Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Scott Schuman, famous for his mega-popular blog The Sartorialist, incited a hailstorm of fury Wednesday after posting pictures of fashion blogger Angelica Ardasheva and calling her “bigger” and “sturdy.” The post had 1,426 comments at the time this ‘Cuse Clothes Line post was written. Many of the commentators were unhappy that this girl was considered heavier or plus sized. Schuman updated the post by saying, “I love a post like this. It creates a real and important conversation. A number of the commenters are upset by the word ‘curvy.’ They feel I should have used the word ‘normal.’ However, normal is relative. There is a young lady on my team who is 5'0", and another who is 5'9". Which would be ‘normal’?” Ardasheva responded to the controversy on her blog by saying that she thought she has a “normal body” but “did not mind [Schuman’s comments] at all.”

The photos of Ardasheva that appeared on The Sartorialist, courtesy of Jezebel

Knockoff versions of designer bags are not a new trend, but designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler are not happy that Target is making knockoffs of their PS1 bag under their Mossimo line. “The attitude, the slouch of the bag — they got the weight really right,” Hernandez told the New York Times. This is especially an issue because Proenza Schouler has collaborated with Target on their Go International Collection. “So our product is in Target right now, and then this bag comes out. It’s just disappointing, especially from someone we worked with,” said Shirley Cook, Proenza Schouler’s chief executive.

The Proenza Schouler PS1, courtesy of The New York Times

The Mossimo for Target PS1 knockoff, courtesy of Fashionista.com

Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, is now working as a guest editor and stylist for Barneys New York. She’ll work on its fall ad campaign, catalogue and window displays, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Carine Roitfeld, courtesy of style.com

Super stylist Rachel Zoe and husband Roger Berman welcomed their first child, Skyler Morrison Berman on Thursday, March 24. “Thank you all so much for your love! @rbermanus and I couldn't be happier with little Skyler Morrison in our arms...he is everything,” Zoe tweeted Thursday. She posted a photo of the family on Twitter the following Wednesday.

Roger Berman and Rachel Zoe with their son Skyler Morrison Berman, courtesy of rachelzoe.com

Other news in Zoe-land has Rachel’s former assistant, Brad Goreski, launching his own series on Bravo, the channel that made him famous with The Rachel Zoe Project. “I'm so excited about my show on @bravotv!! Can't wait to start filming ‘Its a Brad Brad World!!’ Dream come true!!” Goreski tweeted Wednesday.

Brad Goreski, courtesy of style.com

-Julie Kosin

The Orange Carpet: Watch My Style

The Orange Carpet scours SU to roll out the best campus style (die, hoodies, die!)

Keaton Fox rocked train conductor inspired jeans with an oversized shirt and lace up boots on a cold Syracuse day. It was an obvious hit. But, what really stuck out was her modern grey Slap Watch. As bold toy like watches have come back into fashion, the European Slap Watch Company did its best to invade the U.S. It conveniently designed a product for only $19.95. You can buy a single watch for the low price or the extra bands so you never get bored of your color. Compared to similar watches that run around $200 by designers such as Swatch Watch or Marc by Marc Jacobs, these modern watches are a steal. They have also been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show and The View. Check out the website! http://www.slapwatch.com/about-slap-watch.html

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: American Brand

Boots: Seychelles

Watch: Slap Watch

Favorite trend: Short lace up boots

Least favorite trend: Sequins

Marc by Marc Jacobs

-Victoria Troxler

Designer Confidential: "The Inspired Rookie - Jess Wolfe"

Designer Confidential highlights the work of SU's greatest fashion asset: its student designers.

Jess Wolfe didn’t always know she wanted to be a fashion designer. She entered Syracuse University as a ceramics major. While taking a textiles class during the second semester of her freshman year, she fell head over heels for fashion design and has never looked back.

“I love ceramics. But it didn’t really support the lifestyle I wanted. After taking the textiles class I could really see a future for myself in the fashion industry,” Wolfe says.

To catch up to her classmates in the fashion program, Wolfe has had to double up on studio electives and work extra hard.

“It is challenging, but I’m learning a lot. It is definitely worth it,” she says.

An extensive history in retail has helped expose her to the ins and outs of the industry. Wolfe has worked at Hollister Co., Pac Sun, Plato’s Closet and is presently employed at Clinique. She sees herself working in the fashion industry with similarly large companies as a ready-to-wear designer.

“I would love to work for someone like Michael Kors,” Wolfe says. “He’s talented and affordable.”

Wolfe is currently working on a midterm for her Fashion Illustration class. The project involves designing a 12-piece collection around two opposing elements. Wolfe was given two pieces of fabric-a leather and an orange knit. Her spring collection combines flirty feminine looks with an edgy rocker aesthetic, relying on tweed, knit, and leather fabrics to give the collection a sweet but rugged feel.

“When looking at my final work for this collection I see my drawing has... developed a lot from the beginning of the year. I really have learned a lot in only a year,” Wolfe proclaims.

Dream Job: To work for a famous designer in the ready-to-wear department. She notes she would also be interested in working as a celebrity stylist.

“I think it would be a really exciting job. I love Rachel Zoe and I think her job is amazing” Wolfe states.

Designer Confidential: She switched into fashion after completing an inspiring project for her Fiber Arts class, which found her looking at a Christian Dior collection inspired by Geishas.

-Christina Riggio

Rag Report: Summer Time and the Fashion is Easy

Rag Report dives under the covers of fashion publications to rant or rave about all the glossy goodness.

This month’s Glamour makes me yearn for days filled to the brim with sunshine and long summer nights. In a spread shot by Max Farago and modeled by Marloes Horst, different summer trends fill the pages. The one thing they all have in common? Vibrant colors.

In the first photo Horst exemplifies a perfect balance between girly and sporty. Her Christopher Kane neon lace jacket and skirt are fun and lively with a touch of feminism. The A.L.C. khaki top acts as a neutralizer between the two shocking colors, and her Adidas Originals give the outfit a laid back feel. Her wide smile and playful stance express the feelings of summer.

The next photo is more laid back and casual. Here, Horst wears a bold sunset orange skirt with a simple plain white tee both by Jil Sander. She casually leans against the rail with palm trees in the background, reiterating the summer season. Her facial expression is carefree as to mimic the attitude of the season.

For this photo, the mood is once again playful but with a sense of confidence. Horst wears a yellow top paired with slightly dark yellow pants both by Max Mara. Her Soludos shoes complement the yellow and seem to bring the island feel to her outfit. She sits casually on the chair with one leg up as she sips on her beverage. Her eyes seem to invite the reader to comment on the bold one color choice.

As I look out the window and see gray skies and puddles created by the recent rain, I can’t help but daydream about the summer complete with colors that come alive and bold fashion trends that make you seen in a huge crowd.

-Brittany Fowler

The Craze: “Sea­–ing” Scalloped

The Craze is a trend report bringing you the latest (and, duh, the greatest) in beauty and styles.

In my recent travels I purchased a pair a scalloped shorts (that are unfortunately no longer available) from Madewell and am absolutely enamored by this trend. The spring collections of D&G and Bebe had pieces with the scalloped feature. Scalloped shorts offer versatility as they can be dressed up or be worn in a casual setting. Most are designed with comfort in mind, including light fabrics, elastic waistbands and are loosing fitting. While shorts are the most common items that feature the scalloped effect, Forever21 now has a mini with a scalloped hem. The temperatures will rise, eventually, until then, start filling your closets with this trend.

Topshop

J.Crew

Forever 21

D&G

Bebe

Asos.com

–Kate Ahrendtsen

Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Film legend, as well as fashion and beauty icon, Elizabeth Taylor passed away Wednesday at the age of 79. She was famous for films such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Cleopatra” and “Father of the Bride” and for the sultry glamour she radiated in her youth. As she grew older, she became known for her over-the-top looks. She was also the first celebrity to have a successful celebrity fragrance, White Diamonds.

Elizabeth Taylor

The CFDA nominations were announced last week. Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs are the nominees for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Other honorees include Phoebe Philo of Céline, who is set to receive the International Award, and Lady Gaga, who will receive the Fashion Icon Award.

Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Lady Gaga, courtesy of NY Magazine

Designer drama! In the wake of the John Galliano’s dismissal from Dior following his anti-Semetic outburst in a Parisian restaurant, many of his fellow designers have been weighing in on the situation. Isaac Mizrahi didn’t hold back with his comments. “It can’t be tolerated,” Mizrahi told New York Magazine. “I never really liked what he did so much. I hope he doesn’t work again.”

Isaac Mizrahi, courtesy of NY Magazine

In the aftermath of the devastation in Japan, the fashion world has been working to provide aid to the suffering: Uniqlo donated $17 million in aid and another $8.6 million in clothes to the relief effort, and also set up clothing donation bins in some of their stores; designers like Tory Burch and Kate Spade have created merchandise that will have 100% of their profits going to Japan; and Forever 21 donated 100% of their sales on January 18 to the relief effort.

Tadashi Yanai, founder and president of Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, courtesy of Forbes.com

Check out this gorgeous commercial for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, starring Keira Knightley.

-Julie Kosin

The Orange Carpet: Spring into Spring Fashion

The Orange Carpet scours SU to roll out the best campus style (die, hoodies, die!)

Despite the winter-like Syracuse weather, it is officially spring! So, ditch your heavy winter clothes and try light feminine pieces. The Orange Carpet spotted junior advertising major, Malory Wheaton, wearing a romantic silk blouse paired with simple leggings and vintage boots. This flouncy top adds a feminine touch to her classic leggings and boots. Tops like these can be worn with shorts and ballet flats for spring. And with the current weather add a cardigan as a cold weather friendly option. These blouses are available at every price point like the more expensive Equipment top found below to the $27 top found at Forever 21. Go get one!

Top: Everly

Leggings: Forever 21

Boots: Vintage

Favorite Trend: Wide leg pants or anything ‘70s!

Least Favorite Trend: Full on animal print

Forever 21
Equipment
Chloe

-Victoria Troxler

The Craze: White-hot Lace

The Craze is a trend report bringing you the latest (and, duh, the greatest) in beauty and styles.

The delicate elegance found in lace has been becoming an increasingly popular trend for spring and summer collections. It started with Dolce and Gabbana’s spring ready-to-wear collection. This collection was a predominantly white collection with most of their garments incorporating elegant white lace as detail work into their designs. The theme of the collection was possessions new and old that a new bride might pack away before she begins a period in her life. The fabrics used for this collection were very loose, airy fabrics like linen, sheer silks, and crocheted material.

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2011 RTW

This incorporation of white lace has also spread to other designer’s pieces. It seems to give garments a summery touch and can also be considered dressy or casual. White lace can be used to give garments notions of springtime, femininity, pureness and sophistication.

BCBG

Yet, while appearing sexy and chic on the runway this trend can sometimes come off as old fashioned if overdone. To avoid looking a bit doily, incorporate a casual piece into the look. For example, with a white lace dress throw on a denim jacket or vest to play down the ultra feminine aspect of the lace dress. Also, it is important to wear lace with clean unembellished pieces. The lace itself on a garment is the embellishment so rock the lace with a clean solid colored piece.

AMRAG

-Christina Riggio

Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Paris Fashion Week just ended, and with it ends Fashion Month. Trends to watch out for on the Paris runways include architectural details, sparkly gold frocks and lots of all-black ensembles. Now to wait patiently for September…

The architectural trend at Issey Miyake, courtesy of New York Magazine

The gold look at Vivienne Westwood, courtesy of New York Magazine

The all-black trend at Nina Ricci, courtesy of New York Magazine

Rumor has it that Riccardo Tisci, creative director of Givenchy, is set to replace John Galliano at Christian Dior. No word on who is to replace him at Givenchy yet.

Riccardo Tisci, courtesy of Refinery 29

A new week, a new scandal: a former American Apparel employee is suing the CEO Dov Charney, claiming that he forced her to have sex with him repeatedly over an eight month period. This is not the first time Charney has been accused of sexual advances towards employees, but none of the previous cases were proven. This is definitely the worst accusation against him we’ve seen yet.

Dov Charney, courtesy of New York Daily News

Super stylist Rachel Zoe tops The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the most powerful stylists in Hollywood. This can’t really come as a shock to anyone; Zoe has transformed herself from the little-known stylist of Demi Moore and Anne Hathaway to a branded machine through her show The Rachel Zoe Project and her clothing lines. Also featured on the list is Kate Young, Natalie Portman’s stylist, who comes in at number two, and Petra Flanner, stylist to Zoe Saldana and Emma Stone, at number three. See the complete list here.

Rachel Zoe, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Meanwhile, the adorable Brad Goreski, the former assistant to Rachel Zoe, has launched his own blog, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a stylist. Check it out here.

Brad Goreski, courtesy of Brad’s Blog

- Julie Kosin

Designer Confidential: The Free Spirit

Designer Confidential highlights the work of SU's greatest fashion asset: its student designers.

Isadora Duncan remains to be one of the world’s most influential dancers-often referred to as the creator of modern dance. Her spirit has inspired countless creatives, even following her untimely death in 1927.

Senior designer Marteal Boniello chose Isadora Duncan as the muse for her final student collection. She focuses on the aspects of Isadora’s life as well as the events surrounding her death. Marteal states, “...[Duncan's] life [was] ended tragically by a scarf getting caught around her neck. [So] I began looking at neck braces and neck rings, and found the Kayan Lahwi tribe of women in Thailand to be my main inspiration.” She also looked to the work of Czech painter Alphonse Mucha to inspire the color palette of her collection.

Boniello incorporates a variety of silks into her collection as well as, woven stretch cotton, leather, and gold weave novelty fabrics as accents. Her color palette includes light, muted colors like mauve, taupe, cream, grayish purple and grayish blue, mixed with orange and gold. “It sounds strange in writing but the colors look very beautiful together,” Boniello explains.

Boniello has interned at Badgley Mischka for the past two years. For students in search of a fashion internship, Boniello suggests simply emailing your resume and contact information to prospective employers- that's what worked for her with Badgley Mischka. Boniello is a fan of many designers but her favorite fashion designer is the late Alexander McQueen. “He [was] a genius,” Boniello says.

Dream Job:

Boniello’s dream job is to be a fashion illustrator for a famous designer. Her position would involve sketching looks for collections and putting together inspiration boards among other things. “It’s a very challenging job, but I’d love to do it, “ Boniello says.

Designer Confidential:

“I would have to say I think my work looks better on paper then in the actual garment form,” Boniello laughs. Yet, if Boniello pursues her dream job as an illustrator this may work to her advantage.

- Christina Riggio

Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Milan Fashion Week has just come to an end, where lace, color blocking, and ‘60s motifs emerged as trends. Now, on to the last quarter of fashion month, Paris!

The lace trend at Emilio Pucci, courtesy of New York Magazine

The color-blocking trend at Fendi, courtesy of New York Magazine

The mod look at Blumarine, courtesy of New York Magazine

John Galliano was dismissed from Dior Tuesday after a video of the designer making anti-Semitic statements in a Paris bar went viral, according to the New York Times.

The designer released a statement Wednesday apologizing for his behavior: “Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence.”

Galliano could now face prison time, according to Fashionista.

Former Dior designer John Galliano, courtesy of Fashionista

The Academy Awards Sunday night was a fashion feast for those who live for red carpet style. Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa, Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana and Cate Blanchett in Givenchy made my best dressed list. Who made yours?

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa, courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy, courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana, courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine

-Julie Kosin