; an evening column — what other kind of column is there? — from Tom Ford‘s first eponymous women’s collection; and a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes from Sex and the City: The Movie.

In addition, the exhibit will include a video display showing Blahnik making milkshakes on The Martha Stewart Show, music from 2001: A Space Odyssey in the background and either Oscar de la Renta’s Live in Love or DVF’s Diane “wafting through the ventilation system.” But if you can’t make it down to Georgia for this multi-sensory experience, fret not. In December, Talley’s and de la Renta’s Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress will open at Manhattan’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.

And of course there’s always next year when you can apply for admission to ALTCADOYPF. [NYT]

Marc Jacobs & Prada Visionary Katie Grand Wins WSJ Fashion Innovator Award

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:04:55 +0000

Some design stars are household names (at least around our homes, ladies). Others have shaped the industry and runway unbeknownst to the majority. Katie Grand is one of those remarkable individuals who has the foresight to cast trends, style iconic images, and keep major fashion houses running. She, and other movers and shakers across innovative fields are being recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Whether you’re occupying Wall Street or not, these humans are looking into the future and bringing it here and now. See who’s changing the world here.

15 of Hal Rubenstein’s “100 Unforgettable Dresses”

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:49:08 +0000

InStyle‘s fashion director, Hal Rubenstein waxes iconic in his new book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses (Harper Design, 2011). From Rita Hayworth in Gilda to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Princess Diana to the Duchess of Cambridge, Grace Kelly to Grace Jones, Bob Mackie to Karl Lagerfeld, Rubenstein delves into fashion history and comes up with an informative and entertaining read. But what makes a dress unforgettable? Calvin Klein — one of several designers interviewed for the book — put it best: “an unforgettable moment is the combination of the right dress on the right woman at the right time.” Click through for a sampling of some of the dresses that made the list.*

*Kate Middleton‘s Alexander McQueen was a late addition and Rubenstein had to cut one of the dresses to keep the list to 100. So it was sayonara Nancy Reagan and her white one-shoulder inauguration ball gown. Michelle Obama‘s Jason Wu, however, remained in tact. [WWD, sub req'd]

And the Naomi Goes to…: FashionIndie’s 1st Annual Model Citizen Awards

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:30:43 +0000

Awards season has just begun and while film and the occasional TV stars are busy patting themselves on the back — among other places — we’d like to take some time out to honor our favorite catwalkers and posers of the past year. Roll out the red carpet and break out your best Joan Rivers schtick — “Ugh, Lara! Were you in a car accident because it looks like you left the airbags under your dress!” — we’re going to the FashionIndie Model Citizen Awards!

There’s A Certain Shine To Vogue Australia

McArthur Joseph — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:47:58 +0000

The Shining is an absolutely stunning fashion editorial based wholly on reflective surfaces and metallics (basically everything we love) featured in the latest Vogue Australia. Photographer Nicole Bentley captures Rosie Tupper simple yet gorgeous shots while she is outfitted in labels such Prada, Etro, and Dries Van Noten by fashion editor Meg Gray.

Teacher’s Pet: Burberry the Brand with the Highest Digital IQ

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:52:19 +0000

New York University’s Luxury Lab (L2) ranked the digital IQs of 49 fashion brands based on four criteria: web site, digital marketing, social media and mobile platforms. Brands were then classified into one of five categories: Genius, Gifted, Average, Challenged, or Feeble. Class is in session and as usual Burberry is the only one who did their homework.

Having mastered the art of social media — they’re #1 on Facebook with nearly 9 million “Likes” and #2 on Twitter — Burberry continues to find innovative ways to engage consumers such as a live-streaming Tweetwalk, where looks from London Fashion Week were Tweeted before they hit the runway. They also scored well in e-commerce and mobile commerce thanks to its global site relaunch, landing the over 150-year-old British label the top spot on the L2 index and the official label of “Genius.”

Kate Spade was a newcomer to the index but their blend of smart e-commerce and a strong mobile and social presence skyrocketed the brand to the #2 spot. Storied houses Chanel and Christian Dior, on the other hand, seem to be resting on their luxury laurels earning only “Average” L2 IQs.

Prada and Hermès started running with the bad girls in school, smoking in the bathroom and dating college boys instead of working on their social media and as a result their IQs plummeted from “Gifted” in 2009 to “Challenged” in 2011. And to make matters worse, Prada was cited as the “biggest digital disappointment in luxury.” Yikes, wait til your father hears about this….

But in their defense, Europe might just have a harder learning curve. Ten of the top fifteen brands in the L2 index were American and on average American brands have a higher digital IQ than their Euro counterparts. Finally, somewhere the U.S. excels in something besides obesity and sluttiness.

The top 10 list is as follows:

1. Burberry: Digital births an icon: Proof that digital investments translate to shareholder value.

2. Kate Spade: Top social media score; Index newcomer did not get memo that heritage is necessary to be iconic digitally.

3. Coach: New York native continues to woo the blogosphere and registers top scores for site experience.

3. Gucci: Gucci Connects dots and delivers with shoppable video and recent Tumblr launch

5. Dolce & Gabbana: Global site relaunch threads needle of edgy and effective.

5. Tory Burch: Facebook store leads fashion F-commerce (r)evolution.

7. Ralph Lauren: New York Times iPad app takeover transforms brand into rich media publisher.

8. Hugo Boss: Top mobile scores and interactive YouTube channel venture differentiate the brand online.

9. Louis Vuitton: Embracing the spirit of travel with Amble app; Leads on Foursquare.

10. Michael Kors: Destination: Kors. Evolving brand into an online lifestyle.

[Luxury Lab, Telegraph]

#CzechItOut: 12 Spring Spa Swimsuits

Jessica Lapidos — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:38:12 +0000

You might have seen my packing Czech list for this spa journey I’m on through the Czech Republic. I neglected to include that I brought just one swimsuit with me – a neon striped bottom and reversible bandeau top. Such an efficient packer, thought I. What I didn’t realize was how few massages I’d be getting, and how many bath houses I’d be swimming in. The Czech spa triangle is famous for is natural mineral water springs – for drinking and bathing – that hold cures for many illnesses and make your skin look sensational. Thus far I’ve swum in the mineral caves of the Castle Bath Spa in Karlovy Vary, the public family mineral pool at the Aquaforum in Frantiskovy Lazne (where I also got a hot stone massage from the hot son of the hot DILF spa owner – more on that later), and the royal roman bath house at the Maria Spa in Marianske Lazne (from which I’m currently writing). With that – I wish I could have brought these 12 Spring 2012 swimsuits with me. Czech It Out.

We Are Not The Same, I Am a Martian

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:00:55 +0000

Hello Earthlings. It’s me, Krystal Glynn, bearing gifts from the likes of Dion Lee, Therese Rawsthorne, Sass & Bide, Carla Zampatti, Michael Lo Sordo and Prada. I’ve come all the way from Australian publication Madison Magazine to be with you, NASA astronauts. I hope you don’t mind that my photographer Nick Scott came along. Fashion editor Nicole Bonython-Hines provides my sleek, futuristic look on the outside, but I’m an alien at heart.

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

Full Color Spectrum of Spring Fashion Week

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:25:34 +0000

Amongst the bevy of busy prints that has shaped this fashion week, we’ve noticed how equally represented Roy G. Biv has been. These shades, however, are unique to now, with a sense of vibrancy. According to designers in the Big 4: New York, London, Milan and Paris, it’s going to be a colorful Spring. Taste the rainbow.

Models of the Moment: Seven for All Modelkind

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:49:08 +0000

Bring me…my girls. From fresh faces to bona fide supers, these seven models are not only having a moment, they are the moment.

Photo: Models.com

Karlie Kloss – The supermodel of the moment, Karlie’s stardom was cemented with her special cover of Life magazine and her transition to grown-ass woman cemented by her nude spread shot by Mario Testino.

Anatomy of a Handbag: NYFW Spring 2012

Lester Brathwaite — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:34:15 +0000

Now that the swarms of photogs, editors, bloggers, stylists and what-have-yous have descended on Milan Fashion Week, we here at FashionIndie can finally take some time out to reflect on the hectic week that was New York Fashion Week by rifling through our still bursting bags. Nothing tells the details of debauchery like the contents of a lady’s purse.

Amanda‘s Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

1. Tilly & William Armer

2. House keys/coke spoons

3. Wallet

4. Makeup bag with assorted contents: MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation, Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional, Benefit Cosmetics Play Stick, Lancôme Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner, Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss, Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge

5. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

6. Business card for Time Will Tell Watches

7. Other assorted business cards

8. M.Patmos cheat sheet

9. Norma Kamali 3D glasses and lookbook

10. Front row seat card for Anne Bowen

11. Sunglasses

12. KAUFMANFRANCO lookbook

13. Broken POS Apple Earphones

14. Hugo Naturals French Lavender Hand Sanitizer

15. Sephora makeup brushes

16. FashionIndie Mixtape Vol. 4

17. Hand creme from some gift bag

18. FashionIndie stickers

19. iPhone 4

20. Piazza Sempione tote

21. Macbook

22. Go green wireless phone charger

23. Concept Korea lookbook

24. Lemon-Lime Emergen-C

The Glitter Miu Miu Pumps in Hailee Steinfeld’s Hair Can Now be Yours

Amanda Gabriele — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 14:00:53 +0000

The rainbow of glitter Miu Miu pumps Hailee Steinfeld is so joyously surrounded by in her Autumn/Winter 2011 campaign have finally hit stores. For $650 bones, take home a pair in gold, pink, blue or fuschia, now available at Miu Miu boutiques nationwide.

5 Trends for Fall’s First Chill

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:31:28 +0000

Later this week, Spring 2012 will permeate the interwebs, making us go googly eyed over trends we won’t fully appreciate for another six months. Meanwhile, I stepped outside today to the first NY chill of the season. So before I get Spring Fever over New York Fashion Week, let’s chat about the looks we’ve been lusting over for Fall that we finally get to put to werq.

Jackets go ablaze when electric hues brighten up the scene. Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander and Phillip Lim have not gone back to black, and how refreshing!

Don’t Expect to See Tom Ford in a Heel Anytime Soon

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:18:16 +0000

Though no stranger to caking his face in a little — or a lot of — make-up, Tom Ford wouldn’t be caught dead in drag. While extolling his love of cosmetics to the Daily Telegraph, Ford noted: ”I was never drawn to walking in women’s shoes that’s maybe why some of them hurt. I never had a desire to wear the clothes. I’m probably the only man in England who doesn’t want to dress in drag. But make-up? That I’m serious about.” Whatever happened to taking one for the team, Tender?

Other topics Ford explores in his interview include his return to fashion and the why of it: ”Because I’m not Doing The Fashion System. I don’t do shows. I don’t have reviews. I’m not putting the clothes on every celebrity so that by the time they reach the store the customers are sick of seeing them.” *Cough, Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, cough.*

Speaking of Gucci, Ford compares his time at the Italian luxury house to the work he does now: “At Gucci, it was all about creating The Look each season The Shoe, The Bag, The Hair. But now I have no desire to create The Look. I just want to make beautiful, glamorous clothes.” Pity he won’t wear them, though.”

But before sending a look down the intimate, exclusive runway, Ford always has his PR lady Whitney or Carine Roitfeld when she’s not pussyfooting with Karl Lagerfeld, try it on: ”If they don’t wear it, it doesn’t go into production.”

As for that infamous French Vogue he guest edited for Roitfeld, Ford explains his reasoning behind all the geriatric grinding: ”My mother doesn’t like me saying this but she’s in her late seventies and her boyfriend’s in his late sixties. The point is she’s active and looks amazing, and yet we’ve taught ourselves to think that ageing’s embarrassing. That’s why I left all the wrinkles in the story shot for French Vogue of an old couple having sex”.

[Quick joke, what does one call a 78-year-old cougar? Madonna,10 years ago. *Rimshot.*]

And then there’s Ford’s burgeoning film career after 2009′s wonderful A Single Man. While his next film, allegedly a comedy, is “ready to go,” the life of a filmmaker has its difficulties: ”I would lose my mind if I just did films…I enjoy the speed of fashion. I love doing different things and I think I still have something valid to say in fashion.” I fully support that — I always find whatever Tom Ford says to be valid, no matter how batshit it is. [Telegraph]

Tough Act to Follow: The Costume Institute’s Next Exhibit

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:34:24 +0000

The record-breaking success of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty was a feather in the hat of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute — and that hat was probably designed by Philip Treacy — but what’s next? According to WWD, the Met will delve into the work of two female, Italian designers.

Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli are reportedly the focus of the Costume Institute’s next exhibit in the spring. Schiaparelli, who is as important to Italian fashion as Gabrielle Chanel is to French fashion, had a groundbreaking and innovative line between the two world wars but was unable to adapt in the wake of Christian Dior’s New Look.

While Prada is obviously one of the most successful and influential women working in fashion today and is also of Italian descent. No doubt the Institute’s curator, Andrew Bolton, will draw some parallels between the two women’s lives and careers. But for now, the Met is remaining mum on the matter. [WWD]

Behind the Scenes: A Look at the ‘Making-of’s’ of Fashion

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:08:42 +0000

So it’s a slow news morning. But in the spirit of the show going on — and in the spirit of me fulfilling my daily posting duties — I’ve rounded up five behind the scenes videos of photosoots, ad campaigns and commercials. Sure, we always see the finished product, but sometimes what goes on when the camera stops clicking away is even more interesting…

For instance, Coco Rocha and Sean O’Pry dancing all over Venice for Americana Manhasset is 10 times more interesting than the ad itself.

INDIE NEWSROOM: When Karl Met Florence…When Lee Met Daphne…When Zombie Met Andrej

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:39:25 +0000

- Karl Lagerfeld photographed gentlemanly ginger Florence Welch for the cover of Vogue Nippon. [Design Scene]

- Daphne Guinness on first meeting Alexander McQueen: “I admired him and didn’t want to meet him because I am quite shy, but Isabella [Blow] said I must. But I didn’t want to be a groupie. It had to happen organically. You don’t have to know someone to love their work. One day he saw me walking across the street in his kimono and he ran up to me and said, ‘I’m the person you don’t want to meet!’ We went to a pub and hit it off. Of course after that I was so irritated not to have known him before!” [Fashionologie]

Amber Valletta Is Literally 120 Years Old

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:08 +0000

With the aid of some expert make-up and prosthetics, supermodel Amber Valletta gets buried in the sands of time, aging 100 years — and looking impossibly chic along the way — in Steven Klein‘s brilliant editorial for W, “One for the Ages.”

Hands down my favorite spread so far in this, the September issue season, Klein, Valletta and Edward Enninful envision an eternal heroine and her struggles over the course of a century, featuring looks by Chanel, John Galliano, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen.

“September 29, 1929: A month before the stock market’s Black Tuesday, our heroine’s opium-tinged 29th-birthday party in the Blue Room rolls on.”

Over The Moon for Midnight Blue

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:03:47 +0000

Yesterday we got the blues for the men in our lives. Today we’re over the moon, for midnight blue. Accessorizing blue where black have been leaves you with a slightly brighter night. This darkest hue of blue looks even better set in gold. But then, so do most things. See where you can get the blues that won’t get you down.

Nocturnally vicious in a slithering snake centrifuge. Alexander McQueen £745

Super Secret Sales of the Week! (week of 8/8)

Diary of a Fashion Addict — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:18:16 +0000

Hey Indies- another jam packed week of sales and Summer deals ahead. Hope these events make your week fly by….. Onto another edition of my Fashion Indie exclusive DOAFA’s Top Super Secret Sales of the Week.

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict.com. Join me as we explore this week’s best online sample sales, NYC street deals, exclusive discount codes from your favorite designers and more. Like what you see and want more of it?! Check back with us every Tuesday, and visit my blog www.diaryofafashionaddict.com for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Kimberly Ovitz on Gilt tomorrow at 12pm EST. Love her, can’t wait to shop her minimalistic style, great for layering your favorite vests and jackets with this Fall.

gilt.com

For an invite, email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

All in One: Fall 2011 Luxury Campaigns

Samantha Lim — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:33:36 +0000

We. Love. Fall. Uber luxe furs. Rich sophisticated colors. Heavy textures. Subtle sexiness. The ad campaigns are out and we (for once) cannot wait for the summer heat to slowly transition into cool, crisp autumn days so that we can layer on the lace, drape ourselves in bold colored silks, and throw on a knee sock or five. Here’s a round up of what is inspiring us at the moment:

Glitter Bomb: Miu Miu Sneakers

Samantha Lim — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:47:02 +0000

Leave it to Miu Miu to up the ante in terms of making casual fashion absolutely fabulous. Their Autumn 2011 Sneakers collection consist of glittery, studded, crystallized, metallic, lace-up low tops based in a variation of luscious fashion fabrics such as leather, arabesque lame and velvet. We don’t go to the gym, but these disco-ball trainers may be the best way to get us there.

Sam: The studsies are stunsies, I love the bad-ass glitter concept.

Mac: It’s like a disco party on my feet!

Prada’s Pugilists

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:57:32 +0000

Miuccia is taking the gloves off! For their fall Linea Rossa eyewear campaign, Prada has tapped three boxers to get out of the ring and step in front of the camera.

Photos: YVY Mag

Brigitte Lacombe shot Italian Roberto Cammarelle, American Bernard Hopkins and Pakistani-born Brit Amir Khan for the ads debuting in August.

Mob Style Takes a Hit

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:34:28 +0000

Picture it. Sicily. Jail. Imprisoned mobsters in Palermo’s Ucciardone prison are too fly and the new governor Rita Barbera is straight up playa hatin’. Barbera is imposing a new prison order by banning the stylish mobsters from wearing luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Louis Vuitton and Armani.

“The popular image of this jail is linked to the silk suits of godfathers and we need to cancel that image,” says Governor Barbera. But Barbera is an equal opportunity killjoy; in addition to the finer threads in life, she has banned Nike and Adidas. ”We need to cancel class differences and the showing off of status, power and wealth,” she emphasized.

The mob wives, for their part, are taking it as calmly as can be expected. “My husband will be left naked,” remarked one wife. ”He only has designer clothes, and that’s not because he’s flashy but because they last much longer and are better quality. Why humiliate him? Why force us to buy clothes at street markets?” She then tipped over a table, threw her drink in someone’s (anyone’s) face and lunged after the governor’s neck screaming about said naked husband.

The Ucciardone prison, known to inmates as “The Grand Hotel,” has been witness to mobsters holding lobster and champagne birthday banquets as well as a formal wedding in the prison chapel.

Why deny the sacred — and stunning — tradition of mobsters openly flaunting the law and looking great while doing it? I wouldn’t be surprised if Governor Rita Barbera wakes up next to Raquel Zimmermann‘s head one day. [Guardian]

The Catherine Factor

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:24:03 +0000

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and her influence on fashion have been well-documented. Never making a wedged misstep, the Duchess is effectively holding fashionable court. Hence, the “Catherine factor.” The “CF,” according to The New York Times‘ Suzy Menkes ”gave basic summer dresses, always focused on that narrow waist, a fresh feeling.” Meanwhile, I came up with the “Catherine factor” ages ago, but that was just the nickname I gave for my manorexia cum brolemia.

Photo: NYT

“What might once have been dismissed as a take on mom’s household apron was literally elevated with a pair of wedges to achieve new fashion status,” writes Menkes of the royal formerly known as Kate Middleton‘s contribution to the world of style.

Menkes goes on to explore the “explosion of surface decoration” and how the Duchess, in her infinite wisdom/fierceness managed to “politely” and “familiarly” embrace prints on her “run-up to the royal wedding.” Then again on “her ‘howdy’ North American tour” when, “she wore a frill-collared shirt with graphic motifs under her cowboy hat” to the rodeo.

Bold prints are definitely in season, and have been for a while — Menkes cites the now infamous Prada Baroque print as well as historic scarf prints by Hermès and Versace — but does Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in all her bone-thin perfection inspire your choice in “surface decoration”? [NYT]