Fashion Foreword

Gaultier Launching Childrens Line

2008-11-18T12:51:24-05:00

This just in from WWD: Jean Paul Gaultier is launching a line of children’s clothing (and so is everyone else!) He’s just signed a licensing agreement with Zannier, and the line is scheduled to come out in time for Fall 09. The best part? He may be calling this “children’s”, but the clothes will be for kids up to the age of 14. So perhaps they will run big and some of us can scoop up some hot looks at children’s prices!

Monogram

2008-11-17T20:57:38-05:00

While reading this weekend I came across an article about how Banana Republic’s higher-priced Monogram collection can’t seem to make it on its own in this market. [No surprise there.] Banana is now going shutter the 8-month-old division. I guess if it can’t make it in New York it can’t make it anywhere. With all the different branches stemming off parent companies like Gap, American Eagle and Abercrombie, in the last year or 2 I wonder which ones will make it [hopping Martin + Osa does well…..there clothes are SUPER great!] and which ones will come and go like Monogram.

Hey Fashionistas!

2008-10-29T18:52:00-05:00

Its been awhile, but for good reasons! I’ve been on a honeymoon in Europe and while there I would scoping out the fashion scene. Paris girls are hot, cute, and have it all going on. Germans don’t care too much for fun fashion. They are all about the function. Then there is Switzerland, right in the middle. Some dress very fashion forward and others dress much for outdoorsy and athletic. But I will say, the Swiss have the best hair cuts ever!!! Very straight and all about the bangs!
So, I am still trying to recover but will have some new fashion gossip for you soon!

Would you walk in these shoes?

2008-10-03T01:33:00-05:00

Antonio Berardi Shoes
Those who have tried these shoes say that they are not that bad since because they are deliberately weighted in the platform base under the toe which means that all your weight is forced forwards and then downwards, so you can’t tip backwards and there isn’t any of that teeter-totter that you get with normal a heel. Hmmm….is that convincing enough? Not so sure.

A Sprout of color in the Gray Gray Gardens

2008-10-01T18:51:00-05:00

The spring 2009 fashion shows displayed an array of dark, tough, meaty piece. A far cry from the frilly, feminine clothes that have graced the runways is past Spring seasons. Light flowy colors gave way to heavy blacks, grays, creams and muted metallics. In the mists of the dark colors, small bits of color popped up like new flowers poking through a late spring snow fall.

Balenciaga RTW Spring 2009

Jenni Kayne RTW Spring 2009

Marni RTW Spring 2009

Vivienne Westwood RTW Spring 2009

Halloween Has Come Early

2008-09-29T17:33:01-05:00

Following suit in the “primitive” trend seen earlier this season and in previous shows, Rick Owens took it to the next level with cultism. The all black clothes, black trash bag boots, little to no make-up on the models and the nun like garb on the head, rang out wicked witch. While some in the industry think this was fabulous (Rick Owens always does something a bit controversial witch leaves everyone talking) it was all a bit too spooky and drab for me. The show may have been a reflection of the emotions of the world right now with natural disaster after natural disaster and the in-the-trash economy, but when I am feeling blue, I wany to see sunny yellow to take my mind off of the obvious, which is what last week’s Marni show did for me.

Falling Fashion

2008-09-26T02:53:00-05:00

Ouch…...

The spring 2009 fashion shows are shaping up to be one of the most dangerous seasons yet. Every now and then models stumble (or worse, fall) on the runway, but so far there have been 6 falls during the Spring 2009 shows. Rodarte, Pucci, Prada and Peter Som have all seen model carnage. Are these shoes THAT fabulous that they must be worn? I totally understand that the runway is the time to show the most avant guard items but come on. If these models who are trained to strut the catwalk in all sorts of garb can’t walk in these mega heels, what hope do we common folk have?

Banning Skirts?

2008-09-19T12:44:00-05:00

Uganda Wants to Ban Miniskirts
Uganda’s ethics and integrity minister thinks the miniskirt causes traffic accidents and wants to ban them. Nsaba Buturo compared wearing the mini to walking around naked. “If you find a naked person you begin to concentrate on the make-up of that person and yet you are driving,” he said. “These days you hardly know who is a mother from a daughter, they are all naked.” [BBC]

Really? Wow, when I see things like this I am reminded how lucky we really are to live in a country with so much freedom of expression.

She doesn’t look naked to me!

Fashion Show Honoring Ruth Shaw

2008-09-17T14:24:00-05:00

Yesterday, in a narrow yet grand room at the Baltimore School of the Arts, I was dazzled by the Ruth Shaw fashion show, put on by Ray Mitchener, honoring Ruth Shaw herself and benefiting the School of the Arts.

While the majority of the colors were muted grays, purples, creams and blacks, the silhouettes and details truly popped. Structure jackets, crisp gloves and bright tights graced the runway along with ornate floral patterned dresses and skirts.

One trend spotted straight from the New York runways was the sheer top exposing the models barely-there breasts. While that trend was debated, one thing was not-Ray’s elegant vision of fashion.

Photo Courtesy of The Baltimore Examiner
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The Refusabag Holiday Challenge

2008-09-15T16:55:00-05:00

Working to reduce plastic bag proliferation, Shagbag, LLC owners and reusable bag designers Alli Oliver and Stefanie DiBenedetto have begun “The Refusabag Holiday Challenge” in hopes of making an immediate and meaningful impact by saving at least 10,000 disposable bags from Maryland landfills. Shagbag’s new showroom and studio,Shagbag & Co. will serve as the headquarters of the Refusabag campaign with a scheduled kickoff date of September 28, coinciding with the opening of the showroom. The showroom designed as a meeting place for custom order clients, as well as a unique jewelry and handbag shop!

In keeping with their eco-friendly aesthetics, Shagbag & Co. will run on wind power, be painted with low-fume paint, as well as utilize recycled fixtures and props.

Supporting stores in the area are Diva, Bailey’s, Mary and Blanche, Candles Off Main, and Paradigm.