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Recent posts :: Demi-Couture :: Niche or Outlandish? :: A Doomed Fashion? :: Tongue-in-Cheek Marketing Targets Divorcees :: Luxury = More bathroom stalls for women ::
Women :: Demi-CoutureThis month's Town and Country magazine has a photo montage entitled "The Rise of Demi-Couture". At price points start close to $11,000, then climb to $28,000 and finally, "prices upon request" evening gowns are illustrated and described as combining the "craftsmanship of haute couture with the accessibility of ready-to-wear fashion". The workmanship, from hand sewn pheasant feathers to individually placed sequins, is highlighted to emphasize the couture element. At these prices for just the "demi" and not the "full" couture, it's a sign of the times that we're indeed living in the "Gilded Age".December 11, 2007 :: Comments (0) :: TrackBack (0) Women :: Niche or Outlandish?I've been reading about some interesting fashion innovations of late, most of which are unlikely to grace the covers of Vogue, W or Harper's Bazaar, but even so, they're worth a mention.Driving in heels is difficult and uncomfortable. Of course, there's the option to taking them off before starting the engine, but here's a much glamorous idea. Why not go from Stilettos to flats with a push of a button? These sexy, pink and black stilettos by Sheila's Wheels are both classy AND practical. Says Jacky Brown from Sheila's Wheels, "Our Sheila Driving Heel design could provide safety-conscious female motorists with the ultimate driving shoe - allowing women to wear a safe flat shoe whilst driving, and a fashionable heel once they are out of the car." Unlike your average pair of Jimmy Choos, Sheila's Heels won't scuff on the back. June 28, 2007 :: Comments (0) :: TrackBack (0) Lifestyle :: A Doomed Fashion?Call it what you will: Preppy Goth or Pirate Chic - skulls and crossbones have gone from fringe to fashion forward. Personally, I 'm fascinated to watch the commercialization of such an "anti-commercial" subculture become so prominent in collectible art and haute fashion.
The trend has also invaded the conservative mainstream. I can see why kids are catching on, emulating their Pirates of the Caribbean anti-hero, Captain Jack Sparrow. Children's swim trunks with embroidered skulls are reputed to be a best seller at J. Mclaughlin - preppy retailer of the New York and the Hamptons - beating out the whales, Nantucket red and madras plaid. In Vivre, a high end catalogue of distinctive clothing and accessories, high priced bijoux includes Christofle skull cufflinks and a crystal skull necklace with Swarovski roundels. And look at the success of retailer Chrome Hearts accessories line, inspired by the macabre. Love it or loathe it, I can only guess this trend speaks to the little/formative punk in us all. June 20, 2007 :: Comments (0) :: TrackBack (0) Trends :: Tongue-in-Cheek Marketing Targets DivorceesThis may come across as depressing for some, liberating for others. No matter which camp you're in, retailers and marketers are targeting a new group - divorcees with disposable income and a propensity to impulse-buy. Statistics show that half of all marriages are ending in divorce and settlements are increasingly equitable between former spouses. Essie nail polishes, famous for its cheeky polish names, has a new "Starting Over" set, with names like Ready-Set Ex, Wife Goes On, E-nuff is E-nuff, My Way, Pinking Up the Pieces, and Starter Wife. They advertise that "These adventurous colors will be sure to pick up your mood as you're moving along on your new life." Sharing the same name, there's a cable TV series called "The Starter Wife" starring Debra Messing, which is being billed as a sexy, savvy comedy about life after divorce.June 14, 2007 :: Comments (0) :: TrackBack (0) Women :: Luxury = More bathroom stalls for womenI recently flew into the new American Airlines terminal in New York's JFK International Airport. Everything was sparkling new and state-of-the-art, but one thing hasn't changed: the scarcity of bathroom stalls for women. Similarly, Miami's new Cesar Pelli-designed Performing Arts Center is rich in expensive wood, stunning lighting and marble, yet there are the same limited numbers of stalls in the ladies room, risking long lines at short intermission. Forget the marble, granite and amenities - when are architects and their public facility clients going to get the message and give us more stalls!June 7, 2007 :: Comments (0) :: TrackBack (0) |
The most stunning is Damien Hirst's recent headline grabbing work: a platinum skull cast from an 18th century skull, encrusted with 8601 diamonds. I read this is expected to sell for a staggering sum of $100 million!