Andy Warhol in Gagosian quantities

Every fashionista knows that the art world has had a significant impact on the fashion world, so much so that designers often promote fashion as art. Ok, not everytime does that actualy hold true (I’m looking at you McQueen – with your huge scary bunny suit from whence we shall never re-speak of).

Andy Warhol is without a doubt one of the single most influential forces behind the fashion world’s shift toward promoting pop culture as art. In remembrance of his work and influence on the art world, the Gagosian Gallery is now hosting the Sonnabend collection of Warhol’s work. StyleRumor.com was there for the opening reception on Jan. 20th and was able to snap a few images to share with our readers.

The exhibit will run until February 20th. And if you’re feeling like your “artiste” palatte is still unsatiated, don’t forget to visit the Richard Prince and Alec Soth exhibits on the 4th and 5th Floors.

Designers Heart Barack Obama

 

 

 

NEW YORK — President-elect Barack Obama continues to be a source of inspiration for designers.

With next week’s presidential inauguration shaping up to be one of the most anticipated national events in recent memory, more than 10 American designers have created official merchandise to support the festivities as part of the “Runway to Change” initiative. 

The new collectible pieces include tote bags by Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch; T-shirts by Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Juicy Couture, Narciso Rodriguez, Derek Lam, Rachel Roy, Gerald Matthews and House of Deréon, and a scarf by Alexander Wang. 

The “Runway to Change” initiative launched during Obama’s campaign featured special merchandise by more than 25 designers to benefit the campaign. “It was a big success, and got a lot of positive feedback from designers and also the general public,” Presidential Inaugural Committee spokesman Brent Colburn told WWD. “Heading into the inauguration, we thought it would be a wonderful thing to incorporate the talent of some of these designers in the inaugural celebration. We reached out to them, and asked them to participate in this collection.”

Proceeds from the sale of the items will support the costs of the inauguration, which are expected to be in the same region as the $45 million 2005 inauguration. 

“This is the most exciting political moment of my lifetime,” said Zac Posen. 

Tory Burch added, “President-elect Obama is an incredibly inspirational leader. I am excited to see the direction he and his team will take our country in the coming years, and look forward to supporting them in every way I can.”

Among the pieces is a printed DVF natural cotton canvas tote for $70, featuring a heart, the word “Obama” and terms such as integrity, intelligence and passion in the designer’s script. Rachel Roy, meanwhile, created a gray T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “I [heart] my president” for $45. “When designing the T-shirt for the inauguration I wanted the simple yet concise slogan — ‘I love my president’ — to convey the faith we have in Obama to bring about the change he represents,” she said. 

Donna Karan’s Urban Zen T-shirt, meanwhile, is printed with the words “Inspire Change.” 

“I was hoping this could be a communication tool that would connect people to inspire change,” Karan said. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to access their resources to call to action.”

The collection is available at the Presidential Inaugural Store at 625 E Street Northwest in Washington through Jan. 21. It will also be available at pic2009.inauguralcollectibles.com through February.

Courtesy: WWD

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Launch Party

Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Launch Party was the place to be on January 9th. Fashionistas from all over descended on the SoHo boutique, from the upper echelons of the Upper East Side to the gritty streets frequented be many a fedora-wearing LES hipster. The Sprouse Party was divided into two parties: The über-exclusive SoHo Boutique fête and the more casual relaxed Dietch Museum gala. If you received the “Rose” coloured invitation, you were welcome to rub elbows with celebs like as Molly Sims and Brooke Shields at the SoHo boutique. If you were like us, you received the “Neon Green” invitation that got you access to the Deitch Museum party.

Once we arrived there was drama at the door. Turns out one of our entourage members forgot to RSVP to Louis Vuitton. Rather than go Donatella Versace crazy with fear that we were not all going to get in, one of us was able to talk to one the sweet PR girls at the entrance and resolve any discrepancies.  The $20 helped too (just kidding!).

Off through the doors we all went, trotting in our casual chic wear (as was required per the invitation) : a little H&M top here, a little LV handbag there, some Louboutins shoes down below, all topped off with a vintage McQueen peacoat I snagged from  a past sample sale find. My look was as street as could be but alas, not chic enough to make it to Page 6 (cue the teardrops).

Inside, it was a cornucopia of a Who’s Who in Fashion: Linda Fargo (Bergdorf and Goodman), Arlenis Sosa (Model), Agnyess Deyn (Model), Marc Jacobs and hubby Lorenzo Martone (if you have to ask, you’re on the wrong site), Pietro Beccari and Wife (CFO, LVMH), Yves Carcelle (CEO, LVMH), Patrick McDonald (Lifestyle Editor), Leigh Lezark (Socialite, Fashionista), Debbie Harry (Blondie), and many many more. In fact, there were more fashionistas, stylistas, celebistas (?) than one could count. Oh, and there was lovely artwork too! Who am I kidding: just like for fashion week, we attend less and less for the shows and more and more to be in the presence of celebs in the frontrow.

After taking a tour of the museum and 10+ glasses of champagne later, we knew it was time the StyleRumor entourage get on to the best part of the evening: the concert at the Bowery Ballroom. A mad dash to the coat check at the entrance and quick smoke outside, and we were on our way to seeing Debbie Harry belt out a couple songs in her full 50-60 year old glory. Whilst taking a quick drag outside, we noticed Phillip Blond behind the velvet ropes having a hard time getting into the Deitch. Turns out s/he’s (it?) has had enough plastic surgery done to actually make that him into a really fine she. The PR girls finally figured out the snafu and let him and his boyfriend in but by then everyone was leaving.

We jetted to find a free special Sprouse cab, hired to shuttle guests to the Bowery Ballroom. You could spot one a mile away just by looking for the Sprouse flower advertisement on the roof of the cab. With each cab filled, we spotted a semi free one down the block, waiting in front of a red light by Canal Street. We raced to the car, yanked open the doors and jumped right in all before one could say Balenciaga. As I sat in the front, I turned my head to see who the other two passengers in the car were and also to apologize to them for high jacking the extra free space.

Lo and behold, and to my amazement, I saw a familiar face in the eyes of one of the passengers sitting behind me. I queried him:

Myself: “Sorry about stealing your cab. That said, I know you from someplace, but I don’t know where.”

Mr. X: “Nope you probably don’t know me. I’m almost certain of it.”

Myself: “Nope, I do, I just can’t put my finger on it.”

Mr. X: ” Well, maybe you might see some family semblance between myself and Sprouse. You see, I’m James Sprouse, Stephen Sprouse’s cousin.”

Myself: Jaw drops. Eyes bug out. Q&A begins.

And let me add, that James Sprouse is one fine individual. Both he and his colleague hail from Wisconsin and Maine. Their demeanors were laid back, relaxed and overall extremely friendly, In fact, his kindness and eloquence was humbling whilst I asked my many pointed questions about Stephen Sprouse and how he grew to know him.

James painted a symphonic image of Sprouse’s many artistic influences whilst growing up. A key story he mentioned, which he wasn’t certain if Padilha’s book picked up, was Sprouse being influenced by James’ father, Stephen’s uncle. James’ father used to host the Sprouse cousins at their family home in Maine during the summer. It was at the time, while Stephen was still becoming the man we all grew to love and know, that James’ father used to draw pictures on the kids’ arms. Stephen readily enjoyed it, graffiting his arms with artwork, his name and anything that came to mind. It may be that that single family memory spurred the exuberant artistic creations that the art and fashion world have come to love today.

Our time conversing  flowed like a smooth river on a hazy summer, despite the nasty cold weather outside the cab. When we arrived to the Bowery Ballroom, we stretched out legs and headed to the door as an ensemble. Whilst at the door, we noticed that they had already closed the entrance because too many folks were already inside. A LV PR girl came to us and directed our group to form a line behind the other revelers.

I shook my head in dismay, thinking “Geez, do you know who we’re with?”

I went back to the PR rep, poked her and said “Hi! I’m with James Sprouse, Stephen Sprouse’s cousin. Can we just go in?”

And instantaneously, like a deer staring into a pair of Mercedes Benz highbeamers, she excused herself, told us to wait and came shortly back to scoot us past the guard. As we coat checked our gear and headed into the Ballroom, we were dazzled by the amazing array of Louis Vuitton graffiti lining the entrance. After chatting up some more with Sprouse, we began to mingle with the guests on the dancefloor. Shortly after our arrival, we spotted Erin Wasson walking into the dance area, equally mesmerized by the glowing backdrop screen overlooking the stage area.

After sipping a quick Champagne + Chambord (you know how Mama likes it) we were immediately overwhelmed by the fanfare over Debbie Harry’s arrival on stage. In classic 90′s kitsch leotard & spandex gear with a Louis Vuitton Graffiti Bracelet ($1250+ USD, so save your pennies) Debbie began churning through Blondie classics such as “Call Me”, “Heart of Glass”, “One Way or Another” and more. Cute that at one point she said she could “Do this all night”. That was was said at song 4 of 5. Off-stage shortly thereafter she went and the crowd went back to its raucous self.

We cruised the upstairs and downstairs levels, dancing with other models and spotting the cute Louis Vuitton Graffiti T-shirt guys taking pics of the crowd (see below). Using a Polaroid insta-printer, folks could have their party pics digitally printed on the back of a Sprouse card. Cute!

We greeted Donna Karen, who came and left pretty late in the evening. In fact, I think Mama Karen was just there to pick up her daughter Gabrielle. She looked ravishing in her winter frock with a lovely lapis coloured scarf-throw. Towards the late evening we needed a drag but noticed that Erin Watson inaugurated the stage the new designated smoking area. We caught an awesome photo of her right before we lit up our old friend, Marlboro.

The night was getting old, and after seeing Niarchos Stavros do his Greek rendition of dirty dancing, we decided it was time to hit the hay. Unlike most of the other folks at the party, we actually have to get up at 9am to go to work. Alas, if only we had “I-go-to-work-at-5pm-because-I’m-Whitney-Port-and-I’m-in-The-City” lifestyle.

Party pics and more below. Enjoy !

The New Norm: Runway Shows Outside Of Bryant Park

With New York Fashion Week just a month away, several designers are leaning toward off-site locations, but have yet to commit.

Adding to their indecision is the fact that Bumble & bumble’s Meatpacking District location is not an option this season. And IMG Fashion has decided to hold off on introducing a fourth venue near Bryant Park for fashion presentations — this season’s preferred and more affordable format — until September instead of unveiling one next month.

The ailing economy is unquestionably a factor for designers, especially young ones who in some cases are doing everything they can to make a splash without going under. Bryant Park’s going rates for the Tent, the Promenade and the Salon are said to be $48,000, $38,000 and $28,000, respectively, and that just covers the space. Add on casting, production, styling, hair, makeup and celebrity guests and that figure can easily leap into six figures.

Last month Vera Wang caused a bit of a stir by revealing that her show will be held in her new Mercer Street store instead of Bryant Park. Betsey Johnson, DKNY, Carmen Marc Valvo and Reem Acra are among the others who have decamped since last season. Conversely, Tommy Hilfiger will be back in the tents for the first time in several seasons, as will J.Mendel, Charlotte Ronson and Adam Lippes.

At this stage in the game, 59 designers have committed to the tents and eight are on board for off-site venues, said Fern Mallis, senior vice president of IMG Fashion, singling out Justin Timberlake’s William Rast label as a welcome newcomer to the tents. “My take is pretty optimistic, without wanting to sound like a Bernie Madoff where everything is perfect. We do have a very strong schedule. Every time someone decides not to do something, that opens up an opportunity for someone else,” she said.

While off site doesn’t always mean affordable, Valvo is saving a bundle by having a three-hour fashion installation at Citrine on Feb. 18 instead of the tents. For starters, the FlatIron District lounge is giving the designer the space for free, which automatically equates to a $50,000 savings. Not having to cast 20-plus models is another $50,000 savings, according to Frank Pulice, director of communications.

Others are defraying costs by different means — sight unseen. Three of publicist Kelly Cutrone’s clients — Nicholas K, Sergio Davila and Mara Hoffman — agreed to collaborate for a group show Feb. 15 in the tents, even though they will be introduced for the first time tonight over drinks. “When I think of the word ‘designer,’ ‘harmony’ and ‘collectivity’ are not the first two words that come to mind,” Cutrone said. “But this could be a new frontier. This economy could take us from the me generation to the we generation.”

In the meantime, designers are focused on the tasks at hand, with the February shows being at the top of that list. Calvin Klein Collection plans to make the most of the ground-floor event space in the company’s West 39th Street offices, putting it to good use for its women’s and men’s runway shows. The latter is a first for the company, which previously staged the men’s show in the ground-floor event space of its Milan office.

Marc Jacobs is lining up the Lexington Avenue Armory for his Feb. 16 show, according to its superintendent, Eligio Santiago. He declined to comment on the expense, but said the designer typically rents the space for eight or nine days. While the contract is still being ironed out, it “shouldn’t be a problem,” Santiago said.

Last year the venue was a source of much consternation for the company, which was slapped with a $1 million fine for allegedly bribing the former superintendent.

Other designers returning to last season’s locales include Thakoon and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, which are both showing at Eyebeam Gallery. Marchesa is also Chelsea-bound and will stage its show at the Chelsea Art Museum Feb. 18.

Lutz & Patmos will use its new showroom at 425 West 13th St. for an intimate presentation. Doo-Ri Chung has lined up the gallery at Milk Studios and Jonathan Saunders will be showing at the new Skyline space at 465 10th Avenue.

Alexander Wang plans to stage a Feb. 14 show at Roseland Ballroom, which can house up to 1,500 guests and can be had for as little as $18,000, according to Meredith Rothstein, director of special events for the Midtown space. But the designer will skip hosting an after-party this season. After hosting a blowout bash with Foxy Brown last season, the designer thought that one would be too tough to top, a company spokeswoman said. “We made that decision last season. Coming off that, we really wanted to focus on the clothes. It was more about that than the economy,” she said.

While Wang is set on a more intimate affair for his show, previous Roseland users, such as Y-3 and Gwen Stefani, have splurged on their productions. “I look at what they do for an eight- to 12-minute show and think, ‘Oh, my God,’” Rothstein said.

But this time around, designers are not being so freewheeling, according to Allan Kurtz, managing director of Gotham Hall, where the going rate is between $15,000 and $25,000. “People are really watching what they are doing,” he said, adding that a group of five designers has inquired about hosting a combined show there on Feb. 13.

They aren’t the only ones weighing their options. Swaim and Christina Hutson, who folded their two-year-old Obedient Sons & Daughters label earlier this month due to lagging capital from their investor, have yet to decide what off-site venue they will use for their new label. The name of their company will be revealed through show invitations.

Louis Vuitton in Graffiti from Head to Skateboard

Louis Vuitton is really enthousiastic about the new graffiti line! The good news is that everybody can’t wait to see this line re-released again! Louis Vuitton is really celebrating the collaboration with Steven Sprouse by re-launching the Monogram Graffiti line that shocked everyone in 2001.

The Graffiti line was the first Artist/Fashion collaboration that changed the Louis Vuitton world.

WWD report that the NYC Soho store will be transformed into a Sprouse destination in time for the collection’s arrival.

The store will be wrapped in vinyl and spray painting neon graffiti all over the facade. The window display will feature a 6-foot neon light installation in Sprouse’s Rose motif. The store’s interior, enhanced with black brick wall facing, will also be sprayed with the neon graffiti.

The collection will launch in its entirety at the SoHo boutique on Thursday. The complete worldwide
launch will follow on Feb. 2, though the Rose pieces will be available at Louis Vuitton stores worldwide starting Friday.

The luxury goods company is also creating two limited edition pieces, which will only be available at the SoHo location: a Stephen Sprouse graffiti skateboard replete with a hard case monogram skateboard trunk, and a Stephen Sprouse “Roses” T-shirt. The company hopes to sell three graffiti skateboards with trunks for $8,250 each, and 70 T-shirts for $250 each. “I don’t expect them to last very long,” Lalonde said. “By Friday, there probably won’t be any more left.”

Proceeds will benefit Free Arts NYC, which provides underserved children throughout New York City with special arts programs. Vuitton is also making an undisclosed donation to the Sprouse Estate, as well as the Stephen Sprouse Memorial Scholarship Fund at the National Academy for Design here.

Sprouse became known in the Eighties for his graffiti art and fashion designs. In 2001, Vuitton artistic director Marc Jacobs collaborated with Sprouse and created an instant must-have accessories collection with the Monogram Graffiti collection.

Sprouse died in 2004, and Vuitton made its first donation to the fund in 2006 when Jacobs created a scarf in Sprouse’s honor, using one of the collaboration’s leopard prints.

Vuitton will honor the late artist with three events this Thursday. The night will kick off with cocktails at the Vuitton boutique on Greene Street, with a simultaneous event at nearby Deitch Projects’ Wooster Street Gallery for the opening of the “Rock on Mars” Sprouse retrospective. Afterwards, Vuitton and Jacobs will host a bash at the Bowery Ballroom, featuring a performance by Sprouse’s friend Debbie Harry. The venue is expected to have a Sprouse feel, with a special graffiti-and-neon decor.

But more important, who’s going?

Pre-Fall 2009: Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Versace, and more

Pre-fall is anything but basic as designers play with lively graphic elements, from mesmerizing prints to rich jacquards.