THE CHRISTIAN LACROIX SAGA IS...STILL GOING

The Ajman sheikh who offered to buy the label for 100 million euros did not submit paperwork on time.

Paris - Last month it was reported that the Paris Commerce Court postponed the decision on the future of couture label Christian Lacroix to Dec. 1. The Ajman sheikh, who offered 100 million euros in October to rescue the house from bankruptcy," could not show the documentation certifying the funds needed for the acquisition were available" before the tribunal. Now the latest news on the Lacroix saga is that the sheikh failed to submit the paperworks to the Paris court on the due date, which was on last Thursday (Nov. 26). Tomorrow (Dec. 1) the court plans to rule on how to move forward, which means they could implement the restructuring plan submitted by the Falic family, Lacroix's current owners. [Story/Image: The Cut]

Kristina Bustos

THE NEXT TARGET: ZAC POSEN

Designer Zac Posen will collaborate with Target for their Go International series.

USA - Zac Posen is still trying to give us for cheap. Earlier this month the star-favorite designer announced a lower priced line called Z Spoke, which starts at $78 for a cotton T-shirt. Now, he's following up with an even cheaper collection for Target's Go International series. Posen has been announced as the newest designer, following in the footsteps of other labels like Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and Philip Lim. His collection will debut on April 25th and will be available online at Target.com. This isn't the first time the designer has worked with the retail brand. In Fall 2008 Posen created a collection of red-carpet gowns and short dresses for Australian Target stores. While it's a long wait to get your hands on a Zac Posen piece at Target, Rodarte's Target collection will hit stores on December 20. [Story: People]

Kristina Bustos

HAPPY THANKSGIVING BLAYNISTAS!

Wishing you and yours an amazing Thanksgiving!

New Jersey - You had time to check my blog on Thanksgiving! God Bless you! I've been cooking (mashed potatoes, pot roast, whole chicken, corn bread, etc) all morning and eating all afternoon. So it's only right I check in this evening to let you all know how THANKFUL I am for amazing readers like you. What are YOU thankful for this year?

W PHOTOSHOPPED DEMI MOORE'S HEAD ONTO ANJA RUBIK'S BODY?

Conspiracy theorists on blogs suggest that the magazine Photoshopped Moore's head onto Rubik's body for their December cover.

World Wide Web - Ever since W's December issue featuring 47-year-old actress Demi Moore on the cover hit the internet many wondered why was Demi's left hip cut in farther than her left thigh and why the lack of wrinkles on the face or body. Another case of Photoshop gone wrong, right? Well last week W representatives told Jezebel that they "did not do anything unusual or out of the ordinary on Demi Moore for the photo on the cover of W." But now conspiracy theorists on blogs Oh No They Didn't and Pop Culture Madness suggest that the magazine Photoshopped Demi's head onto the body of model Anja Rubik taken from an image of Anja walking the runway in the spring 2010 Balmain show. Crazy speculation, right? When you have the W December cover placed next to the shot of Anja in the Balmain show it's hard not to believe the conspiracy theorists, but there are differences between the two images that can dispute the speculation. For example Demi's arms are touching her legs, while Anja's arms are swinging away from her body. Another example is Anja's neck looks strained than Demi's neck and that's because Anja is walking and Demi is standing still. My verdict is that Demi sure was extremely Photoshopped but I believe that's her body and not Anja's. What do you think, Blaynistas? [Story/Image: The Cut]

Kristina Bustos

KARL LAGERFELD HELMETS ARE FINALLY IN STORES

The designer creates couture helmets that include iPod hookups.


World Wide Web - I'm sure you were all madly waiting for Karl Lagerfeld's couture helmet to hit the stores so you can finally purchase your own and now here is your chance. You can find the helmets at Collete in Paris and at other specialty retailers. The prices of the helmets range from $1,805 to $6,837. The helmets were from the designer's fall 2009 namesake collection and they come with iPod hookups, which is perfect for drowning out traffic noises while on your scooter. Les Ateliers Ruby, however, made only twelve of the couture helmets. [Story/Image: The Cut]


Kristina Bustos

UNGARO DECIDES TO KEEP LILO

Good News: Ungaro will keep Lindsay Lohan as “Artistic Director”. Bad News: Ungaro will keep Lindsay Lohan as “Artistic Director."

World Wide Web – Rumors have been swirling for the past few months that the House of Ungaro, will let go of their um…. “Artistic Director” actress Lindsay Lohan, though the label’s chief executive denies these reports. "Yes (she's staying on), she has a job to do," Mounir Moufarrige told Reuters at the Milan Global Fashion Summit.

"The criticism was harsh. I am sure we can do better in the collection to be honest but I think it was harsh ... But it did sell well," says Moufarrige of LiLo’s disastrous S/S 2010 Ungaro show.

Blaynistas, I have mixed feelings about this. Lindsay, who should really be confined to a rehabilitation center, design or style aesthetic was definitely incoherent for the Ungaro show (really LiLo?…glitter heart-shaped nipple pasties? a five year old can do that). Though, she does have mass marketing appeal and lends a tremendous amount of press for Ungaro. Though doubtful, I do believe in second chances. Let’s hope her F/W collection doesn’t involve pasties, maybe she’ll grasp that it will be too cold to wear them. [Story and Image: The Cut]


Jared Michael Lowe

RED CARPET MOMENT: AMBER ROSE

Kanye’s model girlfriend attends the NY screening of Me and Orson Welles.

New York – Model and Kanye’s main squeeze, Amber Rose attended the NY screening of Me and Orson Welles last night in an ivory Dolce & Gabbana strapless bustier dress. Bronzed with a new set of lashes, Ms. Rose looked great, but a bit too tight in her ensemble. Perhaps she needed to go up a size?[Story: Red Carpet Fashion Awards/ Image: Say Holla!]


Jared Michael Lowe

RED CARPET MOMENT: RIHANNA

Rihanna steps out in a sparkly and spike Blondes creation for her Rated R release party.

New York – Pop artist, Rihanna continues her spiky reign after Sunday’s AMAs Gareth Pugh design performance outfit and dons The Blondes spiked gold dress to her album release party at Juliet’s Supper Club in NYC. She paired the dress with gold spiked peep toe Louboutins. I must admit she looks too haute, but with all this spiked action going on, I wonder how did she sit during the night? [Story: Just Jared/ Image: Celebrity Gossip]


Jared Michael Lowe

MARKET SHARE: 10 FALL BOOTS THAT I LUST FOR

Items in this set

Balenciaga Fall Harness Platform Boots

$Upon Request

JILL STUART Cream Slouchy Teresa Boot

$895 $627

chickdowntown.com

DESANO

$110 $50

aldoshoes.com

Jessica Simpson Jonas Boot - Mahogany

$150

heels.com

HORTEIN

$120

aldoshoes.com

BCBG Silk Boot - Black

$150

heels.com

Everybody In Purple

$130

needsupply.com

Jessica Simpson Troppo Bootie - Black

$130

heels.com

Chaz Suede Ankle Boot

$25

forever21.com

Women's shoes/bags: Miss Sixty Nadia - Dark taupe

$295

piperlime.gap.com

Terrence Phearse

Diddy To Be On Home Shopping Network

Mega Mogul- Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is unstoppable. I subscribe to the belief that anything he puts his hands on turns gold.

Next week, November 30th, 2009 at 11pm.... Diddy will appear on the legendary Home Shopping Network. He will be advertising

his "Unforgivable" and "I Am King" fragrances. Diddy has set a reported goal of selling $400,000 the night it airs. That's intense.

It is also said that Diddy will have his own set up for the stage, and will hopefully attract a new, young, and "hip" audience to the

Home Shopping Network. Both fragrances smell amazing, I think this is a major move for his brand. He is a man who knows what 

he is doing.. think about. He hits HSN just in time for Christmas shopping. I think he will surpass his goal. Check it out!

Tweet Me Your Thoughts: @BlayReport

Terrence Phearse

MODEL NEWS: NATALIA VODIANOVA

The Russian model books three Spring 2010 campaigns.

World Wide Web - Russian model Natalia Vodianova, 27, will be one busy bee for Spring 2010, landing three spring campaigns: Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Stella McCartney. In addition she continues her contracts with Guerlain, Etam lingerie and Calvin Klein perfumes. In 2008 the model retired from the catwalk after walking in Valentino Garavani’s final show in Paris. [Story: Fashionista/ Image: Zimbio]

Kristina Bustos

GIORGIO ARMANI BRINGS PEACE TO THE INTERNET

The designer shows his support for an initiative that campaigns for the next Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to the Internet and all its users.

World Wide Web - Internet for Peace, a worldwide organization that campaigns for the next Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to the internet and all its users, was launched this weekend. One of its notable supporters is designer Giorgio Armani. The project's manifesto explains: "We have finally realized that the Internet is much more than a network of computers. It is an endless web of people. Men and women from every corner of the globe are connecting to one another, thanks to the biggest social interface ever known to humanity. Digital culture has laid the foundations for a new kind of society. And this society is advancing dialogue, debate and consensus through communication. Because democracy has always flourished where there is openness, acceptance, discussion and participation. And contact with others has always been the most effective antidote against hatred and conflict. That's why the Internet is a tool for peace. That's why anyone who uses it can sow the seeds of non-violence. And that's why the next Nobel Peace Prize should go to the Net. A Nobel for each and every one of us." The initiative has received much support across the globe and from prominent figures, including 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi and scientist Umberto Veronesi. This, however, weirdly reminds me of that year Time magazine awarded the "Person of the Year" to "you." Doesn't it? [Story: UK Vogue/ Image: TheDailyPump]



Kristina Bustos

VALENTINO: FUTURE OSCAR NOMINEE?

The documentary film about the life of designer Valentino Garavani is shortlisted as a possible contender for the best documentary Oscar.

World Wide Web - This year we have two documentary films revolving around the world of fashion -- Valentino: The Last Emperor and The September Issue. Valentino, a documentary film about the life of designer Valentino Garavani, premiered in August 2008 but it was released theatrically in New York in March 2009. The September Issue, which was released in August 2009, follows editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her Vogue Magazine staff in preparing the Vogue's 2007 September issue. That 2007 issue with 840 pages became the largest issue of any magazine ever published. Only one of these fashion films, however, has been considered as a contender for the best documentary Oscar and it's Valentino: The Last Emperor. The designer said, "What can I say? An Oscar would be an incredible crowning for an emperor." Valentino's creations have been worn by many Hollywood actresses attending the Oscars and the designer even was a guest at the 2009 Oscar. [Story: UK Vogue/Image: USA Today]


Kristina Bustos

TO SELL AND TO BUY: PPR EDITION

The French luxury conglomerate PPR is looking to sell and to invest in other brands to pay off debt.

France - It's been tough out there for the fashion industry and not even Salma Hayek's billionaire husband François-Henri Pinault is immune to the economic crisis. The owner of French luxury conglomerate PPR, originally called Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, is looking to sell some of his less glamorous brands today so to raise funds to pay off debts. While PPR owns Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent, it also owns Conforama, FNAC, La Redoute and the Golf Warehouse. The Cut calls Conforama "a mid-market European furniture chain," FNAC a "sort of like Target but without the one-off lines by designers like Rodarte," and La Redoute "a JCPenney-ish mail-order business." They are definitely not so glamorous as Alexander and Stella. In October the company reported a drop in sales and The Financial Times said that PPR is looking to invest in new businesses, such as Ralph Lauren, Levi Strauss & Co and Abercrombie & Fitch, in order to raise funds. [Story: UK Vogue & The Cut]



Kristina Bustos

LEONA LEWIS: THE NEXT CELEBRITY DESIGNER?

The "Bleeding Love" singer is next in line to become a celebrity designer as she gets help from Stella McCartney.

London - As if we don't have enough entertainers becoming designers these days, Leona Lewis just had to jump into the ring. But before we throw up our hands in the air, the singer's new project actually sounds promising. It was reported today that X Factor winner Leona Lewis has taken advice from a real designer, Stella McCartney, before launching her own line of vegan clothing and accessories. The vegetarian singer, who doesn't wear fur, suede, leather or any animal by-products, has struggled finding stylish clothing that goes with her beliefs and often turned to fellow vegetarian McCartney's animal-free creations. In the past Lewis has expressed her intention to launch an affordable alternative to McCartney's designs. She told the Daily Mirror, "There's so much I want to do. I've always wanted to have my own fashion line, and that's something I want to focus on next year. I'm on a mission. I'd love to promote a line of non-leather bags and shoes that are affordable." [Story: UK Vogue/ Image: Fabsugar]



Kristina Bustos

LEIGHTON MEESTER COVERS UK GLAMOUR

Meester sports 60’s big hair and animal print on the issue, and thinks she’s prettier without makeup.

London – Gossip Girl actress and recent Blay Report post, Leighton Meester sits pretty for the December issue of UK Glamour. Shot by Robert Erdmann, Leighton wears D&G and a zigzag print dress by Matthew Williamson in the issue and professes her love for the work she has done so far in her career:

“I’m proud of the work that I’ve done. I don’t care what people label me as. If they want to say I’m an actress, and I should never sing, that’s fine. If they know me for my music, because they don’t watch my show or my movies, that’s fine, too. I’m doing what I want with my life. I just do…me”.

She also states that she believes she is prettier without makeup. After the hideous getup and over the top face she gave last week for the American Eagle Times Square Store Opening, we sincerely agree. [Story and Image by Zimbio]
 

 

Jared Michael Lowe

UGLY BETTY'S MARK INDELICATO IS A COLUMNIST

The young actor is sharing his love for fashion on the Fashion Week Daily's site.

New York - 15-year-old Mark Indelicato continues to get attention from the fashion industry. In August it was reported that the young actor, who plays fashion-obsessed Justin Suarez on ABC's Ugly Betty, impressed designer Carolina Herrera so much during his tour of her New York showroom she offered him an internship on the spot. This time it's a writing job for Fashion Week Daily. Apparently Indelicato has his own new column on FWD's site, which he "dishes on Topshop, the Olsens, and his 'small obsession for both Balmain and Lanvin." About his love for Balmain he wrote, "I started to like Balmain when I saw an ad in Vogue (of course). It was a women's wear ad so I looked online to find that they also sell men's clothing! So, I have come to the conclusion that I must own every shoulder-padded jacket Balmain creates." He also shared his love for Mary-Kate Olsen's "downtown grungy chic" look and according to him, animal prints are coming back. [Story: FWD]

Kristina Bustos

AUTHORITIES BELIEVE DAUL KIM COMMITTED SUICIDE

Kim's boyfriend found her hanged in her Paris apartment and alerted the police.

Paris - On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 20-year-old model Daul Kim was found dead. A source tips The Cut that Daul might have committed suicide. Today authorities are operating under the belief that she did commit suicide. The model's boyfriend found her hanged in her Paris apartment and alerted the police. Bloggers in South Korea, Daul's birth country, are saying that she might have felt the pressures of the fashion industry. Daul has a blog called "I Like To Fork Myself" and on October 30 she wrote: "i was getting mad depressed and overworked in seoul." In her last entry, titled "say hi to forever," she posted a video of a track by Jim Rivers named "I Go Deep." I still can't get over her passing away. [Story/Image: The Cut]

Kristina Bustos

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA AND MICHAEL STIPE COLLABORATE

The fashion label and R.E.M frontman team up to create one versatile jewelry.


World Wide Web - Unexpected news is unexpected, but earlier of this month Maison Martin Margiela majority stakeholder Renzo Rosso did say that the company has "a new fresh design team on board" and they "are focusing on young, realistic energy for the future." In that case it would make sense why the brand is working with R.E.M frontman Michael Stipe, and the result of that collaboration is one inspired piece of jewelry, which is "a microcassette made of sterling silver with an unravelled tape for a chain." The jewerly is quite versatile. You can wear it any way you want, such as a necklace, a bracelet, an eye patch, a belt and a ring. Yes, an eye patch. If you can rock a small cassette tape over your eye without looking like a fool, you are my new hero. Unfortunately there will only be 199 pieces (what's wrong with the number 200?) available for purchase at Maison Martin Margiela boutiques and select retailers. No word on the price of this fine creation. [Story/Image: Racked]
 
Kristina Bustos

I AM SASHA FIERCE..... DRESS LIKE BEYONCE FOR A DAY

Items in this set

Paul & Joe Wiviana sequined mini dress

$610

net-a-porter.com

Pearl and gold bracelet

$33

dorothyperkins.com

Red Lipstick Smudge

$3.95

pixmac.com

Anita Ko 18-karat gold diamond pyramid studs

$1,550

net-a-porter.com

Balmain studded suede leather shoulder bag

elle.com

Balenciaga shoes

$1,056

matchesfashion.com

BLAYNISTAS.... I'M BACK FROM LONDON

In a recent trip across the pond... I realized that there is a "posh" street style outside of the Concrete Jungle. 

London- As promised I told you I will be giving you a street style update from London. The London girl is very posh, and very downtown. She takes risks, and is not afraid to mix and match colors and textures. The brit chick loves vintage, leather and of course a cigarette. In the streets of East London you can be whomever you want to be. Talk to you soon guys!

xoxo
Terrence Phearse

PHARRELL WILLIAMS TEAMS UP WITH MONCLER

Grammy award-winning producer Pharrell Williams collaborates with European brand Moncler to create special edition "bulletproof" jackets.


World Wide Web - Music producer Pharrell Williams continues to show his interest in design. In the past he co-founded two clothing brands (Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear), co-designed a collection of jewelry and glasses for Louis Vuitton, and worked on furniture with French manufacturer, Domeau & Pérès. Now Williams is collaborating with European brand Moncler to design "bulletproof" jackets with the use of his own company, Bionic Yarn, which sources its material from recycled plastic bottles. The collection will consist of "an all-black selection that will include extended length, 'bulletproof' puffer jackets." Williams said in a release, "To me, Moncler has always been the premier luxury outerwear brand. Their clothes are the chicest and blend classic outerwear with high-end fabrics." The collection will debut in the fall 2010 season. [Story: FWD]

Kristina Bustos

THE CHRISTIAN LACROIX SAGA CONTINUES

French court postpones the fashion house's ruling of new ownership to December 1.

World Wide Web - Poor Christian Lacroix. Just when he can breathe a sigh of relief that his fashion house has been saved from its financial troubles, the Paris Commerce Court postpones the decision on the future of his house to Dec. 1. Why? Well according to judicial administrator Regis Valliot, the Ajman sheikh, who offered $100 million in October to rescue the house from bankruptcy, "could not show the documentation certifying the funds needed for the acquisition were available" before the tribunal. Valliot added that if by the Dec. 1 deadline the sheikh doesn't show proper financial documentations, the restructuring plan submitted by Falic family, Lacroix's current owners, will be implemented. The Falics signed an agreement with French turnaround specialist Bernard Krief Consulting to partner up on the licensing of the house. Krief then would have control over couture, ready-to-wear and jewelry. He also plans to open up to 200 boutiques in five years. As for Lacroix the designer, he has been invited "to be the creative leader" of the new company under Krief's control. Lacroix's CEO Nicolas Tropial and Lacroix, himself, both prefer the sheikh's offer. [Story: Fashionologie/Reuters]

Kristina Bustos

ANOTHER ROUND WITH GAPKIDS FOR STELLA

The designer is coming back to create a second collection for the brand, following the success of her fall collection.

World Wide Web - Who isn't surprised by this? Stella McCartney's fall collection earlier this month for GapKids was so popular even adults wanted to try several pieces from the line, such as the peacoats and marching band-inspired jackets, and actress Angelina Jolie was reported to have purchase some duds for her children. Yup, I'm not surprised at all Ms. McCartney will be coming back for GapKids and Baby Gap to design a spring collection that will debut in March of next year. I was hoping it would be a special holiday collection because just imagine the cute party dresses and suits she'll design for the holidays, but I'm still definitely looking forward to see the spring collection. [Story: WWD]

Kristina Bustos

20-YEAR-OLD MODEL DAUL KIM PASSES AWAY

Paris - The Korean-born model Daul Kim, 20, was found dead in Paris this morning. Her agents at Next confirmed the news and they said in a statement, "She was a top model and a great friend to all of us at Next. Please respect her family’s privacy at this time of sadness. We will all miss her very much." Although the cause of death remains unknown at this time, a source tells The Cut the young model committed suicide. Daul began modeling at Korea in 2006, appearing in several Korean Vogue editorials. Throughout her modeling career Daul has walked for many established fashion labels, such as Chanel, Dries Van Noten, Maison Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood and Dolce & Gabbana. Daul definitely will be missed in the modeling and fashion industry. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends. [Story: The Cut]

Kristina Bustos

RED CARPET MOMENT: LEIGHTON MEESTER

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester performs for American Eagles' Times Square Store Launch in an interesting outfit.

New York – Blaynistas, we really heart Leighton Meester, but not in this get-up. Meester, who performed four songs for the AE Times Square Store Launch Tuesday evening, opted for a less classic look than we are used to seeing her in, exposing a hideous camel toe in multicolored tights? pants? (we really don't know) and a clip-on bang. Somewhere Blair Waldorf is clutching her pearls and gasping.

[story/ image: Guest Of A Guest]

 

Jared Michael Lowe 

ZAC POSEN LAUNCHES A NEW COLLECTION

The designer is launching a lower-priced line called Z Spoke.

World Wide Web - Zac Posen joins Doo-Ri Chung, Thakoon Panichgul and Richard Chai as another designer who is launching a lower-priced line, a common business strategy for young designers in the recession. The announcement comes after last week's reports about Posen cutting the position of vice-president of communications, which sparked rumors of more layoffs at the company. The new collection, called Z Spoke, will launch exclusively at Saks with a goal to expand to other stores. While Posen's main collection retails between $900 to $12,000, Z Spoke starts at $78 for a T-shirt. Posen said, "I treat a T-shirt as a T-shirt should be treated. With a lot of love." His inspiration board includes downtown imagery like Nike Dunks and a photo of Robert De Niro as his Taxi character, Travis Bickle. Posen added that he could see his new style worn by a Lower East Side girl. [Story: The Cut/Image: Fashionista]

Kristina Bustos

BECKHAMS PUSH NEW FRAGRANCE AD

Posh & Becks tone down the sexuality and rev-up the chemistry for their Beckham Signature Story ad campaign.

World Wide Web – Take a glance of the above photo. Notice anything? David and Victoria Beckham are not scantily naked for once. The Beckhams star in a new set of ads for their upcoming (and moderately affordable) men’s/women’s fragrance line, Beckham Signature Story, and rely on good ole fashion chemistry to pull it off. No disrespect to the gorgeous duo, their bodies are enviable, but for once we get to see the sensuality exude from the pair without them doing (almost) softcore porn. The upside, they play smoldering lovers, which leave plenty to the imagination. [Story and Image by DesignScene]

Jared Michael Lowe

SAMPLE SALE: MASSAKE

The revamped label is making their U.S. launch in New York.

New York City - Do you need a little shopping therapy before the weekend, Blaynistas? Well, then, if so may I suggest Massake. Although the brand started in Paris, Ameth Ndiaye is moving his line to New York for a fresh start. In addition Massake is getting revamped with a completely new and different collection designed by Ashley Thomas and Karolyne Lockhart. The line is all about affordable, sexy and sophisticated womenswear pieces with a combination of European chic and the essence of American style. The plan is to launch the new contemporary collection in Fall 2010, and so to make room for their new warehouse in Manhattan they are selling all their current stock for 70% off. Cocktail party dresses and maxis for spring are all priced at $50. Um, yes please!

Here is what you need to know:

Who: Massake
When: November 19th - 20th
Where: SilverReed Showroom -- 1384 Broadway, 20th floor
What: Holiday cocktail/print dresses, Spring maxi and floral dresses, even blazers to complete your look -- ALL only $50! Cash and credit accepted.

Kristina Bustos