Rodarte: States of Matter Exhibit at MOCA

In business for only six years, the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte have been one of the most lauded and respected fashion designers of the current generation.  Honored by Michelle Obama with the Cooper Hewitt Award, celebrated by the fashion elite, the label is now being honored at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Los Angeles.

The exhibit, “Rodarte: States of Matter” shows several tutus from their highly publicized (and controversial) gig designer for the movie Black Swan.  There are also garments from three seasons of their runway collections.

Longtime collaborator, Alexandre de Betak helped to create dramatic set pieces to display the collection.  A very noir exhibit meant to display black garments as sculpture pieces, there are mannequins suspended from the ceiling and spun slowly on whirling motors.

The theatrical “immersive” exhibit is what you would hope for from a duo who cites “Living Dead Dolls” and Japanese horror films as inspiration. 

The exhibit runs until June 5, 2011 at MOCA Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Photos by Autumn de Wilde. Courtesy of MOCA.

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Johnny Depp Calls Penelope Cruz a 'Loyal and True Friend'

Johnny Depp only had nice things to say about his dear friend Penelope Cruz while she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame yesterday. The actor called her a "loyal and true friend" and "phenomenal mommy" during his speech at the ceremony. Aww!

The actor said about his Blow co-star (via People.com): "She's an inconceivably phenomenal mommy, which I've witnessed firsthand, and it's pretty incredible. She's as loyal and true a friend as anyone could ever dream of and I'm very privileged to be able to have her in my life."

The friendly feelings are mutual. Penelope thanked her actor pal in her acceptance speech. "I came to Los Angeles for the first time in 1994. I spoke no English. I only knew how to say two sentences: One was, 'How are you?' The other was, 'I want to work with Johnny Depp,' " she said. "In the last 10 years I've worked with him twice, and that has improved my English."

Penelope gave birth to her first child in January, and hubby Javier Bardem was also present at the unveiling Friday to support his gal. She's the first Spanish-born actress to get her own star and thanked her family in her speech, "and of course my wonderful husband and my son for making me so happy every day" she said.

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Are Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Rekindling?

Is Miss Miley Cyrus off the market again? The actress has reportedly rekindled her relationship -- or at least is making an attempt at it -- with ex flame Liam Hemsworth. A source told E!: "They've been hanging out a lot. They've been trying to do it away from the cameras."

Apparently the two have realized they still have some unresolved feelings for each other and want to give their romance another go. Just recently, Miley announced that she is "not single." Now we get why!

Miley has been entertaining love with another hot Aussie -- her So Undercover co-star Joshua Bowman, with whom she was "inseparable" at the flick's wrap party, but there's only room for one Australian lover!

She told an Australian radio show: "I don't want to cross out the Australian boys but I may or may not be single ... I love Australian boys though obviously. Liam and I are very close, I'm not going to comment too much, but you guys don't have to worry about that ... I'm definitely not coming to Australia single."

Sounds like she might be trying to sort out her romantic feelings, but one thing seems certain: she won't be flying solo anytime soon!

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L.A. Fashion Week: Gypsy 05 Fall 2011

Launched in 2005 by sister/brother team Osi and Dotan Shoham, Gypsy 05has become a line favored by celebrities like Kare Hudson, Jessica Alba, Amanda Seyfried and Miley Cyrus.  And, Gypsy 05 is not just for the girls, with a line for men that has been well received.  Their Fall 2011 line was attended by quite a few celebs, including Glee cast members Mark Criss and Dot-Marie Jones.

Epitomizing the Los Angeles life style, Gypsy 05 has gained wide appeal as a line that is easy-to-wear, comfortable and still extremely fashionable.  With an emphasis on being eco-friendly, the company produces a line of organic and natural fabrics uniquely dyed in their own dye house.

Showing at Style Fashion Week LA, Gypsy 05’s Collection has a definite bohemian feel to it.  Flowing maxi dresses, reminiscent of the hippie culture of the 60’s, mixed together with their personal styling of classic sportswear pieces for men and women, from chinos and unstructured jackets to chunky sweaters and lace tops.  Modern takes on tie-dye highlight the collection as do ombré dyed sweaters and silks.  Silhouettes are relaxed and casual with an emphasis on layering with contrasting colors and prints.  The must have accessories of the collection are the richly dyed scarves, shown layered on both men and women.

This season’s show proved that Osi and Dotan Shoham continue to mature as designers, taking the line to the next level.  It also reminds us that Gypsy 05 is a line to keep one’s eye on!

Video by Omri Escalante

Reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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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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Shop to Help Japan - Designers Save For Tsunami

In times of need, the fashion community gets together to help those who require it most.  Designers and retailers across the board have banded together to produce fundraising events.  Others have donated product for sale with the proceeds going to Tsunami victims like H & M and Uniqlo.  Shopping sites like Ideeli and Gilt have created portals to donate directly.

United Bamboo, Philip Lim body held sample sales to raise aid money.  Theory set up drop boxes for direct donations of items.

If you want to shop for a cause, some designers created a specially-designed product to help. Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 of each red handbag sold to the Red Cross.  Polo Ralph Lauren is selling a special edition polo where the proceeds will benefit the United Way.  Lady Gaga's website is selling "We Pray for  Japan" wristbands.

The BIG shopping event is coming up from Fashion Girls for Japan.  Over 60 NY designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Alice + Olivia, Derek Lam, Richard Chai, Diane Von Furstenburg (just to name a few) will have rolling racks of goodies to be sold to benefit the American Red Cross.  The event takes places this Saturday and Sunday at the Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery Street, NYC).

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Avril Lavigne Catches Waves Down Under

Avril Lavigne has been putting her time in Australia to good use by brushing up on her surfing skills. The "What the Hell" singer (and StyleBistro guest editor!) has been down under promoting her new album, Goodbye Lullaby, but she found time to catch a few waves today.

Avril wrote on Twitter: “Just surfed on a 4 ft wave on a 7ft board in manly OZ. My smallest board and biggest wave to date !!! I'm tired now haha. Gonna upload WTH.TV soon of me surfing :)"

A couple hours later she made good with a picture of her waiting for a wave on a lime green surfboard while wearing a baseball cap and (unbelievably) her signature dark eyeliner. She wrote: "Here is a picture of me surfing today in Australia at Manly Beach."

Avril also found time to hit Sydney's famous Taronga Zoo, where she was overjoyed to get an up-close and personal introduction to some Australian wildlife. She wrote: “Omg just went to the zoo and got to touch koala bears and kangaroos!!!!!"

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