hitchcock

Hitchock's definition of suspense: "To know there is a bomb under the table, but not to know when it's going to go off." 

Alison Mosshart and a Willow Tree

Alison Mosshart and Eddie Borgo arriving at the CFDAs. 

While I don't really support Mosshart's sporting of green leather pants to the award show, her combination of sick pink hair and arm full of Eddie's pieces somehow makes up for that. 

And do you want to see something awesome? Alison talking to Karen Craig (Elson)

oh gosh.

All Hail DVF

Not that there was any doubt in my mind about Diane's grasp of her presidential situation at the CFDAs, but all time same I was glad to hear that she has in fact been reinstated for another term. As you may know, the terms are each two-year long commitments meaning that DVF will be around until at least 2014. This is her fourth term as she was first elected as president in 2006. 

To celebrate, here is a photo of Diane at the 2012 CFDA awards. I love the almost campy appeal of her look- the reaching out hands covering her torso and the lip shape to her clutch are so uniquely Diane. Just being around her for four minutes, you (I) get the clear sense that this woman is not just a designer of clothes, but of dreams (have I lost you with my cheesy cliches yet?). The air around her definitely has a regal quality to it that makes you (me) stand up straighter and feel the need to conduct myself if a manner that is more Princess Kate and less Kate Moss.

Joan and Michael at the CFDAs

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Michael Kors is just an all-around great guy. He is  funny (note his recent interview with Fern Mallis at the 92nd street Y a few weeks ago), he is charmingly humble (when asked for a "solo shot" by the photographers he assumed they wanted one just of Joan. He even started backing away before he realized that in fact the photographers were talking about him!), and perhaps most affectionately he is down to earth! Last year he gamely shook my hand while this year he willingly spoke to me about Joan's gorgeous white dress (albeit a two-second conversation but you know, I'll take what I can get). 

On another note- Is anyone else confused by the Project Runway ads around the city? I truly thought (hoped maybe- I love PR but I just don't have the time to watch it anymore, why be tempted?) Project Runway was over. While I love the giant pair of crystalized scissors in Times Square attached to the #makeitwork, I really don't know what is going on there. Obviously they can't do Project Runway All Stars every season, so it is just back to regular times? What are they un to now anyway? Season 10? Season 11, 12, 13??? Alright. I'm done with my rant. I'll go watch Justin Bieber's Call Me Maybe video for the up-teenth time to calm down.

Joan Smalls greets Zoe Saldana

GB

"Without function, a design can be beautiful but not intelligent." - Geoffry Beene

Kate Bosworth and Joseph Altuzarra at the CFDAs

The ever-stunning Kate Bosworth and Joseph Altuzarra at the 2012 CFDA awards. Though her designer-date is obviously the mastermind behind her dress, my first thought when she stepped out of her car (well the second- the first was the frustration of the professional photographer standing next to me who shushed me before I could say anything to anybody about who was in the car- he wanted the exclusive first shot before all of the other photogs had finished taking shots of Rachel Zoe and her deadbeat husband) was 'Proenza' because of the tribal-like print and Kate's past history with Jack and Lazaro. Of course, it's possible that the Proenza aesthetic has made its mark on Altuzara's eye as he is, after all, a former intern of theirs (much to the chagrin of the PS boys as they are often grouped into the same coterie of fashion's rising stars- though I feel all three men have moved way past any 'emerging talent' standards and into the realm of classics like Francisco, Alex, and Stella- but that's just me.)

I firmly believe that Kate is one of the stars who can literally look amazing in anything (along with Diane Kruger and Natasha Poly- these women could wear a potato sack and look a million times more beautiful than anyone else at an event) but this dress certainly accentuated her angular bone structure and girlish frame. Plus, she was soooo sweet (note: my somewhat-creepy picture with Kate that looks a bit like I photoshopped a non-so attractive photo of myself next to one of Kate looking like she has back-fat (she doesn't) because it makes me feel better about myself. enjoy.)

Happy Father's Day

Happy father's day to all of the wonderful Dad's out there! Does anyone have any fun plans for the day or interesting present ideas? Or are you all like me and still have to pick out a gift sometime before this afternoon (my late gift should, in no way be a judge of how awesome my father is- I was on my way to Bookmarc to pick out a few new books for him on Friday afternoon when I was distracted by not one, but two SNL actors whom I just found out live down the street from me.) 

Hats Off to Fascinators

Kate Middleton’s Influence Leads to Increase in the Millinery Industry

Typical associations of British fashion range from Doc Martins to school boy blazers; however, in light of recent royal proceedings, the object receiving the most attention is the fascinator. There were roughly 2,000 people in attendance at the royal wedding last April, but the televised event drew in additional hundreds of millions of viewers from around the world. Anglomania set in, and everybody wanted their own souvenir from the morning’s festivities. The obsession crossed traditional generational barriers as both young girls and their mothers found themselves infatuated with the romanticism of a modern day princess. As younger, more relatable people filled the role of royalty, classic notions of intrigue with all things royal turned into profit for the fashion industry. 

Royalty has been bewitching people for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until recently with the explosion of social media, that people could actually emulate it. With  a constant feed of everything Kate Middleton wears, anyone with a computer can find a way to mirror the new princess’ image within minutes. Fascinators, a sort of hybrid between a hat and a headband, are one of the most eye-catching statements of Middleton and of royalty at large. Thanks to what many are calling “the Kate effect,”

fascinators have found a steady increase in sales.

As with all formal royal events, dress codes are not something to be taken lightly. Along with the various other draconian requirements, the wedding invitation specifically mentioned that all women should be wearing hats to the ceremony. While some of the older women in the room, the Queen included, decided to wear more conspicuous versions, the younger, more fashion forward guests took the opportunity to express their own style through their head wear.

When thinking back to the royal wedding, the first thing to comes to mind is the new Duchess of Cambridge walking down the isle in Sarah Burton’s impeccable work of craftsmanship. The next are the mixed feelings about Pipa stealing her sister’s spotlight in a curve hugging (white!) dress, also designed by Burton. Then comes Princess Beatrice of York’s bow-shaped, salmon-colored topper. The avant garde shape of this fascinator (is it a pretzel? a female reproductive part? or, really just a bow?) has become a symbol of sorts for the wedding. Custom designed by famed milliner Philip Treacy, the hat was so over the top and ridiculous that it wouldn’t even fit into Beatrice’s town car, forever imprinting in my mind the image of Beatrice leaving Westminster, head tilted uncomfortably to the side as she waved towards the sea of photographers and tourists. So memorable was that “unique sculptural celebratory headpiece” that the original sold to an anonymous bidder on ebay for $130,000. For those who missed their chance at having the real thing, copies can be found at specialty boutiques and year-round Halloween centers at prices ranging from knickknack to investment pieces. 

Kate Middleton isn’t exactly a risk taker when it comes to fashion. She has been known to stick to very chic, but also very safe, options like simple shift dresses and comfortable boot cut jeans for day, and classically pretty floor length gowns for night, all of which she frequently compliments with a wide array of intricate headpieces. While her garment choices lack the originality of her royal predecessors, the confidence and air of regality in which she wears and accessorizes them makes her all the more suitable for her new position as a bona fide style icon. 

A former accessories buyer for Jigsaw, Middleton finds her niche within her  accessories. She is always one to make a lasting impression by means of her choice of fascinators, having the unequivocal knack for finding an appropriate options for absolutely any occasion. Some of her most memorable choices include a mustard-colored feathery skimmer to match her similarly yellow nipped-waist dress at a friend’s wedding, a wide brimmed black hat with black feathers which she wore cheekily tilted to the side of her head at the wedding of Harry Meade and Rosie Bratford, and a ten gallon cowboy hat which she paired with fitted jeans and a white oxford shirt while tour in Canada. 

It is rare to see average folk wearing statement hats, predominantly because they are notoriously difficult to pull off if not styled correctly. This is wear Middleton comes in to save the millenary industry. By setting an example of how headpieces can be worn to compliment your look rather that overpower it, she inspires her followers to introduce the intricate pieces into their own style mantras. “[Middleton] has worn the style on several different occasions.” Dan Rentillo of David’s Bridal explained to CNN. “She’s showing women that this is a great accessory that can change up your look.” 

As Google releases their yearly statistics, there was a reported 50% increase in searches conducted for hats in the U.S. and a 67% increase for fascinators. While the potential customers of fascinators are obviously a limited variety, Middleton’s influence is clearly reflected in online sales. A recent search for fascinators on Etsy came up with an astounding 36,000 results. The sales of bridal hats have overtaken those of both veils and tiaras in America, Australia, Malta, and the U.K. Harrods, the most influential department store in the U.K., has undergone a major expansion in their millinery department to account for the new demand. 2011 has proven to be a big year for headwear, and its all thanks to Middleton. “It’s because of her.” James Sackor, manager of e-commerce for retail store Belfry, lamented to WSJ “Seeing her in that head-wear just adds a new element to fashion that people maybe weren’t so sure about before. Now you can see it become more mainstream.” 

The rise in hat sales has translated into high fashion this season as more hats have graced the runway than any season since the death of Diana. Gucci sent out large floppy hats similar to those wide-brimmed versions worn in the ‘70s. Louis Vuitton gave their rendition a tough military spin, perhaps acknowledgement of Will’s involvement with the military. Hipsters found new styles at Dolce & Gabbana in the form of the classic punk rock fedora. Burberry, the brand encompassing all things British, kept their toppers classic with the flatter silhouette of pageboy hats in a plethora of feline animal prints. Anna Sui sent out ironic knit versions of farm animals, complete with buttoned eyes and pom-pom noses. John Galliano’s inspiration was more straightforward, in fanciful shapes and girly styles, Galliano’s could easily be imagined onto the head of Middleton herself. 

Middleton’s effect of the rising popularity of hats is undeniable. As long as Middleton continues to mesmerize the world with the grace and charm that she inevitably infuses into each new millenary decision, it is all but guaranteed that fascinators are here to stay.

sean and river.

Oh hey Sean O'pry and River Viiperi... didn't see you there. 

Casual, right?

die die die die die

standing out side of what River calls "nothing really. Just some random event." (i.e. the cfda's)