 Well this is a disappointing way to end the week. Nicole Castrogiovanni, vice president of sales at Modern Amusement, confirmed reports this morning that the contemporary sportswear label has ceased operations, effective immediately. Castrogiovanni stated:
“With regret, I am writing to inform you that Modern Amusement has ceased operations effective immediately. In light of prior management disputes, it is a difficult but necessary choice. Unfortunately, this is all the information we can provide at this time and we are unable to elaborate on all the details. This is deeply troubling for myself, Mossimo and the entire Modern Amusement family.”
The uber preppy West Coast brand was founded by designer Jeff Yokoyama and later acquired by Mossimo Giannulli. It's really too bad. I really like the Modern Amusement brand.
Castrogiovanni did not offer a reason for the brand’s closing… however it is yet another example of the struggling economy.
Once the men’s shows in Milan and Paris wrap up it is time for one of the most over-the-top and fashionable times of the year... the Paris Haute-Couture shows. The shows started Sunday January 24th and wrapped up on Thursday January 28th... and let me reassure you that they delivered jaw-dropping creations! This isn’t a normal fashion extravaganza... Paris Haute-Couture week is a wonderful and complicated thing. Now the term “couture” is one of the most over-used words in fashion but it generally always refers to high fashion. Of course in France... and for this particular week it has a very specific meaning. Haute-couture is made to order for a specific customer and is usually made from the most expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail... often most pieces are created by hand and are one of a kind.
It’s also not a week for just any designer who wants to put on a show. The following design houses are the only certified couturiers and the only designers who are permitted to show collections during this particular fashion week: Adeline André, Anne Valérie Hash, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Dominique Sirop, Franck Sorbier, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maurizio Galante, Stéphane Rolland and John Hogstad Lund. There are also four correspondent members: Elie Saab, Giorgio Armani, Maison Martin Margiela and Valentino, as well as a list of rotating guest designers.
Here are a few highlights from the ultra fabulous week:
Christian Dior
Monday January 25, 2010
John Galliano's spring/summer collection for Christian Dior had an elaborate equestrian theme. The audience gazed in amazement at models prancing through the grand salons of the Dior mansion… some with dressage-style top hats others with over teased hair that was piled into giant masses. Early cat walkers wore super fitted jackets and looked like they were on their way to the stables for a riding lesson... and then voluminous ball gowns appeared in a variety of colours! It was as incredible and over-the-top as Galliano himself. Of course the designer himself appeared on stage at the end of the collection in full costume before kneeling down to kiss Dior model Karlie Kloss’s hand.
Giorgio Armani Prive
Monday January 25, 2010
Pure elegance and exaggerated silhouettes were dominant on the runway when Giorgio Armani presented his spring/summer haute-couture collection in Paris on Monday. A haunting moon against clouds formed a dramatic backdrop for the show... models walked the runway in shimmering pieces that all featured a muted colour palette. The collection of blacks, whites, silvers and dark navy were striking in the moon themed collection. “Why the moon? Because it is romantic,” the designer said after the show... and it certainly was. Notable guests included: Tina Turner, Anne Hathaway and Marianne Cotillard.
Chanel
Tuesday January 26, 2010
Fashion God Karl Lagerfeld’s spring 2010 haute-couture collection for Chanel, which he called his “neon baroque”, hit the Paris runway on Tuesday with lots of incredible pastel, silver and gold garments. The craftsmanship was incredible and garments included one dress and jacket that featured over 13,000 satin flowers while another embroidered satin and chiffon dress apparently took over 190 hours to create. The shoes were incredibly excessive and included silver shoe-boots with carved heels and pearl trimmed soles. For the finale Lagerfeld’s muse, model Baptiste Giabiconi, walked the runway in a gold suit escorting Abbey Lee Kershaw wearing the final customary and very elaborate wedding dress. The closing gown, which included a cape made from 200 meters of tulle and silk, took 1,300 hours to make. Notable guest included: Alexa Chung, Claudia Schiffer, Kayne West and Amber Rose.
Stephane Rolland
Tuesday January 26, 2010
Stephane Rolland is relatively new to the haute-couture scene, however in the three short years since launching his own label the designer has definitely made a memorable impact. Some of the most dramatic gowns in the last couple of years have been courtesy of the French designer and the spring/summer haute-couture collection was no different. Pieces that came down the runway had sharp and dramatic accents and amazing details. Think extreme sequin detailing, interesting shapes and fabric jetting at the hips as well as fabric gathered and exploding at the hems. Most impressive was the laser-cut Plexiglas and the amazing sheen added by the gleaming lacquer on many pieces (lacquered pieces received a reported 20-30 coats!). The closing gown may not have been the most wearable gown... but it was truly incredible!
Givenchy
Tuesday January 26, 2010
Ricardo Tisci, Givenchy's current couturier brought a little big top circus to Paris with his spring/summer 2010 haute-couture show. The short show consisted of 22 looks and featured piles of silk, organza and sequin. A touch of Goth glamour could be found in some of the garments while others cried out Saturday Night Fever with a early 70’s flare... and then of course there were the elaborate couture gowns! Crazy, over-the-top and elaborate. Tisci said the show was all about “beauty, early '70s Paris, erotica and, of course, Serge Lutens”. Notable guests included: Ciara, Kanye West and Amber Rose.
Elie Saab
Wednesday January 27, 2010
Elie Saab is known for delivering elegant, over-the-top, sexy red carpet gowns... and the designers spring 2010 haute-couture collection delivered everything you could expect and much more. The colours were delicate pastels and many of the gowns featured thigh high slits that added in that trademark Elie Saab sex appeal! Other creations were shorter featuring excellent draping and totally sassy vibe. Overall an utterly glamorous and feminine collection! Notable guests included: Dita Von Teese, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky and supermodel Olga Kurylenko.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Wednesday January 27, 2010
Jean Paul Gaultier turned his spring/summer 2010 haute couture collection into a Mexican extravaganza in Paris. Gaultier explained: “I saw 'Avatar' and, like everyone, found it extraordinary. And from there, I began thinking of nature and ecology, and the Latin American tropics and from there it was not very far to Mexico”. The collection was one divine detail after another... cut out and humongous details were abundant. The show finished with French-American chanteuse Arielle Dombasle singing a Mexican aria on the runway while Gaultier came out to take his bow. Gaultier fave Dita Von Teese was of course in the front row.
Valentino
Wednesday January 27, 2010
The haute-couture season concluded (for the exception of the jewelry shows) with the spring/summer collection for Valentino. It was an interesting show to close with... I mean it was perhaps the least dramatic of all of the shows this past week. Valentino's new design team wanted their collection to represent their vision of Eden. Models, some blindfolded, walked the runway wearing vibrantly coloured chiffons, and super short skirts. A fabulous collection… but left me wanting a little more drama.
(Photos courtesy of: Getty Image Entertainment)
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: 10:03 PM in Abbey Lee Kershaw, Armani Prive, Baptiste Giabiconi, Chanel, Christian Dior, Claudia Schiffer, Dita Von Teese, Elie Saab, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris Haute-Couture Fashion Week, Stephane Rolland, Valentino
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First let me just say that Annie Leibovitz is amazing. The woman has been behind the camera for countless iconic photographs throughout the years and now in a genius move... Louis Vuitton has convinced the famed photographer to let herself end up in front of the camera. Yes, Louis Vuitton finally convinced Annie to pose and be apart of the LV "core values" ad campaigns. She agreed on the condition that she would be photographed with someone else... and the person she selected was the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov. Here is the result:
 The amazing picture of Annie posing next to her own three-year-old Louis Vuitton monogram Neverfull bag gazing up at the barefoot ballet legend was captured in Annie’s own New York studio. The tag line along the bottom reads "The journey of a star, captured in a flash". I absolutely love it but what do you think? Louis Vuitton communication director Antoine Arnault had this to say about Annie "She’s a real, pure, 100 percent artist... We’ve always been very committed to her, to her talent". Arnault also said the photograph shows the "moment of quiet and calm" that Leibovitz is able to achieve with her subjects. "She just gets in their souls". The Annie spots will begin appearing in newspapers and magazines beginning February 1st. (Photo courtesy of: Louis Vuitton)
Last week I gave you the lowdown on the men’s 2010/2011 collections shown in Milan... this week it’s time to check out what happened in Paris. Yup, the men's catwalk shows moved from Milan on to Paris with shows taking place from Thursday January 21st until Sunday January 24th.
Here are some quick overviews of the some of the hottest shows that hit the Paris runway:
Issey Miyake
Thursday January 21, 2010
Issey Miyake was the first major designer to kick things off at Paris Fashion week. Bold colours and patterned prints made a dramatic yet masculine impact on the runway.
Louis Vuitton
Thursday January 21, 2010
Louis Vuitton presented a safe yet fashionable presentation of menswear inspired by Vienna in the 1920's. Relaxed suiting and interesting details on jackets and pants were also seen.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Thursday January 21, 2010
The inspiration for Jean-Paul Gaultier's latest collection was violence and the boxing ring. Bruised and bloodied models walked the runway wearing cool casuals and layered basics.
Yves Saint Laurent
Friday January 22, 2010
Stefano Pilati, creative director for YSL, brought structured modern pieces to the runway. The presentation was really one of their best collections in recent memory.
Givenchy
Friday January 22, 2010
For this collection Riccardo Tisci brought along some sophistication for the Givenchy boys. Sandal-wearing models wore lean silhouettes, lots of leather and lots of layers.
Viktor & Rolf
Friday January 22, 2010
Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren always deliver awesome shows and for this collection the theme was the Rolling Stones song Paint It Black. Oh yeah the clothes were outstanding.
John Galliano
Friday January 22, 2010
What is Paris fashion week without John Galliano? One of the definite highlights of the week brought a taste of Sherlock Holmes to the runway for his latest collection.
Dior Homme
Saturday January 23, 2010
Kris Van Assche presented a slick Dior collection with a dark colour palette. Sleek, sexy yet masculine.
Balmain
Saturday January 23, 2010
Christophe Decarnin brought a collection of sophisticated grunge to the runway. Sophisticated fitted jackets matched with ripped jeans was Balmain cool
Lanvin
Sunday January 24, 2010
Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz got the inspiration for Lanvin’s latest collection from the street. Relaxed casuals dominated the runway.
Paul Smith
Sunday January 25, 2010
Paul Smith brought rock n’ roll inspired clothes to the runway for his latest collection. Bright colours and interesting prints were everywhere.
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: 12:12 AM in Balmain, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Paris Men's Fashion Week , Paul Smith, Stefano Pilati, Viktor & Rolf, Yves Saint Laurent
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Ever since Alexander McQueen’s 2010 spring/summer collection fashion writers have been going nuts... Without a doubt the ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ collection was the best show of the 2010 spring collections. It was spectacular... it was insane... it was everything that is magical about fashion... and it’s been getting mad press ever since the models stepped off the runway. If you need a reminder... think Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video which I wrote about here. The actual collection was so incredibly over-the-top and very few celebs have had the courage to wear it on the red carpet but now we have the upcoming advertising campaign to fawn over.
 The advertising campaign was shot by Nick Knight and stars model Raquel Zimmermann covered with 30 snakes. YIKES! What do you think? Do you love it or is it a little too creepy for you? (Image courtesy of: Alexander McQueen)
Another weekend... another award show. The 16th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place last night in Hollywood with a red carpet that was strangely conservative but I was still able to find some best and worst dressed ladies.
So which celebs made the best dressed list...?
There was: Kate Hudson in a white long-sleeved Emilio Pucci gown; Lea Michele in a emerald green Malandrino gown; Christina Applegate in a gorgeous Roberto Cavalli gown with Swarovski crystal detailing; Diane Kruger in a mustard yellow Jason Wu gown; Marion Cotillard in a white short and sassy Elie Saab Haute Couture dress; Penelope Cruz in a L’Wren Scott embellished dress; Sandra Bullock in a black Alexander McQueen gown; Dianna Agron in a Edition by Georges Chakra gown; Kyra Sedgwick in a fantastic white Vera Wang gown and Anna Kendrick in a sensational royal purple Alberta Ferretti gown.
For the full low-down on which ladies I thought looked stunning on the first big red carpet of the year click here.
And the worst dressed...?
Sophia Loren in a questionable black Armani Privé gown; Toni Collette in a tiered tablecloth Rafael Cennamo gown; Patricia Arquette in a very glittery green floor length gown; Paula Patton in a off white J. Mendel tulle gown; Drew Barrymore in a The navy tiered Monique Lhuillier gown; Meryl Streep in vibrant Balenciaga gown; Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen; Carey Mulligan in a red strapless Lanvin gown and Michelle Monaghan in a two-toned grey and purple beaded Calvin Klein dress.
For the full look at which leading ladies I thought particularly underwelmed on the red carpet click here.
Well that's what I thought... what about you? Who was your best dressed? Who was your worst dressed?
(Images courtesy of: Getty Images Entertainment)
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: 4:56 PM in Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Award Shows, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Carey Mulligan, Catherine Malandrino, Diane Kruger, Dianna Agron, Elie Saab, Emilio Pucci, Georges Chakra, Giorgio Armani, J. Mendel, Jason Wu, Kyra Sedgwick, L'Wren Scott, Lanvin, Lea Michele, Meryl Streep, Monique Lhuiller, Paula Patton, Penelope Cruz, Rafael Cennamo, Roberto Cavalli, SAG Awards, Vera Wang
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One of the celeb ad campaigns that received the most mixed reviews last year was Mango’s fall/winter 2009 campagin which stared Scarlett Johansson. Maybe it was because she had replaced the amazing Penelope Cruz. Well mixed reviews or not the actress was picked once again to model the Spanish retailer's latest advertising campgin. Here’s a look:
 Scarlett Johansson had this to say: "I love working with Mango: This is the second campaign I have done with them. The photographer, Mario Sorrenti, makes me feel very comfortable: his sessions are great fun. I see Mango as a casual brand, with lots of variety - fresh and youthful. My must-haves are jeans and t-shirts." I have to admit that I'm actually loving this. I think Scarlett looks sensational! What do you think of Scarlett’s latest modeling gig? (Images courtesy of: Mango)
The latest ad campaign to find it's way to my hot little hands is Alberta Ferretti's spring/summer 2010 ad campaign. The campaign stars models: Constance Jablonski, Dorothea Barth Jörgensen, Hanne Gaby Odiele and Kasia Struss and it was shot by superstar photographer Steven Meisel. Here's a look at the italian fashion designer's latest ad campaign:
 It's a little like crazy ballet don't you think? To be honest... I don't know if I'm diggin' this one. There might be a bit much going on. What do you think? (Images courtesy of: Alberta Ferretti)
Milan kicks things off for the fashion world each year and the Milan leg of men’s fashion week began on Saturday January 16th and wrapped up on Tuesday January 19th. The autumn/winter 2010/11 shows didn’t bring anything unexpected... in the face of a struggling economy designers decided to play it safe with their collections. Here are some quick overviews of the some of the hottest shows that hit the runway: Dolce & Gabbana
Sunday January 17, 2010This year Dolce & Gabbana celebrates the 20th anniversary of their men’s collection and the label’s winter collection brought us the styles of an old school Sicilian construction worker. Authentic-looking work-wear included sleeveless undershirts and dirty footwear. It was macho, sexy, tough and their best collection in years.
Costume National Homme
Saturday January 16, 2010
Costume National Homme presented a collection of dark suits with sharp tailoring. Things seemed a lot more causal with pants rolled up and lots of cool messenger bags.
Jil Sander
Saturday January 16, 2010
For the Jil Sander’s collection, designer Raf Simons presented pieces with flawless tailoring using a colour palette of white, grey and navy. It was all a ver classic look for Jil Sander.
Burberry Prorsum
Saturday January 16, 2010
Christopher Bailey's Burberry Prorsum presented a parade of classic coats for the upcoming season which was perfect because outwear is always what Burberry does best.
Roberto Cavalli
Sunday January 17, 2010
Roberto Cavalli presented a collection of plaids and pinstripes for the boys next autumn... eccentric and somewhat wearable. Pieces like the metal tanks and furs proved to be more than a little more edgy, hardly sensible and not for everyone.
Vivienne Westwood
Sunday January 17, 2010
Vivienne Westwood's latest collection for men can only be described as homeless chic. Models walked the runway wearing scraps of fabric sewn together before the British designer was carried out in a stretcher to a thunderous applause. It was all so unusual and all so Westwood.
Emporio Armani
Sunday January 17, 2010
Emporio Armani's collection for next winter was an 80’s flashback with lots of bright fabrics. The sporty pieces looked like they could be taken off the racks and worn on the slopes.
Prada
Sunday January 17, 2010
Think "prep" to the max... that’s what Miuccia Prada presented with Prada’s collection for men. Overcoats, old school and tweed blazers, casual slacks and brightly coloured crew-neck sweaters with plunging necklines that were cropped above the waist to show off classic blue dress shirts. Slightly feminine and only slightly interesting.
Gucci
Monday January 18, 2010
For next Autumn Frida Giannini presented a men’s collection of blazers, knits, turtlenecks and slim fitting trousers in a colour palette of impressive tans, beige's and creams. The overall silhouette of suiting was narrow, with a slim almost equestrian-style pants cropped at a sockless ankle. Accessories were a huge part of the show... the over-sized bags in suede and leather were gorgeous.
Versace
Monday January 18, 2010
It was goodbye glam and sophistication and hello to clothes made for a futuristic nightclub. Donatella Versace, who dubbed her winter collection "anticrisis", presented a men’s collection filled with blazers, biker boots, super-tight leather pants, sleeveless tops all done with a colour pallet of greys and psychedelic colours straight from the 70’s.
Alexander McQueen
Monday January 18, 2010
The master of the macabre brought a little creepy to his autumn/winter Milan collection. The avant-garde collection was pretty slick and... haunting. McQueen showed off knitwear, fur and a fascination with skeletal remains.
Dsquared2
Tuesday January 19, 2010
Canadian boys Dean and Dan Caten brought some hardcore to the runway with their collection which was apparently inspired by hockey and slasher films. Low waist denim, leather pants, super slick jackets, dress shirts splattered with blood, bow ties decorated with Swarovski’s and much more. The show also made headlines when Bill Kaulitz, the lead singer of the German band Tokio Hotel, walked the runway in a creepy sparkling, feathered over-the-top creation followed by a gang of bloodied, bare-chested hockey players.
Giorgio Armani
Tuesday January 19, 2010
Giorgio Armani brought something he called “romantic futurism” to the Milan catwalks with loose tailoring. Bookish glasses and stylish berets were worn by all of the models that walked the runway.
And that's a flavour of the men's collections in Milan. Quick heads up... Men’s Fashion Week in PARIS runs from Thursday January 21st until Sunday January 24th.
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: 10:42 AM in Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Costume National, Dolce & Gabbana, Donatella Versace, Dsquared2, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Jil Sander, Milan Men’s Fashion Week, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Vivienne Westwood
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Award season is officially underway and Sunday’s nights annual Golden Globe ceremony kicked it all off. The formal award ceremony and dinner is the first part of the film industry's awards season, which culminates every year with the Academy Awards. Well the 67th annual Golden Globes definitely brought out the very best and the very worst in celeb fashion.
So which celebs made the best dressed list...?
Penelope Cruz was glamorous in a black lace Giorgio Armani Prive gown; Olivia Wilde transformed herself with a striking gun-metal Gucci beaded gown; Kate Hudson looked phenomenal in a white Marchesa gown; Emily Blunt stunned in pink Dolce & Gabbana; Lea Michele looked absolutely fabulous in a dramatic Oscar de la Renta gown; Drew Barrymore killed it in futuristic Atelier Versace gown; Heidi Klum looked fantastic as always in a shimmering sky blue Roberto Cavalli gown; Sandra Bullock went vibrant in a violet Bottega Veneta gown; Dianna Agron looked glamorous in a stunning silver chiffon gown and Toni Collette looked gorgeous in a gold Elie Saab gown. For the full low-down on which ladies I thought looked stunning on the first big red carpet of the year click here. And the worst dressed...?
There was Perry Reeves in a tiny body-conscious Herve Leger dress; Christina Hendricks in a peachy 80’s inspired Christian Siriano gown; Mickey Rourke in his cowboy hat; Tina Fey in her Mary Poppin’s inspired gown; Cher in her velvet corset gown; Chloe Sevigny in unflattering Valentino; Jennifer Morrison in a bizarre Luis Antnio gown; Jayma Mays in a black and white architectural style dress; Rita Wilson in floral and Nancy Shevell in her unfortunate dress. For the full look at which leading ladies (and gent) I thought particularly under-whelmed on the first big red carpet of the year click here. Well that's what I thought... what about you? Who was your best dressed? Who was your worst dressed? Did the Globe's get you excited for all of the upcoming red carpet events that are about to come our way? (Images courtesy of: Getty Images Entertainment)
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: 12:52 AM in Armani Prive, Award Shows, Bottega Veneta, Cher, Christian Siriano, Christina Hendricks, Dianna Agron, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Emily Blunt, Giorgio Armani, Golden Globes, Herve Leger, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Morrison, Lea Michele, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Penelope Cruz, Roberto Cavalli, Tina Fey, Valentino, Versace
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December 2009
