Fashion Week fall 2012: Rachel Zoe, Prabal Gurung, Jill Stuart
A model wears a cape from Prabal Gurung's fall 2012 show during New York Fashion Week. AP PHOTO
By Samantha Critchell/Associated Press
NEW YORK — Fashion’s top brass seems to like the military look for next fall. Three days into the seasonal previews at New York Fashion Week Saturday, styles for the urban battlefield have emerged as a trend.
Prabal Gurung, one of Michelle Obama’s favorite designers, opened his show with a sharp black cape — with a black patent-leather tank peeking out — and black neoprene molded trousers. The outfit oozed strength but it wasn’t overly tough, either.
It was a similar story at the Rag & Bone and Jason Wu shows a day earlier, which both took traditional military touches, including strong shoulders, epaulets, grommets and big buttons, and put them through a feminine filter. Meanwhile, Tommy Hilfiger described his new men’s collection as “an academy look that is sophisticated, modern, a touch rebellious but buttoned up.” In the notes from Friday’s show he called the line “a personalized take on military precision.”
“Maybe there’s some subconscious thing with the troops coming out of Iraq,” said Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire. “There is a more positive spin on military, much more so than when we saw military after 9/11.”
The look is a good one for consumers, she said. “Military is easy to wear. It smartens your outfit, chic-ifies outerwear and it’s a good color range of neutrals that are flattering.”
Coles added, “The military is a well-oiled machine and military clothes reflect that. There’s organization and no room for doubt.”
Jason Wu fall 2012 during New York Fashion Week. AP PHOTO
But there’s a broad range of styles that tap into the trend, from crisp dress clothes inspired by officers to the more hipster interpretation of the urban warrior.
Gurung said his strong runway designs were more to make a statement and tell a story than some of his other looks for fall, which he described as “more wearable and sportswear-driven.” He said he didn’t have the first lady in mind when he conceived of the collection, adding, “I do hope she’s going to like something. But it’s more her effect has tremendous positive impact on my business.”
Saturday afternoon and evening shows were to include celebrity stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe and Christian Siriano, who’s zoomed to success since his 2008 win on the “Project Runway” TV show at age 22.
PRABAL GURUNG
Prabal Gurung offered sharp, edgy black outfits with strong silhouettes, slashed sleeves and high-gloss patent leather and ended with Oscars-worthy white gown gowns with feathers and gold lame. Somewhere in between, he fit in blouses and dresses in a recurring print of a steer’s skull that sounds scary but was subtle and truly lovely.
Gurung created hourglass shapes with sheer panels on models who sometimes looked like beanpoles. Some garments were molded to define silhouettes without making them clingy.
Trousers were narrow but with boot-leg bottoms. Chic coats were also long and lean.
He experimented with mixed textures, offering a patent leather coat embroidered with sheared mink loops, fox fur and tiers of goat hair, and on the other end of the spectrum, a white cocktail dress with a panel of gold tinsel and another of lame.
A red carpet-ready black gown featured sheer tulle covered in beads and crystals.
Jill Stuart for fall 2012. AP PHOTO
JILL STUART
The second outfit to come down Jill Stuart’s runway, a gold leaf-embroidered T-shirt paired with black sailor pants, is headed straight to the designer’s closet.
She had it earmarked for her wardrobe even before she debuted her fall collection.
Some dresses had flippy, flouncy hemlines and others had a schoolgirl jumper silhouette, adding moments of levity to the catwalk, but the emphasis seemed to be on the sharply defined shoulders, high necklines and the occasion panel of suggestive sheer fabric.
Many of the prints and embroideries featured a floral motif, but there was nothing flowery about black roses on stark winter white backgrounds or prints that seemed to paint a picture of a garden in the dark. This collection showed a more serious side to Stuart.
RACHEL ZOE
Rachel Zoe has that old-school, rock-star girlfriend thing down. Zoe, best known as a celebrity stylist, flaunted the signature look that made her famous with a parade of faux fur coats, skinny-style tuxedos, maxi dresses and thigh-high boots that you imagine the young jet-set wearing as they shuttle from London to Los Angeles — perhaps with a stop in New York. They’re for the type of woman who can pull off gaucho pants, which were indeed part of the lineup.
She said in her notes she drew inspiration “from the rock and roll glamour of London in the late ’60s and such fashion icons as Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger.”
One of the outfits on the runway during Rachel Zoe's fall 2012 show in New York. AP PHOTO
Fashion Week fall 2012: Jason Wu
Jason Wu for fall 2012 at New York Fashion Week. AP PHOTO
By Samantha Critchell/Associated Press
NEW YORK — Jason Wu has arrived, and the confidence he’s feeling in his emerging success was evident at New York Fashion Week Friday, where his dramatic show featured a collection inspired partly by his Chinese roots.
He has been considered a strong up-and-comer since Michelle Obama wore a gown by the then-barely known designer to the presidential inaugural balls in 2008, and his show has increasingly become a hot ticket during the seasonal previews. Then came a Target deal that put a limited collection in stores earlier this month.
Maybe it’s with that confidence that he went all out for his runway show, with studded fortress doors, billowing smoke, a theatrical finale and a highly personal Chinese-influenced collection that captured the yin-yang of tough military dress and in-your-face luxurious embellishment.
Wu grew up in Taiwan, but hadn’t visited there in years until a trip about 18 months ago. “I almost went back as a foreigner with fresh eyes,” he explained in an interview earlier this week.
He tapped into Chinese military uniforms with Mao jackets, grommets, strong shoulders and capes—the best of that look being the green coat with attached cape and black lace that opened the show. A different sort of strength, however, is found in the ornate trappings of the Qing Dynasty and the tassels, embroideries and brocades worn by empresses.
Jason Wu for fall 2012 during New York Fashion Week. AP PHOTO
Hollywood went through a period in the 1930s and ’40s that reinterpreted and further glamorized traditional Chinese dress, and Wu said he was a fan of that, too, especially Marlene Dietrich in the old movie “Shanghai Express.”
The common thread among the elements is strength, he added, “and I had to inject myself and my generation, so I did that with sportswear.”
The result? Puffy jackets in glitzy brocade.
The lingering look from this collection, though, is likely the finale: a black wool jacket with epaulets and mink trim covered in crystal embroidery pairedwith a black skirt etched with fabric through a process known as devore.
Dry skin? Dr. Hess Udder Ointment to the rescue
Not everyone echoes my opinion, but I really haven’t missed the extreme cold weather or the snow. Still, my skin and lips are dry and chapped.
But recently I learned about a product that claims to take care of all that. It’s Dr. Hess Udder Ointment created in 1893. Originally created as a remedy for dairy cows’ chapped udders, it soon became recognized across the country for moisturizing human hands. It seems farmers had some of the softest hands around.
Today, the skin cream is recommended for dry skin, chapped lips, cracked heels, diaper rashes, athletic chafing and eczema. The company says the cream features a blend of 13 skin moisturizers and softeners as well as blood circulating and oxygenating ingredients that hydrate skin and help heal chapped and cracking areas, cuts and abrasions.
The cream is touted as light and non-greasy with a hint of mint. No barnyard smells here.
The Dr. Hess product line includes the Original Dr Hess Udder Ointment, Dr Hess Udder Ointment for Diabetic Skin Care, Dr Hess Bull Balm for Men’s Skin Care, Dr. Hess Baby Butts and the Dr Hess Udder Sticks lip balm in four flavors – Original Vanilla, Pomegranate, Mango and Vanilla Mint.
Dancing star Cheryl Burke to represent Veet
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Cheryl Burke (AP PHOTO)
“Dancing With the Stars” champion Cheryl Burke has inked a deal with Veet, a depilatory designed for women.
Burke is a 6-year veteran and two-time champion on the hit television show and author of the book “Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life.”
“I am thrilled to represent a brand that understands the importance of looking and feeling beautiful in your skin and the freedom of long-lasting smoothness,” Burke said. “As a professional dancer on television, these play a huge role in my daily life, so the synergy between me and Veet was natural and a perfect fit.”
Veet offers depilatory creams and gels and its new wax strips for face and body. This year the company will launch High Precision Facial Wax.
Vera Bradley store opening in Penn Square Mall
Fans of Vera Bradley’s colorful prints and cotton-quilted accessories have reason to celebrate.
A Vera Bradley store is scheduled to open this summer in Penn Square Mall. Vera Bradley’s designs and accessories are well-recognized and popular.
“We are thrilled to bring the popular Vera Bradley concept to Penn Square Mall,” said Mis Gaston, director of marketing and business development at Penn Square Mall. “This is the first Vera Bradley location in Oklahoma, so we are especially pleased to be able to offer the store to shoppers as part of our diverse and unique retail mix.”
The store will offer a complete line of quilted handbags, accessories, travel items, stationary and eyewear, as well as items for the home.
The store will be on the upper level of the mall next to Sephora.
Engaging gift ideas for Valentine’s Day
David Tutera, wedding and party guru. AP PHOTO
Valentine’s Day is coming up and for many women, that means a new ring on the finger. An engagement ring, that is.
According to a Sears survey of more than 1,000 men and women, 40 percent of those in relationships say they expect or are planning to get engaged on Valentine’s Day this year.
Even if it’s not an engagement ring, 29 percent of the women surveyed said they would choose jewelry if they could pick only one gift to receive.
“A special piece of jewelry, especially on Valentine’s Day, is perfect for symbolizing your love in its early stages and reaffirming the feeling long after,” said David Tutera, the party and entertaining guru and TV host who has a collection of engagement rings and wedidng bands at Sears.
Following jewelry, women say they would most want to receive flowers or chocolate (20 percent), perfume (nine percent), the latest technology product (eight percent), lingerie (eight percent), a kitchen or home item (six percent), shoes, handbag or other accessory item (five percent), clothing item (five percent), or a fitness/exercise item (one percent).
And, guys, it’s not really the thought that counts. The survey revealed that while 61 percent of men admit they have given a Valentine’s Day gift that had no thought behind it, nearly eight in 10 women have received a gift that appeared to have no thought behind it.
“Valentine’s Day is about expressing your feelings to those who mean the most to you,” Tutera said.
For men still searching for help, Tutera offers his expert take on Valentine’s Day and the survey results:
- “Turn ordinary into romantically extraordinary—it’s easier than you think.” Nearly one-third of survey respondents (27 percent) plan to have a low-key evening at home. Turn the night into a walk down romantic memory lane: Prepare a meal of menu items you shared on your first date, your wedding day or any special occasion.
- “The calendar is just a piece of paper.”When Valentine’s Day falls on a busy weeknight, as it does this year (Tuesday), move your celebration to a more convenient weekend night so neither you nor your sweetheart will feel rushed or stressed.
- “ Be a gifting maverick … it’s fine by her.” Instead of the expected flowers or chocolates, go for something out of the ordinary. Case in point: More than three quarters (80 percent) of women surveyed said they would be excited to receive the latest technology product this Valentine’s Day.
- Source: PR Newswire
Stylist Robert Verdi to launch sunglasses line on HSN
Celebrity stylist Robert Verdi will launch a line of sunglasses on HSN.
Who better to launch a line of sunglasses than celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, who is often seen with sunglasses perched on top of his head.
According to a story in Women’s Wear Daily, the collection will be sold Feb. 22-23 exclusively on HSN. The collection will retail for $25 to $30.
“When it comes to sunglasses, there’s no more an experienced person than me,” he told WWD. “I see how sunglasses can really cap an outfit and make a statement. Women really have to have a pair for every outfit.”
The jewel-toned collection pulls from silhouettes from the 1970s, ’80s and ’40s.
“Sunglasses have become my trademark,” Verdi said. “They’ve become an obsession for me. It was great for me to have this collection as an outlet because I could turn all my knowledge into a product line.”
Sweet treat: Heart-shaped donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts
Nothing says love like a … heart-shaped donut.
Once again, Dunkin’ Donuts is bringing back heart-shaped donuts in two flavors, Cupid’s Choice and Chocolate Heart.
Cupid’s Choice is a a heart-shaped donut filled with Bavarian cream, topped with strawberry icing and a mix of pink, white and red heart-shaped sprinkles. The new Chocolate Heart donut is a chocolate frosted heart-shaped donut with vanilla buttercreme filling, topped with chocolate chips.
The donuts are available now. Indulge to your heart’s desire at participating Dunkin’ Donuts.
Q&A with Christian Louboutin, king of sole
Christian Louboutin, the king of red soles, is celebrating a big one — 20 years in business. In honor of the momentous occasion, he unveiled a 20-piece capsule collection at Bergdorf Goodman. Fashion Week Daily caught up with him recently for an interesting Q&A. Here’s a snippet.
(NEW YORK) The Loub lust is in full swing as the grand maestro of teetering toe-steppers, Christian Louboutin, fetes the big 2-0 with a 20-piece capsule collection, unveiled at Bergdorf Goodman this afternoon. Naturally, we nabbed the King of Sole for a one-on-one. BY MARIA DENARDO
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a cross between MIKA and the Spanish director, Pedro Almodóvar.
Do you ever get recognized on the street?
Let’s just say I have a big following in Kuwait.
How did you only pick 20 designs for your capsule collection?
I tried to pick shoes that have always been recurrent in every collection in some way, like my love of showgirls— the handicraft, jewelry, embellishment, exoticism, transparency, and fur. I also included the ‘Love’ shoe since it’s been very important for my business. It was the only shoe that I sold for six months the first season. I stayed in business because of that shoe!
READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE.
Jason Wu clothing in Target stores on Feb. 5
Jason Wu for Target -- bow blouse, $35, pleated skirt, $30 and bag, $40.
Jason Wu’s limited-edition collection for Target lands in stores Sunday, so it’s time to take a look at all the pieces and plan your shopping strategy.
Who knows if Wu will woo shoppers like Missoni did, but it’s best to be prepared. Keep reading for a list of Oklahoma stores that will sell the collection.
Wu’s limited-edition collection includes women’s apparel, handbags and scarves. He said the collection embodies his signature aesthetic of feminine sophistication, with a mischevious nod to the 1960s. See the entire collection on nymag.com.
Clothing will range in prices from $19.99 to $59.99; most handbags and scarves, $19.99 to $49.99.
