Couture : October 2008

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CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN TOUCH

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Oct 31, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

Or it would seem. His nightclub here in Las Vegas is said to be thriving, and we all love the Ed Hardy brand, so why shouldn't his selling of his vast empire in an economic downtown turn bring the $700 million asking price? That's right folks, Mr. Audigier is said to be looking to sell the entire lot, that is – ten brands, including Ed Hardy, and 92 licenses. Even with the economy at what it is currently, you can bet there are interested parties – 15 to be exact, according to WWD, who ran a story on the prospective sale in its October 16 edition. Even if he sells his stakes, hopefully he will continue to design or oversee the designs, (gasp) what would Ed Hardy look like without him?

His show was also the highlight of Wednesday's LA Fashion Week's shows. Looks like it's a good time to be Christian Audigier.

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A MOSCHINO HOTEL? WHY, YES

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Oct 31, 2008 by Stephanie R.

Rossella Jardini, Creative Director of Moschino, and the Moschino company, in partnership with Hotelphilosophy S.p.A., Mobygest Group, will open the Moschino hotel next year in Milan near the trendy Corso Como area. The hotel space, a former railway station dating back to the year 1840, will feature four floors, 54 rooms and 15 suites, with each room/suite being different from the other, with the overall theme being that of a fairy tale. The hotel will also feature a bar, restaurant, spa, gym and public garden.

Thus far the only information released, is that of one of the rooms that features a chandelier with rose petals, a coverlet below it made up of rose petals, as though the petals from the chandelier had fallen upon the bed, and a modern designed chair in crimson with the interior cushions having semi-origami folds of a flower petal. A more in depth unveiling will happen this weekend at the TTG Incontri, a tourism expo in Rimini, Italy. Couture's very own merchandisers travel to Italy twice yearly for vendor appointments, perhaps this will be the new favorite place to stay, no?

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PUMPKIN COUTURE, OH MY!

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Oct 31, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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We here are Couture and Zappos.com are truly lively and creative sorts. Many fabulous designs and projects come out of our small but mighty Creative Service team. But leave it to our resident artist/design guru John F. to take Halloween decorating to a new height with his Couture pumpkin design. The Couture Team exclaimed a lot of "ooooooooohhhs" and "ahhhhhhhhs" over his design. I guess the saying, "If you can't have the real thing, go with the next best thing," applies here. So, who needs real thing when you can have a fabulous pumpkin for Halloween inspired by it.

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TOM GOES HOLLYWOOD

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Oct 30, 2008 by Stephanie R.

Tom Ford has never been shy about his good looks, his unbridled ambition or his yearning to be part of the Hollywood movie scene. Well, it would seem his Hollywood dreams are coming true in a big, big way. His production company, Fade to Black, formed three years ago at the close of his design duties for Gucci Group, has Tom sitting in the director’s chair for his first feature film, “A Single Man,” an adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel published in 1964. The book tells the story of George, a middle-aged gay man who recently and suddenly lost his longtime lover. The film has quite a star-studded cast with Colin Firth (playing the character George, an English professor), Julianne Moore (plays the friend of the professor) and Matthew Goode (plays, in flashbacks, the deceased lover) signed on to the project, which will be stylized just so with the addition of stylist to the stars, Arianne Phillips, who will be outfitting the cast for the production. Another possible coup is that Mr. Ford is in talks with the set designers from one of Couture's favorite shows, Mad Men. Can you imagine the character Don Draper making an appearance in the movie?

Not sure how well Ford’s designer eye, or collector’s eye will translate to films, but with a solid cast, a notable book and hopefully a well developed script, it will all come together well. If not, Ford can continue branding his Tom Ford brand and opening more Tom Ford stores, no?

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LOOKS OF THE WEEK - LYNN

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Oct 29, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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The 'Lady Lynn' is quite the fashion icon. She is always turned out in vintage designer pieces (a little Missoni here, and little YSL there), mixes high and low fashions, wears the most fabulous shoes this side of Vogue's closet and never, ever looks like she is trying to fashionably hard. Having owned a vintage clothing boutique in the New England area, she knows a thing or two about clothes, how they fit and what works. Mix in her being uber fit, what more is there to say? Couture bows down to this BFF (that is beautiful fashionable female, in case you were not in the know).

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THE NEW IT COUPLE: VICTORIA AND GIORGIO

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Oct 29, 2008 by Stephanie R.

We know that Victoria Beckham and her famous soccer playing hubby, David, love to do everything together, there are the his and hers scents, the accompanying Terry Richardson shot perfume ads, the fashion layouts for W magazine, their adorable three little boys and now matching his/hers ad campaigns for Emporio Armani Underwear. It was confirmed in WWD this morning that Mrs. Becks will be the body representing the worldwide ad campaign for Emporio Armani Women's Underwear. The ads were shot by photography team Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and will be unveiled for the S/S 2009 season.

Giorgio was quoted in WWD as saying, "who better than Victoria Beckham to launch our new global Emporio Armani underwear campaign?" Obviously, David and he agree. This doesn't come as a surprise to Couture though, as we appreciate her fashion sense, fearlessness in wearing avant-garde designers, her fit figure and her icon status. Who else could have pulled off a tight fitted, belted sleeveless sheath and thigh-high black heel less boots?

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COUTURE RECOMMENDS - GEOMETRIC FLATS

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Oct 29, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

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Flats used to take second to the sexy high heel, stiletto or pump. But, besides being comfortable, flats have continued to reinvent themselves, challenging high heels with its classic shape and elegant design.

Some seasons, flats have different fabrications and colorations, other times it's the toe box shape. This season, it's the sophisticated yet fun geometric embellished styles leading the fray. We love the BC Footwear Pageboy peep toe metallic bronze flats with cutout and leaf shape design, Apepazza Pissarro bold purple flat with octagonal toe box ornamenation, Marc by Marc Jacobs pointy toe silver flat with stars and ribbons, Christian Michael's Maeko classic square toe slingback flat with squoval toe box buckle, Romantic Soles Paisley in a modern pop of green with the large gold button toe box accent, and the Christian Laconic red semi-round toe flat with hearts and stars insole and red acrylic toe box accent piece.

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THE DAILY TREND - SEQUINS

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Oct 29, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

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Sequins might evoke images of showgirls, but that doesn’t mean all sequins are tacky. Simple yet divine, sequins on tank tops, handbags and this dress by Costume National, dazzle. Keep accessories to a minimum and go out sparkling!

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CRAVINGS - POINTY FLATS

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Oct 28, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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Ladies, who doesn't love an attractive, elegant flat? What other shoe brings Funny Face, Roman Holiday and Sabrina to mind faster than a dainty, pointy toe flat? It is chic and comfortable, can be dresssed up or down, and appeals to the edgy and uptown crowd alike. The Couture Team loves a great flat to pair with our A-line dresses, our sweater coats, tees and leggings or our jeans and a henley. What are we loving right now? Elie Tahari Gabby Snake Embossed flat, Sigerson Morrison Low Cut Side Flat with Embellished Pouf, Michael Kors Gold Metallic Flat with Bamboo-inspired Buckle, and Moschino Silver Metallic Flats with Side Cut Out Details and Flower Buckle with Stone Encrusted Center.

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CHIC CHICAGO

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Oct 28, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

When the word “chic” is in the city’s name, you know it has to have some fashion sense. And it looks like New York and Paris no longer have a monopoly on haute couture – Chicago’s History Museum has a vintage couture exhibit: “Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum.” It features couture dresses from 1861 to 1996 – Chanel to Lanvin to Versace, as well as Pingat gowns from the Gilded Age. The exhibit will also show fashion-related films such as Unzipped, a documentary chronicling Isaac Mizrahi’s work after his mixed-reviewed 1993 show, and The Fashion Frontier, about the relationship between political statements and clothing.

The best part is it will be at the museum until July 2009. There’s plenty of time to check it out.

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HOW TO WEAR IT - GOTH-INSPIRED ELEGANCE

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Oct 22, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

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Does your little black dress need a little edge, a little toughness? Are you eager to express your Lower East Side inner goth princess? If you answered yes to one or both of these, then this H2WI is just what you need. Take said LBD, mix in easy-to-wear goth-inspired accessories, fling a soft, supple leather purse with contrasting hardware over your shoulder, slip on that requisite LBLJ (that is, litttle leather black jacket to you), add a dollop of feminine flair with an uxpected pearl bracelet and a pop of color with a pair of bright booties. Um, after that, you're good to go!


Styles featured: GF Ferre Black Multi Zip Extended Puff Sleeve Leather Jacket with Ruffle Should Seams, Moschino Black Drape Neckline Silk Dress with Shoulder Tie, Jean Paul Gaultier Antique Silver-toned Laiton with Clear Crystal Glass Maltese Cross Earrings, Jean Paul Gaultier Silver-tone Laiton Glass Bead Bracelet, Rafe New York Lambskin Rivington Leather and Tassel Detail Handbag, Jean Paul Gaultier Antique Silver-tone Brass and Marcassite Maltese Cross Ring, and L.A.M.B. Yellow Camden Peep Toe Shoe Bootie with Leather Overlay Detail.

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HOW BERRY SENSUAL IT IS

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Oct 22, 2008 by Stephanie R.

It was bound to happen, she took longer than most to do it, but Ms. Halle Berry has finally thrown her sophisticated hat in the fragrance ring. That’s right folks, Ms. Berry will launch her very own fragrance this winter. The fragrance, Halle by Halle Berry, is the second baby of sorts for Ms. Berry in less than a year, as the Academy Award-winning actress gave birth to her first child, a daughter Nahla Ariela in March of this year. Halle, in her interview with WWD on Friday, October 3, described the process of creating a scent in partnership with Coty as, “I have a baby, and this baby — my fragrance — is about to be born.” Berry is said to have wanted her first scent to be a partnership experience, being involved in every step along the way, and to have it be a sensual signature fragrance, or in fragrance speak, to have a woody oriental juice.

Coty brought International Fragrance & Flavors (IFF) to the partnership table to create the juice with Halle, and to have it incorporate two of her favorite notes, mimosa and fig. IFF then added in African root (a spice), sandalwood, Sicilian bergamot, fig leaves, pear blossom, hibiscus flower, ultra mimosa (of course),driftwood and sensual amber. The bottle, which all lovers of fragrance and perfume know is as important as the scent itself, is an easy-to-hold glass rectangle with a wavy-beach textured back, a rose gold-toned neck with the juice being rose gold-tinged as well.

Of course, what celebrity fragrance launch would be complete without the celebrity print campaign? These days, none. After all, it is an assured marketing route to getting the masses to purchase the scent and its accompanying accoutrements. Who doesn’t want to look sexy draped over a hammock a la Jennifer Lopez in her Deseo ad, or water-baby beautiful a la Mirah’s Luscious Pink, or pouty and provocative a la Christina Aguilera’s INSPIRE? Ms. Berry’s campaign will be no different, as she stars in the campaign, natch, and can be seen looking serene and sensuous on a beach in a bikini and white cover up, with just the right amount of laissez-faire mixed in and the perfect touch of beach wavy hair.

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LOOKS OF THE WEEK - NOEL

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Oct 21, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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Ah, the 'style star', always on point, effortlessly turned out, the perfect "I don't care" strut, yes, this describes the darling Ms. Noel perfectly. Her look is always a sophisticated yet edgy chic. She sports elongated boyfriend sweaters belted with the de rigueur thin belt, menswear-inspired vests and skinny jeans, boho chic handbags and the magazine worthy, up-to-the-moment tousled waved hair. Like those who have come before her in our column, she deserves a 'fashionable A-plus!'

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WONDER WOMAN

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Oct 21, 2008 by Stephanie R.

Great Hera... hot on the heels of the Metropolitan’s Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy exhibit, and Diane Von Furstenberg’s Wonder Woman inspired fashion show, comes the news that Ms. DVF, the living embodiment of a modern Wonder Woman, will now be writing a Wonder Woman comic book. The book, Be the Wonder Woman You Can Be, Featuring the Adventures of Diva, Viva & Fifa, is at its core, a message about fulfillment and empowerment of women, a philosopy that is near and dear to Diane’s heart. The draw of the three heroines in the book — Diva, a leverage buyout expert, Viva, a singer, and Fifa, a burgeoning gourmand — is that they all make things happen for themselves with little or no encouragement, that and the adorable fact that their three initials add up to DVF.

In the book, Diane does not turn herself into an actual superhero, but rather relays inspiring tales about women — super or otherwise — and the life-altering and empowering choices they are often faced with making. Although the book may have a comic book look and feel, it is no less an interesting tomb to read, just check out the essays by Gloria Steinem (um, of course) and Les Daniels about the original Wonder Woman’s first adventure. The book’s witty Illustrations are by painter and illustrator Konstantin Kakanias. Mr. Kakanias is well-known for his New York Times illustrations, his couture show renderings for Vogue, and his clever watercolor drawings of his globe tripping alter ego, Mrs. Tependris.

Ms. Furstenberg told WWD during her interview, “Last weekend, I was in the car with my grandaughter Antonia, and she was reading it out loud,” she said, “I just thought, ‘What a wonderful message.’ There is a Wonder Woman in each of us, and once you understand that, you get what you want. And once you do that, you can give back.” The procedes from the comic book ($25), the accompanying special edition T-shirt ($50), and the tote ($230) will benefit Vital Choices, a company that helps to empower women. All of the items will be available via Ms. Furstenberg’s website, www.dvf.com, and her New York store on West 14 Street.

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CRAVINGS - 'PUMP' AND CIRCUMSTANCE

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Oct 20, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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Ah, the pump/stiletto, like a fine wine from an exceptional vintage, is a must-have accessory for every well-dressed woman’s wardrobe. We here at couture rank it up high amongst the LBD (little black dress), the Chanel quilted handbag, the pencil skirt and the Hermes scarf. Our picks are: Michael Kors Azurette, Kate Spade Kelley, Charles by Charles David Agatha and Miss Sixty Rachel.

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ESTEE LAUDER COURTS THE MASSES

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Oct 14, 2008 by Stephanie R.

The Estee Lauder Companies, the purveyors of luxury cosmetics and stalwart beauty boutique anchor in most upscale retail shopping centers, has taken a mass retailing turn akin to a seismic shift in the shopping universe. It announced its partnership with Walmart and their plans to sell fragrances as its first step into the mass market fragrance category. Estee will sell fragrances under its Aramis and designer fragrance division, with a trio of scents called C-Thru launching in Walmart doors this December. Starting in January the roll out will continue to Target and Kohls, with additional mass retailing doors following soon there after.

Each fragrance is named after a gemstone, Ruby is concocted of rose, freesia, raspberry and sandalwood; Purple Diamond, with a juice of plum, black currant, Indian night-blooming jasmine and vanilla; and Blue Opal which is concocted of watermelon, red berries, lilac and a wet skin accord. Estee pulled out all of the stops when making each of the scents as they worked with the power three of fragrance makers, International Flavors & Fragrances, Givaudan and Firmenich. With a price point higher than most at Walmart, it remains to be seen if the collaboration will be successful. The company is targeting young women ages 15 to 24, with a fragrance price point of $17 (1oz.) and $25 (2.5oz.), respectively.

Why now? Is it the current world economic conditions, where just last week the Dow Jones was falling an average 300 + points a day? Is it the reality that the Wall Street unabashed spending boom has gone the way of the Studebaker, dressing for first class travel or getting a real meal on your flight? Or maybe it is simpler still, the competition for the single digit luxury customer’s income has become a very tight and competitive battlefield, where many opponents will be trampled in their efforts to obtain the holy grail, the elusive luxe market dollar. One wonders had this been ten or twenty years ago, would the firm have snapped close its upscale Fifth Avenue doors at the mere suggestion of such a partnership. Whatever it is, previously prudent times have proven the most successful luxury goods companies are those with designers that have lower priced lines — beauty or fashion — which provide quick turn around of quality items, variety and speaks to the masses.

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CRAVINGS - LACE UPS FOR MEN

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Oct 13, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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What's better than a well-dressed man? A well-shod one, of course. The Couture Team loves great shoes and our fashion focus this week is on the casual, yet cool varied lace up styles. If you are the type of man that likes a boot, then D&G Dolce & Gabbana Lace and Zipper Detail Boot is perfect for you. If you like the sporty look, try on Jean Paul Gaultier's sporty-inspired wingtips. If your tastes lean more towards a classic oxford style for work, Marc Jacobs Burnished Grey Oxford is ideal. If you like a little edge, try Alexander McQueen's side lace-up shoes. There really is a shoe - or boot - for every man.

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HOW TO WEAR IT - HARAJUKU

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Oct 10, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

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We here at Couture are captivated by fashion, especially the adventureous spirit and cutting-edge designs of Japan's Harajuku. Our very own Ms. M grew up in Japan and is a constant source of information and style. We combed Couture.Zappos and Zappos to bring you one of the many incarnations of that Harajuku flair. We've featured the style referred to as elegant 'Gothic Lolita.'

Styles featured: Be&D ruffle oversized clutch, L.A.M.B. Hidden Platform Red Plaid Ankle Boots, Betsey Johnson Dahlia Multi-tiered Strapless Dress, Tarina Tarantino "Petite Chapeau" Mini Top Hat, Zooey by Alice Heller Point Collar Keyhole 3/4 Sleeve Shirt.

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WEEKLY BABBLE - PROJECT RUNWAY

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Oct 9, 2008 by Stephanie R.

The final three were decided. So, if you haven't seen it yet, please do not read any further.

The challenge: Design a wedding dress and bridesmaid dress that gives a feel of the designers' collection that they designed to show at Bryant Park.

The Winner:
SS: I am excited to see that, for the first time in Runway's history, all three designers that will be showing at Bryant Park, are women. I'll admit I did like Jerell's wedding dress, and bridesmaid dress much better than Korto's (what WAS that bridesmaid's mess, I mean dress?). Korto proved through out the season she can hold her own, and I'm excited to see her collection at Fashion Week.

JF: Congratulations ladies! Leanne, Korto and (yes, even) Kenley, well done! I expected nothing less from Leanne and Korto, but Kenley really surprised me. She CAN do something other than '50s style. Can't wait to see their collections at Fashion Week.

The Loser:
SS: I am sad to see Jerell go. He definitely has talent. Overly bedazzled talent. He made it this far, so I'm sure we will be seeing collections from him in the future.

JF: Sorry to see you go. I love your style, overly bejeweled and all. You made it this far, keep going, your dream is just around the corner!

Next week is the big show, everyone. It's down to the wire. Korto, Kenley and Leanne -­ who do you think will be this season's winner of Project Runway?

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DEAR READER:

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Oct 9, 2008 by Stephanie R.

Dear Reader, last week we asked you to illuminate us on your
favorite shoe style and why. This week we are delving into the what
the contents of your handbag says about you.

So tell us what's in your handbag and what it says about you.

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What do the contents of Couture's handbag say about us? We travel often and like to capture the little moments (hence the notebook and camera), we are always prepared for inclimate weather conditions (the wrap); we understand the essentials - make-up for touch ups, car keys (how else would be get to and from), hair spray for the fly-aways; that we love a little bit of technology - yes the latest iPhone (feel free to wretch now); we like to be seen but more importantly, to see (eyeglasses), smelling good is always important (thank goodness for pocket-sized products); and finally that we love a little bit of couture, hence the handbag (Gucci) itself and the card case (Goyard).


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FASHIONABLY FABULOUS - ERIC Y.

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Oct 8, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

Welcome to Couture’s ‘Fashionably Fabulous’ videos. Each week, we select and feature one of our very own to style and profile their three favorite outfits and share with us why each piece is a favorite. We quiz them on their fashion icons, what celebrity closet they would most like to raid and what their closet is like. So sit back, press play and enjoy the show!


In this video, Eric is wearing William Rast Ronnie skinny jeans, DSquared2 black patent leather shoes, Diesel skinny jeans and a Paul Smith fedora.

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LOOKS OF THE WEEK

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Oct 7, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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The divine Ms. Brooke is one of the Couture Team's favorite 'stylistas'. Her style is always fresh, relaxed with a splash of trend thrown in. B rocks fabulous jeans - bootcut or skinny - layered T-shirts, cutting-edge organic jewelry, sweet sundresses for her excursions to Costa Rica and the Caymans, not to mention the girl can rock a scarf. Ms. B, our hat's off to your organic, relaxed style!

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CRAVINGS - PLATFORMS

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Oct 6, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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How excited is Couture that there is such a plethora of choices of platforms this season? Very! We are mad for the ultra high heel peep toe variations, lusting after the stiletto versions (needle heel or not), submitting to our decadent yearnings with the hidden platform bootie choices and simply smitten with the chunky heel styles. And why not, platforms look great with skinny jeans and loose tees, edgy with leggings and belted boyfriend sweaters, or sexy with dresses and bolero leather jacket. Our picks: CoSTUME NATIONAL Peep Toe Platform, Be & D Evangelista Multi Strap Platform, Moschino Two-toned Wing Tip Toe Hidden Platform, CoSTUME NATIONAL Pointy Toe Platform Stiletto, DSquared2 Piercing Pump with Crystal Detailing and Silver Heel, Sergio Rossi Peep Toe Multi Strap Patent Leather Platform Bootie, L.A.M.B. Cap Toe Button Detail Back Zip Hidden Platform Bootie.

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IT'S A WRAP!

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Oct 6, 2008 by Stephanie R.

Or so it would seem for Louis Vuitton with its latest design collaboration with film director Sofia Coppola. Hot on the heels of their extremely successful collaboration with Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons for their monogrammed leather goods in Tokyo (currently completely sold out), comes the announcement that Ms. Coppola was tapped to design a line of handbags and shoes. The products are said to be launching in Japan, Vuitton’s recent international test market, with the intention of selling worldwide. Of course Ms. Coppola is no stranger to fashion, as she is often front and center at several designer shows, in particular Marc Jacobs, the creative force behind the Vuitton label. Sofia’s choice should prove to be a very interesting one, both from her perspective and detailed eye from behind the camera, to her being a well known francophile, to her love of pretty ladylike flats. Both Sofia and her father, director Francis Ford Coppola, star in Vuitton’s ‘core values’ ad campaign. Viva la Vuitton!

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The Daily Trend - Metallic High Heels

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Oct 5, 2008 by Stephanie Sims

Why go for dull, regular-colored shoes when your heels can really shine? Metallic high heels, like these Be&D heels, liven up a dress or black pants. Just don't go overboard - maybe carry a metallic clutch, but anything else and it's veering on metallic overload.

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YET ANOTHER SHOW ABOUT MODELS

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Oct 4, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims

Currently on national television we have in rotation at any given moment, America's Next Top Model, Make Me A Supermodel and Models Live, but my question is this, is there anything differentiating these shows from the other? Uh well, not really.

A surprising fact is that the grandaddy of reality television, MTV, has been noticeably absent from this beauty line up. Seriously, even VH1 had that behind-the-scenes show The Agency. Naturally, this is all about to change, as MTV wouldn't be MTV if they did not get in on this. Currently they are casting for Model Makers, where the contestants compete with each other for $100,000 and a modeling contract. And as with all of the shows, someone will be eliminated each week, naturally.

Wait, where have I heard this concept before? Ah, that's right, every modeling reality show I named in the first sentence of this blog. But wait, MTV is actually switching it up a bit. Contestants can only be between 130 and 190 pounds and the ages of 17 and 24. So hurry, if you qualify, you could be on one of the 27 modeling shows on TV.

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CRAVINGS - BOOTIES

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Oct 3, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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The Couture team is loving every moment of the fall season, what with all of the fashion offerings, how could we not. At this very moment, we are head-over-heels for booties. There's something about this almost-shoe that's just too cute, but not saccharine sweet, when paired with a skirt, but can also render that Avengers' Emma Peele cool yet tough persona with elements like washed metallics, studs, stitching detail or buckles. Our picks: L.A.M.B Camden bootie, Alexander McQueen black booties, Givenchy brown suede booties and Jean Paul Gaultier metallic booties.

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THE WEEKLY BABBLE - PROJECT RUNWAY

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Oct 2, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims


In case you missed last night's episode, you may not want to keep reading. There was definitely a twist on last night's episode.

The challenge: The designers took a photo of something that inspired them at the New York Botanical Gardens, then made a gown that reflected that inspirational item. Georgina Chapman, co-founder and designer of Marchesa and Mrs. Harvey Weinstein, was a guest judge.

The winner:
SS: Jerell really is on a roll. I don't know if that's such a compliment since everyone's dress (including his) wasn't great. But, alas, his gown was the winner last night ­ even though I wondered why he went with such dark colored fabrics, which were much different than his photo of bright pink and purple flowers. Still, I love the jewels along the bustline but, was it just me, or did the bustline look a tad low?

JF: Well, well, Jerell, it wasn't hard to pick a winner out of this last ditch effort to impress the judges. By far, your piece was the most interesting of these last four pieces, but was it the best we've seen? No. Everybody seemed to take a nose dive on the most important challenge ever, the last one. Runner up, Leanne. That thing looked like it belonged to an '80's bridesmaid. Judges called it a 'softer side' of Leanne, I say it was b-o-r-i-n-g, but it kept her safe.

The loser:
SS: Well, I guess technically there wasn't one, since no one got cut last night. Kenley's looked way too 'The Little Mermaid' um, with a blossom at the bottom. Leanne's and Korto's tied for '80s bridesmaid dresses, in my opinion. Whoever brings their game next week will be going to Bryant Park ­ although, I have a hunch, producers want Kenley in there. So much drama surrounds her, and now the other designers want nothing to do with her.

JF: What a surprise, no loser, yet. Kenley gets a reprieve that she didn't deserve. Had Korto not bombed too, Kenley would have been 'Auf wiedersehen!' What in the world did Kenley make? It looked like a purple mermaid with fish scales around her ankles. A true travesty. I guess that haughty attitude came back to bite her with remaining designers shutting her down and out. You can make your own way in this world but you can't step on everyone and expect to remain untouched. Korto, too much pressure? What happened girl? Hopefully you bring your game for the final, final challenge and make it Bryant Park.

With one designer being auf'd right before Fashion Week (so harsh!) who do you think will get the axe next, and who will show in Bryant Park?

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FALL TRENDS - THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

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Oct 2, 2008 by Stephanie R.

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'Tis the season... Fall has officially begun and there a few must haves for the season. The color purple is a big hit and looks great on almost every skin tone. Stacked heeled boots that slouch are another sure fire hit that can be paired with jeans tucked in and a funky tee. Espresso was percolating all over the Fall 2008 runways, so do add a dash to your accessory rotation. From the East Coast to the West Coast, sky-high high heel platforms are all the rage, do mix with colored tights and sheath dresses. Every Couturnista needs a dollop of effortless chic thrown in, what better way to do that than with a kid-skin slouch handbag. Who said the oxford could not be a sexy shoe? Clearly, they had not anticipated the stiletto heeled versions for Fall. Look for a smooth, supple leather or a patent leather version to add just enough sex appeal to any look. Cat calls are optional.

Our pics: Michael Kors Azurette Iris Patent Ostrich Print Pump, Furla Oxana Pochette Crocco Morbido in Lichene, Giuseppe Zanotti Cognac Patent Leather Shoulder Bag, L.A.M.B. Hamura Red Square Toe Hidden Platform, Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Calf Crinkle Cuff Stacked Heel Boot, Giuseppe Zanotti Menswear-inspired Oxford Pump, and Michael Kors Iris Colored Kid Skin Drawstring Satchel.

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LOOKS OF THE WEEK - BRANDON A.

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Oct 1, 2008 by Stephanie_Sims


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Whenever someone asks the question, "Who is fashionable?" people often name girls first. But the guys shouldn't get the shaft - take this week's Looks of the Week, Brandon A. He dresses up jeans with crisp collared shirts and balances shorts with casual long-sleeved shirts. Better be on your fashion game, girls - Brandon is right up there among the top fashionable here at Zappos.

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