The Hills: Season 5

The Hills - MTV Shows

After spending more than 3 years of our lives following their every move, it appears that the break-up between The Hills and its viewers will be bittersweet indeed. The trailer for Season 5 (which will be the show's last) has just been released and I'm happy to say that things seem to be coming together for everyone. Of course there's drama (and an actress hired by the producers to read LC's tarot cards), but in the end it seems as though the girls are going to patch things up and move on with their lives. Whereas I was highly entertained by trailers from the previous seasons where the feud between Lauren and Heidi became more and more dramatic and Audrina looked like she just couldn't stop shedding tears, I'm actually relieved that they can put the past behind them and everyone can get their happy ending (along with a big, fat paycheck from MTV).

Word on the Street: Gareth for Dior?!?!

jumping for joy!

The rumors first began circulating earlier this year, right after Gareth Pugh held a runway show for his first menswear collection. The reviews were great and sitting front row was none other than Delphine Arnault, the daughter of LVMH chief Bernard Arnault. People began speculating what her attendance meant for Pugh: would he be picked up by LVMH? That appeared to be the most logical (and most probable) explination. However, others suggested that LVMH might be considering Pugh as a replacement for Kris Van Assche (it's no secret that his work as head designer for Dior Homme has been less than satisfactory....Hedi Slimane left very large boots to be filled). Weeks went by and the rumors eventually died down. Until now, that is! With London Fashion Week under way, sources close to Pugh are saying that he will be announcing his appointment at Dior Homme any day now. Keep 'em crossed folks!

What we can expect Pugh for Dior Homme to look like...ooohhhhhh

10 Rules of Style

In this month's issue of Details magazine, they asked designer Donna Karen to give her top 10 rule of style for men. Here's what she suggests:

1. Sometimes men can be a little limited when it comes to trying something new. When I first used stretch fabric, I couldn't even use the word stretch until men realized how comfortable it was. Now they ask, "Where's the black stretch crêpe suit?"

2. I don't think there's anything more important than spirituality. I don't think it's about a religion. It's about caring and sharing and realizing that it's not about us independently but about what we can do to help in life and make a difference for other people.

3. Every man should have the seven easy pieces: great pair of black pants, great jacket, white shirt, tie, great cashmere sweater, great pair of jeans, and a piece in leather—things that are amorphous. They can be simple and modern and yet comfortable and elegant.

4. The rudest thing a man can do to a woman is stand her up, not call, and just keep her dangling.

5. I can't stand men wearing a trend because it's a trend. There are quirky men who can carry off quirk, but most men can't.

6. A modern man is someone who looks at his life holistically and is flexible. His approach goes from day into night, from play to work, around the world. He should never be stuck in any one position.

7. I don't like oversized, really sloppy pants hanging off a man's waist, but then again I don't like really uptight looks either. The extreme of either of those styles doesn't make me feel comfortable. When you're trying too hard, it doesn't work.

8. Behind every great man there's a great woman, and behind every great woman there's a great man. A woman knows how to trigger a man's sensitivity and open him up to things that sometimes he can be a little shortsighted about, like how to truly enjoy life. A man knows the element of surprise, which women sometimes forget.

9. Being romantic can be simple—it's those quiet times. When you can just shut it down and really come together as one—that's romantic.

10. One guy can throw on a pair of jeans and T-shirt and just wear that and be perfect, while another guy can wear a T-shirt and jeans and look horrible. A guy needs to keep his eyes open, try several things on, and trust other people's opinions.

"And I'll take off my clothes and it will be shameless..."

"cuz everyone knows that's how you get famous."

Who knew the lyrics from Lilly Allen's new song "The Fear" could be so literal? The fame-loving (yet beautiful) Brit poses for a spread in Q magazine with three black panthers. But don't be so easily fooled, dear readers: the cats were superimposed into the photos after Lilly was shot. Judging by the way the cat's looking at those platforms, I guess they didn't wanna take any chances!

Burberry: The Beat for Women (feat. Agyness Deyn)

After posting about The Beat for guys, I thought I'd give you Aggy lovers a little treat since she's also the face of Burberry's women's fragrance. Enjoy!

Burberry: The Beat

After seeing some behind-the-scenes footage from a photoshoot for Burberry's new fragrance "The Beat", I've become fascinated with the 5 new faces they chose for their ad campaign: Alex Pettyfer, Will Cameron, George Craig, Jonny Epstein, and Kristian Walker. These guys all have a very unique look, and their poses come off as cool and effortless. They're definately faces to watch...I wouldn't be suprised if one of them becomes the next Cole Mohr!

It saddens me to say...

I'll be leaving you all for a few days. I'm headed to Las Vegas for the M.A.G.I.C apparel market and trade shows until next week. In my attempt to get back at the airlines for charging outrageous baggage check fees, I decided that I was going to try and pack an entire week's worth of clothing into my LV Keepall and just carry it on board (I dare not check in such a thing)! Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough room for my MacBook so I won't be blogging about my trip, New York Fashion Week, or anything else for an entire week. However, I will be back just in time to give you the scoop from London Fashion Week and tell you what went down at M.A.G.I.C. But then, on second thought, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Keep it fierce Richmond!

I LOVE BOO!

Fashion Video from Seth Bernstein on Vimeo.

Band Of Outsiders has to be, by far, one of my top 3 favorite designers! Their clothes are just so darn wearable! With transitional pieces that can be worn season after season, it's almost as if nothing ever goes out of style and items from a current collection can be mixed and matched with something from a year ago. The construction is intricate yet seemingly effortless, and the designs are never over thought. Here are some photos from today's BOO presentation (featuring stilettos from their collaboration with Manolo Blahnik) and a video of another. Wish I was there.

From London, with LOVE

As you all should know, Katie Grand's POP followup, LOVE, is set to hit stands in the U.K. during London Fashion Week. A few pages have already been scanned by someone who got their bloody little hands on a copy pre-release and a quick glance reveals Beth Ditto for the cover, Adriana Lima posing as Amy Winehouse, candid photos of Kate Moss, and shots of Alber Elbaz and Vivienne Westwood. Do you LOVE?

Shots from the Scene: Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson @ Charlotte Ronson

Shots from the Scene: Models @ Rag & Bone

Nick Snider

Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez

Sascha Pivavarova & sister

Jessica Stam and Coco Rocha

Shots from the Scene: Richard and The Boys @ Richard Chai

Shots from the Scene: La Wintour & SJP @ Alexander Wang

Just In Case You Were Wondering

The top colors for Fall 2009 (based on what designers are showing at Fashion Week) have just been published in a report by The Pantone Color Institute. My favorites are American Beauty and Warm Olive! Just follow to chart left to right, top to bottom to match each swatch with it's corresponding shade:

1. Iron
2. Purple Heart
3. Majolica Blue
4. American Beauty
5. Honey Yellow
6. Rapture Rose
7. Burnt Sienna
8. Warm Olive
9. Nomad
10. Creme Brulee

Gasp for Air!

Bow down, haters! Mary Kate Olsen is looking super fierce in a new (and very futuristic) cover shot and fashion spread for Interview magazine. Although Mary Kate is definitely a fashion icon, I'm not sure I've ever seen anything quite this edgy from her. Loves it. I can identify at least one F/W 09 Balanciaga piece from this spread, can you?

New York Fashion Week is almost here!

I can't contain my excitement! Here is the schedule (a.k.a ballot) for Friday the 13th, the first day of shows. Let me know who your favorite designer of the day is! Then, at the end of the day on Friday, I'll vote on the best collection and those of who you chose your designer wisely can bask in the glory of your awesome trend spotting abilities. It's sort of like Fantasy Football...without the gross, sweaty, athleticism of it all.

FRIDAY February 13th

Time	Events
9 a.m.	Anthony Manfredonia Blue Fin, 1567 Broadway, at 47th St.
9 a.m.–6 p.m.	Alexandra Vidal 120 E. 87th St., nr. Lexington Ave., Ste. R22E
10 a.m.	Heart Truth Bryant Park, the Tent
10 a.m.–Noon	Barbara Tfank The Carlyle, 35 E. 76th St., at Madison Ave.
11 a.m.	Yigal Azrouël Bryant Park, the Promenade
11 a.m.	Telfar St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, 131 E. 10th St., at Second Ave.
11 a.m.–6 p.m.	Slow and Steady Wins the Race Kiosk, 95 Spring St., nr. Broadway, second fl.
Noon	Abaeté Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St., nr. Seventh Ave.
Noon–2 p.m.	Chadwick Bell Hosfelt Gallery, 531 W. 36th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.
1 p.m.	Jason Wu Exit Art, 475 Tenth Ave., at 36th St.
1 p.m.	Duckie Brown Bryant Park, the Salon
1:30 p.m.–3 p.m.	Bensoni Skyline Gallery, 500 W. 36th St., at Tenth Ave.
2 p.m.	Charlotte Ronson Bryant Park, the Promenade
3 p.m.	BCBG Max Azria Bryant Park, the Tent
3:30 p.m.–7 p.m.	Zang Toi 30 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave., seventh fl.
4 p.m.	Davidelfin Eyebeam Atelier, 541 W. 21st St., nr. Eleventh Ave.
4 p.m.	Cushnie et Ochs Celest Bartos Forum, New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Ave., at 41st St.
4 p.m. –5 p.m.	Shipley & Halmos 511 W. 25th St., nr. Tenth Ave.
5 p.m.	rag & bone Cedar Lake, 547 W. 26th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.
6 p.m.	Nicole Miller Bryant Park, the Tent
6 p.m.	Robert Geller Focus Studio, 599 Eleventh Ave., at 45th St.
6 p.m.	Dany Atrache Haute Couture The Waldorf–Astoria, 301 Park Ave., nr. 49th St.
6 p.m.–8 p.m.	Christian Cota Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
6 p.m.–9 p.m.	Haute Hippie Showroom 10Eleven, 80 W. 40th St., nr. Sixth Ave., penthouse
7 p.m.	Staerk & Victor Glemaud Milk Studio, 450 W. 15th St., nr. Tenth Ave., penthouse
7 p.m.	Costello Tagliapietra Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St., nr. Seventh Ave.
7 p.m.	Rachel Comey Taxter & Spengemann, 123 E. 12th St., nr. Third Ave.
8 p.m.	Academy of Art Bryant Park, the Tent
8 p.m.	Form Tribeca Grand, 2 Sixth Ave., at White St.
8 p.m.	Lorick New York Focus Studio, 599 Eleventh Ave., at 45th St.
8:30 p.m.	Catalin Botezatu Couture The Waldorf–Astoria, 301 Park Ave., nr. 49th St.
9 p.m.	Kati Stern/Venexiana Bryant Park, the Salon
9 p.m.	Bland Prsentation/Installation Opening Asia Song Society, 45 Canal St., nr. Ludlow St.

Kelly "Cut-throat" Cutrone coming to Bravo?

So, there's hope out there for girls struggling with eating disorders, after all (just kidding). And that hope is coming in the form of Kelly Cutrone, founder of the fashion PR company People's Revolution. Love her or hate her, the woman is brilliant (and very smart). Wiggling her way into reality show after reality show (The Hills, The City, True Life, etc.), Cutrone is now getting a reality show of her own and has already signed an eight-episode contact with Bravo. I'm a little suprised that the show wasn't picked up by MTV, but with Kelly being the business woman that she is I'm almost positive she went where the price was right. Can you blame her?

Just Pants...Gonna be O.K.

Hmmm, interesting. While I am usually opposed to celebrities starting their own fashion lines, it's been reported that Lady Gaga will be launching a "pants line"...which is mind-boggling since she never seems to be wearing any. However, Gaga is a fashion icon and trendsetter in her own right so I am confident that she knows what she's doing. I imagine some sort of polyurethane-coated, leather legging concoction.

Au Revoir Bryant Park, Bonjour Damrosch Park?

After 15 years of calling Bryant Park home (even that name is synonymous with the bi-annual event), New York Fashion Week will packing up and heading to Damrosch Park at the Lincoln Center. Providing a 25% increase in square footage, many show goers, including Anna Wintour, are in favor of the move. “Lincoln Center may actually prove to be easier to traverse between shows, as Chelsea and the West Side are on the same axis,” says Linda Fargo, Vice President of Bergdorf Goodman. The proximity of this new space to other areas of the city means fashionistas will no longer have to chase after cabs in 4-inch heels, sprinting from show to show. The move won't be happening until September 2010 (or the S/S 2011 collections), so enjoy the 4x4 box-like atmosphere of Bryant Park while you still can, my friends.

This is just bananas! I die!

The nerve. Following in the footsteps of genius Paris Hilton, Rachel Zoe has trademarked her signature phrases "Bananas" and "I Die", preventing any else to capitalize off of her brilliance and originality. Her lawyer even sent a cease-and-desist letter to New York artist Christopher Suavé (responsible for the "Save Anna" tee-shirts), ordering him to stop selling the clever shirt seen above. Come on, lighten up Rachel. Can't you just picture Brad running around the tents at Bryant Park wearing that tee-shirt tucked into APC jeans with a Ralph Lauren vest and Ray Ban eye glasses hiding from 'Tay-Tay' and on the verge of a meltdown behind the Moet & Chandon booth? I die!

The September Issue

Need I elaborate further on this movie poster? Didn't think so. The rights to the documentary have been purchased by Roadside Attractions production company and the film will debut on the silver screen in, well, September. Something tells me this is going to mean (a) big money for A&E, (b) big money for Vogue as I anticipate 2009's September issue will, indeed, fly off newstands and (c) big money for the fashion industy as the movie's release date coincides with Fashion Week. Good job, Anna.

Waiting for LOVE?

Well, the wait is over! Promo ads for LOVE, the magazine founded by former POP editor Katie Grand, can be seen in this month's issue of British Vogue as well as on the magazine's blog. Featuring Agyness Deyn, Iggy Pop, and Iris Strubegger, these promotional covers are just a glimpse of what is to come when the magazine launches on February 19th in the UK, just before Fashion Week. Aaagghhh, I'm so excited!!!