September 2008
Crazy for Carla: Fall Fashion takes lead from French First Lady
Submitted by bbcblog on Mon, 09/22/2008 - 13:48We couldn’t help but notice some of hottest looks for fall took a bold cue (or two) from Carla Bruni Sarkozy’s divine state visit wardrobe last spring. We’ve been drooling over Banana Republic’s stunning violet fall coat all the while thinking, “Ooh-la-la!....hmmm, where have we seen this before?”
Clearly, this is the signaling of what will become a long-term fashion love affair with the French First Lady. While certainly not the first time a sartorial muse has emerged from public office (Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, bien sur), this could be the first time clothing manufacturers are able to respond with lightning speed to a public demand for “First Lady Looks.”
With stores like Spanish retailer Zara, H&M, and even GAP, that follow “fast fashion” business models to decrease the timeline from design to production to distribution, the “pillbox hat” of 2008 can be yours in no time at all. According to reports, Zara can take a design from drawing board to rack in two weeks flat. This is an incredibly smart move for retailers in need of ways to move products in a shaky economy as Sarah Palin's "specs" are virtually impossible to find at the moment, a major coup for designer Kazuo Kawasaki.
In the upcoming presidential elections, where it has truly become the “year of the woman,” it remains to be seen whether we will look to Sarah, Michelle,or Cindy for fashion inspiration. Judging from recent appearances by all, we can guarantee that retailers will be awash in fitted suits, vibrant jewel tones and decadent fabrics come late November, perfect for all of our holiday celebrations.
Onesies for All, and All for Onesies!!!
Submitted by bbcblog on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 08:56How high-end rompers and jumpsuits became the must-have luxury item for fall The once utilitarian pant-suit, preferred by auto mechanics and Kafka characters alike, have hit the runways in droves this fall. These aren't your run of the mill industrial cotton recreational rompers, however. The season's must-have pantsuit is a luxury item from clavicle to ankle, constructed from rich, luxurious fabrics like wool, cashmere and silk, and coming in at luxurious prices to boot, from around $900 - $2700.
Having enthusiastically embraced the "Great flowing dresses of Summer '08" trend, (a.k.a., the world's most flattering, comfortable coverup) we can certainly see how fashionistas might be craving a similar transitional piece for fall, so great was the comfort of the flowing sundress, so successful it was at camouflaging our "problem" areas. Designers have responded to with a smart strategy of providing loyal followers with an autumnal alternative to the summer coverup. The streets from New York to Paris and beyond are already filled with technocrat-suits galore, and we have even more to look forward to this Spring '09, judging from the catwalks. Thus we leave you with our brief take on the seamless transition from the comfy sundress to the even comfier one-stop jumper. We love Catherine Malandrino's gorgeous gold silk number to the left, and you can check out jumpsuit runway shots at style.com for more from Max Mara, Anne Valérie Hash, Dolce & Gabbana, and Pucci.