December 22, 2007
December 20, 2007
STREET STYLE: AROUND THE WORLD WITH STREETPEEPER
Our friend Phil over at Streetpeeper has developed a global network of street style scouts who have been eagerly snapping away at the trendsetters that populate some of the world's major cities. Streetpeeper also asks each subject what designers they are wearing. Very handy if you want to "Steal that look"! . Anyway, we've prepared a little street report we like to call Around The World With Streetpeeper. Check it out after the jump!
Streetpeeper in Seoul
Oslo
Paris
LA
Berlin
Amsterdam
MATERIAL BOY AND MJOLK FOR TOPMAN SS08
Topman has announced that two of our favorite designers of the moment, the Australian Material Boy and Danish/NY-based Mjolk will be designing capsule collections for the shop’s super-trendy, designer collabo Lens area. Material Boy’s Mic Eaton has designed an eclectic mix of directional pieces including printed hoodies, cut away panel T-shirts, skinny cotton lycra trousers and pleat front shirt shorts. Mjolk’s collection has utilitarian feel, and a simple tailored aesthetic interspersed with bursts of color. Not planning to be on Oxford Circus anytime soon? This season Lens will also be sold online at topman.com. At last!
Mjolk Material Boy
Q&A: Daniel from Fashion Indie
Continuing our Q&A with fellow fashion bloggers, we hit up Daniel at Fashion Indie -- and, quite frankly, I have no idea how he found the time to answer us. The man is on a mission ("Rome wasn't built in a day... If I'm gonna make Entrepreneur's Young Millionaires by 30 I need to hustle.") and he is definitely taking the media world by storm. Fashion Indie is an ever-growing network for all things indie: from LA to London, the site's numerous blogs feature news on indie designers, musicians, and events. But blogging is not all Daniel does all day -- find out about his side projects, like Trendible.com, his super secret plans for January, and his warning for Anna Wintour after the jump.
Posted by Laura Kenkel
Q: When was Fashion Indie started?
A: Our company began way before our first blog post. Fashion Indie was started in the summer of 2005 when I was trying to develop a fashion show for a restaurant I was promoting in Chelsea. The concept was simple: bring five good independent designers together for a midnight fashion show. I partnered up with a former college buddy, Busie Matsiko, who at the time was developing events for a lounge in the Meatpacking District. After the event the designers were so happy since there were few opportunities for them to show their collections with out the all out costs of a runway show. We continued developing events and launched FashionIndie.com as a way to report on our favorite designers and showcase them to an audience broader than those who were at the shows. Now Fashion Indie is a network of 15 style blogs, a magazine, and video production department that has created content across MySpace, YouTube, and Style.com.
Q: What is the concept behind Fashion Indie?
A: Initially our focus was on local New York fashion designers, but that quickly shifted as we realized that many of our readers were from Los Angeles and London. We then began talking about international designers available in major cities. We added some more "flavor" to the site by engaging the indie lifestyle. Now we feature style advice, music artists, celebrities, and events that are focused around Indies.
Q: What did you do before?
A: I have been in fashion all my life. My mother was a designer for Norma Kamali and I witnessed first hand the difficulties of making it in the fashion world. My first job was in retail and I quickly rised in the ranks working manager positions at Club Monaco and Joseph Abboud. I attended Berkeley College in 2000 and graduated with a bachelors in Electronic Commerce, which helped me manage and grow the dotcom aspect of Fashion Indie so quickly.
Q: Do you work anywhere else, and if so, what do you do?
A: In addition to President of Fashion Indie, I am the Managing Editor of Trendible.com, a social network focused around the fashion lifestyle. Currently in
private beta the site is built around the network that Fashion Indie has built. Right now models, designers, stylists, and fashion editors and bloggers are on the network building and managing their online fashion lives. The site will launch in February of 2008, right in time for New York fashion week. Once it does everyone will be able to join.
Q: What trends have you seen / do you like / do you hate?
A: I feel the real trend is the death of the trend. The Internet and more importantly blogging has allowed individual publishers to have a larger audience than traditional magazines. This has introduced new voices in fashion, each with distict perspectives on what's next. The real trend is individuality and the discovery of one's personal style. Once someone has found that, they will discover that there are always new designers and ways to build on their look without looking like everybody else, so watch your back Conde Nast, we're coming for ya.
Q:What do you do in your free time and what is a typical day like?
A: What's free time? I work everyday, all day. Rome wasn't built in a day and if I'm gonna make Entrepreneur's Young Millionaires by 30 I need to hustle. Because of this my typical day is a little like this:
7:00AM - Wake-up, breakfast, check emails
8:00AM - Write a couple of posts on FashionIndie.com
9:00AM - Write a couple of posts on Trendible.com
10:00AM - Phone calls. Usually designers we are working with, models, stylists. If we have a show coming up most of my mornings go to our events coordinators.
12:00AM - Network management on Trendible.com which includes contacting members directly for feedback and updating content.
1:00PM - Lunch
2:00PM - Sometimes it's working with sponsors, production meetings for the magazine, development of new partnerships for Trendible and Fashion Indie.
7:00PM - I get a lot of requests for appearances at fashion events and I try to make each one. Anna Wintour might sit front row during fashion week, but I'm backstage all year. The local design community really loves Fashion Indie since we are one of the last publications that is really dedicated to them.
10:00PM - Research and the occasional Googling of "Daniel Saynt"
12:00AM - Bed
Q: What are you favorite designers, bands, movies, cities?
A: I have so many favorites. I love Love Brigade, their collection has a real message an a unique design story which is missing from a lot of fashion. Wrath Arcane, A-Z and Opening Ceremony are some of my favorite mens wear designers. For women I love what NaturevsFuture does as well as what is happening in Canada with Wonhundred. Wonhundred needs to get their butts over here already. I also love South African brand Los Cojones del Perro. They are hilarious and extremely inventive.
Favorite movie: Zoolander
Favorite city: (are you kidding?) New Yorker, born and raised
Q: Anything else?
A: Fashion Indie is doing big things in 2008. We just signed a deal with Maurices, a chain of 700 stores owned by Dress Barn, to find the next great handbag designer. We are working with Fashionext to bring our designers into virtual worlds like Second Life and Kaneva. We have already started signing up designers that are looking to get onto these networks. In September, we will be launching Fashion Indie Week: Brooklyn which will coincide with New York fashion week and feature the very best emerging talent from Williamsburg and beyond. We are planning to announce a few new acquisitions and partnerships in January. All are hush hush, but once announced we will have the largest network of independent fashion press in the USA, both in print and online.
HEDI'S READY -- FOR A NEW LABEL, A BLOG AND MORE
There have been few people as influential as Hedi Slimane on the international menswear scene in the past few years. When he left his gig at Dior Homme last spring we were sad to see him go but excited to see his personal projects flourish. We just recently discovered his blog -- there's no words (just the way we like it!) and lots of large size, black and white photographs of the people, places and things influencing le monde du Hedi. The effect is both inspiring and stunning. Check it out! We've also just learned from DNR that the designer is in talks with his old bosses at LVMH to possibly launch his own house under their aegis. We will keep you posted on this!
December 18, 2007
MEDIA: BRANDON HOLLEY BACK IN ACTION
Were you wondering what ever happened to Brandon Holley? We were just talking about her. Ever since her much ballyhooed gig as EIC of Jane ended last summer when the mag folded Ms Holley has been running a low profile. But now she's back in the media. Mediaweek reports today that Brandon is now working as executive producer of Yahoo Lifestyles a new position at the cyber giant. Yahoo spokesperson confirmed that she has oversight for Yahoo’s food, health, astrology, tech and green editorial content and is expected to oversee forthcoming launches in other content areas. Holley reports to Amy Iorio, general manager, vp, Yahoo Lifestyles
RETAIL: CARROTS, SAN FRANCISCO
In one of the oldest commercial neighborhoods in San Francisco, a thoroughly modern, high-end boutique has opened its doors. In November, Carrots officially took over the Jackson Square real estate that once belonged to the restaurant famous for its scene in Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1958 film, "Vertigo." Now, the 4,000 square foot locale carries 50 ready-to-wear lines for men and women, along with tons of designer denim and sprinklings of accessories, housewares, and skincare.
Posted by Laura Kenkel
photo from apparelnews.net
Melissa, Barbara and Cate Grimm
photo by by Vasna Wilson, Drew Altizer from sfluxe.com
The luxe boutique was created by sisters Melissa and Catie Grimm, who named it Carrots as a nod to their family's business, Grimmway Farms - the largest grower of baby carrots in the world. With best-sellers like cashmere sweater dresses from Manetti ($900) and Lotan's silk shirtdresses ($573), it's clear that this mega boutique is aimed at, and created by, San Francisco's most stylish. There is an abundance of luxurious designs for women, like Thakoon, Alberta Ferretti, and Helmut Lang, and pieces from Yigal and Band of Outsiders for men. In Spring/Summer, the Grimm sisters plan to expand the men's collection.
photo from sfluxe.com
The boutique is receiving raves from big spenders and window shoppers alike, however, because along with the pine-worthy clothes is an awe-worthy experience. Along with a gorgeous interior of high ceilings and exposed brick walls, shoppers can pick up carrot cake cupcakes from the indoor bar. Now who can resist that?! Here's to hoping the sisters continue their family's legacy by planting more Carrots over on the east coast.
December 17, 2007
COUNTDOWN TO CAPSULE: GRAM SE
Swedish design firm gram has extended their current line of footwear to produce the Gram SE collection. The new SE series takes the gram brand to a new level. The first model from the new collection utilizes a aesthetically simple but technologically advanced high-top. The full grain leather includes a swappable sole system which allows users to switch up their soles when the yellow "freshness" stripe is worn through. The lining and insole is produced with hydrophobic materials to ensure quick drying and comfort. Available at select accounts in Japan, Scandinavia and Australia with a price set at €220 EUR (approximately $322 USD).
Gram SE will debut in the US at the Capsule show Jan 22 & 23 in NYC. (photos and text via Hypebeast)
FEATURE: SUNG CHOI OF CLAE
Sung Choi founded Clae in 2001, it went to do great success and by 2003 Clae was awarded the Sportswear International Fashion Award (SIFA) for “Best Men’s Footwear Collection.” After a 3 year hiatus Clae is back sold at some great stores around the world such as NYC' s Reed Space and LA's Union. Theme Magazine have featured the brand this month, but you can also check out more at their site, where the shoes are available online too.
(via SlamxHype)TIM HAMILTON RESORT
Tim Hamilton designed an exclusive resort collection for Bergdorf Goodman that is heading for stores any day now. The CFDA-nomnated designer sent us a sneak peek of his new lookbook, which his friend, Tina Tyrell shot recently at the Carlyle Hotel. Born in Iowa, and trained as a designer at J Crew and Ralph Lauren, Hamilton appreciates Americana and improves on classic menswear styles with updated colors, and innovative silhouettes and layering. The blue-dominated resort collection palette makes us want to run off and take a cruise to nowhere! And these boys! What cuties... We've got more pics after the jump.
December 16, 2007
CAPSULE SHOW SET FOR JANUARY 2008
(capsule) show part two is up and popping!!! The second installment of the hottest menswear event in NYC is scheduled for January 22 & 23 2008 at the Angel Orensanz center in NYC. (capsule) is sold out and newcomers to (capsule) include Bijules, Cavern, Chronicles of Never, Corpus, Feiyue Shoes, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Gourmet, Narrative Footwear, Nove, Pegleg, Relwen, Simon Miller jeans, Shades of Greige, and YMC. Click here to see a full roster of participating designers.
GREY ANT POPS UP IN LA
We hear from Style.com's blog that one of our favorite LA based designers, Grey Ant, is the second designer to be featured in New High (M)art pop up shop in downtown LA. Brian Lichtenberg was the first featured designers. Designer Grant Krajecki's high waisted pants, and other sexy girlie basics will be available at the shop through January 31 2008..
Photo: style.com
Q&A: Jill Smith at DenimHunt
New to the blog world, and already stealing our hearts, is DenimHunt: the long-awaited blog for advice and daily news on the world's favorite trend of all time. The site launched less than a year ago, becoming an instant goldmine for fashion mavens. I caught up with the woman behind it all, Jill Smith, a former PR manager at Cotton Inc. for the inside scoop on the creation of the site. Get the lowdown after the jump.
Posted by Laura Kenkel
Q: What is the concept behind DenimHunt?
A: We're about anything and everything denim. In recent years, the premium denim market has exploded, taking jeans from casual weekend wear, to everyday, office and cocktail wear. I noticed the trend of luxurious denim going beyond $200 jeans at Bloomingdales and a real community of collectors talking online in a similar fashion that sneakers have become collectible. DenimHunt.com is great because it not only covers consumer stories, we also report on news in the industry, giving everyone the feeling of being a true denim industry insider.
Q: What is your background?
A: I am currently the manager of public relations for Cotton Incorporated where I oversee their fashion and events projects. Previous to this I was an assistant at Paper Magazine and a stylist with publications such as Vogue Nippon and GQ. I even wrote for a few music publications. Not only did working in the fashion industry give me a lot of friends to call on when we first started, being at Cotton Incorporated really introduced me to the technical side of the denim industry.
Q: What do you do when you're not working on DenimHunt?
A: At Cotton Incorporated, I work(ed) in the PR department with most of my focus being on the support of young design talent such as Jeremy Scott, Alexander Wang, and Vena Cava. I work with them on everything from fabrication to collaborative design projects. Needless to say, there's never a dull moment! I love working with the designers and getting inside snoops at their collections. It certainly gives me inspiration when I'm making calls all day pitching stories to editors!
Q: What trend do you like right now?
A: The trend I really love at the moment is the unisex trend. Companies such as Cheap Monday, April 77, Levi's, and Tripp have designed styles that fit men and women. With boys stealing girls jeans and girls stealing boys jeans, it seems like the perfect compromise. I think a lot of denimphiles are with me in feeling that we're happy to see over-thought, heavily embellished denim take a step to the sidelines. I love super clean, luxurious washes be them dark or light. They really allow the craftmanship and tailoring to shine.
Q: What is a typical day like for you?
A: A typical day is so great because it's always different! I live in Greenpoint and come to the Cotton Incorporated offices around 9am to work on my "day job" of PR activities for them. I scour all the trend sites like Cool Hunting and High Snobiety to see what's new as soon as I sit down. I always hit my email early as a lot of denim companies send me info. about new products or events. From here I try to update the site as much as I can throughout the day and then head home around 6pm. Usually there is a lunch with a new designer or a meeting to disucss press outreach for a collaboration. I try to leave by 6pm and head to dinner with editors or various fashion/design events. Of course this schedule all goes out the window during pre- and post- fashion week. When I'm lucky, I get home and sit on the couch with a big plate of thai food and a full line-up of non-fiction TV like the History Channel and NOVA. A lot of my free time ends up being fashion and denim related. I love going to galleries and wandering the city (usually with a coffee in hand!) I'm so excited for the Jeremy Blake memorial show starting Nov. 10 at Feigen. His melting digital artwork always makes me feel like I can find something more hidden and avant garde to share with our readers. I'm also a big fan of hitting local hangouts like Welcome to the Johnsons or 205. No one ever expects it, but I'm a huge outdoor fanatic and always make time for the latest episode of NOVA or Everest: Beyond the Limit.
Q: What are your favorite designers, bands, cities?
A: For denim, my favorite designers at the moment are 192 Doves, the denim line from Rubin Chapelle and Diesel. I'm also a big fan of WESC and Iron Army for dudes. When it comes to fashion designers, I tend to obsess over the dark and avant garde. My heart is with Rick Owens forever. I'm also a huge fan of Viktor & Rolf, Jeremy Scott, Comme des Garcon, Bouddica, and Balenciaga. Favorite bands are always hard! I used to write music reviews and was such a music snob. Now I find myself singing along to 90s cheese like Dishwalla. I'd give my arm to go to a Beck show, he's my absolute favorite musician. His wife's line, Whitley Kros, which just launched in LA, is so amazing and has some great denim pieces. You can always find the Replacements, Motely Crue, Skid Row, and Springsteen in rotation with french songstresses like Carla Bruni on my iPod. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Clash of the Titans are both classics for me. I love darker films such as American Psycho and the Machinist. I love New York, but I can easily feel at home in Paris. I just ordered the Rosetta Stone program off TV to hopefully help me learn French. I love going home to WY to visit my parents on their ranch. It's a complete fashion detox which is necessary sometimes.
Q: What do you think about Freemans Sporting Club first jeans range?
A: I'm so excited for the Freeman's range. I'm a big fan of their hidden meca off Rivington including their restaurant and the shop. No matter what they do, it is sure to be a success.
Q: What do we all need to run out and purchase as our denim staples?
A: I think one of the greatest things about denim is it's so individual without being unwearable. I love seeing a pair of jeans evolve from prestine indigo to a stained, rumpled mess. Everyone needs a great pair of jeans that fit in all the right places. These aren't the jeans you wear to work; they're the jeans you wear to the bar with a roll of quarters for the jukebox.
Q: Any advice for other bloggers?
A: Hmmm, admittedly, I feel like I'm still the new kid on the block. I think it's always important to write truthfully. This doesn't mean you need to be a complete softie! If you're going to bash someone's photo or design, do it with some fact behind it, not just an insult. Also, step outside your comfort zone once in a while. It's very easy for me to write about a line like Rick Owens Dark Shadow. However, it's not always easy for me to write about a new CEO joining a brand, or a stock plummet, but these stories make for a more well-rounded, respected blog.
Q: Anything else!
A: This was the most fun interview yet! I feel like I shared much more than I needed to. Oops!
December 15, 2007
WARHOL X PEPE
Not sure if you heard but last week Pepe jeans announced that it would be making a collection of jeans inspired by Andy Warhol. This is the second posthumous collection for the artist (Levi's did one as well). So, why is Warhol such a denim icon? The NY Observer trues to get to the bottom of this.. "What is it with Andy Warhol and jeans already? A Madrid-based fashion label called Pepe Jeans London has just announced plans to create a collection of clothes and accessories inspired by the posthumous Prince of Pop. But this isn’t the first time a jean brand has been created with Mr. Warhol in mind. Last winter, during what seemed like the final gasp of a Warhol-mania resurgence, Levi Strauss & Co. teamed up with the Andy Warhol Foundation to launch a clutch of cotton wares called Warhol Factory X Levi’s. Pepe, too, has joined forces with the painter’s foundation. Except their 250-piece men’s and women’s collection, which will debut in Florence next month, is to be called The Andy Warhol Collection by Pepe Jeans London—an umbrella title that will comprise two sub-lines, called, of course, Pop and Factory. Pop will draw from his iconic works, like the whole soup can situation. Factory, on the other hand, will be more ethereal, looking to the man and his milieu for inspiration." Read the full story here.
photo:NYO
December 14, 2007
FOOTWEAR: Designer Hi-Tops
It seems everyone is trying to get a hand, or foot rather, into the ever growing urban/streetwear market. Although the originals such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma still hold the reigns, there seem to be some new kids on the block. These aren't newbies to the fashion world, but are actually household names when discussing fashion week in New York, Paris, and London. We've picked some of our favorites from the fashion big shots.
Lanvin
Posted by Alexandra Ben-Gurion
Not only do these hi-tops have a designer label on them, they are sleek and simple enough to wear to various occasions. Wear them with your slim Dior Homme jeans, or Armani suit, they'll look great regardless. Visit Diabro to check out all of the cool designer duds from Balenciaga, Dior Homme, Lanvin, YSL, Moncler, and Raf Simmons.
Dior Homme
YSL
Alexander McQueen
Lanvin
December 13, 2007
TYO
A denim collector’s favorite, The Year Of... collection arrived in Hong Kong today at Delay No Mall- a new shop in Causeway Bay. The Year Of... features the works of TonyMagnetic, his personal style and fashion experience of the last 15 years presented in a unique limited edition collection of denim and sportswear. Only 36 pieces of any one design are being released for the Hong Kong market. There are exclusive pieces presented for the first time in Hong Kong. The ladies denim package is the first of its kind, using holographic screens, metallic embroideries and more. We’ve got pics after the jump.
JWT'S TOP 10 LIFESTYLE TRENDS FOR 2008
Blue will replace green as the environmental movement's color du jour. Aging populations will increasingly outsmart chronic disease as genetic testing and other medical breakthroughs become widely available. And reality checks will kick in as the American tech bubble and Chinese economic bubble continue to stretch. These are among 10 trends for the near future as forecast in a report released today by the ad agency JWT. More key trends after the jump.
Blue is the new green: Climate change has quickly become the driver of environmentalism 2.0, and people worldwide understand that climate is all about the seas and the sky -- both blue. Watch for "green" to become a subset of "blue," which is coming to denote the much larger emerging spirit of good-citizen ethics.
Radical transparency: It's the new generation gap, a divide between
those who relish privacy and those who want to show and tell all. For
younger generations, "nothing to hide" will be the new norm. But look
for radical transparency to temper (at least temporarily) as online
exhibitionists enter higher education and the workforce.
photo: sfgate.com
Cooperative consumption: Fractional ownership is moving beyond the shared planes of the jet-setting elite. The masses are already sharing everything from art to cars to designer handbags, and as technology for pooling demand and resources becomes increasingly sophisticated, this model will be applied to an even wider range of categories.
photo:springwise.com
OTTO DESIGN GROUP GETS BOOSTED
Our friends over at the retail design firm odg / otto design group collaborated with mobile device maker Boosted to launch LERY (pronounced luh-ree), a temporary retail / gallery space in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Adjacent to the iconic lifestyle boutique Reed Space, the installation features works by artists Madsteez, Mint & Serf, and Dean Bradley's Mainframe. The tiny storefront was transformed by the dynamic installation conceived and executed by otto design group, in collaboration with the Boosted creative team and the artists. Check it out at 151 Orchard thru December 31.
THE TRAINWRECK THAT IS MARC JACOBS
You've read all the reports about Marc Jacobs going off the deep end. Now the Britney Spears of fashion has gone too far- see exhibit A (left) MJ as a cameltoe!
BEN SHERMAN X LAST NIGHT'S PARTY
Our girl Dana Dynamite over at Ben Sherman has teamed up with Merlin Bronques from Lastnightsparty.com to create a group of really fun images for the brand. The goal is to call attention the bold new Ben Sherman logo, The Plectrum. Starting this month the images will be used in an outdoor flyposting campaign around NYC. The project consists of several photos of real people outfitted in the SS 2008 collection and will be on display at the Ben Sherman store in Soho beginning Feb 1. Of course, there will be a fabulous party to kick it all off… We’ve got a sneak peek after the jump.
MARKETING: REEBOK'S "FRAMED"
Reebok is getting into the short film game with “Framed”- a series starting tomorrow that will air on Fridays at 10:30 on IFC that presents an unfiltered, real view of the biggest names in sports and entertainment both on and off the field, court and screen. In “Framed” Reebok pairs up entertainment icons who are asked to be directors for the first time, with professional athletes, who become the subjects of the films. Celebs featured in the series include NBA All-Star hottie Baron Davis “framed” by television and screen star Emmanuelle Chriqui, basketball star Allen Iverson “framed” by music icon Nelly and more. Each half-hour episode will follow the athlete/entertainer pair over two days as they get to know each other during the intricate film making process that culminates in the premiere of a short film. December 12, 2007
ACCESSORY: PUBLIC SCHOOL X RKIVES NYC
Public School a member of the BPMW family has released a limited bag collection with NYC based Rkives NYC. Here's what the new lifestyle blog Selectism had to say about the projec: "Watching young design firms continue to output great product is what keeps the HS staff happy. In house favorite, Public School does that (again) by teaming up with Rkives NYC, in creating a two new bags for the coming Spring/Summer 08 markets. Founded by bag designer (and former Akademiks staffer), Sean Ziran, Rkives NYC is an exclusive modern vintage bag collection hand crafted in New York City. Each bag by Rkives is handmade by the designer himself. Rkives's Tote and Duffle Bags produced for Public School, use the finest hardware and fabrics for production: Zizi Italian Zippers, detachable keyrings, and heavy cotton hounds-tooth black and white fabric. Both the Tote and Duffle are available exclusively via Fred Segal (LA), Memes (NYC), and Arrive (MIA) in a very low run of 30 bags. Its about quality."
STREET PICS: Art Basel
Since one of our favorite art festivals, Art Basel, is over, we'd like to recap some of our favorite outfits from the fabulous few days in Miami.
Posted by Alexandra Ben- Gurion
Photo: FaceHunter
In keeping with the Miami Art Deco/sherbert colored aesthetic, these outfits are sure to melt away that winter cold.
Photo:Stylesightings
Photo:FaceHunter
Photo:Stylesightings
December 11, 2007
REQUIRED READING: THE YEAR OF DRESSING DANGEROUSLY
Can we finally put the 80s behind us? The NY Times believes we can, proclaiming the wild and crazy style of the early '90s as the new black. "...1992 marked a stylistic crossroads; within a year, the synchronized dances and whimsical clothing would be bludgeoned into obscurity by the gritty sound and military-style gear of choleric rappers like Wu-Tang Clan, Onyx and Boot Camp Clik," writes Ben Detrik. The story covers the roving 1992 party produced by NYC scenesters Oscar and Vashtie. Read the full story here.
SALE: MEN'S SAMPLE SALES IN LA
If you're a guy, and you're on the West Coast, we've got some great info for you! Our friends at The Stylephile have compiled a list of sample sales that cater to menswear taking place in the next few weeks. It's all listed after the jump.
The Saturday Sale takes place 12/15 and 12/22 from 10am to 3:30pm with 50% to 85% off men's and womens' name-brand clothing and accessories by Streets Ahead, My Tribe, Timmy Woods, David Cline, Young Fabulous and Broke, English Laundry, Antik Denim tees, Side Effects, Single, Loco Lindo, Komarov, City Girl, Rocawear and more. California Market Center, 110 East 9th St., Downtown Los Angeles. Enter off Olympic. $1 entry fee.
The Paul Frank Holiday Warehouse Sale is on Saturday 12/15 (9am-4pm ) and Sunday 12/16 (10am-2pm) with up to 65% off signature tees, hoodies, accessories and more. Paul Frank Industries, 960 W. 16th St., Costa Mesa, 92627. Cash and credit card only.
Lisa Kline's warehouse clearance sale started Saturday 12/8 and lasts thru 1/22, with up to 70% savings on Madison, Manoush, Vince, Fred Perry, Ever, and Modern Amusement. 140 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tel: 310 246 0907. Cash, check and credit card accepted.
The James Jeans showroom at the Cooper Building downtown is having a sample sale on weekdays through 12/21 with pricing at below wholesale. 860 S. Los Angeles St., #200, Los Angeles. Credit card and cash.
Hank Player is opening up their factory warehouse to the public for a sale, which lasts through 12/15 , daily from 10am to 4pm. Tees that retail at $60-$70 are now $20, Hoodies that sell for $90-$100 are now $40. You'll also find pants, tanks and more. Everything is made right here in L.A.. 11129 Van Owen, North Hollywood, 91605. Cash and credit card only.
MAGAZINE NEWS: GRAVURE
American fashion magazines are so focused on the commercial, that, unlike in our European counterparts it's rare to find one that places emphasis on the imagery as well as the fashion. We just heard about a new mag (via JC Report) called Gravure, which is out to change that. Launched by former stylist (and our former intern) Lisa Mosko and her husband- the photographer Alex Freund, Gravure combines experimental photogpraphy, as well as new technology (visit the website to see a video by Susan Cianciolo! and tune in to a podcast). Here's what Lisa had to say in the JC Report about the project: "We wanted a platform where we could create complex, inspired imagery, which uses sophisticated, relevant fashion and shows it in a cerebral way." Read the full story here.
FOOTWEAR KEY ITEM: MANGA
If your social calendar is packed with fun and festive evenings, you've gotta have the right shoes. This style, The Manga by Ted Baker Footwear is available now at Blackbird Seattle. they represent the perfect blend of fashion and traditional, with a touch of holiday chic!
RIZZO AT PAUL SMITH
Paul Smith is hosting an exhibition in his Mayfair, London shop dedicated to the work of world-renowned photographer and revered furniture designer, Willy Rizzo. Rizzo, one of the most influential photographers of the 1960’s, shot to fame with his photographs of Hollywood icons such as Marylin Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Gene Kelly. His inimitable talent enabled him to capture his subjects in unexpected and insightful poses never seen before. Rizzo soon became a name amongst the fashion set – his portrait shots of Yves Saint-Laurent, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin were unequalled and he soon became a regular photographer for such esteemed titles as Vogue, Harpers and Paris Match.
More info and pics after the jump.
Having reached a pinnacle in the world of photography, Rizzo turned his hand to furniture design and over the next decade he made some of the most stunning and striking pieces of furniture of the 1970’s. His celebrity friends snapped up piece after piece
Having reached a pinnacle in the world of photography, Rizzo turned his hand to furniture design and over the next decade he made some of the most stunning and striking pieces of furniture of the 1970’s. His celebrity friends snapped up piece after piece making his work much sought after and highly collectible. This winter, in association with Mallett, Paul Smith is delighted to be exhibiting a rare collection of Rizzo’s photographs and furniture in his Mayfair shop. Rizzo, now in his 80s, has returned to furniture design for the first time in decades to create a limited edition picture frame especially for this touring exhibition.
NOM DE GUERRE'S S/S COLLECTION
Nom de Guerre has been leading our segment of the market since it opened its doors 3 or 4 years ago. Between the subterranean retail space on Broadway, and the unique assemblage of streetwear and directional, more tailored menswear collections and their great house label, NDG definitely sets the standard. They've released a fabulous look book with images of their spring collection. We've got some after the jump.
(photos via slamxhype)
December 08, 2007
FOOTWEAR: FEIYUE SHOES
We recently heard about Feiyue shoes (don't ask me how to pronounce it!) and we think they're going to be a big hit at the upcoming (capsule) show, January 22 & 23. THe term refers to an elevation of body & mind, according to Chinese tradition. Like the Converse of China, the brand has been around since the '20s and has been worn by everyone from pro soccer players to Shaolin masters.
STEVEN VOGEL COVERS ART BASEL'S ART
Our friend Steven Vogel is out in Miami for Art Basel this weekend and is actually there for the art! He's posted his commentary on some of the shows he's attended and photographed some of his favorite art work on his blog, Blacklodges.com. See what he's up to by clicking here.
CATOR COVERS ART BASEL
Our very own Cator Sparks is down in Miami this weekend covering Art Basel for Style.com. He's attending dozens of parties, soirees, cocktails and fabulous poolside fetes, including Andre Balasz's intimate party at the Raleigh. Check out what he's up to at style.com's blog, Style File.