Janelle Monae featured in Vogue

Janelle Monae will be featured in Vogue's November issue. The eccentric songstress will be showing off George Esquivel's unique shoes. Here is the blurb from the article:

"It's hard not to get ideas when I'm meeting with Gwen [as in Stefani] and the Killers," says George Esquivel. "My work evolves by designing for people." Since 1994, the Southern Californian has been crafting custom shoes, and even with an ever-expanding client list, the majority of his footwear is made to order by hand in his Buena Park studio.

Though they're fashioned out of the same Italian leather used by Louis Vuitton, his boots and oxfords are unique in their colors and burnishes, which Esquivel still does himself. "It's a punk attitude," says the designer, whose wares were first noticed by his fellow music scenesters in the nineties. "I'm not a guy who grew up on the East Coast wearing suits." So not proper, but for Esquivel wearers, just perfect.

Janelle Monae featured in Vogue

Janelle Monae will be featured in Vogue's November issue. The eccentric songstress will be showing off George Esquivel's unique shoes. Here is the blurb from the article:

"It's hard not to get ideas when I'm meeting with Gwen [as in Stefani] and the Killers," says George Esquivel. "My work evolves by designing for people." Since 1994, the Southern Californian has been crafting custom shoes, and even with an ever-expanding client list, the majority of his footwear is made to order by hand in his Buena Park studio.

Though they're fashioned out of the same Italian leather used by Louis Vuitton, his boots and oxfords are unique in their colors and burnishes, which Esquivel still does himself. "It's a punk attitude," says the designer, whose wares were first noticed by his fellow music scenesters in the nineties. "I'm not a guy who grew up on the East Coast wearing suits." So not proper, but for Esquivel wearers, just perfect.

Shine. Shimmer. Sparkle.

Serena Williams attends the "Whip It" Los Angeles Premiere held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood, California on 29.09.09

Left to right: Sequin glitterglass tank, $495, www.jcrew.com; Sequins Emma Top by Nili Lotan, by $495, www.bloomingdales.com; Sequin Embellished Vest, $95.93, www.asos.com; Sequin & Beaded Tank by Alice + Olivia (Sizes 0 - 14), $396, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Racerback Tank by Gryphon, $345, www.shoplesnouvelles.com; Rose Sequin Tank, $19.90, www.charlotterusse.com; Embellished Racerback Tank, $24, www.ardenb.com; Allover Sequin Tunic, $26.50, www.wetseal.com

Serena Williams kept things classic and clean on the red carpet of the "Whip It" premiere. Wearing a simple black blazer and matching cropped pants, Serena looked effortlessly chic. To keep the outfit from looking too "day" she added a little sparkle in the form of a racerback tank by Gryphon. If you want to achieve this look you don't have to hand over $345. Wetseal, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Arden B all have affordable sequin tops. Finish the outfit with vertigo heels, a metallic clutch and chandelier earrings.

Shine. Shimmer. Sparkle.

Serena Williams attends the "Whip It" Los Angeles Premiere held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood, California on 29.09.09

Left to right: Sequin glitterglass tank, $495, www.jcrew.com; Sequins Emma Top by Nili Lotan, by $495, www.bloomingdales.com; Sequin Embellished Vest, $95.93, www.asos.com; Sequin & Beaded Tank by Alice + Olivia (Sizes 0 - 14), $396, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Racerback Tank by Gryphon, $345, www.shoplesnouvelles.com; Rose Sequin Tank, $19.90, www.charlotterusse.com; Embellished Racerback Tank, $24, www.ardenb.com; Allover Sequin Tunic, $26.50, www.wetseal.com

Serena Williams kept things classic and clean on the red carpet of the "Whip It" premiere. Wearing a simple black blazer and matching cropped pants, Serena looked effortlessly chic. To keep the outfit from looking too "day" she added a little sparkle in the form of a racerback tank by Gryphon. If you want to achieve this look you don't have to hand over $345. Wetseal, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Arden B all have affordable sequin tops. Finish the outfit with vertigo heels, a metallic clutch and chandelier earrings.

OC Modern Goddesses - Fashion Show

BeStyle Models Agency is proud to announce a wonderful and extraordinary fashion show of ORAGE Creations and ORAGE Creations Beauty.

You can see some dresses, futured in Modavia Fashion Week 2009 and present in the Look Book of Linden Lab, and some new releases. All Goddess skins and some v2 skins...

All to be a real GODDESS in Second Life.
We are waiting for you on sunday, october 18th at 1:30 PM slt
slurl.com/secondlife/BEST%20OF%20ITALIAN/218/142/53

There will be a nice present for everybody at the show.

After the show you're invited at EGO Fashion Club for a nice party with Summer Deadlight dj.

Elettra Gausman
ORAGE Creations Designer

Amelle Berrabah

Sugababe Amelle Berrabah performs at BBC2's Music Show ‘Sound’ at Spittlefield Market in London, England wearing a Denim Jumpsuit.

If you thought Destiny's Child had it's ups and downs that was nothing compared to the British group Sugababes. Since it's inception in 1998, the all girl group has been through three line-up changes. The most recent has left not one original band member in the group! That hasn't stopped their flow though. The girls are in the midst of a relaunch that includes a whole new sound and provocative new image to boot. Pictured above is North African (Moroccan) member Amelle Berrabah. She joined the group in 2005 replacing Mutya Buena. She recently shaved the side of her head to give herself an edgier look. I'm loving this Liquorish jumpsuit on her (see below.) Roll the legs up like Amelle to give the outfit a fresh spin.

Amelle Berrabah

Sugababe Amelle Berrabah performs at BBC2's Music Show ‘Sound’ at Spittlefield Market in London, England wearing a Denim Jumpsuit.

If you thought Destiny's Child had it's ups and downs that was nothing compared to the British group Sugababes. Since it's inception in 1998, the all girl group has been through three line-up changes. The most recent has left not one original band member in the group! That hasn't stopped their flow though. The girls are in the midst of a relaunch that includes a whole new sound and provocative new image to boot. Pictured above is North African (Moroccan) member Amelle Berrabah. She joined the group in 2005 replacing Mutya Buena. She recently shaved the side of her head to give herself an edgier look. I'm loving this Liquorish jumpsuit on her (see below.) Roll the legs up like Amelle to give the outfit a fresh spin.

Steal Amelle's Style

Above: Liquorish Stone Wash Denim Jumpsuit, $61.05, www.asos.com
Heels: HALO Twist Front High Platform Sandal, $34.88, www.asos.com
Bag: Twisted Hardware Doctor Bag, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in California Coral, $8, www.apothica.com

I'm all about summer nail colors in winter. What else will brighten up those dull, rainy days? Coral nail polish is my color of choice these days, but any stand-out color will compliment these pale pink platforms by HALO. Pair with skin colored tights if the weather is already bone chilling in your area. For night-time chic add a metallic belt and a bright clutch for punch.

Steal Amelle's Style

Above: Liquorish Stone Wash Denim Jumpsuit, $61.05, www.asos.com
Heels: HALO Twist Front High Platform Sandal, $34.88, www.asos.com
Bag: Twisted Hardware Doctor Bag, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in California Coral, $8, www.apothica.com

I'm all about summer nail colors in winter. What else will brighten up those dull, rainy days? Coral nail polish is my color of choice these days, but any stand-out color will compliment these pale pink platforms by HALO. Pair with skin colored tights if the weather is already bone chilling in your area. For night-time chic add a metallic belt and a bright clutch for punch.

Brush Your Shoulders Off!

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

Brush Your Shoulders Off!

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

My Picks!

Left to right: Short Extended Shoulder Jacket, $135, www.topshop.com; Cotton-blend tuxedo jacket by Balmain, $3805, www.net-a-porter.com; White army-style jacket by Balmain, $3564, www.net-a-porter.com; Crystal-embellished canvas jacket by Balmain, $6389.60, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: ASOS Power Shoulder Tux Blazer, $113.37, www.topshop.com; Ruffle Peak Jacket by Robert Rodriguez, $495, www.shopbop.com; Blade Runner Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $425, www.shopbop.com; Button Detail Denim Jacket by Queen's Look, $85.50, www.yesstyle.com

Ranging from $85 to $6000+, now is the time to buy one of these amazing jackets. Winter may be closing in, but buy one on sale and wear it for the next five years. Every fashionista needs a powerful blazer in their wardrobe and now is the cheapest time to buy one. If you want the real thing be prepared to pay at least $3000 - and that's a bargain! My favorite is the tuxedo blazer from Topshop. At only $135, it's a fail safe investment.

My Picks!

Left to right: Short Extended Shoulder Jacket, $135, www.topshop.com; Cotton-blend tuxedo jacket by Balmain, $3805, www.net-a-porter.com; White army-style jacket by Balmain, $3564, www.net-a-porter.com; Crystal-embellished canvas jacket by Balmain, $6389.60, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: ASOS Power Shoulder Tux Blazer, $113.37, www.topshop.com; Ruffle Peak Jacket by Robert Rodriguez, $495, www.shopbop.com; Blade Runner Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $425, www.shopbop.com; Button Detail Denim Jacket by Queen's Look, $85.50, www.yesstyle.com

Ranging from $85 to $6000+, now is the time to buy one of these amazing jackets. Winter may be closing in, but buy one on sale and wear it for the next five years. Every fashionista needs a powerful blazer in their wardrobe and now is the cheapest time to buy one. If you want the real thing be prepared to pay at least $3000 - and that's a bargain! My favorite is the tuxedo blazer from Topshop. At only $135, it's a fail safe investment.

American photographer Penn dies

American photographer Irving Penn, who gained fame for his images ranging from fashion and celebrities to ordinary people and still life, has died.

His assistant Roger Krueger said he died at his home in Manhattan at the age of 92.

Mr Penn began his career in the 1940s at fashion magazine Vogue, later including travel, such as New Guinea mud men, and still life.

read entire article here

Versace is Closing Its Japan Stores

The Wall Street Journal reports that Gianni Versace SpA is closing its three remaining stores in Japan.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the fashion house said it closed its last three stores in Japan, because they "no longer represented the brand image." The statement described the move as part of a broader overhaul of company strategy, adding that Versace wanted "a clean slate" while hunting for "new locations and more suitable distribution channels" in Japan. The statement didn't say when Versace planned to reopen stores in Japan.

The store closures show how Japan's dwindling appetite for luxury goods is forcing brands to reassess their operations in pricey cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Smaller fashion companies like Versace are under the most pressure, because they lack the financial firepower and economies of scale that larger rivals are tapping to ride out Japan's economic woes.

The WSJ story says a report by the Bain & Company consultancy predicts sales of luxury items to tumble by 10% in Japan this year. The Financial Times says Versace's stores had been in Japan for nearly thirty years.

London Architect Julian Hakes Designs the Mojito Shoe

London architect Julian Hakes has come up with this unusual design for the Mojito shoe, which is made of carbon fibre. There is a way for a foot to fit in this shoe if you look closely but there doesn't appear to be any foot support. Architect Julian Hakes doesn't think support is necessary.

With a high heel providing the heel is supported, even by standing on a wooden block the foot naturally 'spans' the gap naturally, with bones and tendons.

The foot has its own inbuilt strength and support so why duplicate this. You would not have a jumper with rigid arms between elbow and wrist.

So this raised the question, if the design of a shoe was an evolution of the early sandal and how can new materials and design techniques provide new solution?

So I set to exploring this question in a similar way to how I would design a bridge, examining the forces and looking at the most simple, elegant yet poetic expression of the forces at play within the materials used.

Any shoe that offers little or no support will eventually harm the wearer of the shoe. Fashion doesn't always consider pain and comfort. Models have worn crazier things on the runway before.

(via Dezeen, Gizmodo.com.au)

Dries Van Noten: RTW Spring/Summer 2010

Belgian designer Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2010 collection shown at Paris Fashion Week was all about the exotic print. Dries scoured the globe looking for the most beautiful textiles he could find. The fabrics were rich and luxurious and the prints were beautiful and exotic.