Tuesday, March 23, 2010

W's New Man: Stefano Tonchi

At 11:30 this morning, T, the New York Times Style Magazine was informed that their dear editorial leader was leaving for greener, brighter pastures. Stefano Tonchi, according to Out Magazine's Power 50, is a Gay Mafia Don. Look's like W Magazine's cappo di tutto cappi is ready for his newfound responsibility.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Monday, March 22, 2010

New Model Army

Above: KARL LAGERFELD STICKERS.

KARL LAGERFELD STICKERS.

A large, padded envelope from Australia containing the Fashematics S/S 2010 Fashematical zine awaited on District L's front door after a brief hop to Washington DC.

KARL LAGERFELD STICKERS.

Also, KARL LAGERFELD STICKERS.

Things That Have Been Happening

The Models v. Terry Richardson - The fashion industry built him up because of his shocking, provocative photography. Now they're set to tear him down.

CFDA Award Nominations Party - March 17, 2010

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc, Donna, Wang

Menswear Designer of the Year: Bastian, Ford, the Rag & Bone boys

Geoffrey Bean Lifetime Achievement Award: Kors

International Award: Burberry's Bailey

Special Tribute Award: Alexander McQueen

 

Friday, March 19, 2010

Because You're Chic

You may know you're more fashionable than a hypothetical Carine/Olivier love-child, but what's the value sans-editorial coverage and prizes?

It is time to show your chic to W magazine. Now through April 20, upload a photo here that portrays yourself in your favorite fashion trend. Send it in, along with a short essay about why its hot, and a panel of W editors will judge whether or not your look is top-notch.

The grand prize is a $1,000 Amex Gift Card and this season's hottest bag from Hugo Boss. Yes, plz.

 

 

Post by Amanda LaMela

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Elie Saab Fall 2010

Combining his famed Lebanese extravagance with the season's understated discretion, Elie Saab created a subtly provocative 60-piece collection for Fall 2010. Saab mixed body-con cutouts with billowing, ethereal skirts to redefine glamor - yet again.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Archs loses Lohan, still fails miserably

After the epic blunder that was Ungaro A/W 09, we knew Archs would lose Lindsay this season. While the sequined heart pasties faded into distant history along with Ungaro's former "Artistic Director," the questionable color combinations, dated party dresses, and tired direction remained.

Maybe the young Estrella Archs should have kept Lohan around - at least she'd have an excuse and a packed house every season.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Friday, March 5, 2010

Consistently Christophe

Keeping the iconic shoulders and impulsive tinsel that generated harsh criticism last season, Balmain's Christophe Decarnin reinvented his powerful, provocative look for a stronger, sexier woman. Mixing bright furs with gold metallic and leather pants with rich brocade, Decarnin defiantly stood his ground, rebelling against the season's sobriety. While last season's girl was the afflicted antagonist in distressed camo, this season's girl is the effectual lead.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Sartorial Superheroes

But first, how much would you care to bet that Andre Leon Talley is freaking the fuck out over this number right now. Just pair it with a Billionaire Bad Boy's club sweatshirt and maybe a length of chain from Home Depot and he'll be set in the caftan department for another season at least.

But I digress.

This rather unremarkable piece from Nicolas Andreas Taralis' AW 2010 collection for Paris Fashion Week can be forgiven, as the other 27 looks were pure, monolithic attitude- sartorial superheroes. Executed entirely in black and white (but mostly just black, giving special attention to texture), the techno-industrial vibe was apparently not entirely intended. "It's a little more artisanal and handmade, a little less tough," said the designer.

Sorry, but when you send...

This,

This,

This,

and especially this down your runway, the words "artisanal" and "handmade" won't be the first to spring forth from an edtior or retailer's Bic as they take down notes on the line sheet.

But all in all an extremely solid collection- it was nice to see a designer successfully incorporate denim onto the runway and to finally do something new and different with zippers. A good compromise between Gareth Pugh theatrics and Jil Sander sensibility to be sure. Bravo.

-Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

Naomi Campbell: Supermodel, Philanthropist, Fugitive of the Law.

So basically, Naomi Campbell is running around midtown somewhere and nobody, not even the NYPD, can find her.

After erupting into a rage for some unknown reason earlier this afternoon, Campbell proceeded to slap and punch her 27 year old driver from the backseat of his Escalade. After he pulled the car over near East 58th and 2nd and dialed 911, the thwarted Campbell flared her eyespots and bolted from the car.

The 5'10" supermodel is now lurking somewhere in the depths of midtown, slithering through the shadows like a moray eel, waiting to strike. Police are reportedly sweeping the area, calls from the precinct to her publicist have gone unanswered, and several small children have been reported missing.

So much for taking a break from injuring and hospitalizing.

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

Bohemian Rhapsody

Inspired by the wealthy Saint-Tropez eccentrics that first supported him 40 years ago, Roberto Cavalli revisited the breezy silhouettes, reckless layering, and exquisite workmanship that satiated his earliest customers. Combining the careless sexuality of Brigitte Bardot with Bernard Buffet-like definitude, Cavalli recreates the anomalous atmosphere of Saint-Tropez in the 1970s.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Monday, March 1, 2010

A District L Moment with Grace Coddington

Managed to catch Grace Coddington for a quick photo op while rushing for taxis at opposite ends of the block. Lolz.

Also in this photo: Tuesday Simon from Forward Fashion.

A District L Moment with Henry Holland

Editor Nicolas Sera-Leyva poses with Henry Holland after the Alexander Wang show.

Don't get all slouchy with me.

Because I think I speak for everyone when I say- "we are, like, so not in the mood right now." Slouchy, thick-ribbed cardigans have become cornerstones of the grunge/primal backbone in many high profile collectons for fall.

As grunge and primal emerge as the season's trend juggernauts, these sumptuous pieces have played a two-fold role- a cozy, deconstructed go-to for the former and an enveloping, coccooning silhouette for the latter. On a more practical level, many designer's recent commitment to recession-friendly clothing has resulted in extra emphasis on wearable, more timeless basics that can keep a girl's wardrobe going for years to come.

Cardigans included.

Etro

Missoni

Iceberg

Clements Ribeiro

Anna Sui

Alexander Wang

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

Photos from Style.com

Christopher Kane for Versus

"I wish Versace's Versus line still existed with the same fervor that it had in 80s." - Me, February 26, 2010

Dreams come true, fashionistas. Christopher Kane, in his second season reviving Donatella's baby, has married his own ongoing concept of rebellious youth to Versace's air of Sicilian sexpot. Juxtaposing body-con with girlish frill, Donatella and Christopher created sheeny party looks perfect for a mischievous night at the Boom Boom Room.


Post by Amanda LaMela