VeryVeryChic

MARISA TOMEI: Fashion Icon

                                                                                                    Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation/britannica.com

 Marisa Tomei spent plenty of time on the red carpet this award season and I was reminded of her brilliant performance and costumes in "My Cousin Vinny." The look is so early 90s and it's back!
That's right, pull on your floral printed bodysuit, leather jacket and bright colors for Spring.
Don't worry, "you'll blend."

                                                                                                              photo: myspill.com



                                                                                          photos: hypostylin/flickr.com

                                                                                                     

MISSONI: Fall 09

                                              Photos: Giovanni Giannoni/wwd.com



If you're looking for a way to update your wardrobe for Fall - look no further.
Missoni's Fall 09 ready-to-wear collection is outdoor chic for today's cultured sophisticate.
Angela Missoni added a fresh take to the iconic collection by giving it an updated globe trekker feel.
I found the collection refreshing and, oh, so wearable - think Apres-ski weekend meets the streets of New York. It was a mash-up of multi-layered looks, luxurious knits and a variety of textures. And any of these pieces could be worn as a complete look or added to your existing wardrobe. The key is all in the styling. There was an abundance of extra long cardigans, open-weave dresses, leggings, knitted pants and extremely chic hooded scarves. And sophistication? It was all about the palette in soft peach, light blue, gold, rust with pops of cobalt. It was a welcome change from the ultra dark palettes that have marked the runways for Fall.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the collection, to see more go to wwd.com

SHOE FETISH: It's A Teese

                            photo: Courtesy Photo/wwd.com



Sexy sequins, zippers and chains - shoe fetish anyone?
This is the new Cesare Paciotti  "glam-goth" platform shoe inspired by burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese.
 LOVE.

 

OSCAR Glamour: Ladies in White

The red carpet is Hollywood's fashion runway and the 2009 Oscars were all about the white gown.
It has been a huge trend on the red carpet this award season and let's not forget Michelle Obama's inaugural gown designed by Jason Wu. Perhaps Americans are channeling optimism?
Whatever the case may be, many of the most glamorous Oscar gowns came in shades of white, ivory and cream. And there was a plethora of them ranging from the simply chic pailette-covered gown worn by Anne Hathaway to the elaborate Versace gown with multi-layered pleating worn by Marisa Tomei pictured above. 

Here are some of the most glamorous gowns of the evening.

                                                                              photo: gettyimages.com

Anne Hathaway wears a pailette-covered strapless Armani Prive gown with $750,000 of Cartier jewels.

                                          photo: AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Evan Rachel Wood wears an elegant Elie Saab Couture gown with diamond-and-platinum Neil Lane jewels. The gown has a modern elegance and her pale-on-pale palette truly captures the look of vintage glamour.

                                                   

                                                         

DIANE'S: Warehouse Sale

Get ready for the beach at Diane's Beachwear Warehouse Sale!
If you haven't been to Diane's, then you are missing out.
The swimwear retailer carries all the hottest swim brands including L*Space, Vitamin A, Betsey Johnson, Diane Von Furstenberg and Billabong.
And this is your chance to catch Diane's Biggest SALE of the Season!
***Prices start at an incredible $1.99***
Choose from swimwear, sportswear, denim, shoes, accessories and more!
Top brands include: Juicy, Roxy, Billabong and O'Neill

SALE DETAILS:
Start Time: Thursday, Feb. 26, 9:00 am
End Time: Saturday, Feb. 28, 4:00 pm
Location: 2401 West 208th St., Suite 4
               Torrance, CA  90501
Phone: 310-224-1900
Email: customerservice@dianesbeachwear.com

THE OSCARS: Fashion + Film

It's Oscar Sunday and the world is preparing for Hollywood's biggest night.
Apart from the red carpet style extravaganza, fashion's biggest moment at the Oscars is the award for Best Costume Design. This year I had the wonderful experience of interviewing the nominated costume designers for California Apparel News' annual Hollywood Stylist's issue. The Q&A format reveals the behind-the-scenes expertise and inspirations costume designers use to dress actors for the big screen. The art of costume design is without a doubt one of the most important aspects of filmmaking. It is the bridge that transforms the actor into a character. This year's nominations range from the reality-based 1950's clothing worn by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in "Revolutionary Road" to the 18th century splendor of the aristocratic "It Girl" played by Keira Knightley in "The Duchess." Nominees include Albert Wolsky for "Revolutionary Road," Michael O'Connor for "The Duchess"; Catherine Martin for "Australia"; Danny Glicker for "Milk"; and Jacqueline West for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
The timeless style of each is sure to inspire fashion trends off screen.

Here are some fashionable looks from each of the nominated films.




                                                                           photo: film.com

"The Duchess"
It's amazing when a costume seems to be really over-the-top, but this fox trimmed hat and muff worn  are so fashion forward. And that's why Giorgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire was a trend setter of the time. Fur-trimmed hats and accessories are key for Fall and I'm sure this look will inspire some avant-garde renditions of the look.



                                                              photo: news.com.au

"Australia"
 Catherine Martin created fashionable clothing for a British aristocrat played by Nicole Kidman in the late 1930s epic war drama. She transformed her look for the Australian Outback and created this beautiful chinoiserie inspired gown for a ball scene. And did I mention how great Hugh Jackman looks in this white suit? The look is striking especially since he wears stockmen's clothing throughout the entire movie.




                                                     photo: cinematicpassions.wordpress.com

"Milk"
Danny Glicker meticulously researched the 1970s to create the costumes for "Milk." The film chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected to political office in the United States. With political figures such as Michelle Obama inspiring fashion trends, other political leaders such as Milk are sure to inspire a fashion following - especially at a time when gay marriage is at the height of controversy. Bring on the 70's!




                                                                             photo: cinematical.com

"Revolutionary Road"
Vintage is back with a vengeance due to "Mad Men" mania and films like "Revolutionary Road." Two time Oscar winning costume designer, Albert Wolsky, designed the iconic 1950s look of the film which is sure to inspire fashion trends.

photo: nytimes.com 

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Jacqueline West created a century of style for Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt in the film rendition of
F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story. Blanchett is always chic and her look for the film was inspired by ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq and Audrey Hepburn. And I'm sure Pitt's iconic look inspired by Gary Cooper, Marlon Brando and Steve McQueen will continue the obsession with classic Americana far beyond Spring.

Calder Jewelry: Objets d'art

                                              Photos: Calder Foundation/metmuseum.org

 


If you haven't been to the "Calder Jewelry" exhibition at The Met, don't fret -
you still have a few days to see this amazing collection.
The exhibition has been a timely one - artsy statement jewelry couldn't be more en vogue.
 Alexander Calder, the celebrated artist, is best known for inventing the mobile. He created many different works throughout his lifetime including sculptures, paintings and objets d'art. This is the first museum presentation dedicated solely to his innovative jewelry. Calder created nearly 1,800 pieces of avant garde jewelry made from gold, silver and brass. The exhibition features 90 works including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches. His sculptural works clearly reflect the modern aesthetic of 20th century art, and yet remain timeless.

Calder Jewelry
December 9, 2008–March 1, 2009
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY

RODARTE: Fall 09

                                              photos: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
 


I loved this quote of the day about Rodarte's Fall 09 collection by Suzy Menkes -
as featured on Coutorture.com:

"The Mulleavys talked backstage about inspirations from Frankenstein - the ultimate Romantic Goth - and of Gordon Matta-Clark, the 1970s self-styled "anarch-itect," who deconstructed abandoned buildings. Whatever the origins of this soft body armor, illuminated with streaks of eerie green and blue, the clothes are strangely compelling. John Demsey, president of the Estée Lauder group, is developing a beauty project with Rodarte, and, as he says, the sisters are those rare designers "who have got a special voice."

PAYLESS: Recessionista Chic

 

                                                photo: paylessontherunway.com

Alexander McQueen for Target and Comme des Garcons for H&M -
this is the era of "Recessionista Chic."
Designer collaborations are not a new concept. And Payless had them in full swing at New York Fashion Week making catwalk appearances at Alice + Olivia, Abaete, Lela Rose and Christian Siriano. No doubt about it - Siriano's spiked platforms are fierce!
Abaete was the first company to start doing designer collaborations with Payless ShoeSource. The first collection debuted during the Fall 2006 runway show and has led to multi-year extensions on seasonal collections of accessories and footwear. "As a higher-end designer, it's wonderful to have the opportunity to create something that every woman can wear. My alliance with Payless is the perfect opportunity for women across America to have access to fashionable designs,"  said designer Laura Poretzky. And in this era of recessionista chic, women can be thankful that other designers have followed in her footsteps.

photo: coutorture.com

Clockwise from top left: Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia, Abaete, Christian Siriano

Living in a BARBIE World

                                             photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week


Barbie celebrated her 50th birthday during New York Fashion Week.
Fifty designers including Patricia Field, Koi Suwannagate, Tory Burch, Bob Mackie and Alexander Wang created life-size outfits for Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka Barbie, to wear on the runway. Styles included tiaras, jeweled dresses and even a black and white bathing suit inspired by the first Barbie in 1959. Fashionistas and designers alike consider Barbie, the world's most-sold toy, to be their first fashion role model. The iconic doll hasn't aged a day and has certainly been an inspiration for many over the years. According to the International Herald Tribune, an estimated one billion fashion items have been created for Barbie and her friends since 1959. And Mattel, the doll's manufacturer, has created many new partnerships with designers and organizations including Stila, Jeremy Scott, Christian Louboutin and the Council of Fashion Designer of America. According to CFDA President, Diane Von Furstenberg, "Barbie represents an independent and confident woman who has an amazing capacity to have fun while remaining glamorous."  Isn''t that every girl's dream?
The Jeremy Scott clothing collection inspired by Barbie will debut at Colette during Paris Fashion Week. And if you are in Shanghai, be sure to visit The House of Barbie - Mattel's first Barbie department store which includes a luxurious spa and a restaurant that serves Barbitinis.
Ok -  I now know more about Barbie than I ever knew was possible.
Here is a look at the runway show in New York.







Dress by Juicy Couture






"Ken and Barbie" in Kenneth Cole


Dress by Betsey Johnson


Dress by Brian Reyes


Dress by The Blondes
photo: Diane Bondareff/Associated Press



                                                 photo: Timothy A. Clary/Getty Images/LATimes.com

XOXOXOXOXOXO

                               photo: Ellen von Unwerth/ffffound.com



XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Le Chic

W Magazine: 

Glam rock lives again ala the Seventies. And the curls? Fierce! 

Photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
Styled by Alex White

ANDROGYNY: An International theme

Rozalb de Mura Spring 09


- ANDROGYNY -
It is a universal theme in fashion and here are three Spring collections that capture it's essence.

 Rozalb de Mura's Spring 09 collection really captured me.
Designer Olah Gyarf blended a modern aesthetic with voluminous shapes and a nonchalant air for the collection titled "The Drums Of War Will Thunder Once Again."
The Bucharest, Romania based collection debuted in London and was starkly different from the dark look he offered for Fall. Gyarfas sent soft shades of cream, pastel blue, mustard yellow and white down the runway. Billowing skirts, bell sleeves and smock dresses merged with traditional masculine silhouettes.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from this promising designer.

ROZALB DE MURA:

 

MARTINMARTIN:

                                               photos: Dirk Mai


- martinMARTIN -
The collection, based in Los Angeles, is created by husband and wife, design duo,
Eric Martin and Diane-Moss Martin.
In their own words, "martinMARTIN is wearable avant-garde clothing--a revolt against glamour in the traditional sense, a redefinition of the word for a generation that does not relate to uptight, old-style elegance. It expores the Yin and the Yang of where glamour and utilitarianism meet, martinMARTIN examines the relationship between masculine and feminine, off-kilter vs. perfectly balanced and high chic over street themes."

Here are a few looks from martinMARTIN Spring 09 collection.

MATERIAL BOY Spring/Summer 08:

                           photo: Getty Images/apparelnews.net


Material Boy designer Mic Eaton hails from Australia, so the deliveries for this collection are already complete. But it's one of my favorite collections from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and captures the androgynous theme. The collection flies off the racks at Seven New York and is hot in Japan - always a tell-tale sign of the fashion forward.

To see his current Autumn/Winter 09 collection, go to materialboy.com.au











 

Girlfriend or Boyfriend?

 

 




Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott add a heavy dose of sex appeal to this shoot for V Magazine.
Question is: For who?
Androgyny is an ongoing theme in fashion and never has it been more apparent than now.
From Le Smoking ala Yves Saint Laurent to blazers, exaggerated shoulders and trousers, menswear inspired looks were all over the couture runways for Spring. The boyfriend look is a continuing trend for women - and who knows? The boys may just step out in a party frock.
Be sure to check back for tomorrow's post on designers who bend the gender rules from countries as varied as Romania, Australia and the US.

 

THE GRADUATE: Hosiery 101

                                                                                                             Facebook: The Graduate Fan Page


Even Benjamin was seduced by hosiery.
Take notes from Mrs.Robinson - the legs have it!!!

To learn more about the trend go to Shopflick.com


Oh, and I just love these photos:

NEW Arrivals: Creatures of Comfort

 Hello, lover, it's time to shop!

These are the new arrivals at Creatures of Comfort.
AND, some items in the store are up to 70% off.

I heart
Creatures of Comfort!!

www.creaturesofcomfort.us
7971 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
323 655 7855
info@creaturesofcomfort.us

 

HATS OFF: To Stephen Jones at the V&A

                                                       Wash and Go by Stephen Jones. Image: Justinephotography

This is beautiful.
Take note: The Stephen Jones exhibition is set to open at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
When I was living in London, I frequently visited the V&A. In fact, I was so fascinated with their collection I visited nearly every room.
The V&A is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design and includes 4.5 million objects. It only took about seven trips and God knows how many hours. So, without a doubt, I can recommend the upcoming V&A exhibition, Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the V&A and Jones, one of the world’s foremost milliners. Jones has been designing under his label 'Stephen Jones Millinery' since 1979 and has collaborated with some of the world's most prominent designers. i.e. Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Comme des Garcons, John Galliano and Marc Jacobs - need I say more?
It is the first time the V&A has devoted an entire exhibition to hats and many are on display for the very first time. More than 300 hats, chosen by Jones' expert eye, will be on display from Feb. 21 to May 31. Expect to see everything from an Egyptian Anubis mask dating from 600BC to a 1950s Balenciaga hat as well as stunning contemporary couture creations. Millinery, not to be confused with "hat making," focuses on the creation of elegant, at times experimental and often whimsical hats. And according to the V&A, Jones will give us an "inside look into the creation of the hat from its inception to it's final incarnation atop the wearer's head."
If you are in London, be sure to visit the exhibition as well as the permanent collection which includes progressive and influential fashions from the 17th century to the present day.

Margiela Artisanal

The Spring Couture shows in Paris brought many themes down the runway, but Martin Margiela created perhaps one of the most timely and innovative collections.
At first glance it looks purely decadent - a myriad of textures and design techniques abound.
But on closer inspection you are reminded of the true genius of Margiela. The Belgian designer transformed common objects such as shoelaces, paper towels and plastic straws into couture. Call it eco-chic, recycled couture or recessionista fabulous if you like. But no matter how you spin it, Margiela's utterly modern, innovative approach transcends the extravagance of couture. Think hair combs transformed into a dress, old jeans shredded into a cascade of fringe on a one-legged jumpsuit and colorful shoelaces strung together to create a dramatic fringe dress.

Here is a look at the Artisanal collection, photos from WWD.

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Blogging for Style File

                                 photo: Jeff Vespa/Wireimage via Style.com

Last night I covered the Andy Lecompte salon opening for STYLE.com.

It was an intimate soiree co-hosted by Jenni Kayne and the celebs and fashion elite were out in full force for the evening. Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan are just a few of the guests who stopped by to celebrate. To read more about Lecompte's new look for Madonna, what Lindsay was wearing and Kayne's thoughts on her upcoming NY presentation click here.

Get Your Plaid ON!

                                                               Photo: Khepri Studio/WWD


Plaid, Plaid and more PLAID!
It's a red HOT trend for Fall and the look couldn't be more chic right now.
For Fall 09, designers are churning out the check pattern in exciting new ways. The look spans the gamut from 90s inspired grunge flannels, to uber stylish coats and boyfriend suits.
Here is a look from the Gucci pre-fall collection on WWD. To see a hipster take on the trend, check out "The Outsiders" editorial on apparelnews.net.