British supermodel Agyness Deyn made her Paris debut on stage this weekend during the Jalouse Rocks Paris festival at the mega trendy club "Showcase". As you can see she looked gorgeous and had a cutting edge rock'n'roll energy on stage.
Post and Photos by FLORENT GILLES, Paris Bureau
I was surprised and saddened this morning to learn about the death of 20 year-old model Ruslana Korshunova. She was found Saturday morning outside her apartment building after having apparently leapt from her 9th floor balcony. Having appeared on the covers of Russian Vogue and French Elle, there are reports that she had made a series of emotional posts on various internet sites which may be a clue to her emotional state-of-mind. Ruslana was three days away from her 21st birthday.
Image from Models.com, Courtesy IMG Models
Posted by JESSE
Below are the exclusive photos Fashion File took at the Lanvin Homme Spring 2009 Collection.
Kanye West
Taz -Jewelery designer from LA, fashion show frequenter, and friend of Kanye's
Designer Alber Elbaz adjusting a model
Models lineup
Model Jordy
Lanvin sneaker featured in the show
Photographs by Jillian Babbitt
Posted by MADELEINE CZIGLER, Paris Bureau
As the Mens Spring 2009 Collections are underway, here are some Fashion File front row pics from the Louis Vuitton Show. Props to Kanye and Pharrell...
Posted by JESSE
I got the chance to interview model Kate Somers at the past Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2008 Collections and was BLOWN AWAY with this girl. I felt like I asked the 'how old are you?' question more than once, mainly because I couldn't believe how articulate and professional she was for her age (the answer is 17). I was extremely stoked to see this editorial with Kate in August Teen Vogue. I love when a high-fashion girl (she walked Marc Jacobs for Fall and Gianfranco Ferre on exclusive) can also translate in the 'teen' market. And Teen Vogue's casting department has had a history of picking up on stars as they are on the rise (Can you say Karlie Kloss...?) Safe bet that Kate will be yet another Ford Supermodel of the World runner-up to surpass the actual winner (sorry Hyoni Kang...)
Kate Somers in Teen Vogue August 2008
Photographs by Horst Diekgerdes
Posted by JESSE
Why are the Men's collections in Milan this past week packed with celebrities, when the Women's shows are forced to fly in a sad handful of boldfaced names to keep the press' attention? I mean, it's MENSWEAR! Nobody really cares do they? And yet, there's Clive Owen, Adrian Brody and a couple of Kennedys checking out the action at Armani, not to mention Janet Jackson, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton popping up at the parties. The last menswear week in January saw the Spice Girls, Beyonce and Jay-Z making the rounds.
So, if nobody cares about men's week, why am I evidently so upset about this? Because for those of us in the press who cover the WOMEN's collections, it is infuriating to see all these famous faces sitting in seats that by September will be filled by no-name bloggers and the wives of Italian soccer players. Celebs tend to give Milan a pass in show season - saving their energy for New York and Paris.
I understand that Italy is a lovely spot to vacation in June, but may I point out that it's also quite lovely in September? Hope to see some of you there! (Get Clooney to put you up in Como!)
Photograph Giovanni Gionnoni, from WWD.com
Posted by SAM
Dear Little Mama,
Love the Lip Gloss, HATE the dress.
XOXO-Fashion File
Photograph from BET.com, BET Awards 2008
Posted by JESSE
I have to say that I think Naomi Campbell is incredible. She has been through a lot and is the ultimate survivor. And she is in the headlines. Again. This time it's for allegedly assaulting "two police officers during a dispute about lost luggage aboard a British airways plane." The worst part of the story I think is that Naomi has said that she was called a racist name by someone aboard the flight that WASN'T a passenger.
This got me thinking about the race in modeling issue which seems to be on everyone's mind in fashion. After reading the article in July American Vogue 'Is Fashion Racist?', I was shocked to learn that there was a 10 year gap in the Prada Show using a black model (For Fall 2008 Jourdan Dunn broke that cycle. It was Naomi who had walked a DECADE earlier) The July Issue of Italian Vogue saw Meisel/Sozzani put four gorgeous Black models on a four panelled cover. And here at Fashion File we just produced a segment on model Chanel Iman. I was struck by her beauty and spirit.
I looked at this dress from Rag and Bone when it first hit the racks at Holt Renfrew in Toronto. Tried it on. Thought it was cute, but a little more than I wanted to spend for a cute cotton dress ($325 US). Thought I would be a smarty-pants and wait for it to go on sale, then swoop in and get my cute dress at a bargain. Went back this weekend and the dress was sold out. Now I know who bought it up. Now, instead of being cute in Rag and Bone, I'm cheap in last year's retreads.
Image from ShopUS.com
Posted by SAM
I blame Anna Wintour. Fashion's biggest tennis fanatic (she famously wakes at five to play everyday) has cosied up to Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer over the years and her influence is on display this week at Wimbledon. Some marquee players have gotten creative with their looks, despite the All England Club's strict rules enforcing tennis whites.
Serena Williams is ready for the dodgy English weather in a kicky white trench. Federer is feeling a little retro, trading in last year's sport coat for a sharp little cardy, and Sharapova shed a tailored warmup suit to play in shorts and a sheer tuxedo top that is feeling a little too Flashdance for me.
Now, if only Anna could speak to Ralph Lauren about the costumes for the line judges. Who knew you could update a hundred-year old outfit and make it worse?
Images from Dailymail.co.uk
Posted by SAM
Last week's popular Paris newspaper- Le Parisien- featured on its front page a very dignified Karl Lagerfeld sporting a bright yellow safety jacket. It is part of the French government's campaign to make it mandatory for every motorist to have one in their cars in case of breakdown.
Talk about eclectic branding of a name: Lagerfeld the Chanel couturier, the fashion photographer, the video game Grand Theft Auto DJ, and now, a car safety figurehead ! As always, Karl likes to move with the times !
But that jacket sure isn't Chanel !
Posted by MADELEINE CZIGLER, Paris Bureau
At the end of last week I went to a lingerie event in Toronto entitled 'The Art of Seduction,' which got me thinking...Lingerie is REALLY hard. In terms of 'FASHION' it can walk a fine line between classy and well, not so classy...And why do the girls always have to dress as 'types'??? (Victoria's Secret is guilty of this too) There's the 'naughty girl', complete with requisite mask (see photo 1), the 'high-class...girl', wearing some ungodly faux-fur number (see photo 2) and as this show featured mainly French brands, there was the 'French Girl', which basically meant she wore a beret (see photo 3).
Dear Tori Spelling,
I was very sorry to hear of Mimi LaRue's recent passing (aside: did you intentionally name your pooch after the proprietor of a maison derriere? Because that seems unnecessarily cruel). Pets have a way of securing a special sofa cushion in our hearts and it is a sad day when they must leave this mortal plane in favour of that lush country farm in the sky. However, I believe describing your deceased pug as a "fashion icon" might be marginally overstating your case. I know this may come as a shock, but dogs, as a general rule, don't require clothing - they have fur. Sure, fur doesn't often come accessorised with pink tutus and tiaras, but I have a sneaking suspicion that dogs don't much care one way or another.
So next time, instead of clogging up the gossip wires with news of Mimi's fondness for fedoras, perhaps you could provide us with some salacious details of the upcoming 90210 spinoff: do you sport argyle hotpants? Does that rather cumbersome mermaid costume make a reappearance? Curious minds, etcetera.
Image from Funnyfur.com
Posted by KATHERINE
In the past, the Italian National team has been criticized as being pretty boys who are more concerned with their hairstyles than their game on the field. This week they proved that there is no reason why you can't look stylish and pull off a win, when they defeated France to advance to the quarter finals.
The impact of fashion on the soccer world is growing. So here is a look at some of the top hairstyles at this year's Euros and the hotties that sport them.
Frederik Ljungberg - This Swedish soccer stud bares ultra-sexy, razor short hair and in the past has bared even less as per the Calvin Klein underwear ads listed below.
Italian defender, Fabio Cannavaro (currently sitting on the bench due to injury) has also demonstrated just how sexy this sleek hairstyle can look. Even with torn ligaments in his ankle, I'd sign him up to defend me!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo - The Mullet is not exactly an easy hairstyle to pull off. But Ronaldo owns this look the way he owns the field. How has he been able to make a hairstyle that legend has it originated with 19th century fishermen cool? Beautiful baby-face features, gorgeous eyes, sexy smile and strapping physique help.
Photo Credit: Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images
Luca Toni - Sure he has yet to score a goal but this striker gets top scoring points for his lustrous locks and ultra-stylish sideburns.
Photo Credit:Getty Images
Romania's Adrian Mutu paired his sideburns with spikes for this cool, chic look.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
German captain Michael Ballack and his curly mane command attention.
Photo Credit: Patrick Hertzog/Getty Images
And Roberto Donadoni's with his salt and pepper curls can coach me any day!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Posted by LUCIA
Last night was the opening of the new Hermes Store in Toronto, and I have to say...they REALLY know how to do things properly. A massive cover was dropped at 6pm precisely to reveal the gorgeous new boutique, and as the sheath dropped, trumpeters played a very trumpet-y song. Guests were escorted across the street to the new location (directed by male models) and offered Hermes Hard Hats (I felt like a really trendy construction worker) then ushered into the new store. Executive Vice-President Christian Blanckaert made a speech and I got a chance to say hello to him. Gotta say, he is VERY enjoyable. He is spicy for an Exec, seems to have a great sense of humour, and obviously a passion for the house. The interior done by Rene Dumas is gorgeous, and according to Blanckaert, THIS is the nicest of all the Hermes Stores. CHECK IT OUT.
Media Await New Store Unveiling
Moments Before the Big Reveal
The Reveal
Male Models Direct Guests to the Store
Posted by JESSE
The only thing I love more than Ali Stephens in the spring Chloe campaign is Ali Stephens supporting the Barack Obama Campaign.
Ali for Chloe
Ali for Barack
Ali Stephens in Chloe Campaign Spring 2008
Photography Craig McDean
Image 2 from COACD
Posted by JESSE
She's got one of those stories bound to catapult her to mythic status. Arlenis was in the business for approximately 6 days before she hit the catwalks, and approximately 14 days before she joined Gisele, Kate and Helena on the red carpet at the Met Gala (a bit of a big deal, no?) This undisputed champion of the S09 resort collections is SO new she's not even on her agency's board (Marilyn). And though I love my Russian beauties, it is a breath of fresh air to see this Dominican stunner shaking up the face of the industry.
Images from Models.com
Arlenis Polaroid, Marilyn Model Management
Posted by JESSE
As if Anna Wintour needed another reason for having underlings snap into a salute when she enters the room, it seems that she has just been made an Officer of the British Empire. Queen Elizabeth II is recognizing her efforts "for services to British journalism and British fashion in the U.S." by naming her to the list of honourees she compiles every year in conjunction with her official birthday celebration in June. HRH is apparently feeling quite trendy these days, as she also awarded an OBE to Brit ex-pat and Wintour-rival Glenda Bailey. We can't wait to see these two front row next season with their gold badges and lapel pins affixed to their Prada.
Posted by SAM
When I saw Estee Lauder's new Turbolash Vibrating mascara in WWD this morning, I laughed out loud. A battery-operated mascara wand sounds like surefire way to start the day in the ER with a serious cornea scrubbing. Estee Lauder argues that "the lashes instantly separated and spread apart" when the vibrating brush was applied to lash line, but I'm still not convinced. I'll take my chances with my regular, non-mechanized wand (Lash Out by L'Oreal), and a safety pin.
Posted by SAM
With star-studded players like David Beckham (gracing the cover of Vanity Fair) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo strutting a unique sense of style both on and off the field, it was only a matter of time before fashion would blend in with the world-wide soccer craze.
Rest assured that the modeling pose, Broken-Down Doll, is definitely on that list. It was probably on Elle MacPherson's list too. But then again, I don't look like Elle MacPherson. Nor do I do Broken-Down Doll now, so I probably won't miss it. I can't promise the same restraint from the rest of the office, though (Jesse!)
Image from Dailymail.co.uk
Posted by SAM
Today the Polish Model turns 23, but doesn't look a day over 22. Proof? This stunning July German Vogue Cover with the birthday girl (in what could be her party dress) front and centre.
Anja Rubik in German Vogue, July 2008
Photography by Alexi Lubomirski
Posted by JESSE
That's what your friends will be saying when they see your new facebook photo taken in the Helmut Newton self-photographing machine, currently up and running at TopShop in London. Now, if only we could get one for the office...
posted by SAM
I was recently on a shoot with model Coco Rocha, (AMAZING model and LOVELY girl) where a wind machine was used. Coco WORKED IT OUT flipping her hair so fiercly I had to double take to make sure I wasn't looking at Tyra Banks. Watching her made me curious to investigate the wind machine's long standing and somewhat epic relationship with the fashion industry- Here is the timeline...
1984- The wind machine makes an appearance blowing the hair of a young Drew Barrymore in the film 'Firestarter'. The hair blows, then Barrymore blows something up with her powers and looks amazing as she does, thanks to the wind. True, Firestarter is not a 'Fashion' movie...but Drew is the current face of the Gucci Fine Jewellery campaign...And I'm gonna say she can thank the wind machine for that.
I woke up this morning to sound of urban construction at about 6:45 am--my new loft is conveniently located between the site of two new high rise condos. As i began checking my phone for messages I realized my memory card was almost full and I needed to purge some useless crap that I have collected over the year. I began deleting unrecognizable phone numbers, dated memos and files, but that just wasn't cutting it. Then it dawned on me to check my media file. WOW! Among my 200+ photos and music I have never listened to, I came across some pics I took at the Fall 2008 Chanel show in Paris, back in early March. There were photos of the models parading around a carrousel in a very beige collection of tweeds, boucle and tulle (shocker!). Then, I came across a series of photos I took of the Olsen twins who were sitting next to me front row. What was I doing taking photos of these tiny twins in the middle of one of the most important collections of the season? Maybe I'm just a sucker for their YSL shoes and Alaia handbags?
These are the exclusive photos Fashion File took as a guest at the June 5th funeral of Yves Saint Laurent.
Barricades five blocks long and manned by ceremonially dressed police guards surrounded the Eglise Saint Roch on the rue Saint Honore in Paris this cloudy afternoon at three o'clock.
Only guests with engraved invitations were let through before the eyes of a bevy of photographers worthy of a triple A list fashion show.
It seemed fitting that the funeral of Yves Saint Laurent would be staged in this manner.
He is a true hero in France : the newspapers have not stopped talking about him for the past four days.
The church itself is over three centuries old and is known as the artists' haven here in Paris. Upon entering I was struck by the sweet perfume of jasmine mixed with lilies standing in profusion around the ornate altar and columns. Then the parade of the creme de la creme of the Parisian and international fashion world entered-designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano (in a black velvet cap decorated with white buttons) Stefano Pilati, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Sonia and Nathalie Rykiel, Giambattista Valli. They sat next to other fashion notables such as Bernard Arnault, Francois Henri Pinault, Robert Polet, Jonathan Neuhaus and Franca Sozzani. YSL's best girlfriends : LouLou de la Falaise, Betty Catroux and Catherine Deneuve, (dressed in a simple Saint Laurent black trench coat) seemed visibly shaken by the loss...
I recognized his models : Laetitia Casta in a stunning long sleeved decollete black velvet dress. Lucie de la Falaise later told me she spent a decade modelling for him in the late eighties, to mid nineties...and adored working for him.
Chanel models Claudia Schiffer and Ines de la Fressange attracted a lot of the photographers' attention...
The church was filled with his workers, from the atelier and showroom, his mother, ramrod straight and elegantly dressed, his two discreet sisters and some French showbiz notables such as Arielle Dombasle.
But let's not forget the politicians in attendance : the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, the wives of two past French presidents: Danielle Mitterand and Bernadette Chirac, and now president, Nicolas Sarkozy discreetly accompanied by a soberly dressed Carla Bruni Sarkozy .
Then the heavy doors opened and the simple wood coffin was solemnly carried in total silence with longtime companion and business partner Pierre Berge at its head. A golden silk throw decorated with sheaves of wheat was unfurled to cover the coffin when it arrived before the altar.
The high funeral mass was very moving with a live orchestra and singer performing Vivaldi , Brahms and Mozart's Requiem. Catherine Deneuve read a touching poem about love from Walt Whitman, and Pierre Berge's eulogy did not leave a dry eye in the church.
He said goodbye to his friend of half a century "with respect, admiration and love". He told us Yves' ashes would be scattered in his garden in Marrakesh, but had he had a tomb, he would have inscribed simply : here lies a " couturier francais ". He noted that a page has turned in fashion history.
After the mass, both Marc Jacobs and Giambattista Valli agreed while we quietly chatted that Saint Laurent was their true fashion hero . "We came to Paris because of him ", noted Valli.
Posted by MADELEINE CZIGLER, Paris Bureau
Right now I am smiling. A little bit "surprised". I saw this video yesterday which is basically a Tyra Banks smile tutorial, and I have been smiling ever since ("smiling with my eyes" and "the high fashion smile" have been in my arsenal for years though, thought I should point that out).
Today I was confronted by another person who told me I look better without facial hair--"you look younger and thinner without it". Truth is, if you ask most men with facial hair they will tell you once you go FH you never go back. I guess it is a bit of a security blanket for many men.
With Beard
Without Beard
Oh hey, I can't really talk right now...
So everyone and their Vuitton Bag saw the Sex and the City Movie this weekend. I did too, but I also saw The Strangers starring Liv Tyler and Supermodel Gemma Ward. Not gonna lie, kind of amazing. Gemma (IMG) is this generations answer to Meryl Streep- though she only had two actual lines ("Because you were home" said with a doll mask over her face and "Is Tamryn Home?" said at least ten times in a row to Liv Tyler on her doorstep at 4:00am).
The Oscars of Fashion were presented last night. Not many surprises...less reports that Anna Wintour teared up when Candy Pratts Price won the Eugenia Sheppard Award. I shed a single happy tear of my own when Band of Outsiders won the Swarovski Award for Menswear. The nautical theme within the Spring '08 Collection has been the inspiration for my current personal style.
First of all I'd like to say - Wow- to Lancel's new Fall/Winter 2008 Collection. Definitely an overlooked brand, they really did a great job this season creating a colorful and stylish line. My favorite, the Premier Flirt bag, is gorgeous. Offered in crocodile, ostrich, pony hair, and fur, it comes in the greatest hues for fall - orange, deep purple, and chocolate brown to name a few.
Yves Saint Laurent was more than just a fashion designer: he changed the way we think about clothes. He gave women peacoats, trench coats, pantsuits and tuxedos. He invented ready-to-wear, which dominates the fashion industry today. And he was the first to take inspiration from the arts, ethnic cultures, and the streets of Paris.
Saint Laurent retired in 2002, with a grand retrospective of his work, and has stayed out of the spotlight since then. Fashion File attended that night and mourned the loss of a fashion original. Today, we do it again.
Yves Saint Laurent died last night of a brain tumour at the age of 71. To say it's the end of an era, doesn't seem quite enough.
Posted by SAM
I first met Yves Saint Laurent backstage in Paris in the early 90's . He was shy and very softspoken and visibly trembled when asked a question about his upcoming collection. He kept repeating : "All I want to do is to make women look more beautiful." After all he is the man who put women into pants day and night, made bohemian chic, chic, and made - le smoking - an object of desire for women.
