Emmy Fashion: Red Carpet Hits and Misses

Kyra Sedgwick, shown in Monique Lhuillier, won an Emmy for her leading role in 'The Closer.'

The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards were satisfying on so many levels: Jimmy Fallon rocked as host; some of our favorite actors like Edie Falco, Jane Lynch and Kyra Sedgwick took home gold statuettes; and the fashion parade on the red carpet didn’t disappoint.

Glee force of nature Lynch glammed up nicely, trading in her Sue Sylvester tracksuit for an elegant eggplant Ali Rahimi gown, a diamond brooch on its one shoulder. She and Falco (Nurse Jackie), who picked up her fourth Emmy in a flattering black Bottega Veneta, were two of many sporting the single-shoulder style. Others included Wanda Sykes, Carrie Ann Inaba, Cheryl Hines in a silvery Zac Posen, Jane Krakowski in a deep blue Escada and Eva La Rue in a shimmery cutout Oday Shakar.

Sedgwick, accepting her The Closer Emmy in a strapless burgundy Monique Lhuillier, had plenty of company in the shoulder-baring brigade. Mariska Hargitay was a knockout in a creamy Vera Wang with a flowing train, Damages nominee Glenn Close was radiant in a Rubin Singer gown in a color she called “metallic olive,” and Modern Family nominee Sofia Vergara dazzled in a yellow Carolina Herrera with metallic beading. Her castmate Julie Bowen was smashing in a ruffled black silk J. Mendel.

Eva Longoria Parker accessorized her stunning black strapless Robert Rodriguez with eye-catching chandelier earrings from Loren Jewels, and Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi embellished her navy Carolina Herrera with a tribal necklace from her own line. Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) also chose navy, while Brooke Burke (Dancing With the Stars, She’s Got the Look) wore a white gown that accented every curve.

Black sequins were the bling of choice for Susan Sarandon, in Donna Karan, Archie Panjabi, Supporting Actress winner for The Good Wife, in Tadashi Shoji, and Paula Abdul, while red was the color for Glee’s Jessalyn Gilsig, in a ruffled strapless Nicole Miller, and Maura Tierney, in a lacy vintage tomato-hued gown from The Way We Wore. Good Wife Julianna Margulies lost to Sedgwick but looked like a winner in a body-hugging navy sequined L’Wren Scott.

Alas, armies of stylists couldn’t prevent some stars from making fashion faux pas. While we adore Lauren Graham, we don’t know why she chose a blouson-topped Yigal Azrouël gown that camouflaged her figure. We didn’t care for Jewel’s fussy Zuhair Murad, Tina Fey’s beaded Oscar de la Renta or Toni Collette’s gray Valentino — from a distance, its hemline print made it seem like she had stepped in mud.

Also on our miss list were Kristen Wiig’s too-busy print, Lily Tomlin’s zebra-print top and Mad Men nominee Christina Hendricks, whose feathered lilac Zac Posen accentuated her curves but was the wrong color for the redheaded star.

Uncharacteristically, fashion maven Heidi Klum is on our worst-dressed list too — her Marchesa mini was way too short, more suited for the MTV Awards than the Emmys. All we can think of is she needed an excuse to show off her Christian Louboutin stilettos. Talk about killer shoes!

For more behind-the-scenes intel, check out VIVmag’s Emmy Awards Special Issue. Whose Emmy look did you love?

Photo credit: Mathew Imaging/WireImage

Kate Moss and Topshop part ways, Gucci’s digital flagship, Bulgari recovers, Boss sales rebound, Kolkata fashion weeks clash

Kate Moss for Topshop, Autumn 2009 | Source: Topshop

Kate Moss and Topshop to end design deal (BBC)

“A three-year design partnership between Kate Moss and Topshop is to end later this year. When the supermodel unveils her autumn and winter range in October – it will be her 14th and last collection for the chain.”

Gucci opens its new luxury digital flagship store (Fashion and Runway)

“Following an 18 month architectural renovation under the direction of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the new online retail destination takes advantage of the most innovative technologies available today.”

Bulgari Recovers Its Luster (Wall Street Journal)

“Though jewelry lies at the heart of Bulgari’s business, Mr. Trapani’s decision to diversify into watches, perfumes and accessories over the past 20 years has “radically changed” the company he joined in 1981, he says. These lines now account for almost 50% of the company’s sales.”

Hugo Boss Sees Sales Rebound (Bloomberg)

“Hugo Boss AG’s sales rebound will gather pace in the second half of 2010 as its U.S. business benefits from a shift by customers toward less-expensive luxury items, according to Chief Financial Officer Mark Langer.”

It is Gandhi-wear vs bridal-wear in Kolkata (Times of India)

“With one paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s simple dressing style and another showcasing lavish bridal wear, the city is set for a double delight this September as two fashion weeks clash on the same date.”

Quotable | Tomas Maier on his new ‘smart design’ collection for H&M?

Quotable | Tomas Maier on his new ‘smart design’ collection for H&M?: "

Smart women are so beautiful. I think they are the most beautiful to me. I also think that men and women that are very comfortable within their own skin are gorgeous.”

What appears to be Tomas Maier, Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, speaking in a YouTube video posted by H&M to tease the brand’s Facebook followers in advance of the announcement of H&M’s next designer collaboration on September 9th, 2010.

The Emmys Rundown

The 62nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards opened with a Glee-inspired performance of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' starring host Jimmy Fallon as the Boss and a who's who of the evening's nominees, including Tina Fey, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, and the dirty-dancing duo of Jon Hamm and Betty White (the year's by-now ubiquitous mascot). As Fallon—who soon swapped his blue-collar Springsteen drag for Tom Ford—put it, "It's been a phenomenal year in TV." The ceremony itself moved along fairly snappily—we especially appreciated the slug at the bottom of the screen announcing "George Clooney in 17 minutes.'

But if the relatively brisk pace was refreshing, the evening's fashions stuck to the contemporary awards-show script. One-shoulder gowns, as usual, were popular choices. Edie Falco's was Bottega Veneta and Joan Allen's was Michael Kors. Asymmetrical necklines weren't quite as prevalent as strapless ones, though, which turned up on Heidi Klum (seriously short Marchesa) and Claire Danes (sparkling Armani Privé). And so what if bared shoulders are predictable? We're betting any audience appreciation award would've gone to Sofia Vergara's buttercup yellow Carolina Herrera bustier dress (though Christina Hendricks' décolleté-baring Zac Posen might have been a close second).

Still, there were some risk takers. January Jones chose an electric blue Atelier Versace with cone-shaped bra cups; Tina Fey opted for jet embroidered Oscar de la Renta; Rita Wilson went with a Prada runway dress dripping in clear crystals; and Anna Paquin wore an Alexander McQueen black gown from Resort with bold gold shoulder embellishments. It had NBC’s commentators comparing her unfavorably to a matador—but really, what do they know? It brought some welcome edge to the red carpet.

Less edgy but indisputably chic was Julianna Margulies in a navy sequined L'Wren Scott tank dress. The Good Wife star also had the good fortune to receive a peck on the cheek from Clooney as she presented him with his Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, so we're calling it: She may have lost out to Kyra Sedgwick for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, but Margulies had the best night overall.

—Nicole Phelps

Not-So-Little Pony

"When Richard Mortimer throws a party, there is no choice—you just have to come, don't you?" said Erdem Moralioglu. Most of his London designer comrades—and a generous helping of club kids of all persuasions—certainly think so. Mortimer is something of a legend in the local club scene for his dearly departed Boombox party, of course. Those days have come and gone, but Mortimer's second act, as editor of the online fashion mag Ponystep, fortuitously comes with ample opportunities for revelry. Ponystep's parties tend to take place in Paris, but for one night, Mortimer repatriated them—to the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen in East London, the old stomping grounds of Boombox, no less—for a very special event: his 30th birthday.

Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Kinder Aggugini, and Sophia Kokosalaki were among the designers who stopped by to wish the birthday boy well (and to blow off a little steam before London fashion week). Gareth Pugh and Jefferson Hack alternated sets on the decks, and the winsome Florrie Arnold—face of Nina Ricci's relaunched L'Elixir—performed a few songs, too.

Mortimer's mates were toting masks with his face on them, and as you'd expect from London's party set, the maquillage on some of the guests was a sight to behold in itself. 'In Paris, they are just so happy to have a party to go to,' Mortimer said appreciatively when we tracked him down (we're pretty sure it was him and not a masked impostor). 'Here, they really expect something nuts and out of control each time. They are the professional kind of party people, this lot, so I constantly have to raise the bar to keep them happy.' As if on cue, the proof of a great party appeared: the cops at the door, trying to bring the noise and crowds under control. As if.

—Afsun Qureshi

Confirmed: Corinne Day Passed Away Yesterday

Twitter was abuzz this weekend with news of the death of famous British photographer Corinne Day, who’s credited with launching Kate Moss‘ career on the pages of The Face in 1990. The news was posted on Elite London’s blog on Saturday.

Day had been battling a brain tumor for over a year.

However, soon after fans began sending their condolences via the Web, others started disputing the claim. And no major news outlets have been able to confirm the news.

Update: According to a source close to Day, she passed yesterday at 5pm GMT. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Her images shaped a fashion generation.

Step Right Up and Get Your YSL Palais Pumps!

YSL’s amazing fall shoe, the palais pump is finally in stores. Which color is right for you?

Ralph Rucci Canceled His Runway Show–Should Others Follow?

American couturier Ralph Rucci won’t put on on runway show this upcoming fashion week. Instead, he’s taking private appointments for editors and buyers.

Rucci’s reasoning has to do with the extended medical leave of his president, Vivian Van Natta. He’ll save about $500,000 by meeting with interested parties one-on-one.

We hope other designers will follow suit. While nothing beats the runway when it comes to creating excitement and buzz around a brand, less-outlandish designers benefit from showing off the high quality of their clothes up-close. Rucci’s pieces are nearly couture-level, and those who want to buy a piece–or ten–will be able to easily examine the items without the hassle of a big production.

Designer Lyn Devon–who much like Rucci, boasts a sizable made-to-order business–has been using this approach for years. Each editor/buyer gets a few minutes with the designer during her day or two of appointments. I’ve become a huge fan of Lyn and her clothes during these quick meetings–I already liked the designs, but to be able to see what she likes best and what she’s most proud of has made me appreciate the brand even more.

So we praise Rucci for his choice, and hope that those facing a similar situation will forget about norms and do what’s best for them, whether that means a runway show, a presentation, or private appointments.

Fashion News Round-Up: Kate Moss To Leave Topshop, Target at Gilt Glitch, and Tomas Maier Rumored To Do H&M Collab

Kate Moss and Topshop Break Up: Kate Moss’s 14th collection for Topshop this October will be her last. Since it was recently announced that Sir Phillip Green’s 19-year-old daughter Chloe has started training with the company, rumors have started swirling that she’ll replace Moss as the face of Topshop. There are also reports that was not an amicable one. {Daily Mail}

Target Craze Catches Gilt Off-Guard: Some shoppers weren’t able to get their Target from Gilt. It’s unclear at this point whether Gilt oversold the Target merch (which included Mulberry, Tucker and John Derian for Target), but they’re offering shoppers who were unable to get their goods a $25 credit. {Racked}

Tomas Maier for H&M?: Bottega Veneta creative director Tomas Maier is rumored to be the next designer to collaborate with H&M. The brand has released two ambiguous videos to build hype around their next two collaborations. The grand reveal is on September 9th. Thoughts on the mysterious lady designer? Carolina? Vivian Westwood? Who could it be? {fashionologie}

No Picket Lines at NYFW: IMG Fashion and Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have reached a settlement. Now the only lines you’ll have to contend with are the ones to get into the shows. {WWD subscription required}

Best Dressed: The Emmys

Last night at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, we favored risk-taking and bright colors over all the dull black and navy that populated the red carpet. We have January Jones in Versace Atelier, Keri Russell in vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture, Emily Blunt in Dior, Anna Paquin in McQueen, and Betty White in a bold watercolor printed number.

Jessica Simpson Will Host a Spring 2011 Presentation at Her Showroom Right Before Fashion Week

This time around, Jessica Simpson is taking jeans seriously. The celeb is relaunching her denim label this autumn, and will host an informal party/Spring 2011 presentation in New York a few days before Fashion Week.

Our source tell us that instead of using models, the singer/actress/personality has enlisted some of her best mates–including CaCee Cobb and sister Ashlee–to show off the new styles, which include denim and other pieces from her main collection, sold at department stores like Macy’s.

Simpson is going to personally style the girls, so it should make for an interesting evening. Think of it as something light and not too serious–like the woman herself–before the fashion week madness begins.

Istanbul Fashion Week: The Best of the Rest

Istanbul Fashion Week has come to an end. For a new fashion week (this is only their third season), Istanbul put on quite a show, capping off the week with supermodel Alessandro Ambrosio, who flew in the night before to walk in the Koton swimwear show.

Istanbul is home to around 15 million people. It’s a vibrant, chaotic and beautiful place, and I quickly learned that getting around is not as simple as hopping on the tram, or jumping in a cab and giving your driver a street address. Directions are much more vague in Istanbul–ancient mosques, old stone doors, and even “down around the hill” are markers. So it was merely a reflection of the city, that the scene at the Taskisla Building at Istanbtul Techinical University, the venue for Istanbul Fashion Week, was a bit chaotic and difficult to navigate as well. But in spite of the chaos, or because of it, Istanbul Fashion Week was a blast. The shows were inventive, and the designers put out inspired collections.

A big thank you to ELLE Turkey and itkib Istanbul for hosting me.

I could write for days about everything I saw–both at Istanbul Fashion Week and the sites I explored in the city itself. But I won’t. Here’s the best of the rest:

Sally’s Styling Seminary: A Stylist’s Most Important Tool? Her Database

Every stylist needs a contact database to keep track of everyone, include the designers’ PR firm (for samples), studio services and boutiques (for pulls), and creative teams (for brainstorming). A contact database organizes and holds a stylist’s trusted network. Styling has its share of fashion emergencies (“I need a Dolce dress for a cover shoot in eight hours?! WHAT?!”), which means a stylist worth his/her day rate must keep a very resourceful and updated database.

Over the years, I have seen contact databases in many forms. Marie Amelie Sauve kept her “database” in a Hermes agenda when I was assisting her. In 2007 when I was at Pop Magazine, all of the editors kept track of their contacts via Blackberries synced with their iMacs. Nowadays, I prefer to keep my database in a Mobile Me account that syncs with my iPhone, iPad and MacBook (yes, I am a Mac nerd). Keeping my database in an account like Mobile Me or Gmail allows my trusted assistants to access and update my contacts from any web browser. I recommend keeping a stylist’s database electronically that can be backed up because even the best of us have suffered a lost address book. It can take weeks, months, and sometimes years to gather all of the information again from scratch.

A thorough database includes the following contacts by name, company, work phone, mobile phone, email, address, and notes (titles, agents, assistants, birthdays, other important applicable info) in every city and country the stylist works:

I-Ella.com is Hiring Interns!

I-ELLA.com, a unique invitation-only marketplace where you can edit your wardrobe and shop celebrity closets while supporting social change is seeking two Fashion Interns and one Photography/ Graphic Design Intern. An internship with I-ELLA means exciting hands on experience with a small team in a fun start-up environment.

Availability: FULL-TIME / PART-TIME / INTERNSHIPS

Openings: 3 Internships, 1 Full-Time or Part-Time

Location: New York City

Fashion Intern Responsibilities: (Two Positions)
- Pick up merchandise from celebrities and fashion industry insiders
- Assist on photo shoots
- Create story and inspiration boards
- Assist entire staff with general administrative duties
- Work on special projects for fashion week
- Maintain inventory list of merchandise
- Responsible for care of designer samples and organizing the fashion closet

Photography/ Graphic Design Intern Responsibilities: (One Position)
- Photograph merchandise for website
- Edit/ re-touch images post photo shoots
- Create marketing collateral (email blasts, invitations, etc.)
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
- Photoshop wiz

Pay: Based on Experience

Requirements:
- Undergraduate/ Graduate with a 3.0+ GPA from a top school
- Magazine, fashion, on-line retail, dotcom or startup experience preferred
- Self- motivated, passionate, organized, detail oriented, ability to multi-task, up-beat, willing to perform even small tasks, ability to work independently, available to attend industry events and work long hours when necessary

Please send cover letter, resume and portfolio (if applicable) to: mycareer@i-ella.com.

More on the DVF X HP Fashion’s Night Out Event

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned that Diane Von Furstenberg is collaborating with HP on a Fashion’s Night Out event to be held at her Meatpacking District studio. Guests will be able to play with fancy new HP technology as well as a photo booth where participants can pose in DVF looks and print the images on wireless printers.

We’ve already touched on the trend of tech companies trying to target girls and this isn’t the first step HP has taken to build a presence within the fashion world. Last year, the computer makers collaborated on a laptop with Vivienne Tam, which debuted in her Spring 2010 runway show. In March, Project Runway contestants were challenged to create fabric patterns on HP computers and turn them into actual garments. Tam guest judged. HP also did a collaboration with Sex and the City 2.

Furstenberg isn’t typically big on collaborations, but we think it would be interesting and not so surprising if a DVF-designed HP laptop came out of this event.

We got our hands on images of some of the interactive content that you’ll find at the event and a rendering of the “HP Experience Lounge.” Looks futuristic.

Mad Men Style Recap, Episode 6

Last night’s Mad Men pondered the age-old question: how to succeed in business without really trying? The answer seems to be get blackout drunk and hire someone young and probably unqualified to do your job for you. Roger does it with Don, just as Don hires Danny after drunkenly blurting out his tagline to Life Cereal.

The real loser of this game, other than talent, is Peggy. Peggy has been doing the legwork behind Don’s “brilliance” and getting no credit for far too long. She’s booted from attending the Clios because everyone wants to hold Joan’s hand under the table, and later stuck brainstorming in a hotel room with SCDP’s new, faux-radical art director, Stan Rizzo, of the leather jacket and long-sleeved polo shirt club. I swear that outfit was stolen verbatim from Fez on That ’70s Show. But Peggy’s attempt to correct the corruption only results in nepotism: Jane’s idiot cousin gets a job.

Luckily for Peggy, however, her wardrobe this episode is that of a winner. Her black and tan short sleeved dress looks expensive, professional, and young. Her hair is pinned back on the sides with sparkly clips–business in the front, party in the back–although Peggy’s partying ability is in question. When she gets naked for Stan, it’s all business, and even when she jets downtown to hang out with the “cool kids” two episodes ago, she can’t help but mention her job. She cares so much she arrives at Don’s apartment Sunday night in an adorable cyan jacket with floral collar to stand up for justice and defend Danny’s tagline. By the end of the episode Peggy feels accomplished, wearing a bright blue suit and brown and white patterned blouse, but we’ll see if her plan plays out in the next episode.

Now onto someone whose partying ability is not in question: Don Draper.

After being moderately sober last week, Don wins an award for his Glo Coat commercial and goes completely wild. He’s drunk at the ceremony, drunk at the Life Cereal meeting, drunk at the after party, drunk in bed with the jingle writer, and presumably still drunk when he wakes up with a uniform-wearing Doris. Considering that this episode of Mad Men coincided with the Emmys (where Mad Men was sure to take home some statues), one can’t help but wonder is this is how the Mad Men staff celebrates.

Despite his drunkeness, Don’s wardrobe has continued on its turn for the better. His slim blue suit and tie are young and progressive, not like the stuffy black suits he usually dons. He looks picture perfect sitting at the Clios next to Joan, who looks stunning in a pink and lilac patterned form-fitting dress, and beside Pete, who looks dapper in a black suit and black and white diagonally striped tie. Roger, as usual, is in three piece black. Also at the Clios are Duck Phillips, drunker than ever in a light blue suit, and Ken Cosgrove, in one of his many brown suits.

As the post awards party rages on, Don mistakenly tries to hit on Faye. Even though Faye looks like a glittery ornament from a drag queen’s funeral (she’s in a shiny-topped black dress with a fabric and bead necklace and black dangly earrings), she’s still too classy become another notch on Don’s bedpost. Don gets over it quickly as a jingle writer appears in a black sleeved dress with multi-colored flowers and green bead necklaces to tickle his fancy. He may fall asleep to the tune of “The Star Spangled Banner,” but he wakes up to the tune of his phone ringing off the hook as angry Betty berates him and Doris lays beside him in bed. Betty appeared only for a few seconds this episode, but it was just enough time for us to see her looking positively icy in a white suit with light blue criss-cross trim and enough pearls to sink a ship. Janie Bryant is really putting the emphasis on Betty’s cold personality this season, the only time she wears a warm color is on Christmas.

While the present on Mad Men is troubled, the past was so bright.

In this episode’s welcome flashbacks, we see Don and Roger meeting for the first time. Don, a goofy looking fur salesman, wears a grey double breasted suit and orange tie, and Roger is seen without a vest in a black pinstripe suit. Don has the aspiration that Danny has at the episode’s start (Danny’s name being so close to Don is no coincidence), and will do anything to have a meeting with Roger, even if it means sending his portfolio along with Roger’s mink. Bringing us to Joan. Joan is sultry, and mind-bogglingly seductive in a black, crystal strapped negligée and red nailpolish, sitting coquettishly on Roger’s bed. Seductress Joan has been absent after marrying Dr. Harris, only turning on her powers for special occasions.

After Don’s misstep with Roger, he arrives in the Sterling Cooper office to attempt to reconcile his chances with Roger. Roger wears a navy suit and coat, and Don looks perfectly wide-eyed in light colors, a camel coat, grey suit, and green paisley tie. Ultimately Roger hires Don in his drunkenness, or Don convinces Roger that he did, and that’s where the Mad Men story begins.

With all the flashbacks and meta references I’m going to have to put the analytical part of my brain that died with Lost back to work on Mad Men. Let’s only hope Mad Men doesn’t end on a flat note, but with all the scotch in SCDP office, I don’t see anything but high times ahead.

Street Style: Happy Birthday to Charlotte!

Name: Charlotte

Occupation: Student

How old are you? I’m 19. Today is actually my birthday!

Where are you from originally? Australia

What do you study? Medicine

How would you describe your look? I’d say it’s a bit of everything, lots of vintage and thrift store finds. I like unusual things, I wouldn’t say I have a particular look.

What is your favorite thing about New York? The people. Everyone here has really been so kind and friendly to me.

What is the last good movie you saw? The Runaways. I especially liked watching Dakota Fanning in a sort-of adult role, as I’m so used to seeing her in kiddie films.

What is your current favorite song? “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

What is your favorite desert? Anything chocolate!

Where is your blazer from? A charity shop in Australia.

Where is your romper from? Beacon’s Closet

How about your bag and rings? I got these at the Brooklyn Flea market.

And your bag? It’s from a vintage shop in Melbourne.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Question for Neimen Marcus: Are these A+O Pants Supposed to Have a Hole In The Crotch?

A reader was bewildered by these Alice + Olivia Navajo Fringe Cardigan & Ponte-Leather Leggings on the Neiman Marcus site. We can understand why. There’s a hole in the crotch. Zoom in and it’s impossible to miss. It sort of looks like a pee hole.

We figure the pants are just torn and this is a fluke photo error, but the description does say that there is “distressed detail on inner leg.” You can wear them with your period panties and fart patches.

Thoughts?

Pre-Fashion Week Mad-Libs: Costello Tagliapietra

Fashion week is less than two weeks away and so our Pre-Fashion Week Mad-Libs begin. For this season’s inaugural questionnaire, Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra profess their love of hamburgers and donuts.

Polly Letofsky

In the summer of 1974, I started to discover the world. Every morning I would scoop up The Minneapolis Tribune from the front steps and spread it across the breakfast table. I read about Thailand, Cambodia, India and Turkey, where 12-year-olds lived very different lives from me and my friends, who spent summer days climbing trees and playing kickball in the front yard.

One morning I came across a photo of a man in a big, floppy hat, walking down an empty mountain highway in Colorado. The caption read, “David Kunst, walking through Colorado on his way home to Minnesota to become the first man to walk around the world.”

Wow, I thought, staring at the photo. I didn’t know you were allowed to think of such a thing if you were from Minnesota. Fascinated that the simple movement of putting one foot in front of the other could transport you through countries, across borders, over mountains, and into various cultures, peoples and ideas, I was inspired. “That’s how I want to see the world someday — I’ll walk!” I thought.

But I knew I was thinking way outside the box for a 12-year-old girl from Minnesota, so I tucked the idea into the back of my head.

Fast-forward ahead 22 years, and life’s journey had brought me to living in Vail, CO. A lot of women around me had been diagnosed with breast cancer — friends, colleagues and two aunts, one of whom died from the disease. I got nervous and went to the doctor to get a mammogram, where I was told something that inadvertently changed my life. The doctor said, “You don’t need to worry about getting breast cancer. You can’t get breast cancer if it doesn’t run on your mother’s side of the family.”

After my appointment, I returned to work, where a friend asked how it all went. I told her that I was one of the lucky ones — I can’t get breast cancer. She set me straight. “Of course you can get breast cancer!” she said. “Every single woman in the world is at risk for getting breast cancer! Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors at all. The bottom line is that we have no idea what causes breast cancer! This is the sort of bad information that’s going on in the world, and this is what we have to put an end to!” And she fumed about my doctor for the rest of the day.

It was that night walking home that I had my VIV Moment. All the stars aligned, and I knew I would do that walk I’d always wanted to do. I immediately loved the idea of a woman walking for women, educating women all over the world about this disease that unfortunately bonds us all from the smallest nooks to the largest cities.

My head started spinning with all the questions: Can I walk 15 miles a day for 5 years? Is it safe? How do I protect myself? How can I afford it? How do I get sponsors? How do I make a business plan? What countries can I get through? How do I get across the water? And during the last mile walking home that night, I started planning my GlobalWalk for Breast Cancer.

After three years of planning and five years of walking, I, in fact, did finish my walk around the world on July 20, 2004, with 14,124 miles, 22 countries and four continents to raise more than $250,000 for 13 breast cancer organizations around the world.

The majority of fundraising was done with the help of Lions Clubs International, who would pass me from town to town and help plan fundraising events. The more press they generated, the more people on the road got involved. One time, during a traffic jam, I walked right past all the stuck cars until someone knew who I was from the newspapers. When he got out to make a donation, it started an avalanche of donations through the traffic jam.

When possible, I worked with breast cancer organizations in each country. Along with my international sponsor of the Lions Clubs, these groups organized educational forums in many villages in the Third World nations, where local doctors came and spoke to the women of the village in the local language.

There was, of course, the whole series of challenges presented by Mother Nature: a 7.2 earthquake in the Mojave Desert, the “flood of the century” in Brisbane, Australia, the extreme heat (120 degrees Fahrenheit at the highest in India) and the sleet and blizzards of an Iowa December.

There were also the language barriers, of course, the cultural head-butts, particularly when it came to very male-dominated cultures. The biggest challenge was walking through a Muslim country during and immediately after 9/11 as a Jewish American woman talking about breasts.

I’ve been told many times that after hearing me speak or hearing my story, women would book a mammogram. As a motivational speaker, I talk about breast cancer, in particular the importance of early detection and second and third opinions. But the take-away of my speeches is more about perseverance and breaking down those daunting journeys in our lives into very small manageable increments, and taking it step-by-step.

Get Back to Work — and Like It!

Seeing a screen saver of your best vacation photo can help you get through the work day.

By Polly Brewster

If you’re dreading the transition from relaxing vacation to stressful workweek, try these tips for beating your back-to-the-office blues.

1. Return with New, Happy Memories

At the end of your vacation, “create a screen saver of the best photo,” says Mary Cantando, author of The Woman’s Advantage: 20 Women Entrepreneurs Show You What It Takes to Grow Your Business (Kaplan Business, 2006). “Seeing that photo from time to time will re-energize you.”

2. Get Your Concentration Back

“A very simple exercise is to try reading upside down,” says Carol Vorderman, author of Super Brain: 100 Easy Ways to a More Agile Mind (Gotham, 2007). “Take your morning newspaper, turn it upside down and start to read. You’ll find that your brain is going to have to focus. It’s a peculiarly rigorous exercise.”

3. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

Don’t allow the summer to be the sole time you take off and enjoy yourself. “Three-day weekends, weeklong vacations at home, destination vacations and even a sabbatical should all be a part of your rest and relaxation repertoire,” says Valorie Burton, author of How Did I Get So Busy? (WaterBrook Press, 2007).

What helps you get back into the groove after vacation?

She’s Got the Look: Modeling for Grown-Ups

Robert Verdi, Brooke Burke, Roshumba Williams and Sean Patterson star in the third season of 'She's Got the Look.'

While we find America’s Next Top Model a guilty pleasure, we relate much more to the just-as-gorgeous over-35 contestants on TV Land’s She’s Got the Look, which premieres its third season tonight. Selected from thousands who applied, 10 women ranging in age from 35–54, including a bus driver, a prosecutor and a grandmother of six, compete for a prize package that includes a contract with Wilhelmina Models.

The Los Angeles location isn’t the only thing new about Look this season: Ex-model and Dancing With the Stars winner-turned-co-host Brooke Burke is the new host, and supermodel Roshumba Williams joins stylist Robert Verdi and Wilhelmina’s Sean Patterson on the judging panel.

“We’re looking for the total package,” says Williams, explaining that when it comes to older models, advertisers “want someone who’s relatable, has life experience, who’s physically beautiful but also has a story.” This season, Look aims to “show more of the process of what a model really goes through,” adds Williams, 42, whose guest appearance in season one teaching contestants how to walk the runway led to her new role. “They saw that I connected with them and knew what I was talking about. I was brought in to give that how-to perspective.”

For host and mentor Burke, 38, “It was amazing to work with a group of women that were really discovering things about themselves. A lot of these women had not modeled before. It wasn’t as if they were returning to a career that they gave up. They were finding their confidence and figuring out what they wanted to do with their lives, and they had such a zest for life.”

With challenges such as underwater and aerial fashion shoots, contestants had to conquer their fears, and Williams had to face one of her own: criticizing the contestants and making them cry. “I’ve been there,” she says. “I’ve stood in front of people who judge you not because of what you do, but how you look.”

Tears flowed nevertheless, “not necessarily from things I or the judges said. But I was glad that I was there because I could relate to their pain and I knew how to teach them how to use it to overcome their challenge and make it work for them. It’s my way of being there for women,” Williams says. “There’s something about helping women rediscover themselves and overcome obstacles.”

Have you dealt with a challenge that changed you for the better? Tell us about it in VIV Moments!

Photo credit: Kristian Dowling/PictureGroup

Taste of Summer: Refreshing Hawaiian Poke

Hawaiian poke can be made with raw fish (above) as well as tofu, cooked shrimp and smoked salmon.

On a recent trip to Hawaii, we went a little wild — for a traditional dish called poke, that is. Pronounced “poh-keh,” it’s often composed of sesame-soy dressed cubes of raw ahi tuna, a sustainable alternative to overfished bluefin tuna. In Hawaiian, poke means “to slice or cut crosswise,” and this salad originally consisted of slices of the day’s catch tossed with Hawaiian salt, seaweed and chopped kukui nuts. Nowadays, poke recipes are a bit like pizza — anything goes — and it all tastes great.

To wit, we found poke recipes made with tofu, cooked shrimp and smoked salmon instead of raw fish. Sometimes the salad mix contained bean sprouts, tomatoes and watercress, along with seasonings like scallions, ginger, garlic, chilis and toasted macadamia nuts (in lieu of kukui nuts). What we love about poke is how zesty and satisfying it tastes, all while being healthy. And, because it’s so cool and refreshing, it’s an ideal summer appetizer to enjoy at home, on a picnic or to bring to a potluck. Following is an easy recipe that uses cooked shrimp instead of raw fish. Enjoy it on a small plate, as you would a salad, or have it heaped on plain baked corn chips.

Hawaiian Shrimp Poke

1 pound cooked shrimp, cut into small chunks

3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1½ cups fresh bean sprouts

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

½ teaspoon chili-garlic sauce

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Seal and let marinate in the refrigerator several hours before serving.

Serves 6

NUTRITION SCORE (per serving)

116 calories

31% fat

Fat 4 g

Carbs 3 g

Protein 17 g

Fiber 0.9 g

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 3 mg

Sodium 636 mg

What’s your favorite shrimp recipe?

Animal Planet’s ‘Blood Dolphins’ Revisits ‘Cove’

Activist Ric O'Barry and his son, Lincoln, fight to save dolphins around the world in their new Animal Planet series.

Since we’re still haunted by the harrowing, heart-wrenching depiction of the slaughter of dolphins in the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, we’re sad to learn that the killing continues in Taiji, Japan, and elsewhere in the world. Ric O’Barry, the one-time Flipper dolphin trainer-turned-activist whose endeavor to save dolphins was the catalyst for The Cove, returns to Taiji with his filmmaker son Lincoln in the premiere episode of Blood Dolphins, a new Animal Planet miniseries launching Aug. 27.

Alas, even global public outcry hasn’t stopped the massacre of dolphins — or their capture for theme parks and aquariums — in Taiji and elsewhere, but as subsequent episodes will show, the O’Barrys have succeeded in halting the practice in the Solomon Islands. “Not only are we showing the problem, but we’re actually going and solving it and doing something about it,” says Lincoln, emphasizing that displaying dolphins in aquariums and theme parks in the guise of education doesn’t equal conservation. “We’re showing you where captive dolphins come from and what an ugly business it is and how tied it is in with slaughter.”

“We have been brainwashed by this multibillion-dollar industry to thinking that dolphins belong in a concrete tank doing tricks for us,” adds Ric, who sports a tiny dolphin tattoo under his left thumb. “I hope people will think twice before they buy a ticket for a captive-dolphin show. That’s the solution to the problem. It’s all about supply and demand.”

While Ric isn’t optimistic about achieving his ultimate goal of no longer being needed, he won’t rest as long as the killing and capture continues, and if that means spending more time with his wife and 5-year-old daughter on Skype than in person, so be it. Says his son, who admits to having “no personal life”: “If there’s a dolphin in trouble anywhere in the world, his phone will ring and we’re off.”

Next stop: Taiji. The annual dolphin slaughter season begins Sept. 1.

How far would you go for a cause you believe in?

American Apparel’s ethical conflict, Burberry’s online checkout, Modern milliners, Chloé’s new chief, Vuitton’s Diwali

American Apparel Summer 2010 | Source: American Apparel

American Apparel: The public won’t wear it (Guardian)

“[American Apparel] was now a vertically integrated company that seemed dedicated to getting women horizontal. It turns out that, even in the fashion business, there’s such a thing as too much sex.”

Burberry: Runway to Checkout (NY Times)

“Burberry plans to offer customers a substantial portion of its Prorsum spring 2011 runway collection — to be shown Sept. 21 in London — for immediate online sale, with delivery in six to eight weeks.”

Thoroughly Modern Milliners (Vogue UK)

“With visionaries like Lady Gaga around, there’s a feeling that we should all be making more effort with our headgear – especially as the class of 2010 are redefining the art of millinery.”

French luxury vet steps in at Chloé (NY Post)

“On tap to replace Toledano is Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye, a veteran of French luxury conglomerate LVMH and Walt Disney Co., who most recently engineered the turnaround of British department store Liberty.”

Louis Vuitton’s Global Flavor (WWD)

“Louis Vuitton’s holiday windows worldwide will have an Indian flavor this year. Starting Nov. 5, displays will pay tribute to Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, an ancient and joyous occasion to light oil lamps, wear new clothes and distribute sweets.”

The Fashion Trail | Made in Fair Isle

Fair Isle jumpers | Source: FairIsle.org.uk

FAIR ISLE, United Kingdom — On the most remote inhabited island in Britain, 24 miles south of the Shetland mainland, 27 miles north of the Orkney Islands and 250 miles west of Norway, it’s always sweater season. With 600-foot cliffs overlooking the North Sea, thousands of acres of peat bog and a climate that’s perennially cool and damp, Fair Isle is a rugged place where wool is a way of life.

For centuries, the island’s resourceful inhabitants have been turning local fleeces into one-of-a-kind, handmade knitwear with distinctive, multi-coloured patterns arranged in horizontal rows. Sturdy as well as attractive, the jumpers were bartered with sailors on passing ships and spread along the trade routes of the British Empire. In the 1920s, the Duke of Windsor, briefly known as Edward VIII and famous for his eccentric sense of style, popularised the design and the jumpers are now known the world over as Fair Isles.

It’s remarkable to think that this tiny island of 70 inhabitants has a world famous brand name. But because neither the pattern, nor the name are trademarked, “Fair Isle” sweaters, cardigans, hats and scarves with variations on the traditional motifs are mass-produced in factories as far afield as China and sold in varying levels of quality by global brands like Gap, J. Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren, while the people on Fair Isle have struggled to capitalise on the iconic pattern and its local provenance.

Today, true Fair Isle jumpers are still handspun and handknit by traditional knitters who live on the island. They take over 100 hours to make and can command upwards of £600. But you have to travel to Fair Isle to get one. Indeed, no shop anywhere in the world sells authentic Fair Isle jumpers — which are labeled “Made in Fair Isle” — because production levels are so low.

While many of the islanders can knit, only three currently handknit Fair Isle patterns commercially, while another four use hand-frame machines, for a combined output of less than 75 jumpers per year. “The demand for genuine Fair Isle knitwear today still completely outstrips availability,” said local knitter Kathy Coull.

In a place as idyllic and isolated as Fair Isle, it’s not surprising that change is viewed with skepticism. But some of the islanders see a missed opportunity.

“There is an increased awareness of the unique designs and heritage. The knitwear remains world renowned; and the resurgence of interest in hand spinning and hand knitting as creative pastimes has attracted more people to the island to engage in these indigenous crafts,” observed Ms. Coull.

But while a local cooperative called Fair Isle Crafts promotes the practice of hand-frame knitting using rudimentary “machines,” the primary obstacle to a healthy commercial enterprise remains volume. Indeed, the Fair Isle Crafts webpage currently notes: “Our order book for custom-made garments is currently closed until further notice. Please check here on our website for details of additional stock garments that may be made available from time to time, particularly at the end of the season.”

For the knitting community on Fair Isle, the question is how to increase production, while maintaining quality and provenance. “We should do a feasibility study into new production processes,” says Ms. Coull. “Increase the production level by using an industrial knitting machine — on the isle, with home grown wool — for machine-knit, hand-finished garments, while keeping handspun and handknit goods at the top end of an exclusive market.”

Fair Isle is a small place and exploiting opportunities for the sustainable development of authentic Fair Isle knitwear will require investment. But perhaps the timing is right. In today’s post-recessionary economy, many affluent consumers are rethinking the value equation and increasingly seek out products they perceive to be timeless. Classic design, quality and authenticity matter. At the same time, increasingly informed and selective shoppers are asking more and more questions about where and how their products are made. They want to know that the whole life of their product was thought about and guided by the same care and attention as the finished piece.

But identifying the opportunity is not the same as operationalising it. Developing a sustainable commercial venture, while preserving the fragile island ecosystem and negotiating the quirks of local politics is no easy task. Still, Kathy Coull is optimistic: “Things ‘not being easy’ has not daunted Fair Isle in the past!”

Vikram Alexei Kansara is Managing Editor of The Business of Fashion

What millennial girls want, Style.com vs Vogue.com, Toledano out at Chloé, Prada countersues, Tiffany launches handbags

Proenza Schouler Autumn/Winter 2010 | Source: Proenza Schouler

What Do Girls Want? (NY Times)

“You can understand why brands like Chanel want to limit their Web exposure, but what happens to interest if the immediate outlet is blocked? This is not a generation that will wait to get a number for admission.”

Style.com’s Faces Off With Vogue (WWD)

“Right after Labor Day, Style.com, once the online home of W and Vogue but now a brand in its own right, will face some stiff competition from one of its former comrades, as Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour unveils a major relaunch of vogue.com.”

Chloé Moves (Vogue.com)

“Ralph Toledano no longer holds the position of CEO and chairman at luxury fashion house Chloé… There are suggestions that Toledano was pushed out by his new boss, Marty Wikstrom who heads up Richmonts fashion and accessories businesses.”

Prada Japan hits back at ex-employee over harassment lawsuit (AFP)

“The Japanese unit of Italian fashion house Prada has launched a countersuit claiming defamation against a former employee who is suing the company for alleged sexual harassment and unfair dismissal.”

Something New in Tiffany Blue (WSJ)

“Tiffany & Co. now has bags to match its little blue boxes. The jeweler is launching an expansive collection of handbags, ranging from clutches to totes to satchels, in a dozen of its U.S. stores on Sept. 1.”

Britain’s shopoholics, Music and fashion viral synergy, Downing talks trends, D&G exits Japan, Beker for The Bay

Westfield Shopping Centre London | Source: Westfield London

‘Shopaholic’ Brits amass £24bn debt during downturn (Guardian)

“Despite the financial constraints, women have carried on copying the lifestyles and shopping habits of their idols and ignoring the debt they are racking up in the process.”

Music and Fashion: Looking for Viral Synergy (Time)

“Such forethought is key in a shoot like this, which is not a commercial nor an artwork nor a fashion shoot nor a music video, but a hybrid of all four — an exercise in content creation that is designed to summon up that most elusive of things: a digital video that will go viral.”

Dolce & Gabbana To Close D&G Shops In Japan (Luxuo)

“The decision to regroup in Japan.. also underlines the ground-shift in purchasing patterns in Japan, where consumers are increasingly focusing on mid-range clothing lines and other fashion items.”

Neiman Marcus’ fashion director talks trends (Canadian Press)

“If women are skeptical that they will be wearing a frothy shirt of lace beneath a tailored pantsuit or shoes trimmed with feathers this fall, they shouldn’t be…. [Downing], Neiman Marcus’ fashion director, has been digesting designer offerings.”

Beker’s affordable chic (Montreal Gazette)

“For Jeanne Beker, the Canadian fashion television pioneer, the most exhilarating change she’s seen in 25 years of covering the international style scene is what she calls the democratization of fashion. Now, Beker is getting in on [the] act with her own affordable line for The Bay.”

Nordstrom innovates, Emerging fashion, American Apparel warned, Content is king, Condé Nast courts India

Nordstrom.com's new look | Source: Nordstrom

Nordstrom Links Online Inventory to Real World (NY Times)

“The company wove in individual stores’ inventory to the Web site, so that essentially all of the stores were also acting as warehouses for online. Results were immediate… It also means that inventory is moving faster, and often at higher prices.”

The Demand for Emerging Fashion: Part I (Huffington Post)

“[The first trend] noticed was brand exhaustion with regard to the majors in the fashion industry… the rise of discount shopping for the masses through sites like Gilt Group has been disastrous to consumer’s mentality on luxury goods… But how do emerging designers benefit from this?”

American Apparel receives possible delisting note (Bloomberg)

“Struggling retailer American Apparel Inc. said Monday it has received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange Amex LLC saying it could be delisted if it does not file its second-quarter results in a timely matter.”

For social success, think content (Biz Report)

“The survey of 457 corporate management and marketing/sales management professionals revealed the vast majority (85%) thought original content to be the key to the success of any social media campaign.”

Condé Nast in push to court India’s affluent (FT)

“The plan for the group’s flagship travel publication comes as Condé Nast is also poised to open a Vogue Café restaurant in Mumbai next year and is considering the launch of up to six other magazine titles over the next three years.”

Bora Aksu’s Girly Frocks

ISTANBUL–After some of the wacky fashions we saw from Istanbul’s student designers, it was nice to see something really pretty and wearable go down the runway last night.

Bora Aksu, who previously showed in London, wrapped up yesterday’s show with a bow. And heels laced up like toe shoes. Aksu was clearly inspired by the ballet.

The looks were undeniably girly, but in a good, not too cloying way. He sent down gauzy flouncy mini dresses in layers of nude, overlaid in sheer black. While the dresses were simple and delicate, the leggings they were paired with had a bit more edge. They were thick, with geometric patches, and some of them shimmered in gold.

According to Turkish editors who know Aksu’s work, his show was nothing new. Still, it was a pretty show, and I would be happy to wear most of what I saw on the runway. Then again, I’ve got a thing for ballet, too.

Click through to see more from Bora Aksu’s show.

Lutz & Patmos Reveal Their Final Project: A Guest Designer E-Shop

Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos might be going their separate ways, but not without one last hurrah. Today, the knitwear duo opened an e-shop devoted to limited edition pieces created by their friends–designers, creatives, actors–over the last ten years. Remember the Jane Birkin-designed dress? Or the Kirsten Dunst-envisioned Omi & Opi mini? We do. And we’re particularly thrilled that our fashion idol Sofia Coppola’s belted crewneck is there. We’ve been eyeing it since 2005, when it first hit stores.

The nicest thing about buying Julianne Moore’s cardigan? A small portion of the proceeds will go to the charity of her choice.

Just for fun, we’ve included a list of guest designers, the year their piece was released, and which charity a purchase of their piece will benefit:

RE-EDITIONS

CHRISTY TURLINGTON / SPRING 2003 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘CARE’

SOFIA COPPOLA / FALL 2005 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘STUDIO IN A SCHOOL’

CARINE ROITFELD / SPRING 2006 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘OPERATION SMILE’

L’WREN SCOTT / FALL 2006 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘UNICEF CHILDREN’S FUND FOR HAITI’

LIMITED EDITIONS

YVES BEHAR / SPRING 2002 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘PARTNERS IN HEALTH’

SARAH MORRIS / FALL 2002 / $50 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘PLANNED PARENTHOOD’

INEZ VAN LAMSWEERDE / SPRING 2003 / $10 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘PARTNERS IN HEALTH’

JONATHAN ADLER / SPRING 2004 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘PARTNERS IN HEALTH’

FABIEN BARON / FALL 2004 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘PARTNERS IN HEALTH’

SHEILA METZNER / SPRING 2005 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF UTAH’

LIV TYLER / SPRING 2007 / $50 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘FREE ARTS’

JULIANNE MOORE / FALL 2007 / $30 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘THE TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS ALLIANCE’

RICHARD MEIER / SPRING 2008 / $10 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY’

KIRSTEN DUNST / FALL 2008 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘ART OF ELYSIUM’

CHRIS WAUGH / PRE SPRING 2009 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘THE PARKINSON DISEASE FOUNDATION’

JANE BIRKIN / SPRING AND FALL 2009 / $20 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘MEDICINS SANS FRONTIERS’

NATALIA VODIANOVA / PRE SPRING 2010 / $50 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘NAKED HEART FOUNDATION’

ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU / SPRING 2010 / $40 WILL BE DONATED TO ‘DESMOND TUTU PEACE CENTER’

Charlize Theron and Orlando Bloom are Uniqlo’s New Brand Ambassadors

As Japanese basics purveyor Uniqlo has expanded into markets beyond Asia, it’s made a concerted effort to take things to a higher level, at least when it comes to design. The brand’s first big campaign here in the US included scenesters like Chloe Sevigny and Kim Gordon. Uniqlo quickly became the poor man’s APC, or the cool guy’s Gap, however you want to look at it.

But that was in 2007, before the recession hit. Now, being cool isn’t as important as being beloved by the masses. Uniqlo’s taking a cue from competitor Gap, releasing a “Made For All” campaign starring international celebrities Charlize Theron and Orlando Bloom.

The campaign makes sense. Uniqlo’s mission is to provide well-made, good-looking clothes to everyone. But are Charlize and Orlando the right ambassadors? We’re not so sure. When we think of innate style, they’re not the first celebs that come to our minds.

But they do have the global recognition Uniqlo is looking for, so until Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ryan Gosling become household names everywhere, we suppose we can’t complain.

Gucci Needs Fall Interns!

The Gucci press office is looking for interns for Fall 2010. Main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

*Supporting Public Relations team across all product categories including: Men’s and Women’s Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, and Fine Jewelry and Watches
*Maintaining the organization of the sample showroom
*Assisting with sample trafficking, new sample inventory and gifting initiatives
*Coordinating messenger services and international overnight shipments
*General administrative duties

They are looking for someone with an interest in fashion public relations and prefer candidates with prior fashion, public relations or corporate office experience. Professionalism is a must. Gucci would like candidates to commit at least three full days a week, from the end of August until the middle of December. This internship is offered in exchange for academic credit only; applicants who will not receive credit will not be eligible to participate.

Interested candidates can forward resumes to gucciprinternships@gmail.com.

Beyond Vintage is Hiring Interns!

Want to know everything about running a successful fashion brand?

If the answer is yes, you might want to consider an internship at Beyond Vintage, a 1960s and ’70s-inspired contemporary label based in New York’s garment district. The brand’s client list includes major retailers Barneys CO-OP, Nordstrom and Lane Crawford.

They do everything in-house, including design, product development, products sales, public relations and operations. That means they’re looking for interns who have an interest in at least one of these categories.
While the team is willing to tailor the internship to your personal goals, we think the cool thing about this program is that you get the chance to gain an understanding of the entire life cycle of a garment, from conception to the sales floor.

Duties will likely include:
- clerical work and assisting with daily tasks in the showroom
- assisting the designer, sales team, production team, and operations team
- helping with tradeshows
- assisting with product development; meeting with buyers and manufacturers

Aspiring designers, sales reps, PR mavens and stylists are welcome! And honestly, if you’re a would-be fashion journalist, we at Fashionista suggest you consider this as well, even if though it’s not an editorial internship. (I personally would have loved a behind-the-scenes look at how a brand is built.)

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter to samanthabvintage@gmail.com asap. Were rooting for you!

New Designer Label HONOR is Hiring Interns!

New designer women’s ready-to-wear line, HONOR, is looking for interns to work to assist in the creation of the Fall collection for February 2011!

Interns should be self-starters, extremely organized, open to responsibility and not mind doing menial tasks such as taking out the trash!

Candidates should be interested in Fashion Merchandising and/or have artistic ability–painting and drawing, color sense, crafty, experimental & creative Vision, great fashion sense and style!

Interns will be asked to make inspiration boards, research and assist with day to day operations of the studio.

This is an excellent opportunity for potential future employment. Applicants must also be able to work a minimum 20 hours a week, and be able to receive documented school credit.

Please send cover letter, resume, and an optional photo to honornycjobs@gmail.com.

And check them out on www.honornyc.com.

Fashion News Roundup: Rag & Bone Documentary, RISD Fashion Show and @Fashionweeknyc Revealed

P.S. I Live Here: As it turns out, the design talents of Erica Domesek of PS I Made This are not limited to clothes and accessories. A tour of her Gramercy Park loft reveals customized vintage subway signs, a laundry basket made into a coffee table, an entire wall of craft supplies and cool inspiration boards. {Casasugar}

Rag & Bone Documentary: Apparently, The September Issue’s R.J. Cutler made a short documentary about the preparations for Rag & Bone’s Fall 2010 runway show. Weirdly, the film is sponsored by Starbuck’s and will be available to view on Frappuccino.com as well as Rag & Bone’s website. There will also be a screening at the Crosby Street Hotel on September 8th. {WWD via Refinery29}

Mysterious Fashion Twitterer Revealed: @Fashionweeknyc has been discovered. It turns out “she” is a “he.” Nathan Stobezki runs a website called myownrunway.com, calls himself a “Fashion Tweetologist,” like, on Linked In, and boasts such Facebook interests as stock trading, venture capital and, of course, fashion. {Racked}

RISD at Fashion Week: Elle Magazine will be staging a fashion show during Fashion Week. The Elle Fashion Next runway show at Lincoln Center on Thursday September 9th will be a competition among 22 RISD design students. The impressive roster of judges includes Tommy Hilfiger, Waris Ahluwalia, Alexis Bryan Morgan and more. {Huffington Post}

More Upcoming Talent: In other prestigious art school news, Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Art’s Head of Fashion (and legendary avante garde designer) Walter van Beirendonck talked to Dazed about his career and inspiration. He also selected six particularly talented students to be profiled over the next few days. {Dazed Digital}