Mary Christmas

Wishing you a very beautiful and warm Christmas!

Eat, drink, and be merry!!!

May your stockings be filled with treasures and many your linens be kept warm with you and your loved ones!

And no need to raise alarm- the baby Jesus here isn’t real. This compilation was put together by Ismael de la Caridad for a fashion show in Havana. Photographer Javier Galeano captures the festive spirit- even on the runway.

My Lady!

Only a month left before we’ll see the Obama family step up to new heights, and this time on a mound of green overlooking the capital of the USA. However, the big question on plenty on fashionable minds is, what will the first lady be wearing as to the inaugural balls.

With January 20^th just around the corner- literally- there is no doubt that on many minds- many are pondering exactly what designer future First Lady will be wearing. Even contestants on the hit show Runway were asked to design their own creations for the new and upcoming Jackie Onassis look a like- Michelle Obama.

Hopefully within a few weeks we’ll be seeing what's the lady’s choice. Looking forward to it- as so many of famous creators have stepped forward in doing the honors.

How Dolce Is Dolce

As if the image of Dolce & Gabbana couldn’t get any sweeter. Word on the red carpet is that the stunning face of Scarlett Johansson will be gracing the Spring 09 campaign, photographed by Mert and Marcus. Whether it’s for her beauty or fashion, no one really knows, but Johansson lacks neither.

Having already graced the faces among L’Oreal and Vuitton the scarlet will simply be adding another chic name to her resume of stylish houses. This upcoming spring will also include other remarkable women like Katie Holmes for Miu Miu and Madonna for Vuitton. Seems things will be warming up soon enough.

Fashion Almanac

As the end of the year approaches, a new upcoming season plus fashion show is on the rise. With that comes the appearance of the bi-annual fashion guide magazine- The Fashion Almanac. Thanks to its editor-in-chief, Laura Bradley, we now have an almanac guide to everything fashion.

The Fashion Almanac’s release will coincide with the seasonal fashion shows in the British Capital and will be sold for £5.00 an issue.

The 100 page magazine will stay true to a reference book so it will contain a variety of “lists, tables… brief articles.”

There will be a limited amount stocked around town so if you’re lucky to find yourself one- well consider yourself just that. I’ll have to find my copy somewhere in LonTown. If you’re not fortunate enough to find- don’t be deterred. Check out the website, already up and running with content.

Talk About Chilling Out

Not only does the worshipped fashion house make exquisite ball gowns and scrumptious suits- Versace will now be creating a beach, newly designed in order not to scorch your delicate feet.

Imagine a beautiful beach next to the Palazzo Versace Hotel which is in the works right now in Dubai. And keep in mind the summer temperatures, highs up to 50C. In order to keep your cool as you saunter from one posh cabana to another, flaunting your bronze tan and stunning swimwear, the beach’s sand will be cooled. Running a network of piping below the sand will absorb the heat from the surface, keeping you chilled.

But the chilling attitude doesn’t stop there. A refrigerated pool is being discussed, along with arming up the beach with giant blowers to create a refreshing breeze while you break out in sweats.

Course, with this not only come the rich and famous. You’ll have to include the environmentalists on that list which will be surely furious with something of this demand. However, Soheil Abedian, the founder and president of Palazzo Versace, believes the project to be sustainable- and the idea itself well, come on- “this is the kind of luxury that top people want,” is it not?

Sheesh, if it’s not then boy- are my priorities out of wack. At least I’m on the same page with Versace who ten years ago preached that luxury fashion branded resorts were in demand. Better start making your own reservations for a cabana next holiday.

That’s a Phony

She was brought to life a little over 60 years. Once a fashionista treasure- this precious piece of history is popping up on the arms of the masses- and you can thank TopShop for that. Created in February 1955, Coco Chanel’s signature quilted handbag, hence the 2.55 name, is one of a kind. Now brought to life in gold or silver- and a variety of colors (the gold is to die for, really) – it’s always add a signature to any fashionable attire.

However, it seems that Madam Coco has been shamed and taken over by the conglomerate worshippers of Top Shop. For a fraction of the ‘Classic’ cost (£860), you can purchase the cheap knock off at the chain store for a mere £50. Of course, that is if you are willing to sacrifice the original’s perfected stitching, metal chain straps, and front clasp which sing Chanel- real Chanel that is. As for the Phony- don’t even bother- because you really will get thrown out of the bag with the trash.

West Moves East

Pharrell isn’t the only one in the music industry who has made the move into fashion. Nor is he the last. Reportedly, the multi hit single Kanye West will be joining us on this island and moving to the British capital, to pursue his own passion for fashion.

With his own design label, Pastelle, up and coming, West will be training in order to not only to sharpen his craft but along with the processes of making it in the fashion firms all across Europe.

West’s plan, “take an internship… do something that's normal… and rap on the weekends.”

First stop, Louis Vuitton headquarters in London. Not a bad place to start, eh? Not too shabby, not too shabby.....

Trunk Full

Talk about tons of little treasures in a big package, and so fashionably enclosed! A custom-crafted chic Goyard white trunk- completely luxurious- is for sale with 100 of Assouline’s collection of photo- biographies on all things trendy- from art to architecture, fashion to design. *Cough, cough- Did I mention all things fashion?

Made specifically for: www.Revolveclothing.com the entire set comes at a price of $200,000 USD. Of course, not only do you get tons of juicy photos on Chanel, Dior, and Gabbana- the trunk is large enough to live in- and with Cavalli, Emilio, and Gucci as roommates- who has needs of the basics like the kitchen sink!

Put Me In My Own Skin

Fashion is a killer. This time is no exception. Kingston University graphic design students, Daniele Jon and Jessica Baek, created a poster in order to provoke feelings for fashionistas and fur bearers on the tragedy of the fur trade that is at large. The design, a blood-splattered nude model draped in an accompanying bloody fur coat, took second place in the Design Against Fur, the competition with a conscience.

Executed in one of Kingston’s photographic studios, the shoot took several hours to capture the dramatic details that the students wanted to portray, “We wanted to provoke the viewer,” Daniele 24 said. The message, that if people were in their animal bearer’s skin, they’d feel the pain.

The pair was awarded the Persula Award, given annually to one winner by the national charity, The Persula Foundation. The pair’s lecturer in graphic design, Marion Morrison, was not surprised about her students and acknowledges “Both have the energy and drive to solve design problems in an informed and inventive way… especially around challenging topics.”

Now that's a harsh way of putting me back in my own skin, being a fur wearer myself, but I guess honesty's a pain, and in this case- literally.

A Nude Direction

British, cheeky, and basically fearless, Henry Holland is no stranger to London’s fashion streets. Known for his “Do Me Daily Christopher Bailey” and “Uhu Gareth Pugh” (circa 2006), Holland’s House of Holland is now moving into a new direction- or perhaps nude direction. However much the same the line will remain, FUN and funky all the while, sex slogan tee shirts will now be more, well, graphic nude tees.

The rich and fashionable clad include a topless Donatella Versace to a bottomless Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel’s signature flower serves a new purpose) and others. Not available until 2009, you can start saving your pennies for the coveted cartoons- retailing for £75.

Picture Perfect

Ever had the feeling of resentment when you open a glossy and see how perfectly shaped and figured the models are in them? Well, not that it’s anything shocking, but even the most beautiful are fixed, primed, shot, and eventually airbrushed. Disappointing isn't it.

Taking a look at Jessica Alba’s new calendar and Campari campaign would be a shocker. The 27 year old actress is just five months short of having delivered her first child, and yet the photographs have her portrayed as a hardcore sexy pinup girl.

Photographs shot by Mario Testino originally capture Alba’s softness and likeness. And however beautiful the airbrushed version might be, it doesn’t capture Alba’s gorgeous post maternity figure, voluptuous yet slimming all at the same time.

So what lesson are we supposed to take from this? That the unobtainable image is… well just that. Without the use of a good Mac, design and Photoshop, we’ll just have to settle for the real life image, which in my opinion just ain’t all that bad.

Recycle And Change Clothes

The lyrics of Grammy-winning producer and musician Pharrell Williams are coming true. Having entered into a partnership with New York based textile firm, Bionic Yarn, Williams will be mixing to a new beat- promoting environmentally sustainable fabrics, where yarn meets fibers from recycled plastic bottles.

Not only is Williams co-owner of the two year old company, as well as investor, he will be both representative and voice for the company that produces not only an assortment of bags and luggage but also women/men’s wear and home furnishing.

So what exactly does recycled fabric entail? Company research has found that 60 million plastic bottles go to waste on a daily basis. Thus, Bionic Yarn’s mission is to preserve and protect the environment in order to maximize the use of those every day substances. The technology going into the process also makes everything more durable along with giving it an extra luxurious feel.

It appears sustainably is finally catching on even in fashion. If this isn’t Green Talk, I don’t know what is.

Mellow Yellow, I Think Not

If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it twice, and it will probably bring in the New Year with us. Reminders of the credit crunch follow us from shop to shop and threaten us even in the privacy of our own homes when the mail arrives.

So how will we escape the gloom and depressing feeling as wallets get thinner, moods get darker, and closets get emptier? Bring on the color, says Pantone Color Institutes, a leader for providing colors to the textile and design industries. Could we think of a better way to rise with the dawn than with mimosa, the new vivacious tint for 2009.
Not only is it the color of a delicious breakfast bubbly cocktail, but also the illustrious flower of the same mimosa tree. Personally, who could go wrong with either?

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone compliments that the color could just be what we are looking for, something symbolic with a feeling of warmth and shine. What more could we ask for.

Mrs. Material Girl is Back & On Top

It’s her energy, her expertise in performance, and basically her WOW factor that any fashionable label dreams of having her as their face. For Monsieur Marc Jacobs, the eccentric designer behind Louis Vuitton, Madonna is no exception. She is the exclusive.

And so, it was decided, over a message on Jacob’s BlackBerry that Madonna confirmed her “I do’s” to being the new face and body for the designer’s upcoming collection.

Amazing designer Jacobs, sexy siren Madonna, and renown photographer Steven Meisel compiled a collection of six picturesque shots of Mrs. Material Girl that will be premièring across a variety of fashion magazines in February 2009. All together, the pictures “tell a story,” said Antoine Arnault, the director of communications for Louis Vuitton.So how much is Mrs. Material Girl getting paid for this? Rumors have it that the star’s fees are a mere $10 million dollars yet Arnault assured that the real amount is “very far away from that.”

The photo shoot took place at restaurant Figaro, on North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, trying to replicate the French clichés of smoky bistros, sexy smoldering women, and of course, stunning garments, shoes, and accessories. All encompassing the very Parisian theme that is emulated through Jacob’s Spring ’09 Vuitton collection.

Done in less than a day, the campaign wrapped up its seasonal shoots of advertising with Madonna, once again, on top. Jacob’s said that Mrs. Material Girl is “so sure of herself as an icon and as a woman” due to her “never-ending energy and idea of becoming and changing.”

And take a look at these photographs! Not only does she have the voice, but let’s not even get started on her body! Her back arched, her legs straight up- more than any martini I’ve ever had- and I can imagine the effects on her- not even a drop of sweat.

But besides her, what exactly are we supposed to be looking at Marc? We start off with the house style, monogram canvas bags, slouchy for Spring ‘09, accompanied with ethnic-inspired sandals to die for. A close up look will have any one drooling.

Guess I’m going to have to mention these to the ‘boy with the cold hard cash cause I am a material girl’- especially when it comes to Louis- afterall, who am I to deny him.

Make A Marilyn Out Of Me

I think it would be safe to assume that every girl has had her Marilyn Monroe experience- passing over a heat vent in a crowded street, dress blowing up with panties exposed, with nothing but a seductive smile to pass it off as her very own iconic photo shoot. Seems we might be on the verge of seeing something quite frequent in 2009.

Victor Carranza, a designer who once worked closely with Marilyn, will soon be launching his own luxury collection inspired by the Blonde Bombshell herself. Forty-eight years later, in her name, Carranza will revive the fashion icon’s inspiration for today’s women.

Pictures of Marilyn portray her as the glamour-queen of Hollywood during her time, continuously chicly composed. Yet, even in light casual clothes, without accessories or shoes, this elegant woman was the one that made the clothes she carried. Whether dressed for the red carpet, behind Hollywood screens, or in the comfort of her own home, Marilyn was the inspiration behind each piece.

Many of the Blonde’s pieces were custom made- suits from Monsieur Christian Dior, over 40 pairs of shoes from her favorite shoemaker, Monsieur Salvatore Ferragamo, and in her later years, a wide variety of all things Pucci. Her style and persona were inspired behind each piece.

Having already designed much of Monroe’s couture collection, Carranza has acquired the master license from the Monroe estate and thus will be the only company with the rights to replicate Monroe’s iconic style.

The line, House of Monroe, will première at Bergodorf Goodman shops sometime in the new year. An upscale denim line by the name of Norma Jeane, Monroe’s real name, is also in the works.

Next thing I know, I just might be looking in the mirror and practicing my own Marilyn pose for the streets- red carpets and runways that is.

Karl's Calendar Girl

Nearly on the eve of a year and on the brink of a new one only means that it’s time to finally start eyeing, procuring, and organizing a 2009 calendar. This time forget your 365 thoughts; throw out those 52 feisty felines you can get enough of, and get over the 12 must see destinations that won’t be graced with your presence. Make 2009 familiar, stylish, and most of all stunningly captured.

Monsieur Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, connoisseur of dark shades no matter what the lighting, will be gracing the walls of fashionable homes with his new calendar. The collection- commissioned by the Italian edition of Marie Claire (odd that the French didn’t think of it first- but snaps for the Italians, way ahead of the times) will be available and sold with their January issue, out December 16. The pictures, so precious and well, smartly packaged (after all, it is about presentation) will come enclosed in its own little black box.

The work of art- Karl’s designs are all basically art from my own standards- features Eva Herzigova, a Czech model, luckily enough, decked in couture and projecting one of Karl’s favorite and most precious visions of “how one girl can be every woman.” Herigova, whose portfolio also includes other fashion lines including Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and Prada, has been working with Karl for over 20 years. Amazingly, the entire collection of 24 photographs took less than 24 hours.

Now it’s time we bow our heads and pray that our selected bookstores will be graced with the presence of Karl. Otherwise, I just might have to have a friend pick me up an issue in Rome and have it DSLed to the UK. Anything for Karl.


Karl’s calendar will be making its première Italian style, at an aperitivo cocktail party on December 11 and introduced by Marie Claire’s Editor in Chief, Antonella Antonelli.

Couture Makes History

It isn’t a recent movement that the East has become the ‘it’ place to find new and inspiring designs. But now, it seems that high-end designers, like Monsieur Dior, have taken the path of transcending their fashionable works into living pieces of art history- China being a good place to start.

John Galliano explored several small cities in and around Beijing and used locals as extras, incorporating them in a photo shoot. Quentin Shih, Chinese photographer, used the opportunity to portray the contrasts between the designs of couture and the history of China.

Each is evident and sharp, but I can’t imagine a better way to bring them both alive. Even in the picture above, by Quentin Shih, he not only highlights the designs of Dior, but draws on the unavoidable and daunting Chinese backdrop, fueling a fire which could grow even brighter between Dior’s fashions and his own native Chinese culture.

It seems that we are only at the beginning of a new movement, which could possibly make a huge impact on histories- including gallery walls. Within a short time we just might be trying to fight the masses at museums not only to learn about history, but their portrayal through designers and their creations. Now that would be an exhibit worth a visit.

The showcase of Christian Dior and Chinese Arts has been premiering at the Ullenes Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing since November 15^th, 2008.