Notice: The End of Days

From here on I will be referring our current economic blight as The End of Days...because if Chanel can't even afford to keep a mobile exhibit on the road then God help us all!

Chanel closes it's doors...

...Chanel Mobile Art, that is. Due to this horrible, wretched economy, Chanel has disassembled it's mobile pavilion. Permanently. "In the current context we have to arbitrate," says a Chanel spokesperson, "we prefer to refocus on our strategic investments in terms of development." Having only completed the New York leg of its six city tour, the exhibit will not be moving on to London, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Moscow. Although I missed my opportunity to see the free exhibit in NYC, I still held on to the remote possibility that through some act of fate I would just happen to be in one of the aforementioned cities while the exhibit was going on (wishful thinking, I know). So depressing. I'm going to watch the Hills...I need a pick-me-up.

Au Revior, Olivier?

Maybe this fiasco has something to do with that dress...looks like Sarah Jessica Parker got the last laugh, Olivier.

Noooo! Word on the street is that French designer Olivier Theyskens, best known for his work as artistic director for Nina Ricci, may be headed out the door. And it doesn't appear as if he's leaving voluntarily, either. The reason for the label's dismissal of their wonderboy has been cited by Fashion Week Daily as a consequence of his inability to translate his creativity to the more commercial market during these times of economic distress. The fashion publication says that his departure comes "following a Spring 2009 collection that left retailers wondering backstage if the 'real collection' was available in the showroom."

While this most recent Nina Ricci collection wasn't my favorite by any means, I think that Theyskens has done a tremendous amount for the label over the past year and a half, turning Nina Ricci into a household name (for those familiar with fashion, anyway). An article by New York Magazine only adds fuel to this rumor, reporting that Theyskens contract is set to expire in October 2009. As sorry as I will be to see him leave (if he is, indeed, leaving), at least Nina Ricci didn't pull a big one on Theyskens like Valentino did to Alessandra Facchinetti. And, looking once more at the bright side of things, we still get at least one more collection out of him before he hits the road!

Here's to brighten up your Friday!

But What Will She Wear?

Winning is only half the battle

While Barack has announced that he will be wearing a Hart Schaffner Marx (the same suitmaker who has been dressing Obama throughout the campaign) tuxedo to the Inaugaration Ball on January 20th, who the First Lady will be wearing is still up in the air. Everyone from Micheal Kors and Diane von Furstenberg to Marc Jacobs and Zac Posen have been sending their sketches to Michelle Obama. Interestingly, nothing has been seen from Michelle's favorite designers, Thakoon and Narciso Rodriguez.

Death Watch: Madison Avenue

And another retailer bites the dust. A Sergio Rossi representative has confirmed that they will be closing all of their stores in the United States (well, they only had three: one in New York City, Los Angeles, and Hawaii) by early 2009. This revelation comes right on the heels of their huge sample sale last week where $700 pumps were going for $50 and $1,000 boots were $100. Shoppers can still find the Italian fashion designer's shoes and handbags at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdord Goodman, as well as online at shopbop.com and net-a-porter.com. Just a week ago, Alessandro Dell'Acqua also announced that they were closing shop and shutting down their Madison Avenue store. As consumers begin to clutch their 2.55s a little tighter, we can only wonder who's going to be next?

It's a Material World

Finally, some Raf we can all afford!

Belgian designer Raf Simons, best known for his work as creative director at Jil Sander, is now collaborating with backpack company Eastpak and incorporating his love for exaggerated proportions and linear silhouettes into totes, messenger bags, caryalls, and backpaks. S/S 09 marks the second season of their Material World collection. The line ranges from $208-$506 and should be available at Barneys in NYC, Dover Street Market in London, and Colette in Paris. While these backpacks aren't necessarily the cheapest Eastpaks you've ever come across, they are the cheapest Raf by Raf items you can find and they're definately worth it. I'm saving up for mine right now and I suggest you do the same!

The Ultimate Heist

Last night, Harry Winston on the Avenue Montaigne in Paris was robbed by four thieves (two of whom were dresses as women) who stole an estimated $101 million in jewelry. Just over a year ago, that same Harry Winston store was robbed by thieves who got away with over $25 million in goods. While the two incidents have so far proven to be unrelated, this time the sting only took 15 minutes and the robbers were said to know the exact location of the store's secret storage units as well as the names of several store employees. I say there's a good chance Danny Ocean had something to do with this!

'The Devil' goes to...Sundance?

Back in December of 2006 A&E announced that their film crew had been given "unprecedented access" to the Vogue offices and that they were shooting footage for an Indie documentary (Jesus Camp 2.0?) in which they'd chronicle the making of Vogue's September 2007 issue. They chose the title: The September Issue (clever) and not much had been heard about the film until now. R.J. Cutler's documentary about Vogue has just been accepted at Sundance Film Festival in January 2009! I can't wait to see it. Frenzied assistants scuffing their studded Louboutin heels as they run around, hiding from La Wintour. I just hope (for the sake of all at Sundance) that the film wins something.

Just Released: Madonna for Vuitton

Louis Vuitton has just released two of the six prints they'll be using as advertisements in their campaign with Madonna. Both Vuitton and Madonna lovers alike will be able to find the rest of the photos, shot by Steven Meisel, in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, and other fashion magazines come February.

Don't Quote Me

"I have no plans to leave American Vogue now or in the foreseeable future."-Anna Wintour

Save(a)Buck

Well, there may be at least one good thing to come out of this recent recession (hint: it starts with an "s" and ends in an "e"). Yep, that's right, SALE(S)! Retailers everywhere have been slashing prices drastically in hopes of salvaging what's left of this fiscal year, and the deepest cuts can be found online. So, from now until the end of the year (and, probably, beyond if this economy demands it) I'll be filling you in on some of this season's sweetest deals. It's my gift to you, so enjoi!

This week, eLuxury.com is discounting it's closet of high-priced designer duds up to as much as 40% off. Here are my picks:

Dior leather "Plaque" flats, $309 (from $535)

Rag & Bone Pleated Dress, $299 (from $495)

Marc Jacobs "Bianca", $999 (from $2,850)

J Brand Pencil Leg Jean, $79 (from $158)

3.1 Phillip Lim Canvas Duffle Bag, $299 (from $325)

Dior Homme "Butterfly" Print Tee, $109 (from $180)

Maison Martin Margiela Destroyed Boot, $799 (from $1,145)

Rick Owens Jersey Tee, $245 (from $351)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Houndstooth Dress, $275 (from $458)

Fendi "Secret Code" Bootie, $439 (from $730)

LOOK NEW YORK

A runway look from Lanvin

The Spring 2009 edition of Look New York just hit stands today and I want you to BUY BUY BUY!!! One of my favorite publications, New York Magazine's Look offers readers full-access to New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Week. The publication is an in-depth roundup of all the Spring trends seen on the runway which seem to include jumpsuits, sheer fabrics, and more fringe (if Fall 2008 didn't offer enough of that). Also featured in the magazine are beautiful, intimate, and very dramatic photos taken backstage by photographer Benjamin Lowy as well as great interviews with people like Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz. Here are a few of Lowy's photos to hold you over until you can get to Barnes and Noble to buy your copy!

Backstage @ Galliano

At the Giambatista Valli show in Paris

Backstage at Roberto Cavalli

From the Louis Vuitton runway

Backstage at Dior

How Cute!

It's no secret that UGGs have been adored by Hollywood celebrities for quite some time now. Years before those, um, "things" spread across America and to the masses, UGGs were seen on everyone from Matthew Mcconaughey to Paris Hilton. And now the comfy footwear of the famous has found its latest (and shall I say defenseless) victim: celebrity children! From little Kingston Stefani to Suri Cruise, some of the hottest kids in Hollywood are wearing them.

Don't Quote Me

"Lo: 'Are you kidding? That's laughable, you would never do that!'
LC: 'It's insulting on so many different levels. And she's saying that I would hook up with him. Yes, Audrina, I did! You know what, I couldn't resist his charm, his manners, his impeccable hygiene. I was under the Justin Bobby spell.'"- A conversation between Lauren and Lo on the latest episode of The Hills

Campaign Alert: Madonna Rocks the Vuitton

It seems as though Her Madgesty has a lot going on in her life (both personal and professional). Currently completing the North American leg of her Sticky & Sweet tour and having just recently settled her divorce with Guy Ritchie, Madonna has been offered $10 million to be the face of Louis Vuitton's Spring 2009 campaign. While it was originally rumored that the ad would be shot by the legendary duo Mert & Marcus, it has since been confirmed that Madonna will be shot by none other than Steven Meisel.

Check out Madonna jumping right into her new role as a walking billboard for Vuitton's handbags below. Now, let's just hope the Queen of Pop doesn't come away from this gig with a French accent, too!

Madonna wearing a dress from the Vuitton S/S 09 collection to the GUCCI benefit party last week at the Plaza Hotel in NYC

Finally, the attention we deserve...

The men's fashion trade publication DNR (Women's Wear Daily's male counterpart) published a great article last Monday about how more and more men are being targeted by some of Europe's hottest fast fashion retailers like H&M, Zara, Mango, and Topman (and a few American stores such as J. Crew). These shops are re-vamping their men's collections, opening men's only flagship stores, and bringing in high-fashion designers in an effort to attract a larger number of male consumers with an increasing appetite for the latest trends. I say keep it up!

How cool are these shades!

On December 3rd you can either stop by the Sunglass Hut in Soho or log on to SunglassHut.com to purchase one of the 100 limited-edition Ray Ban Wayfarers hand painted by New York artist Chris Mendoza. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Miro, Kandinsky, and Franklin Lloyd Wright, Mendoza combines the architectural draftsmanship he learned from his father while growing up in Nicaragua with the letters, faces, and forms that cover the subways of New York City. All of this talent undoubtedly makes for a mean pair of sunglasses!

Hot Topic

O.K. guys, here's something new! At the end of each week I'll post some sort of trivia question for you to answer. You'll have all weekend to search for clues and give your response. I'll post the answer on Mondays and whoever gets it right can bask in the glory of being a genius! I'll make the first one super easy for you. Here goes: Which pop star just recently settled a divorce with her movie producer husband in which he chose the kids over her $300+ million fortune?

This Week's Picks

Model Profile: Caroline Trentini

Nationality: Brazilian
Birthday: July 6, 1987
Born in: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Height: 5.11
Agency: Marilyn Model Management, Select Model Management, Why Not Model Management
Modeled for: Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Rosa Cha, Victoria's Secret, DKNY, Express, Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar, American Vogue

Campaign Alert: Katie Holmes the New Face of Miu Miu

It's just been announced that Katie Holmes has been asked to sign on as the star for Miu Miu's S/S 09 advertising campaign. This is the first campaign Holmes has signed on to do since her 2001 deal with Garnier. From hair color to handbags, Katie? Former faces of Miu Miu include Lindsay Lohan, Vanessa Paradis, Drew Barrymore, and (my favorite Miu Miu campaign to date) Kirsten Dunst.

The advertisement, which some sources report to have occurred yesterday due to Holmes leaving a studio with full hair and makeup, will feature the actress being surrounded by models who seem to be "accessorising" the star while she herself serves as the high-fashion focal point. I'm not quite sure why Miu Miu chose the tabloid wife and Broadway performer. Maybe they wanted to appeal to a more American audience, or perhaps they just didn't want to feature another "it" girl. Whatever the reason, Holmes has been making quite the name for herself as a burgeoning fashionista and this new partnership with a high fashion brand will do nothing but help solidify her standing as a style icon.