sábado, 21 de agosto de 2010

Historic Meets Handmade: The Best Vintage Shops On Etsy” y 11 mas

Historic Meets Handmade: The Best Vintage Shops On Etsy” y 11 mas

Historic Meets Handmade: The Best Vintage Shops On Etsy

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 04:00 PM PDT

Vintage shopping is an exhausting (yet rewarding!) indulgence for even the most fashion-forward folks. But what if you want a sweet retro find and don’t have time to explore racks upon racks of cast-offs? Well, thanks to everyone’s favorite handmade-and-more source Etsy, the soreness that was once synonymous with vintage shopping is no more. Here, we round up our top five vintage curators on Etsy. The best part? You won’t leave smelling like Grandma.

Allen Company Inc
A cautionary tale, children: Once upon a time there was a pair of incredible, copper-colored vintage boots that were my size, available from the nice folks at Allen Company Inc. However, I was a silly goose about it and let the opportunity to purchase them slip through my fingers (toes?). Do not make the same mistake I did. Things do not last long once they’re posted by Allen Co. Want to know why? Because everything they sell is beautiful. In spite of my sad story of sorrow and woe, take solace in the knowledge that these folks are the best source for vintage shoes in an uncommonly wide variety of sizes.

Pictured here: Ostrich pumps, $48

Paging Gertrude Stein: Kiki de Montparnasse To Host “Intimacy” Salons this Fall

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 02:53 PM PDT

So it’s not 27 Rue de Fleurus, but this fall 79 Greene St. will be hosting a series of intimate salons, inspired by cultural gatherings like the ones Gertrude Stein hosted at that famous address.

Kiki de Montparnasse’s SoHo store will host four salons lead by the mysterious “Domina K” to school attendees in the art of love: partner play (open to couples), celebrating the sensual self (women only), the art of seduction (men only), and bedroom games (couples).

Guests will learn “sensual techniques,” learn about different “instruments of pleasure,” and “explore fantasies with joy and abandon,” while sipping on champagne and eating from a buffet of aphrodisiacs.

So if you’re looking to jump start your love life, try the salon. You might not see Picasso there but it still sounds like a good time. Each salon costs $65. Click here to RSVP.



Something For The Boys: Rebecca Minkoff Dishes On The Man Bags You’ll Want To Steal

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 01:30 PM PDT

Rebecca Minkoff stole out hearts years ago with the so-called Morning After Bag (MAB, for short), and now she's out to steal our men–or the spot on their arms, at least–with the introduction of Ben Minkoff. Inspired by her grandfather, a World War II fighter pilot, the collection-for-guys promises all the rugged durability and old-school details we love…and, with any luck, the cool factor required to make your significant other spring for a new look. We won't tell if you want to take one for a spin, either.

Fashionista: Many times, designers going from catering to women to targeting men will just add chunkier hardware and adopt a more rugged design. But your products tend to be hardware-heavy and durable to begin with. Was it difficult to really make this line stand out and feel more masculine?
Rebecca Minkoff: With the Ben Minkoff collection, it was important to take a step back from our female customer and think about what men are really looking for in terms of functionality of a man bag. We did include similar brass hardware that we use in the women's collection because I love the aged look. And it's not super shiny, which gives the bags that vintage feel. I believe in the little details that make things unique, whether it’s a bag for a man or a woman.

The Ben Minkoff line is visibly inspired by the 1940s. Where specifically did these bags come from? Does each one cater to a slightly different person?
The spring 2011 collection was inspired by the bags the Air Force used during the ’40s and were based off of the three classic bags–the map, mail and motorcycle.

Who do you imagine are the men who will use these bags? Can you describe your dream client?
We pictured a west coaster-meets-urban kind of guy who would look at the bags and see classic, functional, but stylish pieces. My dream client is simply a cool guy looking for versatile pieces with a timeless feel. We've even had an incredible response from our female customers who wanted a more masculine bag!

How cohesive does this line feel in terms of your past work? Did it feel like a very different direction for you when designing it?
Designing Ben Minkoff was a natural next step for me as it's a great way to grow the Rebecca Minkoff brand into more of a lifestyle brand. We had an abundance of requests to create a men's line and felt it was the right time to introduce the collection to our customers.

What are you inspired by lately? What influences can we expect to see in your next line?
I get a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces and traveling. Being absorbed in history and other cultures is pretty inspiring. Before I set out to design a collection, I typically put together a mood board with a mix of vintage designs, beautiful photography, sketches and mementos I've picked up from my travels.

The line will be available this spring at BenMinkoff.com.

Crystal Renn On Her New Chanel Campaign, That Whole Retouching Scandal and Acting: “I’m Absolutely Freaking Out”

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 01:11 PM PDT

Perennial model-in-the-spotlight Crystal Renn stars in Chanel’s newest campaign for the reopening of the brand’s SoHo store, and we got her reaction to the campaign just minutes after she had seen it herself.

“I’m absolutely freaking out,” she told us. “Working with Chanel has been my dream forever. As long as I’ve been working as a model I’ve been thinking about Chanel and working towards Chanel and this campaign is the proudest moment of my life.”

While Renn’s most recent campaigns (including that notorious retouched shoot for nonprofit Passion For Fashion) have brought attention to the so-called “plus size” model’s shifting body size, her latest print work for Chanel focuses on the model’s gorgeous face while a sultry Baptiste Giabiconi reclines topless in the background.

Renn believes her latest coup speaks to positive changes in the industry.

“I think the fashion industry is changing and is more open to a new ideal,” says Renn. “It’s about a personality and a moment captured..it’s not about body size it’s about talent and effort…I hope the industry sees this [campaign] as an example of that.”

As for that retouching scandal that landed her on the Today show? “Retouching happens,” says Renn. “It’s happened to other actresses and models and a lot of times models won’t come forward and they’re even relieved to be retouched. Don’t get me wrong, I love retouching but I”m very proud of my body and to portray me as a size zero or a two when I’m a ten, that’s inaccurate and I was concerned with how people who look up to me would see those ads.”

But she’s moved on. This is the second time Renn has worked with Lagerfeld (she walked in his 2011 resort show in Saint Tropez), and she sees no reason why the partnership won’t continue.

“Karl is a genius,” Renn says. “He’s a Virgo so we’re compatible and we got on really well.”

For the campaign, which was shot in a studio in Paris a few months ago, Lagerfeld asked Renn and Giabiconi to envision themselves as lovers in a glamorous movie. “He said, ‘You’re not a model right now, you’re an actress,’…the only difference between modeling and acting is that models have one second to tell a story and actresses have two hours.”

And acting as if Giabiconi was her lover was, shockingly, not so hard to do. “He is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen hands down,” Renn gushes. “I remember being on set and trying not to stare but staring at him methodically nonetheless to try to figure out how perfection in a male looks. It’s insane when you look at him. ”

So, we had to ask, is the next step for Renn acting?

“I haven’t been actively seeking acting roles but if the right opportunity came up, absolutely,” says Renn. The right part for Renn would be something dark and intense and challenging–no RoCo’s for this chick. We’d shell out $12 to see her on the big screen.

Racked Dealfeed: Barneys, Temperley London & More

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 11:32 AM PDT

SaksTemperley London
Deal: Up to 70% off past merchandise. Be sure to friend the label on Facebook—Temperley London Facebook fans get an additional 10% off sale prices!
When/Where: Friday, August 20 through Sunday, Aug. 22. Fri 9:30am—7pm, Sat 10am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 453 Broome St at Mercer St, second floor (212-219-2929), New York

Barneys Warehouse Sale
Deal: 50% to 75% off designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, plus housewares
When/Where: Thursday, August 19 through Monday, September 6. Thurs August 19—Fri August 20 8am—9pm, Sat—Sun 10am—7pm, Mon—Fri 10am—9pm, Mon September 6 10am—7pm. 255 W. 17th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-450-8400), New York

Saks Fifth Avenue
Deal: Extra 25% off already reduced prices on merchandise from Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Ann Demeulemeester and more
Where/When: Online through August 23

Karmaloop
Deal: Enter code VAULT15 at checkout to save 15% off your order
When: Ends August 23, 2010

Amanda Loves L.A., Cake Batter Ice Cream, And Twirling

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 11:00 AM PDT

Name: Amanda

Age: 24

Occupation: Model

What is your favorite country that you've visited? Samoa

What is your favorite dessert? Ooh that's a hard one, I love all desserts! I love cake batter ice cream.

What is your current favorite song? “Love Lost” by The Temper Trap

Where are you from originally? Upstate New York

If you were to get a tattoo today, what would it be? A black outline of California, with a red heart over LA [home of her boyfriend].

Where is your dress from? M Frederick in LA

How about your jewelry? My necklace is from Torvata and the bracelets are an assortment from Bali and Uganda.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke

Factory PR is Hiring an Account Executive!

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 10:53 AM PDT

Factory PR, a New York-based public relations firm that reps some really great brands, is hiring an account executive! Here’s the description:

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE – WOMEN'S FASHION DIVISION

- Minimum of 3 years experience in fashion public relations – NY based agency (preferred) or brand in house.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Strong media contacts with senior editors, journalists and stylists

- Proven feature and product pitching abilities

- Solid contact database for celebrity dressing

- A proactive, energetic and POSITIVE attitude

- An innate interest in fashion, media and entertainment

- Strong knowledge of Cision, Filemaker, Microsoft Office (Excel and Powerpoint) and Photoshop

Think you fit the bill? Email a resume and cover letter to hr@factorypr.com.



The Aisle New York Gives Brides What They Really Want, Offers Fashionista Readers Instant Membership

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 10:00 AM PDT

As I’ve mentioned before, finding a wedding dress, a wedding veil, wedding shoes, what-have-you, are not easy tasks to accomplish. There is a ton of product, plenty of ugly product, and not really many places–stores, magazines, or websites–that offer trustworthy suggestions.

That’s all about to change with The Aisle New York, a members-only website, set to launch the first week in October, that aims to offer brides-to-be a place to shop for everything, get ideas, and just enjoy the whole pre-wedding experience.

Yesterday, I met with site’s co-presidents, WWD and W vet David Yassky and former corporate lawyer Shara Levy. Essentially, the duo–along with renown bridal boutique owner Mark Ingram (who serves as chief merchandising officer) and former Vera Wang creative director Deborah Moses (who serves at chief creative officer)–have built an online world for brides interested in more than cupcake dresses and tiaras. (Although there will be some of that, of course. It’ll just be well-edited.)

With the decline in high-end bridal boutiques–Saks got rid of all but two in the last couple of years–many brides just don’t have access to the Oscars, Veras, and Moniques of the world. They end up spending a ton of money coming to New York for a weekend of trying on dresses. Personally, I’d rather put that $2,000 or however much the trip costs towards a dress.

What’s more, there are a ton of niche bridal dress and accessory designers, as well as milliners, that most of us have never even heard of. Yassky, who spent years covering the market for WWD and Ingram, who’s been running a successful bridal boutique in Manhattan for years, know those designers. Which means we’ll be introduced to many under-the-radar hat makers and bridal experts, whether it’s through sales or the site’s editorial section.

The best news? Everything is discounted! The pieces are usually a season or two behind, and most are discounted by 50%. And it’s flash sales, which you’re surely familiar with. Each item will remain on the site for 72 hours. Along with the aforementioned designers, The Aisle New York will initially feature Angel Sanchez, Marchesa, Lela Rose, Reem Acra, Alberta Ferretti, Elizabeth Filmore, Jenny Packham…the list goes on.

And maybe even more important: There’s a great return policy! If you’ve tried on a dress before and you know that it fits, you don’t need to worry. But if you haven’t, you can purchase dress insurance for around $200. The insurance allows you to receive a full refund on the dress, and includes return shipping, etc. (Most sites that sell high-end bridal gowns, particularly at discount, only offer store credit on returns. Which, if you’re spending several thousand dollars on a dress, is pretty insane.)

The Aisle New York is offering automatic membership to Fashionista readers, so click here to sign up. And please, enjoy this experience! It’s supposed to be fun.

Fashion News Roundup: Betsey Helps You Get Your Eyebrows In Line, D&G Has A Lover’s Spat With Selfridges, & Madonna Can’t Get A Break

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 09:30 AM PDT

The Big Tweeze: Tweezing: we do it to look good, but we rarely look good while doing it (just watch the faces you make in the mirror next time you start plucking). Until now, that is–Betsey Johnson, in yet another somewhat strange collaboration, will release her line of designer tweezers for Tweezerman starting September 1. {Bella Sugar}

Dolce Dispute: Dolce & Gabbana and Selfridges have come to an allegedly mutual agreement to stop their partnership, come next spring. While neither party has pointed fingers, we can’t help but look on this with the same skepticism we have when couples “mutually” split–c’mon, guys. One way or another, somebody’s getting dumped. {Vogue UK}

Causing A Commotion: A Los Angeles clothing company is suing Madonna in regards to her new clothing line for Macy’s, claiming that they have been using the name “Material Girl” for years. Wait, who’s ripping off whom? Didn’t Madonna invent that phrase? Yeesh. {TMZ}

Chrissie Hynde is Still the Coolest: She’s currently collaborating with her ex-boyfriend, who is half her age, on both an album and a fashion collection. We wish we could handle something like that. {WWD}

Best Dressed: Sienna & Drew in Red While Maggie Rocks Isabel Marant

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 09:00 AM PDT

This week’s best dressed features Sienna Miller on a date night with Jude, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Isabel Marant, Anne Grauso looking perfect in pale florals, Drew Barrymore in black and red, and Jessica Alba looking breezy-chic strolling through SoHo.

Is Ann Taylor’s “J.Crew” Strategy Paying Off?

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 08:00 AM PDT

Over the last two years, Ann Taylor has made a noticeable effort to bring its apparel and accessories offerings out of the naughts and into the new, uber-fashion-conscious decade.

In fact, many industry insiders we’ve spoken to about AT’s reformation have noted: “They’re trying be J.Crew.” Evidence of this marketing scheme can be found in the retailer’s newfound preppy-meets-glam aesthetic. The company also recently inked a deal with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to host a runway show in Los Angeles this October.

Well, whether or not Ann Taylor has taken a page from J.Crew’s playbook doesn’t really seem to matter today. The New York-based retailer reported a very successful second quarter, with overall sales increasing by 2.8% to $483.5 million (when compared with the same quarter in 2009).

Comparable store sales–or sales in stores that have been open for at least one year–were up 6.1%, compared to a 22.4% decline last year. And e-commerce was up 28.5%.

Overall sales for the first half of 2010 were $959.7 million, up almost 7% from 2009.

While these numbers aren’t mind-boggling, they are an improvement. It looks like Ann Taylor’s strategy might be working. For now, at least.



Ten Questions For Project Runway

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 07:00 AM PDT

1) Do you think Philip Treacy ever throws a diva fit and just hollers and screams at everyone? His reserve is impressive.

2) Did Ivy say she was inspired by hospital curtains?

3) The upside down rose hat didn't work with Heidi's mom-shag, did it? At least now we know why she was wearing it a few months ago.

4) Did anyone else wrongly assume that Christopher's dark taffeta would be in the top 3 and Michael C's boring "goddess of the sea" dress would be panned? I no longer trust my own taste. I may have been watching this show for too long…

5) …although can I feel slightly vindicated that Philip Treacy also hated–even though the other judges loved it–Valerie's dress and that hideous white shrug?

6) What is the Tim Gunn word of the week, you ask? It was not his most loquacious week, though you may use "precipice" if you'd like.

7) Why didn't the judges appreciate April's triple panty diaper look? Designer diapers are all the rage now, of course.

8) Did Kristin's orchid hat-inspired dress have hot pink Kleenex coming out of the bustline?

9) At least Mondo is still keeping it real, yes? The model in moustache. The comment: "There are a million trillion fabrics and they all have voices."

10) When is Casanova going home? I'm ready to take out a restraining order. He is creepy.



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