Gird your loins!!! - Anna Wintour's Met Ball is happening NOW.   Make plans to visit the MET this Spring to see the latest exhibit in the Costume Institute.   This years theme is PUNK.   See how this anti-establishment movement has come full circle.   Irony at it's best!  Click over to watch the red carpet arrivals live - or to follow up on what went down!!  (It's better than being there).

EVA MENDES FOR ANGELJust when we thought all the rebelious fashion designers were being pushed aside by corporate soldiers just looking to make bank- Thierry Mugler gets drawn back in!   Over the pastANGEL PARFUM - THE ICONIC FRAGRANCE CREATED BY THIERRY MUGLER few years, the industry saw a bit of a declawing of some of the most creative and troubled souls.   Alexander McQueen ended his own life, John Galliano threw his job at Dior away with an antisemitic tirade, and Nicolas Ghesquiere up and left Balenciaga.   While Ghesquiere is not exactly James Dean in the rebel department, his designs did push the boundaries of what was expected on a Parisian runway.  There are those that would say Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld are rebels,but in reality - they are both commercial designers working with luxury materials, which gives it novelty.   In fairness Karl usually starts a trend that Marc and most other designers follow.

Thierry Mugler however, THIERRY MUGLER'S FAMOUS ROBOT SUIT -WORN BY JOANNE - LATE 90'Sthis is a rebel.  His collections that stormed the runways in the 80's through the late nineties were showstoppers that were so sexually charged, they raised the blood pressure of editors, buyers, and designer customers around the world.   During Mugler's heyday, he was the epitome of cool, chic, French fashion.  With exaggerated shoulders, busts, and hips - a Thierry Mugler skirt suit gave women an hourglass figure that could stop traffic.  The fit was so extreme in fact, some called Mugler a misogynist.VINTAGE MUGLER SKIRT SUIT WITH JEWEL ENCRUSTED BUSTIER  Ironic as to Thierry, he was empowering women to use their sexuality to rule the world.   Mugler himself is a six foot tall, tattooed, tanned, muscled Frenchman - often in leather pants and a codpiece.   His early years as a ballet dancer would shape his approach to design, his staging of runway shows, and just about everything he created.   Star Trek and Barbarella where also two powerful influences on how he saw the world of his dreams.   

His instincts made Mugler a famous designer, but the quality and savoir-faire of the RTW the house produced made him a legend in fashion circles.   The quality was impeccable.  The fabric, the finishing, and the hardware.  Thierry made every detail an experience.  The star shaped ornaments that served as jacket closures were custom made by a jewelry house.   The fabric covered snaps that would hold every womens jacket and mens shirt closed were perfect little works of art.    

Then his groundbreaking fragrance ANGEL was created, which would change Thierry's life forever.  Like the greatest French fashion house before him, it would become the cash cow for the houseTHIERRY MUGLER & MUSE - JERRY HALL - VH-1 / VOGUE - FASHION MUSIC AWARDS - LATE 90'S and take the legend of Thierry Mugler to a global audience.   Soon the skincare legend Clarins would be involved, and ultimately buy controlling interest in the company.  Thierry became a very rich man, but he remained the rebel that made him a star.  NEW POP SENSATION AND FASION "IT" GIRL- RITA ORA- IN MUGLEREventually the RTW collection would close, but not before Mugler showed true Couture in Paris - a distinction that most designer collections have never achieved.  The name disappeared from runways and from the lips of most in the fashion world, but not those obsessed wtih the world of fragrance.   Angel would grow to become a huge brand in fragrance spawning additional scents - Alien, and Womanity.   Strong, distinctive, and unlike anything you have ever worn - just what you expect from Thierry.   Mugler would remain as creative director of fragrances up until early 2013.  

Lady Gaga would be the catalyst to re-launch the fashion house of Thierry Mugler.  Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti would dress her in a custom Mugler ensemble, and like the effect she had on Alexander McQueen, suddenly the name Mugler was back.   Formichetti would be named creative director of a newly retooled MUGLER collection.   Not the RTW Parisian collection it had been, but a more cartoon like version of the diffusion line that already existed.  This reincarnation of MUGLER would star Gaga herself in the first runway show in Paris.   This newly launched MUGLER was not a commercial success.  It was no surprise for anyone in the industry, as choosing Formichetti to head a French fashion house was a bit absurd. NICOLA FORMICHETTI & LADY GAGA - IN MUGLER ON THE MUGLER RUNWAY It was almost as odd as the brief moment Lindsay Lohan was chosen as co-creative director of Ungaro.   Of course that did not work.   THIERRY "MANFRED" MUGLER IN 2012Formichetti had Gaga as his ace card, and even her immense fame could not make a collection relevent.

So now in 2013 it has been announced that Thierry Mugler himself will be returning to the company he founded.  Not as creative director, but as a creative consultant. These days Theirry prefers to be called Manfred Mugler, and his physical appearance remains as much a work in progress as his fashion designs.    It remains to be seen what this will actually mean - but we can all hope Thierry Mugler will return to the Paris runways soon.  It's hard to imagine Thierry aka Manfred taking direction from anyone, so stay tuned for how this development plays out.

OLIVIA PALERMO WEAR CUSTOM L'ICONA FERRAGAMO VARAS IN PARISLong before Carrie Bradshaw's obsession with Manolo Blahnik and the Red Sole Diaries of Mr. Louboutin, the most famous shoe maker in the world was making bank with a classic shoe women around the world were collecting in their closet.   The Ferragamo Vara was instantly retro and right on trend.

WWW.ICONA.FERRAGAMO.COM

Salvatore Ferragamo was the premiere shoe maker in Hollywood, from the day he opened his Hollywood Boot Shop back in the 1930's.   MODEL JESSICA HART AT THE FERRAGAMO L'ICONA LAUNCH PARTY IN NYCThe avant-garde visionary who created the stiletto for Marilyn Monroe, tFERRAGAMO VARA ICONA CUSTOMIZED SHOES - $550.00he Ballet Flat for Audrey Hepburn, the wedge for Judy Garland, and on and on, Ferragamo never saw a foot he couldn't create a work of art for.  Thirty five years ago, Ferragamo's eldest daughter and design partner, Fiamma, created a flat shoe for women to wear with the look of the moment - cropped pants!   The Vara was born.   The iconic bow and the made in Italy quality made these shoes must haves.   Fast forward thirty five years, and the House of Ferragamo is one of the biggest fashion empires in the world.   With over 600 stores globally, to say the name Ferragamo means "luxury shoes" around the world is a fact.  May 1st, 2013 marks the re-launch of the Vara Icon.  L'Icona is a dedicated website and media blitz that celebrates the launch of the custom Vara program, giving the woman who has everything a chance to have something that no one else has!  Custom Shoes.   With several hundred combinations of colors, bows, and skins, L'ICONA is the perfect first pair of Varas for the young fashion girl - or the ultimate gift to the devoted Ferragamo fan.   The launch features 21 gorgeous and talented socialites, models, and celebrities sharing their own customized Varas over the course of 21 days!  Watch sneak peak of the video from www.icona.ferragamo.com below:

J.CREW MILITARY JACKETIn the fashion world, there are iconic references that return again and again every few years. MEN'S CAMO PANT AT NORDSTROM While they never really disappear completely, some years they appear in so many collections - they are a bona-fide trend.   More noticeable than cut or style, it's colors and patterns that steal the headlines.   Pinstripe, Hounds tooth, Paisley, and Prince of Wales Plaid are great examples.   One that has less sophisticated or designer roots is Military and Camouflage patterns. VALENTINO CAMO TOTE - SAKS 5TH AVENUE  Inspired from the platoons of every armed forces around the world, using the pattern in fashion collections is an obviously ironic choice.  Taking a most utilitarian design, one in fact designed NOT to be seen, and turning that into a fashion statement.  The ultimate irony.

In the last month, NYC has been awash in Military style jackets and Camouflage prints.  VALENTINO CAMO SNEAKERS I take the subway often between Brooklyn and ManELIZABETH & JAMES CAMO JEANS hattan and every train is full of hipsters representing the trend.   More often - women do military jackets, guys do camo.   However, this year it has crossed over - girls and boys both doing every style.   Backpacks, pants, tights, jackets, and bags - all in camo, from every price point.

On the runway,SALVATORE FERRAGAMO MILITARY JACKET, KNIT, & SKIRT - W MAGAZINE - PHOTO: KAI Z FENG the trend is of course the most sophisticated.   Massimiliano Giornetti at Ferragamo reinvented the trench coat for his Women's Spring 2013 collection.   The color palette was unmistakably military, and serves as an excellent backdrop for Camouflage accessories.  

Best worn in limited quantities, camo usually serves as the only print in any ensemble.   It's a great way to perk up solid earth tones or autumnal colors of brown,TOMS SHOES - CAMO MESH AT NEIMAN MARCUS orange, beige, and green.

Some brands that have chic pieces covering the look:  TOMS, VALENTINO, Figue, FERRAGAMO, Dockers, MILITARY CHIC NOMAD BY FIGUE William Rast, & Jack Spade.

Wearing DOCKERS CAMO PANTS one of these pieces might make you walk a little straighter and stand a little taller.   Even if it doesn't, it will make you look cool and relevant this Spring!

The look is not limited to clothing.  EverythingWILLIAM RAST BACKPACK from dopp kits, wallets, boots, watches, and socks are offered in every shade of camo for guys and girls.

We might have the house of Christian Dior to thank for this latest camo craze.  Two years ago the house hired artist Anselm Reye to jumpstart some excitementZADIGE & VOLTAIRE CAMO CASHMERE with the Dior accessories.   His vision was pop art camo prints that made their debut at Art Basil in Miami.  The buzz worked.   Those pieces JACK SPADE CAMO WATCH sold out quickly!

*Click on images to learn more about featured styles or to shop the look.*  

*Click designer links to visit company website and see their camo or military look.*

FENDI SPRING 2013 BY KARL LAGERFELDThe FENDISpring 2013 campaign is beautiful!  It's great to see one of Rome's premiere houses (now part of LVMH) shining bright this season.   So many times the collection sits in the shadow of that other project of designer Karl Lagerfeld.. you know.. a little company called CHANEL!   The French house of all things Couture is a global phenomenon, and Karl's creative process clearly starts onRue Cambon and eventually trickles over to Rome. 

FENDI SPRING 2013 BY KARL LAGERFELD1973 Lagerfeld started his design collaboration with the FENDI sisters.  Forty years later (Amazing!!), Karl maintains the collaboration with this Roman house of Luxury fashion.   Too many times though, FENDI can feel like CHANEL lite.  If CHANEL has wide belts, then FENDI has wide belts.   Bag in a bag this year at CHANEL?  Then it's bag in a bag next year at FENDI.  To be fair, designers all over the world copy Karl's designs at CHANEL.  I guess it makes sense Karl does it himself!FENDI - 2JOUR MEDIUM SATCHEL - $2,890.00

It's not a mystery, Karl Lagerfeld's rebirth of CHANEL in 1983 would ultimately change the face of the fashion world.  Karl's vision of COCO CHANEL's legacy achieved a level of success that surprised everyone in the industry.   It also was not an overnight game changer.   In the nineties, CHANEL had started it's own stable of brands a la LVMH or PPR (Soon to be Kering).   CHANEL financially backed the NY based designer Isaac Mizrahi, bought the legendary British game-hunting gunmaker  Holland & Holland,  acquired designer bathing suit company ERES, and FENDI BAGUETTE - SPRING 2013 - $2,190.00even planned a launch of a lower priced collection for CHANEL-aptly named BEIGE.  It did not come to fruition.   Then came the birth of the handbag obsession.  Luxury brands across the world quickly realized the growing potential for millions of new clients that could aspire to be clients of the most exclusive brands in the world via a handbag.   The bags served a dual purpose, 1) spreading the brands fame and 2) garnering huge profits at the same time.   All the other projects fell by the way side and CHANEL became the worlds ultimate luxury fashion brand.  Eres remains a star in the CHANEL universe.

FENDI spring 2013 is graphic, modern, and colorful.  While I'm often critical of Karl's shoulders at CHANEL (round and challenging) - at Fendi they are crisp and flattering.  The use of feathers and fur and color is exotic and just beautiful.   The colorful FENDI TIMEPIECES are unique - at a time when watches are all blending in.CHANEL SPRING 2013 BY KARL LAGERFELD - FASHION THERAPY SESSION? FILL IN THE BLANK - "WHY DID I ...."

The CHANEL campaign is always beautiful.  This season it seems the CHANEL girl is in Japan.  One shot even looks as if we are in on a Japanese therapy session.   Think Tatami mats instead of a Chesterfield Sofa!     Well.. in keeping with a therapy session - I want you to think about what we discussed and how it makes you feel - that's all the time we have for today!  

**Click images for more information**

The world of fashion is glamorous and gritty, ever changing, PHOTOGRAPH : TOMAASand truly more global than ever.  With sites like Linked-In and Monster, professionals can find jobs across town or across the world - literally.   While those platforms are perfect for resumes and networking for corporate positions, the creative talent that makes fashion fashion aren't so lucky.   At least not until now.   MEROCRAT is a platform created to showcase the talented work of professional make up artists, hair stylists, fashion stylists, models, and any creative role that lends itself to freelance or consulting work.  With large photos to flip through and a clean, easy layout, the site makes it so simple for those hiring the most important pieces of the puzzle to spend that advertising budget.  Nothing is more stressful than finding "the right" person for hair, makeup, etc.   The pressure to create a "perfect" campaign or for any promotional material to be top notch has never been more intense.  

While there are specific agency sites you can visit to see talent represented by that agent, Merocrat's concept is to streamline all information into one place.  Ultimately, a network of talent, an audience hiring, and a community to share insider information.   

The difference Merocrat offers is obvious from the moment you log in.  MAKEUP ARTIST : CLARISSA LUNA Immediately you can view portfolios of talent working in your city.  In a moment I was looking at the portfolio of the very talented Clarissa Luna.  The story Dark Beauty got my attention with her dramatic eye work.  Click and click and you get a sense of what an artist can do.  (Of course it's not all that they can do, but what they have done - and that is usually enough).   A minute later I was looking at the portfolio of photographer Tomaas, in another world, with his vision created through light and texture.  

One of the most exciting aspects about the site is that it is evolving as it grows.  As with all other on-line entities (this blog included), month after month the look will change.   While it might take an agency months or years to adjust to current trends in the your or any industry, a site like Merocrat has the ability to change almost instantly.  Each new profile created by that next member can help to morph the site over time.   This makes this site the ultimate resource for creative talent in the world of fashion and beauty.  To learn more click MEROCRAT.

Okay, these are not edible or jelly beans.. but I couldn't help but think of Easter when I was looking at the latest creation and cool collaboration from Lisa Hoffman.  Her scented Earrings are pierced little sculptures that were co-created with jewelry uber star - Tom Binns TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN - BRONZE EARRINGS and available right now on Lisa Hoffman's website. 

Hoffman is known for starting a fragrance revolution when she created fragrance jewelry.  TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN- RHODIUM EARRINGS Her collections of necklaces, earrings, and pendants enables the wearer to enjoy a favorite scent, without ever applying the fragrance to the skin.   Obviously a godsend for those allergic or hyper sensitive to perfume, they also give the avid wearer an ability to change scents as you change clothing - from day to evening.

Honestly,TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN -SCENTED CUFFS -$300.00 even if you never wear fragrance - these earrings are just cool items.   This time of year they make a great Easter gift for your wife or girlfriend.   The kids get the Easter basket, but give your sweetheart these little jellly bean shaped earrings!    Blond, Brunette, TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN- ROSEGOLD EARRINGSor Red - LH has her covered with 5 color and scent options from Shiny Gold to Silvery Rhodium.  The earrings retail for a bunny on a budget at $200.00  These are unique and really chic.   Click Tom Binns for Lisa Hoffman to learn more! 

The collest woman designing fashion today has done something baaahhhhd. Britian's prolific designer - Stella McCartney Just kidding, couldn't resist a lamb joke!  Britain's cool kid, Stella McCartney, has justSTELLA McCARTNEY -ITSY BITSY-FALABELLA BAG - $1,990.00 added a new little bundle of sustainable luxury to her web-store.   Named after, and produced with wool from Itsy & Bitsy - two sheep living on Stella's organic farm in the British Countryside. ISTY BITSY NEIGHBORS CHEER ON STELLA! An animation of her popular Falabella Bag, Stella's first "it" bag, the ITSY BITSY Bag is a continuation of Stella's core beliefs of sustainable fashion and like all her products - Leather Free. STELLA McCARTNEY WOOL & CASHMERE JUMPSUIT This bag is destined to be a collectable, and with the cool shade of natural wool gray - it is about as neutral as it can be.  With the high pile of this plush wool - it might be useful as a travel pillow on that next flight or train ride!

The bag is sold exclusively on Stella's website, so you can buy it regardless of where you live!  Click images or STELLA'S LAMBS for more information.    

**While you are on the Stella Website, check out this super cool wool & cashmere jumpsuit aka all-in-one in the UK.   This super comfy fashion statement (hello frequent flyers) can be dressed way up or down, and is on a super markdown right now.  They are going fast, so click over now!**  #EasterGift  #EcoFashion

Bravo team SM for creating the first ever animal free runway fashion!!

THE OSCAR

CHARLIZE THERON IN CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTUREThis year, things were a little more subdued than usual.  The strapless gown trend was almost like a uniform and honestly - not so modern.  Think prom dress.     There were a few stand out looks that were a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness.   Here is a look at my favorites from the night.   All share a simplicity and elegance.   After all, at its best, a dress should showcase the wearers beauty.   She would wear the dress - not the other way round.

Representing the strapless, two piece look is drop dead gorgeous Charlize Theron.   Charlize is to red carpet events what supermodels are to the runway - the dream!   As a face of Christian Dior Parfum, it's no surprise she wears Christian Dior Couture.   How she wears it NEVER disappoints.   Her short cropped blond hair and sun kissed skin were the perfect compliments to this ivory understated stunner.

Looking beautiful and chic was Dustin Hoffman's wife - Lisa Hoffman. DUSTIN & LISA HOFFMAN - LISA WEARS MORGANE LE FAY  Her scooped neck strappy black dress by Morgane Le Fay was beautiful and classic chic.   Dustin is a lucky man.   Ms. Hoffman is a jewelry designer and perfumer, and her killer collaboration with Tom Binns of wearable fragrance jewelry is hot among those in the know from coast to coast!  Click Lisa Hoffman Tom Binns to learn more.

The lady in Red that got my vote was Sally Field.  SALLY FIELD IN VALENTINO Her Valentino Couture gown in signature RED silk was beautiful and flattering.   I've rarely seen a dress with sleeves that was so modern and beautiful.   Field co-starred With Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln and is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.   Bravo to Ms. Field for her choice - sometimes more is more.

I must admit that possibly my favorite look of the night was worn by French EMMANUELLE RIVA IN LANVINactress Emmanuelle Riva.   Ms. Riva is sophisticated and accomplished and at 86 years of age - for me - was the classiest statement on the red carpet.   Her deep blue caped gown by Lanvin was French fashion at it's best.   Layers of fabric, exquisite draping, and richness that transcended a style or cut.  Designer Alber Elbaz (celebrating 10 years at the house) is a master at dress making, and with creations like this it shows.  What a treat. LISA HOFFMAN - TOM BINNS - FRAGRANCE PENDANTS    I was sorry she did not win best actress for her heart wrenching portrayal in Amour.  

 Now, when I mentioned Oscar drama "coast to coast" I was referencing the chatter that surrounded the Oscar de la Renta Fall collection show in NYC earlier this month.  Speculation was high as to the logistics and staging due to the public announcement that former Dior designer John Gallianohas been "in residence" at Oscar's atelier in NYC for a weeks before the runway show.   As this was Galliano's first public project since his firing in 2011, it was a hot topic.  Some said Galliano would take a bow with Oscar, or sit front row at the show - he did not.   I knew he would not.  Why would he?   Despite his massive fall from grace, Galliano was the most celebrated Couture designer in the world for 15 years.   His guest visit at ODLR was charming, but not life changing.   But the speculation did sell newspapers.   Oscar's collection has been sparkling a little brighter for the past few years, after the head of Galliano's atelier left that post and moved to NY for ODLR.   Galliano was not pleased at the time, but seems to have warmed to the idea.  That little detail was never mentioned in the main stream press.   They prefer the story that Anna Wintour of Vogue coordinated the whole "in residence" post - so be it.   

I have some films to catch up on - do you?   Pass the popcorn!

**Click photos to learn more about each fashion house**