Gushing

Rodarte F/W 2009 RTW

I can not express how much I love Rodarte and the creative genius of the Mulleavy sisters. These two embody everything I had ever dreamed of being when I would sit and imagine my life as a fashion designer. Their approach is refreshing; having both been trained outside of the fashion world, their work truly reflects the passion and commitment they have to creating beautiful garments. They ooze with a level of sophistication and respect that I find lacking in many other labels. These are not just garments, they are each beautiful works of art, boldly championing the craft of fashion and the power of ones imagination.

Rodarte S/S 2009 RTW

Now that I've finished gushing, you can imagine my initial excitement when the duo announced they will be collaborating with Target to create a Go International line for the mega chain this upcoming December. The idea that the Mulleavy's will attempt to translate their unique pieces into palatable, mass market goods is at once amazing and bittersweet. While I am already salivating at the idea that I could potentially afford to own one of their pieces, I am nervous that a mass market interpretation of their work would get lost in translation. As I mentioned before, Rodarte is all about craft- their pieces are impeccably detailed and thoughtful, an inherent quality due to the fact that they are all hand crafted by the two sisters themselves. Now call me old fashioned- but there is something so genuinely beautiful about that- garments that welcome a hand touch, created by the same people who dreamed them up, as opposed to a factory somewhere far off. Obviously- the Target line, which will retail from $9.99 to $79.99, will probably be produced overseas... so I can only hope that their vision and aesthetic will not be compromised.

Only time will tell.

Photos courtesy of Style.com

Bye Bye Blass

I'm SO sad to see you go.

The news that legendary American design house, Bill Blass Couture will be closing is so utterly depressing. Known for his impeccably tailored garments and richly luxurious textiles, Blass hit the scene as a force to be reckoned with back in the 70s, oozing style and sophistication into the realm of American sportswear. Since then, the design house has produced and endless number of timeless classics- and was one of the major players in bringing worldwide respect to the talents of existing and burgeoning U.S. designers.

In its more recent history, Bill Blass Couture served as a maison that really payed homage to its roots. Under the creative direction of Peter Som, the company flourished, creating beautiful, charming, and wonderfully wearable garments that embraced the rules of modernity and contemporary clothing while still championing the vintage glamor of yore. In short, it was one of those few design houses than never seemed to dissappoint.

Whether or not you are a tried and true "Blass woman," there is just something about his clothing that appeals to your sensibilities. Its hard not to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship, the beautiful tailoring, the clean lines or the feminine, lady-like silhouettes. I had high hopes for the future of the line, especially with Som at its helm, so it's with much sadness that I say goodbye to this truly legendary design house. I can only hope that someone with some insight swoops it up and relaunches it- because it's truly a shame to let it die.

suggested reading

here are two great fashion-related articles I found that I think you'd all enjoy.

The first link is taken from the Wall Street Journal's fashion blog and it concerns a new trend of "shopping local" for clothing and accessories. Definitely browse-worthy.

The second link is to an article from Bloomberg news, which talks about the recent proliferation of bargaining/bargain hunting in New York's smaller retail stores.

So read up and keep in the know! And if, like me, you're currently snowed in due to the bizzarro blizzard of '08, I suggest cozying up with some hot tea or cocoa and mellowing out to the wonderful sounds of caribou's melody day. I know I will.

"i'm creating a baby"

in case you hadn't heard yet- it's true, she's preggers

operation fabulous

new york magazine has reported that the cw network will soon be home to an ANTM spin-off featuring, my favorites, Jay Manuel and Miss J. Although I'm pretty over ANTM, I can't WAIT for this magical make-over show to begin. Just think of all terribly wonderful possibilities the show will offer... Miss J schooling fashion "victims" on their terrible shoes, teaching them how to walk and exude confidence while wearing some fabulously over-the-top head piece, or Jay helping these lost individuals rework their wardrobes, their makeup, thus instantaneously changing them new people... The plethora of beautiful moments between these two divas are endless- their bubbly personalities are bound to shine ever so brightly without tyra and the gang. And of course, there's the sass. I can't WAIT for the sass.