Paris Fashion Moving Into The MeatPacking District?

 

There’s been murmurs of several top fashion house designers planning to make the bold leap across the pond, leaving the old Rive Droite for the more chic, “underground” Meatpacking district. Money not being what it used to be in the old days (i.e. in people’s pockets) designers are looking to cut costs and consolidate their resources to best serve their clients. 

So why make the jump across the Atlantic? Simply put, New York has always inspired its citizen designers to hone their skills and innovate the best fashion, even when everything seems to be going downhill. From the 1980′sKoch high-crime years giving rise to L.E.S. stars Stephen Sprouse and Marc Jacobs, to the late 1970-80′s giving naissance to some of the best Halston pieces ever known. It seems that when the going gets tough, NY designers manage to deliver bolder collections, often immortalizing their brand. It’s with that in mind that we turn to the latest rumors of Parisian designers defecting to the Big Apple.

 

Whilst at the Forces For Nature benefit, honoree Stella McCartney spoke candidly with reporters on the red-carpet about bringing her runway shows to NY Fashion Week. Could this be an opportunity to seduce a wider U.S. audience with eco-friendly high-fashion pieces or a plot to plant trees in the increasingly common empty shops lining Madison Ave.? We certainly hope it’s the former because she may not have enough tress for the latter.

 

And as if having Her Royal McCartney-ness in our fair city was not enough, we hear that another great designer may be soon be hoisting moving boxes onto NY-bound Moishe Moving trucks.

The latest rumors being murmured by industry insiders is that the venerable Olivier Theyskens is in “advanced” talks to take over Halston come this summer ’09. If true, this would mark only the second greatest comeback for a fashion icon, following Nina Garcia‘s move to Marie Claire. Besides being Ms. Wintour‘s favorite number 2 (after Roger Federer), Olivier may live up to be beyond everyone’s expectations, reviving the designer-less brand and elevating past its French peers. Who knows, Olivier may take Halston into a brand new creative direction. Effortless goth-chic dresses anyone? 

If all these rumors pan out to be true, the extra space at the Damrosch will certainly be put to good use.

Inside Topshop New York

Topshop / Topman
478 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
www.topshop.com

We are two days away from Topshop’s New York opening! its over-the-top rock ’n’ roll merchandising have arrived in SoHo.

We’ve been waiting for this for a long time. The store has been already  filled up with sexy sequined dresses, feathered trophy jackets, cheeky studded platforms, skinny fits, geeky eyeglasses and barely legal studded denim short shorts.

It’s the chain’s first store in the U.S., and among the most anticipated retail openings in years.

“This is genuinely the best store we have ever built,” said Sir Philip Green, the flamboyant owner of Arcadia Group, parent company of Topshop and its men’s sibling Topman, during a preview of the site Monday morning. “We see this as a launchpad for a business in America.”

Topshop is milking the opening, staging a barrage of parties and dinners for media and socialites this week in advance of the debut, and then a high-octane ribbon cutting with Kate Moss on Thursday. Moss has been doing an exclusive collection for Topshop since 2006 and launches her spring line in tandem with the SoHo opening.

The store will also be releasing its latest collections by Kate Moss and two British design houses; Jonathan Saunders and Preen.

In addition, a Topshop van has been driving around New York handing out goody bags and gift cards worth $5 to $500.

Mirroring the Oxford Circus flagship in London, the four-level, 40,000-square-foot space, with 28,000 square feet for selling, is an eyeful of energetic, packed merchandising with about 2,000 stock keeping units, a broad price range from moderate to bridge, and dozens of mannequins and forms, either dangling from the high, 30-foot ceilings or sitting atop the alcoves. It’s a wide store with columns and escalators, huge colorful illustrations of London icons, and theatrically lit Topshop marquees. Above all, it’s the product, and not so much the architecture or decor, that does the talking.

For a business that’s built on a strategy of selling irreverent, youthful clothes, and long inspired by the hip music scene ,there’s even a DJ booth that will be playing music on busy shopping days and special events.

In another break from retail tradition, Topshop will have none of the ubiquitous markdowns seen everywhere in retailing. The company stages only four sales a year and otherwise won’t price promote, though the store will be offering students a 10 percent discount.

See all the in store pictures below:

pictures from wwd.com

TopShop Truck Giving Free Goodies To Penny-Pinching Pedestrians

In anticipation of its grand opening April 2nd, TopShop has sent hipster ambassadors to cruise around the city in an eye-catching pink “Hearts Challenger” van. Zipping around NYC from the L.E.S., to Soho, to Williamsburg and everywhere in-between, the TopShop van will be doling out free gift certificates valued at $5-$500.

Ladies will receive a free TopShop tote filled with tons of fashionista gear while the guys can get another $5-$250 gift certificate for TopMan. The gift certificate cards don’t tell you the value until you checkout at the register (giving us another reason to queue up on opening day).

So how can you get your free gift card? Luckily for you, you won’t need to rely on the power of Twitter alone to know where the TopShop Van will be; click here to track the van’s location in realtime.

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.

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.

In a NY Fashion Week Minute: Spring Summer 2009

For those who may not have all the time in the world to see every single fashion show this past week, WWD has courteously provided a sweet compilation video that should bring up to stylish speed.

Hervé Léger By Max Azria Spring Summer 2009 Collection

September 7th 2008 – Bryant Park – Keeping true to its Parisian roots, Max Azria has carried the Parisian Hervé Léger fashion house over the pond and into Bryant Park with much success. With corset shaping bandage dresses wrapping silhouettes even tighter, Hervé Léger brings a sexy, almost erotic look, to NY Fashion Week.

After chatting up a storm with some of the ladies at the Bryant Park lounge, we grabbed our Balenciaga bags and headed past security check and into the runway show area. There in the Promenade, or the more intimate and 2nd most largest venue of the Bryant Park tent, the crowd looked young, hip, and famished for a different take on Spring 2009′s fashion. Plopping into our seating, we found a small Hérve Legér gift box filled with parfumerie. No sooner did I pick up my style sheet than the show commenced.

The first looks were filled with signature Hervé Léger cocktail dresses, short one piece robes with above the knee cuts. As the models snaked down the catwalk, you could catch a few pushing down the dress as it rode up their hips: a side effect of the bandage wraps’ coiled nature. Bright colours hugged the models, with eye-catching pieces shimmering in gold.

After several pieces had passed our way and the 4 evening wear pieces carouseled the catwalk, we thought the show was over. Max Azria kept the best for last: a blast of white light relit the catwalk and a quick barrage of sunglasses toting models came quickly back out wearing minimal Hervé Léger swimwear in all shapes and symmetries. Our favourite was the V-shaped black swim piece with matching arm bandages, creating a perfect avant-garde look pour la cruise.

Soon thereafter the show ended, with Max Azria taking the customary bow along with the creative designer for H.L. Before heading back stage, we caught a glimpse of Lou Doillon who was absolutely infatuated with Hervé’s revival in NY. When asked “What are you wearing today, mademoiselle?”, Lou replied in an almost peppermint sweet tone “Hervé Léger, bien sûr, of course.”

See our pictures below

Stars and Style: 5th Annual Fashion Rocks

The fifth annual Fashion Rocks on Friday drew one of its most stellar crowds in years. In Fashion’s corner: designers Vera Wang, Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger and Valentino, as well as stylish stars Charlize Theron and Hilary Swank. Representing Rocks: Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis and dozens more. But even among all the star power, the one performer whom everyone at Radio City Music Hall was dying to see was Justin Timberlake. Apparently, Timberlake is the sort of man who reduces women to monosyllabic speech.

“He’s hot,” gushed Elizabeth Banks.

“Justin’s the bomb,” said Blige. “And very, very cute.”

Duffy, however, was interested in Rihanna; their first run-in was the perfect storm of fashion and rocking. “We met while shopping at Barneys,” Duffy said.

Once inside, Timberlake didn’t disappoint, nor did the rest of the all-star lineup. Beyoncé crooned Etta James’ “At Last,” walking into the front row to bring James to her feet for everyone to see. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock collaborated on “Sweet Home Alabama,” and Debbie Harry and Fergie sang “Call Me.”

 

 

Denis Leary made for an affable host, and found fashion an easy target. “Naomi Campbell has a fragrance called Mystery,” he said. “The only mystery about her is where she will hit you with a cell phone.”

Afterward, the “Gossip Girl” crew and the marquee musicians walked across the street to the Rainbow Room, where Timberlake and Kid Rock danced to Michael Jackson on the banquettes until midnight.

The following night, Alexander Wang corralled the fashion crew to a basement space in Chinatown, where Erin Wasson and Alice Dellal hosted a party for the designer that drew ODMs (that’s off-duty models) like Behati Prinsloo, Julia Stegner and Noot Sear. Wang began the night in a black Hooters T-shirt (“We tried to go there after the show, but they wouldn’t give us our reservation, so we went to McDonald’s instead,” he said), but soon stripped down to one of his signature gray tanks and joined the hordes dancing and sweating up a storm, waiting for Foxy Brown’s much anticipated set. Finally, at 11:45 p.m., she took the stage in the designer’s hot pink minidress, telling the roaring crowd, “They put me in jail, and my cell was full of Alexander Wang.”

Turns out Brown was celebrating more than Wang’s collection; it was also her birthday. “When he asked me to perform and told me it was going to be Sept. 6, I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to give you that!’” she laughed after her half-hour set. But that’s all she’s giving. Brown won’t be out for any other designer next week. “I don’t whore myself out for fashion,” said the rapper, who’s attended shows for Zac Posen, Chris Aire and Sweetface in the past.

And though this was her first performance since her release from jail earlier this year, Brown didn’t suffer from any stage fright. “I’m a beast on the microphone,” she declared, as a VH1 television crew filmed her for her upcoming reality show. “I was more nervous about busting my ass in these 6-inch Yves Saint Laurent heels!”

Courtesy: WWD

Marrying Madrid to New York: A New Fashion Alliance

As part of a plan to increase ties to the American market, the Council of Fashion Designers of Spain showed off some talent with “MadridFashionNewYork,” an exhibition in SoHo Thursday night.

Carolina Herrera was among the guests on hand to support the efforts of 11 Spanish designers including Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Ailanto, Miguel Palacio and Roberto Torreta. Having held its first initiative last fall at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in New York, the latest event was planned to help create a solid platform for the promotion of Spanish design in the U.S. 

The exhibition was held at The Trump Group’s offices. Many of the new Trump SoHo hotel’s investors are Spanish, according to a CFDS spokeswoman.

Modesto Lomba, who heads up the CFDS, explained the impetus for the exhibition: “Definitely, New York is the capital of fashion in the world today.”

The Venezuelan-born Herrera is at ease in Spain. Aside from having a factory for her CH Carolina Herrera collection and several stores for the brand there, her daughter Carolina lives there and is married to a Spanish bullfighter. “Really the only way to see them is to have a show here. That way you can see every designer and what they do,” the designer said. “This was the first idea for the beginning so people know they exist.”

She was equally enthusiastic about pulling together an American effort. “We should organize ourselves or any American designer who wants to show in Europe. They should do the same thing with us.”

When Natasha De Santis, the spokeswoman for the CFDS, referred to Herrera as being a queen in Spain, the designer laughed and shook her head. “You have a very good queen in Spain. Queen Sofia — the real one.”

Executives from the CFDS met with Council of Fashion Designers of America president Diane von Furstenberg and executive director Steven Kolb last week to discuss other prospects. From the start of her presidency, von Furstenberg has pledged to make American designers more of a global force. She herself is staging a runway show Wednesday in Florence. The prospect of having some Spanish designers stage a group runway show in New York was among the ideas discussed between the two governing groups. Helping American designers who are interested in selling and marketing their brands in Spain is another possibility, but the talks are conceptual at this stage, said Kolb, who plans to sit down with the Spanish contingency this summer.

Courtesy: WWD

Diane Von Furstenberg Loves her Louboutin

“I have more of his shoes than in the exhibition.” So joked Diane von Furstenberg in introducing her close friend Christian Louboutin at a talk he gave last Wednesday evening at FIT, which is currently holding an exhibit of his footwear. She wasn’t the only Louboutin enthusiast in the crowd. In a charming anecdotal manner, the designer ran through his 16-year career, starting at the beginning with his years as a teen interning at the Folies Bergère in Paris. (Fun fact: the ladies would stuff veal carpaccio into their soles for padded comfort.) When he began talking about his 1994 “Trash” shoes, which were covered in a collage of dreck like train stubs and gum wrappers, a brunette called out that she was wearing a pair and proceeded to pass one around.

Next Page »