happy new year!

May the new 2007 bring us good health, better jobs, worldwide peace, better Gucci collections, more stellar Jil Sander colors and much, much love.

longetivy of a product

This is a more economical and practical solution to the season's tent/puffy/balloon shape. Two major reasons rise here:

1. Getting more out of the trench coat, as this can be worn everywhere...office, going out, travel.

2. Originality because most likely not many people will own a voluminous trench coat. They will go for the dresses.

By Akris.(because they know how to make daywear exciting)

source:bergdorf goodman mag

wordly photo

This photograph brought back some memories of old 50's photos I've seen around with Marylin Monroe and Arthur Miller. What really caught my attentions is the hazy, almost light dotted technique used for taking this photo. Also, you gather a feeling of closeness from Kelis and Nas, although they are not kissing or holding each other, just like Marilyn and Arthur. I love the way they look at you.. it has so much personality. Notice Kelis' almond shaped eyes and the wonderful lighting falling on her face. What a refined and yet very classy couple.

source: ny mag

one awfully pretty dress

Pay close attention to the romantically braided chiffon on top and how it falls just right on the bias. So delicate, so attention grabbing...it can be all yours for nice $5,500 at Bergdorf. By Marchesa.

the patriot

Government agenda and a supermodel? Quite an interesting idea, if you ask me.

Legend Claudia Schiffer looks more than stunning in a campaign to promote economy in her native country, Germany. We really need to give credit to Germany's Ministry of Economy and Technology for being so creative and thoughtful for booking one of Germany's biggest and sexiest symbols for the purpose of governmental advertising. But then, their concept is not bad at all. Claudia has signature German features from her eyes to the most talked about perfect blond hair in the 90's. With this, maybe things will go brighter when one sees Claudia's beautiful but yet seductive face and body covered with a German flag.

the perfect loop

I find most pants or jeans have that standard, medium width loop. This doesn't always work well with skinny belts because they don't' fill up all the space and end up sitting too low with a big gap unfilled on your pants. Solution? More designers should make pants with shorter width loops such as Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.

source: gq

elle's new star

Is Nina Garcia over? Did "Project Runway" hurt or advance her image? Those questions certainly make me doubt when a creative director is coming on board.

According to news reported in WWD, Elle's future fashion will be in the hands of Joe Zee, a very well known stylist who is contributing to W and was an editor in chief of cancelled Vitals and Vitals Men. There were many rumors of where Mr.Zee would be working after his two magazines were shot down. Keeping a low profile, and declaring that he's not a big partier, Joe Zee can be seen taking walks in Chelsea or grocery shopping in the area. I wonder if he suggested the neighborhood to Vogue's Sally Singer.

I applaud the decision of bringing Mr.Zee to Elle, because his overall taste and design sense is simply stellar. Also, this makes me excited for Elle and what changes he will bring. I expect new page layouts, photographers, and perhaps different sense of what style is at Elle. Most importantly, there will be a big staff change over there very very soon.

source: wwd, getty

robots are everywhere

Cute, no?

the square toe shoe debate

Long arguments and occasional clashing happens more than often between buyers and designers nowadays. Recently, my friend and I started a debate about American fashion and how there has been some improvements in menswear at the mass stores but also how there is so much that needs to be done in the long run. I, a Merchandising major, was stating that menswear design is very hard to change because people have different taste in the U.S. and also culture plays a big role in this game. If stores did not carry what men wanted, for example solid sweaters and square toe shoes, then how would stores make any profits? We need to face the fact that most of America does not have the same vision of what fashion is at the current moment as to a girl/guy living and working in the industry. Do you really think that men will start buying pointy shoes and yellow sweaters? Didn't think so.

He, a fashion design major, argues that it's the buyers fault for stocking stores with non-exciting, poor selected and utterly boring clothes and accessories. Although, I completely understand his perspective as a designer, I think he misses or forgets the concept of profit. We no longer live in a society where choice is limited and people shop at certain places. If you don't have that square toe shoe or the mocha cable knit sweater, I will go somewhere else. Therefore, with this you lose those important factors: money and customers.

Now, how can this be changed? As already stated, some slight changes are being seen. Biggest of them, is that many stores have slim fit options. Second, there are less carpenter/loose fit jeans to be seen, which is probably a result of the slim/straight silhouette that has been present for some time. I don't see big changes anytime soon at the mass level, but it would be very interesting to see what happens next.

So, my dear readers, what is your stand on this debate? Agree, disagree, why, why not...tell me!

ss is for slim shorts

The Coherent will certainly be wearing these slim shorts in the summer. Unfortunately, not Prada but some less money challenging option. Topman designers, you hear this? Although, I have to admit that I and my dear friend X, wore similar slim cuts this past summer and rolled them up. The rolled hem is an important element because it makes them more casual than formal, which puts them on the list of summer wardrobe essentials. And yes, guys with developed thighs can wear this shorts if they are straight cut instead of slim.

Can we please, please leave the cargo shorts for at least one summer? (Sigh) I wish Abercrombie and American Eagle designers would read this.

source: gq.com

the new jean

We simply cannot be counting how many times overalls have been ridiculed and I am sure that many people, including myself have considered them absolutely dull, utterly unattractive and just oh-so-Midwestern. So, let's reconsider this notion again.

The cool people at Iron Army have introduced a new pair of what I would call the 21st century overall pant with straight/skinny leg. Instead of the tacky high patch that regular overalls have, this pair has a smaller patch which is much lower and aesthetically pleasing. Also, this allows for your top to be seen much, much better. Then, they have adopted the skinny fever of suspenders that has been going for a while and attached them in denim to the patch. Result: unwanted classic turned into a hot new denim item.

Available at: Behaviour, NY

source: hx mag

yes, color!

First 2: Vogue US, rest: German Vogue

I am a very big contrast person, so you've guessed that I was in pure joy when I saw these two editorials. Also, rich, vibrant and playful color is much needed since I haven't seen this much intense color for some time. There has been lots of green these couple of last seasons and change is more than welcomed.

Therefore, how about some lemon yellow from Jil Sander? It is such a refreshing color and makes any metallics look wearable for daytime. Perhaps Medici dark red courtesy of Miu Miu? And no, red does not only look best with black and white. How about marine blue? The combinations are endless. What gets attention is playing with non-traditional and new colors. I hope you enjoy it.

photos: tfs.com

spring's hard edge

We all know that Elbaz is a genious. Season after season, he presents us something new, utterly chic and quite memorable. In this case, how could I ever forget his pvc charged collection for spring?? I absolutely loved it, and this was reconfirmed when I saw the lovely Caroline wearing one of his trench coats. Everything from the make up to how the hair slighly is blown and her soft-core yet very strong stare, makes me excited for the season. I enjoyed many of the collections in the fall, and looking forward to wonderful and inspiring editorials during this new season.

Vogue, January 2007

source: tfs.com

error?

I couldn't help but noticing this shoe in the new Vogue US editorial. What happened?? Why Sasha is not wearing the flats, but late 90's strappy spiked hills that remind me of merchandise purchased at Aldo? This looks quite out of the picture to me. What do you guys think?

people

New York Magazine tops everyone this month with a genious cover where Meryl Streep, Sofia, Helen, Ugly Betty and Borat are all in one. Perhaps, some other weeklies or even monthly magazines should take a note??

originality

Talk all you want about Karl. Criticize him, love him, don't like him. Like that matters when you see that even the Christmas lights on his 5th Avenue Fendi flagship store are in the shape of one of the house's most popular bags to date. Bravo Karl and team, and we wish more stores embraced their talent outside of the design studios.

hungry for hilary

I have been waiting for quite some time new material from Ms.Rhoda. Hilary is magical and captures your attention with that brunettes-only stare. Her dark features and little thicker than average eyebrows brings a much needed personality among today's alien/kiddy looking models. She reminds me of the early to mid 90's craze about girls looking healthy, energetic and American. Although, I would not classify her beauty as purely American, she definitely embodies that spirit.

Note to editors: Hire Hilary more and all those complaints about anorexic models might stop.

scans from Harper's January 2007

camera, lights and...??

This is what happens to beautiful clothes when bad lighting is applied. To me, this just looks weird. Look at that light on her arms and most importantly the dress...can you really see the dress? Yes, maybe?? If one has not seen it on the runway, then determining how it actually looks might be hard. I am totally understanding the entire romanticism idea behind this, but has it gone little too far. Too bright...and it looks as a June or July issue instead of January and introduction to the new collections. Oh, the beauty of it...

on the watch

With the constant openings of luxury stores, high sales volumes and evidence of grand wealth, Russia has been placed on the fashion map for a while. Eastern Europeans are increasingly keen on fashion and quite conscious of what's going on in planet fashion. If you're not so sure, just ask Gilles Mendel of J.Mendel who announced today that he is taking a trip to Moscow and meet with his loyal clients who contribute to sold out ready to wear and furs.

Therefore, it's no surprise to see chic Russian actress, Svetlana Metkina making the rounds at film premieres and other functions. Despite the fact that she is quite beautiful and healthy with a great girly smile, Svetlana has that "It" girl factor. I like her style and how is eclectic, but not over the top. She dresses exactly how someone in their 20's should.

Currently, she is in "Bobby", but I sense she might be getting more attention here. Also, I think it would be refreshing to see a new "fashion" girl without her being French or a muse to some big designer. Although there has been a progress in the field of editors who favor certain girls, for example the recent crop of many Chinese actresses, I hope there can be a spot for Svetlana. So, have your radar on for her.

hi helmut

Ah, and how 90's is this? The only slight new thing about it are the skinny cropped jeans. Look at the draping and that slouchy neckline...some bells are already ringing in my head.
I mean, even her hair looks like Alanis Morissette, circa the mid-90's.

In case you didn't know already, this is Yigal Azrouel's look for spring. And, I like it. Just bring back more minimalism please. Tired of seeing roses.