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Last Night’s Parties: Brad Goreski and Kelly Osbourne Celebrate Fendi’s New LA Boutique
Best Dressed: Paris Fashion Week
Iris van Herpen blends Couture with Technology
Trendspotting: Monochromatic Suits
Gap’s New Logo: Why They Did It and Why We’re Not Surprised
Street Style: Roxanne Puts On Her Blue Shoes
Label to Watch: Raphael Young
American Apparel Names New President, Continues Efforts to Stay Afloat
Fashion News Roundup: Steve Madden Now Controls Betsey Johnson, Rag & Bone Gets Control of Their Graffiti Problem and Pilati Not Done At YSL
The Mysterious Case of Christina Hendricks’ Ports 1961 Event at Bloomingdale’s
Ten Questions For Project Runway

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Posted: 08 Oct 2010 03:30 PM PDT

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Last Night’s Parties: Brad Goreski and Kelly Osbourne Celebrate Fendi’s New LA Boutique

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 03:13 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES–Last night, Fendi threw a bash to celebrate the opening of their newest Los Angeles boutique in the Beverly Center and we happily joined the party.

The intimate space is sleek and luxurious, with white ribbed walls and amber facades, and it is the first US boutique to have a men's ready-to-wear and accessories section. With a performance by rock/jazz pianist, Elew, and live DJ, the vibe was energetic and the crowd was eclectic. Throughout the night we spied Dania Ramirez, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, and Brad Goreski, but sadly no Chloe Sevigny, who was expected to show.

We were mostly distracted by all the shoes and handbags lining the walls—most of which, we were told, were flown in just for the event. And for good reason—we enviously watched as a handful of revelers swap their original party shoes for some newly purchased footwear. But besides all the drool-worthy accessories, the real eye-candy of the night was the wait staff. (Seriously, they must have rounded up a dozen male models to pour champagne.)

At first, the Beverly Center may seem like an unlikely place for the fashion house to open up shop. But after taking into account the successes of other existing luxury brands within the mall like Louis Vuitton and Burberry, it seems like a smart move. Store manager Michael Moss explained that while the move has long been in the works, now is the perfect time for this new location. They are confident that the boutique will attract both their established clientele and a younger, more hip audience.

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Best Dressed: Paris Fashion Week

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 02:30 PM PDT

It was tough to pick just five girls from Paris Fashion Week’s abundance of sartorial greatness, but we did our best. We have a hard time ever excluding Alexa Chung, who looked adorable at Miu Miu. Lou Doillon is a Paris fashion icon in her own right and did not disappoint at Chanel. Rachel Bilson looked lovely at Dior. Anja Rubik rocked long, flowy Chloé and Caroline Sieber got a head start on Spring’s white trend at Valentino.

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Iris van Herpen blends Couture with Technology

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 02:11 PM PDT

PARIS–Mechanical Couture, an exhibition which opens next week at Israel’s Design Museum Holon, calls attention to the couture-tech courtship. So we thought it was time we caught up with Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, whose S/S 2011 collection includes a fossil-thin bolero made by what is essentially a 3D printer. From collaborations with Ecco leather, Rem Koolhaus’ shoe line United Nude and choreographer Nanine Lenning, Iris manipulates materials into structural explorations that have brought weary showgoers to their feet. We tracked Iris to her Paris showroom to find out what it’s like to go hi-tech…and to demand an explanation for her absence from London Fashion Week last month, where the 26-year-old designer has been showing since her graduation from talent incubator Central Saint Martins.

Your shows are always jaw-droppers and a highlight of LFW, what made you bow out so soon before?
I skipped LFW this season because after I showed a few pieces at Amsterdam (Fashion Week). I got a lot of nice orders and I was crazily busy with them at the time. Also the most difficult pieces were ordered, like the water dress and the huge water collar! I did not think I would ever to be able to make them again, but, surprisingly, I am doing it at the moment.

What prompted you to incorporate a material and process usually reserved for industrial design?
It was an idea from Kaat Debo, director of the MoMu in Antwerp. There is a lot of rapid prototyping going around, but MGX by Materialise (production) is really progressive in what they do. And my designs are not easy, so I needed a company that likes a challenge, and they definitely do!

You said the concept for these pieces grew from an interest in the transformation of liquid into crystals. Did inspiration strike on a particularly cold day in the studio?
Haha, no actually it was summer, super hot. And the funny thing is is that I used a hot air gun to make the water pieces. So that was suffering…..and sweaty. It started with a collaboration with Benthem Crouwel Architects, they designed a new museum in Amsterdam, called the Bathtub because it looks like that, and asked me to design a dress inspired on that museum. So I decided to design what is still missing in the bathtub abstractly, that was the water of course. So I wanted to make a dress that is like a warm bath floating around the body. I started to become so fascinated by the water, that I wanted to explore it more and develop that into my collection.

The design process must have differed greatly with 3D printing, did you have to design in CAD and was it a smooth transition for you?
I designed on the computer. It looked 3D but was actually still 2D. Daniel (Widrig) translated the designs into real 3D and made a model for that. I enjoyed it apart from sitting so long behind a screen. And I hardly sketch any of my designs so I am really not used to this way of working so far ahead. But that makes it fun. The weirdest thing was that I saw the 3D sculpture for the first time the day of the show itself. That was a new experience as well because normally I am already sort of tired of the looks before they are on the catwalk.

You designed a limited edition shoe for United Nude for this fall, will we see more shoes/accessories in the future?
For my Synesthesia (A/W 10) collection I designed shoes, the black, beige leather shoe with gold foil which are available now. For my new collection I designed the chain shoes, and we are collaborating on my first bag.

Last time we spoke I learned about your background in dance and your interests in costume design. Any recent collaborations?
I am still working together with choreographer Nanine Linning. I designed all the costumes for her big opera ‘Madame Butterfly’ that premiered Sept. 25th. To see that world of opera and dance inspires me for my own work. It is intriguing to see the passion of the people that sing and dance a really old story and make it alive today.

Click through to see more of of Iris’ work.
**Images courtesy of Candy PR

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Trendspotting: Monochromatic Suits

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 01:30 PM PDT

Monochromatic suits (pictured here from The Row, Stella McCartney, and Akris) were a runway trend we’ll be happy to follow.

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Gap’s New Logo: Why They Did It and Why We’re Not Surprised

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Photo Via treycopeland.com

The internet is freaking out over the new Gap logo (a hater created this new logo for them) and we get it. It looks like Gap is schilling for Lipitor. The thing is, the logo change wasn't actually that sudden.

Gap started using the same helvetica font in advertisements for 1969 jeans over a year ago and it's also been used in stores and on tags. This can be seen as one of many strategies the company has employed in an attempt to improve business, which hasn't been doing so well over the past few years, a downfall many have attributed to the company's lack of direction.

Gap's creative director since 2007, Patrick Robinson, revealed his interest in keeping Gap modern and fresh as part of his plan to "elevate the brand." However, some are criticizing Gap for taking this too far by getting rid of the "iconic" logo of the "heritage" brand. But is Gap really a heritage brand? 1969 was not that long ago. Maybe a step forward, visually or otherwise, is what the brand needs.

Honestly, we're not huge fans of the new logo, but what was really so great about the original? I have mixed feelings about it. Sure, there's some positive nostalgia associated with it, but at the same time, it reminds me of the logo-obsessed '90s when you couldn't walk down the street without seeing someone with GAP sprawled across a t-shirt or sweatshirt. That was great marketing for the company back then, but it doesn't work now.

As you may have heard, following an outpouring of hatred for the new logo, Gap has responded by saying they're open to other ideas and are planning a crowd sourcing project on Facebook to see if the public can come up with something better.

So while the final logo might not be the one you're seeing now, it's unlikely Gap will backpedal so far as to return to the original. However, it will live on in The Social Network, in which a college-aged Mark Zuckerberg sports an oversized sweatshirt with the logo prominently featured (inspired by a photo of the real Zuckerberg wearing the same sweatshirt at Harvard in the early aughts).

Perhaps this is the image Gap is trying to escape. It's been a while since Gap has been seen as the hip, must-have brand it was back in the day, and because the logo was such a huge part of the brand, Gap, understandably, saw changing the logo as an important step in changing the brand.

However, brands like J. Crew have managed to successfully elevate their brand without changing their logo, proving there are other, perhaps more effective methods of doing this. Do you think the logo change was necessary? And can Gap reclaim success?

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Street Style: Roxanne Puts On Her Blue Shoes

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 12:30 PM PDT

Name: Roxanne

Age: 22

Occupation: Freelance Journalist

How would you describe your style? Eclectic and casual, but I like to step outside of the box…I tend to go for darker colors.

What are you listening to? The Rascals, Talking Heads and Bob Dylan…Always!

How do you take your coffee? I don’t drink coffee, so Red Bull is my pick me up!

Where is your skirt from? H&M

And your shoes? Vans

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

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Label to Watch: Raphael Young

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 12:00 PM PDT

PARIS–Remember those incredible shoes on the Frank Tell Fall 2010 runway? Me too. They were designed by the Paris-based Raphael Young, who just opened up his first store in the city. (Right next to Mr. Louboutin on the Rue Jean-Jaques Rousseau, naturellement.)

I stopped by the opening on Tuesday night, where Fall 2010′s specimens were perched in box frames along the big wall in the main room. The back room was filled with Young’s Spring 2011 offerings. And I must say, I was thrilled by them. From the seafoam green metallic heels to the red suede peep toes with a marble wedge, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Click through to pick your favorite pair.

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American Apparel Names New President, Continues Efforts to Stay Afloat

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT

American Apparel has just announced the first new hire of their “realignment strategy,” WWD is reporting. Tom Casey, the former CFO of Blockbuster, has been named president of the embattled company,

He’ll report to CEO Dov Charney and will be responsible for developing the company’s operating strategy. American Apparel is on the brink of bankruptcy, so maybe it was a wise move to hire Casey to oversee operating strategy, as he’s got some experience in dealing with a company on the brink (Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 last month, just after Casey left the company.) He’s also got 24 years of management experience.

Things keep looking up for the retailer. Just last week, American Apparel’s lender, Lion Capital, announced they would give the retailer some time to revamp operations, including making new hires (like Casey) to increase profitability. And if we’re to infer anything from American Apparel’s new ads starring the company’s fearless leader working away on his laptop, it’s that Charney’s getting down to business, too. Of course, his business is conducted in bed. Where he is flanked by young women. Some things will never change.

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Fashion News Roundup: Steve Madden Now Controls Betsey Johnson, Rag & Bone Gets Control of Their Graffiti Problem and Pilati Not Done At YSL

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 10:00 AM PDT

Madden’s Control: Steve Madden has increased his stake in Betsey Johnson from a $48.8 million loan to ownership of the brand’s intellectual property. Through licensing deals with Betsey Johnson LLC, Madden will get royalties from Johnson’s firm and its other licensees. {WWD, subscription required}

Calling All Aspiring Muralists: Rag & Bone hopes to solve their newest store’s unwanted graffiti dilemma by taking matters into their own hands. Sick of phrases like “You Would” and “F*** Africa” being tagged on the large white space underneath “Rag & Bone Bids Farewell to Cafe Colonial…,” they will hold a competition where artists can submit their work for consideration. The art will be voted on by Rag & Bone’s Facebook fans and the winner will be provided with all necessary painting materials and a $1000 store credit. Check out their site for more info. {Rag & Bone}

Major Shuffling in Paris? The rumor mill is running wild following speculation that Stefano Pilati is done at YSL. Apparently, that is untrue, at least for the next 3 years, which is the length of the contract he just signed. There are also rumors that Karl Lagerfeld will retire from Chanel after his 30th anniversary in 2012 and be replaced by Alber Elbaz, whose position at Lanvin will then be filled by Oliver Theyskens. Lagerfeld retiring?? What? {Hint}

Alexa Weighs In: Alexa Chung addresses eating disorder rumors and her difficulty coping with the canceling of her MTV show in the latest issue of Elle. She says, "I am naturally very thin. I get even thinner when I'm stressed. And you cannot imagine how stressed I was last year." {People Style Watch}

What is couture? Fashion Photog Rankin and a slew of designers ranging from Giorgio Armani to Erdem have collaborated on a coffee table book. Called Couture In the 21st Century, the book contains history, interviews and beautiful Rankin-shot portraits and seeks to answer the important question of what exactly couture means today. {InStyle UK}

Thom Browne’s Girl: Thom Browne will show womenswear for the first time in New York in February. “I’m ready now, I know what to do. The show will be very much like my menswear ones — not traditional,” the designer says. We can’t wait. {Vogue UK}

Amy Winehouse X Fred Perry: Amy Winehouse’s collaboration with Fred Perry will launch…some time soon. It will be inspired by the ’40s and ’50s and when asked what took so long, she explained, “I went through a lot of trouble with my ex-husband, so I had such a long time to think about the collection.” {Catwalk Queen}

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The Mysterious Case of Christina Hendricks’ Ports 1961 Event at Bloomingdale’s

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 09:29 AM PDT

Last night, Ports 1961 showcased their Fall/Winter 2010 collection on Bloomingdale’s fourth floor. There was quite a turnout for the event, a mini fashion show and cocktail reception, as Mad Men star Christina Hendricks was billed as the host.

“Christina Hendricks, star of Mad Men, will host a cocktail reception and will be on hand for a special presentation of the Ports 1961 Fall/Winter 2010 Collection at Bloomingdale's 59th Street,” read the release.

It’s true, she was there, and looked stunning in a Ports 1961 sheath dress. And she graciously and patiently signed autographs and posed for photos with adoring fans for nearly an hour. But her actual involvement with the Ports 1961 presentation was suspiciously limited. She never once took the stage during the presentation, and the 10 or so press outlets who had attended the event with the promise of interviewing Hendricks, myself including, were left without quotes. I was told, rather cryptically, when I got to the fourth floor, that Hendricks would not be conducting any interviews.

The clothes were gorgeous, and we’re seriously coveting the textured thick tights the models were wearing, but the real story was Hendricks’ sudden lack of involvement with the Ports event.

The reason Hendricks was forced to back out of the event, according to a source, has to do with her contract with London Fog. She’s the face of the brand and there was some concern that if she was an active part of the Ports 1961 presentation and conducted interviews on behalf of Ports 1961 she would be in breach of contract with London Fog. And nobody wants lawyers involved.

All parties involved–Bloomingdale’s, Ports 1961, Hendricks’ team, and the press–were frustrated by the lack of communication. We even noticed that the commentated fashion show (InStyle mag and Ports 1961′s president Jacqui Wenzel narrated) was set against an innocuous Bloomingdale’s backdrop, rather than a Ports 1961 backdrop, which would be standard for an event like this. Perhaps a failed effort to try to make it OK for Hendricks to appear on stage and be photographed?

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Ten Questions For Project Runway

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 08:00 AM PDT

1) After last week's emotional roller coaster, who else needed a Xanax to prep for this episode? Model switch! Cheating scandal! Old designers return!

2) Where did Gretchen get the "Hater" tag she was wearing? The producers should make her wear it for every episode.

3) Really, Project Runway? A challenge to help promote Heidi's line of baggy sweatshirts? Shame on you.

4) Snippy much, Mondo? And Gretchen? And Ivy? Everyone took their bitchy pills last night.

5) Do you need double-sided tape to make chicken cutlets stick? I thought they just mold on with your body heat or something. As for the cheating scandal–much like OJ–I'm pretty sure Michael C. did it. With complete malfeasance. Allegedly.

6) Are Michael C. and I the only ones who laughed when that needle flew into Ivy's eye?

7) How great was it to have Casanova back? "That should be worn by a mom with money and five children. Who still wants to have sex."

8) How bloody would a girl fight between Heidi and Gretchen be? I would pay $10 to see that on pay-per-view.

9) Who else thinks Heidi could be our next potential "Adventures in Copyright"? Andy's collection was cute, but did any of you yogis out there think, "Holy crap that looks JUST like Lululemon's logo!" when you saw the jacket?

10) OK, so who's in the top three? Gretchen, Mondo, and Andy?