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

Rag Report: Couture Here! Couture There! Couture Everywhere!

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

This month’s issue of Madame Figaro is a real eye catcher for Diane Kruger fans and haute couture fanatics alike. Not only is Kruger featured on the cover, but she’s also in a 22-page editorial of jaw dropping garments right from spring 2011 couture week. Kruger dons Givenchy, Armani Privé, Chanel, Dior, Atelier Versace, Gaultier, Valentino and Alexis Mabille. Lucky, lucky girl!

Riccardo Tisci created a breathtaking collection for spring 2011 couture week. Japan heavily influenced the design process, and the craftsmanship in the details leaves us in awe. Kruger is stunning in Givenchy as she shows the back of the dress to the photographer. The use of space in the image is effective that even though there are grandiose fixtures all around, our eyes are drawn to the detailing of the dress.

John Galliano - need I say more? His 50s inspired haute couture collection provided drama, intensity and an elegance that is famous Dior. Kruger is nothing short of amazing in the gown. Her whole look, from her hair to makeup is flawless. The dress provides a strong sense of romanticism and sensuality to the atmosphere.

The last image of Kruger is of her wearing Valentino. Compared to previous collections, his spring 2011 haute couture collection stuck to the basic simples. Nudes, pastels, ruffles and butterflies were prominent in the collection. Kruger looks chic, sophisticated and the epitome of grace in this image. The photographer’s decision to capture Kruger in a close-up highlighted her features as well as the dress.

Everything works well together. The nude color gown compliments Kruger’s skin tone rather than washes her out. This photo is effortless.

Kruger shines through in each couture ensemble she wears in this editorial. All the looks work for her as her confidence and natural sexiness is displayed in each photo.

-Ivie Igbeare

Rag Report: The good kind of crazy

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

From Stella McCartney to Tom Binns, the fashion world has clearly been inspired by the anticipation over Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. In Vogue Italia’s February issue, Sasha Pivovarova is recreated into the Mad Hatter in the most fashionable way we’ve seen yet.  

 

Vogue Italia Feb. 2010

Photographed by Emma Summerton, Pivovarova wears a quirky orange wig and almost corpse-like makeup. She lounges on beds and couches offset by an eclectic mix of rugs, pillows and blankets. With spring on the mind of most fashion editors, there is a colorful but relaxed feel to the shots.  

 

We're mad for this spread

Pivovarova is donned in variations of tie-dye clothing with a random mix of jewelry piled on high. But our favorite styling choice is those unforgettable John Galliano platform heels.  

 

Notice the Galliano shoe

Our favorite shot features Pivovarova staring up at the camera with an all-knowing, mysterious look. She looks decadent with pounds of accessories that manage to look light and effortless. We are immediately drawn to her despite the busy background.   

 

Our fav shot

- by Lydia Shahmoon