Designer Alexander McQueen … I just don’t get him

Pucker up!
His early runway collections triggered his reputation for controversy and shock tactics. He’s known for his lavish, unconventional runway shows. Isaac Mizrahi and Bob Mackie both approached New York runway shows as theatrical productions, and I got that, and loved it, but McQueen just seems so out there. Maybe it would be easier to understand if I saw his shows in person, instead of just looking at the pictures.
McQueen must be doing something right, though. He was one of the youngest designers to be named British Designer of the Year, which he won four times between 1996 and 2003. He was named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards in 200. He has had many collaborations, the most recent with Target. His MCQ collection will be at the Target store at 13924 N Pennsylvania through April 14.
Do not confuse the Target collection with what he presents on the runway. Here’s what the Associated Press fashion writer has to say about Alexander McQueen’s collection for fall that was shown in Paris:

No sitting allowed.

Rain, rain go away.

I just don't get it.
Too many shoes? Check out Shoes Under
What a coincidence that just after I bought a new pair of shoes comes an e-mail touting an under-the-bed shoe drawer. How is that whoever send that e-mail knew that my closet was crammed with handbags, clothes and, of course, shoes. And more shoes.
The average American owns 19 pairs of shoes, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. Finally, I’m above average on something!
Anyway, maybe you’ve heard of the new Shoes Under. The shoe organizer is compact, collapsible and will keep up to 12 pairs of shoes organized and accessible. The clear zip-off cover makes them easy to spot, too. So says the press info.
Shoes Under retails for $9.99 at Target, CVS, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Walmart and others. Check it out here.
Photographers go wild for a shot of Kate Moss
British model Kate Moss and Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino share a joke during Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2009-2010 ready-to-wear collection presented in Paris.
I’ve seen fashion photographers swarm celebrities during New York Fashion Week, so I really wasn’t surprised to hear about the hoopla at the Chanel show in Paris. According to a tweet from The Moment, a crazed frenzy of photographers four deep broke part of the runway at Chanel all to get Kate Moss’ picture.
For fall, go short with a fur (real or faux)
Jason Wu fur vest for fall 2009.
It feels like spring today, so probably the last thing you want to read about is fall fashion. Here’s a trend story from Fashion Wire Daily on short “cubby” fur jackets. When I read this I immediately remembered that earlier this week I had seen a faux fur Vera Wang vest at Kohl’s on the sale rack. It was a larger vest so it had that “cubby” feel. Maybe I’ll run back and check it out.
Here’s the story.
Can’t suck it in, guys? Get the man girdle
Guys, you’ve the manbag and mantyhose. Are you ready for the man girdle, or mirdle?
A London department store launched the shapewear this week, according to the Associated Press. The sleeveless tank tops and long-sleeve T-shirts are infused with a special blend of Spandex, nylon and polyester so you have less jiggle around the middle. Don’t think you’re going to look like you suddenly developed six-pack abs.
Control underwear will be available later this year.
“It makes waists look trimmer, improves posture and helps men get into the latest slimmer-fitting suits,” said Gavin Jones, head of the Australian company Equmen. “Men are under a lot of pressure right now to perform financially, socially and romantically. Why shouldn’t we have the same products that women have had for years to make us feel better?”
Equmen’s undershirts promise “to do for guy’s chests what Spanx have done for flabby female thighs.”
Kohl’s lands Hang Ten surf-inspired brand
Hang Ten is joining the lineup at Kohl’s. Beginning this month, the California surf-inspired lifestyle brand will be available exclusively in about 300 stores and online at kohls.com. Look for it in juniors, young men’s and children’s departments.
These Hang Ten pieces will be available in April in Kohl’s stores.
Bargain shopping … it’s the right thing to do
With an economy in the tank, unemployment and food costs rising and people wondering whether they’ll have a job next week, it makes sense to shop smart. Being extravagant or indulgent just doesn’t seem the thing to do — even if you’ve still got a wad of money. I came across a series of videos on bargain shopping and thought this was a good time to share. Check them out here.
Alxander McQueen’s McQ line hits Target stores on Wednesday
Fashion followers across America have been waiting for the much-touted McQ collection to hit Target stores on Wednesday.
The exclusive McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection draws inspiration from the British rock band The Duke Spirit. The collection is part of the Target Designer Collaborations, a program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. This is a different partnership than Target’s Go International initiative.
McQueen is one of the most respected designers in the world. He was chief designer at Givenchy from 1997 to 2001, and has created women’s and men’s ready to wear, accessories, eyewear and fragrance collections for the Alexander McQueen label, as well as establishing secondary line McQ Alexander McQueen in 2007. He has been named British Designer of the Year four times and was named International Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2003.
The collection for Target is a contemporary collection with a rock ‘n’ roll twist in muted shades of black, whtie, grays and tan with accents of cobalt blue and pink. Studs and mesh accent wardrobe staples. The essence of The Duke Spirit is captured in the iconic Liela silk screen T-shirt with necklace collar.
Prices range from $19.99 to $129.99. The collection will be at Target through April 14.
Meet Dallas Cowboys player Jason Witten at fashion show at Dillard’s
Mark your calendar. A Perry Ellis spring menswear fashion show is scheduled April 4 at the Dillard’s, Penn Square, Oklahoma City.
The show will begin at 1 p.m. featuring models from the Oklahoma City Police Department. Dallas Cowboys’ tight end Jason Witten won’t be walking the runway, but he’ll be available to autograph footballs. Purchase $50 or more of Perry Ellis merchandise and receive a football for Jason to sign, plus entry into the Gift with Purchase line. The first 50 customers in the Gift with Purchase line will receive a complimentary Perry Ellis gift bag.
Supplies of footballs are limited, so Dillard’s suggests early shopping to guarantee one at the signing. Pre-sell begins March 4.
The fashion show is at 1 p.m. April 4 in the Dillard’s, Perry Ellis Department, 1st floor.
Ten percent of the profits will benefit the Police Athletic Leagues of Oklahoma City, an organization that helps reduce crime by providing safe, healthy alternaives for children living in high-risk neighborhoods.
Christian Louboutin stilettos too pricey? Check out these sexy lookalikes
If you’re wild about these Christian Louboutin patent pumps but the $965 price tag is a bit too steep for your bank account, check out these lookalikes at $49.99 from onestopplus.com. Of course, Louboutin’s signature red sole is a giveaway which is which.









