Would You Rather…? The Boots With The Fur Edition

By Steff Yotka


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Target’s Liberty of London Collection Actually Lives Up to the Hype

By Lauren Sherman

Target is a branding powerhouse. Which is why it’s no surprise that this morning’s press preview for its Liberty of London pop-up shop (stationed right next to Bryant Park) was a cornucopia of the English garden variety.

We’re experiencing a bit of a heat wave in New York, so the floral-lined walls, pots of fabric flowers–and a green grass garden filled with dresses, shirts and kid’s clothes instead of tulips–were a welcome sight. As was the gigantic teapot, a nod to Liberty’s English heritage. I missed Naomi Watts, hired to open the store, but I did take advantage of the fresh fruit and coffee passed around.

As for the product? It’s good. Really, really good.

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A Peek Backstage At Chloé

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  • 10 Mar 2010 at 3:00 PM
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Thanks to Our Advertisers!

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When Hanneli Went “Meow” at Miu Miu

By Britt Aboutaleb

I finally met Hanneli Mustaparta yesterday, the Norwegian model turned blogger who was featured in this month’s American Vogue with Garance, Tommy & co.

She was wearing Miu Miu’s giant white cat pin on the shoulder of her sleek black coat.

“I love your pin,” I gushed.

“Thanks! It’s Miu Miu,” she answered.

“I know! The whole collection was amazing.”

“When I went into the shop, I walked up to the counter, pointed at the pin and went, ‘Meow!’ [makes claw motions] and you know because it’s Miu Miu I expected them to be like [makes hoighty-toighty face], but instead the guy just looked at me and goes, ‘Meowww!’ [makes claw motions],” she explained.

Just when we thought Miu Miu couldn’t get any better.

  • 10 Mar 2010 at 2:00 PM
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Antlers & Dita at Jean Charles de Castelbajac

By Britt Aboutaleb

1. When I tweeted that Jean Charles de Castelbajac’s theme was Bambi, I should’ve mentioned castles and cartoons and armor and the future, too.

2. This show opened with a horn, like the horns used to signal the arrival of royalty in old movies (and in real life circa the Middle Ages, right)?

3. Dita Von Teese is one of the few celebrities who looks better in person and she’s sitting front row with Castelbajac’s son, her boyfriend of a couple of years. (Julianne Moore’s the only other one who comes to mind actually.) Read more »

Waiting for Madonna at Valentino

By Britt Aboutaleb

“Are they screaming J.Lo,” asked the girl next to me.

“God I hope not. I think they’re screaming ‘Let’s Go!’”

We’re inside la Halle Freyssinet, a convention-like center on the outskirts of Paris for the Valentino show. And though everyone’s seated (it’s a small show, the first I’ve been to with no standing at all), the lights are dimmed and the show was supposed to start almost an hour ago, nothing’s happening.

“Madonna better walk through that door,” I mutter.

“I mean who could it be?” someone asks, until a pouf of bright red hair dashes through security and the photographers start booing Grace Coddington. The crowd cheers over their boos, whistling their support, Kenneth Anger’s films play on the white walls and within seconds, lace and ruffles storm the runway. Read more »

The Icing on the Curvy Cake at Louis Vuitton

By Britt Aboutaleb

‘Fairytale’ is the word everyone used while walking out of the Louis Vuitton show this afternoon.

As if Marc’s New York show didn’t leave us feeling romantic enough, he outdid himself in Paris. A tent was built around a fountain in the Louvre’s courtyard; the audience sat in a ring around it. The music began at 2:30 on the dot, like the score to a Fellini movie, and Laetitia Casta walked out, pouring over the edge of her pinstripe corset.

Around the fountain they went: Natasha in a leather corset with crocodile pumps, Kasia in a tweed suit, Anne V in velvet, Lara in a floral organza dress just begging for prom circa 1950, Mariacarla in a leather coat, even Bar Rafaeli in a silk wool dress—all with pulled pack ponytails and lady-like bags.

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Fashion News Roundup: Eddie Borgo’s New Collection, Martin+Osa Shuts Down & You Can Smell Like Jennifer Aniston

Precious Cargo: We’ve spotted more than one leather envelope under an editor’s arm in lieu of a bag this season. If Celine and Goyard are too much, or too thin, for you, we’ve recently discovered Phillip Lim’s Berry Bag. It’s tiny, but looks like it could actually hold your life, and we want one. {3.1 Phillip Lim}

Borgo Borgo Borgo: Diane Pernet chats with Eddie Borgo about his fall collection. The jewelry designer walks us through his showroom and shows off his latest pieces, which were inspired by Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ugh, we want every single one! {ASVOF}

Care to Share?: Tommy Ton tweeted something very mysterious last night. We’re dying to know what he knows and hope the news lives up to the hype. We’ve been disappointed too much lately with promises of “earth-shaking” news. {Twitter} Read more »

  • 10 Mar 2010 at 12:00 PM
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Madonna’s First Collection Will Hit Macy’s This Fall

By Lauren Sherman

Last month when rumors circulated that Madonna would design a junior’s line for Macy’s, we scoffed just a tad, especially at the name: Material Girl.

Looks like we’ve been punked, because WWD reported this morning that the collection for Macy’s is indeed happening, and that others are to follow. The pop culture icon and her longtime business partner, Guy Oseary, have signed a deal with retail conglomerate Iconix Brand Group, which also owns Ed Hardy, Rocawear, Candie’s, Badgley Mischka and Danskin. The joint venture is called MG Icon.

The two companies plan on developing footwear, more apparel and accessories lines, but the Material Girl junior’s collection will be the first, dropping at Macy’s this fall. Iconix’s chief executive Neil Cole also suggested that Madonna might endorse some of the company’s other brands.

Madonna is another level of star–even when compared to successful entertainers/fashion “designers” like Jessica Simpson and Beyonce–so we won’t be surprised if this venture is a hit. That doesn’t mean we’re going to buy anything, though.

J.Crew Reigns Supreme: What Could Make it Even Better?

By Lauren Sherman

The genius of J.Crew continues to manifest itself.

Yesterday, the company sent out its 2009 annual report, revealing a $40 million profit for 2009. Sales last year increased by 11% (over 2008 numbers) to $1.6 billion dollars.

The retailer’s secret to success is an old one: Give the customer what they want before they know that they want it.

When CEO Mickey Drexler (who also happens to serve on the board of directors at Apple, another can’t-touch-this American brand) headed to J.Crew in 2003 after being abruptly fired by Gap, he anointed creative director Jenna Lyons the face and aesthetic leader of the brand.

This bold move resulted in a cult of shoppers that wanted to wear her soft pastels, bow/pearl necklaces and brocade skirts. As Lyons’ style has progressed, so have her designs, and they are certainly a big reason the chain is so successful today.

But no company’s perfect.

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Bernhard Willhelm’s Ex Assistant Shows Her Own Label, Pelican Avenue, at Paris Fashion Week

By Alice Pfeiffer

When Caroline Lerch wants to introduce people to her label Pelican Avenue, she might show videos, stage a dance performance, and forget about the clothes altogether.

A former assistant to Bernhard Willhelm, the Academy of Antwerp graduate is a multi-media artist. Sometimes she creates clothes, and sometimes she’s busy making videos which have absolutely nothing to do with fashion. In her work, the finished pieces are secondary. Instead, she focuses on the total universe of the collection, and invites us to reflect on la mode.

Case in point: At her show on Saturday, Lerch’s clothes did a disappearing act. She organized an experimental performance around the theme of dressing and clothes-making.

Clothing lines were hung all through the spacious loft and draped with fabric swatches and unfinished garments. The dancer Kroot Juurak was a one woman show. She came in wearing red lace stockings, a slip and green ankle boots. She climbed over the cords, danced and undulated around the samples.

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