Kim Kardashian's Hair and Gown at the SAG Awards

Kim Kardashian rocked the red carpet tonight, as only a Kardashian can.  The sexy TV personality (and master promoter) turned heads in a plum chiffon gown by Marchesa.  The dress was embellished with intricate beading and featured a single strap over the right shoulder.

Kim Kardashian wore her hair in a slightly deconstructed updo.  She completed the look with decadent diamonds, all-nude makeup and over-the-top faux lashes.

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Giveaway Monday! Theia, Thom Dolan, Katherine Kwei & Mattese!

Sales are great, but free stuff is even better... Get ready for spring with a bunch of fashion goodies around the web.  Style blog Refinery29 is hooking you up with a bikini and bracelet from new label Thom Dolan.  

Dress up your nails for NY Fashion Week with a collection of Mattese Elite sparkles from Ricky's NY via Fashion Indie.  

The elegant prize is the $595 cocktail dress from red carpet favorite Theia.  Don O'neill's gowns count Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift as fans...

Handbag fetish?  Katherine Kwei's Donna Snake Tote is up for grabs via BagSnob's sweepstakes.  

Claim your goodies and get glam!

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Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011

Are you a fashion geek like me and followed Jean Paul Gaultier through the years?  If you did, you would have loved his most recent Haute Couture showing.  It mixed the elaborate silhouettes, miles of silk tulle and dramatic head pieces he is known for.

This collection had some punk influence, some Can-Can surprises and wildly colorful prints.  A certain flamenco influence that we have seen before made its way to some of the looks.  While thumping DJ sets are expected at most fashion shows these days, Gaultier bucked the standard and surprised everyone with an elegant Catherine Deneuve.  Her voice announced each look verbally in the tradition of Haute Couture's classic presentations.

Accessories included the dramatic feathered mohawks of course.  Some of the models sported the JPG and Alain Mikli collaborative group of eyeglasses.

Spotted in the Front Row: Pedro Almodovar, Ines de la Fressange
Images from Firstview

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Armani Prive Couture Spring 2011

The future is here....And Armani owns it.  Armani Prive put out a sleek, shimmering collection from the far reaches of the galaxy.  The skirts and dresses were long, slim and body conscious.  The fabrics were reflective or metallic.  The sci-fi type effects were achieved with metal threads woven into silk.  Organza was give a mirror-like finish.  

Accessories were a range of flying saucer type hats by Philip Treacy. There matching reflective clutch handbags paired with over-sized jewels..  Lipstick was a deep eggplant for a severe, futuristic look.

Critics were divided on this collection.  Giorgio Armani was always synonymous with the color beige, classic elegance and timeless sophistication.  This collection diverted away from that.  It might alienate some die-hard fans, but gain some new aliens in the process...(sorry, cheap one, I know.) I personally loved it.  Some of the silhouettes were a little tough for a non-model like me to wear, but something I can aspire to?  I loved the color palette and textures.  

Spotted in the Front Row: Jodie Foster, Sophia Loren, Olivia Wilde

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Vidal Sassoon: The Movie

Do you remember the commercials from the 1980's? The tagline "How one man changed the world with a pair of scissors" might be stretching it a bit, but that angled, mod haircut was a look that defined that era.
The stylist developed pioneering techniques and training.

The producer, Michael Gordon was once a stylist himself.  He created the film as a tribute to Vidal Sassoon's life and legacy.  The film debuts in New York on February 11th and in Los Angeles on February 18th.  For more screenings, check out the website.

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Isabel & Ruben Toledo: Artist Toolbox on PBS

They are the stylish creative couple that make you green with envy.  Isabel and Ruben Toledo have been married for over 20 years.  She is the talented fashion designer, he is the trend setting illustrator.  They have had a banner year...

They had a celebrated collaboration with Target in 2010 and won the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in 2005 and illustrated a book with Molly Ringwald.

Next week, PBS is airing a fantastic documentary on the couple on February 3rd.  Artist Toolbox gives you a peek into their studios and creative process.  Here's a preview:

Photo by Richard Phibbs

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Miss America Is 'Mature Beyond Her Age'

Newly crowned Miss America, Teresa Scanlan, is very much a Miss: she is only 17 years old. Scanlan is the youngest contestant to win in over 70 years and her parents say they always knew she was wise beyond her years."She's certainly mature beyond her age," her father Mark Scanlan tells the The Lincoln Journal Star. "Most people take her for at least six years older."

Scanlan graduated early from Scottsbluff High School in the spring of 2010 after taking a double load of classes and has deferred enrollment until this fall for Patrick Henry College.Her mother Jamie added: "She's an independent young woman and always has been."

Some think being an old soul may have even hurt her in past pageants: "She didn't win because [the judges] thought she was too mature," Miss Nebraska co-executive director Jay Engel says. "Teresa is very, very well-spoken. She's very intelligent and talented."

The young beauty's platform was "Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk" and her talent segment was piano, in which she blew viewers away with a rendition of "White Water Chopsticks" which some believed she composed at a professional level.Scanlan will appear on The View on Monday and ring the NASDAQ Stock Market bell on Tuesday.

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The Many Looks of Kim Kardashian

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian film some scenes for their show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" in bikinis on the beach. 

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Etro's Caramel Peacock Fall 2011 RTW

This collection reminded me of a cozy Dandy.  The looks contained lots of patterns.  They ranged from  ditsy prints, pale paisleys to stripes and glen plaids.  The color palette contained multiple shades of caramel, browns, chocolate with pops of peacock blue.  Jackets played on different lengths, shorter double-breasted jackets to elongated lean coats.

There were embellishments that you would usually associate with womenswear, but in this collection, looked appropriate.  Dainty tucks and ruffles on shirts, contrast tabs and plackets. Accented bow ties, elaborate scarves.  A lot of the models carried big, over-sized bags of rugged leather with pops of color.

This runway show did not look feminine, but I had a hard time picturing men outside of Europe putting these looks together.

Photos by Davide Maestri

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DSquared2's Brokeback Mormons Fall 2011

You have to love the collection name.  Whether or not it was the best visual or pigeon-holed the collection itself is another story.  The clothes themselves had a sophisticated, lean silhouette.  There was some waistcoat styling with a rugged edge.  The dark palette of black, indigo and charcoal evoked a smoky mountaintop.  The jackets, shirts and slim scruffy jeans were very wearable.  They didn't necessarily scream cowboy or the 'Mormon' theme.  The only pieces I didn't get, and predict won't work well were the 'apron' accessory/vests.

Chloe Sevigny just launched her collection for Opening Ceremony.  Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 collection was also full of conservative prairie looks.  Now HBO's "Big Love" has inspired fashion for men as well... Who knew these Latter Day Saint types were so chic?

Photos by Giovanni Giannoni

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Chloe Sevigny Launches Her Collection Partying at Don Hill's

 

Downtown New Yorker's have always claimed this not-so-indie actress as her own.  Her Bohemian-waif chic is now a new clothing and shoe collection at hipster store Opening Ceremony.

The actress/designer launched the collection with a party at the classic West Village spot Don Hill's.  Celebs and other notable Downtown figures came out to support like film director Spike Jonze and Benjamin Cho.

The clothing itself is a collection short, feminine dresses in dainty prints.  The shoes are chunky heeled clogs and platform shoes.  Accessories included tinted sunglasses, patterned berets and half-moon handbags.  There are a few slim leather pants and cozy cardigans.  Each look represents Chloe quite well, it looks like everything came directly out of her closet.

Photos by Bettina Chin and Opening Ceremony

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Steven Tyler: 'American Idol' Isn't Best Way to Find Talent

Steven Tyler – who has joined the reality TV talent show as a judge this season – always believed years of hard work is a better way to become a star but knows times have changed.The Aerosmith frontman said: "I always thought that in order to become an American Idol, or any kind of idol, you have to pay your dues. But, today's a different world."

The 62-year-oldrocker went on to agree with TV talk show host David Letterman, who said he prefers musicians to have the “honest, legitimate stamp of approval” that comes from gradual success.Steven responded: "I tend to agree."However, the "Crazy" hitmaker admitted he is enjoying the “fun” of looking for new talent via a television show.

He explained: "This way is more fun," he says, referring to the Idol process. "It's more excruciating -- we get to put 'em through hell and they do it, and they come out the worm-hole looking good. You'll see."

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Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter Not Getting Married Anytime Soon

It looks like wedding bells are still a ways off for Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter. The Friday Night Lights star dismisses rumors that she and her Yankees slugger beau are getting ready to the tie the knot."I promise you, I'm not getting married in the next month," says Kelly in the latest issue of GQ.

Kelly also fires back at reports that she attempted to call Jeter after Delta Airlines refused to let her fly with her dog. "Do people think that somewhere in my brain, I think Derek can save me from someone telling me my dog can't fly?" she scoffs. "If that's the way I worked, he would have left me a long time ago."

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Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry Exhibit

Does fashion illustration get the respect it deserves?  It is such a diverse art that elevates another craft, fashion design.  This Thursday, the Gallery Hanahou opens their exhibit, Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry.  

The exhibit is a collaboration of 13 contemporary fashion illustrators and is curated by renowned artist and educator, Bil Donovan.  Donovan's work has a  fluid, watercolor look.  Laura Laine's work plays with scale and illustrates with fine lines.  Samantha Hahn favors a whimsical candy-colored palette.  Tobie Giddio, with a few simple slashes is able to convey glamor and drama.  Other artists include Carlos Aponte, Cecilia Carlstedt, Daniel Egneus, Eveline Tarunadjaja, Jeffrey Fulvimari, John Jay Cabuay, Sarah Singh. Stina Persson and Tina Berning.

The exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, January 20, 2011 and runs through February 25, 2011.

Gallery Hanahou

611 Broadway, Suite 730, New York NY 10012

7th Floor of the Cable Building, NW corner of Broadway + Houston

Mon-Fri noon-6 pm, Sat by appt only

646-486-658

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Top Trends of the Golden Globes Red Carpet

It was observed by almost every interviewer...Black was the top color of the evening.  The ladies of E! Network were clad in figure-flattering Zac Posen, as was Eva Longoria.  Halle Berry in a short/long number in Nina Ricci.  Piper Perabo wore a glamorous Oscar de la Renta.

The second most popular color was a deep dark green.  Angelina Jolie in wore a glittering Versace gown, Catherine Zeta-Jones was glowing next to healthy hubby Michael Douglas in her Monique Lhuillier gown.  Elizabeth Moss wore a custom-created Donna Karan gown.  Black Swan's Mila Kunis made other ladies green with envy in her Vera Wang.

For those who wanted to highlight their own "Golden Globes", red was the va-va-voom gown of choice.  Christina Hendricks of Mad Men reminded of the definition of 'hourglass' in a Romana Keveza silk crepe dress.  Castmate January Jones had her assets suspended in anti-gravity in a bandage-like Versace gown.  Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang got the most cat calls from the male foreign press...

For the most eccentric (and taking the pressure off all the insecure starlets) red carpet ensemble, the award went to Helena Bonham Carter.  I was ecstatic that someone was secure enough to wear something truly original.  She wore a sculpted Vivienne Westwood gown of multiple colors and black tulle.  She wore a red shoe and a green shoe in a move that laughed in the face of the fashion police.

Images from Getty, WireImage

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Gareth Pugh's Haunting Fashion Video for Pitti Immagine

Gareth Pugh is one of my favorite edgy fashion designers.  He presented in Italy for the the first time at Pitti Immagine #79 by showing a haunting fashion film he created with Ruth Hogben.

The images draw from religious iconography and Florentine opulence, and the film was projected onto the ceiling of a 14th century church.  The music was a spooky mix of deep piano horror riffs, searing violin, or  epic religious themes.   The clothes ranged from body-conscious and erotic, to flowing, avant-garde silhouettes.  Oversized feathers were involved, though I'm not sure if they were more accessory or prop.

Here are some stills from the film above, you can watch the full video here at showstudio.com .

Images from Gareth Pugh 2011

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Ecco Domani Fashion Designer Award Winners Announced

Good wine and fashion...A well known combination.  Winemaker Ecco Domani started a fashion foundation several years ago to award grants to up-and-coming designers in the industry.  They have a good eye, as past winners included Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang and Rodarte.  

This year, they announced winners Pamela Love for accessories and Kyle Fitzgibbons of Native Son for menswear.  For womenswear, Mandy Coon, M. Patmos, Nikki Dekker of The Lake & Stars and friend of Ms. Fab, Bibhu Mohapatra took home honors.  Tara St. James won the award for sustainable design for her label Study NY.  

Each of the designers will receive $25 000 towards the costs of presenting at NY fashion week.  Congratulations!!! You have all earned it!

Are you a designer and think you're due?  Apply for next year's grant here.

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Lanvin Pre-Fall 2011: Beauty and the Beasts

A second big snowstorm for NYC.  The warm, furry beasts that co-starred in Lanvin's Pre-Fall 2011 photo shoot were perfectly welcome.  Designer Alber Elbaz held court in Downtown NYC at the Bowery Hotel to present the Lanvin collection.  

It was an elegant melange of chic black dresses, fur combined with embellished tweeds, even scuba fabric. Mr. Elbaz created the collection acknowledging that modern women like to mix a glitzy evening into their daywear.  This current collection reflects that. The overall theme appeared to be opulent business.  

There were several long, flowing halter gowns and skirts.  The subtle exoticism had a bit of updated 1970's air about it.  Jeweled brooches and embellished collars added a touch of luxe to the otherwise, realistic (i.e. practical) collection. 

Photos by James McCarthy, Courtesy of Lanvin

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A Touch of Min-K - Blake Lively's Best Kept Secret

Our beloved West Coast correspondent, Mdivani Monroe came to visit NYC recently.  He got in touch with an old friend of Ms. FAB, Minji Kim, a fellow Parsons alum...  A new mother and talented designer, she has held court with a chic boutique in the East Village for years.  Mdivani gives the scoop:

"When you go to a highly competitive college, you form a special bond with those that survived it with you.  Even though years may go by and you may not even have any communication with fellow classmates, that bond somehow stays intact.  Who else can understand those all-nighters, the unrelenting work load, the ruthless competition, the intensity of the whole experience that changes your life forever.

As I was searching for new shopping venues in New York, I came across a boutique, Min-K, the brainchild of one of my former classmates at Parsons, Minji Kim.  Reminiscing on our time at school, I remembered Minji as always being super creative and for having an eye for what was hot and happening.  True to form, Minji’s boutique is the perfect place to shop for the coolest clothing and accessories in the market.  Showcasing designers from Korea, Min-K has fashion items that you won’t  find anywhere else in the city.

Due to the cutting edge style found at Min-K, it is no wonder that you have seen it’s designs on celebs like Blake Lively, Katie Holmes and many more.

When you are in New York, you have to pay a visit to Min-K and pick up a something special and original!  And if Minji is in the store, say hi for me!"

For more on the boutique and an interview with Minji, check out Mdivani's video blog here. 

Photos and Video by Ritika Wahal
Photos of Blake Lively and Katie Holmes Courtesy of Min-K

www.ladieswholunchtravel.com

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Nicole Richie Throws Harlow a Star-Studded Third Birthday Bash

The cutest, most stylish celebrity kids in Hollywood all gathered at the Tree House Social Club to celebrate Nicole Richie's daughter's birthday yesterday. Little Harlow is turning 3 this week, and she had plenty of pals to wish her the happiest of birthdays.

Spotted at the fiesta: Kourtney Kardashian and her little guy Mason; Ellen Pompeo, her hubby Chris Ivery, and their extremely well-dressed daughter Stella (she had on kicks cool enough to make Justin Bieber proud); Jennifer Meyer and her son Otis Maguire; Gwen Stefani and her boys (also dressed to the nines); Jessica Alba and family, and more! 

The tots played at the venue, and were apparently even entertained by a guy dressed up as Buzz Lightyear! The Tree House Social Club offers a variety of party packages, and we're guessing Nicole splurged for the "Bells and Whistles Treehouse Bash," which includes a hot dog machine, popcorn machine, 2 hours of entertainment from a character, goody bags, Body Glimmer Art Tattoos, cupcakes, balloons, and whatever "add-ons" the new Mrs. Madden desired -- with a price tag of $2,500 and up.

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Fashion Designers Make the Queen's Honor Roll

The Order of the British Empire has honored several fashion designers as officers this week.  Alice Temperley, shoe designer Beatrix Ong and Tanya Sarne of Ghost and Handwritten  were all honored Queen's New Year Honours list. Designer  Katherine Hamnett of 1980's fame was made a commander.

What exactly is this award?  It is an order of chivalry, founded by King George V.  It has several classes, the highest being a knight.  Previous honorees include Amanda Wakely and Stephen Jones.  For these designers, the title was awarded for their services to the fashion industry.

Each of them will be presented with their award at ceremonies by members of the royal family.

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80's Fashion Makes a Comeback at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum

 

 

Big shoulders, fitness gear.  California blondes and "out of this world" suits.  Philosophy as avant-garde fashion.  What did the 1980's mean to you?  Many decades in fashion, a consistent theme comes to mind... The 1930's, bias-cut gowns, the 1920's, flappers.  The eighties on the other hand, had several iconic directions which were all very different from each other.  

What set the climate for this many looks?  Was it the rise of the power-woman and finance that brought rise to big-shouldered suits?  Did Wall Street's "Greed is Good" atmosphere inspire people to dress in more excessive ways?  Did the gender equality climate help fuel androgyny?  Did all of the excess then cause fashion fans to ponder clothing in a more philosophical way like Comme Des Garcons?  

The Powerhouse museum in Sydney, Australia is exploring all the themes of the Fabulous decade in their current exhibit, "The 80's are Back!"  Expect to see everything from Katherine Hamnett's big slogan t-shirts to Margaret Thatcher's bow blouses.  The museum investigates music, politics, fashion, fads, video games, the AIDS crisis, subcultures and film to determine what was deep within behind the big hair.  

If you can't make it Down Under, check out the exhibit's microsite for essays, photos and resources.

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Tom Ford Spring 2011

If you weren't one of the 100 select editors Tom Ford invited to view his collection, do not despair.  A sharp, highly edited video hit Youtube this week featuring the show, backstage peeks, and celebs like Beyonce, Rinko Kikuchi and Julianne Moore prancing as models.      The designer already showed his talent as a film director last year, and this video is a tiny extension of that.

The presentation has a sensuous, Bohemian vibe.  The clothes follow sleek silhouettes that reveal the skin in an elegant, sexy manner.  The overall look is that of an intimate salon party of the most fabulous people you know...

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Vivienne Westwood Baby Shoes

It simply isn't fair.  In bad weather, I have already coveted these ladybug boots that are only available in children's sizes.  Then came these stylin' Mary Jane socks that are not sold in adult sizes either.  

Now Vivienne Westwood adds insult to injury with this collection of "Mini Melissa" shoes.  They have graphic over-sized hearts or bows in triplicate.  They are the younger version of the "Melissa" line.  The back strapped heels are cushioned for comfort.  I can't even use my nephew as an excuse to buy them.  

With shoes like these, there is absolutely no excuse for those toddler-torture heels that Mrs. Tom Cruise favors for daughter Suri.  On the other hand, maybe I just have disproportionately immature taste in footwear.  

How will your toes ring in the new year?

Photo from Childmode.com

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