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Alexander McQueen Lives On March 8, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 10:35 PM
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I wanted to wait until the hoopla surrounding his death had simmered down a bit before making a post.  Alexander (Lee) McQueen was and still is one of my favorite designers.  I literally cried when I heard the news on February 11, 2009; ironically the first day of Fashion Week.  I didn’t cry because I knew him personally, but because he was inspiring.  An inspiration to all us weird, quirky kids who weren’t exactly the coolest growing up because of our oddness; however we had an obessession with being creative.  

His garments were like no-other; always twenty steps ahead of everyone else and completely outside the box.  You know that trendy motorcycle jacket everyone’s been wearing lately?  Yeah, McQueen had one ripping the runway back in Fall 2008.

 

Bloggers and publications have stated that  McQueen may have committed suicide due to the loss of his close friend and mother.  Renowned fashion editor Isebella Blow was not only a friend, but his mentor.  When she committed suicide in 2007, McQueen was crushed; devoting an entirely separate collection and show to her.  In 2008, it seemed he had begun to move on; moving into a new home, ending a long-term relationship, and telling Vogue he had “never been happier”.  Until the death of his mother at the beginning of last month; just days before he took his own life.  Those in the industry close to him have said they did not see anything signaling any suicidal thoughts.  I have stated to friends that we should have known something was wrong when there wasn’t a Pre-Fall collection.               

McQueen was so innovative and “experimental”, his next move was to try to create holograms that would allow anyone anywhere to view his collections in three dimensions.  Beginning his career as a young apprentice in London, McQueen applied to become a cutting tutor at Central Saint Martins.  Recognizing his talent, the administrators suggested he enroll as a student- Isabella Blow bought his thesis collection two years later.  At age 27, McQueen became head designer at Givenchy, but left for the Gucci group after stating LVMH constricted his creativity. 

And we all know how wide his ideas can stretch.  Runways covered in water, snow, robots, and any other unbelievable concoction one can think of.  The following images are from my favorite collection of McQueen’s, RTW Fall 2009; the runway is made of broken mirrors, equip with barbwire.  Critiques and those at the show were appalled by the images of the models and their faces, but the clothes are amazing and honestly the odd make-up compels me to look. 

 

 

 

       Always the one to set trends and not follow them, McQueen was my fave because of that fact.  Not caring what anyone thought and still added passion to every garment he created.  Researching his inspiration for collections was also apparent; one could see when he completely engulfed himself in his creations.  We will never know the exact reason as to why or what triggered Alexander McQueen to take his own life, but the fashion industry will continue to celebrate the life of the most forward-thinking designer and he will truly be missed.  ~C.M. 

Check out McQueen’s final collection: Spring 2010.  I’ve literally watched this show over 26 times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvWyK-llPlA

On March 9, 2009, WWD reported and showcased McQueen’s last pieces created for Fall 2009.  See the article and looks here: WWD McQueen Fall 2009

 

New York Fashion Week March 4, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 1:03 AM
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Please forgive me for the lack of posting, the month of February has been crazy; Fashion Week, Creative Lounge Chicago- a fashion showroom opening for local designers, and other events that have posts to follow. 

But to more pressing matters: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. 

Trust me, I did not have invitations to attend the shows- and to sneak in? Forget about it.  Security was so tight and the embarrassment of them asking “who are you” would dare not loom over my self-proclaimed-fame ego.  The buzz of people being pissed that one of the Jersey Shore girls crashed the Michael Kors show made it to The New York Times and was enough to let me know I’ll play the role as a spectator. 

However, this was the last year Fashion Week would be held at Bryant Park and I’d be a fool not to be there.  The atmosphere was intense: Chloe booties in sight, mink coats and shawls, attitudes exhumed from unapproachable journalists, top editors, and stylists.  Just being in the park or on 42nd-5th ave was enough to make you want to sell your soul for an invitation.  

 Thanks to Style.com we’ve had the opportunity to get runway access the past few months; however critics aren’t being so welcoming to designer’s Fall 2010 fashions.  Cathy Horne of The New York Times Fashion & Style section wrote that some of the designs arrived with low expectations.  Stating editors saw “a lack of fun” and a blogger received a FREE Dolce & Gabbana  fur jacket. 

Not sure if I embrace the fact that celebrity status is beginning to dwindle, or if I’m worried that there won’t be a dividend between whats real and what’s “reality”.  Marc Jacobs has even refused to invite celebs to his shows.  Uncouth women who have deemed themselves ”Bad Girls” are considered something now, bloggers who have never sat through a journalism course are all of the sudden ”writers”, and those who have never had a creative idea are stylists and fashion designers.  If you ask me: blame reality television.  Everyone has a chance to shine and make it.  And that brings me to my point; people who did not have invites were walking the park like they were indeed “somebody’s”- faux paparazzi were running each other over trying to get a pic of this ridiculous woman with a hot pink (appropriately) faux fur, tight liquid leggings, and a bleach blond wig.  All the while on the arm of a European-looking man who was dressed like a cowboy.  I literally seen them lurking the park to attract the on-looking cameras.

If there is one thing that could be done during the week, it was the site seeing.  Trying to catch a glimpse of celebrities (who were going in and out of the door around back, where no one but my friend Michelle and I thought to look for a while) and what they chose to put on to brave the snow.  THE most stylish people were waiting out front as well as tourists walking by asking, “what’s going on?”  It’s crazy, there were more men hanging around the park than I expected.  Very stylish men.  And many photographers.  I figured people would be there with photographers and they would be there to capture the moment, but I’m wondering if there were so many because of the blog and website boom.  Don’t fret- my week was still amazing; everyone from everywhere comes to the city, mingling was a no brainer.  Met some interesting people, including a photographer from London; Daniel Muhindi.  Check his site at www.danielmuhindi.com.  Getting into the shows may not have been a success this year, but trust- the goal is to have my little notepad, jotting down clever notes for an editorial for a publication next time around. ~C.M.     

Check out these views from the street

 

 

 

 

Bachelor Pad February 8, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 10:29 PM
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As the men of today become metro, uber, and any kind of trendy-word-sexual; they are becoming more fashionable and…well… clean.  Let’s face it; women (and in other cases men) are easily offended if they visit a potential suitor’s house and it is foul in every sense of the word.  Today, designers turn to house-wear (and fragrance) to gain revenue they may loose in clothing sales.  Department stores offer home-goods, and with modern places like CB2, one can’t help but take pride in decorating a stylish home.  While I was in the Bloomingdale’s Home Store in Chicago, I thought I had died and gone to heaven-  I didn’t want to leave!  

I found a few items I wouldn’t mind seeing in my beaux’s abode:  

Alessi stainless steel Ba-Rock basket- don’t you love the name?  

Alessi condiment set 

 Lunt Silversmiths bamoo & leaf engraved aluminum coasters, Royal Palm collection  

Christofle martini glasses  

Sur Evolution leaf trays. These are my favorite- hand cut & molded from leather, made in Colombia.  

 

Nike Foamposite February 4, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 12:28 AM
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In 1999, Nike released the infamous Foamposite basketball sneaker to mixed reviews. Some hate it, while others love it. So now to come in 2010; the Copper editions. Wale has been spotted rockin’ them far in advance. Sneaker-heads are oogling on the internet for them; tweeting and blogging almost everyday until their release on February 13th. (Welp! As of February 4th, the latest news- there is no longer a release date for the highly anticipated sneaker.  NikeTown in Chicago says theirs will be released when they receive their full shipment. ~ edited Feb.4, 2010)

But of course there’s always a con (can’t always be bias) – there are men, actual basketball players who hate the shoe. I’ve had one of my friends who coaches ask me NOT to make this post, followed by an impromptu “yuck” when the shoe was mentioned. The new design does seem a bit more bulky than its predecessor; but the technology should still be as lightweight. (Personally I wouldn’t know, I’m a woman and have not owned a pair.)

Foamposite technology’s main ingredient: polyurethane. The poly helps to form and fit the grain of the foot, offering complete comfort and support. Original model came equip with a zipper front for stability- something like a glove. Similar to one of the original color-ways, the beginning of 2009 offered the Eggplant Foamposites.

While I was at Nike Town in Chicago, I paired these babies with a pair of sweats, a vest, and a hoodie- real casual. Post-ballin. Plus it’s cold in the Chi. I digress. The point I’m trying to make is; the Eggplants were suppose to be one of a kind and come forth in a time when classic b-ball shoes were missing; in an era of fakes and knock-offs. Now they are to be re-released in March, depleting the idea of exclusivity. Not to mention that gel bottom, I’ve owned many a Nike with a clear bottom and they always end up yellow. Personally, I think the shoe will still sell and you can guarantee the Coppers will be sold out. But I prefer the originals.  ~C.M.

 

Prints for Chicks January 31, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions, Trend Watch — Courtney Michelle @ 10:52 PM
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Okay, okay- the trend this year is prints, WE GET IT.  The only catch is that not every woman is meant to wear them and although designers are making beautiful garments that look perfect on the hanger, once it reaches the body….not so much.

Take this Just Cavalli, leopard print pencil skirt for example. Gorgeous. However, take a closer look at the stomach area:


To me, it is not flattering; imagine if you weren’t a size 2! The eye is drawn to her stomach.  And look from the back:

The seams are at a curve to go along with the frame of the body, however her bum looks like a square.  Now I’m not sure if that’s a personal problem, or if the skirt itself is just not flattering.  I’ll go with the latter.  The ruching and gathering in the front is distracting.  Pencil skirts are already shaky, but if you go with a printed number; make sure you choose wisely on the prints, where the pattern falls on the body, and the fit is right for your body type.

Another example of a printed beauty not meant for everyone: the Alexander McQueen silk chiffon dress below.  Paisley print strapless, pleated bodice, with an empire waist, interior hardware, padding, and boning for support in the bust. I love this dress; can see it flowing with the wind while walking.  But the model has a 24in waist and she looks slightly pregnant; that’s the problem with empire waists as well. Unless you’re as thin as a twig, I wouldn’t recommend this particular dress.

“S”-shaped silhouette dresses are (typically) ideal for all body types.  Beneath the A. McQueen is a floral Diane Von Furstenberg, strapless piece; and a striped, slightly pleated, high-waist Marc Jacobs skirt.  In my opinion, both can be worn to disguise those unwanted layers and create a silhouette.  Careful not to wear flats with these looks though; that could make some legs appear stubby.  ~C.M.

 

 

Shop For A Cause January 13, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 3:58 PM

In November 2009, Jimmy Choo teamed up with the Elton John AIDS Foundation for Project PEP- a line focused on fighting for a cure and looking fabulous.

It seems the project was fitting for Jimmy Choo, a label that has always been for the empowerment of women and women’s rights.  With a rock star-themed motif, 25% of sells will support and fund the Simelela Rape Center in South Africa.

The mission was established in 2008 for victims of abuse; to administer patients with HIV, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) medication and to provide medical, counseling, and legal support. ~C.M.

Here’s a few of the pieces.  Product is now available at Jimmy Choo boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Cuff Bracelet

This wallet is my favorite piece. Like, I believe I want it.

 

reMade USA January 9, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions, Trend Watch — Courtney Michelle @ 12:39 AM

As everyone continues to jump on the bandwagon of going green, designers are using more organic and eco-friendly materials.

Shannon Smith on the other hand has taken “recycling” to all new heights. Studying in New York and London, Smith became a creator of “physical objects” that people could admire and cherish. After purchasing a leather jacket at Salvation Army, Smith became obsessed with working with details of (leather) jackets and making them into bags. With that, reMade USA was born. San Fransisco based, Smith felt reMade should be produced locally and out of upcycled materials; “In the end, I am trying to lead a life of authenticity and responsibility, doing what I love and attempting to be as good as possible.”

Available in two collections: ready-to-wear and One-offs- limited editions bags that have their own serial number and exclusive appeal. Linings are made of vintage scarves and the option of creating your own bag with your own jacket and materials through special orders. Slight imperfections may be present, but that’s the beauty of it! ~ C.M.

reMade USA is now offered at Barney’s CO-OP and on their website reMadeUSA.com

recycled leather jacket tote, also available in black $375

 

LIP Men’s Watch January 6, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 12:10 AM
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I may not wear watches, but I’m obsessed with men’s watches. LIP, the French clock and watch company, has made some of my favorites. Don’t know if it’s because of my attraction to big faces, or the fact that the clockwork company takes old, vintage models and remakes them for modern pieces.

LIP has been around since the early 1800’s, with one of their first watches worn by French ruler Napoleon and first electronic watches by President Eisenhower.

To the left: the Big Fridge Watch. Quite fitting.

The Adonis is a reissue, originally designed by Roger Tallon in 1973 for the Mach 2000 series. Aluminum casing, mineral glass, Swiss quartz movement, and grey rubber strap- this is one of my all-time favorites. Also available in black.

Details of the White Mythic are crazy; reminds me of a weight scale. Made as a collaboration between Tallon and French designer Prisca Briquet that took thirty years to develop, it has been updated with a jumping hour display. Tallon responsible for the case and strap design and Briquet added the display in 2006. Features include stainless steel case, mineral glass, and Swiss quartz movement. Niiiiice. ~ C.M.

 

Charmed, I’m sure January 5, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 10:04 PM
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It seems charm-bracelets are all the rave.  From Tiffany’s to Pandora and every brand in-between, designers are cashing in on the trend.

This Yves Saint Laurent’s signature bracelet caught my eye.  Made of polished, woven, silver tin- I can only imagine how it falls on the wrist.  Charms spell out the infamous brand and was made in Italy, just in-case you doubted its authenticity. ~C.M.

 

Oh These? They’re Evisu January 5, 2010

Filed under: Men's Spring 2010, Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 12:15 AM
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Remember when Evisu first popped up on the scene? I think Busta Rhythms was the first celebrity I seen with a pair and from there, their roots were embedded into the “urban wear” category. Welp, not anymore. Originating in Japan, Scott Morrison (co-founder of Paper Denim & Cloth) is the new Global Chief Executive Officer of the denim line. Morrison has the vision to innovate the brand by incorporating its Japanese roots with a vintage American-classic look.


Steering clear of the “street-wear” appeal but not going toward the super tight skinny trend, the new line of men’s denim product has a more relaxed appeal. During the holiday season, Evisu released a small collection exclusively for Barney’s.

With this new direction, I’m wondering how well the brand will continue to do? Brands like Evisu, Red Monkey, and True Religion have become saturated with knock-offs. Some consumers I’ve encountered have said, “Why should I pay $300 for a pair of jeans, when the guy next to me paid $40 for his?” Knock-offs can be seen as a gift and a curse; those who want the jeans and can’t afford them have a chance to rock brand names, but those who love originals have to deal with seeing a fake in-front of their eyes who paid a third of the price. None-the-less, the new line of denim resembles that of Chip & Pepper and Paper Denim & Cloth…. and I like it. ~ C.M.