Archive for December 2010

More On Carine’s Plans After French Vogue (Hint: They Do Not Involve Tom Ford)

The fashion world was sent reeling last Friday when news broke that Carine Roitfeld would leave French Vogue after serving as the mag’s editor for the past 10 years.

After recovering from the shock, speculations began as to whom would succeed Roitfeld (fashion director Emmanuelle Alt seems to be the front runner but we assembled a list of our fantasy picks), and what Roitfeld would do next.

Though Roitfeld told Cathy Horyn at the New York Times that she has “no plan at all” after she steps down in the coming weeks, industry insiders began speculating that she might return to Tom Ford. Which would make sense given their close relationship–Carine served as Ford’s muse and stylist while he was at Gucci in the ’90s and helped propel the brand to success, Ford just launched his own women’s collection, and most recently, he guest-edited French Vogue (an issue Roitfeld styled).

Alas, no such reunion is in the cards (yet).

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Events

An Evening in SoHo: Sofia Coppola Talks Somewhere and Anna Sui’s Book Signing

SoHo was cold and packed with Christmas-crazed tourists Thursday night, but that didn’t keep me from scurrying over to the Apple Store and to Anna Sui’s boutique for two really exciting events celebrating two of fashion’s finest (who also happen to be friends.)

First stop? Apple, to see one of my icons (not just in fashion but in life), Sofia Coppola, speak about her latest film Somewhere, as part of Apple’s Meet The Filmmaker series.

And while Marie Antoinette will forever reign as my favorite of her films (okay, maybe my favorite movie ever?), I have high hopes for Somewhere, which stars one of our favorites, Elle Fanning.

After about an hour of camping out in my chair so that no one else snagged it, Sofia finally walked in wearing a heather gray cashmere sweater scrunched up to her elbows, a pair of fitted blue jeans, and what looked like a pair of Chloe wedges. Her hair was perfectly tousled and the only jewelry she had on was a diamond tennis bracelet and a slim black leather watch.

Sofia spoke about the challenges she faced, the similarities and differences between all of her films, and what inspired her to do Somewhere. “All my previous films had been from a girl’s perspective, so I really wanted to do a film from a man’s point of view.” she said.

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Fashion Law

Zooey Deschanel Sues Steve Madden for $2 Million

According to a lawsuit filed today in Los Angeles, Zooey Deschanel is suing Steve Madden for $2 million. Here’s why:

According to the lawsuit, in August 2010 Deschanel’s agent at CAA and Steve Madden made a binding, oral agreement stating that the starlet would be paid $2 million by the company to front a line of shoes, tentatively called “Zooey’s Shoes and Accessories.” She was told that she would be paid regardless of whether or not the items were actually produced, and that the payment would cover 13 days of work, including a photo shoot for an ad as well as press appearances.

A few weeks later, Steve Madden came back to the Deschanel camp, complaining that one retailer in particular was not keen on the collaboration, which meant they’d have to reduce the fee to $1.5 million. Deschanel’s agent agreed to the new fee. During this time, the actress refrained from entering into any similar contracts, as that was part of the oral agreement.

Except in October 2010, Steve Madden went back to Zooey’s agent and said that the deal was kaputt.

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Retail

Introducing Fabricly.com, It’s Like a Record Label For Designers

You could call 2010 the year of concept-driven online retailers. It seems like every other week, a new e-commerce site or social networking platform pops up on the interwebs. But if you thought every possible permutation of fashion/tech start-up had launched by now, think again.

A new one called Fabricly soft launched last week and sure, some parts of it sound familiar–like selling only exclusives from a curated selection of emerging designers and adding editorial content (Of a Kind), allowing users to give feedback (Desquval and others), and being an overall platform to boost the careers of young designers who wouldn’t otherwise have the resources (FashionStake, Style Trek, and FarFetch). But Fabricly has one pretty major component that none of these other sites have: They provide start-to-finish support for emerging designers, including sample-making, sourcing, production, and if desired, additional wholesale assistance, all with the additional benefit of Fabricly’s full marketing and public relations resources. And all at no cost to the designer.

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Sales

Racked Dealfeed: A.P.C., Zero + Maria Cornejo, Creatures of Comfort, and More

A.P.C.
Deal: 30% to 50% off the French brand’s fall/winter apparel.
When/Where: Begins Thursday, December 16; ongoing. Mon—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 131 Mercer St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-966-9685).

Michael Kors Collection
Deal: Fall ready-to-wear is half off, and fall handbags, shoes, belts and accessories are 40% off.
When/Where: Ongoing. Mon—Sat 10am—6pm. 974 Madison Ave between 76th and 77th Sts (212-452-4685)

The Limited
Deal: Enter code 149 at checkout to save $20 off orders over $60 and $30 off orders over $100
Link: thelimited.com
Ends: December 31, 2010

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Best Dressed

Best Dressed: Clemence in Chanel, Rachel and Leighton in Dior

By Dhani Mau Friday, Dec 17, 2010 / 5:13 PM

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Entertainment

More Nicole Richie Wedding Photos!

The latest issue of People features Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s wedding. You get to see dress #2 (looks like a version of dress #1 with the fluffy skirt removed) as well as other details from the celebration, including a live elephant. Yes, an elephant. See our commentary on each image below.

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Streetwalker

Street Style: Max Wants a ‘Really Nice Pair’ of Bally Shoes for Christmas

Name: Max

Age: 25

Occupation: Music Student

What is on your iPod right now? Dinosaur L and Dungeon

What is on your holiday wish list? A really nice pair of Bally shoes.

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Reviews

The Best of Pre-Fall…So Far

The Pre-Fall 2011 collections are trickling in one by one and we’ve gathered our favorites so far. From Chanel’s Byzantine-inspired looks, to Zac Posen’s bold and colorful pieces, we’re impressed. Take a look at our top ten.

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Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: David Does Chloe, Bryan Boy’s Letter to Santa, and Diddy’s Party Smells Like Burning

David Does Chloe: David Sims shot Chloe’s Spring 2011 ads. Now only if we could get our hands on a copy…. {WWD}

Dear Santa: Bryan Boy tells me what he wants to give–and get–for the holidays. {The Inside Source}

StellaTech: Ms. McCartney’s iPad app launches. Her iPad case, by the way, is also cuuute. {iTunes}

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Magazines

Who Will Replace Carine Roitfeld at Vogue Paris? A List of Fantasy Suggestions

Of course the question after “What will Carine do next?” is: “Who will replace her?” We have our own ideas. Some are so out there that we can’t imagine them actually happening, but it’s fun to think about.

Who would you like to see replace Carine at Vogue Paris? (Okay, we know the real answer is “no one,” but that’s not an option.) Click through to see our picks.

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Breaking: Carine Roitfeld to Leave French Vogue

Carine Roitfeld, the beloved and massively influential editor of French Vogue, will resign in a few weeks to focus on personal projects. Roitfeld helmed the mag for the past 10 years. Under her tenure, French Vogue became one of the most daring fashion publications, a hallmark for what was cool in the world of fashion.

“It’s 10 years that I’m editor of the magazine, I think it’s time to do something different,” Roitfeld told Cathy Horyn at the New York Times. “When everything is good, maybe I think it’s the time to do something else.”

While rumors once circulated (around two years ago) that Roitfeld would take over for Anna Wintour at American Vogue, Roitfeld confessed to the Times that she has absolutely “no plan at all” post-Vogue.

Roitfeld, 56, who got her start as a model and a stylist, styled many of the magazine’s memorable and envelope-pushing editorials, including this last issue, which was guest-edited by Tom Ford. “I had so much freedom to do everything I wanted,” Roitfeld told the Times. “I think I did a good job.”

That would be an understatement. “It is impossible to overstate Carine’s powerful contribution to Vogue and to the fields of fashion and magazine publishing. Under her direction, Vogue Paris received record levels of circulation and advertising and editorial success,” Jonathan Newhouse, ceo of Condé Nast International told Vogue UK’s website. “Carine herself has become widely known as a beacon of style, fulfilling the role with charm and graciousness. She has become a giant in her profession [and] will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful to her for what she has achieved.”

Carine’s replacement will be announced within the next few weeks. Her absence will be a gaping hole in the industry, but a few names are already being buzzed about to fill her shoes:

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