Isabella Blow Book War Rages On, Takes On Jezebel” y 11 mas

Isabella Blow Book War Rages On, Takes On Jezebel
The 10 Most Ridiculous Looks From the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Will This Lotion Keep Away Bedbugs Forever?!
First Look: Stewart + Brown Spring 2011
Street Style: Iana Loves Cheesecake, Kérastase, & Limp Bizkit
Madewell Spring 2011 Makes Us Happy
Victoria’s Secret Angels To Star in Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring Campaign
DIY Video: P.S. I Made This…Gray Sweatshirt Edition
Quote of the Day: Karl Lagerfeld on Coco’s Mistakes
Fashion News Roundup: China’s First Gap, Gisele To Model For Balenciaga, & The Selby Book Preview
Bonnie Takhar Out at Halston, SJP In Tears About It
Would You Rather…? The Pretty in Pink Edition

Isabella Blow Book War Rages On, Takes On Jezebel

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:01 AM PST

The Isabella Blow book war just won’t quit. And the authors of the competing biographies–Tom Sykes, who cowrote Blow by Blow with Isabella’s widower Detmar, and Lauren Goldstein Crowe who wrote Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion–continue to use the fashion blogosphere to duke it out.

Crowe has spoken out again, though this time, instead of responding to Syke’s latest outrage, she’s taking issue with one of the sites covering the saga, lady blog Jezebel.

Seems Crowe didn’t like Jenna Sauers’ implication, as she recapped the back-and-forth on Jezebel, that the authors were simply drumming up publicity at Isabella Blow’s expense. “Far be it from us mere bloggers to act like some kind of voice of morality here, but a talented and troubled woman died and all these people can think about is their petty little publicity-chasing book-selling feud?” Sauers wrote.

So Crowe sent a response to us and Racked, titled, “A Letter to Jezebel.” Here it is, in full:
How strange of you to recall, step-by-step, the grisly tale between myself and Tom Sykes (“Competing Isabella Blow Biographers Attack Each Other,” November, 11, 2010) but when it comes to my completely coherent clarification to decide to “act like some voice of morality” and point out that “a trouble woman died,” and accuse us both of pandering for publicity’s sake. In fact the moral move, journalistically speaking, would have been to mention that my comment about my party, (“Detmar’s sister and cousin were there as were both Isabella’s sisters and her step-mother and a variety of cousins. Also Philip Treacy and Lucy Ferry who didn’t attend Detmar’s launch. But hey, that’s the world we live in,”) was intended only for a few friends and made little sense without the accompanying clip on the party from the Daily Mail, which was primarily about my relationship with Jude Law. (Below).

I spent well over a year writing a book about this “troubled woman,” one which I am proud to say that many of the people closest to her — including those who came to my party — found a moving, fitting and entertaining tribute, but see no reason that her tragic death should stop me from correcting the item that ran on Racked, or indeed on Jezebel.

My email never attacked Detmar or Tom, merely pointed out some facts that might help journalist friends in selecting photos, should they decide to cover the event. I have never said that my book is better than Detmar’s, only that it is different — as is evidenced by their very titles. For the people who want to read about her marriage to Detmar and the complicated relationship they both had with their families, then Blow by Blow is the book for you. If, however, one is more interested in the behind-the-scene stories of her, well, of her life in fashion and why she became the creative visionary she was, then my book, Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion, will probably be more satisfying. In actuality this is thanks to extensive interviews with many people who couldn’t attend my party — namely designers like Julien MacDonald and Jeremy Scott with whom she was close, photographers with whom she travelled and worked for long periods of time, like David LaChapelle and Donald MacPherson and many talented others including Katie Grand, Nadja Swarovski and Daphne Guinness.

Many thanks for your kind attention.

Lauren Goldstein Crowe

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The 10 Most Ridiculous Looks From the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 03:19 PM PST

Victoria’s Secret put on their annual runway show spectacular last night and, as usual, the highly produced event was an assault of sparkles, feathers, cleavage and legs for miles. There was a “Tough Love” theme that involved lingerie with a hard motocross edge followed by “Game On” which featured Isabeli as a weightlifter, and then “Country Girl” where Angels got to where wings made of straw and wheat. The “Pink Planet” segment–the VS Pink portion of the show–seemed like a tribute to Rainbow Brite, which was not a bad thing.

The front row and after party was packed with a very amusing range of celebs including some fashion ones. Carine Roitfeld, Alexander Wang and Zac Posen were all there. So was Adrien Grenier and Vin Diesel. Vin Diesel was very enthusiastic about the show and on his feet for most of it. Not that we can blame him. There was a lot of hot ridiculousness to be gawked at.

Here are some of the most insane get-ups from the show.
Photo credit: Victoria’s Secret and NY Daily News.

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Will This Lotion Keep Away Bedbugs Forever?!

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 02:24 PM PST

This morning we received a tip from a fashion industry insider–who wishes to remain anonymous–claiming a cure for bedbugs. Well, not a cure, but a repellent.

According to our tipster, whom we trust and respect, Belegenza Timeless Skin Moisturize–which retails for $40 on Belegenza.com–keeps bedbugs far away from your skin. (Of course, if your bed is already infested, this means nothing. But if you go into a bedbug-ridden store and try on some clothes, you might be saved.) Our tipster says he received this information from a chemist who is famous for inventing an over-the-counter acne remedy that many of us use every day.

Whether or not it’s true, we can’t corroborate. But it’s worth a try, right? As our source says, “Any girl worth her Alaia, Chanel, and Phoebe Philo’s Chloe archive should not be taking chances with bed bug infestations.”

Here’s the list of ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, water, hypnea musciformis extract, Geilidiela acerosa extract, Sargassum filipendula extract, Sorbitol, Stearalkonium chloride, Behentrimonium metosulphate, Cetrimonium chloride, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, Cetyl alcohol, Silk amino acids, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Proprietary blend ccs500cl, Acetyl tyrosine, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Riboflavin, Simmondsia chinesis (jojoba) seed oil, Olea europaea (olive) oil, Lanolin oil, L-Cysteine, Ricinus communis (castor) seed extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Pyridoxine HCL-5-phosphate (vitamin B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Panthenol, Oleyl Alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbic acid, Tetrasodium edta, Citric acid, phalate-free fragrance.

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First Look: Stewart + Brown Spring 2011

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:45 PM PST

Stewart + Brown was created in 2002 by business partners, and life partners, Karen Stewart and Howard Brown. The ethical fashion brand mixes the couple’s respect for nature with their love of design. Everything is made from green fabrics like organic cotton and hemp jersey, as well as Mongolian cashmere.

For Spring 2011, the label presented a collection of long dresses, harem pants, and some comfortable-looking tops. They stuck to an earthly color palette: greens, light browns, with a few pops of primary color.

Click through to peruse the lookbook.

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Street Style: Iana Loves Cheesecake, Kérastase, & Limp Bizkit

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:15 PM PST

Name: Iana

Age: 19

Occupation: Model

Agency: Supreme

How would you describe your style? Classic. And for castings, I tend to wear tighter fitting clothes like skinny jeans.

What is your favorite thing about New York? Cheesecake!

What was the last good movie you saw? Inception.

What is your favorite hair product? I love Kérastase products.

What are you listening to? A lot of rock like Limp Bizkit and Kings of Leon, but I also love Jason Mraz. If you feel bad, you just need to listen to Jason Mraz and you will feel better.

What are you wearing? My Coat is from Paris and the bag is by Pull & Bear. The scarf I got from India.

**All Photos By Ashley Jahncke

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Madewell Spring 2011 Makes Us Happy

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 12:30 PM PST

Long knife pleat skirts. Silk button downs. Vintage belts. And short-sleeved army jackets. These are the pieces we want for spring, and sure enough Madewell is offering them up in an irresistible fashion.

“We [topped the skirts] with jackets so it all looked easier,” the brand’s creative director, Kin Ying Lee, told me at this morning’s presentation. The vacation-inspired tees–remnants of those 1970s “Virginia is for Lovers” souvenirs–also made the soft, pretty florals and silks look less precious. Several of the belts used to tie the outfits together were vintage, and will be available in select Madewell stores.

It’s that attention to detail–which includes a magazine stand the team bought, stocked and served coffee and Dean & Deluca donuts out of all morning–that make Madewell special. Our favorite pieces? The long navy and cream dress, the vintage-inspired tees, and of course the shoes. We’d like one of each, please.

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Victoria’s Secret Angels To Star in Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring Campaign

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 11:53 AM PST

Looks like Dolce & Gabbana’s spring 2011 campaign will be full of beautiful angels–Victoria’s Secret Angels.

Photos have leaked from the shoot, and Isabeli Fontana, Maryna Linchuk and Alessandra Ambrosio, all of whom walked in last night’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, will star in the campaign. It’s only a glimpse, and the girls might not be in looks that will be photographed (certainly Isabeli won’t be wearing a bathrobe, though that would be awesome), but we’d be surprised if more white looks don’t figure prominently into their campaign given the white-out collection they showed for spring.

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DIY Video: P.S. I Made This…Gray Sweatshirt Edition

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 11:02 AM PST

If you liked our last P.S. I Made This…With Fashionista video, you’re going to love the latest installment, featuring DIY guru Erica Domesek taking an old gray sweatshirt and transforming it into the perfect Autumn 2010 top.

Of course, you can always visit PSIMadeThis.com for more DIY ideas. And don’t forget about Erica’s book. It’s pretty awesome. Love. Her.

Quote of the Day: Karl Lagerfeld on Coco’s Mistakes

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 10:15 AM PST

“The first [mistake] was when she said ‘Not one man I have spoken to likes a woman in mini skirts’. I think no one dared to tell this 86-year-old lady that miniskirts are great and really sexy. Number two was when she decided blue jeans were horrible. This was the fashion of the world at that particular moment – it was the Sixties. No one wanted to be told by an old lady that miniskirts and jeans weren’t chic. The result was that she lost her power and in the end no one cared about what she did.”

- Karl Lagerfeld on the mistakes Coco Chanel made towards the end of her career, speaking at the International Herald Tribune’s Luxury Heritage conference earlier this week. He also said “Coco did a lot but not as much as people think.” Via Vogue.com UK.

Fashion News Roundup: China’s First Gap, Gisele To Model For Balenciaga, & The Selby Book Preview

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 09:51 AM PST

The First Chinese Gap!: Last night was the grand opening of China’s first Gap store in Shanghai. Like most stores in China, it’s big and shiny. Apparently they had to resize all their clothes to fit Asian body types. {WWD}

Gisele And Balenciaga? Rumors are circulating that Gisele Bundchen will be starring in Balenciaga’s Spring 2011 campaign. We don’t doubt this. After all, she did close their Spring 2011 show. {Elle}

Summer Strauch’s eBay Tips: Lauren wrote a piece for The Inside Source interviewing Summer Strauch, the director of our P.S I Made This videos. Strauch gives some amazing tips on vintage and eBay shopping. {The Inside Source}

Turbans Are In: According to The New York Times, turbans are in. We, of course, already knew this. {The New York Times}

“The Selby In Your Place” Online Preview: “The Selby In Your Place” is available to view online but only until tomorrow at 9AM EST. The book documents the homes of some very well known fashion people including Karl Lagerfeld. It’s definitely worth checking out. {Racked}

Tie Your Scarf This Way Or That Way: With the weather getting colder, gloves and scarves are making their debut. College Fashion teaches you five different ways to tie your scarf. {College Fashion}

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Bonnie Takhar Out at Halston, SJP In Tears About It

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 08:51 AM PST

Halston CEO Bonnie Takhar has been let go, and Sarah Jessica Parker, the label’s chief creative officer, is not happy about Takhar’s departure, Page Six is reporting.

Takhar has been with Halston since its relaunch in 2007. She got the job for her extensive experience and success growing luxury brands. Takhar’s last gig was as the Chief Commercial Officer of Jimmy Choo. Before that she took Earl Jeans from an unknown British denim line to £15 million in US sales within four years. Despite her previous successes, the board wanted Takhar out–which is not shocking given the label’s embattled state.

Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Co. is one of the co-investors and principal owners of Halston, said in a statement, “Sarah Jessica is a huge supporter of Bonnie’s, but it was time to change direction. It was the rest of the board that made the decision. No one was more steadfast to Bonnie than Sarah Jessica.”

According to reports, SJP was “visibly upset” upon learning that Takhar was out. “Sarah has been a strong supporter of Bonnie for a very long time, and has been the sole voice supporting her against the board and shareholders,” a source told Page Six. “Parker was in the middle of the office, in tears, when she finally heard that Bonnie was going.”

Marios Schwab’s designs for the label had everyone’s hopes up, and SJP has certainly given Halston incredible exposure both on the red carpet and by wearing her Halston Heritage throughout SATC2.

But with Takhar’s departure, the legendary ’70s fashion house is once again, at a crossroads.

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Would You Rather…? The Pretty in Pink Edition

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 08:00 AM PST

This pink Dior top is turning into a Miu Miu dress situation. First seen in LOVE #4 on Noemie Lenoir, Elle’s December cover features Jessica Alba in the pink off-the-shoulder number. Both images are sexy and sultry, but we’re wondering who does it better, LOVE or Elle?