Friday, January 23, 2009

Yes Wu Can!

When Michelle Obama, now the Frist Lady, walked onto the stage for her husband's Inagural Ball, she looked more stunning and more beautiful then she has ever looked. She was wearing the gown designed by young talent named Jason Wu. Wu said he designed the dress with "hope, a feeling of newness, a dream like quality to the gown and making a moment of history".

Like everyone else that night, Wu was sitting at home eating pizza with friends and taking in this monumental moment. But what he didn't know until he saw the First Lady was that she was wearing his one-shouldered white gown that he designed for her. Wu had no warning, not even a hint that Michelle would be wearing his design. Wu was working with Ikram Goldman from Ikram in Chicago, to design a dress for Michelle for a formal occassion. The only memo he got was that the dress had to sparkle. Jason never had the opportunity to meet Michelle but when he finished the dress, he personally delievered it to Chicago. The dress laid on his lap during the entire flight. Wu recalled "there was no way I was checking it in." So when Jason was watching the Inagural Ball he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Michelle wearing his one-of-a-kind gown.

This truly shows the kind of woman Michelle is and the kind of First Lady she will be. She could have picked anyone from Valentino to Armani, as she undoubtedly had all the fashion houses hoping she would choose one of their gowns. But she went with a young 26 year old designer that she knew, this moment would change his life. All this power in one dress, its incredible.

Jason Wu was born and raised in Taipei and came to Vancover when he was a boy. At age nine he learned how to sew, draft patterens and sketch. He later went to study fashion in Tokyo and finished his senior year of high school in Paris, where he realized his dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Next, Wu enrolled in the prestigous Parsons School of Design. Parsons alumni includes Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, the list goes on. In January 2008 and July 2008 he was nominated as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

Now, Jason is gearing up for Fashion week, his sixth show, and biggest one yet. He will have more press then ever before and be one of the hottest and most anticipated shows. The world knows who he is now and will be waiting to see what he will do next. Fingers crossed Michelle will be at Fashion week sitting in the first row at Jason's upcoming show.




The accessories were perfectly chosen.



The dress will be donated to the Smithsonian museum.


Jason Wu in W Magazine last year with Gemma Ward

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Gap at it again...

Gap has hired three top models for their Spring 09 campaign: Jessica Stam, Erin Wasson and Eddie Kilnt. The models look stunning and very all-american but can Gap please stimulate us just a little please. Gap is one of those places we all visit but never really buy anything from? Maybe I am just speaking for myself? They have incredibly boring clothes but all the basic staples a boy or girl needs. Gap has the money to hire and pay the most sought after models but their ads usually still come up flat and uninspiring. Maybe I am being too hard on good old Gap because they serve their purpose. Anyone from a baby to a Grandmother can be dressed from one single store which is pretty amazing. But do you really wanna shop where you can buy something for the entire family?

Monday, January 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Kate! We Love You!

Kate Moss: model, style icon, muse, mother, drug addict. Call her what you will but there is no denying that Kate Moss has been one of the most successful and influential models of all time. She is 35 today which marks 20yrs since landing her first modeling job for The Face.

Kate Moss kicked off her birthday celebration with an epic four day celebration with her usual circle of close and chic friends. Moss started at the posh Dorchester Hotel in London at one her favourite restaurants, the China Tang. After a reported nine hours of drinking and eating with her mother Linda, and boyfriend Jamie Hince she left the hotel at 4am with a bottle of wine and glass with her silver Rolls Royce waiting for her. She returned back at her million pound flat to be rested for the following night as the party had just begun. The following day crates of vodka, beer and champagne were being wheeled into her home. Along with a pig on a spit, antique chairs and a mounted deer head. Yet again, Peta won't be happy with Moss's medieval theme. The guests were treated to a performance by Lionel Richie. Who knew? The guest list included Jude Law's ex-wife, Sadie Frost, Stella McCartney, Noel Gallaghers ex-wife Meg Mathews, and Davinia Taylor. These friends of Kate have stood by her for years, proving Kate has more loyal friends then most for the moment celebrities.

Moss who rarely gives interviews, still lands the most coveted campaigns today. She is the face of the Versace Spring 2009 ads, shot by Mario Testino. Moss will also be the face of Longchamp, which she has been since Spring 06. She will also be shooting the Spring 09 campaign for best mate Stella McCartney. Just to name a few. Kate is without a doubt giving the younger models a run for their money. So why unlike so many models that come and go, has Kate had the staying power that she does? Even at an age where most industry insiders love to write off any model when they get to her age. Kate embodies what we all strive for: eternal youthfulness. She continues to work and seems to get better with age and nobody seems to be getting tired of looking at her.

Kate Moss has staying power because not only does she have that je ne sais quoi quality but because she creates trends and seems to be ahead of the curve. From her skinny jeans, tights, ankle boots, vests and rock and roll disheveled look she has everyone from British school girls to grown women copying her style. Even fellow celebs seem to be inspired by her look, ie. Lindsey Lohan, Nicole Richie. It only makes sense that she created her own line for British retailer Top Shop. Her partnership with Top Shop has been hugely successful and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Items have been known to sell out within moments of them going on sale.

Kate Moss’s life and image sells magazines, tabloids and fashion campaigns, so until she stops intriguing the public she won't be going anywhere for a very long time and it seems nobody is getting tired of her yet.

So Happy Birthday Kate! Stay beautiful and keep inspiring us!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Katie Holmes fronts Miu Miu Spring 2009 Ad

Katie Holmes looks stunning and oh so inspiring for Miu Miu Spring 09. Katie is now among a list of Hollywood A-listers Miuccia Prada has chosen to front her campaigns. Previous actors have been Kirsten Dunst, Lindsay Lohan, Chloe Sevigny and Drew Barrymore. Holmes was photographed in New York by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot. You can't help but have a Mediterranean feel with the sun drenched background.



Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Celebs vs. Runway: Golden Globes 2009

Demi Moore vs. Arlenis Sosa
Christian Dior Spring 2009 Re
ady To Wear



Isla Fisher vs. Eniko Mihalik
Carlos Miele Spring 2009 Ready To Wear



Evan Rachel Wood vs. Emina Cunmulaj
Elie Saab Fall 2006 Haute Couture




Marisa Tomei vs. Lily Donaldson
Oscar de la Renta Spring 20
09 Ready to Wear


Remove Formatting from selection
Anne Hathaway vs. Drielle Valeretto

Armani Prive Fall 2006 Haute Couture




Renee Zellweger vs. Georgina Stojilkovic
Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2009 (modified)