YouTube aids Fashion

The new media frenzy of YouTube and other online video sites has allowed the fashion industry to tap into the resource of free advertising. Not only does this help wtih budget cuts but also serves the purpose of reaching the younger masses.

"Brands ranging from Gap to Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Nike and Adidas are increasingly finding a home on YouTube, MySpace and similar sites, where their videos, commercials, behind-the-scenes footage and fashion shows are posted for free. These sites have the potential to transform the way fashion brands reach their current and future customers since hundreds of thousands of people can view a single spot — with humorous ones scoring the most hits.

TV, magazines, radio dominate the existing advertising world, but online advertisements on sites like YouTube are the way of the future.
Source: [Link]

Japan Crowned Miss Universe 2007

Riyo Mori of Japan was crowned Miss Universe followed by first runner-up Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela, third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea and fourth runner up Rachel Smith of USA.

And as always a protest or two was added to the mix"Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health" and "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"Pageant organizers say the Miss Universe contest carefully selects women who are intelligent, well-mannered and cultured."

The show was hosted by Miss Teen USA 1999 Vanessa Minnillo and Mario Lopez and held In Mexico City.
Source: [Link]

Lohan drunk driving?

Lindsay, 2 friends and her 2005 Mercedes SL-65 all crashed into a curb on Sunset Blvd at approximately 5:30am. Luckily, she suffered only minor injuries and was admitted to a local hospital. While inspecting the vehicle, officers found a usable amount of cocaine.

First Paris gets 45 days in the 'big house'.. is Lindsay next?
Source: [Link]

Nicole Richie in rehab?

Nicole Richie's publicist is denying reports that the Simple Life star has entered a rehab facility for anorexia and drug use.

"She is not in rehab. She is at home in Glendale. Sobriety is an ongoing process but she is sober," the rep told Usmagazine.com.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is claiming reliable sources have confirmed Richie checked into rehab on May 11 and is now receiving outpatient care at home.

Richie's weight and substance problems have been making headlines for years. Most recently, she was arrested in December for a DUI, allegedly mixing Vicodin with marijuana and then driving the wrong way down a highway. She is due in court June 8 for the hearing.

Source: [Link]

Simpson and Mayer Split

We all knew it wouldn't last for too long, but the question is 'Is it over for good?' A source close to Simpson told PEOPLE that the couple broke up and they aren't sure if they are going to get back together or not. Friends of Mayer claim the guitar playing heartthrob was the first to call it quits, quoting him as saying 'he was just over it'

Mayer and Simpson were initially coy about the relationship when rumour first began to fly around. But in later months, were then seen canoodling everywhere during Mayer's Australian Tour down under.

On the same day news broke out of the end of their relationship Jessica told PEOPLE that she is very happy.
Source: [Link]

Chanel Takes to the Sky

As Dior cruises the seas, Chanel is strutting it in the skies. "Two Challenger 601 jets pulled up to Hangar 8 at Santa Monica Airport on Friday night, the doors popped open, and the models stepped out in a tour de force show that only Chanel could have pulled off."

The stage was like an arrival lounge, with an arrival monitor announcing Karl Lagerfield's landing in Los Angeles. The designs were based on a 'private travel theme' which according to Lagerfield should be divine.

Demi Moore, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Claudia Schiffer, Victoria Beckham, Jessica Alba and Lindsay Lohan were some of the 500 guests at the air-travel inspired show.
Source: [Link]

Blow's Death not an overdose

The avant garde fashion stylist, Isabella Blow's death on May 8th caused much speculation. Blow had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had been known to have attempted suicide previously. The death was assumed to be an overdose but the May 12th coroner's inquest confirms the prescense of a lethal weed killer, paraquat, in her blood stream. A full inquest is scheduled in October.

Described as one of the most influential people in fashion, Blow discovered designers like Alexander McQueen and models like Sophie Dahl. "Blow, an extremely sensitive woman, never made a fortune from fashion and was known to feel that many of the people she had helped launch had done little to help her in return."

Blow's funeral was held on Tuesday May 15th, at Gloucester Cathedral.
Source: [Link]

Heidi Klum poses topless

Supermodel and mother of two, Heidi Klum, posed nude in a photoshoot Monday for Jordache Jeans.

The new spokesperson flew in to L.A. from New York just to do the shoot, which lasted 10 hours.

Star magazine reported that photographer/director Brett Ratner had a great time shooting Klum and everyone was impressed by her body.

Don't get too excited though, Klum will be hiding her private parts in the final product.

Source: [Link]

Paris Hilton's jail sentence slashed

Paris Hilton will now serve at least 23 days in jail and be separated from other inmates, officials announced after reviewing her case yesterday.

L.A. Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said due to Hilton's fame, she will be placed in "special needs housing unit" reserved for high-profile inmates. The unit contains 12 two-person cells.

Whitmore insisted Hilton is being treated as any other inmate and the sentence is being taken seriously.

The new sentence is much less than the initial 45 day sentence, but if Hilton actually goes to jail it will at least give a little credit to the Hollywood justice system.

Source: [Link]

Jaslene wins America's Next Top Model

Second time was a charm for skinny Latina model Jaslene, who won America's Next Top Model on the season finale of cycle 8 last night.

The 20-year-old, who hails from Chicago, Illinois, tried out for the show in cycle 7, but was quickly eliminated. Last night, Jaslene first beat out Renee, and then Natasha.

In the final round, Jaslene and Natasha underwent an evlolution themed catwalk challenge. The judges said Natasha started off strong, but lost it towards the end. Jaslene, on the other hand, started off weak, but ended off as if she had already won the challenge. One of the models in the show was cycle 7 winner Caridee.

As winner, Jaslene receives a modeling contract with Elite Model Management, a six page spread and cover shot on Seventeen Magazine and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics.

The judges were worried Jaslene is not well suited for commercial modeling. Let's hope her Seventeen cover is better than her CoverGirl cover so she proves them wrong.

Source: [Link]

Dior Cruise 2008

The show began to the sounds of Crosby, Stills and Nash's Marrakesh Express, continued with flowing pink champagne and even had a couple of models trip due to the 'towering steel toothpicks'. But this latest collection for the Parisian fashion house is a testament to the history and visual culture of John Galliano.

Like last year, the occassion was staged in New York with a sunset backdrop of the Twin Towers site and the pink glow of New Jersey. Galliano acclaimed for his 10 years at the luxury fashion house celebrates this collection with a 60s theme full of rosettes, pouted lips, jeweled ankle strap stilettos.

"A lime green satin trapeze coat embroidered with paisley paired with matching Capri pants, over sized shocking pink sunbonnet and jeweled pearl choker and jeweled sandals set the tone for a collection that consisted of sumptuous fabrics in acid trip colors, gauzy dashiki-like gowns, animal prints, maxi coats, '50s and '60s-inspired plastic sunglasses and ostrich plumes. Swinging circle skirts, from mid-calf to mini added an Elizabeth Taylor element to the offerings."

Few of the celebrities that graced the momentous event were spokeswoman for Dior Perfume Charlize Theron along with Penelope Cruz, Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue and Anna Wintour who all offered praise and admiration for the collection.

Dior has forever been a leader in fashion and symbol of luxury ever since 1947, so it is no surprise that Galliano continues the tradition 60 years later!

Source: [Link]

Lindsay Lohan tops Maxim's Hot 100 list

Drew Barrymore may have topped People's list of the 100 Most Beautiful People, but she didn't even make Maxim's Hot 100.

Instead, controversial actress Lindsay Lohan took home the number one spot, forcing two-time recipient Eva Longoria to ninth. Maxim's Editor in Chief Jimmy Jellinik said in a press release Lohan's controversy is exactly why she was chosen.

Joining Lohan in the top ten are other young starlets, including Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson and Rihanna.

For an entire list of Maxim's Hot 100, click
here.

Source: [Link]

Miller Sisters 'Set up Shop'

Twenty8twelve is the newest celebrity clothing line from the two famous Brit Miller Sisters. Sienna Miller, who has long been known for setting the trends with her bohemian inspired chic looks, when paired with sister Savannah, who is a trained graduate of Central Saint Martins, seem to make the ideal pair for a brand new fashion line.

The collection is set to debut in August and "includes pieces such as sharply tailored wool jackets and trousers, Empire line silk smock dresses, skinny jeans and silk and jersey tops. It will retail from about $75 for a silk jersey tank to $650 for a leather jacket."

Watch out Kate Moss!


Source:[Link]

Beyonce and Armani Collaboration

Beyonce Knowles has been chosen to be the new face for Giorgio Armani's new perfume 'Emporio Armani Diamonds'. The new fragrance is due to release this fall and besides being part of the print and television advertisements, Knowles will lend her voice to the perfume's marketing scheme.

Knowles and Armani have long been acquainted, "in addition to having attended his fashion shows and wearing his gowns on a multitude of red carpets, the multitalented personality lent her support to the Emporio Armani RED launch initiative to fight the global AIDS epidemic".

Source:[Link]

Isabella Blow, fashion Svengali to many, Dies

For more on Isabella Blow, read the entire article at The New York Times.

Isabella Blow, a British fashion editor, aristocrat and aesthete whose gift for identifying and promoting new talent was occasionally overshadowed by her own Surrealist plumage, died yesterday in Gloucestershire, England. She was 48.

Her death, at a hospital, was reported by Geordie Greig, the editor in chief of Tatler, the British magazine where Ms. Blow was fashion director. No cause was given.

Among Ms. Blow’s many discoveries were the designers Alexander McQueen (she purchased his entire first collection), the Dior designer John Galliano and Jun Takahashi, the eccentric creator behind the label
Undercover.

She was credited with discovering the models Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl, whom she once characterized as a “blowup doll with brains.” And though “muse” may be a hackneyed term, it well served Ms. Blow’s lifelong relationship to the global guild of hatters, whom she challenged constantly to design something too mad for her to wear.

Both the couture milliners Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy, a baker’s son whose fashion confections are favored by the British royals, were also Ms. Blow’s finds.

“Isabella was this amazing bright light in a world of increasingly corporate culture,” said Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor, who hired Ms. Blow in the early 1980s to work as her assistant at British Vogue.

Ms. Blow became renowned for her sartorial daring. On a given day at the office, Ms. Wintour said, Ms. Blow might turn up dressed as a Greek goddess, Joan of Arc or an Indian maharani. During the ready-to-wear shows in New York, Milan and Paris, she might change clothes as often as seven times a day. She delighted in flouting convention and personal comfort, appearing in one-legged trouser suits, outfits of chain mail or a Japanese designer’s version of a burqa.

“She was aristocratic, in the old bohemian sense of anything is possible, yet she could talk about fashion with complete rigor in terms of silhouette, shape and historical context,” said Mr. Greig, the editor of Tatler. “She was an academic with a punk rocker’s anarchic sense.”

Costume Institute Gala 2007

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was where all the celebrities were Monday night. This year was a tribute to Paul Poiret and his designs as the "King of Fashion. While Lindsay Lohan rocked her black revealing dress, which left little to the imagination, other celebrities like Kristen Dunst and Naomi Campbell werent looking so hot. The gala is one of the most glamorous events that has celebs dressing to compete.

From vivid pinks, cobalt blues and deep purples to virginal whites the event was an array of colors in honour of Poiret. Jessica Simpson, John Mayer, Christina Ricci, Mischa Barton, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Lui, Jennifer Garner were some of the many stars that made the event a success. But this is just the beginning of this summer's red carpet events, so stay tuned for the hits and misses to come!

Source: [Link]

Fans determined to free Paris Hilton

It didn't take long for Paris Hilton supporters to create an online action group against the socialite's recent conviction.

The site claims Hilton is being oppressed and says it has two major protests planned to fight the sentence - one in Los Angeles and one in New York. No other details have been provided at this time.

Hilton was found guilty last week of violating probation on a recent DUI conviction and was sentenced to 45 days in jail. Hilton was found driving with a suspended licence after being pulled over for a broken taillight. She said she was unaware her licence was suspended at the time and has since apologized.

It's nice to see more American youth getting involved in politics...maybe soon they'll lend their activism to more substantial campaigns, like "Save Darfur."

Source: [Link]

Bad week for Lindsay Lohan

First pictures of starlet Lindsay Lohan allegedly snorting coke in a bathroom stall surface on the internet, and now some critics of her new film Georgia Rule are tearing the young actress’ film apart.

The movie is about a troubled teenager who is sent to live at her grandma’s [Jane Fonda] house for the summer in hopes of turning her life around. She parties, dabbles in eating disorders and has sex too much…sound familiar?

One particular review gave it merely one star out of four, calling the film a disappointing cliché of family empowerment. Its star-studded line up and production crew allegedly disappoint, despite their renowned past work. This is also the film Lohan received a notice from the head of the production company stating she was arriving late on set too often and sometimes not arriving at all.

However, other reviews say the film exceeds expectations. Decide for yourself this Friday when it hits theatres. It is rated R for sexual content…and irony.

Source: [Link]

Ty Pennington arrested in DUI

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition reality TV host Ty Pennington pulled a Paris Hilton Saturday morning when he was arrested in Hollywood under suspicion of DUI.

The carpenter publicly apologized to his fans and the ABC coworkers Monday, admitting he made a mistake.

“This is about accountability. Under no circumstances should anyone consume alcohol while driving. I could have jeopardized the lives of others and I am grateful there was no accident or harm done to anyone," Pennington said in a statement released through his publicist.

Pennington was arrested around 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning and released on $5,000 bail two hours later. He’s due back in court June 4.

The TV star called the incident a wake up call. Hopefully it put a nail in whatever drinking problem, if any, the stud may have.

Source: [Link]

Escada for the Younger

The first thing I think about when I pass by the Escada store in my area is reading through a Spanish catalog and having my mid-aged Spanish teacher remark, "Oh, is that an Escada catalog? I love Escada!"

Thus, I began to identify the brand with the refined and older group of women. Yet, the newly revamped Beverley Hills store opened with plenty of Hollywood's young starlets attending. With Sophia Bush and Gabrielle Union selecting dresses in this brightly colored store, Escada is no longer holding onto tradition.

As if up-and-coming Hollywood starlets aren't taking over everything already.

Source: [Link]

Paris Hilton Behind Bars

Poor Paris Hilton won't be partying for 45 days, unless you count bonding with her prison inmates.

She's been sentenced to jail for 45 days, to a 12-by-8 feet cell by herself.

Luckily, they've granted her request for a personal cell. Perhaps they'll let her have some wine with those low-sodium meals too?

Source: [Link]

The 'Smart' Look

Forget about those aviator sunglasses...the newest trend is glasses! At first I thought all the models were losing their eyesight but there's something really sexy about being smart, isn't there?

Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger have already picked up on this trend, and must I say...I almost want to pick up a classic novel and read it, as long as I have my glasses on.

Source: [Link]

Designer Eco-Fashion

Guilty about buying that seventh Gucci purse when you already have six sitting in your closet? Well, now you can buy environmentally-friendly designer clothes and stay stylish!

Designers such as Stella McCartney, Diesel, and Versace are using fabrics created from sustainable materials such as bamboo and corn. These textiles have the strength of traditional materials, but are much more versatile.

Forget about those hemp necklaces and organic sweatpants... you don't need to sacrifice high fashion!

Source: [Link]

Kate Moss Designs Clothing

Supermodel and style icon Kate Moss has released a collection of her own for the British chain store, Topshop. Now, stylish fans can wear styles inspired by Moss's own vintage and eclectic pieces.

For us North Americans though... we can only dream.


Source: [Link]

Gisele Bundchen Leaves Victoria's Secret

Gisele Bundchen, 26, has left Victoria's Secret. As one of Victoria's Secret's most famous supermodels to grace the angel wings, it will be extremely devastating to both men and women across the globe.

Her long legs and amazing abs are a legend among the Victoria's Secret Angels; who can measure up?

Source: [Link]