NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!!
This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.
I haven't left Fashiontribes.com. I am still part of the staff. It was to streamline the blogs.
Why the move?
So you can find it easier and the pages will load faster.
There's a ton of new podcasts and features waiting to go up. So check out the new location and let me know what you think!
Stevie Wilson
Hola Chiquitas, hang onto your tv time and don't totally blow it off this summer because one of the hottest summer shows will be on SOAP.net with a NEW reality series that marries fashion + cosmetics+ Jane Magazine + New York Fashion Week all in show that has 10 episodes!! It's called The Fashionista Diaries. Buena Vista (Disney division) partnered with GO GO LUCKEY ( Laguna Beach) and HOUR ONE to present this show.
This show will depict the drama-- the high and low points of 2 new assistants from 3 different companies: Flirt Cosmetics (a brand from BeautyBank of the Estee Lauder Corp); Jane Magazine (If you have to ask, go buy a copy), and Seventh House PR, a boutique PR firm specializing in fashion and collaborating with Charlotte Ronson's Fashion Show and AfterParty during New York Fashion Week. You will see the highs & lows, the ups and downs as these six men and women try and make it "happen" (as a career) in these highly competitive industries and companies.
Accoring to Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney ABC Television Group. “This is the first of many new series that will originate with Buena Vista and find their way to SOAPnet.”
General Manager, SOAP.net, Deborah Blackwell, was thrilled to have this opportunity to work with such high profiles brands and publications and create a truly unique inside peek into the world of fashion and beauty-- as it really plays out during NYFW. Blackwell stated, “We will also be able to work on exciting cross promotional opportunities across all our brands. We’ve had great success with reality programming and this docudrama is a natural progression.”
The assistants and the three companies commingle in a unique way as they try to make it big in the BIG APPLE with high rent apts, long hours and a crazy life that is a blur of work and social. Each is involved in the launch of the Charlotte Ronson NYFW event --a priority project-- that can pit the assistants against each other or teach them to team up to get the job done while impressing the boss and not get fired before the big event. The series will conclude in September alongside New York’s Fashion Week.
It's reality tv for the real fashionistas and those who wonder what it's all about!
Check this out!
Stevie Wilson
You won't get a sunburn from this sunny piece from Zubie NYC jewelry piece. This gorgeous piece SCREAMS spring & summer and would serve well to put the pop in the basic black, brown, grey or navy dress, top or suit you are wearing. Heck wear it with a bathing suit. It suits all purposes-- day OR night! Perfect for Mother's Day, anniversary or even bridal gifts.
This is a sizzler and it won't last long so trot on over to Zubienyc.com and snap this baby up at this faboo price tag. Tell them Stevie from the LA Story sent you!
Bag Snob has lunch with the Prince who woke Valextra, Massimo Suppancig.
What's behind a fashion logo? Coquette shows you the design process behind the new Saks brand and Kate Moss for Topshop.
Kristopher digs Cut-Out Wedge Jil Sander Shoes 'cause a fresh spring double-oh-seven is all about lightening up.
eBelle5 Celebrity Auction Alert: Scarlett Johansson's and Sheryl Crow’s Designer handbags are up for grabs.
I want candy! Fashiontribes finds some sweet bags, accessories & other fashion treats.
White shirts from top designers hit the Gap today! Girlawhirl can’t wait to check out the new designs from Doo.Ri, Rodarte and Thakoon
LA Story says that prom dreams --like fairytales-- can come true.--courtesy of Bronx Community College students and NYPIRG/Bronx!
My Fashion Life interviews the design duo behind label Daydream Nation
Papierdoll looks at touching up your makeup after an intense workout
Easy does it. Second City Style says hello to relaxed, lightweight pieces with a laid-back attitude for spring/summer.
SheFinds asks short shorts: Hot or Not?
Love color jeans but not sure how to wear them? Stylebites decodes the trend!
Stevie Wilson
Bag Snob picks the best of Jil Sander's Spring 2007 bags!
Coquette highlights the colorful shoes of Poetic License that shouts spring is here!
Girlawhirl Gift Guide: great gifts for spring holidays
A Designer Snapshot:: Carolina Herrera Talks to LA STORY.
Papierblog looks at the trending toward black for the Spring season
Check out Second City Style's Interview With Celebrity/Fashion Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann
SheFinds has products that help you avoid blisters
Styleaholics find out why dirty underwear is the best place to hide your valuables
Stylebites shares 5 super tips to getting the most from your handbag collection.
The Jewelry Weblogs says let's hop onto some cute Easter jewelry as well as a good cause.
Stevie Wilson
Say the name Carolina Herrera and it conjures up a vision of style and timeless fashion, yet with a sense of vitality and fun.
Lace Cocktail Dress- Saks Fifth Avenue
Style.com, photograph by Marcio Madeira
When you see the Herrera runway show, it shows off the elegance and subtle wit that Mrs. Herrera herself has.
Style.com, photograph by Marcio Madeira
While she works with a team of designers, her personal imprint is featured on everything- from the bags to the shoes. Everything comes across the desk of Carolina Herrera.
Recently Mrs. Herrera and her daughter Carolina were in Los Angeles to celebrate the launch of the CH Carolina Herrera store in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa Calif.
Carolina Herrera (daughter) and Mrs. Carolina Herrera
The CH Carolina Herrera store is a departure from the Herrera atelier on Melrose Place.
This new store is about a lifestyle-- the Carolina Herrera vision of life and the things that are essential to the Carolina Herrera customer.
Featuring products for men, women and even children along with personal accessories like luggage to desk essentials, there is something for everyone.
Carolina Herrera and Carolina Jr. talk about CH Carolina Herrera, fashion, style, the Melrose Place atelier and the growth of her brand.
There is a great deal in the CH Carolina Herrera stores that warrant checking one out. The photos below are but a few things that are in the CH stores and it's definitely "guy friendly" and well worth a look -- because a girl is sure to find something she would want to take with her from the lovely little Bimba Bags
to an assortment of adorable ballet flats adorned with the CH logo
The CH Carolina Herrera Agenda
the Bryant bag and
the CH Alice Bags are hot sellers
This cool ostrich leather bangle bracelet is to die for!
and the Mil Lagos bags come in a variety of colors
The Positano bag and shoes are killer additions to anyone's wardrobe.
While you might not always visit a Carolina Herrera Atelier-- you would definitely want to shop the CH Carolina Herrera because it's so comfy, cozy and warm. It's a fun place to shop and full of great goodies and hard to resist.
I think Mrs. Herrera has a winner here.
LA Story and Fashiontribes.com would like to thank Mrs. Herrera and Carolina Herrera Jr for this interview. It was really enjoyable to speak to both Mrs. Herrera and her daughterCarolina. Many thanks to Phoebe Gubelman and Alana Kulig for their assistance in setting this interview up and for all the phenomenal photos.
Sources say that BOULEVARD3 was THE place to be during LAFW. I mean THE PLACE to be. 944 Magazine was there and snapping photos -- and the photo credit definitely goes to them for sticking around and taking photos of the guests. You won't find me and the bffs there-- we weren't "anyone" that they recognized.
What was funny was that good friend and PR extraordinare AVO YERMAGYAN of Gaudy PR was hosting an event at BOULEVARD3 on Thursday, March 26 which was a SMASH!
Yermagyan' s Pinque Cirque featured BLOKE by Jerell Scott and House of Doll by Brett Bailey was building such a buzz during the week that people were calling offering bribes to get tickets to attend this "must see and be seen at" event.
I was assured by Avo that I would be in VIP section-- so I made sure I got a couple of friends to go too and it was LINES out the door and around the block to get into the club.
Parking was a freaking nightmare. By the time we got to the door. and got waved in (the checker was just wiped out. She only asked if Avo invited us. *big duh)-- so we were in.
Avo Yermagyan/Gaudy PR and Kim Kardashian (in order of appearance) Thanks to Kevin Parry, photographer! (big hugs)
Inside was a courtyard with a fountain and right smack in the middle of it, a 20 foot woman in a room-filling black gown. It was an incredible sight. She did have a companion – an equally tall man in gray pants – but he was mobile, while she was confined to the wading pool.
On the edges of the pool stood male models in scruffy couture. Sort of contemporary grunge mixed with some couture effects-- I think one of my friends described it as “Derelique”-- a la Zoolander. Since we missed the first runway show, we weren't sure whose designs they were but we figured they were Bloke designs.
To the left, was a cotton candy machine which Jennifer could not resist! Girls with trays strapped around their necks were handing out energy drinks which we passed on those items. There were also little cubbies or niches where people could sit. These were occupied by models and artwork, the most notable of which was a religious scene with a gorgeous male model meant to resemble Jesus, sitting on a throne. (Comment reserved here because we don't want to offend, but the guy was gorgeous. I gotta stop there.)
Since the first show was over and the second one had yet to start, the room was filled with peopl--there was no longer any room to get into the VIP section--there was no longer any room to move!
It was PACKED. P _A_C_K_E_D!!! I knew that it was going to be about a thousand people, I knew I could find Avo out of a 1000.. that's not hard. But THREE THOUSAND? NOT A CHANCE IN HELL could I find him. So my promise of showing up was for nothing (and I missed out on a goody bag too)
I left my bff's -- "the Jalapeno" and her friend -- there to party on and enjoy the show. ( I was driving just over an hour each way so it was not worth hassling the crowds), So the description that follows is based on a detailed note and more questions from me to the Jalapeno about what happened.
We made our way inside, which felt like Charlie’s first view of the Chocolate Room in Willy Wonka. There were three enormous chocolate fountains – one brown, one white, and the largest one pink! There were marshmallows, pretzels and juicy strawberries to dip. There were also big bowls of red licorice, hot tamales, jelly beans, all kinds of candy. It was a nightmare (only because I’m dieting!)-- or it was a candylovers dream.. which now makes me (Stevie) sorry I left).
The main room was a long rectangle with a second floor balcony all the way around--shaped like a huge U. The runway jutted out into the middle of the room. The VIP area was upstairs in the balcony. The only celebrity I am sure I saw was the guy from Borat (Ken Davitian). My friend thinks she saw Maria Conchita Alonso, but we're not sure (and I could not verify--Stevie).
We paid for our cosmos and looked around for goodie bags. I saw one pink bag and snuck a look inside but it was empty. I’m not sure what we missed out on there. Sad -huh!!
Almost right on time, the House of Doll show started. All I can say is: WOW.The show featured Cirque de Soleil dancers which were amazing. First, two impossibly gorgeous male models walked to the end of the runway. Then a ballerina came out, which would have been interesting enough, but was made more so by the mouse (or pig?) nose taped to her face. She moved in a way that suggested she was a “wind-up” doll from a jewelry box.
Suddenly a slew of scantily clad dancers came running onto the stage. I could never describe the way they danced, you’d have to see it. It was almost violent. They were like angry muses-- all dressed in black, thrashing and kicking. Their hair and makeup lent to this perception: they had enormous black eyelashes and huge hair that resembled black or blond flames (think 1980's but not cheesy, more artsy).
When they retreated backstage, the ballerina who had been watching all along, opened the huge runway door and the models appeared one by one, which made the ballerina look very pleased.
The models were stunning, with enormous eyelashes and fussy hair – most had their hair fashioned into huge bows! (I am sure the hair-bows were hair extensions but they looked very real.) Their makeup was very bold, very pink. They wore tags on their wrists that said Doll.
I’m sure you want to know about the designs, but unfortunately, most have escaped my memory. They were beautiful, interesting and artistic but wearable pretty much for parties or red carpet only. There were a lot of unfinished seams, heart-shaped appliqués, intricate straps. One dress that stuck with me was a blue and yellow striped gown that was almost like an upside-down daffodil.
(the dress was actually a riff on an umbrella upside down--Stevie)
House of Doll Designer Brett Bailey Busses his Muse, Kim Kardashian. Photo by Kevin Parry . (We heart you greatly)
After the show, I (the Jalapeno speaking) saw a flamboyant guy in patent leather platform boots, wearing a t-shirt that said “TOUCH ME, I’M PLASTIC” on the front and “I’M FAKE” on the back. I thought it was Bobby Trendy but can’t be sure. ( It was Bobby Trendy--Stevie) I did try to touch him for a photo but he ignored me.
Before we left, we decided to see if there were goodie bags left in the VIP area. We walked right up the stairs without anyone stopping us, but most of the crowd up there had cleared out. Tons of people were lingering by the fountain though, so we stayed there for a while then headed home.
It was a really great night.
Who was there:
Kim Kardashian,
Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kim (again)
Tracy Bingham,
Bai Ling,
Ken Davitian (Borat),
Phoebe Price,
Bobby Trendy
Missing the photo for: Katherine Bayliss, Matthew Fashion,
Carolina Baccardi--she walked the catwalk for the shows,
Chudney Ross who hosted the Bloke Show,
Alex Quinn
Here's a "photoshopped image" of the Jalapeno-- photoshopped to protect the innocent -- and the guilty. She's really quite stunning
Let's put it this way.. this party was smokin' haute and hot. EVERYONE was talking about it the next day because it had three thousand people.
Food? Was there food? I gather there was food: imported peanuts and Peroni Nastro Azzuro, cotton candy cocktails, cotton candy and chocolate covered confections in several colors. (Who knew there were that many colors? Did Yermagyan leave any for anyone else in LA?)
DJ Splyce had the music cranking so hot that people did not leave till 3AM and it was smoking haute partying in the room. People didn't want to leave because the music was too fabulous.
What was funny was that Paris Hilton walked the 944 Magazine show featuring 2 Be Free on Monday for the opening of LAFW. It was nice party.
However this party closed LAFW and this one exploded into a frenzy of amazing buzz and fun which I gather now blew the lid off the Paris Hilton vs Kim Kardashian friendship which seems to have gone kaput .. since this event.
*Shrug* Who knows why? Could it be that this event where Kardashian walked the runway for Pinque Cirque coupled with the release of her "sexpose' tape" hitting the streets beat Paris at her own game? It seems that Kardashian "out-walked" Hilton on the runway --both for fashion and for PR spin. Thoughts? HMMMMMMMMMMM?
Stevie Wilson
NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!!
This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.
American Rag is a store based here in LA, that's a hallmark of California and LA style. If you are wondering who/what/where/why about American Rag and want to know more, check out the podcast/blog featuring Marks Werts, the owner of American Rag. It's a HOT LA store on LA with outposts in Fashion Island (Orange County), San Francisco and other stores dotting the country and the globe.
While skinny denim seems to be populating the magazine, let me give you a a style alert --direct from the American Rag denim buyer (it's nice to have friends in the right places) -- of a hot trend that is popping up across Southern California and moving a select style of denim out of her stores FAST. It's been featured in some fashion magazines and it's been seen on the runways but it's already selling here across California. The trend: higher waisted denims and wider leg denims. In American Rag --whether it's in Fashion Island in Newport Beach, American Rag's World Denim Bar on La Brea in LA or in San Francisco -- several pairs of the wide legged, higher rise styles are selling out each week. It's moving fast.
What's so hot about high waisted denims and wide leg denims? It's more figure flattering. Here most women can't wear skinny jeans well. A majority of the email that I get about how to find the best fitting denim is about not being able to wear skinny jeans because they are size 8 or larger or have hips or have thighs etc. Turn to straight leg jeans for the skinny effect if that's what you want.
HOWEVER-- if you are you wanting to be fashion forward, a trendsetter and on the cutting edge, start watching out for-- scratch that-- GO LOOK FOR wider leg jeans and also ones with higher waists. Typically they will come as entire design-- the higher waist jeans will feature a less fitted, wider leg. Think Katherine Hepburn style, think Cate Blanchett style, think runway trends because you can see it in the fall 2007 shows.
Now what's the hottest seller right now at American Rag?
Here is a photo from American Rag featuring the Jenny Jen High Waisted, Wide Leg jeans.
Jenny Jen High-Waisted, Wide Leg Jean is featured in the "Dark Donna Wash". Retailing for about $180.00, it's currently sold in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, LA and San Francisco. The Dark wash is the best seller in all three stores. It also comes in a Light Grey Jackie Fit . It is also a high waisted wide leg. In LA alone, ten pairs have sold in the last two week. It's also selling briskly in Fashion Island and also San Francisco.
So consider that you heard it here first, and go check out the Jenny Jen jeans or go online and start looking for brands that are showing them. Level 99, Brown Label, Paige Premium, Denim of Virtue, Thirteen Denim, Fidelity Denim, and Freedom of Choice all have a wider leg, some have a higher waist, some have both! (Not all brands carried at American Rag or the World Denim Bar) Check it out!
Stevie Wilson
FRIDAY APRIL 20, 2007 MERLIN CASTELL -Fashion Designer To The Stars-
Designer Merlin Castell is best known for his Haute Couture
tailor-fitted jackets crafted from highly unusual fabrication.
Mr. Castell's extraordinary pieces are highly sought after by celebrities in the televsion, film and music industries.The Merlin Castell line has major hip factor ranking
and has become the most talked about designer collections.
From Castell's Metro Wear ranging in prices from $150-$1,000.00
to his custom made and couture garments that sell for tens of thousands of dollars, Castell creations have been seen on shows
like THE O.C. and on numerous celebrities including Lenny Kravitz and Paris Hilton.This cutting-edge designer has recently been voted
"One OF The Top Ten Designers To Watch" by The Pool Trade Show.
Born in Honduras, Castell has an innate affinity for fashion and
a keen eye for style.Castell never dreamed that he would be so fortunate as to craft a career out of what he loves doing the most. "My journey has been extremely magical".
Castell started off as an architecture major in college, but was then redirected by a professor who recognized young Castell's true talent and he chose to follow his passion.
"I studied fashion in Mexico, where my style was compared to Frida Khalp.I the continued my studies in Italy where my specialty was working with leather, but there were times I couldn't afford it. I then started applying my ideas to fabric, which became the beginnings of my signature style.
*******************************************************************************************
During the late 90's Castell, finishing his studies and his work in Milan was proving to be quite talented. Moving to the United States, Castell landed a job at Hot Kiss, then moved to the "hot" store Red Balls as head designer. Castell designed for celebrities Paula Abdul, N'Sync. Marilyn Mason
and the magic keeps flowing.
See Merlin Castell and his magical collection at
Montmarte Lounge Hollywood
6757 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028
Cross Streets Hollywood and Highland
DOORS OPEN 9:00PM
OPEN BAR 9:30-10:30PM~
SPONSORED BY SILK VODK
Castell Show starts: 10:30 PM
Red Carpet Arrivals,
VIP Bottle Service Available
~For Celebrity or VIP Services Please Call: 323.465.5369~
www.merlincastell.com www.myspace.com/merlincastell
A moment after the first model with her eyes taped shut strutted casually on the runway at Joseph Domingo’s March 20th LA Fashion Week show, it was clear to us that the designer had intended the models to appear like walking mannequins. We got it immediately and we thought it was very clever. In fact we are sure that this particular effect was designed to grab the audience’ attention and rivet their focus. So, we just had to applaud the playfulness of this maneuver since we are fashionistas and adore pure audacity.
We were advised that the show was themed as Black+Red=Chocolate, so we knew in advance that Domingo was going to seduce us through our favorite addictions: fashion and chocolate and we were prepared to see if this collection could in fact titillate our fashion taste buds. Here are our favorites ---
First of all, this collection had an abundance of wearable clothes. But more importantly we were suddenly excited by the appearance of pieces in a passionate, bold red and willingly surrendered to a case of high fashion “scarlet fever” as an allergic reaction to the cool muted pastels and metallics in every other collection.
A chic double-breasted wool coat with black buttons and piping looked very street smart for those chillier nights in LA, and any time in London or New York. The craftsmanship reminded us of our orders from the better bespoke Saville Row tailors that we visited when were in London. So, it was no surprise when Domingo confided to us privately during a backstage interview that, “London is one of my favorite cities… and of course… I worked for a company that manufactured jackets and coats many years ago.”
The coat paired with the matching sleeveless dress made sense in Los Angeles and will easily do double duty over skinny jeans and boots in New York. Either way, this ensemble is almost inseparable. Today, the red dress has truly evolved from a Valentine’s Day staple. It is a bona fide fashion statement about flare and confidence and as Domingo explained, “aside from the little black dress these days the little red dress is emerging as the new MUST HAVE.”
Our list of the best of the black begins with a sweet scoop necked brocade sleeveless “little black dress” with black ribbon that would well both day or night with the right coat and a change of accessories.
Domingo makes night dressing easy and comfortable with the black satin pairing of a loose fitting top cut to reveal smooth shoulders with loose fitting trousers belted with a satin bow cut low enough to reveal the tip of your six pack, if you have one.
A satin charcoal gray mini evening dress adorned with black beading hinted at Domingo ‘s Pilipino heritage, which he says, “puts a drop of Spanish influence into every collection.”
And, was fully realized in a glorious black lace evening dress with a tail fit for a Tango or a VIP After Party at a bull fight. Ole’
Marie Bargas
SHU UEMURA SPECIAL SKIN CARE EVENT WITH MISUMI KITANO
(APRIL 5-7)
Skin care update for San Francisco Bay Area beauty addicts!
Here's your chance to receive a super pampering beauty lesson and learn more about the reformulated Depsea and B-G skin care lines.
Hand-selected by Mr. Shu Uemura himself, the expert Shu Uemura team will be led by the talented Education Manager Misumi Kitano. Under Ms. Kitano's careful guidance, they will perform an elaborate series of skin care techniques tailored to your personal skin regimen, followed by a comprehensive makeup technique tutorial.
Nibble on tasty apps, sip on some bubbly, and get your goody bags!
Raffle prizes will be drawn each day (Grand Prize: Master class for 10 people).
This is HOT-- so call to reserve your spot!
By Appointment Only - Call (415) 395-0953
Thursday, April 5 -- Saturday, April 7 (11am - 6pm daily)
1971 Fillmore Street, San Francisco
Tami Yu
