OBAMA - He's Bringing Suiting Back!

President Elect Barack Obama is responsible for creating a renewed interest in Men's dressing.   Obama is a sharp dressed man.   As we all saw from the recent tabloid pics, Mr. Obama looks good regardless if he is in a suit and tie or in board shorts.   The country hasn't seen a president who looks this good since JFK - and I don't know that we have ever had a president who was in better physical shape than Barack.    It doesn't matter if you shop at Men's Werehouse or Barneys there are many,  many options for you to emulate the look.  

Mr. Obama will inspire an entire generation of young men to dress the part for their professional life.

The fashion world is all saying  - Hail to the Chief!

Golden Globes - as Sober as the Economy!

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards were broadcast live last night from Los Angeles.   What is known as the pre-cursor to the Oscars , the globes are always the official start to the Hollywood buzz for the golden statue.   Winners at the Globes are on the short list of those who take home the coveted Oscar.   While the Oscars are the very formal, the Globes are known to be more relaxed and enjoyable for the stars.   The most obvious reason:  free drinks.   While the Oscar ceremony is presented theater style, the Golden Globes are dinner theater style.   Celebs sit at round tables with the cast of the project involved and they eat and drink - mostly drink.    This usually leads to more comical speeches.  

This year the show was decidedly more somber.   Maybe it was because several major movies were of depressing topics such as suburban melodrama like  Revolutionary Road or The Reader which dealt with the Holocaust.   Both saw Kate Winslet take home the Globe - as best actress and best supporting actress.     Also, Heath Ledger won for his role in the Dark Knight.   While most were happy to see him awarded for this performance - it did change the mood to that of a memorial service..  how could it not - his death is such a tragedy.   

I think also the country has serious issues about the economy in their face, like unemployment.   President Elect Obama has created such a buzz that politics seem to be what everyone is talking about.   Not who wore what where.

The red carpet... it was nice.   Many "nice" looks.   I'll give you one high and one low.

Maggie Gyllenhaal was beautiful in Lanvin.   I've gone on and on before about Alber Elbaz for Lanvin - Maggie was a perfect example of why.    Her makeup was also flawless.

Beyonce on the other hand .. looked like a model at a car show or one of those girls on the Price is Right.    An Elie Saab gown did nothing for her curves and was poorly paired with this textured diamond necklace.   Her stylist must be legally blind.   Where was an amazing Mugler number on her fabulous body??   I have reported here how he will be the creative director of her upcoming tour - couldn't Thierry have whipped up something for her?   Beyonce... we like  it , so put a Mugler on it already! wuh wuh whoa, wuh wuh whoa whoa..

Bernie Madoff Madness Continues!

The craziness surrounding swindler of the century - Bernie Madoff goes on and on.   I snapped this pic yesterday on the upper east side - in front of Madoff's building.   What a nightmare to have the press camped out on the street non-stop!   Madoff deserves all the scrutiny and more, but I feel sorry for the other neighbors in the building.    You feel like going to the deli at midnight for some Haagen Dazs... and Fox News is going to catch it!  Wait a minute...on second thought, I love it.    All those high maintenance wives will be working their stylists and make-up artists overtime... so they are camera ready at every angle.   Just the shot in the arm the local economy needs!!   Although, it won't make a dent in the damage this crook has done.   Think of all the $$ that won't be spent on fashion due to this fraud.  Noone involved has totally clean hands - greed is dirty.

MADOFF SHOULD BE IN JAIL!  Not on probation mailing million dollar "gifts" to friends.

DKNY Giving It Away - What about Brand Image?

I snapped this pic on Madison Avenue today.   While many of the designer boutiques are attempting to bring some normalcy back to the retail environment after those crazy holiday sales - DKNY is practically giving it all away.

When I saw this window - I couldn't help but cringe.   We all appreciate a bargain, but when you see this type of extreme mark down doesn't it make you think why is all this stock left?   I think your image of the company is diminished in the long run, and there is weakening of the brand.

 
It's hard to believe that a decade ago DKNY was as aspirational as any major label.   When advertising mastermind Peter Arnell first designed the company logo for Donna Karan and coined the DKNY nickname - the collection was hot!  

Now.... 90% off!!   At this point, why not dump the stock to off-price retailers?  The collection should just be sent down to Century 21.   Tourists expect huge deals there and the store could save face instead of having to sell the collection for 10%.