Couture goes Hollywood
Couture designers looked to Hollywood on Wednesday with elaborate creations that will vie for "best dressed" on the red carpet. Cate Blanchett lit up the front row at Giorgio Armani's show, held on the third day of the autumn-winter haute couture collections. And French actress Catherine Deneuve and Spanish director Pedro Almodovar showed their support for Jean Paul Gaultier, reports the Associated Press.
London-based designer Roland Mouret made his Paris debut after launching a joint venture with former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, creator of "American Idol.” "Some of the celebrity dressing and branding is like fashion payola, like we have in the music industry," said Cameron Silver, owner of the Los Angeles vintage boutique Decades. "You can tell the difference when an actress is in a dress that she loves or a dress that's paying the mortgage."
Paris couture week was to continue Thursday with displays by lesser-known designers. But many fashion editors planned to leave early for Rome, where Italian designer Valentino has planned three days of events to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his fashion house.
5 July 2007
SJP launches own label
Sarah Jessica Parker has joined the saturated ranks of celebrities launching a fashion label, and on Thursday revealed her ‘Bitten' line. The collection, of which the most expensive item is just 20 dollars, is democratic fashion for the masses. At the launch in New York , the “Sex and the City” actress said about her collection: "its is every woman's inalienable right to have a pulled-together, stylish, confident wardrobe with money left over to live."
Parker's character Carrie may have preferred high-end designer clothes - from Balenciaga to Louboutin shoes - the actress' fashion line she designed herself is considerably more affordable.
Parker's fashion collection is being stocked by retail chain Steve & Barry's and the company's Manhattan Mall store was mobbed by hundreds of mainly female shoppers, with many leaving laden down with bags of clothes. Parker joins fellow celebrities Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley and Kate Olsen, Lily Allen and Kate Moss.
7 June 2007
Vanessa da Silva in new BBC programme
Brazilian-born and London-based illustrator and designer Vanessa da Silva is to be featured in a new BBC documentary to be called Mary Queen of Shops. Da Silva will be amongst a selection of young, directional designers who will take part in the filming of a Brighton Boutique opening, as hosted by Mary Portas, former Harvey Nichols buyer and renowned journalist. The selected designers will be filmed showcasing their collections and work to store buyers to highlight the rigorous process of a store finding new brands and exciting collections for consumers.
Vanessa da Silva has slowly been making a name for herself, with her delicate illustrations, graphic tees and dresses and illustrating for the Basso & Brooke label, the Fashion Fringe winner from 2004. Da Silva's most recent collection, titled “Local Luxury” was inspired by the community in which she lives in East London. Models such as DJ Princess Julia and Lucas Nascimento were photographed in her collection, which features African emporia and every day things.
Oyster magazine, as part of its world fashion issue, this month named Vanessa as one of Britain's “most deeply and immensely talented designers.”
www.vanessadasilva.com
20 March 2007
The Fashion Oscars
The Oscars are as much a celebration of cinema as it is of style and each year there are winners and losers. It is further one of the few red carpet events where Hollywood's A-list pull out all stops wearing some of the most glamorous gowns and jewels in an attempt to shine like the stars they are. Hence, Oscar night is as much about trophies as it is frocks, and having a red carpet winning dress means as much as being in the inner sanctum of Hollywood's celluloid aristocracy (i.e. have won a trophy) with the possibility of being in every fashion publication around the world.
Designers have long realised the PR interest the Oscars generate, as actresses wearing the most-coveted dresses will grace magazine covers around the globe for a long while to come. It seems worthwhile (and lucrative) for designers to lobby stylists and assistants far in advance of the world televised event. Giorgio Armani takes his couture Prive collection to LA for example, offering a private show and fittings to nominees and attendees. Jimmy Choo is also no stranger to the many Hollywood cinderella's and each year offers a bespoke colouring service to match any dress.
Judging by the mood of the season, most actresses went for strapless gowns in a mixture of deep hues - such as Reese Witherspoon's violet dress or Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga scarlet gown - or shades of nude, such as Penelepe Cruz's blush-toned Versace dress or Rachel Weisz in an oyster-coloured Vera Wang creation. Semi-Grecian, jewelled necklines and corseted dresses were in vogue. These actresses all looked nothing less than glamorous on the red carpet.
But like each year, there are winners and losers. Losers this year include The Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway, who's demure bow-tied dress was more suited to someone 20 years her senior, and Cameron Diaz, who opted for a giant frontal fold, much like an OTT wedding ensemble. Not to mention Jennifer Lopez or Gwyneth Paltrow in a hideous mermaid Proenza Schouler creation.
Mariah Carey new face for Pinko
Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time, has signed a multimillion-pound deal to be the face of glam Italian brand Pinko. "Mariah is so excited. She's such a girly girl and loves Pinko clothes. She can't wait to get started with the fashion shoots. It's something she has always wanted to do," a source was quoted by the Mirror, as saying.
It's believed that Mariah's deal will rival the estimated GBP 7million Madonna received when she signed for Versace. Pinko will unveil its new campaign with an event in London this evening. The pop star will host the evening with guests such as Naomi Campbell. The advertising campaign was created by photographer Michelangelo di Battista and art director Giovanni Bianco.
www.pinko.com
15 February 2007
Actress sued by luxury watchmaker
Raymond Weil, the luxury Swiss watchmaker is suing the Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron for allegedly breaking an endorsement deal to wear only its watches. In court papers filed late Monday, Weil stated Theron signed an endorsement deal saying that from October 2005 through December 2006 she would only wear Weil's high-end watches. That deal allowed Weil to use Theron's photographs in its advertisements in exchange for "substantial funds.”
The suit by Raymond Weil accuses the actress of ‘two-timing' the company by wearing a Christian Dior watch in public - a strict no-no in her $20 million deal. "If you're the model for Ralph Lauren, you can't show up wearing Gucci at the Academy Awards," said David Jaroslawicz, an attorney for the watchmaker. "She undercut our entire ad campaign." "We spent a fortune on an ad campaign centered around her," Jaroslawicz said. "Then she goes off and makes us look silly in the industry by wearing Dior."
www.raymondweil.com
8 February 2007
Celebrities front new Disney campaign
Walt Disney wants to return a dash of glamour to its image, and has signed Beyonce Knowles, Scarlett Johansson and David Beckham amongst the stars appearing in a new Disney advertising campaign. Fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz shot the celebrities in various fairytale guises in a promotion for Walt Disney's theme parks.
Recruited by Disney to promote Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Year of a Million Dreams campaign, Leibovitz persuaded her famous friends to dress up as classic Disney characters. The first images in this ongoing series will appear in the March issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, and GQ, according to the New Yorker.
www.waltdisney.com
30 January 2007
Hall of Shame
The acerbic wit of Mr Blackwell has struck again as his much-loved, 46 year-old New Year Worst Dressed list hit the newsstands on Wednesday morning. Always a guilty a pleasure – as long as you are not on the receiving end of his vitriolic ranting – the famous fashion critic and former fashion designer started off his list by lashing out at the divas of bad taste, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, calling them “two peas in an over-exposed pod! Style-free and fashion deprived.” Next was Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who received a royal thrashing. Coining the embarrassing title “The Duchess of Dowdy”, Blackwell calls her a “royal wreck”. Hot on her heels is out-of-control starlet Lindsay Lohan, who has gone “from adorable to deplorable”. Songstress Christina Aguilera is accused of being “all crass and no class”, while he refers toMariah Carey as “Mariah the fashion pariah”. Also on the list are Paula Abdul, Tori Sprelling, Sharon Stone and even Meryl Streep. Of the actress he says: “Her beauty of a career cannot be denied, but that beast of a wardrobe is pure mother of the bride.”
Two women to have redeemed themselves in Mr Blackwell's sharp eyes are Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet. Others to have received a precious accolade are Helen Mirren, Barbara Streisand, Beyoncé, Nancy Pelosi, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes and Marcia Cross.
Mr Blackwell has been aiming his fashion guns at the wealthy and famous since 1960. His most cutting remarks are generally saved for those with the financial means to look better. Apparently money and bad taste make an unforgivable combination. Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears have received most of the battering in the past few years, and we must agree with him. These girls can afford proper stylists, can't they?
Bond sets fashion trends
Suave, sophisticated, tall, dark, handsome, and very deadly. Over the decades 007 has become a fashion icon with a license to thrill, in every sense of the word. Men aspire to be like him, women to be with him. His cool under pressure, while never wrinkling his immaculate Savile Row suits, have more than earned him his reputation as style icon. Some favour Sean Connery's glamorous bad boy, with his understated chique and super slim silhouette, while others clamour for Pierce Brosnan's GQ looks, designer Italian suits and flashy Omega watches. What remains, however, is that James Bond has influenced the style of many, from celebrity rapper P Diddy to boy band alum Justin Timberland. In fact, fashion industry insiders have discerned a trend of more formal looks for men. “Men are turning away from T-shirts and trainers in favour of a more sophisticated, traditional look, but with a twist,” says Guy Rapp, managing director of Italian footwear brand U Roads.
Perhaps the latest Bond, the blond Daniel Craig who is rougher around the edges than his predecessors, embodies the current sophistication best. It's about modern elegance which doesn't take itself too seriously.
TomKat nuptials in Armani
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have finally tied the knot, perhaps putting an end to the months of speculation regarding the legitimacy of their relationship. The wedding took place in the fairy-tale like splendour of the sumptuous fifteenth century Castello Odescalchi in Bracciano near Rome . As reported earlier, the bride and groom were both dressed by Giorgio Armani. For Holmes, the designer created an off-the-shoulder ivory silk gown with a train of Valenciennes lace and Swarovski crystal beading. The gown was accessorized with an ivory tulle floor-length veil and silk shoes. “Katie wanted a simple, elegant dress that was rich in material with a slim silhouette,” Armani dished to WWD. “I couldn't have been in more agreement. I wanted to make it modern but at the same time, compliment that sweetness and energy she conveys.” Armani met with Holmes in Milan , where he says she came by to discuss the dress. “We clicked immediately,” he said. The last fittings took place in Los Angeles . Meanwhile, Mr Armani also tended to the groom, designing a bespoke navy blue tuxedo with satin lapel. The ivory silk French collar matched that of the bride's dress. The jacket label even read “Giorgio Armani for Tom Cruise”. For the wedding reception, the third Mrs Cruise changed into an asymmetric champagne Giorgio Armani Privé gown made from silk organza and adorned with Swarovski crystal beading. The couple sealed their vows with white gold and diamond Cartier rings.
The nuptials were presided over by a Scientology minister and were attended by 150 guests, amongst which a slew of famous faces, including Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, the Beckhams and Will Smith and wife Jada.
Rockstar Anastacia to launch own collection
Top selling artist Anastacia and the fashion company s.Oliver are jointly placing a fashion line on the market: "Anastacia by s.Oliver". The collection for women is (apparently) appealing for its special details across all product groups and was created through the collaboration of Anastacia and an international team of s.Oliver designers , to be launched mid August.
Anastacia, is seems,has always dreamt of creating a fashion line of her own. “I have had the idea of designing my own collection for a long time, but waited for the right partner. s.Oliver came along just at the right time. We got to know each other and found that we not only harmonize well together as a brand, but also have the same ideas about the look of 'Anastacia by s.Oliver'. There are many points that need to be considered when designing a collection: What trends are in, what colors, what fabrics, what styles … That is why I am happy that my work with the s.Oliver design team is going so well and that we are implementing these themes together. For example, I think it is also very important that my clothes can be worn in different sizes."
Thomas Steinhart, Managing Director of s.Oliver Group: “We at s.Oliver are naturally very proud to be working together with Anastacia. The thing that is fascinating about her is the way she puts her whole effort into the collection and works out the details with the team. She is a power woman and tackles the job with all her heart."
The success story of s.Oliver Bernd Freier GmbH & Co. KG began in 1969 with the opening of the first retail outlet in Würzburg by its founder and owner Bernd Freier. Within a few decades, the company had developed into one of the leading fashion manufacturers in Germany and Europe, offering fashion and lifestyle products for the whole family. Overall brand sales, including licenses, of the group operating in more than 30 countries have in the meantime climbed to euro 778 million (in 2004), which means they have more than tripled since 1995. Altogether, the company currently has 49 mega stores under own management, some 240 stores run together with partners and is represented in 1,000 shops and on 1,330 sales stands.
27 July 2006