LONDON show ROOMS New York

The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) international design initiative LONDON show ROOMS, in partnership with the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, will be taking London’s leading emerging fashion talents to New York for the second consecutive season, to increase their presence and develop their businesses in the US with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).  This follows on from LONDON show ROOMS in Paris, now in its 5th and most successful season to date, where sales have increased 25% year on year.



LONDON show ROOMS will take place in New York on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th October in the Penthouse Lofts, Soho Grand, 310 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013. The showroom is a partially subsidised space for designers to showcase their collections in new markets with the support of international marketing, media and sales advisers.  Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, will host a private preview from 11am – 2pm on Monday 25th October to mark the opening of the showroom.



Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented, “The USA is a highly significant market for British designer businesses. The British Fashion Council’s LONDON show ROOMS initiative in New York aims to target leading US media and retailers, allowing designers to develop relationships with key industry players at the early stages of their business. This initiative represents some of London’s brightest young stars who will no doubt impress the key decision makers once again in New York.”



Wendy Malem, Director, Centre for Fashion Enterprise, commented 'For the past four seasons the Centre for Fashion Enterprise has hosted New York press days where designers have been warmly received. Following last season’s successful partnership with the British Fashion Council’s LONDON show ROOMS, we are back once again to showcase Britain’s best emerging talent. Designers showcasing in New York have benefitted from an increased awareness in the US marketplace and many have significantly added to their order books, we are delighted to be back.”



Barbara Wilson, UKTI Fashion International Trade Adviser, comments, “UK Trade & Investment is delighted to be working with the British Fashion Council to support London’s emerging talent and feel it is crucial in revitalising the UK’s international proposition in the Fashion Sector.”



The Mayor of London Boris Johnson adds: “At a critical time for our economy, it is vital that our brilliantly talented designers have an opportunity to showcase their work at an international level. New York, like London, is one of the great fashion capitals, and a friendly competitor, as well as a potential market for these gifted individuals. I hope this great initiative will provide a springboard for future success”



Designers selected to participate have received sponsorship through the BFC’s designer support scheme NEWGEN, supported by Topshop, NEWGEN MEN supported by Topman, or receive support from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise.



From NEWGEN - Catwalk & Presentation

Craig Lawrence

David Koma

Holly Fulton

J.W. Anderson

Jordan Askill

Louise Gray (Also CFE Venture Programme)    

Mary Katrantzou (Also CFE Venture Programme)  

Michael van der Ham 



From NEWGEN - Exhibition

Atalanta Weller

Christopher Raeburn (Also CFE Venture Programme)    

Dominic Jones

Fannie Schiavoni  

Felicity Brown

Heikki Salonen



From NEWGEN MEN - Catwalk & Presentation

Christopher Shannon (Also CFE Pioneer Programme)

James Long (Also CFE Venture Programme)

Sibling (Also CFE Venture Programme)



Special Guests   

Meadham Kirchhoff (CFE Venture Programme)     

Nasir Mazhar

Tim Soar (CFE Venture Programme)    

Todd Lynn



www.britishfashioncouncil.com/londonshowroomsnewyork



The New York showroom will be open from 9am until 7pm, 25th – 26th October 2010 at Penthouse Lofts, Soho Grand, 310 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013 +001 (212) 965 3000



LONDON show ROOMS is supported by UK Trade & Investment (which in London is part financed by the European Union) and the London Development Agency.





General information on LONDON show ROOMS and buyers please contact:

Barbara Grispini, British Fashion Council

barbara@britishfashioncouncil.com

Tel: +44(0) 7765 000 224 / +1 646 406 2781



For press enquiries regarding LONDON show ROOMS please contact:

Gemma Ebelis, PR Manager, British Fashion Council

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1986 / (0) 7802 393 411

gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com





Image: Holly Fulton spring/summer 2011 at London Fashion Week, September 2010.






"

Christian Siriano to Design Even Cheaper Shoes for Payless

Christian Siriano is expanding his collection for Payless to include up to twenty styles of shoes and handbags, including more informal items like boots, flats, and sandals, for fall 2011. He hasn't announced price points yet, but the new designs reportedly will be even cheaper than his current dressier offerings, which retail between $25 and $60. Also on the agenda: a lower-priced clothing collection to correspond with his Payless-budget fan base. 'I've definitely toyed with the idea and want to make sure I can do what I want to do,' he said of a diffusion line. 'That will be the goal for the next couple years.'

Christian Siriano Expanding Payless Line, Talks Lower-Priced Clothing Collection [StyleList]

Lindsay Lohan is Sketching for 6126 From Rehab

Leave it to TMZ to have sources from within the Betty Ford clinic where La Lohan is doing her latest rehab stint. So what’s Lilo been up to while in rehab?

She’s been sketching for her leggings line, 6126. According to TMZ, Lohan has been sketching “like crazy” for the Fall 2011 and Spring 2011 collections. It seems she’s worried about her line. Probation documents obtained by the gossip site stated that “The defendant says her clothing line is falling apart because she is not available to monitor the product.”

Lohan’s blog for 6126 was updated as recently as August 25th, just a day after she was released from her last round of rehab (and before she was sentenced to jail, failed two drug tests, and dodged a second round of jail time). She (or her team) wrote that she was “shipping some amazing dresses that are perfect for the Holiday season and the 6126 bag collection is shipping for holiday as well…We are now finishing the handbag line for Spring and also starting to think about next Summer’s collection!”

6126 has stuck around for over two years now and Lohan seems committed to keeping the collection alive. She promoted the line this summer on short-lived Bravo show Double Exposure. And she’s expanded the collection beyond leggings to dresses, hoodies, sweaters, and jackets to make 6126 a “lifestyle brand.” The line is still sold (believe it or not) at major online retailers like shopstyle, revolve, and 80spurple. So perhaps Lohan has good reason to be sketching while she rehabs.

The site currently features Lohan modeling a leather jacket and some stretchy belled pants paired with a lamé top. Click through to see 6126 beyond leggings. Do you think it will last?

Style.com Joins Fairchild: Will a Pay Wall Follow?

Over the past 10 years, Style.com has become the fashion industry’s resource for runway images.

Now, as its sister site Vogue.com expands, the property is switching teams. It was announced this morning that Style.com would leave Conde Nast Digital for the Fairchild Group, which includes WWD, WWD.com, Footwear News, conferences, Fairchild Books and trade shows. (In March, W magazine moved from Fairchild into Conde Nast’s consumer group.)

The switch makes sense for Style. While it’s still sold as a consumer property, the industry uses its fashion show database as a library. What’s more, several of Style’s staffers–including executive editor Nicole Phelps and writer Meenal Mistry–hail from WWD.

Publisher Gina Sanders insists that the properties will not become intertwined, but we see plenty of opportunities for cross-pollination here. It’s doubtful that a pay wall will come into play, but if it did, we do believe users would pay $25 to $50 per year to access the database.

Our question for you: if Style.com does put up a pay wall, would you pony up?

Justin Bieber to Launch Scented Dog Tags, Might Shave His Head

Bieber Fever continues to afflict the nation’s tween girls (and some of their moms, too), so the marketing of Bieber rages on. This time, it’s in the way of scented dog tags and wrist bands, WWD is reporting.

The Biebs recently launched Bieber-branded nail polish so it follows that he should make a foray into the celebrity fragrance market. We expect hair products to drop any day now. Of course, Bieber’s fragrance, “My World,” won’t be a traditional spray-on scent. That would be so un-Biebs. The unisex scent will be infused in dog tags and wrist bands that can be stacked and traded just like Silly Bandz (and jelly bands before them). We shudder to think what sex acts Bieber dog tags might come to represent.

The scent is described as having “top notes of bergamot, lychee and pomegranate, a heart of cedar glimmers and a drydown of musk,” and is set to hit Walmarts on Black Friday. But if you’re looking to appeal to Bieber’s sense of smell before Black Friday, he says he’s into eau de Britney Spears. “I actually like the Britney Spears perfume on girls,” he told WWD. “It smells good.”

But the real terrifying news from Bieber’s WWD interview concerns the fate of his perfect coif. “I was thinking about shaving it off or changing it,” the Biebs said. “But I know now isn’t the right time. Maybe [for my] next album.” But how can you create a line of hair products if you’ve got no hair Justin? We and tween girls everywhere beg you go reconsider.

Fashion News Roundup: Olivier Theyskens Named Creative Director at Theory, A Look at Kate Moss’s Last Topshop Collection & Kelly Osbourne’s Clothing L

Olivier Theyskens Lands at Theory: Theyskens charmed the fashion world with his designs for Nina Ricci and Rochas, and now he’ll be designing for the business-chic masses as Theory’s new artistic director. This is in addition to his Theyskens for Theory collaboration line for Spring 2011. Not exactly what we expected from the Victorian/Goth-inspired designer, but hey, a job’s a job and this seems like a good one. {WWD subscription required}

A Look at Moss’s Last Collection For Topshop: After 14 collections for Topshop, Kate Moss’s winter collection will be her last. T‘s got a video featuring the collection, which is set to hit stores November 2nd. {T Magazine}

Naomi Campbell Says EIC Was Fired for Putting Her on the Cover: Last year, Naomi Campbell claimed that the advertising industry was using the recession as an excuse to skimp on diversity. Now Campbell has come forward to say that the editor-in-chief of an Australian magazine was fired for putting her on the cover. {Telegraph UK}

Kelly Osbourne’s Clothing Line: Kelly Osbourne is planning to design her own clothing line and we’re not surprised. She’s truly transformed this past year, and the only thing left to do is design a line. {Refinery 29}

Behind The Scenes Look Of Somewhere: If you’re as big of a Sofia Coppola fan as I am, then you’re anxiously awaiting the release of her upcoming film, Somewhere. Lucky for us, Nowness has given us a behind-the-scenes look on the set of the film which was shot at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. Amazing.{Nowness}

Street Style: Thommy Rocks Vintage Richard Tyler

Name: Thommy

Age: 24

Occupation: Works for Mathew Williamson

What is your favorite thing in the stores? A fully sequined long-sleeved dress.

How would you describe your style? Downtown meets work appropriate.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Alejandro from the Lady Gaga video.

What are you currently listening to? Robyn.

What’s your favorite dessert? Bread pudding.

What are you wearing? The shirt is vintage Richard Tyler and my vest is also vintage. J.Lindeberg pants and Rock & Republic shoes.

**All Photos By Ashley Jahncke

Whitney Port Confirms That The City is Over

It looks like we knew about The City‘s demise long before star Whitney Port did.

Racked reports the actress/designer admitted this morning on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show that “it doesn’t really look like we’re doing it anymore.”

We’re disappointed for the show’s fans, although we’re sure they’ll find solace in Lauren Conrad‘s MTV reality show, which documents the making of her clothing empire.

P.S. Dear Ms. Cutrone, we can’t wait to see you in pink! xo, F

Tracy Feith Still M.I.A., Owes Over $200K To Landlords

Six months ago, Lauren noticed that Michelle Obama-anointed designer Tracy Feith seemed to have disappeared. The surfer-cum-designer known for his bright floral prints became a household name after Mrs. O wore one of his dresses twice, followed by a successful collaboration with Target. But despite the first lady’s proven ability to move the fashion market, Feith is in serious trouble.

The designer’s brick-and-mortar stores in New York and Los Angeles have closed, his website is down, and today the Daily News is reporting that he owes over $200,000 to landlords in NYC and Montauk. His former landlords are, understandably, pretty pissed. Feith’s Manhattan landlord’s lawyer told the News, “It is shameful that a popular and successful designer has shunned his most basic business obligation by failing to pay rent for his retail store.” But Feith and his business partner Susan Winget are nowhere to be found. Once fixtures in Montauk, they were conspicuously absent this year. We’ve reached out to Winget for comment but haven’t heard back.

Feith had been consulting for Calypso, and we hoped he had held onto the gig as a source of much-needed income, but a rep from Calypso told us that while Feith had worked for the brand a while ago, it was only for about two months. Feith reportedly made $550K for his Target lines. Where did the money go?

World’s Best Clothing Stores: The Fashionista Ranking

Specialty retailers. The high street. Chain stores. The mall. Whatever you want to call them, these are the places that most of us do the majority of our shopping. (I may own a Chanel bag, but my jeans are from Uniqlo.)

Which clothing stores offer the right mix of well-made, gently-priced, well-designed clothes? To rank the world’s best, we tapped our string of correspondents–from Los Angeles to Paris to Tokyo–to tell us which stores they enjoy most. As usual, our methodology is loose, but fair: We factored in fabric and construction quality, price (as it relates to quality), overall desirability, and accessibility to a large audience. And we only considered stores that sell clothes for both men and women. (No discount, department store, or boutique retailers were included.)

Click through for our ten favorites. Which would top your list?

Racked Dealfeed: Scoop, Zachary’s Smile, and Blu Dot

Scoop
Deal: Additional markdowns of up to 50% to 70% at this extended sale
When/Where: Through Sunday, October 31. Mon—Wed 11am—7pm, Thurs—Sat 11am—8pm, Sun 11am—6pm. 875 Washington St at 14th Street (212-633-6539)

Zachary’s Smile
Deal: An attic sale on vintage priced from $10 to $30, plus a $5 section and a Halloween section with nothing priced over $48. Vintage and costume jewelry range from $2 to $10; footwear and accessories $5 to $20.
When/Where: Saturday, October 23 to Sunday, November 7. Mon—Fri 1pm—8pm, Sat noon—8pm, Sun 8am—7pm. 303 Mulberry St between Bleecker and Houston Sts

Blu Dot
Deal: 20% off all of Blu Dot’s friendly modern furniture for 20 days
When/Where: Wednesday, October 20 through November 8. Mon—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 140 Wooster St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-780-9058)

Adventures in Copyright: ’70s Style Silk-Screened Swimsuits

Both Black Milk and We Are Handsome started in 2009 so we’re not quite sure who is inspiring whom here (and really both lines are drawing inspiration from 70s silk-screened tees). Black Milk started with leggings in 2009 and have since started making swimwear. Australian label We Are Handsome are solely swim. You be the judge.

Black Milk has been getting buzz these days for their more nerd-chic one-pieces, some of which have Star Wars fanatics geeking out. Take a look.

The Revenge of the Smallest: How Crush Fanzine Bucks the Publishing Trends

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

The images projected onto a tan brick wall on the back of New York’s 48th Street Holiday Inn showed a blond guy wearing a dark blue cotton jumpsuit, mopping the floor of what seemed like a manufacturing building. It wasn’t a preview for a new movie release. It was surely not a commercial for the latest detergent or all-powerful mops.

Instead, it was a screening of the short film “Romance Language” by Jarrah Gurrie. The movie centers around an encounter between a blue collar office cleaner and his female counterpart during a late night work shift. Without exchanging any words due to language differences, he shares his meals with her.

The blond guy playing the cleaner is model Travis Lee Hanson. And the people gather on the roof watching him were there to celebrate Crush Fanzine’s Obsession # 5: Travis Lee Hanson.

Unlike any other publication, CrushFanzine’s entire issue–there have been five thus far–focuses on one subject. Travis is the newest topic; others have included actress Charlotte Rampling and model Arthur (who starred in the first issue.) It’s not about fashion as in: “a report on what’s new this season.” It’s about fashion as it’s seen through the eyes of an individual. Above all, it’s about the pleasure and the enjoyment a print product can have on its readers.

Less than two years ago, the death of print was cemented by media pundits. For a time, it seemed certain that these experts were correct; that the severe cuts in advertising budgets would surely at best hamper magazines and at worst threaten some with extinction. But magazines are making a comeback. And it’s the small circulation ones that are gaining strength as collector items, rather than mere commercial publications on newsstands.

Indeed, 2010 has seen the launch of Grey, which is principally photography, Test–where creative teams composed of the best talents in fashion, design, art and film produce an issue–and Candy, which features transgender fashion. There’s also Twin, a bi-annual art and fashion cloth-bound book, and Glass, a “collaborative intersection of art, fashion, music and design.” Most of these magazines are based in London.

The Spotlight | 1-100 by Graham Tabor and Miguel Villalobos

Graham Tabor and Migel Villalobos | Photo: Miguel Villalobos

NEW YORK, United States — I first met Graham Tabor and Miguel Villalobos over sushi in New York with our mutual friend Diane Pernet. Then again, it felt like we already knew each other since their smiling faces were often featured on Diane’s blog and she had already told me so much about them.

Since then, Graham and Miguel have kept me captivated with their creativity and ideas. A talented photographer and illustrator working in film, fashion and art, Miguel is always casually snapping photos away when we’re together. He has worked on creative projects with various collaborators including another friend of BoF, Zaldy Goco. For his part, Graham has long collaborated behind-the-scenes with other talented creatives — including super-stylist Melanie Ward, Helmut Lang and Karl Lagerfeld.

Most recently, Graham and Miguel put on their first solo sculpture exhibit in Paris, featuring animal skeletons constructed out of found cardboard and masking tape, covered in layers of resin, which made for some arresting imagery.

I’ve often wondered in the back of my mind how this dynamic duo would take their complementary creativity and commercialise it some day. The answer finally came during Paris Fashion Week just past when they showed me their beautiful new line of fine jewelry, 1-100.

The word ‘fine‘ jewelry isn’t intended to be a descriptor of the aesthetic mind you, as everything in their collection has a rough hewn, organic feel, with unfinished raw edges and shapes. Made in numbered editions in their New York atelier, the collection combines traditional and innovative materials with age-old artisanship. For Spring/Summer 2011, Miguel and Graham created a series of necklaces, bracelets, and cuffs in sterling silver and leather, captured by Miguel in captivating photography.

1-100 for BoF

It seems like we’re not the only ones who were impressed. Sarah Lerfel from Colette snapped the collection up for a Paris exclusive, along with cutting edge boutiques like Reborn in Montreal and Hostem in East London. Not bad for their first try at jewelry.

We are delighted to welcome Graham and Miguel, and their Spring/Summer 2011 collection, to the BoF Spotlight!

The Spotlight is BoF’s showcase for emerging talent employing creativity and business acumen to make their mark in the fashion business.

The Best Beach Spas

Watch a beautiful sunset by the pool at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

While some vacations may seem to cause more stress than they’re worth (family reunion, anyone?), a healing trip to a waterfront spa remains a welcome escape. Breathing in the fresh ocean air as you gaze at an endless sea instills a natural serenity that intensifies when you factor in the pleasures of cocooning yourself in a plush robe and anticipating a decadent massage.

What’s better than a superb ocean view? That same vista enjoyed from a relaxing beachfront spa. Following are our top five picks.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Nothing says escape like a private island, and Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands promises you that. With just 52 guestrooms and three villas steps from the beach, you’ll hear only the laughing gulls and the rustle of the palms overhead — no cars, no intrusions. A private isle that can provide a no-fly zone to keep paparazzi helicopters at bay naturally attracts A-listers and VIPs, but because Peter Island “kisses and never tells,” the celebs in your midst are merely guests on a rejuvenating getaway, just like you.

At the spa, two ayurvedic physicians provide iridology consultations (a holistic assessment of the body based on the iris of the eye) and offer take-home tips and follow-up consults. Relaxing, cleansing treatments include herbal wraps, thermal sand-bundle massage, and shirodhara, a therapeutic warm-oil treatment focused on the body’s third eye. For a little action, try yoga classes, guided walks, snorkeling and sea kayaking — there won’t be a Jet Ski (or tabloid!) in sight to mar the tranquility.

At the resort’s Tradewinds Restaurant, executive chef Lisa Sellers embraces local sustainable ingredients in island-style dishes such as grouper ceviche or lemongrass-infused shrimp with green papaya and mango salad. (From $350 per night, double occupancy; peterisland.com) — Leslie Gilbert Elman

Frégate Island Private

Frégate Island, Seychelles

Surrounded by lush forests and hidden coves of dazzling white sand, Frégate Island Private is committed to protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. Guests can visit the Aldabra giant tortoise breeding colony, where the endangered species is reared before being released to the wild, or take a guided conservation hike to learn about the habitat.

Fourteen of the 16 2,000-plus-square-foot villas, made of African teak, native mahogany and thatch, are perched on cliffs with commanding views of the Indian Ocean. The other two villas are tucked into tropical gardens, and each has its own Jacuzzi. For more relaxing, head to the breathtaking Rock Spa for native-inspired treatments such as the Zoli Figir facial, which uses fresh fruits in lieu of brand-name products. Hydroponic-gardening and drip-irrigation systems keep the island-grown produce so fresh that fruits and vegetables served are never more than four hours old and are pesticide-free. (From $2,500 per night all inclusive, double occupancy; fregate.com) — Suzanne Gerber

Arenas Del Mar

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

At the foot of a rutted jungle road skirted by amazing ocean vistas awaits the relaxed luxury of Arenas Del Mar. Exemplifying nature/nurture harmony, this boutique beach resort nestles on 11 acres of wildlife-rich rain forest just steps from a jeweled sea. Adjacent to famed Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the eco-conscious hotel features 38 rooms with panoramic views, two pools, two restaurants and a spa. Built and operated in accordance with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism, electric carts shuttle guests and solar panels heat balcony Jacuzzis.

Best bets at blissful Las Brisas Spa include the healing aloe wrap and 90-minute house massage with mini-facial and foot scrub. The area’s myriad other activities include a don’t-miss park excursion, parasailing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, sunset cruise, forest-canopy tour and horseback riding. Hanging with locals in neighboring Quepos will cap your holiday in Costa Rica’s deservedly prime tourist destination.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurants spotlight regional ingredients in its fresh seafood rolls and chilled mango/watermelon soup. For an off-site adventure, try Kapi Kapi restaurant, where you’ll find Asian-inspired dishes enhanced by locally grown spices, as well as unique handcrafted jewelry. (From $250 per night, double occupancy; arenasdelmar.com) — Suzan Crane

Capella Pedregal

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Like the growing handful of other Capella resorts now open, the luxe new Capella Pedregal is an intimate boutique collection of 66 capacious oceanfront guest rooms, replete with private plunge pools and expansive terraces. Accessible only via the sea and a private, chandelier-lit tunnel, the 24-acre resort ensures guests an extreme level of privacy despite its being only minutes away from downtown Cabo.

The Auriga Spa, designed by world-renowned spa developer Sylvia Sepielli, features 10 rounded treatment suites, each opening onto a private outdoor pool which meanders throughout the facility. For a truly unique experience, try the Art of Sound Therapy, which combines acupressure with the soothing tinkling of pentatonic chimes. Activities include horseback riding, parasailing and scuba diving.

And don’t miss al fresco dining at El Farallón restaurant: At dusk, lights begin to shimmer above the sea, revealing an intimate cliffside cove where guests imbibe sangria and dine on succulent grilled seafood they can select from the day’s catch. (From $475 per night, double occupancy; capellapedregal.com) — L. Brooks Baldwin



Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

Kona, Hawaii

Steeped in rich local culture and traditions, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows embraces its guests in the magical spirituality of Hawaii, with impeccably tended historic fishponds and intriguing ancient petroglyphs on the property.

Try the beachside yoga or head to the Sylvia Sepielli-designed Fire & Ice spa, which offers the popular Fire & Ice Pa‘akai, a tingling full-body exfoliation incorporating cooling white Hawaiian sea salt and concluding with a relaxing heated body wrap. Get the most out of your appointment by booking one of the private lava saunas before your treatment, then rinse off in an outdoor shower surrounded by a garden of Hawaiian healing plants.

At the casual Bay Terrace cafe, insiders know that despite it not being offered on the menu, their request to Chef Arnold for his special fried rice will always be granted with pleasure (customized omelets are offered on the menu every day). For fresh, sophisticated oceanfront dining, visit The Canoehouse, which includes delicious local fish like moi and opakapaka (From $370 per night, double occupancy; maunalani.com) — L. Brooks Baldwin

‘The Talk’: A Different ‘View’ on Women’s Chat

The diverse women of 'The Talk' aim to challenge each other, as well as their audience, on topics of the day.

An ethnically diverse group of women dishing about the hot topics of the day? We’ve been there and seen that. But the idea of six accomplished ladies in their 30s, 40s and 50s giving their views on hot-button issues nevertheless intrigues us, and we’re up for checking out Sara Gilbert, Leah Remini, Julie Chen, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete and Marissa Jaret Winokur on CBS’ new daily show The Talk.

“Each of us is smart, funny, dynamic and brings something different to the table,” says Early Show contributor and Big Brother host Chen, 40, who says she welcomes the chance to speak her mind, offer opinions, and show a side of her personality that she isn’t able to in her other TV gigs.

“I kind of feel like the mother hen of the whole thing, being I’m the one with the adult children and being the oldest with the most life experience,” says Osbourne, 58. Having hosted her own daily talk show in 2006, she’s glad to share the wealth. “It’s not on my shoulders. And if it fails, it’s not my fault!” she says with a laugh.

Osbourne’s Celebrity Apprentice co-competitor Peete, 46, the mother of four including an autistic son, says she plans “to reach all the moms out there of kids with special needs. I also have a teenage daughter and younger kids, so I have that perspective as well.”

Gilbert, 35, the former Roseanne star more recently seen on ER, The Big Bang Theory and HawthoRNe, is wearing two hats as co-host and executive producer, having come up with the original idea for The Talk. The panel’s diversity was intended, “But we would have picked these people anyway. Everyone we wanted said yes,” says Gilbert, a committed vegan and the mother of two with her partner, Allison. “I’ve never really discussed my personal life,” she notes, acknowledging that will now change. “Obviously, I’m going to be discussing my life more. When topics come up that are appropriate, I’ll talk about them and share when it seems right.”

Will you tune in to The Talk?

Photo credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS