Posted: under Fashion News, History, Television.
Gentlemen, start your engines. The so-called sexiest evening of television will take place this Tuesday night (December 1st) 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.
Nov 28 2009
Posted: under History.
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…..
Nov 20 2009
Posted: under Animals, Designer.
Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY! Get cozy this winter in these whimsical scarves from Takashimaya. Choose from (left to right): monkey, giraffe, elephant, rabbit, and dog. Hand-made of merino wool, $75.
It might be too much conflict within the animal kingdom to wear these all together, but put your thinking cap on and choose from some fantastic Etsy finds:
No animal testing here. Get wild all the way down to your fingertips!
Nov 17 2009
Posted: under Street Style, Trends.
I can’t say enough good things about this cute group of girls spotted in SoHo. Taking advantage of the New York weather before it gets too chilly, the group provided a great example of fall trends including eye-catching tights, metal embellished shoes, faux fur, leather bomber jackets, and lacey dresses. I love how each girl shows off her unique personality by adding her own special touch to the look, whether it be bright red tights or a classic black pea coat.
Polka dot tights, studded flats…. these chicks got it all.
… I think this famous New York fashion lover would be proud.
Nov 15 2009
Posted: under Designer.
All work and no play? Throw some quirk in your mundane life with Ashkahn, who puts the “graphic” in “graphic designer.” From posters, accessories, prints, t-shirts, and overall fun, this quirky artist designs prints that simply make you smile. Check out his special edition designs for musicians such as Nina Simone, Sa Ra Creative Partners, Darondo, and other artists. While you’re at it, why not explore his offbeat prints, posters, and whatever else he gets his hands on? The holidays are approaching, so snap up some unique and reasonably priced finds at Shop Shop A.
-Nina Simone’s Misunderstood print and tee.
-Evolution of the Muff tote, $30; Proud To Be American Tee, $28
Nov 10 2009
Posted: under Movies.
its coming, its coming… the queen of hearts… march 5
tim burton’s imaginative masterpiece
Nov 10 2009
Posted: under Designer, Environment.
And you thought your shoes were rough. Try walking in these 10-inch torture devices designed by Alexander McQueen for his Spring 2010 runway show. His mutant themed production was full of imaginative garments with luminous curves and graphic prints, but the unusual footwear is what really stole the show. The killer heels ranged from crustacean-like claw shapes to alien-like formations that were nothing short of artistic genius.
The look was completed with shaved eyebrows, pasty white skin, and horn-shaped hair in case the height of the heels wasn’t scary enough. According to McQueen, the show was based around the idea of human beings evolving into underwater creatures after ecological destruction has melted the ice caps. Darwin’s predictions never looked this stunning.
Nov 08 2009
Posted: under Fashion Factoids, History, Style Icon.
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.
Nov 07 2009
Posted: under Collaboration, Food for thought.
Puma has been inspired by sugary soft drinks for their latest collection of Basket 2 kicks. The colors resemble the aluminum packaging of such fave drinks as Diet Coke, Root Beer, Fanta, and Coca-Cola classic. Best of all, these shoes don’t cause obesity or tooth decay.
Soft drink colors may have inspired these shoe styles, but it went the other way around last September during Milan Fashion Week. Coca-Cola Light (aka Diet Coke) teamed up with famous Italian designers for a truly bizarre showcase of fashion by dressing Coke bottle “models” that whizzed down the runway. Fendi, Moschino, Ferretti, Etro, and Versace were just some of the big names to lend their styles to this marketing mayhem. Oh the delicious (sugar-free) horror….
Nov 04 2009
Posted: under Designer.
Halloween is sadly over and it’s time to retire that beer-stained costume into the outer reaches of your closet. If you still want to masquerade around, try something a bit more upscale from artist and costume designer Kate Cusack. The creative Brooklyn native has made high fashion costumes for both the stage and store window displays, which stem from her MFA in theater history, traditions and practices at the Yale school of Drama. Although Cusack is currently getting attention for her amazing zipper jewelry, her talents stretch far beyond that. Check out this amazing Marie Antoinette inspired headpiece made out of only saran wrap. Perhaps with this kind of inspiration your Halloween costume next year will kick it up a notch.
Nov 04 2009
