Last night, LA Fashion Week wrapped with an exciting conclusion at the BoxEight factory. One of our favorite shows, Battalion, started the night off right. Although the collection was denim light, we loved the 70's styling and inspiration...until next season!
We're always fans of Rick Owens and his eternal celebration of "grunge couture." Adding even more excitement to his FW08 collection was the promise of a NYC store opening in Tribeca this summer;we'll no longer have to rush the racks at Barneys or keep our fingers crossed that Net-a-Porter has stock.
Typically working in leather, fur, and various jersey fabrications, we were excited to see denim details in his collection rather than solely in DRKSHDW. With the expansion of retail outlets and the evolution of his collections (remember last season's striped chiffons?) we're keeping our eyes open for more denim inspiration from Rick Owens in seasons to come.
Photos: SOURCE
Despite the mish-mash of snow, sleet, ice and rain, we made it to the Edun FW08 presentation hidden at the Seminary on West 20th street in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. After winding through an endless path of freshly fallen snow, we finally made it to the presentation area, a gorgeous room with a seven foot fireplace and couches clustered in each corner. Of course, Bono was present as was his wife, Ali Hewson and a slew of celebs from Michael Stipe to Josh Hartnett.
Both men's and women's collections were shown under the title of Nocturne; completely appropriate given the color palettes and silhouettes of the collection. The men's collection featured slim silhouettes constructed in natural fabrics of wool, alpaca, and cotton. Of course, denim was a strong player with Odyssey skinny jean and the Meteor straight-leg jean.
For women, again, natural fabrics of cotton, silk, and wool composed a somber collection of blouses, tunics, and dresses. Detailed with zippers, lace and black lacquered buttons, the all natural collection was anything but granola. Three new denim styles were introduced in organic cotton. The Freya boyfriend-fit, Sian straight-leg, and the Moon Glow wide-leg jean provide variety for every body type and every mood.
We gave you a preview last season that Alexander Wang was working with Cotton Incorporated on a new denim finish called STORM DENIM(TM). This water-repellent finish looks and feels exactly the same as non-treated denim, but protects the wearer against the elements. Now the talk has become a reality with Alex's Fall 2008 collection. Check out the video from our friends at NYLON with Alex and one of the coolest girls we know, Erin Wasson.
For more: NYLON TV
Yes, Ruffian is not known for their denim designs, but this season, they collaborated with one of our favorite denim houses, Earnest Sewn, to add an updated classic to their favored ruffled blouses and victorian-inspired jackets. As with many designers this season, the palette was dark with hints of rock & roll detailing ranging from Nirvana and the knit poncho hoodies their fans coveted, to the Stones and their penchant for skinny ties.
Keep your eyes open for a pop-up store in Earnest Sewn's Meatpacking District store to continue the collaboration. Additionally, word is there is a book in the works highlighting the design duo's denim and RTW collections.
Photos: SOURCE
Surprisingly, Rock & Republic marked their FW08 runway presentation not offsite, but at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Of course the celebrities were lining the front row and the runway was less than typical. Formed in a U, the "pit" was filled with an orchestra and proved to be a bit of a hazard to models and staffers. More importantly, the collection, called Noir and based on classic film noir styling, made up for any production blunders.
Waxed cotton jeans and slim-cut leathers stood out against feminine double breasted suiting. Our favorites were the black leather bomber with exaggerated cuffs and collar and all the slim, but wearable suiting for men. At least on the runway, denim seams to be losing ground, but with new stores at Wynn Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York, we're sure they'll stay true to their denim roots.
First, a HUGE apology for our absence over the last few days. We've been 110% consumed with New York Fashion Week.
Lucky for you, coming up in the next few days we have updates from Earnest Sewn, Ruffian, Rock & Republic, Alexander Wang, G-Star, and Levi's.
What shows have you been at so far?
We're gearin' up for fashion week once again. Of course we'll be making the rounds at shows and events, so be sure to keep your eyes open and say hi.
Friday, Feb 1
11am-1pm: Generra
5pm: Rag & Bone
Saturday, Feb 2
5pm: Alexander Wang
7pm: Sass & Bide
7pm: Obedient Sons
8pm: Ruffian (we hear there's a collabo with Earnest Sewn to be seen)
8pm: Rock & Republic
Sunday, Feb 3
8pm: Miss Sixty
Tuesday, Feb 5
3pm: Diesel
4pm: Marc by Marc Jacobs
7pm: G-star
Wednesday, Feb 6
5pm: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Thursday, Feb 7
8pm: Zac Posen
9pm: Calvin Klein party
See you at the shows!
For the first time, the menswear market will have their own fashion week, joining the ranks of Milan and Paris. Sunday, January 20 and Monday, January 21, IMG (they make women's fashion week happen,) and ENK (trade show giant) will partner to present four fashion collections at the New York tradeshow.
Why is this important? For one thing, it allows for menswear designers to distinguish themselves from the womenswear market and gain much needed coverage without being overshadowed by the women's collections which are constantly double and triple booked. Additionally, it aligns the brands with the menswear market where buyers are placing their orders. Normally this was two months earlier than any runway show and left the market disjointed.
Be sure to pop by and keep your eyes open for designers such as Andrew Buckler and Yoko Devereaux. We also hear Andrew is opening his second New York store which showcasing his rainbow flavored denim. We'll be there and will share everything you missed on Wednesday.
A quick congratulations to our friend and fellow denim lover, Alexander Wang, for his Ecco Domani win this year. The iconic fashion award bestows $25,000 to their seven winners to allot to their Fall 2008 collections to be shown in New York next month. Alex and his fellow winners were selected from more than 100 entrants by industry power players such as Barney's Julie Gilhart, Paper magazine's Kim Hastreiter, and Vogue-ette Sally Singer.
For the full list of winners and more info: WWD
With the help of our favorite people at FashionWeekDaily.com, check out the Denim Diaries below. Keep your eyes peeled for everyone from Whitney from the Hills to Juliette Lewis.
For move videos: FashionWeekDaily.com
LA Fashion Week sure has stepped it up this year. The schedule is full, celebs are making the trek to Culver City, and so are the editors. One of our favorite new lines to launch at LA Fashion Week is Whitley Kros, the collaboration between Marissa Ribisi and Sophia Banks. Yes, that last name means she's related to Giovanni Ribisi--she's his twin! While at first we were attracted to the line because we're HUGE Beck fans, (he's Marissa's husband and DJ'd the show) our insider buddies kept telling us how stellar the event was going to be. With our friends at FabSugar going nuts for the collection, and a front-row staked with Jason Lee, Juilette Lewis, and Jamie Presley, who are we to argue.
Marissa and Sophia showed denim in a variety of colors and silhouettes. Our favorites include the ankle-cinched and the dark straight-leg styles, but we're begging for the white jeans with alphabet print detail on the hips.
Be sure to stop by their just launched website for more info: Whitley Kros
Now that we've recovered from our party, it's time to recap some of the Paris, Milan, and London shows. Of course, the big standout was Karl Lagerfeld's collection at Chanel. He had previously celebrated denim in his couture collection with gloves and leggings of the slimmest denim we've ever seen. We're happy to see Karl taking his love of denim from couture to ready-to-wear and of course his Lagerfeld line.
Our favorite highlights include the denim bikini shown on Gemma and Irina's jeans trimmed in classic Chanel tweed.
For more: STYLE.com
It's no secret that we're huge fans of Lapo Elkann. This time around we are happy to announce his product line, Italia Independent, launched additional items this past week in Milan. Other than providing Lapo with plenty of photo ops, the line looks truly innovative. Previously comprised exclusively of space-age carbon fiber sunglasses, the collection now offers duffel bags made of Kevlar, canldesticks (shown above,) and a series of artist-designed fabric vases. Of course, what we're most excited about are his cotton/linen blend jeans. 
The jeans are made on a handloom with details such as hand carved horn buttons evoking the spirit of screen star Steve McQueen. Coming in around 300 euros, they balance the fine line of affordable luxury.
For more products visit: ITALIA INDEPENDENT
Lapo Photo: SOURCE
You've heard about everyone who was at Miss Sixty. Mischa Barton's lookin' pretty hot with her auburn hair.
But, more importantly, what about the collection? It was safe, but not boring. Denim was shown in dark, almost raw washes with concentration being put on small silhouette updates. Instead of a skinny jean, very tailored jodpher styling was added to give discreet volume to an otherwise overdone trend. A basic denim jacket was cropped to become the perfect mate for the season's highwaist trousers and pencil skirts. We still don't understand the logo leotard, but luckily, as it's not denim, we don't need to concern ourselves too much.
Our favorite graphic designer, (we're a bit biased) David Singer, raves about G-star every time we talk to him about jeans. We've yet to catch up with him post-fashion week, but we imagine his reaction is the same given the season's innovative, yet classic denim collection. Highlights include a denim-trimmed kimono-style dress and just-right slim-fit but not skinny, dark-wash jeans for men.
And, of course, the front-row was lined with pretty faces like Heather Graham and Tyson Beckford.
You already know we're big fans of Andrew Buckler and his anglo-denim collection, Buckler. This season we're even bigger fans of this rock-god staple with their bold color palette and drop-waist belt loops. And, as if we need to remind you, Bartek, stole the show with the fence-link hoodie and white denims.
Sadly after much hubbub at Rag & Bone and Vena Cava, we just missed the Rock & Republic presentation at Eyebeam Studios. Thankfully our good friends sent us post-event photos so we can bring the latest to you!
Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz, Nick Cannon, Gina Gershon, and Siouysie Sioux were all in attendance. We're sure they were loving the '70s inspired jumpsuits and highwaist shorts in clean, Spring-friendly, lighter washes as much as we are.
First we were in awe of all the downtown notables in the crowd. Vincent Gallo, Casey Spooner, Larry Clark, Waris, DJs Andrew Andrew, Miss Guy, Kim Hastreiter, and Dani Stahl were all there and the creme de la creme, MK Olsen was only a runway's width across from us. Then we were blown away by Levi's latest collection.
Given the vague description of the collection sent to press earlier, we were leery of crystal skulls embellishing denim. But, king of the skulls, Damien Hirst, saved the day. The collection beautifully incorporated Hirst signatures such as the crystal skulls, rainbow dots, and knives. Even more exciting was the unisex skinny collection and the bondage styles. Our favorite pieces were the skinny bondage pant and moto jumpsuits. Oh, and of course our top model of the season.
Many of you know Thomas Onorato from his hugely popular book, Confessions from the Velvet Ropes as well begging to get past his guestlist at parties such as MisShapes and Motherf*cker. What you don't know is that Thomas and his business partner, Max Wixom, have started OW! PR, and work with some of the largest names in the fashion an entertainment industries. Mercedes-Benz? They've done it. Hermes? Check. Derek Lam? We were there with them this season.
So, what do two of the most important tastemakers wear most often? Jeans of course! In the middle of the fashion week hustle, Thomas and Max took a time out to bring you this week's Five Questions for Five Pockets.
1. What was your first pair of jeans?
Thomas: Lee jeans when I was four which I got with my mom, Toni, at Bradlee's in Bloomfield, NJ.
Max: Either Levi's or Calvin Klein jeans in the '80s.
2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?
Thomas: Talitha Getty, the first "it" girl to put a dress over skinny jeans back in the '70s and the Ramones. You don't get more iconic than that.
Max: Brooke Shields. I was really into that campaign [for CK] when I was growing up on an island in the middle of the Pacific.
3. What are your current favorite jeans?
Thomas: Ksubi, Trash & Vaudeville, Paper Denim, and Cheap Monday
Max: I'm enjoying Levi's Capitol E series and I'm kind of a sucker for the occasional H&M as they're cut very well for my body.
4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?
Thomas: Overtly tricked out, treated, weathered, or dyed denim jeans. Gag me, please!
Max: Color nonsense and tricked out shenanigans
5. What's your number one rule for denim?
Thomas: Simple and worn-in is always the best look.
Max: Never go shopping for it without my business partner, Thomas.
Yesterday we hit up one of our favorite design teams, Rag & Bone, at Cipriani. Other than eye candy like Kate Bosworth, Jamie Burke, Mya, and Amanda Peet, we saw fashion heavy hitters like Cathy Horyn, Dani Stahl (congrats on the position!), and Grace Coddington as well as our favorite photog, Scott Schuman.
The men's collection took a cue from Thom Browne with cropped hemlines in khaki hues with accents of blue. Always a collection of updated classics, our favorite pieces were the coated cotton windbreakers that looked as if they were made from the most lightweight leather imaginable.
For women's, the menswear inspired pieces followed the same neutral color palette with highlights in blue seersucker. Our top look was the black bikini topped with a coated cotton mac--much more beach chic than neon florals and pareros.
Photos: SOURCE
Which adorable designer will have a fashion show DJ'd by CobraSnake buddy Steve Aoki? We'll tell you September 6 following the show.
As many of you have heard, Damien Hirst is collaborating with Levi's for the next installment of the Warhol Factory X Levi's partnership. The collection, titled Warhol Factory X Levi's X Damien Hirst, is set to launch with two shows on Saturday, Sept. 8, during New York Fashion Week and will be available at retailers such as Barneys New York, Fred Segal, and American Rag beginning in January of 2008 as part of the men's and women's 2008 season.
So, what can be expected from the avant garde artist du jour? 
Word is one of the designs will incorporate skull studded 501's in dark denim, an obvious reflection of Hirst's most recent work, the $100 million diamond encrusted skull titled "For the Love of God". We're keeping our fingers crossed that the formal runway presentation incorporates more Hirst signatures such as his infamous floating shark installation, The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living. Of course, we can only dream that his one time business-partner, and our latest European infatuation, chef Marco Pierre White, makes an appearance. Given the tales in White's latest book, perhaps denim addict Lapo Elkann is a better bet.
While we're gearin' up for fashion week in general, we're also noticing the amount of denim-friendly brands hitting the runways. Below's a cheatsheet. We'll keep you updated with additions to come.
September 5, Wednesday
Rag & Bone
LAMB
Rock & Republic
September 6, Thursday
Miss Sixty
Alexander Wang (word is he has some cool water-repellent denim hitting the catwalk)
G-Star
Fashion Rocks event
September 7, Friday
Obedient Sons
Buckler
Just Cavalli
September 8, Saturday
McQ
Diesel
Ralph Lauren
Levi's/Andy Warhol by Damien Hirst
September 9, Sunday
DKNY
3.1 Phillp Lim
September 10, Monday
Helmut Lang
Marc Jacobs
September 11, Tuesday
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Calvin Klein
Zac Posen
In our book, Andre Leon Talley can do no wrong. You heard it--NO wrong. He proves us right once again with his denim-loving editorial in the August issue of Vogue. With Resort becoming the third season, it's hard to believe designers are able to pack in another collection and buyers able to purchase another shipment between the frenzied Spring and Fall collections calendar. However, as Andre highlights, designers such as Donna Karen, Marc Jacobs, and Zac Posen have made this once VERY exclusive season approachable by incorporating the most versatile fabric, denim.
For more resort check out coverage on Style.com.
Photos: SOURCE
As long-time fans of Rick Owens' dramatically draped knit garments, we explored a little deeper to find an amazing range of men's denim.
While Owens is a favorite with the Hollywood fashion elite, he maintains a rather low-profile living with his wife (founder of Les Deux Cafes in LA) in Paris. He currently produces mens, womens and furniture lines for his own label as well as acting as the creative director for furrier Revillon. Owens gained notoriety by winning the CFDA Perry Ellis Emerging Talent Award in 2002 and has since seen his collections on everyone from Ellen Barkin to the Olsen girls. Racking up even more avant garde points, word is Owens' Italian factory will be producing Gareth Pugh's (a former Owens intern) highly anticipated collection.
These many accolades bring us to his men's range of denim. Of course the fits are slim, but not forcefully cut skinny, and the washes follow the palette of muted grey, taupe and black as with the rest of his knit and leather pieces. While the pieces can be hard to find at retail, check out Atelier in New York and Maxfield in Los Angeles.
What are your thoughts on Mr. Owens? Do you love his "avant grunge" aesthetic or do you look for more traditional pieces?
For more Rick Owens: OwensCorp.com
We've been holding out on reporting about the amazing show Diesel put on last week at Pitti Immagine in Florence until we had some amazing photos to share. That time has come!
Diesel previewed their Spring/Summer 08 line for men and women by taking Alexander McQueen's Kate Moss holographic tribute and expanded it to the nth 
degree. As models walked the runway, holograms of sea creatures and fish followed their footsteps. This CGI technology was developed by Spanish studio, Dvein, and utilized by Diesel creative director, Wilbert Das.
For those of us who could not be there, the show and afterparty, attended fashion favs such as Rosario Dawson and Lapo Elkann (in his favorite Wrangler shirt,) were broadcast on Diesel's website. If you missed it, don't worry! The entire show is availble to download HERE.
What young designer plans on incorporating the lightest of light bleached denim in his Spring 08 runway collection being shown at Bumble and Bumble in September? Perhaps the show's famous stylist was inspiration for the bleached skinnies?
Jovovich-Hawk showed both wide and skinny jeans in their Spring 2007 collections.
We saw Kate Moss in denim trousers at TopShop's Spring '07 show, and in her favorite Superfines on the street.
While skinny seems to be going strong, wider, more sophisticated styles seem to be creeping into the scene.
What do you think? Will you be rockin' your denims as tight as can be, or is wide-leg where it's at?
Photo: Style.com
Recent Comments