Gucci Launches Interactive Fashion Show Technology” y 11 mas

Gucci Launches Interactive Fashion Show Technology
Burberry Goes Biker For Spring 2011
Designers and Celebs Help Find a Cure With “22 Ways to Say Black”
Lemarchand’s Out at Hachette–What Does That Mean for Elle?
Life With Erica Domesek from P.S. I Made This
Trendspotting: Will You Do Nude Or Orange Lips For Spring?
Street Style: Vlada Mixes Zara and Zac
Ask Chris Benz: Paris, Milan, or London?
Most Wanted: Camel Coats, Our Favorite Trend for Winter
Gallery: David Koma and Holly Fulton Spring 2011
Fashion News Roundup: McQueen’s Memorial, The Other Meat Dress, and Is Gossip Girl Holding Up the Tents?
Giles Spring 2011: Sparkly Sneakers and Extreme Silhouettes

Gucci Launches Interactive Fashion Show Technology

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 06:00 AM PDT

Gucci is taking fashion show livestreaming to a new level of tech geekiness, starting today with their Spring 2011 show in Milan.

After an 18-month long "renovation," Gucci recently introduced its redesigned digital flagship at Gucci.com, with creative direction by the brand’s designer, Frida Giannini.

Gucci Connect’s E-vent–a livestream of the Milan show–will launch today at 11.45 am EST as part of the celebration of the e-commerce site's redesign.

The difference between Gucci Coonect and other fashion livestreams? On Gucci Connect you’re invited as a virtual guest, given a virtual seat assignment, and according to the company, given the "same guest benefits as Milan event guests attending the live runway presentation." (No mention of whether that includes the right to give the stink eye to show crashers in your virtual seat or snagging a goody bag.)

Essentially, the company is integrating multiple digital platforms on which people can interact during the runway show: via webcam, Facebook, Twitter, and a live chat on the site. Gucci claims that virtual guests will "mix" with the world's buyers and press.

After you sign up for an e-ticket on GucciConnect.com (which over 10,000 people have already done) and sign-in, you’re connected via webcam or photo on the site. Then you can basically chat and tweet with all the other virtual guests for a frenzied ten minutes during the show. There's even a Facebook challenge. If you download a special Facebook app and create the largest group, you get "VIP" seating and your webcam will be projected at the show. So no eating Cheetos in your PJ's while you're watching.

Whether this initiative is successful or not, Gucci is raising the bar for consumer involvement in what is clearly no longer an experience for industry insiders only.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Burberry Goes Biker For Spring 2011

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 05:00 AM PDT

Burberry Prorsum Cheat Sheet:

Patent belts–leather accents
Ruched satin
Mint green
Teal
Real biker jackets
Bondage
Ruched leather jackets
Leather motocross dress
Studs are here to stay

LONDON–So yeah. You may have seen a bunch of models fall on the Burberry Prorsum catwalk yesterday afternoon. The shoes, spikey F*ck Me booties, looked terribly, terribly uncomfortable, and I could almost feel the models’ pain emanating from the runway.

But they looked as good as they did torturous. For spring, designer Christopher Bailey evolved his Fall 2010 theme, keeping the short, gauzy dresses, but topping them with motorcycle jackets instead of shearling. Some were classic biker black, others were full-on punk, adorned with thousands of gold studs. They looked like flashier versions of the studded jackets that the punks in Boston used to wear back when I was in college. Of course, there were plenty of trenches, many with accents of black leather. To brighten things up, Bailey added patent leather belts in flouro pastels.

The standout looks, though, were those dedicated to motocross. Leather motocross pants, jackets and a killer black dress dominated, and with good reason. Bailey makes sexy, clearly-defined clothing. You understand the message he’s attempting to convey. No wonder fans are demanding to scoop it up right off the catwalk. People love straight-talkers.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Designers and Celebs Help Find a Cure With “22 Ways to Say Black”

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 03:00 PM PDT

Ever wonder what would happen if someone put Halle Berry, Julianna Margulies, and 22 one-of-a-kind designer dresses, all in the same room? Yesterday at Philips de Pury, this happened at a glamorous auction that raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society and La Ligue Contre le cancer in France.

Donna Karan, Thakoon, Sonia Rykiel, Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino, Lanvin, Givenchy, and Phillip Lim (pictured, right) were among the participants, each chosen to design a little black dress that incorporated Swarovski Elements. So, the lucky few who won one of these dresses not only contributed to a great cause, but also get to walk around town in a one of a kind dress by one of the world’s most renowned designers.

Fashionable celebs showed their support by sporting LBD’s, though Berry’s caught some flack for being a bit too little.

This is definitely a charity we can get behind. Check out the Swarovski Elements Facebook page and this video to learn more!

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Lemarchand’s Out at Hachette–What Does That Mean for Elle?

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 02:00 PM PDT

Alain Lemarchand, longtime exec at Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., has resigned as CEO of the company. He’ll be replaced by Steve Parr on October 1.

However, Lemarchand isn’t leaving the French media firm altogether. WWD reports that he’ll take on a senior roll within Lagardere Active. Hachette is part of Lagardère Active (which is in turn a subsidiary of French conglomerate Lagardère), which means this might be some sort of promotion.

It’s also a slight indication that Elle magazine is finally, actually going to be sold.

For years, rumors have circulated that US Elle will be acquired by a larger, American-based publishing house. With Lemarchand, an Elle devotee, out of the way, it may be easier to go through with the transaction.

The two most recent names to pop up as possible buyers were Time Inc. and Hearst. To me, Time Inc. is the better fit. (And I’m not even considering the fact that the magazine already plans to move into the Time Inc. building. The house is lacking a true fashion book–InStyle is more of a celebrity shopping tome–and Elle‘s focus on pop culture fits in nicely. Yet Elle would also be a big win for Hearst, given Harper Bazaar‘s limited readership (they’re still trying to bill it as a “luxury” glossy). However, it could mean some trouble for Marie Claire, which has ramped up its fashion coverage significantly over the last two years. Right now, Marie Claire is gunning for Elle‘s readers.

Regardless, it’ll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Because things like this don’t “just happen.”

Know anything? Email us on tips@fashionista.com.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Life With Erica Domesek from P.S. I Made This

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 01:30 PM PDT

Since we’ve started a DIY series with Erica Domesek of the fabulous site-turned-book P.S. I Made This, we thought we should get to know her a bit better.

So a few weeks ago, I arrived at Erica’s East Village apartment mid-morning, expecting to have a brief chat with her to find out more about her site and how it came about. I walked into a cloud of smoke coming out of the oven and Erica muttering something about her lack of a vent. She likes to cook almost as much as she likes to craft, and had prepared baked eggs with spinach and baby tomatoes topped by sliced avocado for our informal “chat.” “I love cooking…using my hands to make things, that’s what makes me happy,” she told me. Lucky me.

Getting them out of the oven without a potholder? No problem. A vintage army jacket doubles as a potholder in Erica’s world. She took off her jacket and used it to grab the steaming hot eggs, and without missing a beat, looked up from the oven and said with a wink “P.S. I made this…potholder.”

Did you just say that for the interview?
I always say ‘P.S.’ everything. One day during fashion week, I was back stage at Catherine Malandrino, and this girl said, ‘P.S. I love your necklace,’ and I said ‘Thanks, P.S. I made this.’ She asked if I had a jewelry line and I said, ‘No but I have a craft club.’ She happened to be from Alloy entertainment and she asked if I would do something like a TV show for them.

Alloy is behind Gossip Girl right?
Yeah. And I had no desire, as much as I’m very talkative, I didn’t want to be on TV. But I said whatever, I’ll try it out online, just for fun, and it got a lot of traffic and a great response.

So how did the site come about? You had a craft club?
One day one of my really good friends emailed me. She works in fashion, and she was like ‘Hey, I’m going to get this Rachel Roy necklace.’ It was just this feather necklace–and it was really pretty–but it was $600. This was two and a half years ago. I told her that I loved it, but I wasn’t going to let her spend $600 on it. I said, ‘Why don’t you come over and we’ll make it.’
So she and a few of my friends came over to make this necklace and I had so much fun showing my friends how to make stuff. Most of my friends work in fashion and love to shop but you know how people say, ‘Pick your battles?’ I say, ‘Pick your purchases.’ There are some things you don’t have to splurge on.
We had so much fun we did it again next month. Word caught on that I had this craft club and everyone wanted to get in on it. So I thought, ‘Huh, maybe there’s something here.’

How did you get to be so crafty?
My mom’s a great cook and she loves fashion. My dad is a doctor and he’s good with his hands. My grandmother is a classical pianist, my aunt’s a photographer, my other aunt knits and sews and macrames, so i guess DIY is in my DNA. There is a satisfaction that comes with making things: There’s a beginning, middle and an end.

Before the site and the book, I spent years consulting for brands and styling. I worked with everyone from Teen Vogue to Anthropologie to Kate Spade creating sets for shoots.

How do you come up with ideas for projects?
My whole mantra is: I see it, I like it, I make it. That goes for actual products I find that make me say, ‘Oh my god, I need this in my life.’
I found these sick reflectors at Modell’s Sporting Goods the other day and, I thought, ‘How sick would these be around shoes. They’re so Giuseppe/Balenciaga.’ And, it works the other way around, too, like I’ll see something in a store or on a runway and think, ‘I need to make this.’

[A commercial for Denny's new grilled cheese with mozzerella sticks inside comes on during the Today show (Erica watches every morning and refers to all the anchors as her friends) and we are momentarily distracted.]

You know when everything is that same golden brown color it’s going to be good.
There is nothing that can take the place of a simple grilled cheese.

Right, so, we were talking about your projects. Where do you find the supplies? Do you make everything here?
[Opens giant folding chest] This is where the magic happens. I want to know how many people have a pom pom drawer and a cupcake wrapper drawer. [Sings] Welcome to my world of toys! I love Party City for supplies–I go to the one on 14th St., and it’s just like, forget about it.

What’s at Party City?
What isn’t at Party City? I was trolling the aisles yesterday telling myself, ‘Erica you only came here for bouncy balls,’ and meanwhile I came back with all these toy rings. P.S. I’m obsessed with toy rings right now and I can’t stop buying them.

I could have kept chatting with Erica for hours. And she didn’t let us out the door without the materials for her latest DIY project, a bag charm. Erica likes to say she’s “crafting a career.” Martha Stewart watch out.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Trendspotting: Will You Do Nude Or Orange Lips For Spring?

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 01:00 PM PDT

The big beauty story on the S/S 2011 New York runways was lip color. Or rather, the lack thereof. From the heavy hitters to the young upstarts, designer after designer put their models in bare lips. Some girls looked like they'd had a mere swipe of Vaseline applied. Other girls' mouths were pale and matte, and from a distance their lips almost disappeared into their faces in an eerie way.

Orangey corals also popped up. A tricky color for some complexions perhaps, but happy and optimistic. Much like the designers who utilized it.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Street Style: Vlada Mixes Zara and Zac

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 12:30 PM PDT

Name: Vlada Roslyakova

Occupation: Model

Agency: Women

Who is your top by? Zara

And your blazer? Zac Posen

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Ask Chris Benz: Paris, Milan, or London?

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 12:00 PM PDT

Dear Chris,

I’m a recent Parsons graduate with an EU passport. I really want to move to Paris or Milan or London to start off my career. I’ve had a couple of successful internships, so I’m not too worried about getting my foot in the door. I’m more worried about choosing the right city. Where are your favorite places in Europe?

Dear Parsons Graduate,

What an exciting dilemma! I love pitting European cities against each other. There are so many specific and inspiring things about each European capital. I just got back from a recent trip to London visiting some stylish friends, and I have to say there’s a load of interesting things going on there. I had never been to East London before and all of the kids in that neighborhood are really pushing the envelope with their day looks. Renaissance tailcoats mixed with sports gear, vampiric details with candy-colored tresses, etc. (See September W magazine!). If you gravitate towards more experimental, unusual fashion I’d say go with London.

I look forward to every trip to Paris I have to go for work and every trip feels very different. Trends seem to travel very quickly and widespread across that city and the level of sophistication, style history, and elegance really embodies every part of the Parisian lifestyle. If your dream is to live and breathe the haute couture, then move to Paris. Milan is yet another fashion animal completely. Artistic, intellectual, and smartly Italian, Milan is the reserved sister to Rome’s flamboyance. If severity, gorgeous craftsmanship, and tailoring is your cup of tea then Milan might be the place for you.

You sound as though you have a lot of confidence and your work must be quite dazzling. Good luck with your decision making and don’t be afraid to change around your cities of choice. Once your over in Europe, those trains are so fast, you know.

Still, what's wrong with New York?

Xx
CB

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Most Wanted: Camel Coats, Our Favorite Trend for Winter

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 11:03 AM PDT

From Phillip Lim to Michael Kors to Celine, camel overcoats were all-over the runway for Fall. And we're obsessed. Here's a roundup of our favorites, courtesy of Nordstrom.

The cream of the camel crop, from left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim Paneled Double Face Wool Coat, Piazza Sempione Double Face Camel’s Hair Coat, Ralph Lauren Black Label Drape Neck Sweater Coat, Smythe ‘Cadet’ Wool Blend Coat, Burberry Brit Hooded Wool Topper

Think of the camel coat like the LBD for fall. Throw it over any old thing you've got on and you're insta-chic. Of course, we've got some thoughts on the perfect way to show off fall's must-have item. For a mod-ish dressed up look, perfect for a dinner date on a brisk autumn evening, consider donning your camel coat over a simple shift and thick black ribbed tights (spring for Wolford's if you can afford it), and black booties. If you're on your way to work, try it with wide leg tweed trousers with a strong seam and some simple flats. And on a lazy weekend, while you're out admiring the foliage (or running a quick errand before returning to the couch to watch some Lifetime movie marathon—we don't judge!), camel goes perfectly over beat up skinny jeans and knee-high flat boots.

For more fall fashion insight and to share your own thoughts on this season's top trends, join the conversation at Nordstrom.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Gallery: David Koma and Holly Fulton Spring 2011

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 10:30 AM PDT

LONDON–We gave you the first look–now here’s the rest!

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Fashion News Roundup: McQueen’s Memorial, The Other Meat Dress, and Is Gossip Girl Holding Up the Tents?

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 09:30 AM PDT

Remembering McQueen: A gathering of about 1,000 people took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral to memorialize Alexander McQueen. Speakers at the ceremony included Suzy Menkes and Anna Wintour, who told the story of how she “forgave” Mcqueen for not showing up to a photo shoot. {NY Times}

Gossip at the Tents: The main tent is still up at Lincoln Center, four days after the last show. Perhaps Gossip Girl will follow their next FNO episode with some staged Fashion Week footage. We can only hope. {Racked}

Gaga’s Meat Dress Was a Copycat: Lady Gaga probably thought her VMA meat outfit was one of her most original yet. Not so. According to Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Enter if You Dare! a Chicago girl wore a dress made from salami and bacon. Better luck next time, Gaga. {Refinery 29}

However, that Chicago girl probably didn’t use her meat clothes as a metaphor for gay rights: But Lady Gaga sure did. We think the rallying she’s doing to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is great, but there was no need to bring the meat dress into it. In fact, let’s all just stop talking about the meat dress. {Gawker}

Stella Takes on Menswear: As part of her Adidas collab and in anticipation of the 2012 Olympics, Stella McCartney will be designing a range of mens lifestyle wears. The new line will celebrate the Best of British. With a kids line coming out, the whole family can now be outfitted in Stella. {Vogue UK}

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Giles Spring 2011: Sparkly Sneakers and Extreme Silhouettes

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 08:00 AM PDT

LONDON–Giles Deacon, much like his friends Katie Grand and Luella Bartley, is just innately cool. The East London space in which he showed his Spring 2011 collection last night–an old brick warehouse of sorts with low ceilings–was just cool. And the clothes he showed–some beautiful, some beautifully off kilter–were also, well, cool.

Aggy Deyn opened with a Mohawk and a pair of pastel sneakers (or trainers, as the Brits call them) encrusted in Swarovski crystals. (Giles is yet another designer supported by Swarovski.) Other notable models included Alessandra Ambrosio, Jessica Stam, Coco Rocha, Ashley Smith and footballer WAG Abbey Clancy–who is apparently three months pregnant and in the midst of a cheating scandal. Famous Brit Kelly Brook–I really have no idea what she actually does–was also there.

Each look was quite different. Some kooky knits with an eyeball motif appeared in the beginning, then a few ball gowns with exaggerated poufy skirts, then a long pink column dress draped in pink Swarovski beads. There were also pom poms! A pom pom Mohawk, in fact, on several of the models. Most noticeably, Veruschka who, at 71, closed the show.