Madonna, known for her breakthrough ensembles on and off the stage, is now part of a multi-label fashion project called MG Icon. Her first project? A Macy's youth line — targeting 13- to 25-year-olds — inspired by her daughter Lourdes Leon. “Lourdes has an incredible sense of style and her point of view on fashion has definitely been an inspiration for the line,” said Jeff Gennette, chief merchandising officer at Macy's Inc.
The collection — dubbed Material Girl — will retail from US$12 and will include apparel, footwear, handbags, and jewellery. Since it's inspired by her Mini-Me, we're guessing it'll probably include studs, faux leather, and graphic tees. Debuting in August, the range will be promoted via online and print campaigns but no news on whether the Material Mum and daughter will feature. If this sounds a little too teeny bopper for your taste, Madonna has more up her fashion sleeve including an upcoming designer sunglasses collaboration. Interrrresssting!
Diane von Furstenberg was in London for fashion week (Fab UK, those lucky things, spotted her at the Central Saint Martins for Bally event) and it seems she has been a busy lady. Having recently recruited a new creative director following the departure of Nathan Jenden, she has now added a few more strings to her bow by releasing an album. Unfortunately, the New York based designer is not singing herself, but rather has put together a compilation of songs by her favourite female artists to celebrate International Women’s Day. It's called Proud to be Woman and is available to download now. Profits from the album will go to Vital Voices which is a global womens charity. In addition to this, Diane has also been working on a project with London's Claridges hotel. The designer has made over 20 rooms and suites—her first foray in to interior design. She told WWD, "To me, Claridge’s is the most glamorous hotel in the world; I regard it as my home away from home." The rooms will be unveiled at the end of June.
There are so many things going on with Agyness Deyn right now that it's hard to keep up! We've already spoken about her upcoming magazine launch - Naag, plus she's designed a clothing line with Barneys Japan. And now, we get a first glimpse of her acting abilities as the raven haired model glams up for her part in Mean To Me. The vintage style costumes for the film noir, which is directed by Peter McGough, were created by Zac Posen. Below is a short clip from the 13-minute film which will get its first full screening at New York art gallery, Cheim & Read later this month. What do you think of her acting chops?
Lily Allen is making good on her promise to take a break from music to concentrate on fashion by presenting her fashion label — Lucy in Disguise — this August at the combined music and fashion festival Vintage at Goodwood in England. Created with her sister Sarah Owen and a few pals, the collection will include tweaked vintage designs with a unique Allen feel. I'm expecting to see prom-style gowns and '50s silhouettes if her past red carpet and performance outfits are anything to go by. A store is also set to follow, with the singer telling The London Evening Standard that she's busy with preparations already. "I'm really busy in the office every day at the moment, sourcing clothes, and I'm really excited about my new venture." Are you looking forward to Lily's new career move?
Gucci is celebrating it's 90th anniversary next year and to begin marking the occasion, it's launching two new ads which celebrate the brand's heritage. This weekend, as the Autumn shows take place in Milan, Gucci's new black and white ad campaign will appear in newspapers around the world. There are big celebrations planned for the anniversary including the unveiling of a Gucci museum in Florence as well as products stamped with 1921 (the year the company was founded). Frida Giannini gave hints off what to expect from the upcoming collection, "This collection will be very graphic, sleek and frisky. I’m very happy with the colour palette, which includes camels, red, black and lots of shine for evening." What do you think of these retro ads?
I was reading a Steve Madden Q&A in WWD when one of the shoe designer's responses stopped me dead in my clicks: "We design shoes every day, and we are as creative as Prada." Interesting, go on. "Do we make $900 shoes that are in Neiman Marcus? Have we made shoes just like that, which are less than $100 and have been great? Yes, we have . . . That creativity is not appreciated, and I would argue that what we do is harder. I could design an $800 shoe line; it’s easy. You use the best materials and you can make beautiful shoes. It’s easier than making great shoes for $90." Quite the bold statements, ones I'm sure Prada and Chloé would be interested to hear. This begs the question: Do you think Steve Madden is as creative as Prada despite the vast price and quality differences?
Hooray! We can finally get our hot little hands on J. Crew pieces thanks to luxury site Net-a-Porter! In efforts to go global, J. Crew will be selling its array of casual luxe goodies at the high-end online retailer come May, reaching out to 170 countries worldwide. Net-a-Porter will carry select items from J. Crew's collection along with exclusive styles and colours made especially for the site.
Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Messenet expects the US brand to be favoured amongst the UK, Middle East and Far East customers, stating that "The days of geographical barriers on fashion are over. Consumers are seeing J. Crew in all the fashion magazines mixed in with designer labels." Damn straight! Now, if only Zara would follow suit..
It has been announced by Robert Polet, president and chief executive officer of the Gucci Group, that the Alexander McQueen business will go on without him. "We believe in the future of the brand. Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I." The Fall collection will continue to be presented during Paris Fashion Week in March in a "private salon" format by invitation only.
Are you relieved the Alexander McQueen brand will continue, or is the late designer irreplaceable?
Somerset House kicked London Fashion Week off with a bang as it played host to the Fashion for Relief Haiti show. Plans were announced for the event several weeks ago and it did not disappoint. All of the clothes seen at the event will be auctioned on net-a-porter.com to raise money for the White Ribbon Alliance's work in Haiti. Click through to see some of the highlights including models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbelly buddy up on the runway!
The fashion industry is in mourning over Alexander McQueen's sudden death, with tributes flowing in on Twitter. The British designer was born Lee Alexander McQueen in East London and began his fashion career on Saville Row. He later completed an MA at Central Saint Martins and his graduate collection was famously bought up by Isabella Blow. He won British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. He was the youngest designer to ever receive that accolade. Daisy Lowe commented, "Wow that's a huge loss for the creative world," while Brix Smith Start is "stunned" and commented, "Poor man what a loss of talent!" Dita von Teese also made a brief comment on her Twitter simply stating, "Rest in Peace Mr. McQueen". Fellow designer Rachel Roy said, "My prayers are with A. McQueen's family and loved ones — a loss for the entire world on so many levels." His most recent collection for Spring 2010 was inspired by his love of diving. He streamed the show live on ShowStudio and also showed off his commercial awareness by including the first play of Lady Gaga's new single. The Spring line included the infamous armadillo shoes which did not go in to production, but have been worn by Daphne Guinness amongst others. British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman has released a statement saying, "Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. His death is the hugest loss for anybody that knew him and for many that didn't."