Wednesday, October 28, 2009

SUPER MODEL IN THE MAKING?

I think so.....

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

PRICELESS

Grace Coddington looking over her shoulder, and the girl in the hoodie, fur vest and Chanel bag. LOVE! style? thats style

Monday, October 26, 2009

IF I DIE

I request to be buried in these boots and nothing else...

THE HOUSE OF GUCCI

I read this book like 5 years ago when I was in fashion school and could go in the library and literally steal all sorts of delightful books for months at a time. This by FAR was one of the most riveting books I have read. Its like a murder mystery and its all very real. Just like "The rise and fall of the house of Barney's" the Gucci family manages to throw away an empire that was built on good old fashioned hard work. As always the first generation builds a foundation, second generation takes the business to the next level, and the third generation kind of just falls into a lot of wealth and entitlement which inevitably makes the cookie crumble. I recommend both books. Whats really exciting is Ridley Scott is set to direct the House of Gucci possibly starring Angelina Jolie. I almost wish they would make it more authentic with Italian actors and not go Hollywood blockbuster but I guess everyone has to make a dollar. Thoughts?

TWINS

I wonder what it feels like to be Donatella's doppelganger?

THE FACE REVIVAL

The magazine that launched Kate Moss is rumored to be making a comeback. The face used to be the benchmark of cool in the days before the internet. Bauer media is aiming to revive the face sometime next year in a digital only format. I love a good comeback

I LIKE SHORT SHORTS

Listen boys, shorts are here to stay. Shorts trending for spring in all shapes, prints and colors. Don't be afraid to show some leg. Be BOLD! How cute do they look? I love me a boy with style

PAPPA KARL I LOVE YOU

Friday, October 23, 2009

JENNA LYONS IS ON TRACK

I was recently in J Crew browsing and $600 later walked out with 4 bags full of goodies. I love J Crew. True I can shop anywhere and make the best of it but J Crew was an easy target. I put 3 of the most perfect outfits together and walked out feeling like a winner. On a side note the men's department is great for women too! I bought an over sized denim button down and cardigan that I love. Don't limit yourself.
Lyons is the creative director that's become the go to for women that demand designer style without designer prices. Each season its Lyons job to create a design story. Although she supervises a team of 25 women and 15 men's designers Lyons ultimately must approve thousands of pieces a year. I totally approve!

SNOOPY CHANEL

Monday, October 19, 2009

WHEN I GROW UP...

I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU!
-Scott Schuman

WE <3 PAYLESS

Payless has announced it will expand its ongoing Payless Gives Shoes For Kids program into Latin American countries. Payless will give gift coupons and each coupon is redeemable for one free pair at any footwear location in the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, and 10 Latin American countries.
Don't we love this? I have never shopped at Payless and I personally think their shoes are crap, but when someone reaches out to their community and is dedicated to giving back well, it changes everything. Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough and there's a pair of shoes with my name on it.

JIMMY CHOO FOR H & M

Jimmy Choo for H & M hits stores Nov 14 and I love it. I was pulling for a shoot the other day and I popped in to the H & M showroom. Nothing was off limits except this collection. You see the d-list celebrity that I was pulling for obviously wasn't good enough. I love those moments! Now what I did see I really liked. I'm sure that it will be sold out the first day and chaotic which always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not that desperate for it but I approve. Another thing I noticed was that the clothes in the H & M showroom where really cute. I asked Pansy who works there why that is and she said " we have this in the stores". I was like really? I guess when you bundle it all together with a lot of other crap and add chaos it all looks like shit. Maybe I'll give H & M another shot.

KARL LAGERFELD HATES FAT PEOPLE, CHILDREN, FOOD, AND YOU!

Food.
I hate the smell of cooking. Some people love it, but I don't care for it. I don't eat sweet things. I don't eat greasy things. And I like fish better than meat. In fact, I hate meat. My doctor calls me to eat meat twice a week, as apparently we are cannibals. There used to be a Nobu here in Paris but it was very bad; it was horrible. The one one in London is great. It's my favorite restaurant in London.

Fat people.
Yes, new Russian girls are like this. But this is a subject I won't discuss. You know why? In France there are a large percentage of young girls who are overweight and less than one percent are skinny. So let's talk about the 25 percent who have a weight problem, or are overweight. We don't need to discuss the less than one percent. Anorexia is nothing to do with fashion. These Russian girls are so young. Chinese ones are skinny, too, and bony. I don't think it's a subject to discuss. And in today's world, many people take drugs, not only models, hmm? It's an unnecessary subject. Let's talk about the fat ones.

Children.
Do you ever wish you had a son to pass on your wisdom to, to continue the Chanel heritage?
That's the last thing I want. I hate all children. For other people, it's fine, but not for me. I was born not to be a family person.

Going to other places that involve people.
I live in certain isolation. I never take appointments in the morning. I leave my house only after lunch. I don't want to have a social life. I've had enough of that in my life. It's demode. It's another era. Perhaps people are still excited by that era, but not me. It's uninteresting today. It says nothing. It's boring, pretentious and vulgar...Even for charity, people get paid. I try to avoid charity. It doesn't happen for me. I'm rich enough not to have to do that. Thank God I don't have to do that. I do a lot of unnecessary things for free, but I'm very much against that. Money itself isn't interesting, the use of it is.

Going to other places, period.
Sometimes, to be inspired by things or places, it's better not to go there. You have to imagine. I imagine the world from my window. I am not a traveler. I hate it. I never look at my watch. The good thing about private jets is that you go whenever you're ready. That's the real luxury of today. In all my contracts it says, if you want me, send a private jet.

People who try to touch him.
Also I cannot go on airlines because people stare at me, you have to be touched by people. I hate that...I hate bespoke because I hate to be touched by strangers. It bores me to death.

People who try to analyze him.
Diane von Furstenberg told me she thinks you may not be the best designer aesthetically, but that you're by far the smartest.
And look at her prints, hmm? Maybe I've known her for too many years. Maybe she's right, I don't know. If she were an expert, perhaps her designs may be more impressive...I'm not a frustrated writer or architect, I'm frustrated by nothing at all, and frustration is the mother of all crimes. Ambition? I have no ambition. I just want things in a certain way...I don't want to be a teacher. I don't want to inform others through myself. In that way, it's all for myself. I'm the most selfish person in the world. Being selfish, I take care of others. My mother always used to say, "Don't sacrifice yourself too much, because if you sacrifice too much there's nothing else you can give and nobody will care for you.

The nineties.
I think that Claudia Schiffer is better than ever. There are few very, very, very great girls. But it's not like in the '90s, the days of
Linda Evangelista. That's demode now, that's another era. Very tacky, hmmm? On the one hand there was something intellectual going on during that time. On the other, it was just tacky. But you know, decades have a look, a mood, but that was that. We know what the '90s looked like now, but during the '90s we thought it was great perhaps...I put on weight in the early '90s because clothes were so large, then they got tighter, so I slimmed down. Never go one size ahead. Go down but not up.

Technology, the internet, etc.
I'm a computer by myself. I have a memory also for unnecessary things. Telephone numbers are a problem, but historical details are not.

Love.
Love is a subject I don't analyze publicly. Love is only an interesting subject when it's beyond. When it's down to earth it ceases to become interesting. It's a very dangerous subject. I've had so many tragedies in life, it's hard to discuss the subject.

PROFILE OF THE WEEK

Anna Lee Fiorino is a stylist at Chaz Dean Studio In Los Angeles, CA. I met Anna 7 years ago and instantly fell in love. She is the best hair colorist hands down. Trust me I have been everywhere and back and I always get panic attacks when I have to part from her magical hands for long periods of time. Her love for fashion, style, color makes her the most well rounded hair stylist that I know. Not only is you hair always fabulous when her hands get done with you but Chaz Dean studios is based on the philosophy of healthy hair. Every product they use is hair friendly, meaning your hair always come out fresher and healthier. To make an appointment with Ann Lee Fiorino please contact:

Chaz Dean Salon
323.467.6444
6464 Cole Ave
Los Angeles, CA

Friday, October 16, 2009

ARTHUR ELGORT

I love this funny funny man. Over the past 30 years Arthur Elgort has become one of the most sought out fashion photographers. A favorite of Anna Wintour and a regular at Vogue his career is one to admire.
P.S How cute is he in his beret?

LEICA LOVE


On a trip to Peru for Teen Vogue I fell in love with a Leica. See you can always tell a real photographer when they are on a job and on their off time choose to still take pictures. This is why I heart Arthur Elgort and his Leica. The truth is that I didn't even know about these awesome cameras. The beauty of what I do is that I am constantly being introduced to new things. New and wonderful things. Its also quite debilitating because I have a HUGE Christmas list. This would definitely be in the top 10.

FLEET ILYA

Delicious. What a perfect way to combat flu season.

RAPUNZEL

You stole my heart

I WANT YOU

Maybe not now, but one day we will be together

I WISH I WORKED FOR PRADA

When Prada decides to lay off their work force they do it in style, temporarily. Its kind of like Holiday. A really great Holiday. You see during these work suspensions the Italian government will give up to 80% of the workers incomes. This literally is my dream scenario. Work a little take a siesta.




HAVE NO FEAR, BARNEY'S IS HERE!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barneys New York unveiled its ninth flagship Thursday with the opening of a store here that mixes ultra cool and whimsical design and display with touches of the Southwest desert. I have never been to Scottsdale, Arizona, but I
have been to Barneys and I'm quite positive that this would lift my spirits if ever faced with having to go there.

AVE MARIA


Linda Evangelista
Styled by Camilla Nickerson


Thursday, October 15, 2009

DONT YOU LOVE THIS ?

-SCOTT SCHUMAN

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

RED HEADED STEP CHILD

I cant seem to bring myself to even write anything on the subject. LA Fashion week is just always so subpar. The red headed stepchild if you will, and for good reason. I went last night to the Louis Verdad show with high expectations. After all at one point in his career he was a favorite of Madonna and was getting high accolades for some of his work. However I should have known better than to go with expectations because he too has let me down. You see I am a victim of having been exposed to the most beautiful creative artwork and now I hold everyone to that standard, and why shouldn't I? This is the thing, If you want to be a Rachel Pally then you should go ahead and do that, more power to you. MAKE THAT MONEY, but when people try to put themselves in a different league such as some LA Designers and feed it to me like its art well its a big downer. Give it up LA. Stick to what your good at. Anna Wintour is not knocking at your door.

TRENCH COAT TRENDING

A trench coat should be a staple in your wardrobe so if you don't have one go out and get one! One of the biggest trends for spring is the trench coat. Every designer had one from Dior to Marni. Personally I say stick with the classic Burberry Trench so your ALWAYS in style.

COCO ??

-SCOTT SCHUMAN

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I <3 ALI

BEHIND THE SCENES
My favorite Mormon. Ali Stephens might just be the sweetest girl walking the runways. I worked on this shoot which took place in the Canary islands. It might have been one of the most gorilla shoots I have ever been on. Shot by old school Hans Feurer it was always challenging to to conform to his way of doing things. There is NEVER a budget for I-D so I suppose that made this gorilla shoot quite authentic.
Ali Stephens wears Givenchy

ISABEL MARANT COMES TO NY

I did not love Spring 2010 but I do love the brand so therefore I am excited that Isabel Marant has signed a lease to open her first US store in SoHo. The 2,557 square foot unit is at 55 Greene St on the corner of Broome. For NY standards that's pretty luxurious. Marant said the store which will open in February will carry Isabel Marant Etoile , Accessories, and Jewels. I discovered Isabel Marant on my first trip to Paris in 2001. I really felt like I stumbled upon something brilliant that was my secret. Little did I know that Isabel Marant had been doing her clothing line since 1994 and had become the nonchalant Parisian It girl. Her clothing started infiltrating US boutiques and now everyone can be a part of the experience. Her boho Parisian Chic style defines everything I love.

YOHJI RESCUED

Having recently filed for bankruptcy Mr. Yamamoto held a press conference Friday evening at their flag ship store. He goes to say “I’ve had my company for over 30 years, and I consider myself to be a designer first. I left many of the everyday business activities to others, but I think one reason that the company has come to this is that I left too much to others,” Yamamoto, dressed in a long black coat and sneakers, said. “I was told about the positive things, but many of the bad things didn’t reach my ears.”
I have to say that this is a common attitude when your dealing with someone creative that chooses to put all their time and efforts into making something brilliant rather than being bothered with numbers, figures and strategy. Every great creative mind has an equally as brilliant counter part that usually deals with the business aspect of making the brand as successful as it should be. Valentino and Giammetti, Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, Jacobs and Robert Duffy, Calvin Klein and Barry Schwartz. However it is true that regardless of how brilliant you may be at steering your business in the right direction even the best of them have faced growing pains and struggled with finance.
To Yohji Yamamoto's rescue is Integral who will form a special purpose company to acquire Yamamoto’s businesses, assets and subsidiaries. Once it has approval from the Tokyo District Court, the special purpose vehicle will become the new Yohji Yamamoto Inc. and the designer is expected to retain a minority stake in that firm. Established in 2007, Integral is a private equity fund targeting “long-term” investments in the Japanese market. Its current portfolio includes an investment in machinery company Business Process Solution. Integral is backed by GCV Savvian Group Corp., which has offices in Tokyo, several U.S. cities and London.


TRENDING

Bold graphic prints on Paris runways. Everybody bust out your tiger print poncho.

Monday, October 12, 2009

JUST FOR FUN

Because we cant always be skinny...

DONT CALL ME FAT!

My favorite model, Lara Stone is the latest girl to fall victim of industry pressure. Lara recently spoke with Elle UK and reveled " I don't want to be the fat one anymore". OK so Lara is a size 4, has HUGE breast, a big butt and a tiny waist. Is this not the perfect human being? Technically yes but for the industry NO. I have to admit I too think of her as the + size model in a waif world, but she will never be the androgynous size - 0 that Freja is, and isn't that why we love her? True she cant fit in a lot of clothing which is why you will see her in fashion spreads baring her breasts. Lara has now changed her regimen to include more gym time Pilate's etc etc. Well good for her, I suppose bettering yourself is always a good thing. I guess it doesn't help that Karl Lagerfeld hates fat people. It is what it is, but I love her either way!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

ROAD TO MOROCCO

If ever there was a place to go THIS is it. Morocco's 86-year old La Mamounia in Marrakech is re-opening after three years of renovations by superstar designer Jacques Garcia. This oasis offers craftsmen sculpted ceilings, hand painted doors, re-landscaped gardens, rich fabrics and luxurious custom made furniture. Don't fret in addition to a lake size swimming pool it houses a 27,00 square foot spa.. Im there already. For you foodies the 3 story alhambra-like structure will house a moroccan restaurant. Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato helms a french restaurant while Alfonso laccarino overseas an italian dining room. When I discovered my love for Yves Saint Laurent I also discovered Marrakech. You cannot know one and not the other since this oasis was a big part of Mr. Saint Laurent's existence. If anyone ever wishes to whisk me away this is the place to take me.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

Having been founded in Paris in 1988, Belgium designer Martin Margiela has put out a coffee table book which includes essays by Jean Paul Gaultier and Carine Roitfeld among others and 400 color photos of the designers work. This is the first book to document the work of the fashion atelier. In the spirit of Margielas garments this book is a work of art in itself. This unlike the horrible collection put out for Spring 2010 is designed exclusively by Margiela.



DO YOU KNOW DOMINIC JONES?

If you don't know NOW you know. " Dominic Jones is the badass jeweler making baddass jewelry for badass bitches and badass boys" SAY WHAT?

A COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP

My love for Etro is like a complicated relationship. I am completely in love with it yet sometimes I don't understand why it is the way it is...I get upset and ignore it, yet I always come back for more. This collection incorporated everything I love about this brand. The beautiful prints, romantic dresses and exotic fabrics were screaming my name. Veronica Etro has never shied away from rich paisleys and striped fabrics and bold prints for which her family's textile and fashion company is famed .

Saturday, October 10, 2009

PATRICIA VON MUSULIN

I worked on this shoot for MIXTE RIP with Belen Casadevall. Although the people at Patricia are quite difficult, one would say crazy, their jewelry is really quite amazing. I was most impressed with Belen and her ability to put things together on a whim and the mantra that we kept on chanting which was MORE IS MORE. I love the way she accessorized the jewelry and most of all I loved her calm and generous nature. Having worked with many fashion editors she is a rare breed and one that I treasure.

PIERRE HARDY MUST HAVES


STOCKING STUFFERS BECAUSE IM WORTH IT

Marni
24-karat gold leaf necklace
$1,300

Anita Ko
18-Karat Diamond Pyramid Studs
$1,600

A NIEMAN MARCUS CHRISTMAS

My Pick: an exclusive private dinner party of fine food, engaging wit, and sparkling conversation at New York City's legendary, literary Algonquin Hotel that can be bought for $200,000.00

I DIE FOR HER

Dita Von Teese in Christian Lacroix for December cover of Harpers. Ave Maria this dress is stunning...

MRS. CRAIG McDEAN

Tabitha Simmons debuted her new footwear collection this year at Bergdorf's. She styled New York fashion week, but for Paris she opted out and instead took appointments to focus on the buyers. Let me just say that the reason I did not post the actual collection is because its quite terrible. I choose a picture of Tabitha as it is much more pleasing to the eye. Tabitha Simmons is the wife of Craig McDean and quite frankly the only reason she is a stylist. A mediocre one at best. Her shoe collection retails anywhere from $800-$2,500.

GREY


This season Gareth opted for a soft fluttering slashed chiffon and loose knits in all shades of grey. I look forward to seeing his collections. Gone is the sculptural look I fell in love with that put him in the fashion spotlight. Pugh's trademark is his experimentation with form and volume. He often describes his designs as being " about the struggle between lightness and darkness". Although maybe not a commercially successful brand it is definitely an influential one. Isn't that more important?

IRVING PENN: SMALL TRADES


IRVING PENN: SMALL TRADES
SEPT 9, 2009-JAN 10, 20010 AT THE GETTY CENTER

ROYALLY SCREWED

Someone I once dated tried to impress me with this bottle of perfume as my birthday present. Well he did. It is my all time favorite fragrance/possession. Why am I royally screwed? Because this very tiny beautiful bottle can cost up to $900. That's right $900!! Now I'm not a practical person and when i feel like I need something/ cant live without it, I search high and low to get it. I always get it. Now for the rest of my life i will be a slave to saving up quarters so I can get this most amazing little bottle of pure goodness.

Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019