STELLA - "McQueen" OF THE MET GALA

DESIGNER - STELLA McCARTNEYVogue Magazine's annual Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was dominated by a very British designer, represented by a staggering number of gorgeous gowns and the leading ladies of Hollywood that wore them.  You would think I'm referring to Alexander McQueen. MADONNA IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011 The late designer is being honored by a retrospective at the Met's Costume Institute this spring titled Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty.   However,GWYNETH PALTROW IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011 Stella McCartney was the British designer that stole the show.   While co-hosting the gala in honor of her late friend Lee McQueen, it was Stella's designs that could not be missed.  Never in the history of the Vogue / Met event has one designer make such a strong showing on the red carpet.   It would be an achievement to score one or two of NAOMI WATTS IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011these lovely ladies - but to have dressed all of them - unheard of!  The list goes on and on - Madonna in embroidered blue silk, Gwyneth Paltrow in nude crystal embroidery, Kate Winslet and Rihanna in black lace, Kate Hudson in gold stretch silk, Eva Mendes in Violet pleated silk, and so on! (19 in total!!)

Stella's collection has really come to fruition.  What was once a collection of hot items, is now a full fledged runway collection referenced by every major fashion magazine in the world.  (Not to mention her blinding number of collaborations in sport, beauty, & childrenswear).

Of course, no one at the House of McQueen can be too upset.  After Sarah Burton captured the attention of a worldwide audience by designing Kate Middleton's royal wedding dress, team McQueen must be on cloud 9. THANDIE NEWTON IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011  Also, it is all in the family - Stella McCartney, Like Alexander McQueen is part of PPR.     

One must give credit where credit is due.   Stella McCartney has earned her accolades with hard work and determination.  RIHANNA IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011 To achieve this success in the designer fashion world without producing any handbags, shoes, or clothing made from leather - again - unheard of.   Stella's personal convictions of a Vegetarian way of life could have crushed other designers.   As I've written before, for Stella to fight that fight with a partner KATE WINSLET IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011 like PPR - known for leather goods, is amazing.  KATE HUDSON IN STELLA MCCARTNEY - MET GALA 2011 Bravo to you Stella McCartney!  You upstaged every American Designer in their own backyard at this very New York event.   

Click Super Stella to visit McCartney's cool website  & McQueen at the MET for details on the retrospective:  Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty

DEVIL RUNS PRADA IN JAPAN

MERYL STREEP & ANNE HATHAWAY IN DWPIn the movie "The Devil Wears Prada",  Meryl Streep famously portrayed a character based on fashion's most infamous Editor In Chief - Anna Wintour of Vogue.   The name said it all in characterizing the icy, cold demeanor of the so - called fashion bully.  

It seems that in real life in Japan, Prada is run by it's own fashion bully.   Last week it was reported that Prada Japan CEO -Davide Sesia is accused of allegedly demanding the firing of boutique managers that were " Old, Fat, and Ugly".    

Senior Retail Manager, Rina Bovrisse, who oversaw over 500 employees in 40 boutiques in Japan was allegedly told to make the staff cuts based on Cesia's rantings.   Bovrisse alleges that she was also pressured to encourage employees to purchase merchandise with their own money to boost sales.   When Bovrisse resisted, Cesia's criticism turned on her.   Eventually, Ms. Bovrisse was told to cut "cut her hair, and lose weight".   Cesia allegedly told her that "he was embarrassed by her ugliness and didn't want corporate visitors from Italy to see her".   RINA BOVRISSE

When Ms. Bovrisse complained to the parent company in Milan, she was put on involuntary leave and eventually fired for what the company called "false allegations".

Ms. Bovrisse has worked in the designer fashion industry for over 18 years.    I myself worked with Rina at Chanel in the U.S.   On the contrary to what Cesia allegedly called Rina, she is beautiful, and always impeccably dressed.   The photo of Ms. Bovrisse from her facebook profile says it all.  Furthermore, professionally she is a huge asset.   Bovrisse only left Chanel when she moved back to Japan, where she was born and raised.  Prada put her through an extensive interview process before she took the position.  

While fashion companies often have a difficult time in bridging the gap between a designer ideal of staff and clients versus the reality of talent availability and customer profiles, these accusations are outrageous.   To be fair, Prada has never had a good reputation as a pleasant place to work.   But even for the notorious company, this is off the charts.   

Maybe a movie sequel will be inspired by this mess :  The Devil Wears Prada Part Due - Trouble in Prada-dise!

Click STOP PRADA DISCRIMINATING to join Ms. Bovrisse' fan page on facebook.   There is an impending lawsuit and Rina needs all the support she can get.    Also, it is a great way to send a message to corporations that they cannot abuse their staff, during a recession or an economic boom time.   Prada's only statement has been that it has no comment.

MADONNA DOES DISHES TO STAY IN VOGUE

DOLCE & GABBANA - SPRING 2010

This is really a "Campaign Watch" article, but I couldn't resist the temptation..   Madonna doing dishes is just too good of an opportunity to pass up.   The queen of re-invention is once again the star of a major fashion campaign for Spring 2010 as she works the kitchen for Dolce & Gabbana.  DOLCE & GABANNA - SPRING 2010

Madonna was just the face of Louis Vuitton, not for one, but two consecutive seasons.   Marc Jacobs was over the moon to have Madonna star in the campaigns back to back.   They were photographed together at parties, Madonna attended Marc's Spring fashion show, - clearly fashion friends.  THEN, Madonna posed for Dolce.  Friendship over.   Marc was quoted as saying that he doesn't want Madonna at his Fall 2010 fashion show - and that she was never invited to the last show.  The designer said she called and said she was coming - so what could he do?   What could he do?  How about not have her star in the campaign of the French fashion house you have creative control over?  Anyway, back to the Dolce Ads.

Madonna looks beautiful as she channels Sophia Loren in an homage to Sicilian cinema in Dolce & Gabbana's Spring campaign.   There is a sensuality and passion in the pictures that capture the era of the great Italian cinema of the 50's.  Cleavage and Pasta -now THATS Italian!  Like Cher, Madonna has continued to "Turn Back Time" year after year.   The latest images give her an other - worldly glow of youth and vitality.       

DOLCE & GABBANA - SPRING 2010Bravo D&G, you obviously got the attention of the fashion crowd - or at least of one fashion designer!  Bravo too to Madonna.  In a year when Lady GaGa has stolen her thunder from even the most die-hard fans, Madonna remains current in fashion mags around the world with this main line campaign.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 10TH

What a strange year it has been for the fashion world!  Last August - the economy was bad, but we were all still in denial (especially at the White House).   The world of retail imploded just around September / October.   I had been hired by Neiman Marcus to speak at a luxury shopping event in Early September at a private home in Alpine, NJ.   The event benefited Table to Table - a great charity feeding the hungry of Northern, New Jersey.   The day before the event, Lehman Bros. went belly up.   Talk about taking the wind out of a sail - or sale!  The event turned out well, despite the nervous energy in the room - as we all felt the unraveling starting to fray.

Fast forward one year.   The economic roller coaster has turned into more of a merry-go-round.  There are still ups and downs week by week - but less dramatic.   There seems to be silver if not gold lining the clouds that covered us all Winter - and literally all summer.

The fashion industry has been one of the hardest hit by the recession.   It was to be expected that luxury items would now seem less like necessity and more like - well - luxury.   If there is anything good that has come of this terrible time, let it be that we all appreciate the things we have and are able to buy.   That Gucci bag is not necessary to live.   You are fortunate to have it.    I think we have all had the reset button pushed on our idea of what we "need" to be who we are.   Good.   Hold on to this feeling and think long and hard about who you are.   "Things" are much less important than people or peace of mind.

Having said that, if you are in a position to shop- do!  The Fashion industry needs you.   There is a time and a place for everything and this Thursday, September 10th - the place to be is your favorite retail store.   Chances are they are participating in "Fashion's Night Out".   The brainchild of Vogue's Anna Wintour - Fashion's Night Out is the American Fashion Industry's answer to the stimulus package.    Designer boutiques from coast to coast and now around the globe are staying opening late - many until 11pm to welcome shoppers and help them get re-acquainted with the brands they sell.   Over 700 stores in NYC alone are officially involved.     Many who are not affiliated with Vogue have organized their own events that night.    Chances are, your favorite designer boutique will be open late - so ask in advance and plan to spend the night with friends hitting the stores!

If you are in the NYC area - I have a few suggestions.FERRAGAMO LEATHER BOOTIE

Start your evening festivities at the Ferragamo Flagship store on 5th Avenude at 53rd street.  The mega-store full of all things Ferragamo will be hosting an art exhibit featuring one of kind behind the fashion scenes images authorized by Vogue magazine!    Buy those hot new Ferragamo shoes you have been dying for - or that chic silk scarf for mom!   Have a glass of champagne and start your evening right.TRAVAUX EN COURS APRONS

Next stop - Bergdorf Goodman.   Just a few block uptown to the ultimate department store.   Everything a girl or guy wants under two roofs!    Head to the 7th floor and buy an apron from Travaux En Cours.   T.E.C. are the chicest accessories to wear when you are cooking all those cool dishes for friends this fall.   Hot all over Europe, Bergdorf is the first store to carry them up in the U.S. - of course! 

Next, work your way up Madison Avenue.   A collection of the most exclusive designer boutiques in the world line the blocks from 57th street to our final destination , The Michael Dawkins boutique at 33 East 65th street, just off Madison Avenue.    Michael has been creating statement pieces for almost 20 years.   MICHAEL DAWKINS FALL 2009You know his work the moment you see it for his use of sterling silver and semi-precious stones is so unique.   I'm sure you have also seen Michael appearing on one of his super successful segments on QVC over the last 4 years in support of the line he designs for the network.   While those pieces are beautiful - his boutique collection is out of this world!   MD has just launched his new ad campaign for fall featuring Nina Warthen.   The shots are stunning and chic - just what you would expect from Michael Dawkins!

**Looking for something to do Thursday outside the City?   I'll be at the Ferragamo boutique in Manhasset, Long Island.   The legendary Americana Mall at Manhasset is hosting its own evening of luxury shopping and events.   "Style On The Go" will include beauty spa treatments and luxury designer previews.   Join me to preview the Spring 2010 Ferragamo collection and of course to shop the new Fall arrivals.    For more information call  the Ferragamo boutique at  516-365-9765.