"La chic parisienne" is a perfect description of Alexis Mabille's Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture collection, shown in Paris this past Monday. The whimsical show featured both men and women wearing flowery garments accented with pink and purple accessories. The romantic collection was shown in Karl Lagerfeld's former residence, the Pozzo di Borgo Hotel. Supermodel Linda Evangelista also attended the event.

Photographed and posted by ALICE

Karl Lagerfeld has told Fashion File many a time that he literally dreams his collections - in this case, not exactly in technicolour...

Entering the all white richly decorated Espace Cambon next to the Ritz Hotel in Paris, we entered Karl's all white wonderland which we soon discovered reflected the almost all white Chanel couture collection for summer 09, techno baroque as only the master can dream up. It was a bravure performance of the couturier's art, and the purity of the clothes allowed couture details to emerge.

The latest James Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko

Stylist Leith Clark and Keira Knightley

Kanye West Before the show

Karl Lagerfeld

Photographed by ELIZABETH

Posted by MADELEINE

Times may be tough out there, but trust John Galliano to deliver the fashion crowd a 'let them eat cake' moment. His couture collection for Summer 09 at Dior was a testament to couture opulence - rich materials such as silk, taffeta and brocade, and breathtaking embroidery were a real celebration of the coutourier's art. So who cares if the gowns were a bit on the costume side, we can all dream a little can't we?

Backstage:

Celebs In Attendance:

Collection:

Photographed by ALICE

Posted by MADELEINE

Color was abundant in Walter Van Beirendonck's new Fall Winter 2009 men's collection shown in Paris last weekend. His signature graphic style could be seen throughout the entire collection: from hats, to shirts, to vests, and even shawls.

Kanye West, Farnsworth Bentley, et al, enjoying the show.

One of the models outside the show with his makeup on.

Photographed and posted by ALICE

Even the most jaded of the fashion crowd couldn't help but enjoy John Galliano's histrionic men's show in Paris on Friday. Held in an old train depot filled with thousands of candles, the models walked the glittering red runway dressed as pioneer soldiers and even satyrs. Fashion File was on hand to witness the models' wild transformations backstage, headed by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath. Galliano showed a great collection and taught everyone a lesson that night: even when the times are tough you can still have a little fun.

Makeup artist Pat McGrath working backstage before the show.

Photographed and posted by ELIZABETH

There was no shortage of multi-colored Afros in Jean-Paul Gaultier's Fall Winter 2009/2010 men's collection this week in Paris. Fashion File attended the energy filled show, which even included a few women, children, and smiles. From the coats to the pants, straps were definitely a highlight of the collection, matched with checkers and argyle. Gaultier himself donned a bleach blonde Afro as he made his appearance down the runway.

Photographed and posted by ALICE

This week in Paris, Fashion File saw the Raf Simons Fall Winter 2009/2010 men's collection. Bright sleeves and corset inspired cuts were highlighted at the show. While the collection as a whole took on a classic feel, select garments were accented by electric blues and pinks.

Photographed and posted by ALICE

Fashion File got backstage access this week in Paris, at Givenchy's Fall/Winter men's collection. While some models had to slick back their curly hair, others got a wild new buzz cut. Tight, lace-up pants accompanied sweaters with crisscrossed straps and long dark coats. One outfit even highlighted a pair of knee length sparkly shoes. Sparkles!!!

Photographed and posted by ALICE

Set in an indoor schoolyard that was filled with natural light, Lanvin showed their men's Fall Winter 2009/2010 collection in Paris. Hats and berets in rich brown, burgundy, and grey tones were accompanied by flowing scarves. An ode to the new president of the United States was clear in the finale, as an Obama look-alike, sporting an American flag pin and waving regally, led the models down their final walk.

Photographed and posted by ALICE

Set in the high security UNESCO building in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Veronique Nichanian showed her newest line of menswear for Hermes. The runway was in the center of a well lit no frills room, allowing the audience to focus only on the dapper collection. Nichanian made the traditional and tailored look of Hermes more fun and youthful by using brilliant yellows and reds on otherwise classic pieces. The red bomber jacket is a definite must-have for next year's winter wardrobe.

Photographed and posted by ELIZABETH

A week of fashion "Brasileirismos" in Sao Paolo is, as you can imagine, a joyous affair.

Sao Polo fashion week, just over this past weekend, had for theme a celebration of the well known Brazilian character, brimming with light fun, seductive rhythms, and exuberance.

The city itself is one of the giant global urban centers: a 20 million inhabitant megalopolis with towering skyscrapers casting their shadows on cozy tropical neighborhoods still echoing a Portuguese colonial past.

The vibrant energy of the city gives birth to an exciting creative culture in music, design, and architecture, and all this of course is reflected in fashion.

The 26th edition of Sao Paolo Fashion Week also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Brazil's first ladies of samba burlesque, the 1940's musical star, Carmen Miranda.

So in spite of the sombre world economy, Sao Paolo's fashion offerings for Winter 09 were definitely on the side of Brazilian joie de vivre: offering a wide variety of fashion points of view.

Here are some of the highlights:

My personal favourite:

OSKLEN

A surgeon's precision with fascinating textile research; Osklen is a brand that appeals to Japanese clients as well.

Brazilian elegance:

HUIS CLOS

MARIA GARCIA

REINALDO LAURENCO

Brazilian Glamour:

ANDRE LIMA

Hard work Brazilian style:

ELLUS with special guest star model, Agyness Deyn

Pret a Porter savvy:

UMA

Glam chic:

NEON

All photos courtesy of AGENCIA FOTOSITE

Posted by MADELEINE

Surprise surprise, the girl you love to hate looked great again at the SAG awards on Sunday night. But wait, she put her Max Azria dress on backwards?!? Oh Jolie Angelina, you so krayzee...

Photos courtesy www.contactmusic.com

Photo courtesy US Weekly

Posted by LUKE

As seen in our last post, Kanye West has recently been making his presence felt at fashion week, but this time it's on the runway. The rapper, producer and all-around superstar can now add luxury shoe designer to his resume. The much talked-about shoe Mr. West designed for Louis Vuitton, debuted at men's fashion week in Paris.

Photos courtesy style.com

And for the ladies, Kanye came up with these...

Photos courtesy themoment.blogs.nytimes.com

What do you think??

Posted by HAZEL

The Louis Vuitton men's show helped kicked off men's fashion week with a bang. Kanye West was on hand to celebrate his new sneaker line that he designed in collaboration with the label (he was even sporting one of his own creations at the show). As usual, Marc Jacobs delivered a beautiful collection but what really got the audience talking were the bags. Almost every model was carrying something different - from classic LV suitcases, to modern weekend bags. Count on men traveling in style next winter.

Kanye West before the show

Kanye West's sneakers from his new collection for Louis Vuitton

Paris Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld watching the show

Photographed and posted by ELIZABETH

Dries Van Noten drew a large crowd in Paris Thursday night for their men's Fall / Winter 2009 show. The chic collection consisted of classic suits, belted jackets, and sweaters that are perfect for a casual Friday. Some of the models carried pochettes giving modern men a fashionable alternative to a briefcase.

Photographed and posted by ELIZABETH

There's a pizza joint in my 'hood called Supermodel Pizza. Their take-out menu is too much!:

Crazy photo. Even crazier tagline. Do they have crazy delicious pizza? No. Still, points for originality...

Posted by LUKE

"Looking glamorous is a feminine survival instinct." - Alber Elbaz

Does he have a point? I think so. With all the gloom and doom forecasts we have been inundated with regarding our economic future, we may feel dull, lifeless and drab, but do we really want to see it?

During the Great Depression when people stood in bread lines and men walked unemployment marches, Hollywood's Golden Age erupted! Hollywood, particularly MGM, tapped into the audience's need for glamour and sophistication. Creating sweeping epics like "Gone with the Wind," "The Wizard of Oz," and screen legends Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow, MGM was the only Hollywood studio that never lost money and continued to pay dividends during the Great Depression. What does this mean? Maybe people don't want to be constantly reminded of the state they are in. Maybe people don't want a toned-down Golden Globes -- but to be carried away by beauty even for just a moment. Maybe the key to surviving these uncertain times, not to mention the survival of many fashion houses, is glamour!

Photo courtesy www.doctormacro1.info

Photo courtesy www.divasthesite.com

Photo courtesy www.seraphicpress.com

Photo courtest www.artdecoblog.blogspot.com

Posted by NANCY

So, as was to be expected, everyone is all a flutter today about the news that First Lady Michelle Obama (woot!) wore Isabel Toledo to her hubbie's inauguration (woot woot!!!).

But there's another fashion scoop that's been overlooked on a day like today, and it involves someone even more powerful than the First Lady. I'd build it up a bit more, but I can hardly contain myself, so here it is:

ANNA WINTOUR JUST WORE JEANS!!!!!!!!

Photo courtesy wwd.com

In Utah over the weekend to attend the Sundance screening of the documentary The September Issue (a behind-the-scenes look at Vogue that we cannot WAIT to PVR once it finally runs on A&E later this year), Anna Wintour actually dressed down. I know, right?!!!

According to WWD, she was:

clad in a leather Michael Kors jacket with a fox collar, an Oscar de la Renta turtleneck, J Brand jeans and Manolo Blahnik boots, [and] said she was 'channeling mountain casual. It is actually my first time wearing jeans to work."

Jeans? On Anna Wintour?!?!?! Now THAT is change we can believe in.

Posted by LUKE

It's safe to say that Gossip Girl styles have officially hit the streets:

The ties, plaid, and oxfords are all pretty easy to pull off, but when it comes to over-the-knee socks, it seems that those who aren't sure how to wear them MUST proceed with caution. The wrong sock can throw an outfit way off kilter, and paired with a micro mini they can turn you from schoolgirl chic to playmate tacky.

Victoria Beckham's look is easy to mimic for those who want to test the waters. When In doubt I think it's best to start with a monochromatic palate.

In the Sex and the City movie SJP's socks look sexy but casual paired with an oxford stiletto and loose fitting cardigan.

This is an extreme example of what not to do with this tricky trend. Joss Stone's socks bring this awful ensemble even lower, notice the shoes, the way too exposed thigh...and wait! Did she get her hairstylist to match her streaks to her stripes?

The over-the-knee sock is an affordable way to update your wardrobe, but be careful before getting dressed. One wrong move and you'll be fashion road kill...

Posted by JO

Golden Globes back from hiatus: The beauty look was subdued and the Moet was flowing.

Rumer Willis: coiffed and all grown up - love the dress! Full and simple, this dress accents all the right places - the belt ads some edgy glam, and a quick posture check from mom (Demi) completes the look!

Eva Longoria-Parker in Reem Acra: is refreshing in a sea of pastels and muted colours. Generally not a fan of this silhouette, but she gets a Golden Globe for great tailoring!

Debra Messing: Remember ladies and gents, when hanging drapes you want it to skim, not puddle.

(Second photo courtesy of Mirek Towski)

J-Lo: A little more glam, and a little less Hawaii Five-O. We approve.

Eva Mendes: I'm all for asymmetry and the use of volume (really!), but this side bustle looks like a parasitic twin!

OH wow. Drew!: A little bit Marilyn and a little bit Bardot... but that hair+THAT dress and little bit of Moet = Too MUCH!!

(All photos courtesy Getty Images)

Posted by JACQUIE

Ever since I was a little fashionista I have always waited in anticipation for Instyle's Best Dresses of the Year list. And every year I think: No way! As if! They like that? Where is the white Gucci; the Christian Lacroix Nicole wore with an Indian Maharajah's necklace as a belt; or the pink Caroline Herrera, or the purple YSL, or, or, or? So this year I have come up with "my" list of the Best Dresses of the Year. These dresses were chosen solely based on the dress - not the designer, and not the actress, model or socialite wearing them. Each and every dress I have chosen has something unique about it, whether it be the detail, cut, color, beading, etc. These dresses are in no particular order except for the final one which I've included multiple images of so you can see the full scope of this dress. It is beyond! Please enjoy, and feel free to respond and critique in the way I do to the "lists".

(Photos courtesy www.instyle.com)

(Photo courtesy www.elle.com)

(Photos courtesy www.style.com)

(Photos courtesy celebutopia.net)

Posted by NANCY

2009 has been a long time coming for us at Fashion File. We're always excited for a new year - but this one is going to be extra special. We've got some amazing new episodes coming up, and a stunner of a website that's about to be unveiled. But enough about us...

2009 also promises to be a major year for much of what we love (and love to hate) in fashion right now. So here are 2009's answers to what we couldn't get enough of in '08.

'08: The Hills

(Photo courtesy mtv.com)

'09: The City
Whitney has always been my favourite... Hopefully 'super intern' Emily will make an appearance!

(Photo courtesy mtv.com)

Prada '08: Florals and Lace

(Photo courtesy style.com)

Prada '09: Disheveled Transparency
As Miuccia Prada said herself "going back to what counts" - primitive and erotic, done the Prada way (so cheek in tongue you could wear it to the office, 'til you see the open side of the dress, or the banded back on a cashmere sweater).


(Photo courtesy style.com)

An emphasis on what counts... Pop culture's answer?

Top Model '08:

(Photo courtesy marshu.com)

True Beauty '09: the search for inner beauty

(Photo courtesy abc.com)

Rehab in '08: Britney's breakdown

(Photo courtesy mirror.co.uk)

Clean Living in '09: Britney's back!

(Photo courtesy Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

For the change burning a hole in your pocket...

Logos
Out; though I'd still take this little piece of luxury in the Goyard laptop sleeve (for a cool $830 a piece).

(Photo courtesy The Fashion Spot forums)

Subtlety and classics:
In; let's take a page from Ms. Paltrow

(Photo courtesy goop.com)

Posted by JACQUIE

The idea of "prom" immediately conjures up images of awkward parentally-choreographed photos, slugging back flasks of peach schnapps in the limo, cutting a rug to UB40 , holding your friend's hair as she hugs the bowl in the ladies', and then capping it off with an early-morning breakfast at Denny's.

(Photo courtesy: hobolimo.com)

But it also marks the first major fashion decision of many a young girls' lives. And it's around this time of year that the most stalwart stylistas begin their research into which outfit will have all of their frenemies green with envy.

Gone are the days of formal wear consisting of big hair, and even bigger tulle, especially when you consider most prom attendees weren't even born when this little gem hit the big screen.

And yet, the anxiety felt by Andie, Duckie and the gang continues to resonate with "the kids" today.

So we at FF thought we'd share a few ideas for the aspiring prom queen in your world. Done right, she'll be the belle of the ball.

_____

There's an age-old saying, courtesy of the sage Jay-Z: "Ladies be pimps too, go and brush your shoulders off." True dat. So why not make it a little easier on yourself, keeping those shoulders bare to begin with, by going strapless?

(Photo courtesy: 4prom.com)

This cute piece designed by Tony Bowles costs $278. Actually looking pretty in pink? Priceless.

_____

A halter dress is another common route to go, and can look stunning. But you need to wear it with confidence, so it may not be the best option for the most body conscious.

(Photo courtesy: promgirl.net)

This dress by Clarisse is light, flirty, without being over-the-top.

_____

Of course, there are some for whom over-the-top is the name of the game. If that's your style, then go with a fierce and fearless animal print.

(Photo courtesy: www.jovani.com)

_____

But if you really want to be too cool for school, don't skip the prom altogether. Just show up wearing this:

(Photo courtesy: wwd.com)

A sleek silk dress paired with a leather jacket says you're a formal bad girl. Kinda like Joan Jett on her wedding day.

If hacking butts in the bathroom isn't exactly your speed, you can still keep some edgy cred, and ramp up the femininity, by throwing a boyfriend jacket or a cropped vest over your gown.

(Photo courtesy: wwd.com)

And forget the corsage. Save your money for an extra order of bacon at breakfast the morning after. Trust us, after a night of peach schnapps, you're going to need it.

Posted by LUKE

Happy New Year!!!

Now that our holiday champagne buzz is nothing but a distant memory, we're finally able to take a sober look back at the year that was. Truth be told, we're sort of using this as a distraction because our strict new year's diet has us bouncing off the walls, but that's beside the point.

In classic FF style, we're going to count down our picks for the top 5 fashion moments of 2008. Hope you enjoy it. It's about the only pleasure that we've got left, now that chocolate is off the table - at least for this week...

No. 5: Vertiginous Heels

Okay, I know this won't be on everyone's list, but you should know by now that we at Fashion File are fervent shoe aficionados - and the higher the heel, the better! This year we saw sky-high heels on every runway from Rodarte, to Alexander Wang and nothing makes us happier than that. Balance be damned!

Giambattista Fall 2008

Rodarte Spring 2009

Balenciaga Fall 2008

Rodarte Fall 2008

(photos: style.com)

No. 4: Italian Vogue's All-Black Issue

July's ground-breaking issue of Vogue Italia featured all black models including Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and the incomparable Naomi Campbell. Time magazine's Jeff Israely sums it up: "After the original run of the July issue sold out in the U.S. and U.K. in 72 hours, Vogue Italia has just rushed to reprint 30,000 extra copies for American newsstands, another 10,000 for Britain and 20,000 more in Italy. The only complaints about the reprints might come from those currently trying to sell copies on eBay for $45 apiece."

(photos: blackbookmag.com)

No. 3: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy And Michelle Obama Acquire First-Lady Fashion Icon Status

Who says the first-lady uniform has to be a bland pant suit? These two women join the ranks of Jackie Kennedy and Imelda Marcos with their chic, yet sensible style. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a former fashion model, brought her fashion know-how into the Elysee Palace and has even graced the covers of Elle and Vanity Fair this year. Not to be outdone, Michelle Obama has single-handedly brought glamour back to U.S. politics, with almost every major designer now vying to dress her. Equally impressive, she's already helping to stimulate the economy by putting young up-and-coming American designers like Peter Som on the map.

Carla Bruni walking for YSL in Paris in 1995

Michelle Obama in her now iconic Narciso Rodriguez dress

(photos: nytimes.com, michelleobamawatch.com)

No. 2: The Death Of Yves Saint Laurent

The fashion world was rocked by the news of Yves Saint Laurent's death at the age of 71, in June. The man changed fashion forever. Lucky for all of us, his legacy continues to inspire the greatest designers of today.

(photos: Andre Rau)

No. 1: The Recession

As much as we consider fashion an essential part of life, like everything else in this world, it was unable to escape the effects of a declining economy this year. Many fashion retailers worldwide are scaling back (Gap, Macy's, Eddie Bauer, etc.) and some are even closing their doors for good. All the job cuts at Conde Nast have stifled any dreams of working for Vogue. And 'recessionista' has become an everyday word. We're not sure what dire turn of events await the fashion world in 2009, but in the meantime, we'll be taking advantage of all the incredible sales!

(photos: la.racked.com)

Posted by HAZEL