RED HANDED RED CARPET

Every woman knows that one sure fire way to get noticed is to wear red.   The color of passion and blood is hard to resist and hard to deny as an eye catching entrance maker.   Red has been an alluring color for centuries, having a royal appeal and commanding respect from the red carpet royalty of Hollywood - all the way to the Vatican.   The image of the Pope wearing his ceremonial red robes are as famous as any article of clothing ever worn.   I've written about the power of wearing Red in Rome before, but it is seen in full force this as we head into  the holiday season.

BLAKE LIVELY IN VERSACEThe 2009 Emmy Awards had a stunning display of Red Gowns on the Red Carpet.   Two of the brightest stars that night were Blake Lively of Gossip Girl in Versace, and Debra Messing in Michael Kors.

DEBRA MESSING IN MICHAEL KORSWhen you think of Red and Fashion, you should think of two fashion empires.   Valentino Garavani made red his color of choice for the ultimate gown several decades ago.   Every collection in his 50+ years career was certain to have at least 1 stunning red finale gown.    The luxury fashion house of Salvatore Ferragamo has been hand crafting the finest artisinal quality designs for over 80 years.  FERRAGAMO FALL 2009 Salvatore himself loved red shoes and was known among the leading ladies of Hollywood as the source for shoes that were dyed to match any fashion creation your costume designer had dreamt up.    For fall there are gorgeous red and burgundy knits in the Ferragamo collection that are a must have for travel!     Ferragamo also uses red as it's signature color for packaging.   Men and Women all over the world know that if they receive that deep red box - something absolutely beautiful is soon to be theirs!

DR. POZZI AT HOME - JOHN SINGER SARGENT The most controversial red fashion item of the 19th century was an anonymous design.   The famous portait artist John Singer Sargent took the bold move to paint his subject - Dr. Pozzi in his home wearing a bright red dressing gown.   Shocking at the time, as any person of a certain social standing would be painted in their most formal attire.   Adding to the controversy was the fact that Dr. Pozzi was the father of French Gynecology and a renowned ladies man.   Dr. Pozzi was the the most famous French doctor of his time and he toured Europe, South America, and the United States lecturing on his 400+  published journals.  Sargent's portrait of the Dr.  sent many pulses racing.   The portrait became one of JSS's most famous works and is in the permanent collection of my favorite museum in the the United States- The Hammer Museum.    The next time you are in L.A., make a trip to the Hammer Museum in Westwood Village and fall in love for yourself.   The Hammer is an intimate experience and any exhibit there is a treat.  Part of the UCLA endowment,  the museum is a must see.  Westwood Village is a charming community that is best known as the home to the UCLA campus. JASON - SELF PORTRAIT AT THE HAMMER   There are a ton of casual restaurants, cafes, and  of course students teaming through the area and giving it a unique pulse.   The neighborhood is also home to several vintage movie theaters that are used by the major movie studios for premiere events.   

I have stayed at the nearby W hotel many times and it is a great place to relax and feel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood or Beverly Hills.   One of the coolest concierges in LA is at the W.   Erica Blumfield is as pleasant and personable as can be!  Erica always has great tips on shopping, eating, and the hottest thing to do at night!   During my last visit Ms. Blumfield kept me well informed by holding a NY Post for me every morning as I stumbled out to get my Starbucks fix!    Click W for Westwood reservations.  

Get out and find your red, hot item to rock your wardrobe for fall!!

CAMPAIGN WATCH - FALL 2009

VALENTINO FALL 2009The Fall 2009 ads are filling up magazines around the world.   This is the year that the economy hit the fan - and so did budgets for advertising at most fashion houses.   What does this mean?  That means that every ad that runs this fall is more important than ever.   Designers are looking to get the maximum return from the advertising dollars spent.

With that in mind, we will be posting looks from the usual suspects - and any ads that stand out.  Victory will be at the register when designers look back and see sales figures for this crucial Fall season.KRISTEN MCMENAMY BY KARL LAGERFELD

VALENTINO FALL 2009

First up- Valentino.   The legendary house has new designers at the helm this fall.   Even though they have been working with Mr. Valentino for years - Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli had big shoes to fill when they were handed the post last fall.   Designer Alessandra Faccinetti was out overnight and the duo who had worked with Mr. Valentino for years were in!

Masters of Photography M&M Paris shot the campaign that channels classic Valentino themes.   Dark and Sexy, the shots remind me of Indochine and model Iris Strubregger is channelling uber model of the 90's Kristen Mcmenamy with her piercing stare and androgynous beauty.

**MOST IMPORTANT CLASSIC VALENTINO LOOKS**

-Lace Blouse

-Knitwear

-Evening Gown - most iconic in RED

VALENTINO - RUNWAY TO THE BIG SCREEN

VALENTINO GARAVANIThe name Valentino means luxury.   It means glamour, sophistication, and style.   Now, thanks to film director Matt Tyrnauer the name is also  one of the most endearing documentaries of the year - Valentino- The Last Emperor.   While watching a self indulgent fashion designer might not sound like everyone's cup of tea - the magic of the film is to see the dynamic between these two men ......  read more and see a preview- click -Valentino

OUT with the new, IN with the old at House of VALENTINO

The House of Valentino announced last week that it was replacing Creative Director Alessandra Facchinetti just days after the her latest collection hit the runway. To say it was a short lived relationship is an understatement. Less than one year and just 3 collections (including Couture) Facchinetti is out.

It sounds shocking, but it is not unheard of with Italian houses, who lets just say can be dramatic and swift in their decision making. Her replacement or I should say replacements.. are Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have been working for Valentino for more than 10 years. The namesake designer himself was critical of Facchinetti and vocal in his disdain for her lack of homage to his legacy. Maria and Pier are very well liked and very down to earth - so it could be a great move. After all, when Stella left Chloe, her number 2 was Phoebe Philo who went on to be become hugely successful for the brand.

Sometimes, big companies are hesitant to give the job to the people who deserve it. Bravo to Chiur and Piccioli. It is unfortunate however that Ms. Faccinetti heard about her dismissal from the media and not from company executives. OUCH! Lets all stay tuned!