KRISTIN DAVIS' CLOTHING COLLECTION GETS CHOPPED

The Sex And The City Starlet has the plug pulled on her Kristin Davis Collection, and her first runway show.

New York - Well that was quick.  Wasn't it just Monday that we heard news that Davis, who plays the lovable "Charlotte" in the SATC franchise, was debuting her Fall 2009 collection during a runway show in New York. It takes more than a day to plan these shows so I can't imagine what happened in the last week that made Belk, the southern retailer which exclusively sells the Kristin Davis Collection. In an official statement Kathryn Bufano, president of merchandising evaluations for Belk, said: "We both understand that the challenges of the economic and retail environment have led to even more close evaluations and adjustments." In other words Davis' clothes weren't making nearly enough to warrant a costly fashion week show. The collection debuted in Fall 2009, and in less than two seasons is kaput. Its sad to see the very likeable actress go through this disappointment, but I'm glad to know that consumers ultimately want more from a celebrity clothing line. No matter how cute the character you play is, the clothes have to be cute too.

WE LUST THIS: THE NEW CORDONES SHOE BY TOMS

Finally. TOMS I actually want to wear.


USA - Honestly, the heart-warming charity angle aside, there was something about TOMS shoes which looked decidedly....unchic. Hence, while I've admired the shoes half-heartedly (and admired the founder, Blake Mycoskie, whole-heartedly), I've never truly been moved to buy a pair. Until now.

Behold Tom's with laces, formally known as the Cordones. I spotted it online at Valet Mag. It's a total departure from the silouhette of the original shoe, and while that might mean TOM's has lost all its charm to some, it means its regained it all to me. Find it wherever TOMS are sold or online at www.TOMSshoes.com this month. It retails between $69 and $78, a sum so small that while picking one up for yourself, you can surely pick one up for me. No?  [image + story =racked.com]

OPENING CEREMONY EXPANDS TO THE EAST

Famous names both in the U.S. and Japan came out to celebrate the night before the official opening of the Opening Ceremony Tokyo flagship store.  

tokyo - japan was the place to be yesterday as celebrities like kirsten dunst and rinko kikuchi, models like erin wasson, and designers such as alexander wang showed their support for opening ceremony by celebrating the opening reception of its tokyo flagship store, which opens today in the fashion district, shibuya. (note to self: i have now overused the word "opening".) this marks the first venture outside the united states for opening ceremony with department stores located in new york city and los angeles. opening ceremony, however, isn't just like your typical department store; it "recreates a shopping excursion based on four different perspectives--established designer (designers that best exemplify the country), emerging designer, one of a kind vintage pieces and select items from the open-air markets." the tokyo flagship is no different with each floor featuring a different theme with the merchandising. alexander wang, nom de guerre, boy/band of outsiders, other music and the olsen twins' line the row are just some of the designers and vendors participating in the expansion. this is quite impressive for the department store's ceo carol lim and creative director humberto leon (seen above with mary-kate and ashley olsen), who have always wanted to open one up in japan since day one of their business planning. now moving on to the more important issue, what are those on the heads of the fashionable twins you ask? they are what you think they are--bunny ears and mouse ears--but not just any bunny ears and mouse ears. as a matter of fact they are the results of karl lagerfeld collaborating this season with the chanel-owned exclusive parisian hat brand, maison michel. i prefer the other hats from the collection but for toyko, japan i think mka picked the right ones to wear.

[story via nitrolicious.com/ images zimbio.com]        

Kristina Bustos

                    

  

 Creative Director  Humberto Leon, Actress Kirsten Dunst                                       Actor Jason Schwartzman and wife

 

                  Designer Alexander Wang, Model Erin Wasson                 Humberto Leon, Actress Rinko Kikuchi, CEO  Carol Lim

 

             Japanese Actress Masami Nagasawa                                                           Japanese Musician Nanase Aikawa   

  

  

                             Japanese Actor Kenji Kohashi                                                     Japanese Musician Verbal  of m-flo (right) 

SAKS UNVEILS A $30 MILLION RENOVATION: IN THIS ECONOMY

Luxury New York City Retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue unveils a radically remodeled designer floor.

new york -  thirty million dollars and several months later, saks fifth avenue is ready to debut its brand new designer floor. brimming with luxurious touches like caved glass, tibetan rugs, and chandelier's the floor is meant to show off sak's stable of high end designers in a sumptious and unique way. the new space will feature 22 hard shops (or shop in shops) and 49 designer labels. shoppers - but i'm pretty sure, not the kinds who browse but the kinds who buy - will be able to retire to 18 private shopping suites or the 5th avenue club where they can nosh on tasty treats or sip refreshing drinks from a newly installed kitchen. buzz building has already started with stories on womens wear daily and other outlets. on september 9th, saks will host a party for 150 fash insiders hosted by charlize theron and the septemer issue (the phrase is starting to wear m out a little!) of vogue and an upcoming edition of new york times will feature a 16 page insert shot by bruce webber to celebrate.  if it all seems a little sumptuous - especially in this rocky retail climate - it is. but the bottom line for saks is simple: driving traffic and boosting revenue on the sales floor to $3000 per square foot from approximately $2800. lets hope this works.

ALL JOKES ASIDE: EXACTLY WHO IS BUYING HOUSE OF DEREON?

Tina and Beyonce Knowles announce the expansion of their contemporary line, House of Dereon into "Daywear."

usa - it confounds me to no end that in these harsh economic times not only are folks buying beyonce's line, 'house of dereon,' but that they are buying to the point that its actually making profit , and a lot of it. at least that's what it seems like in light of the latest news: house of dereon is adding yet another category to it's roster: daywear. by way of explanation, tina knowles told reporters: "beyonce and i have had several occasions where we are in meetings all day and don't have time to run and change by dinner. this is the perfect collection to wear from the office to dinner because every piece can easily be dressed up or dressed down." (editors note: really, girl? is that so?) all these daytime fashions won't come cheap. they will debut in stores at end of the year and are estimated to range in price between $100 and $200 per piece.

in other house of dereon news, (yes - there is more!) beyonce announced the sasha fierce for dereon collection. yes - sasha fierce for dereon. what does this mean? it means that an entire clothing collection has been dedicated to beyonce's alter ego, which she busts out during performances. fittingly, the clothes will all be based on her concert costumes. It is allegedly designed by Beyonce herself, in tandem with her mother Tina Knowles. (I have a little inkling that a ginormous team of freelance designers actually do the bulk of the work.) The Sasha Fierce collection promises to be, well...fierce. It offers fashionistas with a penchant for over-designed garments, dresses, handbags, eyewear, even lingerie. (can someone say, 'too much?'). in an interview with women's wear daily, beyonce revealed, "the line really exudes a different side of my personality, which i am grateful to express." fans of dereon are sure to be grateful to buy this line which debuts this fall and retails for $25 to $75. it will be sold at macy's and dillards. naturally.

[above image is of sasha fierce collection; top image of dereon day; all images from fabsugar.com]

MICHAEL JACKSON CLOTHING LINE TO DEBUT...

So here is the good news: a Michael Jackson clothing collection might debut. Here is the bad: Christian Audigier would design it.
new york - every rose has its thorn, doesn't it? and this one happens to be the tackiest thorn of all. christian audigier, the millionaire master mind behind the ed hardy clothing (and furnishing, and underwear, and lotion) empire has revealed plans to move forward with a michael jackson clothing collection. initially, audigier was meant to design mj's costumes for his final world tour. it was during this time, he told the today show earlier this week, that the duo discussed an actual clothing line. audigier and his team presented sketches and ideas to the prince of pop and even went so far as pricing the items. plans are still underway, but fashionistas can look forward to jackets (ala thriller), socks, sequined gloves and slim cut slacks coming to a store near you. alas, on one hand i am happy about the potential profit this could mean for the jackson estate (and thereby his children and family). but from the timing to the team behind it, this entire concept feels a touch...tacky!
[image via nymag.com]

OLD NAVY'S REALLY RIDICULOUS SUMMER SALE - BUT WE AINT COMPLAINING

We've heard of a good sale, but these uber cheap tanks from Old Navy are a beyond!

usa – Blaynistas. We asked for it. All summer long we whined about the rain and begged for heat and now we got it. If you're like me you're running out of all things light weight at a remarkable speed. Old Navy to the rescue. Starting yesterday - until - is selling their form fitting rib-knit tanks for only two bucks a pop. The colors go around the entire color wheel. Heat like this calls for a pop of color and a floral high waisted skirt! Yet don't try to purchase more than five at a time… there is a limit!!

Lola Méndez






[image via spoiledpretty.blogspot.com]

TROUBLE OVER AT AMSALE BRIDAL?

Another brand may bite the dust, as this legendary bridal house announces financial issues.

new york - bridal company amsale, is said to be "in crisis". the company was started in the 80s by ethiopian born aberra amsale, when, the ott wedding dresses of the day forced her to design her own. since then, it has transformed into the go-to brand for wedding dresses and accessories, patronized by celebrities and everyday people alike. no details were given as to the depth of the companies issues - let's just hope they don't pull an escada.

lottie ntim

DROP DEAD FASHION AT NEW YORK CITY BOUTIQUE, OPENING CEREMONY

The body of a white, male is found on the rooftop of the hip, Soho boutque, Opening Ceremony.


new york - i'm sure stranger things have happened, but i'm hard pressed to think of what could top this: an employee of "hipster mecca" opening ceremony, discovered a dead body on the rooftop while taking a smoke break. police say the body was of an unnamed white male with no shoes, and possibly homeless. at this point, foul play is not suspected and a fall from a neighboring roof has been named as the possible cause of death. opening ceremony shut its' doors and canceled a photo shoot for the day. wild.

NICOLE RITCHIE LAUNCHING A NEW SHOE LINE

Stylista, Mom, Singer, Paris Hiltons Former BFF, Now Designer! After debuting her successful House of Harlow line, Ritchie is now poised to drop a shoe collection.

los angeles- nicole richie may have started out under former bff paris hilton's shadow but she's now making big waves in the fashion industry. already the force behind jewelry label 'house of harlow' the (former?) reality tv star recently designed an exclusive maternity line for pea in pod. following that, WWD reports she's currently working on a collection of clothes and shoes to be launched next spring. details pending; will keep you posted!

lottie ntim

PRADA GETS MORE TIME TO PAY BACK CASH

italy - it's strangely comforting to know that in these tough economic times even luxury brands like prada feel the pinch. the house was due to pay up 450 million euros to lenders this summer but has now been given an extention to 2012. this means that muiccia and her partner patrizio bertelli now have extra time - and most importantly - cash to invest within the company including expansion to more stores.





photo:miuccia prada, tpagent.com

NOT THIS AGAIN: CAVALLI BUCKLES ON BUSINESS DEAL

italy - a few months back, roberto cavalli announced he was selling a 30% stake in his company, only to reneg on his announcement soon after. the problem has been in the value of the company. cavalli values it at a much higher price than what investment companies looking to buy a piece of his pie do. the cycle repeats itself with clessidra, a hedge fund company which signed an intent to buy deal with cavalli back in june. now comes word that talks have broken down. cavalli is adamant that his company is worth 3.1 billion, while clessidra maintains that the work is 1.2 billion. the back and forth on price has led to a stalemate. this may or may not be permanent, but either way cavalli's need for a white knight remains. stay tuned, till the next episode.


photo: roberto cavalli; bauer-griffin

GOD LIVES: RODARTE TO BE SOLD AT TARGET

usa - listen, i know what you are thinking: wtf!? how can rodarte's ethereal, handwoven, delicate, uber luxurious pieces be translated into mass market items hanging on the racks of target? easy! it's already been done. go international, target's designer collaboration arm, has inked a deal and already produced a capsule collection featuring holiday dresses, knee highs, and leapord print pants amongs others. the collection debuts nation wide in target stores and online on december 20th and will be available through february 6th. if you live in new york city, i know your plan is similar to mine - taking a road trip to targets waaay outside the tri-state area to scoop the fashion finds the locals are sure to look past! my shopping ambitions aside, how great is it that the kate and laura mulleavy, the sisters behind the brand will finally be making real coins! hopefully a fragrance is next.



Photos: Kate and Laura Mulleavy from WWD.com; Fall 2009 Runway Photos from Style.com

MY DOG WILL BE WEARING CHANEL, BUT IF YOU ARE A MULBERRY KINDA GAL.....

new york - ....you have options too. mulberry has launched a new clothing line for dogs appropriately called mutts. the line which features cute shearling lined, plaid jackets for your precious pups is scheduled to debut in stores in two to three weeks. i won't be rushing to stores for this though. my future dog, like my future daughter, will only wear chanel or kamali - or go naked.

QUICK QUESTION: BARNEY'S BLOODY MANNEQUIN'S , WAS IT REALLY IN POOR TASTE?

new york - you've heard the broohaha (?) over the bloodied dummies in the barney's window, yeah? well non-fashion types were going mad over the grisly blood splattered, couture scene in the windows of the high end store. simon doonan, barney's creative director, had them removed once folks started calling in to complain. did you find it in poor tasate? i for one, LOVED it.

Retail Therapy: Summer Vacay Edition

usa - yeah girls, i know it's a recession. but certain things are non negotiable even when your feast has turned to famine: one is a fresh weave (don't laugh, i know you think the same way!) and the next is a vacation. be it a friends house or a cheap inn, there's always a way to finagle an inexpensive vacay. and with more and more irresistible travel deals surfacing on the web, you really don't have to work hard to find an easy - and affordable - get away. while you pick where to stay, i focused on picking what you should wear. from gap to j.crew, national retailers are ramping up the quotient in stylish summer clothes. herewith my favorite picks. get into them! literally.

When it comes to picking swimsuits, my motto is simple: safety first. And by safety, I mean a cut that safely fits and flatters. You don't want to sacrifice both for the sake of sexiness. This v-neck, double strapped one piece is perfect for just about any body type and the color flatters warm skin tones! Find it online at jcrew.com for $89.

I"m such a fan of day to night. When on vacay, I love looks that easily translate from day time lounging to nightime festivities - espadrilles are perfect for that. These Nine West versions are both comfy and chic. Find them online for $69 at zappos.com

i know. it's summer. the last thing you think you need is a scarf. and then you take an evening stroll and see how the temperature can dip. for times like these, a light weight scarf is absolutely a must. gap has several styles, but my favorite is this floral print one. find it at gap.comfor $24.

WE LUST THIS: THE GILT GROUPE!

www- for the past few weeks now, i've had the pleasure of receiving daily emails from one of my new, favorite groups. hint: it's always around 11:45am and it's always good news. any guesses? none other than the innovative and praiseworthy gilt groupe, informing me of the soon-to-begin sale and revealing what fab designers are in store for the day. the members-only group founded by friends alexis maybank and alexandra wilson allows a lucky set of discerning shoppers to have access to substantially marked down (usually hovering around %70 off) designer and luxury goods. everyday, a new sale with different goods is offered at twelve noon- sharp, and only lasts for one day. think of it as something like a virtual sample sale- sans the stuffiness and catty clawing to get to that last zac posen dress. but, the venture certainly isn't lacking in the popularity department. despite the exclusivity of its strict invitation-only rule, marchesa, vera wang, marc jacobs, chloe and the likes often fly off the site before you can click "purchase!" yesterday it was geren ford, bill blass handbags, and richard chai; today it is thakoon and prps, amongst others. the prices are jaw-dropping, and the high-end threads are just as impressive. guilt-free shopping has never looked so good! sydney cannon

ARE YOU READY FOR H&M'S LATEST COLLABORATION? IT'S JIMMY CHOO, BIOTCHES!!!!

worldwide - i hate to get extra spicy in my headline, but it is what it is. h&m is serving the masses high fashion on a hot platter and they have (almost) outdone themselves with the latest collabo: jimmy choo. the lux brit label will be working with h&m to debut a line of shoes and bags which will be retailed at over 250 h&m stores world wide. but are you ready for the kicker? jimmy choo will also design a range of clothing to compliment the accesorries. and men will not be left out of the festivities either. jimmy choo will debut a collection of shoes, bags - or murses if you will - and clothes for men. this is beyond beyond. i'm not a hard core j.c fan at all (give me a louboutin or ysl or top shop unique shoe any day) but i have to respect what tamara mellon, creative director and founder of the label has been able to do in a little over ten years. she states in the press release, "We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M, to be designing a collection that will appeal to fashion-savvy, street-smart women and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible, glamorous collection to H&M – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” she aint lying. this is going to be a spectacular debut. shout out to margareta van den bosch, creative advisor to h&m. this woman has zero idea who i am, but i've blogged about her in the past and absolutely adore what she's done with h&m: primarily engineering these spectacular collaborations and creating a very covetable signature collection within the h&m brand. zandile blay

photo: van den bosch and mellon above, below the duo fitting a model; courtesy of laforce&stevens