Fri, 11/13/09 — 09:37:42 AM
>> Alexander Wang is experiencing quite the winning streak — he was awarded the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund of $200,000 last November, the 2009 CFDA Swarovski Womenswear winner this past June, and now he's taking home the 2009 Swiss Textiles Award, a prize of about $150,000, to go towards international development. Wang becomes the second American designer in a row to win the Swiss Textiles Award, following after Rodarte, who were the first American winners ever last year.
The jury this year, chaired by Isabel Toledo, apparently had a tough time making a decision — Wang's fellow finalists this year were Peter Pilotto, Erdem, Thakoon, Alexis Mabille, and Ohne Titel, who will each receive a prize of approximately $6,000.
Former winners, Raf Simons, Kate Mulleavy sound off »
Tue, 09/15/09 — 11:02:54 PM
>> Designers collectively seem to be over the ubiquitous body-con, hard-edged rock'n'roll look that has swept fashion for the past few seasons: Lorenzo Martone said Marc Jacobs is; Elise Overland told WWD: "I’m tired of that rock-star style — everyone else is doing it now, so I wanted to do something different"; and Joseph Altuzarra, who has focused on form-fitting silhouettes in the past, added some flounce this time around.
Narciso Rodriguez, who like Altuzarra typically goes with a lean look, also loosened up. A white linen and silk dress billowed around Monika "Jac" Jagaciak, even the nipped-in waists flared at the hips. But the three stunners, which showed Narciso's experiment with volume at its best, were the last three finale gowns — one in black, one in white, one in "mercury" gray — knee-length in the front and parachute-like in the back as the model walked.
Also of note: pre-show, Anna Wintour was escorted backstage — not something that happens at every show; Narciso's close friends Ruben and Isabel Toledo sat front row, as did Tory Burch, whose show is tomorrow morning. Narciso has also just signed a deal with eBay to create a line — for Spring 2010 — with nothing over $350 (his runway designs are typically $1,800-plus), to be called "Narciso Rodriguez for eBay." A preview of his ideas for the line can be seen here.
Thu, 02/12/09 — 09:25:10 PM
>> The meteoric rise of Jason Wu — he has tripled his sales appointments for his sold out, yet-to-be-unveiled Fall 2009 collection — shows what an influence Michelle Obama can have on a designer. But Wu doesn't just have Obama to thank — he never actually interacted with the First Lady, but rather with Ikram Goldman, owner of Chicago boutique Ikram, and Obama's gatekeeper to the fashion industry.
In fact, none of the designers who have made clothes for the First Lady have had any direct contact with their White House client — all commissions, measurements, bills, and other directions have been mediated by Ikram, causing something of a controversy; the clothes that Obama has worn recently are predominantly from designers that Cathy Horyn points out, "Ikram sells and ultimately stands to benefit from" — Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo, Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, and Mario Cornejo.
Is Obama limiting herself? »
Thu, 02/05/09 — 01:06:18 PM
>> Isabel Toledo may have shelled out for that lemongrass fabric she used to make Michelle Obama's inaugural day dress — it rings in at $500 a yard — but it's Jason Wu who will be reaping the Fashion Week benefits of an Obama nod.
In fact, Wu's show "might be the hottest ticket in town" — right after Marc Jacobs — according to The New York Observer. Elle is sending seven more staffers than it did to Wu's Spring 2009 show — including editor-in-chief Robbie Myers, creative director Joe Zee, and style director Kate Lanphear. Bergdorf Goodman is bringing its entire buying team, in addition to fashion director Linda Fargo and senior women's fashion director Roopal Patel, who attended last season. Anna Wintour is sure to attend again, especially since she was already front row for the Spring 2009 show.
"I feel extreme pressure . . . »
Wed, 01/21/09 — 10:26:10 AM
>> First Lady Michelle Obama — soon to be Vogue cover girl, most likely shot by Annie Leibovitz — has been in position for a day and already made a couple of careers: those of Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu, who are now household names.
Both designers' looks were special-ordered through Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman, who is expected the advise the First Lady over the next four years — she also helped with Obama's choice of Jimmy Choo shoes and Loree Rodkin jewelry — and neither Wu nor Toledo were told their designs were for the inauguration. The two designers were on The Today Show this morning, talking color choice, fabric choice, and how they were "awestruck," in the words of Jason. And that's not even to mention how all of this will impact their sales — a Spring version of Toledo's dress will hit Barneys in March, retailing for $1,500.
Video: Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo on Mrs. O »
Tue, 01/20/09 — 09:45:43 AM
>> This morning, Isabel Toledo received an unexpected big boost in the national eye — Michelle Obama wore the yellow coat and matching dress Toledo specifically designed for her to the inauguration, paired with green Jimmy Choo Glacier pumps.
Toledo didn't know for sure that Obama would pick her designs — which thirteen people in her studio worked on over the Christmas holidays — until this morning, when she turned on the television. "We had no idea. We hoped she would wear something because she has bought Isabel's clothes before. We never know what's going to happen," her husband Ruben Toledo said. "It's just another shock, but a great shock."
The dress and coat are made of Swiss wool lace, backed with netting for warmth and lined in French silk. As for the choice of color? "I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine,” Isabel Toledo said. “I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody."
While she's long been critically well-received, Toledo has long flown under the radar, particularly since she was pulled from her acclaimed run at Anne Klein two years ago. She said this morning that she didn't even have a PR person to help bring her designs to Mrs. Obama's attention, so perhaps this turn of events will provide the bump she needs.
*image: source
Mon, 06/02/08 — 11:05:38 PM
>> While the "fashion Oscars" are a time for celebration, this year, many attendees had another recent event on their minds —
the recently deceased Yves Saint Laurent. In tribute, Diane von Furstenberg wore vintage YSL, Naomi Campbell donned Fall 2008 Saint Laurent, and Ashley Olsen riffed on Le Smoking in her Calvin Klein suit.
As expected, models and designers turned out in droves — Erin Wasson,
still in leg cast, was by Alexander Wang's side, and Francisco Costa celebrated
his Womenswear win by hugging Eva Mendes tight.
For more of the comings and goings, be sure to check out the gallery below.
*images: source
Fornarina
Mango
QS By S.oliver