AMERICAN APPARREL AND WOODY ALLEN FACE-OFF

los angeles - honestly, what kind of karma does american apparel have? every day seems to bring a new lawsuit or new whispers of bankruptcy. i don't get it, especially when - personally - i think their clothes are outstanding. but i digress. as it is a new day, there is most definitely a new law suit. this time it's waged by legendary hollywood director (not necessarily legendary for his good movies) woody allen. american apparel apparently used his likeness etc in ads last year, which enraged allen. he filed a $10 million dollar suit against them asserting that the ads ruined his reputation. american apparel is shooting back alleging that his reputatio was already ruined by his scandalous affair with his step daughter - who is now his wife - soon yi previn. good point! can't wait to see who wins this one.

photo: allen and daughter/wife soon yi; courtesy of thestrangepolice.net

FASHIONISTAS SPEAK: LIL KIM ON MAC JACOBS

usa - i just want to preface by saying, i really still can't believe that these two know eachother let alone love eachother the this extent. the quote is scooped from stylist.com. let's read and discuss:

"He's one of my best friends and was actually a huge supporter when I was in prison. He wrote me every week," she said. "I decided to buy a colouring book - I'm a huge Bratz fan - and I painted the Bratz and made them all wear Marc Jacobs, and sent it to him. He blew it up and framed it, and now it's hanging in his house. So MARC JACOBS is the best."

pic - jacobs and kim; courtesy of the new york daily news

ZANDRA RHODES + MARKS & SPENCER = RETAIL HEAVEN

london - is it just me, or are fashion collaborations between mass retailers and exclusive designers ridiculously exciting? case in point: the latest announcement from marks & spencer. they are collaborating with the living legend zandra rhodes for an affordable range of swim suits, totes and scarves. they will be available in quirky prints like butterflies and snakeskin. it debuts on may 7th. neil hendy, who heads womenswear design for marks and spencer had this to say about the collabo:   "this has been an amazing opportunity to work with such a well-known designer and a perfect fit for m&s... zandra's unique prints and aesthetic work really well for our customers."


pic: zandra rhodes in all her technicolor glory; www.thisislondon.co.uk

THEOUTNET.COM FINALLY LAUNCHES: ARE YOU READY?

www - please tell me you have already been on theoutnet.com? this is the latest launch from natalie massenet, (photo above) founder of the fashionista's favorite site: www.net-a-porter.com. both sites sell luxury goods from brands like miu miu, bottegga and giles deacon - but theoutnet.com has the distinction of offering these at cut rate prices: 40 to 80% off. i wrote about this earlier and wondered if the outnet.com would draw shoppers away from net-a-porter.com, only time will tell if this happens, but it's definitely popular. it officially launched yesterda and according to wgsn.com, several items sold out in minutes.

GET INTO THIS: IN HIGH FASHION BY EDWARD STEICHEN

www - in the City reading is fundamental. So why not please your thoughts with filling them with ART. This Spring break has allowed me the opportunity to really read and RESEARCH about the industry of OLD. With the past being overshadowed by the over saturation of POP these days it is very EASY to lose focus of the origin of fashion - high fashion. Coming across this book allowed me to not only flex my muscle of beautiful photography but it turned on the light of knowledge as I interpreted every aspect of this NOVEL (in my opinion). 
 
Edward Steichen: In High Fashion is the most extensive collection assembled of the legendary photographers's Vogue and Vanity Fair work available to the public. In 1923 Steichen was offered the chief photographer position for both magazines, the most prestigious position attainable in the commercial photography domain. Through the years Steichen snapped Fred Astaire, Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and Charlie Chaplin. Published by W.W.Norton & Company, the book is a companion to a traveling exhibit of Steichen's fashion photography and celebrity portraits. Included are more than 200 images from the Condé Nast archives, as well as introductory essays from the curators. It's a must read.  Casey Billingsley
 

CHANEL TO SPONSOR TRIBECA FILM FEST

 

New York- With the Tribeca Film Festival's 2009 Artist Awards Program sponsored by Chanel, this year's event is set to be chicer than ever. The French fashion house will show its support in several ways. The artwork (paintings, prints and collages) will be publicly exhibited for the first time at the Chanel Boutique in SoHo from April 16 to 29, where festival-goers and shoppers alike can view the works before they are awarded at the Film Festival's awards ceremony on April 30. But before that, a Chanel dinner will draw the chic set to Odeon on April 23. Expect a Karl sighting...Terrence Phearse

STORE OPENING: ETIQUETA NEGRA

 

 

 

 

New York-  Argentinian brand opened its first North American store around in Soho, NYC.High quality clothing with a Latin touch. Etiqueta negra in spanish means "black label". Beautiful store, amazingly crafted clothes. They are like the Latin Ralph Lauren, at prices a little bit higher than a Banana Republic. The store's vibe transports you to a classic luxury Polo Club in Argentina. Terrence Phearse

GET INTO THIS: THE CHIC FALL BOOT

...worldwide - We all know that Spring is literally standing on 5th Ave waiting to blow the heavingly breeze that we have ALL been waiting for but before& and after she gets here I would like for you to meet this BOOT. Everyone say hi to "Maeve". This particular military inspired chica made her debut last season during Fashion Week & has been a commodity sense. Even the "mini - me's" (Bakers & Nine West) had jumped on board but nothing compares to the authentic bulky lumberjack heel. Pairing this BOOT with a short floral mini, or a colorful stretch pencil could easily cause it to be a SPRING must have. From Raquel Zimmerman to fiesty Voguettes (whom we all adore) sported these utterly lovely and before Mother Winter is done giving us her icy whispers YOU can be spotted TIPPING as if you were on your way to BATTLE.

 

 

Above are a few looks that I felt would be perfect going to war in.... Chin Down, Eyes Forward... Casey Billingsley