This is Hester’s Tasha Green and Mauricio Quezada again—howdy from Texas! We kicked off our tour of the Lone Star State with a birthday party for Mo in his hometown of El Paso. There was dinner and booze and a brief moment on a saddle—as they say, “When in Rome…” From there we drove through a torrential rainstorm to get to Austin’s By George. Matthew and Katy Culmo, the visionary husband-and-wife team behind the boutique (they have one of the best selections of Lanvin we’ve ever seen, and we’ve done nothing but hike from store to store these last few weeks) invited us for a trunk show and meet-and-greet with the local press. Check it out here. Our draped georgette cocktail number and draped corset top in faille were major hits. One client told us she’d wear the latter “with blue jeans and Chanel ballet flats for a night of music with my husband.” Perfect! After Austin, it was off to Dallas’ V.O.D.—co-owners and party girls Jackie Bolin, Liz Thompson, and Elizabeth O’Mahony named that shop after Valley of the Dolls—where we met nineties runway model Jan Strimple and an SMU student named Hester Hodde (pronounced “hottie”—yes, best name ever). Now it’s back to New York City with all the knowledge that we’ve gained from you, fashion-loving America. We’ll have y’all in mind—yes, we say y’all now—as we design our future collections.
Attention, shoppers: $1.6 million in counterfeit goods are no longer available for purchase. You can thank U.S. Customs and Border Protection for that one. [WWD]
Bradley Cooper maintains that he and Jennifer Aniston are just friends. This intel pales in comparison to the fact that Mr. Cooper is fluent in French. [People]
As part of her intern duties, Chanel Iman clocked some quality time in the Teen Vogue fashion closet last week. Somehow she missed coffee-run duty. [Fashionologie]
Maybe it’s just fate playing little pranksies, but it seems so appropriate that Comme des Garcon’s whimsical creations hit the runway at about the same time that Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland hits the big screen. Fantastical is always a refreshing change of pace – who doesn’t enjoy an encounter on the street that fuels lively dreams of other worlds. The collection is wonderfully playful. A multi-patterned vest calls to mind the cohort Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, just much, much sexier. Spring 2010 is anything but comatose when Comme des Garcons strolls into the picture. (–Antonio Reis, photos via men.style.com)
Dior Homme never disappoints when looked to for the dernier-cri. This spring, a penguin-like selection of color made the cuts and shapes of each garment all the more noticeable. Every curve, drape, and sag of an article became more powerful with color’s sabbatical. Dior Homme also played the juxtaposition game; on more than one occasion did a gossamer-thick top appear draped over a heavier, more substantial one. Sleeveless dinner-jackets and curvaceous lapels also made appearances. A splendid show by Kris Van Assche. (–Antonio Reis, photos via men.style.com)
Considering I’ve spent the better part of today reminiscing about my childhood, either in writing or just in my own head, it’s not surprising that I was drawn to this House of Harlow ring that totally gives off old-school mood ring vibes.
This one is tiger’s eye so it won’t actually change colors on you. Though mine always just went back to black anyway. I guess I was an angst-y youth.
I kind of avoided looking at Nicole Richie’s collection for quite a while which is completely silly because I love her luxe boho style. Actually, maybe that’s it…I’m just incredibly jealous.
But now I’m sold. And even looking forward to seeing what she does with shoes.
This seasons brands from all across the globe are paying tribute to some American classics, most noticeable the plaid button down. While brands like Gitman Brothers, based out of Philadelphia for overcentury, are paying tribute to collections, and fabrics from years past, by reissuing old styles and weaves (this years selection – 1984) for their classic shirts and matching ties, designers like Lyle & Scott are mixing things up with raglan sleeve details. Brands like Omnigod, Shipley & Halmos and Our Legacy have focused on classic cuts and super comfortable and warble fabrics, ranging from fine cotton weaves to ultra-light linen. The guys at Warriors of Radness added their neon touch featuring black/turquoise plaids and at A.D. Deertz bright checks were mixed with corduroy collars and denim trim for multi-seasonal staples. Regardless of your taste of style, we’ve got shirts for everyone. – Andrew Mukamal
Not only do we love the guys at Noir Basic for the rockin’ party they threw at Black Calvados last night, but also, and more importantly, for the unbelievable leathers and hoodies that have been the talk of the town the past few days. Using only the highest quality of materials and manufacturers (think, factories that produce leather for Hermes & Celine to name a few and silk linings by Marc Roziers, who has produced scarves and jackets for Hermes & Zilli exclusively for almost a century). Their buttery soft, and paper thin leathers feature classic detailing (like gargoyle zippers & hoodie pulls) that represent the truly 100% Parisian-ness of their produced (designed and produced entirely). Additionally their denim sailor and baseball jackets are 30% denim and guaranteed to wear wonderfully. With a pop-up shop at L’Ecclaireuer and collaborations with Oki-Ni, London and ParisTexas, Copenhagen, these guys are obviously doing everything right. Buy one of their leathers and wear it for life. – Andrew Mukamal
Do you think you have the right blend of innovation along with artistic, technical and commerical ability?
If so, consider entering the 12th Annual Avant Guardian Project.
Surface Magazine passionately supports emerging talents in art, architecture, design and fashion, exposing the forefront of our visual culture. Originally conceived twelve years ago as a tool to seek out and celebrate budding stars in commercial photography, the Avant Guardian Project serves as an unprecedented promotional outlet for American photographers.
The judges will select a handful of the most promising and distinctive talent. Winners of the competition have their work featured in a blowout fashion spread - The Avant Guardian Portfolio, in Surface’s popular November Avant Guardian issue. The issue, along with the Avant Guardian Project’s most visually arresting images are celebrated and showcased in a compelling gallery-like installation at our New York City gala.
Submissions will be judged on four criteria:
technical skill
innovation of approach
artistic concept
market potential
Past Avant Guardian Projects have included more than 120 top photographers including, KT Autela, Clang, and Vanina. Also, past Avant Guardian Projects have gone on to be represented by top agents from Art+Commerce to Art Partners and shoot for French, American and Italian Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, The New York Times Magazine and more.
Loosely inspired by the 1973 flick, The Day of the Jackal, Tommaso Aquilano and Robert Rimondi’s second collection for Gianfranco Ferre Homme didn’t stray far from their signature black and white color palette but revealed a sophistication in cut and fabric that makes their pieces stand out in the crowd. While playing with proportion, elongating figures with higher waists and broad, round shoulders, jackets featured sophisticated silhouettes that seemed fresh and wearable. While most looked featured black and white solid separates, several army green military inspired jackets were mixed in along with some sharp looking, zoot-suity pinstripes. Throw in a few metallic trims and T’s as well as a healthy dose of leather and you’ve got a winning collection. Finally, something I could covet for S/S 2010. –Andrew Mukamal (photos via men.style.com)
>> It's folly of me to be adding more comfy flats and giving into sports brands especially when I'm trying to mend my ankle back to its former self and train the feet back up to chunky heels. Yup, sometimes, there's still a worrying twinge when wearing heels that has led me to an unhealthy addiction to the Nike x Liberty print Dunks… and now these. A bearded pair of Adidas Y-3 Hijiri brogues that will keep me porking out on flats for a bit. Bearded? Nope, not that monkey faux/fur malarky. But an actual bearded bloke staring up at me from these brogues that I bought on a whim in the Kurt Geiger sale. He's something like the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio or if you squish your eyes hard enough, Justin Lee Collins… not sure which is the better mental image…
