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

Rag Report: Highlight the World With Vibrant Colors

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

The grey Syracuse days are complemented by dark jackets, winter accessories, and chunky snow boots. However, after flipping through the March issue of Elle, the editorial, shot by Terry Tsiolis and styled by Lester Garcia, was dedicated solely to bright colors. Not only did it brighten my day (both literally and metaphorically) but also gave me something to look forward to.

The photos portray a sense of edginess and rebellion. In this photo, the model not only wears a Versace silk jacket and skirt, but also a fierce expression. She bites her lip, and her eyebrows, full and bold, frame her intense gaze. Her short hair is freely styled and sends out a bold statement. Around her wrist she wears a chunky Mary Katrantzou crystal bracelet that reflects light and adds more color to her outfit.

This next photo has a more mellow tone to it. The model is in a peculiar pose that resembles something a child would do. Her gaze is subdued and her hair is spiked. The deep royal blue Prada stretch jacket and forest greed Prada cotton skirt provide a rich contrast that gives the outfit a sophisticated look. Her Prada wedged heels give the outfit a playful feel that mimics the pose.

In this photo, we see a combination of vibrant colors from head to toe. The model is wearing a magenta viscose-blend bodysuit by Max Mara with green Rochas silk shorts and highlighter yellow Christian Louboutin sandals. Her expression seems to dare readers to judge her. The color is then picked up by her contrasting yellow and magenta eye make-up.

After seeing this spread, I found the ability to keep trudging through the grey winter. This spring we can all look forward to vibrant pops of color.

-Brittany Fowler

Rag Report: Down-to-Earth Under the Fireworks

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

Katy Perry went from the singer of “kissed a girl” to a pop culture sensation overnight. It’s no wonder Elle magazine put “pop’s sweetest vixen” on the cover of their March issue. Carter Smith captured Perry and Joe Zee styled her in the latest trends. Readers can see the personality of this pop sensation and, how grounded she truly is.

In this photo, Perry has her arms spread like an eagle allowing us to see her as she is. Her facial expression is soft yet serious, showing us she has nothing to hide. There is a sense of promiscuity in her gaze, but also a contrasting sense of innocence. She is wearing a white Pam Hogg lycra romper with chiffon sleeves and a gold headband around her waist. Her outfit offers angelic connotations, which conveys a sense of innocence.

The second photo Perry wears a strapless Oscar de la Renta dress with a swansdown skirt and Christian Louboutin water snake pumps. Her luscious wavy hair frames her soft facial features. She wears an interesting expression of confusion or uncertainty, which shows us that although Perry is full of self-confidence, she doesn’t always know the answers. In the article readers will get a sense that Perry [doesn’t feel like she can “act like an entitled bitch yet.”]

Readers see a more sensual and seductive side of Perry. She is wearing a Blumarine silk-bland dress with a Robert Lee plated brass collar around her neck. All of the angles of her face are beautifully pronounced as she gazes into the mirror. The shadows also add to the atmosphere and the lights create noticeable highlights on her face.

The articles and photos portray Perry as a fashionable, bold and fun pop star. She is in love with her career, husband, Russell Brand, and staying true to herself.

-Brittany Fowler