Color palette: Colorful, yet understated. Muted hues of green, orange and purple were all present.
Mood: Young and energetic
Statement Pieces: Loved the purple coat with bright orange fur panels.
Front Row Name Drops: Phillip Bloch rolled in next to me.
Gossip: There were too many conversations happening to pick out any juicy lines.
Runway Music: Nothing stuck in my mind.

All photos from NYMag.

He’s touting his tunes all over town to the fashionable elite. Next stop, the Rebecca Minkoff after party at the Darby Downstairs tonight. Then he’s setting the mood for Rachel Roy‘s after party on Monday.

So, if you’re a fashion journalist, he’s playing for you. Find your way in.

Photo: Vogue.com

Wintour and Vogue have reportedly been “instrumental” in coercing assembling the 22 designers, including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Joseph Altuzarra, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Rag & Bone and Jason Wu. Wary of alienating Republican voters from their brands, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton initially nixed their labels from participating in Runway to Win, but Marc Jacobs — of which LVMH owns a majority stake — designed his T-shirt anyway, “following pressure from the magazine,” according to WWD.

On the other hand, Donna Karan, also owned by LVMH, did not bow to Wintour and is therefore not participating in the fundraising effort. And therefore won’t be seen in Vogue anytime soon…Kidding!…Not really.

Runway to Win’s e-commerce site, runwaytowin.com, officially launches on Thursday, but Wintour’s re-election campaign is not stopping there. She will also co-host an Obama fundraiser with actress Scarlett Johansson in February — which I’m taking as a sign that ScarJo will be on the cover around that time. See, kids, and you thought fashion and politics had nothing in common. They both require a steely nerve, a willingness to compromise and the ability to turn a blind eye to corruption. The blatant abuse of power doesn’t hurt either. [WWD]

Heidi Klum will be portrayed by Angela Lindvall. The role of Nina Garcia will be played by Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman. Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire will star as mentor-in residence Tim Gunn. And returning to the fashion reality competition show stage is Isaac Mizrahi as Michael Kors. Guest judges will include Diane von Furstenberg, Miranda Kerr, Miss Piggy, Pharrell Williams, Nanette Lepore, Rachel Roy, Catherine Malandrino, and Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

The All-Stars in question are past Runway contestants who weren’t quite up to snuff, such as Austin Scarlett, Sweet P, Kara Janx and that much-reviled whiny copycat, Kenley Collins. Personally, I stopped watching Project Runway as soon as it hopped from Bravo to Lifetime,  deciding along the way that a season in L.A. was a good idea, but this new spin-off series could bring some much-needed fresh air into the franchise.

The All-Stars will compete for a handsome set of prizes, the most lucrative in Runway history: “an exclusive designer boutique in select Neiman Marcus stores and on neimanmarcus.com; $100,000 in technology and office space to help expand their business from HP and Intel; $100,000 cash from L’Oréal Paris; a feature spread in Marie Claire, for which he or she will serve as a guest editor for one year, and a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International.” Well, at least they made returning to the scene of one’s former and very public embarrassment suitably enticing.

Will you watch Project Runway All-Stars when it premieres January 5 on Lifetime, television for women unemployed gay men? [WWD]

photos: style.com

Where have they been travelling?

Rachel Roy: “I was in Ghana at the orphanage that Margherita Missoni introduced me to. She and her mom work on it, and now myself and my daughter my older one, we work on it. Kids run up to the cars as you’re arriving. Little girls, they wanted my lipgloss. It’s the same everywhere! In terms of what can make someone feel god about themselves, it’s universal.”

Thom Browne: “I just got back from back from Tokyo, and it’s amazing. Tthe best place to go is to the Okura Hotel and experience the lobby.”

Clothing essentials for the journey?

Rachel Roy: It depends because I have 2 distinct lives when traveling. I have with my girls, because then it has to be comfortable and quick: for example I’m taking my girls to Miami this weekend, so in my bag I will have men’s Levis 501s and indian thong sandals. And I won’t take them off. Then I have business, so that means I’m usually presenting a collection so I’m wearing something from the collection.

Thom Browne: A grey suit! Of course.

Were/are you a thrifter?

Rachel Roy: I grew up shopping in Salvation Army by necessity. I wasn’t that cool of a 12-year-old, I just couldn’t afford anything. And I didn’t like the options in Mervins. Also I was quite tall so things didn’t fit. I liked the hunt of it, and to this day there is not a garage sale – well you’re not gonna find them in NY, but if I’m away – that I can’t walk by without stopping. I can’t stop looking. One strong passion is making something beautiful out of something someone has discarded. That was pretty much my childhood. The other is proving that things really aren’t modern today unless you mix it.

Thom Browne: I used to be, but not as much now. [My involvement with Fashion for Action is] more for the organization [Housingworks]. It’s an amazing organization, they do such amazing work and give back. I think we’re all so lucky, it’s nice to be able to give back.

Shop Housingworks year round in NYC for thrift worth the hunt.

The Fashion for Action sale is going on at The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues) from November 17-19th.

Color Palette: Black and white contrasting with pastels, corals and a bit of teal lining

Mood: The flirty sophisticate

Statement Pieces: Taupe knit dress with coral trim and underlay wrapped with a neutral and black snakeskin belt; linen silk-flax tuxedo jacket with wide-leg trousers and silk white top with coral detail

Front Row Name Drops: Kim Kardashian, Molly Sims and Corinne Bailey Rae

Gossip: Someone in reference to the hold-up of movement through the presentation, “I blame it on Kim Kardashian’s butt. Everything can be blamed on her butt.”

Runway Music: Songs from the Hanna soundtrack

Photo: WWD

Come on, Rachel Roy. Put your clothes on. Oh, it’s either that or your famous trench-dress? Either way, it looks like your one step too close to going streaking.

Fail.

Let’s see, we have:

- Michael Kors celebrating his three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, along with live performances and their “BG Best in Show,” featuring designers such as Joseph Altuzarra, Reem Acra and Pamella Roland trotting down the runway with their dogs

- Live performances from Kelly Rowland and Joss Stone at Macy’s Herald Square, with appearances by Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudemire

- Rachel Zoe and Erin Wasson will show face at Bloomingdale’s

- Jade Jagger will launch her new jewelry line at Henri Bendel’s

- Lord & Taylor will have Solange Knowles on the turntables and an appearance by Ivanka Trump

- Saks Fifth Ave will feature appearances by the inimitable Tilda Swinton with Pringle of Scotland designer Alistair Carr and Central Saint Martins professor/Kanye West mentor Louise Wilson, while Ne-Yo performs and signs hats

This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of  events listed on FNO’s website and you can filter through all of them by neighborhood, category or specialty. FNO also has an iPhone/Android app to help you plan your itinerary on the go thus ensuring this year you can make as many regrettable, booze-induced purchases as possible. [WWD]

“Depending on customer reaction” — my guess, people are gonna freak the fuck out —  the Lagerfeld for Impulse collection will be available for six to eight weeks and will focus on “statement jackets, tweeds, novelty fabrics, and dresses,” according to Macy’s chief merchandising officer Jeff Gennette.

Number of reality shows: 3 – Dancing With the Stars; Keeping Up With the Kardashians; Kourtney & Kim Take New York

Average TV viewers from most recent starring season: 3.5 million

Twitter followers: 3 million

Facebook fans: 3.9 million

Books “written”: 1

Branded products: Kardashian Kollection Clothes; Shoedazzle Footwear; Perfume

Debut single: Turn It Up

It looks like Kim is going to a toga party at the frat house rather than Diddy’s (or whatever his name is now) birthday party in this Alexander Wang Resort 2010 dress.

This Zuhair Murad Spring 2010 gown looked stunning on Kim at the 38th Annual FiFi Awards even though I wish her hair wasn’t pulled back so tightly.

The heavy fabric of this Rachel Roy Fall 2010 gown, worn to promote her own Bissmor Watch Collection is L.A., makes Kim look bigger than she is.

This white Roland Mouret Spring 2011 dress Kim wore on Jimmy Kimmel Live is super sophisticated, and I like the trashy shoes she decided to pair with it.

Kim further accentuates her tiny waist and awesome curves with a bold shoulder from the Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 collection at Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom’s Fragrance Launch.

What do you think of Kim Kardashian‘s fashion evolution? Stay tuned for another Reality Star Runway tomorrow.

LINK LOVE: Fast Company

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can’t wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ

Nima Taherzadeh

With a new color palette came a more “sporty,” laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. That’s right, dear readers, we’re talking about “scuba-influenced silhouettes” (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (“a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease”) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of “matchy/clashy prints”). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the “emerging must-have” that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I’d like one in every color, please.

Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt – belt it!

Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year – and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year – always good staples to have in your closet.

Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com

Head of the Class — As and high Bs all around:

Lady Gaga in Mugler — Leave it to Gags to show up shitting tulle in a bodysuit, 24-inch tranny heels and an aquamarine wig. You don’t win the Fashion Icon award by resting on your Hussein Chalayan rebirthing egg laurels.

Daphne Guinness in Abed Mahfouz – Another member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Tranny Heel, the always impeccable Daphne Guinness chose relatively unknown Beirut designer,  Abed Mahfouz to wonderful effect .

Kirsten Dunst in Patrik Ervell — I feel like I’m experiencing a Kirsten Dunst renaissance. First she wins the top acting prize at Cannes, now I actually like her choice in red carpet attire? What goes on here? Though honestly, I’m always a sucker for a woman in a tux and a high bun.

Karolina Kurkova in Diane von Furstenberg — An emerald, hooded jumpsuit, sashed at the waist? Karolina literally looks like the ghost of Grace Jones…and she very well might be since god knows where the hell that brick house full of crazy is these days.

Chloë Sevigny in Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony — Leather and lace and giving face. Nothing’s wrong with a little free self-promotion, though her lady humps seem to be angling for some attention all their own.

Betsey Johnson in Betsey Johnson — Why the hell not? Betsey looks great — and in all black! — but the tulle ballerina skirt remains in tact, if only a few inches south. But for girls our age, Bets, everything ends up heading south eventually.

Chanel Iman in BCBG Max Azria — Lady and the vamp! Looks like Chanel and Karolina both hopped on the same 70s soul train, but with a bit of leg, a flash of cleav and a shoulder or two, Chanel is ready to steam up some mirrored disco balls.

Call me crazy just as long as you call Michelle Harper perfect. I’m not sure what she’s wearing, but I want one in every color.

Thanks for coming –  Solid effort, solid C‘s, high D‘s

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row — I’m convulsing over MK’s gold lamé jacket, I just wish Ash had chosen to accessorize a little more. Hair up, statement necklace and a cat eye never hurt anyone. The Row bags, while cute, also look like mini-briefcases, which for an evening dress, is a little jarring.

Vera Wang in Vera Wang – Vera, Vera, Vera. While I love a cowl neck, this look makes Morticia Addams look like Patricia Goddamn Field. Where’s the color? Where’s the fun? I would’ve taken a beading wedding gown over this funereal frump any day of the week.

Erin Fetherston in Erin Fetherston — The CFDAs might have to instill a ban on designers dressing themselves. Though the dress is lovely — and that bang is flawless — the color washes Erin out completely. Also, another lack of accessories! Does no one wear jewelry anymore?

Expelled — Failing grades, F’s, you

Joy Bryant (and Rachel Roy) in Rachel Roy — For the permanent record, Rachel looks good, not her best look, but she gets a passing grade. Barely. Because after all, she also dressed Joy, who’s going to have to stay after school and bang the erasers. And from the looks of that dress, she might also be banging the janitor.

Tory Burch in Tory Burch — You can try to dress up a burlap sack as much as possible, but then it’s just a burlap sack with some awful polka dots and some even more awful ill-placed beads. Or bottlecaps. What are those actually?

Sessilee Lopez in Zac Posen — One question: why? An old lady dress on a stunning, young supermodel still looks like an old lady dress. And frankly, I doubt any dames of a certain age would be caught dead wearing this. It’s unflattering, there’s too much going on about the bodice and worst of all it looks cheap. Zac, I would like to see you in my office. Bring the butt paddle.

Photos: WWD, Style.com, NY Mag

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

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 3

Makeup: 3

Pose: 3

Confidence: 4

In terms of a Vegas look, this dress is a perfect mix of sophisticated and sexy. I love that Kourtney shortened this dress for the occasion but kept the long sleeves in tact. I am super disappointed by the hair – where are the signature Kardashian ridiculously bouncy curls? Love the shoes, love the bag, an almost perfect look.

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

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 4

Makeup: 4

Pose: 4

Confidence: 4

When I first saw Keri in this puke-y color, I was upset. But then I started to analyze her look as a whole and realized she can really do no wrong. I have definitely seen better from her, but she made an ugly dress look sexy – definitely above average for me.

- I guess the Choo is on the other foot…. TowerBrook Capital, the company that owns Jimmy Choo – the shoe not the man — invited a shortlist of three investors and Jimmy Choo — the man not the shoe — was not among them. LVMH is a potential buyer for the brand which TowerBrook is expected to sell for about $653 to $817 million, more than twice what it paid for. I guess there won’t be an old Jimmy who lived in his Choo. Too much? [Elle UK]

- The first round of the CFDA’s Fashion & Friends for Japan auction has raised over $180,000 for relief efforts and now round two is up and running. Through charitybuzz.com, you can bid on, among other things: meeting Anna Wintour and attending a Vogue photoshoot, designing a custom PS1 bag with Jack and Lazaro and  a week-long stay at Diane Von Furstenberg‘s summer house. I love when Fashion opens up her big, glittery Chanel purse and dumps out goodwill into the world. [Fashionista]

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

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 4

Trendiness: 5

Styling: 2

Shoes: 1

Hair: 1

Makeup: 3

Pose: 3

Confidence: 5

This look is soooo busy, what was Olivia thinking exactly? Three patterns, super contrasting bag and disastrous hair does not a good grade make!

How to get the look:

Start with wet hair. Apply a smoothing serum like Warren Tricomi Hair Polish to keep it sleek. Brush hair to one side and pull it ear level. Begin braiding while pulling outward and forward, then guide the braid upward. Pull the plait over your head keeping it aligned to the tops of your ears. Using complementing bobby pins, pin it in place at the end of the braid and eliminate the need for a hair tie.

Wear it like Ashley Olsen with a loose Cali vibe by leaving it wispy, or slick it back with pomade or hairspray for the super tight Ungaro look.

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

Rachel Roy Fall 2011

LINK LOVE: Style.com

Hilary Swank is doing what now, WWD? Starting her own clothing brand? I want to be upset, furious at the world for turning another actress into a fashion designer! I want to shake her and explain that just because she can be an emotionally tampered cross-dressing lesbian, a struggling waitress turned amateur boxer, and an adolescent lady ninja, doesn’t mean she can also be a fashion designer!

But then she flashes that million dollar smile and I ask, what if she can?

Well, it’s not going to be without help, given that her original idea was a “motivational and inspirational” T-shirt line. Blarf. Upon consultation with the Designers Management Agency, she will now be doing a fashion line with “athleisure” tendencies, based on her gymnastic roots. She and the DMA are currently scouting a fashion designer that can collaborate for this sporty collection.

Okay, so she does bring her sports goddess body to the table, and an eye for that seriously winning Francisco Costa dress back in 2005. And the DMA did just pair Amar’e Stoudemire and Rachel Roy together, so maybe there’s hope for this project after all.

Ms. Swank, may you go forth with dignity, unbefitting of many actress-cum-designer crossovers, and deliver something interesting. Just please don’t tarnish your Oscars, or the word Fashion.

But the six-foot-ten b-baller is looking to add a new talent to his repertoire: fashion design.

Stoudemire is reportedly teaming with designer Rachel Roy on her line for Macy’s: Rachel Rachel Roy.

The New York Knicks player sampled the sweet taste of fashion this September as a special guest of Anna Wintour for Fashion’s Night Out.

If his designs are anything like his basketball skills, this line will be a super slam DUNK.

[Link Love: NY Mag]

An interesting pictorial shot by Dan Monick for Paper shows a bevy of beautiful babes…dressed as bros?  From actress Michelle Trachtenberg to designers Rachel Roy and Charlotte Ronson, the theme is artistic femmes channeling their inner man.  You will never be more sexually confused.  Select pics after the jump.

Be sure to check out the entire spread for brief interviews and descriptions of these ladies’ transformations.  And to have your mind sufficiently blown.

LINK LOVE: Paper

Check out resort collection from Micheal Kors, Rachel Roy, Yigal Azrouel, VPL, Z Spoke, Burberry Prorsum, and Vena Cava on WWD.

1. Rubbish 2. William Rast 3. Doki Geki 4. Just Cavalli (nordstrom.com) 5. & 6. Vintage Havana (nationaljeancompany.com) 7 & 8. Topshop 9. Diesel (store.diesel.com) 10. AE (ae.com) 11. McQ by Alexander McQueen 12. Derek Lam 13. Alice & Olivia (shopbop.com) 14. Anlo (revolveclothing.com) 15. Rachel Roy (rachelroy.com) 16. Alice by Temperley 17. & 18. Jeanology (newport-news.com) 19. – 21. Forever 21 (forever21.com) 22. & 23. Wet Seal 24. Bigfork (shop.ever.us.com) 25. Current/Elliott 26. Meadham Kirchoff 27. Dagmar 28. IRO (farfetch.com) 30. Miss Sixty (misssixty.com) 31. Elle (kohls.com) 32. New York and Company (it wasn’t so much that this on falls into the “jazzy” category, I like the fitted waist) (nyandcompany.com) 33. Dsquared2 33. Galliano (really love this one!) (zappos.com) 34. Religion 35. Fairground 36. Asos 37. Horace Denim 38. FC72 39. Pepe 40. Current/Elliott (saks.com) 41. Gap (gap.com)

LINK LOVE:"That Denim Jacket for Spring"

CONTRIBUTE:Join Envy to Add Your Own Stories

LINK LOVE: My Weekend Bargains

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

Damon Dash is building a new collective in New York that is a far cry from the Roc-A-Fella days, the label he infamously co-founded in 1995 with Jay-Z and Kareem Biggs, an empire that would net him an estimated wealth close to $100 million. His split from Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella, Roc-A-Wear, his ex-wife model and designer Rachel Roy and their own fashion company fortunes left Dash with a public beat down and the need to reinvent himself for 2010.

Read the interview on Dazed Digital

Barbie, much like a lot of 50 year olds with money in the bank, has been going through a major make-over. She’s obviously had work done and is now attempting to hit the runway. Demi Moore called, Barbie, she wants her gimmick back.

Apparently, Barbie is all dolled up to celebrate the launch of her Little Black Dress collection and raise a little money for the CFDA scholarship program. She’ll be sporting a couple of exclusive accessories and fashion designs from Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade’s Deborah Lloyd, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy and Monica Botkier. The dolls hit eBay on January 28th.

Rachel Rachel Roy, her much anticipated diffusion line, will hit Macy’s stores mid January. Here’s a preview of the collection, more images on NY Mag.

Find more photos like this on ENVY

LINK LOVE: Style

The coat above is Marc by Marc and is only $298 from $798. Gilt Men includes: John Varvatos, PRPS, Alexander Olch, Nixon Watches, and more.

Click here to join.

News has it designer Rachel Roy will be teaming up with Estelle to launch a  jewelry line! The edgy collaboration is set to hit shelves in spring 2010. In addition to the jewelry collection, Estelle has plans to host the opening party for Rachel’s pop-up shop during fashion week this September.

So, I guess I can’t keep ignoring Resort collections any longer, as weird as they are. This might mean I’ll have to pay attention to Pre-Fall now, too, as odd as those are as well. Whatever–2010 has brought about a batch of truly viable Resort collections, and how do I kick off a round of Runway Rundowns for any season? With Rachel Roy, of course.

Probably the one thing I love the most about Roy’s collections is her constantly evolving, yet somehow singularly individual aesthetic. Minus the Childlike Empress headgear, this resort collection felt less like something you’d wear on the sundeck of your yacht (which is why I’m loathe to discuss so many Resort collections, because they seem to reinforce that stale standard that fashion is strictly for rich white women) and more like light, fresh summer dressing for the Young Professional of Tomorrowland. And y’all already know how I feel about hot professional dressing and fashion futurism, so you know I’m all about this collection.

Read the rest…

SOURCE: Means of First Resort: Rachel Roy R10

I’m often fond of saying that after a certain while, living in New York becomes like living on a Monopoly board: same players, same places, same scene—the only thing missing is the free parking.

I found myself reminiscing about Fashion Week as I exited the cab on the south corner of Bryant Park for my first event on Wednesday evening: the Rachel by Rachel Roy launch and über-private reception in her showroom.

Arriving on the twenty-something floor and walking into the well-appointed and chic showroom space, I almost felt like I was back in the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge where many happy memories have been formed over the past three seasons, most involving champagne and celebrities.

My first instinct was to relieve one handsome cater waiter of a cocktail and then scope out the room.  Teen Vogue editor Amy Astley was perusing the collection while Beth Ostrosky Stern mingled with other guests that included Kelly Killoren Bensimon and model-turned-DJ Sky Nellor.  In the back, Alexandra Richards was DJing, playing lots of Cut/Copy and MGMT that put me more in the mood to dance than look at clothes.

I went over to Ms. Roy to ask her about her new collection.  She was imposingly tall with dark, piercing eyes.  “The new collection is a bit younger and edgier,” she said.  “It’ll be sold exclusively in Macy’s beginning in early August.”

My next stop was the Belvedere Black Raspberry launch party downtown in a pop up space created just for the three-night long celebration.  Inside, slogans like “Maceration is perfectly natural” lined the walls.  Confused but intrigued, I had to ask one of the publicists outside what this meant.  Apparently, maceration is one of those words like “jactation” that sounds dirty but is actually quite technical—it refers to some type of esoteric fermentation process that infuses fruit with vodka.  Sexy stuff.

Within the next half hour, nearly everyone that had been at the Rachel Roy presentation was now here, drinking their macerated cocktails (there’s a two-word combination that definitely sounds dirty but isn’t).  Kelly Bensimon was the first celebrity to arrive, carrying the Jonathan Kelsey “Belvie” bag, specially designed for the occasion.  Sky Nellor also made the trip downtown.  “I’m flying out to LA to DJ the USA/Vanity Fair party,” she told me when I asked her what she was up to.

Soon after, the woman of the hour, Estelle, arrived to a flurry of flashbulbs.  “I’m working on my new album,” she said when I finally got my chance to speak to her.   Next up was Erin Lucas from The City, wearing a lace ensemble with Christian Louboutin pumps.  We talked about sudden fame and having cameras around all the time—both seemed quite natural to her.

The next evening all my events were on the same corner of the Monopoly board in SoHo.  Running an hour behind, I headed over to a giant loft for the Serge Strosberg vernissage called “Les Demoiselles de New York” featuring nightlife icons such as Kenny Kenny painted in an expressionist style on a giant tableau.

After a few minutes, I had already rolled the dice and landed at my next stop: The Randolph on Broome for the StyleCaster/Famegame party.  The tiny space filled up quickly—to the point that it was nearly impossible to move—no one was passing go, no one was collecting a cocktail at the bar.  We stayed for a drink and on the way out and once again ran into Erin Lucas as well as designer Keith Lissner (now also a cast member on Bravo’s Project Runway spinoff, The Fashion Show).

We had come full circle when we ended up once again at the Belvedere pop up space for the second night’s party with Out Magazine hosted by Patrick Duffy.  I first said hello to Kenny Kenny who I had just missed at the vernissage before hijacking the passed hors d’oeuvres plate.  Perhaps to escape the monotony of characters that had been imported from The Randolph, I soon turned to drink—a dangerous thing in the presence of an open vodka bar.  Before I knew it, I’d ended up at the unofficial after party at SubMercer, hanging out with a group of drag queens when in walked Erin Lucas.  If one of us owned the properties on which we both seemed to keep landing, the other would definitely be mortgaging Pennsylvania Railroad right about now.

At the end of the day, maybe it’s sort of comforting knowing more or less exactly what’s to be expected with each event—after all, when you take a chance, you might just end up in jail.

Adrien Field

Rachel Roy huge diffusion line for Macy’s

The recession is hitting everyone, Jones Apparel Group today announced the launch of a Rachel Roy diffusion brand exclusive to Macy’s which include affordable contemporary sportswear, footwear and accessories. The lower-priced line is dubbed Rachel Rachel Roy and is slated to debut in August 2009. The Rachel Rachel Roy collection will capture a fresh and youthful look that reflects today’s culture by mixing elements of downtown cool with uptown chic at affordable price points. The line will retail from $59 to $299 for sportswear, $79 to $199 for footwear, $40 to $195 for jewelry and $69 to $109 for handbags. The collection includes an array of sportswear options, including stonewashed denim skirts; fake leather jackets and fake fur vests; long, chunky cardigans; Modal jersey dresses, jumpsuits and tops; crystal-embellished cotton jersey T-shirts; brushstroke-printed jackets and coats, and bright pink leopard-printed skinny jeans. In addition to apparel, there will be a large selection of accessories, including footwear, handbags and jewelry, all retailing for under $250.

Founder and artistic director, Rachel Roy, said, “Accessible fashion has always been a passion of mine. Every woman should have the opportunity to express herself through style. Being able to design a contemporary product line that truly reflects a sense of individuality is a great honor. Macy’s has been an embracing partner in helping us launch this redefinition of a new lifestyle collection.” via WWD

The Rachel Rachel Roy for Macy’s Collection is looking pretty good, I’m anticipating the release. Loving a lot of the pieces! Do you love it or hate it?

“This season, we saw a return to simple, yet beautiful hair. Whether the look of the show was
soft and feminine or exhibited more of an edge, the common thread remained the hair looks -
face flattering and pretty. And the best thing about these styles is that they are easy to achieve
with the right products and tools,” says Hawkins.

Here are the trends, right off the runways, courtesy of TRESemmé:

Wave of Independence
“Gone are the days of binding curls and waves. This season, it is all about laid back, yet feminine glamour,” adds Hawkins. Rachel Roy, L’Wren Scott, Rebecca Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Sui all sent this look down their runways. To get these hot waves:

1. Scrunch TRESemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Lotion Crème into damp hair.

2. Blow dry the hair with a diffuser using the fingers or let it dry naturally.

3. Part hair evenly down the middle and finger comb each side into a ponytail.

4. Taking each ponytail, twist the lengths of the hair until it starts to twist onto itself,
creating a bun on each side of the head; secure each bun with a hair pin.

5. Using the diffuser, dry each bun and let the hair sit for 20 minutes.

6. Remove the pins and finger comb hair, creating beautiful, tousled waves.

7. Run a dime-size amount of the TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème over the
lengths of the hair to tame flyaways and add shine.

Mixed Up
“A lot of shows this season featured a dual-finish hairstyle with either a mix of shiny and matte or rough and smooth,” notes Hawkins who created such a look for Cynthia Rowley’s show.  Other designers who showcased the look included:  Alexander Wang, Erin Fetherston, Thakoon and Richard Chai.

To copy the ponytail follow these simple steps:
1. Pull hair back into a ponytail using a boar bristle brush

2. Work TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème into the hair at the top of the ponytail
but not throughout the lengths of the hair.

3. Spray the mid-shafts and ends of the hair with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat
Tamer Spray.

4. Blow dry hair against the natural direction of the cuticle to create a rough texture, which
will contrast the sleek, shiny top section of the head.

5. Finish this look with a touch of TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray
throughout the ponytail.

Hawkins and the TRESemmé Styling Team tied shiny black ribbon on all of the models at the Cynthia Rowley show to add a touch of glam.

Soft Around the Edges
“Stick straight locks had their moment on the runway, but the look right now is all about smooth hair with some bend and movement,” says Hawkins.  This chic style was seen on the runways of some of fashion’s biggest names including BCBG, Doo.Ri and Donna Karen.  Hawkins loved the way this styled complemented the straight lines at the Herve Leger show.

Getting the look is simple:

1. Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to hair, followed by a liberal application of TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse from the roots of the hair to the ends.

2. Blow hair dry with a medium-sized round brush.

3. Spray Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray onto the hair again.

4. Take sections of hair twice the depth of the flatiron plate, pull the iron away from the head to create a slight curvature.

5. Add runway-worthy shine by lightly spraying the TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray.

I live about 5 miles outside of D.C. They started closing and detouring streets weeks ago. Everyone I know in the city is excited for the Inauguration, but wants out for the four-day weekend. And everyone else is trying to make a buck off Obama’s likeness. I don’t know if this is just a D.C.-area thing, but even our chain grocery stores each have an aisle of Obama merchandise snuggled next to the Valentine’s Day stuff.

A more organized effort to sell Obama stuff and support the campaign has been released, though. A collaboration with the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the Runway for Change Inaugural Collection features T-shirts and accessories from mainstream design houses like Tory Burch, Vera Wang, and Isaac Mizrahi; indie designers like Alexander Wang, Lutz & Patmos; and even celebrity designers like Jay-Z and Beyonce.

Several of the products are made from organic cotton and/or dyes, and proceeds from collection will go toward the $45 million projected cost of the inauguration ceremony.

If you’re in the District, you can nab some piece at the temporary Presidential Inaugural Store, at 625 E Street NW, or from the online store.

GALLERY: Runway to Change.

For Spring 2009, Rachel Roy continued the trend of one piece looks, off the shoulder dresses, and very distinct patterns with accents of bright colors. Her collection was cohesive, and ultra feminine.

Thanks Style.com for the pics

Rachel Roy has hooked up with premium spirit Grey Goose vodka to design a special cocktail dress to be by the brand’s spokesmodels at its events. Grey Goose will be the official sponsor of Roy’s show at New York Fashion Week in September, where the dresses – black and blue creations made from stretch wool, with a draped neckline and a cascade of fabric on the back – will make their official debut, WWD reports.

This new high-profile partnership is another business boost for the rapidly-growing Rachel Roy label; Jones Apparel Group acquired a 50 per cent stake in it last month, following the lead of TSM Capital, which acquired a minority stake in November.

Source: Vogue UK