Fashion's Elite Launches Tumi Tag Graffiti Collection

Corporate-friendly luggage manufacturer Tumi celebrated the launch of its collaboration with street savvy graffiti artist John Matos last week.  The artist, better known as “Crash” produced an edgy print inspired by street culture and a woman’s eyes for a limited edition collection.

The original artwork for the collection is being auctioned off on Artnet to benefit ACRIA, the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.  The organization was founded by physicians, activists and patients living with HIV to pioneer new treatments for the disease.

The event was held at Industria Superstudios.  The NYC street culture vibe was projected with Manhattan scenes, digital graffiti on the walls, taxi-cab cookies, a bucket drummer and nibbles representing the various city boroughs.  Notable fashion guests included designer Anna Sui, Philip Bloch and model Yske Strum

The Tumi Tag collection with John Matos comes in four silhouettes in editions of 1000 pieces each.  A special edition I-phone case is also available if you prefer something that fits in your carry-on.

Shop for the most street cred your luggage could ever have, or donate to ACRIA and do some good right now!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Sofia Coppola's Fashionable Premiere for Somewhere

 
It's a movie about a Hollywood playboy surprised with an extended visit from his daughter at the glamorous Chateau Marmont.  It's no surprise lots of style was on hand for the NYC premiere of Sofia Coppola's new movie "Somewhere".

The director was clad in an understated sequined knit vest from Louis Vuitton.  Molly Shannon wore Diane Von Furstenburg.  Stars Elle Fanning wore an embossed suede and gold Rodarte dress.  Parker Posey wore a pleated chiffon blouse.  Multi-tasker James Franco arrived in collegiate-chic.

Do male movie stars care as much about their red carpet style as their female counterparts?  The film's star Stephen Dorff described his outfit, "This is made by Tom Ford. He has been so gracious to make all my suits for the premieres, starting with Venice.  He made me a beautiful tuxedo.  You work with Sofia, you get all these fancy clothes!"

Indeed, Ms. Coppola's down-to-earth personality certainly doesn't keep her from having uber-chic friends. Fashion designer Anna Sui attended the premiere, while designer Marc Jacobs showed up for the after-party in Comme des garcons.  

Photos by Ritika Wahal

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Pratt + Paper & Ralph Pucci Exhibit

Remember the paper dresses of the 1960's? Originally a marketing tool by Scott Paper company in 1966, it sparked a surprising trend that inspired many other manufacturers, including Andy Warhol.

The Pratt Institute opened a new exhibit in collaboration with Ralph Pucci this week.  50 design students were tasked to create a textural study to dress female mannequins.  24 pieces were chosen for the exhibit.  Judges included fashion designer Anna Sui, Bergdorf Goodman's Linda Fargo, interior designer Vicente Wolf and others.

 The exhibition will be open to the public on December 8, 9, and 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The exhibit takes place at Pucci's Gallery 9 showroom at 44 West 18th Street, on the 9th floor.
Photos by Geoffry Gertz

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