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How to Make It in Fashion: June 21, Dream Hotel Downtown, New York

Franca Sozzani

Thursday May 17th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Rachel Zoe Dishes on Karolina Kurkova’s Met Ball Turban, Skechers Pays $50 Million for False Ad Claims, and Rodarte Designs LA Philharmonic Costumes
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Rachel Zoe Dishes on Karolina Kurkova’s Met Ball Turban, Skechers Pays $50 Million for False Ad Claims, and Rodarte Designs LA Philharmonic Costumes

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Rodarte is designing costumes for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s production of Don Giovanni. {WWD, subscription required} Skechers has reached a $50 million settlement with the FTC after tricking everyone into thinking their toning shoes actually, well… tone your legs.{WWD, subscription required} Karlie Kloss and Jason Wu are trying to raise $50,000 at this Sunday’s AIDS Read more →

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Published at 2:30 PM

Monday May 14th, 2012

L’Uomo Vogue‘s May Issue is Dedicated to the ‘Rebranding of Africa’, Features Ban Ki-moon on Cover
Magazines

L’Uomo Vogue‘s May Issue is Dedicated to the ‘Rebranding of Africa’, Features Ban Ki-moon on Cover

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L’Uomo Vogue‘s May issue delves into a topic rarely explored by fashion magazines: World politics. In fact, the whole issue is dedicated to the “rebranding of Africa”, and features the unlikely cover star of 67-year-old Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the UN.

According to a press release, the issue will “present a new portrait of an Africa that is positive, creative and confident of its own strengths,” in an effort to shed the continent’s image of war and famine, which is consistently presented by the media. It’s true that those strifes are still a part of Africa’s overall identity, but, as L’Uomo Vogue reaffirms, there’s much, much more to the continent, such as growing textile and oil industries, fledgling modern cities and a fast advancing education system.

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Published at 8:00 PM

Friday March 30th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Adriana Lima Teaches Jimmy Fallon How to Model, Franca Sozzani is Still a Single Lady, and The Quaker Oats Guy Gets a Haircut
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Adriana Lima Teaches Jimmy Fallon How to Model, Franca Sozzani is Still a Single Lady, and The Quaker Oats Guy Gets a Haircut

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Jimmy Fallon Gets Modeling Tips from Adriana Lima: The cute-as-a-button Victoria’s Secret stunner stopped by Late Night to promote the new VS swim catalogue and ended up giving Jimmy lessons in Portuguese, model faces, and the correct way to pronounce her name. For the record, it’s Ah-dree-ah-na… and we kind of want her to be our BFF after this segment. {Styleite}

Russell Simmons Launching Yoga Brand: The hip hop magnate, who has been practicing yoga for more than twenty years, is now developing a new lifestyle brand around the “noise relieving” practice. The all-yoga encompassing ‘Tantris’ brand will initially include mens and womenswear activewear, meditation beads, scented candles, and mats, later expanding to freestanding stores, studios, and restaurants. Though his plan may sound capitalistic, Russell insists he’s doing it out of his passion for yoga, not because he’s “that kind of business guy.” Sounds like Mr. Simmons is smarter than the average yogi. {WWD}

Franca Sozzani Didn’t Marry an African Oil Tycoon, or Anyone: Dear Internet, can we please get a scarcasm symbol already? Vogue Italia reposted an African tabloid yesterday which claimed its EIC had wed Ugandan oil tycoon Charles Mbire, then said Sozzani couldn’t be reached for comment. The Internet took it seriously. To which Franca responded (after several hours of intense, sleepless speculation) that “The marital status [she] prefer[s] is being single.” So… we’ll file this as an early April Fools Day prank? {Vogue Italia}

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Published at 1:45 PM

Thursday March 29th, 2012

Vogue Italia’s Take On ‘Rapper Style’ Makes No Sense
Magazines

Vogue Italia’s Take On ‘Rapper Style’ Makes No Sense

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Oh, Vogue Italia. Yet again, the often-controversial, rarely sensitive glossy has taken on an American cultural movement that they don’t really seem to understand. For today’s “Trend of the day,” web feature, they’ve taken on “Rapper Style,” which they preface with the following introduction: Rapper style is making a comeback next season; it was launched Read more →

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Published at 1:02 PM

Monday March 19th, 2012

Franca Sozzani Defends Haute Mess Editorial
Magazines

Franca Sozzani Defends Haute Mess Editorial

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Italian Vogue‘s “Haute Mess” editorial has proven to be one of the most controversial in the glossy’s history–and that’s saying something. The spread, published in the magazine’s March issue, features Jessica Stam, Joan Smalls, Coco Rocha and other top models wearing over-the-top, flashy clothes with crazy colorful weaves, heavily painted on makeup and impractically long nails while parading through a grocery store and a diner.

Many of the looks appear to depict American cultural stereotypes and resembled images from American sites like Nowaygirl.com, which post anonymous photographs of people in places like Wal Mart and McDonald’s with the intent of poking fun at them.

This lead many blogs and commenters to sound off on whether or not the spread was racist.

The Cut‘s Hilary Moss chatted with Sozzani about the editorial and the not-so-positive response it’s gotten and while Sozzani seems willing to answer the questions, it doesn’t seem like she always understands them. Either that or she’s giving intentionally vague answers. For example…

She says that the point of the editorial was to be “creative and extravagant” and to “push people.” Her response to people who felt the spread was racist:

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Published at 4:45 PM

Thursday March 15th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Jennifer Lawrence Wows on Another Hunger Games Red Carpet, Franca Sozzani Gets Knighted, and PS I Made This is DIY’ing at Saks Tonight
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Jennifer Lawrence Wows on Another Hunger Games Red Carpet, Franca Sozzani Gets Knighted, and PS I Made This is DIY’ing at Saks Tonight

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Jennifer Lawrence Strikes Gold: On the heels of that amazing Prabal Gurung gown she wore to the L.A. premiere of the Hunger Games, Jennifer picked another gold number for the London premiere. J. Law knows what works: her body looks bangin’ in the Ralph Lauren stunner. Girl (crush) on Fire, indeed. {The Cut}

Franca Sozzani Gets Pinned: On Wednesday, Franca Sozzani was inducted into the French Legion of Honor, the highest honor in the country and one received by the likes of Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld. The Vogue Italia editor stayed loyal to her Italian roots, wearing a Dolce and Gabbana dress straight from the Fall ’12 runway. Sozzani attributes her success to following her own voice: “I listen [to others], but I must go my own way.” {Fashionologie}

Jennifer’s Body (Double): Jennifer Lopez was spotted filming her new music video in Mexico with her body double, which is not surprising until you realize her body double is a dude. A dude who actually looks like a dead ringer for Lopez. Turns out Lopez isn’t the only celebrity using male body doubles: Sarah Jessica Parker, who is afraid of heights, had one while filming Did You Hear About the Morgans? for a balcony scene. {Grazia UK}

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Published at 1:30 PM

Tuesday March 6th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Charlotte Casiraghi Gucci Campaign Revealed, Miranda Kerr Stars in Japanese Lipton Commercial, and Tavi Gevinson Teaches Girls About Self-Esteem
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Charlotte Casiraghi Gucci Campaign Revealed, Miranda Kerr Stars in Japanese Lipton Commercial, and Tavi Gevinson Teaches Girls About Self-Esteem

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Miranda Kerr Stars in Japanese Lipton Commercial: In her best Captain Morgan stance, the Victoria’s Secret model robotically sings a song in Japanese about “Limones” in what appears to be a hotel lounge full of old men. It’s weird, to say the least… (Daily Mail)

The CFDA is Doing a Designer Exchange With China: The council is sending Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez to Shanghai to participate in an exchange with Chinese designer Uma Wang. The initiative is supposed to encourage American designers to tap into Asian markets, where as we well know, there is a lot of money to be made. {WWD subscription required}

Franca Sozzani to Receive French Legion of Honor: Franca Sozzani is finally getting the sort of lofty credit she is due. On March 13, the Italian Vogue editor will be knighted into the French Legion of Honor, the highest accolade a citizen can receive in France. Last year, the award was bestowed upon Anna Wintour. Congratulations to Franca! {WWD subscription required}

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Published at 1:15 PM

Friday January 27th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Kate Middleton Named ‘Hat Person of the Year,’ Chanel Wine Exists and the Rodarte Guide to Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Kate Middleton Named ‘Hat Person of the Year,’ Chanel Wine Exists and the Rodarte Guide to Buffy the Vampire Slayer

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Kate Middleton Receives Two Unusual Honors: The Duchess of Cambridge has gotten a lot of attention for her sartorial choices, so it can’t be too much of a surprise that she is being awarded for it. What is somewhat unusual is the source: The Headwear Association has named Kate their “Hat Person of the Year.” (Seriously, that exists.) The Duchess also made the cover of Scouting magazine, who has dubbed her “The Royal Role Model” for her volunteer work. {Elle UK / People}

Alexa Chung for Superga, Pt 2: In addition to reprising her role as campaign star, Alexa Chung has also been enlisted as stylist for the new ads. Superga gave her full control, so she took photographer Guy Aroch and stamped the ads with her own quirky humor. Here, Chung poses in bed with a sneaker to her ear as a phone. Will you buy? {Telegraph}

Chanel to Sell Wine: Now you can get drunk on Chanel – literally. Chanel has owned Chateau Rauzan-Segla in the famous Bordeaux region since 1994, and for the occasion of the Chateau’s 350th anniversary, will sell a one-off of the 2009 Grand Cru Classé for $129. The best part is that Karl Lagerfeld himself designed the label – bien sûr. You can pre-order yours at KLwines.com. Santé! {Glamour}

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Published at 1:30 PM

Thursday January 5th, 2012

Fashion News Roundup: Kardashian Barbie Dolls Coming Soon, Kate Middleton Chooses Her Royal Charities, and Arizona Muse Covers February Vogue UK
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Kardashian Barbie Dolls Coming Soon, Kate Middleton Chooses Her Royal Charities, and Arizona Muse Covers February Vogue UK

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Kardashian Sisters to be Barbie-fied: The Kardashian family’s way of combating the bad publicity following the end of Kim’s 72-day marriage is to continue their overexposure, as if the public isn’t already sick of them. The Kardashians struck up a deal with Mattel to create Barbie dolls which will not only look like them, but, as a source tells Us Weekly “reflect their measurements.” Barbie with a booty? We’ll have to see it to believe it! {UsMagazine}

The Duchess of Cambridge Chooses Her Charities: As part of her royal duties, Duchess KMidd has finally chosen the four charities she will patronize: the National Portrait Gallery (so they’ll be sure to paint her looking extra fierce), Action on Addiction, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, and The Art Room, which provides art classes for at risk teens. All noble causes! {WWD (Subscription required)}

Apparently, People Are Buying Paris Hilton’s Fragrances: The socialite told FHM she’s made 1.3 billion in revenue off her fragrances since 2005. Yeah, we’re just as confused as you are. {JustJared}

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Published at 1:45 PM

Monday December 12th, 2011

Franca Sozzani on Vogue Italia’s Controversial Karlie Kloss Editorial: ‘I Made a Mistake’
Magazines

Franca Sozzani on Vogue Italia’s Controversial Karlie Kloss Editorial: ‘I Made a Mistake’

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You didn’t think Franca Sozzani would just gloss over the growing controversy over Karlie Kloss’ Steven Meisel-shot editorial, right? The always outspoken EIC of Vogue Italia has taken to her blog today to address what she’s calling “The Truth About Karlie Kloss and Steven Meisel Photos.”

She specifically talks about the photo–you know, the one that mysteriously disappeared from Vogue Italia’s website, the one with Karlie’s abs of steel contorted such that they caused an internet commotion last week, with many people calling either “anorexia” or “photoshop.”

According to Sozzani, it was neither.

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Published at 9:56 AM

Friday December 9th, 2011

Fashion News Roundup: Franca Sozzani Won’t Attend Meetings, Carey Mulligan Covers W in a Bra, and See Lindsay Lohan’s Full Playboy Spread
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Franca Sozzani Won’t Attend Meetings, Carey Mulligan Covers W in a Bra, and See Lindsay Lohan’s Full Playboy Spread

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Franca Sozzani Doesn’t Do Meetings: The long-time EIC of Vogue Italia told Industrie that she never – NEVER! – participates in sit-downs because “responsible and creative” people “don’t need to have a teacher.” I think my elementary school art teacher would respectfully disagree with that statement, Ms. Sozzani. {Telegraph}

Carey Mulligan Looks Flawless on W, Has a Chip(munk) On Her Shoulder: Carey gets another cover – but this time it’s a new photo! The lady looks phenom in her dainty (Nina Ricci?) bra. {Style Frizz}

Lindsay Lohan’s Playboy Spread is Not So Bad: Damn that girl is stacked. And no full frontal. Brava Lindsay. {OhNoTheyDidn’t}

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Published at 1:50 PM