FashionPeddler.com Fashion News

Who hasn’t done a capsule collection for H&M or Target? Next up is French designer Jean Paul Gaultier for Target for S/S 2010. The collection will be available from early March until early April 2010. I envision the collection will consist of pieces like matelot sweaters, sailor stripes, a bustier or two, and something ethnic. With a bit of luck, Gaultier will bring something unusual & lively into the closets of mass America. The muse for the collection is yet to be announced & I foresee someone “Sticky & Sweet” whose name starts with “M.” - Ashkan.

I can’t help but hear the Queen song “Another One Bites the Dust” ring through my Tiffany studded ears. Yohji Yamamoto filed for bankruptcy in Japan reporting $76 million in debts. The 39 year old label isn’t the only one on shaky ground in Japan. Versace is closing all doors and leaving the island country. Louis Vuitton nixed plans for a mega store as Japanese shoppers are turning to more budget friendly lines. Unlike the fate of his creative peer Christian Lacroix, Yamamoto accepted cash assistance from an investor in order to continue operations. Yamamoto is a necessity in the fashion wolrd as he is often removed from current trends with whopping silhouettes in forward-thinking textures. – Ashkan.

One of my favorite books growing up was My Love Affair with Jewelry by grand dame Elizabeth Taylor. The book coupled with my mother’s vast Cartier baubles was my first introduction to the art of jewelry. However, jewelry doesn’t have to by “glitzy glam” a la Donatella V. or Elizabeth T. My own tastes for jewelry have evolved into an appreciation for the somber, minimalist designs like those of Eddie Borgo (www.eddieborgo.com). The New York-based designer creates contradictory pieces where punk meets architecture. His geometric inspired pieces are a hybrid of fine jewelry & street jewelry. Not in Guess? Jeans or bedazzled skull & cross bones way either. The pieces may contain spikes, jagged edges, or refined nails in the most delicate of settings. His recently collaborations include lines for Joseph Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, Marchesa, Camilla Staerk, and Jen Kao. – Ashkan.

In one of the most dubious moves in fashion history, the House of Emanuel Ungaro appointed Lindsay Lohan as “artistic advisor.” The decision prompted designer Estaban Cortazan to voluntarily resign from his post & Ungaro brought on unknown designer Estrella Archs as a replacement. Lohan’s deal is a multi-year contract that requires her to “oversee everything as different generations have different ideas” said Mounir Moufarrige of Emanuel Ungaro. In 2005, the 44 year old label was sold to Pakistani Internet tycoon Asim Abdullah. I am bewildered as I report this & I ask “what has fashion become?” - Ashkan.

Surprisingly, even the world’s most influential fashion magazine editor doesn’t shop much. Anna Wintour told the London Times, she will do her bit part to help with Fashion’s Night Out & boost to the market. Her personal list includes: something in red, new boots, and a savage fur. How… concise and precise, the way fashion should be. - Ashkan.

On the forthcoming Fashion’s Night Out, Justin Timberlake & bromantic, co-founder of William Rast Trace Ayala will appear at Saks Fifth Avenue’s SnAKS café. They will be promoting the exclusive, in-house Wiliam Rast pop up shop, which will remain for one month. If seeing Justin isn’t enough, the first 150 guests to spend $200 on William Rast products will be invited to a private benefit with JTL (and Trace). Oh my, cry me a river! - Ashkan.

An official announcement will be made after Fashion Week, but American designer Peter Som has been in talks with Tommy Hilfiger. The sportswear brand has been looking for a new creative director for several years without success. Som will show his spring 2010 collection on September 16th at MILK Studios. Peter Som graduated from Parsons & launched his first collection in 2001. He has previously worked for Bill Blass, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein. Let’s hope Tommy gets Som soon. – Ashkan.

1. A coat by Jason Wu.
2. A print dress by Mary Katrantzou.
3. The relaunch of Versus by Versace. Anything.
4. A dress by Raf Simons for Jil Sander.
5. Organza dress by Christopher Kane.
6. Evita dress by Moschino.
7. Cashmere dress by Prayer Haute Couture.
8. Ankle boot stilettos by Nicholas Kirkwood.
9. Biker jeans by Balmain.
10. Crocodile dress by RM for Roland Mouret.
11. Jade jewelry.
12. Fur stole by Lanvin.
13. Quilted miniskirt by Balmain.

After the S/S 2010 shows in October, Jean Paul Gaultier will resign as creative director of Hermes. Gaultier replaced Martin Margiela in 2003 & after six years neither the designer nor the company are commenting. Hermes does own 35% of Gaultier’s company & perhaps it was merely a conflict of interest. Gaultier increased profitability for Hermes with 12% overall growth, 33% increase in leather goods, and 13% increase in apparel. In true equestrian style, Gaultier shall ride away. – Ashkan.

Add to the growing roster of designers for retailer H&M… Mr Jimmy Choo. The extensive line will carry clothing & shoes for both men & women. The invitation to create a capsule collection for H&M was to bring sophistication & glamour to a more easily reached price point. On November 14, 250 stores will sell the line. I recommend wearing running shoes as I assure you there will be a stampede of Carrie Bradshaw wanna-be’s on their way to get the Choo fix. – Ashkan.