HAUTE HUNTER: January Round-Up: F/K/A "The Return of Betty Bad-Ass!"

Happy New Year (with reference to both 2012 in general and the Chinese New Year) !!!!  I am so happy 2012 is here- so many great things have transpired so far!  As you can see, I took an extended vacay for most of December into early January and in the process, gained some understanding as to where I want to be in my life in 2012 and beyond.  In the words of Mz TZ, 2012 is the year of the "come back" but, to quote the infamous L.L. Cool J, "don't call it a comeback" the chic urbains "have been here for years"!  So, in channeling the "come back" that really is just an acknowledgment that I really never 'left', I've found myself in "Betty Bad-Ass"  mode as of late.  Not sure if the newness of 2012 has anything to do with it but this 'Haute Hunter' has been finding herself attracted to a more edgy sense of style lately.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily  'fashion-forward' nor would I consider my personal style to be 'avant garde' in any way but my 'eye' has been attracted to a stronger/sharper aesthetic in the last few weeks- as you'll see from the fashion picks I've included in this post.  I'm prone to think it has a lot to do with the fact that it's the "Year of the Dragon" and a little bit to do with the Rihanna-red hair I've been sporting since turning 40 :-).  

O.k., enough about Moi...let me get down to the fashion business!



All of the fashion blogs have been providing massive amounts of coverage related to the Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012 shows.  I must say that I've definitely found myself utterly transfixed with these current runway offerings.   Don't despair, however, if you were a bit too busy to hop across the pond this month, here is a 'quick and dirty' schedule of  a few key fashion week festivities happening across the globe from now until Spring....get your passports ready and take your pick!
*January 30-February 1,  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
 Stockholm, Sweden  Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 Collections 

*February 9-16, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
New York, NY Fall 2012 Collections
*February 17-22, London Fashion Week
London, United Kingdom Autumn/Winter 2012 Collections

*February 20-26,D.C. Fashion Week
 Washington D.C.Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections

*February 22-28, Milan Fashion Week
Milan, Italy Women's Fashion Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections
*February 28-March 7, Paris Fashion Week (Mode à Paris)
Paris, France Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections
*March 1-6, Lakmé Fashion Week
Mumbai, India Summer/Resort 2012
*March 18-24, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Tokyo, Japan  Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 Collections

*April 30-May 4,Fashion Week Australia
 Sydney, Australia Spring/Summer 2013 Collections

Just like fashion is universal, so is music....   Jay-Z and Beyonce both enjoy a tremendous amount of success stateside and abroad, so unless you've been residing in the far reaches of outter-space, you're well aware that hip-hop 'royalty' now has an heir apparent!   Jay-Z and Beyonce welcomed baby girl Blue Ivy into the world on January 7th!  Unfortunately, however, Baby Blue's entry into the world has been a bit overshadowed by the negative attention being placed on her father's business dealings.  First, on the day before Baby Blue's birth, Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line laid off half of its employees and now, Jay-Z's newly renovated 40/40 flagship has been shut down for health code violations-  just days after a star-studded grand re-opening.   To quote the man himself, it looks like Mr. Carter is much better at being a "business" rather than a "businessman". 

In other fashion layoff news, Gilt Groupe, which is rumored to to be headed towards an IPO late this year/early next year, laid off more than 100 employees last week.   That sure is a significant increase from the 50 CEO Kevin Ryan said they would "selectively trim"  over the next few months.    I hope this has more to do with them trying to look good for the IPO than the fact that Gilt may just be losing its 'it' factor.

In brighter news, the U.K.'s version of our CFDA (which just set this year's Fashion Night Out date as September 6) - the British Fashion Council- recently announced their most recent award recipients.  Congrats to these amazingly talented designers! Here's a few of the winners who I really admire:

Designer of the Year: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Designer Brand: Victoria Beckham
New Establishment Award: Christopher Kane
Accessory Designer: Charlotte Olympia
Red Carpet Award: Stella McCartney
Emerging Talent Award – Ready-To-Wear: Mary Katrantzou
Emerging Talent Award – Accessories: Tabitha Simmons
BFC Outstanding Achievement: Paul Smith

Another favorite European powerhouse is also making news.  Hermes has announced that they are responding to the current financial recession by raising prices in the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia.   These mark-ups, estimated to be around 9 percent, have already been instituted in European and applicable Asian markets.  Domestic hikes are expected at the end of this month.  I guess this means I'll have to save a bit more for my Birkin!

Speaking of French fashion powerhouses, French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary in business, has been making several appearances in the headlines lately.   Firstly, the court battle between CL and YSL has been heating up ! Just this past week, CL's attorneys appealed the court's decision to deny his injunction against YSL.   The 'red sole battle' has now enlisted Diane von Furstenberg, who is  appearing on the front lines to support her friend CL (ironically, the first time I ever set eyes on a pair of CLs was at a DVF sample sale with Mz. DW and Mz. TK.  At that point, the "red bottoms" weren't the universal hit they are today and CL had to share DVF's space ...I picked up several pair - which I have today- for around $100/$150!). 
Not sweating the small stuff, however, CL is turning his attentions to the creation of four new tableaux for the fame Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris.   The tableaux will be created for their current Desirs show, which I was so honored to view a little over a year ago, and will be included in the show from March 5 to May 31st of this year.    Looks like I need to make another trip to Paris before May 31st- as I think both Crazy Horse and CL are 'Tres SEXY'! 
As if he wasn't busy enough with his lawsuit, 20th anniversary, and Crazy Horse collaborative effort, CL has also announced that next Spring he will open a men's store around the corner from his NYC Meatpacking boutique.  The men's store, similar to the men's boutique he recently opened in Paris, will most likely give male shoppers the opportunity to have their shoes 'tattooed'. 

Another very busy fashion icon is also making news.  Karl Lagerfeld finally released his 70-piece KARL by Karl Lagerfeld collection!   The collection, deemed "affordable luxury,"  is priced between $35 to $1350 and is classic 'KL'.  From the looks of it, this collection is definitely a step up from the pieces he designed for Macy's last year!

Victoria's Secret has also 'stepped up' by announcing the release of their new 'high-end' designer collection.  The prices extend upwards to almost $300.  Take a look at some of the pieces and you decide whether it's worth the splurge:  

 

In other 'launch' news, Ebony magazine's dynamic duo Desiree Rogers (CEO) and Amy Dubois Barnett (Editor-In-Chief) have done it again! Besides the immense success the duo has achieved with the new look and feel of Ebony magazine, they have been receiving amazing accolades in connection with the re-design and re-launch of Ebony.com.  Lookin' good ladies!

Another dynamic woman of color receiving a lot of attention lately is emerging rap 'it girl' Azealia Banks! Banks, who is often compared to Nicki Minaj because of style/uncensored lyrics, is now garnering comparisons from the one and only Lady Gaga!  This comparison to Lady Gaga is based upon the fact that Banks has retained Gaga's stylist, Nicola Formichetti.  I have no doubt that Formichetti, who is also Thierry Mugler Creative Director,  will take this young Harlemite to superstar heights!

 

On the subject of young fashionistas, Versace, Lanvin, and Isaac Mizrahi are all getting into the children clothing business! The Young Versace line debuted this summer and Lanvin Petite was just unveiled this winter.   Mizrahi's baby line will follow this fall.   Although I love my 'mini' to be freshly dressed in the latest designer duds, not sure how inspired I'll be to pay full price for any of these items. 

Not to be outdone, Louis Vuitton has also announced their new product venture....a fragrance! Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, who created Dior Addict and Stella by Stella McCartney, is charged with devising LV's signature scent.  Hmmm...when you think of an LV bag, what 'scent' comes to mind (besides rawhide of course)?
Likewise, both Aldo, Repetto, and Nine West have all released or plan to release fragrances to compliment their shoe lines.  This new trend sure does give new meaning to the phrase "smells like feet!". 

   In more beauty news, outspoken singer Beth Ditto is creating a limited-edition  MAC line to come out this June.  Similarly,  Rimmel London and supermodel Kate Moss have joined forces to create a line of lipsticks.  I'm quite sure that this is just the beginning for Kate's make-up endeavors with Rimmel.

Like Ditto and Moss, our gal Lala Vazquez-Anthony has joined forces with Motives makeup to create a full line dedicated to the beauty needs of women of all shades.  Looking forward to seeing what the sexy, fashionable, and talented Mz. Lala has to offer!

Speaking of sexy, fashionable, and talented,  photos from Rihanna's Armani Jeans campaign have been released!  Check out Mz Rihanna showing her money-maker here....

And on the topic of "money makers", H&M must really be banking on their  collabo with David Beckham!  The fashion chain has paid around a reported $3.5 million to air a 30-second commercial featuring Becks during  Super Bowl XLVI!  The bodywear line is slated to debut in H&M stores on Feb. 2 and will consist of men's underwear and pajama bottoms.  That's certainly a lot of money to pay in order to sell 'tighty-whiteys' but hey, I will NOT be mad about looking at Becks in his undies during the game! ;-)

Immediately after the David Beckham line drops, H&M will be pressing ahead to launch its designer capsule from Marni!   The collection, consisting of both women's and men's clothing, accessories, and shoes, will be available on March 8th and will feature the Italian designer's signature designs/prints/colors.  Sofia Coppola is taking the helm of the collaboration's ad campaign.  Here is one of her first ads: 

In more immediate fashion collaboration news, however, the Jason Wu for Target capsule was previewed last night in NYC in preparation for its February 5th debut.  Take a look at a few if the frocks from the capsule and tell me what you think:

A few days after Wu's Target opening on February 8, Dita Von Teese's "Von Follies" lingerie will arrive in Target stores in Australia.  Anyone want to make a quick trip 'down under' to grab us a few sexy Von Teese-designed undies????

Target, who is also installing special Apple 'boutiques' in about 25 of its stores, is obviously keeping busy in order to maintain its position as the 'originator' of these 'hi/lo' fashion collaborations. 

Not to be outdone by H&M or Target, however, Macy's Impulse is preparing for the February 15 launch of their Doo-Ri Chung 33-piece collection.  I will certainly be on the 'haute hunt' to grab a piece or two from this capsule- especially considering the price range of $39-$159!
With all of this collabo news, let's not forget one of the most exciting jvs on the horizon....Mary Katrantzou for Topshop!!!!   Although I don't have a specific date as of  yet, I'm hearing that this 14-piece capsule will launch sometime in the next month or so. I'm sooooo excited because Katrantzou, as Mz. Wendy Williams would put it, has been a "friend in my head" for sometime now and I honestly adore her work! The prints/vibrant colors/cuts are outrageously wonderful!   


Also of note, designer Prabal Gurung has joined forces with beauty megastore Sephora with his design of their new uniforms.  The designer discussed the particular pieces with WWD stating “(t)he dress incorporates one of my favorite design elements, offering a flash of vibrant red, while the women’s pant suit and the separates for men give a sleeker, more tailored look.”

Lastly, one of the most 'interesting' and 'unique' fashion collaborations announced lately has been  Oscar de la Renta's design of Dr. Dre's 'Beats' headphones.  The $695 fox fur headphone set is on sale at http://www.oscardelarenta.com/ .    If I had $700 to spend on a fur accessory, it wouldn't be these headphones but they are definitely cute!

Now that we're done 'ke-keing' about the business of fashion, let's get down to taking a look at some 'stand-out' pieces from my 'haute hunting' expeditions over the past few weeks.  I tell you, I really LOVE this part of my job where I collect 'eye candy' for you but being a Haute Hunter is VERY dangerous for my wallet because I want to buy EVERYTHING! :-(



Click on the next post "January Round-Up Part Deux" to see  the 'steals' , 'deals' and 'lay-away'/'fantasy' pieces I've found in the last few weeks....

In the meantime, don't forget to follow me on twitter @MzHauteHunter for more instant updates/comments/news/general musings....
xo
me