Rachel Zoe Expands Empire with Fashion Newsletter

Stylist to the stars (turned reality-TV star herself) Rachel Zoe is following Gwyneth Paltrow’s stead. The birth-mother of bronzed/size zero/Starbucks-clad LA chic is launching a newsletter of sorts called “The Zoe Report.” While no word on the specifics of the soon-to-launch dose of “daily glamour” have dropped, Zoe’s freshly debuted namesake site, not surprisingly, proclaims, “it’s going to be bananas!” According to the sign-up process, subjects to be discussed by the maven of Hollywood style include: shoes, accessories, handbags, apparel, beauty, and lifestyle.


Want Zoe to cover a favorite line or look? The sign-up process already has a platform for contacting Zoe (via Twitter of course) built in. Although, seeing as the “Editorial Policy” on the site reads, “The chic variety of accessories, apparel, and other items featured in the Zoe Report are carefully chosen by our editorial team of fashion addicts—ahem—experts” ... more likely than not the products and people highlighted might not necessarily chosen by Zoe herself, but rather a trusted editorial team. In reality, the venture sounds far more like Daily Candy than Goop (Zoe’s newsletter even borrows language from the first in that it’ll include “dedicated” e-mails in place of traditional advertising). As for the first installment, the site assures it’ll be sent “sometime in the next few weeks.”

I signed up. Have you?

Meet The Man Behind Anna Wintour’s Bob

Ever wondered who was behind the (now legendary) hairstyle of one of the most powerful women in fashion? Step forward London-based hairdresser Charlie Chan (we kid you not), who's responsible for Anna Wintour's signature bob and has been tending to the barnets of A-listers for nearly 40 years. And having started his career at Vidal Sasoon in 1972 – joining the prestigious Michaeljohn salon eight years later – it's a good job he went against his parents' wishes back in the 70s: ‘My mother would rather that I become a politician. She prefers people to work for me, not the other way around.' Chan was at Wintour's side when she received her OBE last year, and is directly responsible for the editor's pristinely chic coiffure. 'Anna has always had a bob, a long bob,' he insists, but 'I did the short power bob.' And has he ever dared to change it? 'I tried, but she wouldn't have it any other way.' Why doesn't that surprise us..........

Dolce and Gabbana Launch Online Store

The latest luxury brand to venture into the very necessary route of online retailing is Dolce and Gabbana’s D&G line , check out the women’s store here.

Madonna in New Vuitton Ads

Marc Jacobs was so pleased with this spring’s Louis Vuitton campaign featuring Madonna that he was eager to do an encore. “But very quickly Marc said, ‘I want something completely different.” “The new ads will give something very graphic, more edgy” than the first Madonna campaign, also by Steven Meisel, which depicted her as a French coquette in a Parisian bistro setting, Antoine Arnault, Vuitton’s communication director said. The new spots, which break in a range of August titles, feature a variety of runway looks and leather goods, many in the house’s signature monogram. Asked about the impact of the first Madonna campaign, Arnault said, snapping his fingers for emphasis, “Everything she was wearing in the first campaign was sold within a few months. People came into the store saying, ‘I want the Madonna bag, the Madonna shoes.” FAB ad indeed..........

Also slated for the second half is a new campaign devoted to the Tambour watch (featured in a post published on Monday, June 29th).

Remember Little Ann

Project Runway's last winner while on the Bravo network, Leanne Marshall finally has a collection ready for Bluefly.com. With her Bluefly line pretty much done, Leanne's working on producing the fall collection for her namesake label, Leanne Marshall, and designing the spring collection, which she plans to show during Fashion Week. She said response from buyers has been good, but she's still waiting on purchase orders so she doesn't know which boutiques will sell her fall line. Meanwhile, her custom-wedding-dress business has exploded since the show.

I have to say, I am a little disapointed in the line. It's look like the Target version of what she did in her last collection for the show, but with a hefty price tag. Sorry little Ann, Whomp.

$990.00

$249.00

$168.00

$220.00

Betsey Johnson To Retire

Johnson has said, after her September show she would like to pass the rein of her empire on. Johnson believes Eric Sartori, who previously designed for Vera Wang, Hervé Léger, and Azzedine Alaïa, will become the brand’s head designer. “He is the one,” she says. “He’s much better than I am. He just has to Betsey-fy himself.”

Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

Alexander McQueen's Resort 2010 collection is filled with contradictions that somehow make sense. Geometric zigzag prints, paint splattered jeans, and delicate organic webbing come together for a collection that is sophisticated, complete, and visually stunning.

Charlotte Ronson Goes Higher End

Charlotte Ronson is injecting her business with higher-end pieces. Leather jackets, fake fur vests, plaid belted dresses, and knit cardigans with leather trim will be fused with her signature collection. The good news is that price tags won't be drastically affected. "We are stepping it up more than ever, but also working to keep the prices down," Ronson said. The goal is to show a clear difference between her more sophisticated Charlotte Ronson line and her casual I Heart Ronson collection exclusively sold at JCPenney. In addition, there is a new black-and-white logo, which showcases her CR initials in a heart formation. The ad above, featuring Ronson's younger sister Annabelle Jones and Donald Cumming, is another way of helping boost the new collection.

Intermix's Debut Ad Campaign

Every stylephile knows Intermix, but that won't stop the retailer from upping its game with its first ever ad campaign. "Our customer has evolved and so should we," said an Intermix rep. The artistic image immediately grabs my attention and the model looks youthfully stylish wearing a pair of destructed jeans and a leather jacket. "The images are grittier than one might expect from Intermix, incorporating black-and-white photography with watercolor graffiti, to bring the edge in," said CEO Khajak Keledjian. Intermix's ads hit mags in July. The company also plans on painting the campaign on street walls around NYC-what about DC? Hot ad though.......

Jennifer Behr's Elegant Punk Fall '09

Jennifer Behr, best known for girlie confections on the head of Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl), has turned to the dark side. Her next immense collection of headgear is inspired by Victorian jet jewelry. While you will find no color, you will find texture and sparkle; duchess satin turbans, nickel hardware, grey pearls, patent leather, flat chains, and romantic belts meld together to create an elegant punk mood. I can certainly see this deadly studded headband on new queen bee Jenny Humphrey . . .

Check out other amazing headbands at Jenniferbehr.com

Sigerson Morrison Site Goes Live

Sigerson Morrison realizes how important online shopping is nowadays. So, it has revamped its website, now offering e-commerce to international buyers. "Our shopping habits have changed. We expect to be able to go online and buy anything," co-creative director Miranda Morrison said. To make your shopping experience easier, there are categories, as well as a shopping by season option. For the fashionistas on a tight budget check out the moderately-priced Belle by SigersonMorrison. Happy shopping!!!!!!

Geri Halliwell To Do Topshop Collection

Do we really care? If you do here what New York Magazine had to say:

"Geri Halliwell was seen going into Sir Philip Green's Topshop offices in London. When a famous person is seen going into this illustrious building, the British press is quick to report that said famous person must be doing a collection for Topshop, because there is simply no other explanation for such visits (Christina Aguilera, ahem). So: Geri is supposedly designing a collection for the chain, for women a "little older" than Topshop's usual customers. Sixteen-year-olds rejoice"

Item Of The Week: PALMA-Strippy Flat Sandal

Gladiator sandals don't have to be plain and simple, as proved by the ever-stylish Topshop. This loud pair will liven up your casual wardrobe and put a skip in your step. Also available in white for $160.

Galliano Autumn/Winter 2009 Shoes

For Autumn/ Winter 2009 John Gallian simplified the dangerous footwear he sent down his runway to versions that are still gorgeously and outrageously high.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Mysterieuse Watch

The latest watch by Louis Vuitton, made of 115 hand mounted pieces. The Tambour Mysteriuse as the name hints to have no visible mechanisms and floats inside an invisible face. Customizable in platinum, yellow gold, diamond, rubies and sapphires, the watch can also be engraved. To top it all off the watch comes in its own leather trunk that can also be customized. Available only by special order. Oh, and did I mention that the watch costs $281,250?!?!?!?! Recession, what recession??????

Matthew Willamson Resort 2010

With the ability to mix prints and colors in a way that leaves us constantly charmed take a look at my favorite looks from the Matthew WilliamsonResort 2010 Collection.

Ann Sui for Target

Anna Sui's Target line is due to hit stores September 13th with very Gossip Girl Inspired looks. Target capitalizes on the Gossip Girl meme by grouping the looks in the look book by Gossip Girl characters. Blair's dresses come with high collars, two affixed with bows, Vanessa's dresses are all oddly orange and brown, Jenny's dresses, and Serena's outfits.