Men Fashion Loosening Up

Women were originally wearing corsets. Centuries later, burning their bras. Eventually females around the world caught on and started to design fashion to work with them, rather than constrict them. And finally it’s catching on- for the fashionable men out there.

Thanks to Dior inspiration this weekend at Paris Fashion Week, the houses designed collections to liberate men from the stereo-typical ideals of current fashion pressures.

One of Dior’s designers, 33-year old Kris Van Assche managed to seduce Karl Lagerfeld will a collection completely opposite from the fashion of the 2000s. Good bye to cigarette-slim pants, narrow and tight fitting suits and hello to wide fluid pants with layers of tops and shirts.

Staying close to home base with the house’s iconic blacks, whites, browns, and beiges- Assche has shaved off the sleeves off jackets and throwing in more tops for a mix of layers.

But the constraint didn’t stop there. Models pumped with muscles and good looks took the runway, breaking off the favored look of the skinny and thin models that were the norm prior.

And well, I think it's all about due time... don't you think? I mean, why should women have all the fun? I think it's about time we give men a chance and let them loosen up, as if they haven't had enough of that already!

Can’t Get Enough of You, Karl

Now, I know I’m a huge Karl Lagerfeld fan but I can’t believe how much spotlight the man in black has been getting recently. Not only is his Vermont house showcased (for the second time) in his new

campaign for Chanel but the Little “House” on the Prairie set also included Jeidi Mount and Freja Beha Erichsen.

But it doesn’t stop there for Karl pre- couture week. The Parisian premiere of his animated film, Totally Spies, as the voice of villain Fabu was on Sunday afternoon were he strutted down the runway with three women in cat suits. He was also spotted at the Dior Homme show (not a first) where he went on to say how much he adore his “Karl Who?” tote that we’ve all seen him sporting recently. As if.

YSL Continues Getting Glam

Now, we’ve noticed that since Stefano Pilati began working with Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin on the Fall 2007 Yves Saint Laurent ad campaigns, they’ve been getting hotter and hotter. Starting with supermodel Gisele Bundchen, then Kate Moss, continuing with Naomi Campbell, and most recently Claudia Schiffer this Spring, the ads keep getting even more steamier. And who’s gracing the presence of the ads this coming Fall? No one else but Christy Turlington. Who knows, maybe Cindy Crawford could be next!

Back Into The Light

You might not have heard of her but Madeleine Vionnet, a fashionista of the 1930’s and 40’s, made her impression on fashion just like any other designer. It’s only now that Madam Vionnet is finally getting her first exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs.

Known as a legend and one of the first innovative designers of her time, she is the one accredited for using blas cut and draping to free women from the constraints of the corset.

Today, her designs have inspired those as influential as Cristobal Balenciaga, Azzedine Alaia, and others. Her style comes from ancient Greek antiquity and included the “peplos”- the rectangular sheet draped around the body, knotted at the shoulder, and gathered in at the waist.

Her designs derived from shapes, including the circle, square, and

rectangle. Each one simple and conveying a noble expression. Vionnet never practiced with

sketches but kept close records of each of her creations, today kept in archive albums and will be included in the exhibit, along with some of the life size dolls that she practiced on.

The once working seamstress opened her own house in 1922 and soon enough created her own signature, including the halter neck. Her favorite working material, crepe and tulle, in all textures allowing her to work its fluidity.

The exhibition will run till until next January, including during all major dates in Paris’ fashion calendar- for premieum exposure of course. Creations not seen in several decades will finally be coming back into the light and allowing Made Vionnet’s designs to shine again.

Prada, On Its Side

Summer is finally here and being turned on its side with its second installment of Prada’s summer events in Seoul- this time with a film festival.

This time, the Prada Transformer opened its two week film festival in South Korean with a spaghetti western. The structure was built on the ancient Seoul grounds, its Gyeonghui Palace.

The structure, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas together with Prada’s fashion house, has four sides with different shapes: a hexagon, cross, rectangle, and a circle.

The opening in April was launched with a fashion show “Waist Down” showing collections of Miuccia Prada’s skirts on its hexagon side. Now, the sculpture has been lifted by four cranes to turn the 180 tons of steel on a new angle, the rectangle.

The final Transformer event will host another fashion show. If summer vacation wasn’t planned, a trip to South Korea would be looking lovely right about now.

Bling Bling For Water

It seems as if everyone is jumping onto the charity game and no one can do it with any more sparkle and glint than Swarovski with it’s new CRYSTALLIZED Concept Store in New York City.

It’s debut was unveiled on Thursday with Chloe Sevigny, Lucy Liu, and a stellar Blair Lively to host the event. Lively launched the event show casing the crystal company’s limited edition necklace for it’s new store. All the proceeds of the store will go to benefit Water, the non-profit organization that helps developing countries with resourcing water.

So why is this store any different from their others? It offers customers the experience of making their own one of a kind customized creations to their tastes and desires. It also provides ready-to-wear collections of cut jewelry by top-of-the-line designers.

And don’t forget to pick up your Crystal Card- a credit card used like any other yet comes with a little bit of bling. And with every couple of thousands of points, you get a bling bling upgrade. American Express Black, take that.

It’s a Plane, It’s a Bird- It’s a Virgin (Pinup)

It was Virgin Atlantic’s 25th birthday bash and it kicked off with Sir Richard Branson and Kate Moss, dressed as the airline’s original 1940’s pinup girls. The lady in red, with killer Yves Saint Laurent Tribute platform heels, hopped into the willing arms of the Sir, posing on the wing of his jumbo jet.

In a Alberto Vargas inspired attire, Moss and Branson boarded their plane, the “Birthday Girl”, recreating the maiden flight from Heathrow Airport to New York City. Attendees included the international cricketer Kevin Pietersen, Sir Ian Botham, and Christopher Biggins, one of the original passengers on the first Virgin Atlantic flight back in 1984.

The recession might have killed off luxurious goods for the masses, but it’s obvious that it hasn’t knocked off champagne, caviar, and first class traveling, private flight and all. I expect Louis Vuitton’s signature trucks were in tow.

A Comeback For Luxury

Everyday I hear some one complaining on high designer goods- the $800 Jimmy Choos, the $1500 leather Gucci handbag, the $500 Fendi necklace- and the list goes on. But as stuck up as it sounds, I have to agree with President and CEO of Fendi’s fashion house, Michael Burke, who believes that luxury shouldn’t be affordable to the masses.

“Luxury is not for instantaneous gratification. One should aspire for it.” And it’s so true. Even as a little girl I remember trying on my mother’s Manolo’s (still two sizes too big) and her old Chanel costume jewelry, wondering of the day that I would inherit it.

And then came the days when the Louis Vuitton purse was entrusted in my care, along with Christian Dior earrings, every year more to follow. But I have to agree with my mother, who with Burke, probably once said that nice things are meant to be taken care of, for their quality and worth, and shouldn’t be taken advantage of, nor unappreciated.

And now the time has come. When not every one can afford all the beautiful things that collectors, and as I believe-investors- such as myself, don’t in actuality take for granted. This recession has brought for an ‘equilibrium‘ and returning ‘the real values of luxury.‘ Now, that’s seeing the good out of the bad, from my point of view anyway.

The Sequined Glove, Heard Round The World

His music dominated all. His beats, Beat it. His sense of fashion and style thrilled us all. In rhinestones he gave the world a show and in epaulets he dazzled us. There wasn’t a moment in which Michael Jackson pushed it to the limit- even when it came to sex and race.

Looking back through history, the man who became a legend will remain in hearts as the one true King of Pop for every child and adult who saw him hit the beats from all stages of his life. But more than a musician, a dancer, an entertainer, Mister Michael Jackson will forever be remembered as a man who’s fashion dominated. For all those who remember him, the sequined glove need no name.

The white glove, embellished with white glitterati sequins and crystals, were the icon of a man who changed pop culture with his lyrics, his videos, and something no one will forget- his moves.

But his style didn’t stop there. With his soldier like jackets (alla the little munchin soldiers from the Emerald City of Oz), his smooth black fedora hat, the black penny loafers with matching white socks (compliments to Fred Astaire). Then came his revamp of the classic Brit-pop boy bands bringing forth the big shoulder pads, the over the top glittered clothes, gold lining, and of course, aviator glasses.

Michael always brought it, pushing it all the limits. Even when he over did it with plastic surgery and skin bleaching- no one ever looked as chic carrying an umbrella or wearing the surgical masks of the Victorian elite. Michael, may you rest in peace.... and forever in our hearts.

Calvin Klein Heats Up

If you’ve been in New York recently, you might have seen this Calvin Klein ad stretching several stories high. But the overly sexy, group orgy implied theme raised too much talk. Thus, the extra naughty ‘soft porn’ picture was taken down and raised with Doutzen Kroes clad in a red bikini.

The former picture might not have been up very long but word of it spread like wildfire- everyone was talking about it: mothers, teachers, and residents. It seems that in this instance that even bad publicity was good publicity.

Fashion, From Start to Finish

It’s glitzy, glamourous, and absolutely fabulous: couture shows. And I’m dying to get into one of those plush seats, camera in hand, invite in the other- but I’ve always been curious about what goes on backstage.

Loic Prigent, the director of cult fashion documentaries of Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton and Signe Chanel has been hired by the Sundance Channel to do a series of The Day Before docs, showing fashionistas and attendees the 36 hours leading up to a high profile runway show.

The series, previewed in four segments, will start off with Sonia Rykiel’s 40th anniversary Parisian celebration from October 2008, Proenza Schouler in the Big Apple of February 2009, Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld in Milan in March, and Jean Paul Gautier’s Fall 2009 show this July.

This is one time where Tivo would definitely come in handy. Until then I’ll have to wait the red carpet like everyone else.

For a little preview of what's it's like from the past:

Emma, Who, What?

One of Britain's reputable paper, News of the World, reported that Emma Watson will be breaking off from the magical world of Harry Potter and hitting the cutting board- or sketch pad- to design her own line of clothing. The line will be dedicated to teenagers will all profits benefitting UNICEF. Where does the advice and wisdom come from? Mr. Karl Lagerfeld himself, supposedly. Cough, cough.

When it all boils down to it- completely false. Emma Watson will not be joining the ranks of Karl, Vuitton, and Gabbana- though she will be assisting Burberry as the new face, and possible a new line. Which makes me wonder- teenage accessories with teenage budgets? I doubt it. But perhaps I’ll start strolling to shows and premieres in my Chanel couture and get a break into the industry. Doubt that too, but never hurts to try!

Happy Birthday Missoni!

We’ve got pasta and gelato, cafe and limoncello, lovers in love, but that’s not all. Italy is the birthplace of some of the world’s chicest designers including one of my personal favorites, Missoni!

Renown for their bright colors and flawless knits, Missoni is one fashion brand that’s identifiable from the rack and it’s bringing its business to the forefront with a new- and not to be missed- showcasing.

Welcome to Workshop Missoni: Daring to be Different. The show will survey some of the fashion house’s individualistic strips and patterns along with the impact of technology that has changed and revolutionized the tradition knitwear industry.

Bringing together and meshing the sporty and the chic, the Italian heritage brand is avant-garde inspired. It’s seasonal-less and timeliness makes it perfect for any occasion, continuously evolving.

Workshop Missoni: Daring to be Different will premier at the Esorick Collection of Modern Italian Art in London on July 1st. I’ll have to grab my Missoni bikini and hit the beach with bright stripes until then!

The Continent of Colors

Johannesburg, South Africa has finally hit the fashion runway, hosting it’s very first- and very successful- fashion week: Arise Africa Fashion Week. The best of the designers have come together from all over the continent for their now-implemented annual showcasing.

This fertile yet struggling land has often been the inspiration for the arts round the world. Their designs, prints, and materials have often appealed to the greater and more famous. This is the first chance that native designers have been able to reach a global audience. On loan of their African cultures are famous designers such as Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta, and Christian Louboutin.

It seems the African aesthetic is on the rise and not stopping any time soon... now that’s something to make a roar about- world wide.

Let’s Play Ball

It’s summer in London and we all know what comes with it: Wimbledon. Tonight's party was hosted by Ralph Lauren at the Kensington Roof Gardens with Dolce & Gabbana’s new face, David Gandy. Course- no hard feelings on Jesus Luz working exclusively for D&G.

But models aren’t the only attendees- though that’d be one good looking party. Also there was the the Duchess of York, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and of course, participants such as Ana Ivanovic and the notable William sisters. Sounds like the perfect English summer party- freezing weather and strawberries and cream included.

Gold Stars for Diesel

It’s already been confirmed, unfortunately, that Diesel Black Gold (DBG) has officially pulled out of New York’s Fashion Week. However, there is a silver lining and that’s bringing Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki into the limelight to bring DBG back to life while she works on her own line. But no fears, DBG will be back on the runway in New York in February 2010.

Now some people won’t necessarily identify Kokosalaki’s name, but her taste and talent in high-end fashion is recognizable- especially when it comes to denim. Sounds like a winner to me.

Black Is Back

And this time it’s hitting the runway. Today in San Paulo the runway is being lit up with black beauties as they showcase the biggest fashion showcase in Latin America.

Famous appearances gracing the runway include Madonna’s little “boytoy” Jesus Luz, which is half the Material Girl’s age, along with Gisele Bundchen. The two will be sharing the catwalk with a revolutionary number of new black models as the organizers retaliate on a racism lawsuit.

And this event just might provide the reaction that the organizers are looking for to give SPFW a new reputation. Brazilians have always been admired for their beauties and elegant cuts- however their choices on whose representing them on the runway, has put a damper on their sophisticated style.

In their last fashion soirée- in January- of the 344 models, only eight of them were black. This number highlights how white-dominated SPFW has been in the past, but with half the population of 190 million black, its hard to believe that Sao Paulo doesn’t represent itself where it deserves- and where people do take notice. Hopefully after today, we’ll see a bit more representation, but we’ll have to see how it plays out.

Go D&G Wild

We’ve seem on the runway and they are to die for. I’ve seen them on Via Condotti and I’m head over heals with (not to mention the gushing guy at the door to greet me with his enchanting smile). But sometimes I just can’t get to Rome every weekend to pick up Dolce & Gabbana items that I desperately need like solider jackets, theatrical shirts, bright and bold A-line shirts and those turquoise strappy sandals with jewel embellished stilettos that I did go back for- but now there’s an answer for that, ‘how do I get my hands on that, now.’ Solution: their new D&G online store and it’s going to answer so many prayers- once and for all. All I need to wait is till next week to get them answered.

H&M Goes Glamour

Ever so often I walk into H&M to pick up some new cotton tank tops, summer linen pants, and itty bitty bright beach shorts. But that’s just the thing, just the basics. Never once have I actually gone in there to take a browse around because in the end, I know that I won’t walk out with anything other than that. And that’s just that... H&M needs a makeover and now it’s finally here- in due time. And who better to glamorize the company than Britian’s very own Mr. Jimmy Choo.

The prestigious shoemaker- famous for his appearances on Sex & The City and my very own personal shoe cupboard- will be gracing H&M stores on November 14th to up the stores game with a more modern and chic feel. But it doesn’t stop there. Jimmy Choo will also be incorporating its stunning leather handbags along with a select range of clothing into H&M’s line to glam things up a bit. But no worries gentlemen out there, Jimmy Choo will also be bring its sophisticated and glamours collection with a men’s collection.

In a way, it’s a little bit of give in take. As fashionable Choo’s are- H&M are also considered to work with a very select of great fashion minds out there, including Mr. Roberto Cavalli, Miss Stella McCartney, Mr. Karl Lagerfeld, and Miss Material Girl herself. I guess it’s all win-win this time around. I just might stop in a little bit more often in the future- starting November that is.

Havaiana’s for the Good of HumanKind

There was chaos in the streets on Thursday in London when Selfridges unwrapped its Emporio Armani Underwear campaign for Fall/Winter 2009/10. It starred none other but Mr. David Beckham himself, abs and all.

However the celebration didn’t stop there. In order to commemorate its centennial anniversary, the designer mall is stepping up to charitable causes. With the help of it’s self custom-made Havaianas shop and a few local celebrities, both on and around the runways, Selfridges will be donating proceeds to the CLIC Sargent, a foundation dedicated to helping children with cancer.

And the basis of the project is right on point- literally. Naomi Campbell has created her pair of Havaianas into a pair of killer stilettos and Basso & Brooke’s has turned their pair into origami-inspired feet ornaments. Starting tomorrow at midnight (June 15th) anyone and everyone will have a chance to bid on the designer embellished footwear via Selfridges website. But if you don’t have the dough to plow out for these designers, just head over to the Havaianas and make your own pair of custom-made couture, at a fraction of the price.