VeryVeryChic

Death Becomes Her

 

Delfina Delettrez skeleton hand bracelet, photo: Anothermag.com

 Just when you think you've seen enough skulls, dark goth looks and studded rocker gear, designers recreate the macabre transforming it into artful fashion that looks fresh again. Themes on the runway for Spring 2010 varied from Death Valley-inspired fashions at Rodarte to post-apocalyptic themes at Gareth Pugh. And lately darkly futuristic and goth looks are turning up in pop culture from the music world to the big screen - think Rihanna and Lady Gaga at the AMA's and then there's "New Moon" adding a whole new level of pandemonium to the meaning of cult following. Vampire movies such as "Dark Shadows" and "Interview With a Vampire" have always inspired intrigue - perhaps the romanticism of dark horror flicks is transcendent of time. What is it about death and horror movies that is so captivating? One thing is certain, shock value is an ever-alluring part of fashion and entertainment. And it's a sure bet that macabre-inspired themes will continue to make headway for the next several seasons. Here are some of the most recent looks with variations of the theme including the incredibly chic skeleton hand bracelet by Delfina Delettrez pictured above and looks by Rodarte and Gareth Pugh cited below. Also, be sure to check the Horror podcast on Colette.fr featuring some of the Mulleavy's darkest inspirational music.

RODARTE SPRING 2010:   

 
 
           Rodarte Spring 2010                             photos: Fashionologie

  

   

photos: Fashionologie   

COLETTE: 

 

Horror Podcast on Colette.fr
     

THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS:

 

Rihanna performs at the American Music Awards, photos: The Sun

Lady Gaga at the AMA's,        photos:  Kravitz/Film Magic/NY Daily News

Rhianna at the AMA's,                photos: The Sun

l   

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: 

 

"Twilight"

"New Moon" 

GARETH PUGH SPRING 2010: 

  

photos: Marcio Madeira/Style.com 

  
  photos: Marcio Madeira/Style.com

 
 

Styling "Be My Toy" for 160 grams

photo: Greg Gex/160grams.com



 

Eroticism. 

It's one of the hottest themes happening in the fashion world and the focus of the Dec. issue of 160Grams. The "Erotic Issue" just debuted online today featuring trend setting topics in fashion, music, beauty, and pop culture. And in the ever-so-daring chic way of the French, the Paris-based magazine pushes the edge on the theme. The issue features shoots and concepts that explore eroticism including a full fashion spread with cover girl Maike Ludenbach shot by Greg Gex. For me, it was a great opportunity to style the artsy "Be My Toy" spread shot by Ben Cope with hair by Sean James and makeup by Anthony Gordon. It was an amazing collaboration that captures not only the erotic theme, but some of the key looks of the season. Think hair coats, flirty party skirts, statement jewelry, vintage lingerie, bodysuits and lace stockings. Here are a few images featured on 160g as well as a few outtakes from the shoot. To see the full spread, click here and to see a video from the shoot hit it here.      

 "BE MY TOY" 

Photographer: Ben Cope; Stylist: N. Jayne Seward; Hair: Sean James for Rusk; Makeup: Anthony Gordon for MAC; Models: Katrina and Marie

Black leather and organza skirt and printed "Cigarette" skirt KATY RODRIGUEZ.   

 

Goat hair and leather jackets MICHEL BERANDI. Hardware garter panty BERNIE DEXTER for LUCY B.
  

      Left: Black leather and organza skirt and printed "Cigarette" skirt KATY RODRIGUEZ. Right: Body harness COCO DE MER.  Sequin gown GEORGES CHAKRA.


   "Peep Show" stretch satin bra BERNIE DEXTER for LUCY B. Black tights FALKE. Horse tail leather corset COCO DE MER. Black pumps LORIBLU.

Patent leather spiked harness LOUVER by LOUIS VERDAD. 

 

Satin bodysuit LEE KLABIN. studded wing hat SKINGRAFT. Crystal necklace DANIEL SWAROVSKI. Suede pumps LORIBLU.  

 
Body harness COCO DE MER. Strapless tulle and sequin gown GEORGES CHAKRA. 
 

Sample Sales: The Latest Round

 


 


   If Black Friday madness was not your idea of fun, never fear. The latest round of sample sales have hit the press. Here are five slated for this week offering everything from the hippest tee shirts to lingerie and latest in contemporary coolness. It all kicks off tomorrow with LnA's first-ever week long Warehouse blowout sale. Rachel Pally is next with a 4 day weekend sale that kicks off on Dec. 3. At 50-80% off retail, it's a sure bet that Pally's comfy jersey goods will fly off the shelves. If uber-hip surf and skate gear is more your style, Insight will be holding a major two-day blowout this weekend. All items are priced at wholesale and up to 70% off wholesale to clear out stock before the goods are sent back to Australia. For all things feminine and frivolous, Lucy B. the amazing vintage-lingerie line, will have an art meets fashion event on Dec. 5th in conjunction with Downtown Art Gallery and David Solomon Design. Stop by for all your favorite lingerie looks that are so of-the-moment chic. That will probably keep you busy for most of the week, so fortunately, the Ever Warehouse sale is slated for a two-day run that kicks off next week.  

And stay tuned, I'm sure there will be more......

 
 

 
  


 


   

 

 

Ever Warehouse sale, 3744 Fruitland Ave., Maywood, CA  90270    

(323) 587-7526

www.EVER-US.com

  

Monday Morning Fashion Crisis?

  

photo: Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images/LA Times

How's this for costume drama? 

Amazing photo of Cirque du Soleil acrobats performing the show "Dralion" in Mexico City. I love the tights too.....perfect for a post-Thanksgiving Monday morning balancing act. Ok, just in theory.

 Happy Monday!!


   

Current Obsession: SHOWstudio SHOP

 

                    Nick Knight book, 2009  images courtesy of SHOWstudio.com




  All I want for Christmas is a work of art from the SHOWstudio SHOP. It's an art and fashion lovers dream store with a curated selection of objets d'art from iconic fashion shoots and runway shows. Nick Knight and SHOWstudio have hand-picked an exclusive selection of one-of-a-kind creations by world-renowned designers, artists, set designers and stylists. Collectors and the fashion loving public can find these rare items online and at the London-based store. Think works by Simon Costin, John Galliano, Julie Verhoeven, Michael Howells, Shona Heath and Andy Hillman. With prices at £ 2500 for a Cat artefact created for the set of the Autumn/Winter 2007 Christian Dior show and £ 25,000 for a 'Union Jack' flag created by Galliano for a July 2001 portrait, these are exquisite pieces indeed. These rare items are sold alongside Provenance images and selected original prints by fashion photographers in whose work these items were featured. In addition, the SHOWstudio SHOP also offers original pieces handcrafted by various fashion luminaries in a purpose-designed live space. Always pushing the conceptual boundaries one step further, the SHOWstudio webcams record and feature the designer live in an effort to document the creative process behind these exceptional works. It's like a virtual reality show for the fine art of fashion. The studio is known for its groundbreaking videos and webcasts - think Gareth Pugh's artful video collaborations and Alexander McQueen's awe-inspiring 'Plato's Atlantis' Spring 2010 show. According to SHOWstudio, the entire creative process - from conception to completion - is beneficial not only to the audience, but also to the artist and the appreciation of the art itself. Most recently Pugh took up residency for three days at the Bruton Place shop in London where he created a one-of-kind garment exclusively for the SHOP. Fans were able to watch one of the most innovative fashion designers in the world today as webcams recorded him live. Apart from a "Project Runway," scenario, how often can fans step inside a designer's studio to see the evolution of an original design? I love the fact that viewers can witness the creative process to understand how much work and artistry is involved in the creation of a garment. And not to mention the opportunity to purchase these bespoke items that truly are a piece of fashion history. One groundbreaking concept in the world of fashion and one giant concept in the evolution of fashion retail. For those who missed out on the live cast of Pugh's design for SHOWstudio SHOP, the video will soon be available at SHOWstudio.com. Here are a few of my favorite pieces currently offered on the site.

        


"Helmet,"  Gareth Pugh, 2009, created for Spring/Summer 2010 video presentation in New York
 
    
 

"Head with Cigarette," Shona Heath, 2008, created for an editorial shot by Paolo Roversi for Another Magazine 

 

"Parasol," John Galliano, created for Autumn/Winter 1997 Christian Dior campaign  

 

 

"Bunny Ears," Shona Heath, 2009, rabbit ears created for a portrait of Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz

 

"Bull," Michael Howells, created for the set of the Autumn/Winter 2007 Christian Dior couture show 

 
  

Smashbox FACE OFF 2009

 

   photo courtesy of Smashbox/Yello!

 
 Get ready...... it's the Smashbox FACE OFF 2009 and you're invited to attend. The annual photo competition features the talents of up-and-coming photographers and the best work will be on display Dec. 3rd during the FACE OFF Opening Night Bash. Originally the contest was conceived as a way to give photo assistants a chance to show their work. Now in its 14th year the contest has evolved to include many young creatives seeking exposure. 50 entries will be selected by a panel of high-profile judges to be in contention for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The entries will be judged based on creative excellence alone and exhibited at the event. Think fashion, advertising, celebrity and editorial photography - the next great photographer could be discovered. This year judges include Luis Barajas, (founder and publication director, Flaunt Magazine); Brent Bolthouse (entrepreneur); Julia Dean (photographer and founder of the Julia Dean Photo Workshops); Victoria Brynner (Owner of Stardust Visions); Melissa Rodwell (photographer and founder of The Fashion Photography Blog); Joanne Gair (make up artist/body painter); and Dee deLara (VP Smashbox Studios). The event will be held at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood with live music, food and cocktails - it's a night to celebrate art. To attend, become a fan of Smashbox Studios on Facebook. 

  

Acne Online and Acne On Sale!!

 
  

                photos: Acne/Coutorture

 



     In your post-Thanksgiving bliss, here is a reason to be thankful. Acne Pre-Spring has just arrived Online (joy, joy!!) and the Acne Studio Pre-Sale begins today!! Markdowns will be given on the current Autumn/Winter collection at Acne Studio in New York and Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles. I'm loving the chic sophistication of the Fall collection with its oversized silhouettes and androgynous undertones. It's a collision of boyfriend blazers, edgy moto jackets, asymmetric dresses and timelessly chic coats all with a modern edge. Think high tech fabrics, platform wedge heels and edgy fringe trims. And now with discounts on everything from cocktail dresses to denim and footwear, it's the perfect time to stock up on some of the best looks of the season. 

 

  

 

    

 

A Taste of Thanksgiving

 

           photo courtesy of Opening Ceremony

  Happy Thanksgiving!!

Everyone is in the holiday spirit and I'm helping spread the holiday cheer. I spotted some tasty Thanksgiving food and drink recipes on the Opening Ceremony blog and felt compelled to share. With its diverse group of staff members, OC has compiled a list of recipes as varied as the designers carried in the boutique. Think Swedish Glogg, almond chocolate chip cake, 7-Up chicken, vegetarian stuffing and tofu cheesecake. If you're looking for a last minute add-on to your Thanksgiving feast, one of these delish recipes may just be the ticket!!! To kick start the holiday, here is the Glogg recipe provided by Heather at Acne Studio New York. On behalf of the brand's Swedish roots, this is but one authentic version of the mulled wine that is celebrated all over Scandinavia. Just beware, this recipe comes with a warning - it has been known to create one hell of a party!!

See the Opening Ceremony site for additional recipes!! 

  Swedish Glögg

Ingredients:
2 bottles dry red wine
1 bottle sweet white wine, like sauternes
1 lemon
1 orange
10 cloves
10 cardamom pods
3 cinnamon sticks
1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 cup raisins
1 cup blanched almonds
1 cup sugar (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon bitters
1 cup of vodka (optional)

Prep:
Zest citrus fruits and tie up in a cheesecloth along with the spices.
In large sauce pan combine all wines and add the juice from the fruits.  
Drop in the cheesecloth.  
Add raisins, almonds, and sugar.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes, or until the almonds are soft.  Skim the top occasionally to remove foam.  
Add any additional sugar to taste.

Just before serving add the bitters and vodka.

Ladle into mugs and drink up!

  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

  

CERRE Black Friday Sale!

 

 Luxurious, edgy and chic, Cerre is kicking off a 20% off sale on Black Friday. Designed by husband and wife design duo Flavie and Clayton Webster, the luxury leather collection is created with the guiding phrase, "Beauty is Sacred, Craft is Ritual, Quality is Law." To paraphrase the bio, the ethos was formed as a nostalgic reflection of decadent times when the mastery of craftsmanship was paramount - i.e. every collection exudes a natural elegance that can only be formed with a focus on exquisite materials and handmade construction. And it's downright sexy to boot. It's no surprise the former models turned designers met while working in Paris. I was impressed by with their website which gives a look at the Fall 09 collection with an edgy two part video aptly titled "December's Black Children." While you're there be sure to check out their full collection which includes chic fringed shawls, leather vests and beautifully crafted handbags. The Black Friday sale begins Nov. 27 at 12 pm and ends  Nov. 28 at 7 pm - Don't miss it!! 

 Cerre

1647 North Las Palmas

   Hollywood, CA 

(323) 960-0700

  CERRE FALL 09:

 
 

           Photos: Kevin Lasting & Nicholas Trikonis, Cerre.com 

  

LUXIRARE's "Chain Jacket"

                                                                                                            photos courtesy of Luxirare





  When art and fashion collide.... I have to stop and take note. I just checked out the Luxirare webzine which documents some very cool art projects involving clothing and cuisine. The latest of which is the creation of an amazing chain jacket. The process involved the YSL cage boot, some artsy photos, amazing illustrations and some serious chain construction on muslin. Ji Kim, the mystery designer, created a jacket made from a painstaking and beautifully executed process of hand applying the silver cut black chains to fabric. The finished result (which took nearly two months) is a complete work of art. In addition, the online format is used as an art installation of sorts. Kim goes back and forth between clothing and food documenting the process of creating each through a series of photographs. She utilizes the immediacy of the internet as a compelling way to showcase her work and create an instantaneous dialogue with the viewer. Instead of creating a typical collection for a specific season, the goal is to create a season-less, collection-less presentation promoting a constant renewal of thought. Truly a luxurious and rare process. To learn more about the concept read the Luxirare Manifesto. Here are some images from the "Chain Jacket" project.

 

  

 



 
 

 
 

 

  



  

FGILA's 'Meet The Power Players in Fashion'

                                                                                  photos courtesy of LAFashionWeek.com

  Last week I was a panelist on Fashion Group International Los Angeles' 'Meet The Power Players of Fashion" event at BOXeight Studios. We discussed trends and the media's role in creating and propelling them through traditional print, online or social media. Moderated by Susan Stein of Palm Springs Life magazine, the panel included some of LA's top journalists, publicists and bloggers including Kristen Steinhilber-Calavas (TheLookbook.com) Erin Weinger (Style Section LA), Tasha Adams (Blackburn &  Sweetzer) and Laurie PIke (LA Magazine). For a recap of the event visit LAFashionWeek.com for Stephan Gordon's insightful take on the evening.
 

 
 

 Kristen Steinhilber-Calavas, Erin Weinger, Jayne Seward (me), Susan Stein, Tasha Adams, Laurie Pike

 

Connie Lim's Playing Card Series......Continued

 

Connie Lim is continuing the development of the Fashion Playing Cards series. I blogged about her talented and chic fashion illustrations awhile back. Loving these image as inspiration for my next holiday soiree. To see new additions to the series go to Cyana Trend Land.

Holiday Chic: MAWI

 

                                                                              photo: Dazed Digital/Mawi blog





  The holidays are just around the corner and having a chic wardrobe for the many parties and festive occasions on the social calendar is simply a must. Statement jewelry continues to be all the rage and the key to glamming up any outfit. For a recent Coco Chanel-inspired holiday jewelry feature I styled, I was completely taken by London-based Mawi. The incredibly modern, chic look of the collection makes it not only jaw droppingly stylish but completely timeless and chic. I love the shot above pulled from the Mawi blog featuring a chic black Calvin Klein dress and bold statement jewelry. The shoot, featured in Dazed and Confused's September 09 issue, channeled style icons of yesteryear such as Palomo Picasso, Patti Smith and Lou Lou de Falaise. This image features jewelry by Erickson Beamon and Mawi among others. I am loving the look for Fall/Holiday and going forward for Spring. Here are images from Mawi's current and Spring '10 collections.

MAWI's Current Collection:

 

 

 

 


  

 

 

SPRING 2010:

 

   

   

 

A Virtual Love-Fest

 

  

   V Magazine just can't get enough of Karl Lagerfeld and Karl Lagerfeld just can't get enough of V and visual media. In addition to the newly launched Chanel magazine (see yesterday's post), Lagerfeld shot a 10-page spread for V-MAN Magazine #16 which hit newsstands today. And to celebrate the launch of V62, the magazine commissioned filmmaker Stephen Smith to create "COCO in Motion," a stop-motion video that captures the eternal chic of Chanel. The film features the catchy 1962 "Ca Pourrait Changer - Brigitte Bardot" and a Chanel-clad Natalie Portman. The sultry actress, who is also the cover girl for this month's issue, plays it cool while looking incredibly chic. It's a virtual love-fest on V. 

See below for COCO In MOTION and the 10-page spread shot by Lagerfeld.

  "COCO in Motion" by Stephen Smith for V Magazine.com:
   

 

"Gentlemen of Leisure" Photographed by Karl Lagerfeld for VMAN:

 

 

Styling: Jacob K; Models: Baptiste Giabiconi, Iris Strubegger, Oriol Elcacho
 

Join FGI-LA and 'Meet the Power Players of Fashion' This Thursday!!

 

 

  

Who wields the most powerful pen in fashion? In today's growing world of online and social media, are the trends created through print, online mags, blogs or tweets?

This Thursday I am excited to be part of a panel discussion organized by Fashion Group International Los Angeles that will answer these questions and more. Titled "Meet The Power Players of Fashion" the panel will analyze the shifting dynamics of how trends are created by the fashion press. I am honored to represent Apparel News and VeryVeryChic along with an impressive list of experts including Kristen Calavas (TheLookbook.com) Tasha Adams (BlackburnandSweetzer.com) Laurie Pike (LA Magazine) and Erin Weinger (Style Section LA). Moderated by Susan Stein of Palm Springs Life magazine, it promises to be a lively and insightful discussion! Following the panel there will be a DVD presentation of Spring 2010 trends by FGI's Mary Lou Luther from the runways of Paris, Milan, New York and London. 

To pre-register, go to FGILA.org.

   When: November 19th, 6 pm - 8:30 pm

Where: BOXeight Studios, 1446 E. Washington Blvd., LA, CA  90021

 

Seven New York, Oak and BBlessing Warehouse Sale!

Hipsters and cool kids rejoice. 

Seven New York, Oak and BBlessing have announced the long-awaited Warehouse Sale. All items are an incredible 70 to 90% off!!! The private sale begins on Friday, Nov. 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm (a password is required) and opens to the public on Saturday Nov. 21st and Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12 to 8 pm. You bring the cash, they'll have the goods. If I were in NYC, I would so be there! 

Location: 

Nouveau PR, 150 Spring Street #3, between W. Broadway and Wooster St.

NYC

***cash only please***

NOIR In The City

 

Are you in NYC? If so, I highly recommend stopping by the NOIR sample sale. Make your holiday fashion statement with some fabulous jewelry. The sale kicks off tomorrow and runs through Friday....see the details above!!
 

Chanel "The Magazine"

                                                   photo: Purple Diary
  

CHANEL La Magazine.

The first issue of 31 Rue Cambon is set to debut. And I can't wait to see the launch issue! It's sort of amazing in this era of declining ad pages that this magazine is being produced and yet Karl Lagerfeld has created a publication with the iconic name of Chanel printed on its pages. Not to mention the fact that the master himself just shot for VMan. Purple's Olivier Zahm art-directed and designed the inaugural issue which was named for Chanel's street address. Perhaps the success of Acne Paper has been an inspiration? Fashion labels and stores (think H&M and Forever 21) are launching their own magazines and digital media is having its own revolution. But I think a vote for the printed format - especially by Lagerfeld - is a positive vote indeed.

   

The Future is Now

                      photos: Gizmodo.com

What does 24,000 LEDs, 4,000 Swarovski crystals and iPod battery power get you? The largest wearable video dress in the world. Or at least a "Galaxy Dress" suitable enough for the year 3010. To see a video and more images, click here.

  

 

  

The Twitter Status-Off

Nicola wins.