VeryVeryChic

Happy New Year!!!

                       photo: Ned Kelly/NowPublic.com



The world is celebrating and I wish everyone a very Happy New Year full of love, light and peace.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!



 

Caught On Tape

I'm loving this artsy interpretation of a cassette tape by Marcelina Amelia G that I found on Lookbook.nu. The 19 year old artist is from London/Poland.
It's both artistic and ultra chic  

- if you want to push the edge on being eco-friendly.




                                                                                                                      photos: Lookbook.nu

GOLD RUSH: Street Chic

photo: JD Ferguson/V Magazine



It's always fun to see a runway trend transfer so strongly to the street.
I really liked this recent post on Racked NY from Refinery 29.
And what's not to love about the Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoes pictured above??!!

Gold has long been a symbol of riches and wealth, but as the economic roads grow a little rockier, its appearance in fashion is taking an equally textural path. We're seeing it all over clothing and accessories in chunky forms, whether it be punk studs, bauble'ish trims, medieval chain-metal, or mirrored shards. Layered over black with an almost armor-like feel, we like the details arranged in a way that's halfway between geometric and a bit gaudy.
This tough-chic trend started picking up major steam during Paris Fashion Week, and we love how its fittingly representative of the luxury world's own ornamentally, rebellious phase (fighting for its survival, maybe?).

Here are a few of my favorite pics:




                 photo: Lookbook, Australia


                                       photo: Facehunter, Sydney


                                            photo: Jak and Jil, Paris


                                       photo: Lookbook, Argentina


                                               photo: Jak and Jil, Paris


                photo: Lookbook, Ukraine

Saturday Is For SAMPLE SALES!!

There is still time to catch those amazing Christmas Sample Sale deals!
Here are a few worth the shop.

 ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS SALE
       "TOMORROW AND SUNDAY LAST MINUTE GIFTS"

Start Time: Saturday, December 20 at 11:00am
End Time: Sunday, December 21 at 6:00pm
Where: ORTHODOX HB HEADQUARTERS
402 Lake Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

FOUND DENIM
HOLIDAY SAMPLE SALE
***JEANS STARTING AT $20***

When: December 20, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: 2123 Bay Street, LA, CA  90021
Email: info@founddenim.com
CASH AND MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED!

Koi Suwannagate - Art + Commerce

This has to be the cutest Christmas card ever!!
I just received my holiday e-card from Koi Suwannagate and had to share it.
The crafty look of the card is no surprise for the LA-based designer who is best known for her hand-sculpted recycled cashmere designs. Suwannagate recently launched onto the international design scene last year when she was nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. I interviewed the designer for a feature story last Fall for California Apparel News and was impressed with her nearly self-taught design aesthetic. In addition, she hand sculpts many of the pieces herself - even for production. At her Spring 09 fashion show during NY Fashion Week she expanded her fabric repertoire to include a variety of materials including silk, linen, organza and Swarovski crystals. The unexpected combination was enhanced with feathers, sculpted rosettes and cascading butterfly appliques to create a dreamy, etheral look.The collection inspired my "Dreamscape" editorial for California Apparel News and WWD recognized Suwannagate as one of the Top 10 collections this season alongside Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Lanvin. Surprising? Not when you see the clothes. Here are some shots from her Spring 09 collection inspired by the independent spirit of 1920s silent-film star Louise Brooks. "I was taken by her attitude that women should be intellectual, be free, be who they are," said Suwannagate. Don't you agree?

To see the full collection check out her new website koisuwannagate.com and
to read my full report on the show, go to ApparelNews.net
 

KOI SUWANNAGATE - Spring 09
Photos: Marcio Madeira/Style.com

THE DESIGNER:

Koi Suwannagate

YOHJI YAMAMOTO - Fashion + Film

      

I love when fashion and the arts converge in exciting innovative ways.

Yohji Yamamoto left the conventional way of showcasing his second line of AW08-09 and SS09 garments behind according to WeAreTheMarket.com. Yamamoto has created two online films titled ‘Coming Soon’ directed by photographer and feature film director Max Vadukul. The films utilize contemporary dance to showcase the versatility of the collection through motion image. Dancers Laura Wheatley and Robin Dingemans star in the film with choreography by Rachel Lopez de la Nieta and Ben Hash.

THE "MIAMI" ISSUE

The cover of December L'Uomo Vogue with Javier Bardem

OK - I just love this image.
It's something about Javier Bardem in baby pink that captures that quintesentially Miami feeling.
When I first saw the image, it was particularly interesting to me and I thought wow, this is so compelling. It is so wrong and so right all at the same time. The image is just one of over 100 pages by Bruce Weber featured in the December issue of L'Uomo Vogue.The magazine depicts Weber's vision of Miami captured over the last three years including everyone from everyday people to models and celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz.
And it all made sense when I read WWD's story about the issue and why Franca Sozzani devoted nearly a complete issue to Weber’s work. Sozzani, who has steered the helm of Vogue Italia for the past 20 years, is something of a risk taker. Last July, she created the groundbreaking “Black Issue” of Vogue Italia. In November she followed up with an African theme for L’Uomo Vogue and donated 50 percent of the issue's advertising revenue to Africa-related charities.
Her vision is undeniably progressive and continues to make it's mark on the fashion world.
I love her remarks on the shoot. It's a great reminder that fashion is not necessarily about reality, it's about creating a vision and a fantasy  - even in today's precarious economy.
 To read the full story, go to WWD.com

  “L’Uomo Vogue is not exactly what you call a fashion magazine anymore,” Sozzani pointed out. “Basically, I am more free than anyone else because I don’t think that you sell clothes through a [fashion] credit. I think that you go through an image, that you sell a dream, and [then] the clothes.” For example, of the cover shot, she said, “I think that Javier Bardem in a pink bathrobe is more a fashion statement than to have something with a big logo on his shoulder.”

 “We should not think about the economy in terms of something negative or something that will destroy creativity. We have to give ideas…suggestions and fantasies,” Sozzani said, adding, “As we say in Italian, ‘You make the law to destroy the law.’ I really don’t know about circulation. I can even tell you I don’t care. When I was doing the Black Issue, everybody told me, ‘You will not sell one copy.’ Well, we reprinted the magazine. Maybe nobody had tried before, so they didn’t know they were wrong.”

Oh Christmas Tree!

 Sao Paulo, Brazil    photo: Andre Penner, Associated Press/LA Times


Oh, Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!!
Apparently the Christmas tree is one of the newest items of fashion endearment. Today, WWD reported on designer Christmas trees in Paris and the LA Times featured images of Christmas trees from around the world. According to WWD, several international fashion designers including Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Charles de Castelbejac and Spanish eco-designer Miguel Adrover dressed Christmas trees for the annual "Les Sapins de Noel des Createurs"  auction to benefit the Sol En Si charity organization which helps childrens and families living with AIDS in Paris. The trees were unveiled on Tuesday night at Paris's architecture museum. Adrover created an organic tree made from wood and partially draped in gray Alpaca and Zaha Hadid's conceptual tree earned an incredible bid of 46,000 euros to benefit the charity.
Here are some photos of Christmas trees from the Paris event from WWD and images of real trees from around the world as featured on LATimes.com.
It just goes to show anything can be reinvented to make a fashion statement -
 even one of the world's most beloved holiday traditions.

DESIGNER TREES:

Gucci Tree



Louis Vuitton Tree

PAIGE: Premium Denim on Sale

Paige Denim is having a sample sale at the LA Showroom for only 2 more Fridays! The sample sale offers a variety of styles, washes, and sizes for those last minute Holiday gifts.
Top Styles offered at only $50 - Don’t miss this out on this one!

DETAILS:
Date: December 12th, and 19th

Time:  9am -3pm

Location: 127 E. 9th Street, Suite 209

               Los Angeles, Ca  90015

Note: cash and credit card

 

MADONNA + MARC = Pretty Pictures

So the rumors were true after all.

But I'm not surprised. I just saw Madonna in concert so when I read in Hollywood Life's blog today that Marc Jacobs cast Madonna to star in the Louis Vuitton Spring 09 ad campaign, it just made sense.
 
Here is the excerpt from Hollywood Life:
After Louis Vuitton creative director, Marc Jacobs, saw Madonna in concert, he apparently texted her right away about starring in the Spring '09 ad campaign. Madge said yes and the rest is history, proven by the unveiling of the new ads last week.

Madonna's photographer pal, Steven Meisel, shot the iconic pop legend in six photos at Figaro in Los Angeles, where she showed off her flexible, yoga prowess in some of the images. Meisel takes over the photography position from longtime Vuitton artistic collaborators, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Another rumor has it that Madge pocketed a cool $10 million for the deal, but Louis Vuitton director of communications, Antoine Arnault, says the story is all wrong.

Like Madonna really needs another $10 million to add to her $600 million-plus fortune.

HAUTE HOSIERY: Holiday Styling Tip

 


                        photo: Frances Tuik-Hart for The New York Times


Today's Very Chic styling tip: Buy some amazing hosiery. I love these Helmut Newton inspired photos in today's New York Times Fashion & Style section. Haute hosiery is a red hot trend and an easy way to update your wardrobe for the holidays - even if you are on a budget. I spotted a variety of hosiery worn by hipsters during LA Fashion Week (see "She's Got Legs" under Very Chic Accesories) and it's clearly a high fashion look for the season. Polka dots, lace or art deco tights, a little black dress, some fierce heels and you will be ready for any event - tres chic!



 

I Heart Comme des Garcons

I just became a fan of Comme des Garcons on Facebook, so to commemorate the occasion I decided to post images from the Spring 09 collection. Part of the fan status is due to my lucky finds at H&M recently. I personally couldn't stand in line and deal with opening day frenzy when the collection launched at the store. The collection sold out at the Beverly Center in about ten minutes! That must be some kind of record. However, I was lucky enough to find a few pieces when they were returned post-opening. Shopping tip: Never give up! Loving the pants, polka dot shirt and trench coat.

I Heart Comme des Garcons!!




photos: Comme des Garcons Face Book fan page via Style.com

For Spring 09 Rei Kawakubo pondered the future of black. It's clearly a conceptual collection and, as usual, one designed to make you question everything you think you know about fashion. The designer experimented with geometric shapes, shoulder plates and cocoon-like skirt silhouettes. Vinyl leather, ruffled trims, transparent fabrics and organic shapes merged together in a nearly all black palette. The future of black looks very bright indeed.

RESURRECTION: Addicted to Vintage

                                       photos: resurrectionvintage.com


Curb your shoe addiction for the Holidays at Resurrection.The uber high-end vintage store which has locations in Los Angeles and New York just acquired over 400 pairs of shoes and boots from the Marcia Berger collection. Designer finds include Alaia, Lanvin, Maud Frizon, Christian Louboutin, Robert Clergerie, Stefan Kelian, Comme Des Garcons, Helmut Lang, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and more.
The sale runs through Jan. 4, but hurry these are sure to sell out quick!
 Oh, and if you are looking for that perfect holiday ensemble you can find it there too. Co-owner and designer, Katy Rodriguez just designed some amazing ruffle skirts exclusively for the store. The flirty palette ranges from ballet pink to fuchsia, electric blue, violet and black French taffeta. Feel special for the holidays and have yours custom made at the studio.



Store window at Resurrection


Katy Rodriguez black ruffle skirt and Mariposa blouse

STORE DETAILS:
Resurrection NY
217 Mott Street

Resurrection LA
8006 Melrose Ave.

Custom Orders:
Contact: jeremy@katyrodriguez.com
Studio Phone: 323.653.6960

Sample Sale Madness!

                                      photo: theparisblog.com

Sample sale madness continues. Here is the Los Angeles list published today by Daily Candy. Also check out today's issue of  California Apparel News for a list that covers a full page. After all, Christmas is just a few weeks away!!!

What: WeSC & Keep Shoes Warehouse Sale
Why: Socks for $10; leather jackets for $150; and lots of $20-$35 tops, $20-$60 bottoms, and $15-$80 accessories in between.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 11099 S. La Cienega Blvd., at 111th St., ste. 170, Westchester. 

What: Rachel Pally Sample Sale
Why: Fall collection including cashmere, Ponti, and White Label lines, as well as previous seasons, priced 50-80 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 5-7. Fri. & Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 2301 E. Seventh St., at Anderson St., ste. c100, Downtown (323-780-1259). 

What: Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale
Why: Bags from past seasons, including the Market, Matinee, and Morning After, marked up to 50 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri. & Sat., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Confederacy, 4661 Hollywood Blvd., b/t N. Vermont Ave. & Lyman Pl., Los Feliz (323-913-3040). 

What: Society for Rational Dress Open Studio Sale
Why: Past collections including knits, accessories, and shoes marked $15-$185.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 255 S. Santa Fe Ave., at E. Third St., Downtown (213-613-0757). 

What: Obey Sample Sale
Why: Men’s and women’s clothing and gear marked at least 50 percent off retail; buy lots, get more off.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 3500 W. Carriage Dr., b/t Harbor Blvd. & S. Yale St., Santa Ana (714-429-1595 ext. 221) 

What: EM Productions Sample Sale
Why: Grai winter coats, Iro, Scout, Grey Ant, Lisa Levine Jewelry, and Corpus men’s and women’s all marked below wholesale.
When: Dec. 5. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at E. Ninth St., ste. 402, Downtown (213-614-9292). Cash only. 

What: Multidesigner Sale
Why: Nab jewelry from Maya Brenner, Lizzie Mandler, Ariel Gordon, and Carrie Hoffman, as well as Joy by Mel Lim lifestyle accessories, for 50-70 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 7. Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 510 S. Westgate Ave., b/t San Vicente Blvd. & Kearsarge St., Brentwood. 

What: James Perse Sample Sale
Why: Biannual blowout of men’s, women’s, and baby basics at up to 80 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 6. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t N. Gower St. & La Baig Ave., Hollywood. 

What: Black Halo Warehouse Sale
Why: Current and past seasons’ collections; tops start at $50, and dresses start at $100.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., noon-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 588 Mateo St., at E. Sixth St., Downtown (213-893-7600). 

What: Odd Molly Sample Sale
Why: Cozy fall/winter silks, cashmere, coats, and accessories going for 50-80 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 5, 12 & 19. Fri., 10-5 p.m.
Where: The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at E. Ninth St., lobby j, Downtown (213-623-9311).

What: Meghan Sample Sale
Why: Holiday and party-perfect tops at 50-80 percent off retail; special $20 rack, too.
When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 1406 S. Main St., at W. 14th St., 2nd flr., Downtown (213-747-8890)

What: First-ever Riller & Fount Sample Sale
Why: More than 1,000 pieces marked up to 75 percent off retail; dresses start at $60.
When: Dec. 6 & 7. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Kingsbury, 8366 W. Third St., b/t Kings Rd. & Orlando Ave., West Hollywood. 

Art Basel Dreaming

photo: photographerslimitededitions.com


With all the talk of Art Basel, I can't help but be in a Miami state of mind. This iconic shot by Arthur Elgort takes me to that place where art, luxurious fashion and an island destination meet
 - anywhere in the world.