Posts for December 2010

Hermes

LVMH Ups Hermes Stake to 20 Percent

>> Bernard Arnault is not looking to allay Hermes after his surprise October acquisition of a 17.1 percent stake in the brand.

>> Bernard Arnault is not looking to allay Hermes after his surprise October acquisition of a 17.1 percent stake in the brand. Despite stating that he has no intention of taking Hermes over, Arnault announced yesterday that LVMH now owns 20.2 percent of Hermes shares — assuredly to the Hermes family's dismay, although a Hermes spokesman declined comment.

As the Hermes family collectively owns 70 percent of the brand, there is now less than 10 percent of shares left for Arnault to freely buy. If Arnault wants to continue increasing his stake, it will likely take years to erode family unity and therefore clear the way for a takeover.

Yves Saint Laurent

After Seasons of Supermodels, Yves Saint Laurent Anoints New Face Arizona Muse for Spring 2011 Campaign

>> After seasons and seasons of supermodel faces — Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Daria Werbowy, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss — Stefano Pilati has chosen a new face for Yves Saint Laurent's Spring 2011 campaign: that of Arizona Muse (she also happens to be a Spring 2011 Prada face).

>> After seasons and seasons of supermodel faces — Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Daria Werbowy, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss — Stefano Pilati has chosen a new face for Yves Saint Laurent's Spring 2011 campaign: that of Arizona Muse (she also happens to be a Spring 2011 Prada face). In the first image released, Muse wears the dress she wore to close the house's Spring 2011 show, and Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin captured her in the gardens of a 1930s villa in Marrakech's Palmeraie resort, true to Yves Saint Laurent's Moroccan ties.

UPDATE: More images from the campaign can be seen here.

Barneys

Barneys Said Eyeing Taylor Tomasi Hill for Fashion Director Role

>> After frontrunners Sarah Rutson and Virginia Smith both turned down the recently opened up fashion director role at Barneys (longtime fashion director Julie Gilhart was let go last month), new Barneys CEO Mark Lee is now said to be zeroing in on Marie Claire style and accessories director Taylor Tomasi Hill, who, coincidentally, has often named Rutson as an inspiration.

>> After frontrunners Sarah Rutson and Virginia Smith both turned down the recently opened up fashion director role at Barneys (longtime fashion director Julie Gilhart was let go last month), new Barneys CEO Mark Lee is now said to be zeroing in on Marie Claire style and accessories director Taylor Tomasi Hill, who, coincidentally, has often named Rutson as an inspiration. Tomasi Hill joined Marie Claire in August 2009 from Teen Vogue, where she was accessories director. [WWD]

Street Style

Look We Love – Slouchy Layers

This street-snapped stylista knows there's a fine line between sloppy and slouchy.

This street-snapped stylista knows there's a fine line between sloppy and slouchy. Her look, comprised of loose trousers, grey tee, and an oversize Nordic-print sweater jacket veer toward the latter encompassing a chic laissez-faire attitude. Get a similar ensemble with our picks from Camilla and Marc, Asos, and Nine West.




Left to right: Vila Folk Patterned Nordic Drape Cardigan ($78), BDG Soft Cotton Crew Neck Tee ($16), Asos Leather Twist Lock Vintage Style Satchel ($121), Nine West Vintage Kybele Shearling Booties ($129), Camilla And Marc Citizen Pants ($350)


Photo courtesy of the lookbook.nu

Models

Sara Ziff Is Creating a Model Alliance to Protect Models From Harsh Working Conditions and Sexual Harassment

>> Sara Ziff first mentioned wanting to start a professional organization for models back in October.

>> Sara Ziff first mentioned wanting to start a professional organization for models back in October. Now, more details are out about the organization, dubbed The Model Alliance, which will be formed by Ziff in conjunction with Fordham University’s Fashion Law Institute.

“The modeling industry is essentially unregulated,” said Ziff in an interview. “As independent contractors, models don’t have the same basic workplace protection as a lot of other industries do. They don’t have workmen’s compensation. They often don’t have access to affordable health coverage. There are no provisions for rest and meal breaks [during work hours]. There is little recourse for issues of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. And a lot of modeling agencies have a huge amount of power over international girls because they sponsor their visas.”

Ziff is currently working with The Fashion Law Institute to create a clinic for models to share their biggest problems and concerns, though she hasn't begun recruiting any models for the organization.

Shopping

Hot Picks For a Casual Cool New Year's Eve

>> So your New Year's Eve plans might not involve reserved tables at The Box, Lavo, or Beauty & Essex — but that doesn't mean you won't have a rockin' good time.


>> So your New Year's Eve plans might not involve reserved tables at The Box, Lavo, or Beauty & Essex — but that doesn't mean you won't have a rockin' good time. Casual parties, whether it's at a BFF's house or a more low-key bar, can be the most fun and memorable so make sure you're well equipped with some nice duds. Jumpsuits, like this one from Madewell, are always a fun option, and who can resist a pair of playful red trousers? More casual NYE dressing options below!

Balenciaga

Gisele Bündchen Channels Her Inner Punk for Balenciaga's Spring 2011 Campaign

>> After closing out Balenciaga's Spring 2011 runway show back in September, rumors swirled that Gisele Bündchen would be the face of the ad campaign.

>> After closing out Balenciaga's Spring 2011 runway show back in September, rumors swirled that Gisele Bündchen would be the face of the ad campaign. And they were true: images of the campaign just surfaced featuring Bündchen, accompanied by ghostly-looking male model Yuri Pleskun, channeling her inner punk in Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest collection. The campaign was shot by Steven Meisel and Marie-Amélie Sauvé styled.

Carine Roitfeld

Ode to Carine Roitfeld — Over 100 Editorial and Cover Shots From Her Time at Vogue Paris

>> The announcement of Carine Roitfeld's replacement is still to come.

>> The announcement of Carine Roitfeld's replacement is still to come. While you wait for the news, check out Roitfeld's editorials and covers for the magazine throughout the years. During her 10-year tenure at Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld consistently pushed the boundaries in the industry, creating some of the most subversive and erotic editorials seen to date. Who can forget Crystal Renn's public yet private display in May 2010, Raquel Zimmermann's anti-fur spread in August 2008, and Lea T's reveal in August 2010. Peruse the slideshow — NSFW — for more memorable work from Carine Roitfeld.

Shopping

24 Cuddly Knit Accessories for Winter

>> Stepping outside your cozy abode can be a cold and scary thought.


>> Stepping outside your cozy abode can be a cold and scary thought. No fear, our cuddly knit accessory picks are sure to alleviate your anxiety: Thinsulate-lined mittens from Lauer, wool blend scarves from Rag & Bone, and DVF head wraps are sure to keep you looking stylishly warm while you trek all over town. Peruse the slideshow for more of our favorite knits.

Tom Ford

Carine Roitfeld Comments on Leaving Vogue Paris, Tom Ford Responds to Speculations

>> Carine Roitfeld announced her resignation from Vogue Paris — effective the end of January — last Friday leaving everyone in a tizzy.

>> Carine Roitfeld announced her resignation from Vogue Paris — effective the end of January — last Friday leaving everyone in a tizzy. Many speculated that Roitfeld's next project would be with Tom Ford, but the designer spoke up claiming that nothing is currently in the works: "Carine and I have no plans to work together at the moment, and it is nothing that we have even discussed, but of course I think she is brilliant, and we are close friends so who knows about the future."

Roitfeld explained to WWD why she decided to leave Vogue Paris: "When we published our 90th anniversary issue in October, it felt almost like a double anniversary for me. I knew I wasn’t really going to stay much longer. I think it’s good to get out while you’re ahead, and I think right now, Vogue is outstanding. I’m very proud of it. I have an exceptional team." Furthermore, Roitfeld stated having issues regarding a structured work environment: "I have always been a freelancer, so when I was hired 10 years ago, I found it very difficult to have an office, an assistant, a schedule, fixed vacations. But at the same time, it was such a huge job that I said yes. It’s been an incredible adventure, but maybe in my heart and soul, I am more of a freelancer. I’m surprised I even stuck it out this long, but what made me stay is having a boss like Jonathan [Newhouse], who is an incredible man who gave me total freedom, and God knows I pushed the boundaries."

Carine also denied doing any paid consulting work during her time at Vogue Paris: "I don’t do any consulting work or advertising. I was the muse of Tom Ford and Gucci for years, but that was a long time ago. There have always been these false rumors. It’s like the talk about me going to U.S. Vogue — rumors travel fast. They are false rumors, and, of course, if I leave and I get interesting offers, I will do it. Why not, now that I can?" And the rumors did hurt her feelings: People were saying we were a corrupt magazine . . . It used to shock me in the beginning . . . One day, I was talking about it to Anna Wintour, who told me, “Look, don’t listen to anyone. Go for it and do the best you can.” She was absolutely right. You have to just harden yourself, but it’s not all that serious, really."