It has suddenly occurred to me that Karl never made an appearance on the site for his two favorite summer holidays: July 4th and Bastille Day! Rest assured, dear readers; he was thoroughly enjoying himself in typical Karl fashion.

Speaking of Chanel (which is synonymous with Karl in my mind), check out this picture of young Coco sporting a swimsuit of her own design back in 1914:

This image was scanned from a book I own called Chanel and Her World by Edmonde Charles-Roux (a fascinating collection of stories and images that I highly recommend). The text reads:

In a characteristic move, Coco borrowed the material of Boy’s sweaters, a technique she would often repeat in subsequent years, searching through the wardrobes of her lovers for elements of masculine attire. Thus was born a very chaste suit.

Little did she know it would one day lead to this creation by the fashion house that she founded:

Zut. Ah. Lors.

Comments (0) Jul 22 2010

It’s true that history (and fashion) will always repeat itself. This would explain why these rash guard tops by surfer chic brand Pret-a-Surf look so familiar. If you are a fashion nerd like me, these tops probably remind you of the classic YSL Mondrian-inspired shift dresses from the 60’s that epitomized the fashion-meets-art craze. Now, 40 years later, the pattern has made its way from the art canvas to the runways and finally to the deep blue sea.

But as long as surfwear designers are creating pieces based on famous 60’s fashions, I would like to have a wetsuit made to look like this super shiny Paco Rabanne number:

and to get an even tan, I will need a piece for sunbathing like the infamous Rudi Gernreich monokini:

and some kind of beach cover-up, perhaps like the Pierre Cardin “Satellite” cape:

and I definitely should have a coordinating hat and sunglasses, like the Courrèges set Miss Hepbrun has here:

That’s all I need, really. Well, that and some surf lessons. PS. Doesn’t Audrey look so cool in that last photo? I totally want her spacey wardrobe almost as much as I want her Breakfast at Tiffany’s one.

Comments (0) Jun 22 2010

Photographer David Sims shot several big name models for the May issue of Vogue in the style of six iconic American looks. The twelve page editorial entitled “The American Experience” includes classic looks like flappers wearing boas and patriots wearing camo, but some of the styling is a bit less traditional. Care for a little history lesson?

First, let’s take a look at this Gibson Girl ensemble. The early 1900’s style is usually defined by piled-high hair, a curvy “S” silhouette, and long feminine dresses, but what about these boyish briefs here on model Daria Werbowy? Even Camille Crawford would blush at that.

The other look I found rather puzzling was “Bohemian.” I know historically (as in before “boho-chic”) the style was all about being unconventional and eclectic, but in this photo model Sasha Pivovarova (wearing Marc Jacobs) seems more like a tacky geisha doll than carefree artist. On the other hand, the movement was also big on cross-cultural influences, so I guess this outfit makes sense. (But doesn’t she look like she’s wearing Fit Flops in this picture? Totally kills the vibe…)

Check out the rest of the photos from the editorial here.

Comments (1) Apr 23 2010

Long before Brigitte Bardot and Beyonce immortalized them with song, Bonnie and Clyde (pictured above) were two real life criminals who robbed and killed until they were finally shot down in 1934.  Their outrageous crime spree and media coverage made them instant legends, which inspired Hollywood to make a movie starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in 1967 entitled Bonnie and Clyde (not to be confused with the Hillary Duff version coming out this year… weird). Photographer Peter Lindbergh re-imagined the classic film for the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar featuring model Anna Selezneva and actor Wes Bentley as the deadly duo. The editorial is spot-on to many of the film’s famous scenes (shown below), and the fashion is clearly our “most wanted.”

Comments (1) Feb 24 2010

Gentlemen, start your engines. The so-called sexiest evening of television will take place this Tuesday night (December 1^st) with the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show.  We all know the drill: supermodels wearing skimpy costumes, over-the-top sets, pop mega bands performing on the catwalk. This year seems to be no exception. Expect ingeniously crafted “angel” wings, performances from The Black Eyed Peas, and an appearance by the $3 million Harlequin Fantasy Bra created by Italian jeweler Damiani. So where did all this steamy-hot publicity madness begin?

San Francisco, 1977. Two male Stanford Graduate School of Business grads start the Victoria’s Secret brand after embarrassment from buying lingerie for their ladies from department stores (um, awkward).  Fast-forward to the 90’s. The once male-focused naughty shopping outlet had become the largest American lingerie retailer. In 1995, Victoria’s Secret premiered their first fashion show, which has been making teen boys happy and the FCC very unhappy ever since.  Tune into CBS this Tuesday at 10 p.m. to see what new fashion (or lack thereof) they will be presenting this year.

Comments (0) Nov 28 2009

Thanksgiving is the starting line of a marathon of family, food, and festivities. Give thanks this year for everything you have- and if you feel so inclined, pay tribute to the the creators of a holiday to be thankful for. Relive the 17th century feast with a foot fetish in pilgrim and native American style:

Roger Vivier brought back our pilgrim roots in the 1960’s by creating the Vivier Pilgrim shoe. It went idle in the fashion world until designer Bruno Fisoni revived it in 2004 to a new generation of Americans.

How much more American could you get? Stay true to your tribe and rock the world renowned Minnetonka boots. You may have to loosen a belt loop after dinner, but these shoes stay snug and comfy all night long.

All you’re missing is a nice pumpkin pie…..

Comments (1) Nov 20 2009

Although we don’t have proof of who is Tim Gunn’s great, great grandfather, we would bet that Beau Brummel must be somewhere in his posh family tree. This clever chap is known as the first metrosexual and “true celebrity”  by gaining fame for his sheer existence (think Paris Hilton-esque but with substance).  Back in 1785, Brummel was the first gentleman known to find an innovative passion for fashion. If US Weekly existed in the 18th century, he would have been front page news. His love for looking fly and stylish caught on like wildfire. The style icon also coined the term “dandy” which refers to a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies.

As an ode to the godfather of manscaping, check out this excellent blog, fine and dandy shop, that features lookbooks, shopping, and general information for new age and old school dapper gentlemen.

Comments (1) Nov 07 2009

Good architecture never goes out of style. If you happen to be in the New York area, make a day trip to the Guggenheim because it won’t cost you a penny. October 21 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of a the renowned Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the museum in New York City with a characteristically organic image in mind. He went with the outlook of “a curving wave that never breaks.” The New York Times called the design “a war between architecture and painting in which both come out badly maimed.” Well, looks like the original design was a success. Unique and incredible- the museum is a landmark that should be on every American’s bucket list.

Special exhibitions on display now: Kadinsky; Pared, Gold: Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Roni Horn; Intervals: Kitty Kraus; Gabriele Munter and Vasily Kadinsky, 1902-14: A Life of Photographs

1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street)
New York, NY 10128-0173

Comments (0) Oct 20 2009

If you are man enough to admit your love for clothes and textile innovation, then your testosterone is going to hit a natural high because today marks the first day of MAGIC. Standing for Men’s Apparel Guild in California. The three-day event  happens to be the biggest men’s apparel trade event in the U.S.

FUN HISTORY FROM SEASON’S PAST:

1938: American giant, Levi Strauss & Co., registers its cloth pocket tag – two intersecting arcs and a cloth label – as its trademark look that will affect denim history in the decades to come.

1955: James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause launches a denim craze with teens nationwide. Jeans have made an indelible mark on fashion and are now a cross-generational wardrobe staple.

1972: Ralph Lauren introduces the iconic Polo shirt. Men, seemingly summoned by the polo-playing emblem, snap up the sporty shirt in an array of colors. The trend becomes a staple by the early 1980s

1975: Pant legs flare as men and women everywhere ‘dig’ a new style: bell-bottoms.

1980s: As long and layered, teased, or Mohawk become the new ‘rad’ hairdos for men, designers such as Anne Klein, Vivian Westwood, Moschino and John Galliano take on men’s fashion with power suits inspired by conservative preppies of this generation.

The exhibition represents every major category in the men’s apparel industry- designer, contemporary, casual, streetwear, active sporting wear, accessories, young men’s, and kids- offering MAGIC buyers an all-encompassing shopping experience. Over the years, MAGIC has evolved into the dominant buying event in the men’s apparel industry. So if you can handle jaw-dropping brand lists, fashion shows galore, celebrity DJ’s and scenester events- then keep up with all the action at the MAGIC site.

This years’ show is seeing a complete makeover of its menswear hall – Menswear at MAGIC. Along with a bevy of hot new brands at S.L.A.T.E. and Street, this is going to be one unforgettable season. Designers coming back for more include: Liberty of London, Nicole Farhi, Sand, Porter, Globe Trotter, DKNY Men’s, Martin Gordon, Nautica, etc. Needless to say, once Spring has sprung in 2010, we will have some extraordinarily well-dressed men surrounding us.

Comments (0) Aug 31 2009

Woodstock strapless dress, Idil Vice $90, www.Etsy.com

The dawning of the Age of Aquarius ushered in some far out fashion. Hippies, with their carefree spirit and rebellious energy, introduced a new generation of free-thinking, independent-minded stylish people. Fortunately for stale dress of the early 20th century, the colorful bohemian fashion had lasting power. August 15 marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most historical events in rock and roll fashion. In honor of the Aquarian Exposition, explore your inner flower child and wear your grooviest of threads. Far out!

Recreate Jimi’s fringe benefits: Mink Pink Vest, $225:

Give off good vibes with bright and psychedelic tie-dye. Sonia Erneux, $184.00, www.BlueBee.com:

,

Have some flower power during your summer of love. Headband with gauze & leather, $108 www.ShopBop.com:

FUN FACTS:

• Hendrix’s high E-string broke while playing Red House, but played the rest of the song with five strings.
• The Byrds were invited, but chose not to participate, not figuring Woodstock to be any different from all the other music festivals that summer
• The organizers told Bethel authorities they expected no more than 50,000 people.
• Woodstock Ventures and Sony Music announced a partnership in April on Woodstock.com, which is both the official site for Woodstock and a social network

Comments (1) Aug 11 2009