Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

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

The scandal of the week comes courtesy of J.Crew creative director, Jenna Lyons. A feature in the latest J. Crew catalogue and on the brand’s online store titled “Saturday with Jenna” shows Lyons painting her 3-year-old son Beckett’s toenails bright pink. Lyons was attacked by psychiatrist and Fox News contributor Dr. Keith Ablow posted in an editorial on Fox News’ website, “This is a dramatic example of the way that our culture is being encouraged to abandon all trappings of gender identity.” Meanwhile, Erin Brown of the Media Research Center, called the picture “blatant propaganda celebrating transgendered children.” You decide for yourself. [HuffPo, Fox News]

The feature from J. Crew’s website, courtesy of J. Crew

Last week, we told you that Christophe Decarnin has left Balmain. This week, rumor has it that an unknown will replace Decarnin at the legendary house. British Elle, who spoke with a source from the house, reported they plan on choosing an unknown, just like Decarnin was before he started there. “The owners want to support lesser-known design talent,” the source said. An announcement will be made “in the next two or three days.” [Fashionista]

Christophe Decarnin, courtesy of bluefly.com

Christian Louboutin is suing Yves Saint Lauren over a pair of red shoes created with matching red soles. Louboutin maintains that red-soled shoes have been a trademark of the company since 1992, according to the lawsuit, the New York Daily News reports.

A pair of Louboutins, courtesy of NY Daily News and Getty Images

The YSL shoe in question, courtesy of Fashionista and bluefly.com

The Advertising Standards Authority has approved a Miu Miu ad from the Spring/Summer 2011 campaign that came under fire in the UK when some believed the model portrayed to be too thin. The ad shows 23-year-old Polish model, Kasia Struss, sitting in a chair in a low-cut dress with dramatic lighting. [The Telegraph]

The Miu Miu ad in question, courtesy of Huffington Post

Lady Gaga is the cover girl for the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar, and she’s featured wearing the same face and shoulder prosthetics she debuted at the Grammy Awards in February. Naturally, Derek Blasberg asked her about them while interviewing her, and naturally, Gaga insists that they’re natural. “They’re not prosthetics, they’re bones,” she said. “They've always been inside of me, but I have been waiting for the right time to reveal to the universe who I truly am. They come out when I'm inspired. [Harper’s Bazaar]

Lady Gaga’s Harper’s Bazaar cover and an image from the shoot, courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar and New York Magazine

-Julie Kosin

Biz Buzz: Weekly Round-Up

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

After Christophe Decarnin’s bizarre absence from his Autumn/Winter 2011 show for Balmain fueled rumors of a drug addiction and a stint in a mental hospital, Balmain announced in a press release on Wednesday that he has left the label, according to the New York Times. A Fashionista article speculates that he will probably be replaced by Melanie Ward, who worked for Helmut Lang and replaced Emmanuel Alt at Balmain three weeks before the Autumn/Winter 2011 show.

Christophe Decarnin, courtesy of Interview Magazine via The Blay Report

Carine Roitfeld is adding another freelancing job to her list: styling the Chanel fall campaign. She styled model, Freja Beha Erichsen, for a shoot photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Carine Roitfeld, courtesy of New York Magazine

American Apparel is in deep trouble. Aside from the numerous allegations of sexual abuse surrounding company CEO Dov Charney, it also seems as though the company is having financial problems. According to the New York Post, the company lost $86 million last year and might have to file for bankruptcy, according to PE Hub. But Charney told the Post, “This is going to be a year of renewal for American Apparel.”

Dov Charney, courtest of Getty Images via New York Magazine

Dani Stahl, style director at Nylon is stepping down from this role for an at-large position at the magazine so she can have time to work on some of her other projects, which include working as a stylist and designing for jewelry line, Lia Sophia, according to the New York Post.

Dani Stahl, courtesy of WireImage

In magazine news of the week, Style.com, which is owned by Condé Nast, is set to launch a print magazine to accompany its website. The first magazine will be released sometime in October, according to Fashionista.

Style.com screenshot, courtesy of Styleite

If you have an extra $3,300 laying around, why not invest it in Jane Birkin’s very own used Hermès Birkin bag? The bag is currently being offered on eBay, and proceeds from the auction will benefit Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.

Jane Birkin’s namesake bag, courtesy of eBay

-Julie Kosin

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

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

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

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

Biz Buzz: Wrap-Up

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

London Fashion Week just ended. Be sure to check out all the fall 2011 trends from across the pond at New York Mag’s Fashion Shows page. Also, check out FabSugar’s Top 10 trends from LFW.

We’re halfway through Fashion Month! Now it’s on to Milan! Check out the latest shows on Style.com.

Check out Fashionista’s Top 10 Best Collections from New York Fashion Week.

Target’s celebrating five years of their GO International collections by re-releasing looks from the collections. Now you can scoop up that famous nude Rodarte slip dress (seen on Natalie Portman in her pre-Black Swan days). [HuffPost Style]

Have a spare $800 lying around? Invest in these sparkly Uggs, which pay homage to New York City. [Racked]

-Julie Kosin

Biz Buzz: And So it Begins…

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

Courtesy of FabSugar

Fashion Month is upon us! First off we have New York Fashion Week, where so far trends include color blocking, menswear-inspired looks, throwbacks to the ‘90s, and lots of red, whether it’s on the clothes or the models’ lips. Find full coverage of the shows and reviews at Style.com and New York Magazine’s Fashion Show Page.

This year we’re being treated to plenty of backstage coverage as well, thanks to the 24 bloggers blogging platform Tumblr flew out for the week. Find the complete list on Fashionista.

Teen Vogue editor Eva Chen has been chronicling her all-access backstage escapades on her Tumblr blog What Eva Wants.

The Grammy awards were Sunday night. Who tops your best and worst lists? Check out FabSugar and Go Fug Yourself for all the looks (including Gaga’s egg!).

Celebrity fashion line alert! Both Rachel Zoe and Lauren Conrad debuted new collections this week.

Jezebel has a great video of images of pre- and post-Photoshop models. See, no one is born with perfectly airbrushed skin!

Courtesy of Go Fug Yourself

- Julie Kosin

Biz Buzz: Emma Watson Makes Magic with Alberta Ferretti

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

The Ivy League’s favorite witch, Emma Watson, is unleashing her magic outside of Hogwarts: in the world of fashion design. Watson is teaming up with fashion designer Alberta Ferretti to create a collection.

The collection will be ‘eco-chic’ and organic, a cause that Watson is very passionate about.

“I will put it out there that I will work for anyone for free if they are prepared to make their clothing fair trade organic.” Watson said.

This is not Watson’s first dalliance with the world of fashion. She previously created a clothing line for the fair trade clothing company, People Tree.

After seeing her work with People Tree, Ferretti contacted Watson about creating a similar collection with her.

According to Watson, the collection will be ‘classic’, with a 60s twist, reflecting the tastes and styles of 60s fashion icons, such as actress and singer Jane Birkin.

Many of the other details, such as the collection’s name, are being kept under wraps until it is near release, just after Christmas.

Watson has proven that she is fashion savvy and she has certainly transformed from the awkward child star with bushy hair to a stylish fashion conscious red carpet knockout. With inspiration coming from an unforgettable style icon in Birkin, there is no doubt that Watson’s first high fashion collaboration is sure to please.

-Diana Pearl

Biz Buzz: A Larger Stage for Ralph Lauren

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

Remember when the only way to see fashion shows was to actually be there? Long ago are the days when fashion was exclusive to those invited to the actual shows, and the fashion photographers who held the power over the images distributed to the general public.

With the advent of the Internet, fans began to visit the designer’s websites for information and brands began to stream their shows live to the public as they were being showcased. As a result people all over the world could get a glimpse of the fashion world with just one click of the mouse. This past week, Ralph Lauren decided to take things a step further. Lauren’s team put on a show that few could forget at his boutique location on Bond Street in London.

To celebrate his website’s 10-year anniversary, Lauren decided to put on a public show outside the store with a twist: It was in 4-D.

During the night, the latest innovative technology transformed the façade of the store, revealing both a fashion show and video graphics of iconic Ralph Lauren pieces. Using a gigantic green screen, the store front exploded into a live 4-D experience, no glasses needed. Models, Polo players, and iconic items such as the Ricky bag flew into the crowd, giving the public an interactive fashion experience. The final shot displayed the designer waving from the building, ending this new spectacle just like a normal fashion show.

The reportedly multi-million-dollar show gave a new and younger edge to the brand. Through innovation Lauren’s classic preppy designs melted with technology in a way that brought fashion fanatics a new medium to appreciate. If other designers begin to follow Lauren’s marketing model, fashion may in fact reach a new dimension!

-Elizabeth Lafontaine

Biz Buzz: The “Juicy” Details

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

Remember those days in middle school when the Juicy Couture tracksuit reigned supreme? Every girl had the matching velour tops and bottoms in the winter and the terry cloth version in the summer. But, as we grew out of the drama of the 7^th grade, and spending time at the mall while being driven around by our parents, Juicy Couture faded out of our minds as well.

It is because of the lack of interest by our generation as we’ve matured that has lead to a demise of the perception of the brand. No longer do we appreciate the magic of Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor and their fantasy world of fashion.

Skaist-Levy and Nash-Taylor sold the brand in 2008 to Liz Claiborne Inc., and since then the brand, in my opinion, has become stagnate. Juicy Couture seemed to be a part of my fashion past much like the days of Abercrombie and Limited Too, until recently.

For its Holiday 2010 collection, Claiborne, Inc. brought in designer Erin Fetherston. Fetherston, a CFDA winner, Target collaborator, and guest on the Rachel Zoe Project, has a design aesthetic that is both whimsical and girly. The collection, Juicy Loves Glamour Girls, features luxurious velvet dresses and quirky shapes, perfect for any holiday get-together in the coming months. It includes party ensembles, shoes, party purses, jewelry, and hair accessories; no matter what the party calls for, Juicy’s holiday collection has got it handled.

The dresses effortlessly blend Fetherston’s airy designs with the fun and youthful branding of Juicy. An unlikely duo, but Claiborne, Inc. may be onto something with the pairing. If this collection succeeds like I predict it will, Juicy Couture may have the opportunity to regain a generation of customers, and move forward from the tracksuits and Scotty dogs of the past!

Visit Juicycouture.com for more details about the Erin Fetherston collection

-Elizabeth Lafontaine

Biz Buzz: Kate Moss Tops Off Last Topshop Collection

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

On Monday, November 1, 2010, Kate Moss’ last collection for Topshop went on sale in Topshops worldwide. This is her 14^th collection for the British-based store.

The collection, which includes 109 different styles, combines classic looks from Moss’ past collections in addition to new looks created especially for her last collection. Also included in this collection are a few limited-edition items, such as a green floor-length dress.

Moss’ first collection for Topshop was released March 1, 2007. Although Moss met some skeptics upon the release of her first collection, (the actress to singer phenomenon – being good at one thing doesn’t necessarily make you good at another) Moss quickly proved her skills as a designer, reflecting her own flawless style in her designs.

Moss’ collections have historically been quite successful, flying off the shelves worldwide. While this is Moss’ last collection for Topshop, Topshop owner Sir Philip Green commented that this is hardly the end of the relationship between the store and Moss. In addition to her final collection, Topshop plans to release a collection called Kate Iconic, a collection of her 10 most popular designs throughout her 14 collections.

While Moss’ designs will be missed, this new collection is sure to be as memorable as her last. And with Moss’ departure from Topshop comes the promise of something new that is sure to follow soon.

Kate Moss’s Topshop collection is currently available online at Topshop.

-Diana Pearl

Biz Buzz: The Ultimate “Members Only”

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

Picture this in your mind; commingling with Fashion’s best and brightest all while dining in Vera Wang’s Manhattan kitchen. Even though to most of us this seems like an elusive fantasy, this was an annual occurrence for the members of the CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America.

This past Wednesday, the council, made up of some of the well-known designers in the industry and also has a large collaboration with Vogue, wined and dined at the apartment of Vera Wang to celebrate the 26 newly inaugurated members. The dinner marks a new year full of brand new talent and influence on the overall industry. With each season, the new inductees can help the CFDA stay relevant and exciting.

While some of the designers in the CFDA’s class of 2010 are more up-and coming and have less exposure, others are recognizable names, especially to our generation. New-entrant Steven Alan may not come to mind at first, but if you are an avid fan of Urban Outfitters, then you may indeed have his designs in your closet! His Lark and Wolf collection at the store is quite popular and stylish. Secondly, handbag princess Rebecca Minkoff was among those chosen to enter this year. Her purses are current must haves and can be spotted around campus. Finally, the duo of Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon received entrance into the exclusive designer club. They are the team behind Erickson Beamon jewelry, which came into the public spotlight through its collaboration with Target.
The party marks the beginning of a new designer influence on not only the CFDA, but also on the fashion industry itself. This “club” holds the highest power over American fashion, and by being included in it, a designer can write his or her ticket into fashion prominence. The CFDA has a hand in all of the New York Fashion Weeks, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and recently the industry’s fight against the onset of eating disorders.

So, I encourage you to visit their website cfda.com, to see the full list of new members, and to pick your favorites! Because you never know which of the controlling forces in the industry could be the new “in” designer.

-Elizabeth Lafontaine

Bizz Buzz: 'Mom Wear' No More

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

On Thursday, October 21, Tommy Hilfiger converted a Hilfiger collection store at 375 Bleecker St. in Manhattan, NY into a Tommy boutique. The first in the U.S., Tommy is a new men’s and women’s Hilfiger line that is directed towards a younger audience.

“This is downtown prep. It’s quirkier and younger and more irreverent,” Hilfiger said at the store’s opening on Thursday.

A day earlier, two Tommy boutiques were opened in Toronto. Later this year, two more will open in the U.S., one in White Plains, NY, and one in Georgetown in Washington, DC. In the spring, merchandise will be available on tommy.com.

According to an article in Women’s Wear Daily, Hilfiger describes the traditional Tommy Hilfiger line as more ‘uptown’, ‘grown-up’ and ‘refined’, as the Tommy line should appeal to 20-30 year-olds. Because of the age of the target audience, the clothes are modestly priced, ranging from $24 for knits to $139 for outerwear.

Hilfiger’s release of a brand like Tommy could mean a lot for the company. The traditional Tommy Hilfiger line usually appeals to older audiences, which could mean that younger audiences will be wary to try out the new Tommy line. I, for one, usually associate Tommy Hilfiger as clothes worn by my mother’s crowd. However, after leafing through pictures of the new Tommy boutique, I am reminded of the trendy J.Crew, and see no traces of ‘mom wear’. Tommy could be a brilliant way for the Tommy Hilfiger line to appeal to a younger crowd and expand its line.

The Bleecker St. store itself dons a ‘trendy workspace’ theme, in addition to neon furniture.

Currently, the preliminary Tommy stores are just testing the waters for the brand. If the boutiques are successful, then more will surely follow in other U.S. cities.

-Diana Pearl