Something wicked this way comes for Project Runway!
Last week's season premiere of Project Runway left many people scratching (and shaking) their heads as the wackiest-yet-dullest cast yet flopped on their first challenge. After watching the show, I couldn't help but think something had gone horribly wrong with the show's usually successful formula of excessive product placement and diva homos!
Ever since the finale of the last season, things have gone awry! Project Runway announced it would move to Lifetime, Nina Garcia left Elle Magazine, the show revealed plans to relocate to Los Angeles... and things only got worse as the new season began.
Season five hit the airwaves with little to no promotion from Bravo—many of my friends didn't even know the new season was starting. Then viewers we're introduced to the strangest cast of characters yet with the tan-addicted alien with bad highlights and the bride of Chuckie winning the awards for most bizarre contestants. It seemed as though the producers, in an act of self-sabotage or acknowledgment that the old formula had become stale and needed a little shaking up, decided to pick the contestants based on their looks instead of their talent. Then, they rehashed a challenge from the first season instead of coming up with something new and exciting. At the end of the show, I didn't feel like any of the designers stood out quite the way the Christian Siriano or Jay McCarroll did from the get go in previous seasons. Everything felt phoned in, like the show's creators just wanted to get one more season in the can so they could move on.
I think there's more reality TV drama happening off the screen than on it! Could this be a sign of the Runway Apocalypse? The show's fall from grace? Is it a fashion curse? or is it like Heidi says: One day you're in and one day you're out!
While fall saw lady's neck lines creeping higher and higher (hide those girls, girls), men's necklines keep getting deeper and deeper. American Apparel has already begun preparations for sellouts. [Prim and proper]
Parent-less children were in a frenzy after Tom Ford mentioned in Fantastic Man that he wanted to adopt a child by the end of 2008. Turns out he was putting the cart before the horse. He's now saying he's got no plans to do so, and, when he does, he won't let our greedy little eyes see it. Bitch. [FWD]
I'm only mentioning this because Anya is one of my favorite girls in ANTM history--and, frankly, one of the few who deserves a modeling contract. I hope to see her during Fashion Week! [The Cut]
Morning eye candy: the top ten up-and-coming male models from the S/S 09 runways. [models.com]
It's hard to look chic and cool (we're talking temperature here, fellas) in the summer, but L.A. based label Lova has all those wonderfully tailored summer pieces that make you look great, even if you are a tad damp. [Urban Daddy]
Tonight being the launch party for Karl Lagerfeld's new photography book, Metamorphoses of an American, enjoy a tantalizing preview of Lagerfeld's photo diary of Brad Koeing, "the world's most sought after male model." [The Cut]
A growing number of studies are building a strong case for the reality of shopping addiction, claiming that, when enacted during certain emotional states, it functions in a similar manner as a drug. We did always seem to have the best nights out after a binge at Barneys.[The Wall Street Journal]
Now that Nina Garcia is poised to remain at ELLE until September 1st and finish out season 5 of Project Runway, an all out bitch-fight has broken out between Glamour, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar for sponsorship in the show's sixth season. Though this one will come down to dollar signs, if we had to pick a winner in a hypothetical personified match-up, we'd have to give it to Cosmo...that tramp would totally hide a shank in her hair. [WWD]
Christophe Decarnin recently invigorated Balmain's womenswear line with sex and energy--which makes us even more giddy to hear the rumor that he could do the same with a reported men's line from the French label. Trés chic. [WWD]
Drat. We just missed the win on that Murakami sculpture of the ripped anime dude slinging his sauce. All that practice on eBay for nothing. [Gawker]
Though his name mostly pops up in reference to his bedmates, his ceaseless flaunting of his body or—somtimes—his clothing, could you ever imagine hearing Marc Jacobs pared with real estate mogul? Yup, #63 to be exact on the The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate. [The Cut via NYO]
Up to this point, all the drag queens could get on TV was a one-time America's Next Top Model-esque competition on The Tyra Banks show. Not that we don't appreciate her effort, but RuPaul (pictured) is poised to out do her with Drag Race, which hopes to find "America's next superstar drag queen." [The Hollywood Reporter]
As we reported last week, Jessica Stam was set to DJ at the Down to Earth party last night. It turns our words were twisted and she was only attending the party with her DJ friends—who spun the party—in tow. Now that's music to our ears. [Fashion Week Daily]
Everyone (designers, stars, paparazzi, your Stylelist...wait, no) is off to the French Riviera this week for the Cannes Film Festival. Eyes are peeled for what's hot on the screen, who's going to be seen, and, most importantly, who they'll be seen in. [WWD]
If you're a fashion reality show junkie, get ready to add another show to your regular TiVo diet of Americas Next Top Model, Project Runway and Make Me a Supermodel. While ELLE is said to be in negotiations to keep its hold on Project Runway, the magazine isn't waiting around to stay on top of the reality TV world.
This fall on the CW, ELLE, Tyra Banks and the producers of Americas Next Top Model bring you Stylista, a competition where young fashionistas fight for a job at the magazine, a wardrobe from H&M and a paid one-year lease on an Manhattan apartment. It's The Devil Wears Prada meets The Apprentice.
After her cute but nonetheless paltry collaboration with Five O'Clock Heroes on the song "Who," Agyness Deyn is now commanding the spotlight in her own newly formed band with friends Alanna Materson and Jackson Pollis. This ball is rolling perhaps a little too fast. [British Vogue]
We're all admittedly a little tired of the hoopla going on between Nina Garcia and Project Runway, but, alas, it all readily determines the existence and survival of the greatest reality show on television. Turns out negotiations are still churning, and ELLE is putting up a bit of a fight with Marie Claire for sponsorship. En garde! [WWD]
Just announced: Josh Harnett will be the face of the new Armani men's fragrance Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men. Good to see he is getting some work these days. [Fashionista]
Dov Charney, Creative Director and entrepreneur of pseudo-pornographic obsessed label American Apparel, was just named Retailer of the Year. Considering the guy looks like the type who would roll up in a converter van and ask you to film a few tasteful scenes in the back, it's surprising the award has previously gone to the likes of Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta. [Gawker]
15 of the chicest spring bags for toting male. [Refinery29]
Victoria Beckham told The Sun (UK) that the only people that like her are the gays. Not so fast honey...[Towleroad] -- SETH PLATTNER
As reported yesterday, The Metropolitan Museum was prepping for the onslaught of glitterati that would descend upon the Costume Institute Gala for the opening of the exhibition "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy." It was A-list all the way. We found our invitation buried under some magazines on the coffee table, but all the gay drama on Gossip Girl was way better. [WWD]
Though guaranteed to remain Project Runway's sponsor through season five (which premieres this summer), is ELLE in danger of being dethroned by Marie Claire in season six? After all, Nina Garcia was spotted leaving the Hearts building—which owns MC—last week.[The Cut]
We were all admittedly nervous when we heard Agnyess Deyn was set to make her debut in the music industry with a collaboration with hipster New York band Five O'Clock Horses. Well, their first single is out...and it's not that bad! [Perez Hilton]
After rolling out diffusion lines from Madonna, Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli, Donatella Versace told a crowd at The New York Times' TimesTalk that Versace will not collaborate with H&M for their own lower-priced line. Then she started talking about wearing leather, taking drugs and being lonely, and everyone got slightly uncomfortable. [The Cut]
Sarah Jessica Parker also gave her own, thankfully less awkward interview at the TimesTalk last Friday where she dished on, what else, the Sex and the City movie. Our appetites (and maybe our pants) are wet. [Fashionista] -- SETH PLATTNER
What if all of your favorite T.V. shows collided and became one big fashionable party? Well, this week's episode of Ugly Betty is just that. Project Runway's Christian Siriano and Nina Garcia stop by the Mode offices and all hell breaks loose.
It's like NY media gossip, Project Runway and Ugly Betty hopped into a blender, and turned into some strange tasting (but low calorie!) smoothie that you can't help but drink up.
The episode airs just a week after Nina left Elle, her Project Runway gig is uncertain and she's judging a contest to redesign birth control cases for YAZ. How hard they fall.
Tom Ford always looks impeccable. He wins the title of Prom King.All Photos: Getty Images
The 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards honored the media for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect
their lives at a cocktail party and awards ceremony yesterday. And it was a star-studded affair! Celebrities walked the red carpet and showed off their Sunday best.
A pattern-on-pattern look from Etro's Spring/Summer 2008 Collection.Photo: Getty Images
Men are more daring than ever when it comes to mixing pattern-on-pattern clothes. But while giving instructions on how to pull off the look is almost impossible, the only advice the Times has is to just go for it and try not to look like you got dressed in the dark. [NYT]
Is Italian Vogue doing an issue full of black models shot by photog Steven Meisel? Could this mean that the tides are finally turning for the Vogue empire? [Fashionista]
Christian Lacroix has signed up to design the interiors of a new building in Dubai. Don't expect chic modernism. "The interiors will be based on paradox - contemporary and baroque,
blending East and West, old and new, inspired by history and folklore." In other words, it will totally fit in with Dubai's reputation as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. [British Vogue]
Phone-throwing and alleged spit-hurling supermodel Naomi Campbell will appear on Ugly Betty. The closed set is sure to require hard hats while Naomi is on set. [The Cut]
You might not be able to afford to drive a Lamborghini but you can make up for your bedroom short comings with a Lamborghini laptop computer. The perfect gift for any computer nerd who feels inadequate. [Gizmodo]
Cathy Horyn dishes on Marc Jacobs' collaboration with Juergen Teller. [On The Runway]
I don't want to act, I want to direct! Giorgio Armani is holding a competition to find the next great advertising director to film the next Emporio Armani Parfums commercial. He's inviting aspiring directors to create a commercial for his line of fragrances and submit them online. Submit your film by May 15th! The winner will be chosen by Mr. Armani himself. At least it won't be televised as a reality show. [British Vogue]
Are 50s Rockabilly fashions back in style in London? I thought the swing dancing and poodle skirts made their comeback about ten years ago. I guess we'll start seeing the greaser look stateside in about six months. [Independent via The Cut]
Calvin Klein is heading East...to the Middle East, that is.. to showcase collections and debut a new beauty line in Dubai. Since the U.S. economy sucks, why not hit up the oil-rich Emirates for some cold hard cash? [FWD]
Bahama-dwelling model/interior designer/author India Hicks will replace Todd Oldham (pictured) on Bravo's Top Design as a judge, but the cherubic homo will stay with the show and continue his role as the gay nurturing mentor a la Tim Gunn. [FWD]
Can't find the light switch? Just turn on your wallpaper. A new wallpaper shown at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan emits light in charming branch designs. It beats a mirror on the ceiling. [Engadget]
Oscar de la Renta designed First Daughter Jenna Bush's gown for her May 10th wedding. Someone is actually willing to marry into the family? Good look to that guy. [WWD]
Will Project Runway's move to Lifetime ruin the show? Will Sally Field become a guest judge? Will contestants design outfits for a Lifetime Original Movie? [NY Times]
Australian Fashion Week organizers have decided to ban models under the age of 16—but eating disorders are still okay. [WWD]
Rumors of Nina Garcia leaving Elle are still circulating like wildfire! [Jossip, WWD, FWD]
The Project Runway/Bravo hair-pulling cat fight continues! Harvey Weinstein and Bravo fight over who is responsible for the show's success. They need to settle the lawsuit with a walk-off! [NY Post]
Lenny Kravitz will wear 20 outfits designed by Gucci for his upcoming tour. Hey, if Madonna can wear D&G, Lenny deserves a little love from the Italians, too! But how many costume changes does a guy need? [British Vogue via The Cut]
Madonna's hip-hop collaboration with Timbaland and Timberlake has gone too far. On the cover of her new album, Hard Candy, her Madgesty sports a ghetto-fabulous white-diamond and gold knuckle-ring that spells "M-dolla"—designed by Chopard, of course. [WWD]
When Project Runway's fifth season kicks off in November, it won't be found on it's usual slot on Bravo on Wednesdays at 10pm. Instead, E! reports that viewers will have to program their TiVo's to Lifetime—the channel where women and gay men get their fix for Will & Grace reruns and countless dramas starring Sally Field.
In retaliation for the divorce, Bravo filed a lawsuit against the Weinstein Company, which produces the show. After all, Project Runway was the channel's most-popular program that launched a handful of similar programs that followed a similar format.
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn will still star in the show but Michael Kors and Nina Garcia are still negotiating their contracts with their new employer.
Project Runway has more drama than a hot tranny mess!
There are many qualities of a leader—and being a sneaker connoisseur turns out to be one of them. A study found that people who bought more three or more pairs of sneakers a year were more likely to have leadership qualities than the less-sneaker-oriented folks. I wonder what researchers have to say about men who wear high heels? [Yahoo/Reuters]
Naomi Campbell was released on bail after being held on suspicion for assaulting a police officer. Reports say she got in a tiff over lost luggage. [Reuters]
Louis Vuitton unveiled its Monogramouflage print designed by Takashi Murakami and Marc Jacobs. Just in case you need to engage in some urban warfare with an Upper East Sider at Saks Fifth Avenue. [Fashionista]
The NY Times channels a little Rebel Without a Cause in its obsession with leather jackets. [NY Times]
What should you do with that crappy smelling celebrity cologne your mother gave you for your birthday? Use it as mace to ward off burglars and muggers! Apparently, Elizabeth Arden Red Door perfume is highly effective. [UPI]
Giorgio Armani launched a line of super-lux luggage for men and women in patent crocodile skin. I wouldn't recommend checking that when flying with Delta. [WWD]
Police raided a warehouse in Queens and seized $5.5 million worth of counterfeit bags just hours before Louis Vuitton's Brooklyn bash to call attention to the evils of counterfeiting. Coincidence? Or brilliant marketing? Hmmm... [WWD]
Project Runway wins the Peabody Award, which are meant to honor excellence in entertainment and news broadcasting. Other winners include a documentary on wounded war veterans. Runway is the first reality show to win the prestigious award. An Emmy and a Peabody? Fierce! [The Cut]
With the glut of RFID chips on your credit cards, passports, drivers license and office ID, your identity could easily be swiped by digital pickpockets. The solution? Metal-lined wallets that block radio frequencies. Trend or paranoia? "As weird as it sounds, wrapping your passport in tinfoil helps. The tinfoil people, in this case, happen to be correct." [WaPo]
Gucci goes high-tech with ads in Japan. Scanning barcodes in Gucci advertisements give customers access to a special site that allows them to download icons, photos, and wallpapers for their phones and browse Gucci's Joy Collection of accessories. The Japanese have all the fun with gadgets! [WWD]
Tom Ford, diet guru: "If I gain more than two or three pounds, like I have right now, I’m
going to eat vegetables tonight. I don’t ever cut out vodka and tonics.
My trick is that if I eat vegetables at night three or four days in a
row, I quickly snap back to my ideal weight." [Fashionista]
Banana Republic launches BR Monogram, a line of classic Banana Republic styles, so you'll always have a place to find a cardigan for an unexpected dinner date. [Fashionista]
Wii-mania, Guitar-hero-addiction and Rock Band-fever have struck the hotel industry. Some hip hotels offer Wii and Xbox rentals to entertainment-deprived guests. [Engadget]
See Michael Kors love Dolly Parton and American Idol. See Michael Kors attend American Idol taping when contestants singing Dolly Parton songs. See Michael Kors tape a public service announcement for Idol Gives Back. [WWD]
Not all natural products are good for you. A study found that many products— including Jason, Kiss My Face, Jason and Whole Foods-branded products— contained a carcinogenic byproduct called 1,4-Dioxane. Stick to munching your organic foods instead and driving your hybrid. [WWD]
Yohji Yamamoto plans to follow in the high-heeled footsteps of Americas Next Top Model and Fendi by staging a fashion show in Beijing's Forbidden City next month. Fendi staged a show on the Great Wall last year and ANTM filmed a runways show in the same location as Yamamoto's show during it's 9th season. What's most awkward about the fashion show is not the lack of Tyra Banks but the politics behind the show. WWD reports, "Yamamoto is organizing the show in collaboration with the Chinese
government and will use the occasion as a personal apology to the
Chinese people for Japan's atrocities during its World War II invasion." Seriously. [The Cut]
Banana Republic and GAP Inc. are up against more allegations of poor working conditions for the factory workers that produce clothes for the company. Banana Republic responded today saying that it will launch its own investigation into the allegations, and find lesser known factories that know better than to complain about child labor and long hours if they know what's good for them. [WWD]
Paula Abdul purchased Rami Kashou's Hershey's challenge dress from Project Runway for almost $3,000 in a charity auction. She said she would probably wear it on Halloween but I wouldn't be surprised if that crazy bitch showed up on American Idol with it because it's a Tuesday. For her, every day is Halloween. [The Cut]
Simon Doonan (pictured, feeling up Donatella Versace), quite possibly the most fabulous window dresser ever, except for Hollywood in the Mannequin films, will see his own life portrayed on the small screen. His memoir, Nasty: My Family and Other Glamorous Varmints, will be turned into a comedy series for BBC2 in the UK by the producer behind Ab Fab, Little Britain and The Office. And don't forget to pick up Doonan's new book Eccentric Glamour, which hits stores April 8th. [WWD]
Need to lose some extra pounds immediately? Pour yourself into slimming
underwear. The girdle for men has hit Saks Fifth Avenue! Drag queens
rejoice! Now say it with me, boys: "Breathe up, not out." [Guardian UK]
M.I.A.'s Marc by Marc Jacobs ad campaign is pretty damn amazing. If you don't believe me, just click here. [FabSugar]
Sex and politics always go hand in hand—after all, everyone gets fucked by the government at some point. So, show your political position, whether you prefer to take your politics standing up, sitting or laying down with your legs in the air. Embrace the starfish as a new political party! Bottoms for Obama! [The New Gay]
Karl Lagerfeld changed his clothes. Seriously. Casting aside his black suit and skinny tie, he was snapped sporting a gray three-piece suit and bowtie. He didn't, however, lose his super-high collar. What else would hold up his head? [FabSugar UK via Jezebel]
Fall Out Boy frontman (and Popnography's favorite boy in eyeliner) Pete Wentz will debut an exclusive collection of jeans, t-shirts, hoodies for Nordstrom. While the clothes will be available in the young women's section of the store, he hopes that some boys will pick them up too. Clearly, he's angling for the tween homo market. It kind of fits in with his whole "I'm kinda sorta but not really bisexual because its kinda punk rock" reputation. I hope black eyeliner is the free gift with purchase! [WWD]
Alexander McQueen will stage a mini fashion show of his Fall/Winter 2008 collection in NYC next week. [FWD] That is, if the burst pipes in his showroom didn't destroy everything he planned to show. [Fashionista]
Are straight men intersted in fashion again or are they finally listening to their girlfriends and wives who whine "Why don't you dress a little more like my gay BFF?" [Times UK]
Marc Jacobs and beau Jason Preston's relationship hit the skids last week while on vacay in Turks and Caicos. Page Six reports that the "nonstop screaming matches" got so bad that they spent time apart and eventually cut the trip short—flying home on separate planes, of course. Fighting is no fun without the makeup sex. [Page Six]
Threeasfour, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian and Philip Crangi will all create limited-edition collections for GAP this year, but they might be tough to find. If a designer designs a collection for GAP and nobody can find it, does it still make a splash? [Fashionista]
Would you buy a $250 pair of cashmere boxer briefs? Me neither. But the girls at The Frisky were so captivated by them that they went on their own expedition into the land of pima cotton and bulges in men's underwear. [The Frisky]
Gucci, Chloé and Dunhill won a $4.3 million judgment against a bag counterfeiter. Vendors on Canal St. don't bat an eyelash, they just get more creative. [WWD]
Christian Siriano just might be the most successful Project Runway alum yet! WWD reports that he now has financial backers for his line, Posh Spice in his clothes, and a scheduled appearance on Ugly Betty—and W Hotels gave him a bed. His response to all this newfound success? "Fierccccce!" [The Cut]
You know you've achieved a level of celebrity when Saturday Night Live takes aim at you with its satire and mockery. Christian Siriano probably didn't think he would walk away with $100,000 in prize money from winning Project Runway (oh, who are we kidding, he knew it all along) but who could imagine that SNL's Amy Poehler could channel Siriano's signature hairstyle, glasses and overuse of catch phrases with such accuracy and panache? Whether you love him or hate him, the sketch is sure to please!
If you missed it, you know we've got the clip for your viewing pleasure!
New York City Police raided three Chinatown buildings and shut down over 30 retailers for hawking counterfeit designer goods. Police seized over $1 million worth of knockoff accessories like faux-Prada bags, Burberry umbrellas, Louis Vuitton wallets, Rolex watches and more. Tourists openly weeped until they realized when you shut down one counterfeiter, three more pop up. It won't be long before they start knocking off Gucci's "I Heart NY" bags just to ruffle NYPD feathers. [WWD]
Residents in the West Village are upset that Yohji Yamamoto's new Y-3 store is wasting valuable energy by leaving its massive garage door wide open in the dead of winter. They hope to lure customers into the store with the heat. Not sure what residents are complaining about if they don't have to pay the heating bill. [Gothamist]
Label whore or coke whore? You decide! A new exhibit of work by Comenius Roethlisberger at Colette in Paris features chocolate bars engraved with designer logos—and filled with a mix of powdered sugar and cocaine. That's just asking for a court battle or a break in. [Fashionista]
Zac Posen will create a capsule collection of red carpet looks for Target...in Australia. Sadly, he's only making womenswear. [Fashion Week Daily]
Did Cashmere Mafia get the kiss of death from Lipstick Jungle? Rumor has it that Cashmere Mafia has been put on moth balls. [Fashionista]
Givenchy confirmed that Justin Timberlake will be the face behind their newest fragrance—slated to launch this fall. Does anyone still care about J.T.? What has he done lately other than give menu recommendations to unsuspecting patrons at his Manhattan restaurant? [Fashion Week Daily]
Boy band and reality TV refugee Nick Lachey threw a diva-style hissy fit at a JC Penney's launch event that he was paid to attend. He's just bitter that he only gets invited to D-List events. [Page Six]
Christian "Ferocia Coutura" Siriano, the peacocked hair diva designer Project Runway front runner, was awarded the title of "Fan Favorite" during last night's reunion episode and went home with a $10,000 check as big as his ego. Of course, I totally voted for him. [Popnography]
Editors at the Gucci womenswear presentation complained that the bold-patterned carpet on the runway made them nauseous from motion sickness. But I guess you'd have to actually eat something if you're going to lose your lunch. [Fashionista]
Make Me A Supermodel's CaseyAll Photos: Getty Images
In the slow but steady takeover of New York Fashion Week by reality television, the boys from Bravo's Make Me A Supermodel hit the tents in Bryant Park to walk the runway for R. Scott French's Fall/Winter 2008 collections. If you haven't been watching, Make Me a Supermodel is hosted by the always-hot Tyson Beckford and Niki Taylor, and gives viewers the ability to pick who gets voted off and who stays another week. In that spirit, we're giving you a chance to vote for your favorite.
After the jump, check out the boys' looks from this morning's runway show. Who looks like supermodel material to you? Post a comment with your vote!
If you don't know the 80s legend of Leigh Bowery, the "performance artist, alternative model, fashion designer, make up artist, contemporary dancer, TV commercial star, artist muse, club promoter, band member, singer, musician, video star and living art installation" who inspired Boy George's Broadway show Taboo, here's your chance to witness his bizarre fabulousness in action.
Aaron Hicklin, Out's fearless leader, exhumed this clip of Bowery shopping in London from the bowels of the internet. The clip originally aired on the BBC's "Clothes Show," which Hicklin remembers as an early evening fun for the whole family program.
The gay telephone tree is buzzing about the new season of Project Runway which premieres tonight on Bravo! From everything we've heard—and all the contestants we met at the Out 100 party last Friday (Hi Jack & Christian!)—this season is set to be the best yet!
Here's what Tim Gunn, Project Runway daddy and reality TV star, told our lovely and talented celebrity interrogator Shana on the Out 100 red carpet about this season:
Q: What are you wearing tonight?
A: Hugo Boss. I'm a classicist at heart and Hugo Boss has that classic design witha modern edge. I need that modern edge. I can now afford it. I've had a great year. While I'm not flush in cash, I can finally afford a great suit.
Q: You couldn't afford a great suit while working for Parsons?
A: God no. It was sad. I couldn't afford great clothes even though I was the dean of the fashion department.
Q: Are you breaking any of the style rules from your own book? A: Good question. Let me think. I'm sure I am. Rules are made to be broken. You have to take the guidelines and make them your own. Wear things with confidence and people will begin to believe it.
Christian Lacroix designed glass bottles for Evian. Get your ready-to-wear bottle for $6 and your "couture" bottle for untold sums. Personally, I prefer to drink my water than to wear it, but to each their own! [Fashionista]
Starbucks and Apple begin their joint quest for world domination as iTunes rolls out in Starbucks locations across the Universe. [Engadget]
Scent of a man! Do you really need to wear antiperspirant and deodorant each day? The NY Times explores the American obsession with battling B.O. and suggests that little man stank goes a long way. [NY Times]
Gift Bags, long lines, supermodel poses, designer cameos and cat fights over leopard prints! That sums up the scene at H&Ms across the world that revealed the Roberto Cavalli line to the world today. I would have been in line this morning, but I didn't want to get trampled to death. [Fashionista]
Are members of the general public the harshest fashion critics? What do you expect when you invite plebeians to attend fashion shows? [NY Times]
Verizon welcomes pre-orders for LG's latest Voyager and Venus clamshell and slider phones starting today! Because some people don't actually want an iPhone. [Engadget]
Project Runway goes interactive and takes a page from Fantasy Football. Pick your favorite designer during each show and see how they do when the judges hurl insults and shred them to pieces! Fun! [Fashionista]
Have you seen an episode of the brilliance that is "Americas Most Smartest Model" on VH1? Oh, yes, pretty people pretending to be smart never gets old! Real models, attempt to prove their intelligence through quizzes, educational challenges (i.e. Science Fairs, etc) and modeling. It's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" meets "Americas Next Top Model" topped off with Ben Stein.
The hot (and hot-headed) Russian model who always says the darnedest things, Andre, caught my eye because he has graced the pages of a couple gay magazines in the past (though he swears up and down he's not on our team). A couple years ago, I cast him in a photo shoot for M2M, a one-off fag mag that never left left the ground. According to VH1's website, he was recently struck a pose for Saks Fifth Avenue and Converse.
For more photos of Andre, check out his portfolio at Boss Models.
And take a peek at the money shot from M2M (may it rest in peace) after the jump!
Hogan taps Thakoon Panichgul to collaborate on a special project beginning Fall 2008. So much for the rumors that Thakoon would take over design duties at the Italian brand. I guess that's why they call it a rumor. [WWD, sub req'd]
Isaac Mizrahi, everybody's favorite Target Designer and Red Carpet Groper, is producing a T.V. show for the CW (that network you secretly watch). Apparently, the show will be called "The Collection" and will be based on Mizrahi's own experiences in the fashion world. [Fashionista]
How much are you willing to pay for a bespoke suit? How about $90,000? That's what one Savile Row tailor charges for the "Ultimate Bespoke Suit" that is made from luxurious cloth that is designed and woven in a traditional English mill. The Mens Warehouse will have a knock off in about two weeks. [Daily Mail UK]
Photo: Edward Herrera/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
I don't usually condone the act of watching senseless reality television—I pride myself on the fact that I've missed every single season of Survivor—let alone wasting valuable drool over a straight man. But last night's season kick off of the Bachelor made me want to change my mind about both.
This season's Bachelor, Brad Womack, is...for lack of a better word...gorgeous. The carefully airbrushed promotional picture here doesn't really do the guy justice—especially in that hideous shirt that just drips with heterosexuality (can we get the guy a stylist please?).
My sister at Popnography ignored my repeated begging (please, Shana, please!) that she post about his hotness (those eyes! those eyebrows! that scruffy beard! the body!), so I'm taking matters into my own hands to spread the gospel of The Bachelor.
It's clear that the producers of the show hope to capitalize on his dashing looks and are angling to capture the gay audience with these soft core videos of Mr. Bachelor working out, showering and cooking in the near-nude. But I'm not complaining.
And he has a twin brother—let's hope that he's on our team.
My gorgeous and gossip-loving sister Shana at Popnography landed a hot interview with the cutie Bryan Batt from Mad Men, the delicious AMC television show about an ad agency in the 1960s. Shana has been blabbing about it non-stop, so you better check it out.
It turns out, Mr. Batt and his partner (in more ways than one) own a chic boutique in New Orleans. Also in the interview, Batt dishes about the 1960s-style costumes that even Thom Browne would adore and the set design items that he intends to slip into his man bag once the show wraps filming. I love this guy already!
Everyone's favorite fashion father-figure and Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn, has set his sights on a reality television takeover with his new show, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, which debuts tonight on Bravo!
Under Tim's tutelage, the fashion helpless will explore their personal style and follow the tenets of Gunn's book Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality Taste and Style while Gunn utters his patented phrases of "Make it work" and "Carry on."
It's a makeover show that's equal parts Queer Eye and The Swan only there's just a Fab Two instead of five—model Veronica Webb co-hosts. Sadly, it looks like Gunn only works his style magic on women. Perhaps he gets his hands on guys later in the season—or just off camera.
Tune in tonight for the premiere at 10:00pm on Bravo!
BONUS: The contestants of Project Runway Season 4 will also be revealed during tonight's show!
Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, wife of soccer hottie David Beckham, will lend her fantastic acting skills to an upcoming episode of Ugly Betty. She will play the role of the waifish soccer mom/pop star/dVb fashion designer Victoria Beckham. I hope she has done her research. Do you think she's a method actor? I wonder if she'll design her own dVb branded bridesmaid dress.
Posh will play bridesmaid to Mode fashion editor Wilhelmina Slater (played by the brilliant Vanessa Williams) during her nuptials to Bradford Meade (played by Alan Dale).
The new season of Ugly Betty premieres Thursday, September 27th at 8:00pm on ABC. Start the countdown!
While Project Runway is on hiatus, the void it left behind has lately been filled by The Fashionista Diaries. If you're not familiar with the show, it is the most dramatic and bitchy show on television that almost captures the life of being a lowly, entry-level assistant at a fashion magazine, public relations office or makeup brand. It's equal parts Mean
Girls, Project Runway, The Devil Wears Prada and Ugly Betty. And in
true Betty style, the show even stars a sweet girl from Queens whose
favorite designer is Juicy Couture.
The show stalks six assistants around New York City while they slave away to their undying love of fashion. Each assistant must perform certain tasks and duties as a group or individually from covering red carpet events to attending photo shoots and celebrity-studded events.
Of course, you can't have five girls and one supposedly-straight boy (who "took fashion classes to meet females") working together without some hair pulling, back stabbing and sordid romances. That's what makes the show worthy of airing on SOAPnet—the epicenter of soap opera quality drama. It's dramatic television gold!
The Fashionista Diaries brings back so many memories of being an young, bright-eyed intern in the cutthroat world of fashion. Okay, so my experience as an intern paled in comparison to the experiences that these kids endure, but I worked on the same floor as interns and assistants who could have easily penned The Devil Wears Prada.
The Fashionista Diaries airs Wednesdays at 9pm on SOAPnet. If you've missed the first few episodes, you can catch them on abc.com.
Bosom Buddies & Project Runway Winners: Jay McCarroll and Jeffrey Sebelia.Photo: Getty Images
Glancing at the schedule of shows for New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I noticed a glaring omission. Where is Project Runway? For the past three years, Project Runway contestants have shown their final collections in the Bryant Park tents and the show has always been listed on the show schedule.
So what's going on over at Bravo? Perhaps the contestants are participating in a fashion week in another city? Schedules for Fashion Weeks in Berlin, Los Angeles and Miami also came up without a mention of Project Runway.
Your investigative Stylelist contacted the show's publicist to get an answer, and so far, the email has gone unanswered. The rumor is that the Season 4 gang will show their final collections in Europe.
UPDATE: Our friends at Blogging Project Runway tell us that the season begins to air in November and contestants will present their final collections during NYC Fashion Week in February.
Pet Fashion Week! The backstage drama! The couture! The crazy dog people! The hairy models! The VIDEO! [NY Mag]
A Vogue documentary about putting together the Fall issue is due out next year. Call it "The Devil Wears Prada II" without the gorgeous Anne Hathaway. [NY Daily News]
Season 1 of Ugly Betty is available on DVD today! Of course, you could always watch it for free at abc.com. [Amazon]
Few celebrities have RSVP'd for Fashion Week in NYC this year. With the MTV Video Music Awards in Vegas and the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles happening during the same week, Fashion Week is feeling like the unpopular kid on the playground. Don't worry. Stylelist will be there! Alert the paparazzi! [Page Six]
Tyra Bank's Next Top Model empire is expanding (again!), but this time, she's hitting the epicenter of hot models, Brazil. According to OMG Blog, Brazil's hottest export, Gisele Bundchen (of Victoria's Secret and Leo DiCaprio fame) has been tapped to host the show. That brings "Top Model" shows to a total of 28 countries.
When will Tyra realize that gay men are her key demographic and throw us a Next Top Model with men? Didn't Bravo's Manhunt do well enough? Does anyone remember Manhunt? And I'm talking about the reality TV show here, not your favorite late-night cruising website. Sheesh!
Is Shear Genius losing its, um, lustre? Last night's episode was limp, even lifeless. The first challenge (to cut a model's hair into a sort of reversible style that could go day or night) was over in the first ten minutes, and the rhythm of the thing somehow just felt off.
Bravo's obnoxious strategy of brand-you-over-the head production is only pardonable when the bits in between the ads (the programming) are good enough that you ignore the rest.
It was double-elimination on Shear Genius last night. Not one, but two stylists were ejected. We won't say who, except that the gay quotient remained roughly the same as earlier. Has anyone thought about the other definition of the word elimination?...Nevermind!
Early in the episode, the deities of Shear, speaking through their high priestess Jaclyn, decreed that each contestant could place one five-minute phone call to any loved one of their choosing. This resulted in a spontaneous group cry, with most gushing salt water before they'd even picked up the phone. Self-declared mama's boys Tyson and Theodore called...their moms. Get a boyfriend, dudes! Daisy called her girlfriend. Makes us love you more, you spunky New Yorky lesbian latina!
Boogie continues to frequently speak in the third person: when confronted with a tray of mat knives, safety scissors and sewing shears, he mused "let's see what the Doctor would use." We've totally forgotten what Boogie chose, because the big surprise of the evening was Evangelin's rockin' use of terrier-sized garden shears on her model. She trimmed that woman's limp, silky locks as deftly as Edward Scissorhands sculpted boxwoods!
a) It's only $20. b) The design is elegant, the message is, er, true. c) It seems clever, even if, like us, you've never watched House. c) The money goes to help the mentally ill. d) housecharitytees.com. Photo: Getty Images
“If units don’t sell at a retailer like Bergdorf Goodman, it’s my
business. If they don’t sell on QVC, it’s my ego. For me
it’s all about avoiding the risk.”
Sometimes nice, quiet, hard-working girls really do win, as Chloe Dao proved when she became the victor of season two of Project Runway. Her unfussed manner and super-elegant designs had us cheering for her all the way.
We were a little concerned, then, when Dao announced a partnership with QVC earlier this year. The woman seemed almost too good for Bravo, would she now be churning out ugly platinum jewelry to be hawked by Kathy Hilton on late night cable TV?
We'll find out soon enough, when Simply Chloe Dao debuts on May 10. Until then, we're just hoping Dao can somehow make the 30 million Americans (hey, that's 1 in 10!) who watch QVC dress a little better.
For more, read Fashion Wire Daily's interview with Dao.
