Monday, July 2, 2007

Celebrities-Turned-Fashion Designers

With the launch of their own fashion labels, these Hollywood celebrities aren't just trendsetters and trendhunters, they're stylemakers. Check out these famous fahionistas and know their fashion lines and philosophies.

Kate Moss - TopShop


STYLE:
Her face has represented designers from Calvin Klein to Versace, now Kate Moss has teamed up with British retailer TopShop to create her own line. Inspired by Moss' own '70s-chic style, the items include glam mini-dresses, and separates in leather, denim and satin.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"There's something magical about Kate," Burberry designer Christopher Bailey has said about the supermodel. "She has a knack for making something her own. She's inspiring to be around."

Madonna - M for H&M


STYLE:
From her Gaultier bullet bra to Dolce & Gabbana western wear, Madonna has stayed ahead of the fashion curve for more than two decades. Now Madge's new M by Madonna line for cheap-chic retailer H&M—which features dresses, shoes and separates in basic black and white—is available to fashionistas after the secret to the Material Girl's style.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"It's all part of my expression, my self-discovery," Madonna has said of her many style transformations. "I think you have to try on a lot of guises before you know who you are."

Sarah Jessica Parker - Bitten


STYLE:
Since her turn as a couture-obsessed writer on Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker has been one of the most-watched trendsetters in Hollywood. Now she has designs on creating her own label, dubbed Bitten. Parker recently gave a few magazine editors a peek at the line—which includes casual clothing, accessories and intimates—that hits stores this summer.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"I'm not as victimized by trends," Parker has said. "There are things I don't feel comfortable in, things I don't care to show. So hemlines change, for example. I don't have to participate."

Mandy Moore - Mblem


STYLE:
Mandy debuted her Mblem line of "vintage contemporary" T-shirts in 2005 and later expanded the brand to include knit dresses. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the collections are regularly donated to charitable causes close to Moore's heart. Celebrity fans of her comfy clothes include Natalie Portman, Kate Hudson and Rachel Weisz.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"If I could work a hoodie into every outfit I would," Moore, who has described her goal as "never trying to look overly styled," has said. "It's not like I want to forge a fashion career. No couture gown designs for me, I'm just sticking with t-shirts.

Jennifer Lopez - JLo/Sweetface

STYLE:
Lopez launched the trendy JLO brand in 2001. In 2005, she followed up on the success of the line with her high-end label Sweetface—a name a former agent used to call her— which she has described as "sexy street glamor." Jennifer has even received kudos from fashion industry insiders—in 2006 she was honored with an ACE Award for excellence in accessories design.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"I love anything that's girlie," Lopez has said about her taste in clothes. "It's only fashion, but I've got to feel fabulous when I walk out the door.""

Beyoncé Knowles - House of Deréon



STYLE:

Beyoncé and her mom Tina launched their label in 2005, billing the designs—which feature tailoring and embellishments inspired by the Grammy-winner's grandmother—as "affordable couture." B recently modeled sizzling samples from Deréon's swimwear line on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"I love to mix vintage with things that are in now," Beyoncé has said. "I put my clothes in storage so years from now I can auction them off for charity or keep them for my kids. "

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen - The Row & Elizabeth and James


STYLE:
Though they are twins, Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen are true individuals when it comes to fashion. But while MK's looks are more edgy and Ashley prefers to keep it chic, the two share a style symbiosis. Having been actively involved in the designs for their tween collection at Wal-Mart, the sisters have graduated to high style, recently forming two new labels. The Row is couture, while Elizabeth and James heads the contemporary route.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"As young American designers, we are learning what it takes to launch a collection," Ashley (in The Row) said when she and Mary Kate (in Elizabeth and James) presented an award at this year's CFDA awards.

Sienna Miller - Twenty8Twelve


STYLE:
Sienna and her equally stylish sister, Savannah—a graduate of Central Saint Martins school of design—put their heads together to design a line of boho chic clothes called Twenty8Twelve. The collection will reportedly hit Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus soon, but style-setter Sienna has already created a buzz by wearing pieces to parties and on strolls around the London streets.

FASHION PHILOSOPHY:
"I'm really not good at dressing up and being glamorous. I'm fine when I’m just waking up and putting on a pair of jeans," Miller has said.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Hair Special 3: LONG DISTANCE

Runway: The fashionistas' love affair with long hair - the longer the better at Luella, Versace et al - is back on track. Worn sleek, straight and most importantly swingy - not ironed into submission - or layered and in loose semi-waves, this look is at its most directional when draped over one shoulder and combined with a centre parting.

Reality: Incorporating a slightly off-centre parting is more flattering than the ramrod straight variety for those not blessed with perfect model girl features. Regular trims are essential to keep very long hair from looking like rats' tails.


Over the shoulder
Poker-straight lengthy locks, like these flaunted at ES are big news this season, good news for Gwyneth Paltrow, who has been sporting this look for years.



Like Gwyneth, Nicole Kidman knows that poker-straight lengthy locks are both simple and effective - and the over-the-shoulder look was everywhere on this season's catwalks, as shown here at Bendelisi.


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Diesel's Holographic Fashion Show



The audience were stunned during Diesel's show for Spring/Summer 2008 last week in Florence, Italy. Giant aquatic creatures from the deep, snaking robots made from watches and one man submarines were among many other things never before seen on the catwalk leave the audience in awe and open mouths.

The ‘liquid space’ concept for the collection brought life during the 17 minute show. This is the first time that holograms have been projected along a traditional catwalk, being visible from both sides, and the first to combine both real and holographic models in a fashion show.

Watch the video and check out the part where a shoal of fish tranforms itself into a model - this got one of the biggest reactions from the crowd!



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Old Navy Fall 2007

Quite surprisingly, Old Navy has some really cute stuff coming up for Fall '07. I don't have a lookbook yet, but you can check out this ad, which actually isn't super annoying.
Or, you can just click on their outfits for deets. Their hooded fleece coats and swing trenches are absolutely adorable. I'm also hoping they actually will carry those tights in those colors shown on the models.

Congrats, Old Naves. You've come a long way from shapeless, too-short T-shirts.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Wearable Fashion Trends 14: Artisan-Look

This summer maybe the perfect time to face fear and unravel a grown-up take on the 1960s homespun aspect. Wherever you look, fashionistas are going gaga over folklore- from mismatched prints and patchwork dresses to embellished smocks, slouchy fringed totes, raffia sandals and wooden heels. You've got to know how-to-wear these new look.


Runway: Bring out your inner artisan look with contemporary basics - think skinny jeans, fitted pants, city shorts and blazer.

Reality: Tightly belt a loose printed blouse for a more body-conscious feel. Always remember to balance patchwork fabrics with sleek indigo denim or black. Don't forget that heavy heels ground anything too billowing. To wrap it up, keep hair and make-up simple when wearing eclectic prints.

Source

Paris' Freedom Fashion


We've seen her went into jail and just a few days ago we've also seen her went out. Now, she's in the spotlight again because style experts are analyzing Paris Hilton's more natural, post-prison look.



The difference between the Paris we saw strolling out of prison with a little spring in her step and a snappy spring ensemble was a far cry from the handcuffs and sweatpants we saw just over two weeks ago.

Click here to know what the experts sat on Paris' post-prishion fashion statement from hair to heels!

R.I.P Liz Claiborne!

R.I.P. Liz Claiborne, godmama of women's career/casual/ better sports- and resortwear!