Oscars 2011: Bolly in Holly

Amongst the blondes and the barrage of Brits at the Oscars last night, was a bona fide Bollywood contingent.

A. R. Rahman was going to be there to perform with Florence (she, without The Machine in this instance) – that we already knew.

Incidentally, Flo did butcher Rahman’s name in her red runway interview with Ryan Seacrest, calling him A. R. “Rukkhmunn”. I winced.

I opened my eyes only to wince again when Jennifer Hudson did the same thing in her intro and category announcement later that night.

Mr. Rahman humbly stays in the background on the Red Carpet with the woman who can't say his name properly, in front.

Rahman and wife, Saira Banu - in a class all their own.

Apart from the Rahmans, there were a couple of other notable Mumbai movie mavens further down the carpet…

India's answer to a Kardashian? Mallika Sherawat at the Oscars.

Anyone know why she brought the Bolly bling to Bev Hills? Is she in a movie?

And of course, there is this woman – who is no stranger to laal carpets the world over. But again, I ask, why was she there?

Bollywood's bronze babe, Aishwarya Rai at the Oscars, in Armani.

Images: NDTV, PinkVilla.com.

MMM Heels: Wood You or Wouldn’t You?

These heels will leave you hankering for a hideaway in the country.

Question is wood you, could you, wear these Margielas?

Maison Martin Margiela wood print patent pumps.

As for me and my Margiela-loving sole sister, we can see the fashion forest for the trees and totally wood…elle, in Paris and me, in Toronto.

Social Media Week Toronto Fashion & Retail Events Sneak Preview

As some of you may remember from last year, I help organize and co-curate Social Media Week Toronto (SMWTO) as part of my other life.

SMWTO is part of a global series of simultaneous, week-long events happening in New York, San Francisco, Rome, Paris, Toronto, São Paulo, London, Hong Kong and Istanbul Feb 7-11, 2011 – that explore the impacts of digital and social media on business, marketing, society and culture.

This year, we’ve got dozens of events in the works so far, with registration for many going online soon. [Watch this space for more details on that.]

I am really excited to tell you about a series of integrated programs that I’ve been working on with Ryerson University – primarily with the School of Fashion and the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management. Students from the Journalism, Radio and TV and Hospitality streams will also be participating in the creation of these programs along the way.

Since Exshoesme.com is co-producing these events, I wanted to give my readers a sneak preview of what is to come…

The Evolving Role of Social Media in Retail

Feb 7, 2011

10 am – 12 pm – Speaker Sessions

12 – 1 pm – Networking

A joint program by the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management and the School of Fashion at Ryerson University, this event will offer insight into the evolving role of social media within the retail sector.

Ryerson students will program this session as part of their coursework in the coming weeks, bringing together speakers from the industry to look at how tools like Twitter, Facebook and the like have changed how retailers connect with their customers.

Participants will not only hear from experts from a variety of brands, but will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, followed by a networking event.

Educ@te Me: Social Media and Higher Learning

Feb 7, 2011

1 – 3 pm – Speaker Sessions

3 – 3:30 pm – FuRRR Real Demo

A joint program by the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management and the School of Fashion at Ryerson University, this event will be produced by Ryerson students as part of their coursework and will explore:

• the use of social media in the classroom;
• how social media is being used at Ryerson to bridge the gap between industry and higher education;
• how social media is being used for student recruitment.

Those registered for this session will also get a sneak preview of the FuRRR Real program, an exciting design challenge that will be running throughout the week.

FuRRR Real: A Design Challenge Exploring Canada’s Heritage and Global Responsibility

Feb 7 – 11, 2011

24/7

Virtual

Mention fur and you likely will stir up controversy in fashion politics of the 21^st century. FuRRR Real follows the quest of Ryerson University School of Fashion design students, as they explore the opportunities of re-purposing, re-fashioning, and re-educating Canada’s legacy of the fur trade over the last 350 years. Looking through the ethical, responsible, and sustainable lenses of today’s consumers, students from the School of Journalism and School of Radio and Television Arts document and challenge the notion of what the new norms are in wearing real fur.

Follow the developments of the creative process online via YouTube, Twitter and blogs. Watch design students transform existing fur garments into innovative and exciting new fashion pieces. And, you’ll be able to bid on the final one-of-a-kind designs.

Links and details about how to follow soon!

All Ryerson University programs for SMWTO are co-produced by Exshoesme.com.

Watch this space for registration, speaker and other announcements on the above programs.

Golden Kick-off

The first dress of the Golden Globe Awards 2011 Red Carpet that stood out to me?

…this sparkler on Olivia Wilde, complete with golden heels – of course.

Take a walk on the Wilde side - in Louboutins.

Usually, I’m not a fan of the no jewellery look, but I think it makes sense here – given the brilliance of the dress. Plus, I love the no-fuss hair.

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Love the scattered shiny particles...

Perfectly accessorized.

Second image courtesy of TMZ. All others, courtesy of JustJared.com

Gareth Goes from Goth to God

Religious iconography. Florentine frou. Gothic Gareth, looked up for inspiration, for his Italian fashion first at Pitti Immagine yesterday.

Fashion films have seen a cozy revival lately, but this one wasn’t your traditional flick.  Pugh, however, did use tradition as his canvas, projecting the film of his designs onto the ceiling of a 14th-century church.

The film was shot by filmmaker Ruth Hogben and styled by Katie Shillingford. Also loved this quiet moment captured by Tommy Ton, post-screening.

Holy modernism, indeed.

A study in contrasts: Gareth Pugh amidst 14th-century statues after his presentation at Pitti.

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton.

Dressa Nova

Sometimes, the best accessory you can put on is a song…

…perfectly paired with this number, no?

The ease of this Bottega Veneta Resort 2011 dress goes well with a little bossa nova.

I might add a pale amethyst dangly earring or two to chime in the Brazilian breeze…and to gently contrast that gorgeous emerald clutch.

Image courtesy of WWD.

Déjà Vu: Vibrant Women

When I saw the cover of the June issue of Vanity Fair, Spain, I had another déjà vu.

Salma, amongst jewel tones on the cover of Vanity Fair Spain, June 2010.

It reminded me so much of a favourite photo of Frida Kahlo that has graced my bookshelf for years.

Frida watches over me as I type this.

Frida, Coyoacán, 1939. Photographed by Nickolas Muray.

Given Ms. Hayek’s obsession with all things Frida, this is no coincidence.

The same hues of turquoise and fuchsia appear in both images, albeit reversed. The constant dance between head and heart are suggested with each woman’s hand placement. While Salma wears a modern dress vs. Ms. Kahlo’s traditional Mexican robes, the drapery is echoed and the rosettes in Kahlo’s hair show up around Hayek’s neckline.

And the parrot? An homage to another one of Frida’s famous paintings…

Me and My Parrots by Frida Kahlo 1941

Vibrant.

Frida painting from About.com. VF cover courtesy of magxone. Postcard image by Nickolas Muray, scanned by me.

White-Hot

Call it global warming, climate change or just plain summer – whatever the explanation, this past week has brought unbearable heat to many corners of our world. When it’s this hot, there is only one thing to wear – white, from head to toe.

Fortunately, there are many inspiring white-hot looks from the Spring Summer 2010 collections and beyond, to choose from.

Hussein Chalayan’s collection was one of my favourites this season. Usually, it’s too conceptual for even me – but along with those wonderful hand detail white gowns, there were many unexpected classic day looks. The man who once gave us mechanical dresses opted for Capri glamour, with a bit of edge thrown in.

I know many shun the Capri pant but it will never leave my closet. Here, it is perfect – a slim leg, a curvaceous jodhpur-esque quality and cinched flatteringly with a black belt to accentuate the waist. Plus, the sweep of that chapeau will protect you from the molto caldo Med sun.

Can you see the view from the cliffs in the distance, bella?

Chalayan does classic capris for SS10

For the second day on the Italian isle, you might as well wear Italian. Another favourite collection this season was Bottega Veneta. The detailing and splashes of colour remind us why Bottega is true luxury – it’s in a class all its own. The boning in the corset and the tailoring is impeccable here.  [I'll share more of my Bottega faves in an upcoming post.]

Cool, through to the bone.

And while I’m not ready to wear a jumpsuit, they have grown on me. Especially, this one by Stella McCartney. But Stella, please do feed the models, ya?

One piece and you are dressed - for a city walk or an evening out.

I’m also loving the return of the wide pant. I have been silly over skinnies for seasons and seasons, but swishing wide pants make you feel six feet tall. The long and lean effect of the pants is only increased by the symphony of  a single colour from head to toe.

Naeem Khan embellished his version with beading, while Francisco Costa contrasted sheer pants with platform wedges.

Naeem Khan SS10 chalk chic

Sheer genius at Calvin Klein SS10

The dramatic swish of a dress at Bottega SS10

Whether it was a transparent layer of waves on a dress, a pouf of a sleeve or a sweet kiss of colour, there was drama to be had one way or another.

Vanessa Paradis in a backless, frayed number in Vs. Magazine, Spring Summer 2010 issue. Love the simple hair and those unfinished edges.

Who says you can only be sexy in a little black dress? L'Wren Scott's signature silhouette for SS10.

Tiered ruffles at Givenchy SS10

When I was looking through hundreds of images, I was amazed at the flow of shapes amongst such diverse designers. The ruffles above, echoed those in the Margiela Couture collection and that asymmetry was picked up by Amit Agarwal and Gauri and Nainika Karan.

Maison Martin Margiela Couture SS10

Amit Agarwal's sari-esque toga dress for SS10

Perfect asymmetry at Gauri and Nainika SS10

Whether you like soft and sheer, dramatic or structured, there was an all-white look to suit you. The jacket options alone, were pristine. The zippered, cropped biker jacket at Akris is a great option for those lacking in curves. It gives good shoulder, too.

Crop to it. Akris SS10.

The play of ruffles versus tailoring works well in this ensemble by Hermes, as worked by Chanel Iman for Vogue China’s June issue.

Chanel Iman photographed by Thomas Schenk

Tiers of joy by Edward Fong, FW09.

Lauren Graham at the Parenthood premiere earlier this year.

Jeremy Laing's flap jacket for SS10.

I first noticed the structured white in Todd Lynn’s FW09 collection. Was Lynn, a fellow Canadian, designing the perfect outfit for cocktails in Quebec’s Ice Hotel?

Todd Lynn's FW09 ice capades.

That tuft of fur showed up in Ungaro’s collection for SS10 – for those cool evenings by the sea, perhaps? [Fur was also in scads of FW10 collections - blame marketing for that one. More to follow as the weather cools down enough to talk fur.]

"Who stole my heart? You did, you did..."

"...Bow to the target. Blame cupid, cupid."

There were interesting bits and pieces thrown into Spring collections – otherwise normally reserved for cooler temperatures. ‘Summer’ boots are everywhere, but I am not about to deprive my painted toes from seeing daylight for these few short months.

Summer boots from Margiela?

One thing that I know for sure is the impact a glorious blanc dress can make for a glam evening out. Diane Kruger confirmed that, didn’t she?

A couple of other simple options beyond Kruger’s Calvin Klein gown include a column from Yigal and a daring slit and slinky gown from Chalayan.

Dreamy white column dress at Yigal Azrouël SS10.

Slink or swim. Hussein Chalayan SS10.

The ones that made me gasp out loud, however, were these… Tarun Tahiliani mixed chiffon, silk and fringe for a goddess-worthy gown.

Tarun Tahiliani's white chiffon shimmy from FW09. Photo by Vinod Kumar.

This regal option from Givenchy’s FW09 Couture collection still makes me dream of other worlds.

Queen-worthy couture.

But my favourite whites?

Nothing – absolutely nothing touches the grace and presence of Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda – in a classic white sari and polki set. Yes, those are diamonds. [I'll tell you her story one of these days, too - a fascinating tale of gems.]

Maharanis are no match for us mere mortals.

Sonam Kapoor was surely inspired by this photo for her Mediterranean Maharani look, no?

Ah, to live the maharani dream. In another life, perhaps…

Photos: Agarwal, Gauri & Nainika, Tahiliani images courtesy of Vogue India. Vs. Mag, Edward Fong, Lauren Graham and Chanel Iman images courtesy of TFS. Maharani image source. MMM boot image source. All others from Style.com and WWD. Song lyrics from Poison Arrow, by ABC.

Saved by Who Else, a Supermodel

Darling readers, I’ve been in a fashion funk lately.  

I wanted to get off the merry-go-round for a while. 

Well, leave it to one of the Supes to save me. 

I couldn’t help but share this darling cover of our friend Christy. Ms. Turlington (or Mrs. Burns) has such a timeless quality about her and at 40, she looks even more divine than she did in the ’90s. 

The one and only Christy, Vogue Italia July 2010 by Steven Meisel

Here’s a look behind the scenes at the photo shoot. 

 

I’ll  have more for you soon…slowly starting to make my way back from the sartorial haze.

(And don’t think for a minute that I haven’t been following the collections – just letting them marinate for a bit.)

Can Con at McQ

A fellow Canuck has been appointed as the new creative director at McQ, the diffusion line at Alexander McQueen.

Pina Ferlisi will be working under Sarah Burton, who took the design reigns of the main label after Lee left us so suddenly.

Pina Ferlisi - new CD at McQ.

It’s another sign of the Gucci Group’s commitment – and future plans for the brand. Ferlisi has a seasoned design resume which includes Marc by Marc Jacobs, Coach, Gap and Generra, where she was most recently. Ferlisi’s roots are in Canada and with such experience under her fashionable belt, I am really looking forward to seeing how she interprets and develops the line.

As you know from hanging out in this space, the McQueen aesthetic is very dear to my heart – it’s something that resonated with me from the beginning of each label – and this appointment makes me feel good. Through it, and the appointment of Sarah Burton last month, Gucci is not only showing loyalty to the label and what it stands for, but also to those of us who connect with it.

Choosing a rock star designer – indie or otherwise – would have taken focus away from the line itself. There seems to be so much more emphasis on the after-parties and PR of a brand than on what’s on the runway these days – and I didn’t want to see “Alexander McQueen” become homogenized like so much else out there.

As a marketer, I respect the Gucci Group’s loyalty to the positioning of McQueen. As a lover of the label, I respect that two seasoned professionals will be taking it into the future. Sarah Burton was Lee’s right hand and if anyone got his vision, she surely did. [I'll share my thoughts on Burton's recent men's collection in an upcoming post.]

Ferlisi understands sportswear and diffusion lines. Through her work with the American fashion fixtures listed above and with what I think has been an avant-garde edge subdued to date, she will give us beautiful things we all want to wear and can access more easily.

It’s funny that McQueen was accused of showing misogynistic collections in the past. He was anything but a misogynist – he adored women as I am sure any of those close to him -  or any of us who wear his beautiful creations will attest.

I think he’d be comforted in knowing his vision is in the hands of two very wise women.

Image courtesy of Fashion Magazine.

Summer Splash

Summer is a tough time for mags – issues are thinner than the models, so they have to do something to catch our fickle attention at the stands.

I thought the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Spain was a simple idea, executed well – a nice, clean cover that had me at the flippers…

Harper's Bazaar Spain July/August 2010

Actually, the whole editorial of Tanya Dziahileva as captured by Nico is striking. Here are a few sample images.

Suddenly, I am yearning for an ocean…

Mmm...palm trees and warm sand. Great suit by Eres, too.

Forget highlights, get sunlights this summer.

Mesh-merizing

A kiss or three of captivating colour!

Images courtesy of TFS.

Reflections

Last April, I wrote about the Victoria and Albert Museum’s wedding photo archive.

Today, I received a comment from Kelly Joy, who found the post and saw her own wedding photo on this blog!

After just over a year of writing in this space, I have been reflecting upon what else I want to do here (this is the reason you haven’t seen a flurry of posts from me, lately).

Kelly’s comment was a nice reminder for me about how a medium like this one can connect you with someone across the world, as easily as it can with someone across the street.

She shared her photo with the V&A. I came across and it immediately smiled at the joy emanating from it, so I shared it with all of you. She came upon it over a year later and reached out to me.

The thread of that brilliant fuchsia dress has woven a path. It shows you how small the world is and how connected we all are.

To some, fashion can be frivolous. To the rest of us, it can be symbolic, powerful, it can mark a time in history, it can transcend borders and limits, it can make you gasp with joy or disbelief.

Ask a woman about a dress and she will tell you a story about a part of her life.

And isn’t sharing our stories what life is all about?

Upon reflection, it seems our dresses come with stories. McQueen's brilliant gold and black coat dress from his final collection.

Frock, Frock. Who’s There?

British fashion arrived on my doorstep this morning.

Literally.

You're so good tome.

The first book about McQueen is now out – Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation. I had pre-ordered it from Amazon weeks ago and have always wanted to pick up Andrew Bolton’s account of Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion, so added that in, too. I had forgotten all about them until I heard a knock at the door this morning.

There are they are, crisp and unopened, as I sit here looking at a to-do list that is a mile long.

I’ll give them the respect they deserve and pour over them uninterrupted, with my afternoon tea.

Tea time, of course, is 4 o’clock.

Any good Brit or Anglophile worth their salt knows that!

Photo by moi.

God(dess) Save(d) McQueen

You undoubtedly heard a week or two ago that Isabella Blow’s wardrobe was to be auctioned off by Christie’s in Fall, 2010.

Isabella Blow by Miguel Reveriego

Well, the couture collectibles have been saved from the grabbing hands and bought by one Ms. Daphne Guinness, in a private sale.

Everyone's fave fairy goth mother, DG does good - seen here wearing Treacy in Vogue Italia.

She bought the whole lot!

You could say the Guinness goddess saved McQueen…and Treacy…and beyond.

There are over 90 McQueen masterpieces, custom millinery by Philip Treacy and a smattering of designers like Galliano and Manolo.

Isabella with McQueen in early days. She famously bought his CSM grad collection.

Camping it up with the fashion set, Blow with Hedi Slimane and Philip Treacy, wearing one of his transformational toppers.

Lee and Issy in happier times.

I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the creations were in good hands.

“Like any artist, it should not be dispersed, but remain as a monument with people having access to it,” said Ms. Guinness, speaking to the New York Times.

I look forward to a future exhibit of the works. I am sure Valerie Steele is on the case as well!

Photos: Blow by Miguel Reveriego, Daphne G wearing Treacy in Vogue Italia, Slimane, Treacy image courtesy of the New York Times, both Lee and Issy images courtesy of the Telegraph UK.

CFDA Awards: Wrap Up

The biggest story of the night for me was who did not win. Tom Ford, Prabal Gurung, Donna Karan – they were my faves this year.

Here are the highlights of who did:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs

Menswear Designer of the Year: Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag & Bone

Accessory Designer of the Year: Alexis Bittar

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent: Jason Wu (women’s wear), Richard Chai (men’s wear), Alexander Wang (accessories)

L’Oréal Popular Vote Award: Ralph Lauren

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Kors

International Award: Christopher Bailey (presented by Donna Karan, for whom he once worked)

The ever-dapper Mr. Bailey.

Ms. Karan, I am lusting after your dress (again)!

Eleanor Lambert Award: Vogue‘s Tonne Goodman

Fashion Icon Award: Iman (presented by Isabella Rossellini)

Iconic couple. Just bow down to them. There are no equals.

Eugenia Sheppard Award: Paper magazine’s Kim Hastreiter

The Board of Director’s Special Tribute was awarded posthumously to Alexander McQueen.

SJP in PF10 McQueen.

Love the eye makeup here, too. (Marie Claire Oz image.)

It was presented by Sarah Jessica Parker and followed by a showing of McQueen’s final collection for FW1o. Wish I could have seen that in person.

The McQueen show. (Photo by @mrjoezee.)

Here is another shot of Rachel and Hilary. Fashion friends always coordinate well.

The long and short of looking good.

The makeup on so many women tonight was just striking – yet simple.

Eye yai eye. (Marie Claire Oz image.)

The grace of the grey carpet continued with these ladies, too.

Linda Fargo showing that looking fab is ageless. No need to blush.

Rachel Weisz glows in prints. She was wearing Jason Wu, who was also her date for the evening.

But the best date a girl could have tonight? It was über-mom.

Bee Shaffer poses while Mom Anna's hand prompts her to keep it moving! (Marie Claire Oz image.)

I heard the glasses came off when the award was presented to Bailey. Sweet. (Marie Claire Oz image.)