We’ve all seen comic-to-movie transitions, and the nightmare it thrusts upon costume designers who are trying to make something that works in ink make any sense at all in fabric. We’ve had the dark beauty of Batman, the awfulness of Ben Affleck in leather in Daredevil, the stylish mess that was The Watchmen and the spectacle of Wolverine in X-Men pouring scorn on the skintight outfits the team expect him to wear.
Louis Vuitton has tapped six "designers" to conceptualize special-order leather goods to be auctioned off at Sotheby's for the Red Cross 150th anniversary. Among said designers is Annie Leibovitz. Too bad the proceeds go to charity -- God knows she could use some cash...[WWD]
Sam Haskins' health isn't what it used, but rest assured his photography still is. [The Moment]
Everyone goes bonkers for H&M and Target collaboration lines -- but are they worth it? [WSJ]
Is eco-fashion finally getting a legitimate shot from the fashion elite? Italian designers are holding a conference to discuss. [NYT]
Moscot has a new line of sunglasses based on David Lynch's Mulholland Drive. [The Thread]
In an ailing economy even the (seemingly) untouchables of fashion are vulnerable to the consumer's whims. With Gucci's parent company, PPR, facing losses (down 4.7% in sales for the second quarter ending June 30) Gucci tapped into its uncreative spirit and mimicked its rival's, LVMH, Kayne West and Louis Vuitton collaboration by creating limited edition boat shoes, chukkas and sneakers with DJ and producer Mark Ronson -- brother of Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan's ex-lover -- in hopes of drawing out throngs of shoe enthusiasts (shoethusiasts?). Uniquely designed shoes tailored to each pop-up store in its respective major city, from New York City to Tokyo, await customers.
After a long delay that has set tongues a-wagging, Kanye West has finally announced which 3 sneakers will comprise his Louis Vuitton sneaker collection. First there's the "Don," a classic sneaker which, as Kanye thankfully reminds us, rhymes with "Vuit-TON." Secondly is a pair of high-tops called "Tour," and the last is that questionable boat shoe hybrid, now called "Mr. Hudson." What a fitting name considering Mr. Hudson the musical artist is being heavily touted by West. Can't say the man doesn't know a thing or two about cross-branding.
While there's been no release date set for the new "+J" collaboration line between Jil Sander and Uniqlo, eager fans of Sander can being their list of what to battle-it-out for now that Japanese magazine Men's Non-No has exclusive images of the line. It's exactly what you'd expect from Sander, and that's entirely OK: expertly tailored jackets, blazers, shirts and pants, all in those fine neutrals that are classic but not dated.
Bear with the brief background info. Harvard University's $45 billion endowment bubble burst and dropped to $36.9 billion in June 2008 and was expected to fall a staggering 23%-25% according to the Harvard Management Company. Facing insurmountable losses, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the prestigious university has increased private equity investments.
But, it should come as a surprise that 'fashion' was an agenda. More specifically, a ten year contractual menswear collaboration with Wearwolf Group for Harvard Yard, inspired by the 60s loungers of Harvard Yard -- Harvard's 25 acre public lawn, debuted with Martha's Vineyar-esque trousers, shirts and jackets. Jeffery Wolf, Wearwolf's executive president, had high aspirations with the preppy brand: "It's a style that has become current again and not just with the American consumer. We think Harvard Yard will have global appeal."
In squeal-worthy news, CFDA award winner Michael Bastian is teaming up with Gant for a cobranded collection for fall 2010. With 50 pieces, the colorful and focused collection will be made up of wardrobe essentials that provide polished style at a more accessible price. A typical Michael Bastian for Gant button down will run around $140, just a tad higher than normal Gant pricing. Of the collaboration, Bastian says: “I see my version of the Gant guy as the younger brother to the Michael Bastian guy. He’s tailored, a bit sporty, and a little more athletic, with a modern edge that feels both approachable and sophisticated. Working with GANT will allow me to reach a larger audience, and together we will provide a modern and workable proposal for the perfect American guy’s wardrobe.” The collection will launch next summer and be available in Gant flagship stores worldwide, as well as various other luxury retailers. Updates will follow.
Christian Siriano is partnering with Starbucks for God knows what. They're pretty tight-lipped about the whole ordeal, which is either good or very bad news. [The Cut]
The CFDA just announced 31 new members, including Alexander Wang, The Olsen Twins and Chris Benz. [WWD]
Anna Wintour is hosting the premiere of the Vogue documentary, The September Issue, on August 19th in the Hamptons. What a guest list that will be. [FWD]
With their clothing labels now sent to pasture, what's a designer to do now? [The Cut]
Any New Yorker who loves (as you should) Richard Haine's sketch-book blog What I Saw Today should stop by his exhibit opening tomorrow night. He'll be "live drawing" guest from 4 to 6 and there will be a party to follow. [What I Saw Today]
More details of Anna Wintour's fun, fabulous, festive, hey-why-don't-we-all-shop-to-forget-our-woes-even-though-we're-broke Fashion Night Out. [The Cut]
File this under "Um, sure.." Alanis Morisette and Woody Harrelson are collaborating on a line of eco-friendly jeans called Reco Jeans. [Nylon]
Looking for a new office? Marc Ecko's is up for sale. [Cityfile]
Good or bad? Iraqi plastic surgeons are now doing more Botox injections and nose jobs than skin grafts and amputations. [Allure]
As Gay Pride month moves along, the fashion industry is beginning to show its true colors. Kenneth Cole’s AWEARNESS -- a non-profit that supports, empowers and encourages acts of service, volunteerism and social change -- has partnered up with the Human Rights Campaign to design a limited edition t-shirt that reads: THOSE AGAINST SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AREN’T THINKING STRAIGHT (OR ARE THEY?) – KENNETH COLE.
The limited edition T-shirt will be sold at Kenneth Cole New York stores nationwide as well as Kennethcole.com and hrc.org. It for $35.00 with 100% of net proceeds going to the AWEARNESS FUND and HRC. And, if you want to show your support in person, KC will be hosting events in five cities during Gay Pride Week, with 20% of the nights proceeds going to the Human Rights Campaign:
Los Angeles June 12, 4-9 pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Beverly Center
New York June 26, 4-9 pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Soho, 595 Broadway
Chicago June 26, 4-9 pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Chicago 540 North Michigan Ave.
Dallas June 26, 4-8 pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Dallas North Park
San Fran June 26, 4-8 pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, 166 Grant Avenue
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Truman Says exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
Recent Comments