Jimmy Choo preps for IPO, Women lead recovery, Twitter talk, Holt Renfrew gets friendly, New faces

Jimmy Choo takes steps to possible IPO (FT)

“The private equity owner of Jimmy Choo plans to appoint investment banks to advise on strategic options for the maker of stilettos for the stars, including a possible initial public offering valuing the company at about £500m.”

Affluent, Generous Young Women Lead Recovery (Marketing Daily)

“When it comes to power-shopping our way toward economic recovery, a new report from American Express says well-heeled young women are leading the charge.”

Should luxury brands use twitter? (Luxury Society)

“Luxury is an intricate web of emotions… can it be captured in 140 characters (and that too with a shortened link of some sort if the company is trying to drive some traffic to a specific webpage or website)?”

Taking a page from Wal-Mart, Holt Renfrew hires greeters (Vancouver Sun)

“The luxury retailer’s new president, Mark Derbyshire, is chagrined at the mention of the company’s reputation for having sales clerks with a chilly attitude that may intimidate potential customers.

Fashion Week Preview: The Faces (NY Times)

“Now that we’re practically on a first-name basis with Doutzen, Lakshmi and Anja, it’s time we meet Bambi, Fei Fei and Kat. They are some of the new and almost-like-new faces we’ll be seeing next week at the New York fashion shows.”

Fashion News Roundup: Anna and Marc do Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Doonan Leaves the Observer for Slate, and Harmony Korine Creates a Film For Proen

Doonan Leaves Observer: The creative director of Barney’s has written a column for the New York Observer for the past 10 years but he’s leaving print for the greener pastures of online at Slate. It’s a great coup for Slate. Can’t wait to read him over there. Hope he keeps writing gems like this. {Business Insider}

Anna Does Late Night: Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs were on Jimmy Fallon last night to talk about Fashion’s Night Out. When the conversation steered away from FNO, Wintour promptly brought FNO back to the forefront. Other highlights? Wintour complaining about Gaga performing late at the last Met Gala because she was too busy “communing with god,” and Marc Jacobs flubbing his words a bit on why he’s in a sling in Vogue’s September issue promoting FNO: “But, unfortunately, or fortunately, one can’t say no to Anna.” So he got off his morphine drip and posed. {theCut}

Brits to Watch: The British Fashion Council (the UK’s version of the CFDAs) has released their list of nominees. Among them: Victoria Beckham and Burberry for designer brand, Lara Stone and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for models, and for the all important designer of the year award, it’s between Christopher Kane, Erdem and Phoebe Philo for Céline. {Daily Front Row}

Proenza Schouler Act Da Fool: Renowned director Harmony Korine created a short film, Act Da Fool, featuring Proenza Schouler’s A/W 2010 Collection. Mel Otternberg styled. {Proenza Schouler}

Tom Ford Will Be At Bergdorf’s for Fashion’s Night Out

We’ve been telling you abut the best, coolest, and most fun events for FNO, but this one takes the cake.

Tom Ford, more commonly known as the sexiest man to ever exist, will be appearing at Bergdorf Goodman on Fashion’s Night Out. From 8-8:30pm Tom will be in his men’s shop on the 2nd floor of BG Men.

Even better, you can turn your Tom Ford sighting into an autographed beauty product. All you have to do is buy an item from Tom Ford Beauty at Bergdorf’s on September 10 and Tom will sign it.

So let me translate: Get there early and buy all the Tom Ford lipstick and perfume you can find. Getting an autograph from Tom Ford at Bergdorf’s is much better than trying to get one by having your mom chase down Tom Ford’s towncar as he leaves an event. Not like I know…

Start Your Bidding Now: Rare Vogue Hits EBay

Ok, so this headline might be a little misleading. This edition of American Vogue that just went up on eBay is not super old. There’s nothing truly remarkable about this 2000 edition of Vogue save the masthead. Lauren Weisberger, she of The Devil Wears Prada fame is listed as one of the assistants to the Editor in Chief. Amy Astley’s on there too as the Beauty Director.

“In Short…THIS IS A VINTAGE ISSUE, before The Devil Wears Prada or Teen Vogue even came into existence. Carmen Kass is the cover model, and its 274 pages of good fashion from 2000. If your a magazine junkie like me, this is your time to jump on it guys,” reads the listing.

Thanks to reader Warren Wright for sending the listing in. Apparently the seller pilfered the mag from their recent Vogue internship. (“Straight from my past internship, I grabbed this old issue of US Vogue” the poster says.) So despite however intimidating you thought Vogue was, it does not dissuade interns from raiding their goods.

The former Vogue intern/pilferer holds up the issue

Victoria Beckham Will Be Hardcore Tweeting from New York Fashion Week

We’ve got a major announcement. In the run-up to her New York Fashion Week presentation, Victoria Beckham is tweeting under the handle @vbfashionweek. (If you think you’re following Beckham under another moniker–you’re not. This is the official VB account.) She plans to dish everything that’s going on behind the scenes in preparation for the September 12 show. Her first tweet reads:

Finally!! Leaving for UK tomorrow “Airport is my runway!!!” Can’t wait for fashion week! In love and light x VB

We hope that the tweets are as hilarious as Robert Duffy’s, who mans the @marcjacobsinternational account around fashion week.

We also hope that the pop star-turned-serious-designer offers up some choice quotes for us to pilfer from. We were huge fans of Beckham’s quips on her short-lived 2007 reality series which, while only a couple of episodes, was our favorite thing on television that summer.

Colette Loves Canada (and Roots. And Douglas Coupland. Preferably All Together.)

PARIS–Canada is traveling to Colette. On September 7, Toronto-based leather goods brand Roots will launch a collection designed in collaboration with Vancouver-raised writer Douglas Coupland–whose dry humor and honest style have found immense success through books such as Generation X.

The retro-future line–simple apparel and bags–simultaneously evoking progress and tradition, explores Canada’s complex identity.

Fashionista.com met up with Roots founder, Don Green, and chatted about Canadian pride today.

Fashionista: How did the collaboration with Douglas Coupland come about?
Don Green: Last summer, Chris Nanos, a film producer who had made a film with Douglas Coupland, contacted me about a possible project involving Douglas and Roots. Douglas had expressed an interest in designing a clothing line and discussed it with Chris. Given the heritage and reputation of Roots, both thought we would be the logical choice to approach with such an idea.

In the first meeting, Chris showed me examples of Douglas’ work and I very much liked his modern, contemporary and artistic style and his boundless, creative interest in Canada. I was intrigued with the idea of collaboration between Douglas and Roots and so we set up a meeting with him to discuss the possibilities.

Why was it appealing to collaborate with someone like him?
Fellow Roots co-founder Michael Budman and I welcomed the prospect of working with such a creative talent and explorer like Douglas who shares our passion for Canada. This was the first time in our history that we stepped back and left the design to an outside designer. We liked the idea of someone with such diverse talents and who clearly understands and appreciates Roots, bringing a fresh outside perspective to this kind of project.

How would you describe the result?
Visually, the collection is strong but beyond that, Douglas has once again shown his trademark humor and brilliance in exploring a new medium, in this case fashion. He puts forth a hopeful and positive message about Canada and the results are impressive.

What are message are you trying to communicate about Canada today?
It all stems from our love and appreciation of Canada. We have always liked exploring new ways to express a sense of place and paying tribute to this country.

Canada today has a much greater sense of itself than it did when we started Roots in 1973. The country is more worldly, has more self-confidence and is more diverse and prolific in its achievements, whether it’s on the cultural level or in the spheres of business, fashion and technology.

What does it mean being Canadian today?
To be Canadian today is to be part of one of the world’s great human success stories of the 21st century. One that entails bringing together immigrants from all over the globe in a place of First Nations people and the two founding –English and French-speaking –communities, sharing the values and ideals of freedom and democracy amidst such breathtaking physical beauty.

To be Canadian is to be part of a country where despite all the ethnic and religious differences, people live largely free of the tensions and strife so endemic to most other places in the world. It is an incredible example of diversity and tolerance in action. As a relatively young country, Canada is still very much a work in progress but one that gives tremendous hope and inspiration for people all over the world.

Here’s a video of Doug seeing the collection for the first time:

Antwerp Fashion Museum to Celebrate 30 Years of Stephen Jones

This fall will mark the 30th anniversary of Stephen Jones Millinery. In honor of the legendary hat maker, the MoMu-Fashion Museum in Antwerp will host the exhibition Stephen Jones & The Accent of Fashion.

Jones has undoubtedly had, and continues to have, a career worth celebrating. He’s a really big deal in that whole British fashion circle. He has worked with numerous design houses including Comme des Garçons, Vivienne Westwood, Azzedine Alaïa, Dior and Marc Jacobs (remember that turban Kate Moss wore to the Met Ball last year?) and has been responsible for some pretty major moments on and off runways.

In addition to displaying the largest collection of Stephen Jones piece–over 120 items including many of his collaborations–the exhibition is meant to give patrons a retrospective look inside Jones’ world, beyond the hats themselves.

Jones’ work in film, music and photography, his early years in the London of the New Romantics, his design process and the sources of inspiration behind his creations will also be looked at. So will Jones’ relationship with iconic Italian fashion journalist Anna Piaggi, who has called Jones “the maker of the most beautiful hats in the world.”

The retrospective will be at the Modemuseum Antwerp from September 8 to February 13.

Could Tim Gunn Be Out at Liz Claiborne?

Tim Gunn‘s scathing words for Isaac Mizrahi almost make us wonder, “Is he effing with the media?”

Today in the Daily News, the Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer said that the label’s former creative director Mizrahi really is a “terrible, terrible, terrible person.”

Here’s the back story. Mizrahi joined Liz Claiborne from Target in 2008, soon after Gunn joined. Despite rave reviews, Mizrahi’s gently–but not cheaply–priced collections for the company did not perform that well at retail. To combat weak sales, LC has since teamed up with JC Penney to create a discount collection. Mizrahi has been relegated to designing a collection exclusively for QVC.

So they have a history. But Gunn’s tough words also make us wonder how long he has at Liz Claiborne.

Even if LC feels the same about Mizrahi, we doubt that they would be cool with Gunn spewing hate across the press. They are, after all, a public company.

Know anything? Email us on tips@fashionista.com.

Street Style: Catherine’s Breezy Bike Ride

Name: Catherine

Age: 17

Occupation: Student

How would you describe your style? Too fancy to be practical.

What are the most prominent colors in your wardrobe? Earth tones

What is your favorite dessert? Lavender honey ice cream, which I actually just learned how to make.

Where are you from originally? Northern California

What are you listening to? Anything by Sam Cook

Where is your hat from? A store called Funk and Flash in California

Where is your dress from? It’s vintage

Where are your necklaces from? I made them out of found objects.

Where did you get your bike? I got it at the Brooklyn Flea Market.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

XXL: How BBW Became Fashion’s Latest Prey

Fashionista contributor Long Nguyen is the co-founder/style director of Flaunt.

“Life in the Fat Lane,” the third chapter of media studies professor Laura Kipnis’ 1996 book Bound and Gagged, juxtaposed the dilemma of fat fetish pornography and how popular culture confront the issue of fat and desire. On one hand, obese porn, a niche in the vast porn business, is an absolute revolt against the dictatorial and incessant aesthetic of thinness. On the other, the images of these chubby women–often 44-35-44–entice desires that contradict and challenge prevailing cultural norms.

Yet over the past decade, the fat porn market has grown tremendously as acceptance of full size women becomes the norm. At least in the porn industry. Once a province of cheap production titles, big studios have been producing lavish titles with more budgets. The advance of web technology has allowed better quality for those choosing to self-published. Even the nomenclature has changed–the category is now called BBW or Big Beautiful Women. Hardly anyone ever mentions “fat porn” in an age where the “deviant” bodies of April Flores, Karla Lane, Kelly Shibari and Bonnie de la Cruz–some of the industry’s stars–are becoming household names.

For a while in the late ‘90s, porn and fashion co-mingled. Top fashion photographers imitated porn shoots, while a few who specialized in porn movie stills–such as Jeff Burton–emerged as most sought after fashion lensmen. There was a Gucci campaign shot by Mario Testino using a video camera to produce an effect of a low tech quick peep–not a glossy high fashion shoot–with models in various state of undress around the fetish-inducing shiny black patent leather stiletto.

Yet fashion has done a superb job to hide fat. Rarely has someone who does not fit the size standard appeared in the propaganda fashion uses to propel itself: advertisements, commercials, and magazines. Anyone working in fashion can attest–the standard size goes in opposite direction of general population. In the ‘90s, size 4-6 was a common sample size, but around 2003 or so it dropped to a size 2. For as long as I can remember, for every fashion season, there’s a concurring season of new diet plans promising yet another scientific methodology to stymy and banish fat. Fashion fetishizes the skinny as BBW-lovers worship the obese.

That is, until now. Who can forget the spring 2006 >John Galliano show, perhaps his best show ever, in a train depot in Paris where the designer used women and a few men of all sizes, shapes and proportions–dwarfs, fat women, twins, old women, along with some of the season’s top models–to show a superb collection. Afterwards, some dismissed Mr. Galliano’s deliberate use of “freaks”–or anyone who did not pass the skinny test. But shows like this are beginning to alter perceptions, and perhaps seed changes, within the ultra-conservative fashion world.

What’s hard to fathom is that at the core of fashion is a business driven to create desires. As such fashion has lagged far behind pornography in espousing a diverse range of aesthetics of beauty and pleasure. The seasonal advertisement campaigns serve this ultimate goal in crafting and concocting fantastic scenarios using top models, actresses and the occasional pop stars as backdrops to elevate a handbag, a pair of sunglasses, a bottle of perfume, and a commercial garment to mythical level. There isn’t much diversity in these images–meaning it’s breaking news to see black or an Asian model among the cast.

Years before the extremely insular worlds of high fashion and plus sizes collided, I did a fashion story featuring two models, size 14, an equivalent of size zero in the plus size world for the December 2003 issue of Flaunt. That was more than six years before Beth Ditto, the lead singer of the band Gossip, landed on the cover of >LOVEmagazine and captured the Parisian fashion by storm in March 2009, literally plucked from Portland, Oregon to serve as a front row guest at Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Chanel shows. She even performed a concert sponsored by Fendi at the VIP Room in Paris for fashion’s glitterati.

I remember photographer Nicolas Wagner’s first question to me when I told him about the subject of the shoot back in 2003. “What clothes are they wearing?” Back then, and I am not certain if much has changed since, it was incredibly difficult to get any designer clothes in this size range.

Ten Lanvin Looks We’d Like to See at H&M

The world is all abuzz with news about the Lanvin x H&M collaboration. We couldn’t be more excited, so we picked out our favorite Lanvin looks that we’d like to see translated for H&M.

Any looks we didn’t include that you’re jonesing to see in H&M stores?

(title unknown)

"

Pre-Fashion Week Mad-Libs: Jason Cauchi of Dallin Chase

Designer, dad, husband, breakdancer? – Jason Cauchi does it all. The man behind label Dallin Chase is certainly busy, but it all comes together well in his amazing, wearable collections. Here’s what’s on Jason’s mind pre-fashion week.

Fashion Week Fortunes: Our Favorite Psychic Predicts the Future for Five New York Designers

Yesterday, I visited best-selling psychic Roxanne Hulderman, who was giving readings to editors in Michael Bolla’s Chelsea Mansion.

I did get a personal reading–Roxanne is amazing!–but more importantly, I asked the well-regarded fortune teller to predict the future for five of New York Fashion Week’s biggest stars. Click through to see what she had to say.

XXL: How BBW Became Fashion’s Latest Prey

Fashionista contributor Long Nguyen is the co-founder/style director of Flaunt.

“Life in the Fat Lane,” the third chapter of media studies professor Laura Kipnis’ 1996 book Bound and Gagged, juxtaposed the dilemma of fat fetish pornography and how popular culture confront the issue of fat and desire. On one hand, obese porn, a niche in the vast porn business, is an absolute revolt against the dictatorial and incessant aesthetic of thinness. On the other, the images of these chubby women–often 44-35-44–entice desires that contradict and challenge prevailing cultural norms.

Yet over the past decade, the fat porn market has grown tremendously as acceptance of full size women becomes the norm. At least in the porn industry. Once a province of cheap production titles, big studios have been producing lavish titles with more budgets. The advance of web technology has allowed better quality for those choosing to self-published. Even the nomenclature has changed–the category is now called BBW or Big Beautiful Women. Hardly anyone ever mentions “fat porn” in an age where the “deviant” bodies of April Flores, Karla Lane, Kelly Shibari and Bonnie de la Cruz–some of the industry’s stars–are becoming household names.

For a while in the late ‘90s, porn and fashion co-mingled. Top fashion photographers imitated porn shoots, while a few who specialized in porn movie stills–such as Jeff Burton–emerged as most sought after fashion lensmen. There was a Gucci campaign shot by Mario Testino using a video camera to produce an effect of a low tech quick peep–not a glossy high fashion shoot–with models in various state of undress around the fetish-inducing shiny black patent leather stiletto.

Yet fashion has done a superb job to hide fat. Rarely has someone who does not fit the size standard appeared in the propaganda fashion uses to propel itself: advertisements, commercials, and magazines. Anyone working in fashion can attest–the standard size goes in opposite direction of general population. In the ‘90s, size 4-6 was a common sample size, but around 2003 or so it dropped to a size 2. For as long as I can remember, for every fashion season, there’s a concurring season of new diet plans promising yet another scientific methodology to stymy and banish fat. Fashion fetishizes the skinny as BBW-lovers worship the obese.

That is, until now. Who can forget the spring 2006 >John Galliano show, perhaps his best show ever, in a train depot in Paris where the designer used women and a few men of all sizes, shapes and proportions–dwarfs, fat women, twins, old women, along with some of the season’s top models–to show a superb collection. Afterwards, some dismissed Mr. Galliano’s deliberate use of “freaks”–or anyone who did not pass the skinny test. But shows like this are beginning to alter perceptions, and perhaps seed changes, within the ultra-conservative fashion world.

What’s hard to fathom is that at the core of fashion is a business driven to create desires. As such fashion has lagged far behind pornography in espousing a diverse range of aesthetics of beauty and pleasure. The seasonal advertisement campaigns serve this ultimate goal in crafting and concocting fantastic scenarios using top models, actresses and the occasional pop stars as backdrops to elevate a handbag, a pair of sunglasses, a bottle of perfume, and a commercial garment to mythical level. There isn’t much diversity in these images–meaning it’s breaking news to see black or an Asian model among the cast.

Years before the extremely insular worlds of high fashion and plus sizes collided, I did a fashion story featuring two models, size 14, an equivalent of size zero in the plus size world for the December 2003 issue of Flaunt. That was more than six years before Beth Ditto, the lead singer of the band Gossip, landed on the cover of >LOVEmagazine and captured the Parisian fashion by storm in March 2009, literally plucked from Portland, Oregon to serve as a front row guest at Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Chanel shows. She even performed a concert sponsored by Fendi at the VIP Room in Paris for fashion’s glitterati.

I remember photographer Nicolas Wagner’s first question to me when I told him about the subject of the shoot back in 2003. “What clothes are they wearing?” Back then, and I am not certain if much has changed since, it was incredibly difficult to get any designer clothes in this size range.

Pre-Fashion Week Mad-Libs: Jason Cauchi of Dallin Chase

Designer, dad, husband, breakdancer? – Jason Cauchi does it all. The man behind label Dallin Chase is certainly busy, but it all comes together well in his amazing, wearable collections. Here’s what’s on Jason’s mind pre-fashion week.

On the Cover: Lady Gaga & Marc Jacobs for V Magazine

Wow, I’m actually liking this competely “normal” look on Gaga. Here’s a note from the editor: “Just as the Statue of Liberty was France’s gift to America, Gaga is, to us, New York’s greatest gift to pop culture and fashion. She embodies everything V is about, and is also a beacon of the city’s creativity and hope. Exactly one year after her first V cover (the first fashion magazine cover she was on), we decided to do the NEW YORK issue, and she was the first person who came to mind to represent our great city. In the year that’s passed, she has become a bonafide genius and we can safely declare her our muse. Above all, a New York issue should celebrate people who’ve done great things. We at V are grateful Gaga came along to put the New back in New York!”

“The New York Issue,” which features fashion and art in the most exciting city on Earth! Lady Gaga poses as the Statue of Liberty alongside designer Marc Jacobs for this cover, in which artist Dan Colen interpreted the iconic “V” using bubble gum as his medium. In total, V Magazine collaborated with 4 New York based artists for their creative take, and Colen’s is the first to be released for this exclusive preview. V67 hits newsstands TODAY, September 2nd.

A 2nd cover version stars Marina Abramovic (performance artist) and Tyson Ballou (model). Other notable NYers inside include supermodel Liya Kebede, hotelier Andre Balazs, Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters, Debbie Harry, Lady Bunny, Mark Ronson, Chloe Sevigny and MORE!

Sample Sale: Married to the MOB’s First Online Sample Sale

This is exciting! Who doesn’t love saving money on your favorite brands? Married to the MOB is holding their first online sample sale exclusively on PLNDR.com. They will have over 250 of styles from their best collections at prices for up to 80% off.

This exclusive salestarts at noon on Sept 3rd to Noon on Sept 7th.

Sign up and go here before the sale ends!

Also, Visit PLNDR.com to become a member and take advantage of this exclusive event and others like it. In addition to slashed prices, new members will receive $15 towards their next purchase.

Covered: The Sunset Strip Music Festival 2010

I was able to cover this event this past Saturday and It was a blast. Travie McCoy, Common, Kid Cudi, Slash with special guest Fergie, and the Smashing Pumpkins were highlighting the event, with dozens of other bands. The crowd was mixed between your typical young Hollywood crowd, and some stuck in the 80’s rocker fans. Food trucks, beer amongst other goodies were everywhere. Here are a couple flicks I managed to take!

Travie McCoy performing “Billionaire”

Common was awesome!

More after the cut

Rockin’ my Fleet Jewelry chain ear piece and a gray Alternative Apparel silk cowl neck tunic.

welcome to Hollywood

Smashing Pumpkins

20 Leather Jackets We Want Now

There are few things higher up on everyone's fall lust list than a good sexy, practical, luscious leather jacket (or faux for all you vegans). No question, we're obsessed. And if you weren't able to dig up your old black motorcycle jacket you couldn't stop wearing five years ago (we misplaced ours, too): You're in luck. Because we've scoured our top sites to scoop up the best variations of this autumn's ultimate must-have, and not just in one style: We've assembled four categories, from shearling accents to leather impostors. Read on to find your leather love of the moment.



1. Tough-Girl Leather: From denim-inspired cuts to classic moto details, these motorcycle'esque jackets are cool—and hot—enough to rev up the bad girl in each of us.



Above, from left: Victoria's Secret Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $198, available at Victoria's Secret; Dallin Chase JJ Leather Jacket, $610, available at Shopbop; Topshop Leather Saddle Stitch Jacket, $310, available at Topshop.







Above, from left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Waxed-Leather Biker Jacket, $1,100, available at Net-A-Porter; Allsaints Spitalfields Post Commander Leather Jacket, $450, available at Allsaints Spitalfields.

It's Official! Lanvin For H&M Will Hit Stores November 20

A-ha! Lanvin is the next designer collaboration with H&M! The launch of both womenswear and menswear will be available on November 20th in 200 H&M stores worldwide. Images from the collection will be available on November 2. Even though Alber Elbaz from Lanvin has been quoted as saying that he'd never do a mass-market collection, he was too tickled at the thought of H&M going luxury: "This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world," he says. Says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M, "We are thrilled aboutLanvin's collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment. Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious French tradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men. The launch in November is go ing to be full of wonderful surprises." Check out the special announcement film flip after the break.

5 Things To Know This AM

Natalie Portman looks stunning in red Rodarte at the Venice Film Festival premiere of her hotly anticipated new film, The Black Swan. (Style.com)




Anna Paquin discusses her newest role as a bride on screen in The Romantics. (WWD)




NBC broadcasted live commentary of the red carpet fashion at the Emmys inside the Nokia theatre before the show had even begun and evidently called out January Jones as the worst dressed while she was sitting in the audience, waiting for the show to begin. Way harsh. (WashingtonPost)





Did anyone catch Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night? (NBC)




If you want to know the five most obvious telltale signs of bad plastic surgery, you've got to check out these five dead giveaways. (Stylelist)

5 Things To Know This AM

Sally Singer discusses her new cushy gig at T Magazine with Paper, and why fashion isn't all 'silly stuff.' (Papermag)



Introducing Hurt Couture, the world's first self-defense accessories line. (Afingo)



Just because—Street Peeper's Phil Oh presents his Top 10 R. Kelly Jams. #1 is our not-so-secret dance-floor secret weapon. (Streetpeeper)



VBS tags along with firefighters to promote the new Levi's + Filson collaboration. (VBS)



Check out this new Stockholm line we can't get enough of, Rodebjer. (Six Six Sick)

5 Things To Know This AM

Does Calvin Klein have a boy-toy? Apparently, the 67-year-old is in a relationship 20-year-old model. Hey, whatever works. (Huffington Post)




Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick and Taylor Momsen battled it out on set yesterday to see who could bare the most skin. Honestly, we wish they'd both cover up. (The Cut)



Tim Gunn's temper keeps getting the best of him. This time, he calls Isaac Mizrahi a 'terrible, terrible, terrible person.' But, don't worry, it's probably all to hype up his new book. (Gawker)



Guest of A Guest is giving tickets to Chiddy Bang at Memory Hotel. We just entered!
(Guest of a Guest)




Bethenny Frankel just announced she's quitting The Real Housewives of New York . Right, and we didn't see that coming from the first episode of Bethenny's Getting Married.' (Daily Mail)

Barbie Lands An Internship With Nick Knight At Showstudio

Barbie Lands An Internship With Nick Knight At Showstudio: "Starting this Sunday, Barbie will be interning at Showstudio under Nick Knight and will be posting live video updates to the Showstudio.com about her time there. Her duties include requesting London Fashion Week show tickets, sitting in on brainstorming sessions, assisting on shoots, making studio visits, as well as the requisite Starbucks run—how she'll hold a cup of coffee 10x her weight, we have no idea. The whole thing sounds fairly creepy to us (can you blame us? Check out the promo photo they sent—blergh!), but we're excited to see what Barbie—who, having held hundreds of professions before, might be the world's most experienced intern, ever—brings to the Showstudio table."

Peep Proenza Schouler's "Act Da Fool" Fall Collection Video

Peep Proenza Schouler's "Act Da Fool" Fall Collection Video: "

Though iconic American director Harmony Korine's short film for Proenza Schouler's fall '10 collection officially went live yesterday on proenzaschouler.com, teething problems on the site meant the video was down most of the day. Their webmasters fixed the glitch today, so now you can devote 5 minutes listening to a narrator say things like 'my friends and I are gangs of fool...we can act like wild animals, we can do some messed up shit.' Korine weaves in some familiar imagery you might recognize from the hugely influential Kids, his first script. Malt liquor, fried chicken, strippers, and old tires compliment the crazily printed pants, leather dresses, and a killer double-breasted fur coat in a way that's ironic but weirdly touching. We're not sure if we'd wear Proenza to spray paint a dumpster, but if Korine told us to 'go fuck up the world [and] burn shit,' we probably would."

L.A. Hot Sale: LNA Sample Sale

L.A. Hot Sale: LNA Sample Sale: "LNA's laid-back staples are up for grabs during this summer warehouse sale. They'll be adding new items to the sale stock, so head on over to Culver City and grab your fave LNA jeans, T-shirts, tanks, and more.

When: Now through Saturday, September 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: LNA Sample Sale, 6344 Arizona Circle (off of West Centinela Avenue); no phone.



Click here for more L.A. sample sales and shopping events."

Nan Goldin Shoots Erin Wasson For Scanlan And Theodore's Spring Lookbook

Nan Goldin Shoots Erin Wasson For Scanlan And Theodore's Spring Lookbook: "For 23 years, Australian brand Scanlan & Theodore has been bridging the gap between the fine arts and fashion—creating lookbook gold with photographers like Bill Henson. For spring '11, they're at it again, this time collaborating with famed shutterbug Nan Goldin and supermodel Erin Wasson to show off their grunge-glamorous evening wear. Classically cut dresses in lush fabrics create understated drama and easy elegance for nights spent out or—if you're going to do it Erin Wasson-style—in."

Lady Gaga Stars As The Statue Of Liberty With Marc Jacobs On The Cover Of V

Lady Gaga Stars As The Statue Of Liberty With Marc Jacobs On The Cover Of V: "We know, we know—we've been inundating you with coverage of V Magazine's September issue. But, c'mon, it's the 'New York!' issue and it's just so damn good. The cover hints at the radness to come: Lady Gaga poses as the Statue of Liberty alongside Marc Jacobs, overlaid with a bubblegum interpretation of the iconic V by artist Dan Colen (one of four different covers from NYC artists). Timed exactly one year after Gaga's first V cover, we think the singer has never looked better, continuing the fresh-er faced image she first revealed in this month's Vanity Fair. The mag, which hits newsstands today, also has a hit-list of notable NYers like Mark Ronson, Liya Kebede, Lady Bunny, Marina Abramovic, and Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters. EIC Stephen Gan says, 'Gaga is, to us, New York's greatest gift to pop culture and fashion...we at V are grateful Gaga came along to put the New back in New York.' And you'll be grateful after sneaking-a-peek at our mini-slideshow. If you don't run out and get a copy, we may question your status as a true New Yorker.


For more Lady Gaga and V madness, check out our other Gagalicious slideshow! "

Window Shopper: 3.1 Phillip Lim Clogs

If it wasn't official that clogs were a hot-ticket item for fall '10, the arrival of 3.1 Phillip Lim's 'tom tom' clogs in his SoHo store have officially cemented the trend. We're loving the rich brown and black colors that give a serious edge to the traditional Dutch footwear, while elements like small studs, leather petals, and the dark wooden, 5 and-and-a-half inch heels (the chunky platform at the front makes and rubber soles them much less painful) make them oh so unique. Wear 'em with a short dress or skirt for some cocktail attire with street cred, or garner some serious shoe-envy with your rattiest pair of jeans and a boyfriend button-up. Either way, Holland style never looked hotter.



3.1 Phillip Lim Tom Tom Clogs, $625-695, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim; 115 Mercer Street (between Prince and Spring streets); 212-334-1160.


Want more lust-worthy items? Check out these amazing rope bracelets! "

BoF Daily Digest | Questioning fashion copyrighting, Chinese forays, Lanvin for H&M, Esprit’s decline, Revamping John Lewis

Canal Street AF1, created to drive counterfeit awareness | Source: Kicks on fire

Copyrighting Fashion: Who Gains? (NY Times)

“Paradoxically, the payoff from free copying has been enormous. The fashion cycle turns faster, and the industry gets richer – and creates new designs more frequently. So why on earth would anyone want to change that?”

Luxury brands wrest back China market, eye smaller cities (Reuters)

“Many piled into China over the last decade, pairing with re-sellers and joint venture partners, but with so much at stake, they are severing these ties and bringing their own considerable financial and marketing muscle as well as expertise to China.”

Lanvin to Make Clothes for H & M (NY Times)

“Lanvin, one of the oldest Paris fashion houses, announced today that it will do a collection this fall for H & M. People can have their first look at the collection on Nov. 2, in a film that will be shown on hm.com. The clothes will go on sale Nov. 23 in 200 H & M stores worldwide.”

Esprit to Double China Sales After Decline in European Revenue (Business Week)

“Esprit Holdings, the biggest Hong Kong-listed clothier, aims to at least double China sales in the next five years after reporting an 11 percent drop in full-year profit. The stock fell the most in three months.”

Should John Lewis revamp their fashion? (Telegraph)

“The department store has just announced a revamp – the word alone will send a shiver down the spines of its fans – with the aim of becoming genuinely fashionable. Why on earth does Britain’s Favourite Retailer need to get groovy?”

The Fashion Trail | Vancouver’s Fashion Community Comes Together

Searching for Style in Vancouver | Photos: Bronte Robertson

VANCOUVER, Canada — It’s always nice to come home. Longtime BoF readers will have noticed that each summer, BoF tends to publish a few articles on the Canadian fashion scene. But for the first time, this year’s trip home also included a wonderful event generously hosted and organised by Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, who started writing her blog Searching For Style after more than ten years of studying and working in London and Paris.

The event was held at Vancouver’s Opus Hotel and themed The Business of Fashion and the Digital Revolution, bringing the good and great of the city’s small but passionate fashion community together on a balmy Monday evening. As the room continued to fill up, it was clear that there is great interest in Vancouver in all the change currently engulfing the fashion business. After an onstage interview with Alexandra, I was delighted to meet BoF readers from Vancouver and across Canada.

I had previously met Lisa Tant in Toronto and enjoyed getting her take on what it’s like to run the Canadian fashion magazine-cum-institution, Flare. Earlier in the week, Flare.com posted a Q&A with BoF on the Canadian fashion industry and our other pet topics, including Twitter. As it turns out, Lisa is a passionate tweeter herself, having learned how to make it work in her role as editor-in-chief. She says she has discovered both great talent for her editorial team and the ability to predict which of her magazine’s issues will be bestsellers based on the Twitter buzz generated by a new cover. It’s a smart way of using social media as a tool to run a fashion magazine in the digital era.

I was introduced for the first time to Jason Matlo, one of Vancouver’s top designers and also one of the city’s most stylish denizens. When pressed on how he manages to make a fashion business work out of Vancouver, which is far away from the main centres of Canadian fashion in Montreal and Toronto, Jason acknowledges that it is not easy. But with a dedicated team, including a business person to keep him focused on the bottom line, he somehow makes it work. Matlo manufactures his collections right from his Vancouver studio and is very responsive to orders from private clients and the local retailers who stock his ready-to-wear collections.

There were several other familiar faces it the crowd including Aritzia’s Brian Hill who was featured in a CEO Talk last summer and guys from Inventory Magazine whom we wrote about just last week. Rebecca Tay, Western Editor of FASHION, Canada’s other heavyweight fashion publication, and Craig David Long and the team from local luxury magazine, Montecristo, were also in attendance.

And no BoF event would be complete without the local fashion bloggerati, including Sarah Bancroft of Vitamin Daily, May Globus, Anya from I’m the It Girl, Vanessa Hong of The Haute Pursuit, Erica Lam and Nicole Soon of The Style Spy and Kelsey Dundon of The Anthology.

Thanks to everyone for coming out and showing your support for the event and especially to Alexandra and her great team of interns Bronte Robertson and Johana Zara for making it all happen.

For a recap of the The Business of Fashion and the Digital Revolution, please visit Searching for Style