Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen Launch "Elizabeth and James" Line Last Night In New York
Last night in New York, the dynamic duo Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, officially launched their third venture into the fashion realm. Their new line, Elizabeth and James promises to be just as interesting as the girls themselves. Combining both a softer more feminine look with a masculine, tailored look to represent the siblings they named the line after. The incredibly talented sisters have been involved in the design process on every level, from sketching and production, to styling.
They already have two other clothing lines, and unlike most celeb's who come out with their own brands and lines, I really think these girls have a long future in fashion. They really seem to understand design concepts and trends. I think this is less about creating clothes for their fans to mimic their look, and more about their true love for the art that is fashion, making wearable clothes that are comfortable and chic at the same time.
At a New York event on Tuesday night promoting Cavalli Vodka, Roberto Cavalli responded to questions about designing outfits for Jennifer Lopez's tour with husband Marc Anthony, by saying:
“Well Jennifer Lopez, at this moment, she requests something very special because she is waiting for the baby,” revealed the fashion designer. “It is so complicated because every week she is getting bigger.”
J-Lo has repeatedly denied being pregnant, but we have all been suspicious as her lower belly gets bigger and tabloids and bloggers alike speculate. But it looks like Cavalli has let the cat out of the bag. Also, her mother has been reported as saying she is expecting TWINS!
I guess time will tell for sure. I think she just wants her privacy, if she really is expecting. And who can blame her?
MAFI (MOSS ADAMS FASHION INNOVATOR) AWARD Winner: Juan Carlos Obando Accepting the Award: Juan Carlos Obando Presenter: Rob Greenspan, managing director, Moss Adams LLP (nominees included Jasmin Shokrian, Rami Kashou & Thomas Wylde)
SUPIMA DENIM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: J Brand Accepting the Award: Susie Crippen & Jeff Rudes Presenter: Mark Werts, founder & CEO, American Rag Cie & World Denim Bar (nominees included GoldSign, 7 for All Mankind, Oligo Tissew, Paige Premium)
MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: GUESS by Marciano Accepting the Award: Tarina Tarantino in the absence of Paul Marciano Presenter: Jewelry and accessories designer Tarina Tarantino (nominees included BCBG MAX AZRIA, L.A. Eyeworks, Kitson)
FASHION RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Winner: Fred Segal Accepting the Award: Sharon Segal Presenter: 2006 Fashion Retailer of the Year co-winner Christos Garkinos
WELLS FARGO CENTURY FASHION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Winner: MAX AZRIA, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Accepting the Award: Max Azria & Lubov Azria Presenter: Kevin Sullivan, EVP Wells Fargo Century
FASHION COMMUNICATIONS AWARD Winner: DailyCandy Accepting the Award: Crystal Meers, LA Editor Presenter: Rose Apodaca, editor, style writer and co-owner A+R
INSPIRATION AWARD Winner: "Project Runway" Accepting the Award: Rich Bye, Michael Rucker (Magical Elves) & Jane Cha (Full Pic) Presenters: E Entertainment style expert Amanda Luttrell Garrigus, with Nick Verreos, designer of the Nikolaki collection and Project Runway season 2 alumnus
Cate Blanchette ( a Featured Fashionista! ) looking HAUTE on the cover of the December issue of i-D magazine.
Photography Matthias Vriens Styling Elizabeth Stewart Hair Danilo for Pantene at The Wall Group. Make-up Jeanine Lobell at Magnet UK. Styling assistance Monique Bean. Production Peter McClafferty.
Right... Creativity bordering with strangeness. I get that. My photographer actually did a shoot recently inspired by the same tendencies. That made me seriously thinking about writing an article about the meaning of creativity. Will shoot you a note when I publish one. This is for creativity gurus only.
It has been discovered that the Gap has been using kids as young as 10 to produce their horribly predictable and basic clothing. SHAME ON THEM!
"The Gap, a major international clothing retailer, has confirmed that one of its vendors here had hired a subcontractor that was using children as young as ten to make garments under miserable conditions."
They claim to have not known. But I say, yeah right. What are they going to do? Sit there and admit to us that someone, somewhere in their company KNEW about this and they went with it anyway to save money because their bland brand is failing miserably to do well?
I would like to take a moment to introduce you all to Couture Cult's very first correspondent! Covering all things FETCH & FABULOUS in NYC, Amelia Posada! My best friend and fellow fashionista, I hope you guys get to love her! Her first story for us is, OF COURSE, covering a jewel auction held at Christie's...
A Sparkling Auction at Christie’s By Amelia Posada
The stakes were high as bidders from around the globe took part in one of the most anticipated auctions of the season at Christie’s yesterday, where buyers had the chance to bid on some rare and important jewels, as well as some items from the estate of the late actress Lucille Ball.
Private dealers, jewelry connoisseurs, and spectators packed into the saleroom at Christie’s annual fall “Magnificent Jewels” auction and within the first 45 seconds of the sale, the first item – a pair of silver candlesticks by Buccellati, had jumped from $4,000 to $10,000.
The sale started promptly at 10am, and the room was buzzing with chatter as the bidding wars began with Christie’s employees bidding by proxy for people via telephone and internet, vying with bidders in the audience.
The total in sales for the day was $38,878,650, the highest selling item going for $2,885,800 and the lowest selling item, a colored diamond ring, going for $1,375.
The most anticipated sale of the day was an extremely rare blue diamond ring, a 5.07-carat rectangular cut “fancy” stone within a pave-set pink diamond, which sold for the highest price of the day to an anonymous buyer over the phone. The blue diamond was simply described as having been the “property of a gentleman”. It was the last sale of the day.
Twelve items from the estate of Lucille Ball were auctioned off, including five pendant necklaces, two watches, two rings, a retro diamond and gold evening bag and matching cigarette case, selling for a combined total of $331,000. Part of the proceeds went to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, in Jamestown, NY.
The “Magnificent Jewels” sale is one of the most important and widely anticipated auctions of the year at Christie’s and the sale was very successful.
“It was an amazing, incredible sale,” said Kate Swan, a Christie’s spokeswoman. “We were so pleased; it was a packed room. The jewelry market, the diamond market in particular, is so strong, and it was such a great, great sale, we are all very pleased.”
Products I Actually Use: Smashbox Photo Finish SPF 15
This is truly an amazing product! You apply it to your face AFTER your moisturizer but BEFORE your foundation. It acts as a primer for your makeup, filling in fine lines and reducing the appearance of pores. Additionally, it treats your skin to PREVENT further fine lines, and extends the life of your makeup application! They have it available without the SPF, but you can never be too safe!
From the Smashbox website:
"Prime, protect and correct all-in-one with our newest, hottest primer. Same complexion perfecting formula as our best selling PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER, but with an added SPF 15 and advanced skin treatment called DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX that moisturizes the skin and works to reduce the appearance of those pesky little lines and wrinkles. So you’re not only going to get a smoother, longer-lasting makeup application each day, but over time you’ll also see the positive anti-aging effects of DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX on your skin. Talk about multi-tasking, this little life saver has your every skin need covered. *Primer has slight pink hue due to ingredients but goes on skin completely clear. "
* Just a reminder! The products I feature in the "Products I Actually Use" category, are honestly and truly PRODUCTS I ACTUALLY USE! I am not being paid to promote these products! I want you to rest assured I have tried these products and stand behind them, and am featuring them because they are QUALITY!
Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton are setting up shop temporarily at L.A.'s Geffen Contemporary Gallery at MOCA, from October 29 through February 11, 2008.
"Though the 1,000-square-foot store will feature an LED display table and interlocking logos projected onto exterior facades, traditionalists can take heart: The space will also include the same lacquered finishes and Chilewich flooring found in Vuitton boutiques worldwide, along with actual LV employees. Look for the multicolor reinterpretation of the classic Neverfull bag and a special-edition monogram diary cover featuring Murakami's newest character, Chibi Kinoko ("Little Mushroom")—two decidedly chicer alternatives to the kitschy museum postcard."
Mega-brand Target plans to show their new collection for Fall/Winter by putting on a virtual fashion show in Grand Central Terminal in New York City on November 6th and 7th.
"The retailer will repeat the show every 10 minutes from noon to midnight the first day and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the second day. It also plans to post a video of the show on YouTube, Facebook and its Web site."
Hmm. A fashion show with no models? With no ACTUAL clothes? Where is this leading? Does the future of runway see where the catwalk ends?
Thanks to our friends at Coutorture, we are now offering a weekly giveaway! Every week it will be for something new! This week, they are giving away 4 styling tools from Bed Head's new styling product line! So here's how it works: you just enter your email address, and you are in the running! Winners are chosen at random from all blogs running the giveaway, so help me help you help me be a WINNER! lol
Last week's winner got a range of Alterna products worth over $270! Be sure to check back each week to see what's new! You will find the ad for the giveaway under my Retail Therapy heading to the right. And while you're over there, dont forget to check out what's new in my very own online store!
Haunt Couture: What The Stars Are Wearing on Halloween
I'm going to my first (and probably last) Halloween party tonight, and in case anyone is interested, I'm going as Victoria "Posh" Beckham. My girlfriend is dressing up as David. Yes, too cute for words. If you ask nice, maybe I'll post pics.... But when you ARE the celeb, what are you dressing up as?
This article by the New York Post, asks celebs what they plan on wearing this season. From Courtney Cox to Kim Kardashian, check out what HAUNT couture really means!
They also talk about when stars encounter people dressed up as themselves, or characters they have created. I wonder what Posh and Beck's would think of our little homage...
I am SO excited! Bravo's Project Runway starts season 4 on November 14th! Make sure to tune in Wednesday's at 10/9 central, I know I will not miss a single episode! Set up your DVR's and Tivo's, or be square. And make sure to check in here for our picks, pans, rants, and raves the day after!
What to expect? Well, according to Bravo's press release, Project Runway's fourth season will see "only three finalists... face-off.. at New York Fashion Week" a change from the third season format that featured four finalists presenting collections. I wonder what other changes and surprises they have in store... I can't wait to tune in and find out!
Winners on "Project Runway" receive a spread in ELLE magazine, a mentorship with International Concepts Design, a year contract with Designers Management Agency, and $100,000 to start their own clothing line.
From the catwalk to the sidewalk, girls are putting away their lipgloss and neutral color palatte's, and are picking up on the 80's looks we are seeing everywhere. Makeup Artist World has some great tips on perfecting the 80's look.
Something I want to try out myself, but definitely only for "going out", not for everyday, is creating really funky designs around the eye. Some ideas to get started with:
But dont be afraid to get creative! There is no right and wrong! Try coordinating the colors you use with the outfit you are wearing! And unlike the "natural look", more is more! Glitter, brightly colored shadows, kohl eyeliners in colors that pop... will make you the center of attention as you hop around this weekend from one hotspot to another!
What fashionista wouldn't have loved to be there? Check out this video, and imagine yourself dressed in your absolute best, sitting next to the hottest names in fashion and entertainment, watching the models swish their non-existant hips up and down the Great Wall wearing the latest in Fendi. Le sigh... What a dream!
This Just In... Stores: Limited Edition Christian Lacroix Evian Bottle
Evian Haute Couture? Yup. Woth $6-$10? I've always found it interesting, Evian spelled backwards is "naive". You decide.
"Evian Limited Edition by Christian Lacroix - The bottle will be available in high-end grocery stores, restaurants and hotels throughout Canada by mid November. It will tentatively be sold at Pusateri's, Whole foods, Sommerhill market, and 5 Saisons. The 750 ml bottle will retail for approximately $7.99 - $9.99 in restaurants, and approximately $5.99 in high end grocery retail. While the Haute Couture is being produced in a very limited edition available only in a few special places. It was "previewed" at the Colette water bar at the beginning of October."
It's a beautiful bottle so I'd definitely buy one -- but only if they're made of glass, not plastic.
I buy a bottle of water every 1-2 weeks and keep refilling the plastic bottle at home, so a pretty one like this would be a nice change.
Plastic water bottles have to be replaced every couple of weeks for hygiene reasons (you can't wash them properly), so if this one's made of glass it's actually reasonably eco-friendly -- but only if you keep it, sterilize it regularly and use it for months! :)
Missoni and Chloe for kids: the pressures of fashion wage early on.
I just read this great article about the fashion pressures kids face IN MIDDLE SCHOOL! I thought it was bad when I was a kid! Well maybe the fashions were bad, lol. In middle school we were in the "grunge" phase, and I woefully admit to wearing ripped up jeans, my dads over-sized t-shirts with a flannel thrown over it, and a pair of beat up converse. No one was trying to beat me up to steal any of that! But times have changed. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Chloe, and many others, have recently been targeting the kids and tweens market. The pressure to dress "cool" has always been there, but who would have thought kids would be bullying each other over the way they dress? I guess it makes sense though. As we grow up and yearn to fit in during those years, where later we learn to create our own individual styles, its more important to us to be accepted by our peers. And kids can be so cruel!
"In June, a national conference on "Relational Aggression, Mean Girls and Other Forms of Bullying" in Las Vegas drew more than 800 teachers, educators and counselors. Many of the sessions focused on the role the media plays in putting social pressure on girls regarding fashion and appearance."
Woah. This article talks about a young girl who gets picked on in school for wearing Dior instead of Apple Bottom Jeans. I dont get it! lol WHY??? My opinion: they are haters. Little Aryana McPike should listen to her mom and ignore those ignorant kids who obviously dont know a THING about how to dress. You'll grow into your style sweetie, but they probably wont ever find theirs!
This article cant be serious! But it... IS! Scented shirts? Sounds tacky to me. And wouldn't it intermingle in a rank way with the perfume we wear? Do we really want to walk around smelling like mint? Hmmm. I think I'll pass on this trend.
I know some of you out there are in denial like I am, but the Holiday season is right around the corner. Let's not wait til the last minute to get that Holiday shopping out of the way. And you already know what it's like in the stores, starting like NOW. So why leave home? I have something for everyone in the Couture Cult store, and every single item I offer is at the LOWEST PRICE I COULD FIND ONLINE! I did the footwork so YOU dont have to.
One of my favorite finds was this amazing Diane von Furstenberg Sexy Metal 16in. Carry On Satchel, which retails at $225.00, but that I found for you at just $134.95! Even better though, if you order today only, you will receive an additional 10% off, paying only $121.46, so you save 46%!
It is available in both Pewter and Bronze. You can see both colors on the page redirect in the store, but here are some images of it in Pewter, my personal favorite!
The bag also comes with a 10 year warranty. Definitely a gift that keeps on giving, in a hip style that would be good for ANY fashion forward woman!
I dont know about you, but I find it impossible to shop for men! I find it best to stick with classics, by good labels. No man wont love to look designer dressed, they just dont always take the initiative to do it on their own! So how about this Oscar de la Renta charcoal brown 3-button suit? Why get just the shirt when you can get the entire suit for even less? Regularly priced at $395.00, we are offering it for only $179.99! That means you save $215.01 (54%)!
In a brown wool that's so dark it almost looks black, this impeccably tailored suit from Oscar de la Renta exudes power and stature. It's a good choice for the man who's an executive or on the fast track.
"His were the designs which took advantage of the post war hunger for luxury and femininity, the sudden freedom that came from an end to ration of materials.
Dior created clothes for women who really were women, with cinched-in waists, padded hips and full skirts, exquisitely cut and designed to create a curvaceous silhouette. It was, quite simply, a revolution."
The Dress Code ( Of Ethics): College Students Wear Empty Gun Holsters To Prove A Point
The Second Amendment is having a moment. Students for Concealed Carry on Campus has organized a protest of concealed weapons bans at colleges. As part of the protest, students all over the country are wearing empty holsters this week, the O'Collegian reports. "It is a chance to draw attention to our cause," said one Oklahoma State University protester.
Some opponents of the ban argue that carrying weapons makes campuses safer and point to the Virginia Tech shooting as an incident in which other students carrying weapons could have prevented more violence. "We think one person at the right place at the right time could have lessened or eliminated the body count," said a Miami University student.
A number of university administrators disagree, saying guns can't possibly make campuses safer, even wondering whether the protest itself is disruptive or insensitive so soon after the Virgina Tech incident. But with proper deference to the Constitution, at least one University of Kentucky police captain bows to that other amendment, according to the Kernel newspaper. "I just don't think it would be a good learning environment if we had everyone running around with guns on campus," he said. "But we do respect their right to protest."
Meanwhile, a Penn State police official explains the school's dense population meshes poorly with not only guns but also bows and arrows, the Collegian reports. Plus there's always that pesky alcohol problem that plagues colleges everywhere. Take, for example, one Penn State student "dancing around drunk" with a concealed weapon strapped to his waistband. Said the police officer: "Obviously, weapons and alcohol do not mix."
Yes, guns and alcohol don't mix, but I'm not going to class drunk, and anyone who follows the laws knows that you can't carry while you're drunk. However you look at it, people will continue to die on our college campuses until the psychos of the world know that we college students can defend ourselves.
"In case of emergency, call 911 and crawl under a table. If help is delayed, kiss your defenseless ass goodbye."
Uma Thurman wore this super sheer Valentino dress to the Swarovski Fashion Rocks event. It takes a confident and secure woman with a practically perfect figure to pull this look off! And it takes a truly elegant gait to not look trashy in it. Good for you, Uma! And good for Valentino, who can't seem to do wrong. Two highly enthusiastic thumbs up!
"Set for October 26th at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles' Fashion District, the awards honor excellence in Los Angeles fashion, from designers, retailers and communicators to the marketing geniuses who have helped position LA as a true worldwide center of creativity and innovation. Known for her quick wit and equally dynamic style, Matenopoulos was the perfect choice to host, according to Jen Uener, the LA Fashion Awards co-founder and executive producer. States Uener, "She's fresh, funny, clearly a fashion aficionado, and so LA. She'll add great energy to the ceremony."
Confirmed presenters include award-winning vintage fashion experts Cameron Silver & Christos Garkinos of Decades/Decades Two, fashion editor & retailer Rose Apodaca, world-renowned accessories designer Tarina Tarantino, and "Project Runway" favorite alum, fashion designer Nick Verreos.
The LA Fashion Awards presented by Saturn takes place on October 26, 2007 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, from 7pm to 9pm. Orchestra level seating is reserved for invited industry guests, but seats are available to the public in the Mezzanine ($65) and Balcony ($50) through Ticketmaster.com or by phone 213.480.3232.
Tickets include access to the cocktail reception at 7pm, and awards ceremony at 8pm, where winners will be announced in 7 categories."
This is such an incredible idea, I don't know how I didn't think of it myself! StyleShake.com! You log on, you design your dress, they send it to you in 10 days! Each dress is handmade in London. Brilliant. And when it get's to you, if you don't think it fits perfectly, you can send it back and they will tailor it to your specifications at no additional charge! Loving this more and more by the minute. You can sell your dresses (though in my opinion they should offer the person who designed the dress a commission on sales the make from your design) and you can rate the designs of others as well. They offer so many variables: the combinations of color, cut, and fabric seem to offer endless creative opportunity. I started messing around last night and couldn't get enough. I made 5 dresses! More features, such as crystal embellishments, are coming soon. I can't WAIT to see what else they add here. Sign up, and get started creating your own... OR check out MY designs!!! The catch: Right now they only deliver to the UK. However they say on the site that they are planning to expand their area. So it looks like we'll just have to keep checking back! Here are the designs I made last night:
In honor of the Halloween season, our friends at Couture In The City have written this cute article on some VERY scary Hollywood fashion faux pas... these outfit's are so bad they MUST be a trick: but reading about it was a sure TREAT!
Ellegirl.com has come up with some hilarious and creative do-it-yourself costumes! You can check it out here! The Amy Winehouse one, omg soooo funny!
CULVER CITY, CA - 21 Mar 2007 Samora Olayaw (Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images for Samora)
Mention LA fashion week in NY and prepare to be snubbed. Los Angeles designers dont seem to be taken as seriously as the rest. But one LA designer I am RAVING about, and just HAVE to call attention to is Samora. From her bio:
"Influenced early on by her mothers flair for couture and elegant sense of style, Samora's love for fashion began at a young age. While growing up in Italy and Egypt, she began creating clothing for her friends and for herself. She found she had an incredible talent with an eye for style and design and was able to successfully translate that into a full-scale brand.
After graduation from USC with a Bachelor of Arts, Samora completed and internship at Stefanel, one of Milan's most exclusive design houses, where she learned neccessary design skills. As a result of this experience she perfected the craft and intricacies of Italian couture, which are evident in her designs today. On her travels throughout the Middle East and Europe, Samora acquired an abiding love for combining many cultural influences, which she has beautifully blended with the invigorating glamour of Hollywood in her collections.
One of the first designers to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, Samora launched her first collection during Fall 2002. She has been at the forefront of Italian couture, earning her a stellar reputation with Hollywood and fashionista's alike. She is best known for her exquisite, luxurious and high quality fabrics, as well as her romantic and elegant looks. Her clientele include's some of today's most notable trendsetters, such as Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Aisha Tyler, among others."
I cant get enough!
Here are a few images of her latest designs seen at LA Fashion Week this month, for Spring 2008!
From Our Closet: Marc Jacobs Black Stretch Gabardine Pants: 52% OFF!
As I said a few postings ago, I emptied out my online store to offer an entirely new selection of merchandise for fall/winter. Well it's starting to fill up again, and I just had to let you know! This is AMAZING:
These Marc Jacobs slacks retail at $168.00, however due to our relationship with the vendor, if you buy them from my online store, you can get them for only $79.99! It's true!
You'll command attention in these sharp, slightly boot cut style pants from American designer Marc Jacobs. They're crafted in stretch cotton and trimmed in gabardine. We have them available in a size 2 or 6!
Features: Medium weight black stretch cotton gabardine pants with a twill weave from Marc Jacobs 99% cotton, 1% Lycra Inseam measures 34" Waistband with belt loops Center front zipper with slide tab closure Two (2) front angled pant pockets with black gabardine trim Two (2) back welt pockets with single-button closures Black gabardine trim down side seams Slight boot cut Care instructions: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, tumble dry low, low iron if needed Imported
It's important to invest in quality basics, and these are sure to be of use to you throughout all seasons. Yet it hardly feels like an investment when you are spending less than $100 on them! Wear them with a blouse for work, or dress them up with a sexy top to take them into the night! These are cut to FIT YOU and have stretch for those area's where you have curves!
Make sure to browse through the rest of the store for more STEALS like this on only the FINEST names out there! I hand select EVERY item in the store, so you dont have to do the diggging for deals on your own time!
Come to a special presentation that will rock your world! Get the facts that determine superior brilliance, beauty, and value of Tiffany diamonds. View the many Tiffany ring styles, including the newest Tiffany NOVO: a modern cut with a dazzling difference.
What's All The Fighting Faux? Hermes & Christian Dior Sue Ebay, Gucci May Follow
Those hocking knock off's on Ebay need to watch out! Huge fashion companies are fighting back with lawsuits being filed... LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy) is the world'd largest luxury goods conglomerate, and is partly owned by Christian Dior, who was one of the first in line to file suit. Hermes now follows their lead, and Gucci is rumored to be next. "The head of French retailer PPR, owner of luxury Gucci Group, said in a newspaper interview in August that it could also take action against eBay if the company did not do more to stop fakes being sold by its customers." (Reuters)
Ebay says it does take action when it is notified that counterfeit goods are being offered for sale. I am guessing that this series of lawsuits will motivate Ebay to be more strict and severe in their punishment for those guilty of hustling the faux merchandise. As an Ebay user myself, I have always seen copies of the seasons "it bag" for sale there, however I always thought that it was okay as long as the seller specified that it is a fake and not authentic.
I have to assume though, that these huge companies wouldn't be filing a lawsuit unless the sale of these fakes was effecting their business. Though when buying the real deal you are paying for the quality of construction and materials, you are also paying for the actual art of the DESIGN of the bag. When buying a copy, you are scoring a deal, yes, and sacrificing quality... however you are also in essence, not giving the designer their share of the profit of the art they created.
Even if these companies manage to get Ebay to revise their rules in regard to imitations being sold, I'm not sure how much that will really effect the end result. From Chinatown in NY to Downtown LA, you can find copies of everything from Fendi to Marc Jacobs, and they arent always bad knockoffs. Some can really pass for the real thing! There will always be market for faux bags. We all want to have the authentics, but everyone cant afford them. A more effective solution, in my opinion, would be for the big labels to create more affordable versions of their "it bags", sold under a subdivision of their brand. Kind of like Marc for Marc Jacobs. Or DKNY. Make the designs accessable to the market they arent reaching. Because who wouldn't prefer the real thing?
Real Louis Vuitton "Speedy" bags labeled as "FAKE" by Korean artist Zinwoo Park, part of an exhibit on Andy Warhol and Korean pop art at Ssamzie Gallery.
Couture Cult flipped over this line by artist Mathieu Missiaen (Ndeur). The Paris born Toronto native began his line when a local Toronto shop recruited him to paint a wall in their store. After checking out his work, they came to him with their idea: paint his designs on their stock of sneakers. When they sold out only a few weeks later, they gave him another shot with a stock of vintage shoes. We were inspired enough by him and his art to do our very first interview!
(CC) How did you get started doing art? What is your favorite medium? (MM) Canvas and oil, I started 4 years ago.
(CC) What different types of art do you do besides the graffiti on the shoes? Street art? Painting? Design? Music? (MM) A lot of painting , customisation , furniture design , inside decoration, show orgnisation, web design , graphic design , almost everything around picture and space in fact.
(CC) How do you feel about response your shoes have gotten so far? (MM) Just crazy , I just start 4 month ago , and i've now (got shoes selling in) 6 shop around the world (berlin , helsinky , toronto , montreal, tel aviv ,athen) and a lot of new proposition , media feedback...
(CC) I read you are coming out with a t-shirt line. What can we expect from it? Will the designs be similar to what you paint on the shoes? Will the shirts be handpainted as well, or screenprinted? (MM) In fact t-shirts were just a try , I don't really want to keep doing that.
(CC) What do you see happening in the future with your art in general, and in specific in regard to fashion? Do you plan on designing a clothing line? Will there be more than t-shirts and shoes available from you at any point? (MM) I've got a lot of idea's but don't plan anything at all. I just want to enjoy what's happening right now, try to work as much as possible and participate to a lot of different project right now (flyers , website , stickers for ipod and stuff, furniture customisation), so I really want to expand a style through everything fashion , graphic , illustration ,decoration , I love everything and I really want to be a multitask artist.
(CC) Will you be linking up with any major brands to get your designs out there on a larger scale? (MM) I don't know, it depends, why not... maybe a little bit afraid of that but yes of course if the project is (interesting), of course!
(CC) How important is fashion to you as an art form? How do you like to dress? Did you plan on mixing your art with fashion all along, or did that randomly come to you? (MM) I really love fashion but I don't attach too much importance in what I wear. No, maybe maybe i'm lying! I'm really into vintage, black t-shirt's with wolf or cheap tiger, classic levis red shoes . But I don't know why but since I began I always worked for fashion designer or myself in fashion, I really take it as a real medium like water color or pastel , it's just a way to do something with my art.
(CC) What kind of music do you listen to? (MM) Mainly electronic music and jazz , this days I want to say DJ Drastik , Institube and Ed Banger (of course, I'm French!) , Chic Corea and Bill Evans.
(CC) What inspires you? What inspires your designs? Who are some artists you love? (MM) I love so much artist and in fact I love everybody who creates , but I've got to say Jean Rustin , Vladimir Velikovich, Caravage , Skwak , 123 Klan , Kid Robot , and in fact a lot of stuff in the street. Simple stuff like the front side of a retro pizza place , or the fashion in the street , Di Genovo , vintage t-shirt's...
(CC) What do you want for the future in regard to your art and career? (MM) Like i said, I really want to be everywhere, but not like some rapper who does fashion and music... but to be respected as an artist in all kinds of medium. I really love everything, so i hope that in a few years I can be famous as an illustrator but also as a decorator or designer.
(CC) What kind of person/style do you create your designs for? Who do you want to see in your designs the most? (MM) Here I've just talked about the shoes but I think that a lot of diffrent people like my work ( I hope :) ) but mainly I think that my main customer are people how go to club's and listen to Justice and buy their clothes at Vallue Village ......fluokidz
(CC) Do you plan to bring your art or designs to stores in LA? (MM) When you do you want?
(CC) Do you plan to sell your work from your website? What can we expect from the site? (MM) Not forever, I think. Here I do shoes but when I go on canvas for example, the process is different because I've got to find a gallery and do an exhibition. I really wish to sell other stuf on this website , and i think the next step is furniture customization .....
I was so truly impressed that I have offered to rep this line in Los Angeles, because I really think it will catch on here! So if you are interested in seeing a line sheet and would like to request wholesale pricing please contact me! I expect to see great things from this guy! And did I mention he is only 25?
Just wanted to let everyone know that the reason I havent been posting this week is because I am in the process of moving. Internet will be on in my new place tomorrow, so I will be able to update, finally!
Who & What: The Spring 2008 collections of 12 emerging designers. Featuring the Los Angeles runway debuts of six womenswear and two menswear designers on the catwalk & four accessory designers in installations.
Participating designers:
WOMENSWEAR: CW Christian Weber Dorothy Lee Marlova Rhys Dwfen Suh-Tahn Wren
MENSWEAR: Endovanera Orthodox
ACCESSORIES: Anita Hopkins Cerre Mannin Shane by Brooks Salzwedel
You are invited to the landmark 10th Year of Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles - the largest and most fabulous event of Los Angeles Fashion Week! This is the show that featured the debuts for designers including Louis Verdad, Kate O'Connor, Michelle Mason, Alicia Lawhon, Claire La Faye, Rami Kashou, Corey Lynn Calter & Grey Ant...
Join the fashion elite, celebrities, press and everyone else that wants to be part of fashion’s next major discovery. The evening will consist of a pre-reception surrounding the accessory designer installations, followed by a 60 foot catwalk show and now legendary after party. What else could you ask for on a Friday night!
Where & When: October 12th, 2007 at the Peterson Automotive Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.
7PM: Accessories Pre-Reception 8PM: Runway 9PM-11PM: After Party!
TICKETS:
VIP TICKETS: (includes pre-reception, reserved seating, access to exclusive VIP lounge with cocktail servers, light food, wine and spa treatments and a complimentary Goorin Bros. Hat - up to $80 value each!) Executive Producer Members: 2 complimentary front row seats Associate Producer Members: 2 complimentary seated tickets Platinum Member: $50 / ticket Silver Member: $90 / ticket Non-Members: $100 / ticket
OPEN SEATING TICKETS: Platinum Members Only: 2 complimentary tickets
"I was born the year Hayley's Comet passed by, hence the name." says Hayley Parker, sole scribbler of H.P. Lovecraft NYC. A woman after my own heart, Hayley customizes Keds and Vans with textile markers, a bedazzler, and interesting embellishments she finds. Her work is beyond cool, and as they are hand created, each pair of shoes is one of a kind. She also takes requests, quipping that one client requested "Mary-Kate on one shoe, and Ashley on the other. Breathtaking!"
Hmm. Okay. Awesomeness! My favorite are the Lichtenstein looking pair! I'm a sucker for Pop Art and one of a kind fashion. I'm not the biggest fan of sneakers, but these are a must have! Gimme.
Tootsie Farklepants, at
November 7, 2007 3:06 PM
Style Junkie, at
February 15, 2008 5:19 AM
