The not-so Saint of Fashion

Photos Courtesy of Style.com

J'adore the new looks at Saint Laurent?  So far, the jury is still out.  Is it top notch?  Or, is it just like Topshop?  One thing is for sure, Hedi Slimane's mix of vintage knits, Parisian Lolita biker boots, 90's grunge flannels, and an ode to rocker/heroine chic is certainly soliciting street cred. 

One would have expected to see a spectacle like what Slimane gave us his first collection, true to the typical Yves flair; a few floppy hats, leather pants, and bohemian dresses.  This season, any resemblance to the house's DNA (besides the youthful inspiration) was unrecognizable.  But then, what makes fashion so fun is having the conspicuous served up by the unpredictable.  What does remind us of the Spring collection is that the still new design director has found a way to rattle the cage, and make us all want to find our Friday nights wearing his shoes.

As many have commented, Hedi Slimane's tenure in Los Angeles has greatly influenced his work.  Particularly, the notion that there is no such thing as bad publicity. First, by seating the sacred press in the second row.  Next, by having very urban, street style looks bear the Saint Laurent name.

It smells like a recipe for success to me.

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."  Oscar Wilde

Sincerely,
Lex

Mid-Century Modernism in Fashion Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Dovima Photographed by Richard Avedon, 1955

The model Dovima seems an appropriate muse of the moment considering the latest catwalk craze for 50's fashion.


Sincerely,
Lex

Queen of the Nile

Cleopatra VII of Egypt is a perfect choice of inspiration as seen left on the first Giambattista Valli haute couture runway, Paris, Fall 2011.


There has been much talk lately about unearthing Cleopatra's grave [National Geographic, Searching for the Real Cleopatra, July 2011], though it is still yet to be found.  It is believed that her tomb is hidden as a spiritual manifestation of the great goddess of motherhood, fertility, and magic. Because their is little material generated about her by archaeologists, once they unearth the tomb, it could have a cultural effect more massive than that of King Tut. 

Cleopatra represented herself as the reincarnation of the Egyptian goddess Isis where some may suspect she's been buried.  She marketed herself as the most desirable woman in history and has long been a mythical fashion icon.  Stacy Schiff published the book Cleopatra: A Life which won the 2011 PEN/Jacqueline Weld Bogrand Award for Distinguished biogrophy, and 2013 is the proposed date for the upcoming film Cleopatra, with Angelina Jolie slated to fittingly portray her allure.

Talk about girl power.


Sincerely,
Lex

Rock and Fashion

Image courtesy of Vogue

Emanuelle Alt has taken the reigns as the editor in chief of French Vogue.  As usual, the most talked about decisions she makes is who graces the glossy cover each month.  Her first issue donned Giselle and the second, Kate Moss.  Clearly, she is playing it safe, even stylistically, and searching to revive the supermodel era of the 80's and 90's.  And though I believe models go hand-in-hand with magazines, time marches on, as do stylistic references in modern day culture.  


Lately, fashion has moved beyond the supermodels and celebrities (a.k.a. actresses) to its latest fascination with rock stars.  Albeit rockers have always had their place in fashion, influencing the public and designers from grunge to punk, now they have never seemed more glamorous.  The press is fascinated with Lady Gaga and Rihanna (left), both of whom have been the recent cover girls of US Vogue.  Elle Magazine released the Music Issue in April, featuring Gwen Stefani, Willow Smith, Robyn and Nicki Minaj, among many others.


Although actresses and supermodels are beautiful, they don't express the creative individuality like that of musicians.   These artists give us direction and inspiration in our daily lives, allowing us the freedom to express ourselves.  


Though, if I were at the head of French Vogue my first model choice would be someone new to covers, original, and an up-and-comer:  Andrej Pejic


Sincerely,
Lex

The Whispered Directory of Craftsmanship

What does Made In Italy mean today?  For those with a taste for luxury, understanding the exceptional and rigorous culture of Italian craftsmanship is essential.  The House of Fendi explains the a-b-c's of modern luxury in:

The Whispered Directory of Craftsmanship; A Contemporary Guide to the Italian Hand Making Ability

BUY ONLINE

Sincerely,

Lex

Haider Ackermann, Designer of the Moment

Image Courtesy of Style.com

Everybody has Columbian Fashion Designer Haider Ackermann on the tip of their tongues lately.  Here is a little more information about the confirmed designer:


Born in Santa Fé Bogotá, Columbia
French Heritage
Graduated from Antwerp Fashion Academy of Fine Arts
03/2001 - Presented first collection in Paris
2001 - Launched Eponymous Label Haider Ackermann
2003 - Awarded prestigious "Swiss Textiles Award"
Resides in Antwerp, Belgium
Was offered the position of creative director for Martin Margiela, but turned it down
Sells online at thecorner.com and antonioli.eu


"Ackermann, 37, who is based in Antwerp, has been variously tipped as a front-runner to take up the 'golden scissors' at a number of major French 'maisons' including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Givenchy." [Hilary Alexander for Telegraph.co.uk, 04/05/2011]


Looking forward to his next episode.....


Sincerely,
Lex

Luxe Loves By Lex: Paris Fashion Week, Fall 2011 Chanel

Image Courtesy of Style.com

Karl Lagerfeld for the House of Chanel resonates with me like no other..... every season.  The setting for the Fall 2011 runway collection is a forest in a post-apocalyptic fairytale, where beautiful girls dressed as boys look tough but feminine, if not somewhat disheveled, while listening to The Cure.  Mr. Lagerfeld says the inspiration is Winter, in the north of Europe, where the forest has been destroyed.  The looks are young, easy to wear yet luxurious, all without giving the impression of being seemingly over-thought.  This certainly is not a collection for the socialite, but perfect for the existentialist.


The baggy silhouette and distressed fabrics are a wonderful contrast to the common tailored menswear looks seen this Fall 2011 runway season.  Combat boots with girly frocks, chunky knits, long fingerless gloves, ankle warmers, and the creative layering of skirts over jeans all seem reminisent of the nineties Seattle grunge movement.  Could Karl be hinting that a gothic immortal may to be lurking in the midst, making a connection with pop culture?

In Chanel's dark fairytale, the feeling is more romantic than aggressive, thanks to the strong presence of gray, giving a softness to the collection.  These ladies are ready for tough times, and plan on doing it in style.


Sincerely, 
Lex


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The Business of Being ANNA; A Profile of Anna Wintour

Image Courtesy of WSJ. Magazine

Anna Wintour; editor-in-chief of American Vogue Magazine since 1988, believed muse for the book/film The Devil Wears Prada, central focus of the documentary The September Issue, fashion icon and visionary extraordinaire. She knows what she wants and does not accept no, making her amongst the most powerful women in America.

Although noted and criticized for her elitist fashion stance regarding the content that graces the pages of Vogue, Anna Wintour also plays a pivotal role in pop culture as well, comparable to the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart.

A prime example of Wintour's reach is the popular global event Fashion's Night Out, which takes place during New York Fashion Week in September. Wintour created this yearly extravaganza in 2009 as a means to promote commerce during the worst of the United States' great economic recession. She teamed up with Mayor Bloomberg and officiated an evening where designers, celebrities, models and fashion editors would participate in one-of-a-kind events in stores open to the public after hours. During its first year, 800 stores participated in New York City alone with 12 more cities around the world following suit. Of course, Anna would not have it any other way, failure is never an option.

Photographed by famed Mario Testino for the April 2011 cover of WSJ. Magazine (above), Anna Wintour is the subject of The Business of Being Anna, an in-depth profile captured by editor-in-chief Deborah Needleman. The issue is to be distributed to newsstands on March 26,2011.

I have yet to meet her, but based on what I know.... j'adore la Wintour.

Sincerely,

Lex

Fall 2011 Runway Trends

color blocking, patchwork, 60's & 70's, wool coats, mademoiselle chic, Florence Welch, oversized fur sleeves, low-heel pumps, black, see-through skirts, tights, patent leather corsets, wide-leg pants, demure, lace-up boots, capes, sporty and sleek, miles and miles of fur, bright colors, glossy fabrics, winter nudes, masculine/feminin, velvet, YSL, persian lamb, western romance, the jumpsuit, heavy metal, relaxed glamour, gold, Hitchcock ladies, mixed plaids, dark and erie, monochromatic dressing, surface interest, layering, Lady Gaga

- the beginning to the end of the recessionista -

Sincerely,

Lex

The Luxe List: Top 10 Films for Fashion

Some time ago and old friend asked me the prosaic question of, "What is your favorite movie?" Being cheeky, I answered the mundane question with an equally mundane answer, "I do not know." Of course, that is not true, the fact is I have loved film since a very young age. My first obsession was for the genre of horror, and today admittedly, I still enjoy a gory Dario Argento flick. But because of my higher passion for fashion, my top ten flicks are going to have fabulous frocks and finery.

For style direction to take you to your own iconic status, below is a list of must see films:

• Bonnie and Clyde
• The Royal Tenenbaums
• Annie Hall
• The Birds (and everything Alfred Hitchcock)
• The Fifth Element
• Breakfast at Tiffany's (and all films styled by costume designer Edith Head starring Audrey Hepburn)
• The Devil Wears Prada
• Scarface
• Flashdance
• The Life Aquatic

With special mention for the film Zoolander as best fashion comedy ever.

Sincerely,

Lex

Luxe Loves By Lex : Milan Fashion Week, Fall 2011 Prada

Image Courtesy of Style.com

Yves Saint Laurent has been a very popular source of fashion inspiration since his passing in 2009. From his outstanding estate auction at Christie's [2009], numerous museum exhibitions in his honor, to a new book, "La Revolution de la Mode" just released by Pierre Bergé, clearly the fashion world is craving his genius.

We have been seeing his color blocking influence in stores this spring while Miuccia Prada picked up the reigns again and referenced YSL's famous Mondrian Dress of 1965 in her Fall 2011 runway collection. Although Yves' inspiration was the famous Mondrian painting, Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow, from 1930, the dress is the quintessence of modern 1960's fashion.

Prada played on the sixties silhouette and mixed it with twenties-style coats with fur collars and snakeskin shoes that were more cute than sexy. The collection looked fresh and unusual, with a nod to YSL but still maintaining an entirely Prada aesthetic.

"Dressing is a way of life" - Yves Saint Laurent

Sincerely, Lex

John Galliano Controversial Suspension from Christian Dior

Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone were both wearing gowns by John Galliano for Christian Dior last night at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles despite his being suspended from Christian Dior for being arrested last week on accusations of anti-Semitic comments and racial slurs while drinking at a Paris café. These ladies are either standing up for what they believe to be untrue, or else had too little time to change attire. Unfortunately, today there was another complaint filed against Galliano, again for anti-Semitic comments at the same location six months prior, along with supposed evidence including a video that was submitted to a local newspaper.

On a positive note for the eccentric designer, Kate Moss has commissioned John Galliano to design her wedding dress. Though admittedly, this bad press could change even the most fashionable minds.

Sincerely,

Lex

Excellence in Fantasy Film: Alice in Wonderland, Colleen Atwood

The Costume Designers Guild Award Tuesday night was a nice prelude to the impending Academy Awards to be aired on February 27, 2011. Below is the list of the CDG awards:

• Excellence in Contemporary Film: "Black Swan," Amy Westcott
• Excellence in Period Film: "The King's Speech," Jenny Beavan
• Excellence in Fantasy Film: "Alice in Wonderland," Colleen Atwood
• Outstanding Contemporary Television Series: "Glee," Lou Eyrich
• Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series: "Boardwalk Empire," John Dunn & Lisa Padovani
• Outstanding Made for Television Movie or Miniseries: "Temple Grandin," Cindy Evans
• Excellence in Commercial Costume Design: "Chanel -- Bleu de Chanel," Aude Bronson‐Howard
• Distinguished Collaborator Award: Joel Schumacher

Black Swan, though not nominated for an Oscar this year, was honored an award of Excellence in Contemporary Film. The nominees for Best Costume at the Academy Awards this year will be Alice in Wonderland [Coleen Atwood], I Am Love [Antonella Cannarozzi], The King's Speach [Jenny Beavan], The Tempest [Sandy Powell], and True Grit [Mary Zophres].

Personally, I am a huge Colleen Atwood fan. She has costumed movies such as Chicago, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Memoirs of a Geisha just to name some of my favorites. Regardless that it is always the same designers being nominated for Best Costume at the Academy Awards, I believe that Alice in Wonderland has the most outstanding costumes for color, character, and charisma.

This film has also had an impact on fashion as well if you recall the Spring 2010 collection from Versace, Donatella markedly pointed out that Alice in Wonderland was her inspiration.

Sincerely,

Lex

1001 Nights Diamond Purse

While most of the fashion peeps are out bustling from show to show and city to city for New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the serious luxury consumer was spying the magnificent evening bag created by House of Mouawad. Covered in over 381 carats of diamonds, it is officially the most expensive purse available at $3.8 million. It took 10 artisans and 1100 hours to complete this bejeweled bag that was displayed last weekend at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Qatar.

If diamonds are truly a girl's best friend, then this bag will never leave you lonely.

Sincerely,

Lex

Spring 2011 Key Trends

Image Courtesy of Style.com

| looks | flared trousers, luxe loafers, ruffles & ribbons, clean & crisp, lace, tough chic, nautical stripes, classic trench, metallic, floppy hats, gold chains, cork heals, one shoulder, denim, long hems | prints | floral, tribal, animal, abstract | color | plum, magenta, emerald, chartreuse, gold, camel, ravishing reds, new neon

Sincerely,

Lex

Find Your Perfect Pout for Spring 2011

A powerful pout is a Spring 2011 trend as well as a necessary element to becoming your own style icon. How to pick the perfect hue? Simon Doonan's advice in Eccentric Glamour is to have a cosmo or two before setting out for the cosmetic counters. Personally, I skipped the booze and went straight to Chanel at Saks Fifth Avenue where my friend Janae pointed out a few creamy rouges to try. I took my time making up my mind to say the least, trying one per day to fully experience each pigmentation. Finally, I settled on Chanel #19, and here I will stay.... for this season at least. It is bright on my light skin and certainly makes the statement I was hoping for! What better way to celebrate this holiday?

Happy Valentine's Day, Lex

LiLo Innocent When in White

Lindsay Lohan has always been a fashionista. She was donning this Kimberly Ovitz ($575) white dress when she showed up to her court appearance on February 9, 2011. Within 24 hours the dress was sold out on-line. This puts her in the running with Lady Gaga, Kate Middleton, and Michelle Obama as our style leader.

Sincerely,

Lex

Andrej Pejic - The Talk of The Town

Andrej Pejic [right] from Sydney, Australia is the most talked about model-of-the-moment, he is truly taking the fashion world by storm.

New York Fashion Week begins tomorrow [February 10 - 17, 2011], and we have certain questions that only this upcoming week can answer. One being, will Andrej Pejic be doing his turns on the catwalk for women's wear? Ranked number 16 of the top 50 male models, the Croatian/Serbian model showed up for the first time at the Paris men's shows in June 2010. A unique androgynous look has always been coveted by certain brands. Lanvin, for example, used gender questionable models in their Women's Spring 2011 look book. Marc Jacobs just recently picked up Andrej Pejic for his Spring 2011 campaign. We are all very excited to see what's next for this gorgeous man. Personally, I would like to see him pose for Calvin Klein who's always been a fan of the ambiguity of transgender models.

Sincerely,

Lex

Chanel Jeggings Spring 2011

Image Courtesy of Style.com

In the last year jeggings have made long strides, even Karl Lagerfeld has now whipped some up for the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011 show in Paris. He masterly styled them under Chanel suits, skirts, or with a scarf around the waist as pictured here.

My first encounter with jeggings happened just over a year ago. They were fresh on the market and I thought it would be an excellent accompaniment to the wardrobe I was prepping for a scheduled fashion shoot in New York. Of course, I was slightly hesitant to risk my reputation on them because they weren't actually denim. I fell in love, though others may have found it gauche to fake skinny jeans. In fact, once I worked up the courage to present them to the editor-in-chief her reaction was,

"what do I think of them? I think they were inevitable."

You can only imagine my shame. Luckily, that didn't stop me from wearing them all year to the point that the stitching is now worn in places and I'm on the market for a new pair. Thankfully, Karl is looking out for me!

Sincerely, Lex

Contemporary is the New Luxury

As Renzo Rosso, creator of Diesel, stated last week, "Contemporary is the new luxury." Making this statement true, today Theory's capsule collection created by couture designer Olivier Theyskens hit Bergdorf Goodman and Barney's New York, next week it will be available at Net-a-Porter. This shows that the contemporary fashion market is moving successfully into new territory as far as design is concerned and with the price of cotton lately, the cost will surely follow.

What makes Theyskens' Theory exciting and different is that we get a high-end designer teaming up with a contemporary brand for a long term relationship.

The clothes, under the label Theyskens' Thoery, are remarkable because they reflect Mr. Theyskens' signature drainpipe style, but also look like Theory's urban wardrobe. [NYT]

Unlike the high-low collaborations in the past commissioned by companies such as H&M and Target, this one has quality and longevity. Olivier Theyskens is a pure creative talent. In the past his desire to keep his work an artistic medium at Rochas and Nina Ricci instead of ceding to market demands makes his creative direction for Theory all the more interesting.

To make matters even more exciting, Brian Blake has just been appointed by Andrew Rosen as the new President and CEO for Theory and Helmut Lang. Mr. Blake is the former chief President and CEO of Gucci. His promise is to take on a global strategy, making the contemporary market so much more interesting and so much more luxury!

Sincerely,

Lex

50's Haute Couture and Black Swan References

Image Courtesy of Style.com

Last week the couture collections could be summed up into two categories: Black Swan and White Swan. Jean Paul Gaultier taking on the dark, brooding, theatrical side and Chanel reigning in the airy innocence of the other.

In general a much more formal look is taking hold on the catwalks showing long skirts, long sleeves, and bateau necklines everywhere. Elegance is clearly back on the table for the fashion crowd. So much for the influence of all those reality stars of late. Ladies that lunch want a grown up look that is demure, yet at the same time seductive, if not artistic. For all of this, look no further than the creations from Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino.

Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy created an outstanding museum worthy collection channeling Japanese robot toys and the dancer Kazuo Ohno. He may not have had the usual 35 pieces required of a haute couture show, but just one outfit necessitated 2,000 hours of cutting and 4,000 hours of sewing.

As fewer and fewer fashion houses are creating haute couture collections it was a pleasure to see John Galliano reference Christian Dior's illustrator René Gruau from the 40's and 50's. Those were the days when rules of dress were strictly followed and sartorial superiority was something to aspire to. When I get dressed up I want to look like this (photo insert), oh-so-haute!

Sincerely,

Lex

Haute Couture Fashion Week Paris 2011

Image Courtesy of Vogue.com

Haute Couture Week in Paris is happening this week (Jan 24th - Jan 27th). Pictured left is a stunning detail of Riccardo Tisci's collection for Givenchy, Spring 2011.

Since the late 80's the term haute couture has been misused so often that its true meaning has become mistaken with that of prêt-à-porter in the public perception. In reality, the label haute couture is a legally protected appellation which can be used only by couture houses chosen by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris based in Paris, France (created in 1868 by Englishman Charles Worth). The fashion houses have to meet certain criteria including designing a made to order for private clients comprising of one or more fittings, have an atelier in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time, and each season the house must present a collection to the Paris press comprising of at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.

Today only 2,000 women in the world buy couture clothes, of which 60% are American. Though only 200 women in the world are regular customers. In general, haute couture is not a highly profitable business, but is able to continue its operations even in downturns in the economy.

Today's major haute couture shows during Paris Fashion Week:

Alexis Mabille

Armani Privé

Bouchra Jarrar

Chanel

Christian Dior

Elie Saab

Givenchy

Jean Paul Gaultier

Valentino

The Modern Tux

Image Courtesy of Vogue.it

All those finely dressed men last night at the Golden Globes made quite an impression. Especially Justin Bieber in his three-piece D&G tuxedo..... nicely done, a dressed up look that stayed true to age. Of course the tieless Johnny Depp in Ralph Lauren Black Label and Ryan Gosling, who wore a Ferragamo black velvet suit, also deserve to be credited for keeping it fresh.

I would like to make a suggestion though for next year. As everyone in Hollywood was gearing up for the night of the GG's, Men's Fashion Week in Milan was heating up Italy. I couldn't help but pick out my favorite tux from the Carlo Pignatelli Outside Fall 2011 collection (pictured here). Inspired by any one of your favorite vampires of late, the look is made modern with zippers and a plaid bow tie. Can't you just picture a certain English gentleman wearing it to awards season? - Sincerely, Lex

Givenchy Handbags

I heard from a very good friend of mine last week, she is an Italian in Paris. She has worked for several of the top European brands and has recently been hired by Givenchy. Of course when I got the news my first reaction was, "that's fantastic, their bags are so cool right now!"

This is how we have measured the value of a brand for years..... how cool are their handbags? The clothes, shoes, and even which stars are their ambassadors can't compare. If the bags aren't cool, it's almost embarrassing to be associated with them no matter what the name on the label is.

Now you can understand that this is why I chose to begin my namesake brand with handbags. They represent the stylistic direction and ambition of a brand, and they are works of art in themselves.


Sincerely,
Lex

Valentino - Hits the Fashion Radar Again

Anyone that saw the film Coco Chanel starring Shirley MacLaine knows that the great Coco gave us couture in jersey way back during World War I when resources where scarce and money was tight. So, doesn't it make sense that today Valentino would give us their version of the couture t-shirt (pictured left) considering these uncertain times? Of course, we would never expect anything minimalistic about a Valentino t-shirt, such as the perfect wash to make it special..... no, we expect frills, flowers, and lace.... in a Valentino way. Now with Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli as creative directors, we know that those elements that once were only for girly girls can also turn any fashionista into a rock star.


Sincerely,
Lex

All About Grace

No one embodied the 1950's ideal of immaculate perfection more than Grace Kelly and now the Victoria & Albert museum in London has dedicated a special exhibit to her iconic style from 17 April - 26 September 2010. Over the past two fashion seasons designers have been looking more and more towards mid-century styles with the hourglass figure seen on the Prada runway to references of Brigitte Bardot in the film And God Created Woman (1956) at Louis Vuitton. Perhaps designers are recognizing our longing for the days of exclusive and extravagant dress making from the golden years of haute couture after a decade of the ever growing high street clothing chains. Or, it could be a nostalgia for the times when an optimistic outlook of the future and unlimited growth were both realistic and within reach. Whatever the case is that has designers referencing the proper styles of the 1950's, Grace Kelly is our best inspiration for a time when it was acceptable to wear a dress more than once and staples such as twinsets and pearls were desirable. Honoring such choices seems to be appropriate considering consumer's latest mood of restraint.

Grace came to Hollywood already equipped with good taste in clothes, roles, and men. Known for her "nice girl" look, she soon became an icon for fashion and film. Alfred Hitchcock led her to stardom in films such as To Catch a Thief and Rear Window, which led to other films like High Society and The Swan. They all capture the essence of her look Hollywood was aiming to classicize. Costume designers Edith Head and Helen Rose played a major role in capturing the Kelly look. The ethereal image of Grace consisted of Greek goddess dresses made of chiffon and silk organza for evening and tailored dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts for day. Of course it was her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco at age 26 that solidified her iconic status. Majestic and demure, her classic American style continues to inspire the fashion world today. Grace Kelly's style was more than mere clothes, their simplicity could only be carried off so stunningly by a such a strong persona.

SAG Awards

The SAG award in Hollywood have never been so glamorous! The stars were so much more well dressed than most looks seen at the Golden Globes this awards season. Perhaps there was less pressure or perhaps they are well practiced. Whichever the case, it was nice to see striking gowns and tux's on these artists. My favorite look of the evening is posted here; Diane Kruger in Jason Wu. Her Golden Age of Hollywood looks in the stand-out color of ochre separates her from the crowd and keeps her as a leader of the best dressed fashionista.

Sincerely,

Lex

Hollywood and The Green Theme

Natalie Portman was wearing some cute purple shoes by Aldo at the Brothers premiere in NYC Sunday night.  Her comments regarding the fact that the shoes didn't have the normal celebrity price tag... "but they're vegan!"  That should surely get the creative juices flowing and the flood gates open in the fashion community.  


I have one question though, can you really give up a great pair of leather shoes for synthetics?

Sincerely,

Lex

The New Luxe: An Era of Seduction

As I search to understand what 2010 is going to look like I realize that I just can't get enough of the lingerie and kitten heals that were all over the Spring 2010 runways.  It makes sense of course.  If conspicuous consumption is so 2007 and diamond studded iPods are now on auction going to the highest bidder, then 2010 must be about what's discrete, yet lavish, and caters to the privileged few.  What better way to do this than to adorn yourself with incredible underpinnings that will most likely be for a private show only.  Think burlesque and you've got the luxe 2o10 formula...... what's best is that it is both priceless and classic.  The last time we saw this genre get so much attention was in the late 40's/early 50's.

For guidance on how to interpret this trend you could wear your breaches out in public like Lady Gaga, but for the discerning fashionista I believe Dita Von Teese is a more suitable style icon.  Or, we can wait for Kristen Bell to show us how it's done in her upcoming movie Burlesque (2010).

Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana are at the top of their game in this arena.

Gothic Lolita

My new obsession..... Japanese street fashion. To be even more specific..... Lolita. Take this look, let Karl Lagerfeld work his magic, and you have a great Spring 2010 runway show for Chanel (picture top right).

The Lolita style was born out of a reaction to current fashion in search of modesty sometime in the 1970's and is still a sub culture today in Japan. The genre looks to Victorian and Rococo clothing styles for inspiration. The idea is to be sweet, demure, and pure rather than sexy, although the name may suggest otherwise. Some common elements to the style are the headdress, blouse, petticoats, knee highs, Mary Jane platform shoes, ringlet curls, doll-like makeup, bell shaped skirt, and vintage hats. The Lolita look is then divided into subdivisions such as sweet, classic, punk and goth (picture bottom right). There are so many variations of the style that they cross over to suit the wearer's personality.

To get an even better understanding, watch Gossip Girl for a

Western interpretation of this increasingly popular

look. Blair Waldorf's style is a mix between sweet and classic Lolita and Little J's

went from classic to punk throughout the second season. It's becoming so common that the style popped up on Chanel's Spring 2010 runway as shown in the picture above.

If you want to get the look here is an informative web sites to get you on your way: www.lolitafashion.org

Fall 2009 Trend Recap

Style | 80's Bondage Vegas Baroque Biker Babe Flemish Masculine Toy Story Art Deco Oriental New York Boudoir Mongolia | Color | Silver Electric Blue Avian Blue Purple Red Cantaloupe Plastic Pop Powdery Faint Tones Emerald Petrol Ochre Brown Brick Red Brushwood Smoky Grey Black Square Shiny | Details | Reptile Jewelry Animal Print Retro Provocative Velvet Sequins Knits Lace Rhinestones Crystals Diamonds Fringe

The more decorative, romantic, mysterious and daring the better for Fall/Winter 2009. 

The Public Face of Fashion

This latest fashion season, like no other before, truly opened its arms to the public and broke down the walls of the pristine and mystical world of fashion.  There was no other way to move forward for the fashion crowd partly because of the great recession and partly because of the advancement of social media.  Elite brands can no longer ignore the use of social media such as twitter and facebook as a means to market their brand.  Forbes Magazine points out that if the brands don't do it, other people will and they won't be in control to manage their own public image.  With so many people pretending to be famous fashion designers or editors on-line, the once allusive personalities had to come forward and take control of what is being said and shown to their fans and customers over the internet.  

This change in how consumers communicate doubled with a sour economy gave us a spectacular 6 weeks of parties and fashion shows that we could all participate in.  Fashion's Night Out, organized by Vogue as a means to entice customers to spend, kicked off the fashion season with stores open until 11 p.m. all over the world and places like Bergdorf Goodman, where the Olsen twins were serving drinks, had lines twisting around the block to get in.  What made it successful is that people who are not in the small circle of fashion could get a glimpse at the fabulous parties that go on in this world.  As for the actual fashion shows, many streamed the runway shows live such as Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen.  Once you had to have a personal invitation, now everyone can watch in real time as long as you have an Internet connection and computer available.  

Although bloggers and tweeters are heavily influencing consumer's purchasing decisions, I believe the traditional gatekeepers are still in charge as long as they are in step with the times.  Transparency keeps these companies relevant in today's world.