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: 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