We have seen some unexpected things in the fashion world. The return of track suits, the whole high-waisted jeans thing and let's not even get into fashion from the 80's. But Elle Magazine, one of the top fashion magazines on the market and the Home Shopping Network?
But indeed, it's true. In preparation for fall Fashion Week, HSN has decided to get involved by airing segments where they hawk products that are endorsed by Elle.
Nobody from Elle is actually on the segments, and the fashions are designed by people like Tina Knowles (Beyonce's mother) and Diane Gilman.
Muti-tasking is now not just a thing for Hollywood starlets. Now, some fashion designers are beginning to do the same.
Case #1: Stella McCartney
The fashion designer not only has her own high-end clothing line, but she has been designing sportswear for Adidas for several years. She recently launched her own perfume and now is about to enter the world of lingerie.
Case #2: Zac Posen
The designer has recently announced plans to expand beyond the runway to the perfume counter, having recently inked a deal with Selective Beauty to launch his own scent.
Case #3: Diane von Furstenberg
One of the grandmothers of fashion, von Furstenberg is about to start dressing your feet as well as your body. She is slowly foraying into the world of stem-making.
The current trend of celebrities with clothing lines is getting a little old. Not to mention that some of them are just awful, or resemble what you might find at Target, not that there is anything wrong with that. Hey, we shop at Target too. But when you try to sell Target clothes at Barney's prices, we definitely have a problem with that.
So when we found out that Penelope Cruz and her look-alike sister Monica were designing a limited-edition 25-piece collection for Spanish chain store Mango, we were very underwhelmed. When we found out that the collection is going to be vintage pieces inspired by their own wardrobes, we rolled our eyes.
Well, color us surprised! Some of the pieces in here are actually quite good. Take a look at Penelope Cruz's fashion line after the jump.
Though his sister Donatella has taken over the business and done as good a job as anybody could have considering the circumstances, the Versace line will never be the same. Without the design genius of Gianni behind it, the label is good but not great, fashionable but not fabulous.
It's been a decade since his murder on the steps of his Miami mansion, and the fashion world is not taking the milestone lightly. Already, a memorial was held on the anniversary of his death on July 15th at La Scala in Milan, the only day the famous Opera House was available for the next three years. The whole Versace clan, along with his most-used models (Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Nadèje and Marpessa), business partners and fans like Jessica Alba came together to celebrate his life and talent.
More on Gianni Versace - a decade later.
We aren't really sure why the old coot did it, but it has been reported today that Valentino Fashion Group SpA has bought a sizeable stake in Proenza Schouler!
The stake is 45%, to be exact and cost Valentino $3.7 million. Now, we know that is a lot of dough but to own nearly half of a very young (less than five years in business) and yet very up-and-coming company, it seems like kind of a bargain. When you add in that the new infusion of cash can only help Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez expand their budding business and make fashionistas around the world (such as ourselves) happy.
In case you are not completely familiar with the brand, here are a few examples of their recent work:
This is from their line they designed for Target. Yes, Target the hip and cool alternative to Wal-Mart. Which means that technically, Valentino is sold at Target. Sorta. But not really.
Check out runway looks from Proenza Schouler
We were sitting around one day watching TV at our Mom's house and one of those "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas" commercials popped on. It is the one with the girl showing off all of her fashion finds from Las Vegas to her husband/boyfriend. One of the items she showed was Ferragamo, to which our mom said "who is Ferragamo?"
Gancio Satchel by Salvatore Ferragamo-$1390
Well, our fashion spidey sense began to tingle with that one! How could our mother not know who Salvatore Ferragamo is? Well, we shouldn't be surprised, she mostly watches Lifetime Television for Women and doesn't know how to use the internet, so we forgave her. But not before we gave her a little education. Salvatore Ferragamo 101 for Ma continues…
Wow, just wow. We have been somewhat underwhelmed by this season's bevy of Cruise/Resort collections that have already hit the runways. Some of them were just kinda blah, like something you could get at any mall chain store, while others were downright horrid. But after seeing Calvin Klein's new Resort 2008 collection, we must say that the collections not only got a breath of fresh and stylish air, but a bit of a reprieve as well.
While not every piece is eye-popping (what collection is?), there are certainly several items that will attract attention while still making you feel almost demure because of the cut and length. How did Francisco Costa (who designed it on behalf of CK) accomplish this? Through the use of metallics and fuscia. Even the simpler white and beige pieces are either shimmery, metallic or both, meaning it absolutely will stand out. Which for a resort collection is definitely what we are looking for.
Here are some of our faves:
In the first pic, we love the volume of the dress (though we dare say overall, we are getting tired of the volume trend) and the flowy feeling it inspires. The bright color doesn't hurt, either. In pic two, simple black is made chic. This is perfect for those that didn't quite get into bathing suit shape in time. And the last one would be very plain and average if it weren't for the dynamic pairing of colors. We would never think to put these two together, and yet it works. Simply stunning.
You may have seen some of your favorite Hollywood starlets wearing a new designer named 3.1 PHILLIP LIM. Cameron Diaz has recently been spotted wearing a frock by the designer during her whirlwind publicity tour to promote Shrek the 3rd.
Neiman Marcus is carrying the line as a part of it’s “What’s Hot” campaign online. Here are a few of our favorite pieces that are both timely but also something you can wear past this or next season:
This gathered cocoon dress has a cute rosette on the back that fortunately does NOT remind us too much of Angela’s “granny circles” from season 3 of Project Runway. Available in a variety of sizes, it retails for $860.
Even if you are not British, this ‘tea dress’ will inspire you to want to take part in the afternoon ritual. $437 online or in stores.
These flared trousers will make anyone look a little slimmer, and the cropped jacket really does help give the illusion of a slimmer waist, particularly if you wear it with black or a darker color underneath. From $295 online or by phone.
Click here to view the rest of the 3.1 PHILLIP LIM collection.
If you are reading this blog, there is a pretty good chance that you have watched at least one season of Bravo's Project Runway. If you are like us, you have faithfully and rabidly devoured every episode at least a dozen times and remember the winner of every challenge.
Winning Project Runway is damn good, and so is this salad
OK, so maybe you aren't quite as rabid as us, but if you have watched past seasons of the hit reality show, you know the name Chloe Dao. She is the season 2 winner who returned to Houston and used her new-found fame and exposure (not to mention the $100,000 cash award) to expand her boutique, Lot 8 (named after her and her seven sisters).
Via the pages of Elle
We would be lying if we said we weren't more than just a little disappointed that such a talent who went through the proverbial reality show ringer chose to go home and use her riches for something so regional. But alas, disappointment is gone with the announcement of her new line with QVC, Simply Chloe Dao.
The season 2 winner in b&w
Though the line won't go up for sale until May 10th, you can get a sneak peak here.
The line is already up at QVC's website, though without images and not for sale yet. But you can still see the prices, which range from $30-75. Yes, you read that right — $75 for a silk tank dress that is not only stylish but will look good on almost any figure. May 10th can't come soon enough.
Rafe New York is the brainchild of acclaimed fashion designer Rafe Totengco. The boutique accessory house is known for its blend of "relaxed chic" handbags and shoes, and draws inspiration from the cultural synergy and sophistication of New York City. Originally from the Phillipines, Totengco migrated to New York in 1989 to pursue his dream career as a fashion designer. He enrolled in FIT, supported himself working as a design assistant, and before long was producing a small line of belts and watchbands for small NYC boutiques. Belts and watchbands eventually became handbags and shoes, and in less than six years Rafe New York was featured in high-end fashion department store Bergdorf Goodman. But perhaps an even greater indication of Totengco's success; this year he launched a line of handbags exclusively for Target. Now that's hot.
Baghaus is proud to offer our very own line of handbags inspired by Rafe New York. We think you'll like them as much as Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, and Sandra Oh love their authentic Rafe handbags. Actually, we think you'll like our Baghaus versions even more @ 49.99 and under 
Baghaus Leatherette Molly, 43.99
Baghaus Leatherette Sue, 49.99
