The September Issue opened in New York this weekend, and unlike fashion magazines these days, it raked in a heap of money. The movie grossed $240,078 in six theaters, for an average of $40,013 per screen. That makes it the second-best per-theater average of any 2009 release, according to indieWIRE. It also makes it the fifth-best documentary debut in history, behind 1995 IMAX featurette Across the Sea of Time, Davis Guggenheim’s An Inconvenient Truth, Michael Moore’s Sicko, and Paul Provenza’s The Aristocrats. But this is just New York. Will our friends in the middle of the country share the same appetite for La Wintour when it opens in other markets after Labor Day?
And even though Anna Wintour herself has probably seen the movie several times by now, with all the premieres and whatever private viewings she's enjoyed, the editor–cum–movie star waited in line like a normal person to buy a ticket and see the movie in the theater. Gawker has a picture of her waiting in line, wearing cropped skinny jeans, beige flat loafers, sunglasses, and her perfectly tailored Fashion's Night Out T-shirt. Anna Wintour: queen of fashion, borough visitor, and now guerrilla marketer! Maybe she'll hand out Fashion's Night Out flyers in Times Square during her lunch break? Twitter? She really is one of the people.
I need to find out when this is coming to DC so I can catch it in the cinema! Now, now if Anna Wintour is going to stand in Times Square handing out flyers, I would definitely love to be there! Hah!
Here's something simple for a quick run to campus to meet with my adviser yesterday:
Tank top: Benetton Blouse: H&M Cargo pants: Forever 21 Shoes: Banana Republic (Ebay find!) Necklace: White gold necklace with star pendant Bracelet: Long black beaded necklace from Uganda as posted here Bag: Marc Jacobs Christy in Bordeaux as posted here
Here's a clip on the upcoming Fashion's Night Out on Sept 10.
Also, a little more detail on the event:
>> The roster of events for Anna Wintour's international shopping extravaganza on Sept. 10, Fashion's Night Out, has been rolled out, and as Anna put it in the press release: “Little did I think when the idea of Fashion’s Night Out was first dreamed up this past March during the Paris collections that we would have over 700 and counting retailers, designers, and brands joining us on the night of September 10. There is so much planned that we could shop till dawn and still not see and do everything.”
Wintour kicks everything off, along with Michael Kors and "a surprise celebrity guest," at Macy's Queen Center location at 5 pm and will sign t-shirts for the first 50 customers. That event just so happens to be ten minutes away from a US Open tennis match Roger Federer will likely play that same day at 7 pm (and thus Anna will likely attend).
Vogue has sprinkled its editors all over town that night — from 8-9 pm at Bergdorf Goodman, Andre Leon Talley is hosting a game with teams led by Donna Karan and Linda Fargo; Grace Coddington is set to "tell an extraordinary visual story" throughout the Fifth Ave Prada store; Hamish Bowles will be "performing Noel Coward and other favorites" at Juicy Couture's Fifth Avenue store; and Lauren Santo Domingo will be popping by Alexander McQueen, Lord & Taylor, and Versace.
Models, too, are contributing: Arlenis Sosa, Jessica Stam, Karolina Kurkova, Angela Lindvall, Adriana Lima, Stephanie Seymour, Julia Stegner, Caroline Trentini, Cindy Crawford, Erin Wasson, Caroline Winberg, Carmen Kass are all slated to make appearances (at currently unknown locations); DKNY is boasting of a "special performance by Coco Rocha from 9-11 pm"; Lily Donaldson is contributing music at the Burberry between Madison and Fifth Ave; Sasha Pivovarova is exhibiting her work at Henri Bendel; Daria Werbowy will be on hand at the Times Square Sunglass Hut, where guests can take photographs with her while trying on sunglasses; Chanel Iman, Hana Soukupova, and others will be at Versace; and Daria Strokous is hosting a cocktail party from 7-9 pm at Salvatore Ferragamo to celebrate the launch of her photo exhibition, a backstage visual diary of her New York Fashion Week experience.
In addition to Lauren Santo Domingo, a fair share of it-girls will be on the circuit, hosting parties : Harley Viera-Newton is DJing at Tom Binns; Margherita Missoni is hosting at Missoni; and Alexandra and Theodora Richards are hosting and DJing at French Connection.
Last but not least, the designers: Roberto Cavalli will personally host the ten-year anniversary of his boutique, featuring ten archival gowns; Manolo Blahnik is holding a meet-and-greet; Oscar de la Renta is planning to sing a few songs at his Madison Ave boutique; and Brian Atwood is playing his favorite music as DJ at Bally.
Other events of note (the Olsens are bartending, meet Steven Klein):
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are bartending; Alexander Wang is giving runway lessons; Juan Carlos Obando is teaching salsa dancing; and Rodarte have conceived a "special performance"; also expected for the festivities are Rag & Bone, Waris Ahluwalia, Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Isabel Toledo, and Thom Browne.
The Chanel boutique at 15 East 57th Street will have a Customized Handbag Studio, where customers can: "Enjoy sipping on champagne while collaborating with our specialists to design your personalized bag. Choose your favorite lambskin color, lining, hardware, and chain — and be among the first in the United States to own a customized, monogrammed Chanel classic bag."
From 5-6 pm, Zac Posen is painting "one-of-a-kind" creations available for sale; from 6-7 pm, Peter Som, Cynthia Rowley, and others are going at it in a designer cook-off; Steven Klein, Annie Leibovitz, and Pat McGrath will all be on hand from 7-8 pm for a showing of Vogue's most provocative beauty images, and from 8-9 pm, Andre Leon Talley is hosting the aforementioned game show. Marchesa's Georgina Chapman is also making a personal appearance.
Kirna Zebete is celebrating its tenth anniversary with hosts Narciso Rodriguez, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Thakoon Panichgul, Jason Wu, and Peter Som, who will all be there in person to debut exclusive items: Peter Som limited-edition aprons, Proenza Schouler print tote bags, Thakoon one-of-a-kind dresses, Narciso Rodriguez photo collages, and Jason Wu fall 2009 fashion sketches.
Opening Ceremony is going block party, transforming its store front into a collection of sidewalk shops. For the occasion, vintage cars have been customized to each participating designer's aesthetic — a classic convertible low-rider for Rodarte, a black van for Alexander Wang, a Volkswagon minibus for Proenza Schouler, a Thai truck for Scott Sternberg of Boy/Band of Outsiders — Delfina Delettrez Fendi is also among those involved — and goods made exclusively for the occasion will be sold out of them.
Since I completed my thesis, I decided its time to hit the stores again and window shop. Outfit for today's outing:
Shirt: Club Monaco (Ebay find!) Pin: Thrifted as posted here Shorts: BCBG Sandals: Gift from Uganda as posted here Bag: Marc Jacobs Little Stam in Milk Bracelet: Thrifted from Goodwill
I did end up buying something but I shall keep it mysterious till its in my hands. Teehee.
I had previously posted about this bag briefly here. The bag was finally up for grabs on Net-a-porter and boy it's sold out! Price?£4,100! Okay, so that makes me wonder how many quantities did they have that it is sold out but still! This bag is just perfection to add instant punk-rock-chic to your simple jeans and tee outfit. Ahhh, such perfection...
Front look
Back
Close-up shot of the studs and details
A 3-D look
The interior lined with pretty silky lush satin
The bag modeled
Now if you'll excuse me while I go wipe off my drool. Heh.
Here's a belated post on my outfit for Weds. I had my thesis presentation on Thurs but was rushing out the door and when I came home, I forgot to take a pic of my outfit and just changed right out of it. Boo! No pics for that.
Anyways, here's the simple outfit on red and blue:
Top: ZARA Scarf: Hand-me-down from mummy dearest Pin: Thrifted as posted here Skirt: Armani Exchange A|X Sandals: Gift from Uganda as posted here Bag: Marc Jacobs Palais Royal Flat Case
In case you're wondering, I'm still currently pretty much living out of my suitcase. In fact, since I left for Uganda and returned, I have been living out of my suitcase for the past 7 months? I have been living with a friend since I returned to the US. I will hopefully be moving soon and will no longer have to live out of my suitcase which means I would have hopefully more/better outfits to post. In the time being, pls bear with my boring outfits. Heh.
SWINE FLOU: Over the years, Marc Jacobs has dressed quite a few celebrities, but there was a somewhat unexpected star sighting at his Spring Street headquarters on Monday. Miss Piggy stopped by the designer’s offices, where she was fitted with a little black number from Jacobs’ fall collection. Jacobs executives remained mum on the outfit, which Miss Piggy will reveal on the red carpet at Macy’s Glamorama bash in Chicago Friday. And the porky diva got the full star treatment — rumor has it she had her picture taken with Jacobs. Or should we say that Jacobs had his picture taken with her?
*article taken from WWD website here and pics are courtesy from Just Jared here*
Ain't Miss Piggy just stylin' or what? She's going to NY Fashion Week and Marc Jacobs himself is dressing her up! And of course she's attending the Chicago’s Glamorama 2009: A Night of Fashion and Music Tickets decked in Marc Jacobs gown. Oh, how adorable!
Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs stores are participating in Fashion's Night Out, but the designer himself told us on Saturday at the after-party for My One and Only in East Hampton that he was unsure of his Fashion's Night Out plans. The event occurs on the first night of Fashion Week, which only adds to the typically massive Fashion Week stress. Was Jacobs looking forward to Fashion Week? "No," he replied. Was he looking forward to seeing any shows? "No." Does he enjoy Fashion Week at all? "Enjoy? Enjoy is a weird word. It's work — work is more what it's about." So it's not fun? "No."
But fun things are on the horizon! Such as his wedding to Lorenzo Martone, which he promised will happen "soon." Don't expect a big affair: "[The wedding will be] very quiet, just the two of us. We're keeping it very simple." Jacobs added that no friends or family will attend the ceremony in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Unlike many in his industry, he doesn't frequent the Hamptons. "I haven't been here for years," he said. "We just got here today, so we're just hanging out at Larry [Gagosian's] house. It's just me and sunshine and good times."
>> In the wake of the 23 percent decline in first-half profits it announced Monday, LVMH plans to postpone or suspend marketing and promotions for its brands that failed to be top performers, according to CFO Jean-Jacques Guiony.
He did not specify which brands would receive the "selective investments" still being made, but its wines, spirits, watches, and jewelry businesses were hurt in the past few months and seem like contenders for those being passed over. This new withholding strategy is part of LVMH's cost containment plan for the remainder of 2009.
Louis Vuitton bags and luggage had a "particularly exceptional" first half of the year, so don't expect Louis Vuitton advertising to go anywhere; the same goes for Fendi, which also improved its performance in the second quarter. But some of LVMH's other fashion brands — which went unspecified, but could possibly include Loewe, Celine, Kenzo, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, or Emilio Pucci — didn't do as well in the second quarter.
With this new spartan spending approach, is it possible we may be saying adios to some of those brands' ads for the remainder of the year? Donna Karan already has such a tight budget that she's relegated to Photoshopping one model's head from a runway shot to another model's body for her Fall 2009 campaign.
Great, this means no advertising on Marc Jacobs. Boo! As though it isn't bad enough that MJ did not produced all the handbags as shown on their website for the Fall/Winter 09 collection and limiting production of the items. Well, I guess I am just going to sit out and watch what happens next. Hopefully some of the high-end departmental store will carry the Jumbo waves line of bags from the Fall/Winter collection.
I truly wonder what the designer was thinking when he designed this bag and to have it executed like that. They say penny for your thoughts but I would give a dollar for the designer's thoughts on this outrageous purse! But hey, I hope it brings laughter to you. Maybe that was the intention of the designer. Hah!
On another note, the Chanel store on East 57th St, NYC will be participating in the Vogue Fashion's Night Out event on Sept 10. To find out more about the event, click here for the website.
Now back to the participation of Chanel in the event. There will be a VIP (by invite) event from 10 am till 6pm. After 6pm, the doors will be open to public till 10pm. There will be a cocktail party but most importantly, fellow lovers of Chanel will be able to order a custom-made Chanel bag.
There will be no premium price on the custom-make bags. The bags will be the same price for the Medium/Large size ($2695 + tax) and the Jumbo size ($2875 + tax) of the classic flap. Options for customization:
5 colors of lambskin will be available
Choose your trim and lining of the bag
Silver or gold hardware
Monogram on the inside of the flap above the cc logo
The catch to getting this custom-make bag however, is the fact that you will HAVE to be in the store on that day to get customize the bag (and pay for it, of course!).
A similar event was held in Japan a couple of months ago and apparently the colors available were Black, Red (brick red), Orange (Hermes orange!), Navy, and Grey. The estimated time for the custom-made bag available for pick-up was between 4 to 6 months.
Now, this sounds great to many Chanel lovers who missed out on getting some hard-to-find bags especially for those who waitlisted on some of the bags but didn't get a chance to buy the bags. I think its an ingenious way by Chanel to spur their sales in this economy, that's for sure. I envision throngs of ladies in a long lines resembling the Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) sales queuing up to get their hands on a customized Chanel bag. That is, unless of course you have all the right connections enabling you to score a VIP invite to the event.
If the chain of the bag can be customized, then yes I would love to get one of these customized bags (although goodness knows where I would find the money to pay but heck, we'll figure that out later!) as the bijoux chain is just delectable. But since it isn't an option, I don't think I am missing out at all. Besides, I think the lambskin bags are a tad too delicate so my preference is the caviar for classic Chanel flaps. So, amen to that as I will sit back and enjoy the show.
National Day is just about two weeks away (which happens to be my Dad's birthday as well) but I do not see as many flags as I used to. Is it recession?
Or simply a reflection of a growing dissatisfaction among the people?
I found this 50s dress on Hey Viv and thought how appropriate it is for the National Day haha.
I saw this pic on Jak & Jill blog and I totally dig the look and style.
Heidi Mount and Sasha Pivovarova decked in Chanel. Simple and sleek and the accessories complete the look. Love the cat-eye liner, too. If only I actually bothered to put on make-up. Hah! Time spent on slathering make-up is better spent doing other things, to me. Not to mention, my acne-prone skin stands to benefit from unclogged pores with make-up. Yes, I know I can make up just about any excuse to not apply make-up. Don't get me wrong, the undereye concealer and mascara are my routine but that's bout as far as it goes. I am simply too lazy to be bothered although I have a bunch of make-up and can apply 'em when there is a need for it.
Okay, I digress! I rarely wear an all black outfit because I do not think it is flattering on me. I am skinny as heck and my tan complexion can do without black as well. Hence, I tend to shy away from black. Funnily, I find myself decked in all black today as I throw on a simple outfit to run some errands although I added a dash of color to it. Here's what I wore:
Top: ZARA Scarf: Club Monaco Pin: Thrifted as posted here Pants: Nike Shoes: Banana Republic (Ebay find!) Bracelet: Long chain thrifted from Goodwill (best accessory ever for $3!) Bag: Quilted Satin Clutch from Marc by Marc Jacobs' Special Items (Bonanzle find!)
After a few weeks of social hybernation - let's blame it on work - I took some time off to catch Short and Sweet at KLPAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre) last Saturday. I wanted to wear something simple (yeah right!) but a little artsy, seeing that it was an arts event.
Artsy does not necesarrily translates to 'trendy', although certain trends may be inspired from the arts scene. Generally, I like to think of myself as a fan of artsy-folksy fashion. I am DARN SURE I am not using the correct term and snooty fashionistas might just shoot me now haha but basically, my wardrobe is inspired by Cat Power, Alannah Hill, rolling hills, vintage cool and moments when I sit down and count clouds. I have tons of tea dresses, I love gingham and polka dots and stripes and my idea of a good Sunday is one where I could curl up in the sunshine with a good book and cupcakes.
Anyway, I digress.
I picked this folksy, extra-puffed sleeves tunic for the show on Saturday. The prints are folksy enough to send our moms back to the hot, hot 70s. Everytime I put on this tunic, someone would definitely say, "Oh you look so vintage!" I take it as a compliment. Haha. Neways, I paired it with an open-toed heels in mustard. Yes, mustard. And no, mustard does not remind me of someone's regurgitated lunch. Mustard looks fab on shoes. Too bad my camera isnt with me so I could take any photos of the heels. Even this photo is courtesy of a dear friend.
The Karl Lagerfeld bear that was launched in Fall 08 is currently now on sale for $989 at Neiman Marcus. The bear originally retails for $1,500. It is a limited edition item and only 2,500 of it was made to be sold worldwide.
Karl Laferfeld posing with the bear
Karl Lagerfeld Steiff bear
The limited edition Karl Lagerfeld Steiff bear includes:14.5"H bear with jointed limbs, constructed of the finest alpaca wool. A miniature outfit designed in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, including black denim jeans, flannel jacket, white shirt, Swarovski® crystal-studded silken tie, leather belt with Swarovski® crystal-studded KL buckle, and tailor-made leather boots. Miniature sunglasses in the style Karl Lagerfeld himself wears. Special black-and-white gift box with KL and Steiff logos.Scribble of the bear, drawn and signed by Karl Lagerfeld.
What do you think? Overrated? To me, definitely yes! For that amount of money, I would be better off buying a piece of costume jewelry or a small leather good from Chanel or a vintage/pre-loved Chanel bag of the 'bay. Don't get me wrong though, I'm sure there are people out there, the collectors who would definitely purchase the bear but just not me! Heh.
And here's my outfit for the day in earthy colors...
Top: Banana Republic Skirt: Thrifted from Uganda Shoes: Gift from Uganda as posted here Necklace: Gift from a charity event Bag: Marc Jacobs Palais Royal flat case
A really kind and sweet friend decided to purchase a Marc by Marc Jacobs Key Pouch for me as a random act of kindness. I was super happy and glad as the pouch would replace my current cell phone pouch that is in tatters (literally!)
However when it arrived today, I was uber disappointed that the stitching for the key pouch is off. Totally bummed, gutted, dismayed. Here's a pic of it:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Key Pouch in Sage
It's a gorgeous color but I just can't bring myself to keep it. Boo! I'm sending it back to the seller tomorrow. *sigh*
Anyway, here's what I wore today:
Top: ZARA Skirt: Thrifted as posted here Shoes: Gift from Uganda as posted here Necklace: Gift from Uganda as posted here Pin: Thrifted from London as posted here Bag: Marc Jacobs Christy in Bordeaux as posted here Watch: Swatch
This means its time to hit up a store to test the fragrance, Lola! I didn't like Daisy as much as I felt it was too sweet so I'm definitely curious to get a whiff of Lola. Love the ad nonetheless! **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** On a side note, I absolutely love this Wrath bag for Fall/Winter 2009 although I'm usually not a fan of studs.
taken from Allure mag of August 2009
There is just something about this Wrath bag that draws me to it. I think its the epitome of punk rock chic. Wear a neutral monochrome outfit, add this bag and voila, instant punk rock style! Heh. Now if only the price wasn't off the roof. I wonder if any of the high-end dept stores will be carrying this as I'm curious to see it in person. I have a feeling that this is going to be mighty heavy!
ZARA the high street store has definitely been stepping up their game as of late. Their F/W collection looks are heavily influenced by Balmain with the strong shoulders look and the retro back to 80s look. I may not be a big fan of shoulder pads but there is just something remotely eye-catchy about the jackets and blazers with a strong shoulder.
I feel the jackets and blazers with strong shoulders give both an androgynous yet feminine style at the same time. The sleek fitting cut of the jacket/blazer flatters the female body yet the strong shoulders sets of the androgynous touch of edgy menswear for the females.
Here's some of the garments from the F/W 2009 collection:
pics taken from zara.com
Some selected outfits and pieces that I like are as following:
I am definitely in love with both outfits as they are the classic colors that I wear and the shorts adds a touch of trendy chic to a classic outfit. Similarly, the strong shouldered dress on the right adds a bit of androgyny to a feminine dress. I can't necessarily say that I will pair these two outfits with heels though considering I hardly wear 'em because of my height and the fact that I walk too much and might I add too fast! Heels would only slow me down! Heh.
I personally could care less about the outfit on the left. My focus is the outfit on the right as I adore the tweed jacket and scarf although I'm not a fan of leggings. That however can be easily replace with a pair of straight cut or slim fitting jeans so, that's a score!
*all pics are taken from nitrolicious.com as the website has it on Flash*
I love the top portion of the outfit on the left but can't say the same bout the skirt. I am not a fan of fringe as it makes me cringe (hah, it rhymes!). I like the outfit on the right for its simplicity. I would opt for a simple tee or one with a graphic print, not necessarily a portrait and pair it with a cardigan and skirt as is. Come to think of it, I have a very similar short tweed skirt and a basic black cardigan so I'll definitely be donning this look come Fall.
To check out more garments, check out these links:
Do check out their new collection in stores. They also have some killer shoes for Fall. In fact, they have a pair of knock-off of the Christian Louboutin Grey Python Pumps but done in peep-toe (and minus the red sole of course) instead in both black and grey. I saw the black pair in stores for $89.90 the last time I was there.
Christian Louboutin Grey Python Pumps
What do you think? Love it or loathe it? Leave a comment!
Italy's Borletti Group, an investment company that owns stakes in Europe's La Rinascente and Le Printemps department stores, is one of four firms to have submitted bids for Christian Lacroix fashion house, raising hopes that the struggling French brand won't be closed down.
A design by Christian Lacroix for his haute couture fashion show earlier this month.
Lacroix was placed under bankruptcy protection in June after failing to turn a profit since its creation in 1987.
"The Borletti Group wants to help a creator and protect haute couture know-how," said Diane d'Oleon, a spokeswoman for the Borletti. Ms. d'Oleon declined to comment on the amount the group would pay for the fashion house.
Borletti bid together with Christian Lacroix, a co-founder and designer of the fashion house. A spokeswoman for the fashion house said the designer declined to comment.
Christian Lacroix is currently owned by the Falic group, a U.S duty-free store operator that bought the brand from fashion group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA in 2005.
Since the takeover, the fashion house has struggled with a costly move to sell higher-priced goods -- a strategy hampered by the global recession. In 2008 it recorded a €10 million loss ($14.2 million) on €30 million in sales.
The bankruptcy filing sparked an outcry in France, where Christian Lacroix is considered a cultural gem. On Monday, France's Industry Minister, Christian Estrosi, said he would meet with Mr. Lacroix on Tuesday to discuss the brand's future.
At the end of July, Christian Lacroix's 125 workers will be asked to go on holiday until the end of August, a spokeswoman for Christian Lacroix said. If a buyer isn't found, 112 staffers are expected to lose their jobs.
A spokeswoman for the court-appointed administrator of the company said the Borletti Group's offer was the only "serious" one on the table. The winner of the bid will be announced by the administrator in September.
I am definitely curious to see who ends up winning the bid for the House of Lacroix. I really hope that the bidding will go through and things will work out. Otherwise, it would truly be a great loss to the fashion industry to see Christian Lacroix go.
![[Lacroix]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/MK-AX463_lacroi_DV_20090727172857.jpg)
