Christian Siriano, Models, Victim of CraigsList Scam” y 10 mas

Christian Siriano, Models, Victim of CraigsList Scam
Playing Real Life Barbie With Tory Burch Denim
Racked Dealfeed: Betsey Johnson, Loft, & More
Street Style: Eclectic Kelly
Harvey Nicks Gets Hakaan
Monique Péan is Hiring a Production and Design Assistant
Monique Péan is Hiring Interns!
Let’s Say Farewell To The Fedora. For Now.
Fashion News Roundup: Conde On The Move, Prabal Lets You Know Who Your New Heroes Should Be & More
Would You Rather…? The Shag Edition
Ten Questions for The Rachel Zoe Project

Christian Siriano, Models, Victim of CraigsList Scam

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 07:00 AM PDT

A few days ago we noticed a strange tweet from Christian Siriano. It read: “fyi girls i have never and do not ever look for models on craigslist or online. these photo shoots i’m hearing about are scams! be careful!”

Part of the beauty and danger of CraigsList is that the scams are mixed right in with the legitimate postings. Sometimes the scams are obvious (like that Manhattan apartment that costs $1 a month as long as you occasionally walk around in your underwear) but sometimes they’re harder to suss out. A lot of modeling gigs are posted on CL. A recent scan through the listings of model jobs yields two seemingly legitimate postings for fit models for Banana Republic and American Eagle and a suspect request for “NEW PEOPLE TO THE INDUSTRY WHO HAVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF BEING AN ACTOR AND OR MODEL” for Tyler Perry and Oprah’s OWN Network.

So we reached out to Christian Siriano to get the story behind his cryptic warning to models about CraigsList. Apparently Siriano has been targeted by a CL scam since February. Posters falsely representing the designer claimed to be looking for models for a Christian Siriano catalog–which doesn’t exist.

“We then began to field a flow of e-mails from models contacting the Christian Siriano website regarding whether or not the casting call was a serious advertisement,” says Siriano’s rep, Bianca Bianconi. “The Company answered every inquiry received and immediately contacted both Craigslist and the authorities.”

Though the scam postings abated for a few months after Siriano sent cease and desist letters, similar listings using Christian Siriano’s name have cropped back up.

“With Fashion Week approaching, we want to err on the side of caution by letting all models know that any/all appointments should be made through their respective agencies, not via Craigslist” says Bianconi, adding, “Male models should note that Christian Siriano is a womenswear designer.” Apparently this scam poster isn’t familiar with the pint-sized Project Runway alum’s work.

Here is Bianconi’s full statement on the CL scam: “In February 2010, it came to our attention that one or more individuals were falsely representing the Christian Siriano brand on Craigslist by promoting a catalog shoot casting call with the designer. We then began to field a flow of e-mails from models contacting the Christian Siriano website regarding whether or not the casting call was a serious advertisement. The Company answered every inquiry received and immediately contacted both Craigslist and the authorities. Christian also addressed the matter via his Twitter, Facebook and Company website. We are now aware of a second similar situation involving male and female models and the request for an application fee. With Fashion Week approaching, we want to err on the side of caution by letting all models know that any/all appointments should be made through their respective agencies, not via Craigslist. Also, male models should note that Christian Siriano is a womenswear designer.”

Folks in the biz, have you ever encountered CraigsList scams like these before? Do you use CraigsList for work? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Playing Real Life Barbie With Tory Burch Denim

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 06:00 AM PDT

This week Tory Burch hosted a bunch of fashion bloggers and online editors at her Meatpacking boutique to celebrate the launch of her new denim collection. But instead of just browsing the collection over cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres (don’t get me wrong, those pigs in blankets were delicious and I ate a lot of them), we got to play real life Barbie dress up with models wearing Burch’s new denim line.

The line itself was super cute. Some styles were just what you’d imagine Tory Burch denim to look like–classic, clean, bootcut–but other styles were much more unexpected and trendy. There were metallic brushed jeggings (though Tory calls them “denim leggings”), boyfriend jeans brushed with silver as well (called “tomboy jeans”), and some crazy colorful print stretch jeans that looked all paint splattered.

Each outlet was asked to create a look on a model wearing Tory Burch denim and anything else in the store. I’m not a stylist (as I made clear in my last style challenge) so I just put the model in something I’d want to wear. I must have been subconsciously craving some crisp autumn weather because my model ended up in a plaid shirt and oversized cardigan. Guess some of my four years in college in Maine seeped in as my girl ended up looking very New England-y preppy too. You can check out the other looks on Tory Burch’s FB page.

Racked Dealfeed: Betsey Johnson, Loft, & More

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 01:30 PM PDT

Betsey Johnson
Deal: Up to 80% off clothing and 50% off accessories
When/Where: Wednesday, August 4 through Friday, August 6. Daily 10am—8pm. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-993-9251), New York

Loft
Deal: Enter code SAVINGS20 at checkout to save $20 off any order over $75
Ends: August 5, 2010, Online!

Green With Glamour
Deal: The online merchandiser is offering 40% – 75% off all spring and summer clothing
Where/When: Online at Greenwithglamour.com

No. 6
Deal: No clogs, sadly, but labels like Christian Wijnants, Henrik Vibskov, Ilionaire and others are marked down by 30%
When/Where: Ongoing. Mon—Sat 12—7pm, Sun 12—6pm. 6 Centre Market Place between Broome and Grand Sts (212-226-5759).

Street Style: Eclectic Kelly

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Name: Kelly

Age: 20

Occupation: Retail merchandise coordinator for Linea Pelle

What is your favorite TV show? True Blood

How would you describe your style? A mix of everything.

What item of clothing are you currently obsessed with? Turbans!

Where is your turban from? My mom. She finds them for me all over.

What is your current favorite song? “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap

Where are your pants from? DVF

Where are your shoes from? Liz Claiborne

And your bag and belt? Linea Pelle

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Harvey Nicks Gets Hakaan

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 12:00 PM PDT

The work of Hakaan Yildirim, Turkish design sensation, ANDAM winner and Carine protégé, is now available to purchase. But only at British department store Harvey Nichols, which also stocks fashion darlings Erdem, Peter Pilotto, and Christopher Kane.

The prices aren’t insane–they’re not cheap, either, but doable if you can generally afford a $2,000 dress. A peplum skirt rings up at £660, approximately $870, and a wool body con dress will set you back £1,130, or around $1,485.

This is a huge get for Harvey Nicks, and we bet they’ll be keeping Yildirim on come spring. But we also bet he’ll be showing up in several more retailers by 2011.

Monique Péan is Hiring a Production and Design Assistant

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 11:38 AM PDT

Monique is also hiring a production and design assistant! Here’s the description:

Monique Péan launched her socially responsible and eco-friendly fine-jewelry company in 2006. She’s one of the winners of the 2009 CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund and she is the recipient of the 2009 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Accessories.

FINE JEWELRY PRODUCTION AND DESIGN ASSISTANT POSITION:

Responsibilities:
1. Assist and support new product engineering and design by aiding in the creation and maintenance of product instructions, product specifications, bills of materials, etc
2. Help to oversee different manufacturers and bench workers
3. Prepare design specifications sheets and materials for all production meetings
4. Assist in the maintenance of various log books, charts and reference resources,
5. Aid in the management of the Pre-Production process to ensure timely turnover. a. sourcing, new product development, special projects
6. Assist in the sourcing of new materials to fill purchase orders and identify new sustainable and eco-friendly materials to work with.
7. Contribute to the special order process for accuracy and efficiency.

Desired Skills:
- Four year BA or BS degree (background in marketing, communication, finance or jewelry design preferred) – Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook – Knowledge of mechanical drawing software and/or Adobe Photoshop/ Photo Deluxe/ Auto CAD helpful but not required
- management skills / ability to multitask and oversee different manufacturers and bench workers

For further information, please contact dotero@moniquepean.com.

Monique Péan is Hiring Interns!

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 10:31 AM PDT

Photo by Chris Cragoe

Monique Péan is one of our favorite jewelry designers–and she also happens to be a lovely person. So we’re super excited for those who get the opportunity to intern with her in New York City. Here’s the description:

MONIQUE PÉAN FINE JEWELRY IS LOOKING FOR INTERNS TO START IMMEDIATELY!

Monique Péan launched her socially responsible and eco-friendly fine-jewelry company in 2006. She’s one of the winners of the 2009 CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund and she is the recipient of the 2009 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Accessories.

Main responsibilities for interns will include but are not limited to:

Work with the design and production teams to prepare and develop new styles
Maintain and organize sample trafficking with sales showroom, editors and celebrities
Assist in preparation for press pulls and sales meetings
Coordinate messenger service and all domestic and international shipments
Research industry developments
General administrative duties

We are looking for someone with an interest in fine jewelry and fashion. Candidates must be hardworking, organized and detail-oriented. Candidates must also be available a minimum of two full days per week. Interns will be involved in all aspects of the business and will gain valuable experience in sales, production and marketing.

Please send your cover letter and resume to skingsley@moniquepean.com. Good luck!

Let’s Say Farewell To The Fedora. For Now.

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 10:00 AM PDT

The fedora and its smaller-brimmed siblings, the pork pie and trilby, really must die. This trend has reached its saturation point.

Much like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, one can argue that the fedora is a classic item that will never really disappear. This may be true…to an extent.

The fedora first came into fashion in the 1880s as an accessory for women. Then it fell out of favor with the girls, and men co-opted it in the 1920s. The fedora had a long run of popularity, eventually fizzling out as a common menswear item in the early 1960s.

However, it has reared its jaunty head frequently in popular culture since then. The Blues Brothers. Indiana Jones. Annie Hall. Freddie Krueger? Yes, icons all. But no one really wore the hats in real life. They felt costumey.

Then the mushy straw version of the fedora started appearing on slouchy hipster guys and Brad Pitt. In a textbook case of runway following the street, we started to see designers styling with fedoras.

They figured prominently in the SS 2009 shows at Gucci and Emanuel Ungaro. The trend really exploded on the runway during the SS 2010 shows, in both women's and men's ready-to-wear. Rochas, Vivienne Westwood, and countless menswear designers showed them.

When I first started seeing people wearing them, particularly women, I was blown away. They looked modern, über-stylish, and downright rakish. The kind of look where I would say to myself, "Damn, I wish I could pull that off."

But now that every starlet and random person on the street is wearing one–usually ill-fitting or horribly styled–I'm losing patience. The look is tired. I think the final nail in the coffin was seeing a rack of them at my local supermarket.

Perhaps this is just sour grapes because I look horrible in hats, but I would be happy if another 50 years went by before the fedora became popular again.

Fashion News Roundup: Conde On The Move, Prabal Lets You Know Who Your New Heroes Should Be & More

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 09:30 AM PDT

We Could Be Heroes: Prabal Gurung’s new “Unsung Heroes” feature lets you get up-close and personal with some of fashion’s most intriguing behind-the-scenes folk. So far, we’ve found Lucie Pogues and Nicolas Caito to be downright fascinating…and we can’t wait to see who’s up next! {Prabal Gurung}

Movin’ On Up: Conde Nast Publications has recently announced its tentative plans to move to the new “Freedom Tower” at Ground Zero in 2014. This means that Vogue, Lucky, and W will all be saying goodbye to their Times Square offices and hello to what will be the tallest building in New York. {Refinery 29}

Felder Felder Finally: The sisters Felder are launching their first-ever Resort collection. And even better? It’s at a contemporary price point. Happy shopping. {Vogue UK}

Giles Does Glass: And on that note, Giles & Brothers has just launched a new (more affordable!) capsule collection of African-inspired glass bead necklaces. Just in time, too– we all need a bit more color in our wardrobes as fall rolls around. {Style.com}

Would You Rather…? The Shag Edition

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 09:00 AM PDT

In honor of the return of The Rachel Zoe Project, we ask who rocks the shag haircut better: Mr. Rachel Zoe, Rodger Berman, or teen sensation Justin Bieber?

Ten Questions for The Rachel Zoe Project

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 08:00 AM PDT

1. Have Rachel and Rodger done Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” yet? I think it’s time for some karaoke. Right, babe?

2. Is Rodger going to have more of a presence this season? He’s usually perfectly coiffed arm candy next to Zoe as she “literally dies” over everything but so far he’s kicking ass and taking names. Yay Rodger.

3. Hey Brad, do you actually know what happened with Taylor? No, you don’t. Because Rachel said that “you don’t actually even know what happened.” A lot of times.

4. Do you miss Taylor already too? Watching that clip where she said she would rather “shoot herself” than be at the Oscars and that just talking about the Oscars made her want to “slit her wrists” made us want her back a little.

5. Why couldn’t Team Zoe find any applicants to fill Taylor’s spot who had more than a year of experience?

6. Will Brad-isms rival Zoe-isms this season? With “ruffle-upagus” and “coo coo bird” he’s off to a good start.

7. We’ll let Brad take number seven: “Can you sit on a giraffe?”

8. What’s with all the white bathrobes Rachel? It’s like she’s always in a fancy hotel.

9. Did you forget how much of a badass Demi Moore is? We did. G.I.Jane came out in 1997. We were way impressed by how cool and un-diva she was on set: She happily let that mouse crawl along her cleavage and in her hair, and climbed a spiral staircase in the McQueen armadillo shoes to feed a feisty giraffe. Props Demi.

10. Triple platform stiletto boots to the beach? Having to stand on a little plank of wood in the sand? We missed you Rachel.