Fashion: The Olsen Twins

Long gone are the days of Full House, and the teen years where multiple licencing agreements allowed these infamous twins to build a multi-million dollar business are so yesterday. But the Olsen twins have continued their success with their unexpectedly successful clothing lines 'the row' and 'Elizabeth and James', which outperforms many better-known labels. Even though people are fascinated (and sometimes horrified) by their personal style choices, they have moved beyond their personal taste and have created something quite respectable, and have even become front row favorites at many top tier fashion shows. As one retailer says: “I don’t think anybody really cares (or knows) that it’s Mary-Kate and Ashley’s collection. They’re buying it because they like it.” Read about it here.

Fashion: Anna Wintour...again

Oh, Anna. How I love/hate you. Here is another interview she did for 60 minutes a few months back, and considering the new Vogue movie about to open and the rumblings about Conde Nast getting tired of her high spending habits, especially with fashion week right around the corner (apparently the Vogue team spends much,much more than its counterparts and has been refusing budget cuts), my posting of her lately should be justified.

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Photo/Fashion: Zoe Saldana for VF

A gorgeous photo shoot begging to be shared! Brought to you as a 'web exclusive' from Vanity Fair, photographer Michael Roberts shot this Harlem inspired series with actress Zoe Saldana. Now if we could somehow get back to these wonderful tailored suits for men as the new trend...For more: http://tinyurl.com/nwtprb

Home: Palazzo Chupi

I feel compelled to write about the incredible "Palazzo Chupi", which for those in the NY-architecture-know, is hardly new. However, I pass this building often and it stops people in the street, as they can't quite believe that in the heart of the west village, a pink Mediterranean style villa has been hoisted atop a brownstone next to the Hudson River. Built by the artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel ("Diving Bell & the Butterfly"), it is a total art work, with all of the individual apartments are decorated in his colorful, eclectic style, including Moorish, Turkish, and Venetian touches and priceless works of art, such as Picasso, hanging on the walls. It was previously a stable, a perfume factory, and a water-sampling plant, and he bought the original space on 1997 for 2.1 million. Today, the duplexes he has built go for 15-25 million, with Bono, Johnny Depp, Martha Stewart, Hugh Jackman, and Madonna having all checked out the remaining residences for sale (Richard Gere currently resides there.) Apparently a few units are not moving in this economy, even though they have "dropped the price". One can only dream!

Beauty/Photo: Airbrushing

As we all saw from the brilliant Dove 'real beauty' campaign, excessive airbrushing and false imagery is taking its toll, and it has becoming increasing important to distinguish between fact & fiction. Currently in England, momentum has been building to do something about it, with people like Kate Winslet speaking out, and now liberal lawmakers are trying to ban airbrushed images in general, concerned about the effect this has on young women and girls. Even A-list photographers Peter Lindbergh and David Bailey are supporting the cause, with Bailey stating: "They always have the same kind of dead-looking girls. It isn’t interesting and the girls aren’t interesting. Because they aren’t girls. They’re androids. Airbrushed and cleaned up and not real." Lindbergh recently photographed supermodels Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, and Amber Valetta, without makeup or excessive retouching for the September issue of Harper's Bazaar. As Dove said, "No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted."

Movies: Quentin Tarantino

Another weekend, another movie opening! For Quentin Tarantino fans, the wait is over for "Inglourious Basterds". From Reservoir Dogs to Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill (not to mention his scripts for Natural Born Killers and True Romance) Q's unique style and talent is undeniable. There has been a lot of talk over his latest, starring Brad Pitt, a revenge fantasy set during WWII, with Pitt leading a squad of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. As Roger Ebert says: "Inglourious Basterds is a big, bold, audacious war movie that will annoy some, startle others and demonstrate once again that he’s the real thing, a director of quixotic delights." Can't wait! (And on a side note, please no more fashion layouts for you, Mr. Tarantino. Am I right people? Kind of creepy.) www.inglouriousbasterds-movie.com

Fashion: Kickin' Kicks

First it was Kanye West for Louis Vuitton, now DJ Mark Ronson for Gucci. Like most luxury good companies these days, the money is in the accessories - especially shoes & bags. While Kanye's shoes dropped on the scene July 1st and may cost you upwards of $700, Gucci collaborated with Mark Ronson for their new Icon-Temporary stores, opening in six to eleven locations around the world such as Art Basil Miami Beach, staying open for two or three weeks in each spot. The first stop will be Crosby Street in Soho on October 23rd, other spots will include London, Berlin, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo. There will be 18 exclusive sneaker styles, 16 for men and 2 for women. And yes, prices are the same, so good luck to you & your wallet. www.louisvuitton.com and www.gucci.com

Photo/Fashion: Sesame Street Chic

Move over 5th Ave, there's a new chic street in town: Sesame Street! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of an American institution, top designers pay a visit to the coolest street in town in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar. Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenburg, Vera Wang, Derek Lam, Thakoon Panichgul, Francisco Costa, Carolina Herrera, and Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy all posed with the beloved characters in one of the coolest fashion spreads to be seen in a long time. Visit: www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/sesame-street-fashion-0909?click=pp

Shop/Fashion: Wish you were here

Now THIS is a great idea! (And in this economy, a much better alternative to hopping a flight over the pond.) In the spirit of trading local fashion & art scenes comes "wish you were here", a pop up retail concept in which London and New York do a style swap. It is "a transatlantic experience linking two like-minded destinations: London's Newburgh Quarter and New York's Lower East Side. It's an exchange of cultures, lifestyles and attitudes. Hosted within multi pop-up shops, the exchange of 30 independent boutiques will also feature a host of parties, events and performances that bring each city to life." Swing by NYC’s Lower East Side to catch everyone from Beyond the Valley and Social Suicide to The Great Frog collaborating on an array of pop-ups. And in return, London will get LES’s own fashion and lifestyle favorites throughout October. Visit: www.wishyouwerehereswap.com

Fashion/Music: The Music Tee

Here is one way to revive the struggling music industry...The Music Tee! The Music Tee is the result of a collaboration between Invisible DJ and LnA fashions, whose high-end tees are available at Henri Bendel and Bloomingdales (and are worn by Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, Madonna and many others). The fitted T-shirts have the album artwork or graphic design on the front and the track listings on the back. Each one comes with a tag that has its own unique URL, allowing wearers to download the album. An interesting idea but I can't imagine any astounding boost in sales. Do you? And don't they practically do the same thing with concert t-shirts? We'll see!
http://www.lnaclothing.com/musictee/invisibledj/

Movies/Fashion: The September Issue

As millions of readers await the all important September Issue of Vogue, it seems only fitting that we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what happens in the making of the biggest issue of the year. It was filmed in September 2007 when that issue, which weighed nearly five pounds, was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published! With unprecedented access, The September Issue, directed and produced by R.J. Cutler, tells the story of legendary Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and her larger-than-life team of editors creating the issue and ruling the world of fashion. Opens Aug 28.

Music: Woodstock Anniversary

Forty years have passed since "the festival that defined a generation." Woodstock was originally billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music", held at a dairy farm in the rural town of Bethel, New York from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Thirty two acts performed outdoors in front of nearly half a million concert-goers, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most pivotal moments in popular music history and was listed on Rolling Stone's 50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll. It seems everyone is in a race to cover this story best, but I think you can't go wrong with the coverage from Rolling Stone Magazine:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/29585752/rolling_stones_essential_woodstock_coverage

TV: Project Runway

After all the backstage drama, "Project Runway" airs on its new home at Lifetime on August 20th. (You know you missed it...don't pretend!) In addition to the insane level of design talent, nail biting deadlines, bitchy one liners and the hilarious Tim Gunn, Miss Klum has added in the "Models of the Runway" element too, making the competition extra fierce. Let the cat fights begin! www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway

Fashion: Hair

I'm so glad I found this article today, because lately I have become increasingly concerned that some of my male friends have much better haircuts than I do. According to the Times: "There is a minor eruption of major hair atop the country’s young male populace — and, as hair is wont to do, it’s growing. Curiously, the look is not one of style as much as degree. There is no army of winsomely tousled RPatz clones (I wish!). Instead, there are Afros, mohawks, dreadlocks and pompadours." Of course, this is probably not the case everywhere, but here in NY it has become increasingly, uh, head turning. View the slideshow here: http://tinyurl.com/ncne9c

Fashion/Inspiration: Vogue Age Issue

As I eagerly await the September issue of Vogue, I was revisiting August's 'Age Issue'. It is inspiring to see people, in this case women, continue to evolve and push past boundaries, remaining open to change. In particular, I found Christy Turlington to be motivating, as she moved on from modeling years ago, turning her yoga passion into a business, then going back to NYU to get a BA, and now doing her master's at Columbia & working on a new documentary, all with two kids in tow and looking amazing (and better than her 20 & 30 counterparts in this issue I may add.) And ditto for writer Jenny Lumet, proving forty really is fabulous. Kudos, Ladies!

Photo: Peter Funch

I was recently introduced to the work of Danish Photographer Peter Funch, who stakes New York City street corners out for two weeks at a time, taking pictures of passersby from the very same spot. But to further complicate the process, and create such unique images, he picks dozens of same pedestrians — smokers, cell-phone gabbers, hospital-scrubs wearers, yawners — and Photoshops them into the same frames, with fantastic results: www.peterfunch.com or http://www.v1gallery.com/artist/show/3

Fashion/TV: Mad Men Style

For those of us obsessed with the brilliant show "Mad Men", the Aug 16th season three premiere can't come soon enough. But further more, it seems designers can't wait either, as the early 60's fashion plate has become an overwheleming source of inspiration from Banana Republic to Brooks Brothers. According to the WSJ article:
"It’s shaping up to be the designers’ pet TV show, in the tradition of “Project Runway,” a show about the industry itself. Fashion insiders refer to the show’s style in shorthand—the “Mad Men” look...Ms. Bryant, the show’s costume designer, says she’s a little surprised at how the 1960s styles of “Mad Men” are now in fashion. ‘I was more obsessed with the early ‘50s before I got hired to do “Mad Men,”’ she says. “But the early ‘60s is a period I’ve grown to love. It’s much more sophisticated and elegant.”
Article: http://tinyurl.com/no26pd
Slideshow: http://tinyurl.com/qv36gb

Movies: NY Times Screen Test Films

After seeing & loving "500 Days of Summer" (www.foxsearchlight.com/500daysofsummer), I immediately developed an interest in actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has come a long way from his television days. So I was pleasantly surprised to find he had contributed to the NY Times online series "T Screen Test Films" which is like a shorter, less pretentious version of 'Inside the Actors studio' and offers a glimpse inside the actor's world without taking itself too seriously. From Natalie Portman to Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Charlize Theron, and Javier Bardem, all of the actor's essentially answer the same set of questions in a 5 minute window. Enjoy: http://tinyurl.com/nbtltc

Fashion: Harvard Yard

In a seemingly strange move, Harvard University has decided to create its own brand of chic with a men's fashion line named 'Harvard Yard' which is odd timing considering its substantial money problems. The university has inked a ten-year licensing deal with a clothing manufacturer and they aren't geared toward their own students, but a larger contemporary male demographic. The line, which will range in price from $165 for pants to $495 for sport coats, was inspired by photos of students lounging in Harvard Yard in the '60s. John Fowler, creative director for the line, says "it's a style that has become current again and not just with the American consumer. We think Harvard Yard will have global appeal."So the fashion of Harvard could, one day, have the same reach as Gucci or Prada or ... the Gap. Guess we'll find out.

Movies: John Hughes

Yet another 80's icon left us today, but director John Hughes leaves behind a legacy of fantastic films from The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science to Ferris Bueller's day Off. "Mr. Hughes was responsible for a slew of films that defined what it meant to be an American teenager, from the music to the fashion to the social faux pas. His universe of nerds and jocks, socialites and misfits, rockers and rebels – not to mention overbearing principals, clueless teachers and absentee parents – also influenced a generation of movie-goers and -makers, versing them in a common language of pop culture idioms that persists decades on" (NY Times). Thank you Mr. Hughes, I learned a lot from Molly and the gang!

Fashion: VF International Best-Dressed List

With the massive September magazine issues about to hit news stands, the fall fashion "must have" lists will be rolled out along with the "best dressed". Vanity Fair is no exception, and they do an excellent job though there are always names, both included and excluded, that have led to many an argument with my fellow fashionista's. No surprise with Michelle Obama, or Carla Bruni...but Kelly Ripa and Alicia Keys? The online rating system says it all. The public has spoken, and it is vicious! Go view the slideshow here: http://tinyurl.com/nv8l6k

Fashion/Movies: Isaac Mizrahi Unzipped

Only 4 days left to catch the Metropolitan Museum of Art's special exhibition "Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" (ends Aug 9)! In conjunction with the exhibit, three fashion films were screened including designer Issac Mizrahi's 1995 documentary "Unzipped". Although not nearly as spectacular as Lagerfeld's or Valentino's docs, at the time it was a great behind-the-scenes look at the business of fashion, following his triumphs and tribulations as he created a new collection along with the cast of supermodels that ruled the 90's. Below are links to gallery footage of the Met show, a subsequent interview with Isaac, and of course, the "Unzipped" movie trailer.
Model as Muse gallery view: http://tinyurl.com/llyf9a
Mizrahi Met Interview: http://tinyurl.com/nh57j6

Fashion: The Intersection

After witnessing the buying overload at the Intermezzo shows at the NY Javits center this weekend, I got to thinking about all the links in the chain of the fashion industry: who really knows style & who doesn't, who can rock the duds and who can just sell them. Buyers, store owners, stylists, publicists, designers, manufacturers, editors, etc. It really is a mixed bag of people in this business, and many lacking a personal style stamp of their own. I am always interested in people who can represent a "look" in which they mix in their own brand of stylish individualism - 'a fine balance' if you will, of high fashion and the street. And now that I have discovered style.com's extension of the satorialist a-la-new-media with their online "Intersection" series, I can be introduced to these people all the time, from London to Paris to New York to Tokyo! www.style.com/video/the-intersection

Style/Function: Bowery Lane Bicycles

I have a friend who was lamenting about someone stealing his father's old bicycle from Amsterdam, out of his backyard. "Why would anyone want to steal that?" he said in exasperation. "Who wouldn't?" was my reply. It was so cool in an old-school kind of way, and surprisingly comfortable! Well, thanks to a tip (thanks J), Bowery Lane Bicycles is making these funky, vintage bikes in this city of ours, which has recently become far more bike friendly. As they say on their website: "Each bike is handmade in NYC with American steel. Once again, you can have the coolest bike on your block."
www.bowerylanebicycles.com

Music: Raphael Saadiq

As a longtime lover of Motown music, I was thrilled when this latest gem was passed to me from a member of my music obsessed circle. The sweet sounds of Raphael Saadiq are undeniable on his latest (2008) album 'The Way I see it' as Rolling Stone states "This California soul brother shows how we do it over here in America (opposed to the recent British wave of soul songstresses). With a supple tenor that glides up easily into Smokey Robinson territory, the former Tony! Toni! Toné! frontman has crafted a filler-free album that evokes classic Northern soul." Add this album into your collection asap! www.raphaelsaadiq.com

Raphael Saadiq - New Music - More Music Videos

Photo/Fashion: Satorialist in Florence

Yes, I am obsessed with the Satorialist, just like everyone else, hence my raiding his pics. I was just so, so happy to see Scott capture a moment of male fashion chic, complete with hat, that has nothing to do with the sea of cloned hipsters that have taken over the streets around the globe. A sincere "Thank You" to Scott who comments on this fine gentleman: "I love that sometimes a hat can still be worn without the hipster irony of "oh, look I'm wearing an old-school hat." http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com
Or more on menswear from Bill Cunningham: http://tinyurl.com/97aody