Quel scandale, Dior!

- Beyoncé posted a super sweet letter she wrote — by hand, no less —  to fellow HBIC Michelle Obama on her Tumblr in which she praised the FLOTUS for her grace, humility and sincerity. And she ended it with a smiley face period, just like Barack Obama does in his letters to Congress. [Refinery29]

- The Twitter accounts of several models, including Joan Smalls, Lily Donaldson and Jourdan Dunn were hacked yesterday when they apparently started hawking diet pills. Like models ever admit to taking diet pills. [Fashionista]

- Another one of the hacked models was Toni Garrn, but on the bright side, she’s now officially a Victoria’s Secret Angel. So she might actually need those diet pills since those ladies get cray cray around show time. [Modelinia]

- Noted crybaby bad boy Axl Rose tried to refuse his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his fellow Guns & Roses but the Hall of Fame really doesn’t give a fuck. [Paper]

- Unsurprisingly, everyone and their mother has something to say about Raf Simons’ appointment to Dior. But it’s mostly positive — even from professional curmudgeon Cathy Horyn — which is actually surprising. [The Cut]

Simons didn’t deny that he’s a minimalist, but he insisted that he’s also a romantic and a lover of nature, much like Mon. Dior himself. While at Jil Sander “purism” was the name of the game, for his new home at 30 avenue Montaigne, the key word is “femininity.” He added, “I wouldn’t go to that place if I only had minimalism in mind. I’m very aware of what the environment is about.”

The designer also expressed his devotion to the house of Dior and to its proud legacy. “When I’m married to a house,” he explained, “I will fully embrace its original intention, its original heritage and meaning,” which Simons described as “beautiful, endless and permanent.”

Though Chrisrian Dior died only ten years after founding his eponymous house and changing fashion forever with the New Look, Simons was quick to praise the sheer amount of work the couturier was able to accomplish in such a short time, saying, “The shape evolution was constant, it was very revolutionary. The impact was immediate.”

Simons is now in Paris working on his first couture collection for which the world will wait with bated breath until June for Couture Fashion Week. Haute Couture lives on! [WWD]

- The newest trend in male grooming: the man bikini wax. The Brazilian is the most popular so just try and get that image out of your head. [NYT]

- Clearly a fan of discretion, Kanye West is rumored to appear on the upcoming season of the cause of the downfall of western culture otherwise known as Keeping Up with the Kardashians thanks to noted mantrapper/current girlfriend Kim Kardashian. And some people have the audacity — the CHEEK — to think this is all just a marketing gimmick. To those people I say…good call. [Radar]

- Ashley Judd would appreciate if you left her puffy face alone, thank you. [Daily Beast]

- Now that Raf Simons has finally taken over at Dior, take a look at the storied French house’s five previous couturiers. [WWD]

- But with the closure of one rumor mill, another one comes springing back to life. Stefano Pilati is rumored to take the reigns at Armani once Giorgio Armani retires or dies. Whichever comes first. [The Cut]

- Thanks to tranny pioneer Jenna Talackova, future transgendered pageant queens will be able to participate in the Miss Universe competition. [Styleite]

After over a year of speculation and conjecture, Dior finally has named Simons the artistic director of haute couture, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections — his official title. Simons will make his debut in July during Paris Couture Week.

Now that that’s finally over — thank god — what do you think of the appointment? [WWD]

No one has confirmed anything yet, of course, but both Simoens and Leonard are expected to part in mutual agreement. As for Dior, the speculative go-to destination for any and every designer for the past year, “sources” indicate that Simoens has been in talks with the storied luxury house, though the 27-year-old has repeatedly denied that he has had any contact with them.

Sounds like an admission of guilt if I ever heard one. [WWD, sub req'd]

Jil Sander Fall 2012 (Raf Simons’ final collection)

Based solely on a delivery of flowers to the Dior atelier addressed to Ackermann, Vogue UK has started the ball rolling on another round of conjecture. While Karl Lagerfeld has made his intentions clear that he would like Ackermann to take over for him at Chanel once he dies retires, the same clearly cannot be said for Dior.

As for Simons, the mag reports that negotiations with Dior may have stalled — sound familiar? — and that Bill Gaytten‘s appointment may have been extended.

Gaytten is busy prepping the Christian Dior fall 2012 collection, but according to the Telegraph, his success at the luxury house — as well as his 17 years of loyalty — may not go unrecognized. Dior’s sales are booming so there may be no need to fix the formula if ain’t broke to begin with.

Either way, stay tuned…

- While Suzy Menkes thinks Christopher Kane might go to Dior, Christopher Kane doesn’t think so. [Vogue UK]

- Ladies of a certain age Cindy Crawford and Sharon Stone give spring chickens a run for their sultry money on the cover(s) of French Revue de Modes. [Fashion Gone Rogue]

- Raf Simons might have been fired from Jil Sander but it was most likely for the best. [The Cut]

- The cast of Glee is now the 8th biggest selling digital artist of all time…still doesn’t take away from the fact the show’s an abyss where good taste goes to die, however. [THR]

- Sports Illustrated cover girl Kate Upton joins the likes of class acts Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian in sexily shilling for Carl’s Jr. [Modelinia]

- Karlie Kloss finally made her catwak debut this season. And it looks as if all our Kloss Konspiracy theories as to her absence were wrong. Dammit. [Huff Po]

While Pilati’s tenure at YSL has seen its share of ups and downs, he still managed to turn the house around after a series of financial losses. However, his collections were often met with mixed reviews, with Mon. Saint Laurent saying himself, “Some of what he does is good. Some of it is not so good.”

YSL won’t spill the beans on Pilati’s replacement till after their show during Paris Fashion Week, but Slimane is expected to return after a near two decade absence. Before designing his signature Slimane-slim suits for Dior Homme, Hedi worked for YSL in the 90s. Although he has never officially designed women’s clothes, Slimane was courted to take over Jil Sander before settling on Dior, then gave it all up to  pursue photography in 2007. [WWD, sub req'd]

While Simons had been in talks with Christian Dior to take over after John Galliano threw himself on the altar of shame and scandal, according to WWD, the “parties failed to reach an agreement and it appears unlikely Simons will join the French firm.” And there we have it. Dior is said to be considering using a team in lieu of a singular designer as well as “ possibly adding some young, up-and-coming talents.”

As for Simons, professional spirit animal Anna Dello Russo has some thoughts on his next step. Speaking to Fashionista yesterday, Dello Russo prophesied, “I think he [Simons] will concentrate on his own line, [with] his name. I think maybe adding womens next to men.”

ADR hath spoken, and so it must be.

German-born designer Jil Sander founded her eponymous label in 1968 and served as its creative director until 2000, a year after Prada bought a 75% stake in the company. Sander butted heads with Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli and resigned as creative director and chairwoman, nearly all of her design and production team leaving with her.

The Jil Sander label then suffered, creatively and commercially, reporting its first ever net loss at $9.4 million. Bertelli had once said  ”A brand as strong as Jil Sander doesn’t need to rely on the name of a designer,” but there he was, figuratively on his hands and knees, negotiating a truce with Sander, who returned in 2003 to head the label. But that truce too proved short-lived and Sander wiped her hands of Bertelli and Prada for good in 2004.

In 2005, Raf Simons was brought in to replace Sander as creative director to great effect and just a year later Jil Sander was sold to British private equity firm Change Capital Partners for $120 million. Simons has successfully reinvigorated the brand while remaining true to its minimalist roots, making it a hit with both critics and consumers alike, and as a result his contract with the brand was recently extended for an unknown period.

However, Gala, a German tabloid, reports that Sander, now 68, could return to the house she built over 40 years ago in as little as four weeks, making way for an announcement — perhaps during Paris Fashion Week — that would finally silence the rumor mill and put a nail in the coffin of Gallianogate. [Telegraph]

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.

If a downtown art-house darling were to dress up as a 1940s screen siren, she'd pluck her wardrobe from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's spring collection: retro Hawaiian florals with skin-baring cutouts and A-line eelskin skirts in geek-out stripes. She'd carry only the essentials, and for that there's a burnt sienna camera bag to swing from the wrist.

Prada's pastel swing coats, bandeau tops and pleated skirts feel youthful and reminiscent of a decadent summer spent among the spiky palms and expansive vistas of 1950s Southern California. For a touch of playful, drive-in theater cheekiness, there are clutches and heels tricked out with silhouettes of classic cars.

Sweet is sexiest when there's a hint of deception. At Louis Vuitton, icy-blue bags and acid-yellow mules complement nipped-waist dresses, drowning in oversize plastic daisies and peekaboo broderie anglaise. Going this fluffy is actually an act of boldness.

For a woman who prefers straight-lined minimalism to convey a sense of understated power, Phoebe Philo offers the allure of androgynous fashion -- and this brick-red envelope clutch. This is what cool looks like right now.

This season, Raf Simons explores a slightly eerie, repressed side of femininity. Neon paisleys, lavender gingham skirt suits, white nurse shoes and structured patent frame bags are pieces that feel both innocent and complicated.

“There have been on-and-off conversations about Dior,” the designer admitted. “I don’t know; maybe someday in the future, maybe years from now, I may end up going someplace else, maybe Dior. But right now I am at Vuitton, and all that matters to me is that that’s where I am and I’m going to keep doing my thing.”

Do your thing, girl! Jacobs went on to further explain his decision to stay with Vuitton and his general boredom with haute couture:

“The irony in all of this is that I don’t dream of doing anything else, or I didn’t. My greatest challenge is to do something better than we’ve done the season before. The idea of couture doesn’t hold that thing for me. It’s archaic – in my opinion. I mean, I am really interested in the craftsmanship behind couture. But I can explore all that in ready-to-wear. With couture, one dress each season is photographed by a couple of magazines; there’s no advertising; it reaches 20 customers. I don’t feel there is anything lacking in what we do. I get to work with these amazing craftsmen. Maybe not the same ateliers that would make a couture dress, but, again, we are not in a deficit for working with people who create beautiful things. I am not sure I ever looked at couture as this great opportunity.”

Jacobs, obviously doesn’t skimp on the candor in his Vogue  interview. Among the Dior revelations, Jacobs talks about his family — he hasn’t spoken to his mother, sister or younger brother in 20 years — and the illness that inspired him to go from slob to stud — ulcerative colitis — but it’s this little tidbit about his former drug use that really brings this story into a glorious landing: “Jacobs has been honest about his drug-use and addiction issues over the years. He says Naomi Campbell ’really helped me get sober.’”

You know you’re going down a dark road when Naomi Campbell is the light on the other end. [Vogue]

Photo: Another Mag

Simons has been with Jil Sander since 2005 and his contract was recently extended for an unknown duration, meaning Dior will most likely have to buy him out of it. Should that prove easily said and done, Simons still won’t be able to produce a ready-to-wear collection by March, let alone a couture collection by January; therefore Bill Gaytten and the Dior atelier would continue to handle design duties in the mean time.

There might be an even bigger hurdle on the horizon, however, as Yves Saint Laurent reportedly has their eye on Simons as well. Stefano Pilati, if rumors are to be believed, is always on the verge of being fired and his contract expires in March. YSL hasn’t indicated whether they will extend Pilati’s deal or not, but considering that his role is a constant source of speculation, it’s hard to put much weight behind this.

Meanwhile, there’s no time frame for Simons’ appointment, and Dior — of course — has neither confirmed or denied these reports. But of all the names bandied about since John Galliano‘s dismissal earlier this year, Raf Simons is one of the strongest and most viable, don’t you think? [WWD]

The caveat that broke the camel’s back was Jacobs’ insistence on taking his Louis Vuitton team with him to Dior, leaving Vuitton — LVMH’s cash cow — without a heel to stand on. To make matters worse, Arnault had wanted Céline‘s Phoebe Philo to replace Marc at Vuitton should he move to Dior, but Philo is happy where she is — outfitting Kanye West in billowy blouses.

So with Jacobs more or less off the table, LVMH has reportedly approached Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Jil Sander‘s Raf Simons; though out of the three Simons would seem the most likely choice, that is unless Dior plans on eschewing breathtaking gowns and impeccably-crafted ladysuits for sweatpants and cocktail dresses.

Then there is Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci, whose name has been bandied about since Gallianogate got into full swing. But he — along with Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton and Balenciaga‘s Nicolas Ghesquière – has turned down the Dior deal, citing brand loyalty.

So the question still remains — and frankly, the question is getting really tiresome — who will take the reins at Christian Dior? However, by the time someone is announced, the question might be, who the hell cares? [WWD]

- And that info was previously unheard because it probably never got spoken. YSL came out with a statement disclaiming Menkes’ rumor milling. [Styleite]

- Daphne Guinness will eat when she’s dead. I hope she waits a few days after she’s dead to indulge since no one likes a fat corpse and I’m assuming there will be an open casket. Or at least a translucent block and a lace veil. [The Cut]

Photo: Styleite

- Lindsay Lohan agreed to star in German designer Philipp Plein‘s ad campaign, sight unseen — but then again a bitch got bills and not enough time to care how they’re getting paid. Of the collaboration, Lilo said that she thinks “maybe people’s perceptions of me have been kind of taken out of context just from what you see and read.” Yeah, you’d think from seeing and reading things that Lindsay Lohan is an unemployable mass of blond extensions, temper tantrums and comped alcohol who’s next acting role is more likely in a straight-to-DVD frat film than a legitimate movie…but that can’t be right. [NY Post]

- The truth about Fashion Week involves cocaine, misogyny, hand jobs, rough sex and absurd diva antics: just what I dreamed it would be as a young gay paging through my September issue of Vogue. [Fashionista]

- Lara Stone claims to have lost her memory from smoking too much pot in her hometown of Bongsville, The Netherlands. BUt I can tell from personal experience that that’s a load of…wait, what was I talking about?[Telegraph]

From Benjamin Kanarek Blog

©Erwin Blumenfeld

As a Fashion photographer for 25+ years, I have had the privilege of being exposed to a wide panoply of incredibly talented photographers and fashion designers. There are several venues around the world that feature young up and coming artists, as well as confirmed professionals. One of the festivals that has been in existence for 25+ years as well is The International Fashion and Photography Festival of Hyères ,France. The Festival runs from April 29th to May 2nd 2011 and the Exhibition runs from April 30th to May 29th 2011.

This year the festival is featuring 10 incredibly talented designers and 10 gifted fashion photographers. I have had a close look at the talent on offer and I must say, I am truly impressed.  The judges are going to have their hands full and I am sure that no matter the outcome, it will be a win win situation for all involved.  Many greats have come out of this festival like Photographer Sølve Sundsbø and Fashion Designers Viktor & Rolf.

What I find interesting is that some of my favorite artists commenced with this festival and have gone on to become Giants in their chosen Art Form.  What I also appreciate is the diversity of those involved in the judging  process of this years festival.  There is a melting pot of individuals from a wide panoply of the creative universal soup.  It is in my opinion analogous to what I experienced when I attended Architectural School in Canada.  None the less, I sincerely, highly recommend you look in to the possibility of attending this rare gem of a festival in one of the most picturesque parts of France.  Don’t miss it.

Here is the List of the 10 Designers Showing

Juliette Alleaume and Marie Vial, France, Womenswear collection
Mads Dinesen, Denmark, Menswear collection
Michael Kampe, Germany, Menswear collection
Maryam Kordbacheh, The Netherlands, Womenswear collection
Oriane Leclercq, Belgium, Womenswear collection
Janosch Mallwitz, Germany, Menswear collection
Emilie Meldem, Switzerland, Womenswear collection
Céline Meteil, France, Womenswear collection
Oda Pausma, The Netherlands,Womenswear collection
Léa Peckre, France, Womenswear collection

Here is the List of the 10 Photographers Exhibiting

Andrey Bogush, Russia / Finland
Kim Boske, The Netherlands
Émile Hyperion Dubuisson, France / USA
Katarina Elvén, Sweden
Ina Jang, South Korea / USA
Anouk Kruithof, The Netherlands / Germany
Mårten Lange, Sweden
Marie Quéau, France
Awoiska van der Molen, The Netherlands
Marc Philip van Kempen, The Netherlands /Germany

Here is the Jury for Photography

Magdalene Keaney, Curator, Fashion Space Gallery,Londres
Winfried Heininger, Founder & Creative Director, Kodoji Press, Baden
Tom Watt, Art Director ArtReview, London
Jennifer Pastore, Photo Editor, Teen Vogue, New York
Nathalie Herschdorfer, Curator, Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Lausanne
Colette Olof, Curator, FOAM, Amsterdam
Yannick Bouillis, Founder & Director Offprint, Amsterdam et Paris
Faye Dowling, Director of Photography, Dazed & Confused, London
Jason Evans, Photographer, UK
Marc Feustel, Curator, blogger, Eyecurious, Paris

The Jury for Fashion Are

Raf Simons, designer, Antwerp – President of the Jury
Tim Blanks, journalist, Style.com, London
Floriane de Saint Pierre, CEO Floriane de Saint Pierre & Associés, Paris
Michel Gaubert, musician, sound designer, Paris
Lazaro hernandez & Jack McCollough, designers,
Proenza Schouler, New York
Cathy Horyn, journalist, The New York Times, New York
Christopher Kane, Designer London
Carla Sozzani, founder of Corso Como, Milan

The President of the Jury for the 26th Season is Fashion Designer Raf Simons

The Exhibitions Shown Are

Erwin Blumenfeld, Squash, villa Noailles
Raf Simons, History of my world / swimming pool, gymnasium, villa Noailles
Daniel Sannwald, Galerie d’actualité, villa Noailles
Mareunrol’s, Tenants / Summer House, garden, villa Noailles
Sandra Backlund, Cuprum / Pigeonnier, jardin, villa Noailles
Yann Gross, Tour des Templiers, old city center, Hyères
L’imparfaite, Terrace, villa Noailles
Lila Loupias, Parvis, villa Noailles
Bless,Invitation 1 / exhibition Charles & Marie-Laure de Noailles, villa Noailles

Contact

Festival International de Mode et de Photographie à Hyères
Villa Noailles
Montée Noailles
83 400 Hyères, FRANCE
T : +33(0)4 98 08 01 98 / F : +33(0)4 98 08 01 90
contact@villanoailles-hyeres.com

Press Contacts

2e Bureau – tel +33 (0)1 42 33 93 18
Sylvie Grumbach: sylvie.grumbach@2e-bureau.com
Photography : Martial Hobeniche / m.hobeniche@2e-bureau.com
Fashion : Bruno Michel / b.michel@2e-bureau.com

Watch Video at the Benjamin Kanarek Blog

REDUX

Raf Simons Redux XII
Originally uploaded by Rufus.Knight

JUST LOOKING BACK TO A MEANING IN TIME

http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/eJUVK

LINK LOVE:Raf Simons Redux XII

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

Mr. Hare Victor Boa shoe $345 $575

Nigel Cabourn Edgar check hold-all $570 $951

Maison Martin Margiela calfskin jacket $1376(!) $2294

Basslike Slim Tapered Trackpants $115 $190

And yes, they do ship internationally, both quick and relatively cheap.

1. – 3. Shipley & Halmos 4. Sabatino 5. Raf Simons 6. Raf by Raf 7. – 9. PRPS 10. – 12. Petar Petrov 13. Oliver Spencer 14. & 15. Nude 16. 18. LVC: Levis Vintage Clothing 19. Kris Van Assche 20. & 21. Henrik Vibskov 22. Florsheim 23. Dunhill 24. & 25. Damir Doma 26. Craig Robinson 27. Conference of Birds

(fowardfoward.com)

I love this website………..it appears that when choosing their “wares,” much of the focus is centered on the more “European-type” pieces. That approach certainly bodes well for the shopper who seeks a unique mixture of items.

LINK LOVE:Men: A Little Classic, A Little Trendy & A Little Avant Garde

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: GQ

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: GQ

Opening Ceremony is discounting winter essentials, including Raf Simons V-necks, Dunhill jackets and the store’s own line of sturdy leather boots, all up to 70% off. 

Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm, Sunday, noon-7pm, Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard St (between Broadway and Crosby), 212-219-2688

Via Urban Daddy

It seems that it’s been a little quiet from the Raf Simon’s camp recently, but here’s a quick update on the designer’s latest t-shirt styles for Spring.

LINK LOVE: Hypebeast

Velcro shoes aren’t just for kindergartners anymore! On sale at Oak, these Raf by Raf Simons velcro sneakers come in white leather with off white velcro detailing.

Get it at: Oak

FITTING SS10 PART 1 from rafsimons.com on Vimeo.

LINK LOVE: Coute Que Coute

Thanks Coute Que Coute!

Raf Simons always has some edgy accessory to spice up a simple look. Point blank- his incredible black wire frame, blue tinted lens glasses. I love how these basic sunglasses are adorned with an industrial frame to give the shades a rugged appeal. Complete with middle hinges to protect from breakage, Simons certainly wants his presence known…and to survive!

Get it at Oak

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Raf Simons Spring 2010 Menswear

Thanks NY Mag!

Just in time for the Fall/Winter 2009 season, avant garde designer, Raf Simons, is partnering with British minimalist, Fred Perry to take a spin on polos and knitwear. Until then, enjoy these grainy photos of a greasy haired model in a turtleneck sweater. 

GALLERY: FIRST LOOK: Raf Simons X Fred Perry

Thanks SwipeLife and Not Couture! 

Ever since Jak & Jil posted these amazing Raf Simons “Spoiler” Loafers, I’ve been dying to get my hands/feet on them. Well indies, the winged kicks might not be as untouchable as you think, because I found them here, at Seven New York! Just over $1000, the 100% leather, Italian made loafers are double Salvatore Ferragamo prices, but oh, so amazing. Although Seven New York has the shoes listed under men’s, the shaven leg above indicates that these Raf Simons beauties can be worn by women too!

I’m currently not in the market to buy these bad boys, but if any of you are, be sure to send us a photo! 

GET IT AT: Seven New York

Pricy? Yes, but if I could get my hands on these crazy Raf Simons boots I would. Sure they’re $854, but you’ll probably be the only one around with them, and they look so cool.

Get them at YOOX now!

I’m prob gonna get a lot of hate-mail, but this footwear by Raf Simons is the ugliest foot attire I’ve ever seen. The design is so ridiculous and unrealistic that it baffles me, especially when I have to assume that cleaning in between the crevices is a chore…

If you date, these can be found at sevennewyork.com

SOURCE:ianterrell

VMan is dedicated to pushing mens fashion forward and the Summer 09 edition is no different. It gives us a taste of what’s to come for fall and focuses on the designers committed to bringing menswear into the forefront – Rick Owens, Riccardo Tisci, Rei Kawakubo and Raf Simons, and more.

Terry Tsiolis creates an edgy portfolio celebrating fashion on the fringe and models Joseph Culp, Kyle Sanders, Julian Hennig, Andrey Ivanov, Devin Childers, Tomek Szczukiecki, Danny Schwarz, William Eustace, Mikus Lasmanis, Keith Browning & Ludwig P are all enlisted to add attitude.

LINKAGE: Models

Hartmann Nordenholz was founded by Filip Fiska and Agnes Schorer in 2000, under the expert guidance of Helmut Lang, Marc Bohan and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Filip learned from the mastery of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Viktor&Rolf and Raf Simons, but I think the collection stands on its own, away from other influencers.

LINKAGE: kingdom of style

Oki-Ni is preparing to launch a new feature to their already amazing website/store. The retailer plans on adding an archive feature to their store. This feature will allow customers to take a look through past collections provided by some of the biggest designers in the game. The first designer is rumored to be Raf Simons, and his infamous hooded shirt from 2006 is going to be included in the archive.

Courtesy of: Style Salvage

I know we normally try to avoid items with huge price tags like this, but this is a must. These Raf Simons shoes are killer! Thet are a white basic lace up with layers of black embroidery that is heavy at the toe and fades towards the back. I am obsessed with these shoes, too bad I don’t have $1,090 to spend on them, but if you would like to buy them for me feel free, just click here.

I am speechless. Raf Simons and Doc Marten took my favorite warm weather kick, the gladiator sandal, and turned it into a complete fashion fail. First and foremost, the idea of men wearing gladiator sandals is less than appealing, let alone men in gladiator sandals with a chunky rubber sole, paten-leather straps and tie-up shoelaces. This collaboration is a gothic mess and seems like it should appear on the shelves of Hot Topic, cheaply constructed by some no name designer, rather than a work partially designed by Raf Simons. Honestly, if I see any guy wearing these shoes come springtime, I will undoubtedly push him into oncoming traffic.

Thanks Pipeline!

GALLERY: You Weren’t Invited. Neither Were We.

LINKAGE: Wallpaper

For more on Mr. West at Men’s Fashion Week, check out Style File!

Raf Simons added a pretty cool collection to Paris Fashion Week, opting to do the arms on a lot of his jackets a different color from the rest of the piece. The collection featured a handful of straight forward suits that look pretty standard, but then the collection started getting into some edgier looks. Raf Simons designed a bunch of jackets with awkwardly cut sleeves that were a completely different color fromt he rest of the jacket. On top of that he designed so pretty cool looking gloves.

Gallery: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Raf Simons Fall 2009 Collection

Courtesy of: Men’s Style

Not so much in love with what Raf Simons did for the Jil Sander Fall 2009 Collection. The colors are boring, the cuts aren’t flattering, and there is nothing I see that will have me running to the closest boutique to buy. Not everyone can hit a home run at fashion week. Unfortunately for Jil Sander/Raf Simons, it was them this time.

Gallery: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Jil Sander Fall 2009 Collection

Courtesy of: Fashin Fags

Fred Perry has released another installment of their huge collaboration with Raf Simons, that apparently is to be continuing for a few more seasons. This collection is bright, stylish and perfect for the Spring season. I am a huge fan of the loafers, and I am certainly going to get a pair for Spring.

Fred Perry: Spring 2009 Raf Simons Collaboration Collection

Thanks Highsnobiety.

WWD reports that Jil Sander’s creative director Raf Simons has turned to denim for his latest pieces for nationwide Jil Sander’s stores. The pieces consist of skinny or boot cut pants that come in off-white, gray or blue denim, and a slim fit two-button blazer. The time for denim is now! The fabric choice has come back tremendously, and when done right can be appropriate for any event. I’m loving the idea of a soft denim blazer. I’m calling it now, expect a lot of cool new twists on denim this upcoming Fashion Week in February.

Le Trung’s social skills clearly suck it hard. So hard that he built himself a woman named, Aiko. I guess he got tired of getting those rejection letters from EHarmony. Robo-Hoe can clean the house, speak 13,000 sentences in English & Japanese and fend off your sexual advances………wait a minute, that sounds like a real woman to me! Her most impressive sentence is ‘I don’t like it when you touch my breasts’. I’ll be damned if an appliance tells me that I can’t have a little taste of the goods. That’s like my fridge telling me I can’t dry hump it on those drunk nights when I come home to a lonely apartment and need a little lovin’.

The most offensive thing is that he payed all this money and she looks like cheap trailer trash with paint by number pancake make-up from the “Cover-All” Ike Turner domestic abuse glamour kit. If I pay $20,000 for a woman she had better not only let me touch the breasts but also be the lay of my life. I better not be able to walk or form intelligent sentences for a week. Do you understand what that can buy? A new collection of Raf Simons footwear and a fatnin’ double meat double cheese to eat in front of the starving waifs down at Wilhelmina.

All I’m saying is, if you want to be rejected by a woman there’s no need to pay 20 large for that. That money could have been put to good use on cheap, eager hookers or paper for the girls down at Wilhelmina to eat or more warm vomit like sludge and sewer water beverage urine for the Kathie Lee sweat shop orphans down at the docks. Such a senseless waste.

- Z’maji of HauteBlogXOXO

For one last time, Raf Simons has put together his innovative designs with the durable backpack company, Eastpak, for their final fashion collaboration. After much success with the spring/summer 2008 collection, the two a back in action with their sturdy bags, made to resemble winter coats, for this winter. These trendy backpacks have hit retailers everywhere, which means one thing…Christmas list! 

Say bye bye to Raf Simons, wipe your tears and put on a smile…Eastpak has big plans for the spring! Keep your eyes peeled for the Eastpak/ Eley Kishimoto s/s 2009 collaboration print bags! 

Thanks JC Report! 

BBlessing is having a huge sale this week(end). Sale prices of up to 80% off on Preen, Raf Simons, Rag & Bone, and some of the other great designers they carry. The sale is taking place Friday and Saturday 12-7pm at 5 Crosby St. between Grand and Howard Suite 6D. I’m definitely planning on stopping in to check out the sale, you should do the same.

Thanks Is Mental.

I usually don’t like Jill Sander, but with Raf Simons being the new creative director, I think I really like the direction the collection is taking. Here are a few images of the coats for Fall from Jill Sander, and they are gorgeous. The tailoring is impeccable, and the style is very modern and trendy.

Thanks Highsnobette