Category Archives: Fashion News

Lagerfeld the outrageous – The designer’s most outspoken and shocking statements to date

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld

Talented, yes. Cultured, yes. Outspoken, absolutely. We all know Karl Lagerfeld is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. As the genius behind the rejuvenation of the house of Chanel, Lagerfeld has single handedly brought the iconic brand into the modern world without losing any of it’s classic charm. Although most agree that he’s incredibly talented, he has also found many ways to ruffle quite a few feathers with his words. The trilingual (German, French and Italian) designer has quite a way with words that only he can get away with. From fellow designers to ex-muses, supermodels, royals and his mother, no one and no fad is safe from the brutally honest opinions of Monsieur Lagerfeld. We’ve compiled some of the 77 year old’s most outrageous quotes for your Friday viewing pleasure.

On his mother…
“I love hats, in a way, but when I was a child, I’d wear Tyrolean hats, and my mother – I was something like eight – said to me, ‘You shouldn’t wear hats. You look like an old dyke…’ Do you say such things to children? She was quite funny, no?”

On not having children…
“It would have been difficult to have an ugly daughter.”

On the Middleton sisters…
“Kate Middleton has a nice silhouette and she is the right girl for that boy, I like that kind of woman, I like romantic beauties. On the other hand, her sister struggles. I don’t like the sister’s face. She should only show her back.”

On style at the royal wedding…
“This was not a collection, this was the choices of this kind of woman for this kind of ceremony: the bad proportions, the ugly hats, the short skirts on fat legs”

On Russians…
“If I was a woman in Russia I would be a lesbian, as the men are very ugly. There are a few handsome ones, like Naomi Campbell’s boyfriend, but there you see the most beautiful women and the most horrible men.”

In spite of his outspoken nature, the designer always seems to be in on the joke

In spite of his outspoken nature, the designer always seems to be in on the joke

On fellow German and supermodel Heidi Klum…
“I don’t know Heidi Klum, she was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn’t know who she is.”

On Ines de la Fressange, his former muse… 
“I wish her all the luck in the world, just so long as I don’t have to see her anymore or hear her spoken about.”

On designer, Yves Saint Laurent in 1984…
‘He is very middle-of-the-road French-very pied-noir, very provincial.”

On Lana del Rey…
“Is she a construct with all her implants?”

On women who complain about seeing thin models in fashion magazines…
“They are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly.”

On the Queen of England…
“She looks a little bit like her grandmother– a more smiley version. In terms of what she wears, she’s come into herself a little bit more– whatever that is.”

On being working-class…
“I’m a working-class person, working with class.”

On meetings…
“I don’t do meetings.”

On office work…
“There’s something boring about people who have to go to an office for a living.”

On losing all that weight…
“Some people would like me to be round again.”

On working so much…
“Why should I stop working? If I do, I’ll die and it’ll all be finished.”

On tattoos…
“I think tattoos are horrible. It’s like living in a Pucci dress full-time.”

Finally, on not taking his words so seriously…
“Everything I say is a joke. I am a joke myself.”

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Spring style – Miu Miu’s latest collection brings back ladylike chic

Ladylike chic is in at Miu Miu

Ladylike Chic is in at Miu Miu

The House of Prada has always been synonymous with refined and at times understated elegance as well as exquisite and extraordinary detail. All you have to do is look back at last year’s Met Gala which honored Miuccia Prada and her accomplishments in fashion. The exhibit featured Prada’s designs from the late 1980s to the present, which meant a lot of Prada frocks on the carpet. From Carey Mulligan’s gold and silver paillete halter dress to Diane Kruger’s feathered violet number and Gwyneth Paltrow’s metallic mini, it was a night filled with some of the House’s most fascinating creations. While the well established brand has flourished over the years, it’s younger sister Miu Miu (an homage to Miuccia’s nickname) has created a niche by not only harvesting the elegance of the elder Prada brand, it has also incorporated a certain “chic” as well some “ladylike edge”.

Pastel Hued Leather - Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

Pastel Hued Leather – Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

A few weeks ago, the Rodeo Drive Miu Miu store in Beverly Hills unveiled what the brand has in store for spring, and it was certainly a mouth watering experience to say the least. Gorgeous pastel leather coats, dyed fur, beautiful stoles and exquisite silks immediately grab your eye. With many of the pieces flown in from Milan, it was hard to ignore the detail that went into creating each look that any girl would be excited to call her own.

The collection featured quite a few leather pieces

The collection featured quite a few leather pieces

Ladylike Chic - Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

Ladylike Chic – Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

Dyed Fur - Miu Miu 2013 Spring Collection

Dyed Fur – Miu Miu 2013 Spring Collection

In the midst of all the skin baring looks du jour, Miu Miu has separated itself by heralding a return to ladylike chic. Far from boring, the collection features pale and understated colors with a personality of their own. For the bohemian chic California girl, colorful platforms in pink, lime green and coral channel the stylish 60s. Crinkled silk blouses and dresses create effortless looks for the on-the-go girl while paint splatter print dresses easily take the working girl from day to night.

Print - Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

Print – Miu Miu Spring 2013 Collection

Get a fix of the latest Miu Miu collection at The Rodeo Drive location. The fantastic selection coupled with an incredibly generous staff makes it luxury at its finest.

Up close and personal on Rodeo Drive…

Gorgeous color and print will easily transition the working girl from day to night

Gorgeous color and print will easily transition the working girl from day to night

Paint splatter print on beautiful silks leave an impression

Paint splatter print on beautiful silks leave an impression

Infusion of polka dots announce the arrival of Spring

Infusion of polka dots announce the arrival of spring

Colorful platforms are perfect for the California girl

Colorful platforms are perfect for the California girl

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The Stylists who rule Hollywood – THR ranks the movers and shakers behind the red carpet

Mariel Haenn, Jennifer Lopez and Rob Zangardi

Mariel Haenn, Jennifer Lopez and Rob Zangardi

They say behind every great man, there’s a great woman; well behind every Hollywood star, there’s an uber stylish stylist. The Hollywood Reporter has once again released its annual Stylists issue. For the third year in a row, the issue showcases the artists behind your favorite stars and their red carpet looks. As every celebrity knows, the red carpet these days can either make or break you. Have a fashion “moment” as Kerry Washington and her stylist Erin Walsh call it, and you’ll find your face planted on every best dressed list. Have a miss, and well, you know the rest.

It takes 2 top stylists to dress La Lopez

It takes 2 top stylists to dress La Lopez

THR’s stylists issue features four separate covers of stars and their stylists, including  Jennifer Lopez and Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn, Zoe Saldana and Petra Flannery, Taylor Swift and Joseph Cassell and Julianne Moore and Leslie Fremar.

Zoe Saldana and Petra Flannery

Zoe Saldana and Petra Flannery

Ranking in the top ten this year are Leslie Fremar (clients include Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson), Petra Flannery (clients include  Zoe Saldana, Claire Danes, Megan Fox and Emma Stone) and Erin Walsh (clients include Zoe Saldana and Kristin Wiig). For the full list, photos, style inspiration and behind the scenes videos, head over to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kerry Washington and Stylist Erin Walsh

Kerry Washington and Stylist Erin Walsh

Zoe Saldana and Stylist Petra Flannery

Zoe Saldana and Stylist Petra Flannery

In honor of the artists that make them look so effortlessly chic, stars like Zoe Saldana, Kaley Cuoco, Nina Dobrev and Naomi Watts stepped out for a luncheon hosted by THR and Jimmy Choo.

Zoe Saldana attended the Hollywood Reporter and Jimmy Choo's Most Powerful Stylists luncheon in L.A. sporting Carven

Zoe Saldana attended the Hollywood Reporter and Jimmy Choo’s Most Powerful Stylists luncheon in L.A. sporting Carven

Nina Dobrev attended the luncheon in a bright red Max Mara jumpsuit

Nina Dobrev attended the luncheon in a bright red Max Mara jumpsuit

Kaley Cuoco went for a splash of color

Kaley Cuoco went for a splash of color

Naomi Watts also attended the event in a printed dress

Naomi Watts also attended the event in a printed dress

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Trend Spotting – Banana Republic goes ‘Mad’ for 60s Mod

Mad for Mod - Banana Republic Mad Men Capsule Collection

Mad for Mod – Banana Republic Mad Men Capsule Collection

Banana Republic took over The Grove on Tuesday, February 26th in L.A. to launch its third Mad Men inspired capsule collection –60s style. Collaborating with the show’s award winning costume designer Janie Bryant, BR took an official leap into the mod era of the 1960s. The collection features bold colors and prints as well as stand out silhouettes that the mod era is known for. Fronting the campaign and on hand to help guests get mod-ified was super model Coco Rocha, who mentioned that her favorite part of bringing the 60s into our modern world is the excitement of inspiring people to dress up again.

Banana Republic Mad Men Inspired Capsule Collection

Banana Republic Mad Men Inspired Capsule Collection

When asked about her favorite pieces from the collection, the self-described “lazy model” (when it comes to dressing up only of course) who has stomped the runway for every high end designer including the likes of Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Christian Lacroix and Emmanuel Ungaro mentioned that  she loved the appeal of the mod shirt dress and the striped knit dress which allowed her to transition easily from a simple and chic daytime look to a sexy nighttime look.

Coco Rocha for Banana Republic

Coco Rocha for Banana Republic

Guests at the mod pod were also given the opportunity to create their own mod-meets-modern look using pieces from the collection, while receiving beauty makeovers reflective of the capsule’s aesthetic. The best part? Your favorite look was on the house.

I had a groovy time getting mod-ified at the Mod Pod

I had a groovy time getting mod-ified at the Mod Pod

Model, Coco Rocha and Mad Men Costume Designer, Janie Bryant launch the Banana Republic Mod Pod at The Grove L.A.

Model, Coco Rocha and Mad Men Costume Designer, Janie Bryant launch the Banana Republic Mod Pod at The Grove L.A.

Launch of the Banana Republic Mod Pod Celebrating The Spring 2013 Mad Men Collection

Launch of the Banana Republic Mod Pod celebrating the spring 2013 Mad Men Collection

The capsule collection will be available at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online beginning February 27, 2013.

 

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Fashion’s biggest night is back – A quick guide to Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles

Taylor Swift campaigns for Fashion's Night Out

Fashion’s Night Out is once again upon us. Since its inception in 2008, the yearly extravaganza that celebrates all things fashion now runs across the world from New York to L.A, London to Paris. From epic sales, to live DJs, food trucks and runway shows, the city is going to be packed tonight with memorable activities. Here’s a quick guide to what’s happening for Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles.

Robertson Boulevard
The retailers of Robertson Boulevard, from Beverly to Third, are opening their doors and inviting you to join them for the first annual Robertson Celebrates! Fashion’s Night Out street party which pays tribute to “Iconic L.A.”

An anticipated 2,000 guests will stroll down Robertson Boulevard enjoying live music, interactive elements and unique art-inspired activities. Each of Robertson’s retailers will be creating a fabulous FNO experience with special branded treats, cocktails galore and extended shopping hours to make sure you get a chance to view all the brands’ latest fall fashions.

And, of course, there will be an invitation-only VIP party with surprise celebrity guests stopping by to celebrate a tribute to Los Angeles’ favorite iconic shopping spot. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s festivities will benefit the Vintage Hollywood Foundation.

Kendall Jenner is the face of FNO Beverly Center

Beverly Center
Beverly Center will shine light on L.A.’s most iconic influences, from fashion to entertainment and music, with a star-studded evening complete with signature fashion shows, celebrity and stylist appearances, shopper incentives and more. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will kick things off with a video address to the public followed by an appearance from Lisa Love, West Coast Editor of Vogue and the evening’s Host, Actress and Singer, Lucy Hale.

Experience the Opening Ceremony and Fashion Shows from all three levels on Beverly Center’s interactive LED Jumboscreen. Fashion shows will showcase fall collections and Kendall Jenner – who is the face of the Beverly Center’s FNO campaign – is expected to attend.

Rodeo Drive
Although there’s no circus theme this year, 30 to 40 stores are expected to host individual events. Bottega Veneta, for instance will introduce a new line of eco-friendly handbags and Chanel will present a new Fashion’s Night Out collection of matching lip and nail duos. Feeling charitable, Prada and Miu Miu will be giving a cut of the night’s proceeds to P.S. Arts, a non-profit organisation that promotes arts education. Did we mention you can also indulge in a little chocolate while browsing for bubbles at Harry Winston?

West Hollywood
Browse the launch of limited-edition accessories showcasing drawings of Grace Coddington’s cat at Balenciaga or peruse fashion installations at Palihouse.

Balenciaga's limited edition Pumpkin bag covered in Grace Coddington's drawings of her cat

When the stores close (or your stilettos give out), West Hollywood invites you to stay and play at their official Fashion’s Night Out afterparty overlooking the sparking lights of the city. Hit the dance floor at The Standard on Sunset from 10pm to midnight (complimentary cocktail hour at 10pm).

The party doesn’t stop in L.A. Over the hill, Westfield is bringing a variety of Fashion’s Night Out events and promotions to its Topanga, Fashion Square, and Santa Anita locations.

FNO Westfield Topanga

WESTFIELD TOPANGA (Canoga Park)
There will be Fashion Shows featuring looks provided by various retailers at 6, 7 and 7:45pm. At Westfield, it also pays to shop. The first 100 people to present at least $1000 in same-day receipts from two or more participating retailers will receive a $100 Westfield Gift Card by American Express or present at least $500 in same-day receipts from two or more participating retailers to receive a VIP Smashbox Gift Bag.

Shoppers can enter-to-win the opportunity to drive around in style in a brand new AUDI. No purchase necessary- just come to Westfield Topanga on September 6th- submit a ticket with your name and email address information (raffle-style) and ten lucky entrants will receive a key to try and open the car (only one key will win).

Shoppers who download the new FREE Westfield App can search for the best FNO deals and latest trends at Westfield Topanga http://www.westfield.com/us/mobile.

WESTFIELD FASHION SQUARE (Sherman Oaks)
For the ultimate girly girl –enjoy a screening of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and enter-to-win a “LBD” contest or you can indulge at the “Mini-Mani Lounge” by Sephora, where guests can receive their own mini-manicure by Sephora make-up artists.

Over at the Tech-Social Lounge, shoppers can enter-to-win the newest Beats by Dre headphones, take custom photos in the lounge photo booth, and demo other fun tech accessories and gadgets.

No need to be jealous of the Canoga Park shoppers, there are freebies to be had here too. At the Fashion Perks Lounge, the first 100 shoppers to sign up for the Westfield Fashion Square email list and ‘LIKE’ the center’s Facebook page will receive access to the lounge, which includes a gift bag of giveaways and special offers from center retailers. You’ll also have the opportunity to redeem receipts of $300 or more for a $25 gift card, and complimentary refreshments and mocktails.

WESTFIELD SANTA ANITA (Arcadia)
Get a little style advice at the Style Lounge led by Style For Hire pros, offering free, 15-minute styling consultations. Shoppers can also enter-to-win VIP styling sessions via the Westfield Santa Anita Facebook page.

You can also let loose with the Breeder’s Cup branded photo booth experience, stocked with Breeder’s Cup fashions like fascinators and fedoras for fun FNO photos and don’t forget to check out the on-site, enter-to-win contest offering one set of four Breeder’s Cup tickets and free Style Lounge session for the winner and their three guests. The winner will also receive four $100 gift cards.

So there you have it, all the tools you need for a fabulous night out. Grab your friends and your wallets and get ready to shop till you drop. I’ll be tweeting my way around town so feel free to follow me @WemiO and @ruedechic

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Solange Knowles’ recent style transformation pays off big time

Solange Knowles for Madewell

Solange Knowles’ recent style transformation has paid off big time. The sometimes DJ and sister of superstar singer Beyoncé  has landed a contract with fashion company Madewell. The sister company of J.Crew has worked with the likes of Dree Hemmingway as well as Alexa Chung who actually designed a collection for the brand. It’s not Solange’s first turn as cover girl either. Just last year, she was named as an ambassador for beauty company Carol’s Daughter. Check out Solange’s super chic behind the scenes video and share your thoughts below.

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Blake Lively plays Gucci’s golden girl in first ad for the fashion house’s Premiere perfume

Blake Lively is golden for Gucci

Gossip Girl alum Blake Lively is channeling old Hollywood glamour in her first ad for Gucci’s “Premiere” perfume. The 30 second spot helmed by “Drive” Director Nicolas Winding Refn sees Lively strutting down the hallway of a gorgeous Los Angeles home in a beautiful, backless gold dress.

Blake Lively for Gucci

Blake Lively struts through the desert in perfume ad for Gucci's Premiere

The ad is slightly reminiscent of Charlize Theron’s spot for Dior but the statuesque blonde holds her own. There are also shots of her walking through the desert in a gorgeous teal number as well as taking “Premiere” for a test drive with a seductive spritz. Tell us what you think of Blake’s ad below. Are you tempted to give the fragrance a try?

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Spring dreaming – Doo-Ri makes a stylish splash at Macy’s

doo.ri for Impulse dress - Sleeveless Scoop Neck Pleated A Line Belted Maxi ($75)

With design heavy hitters like Karl Lagerfeld, Giambattista Valli and Matthew Williamson already under their belt, Macy’s is at it again with their latest designer collaboration. Next on the list is acclaimed designer Doo-Ri Chung. Known for her sleek, modern creations that combine couture techniques with sportswear fabrics, her capsule collection is right on  time for spring. So, what do you have to look forward to? (more…)

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Suffering for fashion – Would you tempt fate in these 8-inch gravity-defying Louboutins?

Christian Louboutin ballet heels on display at The Shoes for Show exhibition in east London

Christian Louboutin is a master when it comes to the art of shoes. His red soles are recognizable every where and have graced the feet of celebrities, royals and fashionistas alike. It’s no surprise then, that a man who’s been in his field for so long has to push the limits and challenge how far women will go for the love of fashion. On the ‘heels’ of such gravity defying creations like the Alexander McQueen Armadillo platforms (as seen on Lady Gaga, Kelis and Beyonce) as well as the Heel-less Antonio Berardi PVC boots sported by Victoria Beckham,  the king of shoes has designed a pair of heels that even the bravest and style-obsessed fashion divas would think twice about.

Lady Gaga attends the Video Music Awards in 12 inch Alexander McQueen Armadillo heels

Alexander McQueen 12 inch Armadillo heels on the runway

Victoria Beckam in Antonio Berardi's heel-less platforms

Victoria Beckham's Antonio Berardi shoes

Christian Louboutin 8 inch ballet heels

So what’s Louboutin’s reasoning behind creating these? The French designer who views “the classical dancing ballet slipper <as> the ultimate heel” told The Sun he wanted to create “heels that <would make> dancers closer than any other women to the sky, to heaven”. Yes, these heels look like they could definitely land you in another dimension. All jokes aside however, The Swarovski crystals embellished slippers were designed to raise money for the English National Ballet and they will probably be bought as a display and not for every day wear or for any special occasions for that matter.  Share your thoughts on the 8-inch Louboutins below….When it comes to heels,  how high do you feel comfortable going?

 

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Ooh la la… The Giambatista Valli Capsule Collection launches at Macy’s today

Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's Black Dress $139 Red Dress $99 Pink Dress $139

Who: Über talented Coutourier, Giambattista Valli is making a fashionable stop at Macy’s. Known for his extravagant designs and great party dresses, the collection will be Valli’s first foray into affordable fashion.

What: With heavy hitters like Karl Lagerfeld and Matthew Williamson having already paved the way, Giambattista Valli is joining the ranks and bringing his couture sensibility  to everyday and special occasion pieces, just in time for the holiday season. No one does color or print like Monsieur Valli and he most certainly doesn’t hold back with this collection. His work not only shows an elegant craftsmanship but his love for the female form and spirit.
“This capsule reflects my enduring loves, but is really a celebration of my biggest inspiration of all – the energy and vitality of women themselves,” said Giambattista Valli. “I love dressing them for all their happiest moments, making them feel as special as possible. This collection is a passport into my world and a chance to experience the passion and romance of my house and Paris itself.”

Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's Dress $129

Already counting fashion stars like Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker as fans, the designer will no doubt be adding many more appreciative women to his fan base with the launch of this collection.  The capsule collection will feature all the elements that have made Valli an international sensation over the past few years. Expect feminine fabrics, bold prints and shocking color. Priced on average from $50-$150, the line will showcase cocktail dresses, flirty skirts, feminine blouses, lightweight jackets, edgy pants and graphic t-shirts.

Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's Maxi Dress $129

Where: “Giambattista Valli for Impulse Only at Macy’s” collection will be sold in approximately 225 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com.

When: The limited edition collection hits stores today, October 26th 2011. It’s not guaranteed to be there the day after.

Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's Leopard One Shoulder Dress $109 Black Dress $109 Leopard Shift Dress $109

Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's Blouse $79 Jacket $139 Pant $109

 

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