Perrie Samotin

Street style shopper: Not your mother's cable-knit sweater

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:58:00 -0400

This season, classic cable knit has undergone a serious upgrade, with intricate and interesting variations of the country-club staple popping up everywhere from Phillip Lim runways to the streets of New York City (above). The standard vertical cable has been pleasantly replaced with eye-catching shapes, patterns and texture, adding interest — and ultra-modern appeal — to the onetime preppy essential. Look for saturated shades, unlikely details and thick braiding for a cozy-cool winter-to-spring look. Shop a few of our favorites, below:

1. Acne Jade Cropped Cable Knit, $363

2. Stine Goya Snake Cable Sweater, $352

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim 3D Cable Pullover, $275

4. Knitted Lurex Cable Jumper, $120

5. Knit Crop Cable Jumper, $84

6. Opening Ceremony Cropped Cable Pullover, $308

High-low fashion collaborations: Have they turned us into wild-eyed shopping monsters?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0500

I love a high-low collaboration as much as the next fashion enthusiast. I write about them. I get excited about them. I think they’re smart and fabulous.

However, after Wednesday’s Marni at H&M’s invite-only shopping event, I can safely say this: Shoppers, I think we’ve gone too far.

Let it be said that Marni has distinct high-fashion cache and its collection for the mass market retailer was far and away the best one yet, so naturally, fashion insiders were clamoring for a piece (or three) of the action, myself included.

What I witnessed, however, was a storm for which the word “madhouse” was invented.

The doors to the event opened at 7 p.m. and by 7:06, virtually every shelf and rack was barren and women were in wild-eyed Dionysian frenzies, toppling over under the weight of their loads, grabbing stacks of identical garments and shoving them into their sacks.

What really gave me the most clarity was when I admired a lone dress on a corner rack, which I had no intention of buying. It wasn’t even close to my size, I was simply admiring its silky construction. A shopper yanked it out of my grip so hard that the hanger split and cut my finger and blood was drawn. And she didn’t even say sorry!

The blood was my cue to leave (OK fine, not so much leave as go to the in-store bar, where I gawked at the scene from the sidelines, glass of wine playing the role of popcorn).

Then I realized: We, in all our urbane glory, have no right to look down on those heartland Americans whom we hear trample each other at Best Buy on Black Friday. We’re no different. We’re just doing it for a pair of purple and gold jacquard trousers, not a portable Blu-Ray or a couple of HDMI cables or whatever.

I’m a retail activist of the highest order: I love to shop and make no apologies for it. You’ll never hear me saying “It’s only clothes!” But the behavior I witnessed was scary, almost satirical. Instead of a civilized shopping event where privileged insiders contentedly accessed a piece or two from a buzzy collection before the masses, it turned into a Darwinian survival-fest, clearly evidenced by the Band-Aid wrapped around my forefinger and my non-existent shopping bags. If insiders have to fight to score pieces from these so-called accessible lines, you kinda have to wonder: What’s the point?

Wildfox's Summer 2012 beach-themed lookbook stars Charlotte Free

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:08:00 -0500

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduce that breezy island living inspired Wildfox’s Summer ‘12 collection, whose lookbook just landed on our desk (and stars the ever-enticing pink-haired model Charlotte Free, shot by The Cobrasnake himself, Mark Hunter). Titled “Sirene,” the collection is pretty much covered in seashells, starfish, rainbows and hearts and features a vibrant color palette with names such as Blue Lagoon, Sunshine, Pink Soda Seafoam, Conch and Nude Beach.

“Our lives are more similar to fairy tales than we think, there is magic everywhere around us. With sun kissed shoulders aglow and the smell of sunscreen and coconut oil in the air, Wildfox Summer ‘12 is to be pulled on over a bikini while drying off on the beach of a tropical island. This collection is for little mermaids everywhere who believe in their own fairy tale coming true,” Wildfox designers Emily Faultisch and Kimberley Gordon said in a media release.

Marketing 101: Have influencers wear a Glamour x OC cat sweater during NYFW and it shall sell

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:13:12 -0500

Clearly, Glamour magazine is working overtime to better appeal to a set that’s exponentially more downtown by partnering with Opening Ceremony. The result? That ubiquitous cat sweater spotted on a cavalcade of New York Fashion Week-attending bloggers and editors.

Our memories of Marketing 101 are hazy at best, but we’re assuming that by having select influencers strategically debut the $99 sweater during NYFW, aka “who cares about the shows, I just need to get street shot” week, Glamour and OC are banking on lotsa buzz, followed by lotsa sales from fashion followers when it becomes available for purchase “soon.”

Clockwise from left: Kelly Framel, Susan Cernek, Susie Bubble, Hanneli Mustaparta

Gwyneth Paltrow covers first issue of revamped Harper's Bazaar

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:18:15 -0500

In a case of life imitating art, Harper’s BAZAAR is getting a high-style makeover. Starting in March, the iconic magazine will unveil its redesign — the first in a decade — presenting a more luxurious, archival feel and a larger format. Visually, the results will include more white space, presumably letting page images breathe, as well as an emphasis on BAZAAR’s signature typeface, Didot, shaped in places to echo images.

“Women look to BAZAAR for everything they need to live a fashionable life,” said editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey. “The new BAZAAR reflects the elegance of our past, while looking forward to a fabulous future.”

Representing the new look is March cover girl Gwyneth Paltrow, who appears on two separate covers designed for newsstand readers and subscribers, both shot by Terry Richardson.

The newsstand cover features a lovely, if standard, image of an Old Hollywood-channeling Paltrow, while the subscriber image is pretty daring: Paltrow’s face is unseen, letting her lithe body do the talking.

Talking points: Arizona goes pixie in new ad, first look at Jason Wu for Target, Beckham strips down for bodywear line

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:33:00 -0500

Arizona Muse goes from bob to pixie in new Isabel Marant ad (Modelinia)
First look at Jason Wu for Target (it’s really, really good) (Glamour)
A slideshow of Spring ‘12 fashion ad campaigns, so far (Fashionologie)
Liz Claiborne Inc. is changing its name to Fifth & Pacific Cos. (WWD)
Surprise, David Beckham’s in his undies again for new H&M ‘bodywear’ line (TFS)
Apparently, now we’re using Pepto Bismol to get a healthy flush (Pretty Gossip)

Lana Del Rey scores modeling contract with Next

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:38:00 -0500

We could say that Lana Del Rey’s whole fake Prada ad amazingness might have been something of a premonition, but really, it was only a matter of time before the pouty-lipped It singer scored herself a modeling contract.

According to Elle UK, the self-described “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” has been signed by Next Models, the agency of choice for fellow musicians Ellie Goulding, Alice Dellal and Jessie J.

Despite keeping a relatively low profile, Del Rey — nee Elizabeth Grant — has already been fawned over by the fashion world. She’s been dressed by Prabal Gurung, and designers such as Christopher Kane have used her dreamy “Video Games” track in their spring ’12 shows. Not to mention the scores of style bloggers and editors regularly professing their love for her.

Basically, things are looking good for the 25-year-old: She’s set to release her trippy-retro debut LP “Born to Die” later this month — and, who knows, maybe Miuccia will come calling for real.

Macaron makeup: Ladurée to launch beauty line

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:45:00 -0500

At first, we were slightly confused by the news that Ladurée, of macaron fame, is gearing up to launch a line of color cosmetics in Japan this February, but there’s something blithely charming and downright pretty about a box of the oh-so-Parisian treats, so it kind of makes perfect sense.

According to WWD, the line — called Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée (The Wonders of Ladurée) — will include 20 different blush colors in the form of cameos, as well as liquid foundation and lip color. The makeup is slated for introduction in Europe next fall, followed by the U.S. [WWD]

First look: Andrej Pejic covers Canadian magazine FASHION

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:58:00 -0500

Model-wise, 2011 was arguably The Year of Andre Pejic, also known as The Prettiest Boy in the World. Between mini-skirted turns on the runway, campaigns and cover stories, it’s fair to say the bleached-blonde gender bender was pretty much ubiquitous this year.

Now, The 20-year-old Bosnian-born Aussie can add one more accomplishment to his already-prolific resume: The cover of Canadian magazine FASHION.

Pejic also has a larger-than-life presence inside the book, where he’s the subject of a two-page interview by Rani Sheen and an 11-page spread, in which he showcases spring looks by Canadian designers. The issue goes on sale Jan. 9.

Fashion insiders dish on holiday routines, past and present

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:36:11 -0500

Alber Elbaz’s holiday fantasy is to head to India for the season. Jacqui Getty will be in Napa for the holidays (eating “black-ink octopus pasta and drinking wine,” no less). No gifting surprises for Mark Badgley and James Mischka — they’re giving each other Alan Couture custom blazers. Prabal Gurung will be eating at his cousin’s restaurant in Chinatown. Reed Krakoff wouldn’t mind a night at the Carlyle from his wife. Watching “Rudolph” with her brothers is still Tory Burch’s favorite Christmas memory.

These are just a few bytes from WWD’s first installment of “A Fashionably Festive Guide to Gifting, Getting, Going and Gorging,” in which they caught up with a slew of fashion insiders and asked them to dish on memorable holiday routines, wish lists, memories and gifting plans.

The responses are sweet: lots of talk about family time, country houses and The Simple Things, but the retro pics are even sweeter. A young James Mischka looks especially darling dressed up as a winged angel. [WWD]

Giambattista Valli officially awarded 'Haute Couture' appellation

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:13:00 -0500

Trés formidable: Giambattista Valli is officially a couturier.

According to a press release we got today, the Fédération Française de la Couture has awarded the Italian-born designer with the “Haute Couture” appellation, following a meeting at the Ministry of Industry on Dec. 16.

The fashion house did present at last season’s haute couture shows in Paris, but only as a guest member.

Valli is now among the few houses holding the ultra-prestigious distinction, and will be registered on the official Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture calendar, which will take place from Jan. 23-26.

The “Haute Couture” appellation is legally protected and only is given if a design house meets a number of sky-high standards, most of which have to do with craftsmanship and exclusive bespoke pieces.

Iris Apfel for MAC to hit shelves in January

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:11:00 -0500

At a spry 90 years old, former interior designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel has officially jumped aboard the collaboration express.

Earlier this year, the queen of saucer-sized specs teamed up with online retailer Yoox to launch a RTW and fine jewelry line, and now she’s joining forces with zeitgeist powerhouse MAC for a limited-edition 20-piece makeup collection.

Described by MAC as “inspired by a rare bird who has always been ahead of her time,” the line includes lipstick, beauty powder, shadow and nail lacquer.

MAC, who’s known to collaborate with unlikely muses, recently paired with fellow fashion eccentrics Daphne Guinness and designer Gareth Pugh.

The collection debuts Jan. 5

First Look: Karl Lagerfeld Shoots Alice Dellal for New Boy Chanel Bag Campaign

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:57:38 -0500

Chanel obviously has thought long and hard about shaking things up with their newest face, punky Brit socialite-turned-model Alice Dellal.

Dellal — who’s known for her nose ring, half-shaved head and rock band Thrush Metal, in which she plays the drums — will star in spring ads for Boy Chanel handbag collection, according WWD, who published a first-look image from the shoot this morning.

“[Karl Lagerfeld] had a crush on this unique, charismatic young lady, who is both a model and musician, during a photo shoot several months ago,” the brand stated in a release. “This previously unforeseen alliance finally became self-evident. Alice Dellal represents the perfect incarnation of all that is unique about the Boy Chanel handbag collection, which strives [to be] far from conformist notions of femininity.”

The campaign will be released worldwide in March. [WWD]

Dior closing in on Raf Simons deal?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:34:00 -0500

Now that Marc Jacobs appears to be out of the running to helm Christian Dior, sources are buzzing that the storied French fashion house is seriously considering Jil Sander’s creative director Raf Simons for for the job.

If Simons were to make to the jump to Dior, he’d have to sever his current contract with Jil Sander, which reportedly was recently extended for an undisclosed amount of time.

According to WWD, the 43-year-old Belgian designer, who joined Jil Sander in 2005, is something of a hot ticket: He’s also been approached by Yves Saint Laurent, which has yet to announce if it plans to extend its relationship with Stefano Pilati, who succeeded Tom Ford as the house’s chief designer in ‘04. (WWD)

Talking points: Tangerine is the color of 2012, Kushner backs new mag for rich people, models go nude for Pirelli calendar

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:22:00 -0500

Kate Moss, Lara Stone among beauties to pose nude for Pirelli’s 2012 Mario Sorrenti-shot calendar (Pirellical)
Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s 2012 color (Pantone)
Apparently, Manhattan needs a new magazine (!) exclusively for its 1%, Jared Kushner complies (Observer)
Expensive archive: You can now browse 120 years of the Vogue for $1,575 a year. (Fashionista)
Hermès Diamond Birkin fetches $203,150 at a Texas auction. (Houston Chronicle)
Lindsay Lohan’s “classy” Playboy cover leaks online a week early (Buzzfeed)

From Bombay to Paris: Chanel stages opulent India-inspired runway show

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:15:00 -0500

It was opulence fit for a raj at Chanel’s Metiers D’Art Show in Paris Tuesday, an extravagant Indian-themed affair engineered by Karl Lagerfeld.

Set in the Grand Palais, the theme of the show — initially launched in 2003 as homage to the label’s craftspeople — was Bombay by way of Paris and the clothing managed to evoke both cities: classic Chanel tweed jackets with Nehru collars, metallic Sari-esque gowns, turbans for men and prim French silhouettes accentuated with traditional Indian jewels.

The setting was equally as elaborate, with models walking an epic circular runway bordered by two lavish banquet tables piled high with fruit, sweets, flowers, candelabras and, according to Style.com, a silver toy train that dispensed decanters of liquor to guests.

Interestingly, despite the collection’s successful homage to Bharat, Lagerfeld’s never actually traveled to India. “It’s much more inspiring not to go to places than to go,” the designer told the audience after the show, according to Style.com.

Icelandic Glacial water partners with Christian Dior Skincare for 2012 Diorsnow product line

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:24:00 -0500

Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of the super-pure spring water Icelandic Glacial, announced today that they’ll be teaming up with Christian Dior for the 2012 launch of Diorsnow, a line of skin-whitening beauty products infused with the carbon-neutral water.

As of now, it seems the only way we can get our hands on the product is if we plan an an Eastern jaunt: The line will, according to the media release, launch in early 2012 in Asian markets.

By the numbers: Style.com breaks down 2011 with fashion facts and figures

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:08:00 -0500

What better way to reflect on the year that (almost) was than with Style.com’s numeric retrospective highlighting a handful of the year’s fascinating, if seemingly unimportant, fashion facts and figures. Here’s a sampling:

15: The number of designers whose name has been tossed in the ring for the post-Galliano Dior job
11: Number of stores that had to reorder Givenchy’s rottweiler T-shirts
5,526: Price difference between a Versace RTW piece and its H&M equivalent
61: Number of shows Arizona Muse walked in the Fall 2011 show season
36: Number of global magazine covers that featured Lady Gaga
900: Approximate number of tulips on look 17 from Mary Katrantzou’s Spring ‘12 collection

See the full list here.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld for Kiki De Montparnasse

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:29:00 -0500

Her fashion lineage is impressive enough — mom is former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld and dad is Christian Restoin, the founder of the original Equipment clothing line — but now it seems the 31-year-old is taking ownership of her bloodline and will introduce a capsule collection of lingerie she’s designed with Kiki De Montparnasse.

According to Elle (who has a full interview with Restoin Roitfeld and first-look photos of the collection), the vintage-inspired lingerie — which wouldn’t look out of place on Elizabeth Taylor circa “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” — goes on sale next Wednesday, December 14th.

Dasha Zhukova designs limited-edition shades for Illesteva

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:28:00 -0500

From their signature round frames to their high-quality, innovative materials, we’ve been a fan of New York-based accessories brand Illesteva since its 2010 launch. Created by Daniel Silberman and Jus Ske as a lifestyle project born out of their boredeom with the current state of eyewear, the brand has successfully shaken things up in the luxury sunglass world.

Needless to say, the brand’s latest project has stylish young things buzzing: Art- and-fashion darling Dasha Zhukovahas has teamed up with Illesteva to design two pairs of specs, aptly named “the Dashas” in tortoise and light tortoise.

Interested parties better act fast, though: there are only 100 pieces of each shade in production.

The Dasha, $295, Available at Opening Ceremony and Illesteva