Every woman should have at least one... Audrey Hepburn made them famous... but now the LBD (short for Little Black Dress) has officially made it! The abbreviation is one of more than 2,000 new words and phrases that was added to the third edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English, which was published today.
A spokesman for publishers Oxford University Press said the dictionary, which was first published in 1998 and is not to be confused with the Oxford English Dictionary, uses a 'word bank' that is continually updated, making it 'fully based on evidence of how language is really used'.
The annual CFDA Awards is a night for America's top fashion designers to shine. Back in March the nominations were announced and last night it was finally time for the big ceremony. The big bash, held at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, was a fashionable mix of awards and rememberance as the celeb filled crowd took a few moments to honour legendary designer Alexander McQueen, whose suicide in February shocked the entire fashion industry. Sarah Jessica Parker told the audience that it was with "honor and great regret" that she was there to mark the contribution and creativity the designer gave to his industry.
Here’s the list of winners as selected by the Council of Fashion Designers of America:
Womenswear Designer Of The Year: Marc Jacobs Menswear Designer Of The Year: Rag & Bone's Marcus Wainwright and David Neville Accessory Designer Of The Year: Alexis Bittar Swarovski Award For Womenswear (Honoring Emerging Talent): Jason Wu Swarovski Award For Menswear (Honoring Emerging Talent): Richard Chai Swarovski Award For Accessory Design (Honoring Emerging Talent): Alexander Wang International Award: Christopher Bailey Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Kors Eleanor Lambert Award: Tonne Goodman Eugenia Sheppard Award: Kim Hastreiter CFDA Board Of Director's Special Tribute Award: Alexander McQueen Fashion Icon Award: Iman
Here's a few of my faves from the 2010 CFDA red carpet:
[Above: Gwyneth Paltrow looked sleek in a fitted asymmetrical Michael Kors gown by Michael Kors; Sarah Jessica Parker wore a vibrant patterned fairytale gown by Alexander McQueen; Supermodel Iman looked striking in a custom-made, black strapless Giambattista Valli]
A fabulous night. For more information check out: www.cfda.com
After months of speculation the new Creative Director of Alexander McQueen has been chosen. The Gucci Group, which owns the line, has announced that Sarah Burton will continue McQueen’s legacy. Burton was seen by many as the obvious choice as she had worked with the designer for over 16 years and she personally oversaw the completion of the 16 pieces that made up the final collection in time for Paris Fashion Week.
Sarah Burton, who is 35, was born in Manchester. She began working for (Lee) Alexander McQueen in 1996, while she was in her final year at Central St. Martins - McQueen’s own alma mater. Sarah was eventually appointed head of women’s wear design in 2000, and was working closely with the designer right up until his untimely death by suicide, in February. In a statement released just a few minutes ago Sarah said: “The creation of modern beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy.”
Jonathan Akeroyd, president and CEO of Alexander McQueen, said: ”We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on the role of creative director. Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values. Sarah is extremely talented and under her creative leadership we are ready to enter a new phase in the brand’s history.”
The British Advertising Authority (AKA the advertising watchdogs overseas) have announced that they have banned two Louis Vuitton handbag ads by because they feel that the advertisements are misleading to customers. There’s no nudity or violence in the advertisements… the ads simply show a seamstress with linen thread working on a future LV bag. Harmless? Perhaps but the verdict is in and the ads are being labeled misleading. Seriously. A rep for Louis Vuitton argued that the ads pay “homage to the craftsmanship” of its employees rather than an accurate depiction of the manufacturing process.
Christian Louboutin has officially adopted a "zero tolerance" policy when it comes to counterfeiters. Their first step in the fight against "fakes"... the brand is launching an aggressive campaign to get their message out there.
Last week Louboutin launched the website: Stop Fake - Christian Louboutin that lists their planned legal actions, counterfeit information and their policy on fakes. You can also find a list of known websites that are selling “cheap Louboutin”... aka fakes.
If you have a minute check out this crazy video of thousands of fake Louboutin shoes being crushed. The video will probably go viral within days.
What do you think? Does the video get the message across? What do you think of “fakes” anyways? Let me know.
Interesting news this morning from Gap Inc. Apparently the San Francisco-based mega-brand has hired Rosella Giuliani (formerly in charge of design and merchandising for Seven for All Mankind) to run the 1969 division of Gap. As the new Creative Director it will be her first responsibility to broaden its somewhat popular 1969 denim program.
Apparently Gap CEO Glenn Murphy wants to make the 1969 line, which is available for both men and women, the new must have line in the company... the question is will people buy the significantly higher priced Gap line in excess.
Rosella Giuliani will report to Gap's top designer, Patrick Robinson and to Marka Hansen, president of Gap brand.
What do you think... is it a smart move for brand? Are you a fan of the 1969 line? Are you still shopping at Gap?
A report from a London coroner shows that Alexander McQueen had taken sedative drugs and cocaine before he died of asphyxiation and hanging. McQueen, whose real name was Lee, was found dead in his Mayfair home by his cleaner on February 11th. He was 40 years old and his mother’s funeral was to take place the following day.
The coroner Dr Paul Knapman said McQueen "killed himself while the balance of his mind was disturbed". The famed fashion designer had a history of depression and anxiety and according to an inquest had researched how to commit suicide on the internet before he died. Knapman also stated that McQueen had left a suicide letter which was written on the back of a copy of Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. The final sentences of the letter read: “Please look after my dogs. Sorry, I love you. Lee."
A statement released by his family said: "Lee was a public figure and a creative genius, who possessed a generous loving, caring nature... Those who were privileged to have known Lee will cherish their memories of him for all their lives... We will continue to make every effort to keep his memory alive".
A joint statement from the Gucci Group, which is owned by French luxury conglomerate PPR, and the Alexander McQueen company said: "Today is a difficult day for all of those who knew and worked with Lee as we come to terms with the manner of his tragic and untimely death... Whatever the circumstances of his passing, Lee will be remembered by all of us who had the privilege of calling him a colleague and friend as a rare talent, a true genius and brilliant creative force".
A truly sad ending. R.I.P. (Lee) Alexander McQueen.
It seems like its been forever since Ungaro has received any positive press. The last few months the troubled fashion house has pretty much been beaten down by constant negative press... mainly thanks to the unfortunate collaboration with Lindsay Lohan and Spanish designer Estrella Archs.
Today we get a glimpse of hope for the failing fashion house with a few simple words... “Giles Deacon is in at Ungaro”.
The British designer will follow a long list of notable fashion designers who have spent time Ungaro including: Giambattista Valli (a personal fave), Peter Dundas, Vincent Darre and Esteban Cortazar.
Only time will tell if the revolving door will stop now that Giles Deacon is stepping in. Hopefully now the fashion house will be able to regain some respect. In recent statements Ungaro owner Asim Abdullah has said he hopes for the label to be sustainable and profitable by 2011... that’s right around the corner.
I think Giles was a strong choice and I do believe that he has the potential to breathe some life back into the dying brand. I guess only time will tell... but let's face it the clock is seriously ticking. What do you think... do you think Giles is the right man for the job? Let me know.
The CFDA Awards are like the fashion community's Oscars and last night the current president Diane von Furstenberg announced this year’s nominees and honorees. Here is the list:
WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Marc Jacobs Alexander Wang Donna Karan
MENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Tom Ford Michael Bastian Rag & Bone's Marcus Wainwright and David Neville
ACCESSORY DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Marc Jacobs Alexis Bittar Proenza Schouler's Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez
SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR WOMENSWEAR Prabal Gurung Joseph Altuzarra Jason Wu
SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR MENSWEAR Patrik Ervell Simon Spurr Richard Chai
SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR ACCESSORY DESIGN Alexander Wang Fenton/Fallon's Dana Lorenz Eddie Borgo
INTERNATIONAL AWARD Christopher Bailey
GEOFFREY BEENE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Michael Kors
ELEANOR LAMBERT AWARD Tonne Goodman
EUGENIA SHEPPARD AWARD Kim Hastreiter
CFDA BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S SPECIAL TRIBUTE AWARD Alexander McQueen
FASHION ICON AWARD Iman
Now we will have to wait until the cermony which takes palce on June 7th at at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in NYC... but in the meantime... who do you think should win?
When you stop and think about it... it’s amazing if not overwhelming the number of fashion campaigns Madonna has actually done. With the Dolce & Gabbana ads currently appearing in fashion mags around the globe... get ready for another campaign because one is on the way. The next ad we are going to see our girl Madonna in will be promoting a new collaboration between Madonna and Dolce & Gabbana. Madge and the Italian design duo have teamed up to create a collection of six new, luxe sunglasses. The official press release that just came out announces the creation of MDG sunglasses:
“MG ICON, the newly formed joint venture between Iconix Brand Group and Madonna and Guy Oseary have announced their first designer accessories collection, MDG. MDG is a sunglass collection personally designed by Madonna together with the designer-duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The collaboration marks Madonna's first foray into the world of eyewear and is the first co-branded project Dolce and Gabbana have done in their career. The collection will showcase the MDG logo on styles and will be manufactured by Luxottica. The collection will retail from $248 to $289 and will be carried in all Dolce & Gabbana stores worldwide, plus the Sunglass Hut chain and select opticians. The MDG collection will debut during the May market."
Here’s an early look at the ads for the collection shot by Steven Klein:
Madonna appear in the ads with Tyson Ballou... although you can't really see much of him in these preview shots. Although apparently there is more of Tyson to come.
What do you think of Madonna’s latest design gig... and her latest modeling gig?
