Friday, July 27, 2012

HAUTE HUNTER: Ready, Set, GOLD!

Hey there! I know you're shocked to hear from me so soon after my last post but here I am!

Unless you've been hibernating, you are  probably aware that today marks the opening day of the 2012 Olympics in London.  While I haven't been following the sports side much, I have been quite surprised at the emphasis that has been put on the subject of Olympic fashion.  
Team USA will be sporting Ralph Lauren designs while the UK team will be stuntin' in Stella McCartney.  Of course the Italian team can't be beat- stylewise- with Prada and Armani on their backs.  And the French equestrian team will be quite classy in Hermès.  I am, however, most excited to see Team Jamaica in pieces designed by Bob Marley progeny Cedella Marley!  

Regardless of what designer fashions these athletes will be wearing, I'm sure the only thing they ultimately care about is that gold medal on their chest!

 Now for a quick update in the world of fashion:

*Jimmy Choo has a new CEO! Former General Manager of John Galliano S.A., Pierre Denis, has just been appointed to the role that current BG head honcho Joshua Schulman  abandoned last year. 

*The grandsons of Gucci founder Guccio Gucci have lost a lawsuit against the Gucci Group.   According to Huffington Post Style, the grandsons were using the Gucci name in the marketing of their company "ToBeG Srl" and an Italian judge decided that use presented "took unfair advantage of Gucci's preexisting brand reputation". 

* British designer Stella McCartney has been quite busy lately.  Not only is she preparing to launch a seven-piece children's collection this August, but also has created the Stella McCartney Scholarship to fund students at her alma mater- Central Saint Martins- endeavoring to earn their M.A. in Fashion.  As reported in The Cut, the scholarship will also include a one year paid position with McCartney and "those who are sponsored by the programme will have to commit to the designer's strict no fur, leather or other animal products policy."

*J.C. Penny is on the move!  Not only has Pennys announced that  Marie Claire Style Director (and "Project Runway" judge) Nina Garcia was  recently brought on as the department store chain's  "Style Voice and Fashion Collection Curator",  but our friends at Fabsugar  have informed us that mini-boutiques of the Canadian-based retail chain Joe Fresh will be opening in 683 J.C. Penny locations across the country!  Not mad at Pennys for following the Topshop/Nordstrom model!

*In more retail news, the infamous Barneys New York Warehouse sale is now going digital!    The sale will be offered online around the same time it's physically happening in New York this fall.  Go to 
http://www.barneyswarehouse.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNYWS-Site/default/Default-Start   to sign up for early access!

In the world of beauty, NARS cosmetics has announced the creation of the NARSskin collection.  Wendy Lam of Nitrolicious previewed the 10-product collection, which will have a soft launch at Saks Fifth Avenue on August 1st before launching more broadly on August 15th, and found that the collection "has both anti aging and illuminating properties that help your face look its best."  Sounds like something I need to get my hands on!
"Ugly Betty" actress Vanessa Williams is also entering the skin-care game by making the world beautiful one face at a time with the launch of her skin-care line "ReVitalistic Skincare" to be sold on QVC. 

Celebrity Sherri Shepard is added her two-cents to the beauty business by way of her "Luxhair" wig and hair-extension company.  Congrats Mz. Sherri!


Last but not least, my main main Tom Ford is set to  release the Tom Ford Noir fragrence for men.    I must say that I'm a  HUGE fan of Ford (including his fragrances) so I will definitely be purchasing this for my Mister!

Well, because my last post was so 'wordy', I'm going to keep this one brief. 

Before I leave you, however, I would be remiss for not giving you the scoop on my recent 'mini' Haute Hunt expedition.  Check, check, check it out......




H&M Fall 2012 Landscape Dress





Zara Textured Coat with Quilted Leather Sleeves $229



Zara Wooden Heel Leather Boots $159

Zara Patent Leather Platform Pumps $89.90

Zara Bell Sleeve Blouse $99 and Mermaid Pencil Skirt $89.90




Zara Lace Dress with Leather Peplum $159

H&M Leather Winter White Wedge Platforms $99

And for a 'token' hi/lo mention:

Thread Pleated Mint Green Dress $480 @ Shopbop


Forever 21 Mint Green Pleated Dress $29.80


Ok Folks, my weekend starts NOW.....catch you later!
xo
me
@MzHauteHunter
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

HAUTE HUNTER: Sun-Days....


Hello my fellow Haute Hunters!
Last time I posted, summer was peeking around the corner.   Now, it's almost over! UGHHH!   Before I get too down, however, I must say that I'm blessed to have a  few 'mini excursions'  on the horizon to make the most of what's left of these 'sun days'.  Whether on a beach in Vieques, at a benefit in the Hamptons, or devouring a lobster roll in Cape Cod, I will use these opportunities to rejuvenate, revive, and re-ignite myself! I'm sure you have similar plans for yourself so since we'll both need some 'poolside/beach blanket reading materials',  let me hip you to the latest and greatest in all things FASHION.....

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund recently announced their 2012 finalist. The winner will be announced this fall.  According to Vogue.com,   The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund "initiative was established in 2003 to help emerging American designers find success through financial support and guidance from an industry icon."  This years finalists are:
• Andrea Lieberman of A.L.C.
• Greg Armas of Assembly New York
• Sofia Sizzi of Giulietta
• Justin Salguero, Daniel Silberman, and Alina Silberman of Illesteva
• Jennifer Fisher of Jennifer Fisher Jewelry
• Jennifer Meyer Maguire of Jennifer Meyer
• Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty of Suno
• Tabitha Simmons
• Greg Chait of the Elder Statesman
• Wes Gordon


Vogue's parent company- Condé Nast,  is also implementing initiatives to support emerging fashion designers with their creation of The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in London's trendy Soho neighborhood.    Telegraph.co.uk reports that the college, to open in January 2013, will initially offer a Vogue Fashion Certificate after a 10 week program.  Later in the year, a Vogue Fashion Foundation Diploma will be offered in connection with a one year program.  Check out the details at www.condenastcollege.co.uk.



The fashion industry has been abuzz about 14-year-old Julia Bluhm who petitioned Seventeen magazine  to utilize unaltered photos in their monthly glossy. The petition, created on Change.org, has obtained almost 85,000 signatures, as noted in Fashionista.com and was the catalyst to Seventeen dedicating their August issue to outlining a new "Body Peace Treaty" whereby they vow to not change girls bodies or faces and to feature healthy models.  Let's see how this compares to Vogue's Health Initiative I discussed in my most recent posting.     


On the television front, NBC's Fashion Star  reality show is facing some major changes as it returns for its second season.   Both the show's host Elle Macpherson and retail partner H&M have announced they would not be returning!   Gasp- considering H&M routinely sold out of their Fashion Star offerings.  
Conversely, Heidi Klum's Project Runway  show has added Lord & Taylor as their new retail partner!   


Now, I know you all are as confused about that new "Yves Saint Laurent"/"Saint Laurent Paris" name change thingy as I am..... BUT for the sake of clarity, The Cut contends that "according to Business of Fashion, the title change will only affect the label's ready-to-wear line, not its beauty range (which is owned by L'Oreal) or the fashion house itself."  Good because I was so confused as to what Creative Director Hedi Slimane was actually trying to accomplish here!   


Jason Wu has just announced a more affordable 'diffusion' line available at Nordstrom called "Miss Wu".  The price point for this juniors collection, which will be available this coming January, range from $195 to $795.   

Also in the name of 'recession-friendly' fashion, designer Stella McCartney is launching the "Stella" collection of lower-priced lingerie ranging from $26 to $55 and giving Mz. Vickie Secrets a run for their money!



Not as concerned with the recession, however, is design team Dolce & Gabbana.  The brand recently announced that they have created a children's line to debut in stores this month for both boys and girls.  Racked reports, "some highlights for girls include...'sheepskin and cashmere capes flank tweed bouclé jackets in green and dusty pink lined with Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic white on black polka dots and leopard prints' (and) ...for boys (,) (t)ailored velvet, pinstripes and tricot jogging outfits'."



Shoe designer Christian Louboutin is also tapping into the Disney-lovers  market....well, not the kids as much as us 'more mature Princesses' who refuse to give up on our "happily ever after" fantasy,  by unveiled his version of Cinderella's glass slipper.  Take a look...do you think these can help snag Prince Charming?  



Speaking of Louboutin, it's worth mentioning that his exhibit celebrating his 20 year anniversary at London's Design Museum has brought in over 38,000 visitors over the last two and a half months.   I must say, this man has FANS!


Fans aside, however, designer Doo Ri Chung has parted ways with her Doo Ri line and designer Vera Wang has separated from her husband/business partner Arthur Becker.   Break-ups are NEVER easy ladies... :-(





On a happier note, several of our musical divas are designing their way to stardom!  Mz Rih Rih has agreed to design a capsule for the UK brand 'River Island' while Mz J-Lo is launching a line of "luxury" t-shirts on Teeology.com.  Bringing up the rear is 'Dream girl' Mz J. Hud, who created a line of affordable pieces to be sold on QVC this September. 




In more design news, both Virgin Airlines and McDonalds are redesigning their uniforms a la "Mad Men" style.  Virgin is teaming up with Banana Republic  to outfit 1,200 flight crew members.   Racked also noted that those of us 'on the ground' will be able to mimic the fashionable crew starting this August by purchasing some of the pieces "via the airline’s 'Red Shop' platform and in select Banana Republic stores."  McDonalds in the UK, on the other hand,  "enlisted the help of Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemingway, according to Fashionista, to offer the chain's employees, as reported in Telegraph, "a softer pallet of faded plaid, gherkin green, and muted mustard" to "pay tribute to the 1960s mod movement".    I don't expect the Mickey D outfits to be offered to us 'civilians'....at least I pray they aren't! ;-)

Now, let's move away from the 'fluff' for a moment to get down to real business....
Amid speculation that a sale was pending, couture house Valentino (which also own the M Missoni license business) has indeed been sold to a Qatar-based company by the name of Mayhoola for Investments S.P.C.  Although the sum of the sale is undisclosed, Fashionista estimated the worth of the Italian company to be "as much as $852 million."

In other business of fashion news, UK-based Jimmy Choo reported a rise in profits of 19.2%.  This increase comes as a surprise considering many questioned the future of the designer shoe brand after the departure of its founder Tamara Mellon late last year. 

In keeping with the good news, online site Moda Operandi recently received a $36million infusion of funds that will undoubtedly take this retailer to 'another level'!  Hopefully, this infusion of cash will encourage them to continue to offer generous credit incentive to their loyal clients! ;-)



Also making moves is drugstore chain Walgreens.  Yes, Walgreens is getting global with their $6.7Billion purchase of UK drugstore chain Alliance Boots!  I love visiting Boots when I'm in London- they have great body/beauty products (some of which you can now find stateside in Target ;-)).


Lastly, According to Fast Company magazine, Japanese retail chain Uniqlo is on tap to became the world's largest retailer after H&M, Zara, and The Gap of course.   I'm still not completely sold on Uniqlo (esp. since I missed on on the J+ offerings :-( )but Mz NC and Mz TT are steadily trying to convert me! ;-)




Taking a look at the legal side of the industry, The Fashion Law reported that Prada USA Corp. recently sued MaxMara based upon "millions of dollars in damages incurred as a result of MaxMara's unjustified breach, including lost profits projected for [Prada's] planned boutique and significant sums spent in reliance on MaxMara's broken commitment"  in connection with Prada's plan to lease MaxMara's Waikiki space to open a Miu Miu boutique.




In more news regarding Louis Vuitton's 2011 suit against Warner Bros. in connection with The Hangover Part 2's use of counterfeit bags in the film,  LVMH recently appealed the court's June 2012 dismissal. This is starting to really feel like a real 'hangover'...enough already guys!



Speaking of 'enough', Christian Louboutin is still fighting off his 'red bottom' pilferers.   Louboutin sued Zara in France recently with hopes of preventing Zara from selling a pair of shoes with red soles. Louboutin is also preparing to appeal the 'red sole' suit he lost against YSL last year.   I guess I can't blame the man for trying to protect his trademark. 








And just like LV isn't too keen on counterfeits, Hermes is continuing its fight by recently assisting police in breaking up a  $22Million counterfeit crime ring.  Apparently, Hermes employees were also involved in the ring... no wonder those fake Birkins look so real!


Now my favorite news.... COLLABORATION NEWS!

Target and Neimen Marcus have announced that they are teaming up for a Holiday 2012 collection of limited edition items created by 24 CFDA designers like Carolina Herrera, Tracy Reese, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Brian Atwood, Marchesa, Derek Lam, Judith Leiber and  Proenza Schouler.  Both Target and Neiman Marcus will sell the 50 items beginning on December 1st at price points ranging from $7.99 to $499.99. 
According to Fashionista, EBay has also created a "Holiday Collective" which include Tibi, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Billy Reid, and Steven Allen.


Not to be left behind, however, is Nordstrom who just brokered a deal with UK-based Topshop to install boutiques for both women and men within 14 of its stores this fall.   The boutiques will feature exclusive Topshop for Nordstrom pieces.   I'm sure that the Nordstrom locations will also- hopefully- carry Topshop's JW Anderson's capsule scheduled for initial release this fall.




As most of you already know, one of the biggest collabos this year is the pending H&M/Maison Martin Margiela joint venture.  Looking forward to the November 15 launch date!

Kohl's is also expanding their designer presence by teaming up with Narciso Rodriquez as the inaugural designer in Kohl's Design Nation initiative.   Design Nation, being introduced to Kohl's customers this November, is being developed by LF USA and will challenge guest designers to design based upon geographic inspirations.  Rodriquez's line, inspired by the city of  Istanbul (where I got mugged but I digress....), will be priced between $30 and $150. 



Coach and Anna Sui have found love.... Sui is re-designing Coach's Duffle Sac, which will be available this fall.     

Another new 'marriage' has occurred between French fashion house A.P.C. and American sports apparel line Nike.  A.P.C. designer Jean Touitou will design a collection of Dunk and Air Max sneakers available next month for $110-$150. 

 Apparently, designer sports gear is in demand these days considering the fact that:
1) the CFDA has joined forces with the New York Mets to celebrate their respective 50th anniversaries.  CFDA designers Yigal Azrouel, Shipley & Halmos, Billy Reid, and Loomstate will design shirts and hoodies for both men and women.   Order online at Edition01.com and purchase at Citi Field starting July 24th; and
2) Marchesa designer Georgian Chapman is linking up with the NFL to design a limited edition shirt to debut in September.  I KNOW that's gonna be cute!
I see there may be a place in sports for me after all! ;-)

In beauty news, Karl Lagerfeld and Shu Uemura are preparing for the holidays by teaming up for the Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura limited edition holiday make up collection.  The 17 piece collection is only available  in November ex-U.S.  so start planning some international trips this fall!
Both Lady Gaga and Nicole Richie have entered the fragrance game!
Lady Gaga's "Fame" perfume is being carried in 3,000 stores stateside and 30,000 worldwide in 84 markets and is retailing in the U.S. for $19-$79 depending on the size of the 'egg shaped bottle' (a nod to Gaga's Grammy 'hatching') you obtain.
 Richie's perfume, paying homage to her mother's "southern roots" will be sold for $28 to $69 in 2,000 stores stateside and in several international markets. 



MAC is coming up with some new and interesting joint ventures!  First, MAC has announced they will be creating a makeup collection inspired by the Archies (yes, the cartoon) and secondly, they have created a line of press-on nails (and matching lipstick shades) with the Ruffian clothing brand.  The Ruffian collection is only here for a limited time so get on it! 

Former MAC collaborator Hello Kitty has some news of her own.... apparently, there is a Hello Kitty-themed spa in Dubai offering "kitty-cures" and chocolate facials.  Mz CA, I know you are sooo there!


PHEW... after all of that 'news', it's time to feast our eyes on something(s) pretty! 


First, let's do some hi/lo comps (haven't done many of those in a while) and then check out some of my Haute Hunt finds in both 'hi' and 'lo' categories! ;-).




Valentino Runway SS 2012 $$$
Forever 21 $24.80

Nicholas Kirkwood $489 SALE PRICE My Theresa



Giuseppe Zanotti $750 Shopbop
Steve Madden $116.99 Zappos










Equipment Blouse $248 Intermix




Joe Fresh $29




Asos Maxi T Dress $58
Norma Kamali Hi/Lo Jersey Dress $275 Shopbop



Preen Maxi T Dress $1300



Vera Wang Dipped Hem Vest $995 Netaporter
Asos Dipped Hem Vest $19.06






Matthew Williamson Ombre Dress $2915 Moda Operandi

H&M Ombre Dress $59.95




Mary Katrantzou Print Body Con Dress $2085
Print Body Con Dress Topshop $72




Zara Floral Print Pant SALE $39.99
Tibi Floral Print Pant $330 Netaporter




Elizabeth & James Snake Print Pant $325 Shopbop
H&M Snake Print Pant SALE $15




Parker Pleated Dress $253/SALE $99 MyHabit.com
Forever 21 Pleated Dress $32.80



Now for some of my 'Haute Hunt' 'lo' finds:

Sheer Dress Forever 21 $27.80



Alice & Olivia Wrap Dress $220 Shopbop


Heather Maxi Dress $141 Shopbop



Fringe Dress $62.65 Topshop



Forever 21 Dress $24.80



Asos Split Dress $107.71



Asos Fringe Bathing Suit $58



Forever 21 Metallic Short $19.80



FNC Blouse $46.48 Asos



H&M Racer back Dress $17.95



Asos Leather  Color Block Pencil Skirt $149.13



Asos Peplum Dress $66.28




Forever 21 Asymmetrical Dress $24.80



Body Suit Forever 21 $14.80








Tribal Necklace $10.80 Forever 21


Multi row Metal Necklace $30 TopShop





Matte Gold Cuff $5.80 Forever 21


Blush Suede Pump with Lucite Heel SALE $69.99 Mango


Pour La Victoire Croc Embossed Booties $350 Shopbop


Ombre Sunglasses $5.80 Forever 21

Hi-brow Action: 


Issa Dress $775 Shopbop




Pucci Dress with Sheer Inserts  $2410 Luisa Via Roma




Norma Kamali Runway Resort 2013 $$$$





Paula Raia Illusion Dress $4460 Moda Operandi




Jimmy Choo Metallic Pump $650 Netaporter



Christian Louboutin Fringe Boot $2395




Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Shoe $1495 Netaporter




Christian Louboutin Boot $1995 Bergdorf Goodman


OK ladies, I'm off to prepare for my first adventure for the summer! Nice Haute Hunting with you!
xo
me
Follow me @MzHauteHunter


 






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