Style Icon: Rebecca Minkoff

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Anne Style Icons

After a busy New York Fashion Week, we caught up with clothing and accessories designer Rebecca Minkoff to get the inside scoop on all things fashion! Rebecca, already established as an amazing handbag designer, has recently launched a clothing line, which is equally as fabulous. The new line is available on the Rebecca Minkoff site and the Confederacy site. Read below to find out more about Rebecca's style and inspiration.

What does your dream closet look like?
It has shoe holders to fit 150 paris of shoes and enough space to hold ALL of my jeans and color coordinate ALL my clothes for 2 seasons at a time, it has a bulletin board to show my inspiration for each season and can hold all of my many bags

How would you describe your personal style?
I would like to say its vintage/modern

How/When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
Age 6 when my uncle looked at me and said that I would be good designing clothes

Where do you get your inspiration?
The street, the flea markets, paris, and especially films

What are you pining for right now?
Anything Alexander wang

Any Spring trends on your radar?
Neon, studs and any embelleshment. My spring collection is full of it

What is your most recent luxe buy? Budget buy?
Nothing luxe, I only buy my bags! My budget buy was my fave shoe designer, Loeffler Randal, some great boots!

What is your favorite city to shop in?
Paris

What item(s) are you on the perpetual hunt for?
The perfect t shirt, I can never have enough, boxy in the body and tight in the sleeves!

What is the best piece of fashion advice someone has given you?
To not be afraid to go a little crazy sometimes, put together the unexpected

Viktor & Rolf Join Forces with Samsonite

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Joanna Travel

Last November, Rolf Snoeren and Viktor Horsting, the Dutch design duo behind Viktor & Rolf announced that Samsonite had tapped them to create a Black Label luggage collection for the brand. Following in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen’s collaboration with the iconic company on travel gear, Viktor & Rolf lent a personal touch to suitcases and travel totes for both men and women and they have just launched at Colette in Paris. The tote, decorated in a pattern of airplanes and a glossy red bow, is kitschy and playful and could easily work on the arm of a teenager as much as it could a jet-setting woman who is always on the go. A blue suitcase has a sort of old-school look with a strap that fastens across the center and is definitely more suitable for the gents. Finally, luggage that is stylish and easy to spot at the baggage claim.

A Minute With: Lauren Collins

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Anne Style Icons

Stylish and talented journalist Lauren Collins started her career at Vogue and went on to become the deputy editor of The Talk of the Town at the New Yorker, where she is currently a staff writer. Her insightful and playful voice always shines through in her writing and she has interviewed many fashionable and formidable figures, including Michelle Obama and Donatella Versace. You might have also read her recent feature on Kate Hudson in January’s Elle. We caught up with her to find out a bit more about who she is hoping to interview next and what’s on her spring wish list for fashion. Originally hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina, but now firmly entrenched in “The City,” Lauren blends her southern charm with a chic New York look. Her taste, like her writing, is always spot on.

What does your dream closet look like? How would you describe your personal style?
My dream closet would have somewhere to put shoes, so they don’t get all jumbled and dusty. It would not have wire hangers. Unlike my real-life closet, it would not have a big red wine stain on the front door.

How do you describe your personal style?
My personal style: nothing itchy, comfortable shoes. (Last time I wore heels to work, I ended up running around on the West Side Highway for an hour in the ice.)

Who is/are your style icons?
Style icons: Dolly Parton, Silda Wall Spitzer, Jay-Z, Isak Dinesen, Joan Didion, Mario Batali, Carine Roitfeld, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Wish someone would have told me?
I wish someone had told me not to spend my lemonade stand money on a Billabong jacket. And to pluck my eyebrows. (Someone finally did!)

Who are your favorite designers?
My favorite designer is—by a mile—Philip Lim. I also like Acne, Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang. For jeans, J Brand. I don’t, but I would love to wear Balenciaga, Prada, Rachel Roy, and Thakoon.

Favorite stores in NYC? Your hometown of Wilmington, NC?
NYC: Steven Alan, Uniqlo, Barney’s, John Derian.

Wilmington: I shop in North Carolina more than I do in New York. Kellie Woodbury, who owns a boutique called Beanie + Cecil, sends me things she thinks I would like, and my mom has an standing request to snap up all the cut-rate Vera Wang she can at the local Kohl’s.

What are you reading right now?
“Light Years” by James Salter and “Women of the Raj” by Margaret Macmillan.

Who would you like to interview next?
Sarah Palin is high on the list.

What’s on your wish list right now for spring fashion?
A washed-silk blazer from Philip Lim, and cotton ones from the GAP. A new wallet (any ideas?), sundresses, and these patent leather studded sandals from Target, which, actually, I already bought.

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Pavla-Flat-S…lack&page=1

What is your favorite fashion find from your many travels?
I love raiding Topshop in London, but I won’t have to travel to do that much longer. Yesterday I got back from Hong Kong, where I didn’t buy any clothes, but I did buy a paper lantern with cherry blossoms on it to hang in my kitchen.

Any funny experiences in covering fashion?
I once got carsick in Donatella Versace’s Mercedes. The road was windy, it was hot, you know the rest. She was really nice about it. She had a packet of travel Kleenex.

Bandage You up in My Love

Posted on February 20, 2009 by Anne What to Wear

Herve Leger’s Spring 2009 show at the tents drew his celebrity fan club out to check out his signature curve hugging creations reassembled in new hues and patterns. For good measure, Leger also threw in some steamy swimwear for ladies to pour themselves into- sure to impress any tall drink of water. There were also a few new leather pieces airbrushed to perfection. If only those wearing his dresses could pull off similar optical illusions!

Yes, Leger’s dresses are not for the faint of heart, or those desperately seeking coverage. But in an era where models stick thin figures often act as coat hangers for designers, we appreciate how Leger’s wraps celebrate and showcase the female body itself. And while the pretty new colors, cut outs, and painted patterns he introduced this spring were hardly a dramatic departure from his signature design, the dresses remain undeniably visually alluring. The popularity of the line perhaps goes to show, while coy romantic style is always charming, sometimes a girl wants to sport something sexy! So as the temperatures rise and the layers peel off this spring, we are sure Leger’s looks will continue to heat things up.

By Perrine Meistrell

A Moment with Greg Krelenstein of The Misshapes

Posted on February 20, 2009 by Joanna Culture

By Melissa Poulos

Greg Krelenstein, member of the iconic NYC DJ-trio The Misshapes, takes a few minutes out of his busy fashion week schedule to chat with Closet Couture about what it’s like setting the runway to music. Check out misshapes.com to keep up with the hottest parties, trends and beats.

Which shows did you DJ this week?

Tony Cohen, Jen Kao, and Costello Tagliapietra

How do you decide what to play- do you see the collection first, or does the designer give you an idea of what they want? How does that process work?

It’s a combination of what the designers want and what we want. The designer gives us the direction or the song list, and we make the mix- usually with our own ideas mixed in.

Sometimes I want to teach the models a little rhythm, you know what I mean? Do you ever talk to the models about how to work their walk into the beat?

No, but I wish!

Are you playing any fashion week parties? What do you prefer, doing a show or a party?

Yes we’re doing Rad Harani, a cool Toronto designer – parties and shows are totally different but we started in the club, so I like doing the parties…

Whose clothes are you most looking forward to seeing this week?

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of NY Fashion Week for Men, so I’m going to say the cliché of what’s always cool: Marc Jacobs and now Alex Wang.

Whose show do you dream of playing?

Ann Demeulemeester or Rick Owens

I actually heard you play Crystal Castles – who I love – at the Costello show last Friday. Any favorites or new discoveries on your iPod lately?

I love White Lies, the new Lily Allen record, Little Boots, and La Roux

The Misshapes Greg Krelenstein pictured center

Opening Ceremony Launches E-Commerce Site

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

Within just a few years, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the duo behind Opening Ceremony, have carved out a niche that has taken most retailers a decade or more to do. They have developed a cool cult following around the world for their perfectly curated shops comprised of forward-thinking, independent designers from the states and abroad, not to mention their own Opening Ceremony label. In the midst of all their success, it’s quite fitting that they decided to launch an e-commerce site stocked with the contemporary lines we love along with souvenirs, for those wanting something to remember OC by at all times. Super-soft Alexander Wang tank dresses, baggy cashmere cardigans from Tsumori Chisato, BOY by Band of Outsider skinny pants, and floral mini-dresses from Opening Ceremony are just a few of the pieces you can expect to find on the site and, of course, those checkered bags that can be recognized from a mile away.

Visit http://www.openingceremony.us/

BOY by Band of Outsiders Super Skinny Pant

Opening Ceremony Floral Cut-out Back Dress

Alexander Wang Tailored Vest

Tsumori Chisato Cotton Cashmere Baggy Cardigan

Alexander Wang Tank Dress

Opening Ceremony Tote Bag

CC Video: Stylist Lilah Schechner on Spring’s Key Items

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Joanna What to Wear

Los Angeles-based stylist, Lilah Schechner, honed her skills at W and Elle before branching out on her own as a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper, working with high profile, independent brands and clients. “When I am working with a client, I always try to see what they have inside them that can be brought out in a way that’s different than what they are used to,” says Lilah. “I try to be a little more daring while still making sure that they feel comfortable, because we all know that if you feel good, you look good!”

We met up with Lilah, who is also a Closet Couture stylist, at the Bismarck Phillips showroom in Los Angeles to find out what items we should incorporate into our wardrobe for spring, without breaking the bank. Here are Lilah’s top picks!

[blogmedia]http://vimeo.com/3272590<http://vimeo.com/3272590>[/blogmedia]

Hello Dolly!

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Anne Culture

Last Saturday at the tents in Bryant Park designers and celebrities gathered together with budding fashionistas of a much more tender age to fete the 50th birthday of that style icon better known as Barbie. While sadly not every young fan made it past the velvet ropes to join a listers like Heidi Klum and Diane Von Fustenburg inside, Barbie creator Mattel certainly threw a sugary sweet bash for those in attendance. Not only did the birthday girl look remarkably well preserved, she also had 50 designers create looks for her special day, proving in play land a girl’s dreams can always come true.

The show exhibited three versions of Barbie: classic, modern and future. Her looks ranged from retro glamour and grace, to modern elegance and beauty, to rock’ n’rolla funk and fun. And, of course, there was plenty of pink befitting the plastic blonde bombshell! Longtime Barbie designer Bob Mackie’s golden goddess costume was a smash with the crowd and had special sentimental value for the occasion. Our favorites included a whimsical pink butterfly creation from Koi Suwannagate, two delicate and lovely pale pink gowns from Marchesa and Monique Lhuillier, and a sexy black and white sequined bathing suit covered artfully by an edgy version of the classic trench, created by Rachel Roy. The designers all agreed that Barbie was an inspiration for American women throughout the generations and dressing her was a childhood fantasy realized on the runway.

And while Barbie may still have her share of critics, who lament her unrealistic frame and materialistic tendencies, the imagination and playfulness of the show certainly provided a breath of fresh air and fun. The designers presented Barbie as a girl who has the confidence to celebrate her femininity and enjoy a bit of glamour while pursuing any dream her heart desires. We can all appreciate that message of independence and optimism in these uncertain times. After all, Ken’s still looking sharp after all these years, but Barbie hardly needs any arm candy.

By Perrine Meistrell

Photos by: Victoria Will

Fashion Week Newsflash: Leather Pants Rule the Runways

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

If the Marc Jacobs show was any indication of where fashion is headed, we’re in for a full on ‘80s revival, again. Fashion Week is far from over, but we’re noticing more of the Duran Duran decade on the runways. We predicted that leather would make a comeback, and when we saw all of the baggy leather trousers at Alexander Wang, Preen, and Marc Jacobs, we knew it had officially become a mainstay for seasons to come. The new leather pant harks back to the days of famed French fashion designer, Claude Montana, and fits loose around the hips. It’s luxuriously casual and is similar in silhouette to all the menswear-inspired trousers that are currently reigning. We’re loving this new way of wearing leather and are already envisioning ways to incorporate it into our wardrobe.

Photos: Marc Jacobs and Preen Fall 2009

Spotted: Models Off Duty

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Anne Style Icons

A favorite sight during Fashion Week are MOD's…no, this is not a new designer or a new trend, but Models Off Duty. These runway mavens make their public debut on the runway where they flaunt the newest designer looks, but off the runway, their style is often just as inspiring. Fans, show go-ers and photographers can often catch a glimpse of these stylish twigs running out of the backstage entrance just after a show. MOD's have become an obsession because their style is enviable, and of course, everything looks good on them. Here are a few shots of MOD's post Jill Stuart and Donna Karen shows in New York.