The Best Long Skirts and Dresses Out There” y 9 mas

The Best Long Skirts and Dresses Out There
Jonathan Saunders and Costello Tagliapietra Design Tees for Toy Story 3
Sex in Fashion: It’s About Honesty
Velvet for Uniqlo Launches Today, Cashmere To Debut This Fall
Why Does Katy Perry Keep Dressing Like Children’s Toys?
Street Style: Beau Moves in Summer Silks
Tom Florio’s Leaving Conde Nast: More Shakeups To Come?
Fashion News Roundup: Vena Cava Sweatshirts, Ronson Hearts Foreigner, and Kenneth Cole Aids the Gulf
Resort Roundup: SUNO, Preen, Michael Angel Are an Ideal Triumvirate
Dear Kelly Cutrone, You’re My Idol

The Best Long Skirts and Dresses Out There

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:06 PM PDT

The long skirt (and dress) comeback is steadily gaining momentum. Whether it's a backlash against the plateauing popularity of minis, or just another '90s trend revival, we're kind of digging this look. And, given its prevalence on the Fall ‘10 runways and even Resort, this trend isn’t dying down anytime soon. But we wondered: Can everyone pull it off?

I'm 5'2" and assumed I wouldn't be able to until I saw stylish celebs of similar size like Rachel Bilson and the Olsens (who, granted, are somehow able to pull off literally everything that short people aren't supposed to be able to pull off) embracing the trend. I decided that, done right, anyone can make this trend work for them and resolved to try it myself.

I saw an adorable black maxi dress with lace inserts at Topshop, grabbed it from the rack, and figured out the real reason short people don't wear long dresses: they're too long. The dress itself was significantly longer than my entire body, including my head. Unless I found a pair of, like, 7-inch platforms to pair these dresses with, this was not going to work. I was discouraged until I went upstairs, saw the exact same dress, got confused and then realized I was in the "petites" section! I tried the dress on and, voila, it fit perfectly and I've gotten countless compliments on it.

So, if you are of average or above average height, have the time/patience/money to get everything altered, or have easy access to the Topshop petites section (which isn't actually all that extensive), this trend is totally doable. We think the trick is keeping your top half relatively fitted and simple. Here, we've rounded up our favorite options, some of which are available right now, followed by some we’re just really looking forward to for Fall.

Jonathan Saunders and Costello Tagliapietra Design Tees for Toy Story 3

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 03:30 PM PDT

If your first thought when you saw this headline was “huh?” don’t worry, it was our first reaction, too.

But it’s true: Disney has gone designer. Jonathan Saunders, Costello Tagliapietra, Victor Glemaud, Henry Holland, and Cassette Playa have each designed a tee based on a Toy Story 3 character in advance of the film’s release tomorrow.

It’s high brow fashion for a low brow flick. But if these (awesome) tees can help some fashion darlings reach Disney’s mass market, more power to them. The tops are $70-$108 at RevolveClothing.com.

So are you a Buzz, Rex, or Woody?

Sex in Fashion: It’s About Honesty

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 02:15 PM PDT

Last week we hopped over to the Whitney Art Party, and had a blast, but were mildly disappointed to miss running into Terry Richardson. In the post we wrote that Terry is our favorite photog/man-about-town, and all the comments expressed outrage in our desire to meet Terry.

So let me say it, I love Terry Richardson’s photography.

Is he a pervert? Does he exploit women? I’ve spent days scouring the internet for information on Richardson, from Jamie Peck’s famed account to anonymous posts on Jezebel. It’s a confusing mess, really, since Richardson has no comments and often runs away or hangs up during any interrogation.

(Click through to read more, but the images are obviously NSFW.)

Much of Terry’s photography is successful at portraying the gross sexuality of society. The image pictured here, of him receiving oral sex from a woman under a desk, is an excellent photograph. It’s grossly sexual, funny, perverse, and ironic in that it shows a man of power lacking the traditional notions of power in society (i.e. suits, watches, cars, alcohol). Instead you find skinny, tattooed Terry, a seeming lowlife, talking on a tragically un-chic phone, pleasured by a woman under a desk fit for a grandma. The whole scene lacks finesse or class; it’s intentionally pervy.

Overall the general argument against Terry is that he pressures women into these sexual situations. In Peck’s account he asks her to remove her tampon, which she refuses to do, and give him a hand job, which she consents to because “new fake friends would've been bummed if I'd said no.” Most of the stories show models consenting to Richardson’s behavior and cite his sexualized photos as proof of his perverted treatment of his subjects; how could a man who enjoys photographing nudes frolicking together not pressure people into these situations?

Tom Ford Men's Fragrance Ad

The problem is that there are plenty of other figures in fashion that shoot models naked or touching each other, that never receive the criticism that Terry does. It has been said that pretty much all photographers and have sex with their models. Some think there’s less of a backlash because many of these men are gay, which means their behavior is accepted. There’s a societal preconception that men cannot be pressured into situations like women can.

While I don’t believe such a blanket statement, I can say the difference is that with a photographer like Tom Ford or Bruce Weber (I’m not accusing them of anything–just using them as an example), images are hinting at sex, while Richardson’s are showing it.

But just because it’s porn doesn’t mean the woman was forced into compliance. Many models consent to appearing naked in editorials shot by Richardson or any other fashion photographer.

But it seems like Terry has pressured women into compliance. From secret shots of his girlfriend to random girls he meets, his sneaky tactics are what give him a bad reputation. He publishes photos without consent and photographs people without their knowledge. That’s illegal and wrong.

To achieve what he wants to achieve, Richardson needs people willing to consent to sexual acts. He’s making porn, he’s making art, and his subjects are his partners in the artistic process. The problem seems to be his selection of–and deceit of–models. Many of the women’s accounts suggest that they had no idea of Richardson’s work and thereby no idea what to expect, or they had no idea their photographs were being taken or would be used as part of editorials or in books.

The blame here is on both parties: Terry for not making his intentions explicit, and the models’ agencies for sending unprepared girls into the studio of a pornographic photographer. I think Terry would have a much better reputation if he were an admitted pervert and didn’t shy away from his bad-boy, pornographer image. Honesty is the best policy, Mr. Richardson.

by Bruce Weber

The unfortunate point is you know what you’re getting with Terry Richardson. You will be naked and he may ask you to touch him. But you can always say no.

If you’ve experienced any abuse on set with anyone, say something.

Velvet for Uniqlo Launches Today, Cashmere To Debut This Fall

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 01:27 PM PDT

Uniqlo teamed up with Los Angeles-based label Velvet for their latest collaboration, which hit the racks today. They follow, most recently, partnerships with Jil Sander and Costello Tagliapietra.

Designers Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer brought their breezy California cool down to Uniqlo prices–slouchy soft cotton tanks, tees, and dresses in muted hues range from just $15.50-$19.50 (Velvet tees usually go for around $70). We stopped by to check out the 14-piece line and predict that the cotton mini-dress with shoulder cut-outs and the henley tunic dress (both $19.50) will go like hot cakes.

The surprising best seller of the day?

Harem pants. People still want ‘em, apparently. Uniqlo opened its doors at 10 a.m. and by 10:10 the jersey harems ($19.50) were already being restocked.

And if you’re a Velvet fan, get psyched for fall, when the brand plans to launch six styles in cashmere for Uniqlo.

Why Does Katy Perry Keep Dressing Like Children’s Toys?

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 12:30 PM PDT

Katy Perry is serious about being a kid at heart.

In her latest video, “California Gurls,” she brings Hasbro’s Candy Land to life. Of course, Perry’s Candy Land is a bit different (read: smuttier) than the wholesome ’50s board game: Snoop Dogg reigns over the confectionery kingdom and we’re pretty sure Princess Lolly never ecstatically sprayed whipped cream from her cleavage.

But we couldn’t help but notice that dressing like kid’s toys has become a trend for Perry. Take a look….

Street Style: Beau Moves in Summer Silks

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 11:30 AM PDT

Name: Beau

Age: 24

What is your favorite movie? Romeo & Juliet, the Baz Luhrmann version.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack? Lost in Translation

Describe your style: Easy to move in and monochrome. I love prints and prefer silks in the summer.

Who is your skirt by? Ya Ya

Who is your top by? Shin Choi

And your shoes? Isabel Marant

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke

Tom Florio’s Leaving Conde Nast: More Shakeups To Come?

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 10:30 AM PDT

Condé Nast senior vice president Tom Florio is leaving the company, according to WWD (subscription required). Florio is best known for running the Vogue titles (and if you remember, he played a decent role in The September Issue).

Our sources deduce that Florio was not pushed out, but instead might be leaving to do his own thing/retire.

We think this makes sense, given Florio’s push to bring in former Elle publisher Carol Smith to Gourmet. Smith’s qualified for the top job, and she has a track record for making the Internet a viable business, something Florio doesn’t really seem interested in. Current Vogue publisher Susan Plagemann is also sure to be in the running, but that seems less likely.

This is third big shakeup to hit Conde Nast over the last few months. First, it was Stefano Tonchi at W. Then, Sally Singer leaving Vogue for T. Are there more to come? We think so.

Update: Minutes after we published this, the departure of two of W’s top editors–market director Treena Lombardo and accessories and jewelry director Brooke Magnaghi–was announced. Interview magazine market director Karla Martinez will replace Lombardo.

Fashion News Roundup: Vena Cava Sweatshirts, Ronson Hearts Foreigner, and Kenneth Cole Aids the Gulf

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 09:49 AM PDT

Viva Basics: Vena Cava revealed Viva Vena, their new line of basics for Resort 2011 and Opening Ceremony tried it all on. Each piece has some feature that reminds us of regular Vena Cava, but made with comfier, more spill-proof materials. {Opening Ceremony}

Bargain Basement: Critical shopper, which can be a retailer’s worst nightmare, gives us an in-depth look at Manhattan’s highly anticipated Nordstrom Rack. {NY Times}

I Wanna Know What Love Is: Mick Jones, the lead singer of Foreigner, is Charlotte Ronson’s stepdad. The two will be appearing together tonight at the Manhattan Mall JC Penney to unveil a new line of I Heart Ronson concert tees. That family…. {The Thread}

Plastic is Fantastic: Moschino has collaborated with design company Kartell on a range of pretty cute plastic ballet flats. {Vogue UK}

Cecilia Dean for Ohne Titel: Our favorite Visionaire poses for the camera. {Style.com}

Clean Up: Kenneth Cole has launched a line of cute, funny, customizable t-shirts for sale available online. 100% of profits go to support the oil spill clean-up. {Refinery29}

Resort Roundup: SUNO, Preen, Michael Angel Are an Ideal Triumvirate

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 09:11 AM PDT

I spent Wednesday morning in a loft on Greene Street with the Bismarck Phillips girls, who were showing off resort collections for a few clients. They just happened to be three of the most impressive brands out there: SUNO, Preen, and Michael Angel.

The cool thing about the visit was that the trio of collections really fit well together. I could see the same woman wearing each. Maybe not on the same day, but definitely throughout the same week.

Dear Kelly Cutrone, You’re My Idol

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 08:08 AM PDT

I am not ashamed to admit that I'm a huge Kelly Cutrone fan. At Britt's recommendation I read her book, which I loved, and Mondays are much harder to get through now that I don't have Kell On Earth to look forward to. (Even though we still get to see her lay the smackdown on Roxy and Olivia every now and again on The City).

So when I heard that the PR maven herself would give a free lecture on Wednesday afternoon, I knew that I had to attend, since she never fails to provide me with an overwhelming surge of girl power.

Dozens of career women on their lunch breaks and teenage girls crowded around Ms. Cutrone in Bryant Park for a Q &; A, and in her typical fashion, she wasn't holding back the sass.

One of the first questions came from a local design student without any "connections" who wanted advice on how to get her foot in the door. Without missing a beat, Kelly snapped, "Did you read my book? Huh? NO!" But instead of continuing to bust the poor girl's chops, she handed her a free copy of If You Have To Cry, Go Outside.

For an hour and a half, Kelly shared her wisdom, frustrations, and generally hilarious sound bites with the captive audience. She blamed her decidedly unglamorous appearance on the stresses of her everyday life, saying, "this look slowly came to be. Like an outside table after a couple of winters."

The thing I find most fascinating about Cutrone is her appeal to women of all ages and walks of life, many of whom are very far removed from the fashion industry. Take away the whole "fashion" aspect from her persona, and she's still a successful entrepreneur, a TV star, and a pretty damn good role model.

Cutrone is extremely forthcoming and generous with her advice. She values ambition and hard work, and she seems to genuinely care about girls reaching their potential and living their dreams. A young fan in the audience revealed that Kelly invited her to walk around Virginia’s Busch Gardens after the fan responded to a tweet that Kelly would be there with her daughter, Ava.

Whether you love Kelly or hate her, it's hard not to admire her honesty, and in this often-pretentious industry, her no-bullshit attitude is refreshing. Some of the truth she spills might be tough to hear, but judging by the length of the line to shake her hand at the end of the session–which I sadly didn’t make it to the front of–there are plenty of people out there listening.

And if you still haven't read her book, we suggest you go pick it up. You'll thank us later.