Japan Goes Gaga for Forever 21

When Topshop opened in New York a month ago, there was certainly a frenzy. But it pales in comparison to the Forever 21 store opening in Tokyo yesterday.

Throngs of women and men lined the streets waiting for hours before the chain's first store in Japan opened it's doors. The 19,000 square foot store had thousands in queue and, after only 30 minutes of being opened, the registers were so backed up that the lines inside almost became as long as the lines outside. Perky store clerks passed out T-shirts, flip-flops, and Red Bull to eager shoppers. I'm sure they were regretting the Red Bull not long after that.

Back in November, H&M Harajuku opened to similar chaos. I guess the trendy Japanese won't even let a recession get in the way of their shopping.

Forget 'Top Model', V A Model Is Back

It's that time of year again! Time to break out the Polaroid (that is, if you managed to stock up on now-discontinued film) and submit your pics to V Magazine. The annual V Magazine modeling contest began on April 24th and is running until June 29th, with finalists chosen on July 3rd.

This isn't your mamma's modeling contest. Unlike other contests or searches, the winners here actually do amazing things. Amanda Laine for example, the 17 year old Canadian who entered and won in 2007 has a pretty impressive resume already, signing a 3 year contract with Supreme models. Addison Gill , also 17, won last year and has walked for Calvin Klein, Vuitton, Valentino and Gianfranco Ferre just to name a few.

So apply online if you think you have what it takes. BUT, you must be between 15 and 21 and 5'9 and 6'0. Good luck and may the best (and youngest {just kidding}) model win!

Mr. Wu Goes to Washington

So, Michelle Obama has definitely made a fashion statement by picking lesser-known designers over the big names (poor Oscar de la Renta). But now, her fashion posse is launching a campaign of their own to see to it that Congress passes a bill that provides copyright protection on their designs.

This isn't about street vendor fakes, it's about H&M, Forever 21, and other discount lines that the designers claim are ripping off their creative work--and bank accounts--by copying their looks. Maria Cornejo, Thakoon Panichgul, Narciso Rodriguez, and Jason Wu went to Washington this week to lobby for a bill that would provide copyright protection on clothing designs. Accompanied by the CFDA's Stephen Kolb, they made the rounds with legislators trying to convince them that they need a congressional safety net.

If this anti-piracy bill does pass, I hope that these lines will hire the designers they rip off to design in house. It will probably make for better clothes and still be right on budget.

Model Watch: Emily Zhang

I always thought really tall Asian girls were awkward looking. I'm used to the shorter, thick-calved ones running around town. But after seeing 5'10" Emily Zhang in action, I have seen the light! Emily comes from China and is repped by Starz Models in the US and by MManagement in Paris. She is barely 20 years old, celebrated on February 7th. Keep your eyes open for this one, after all, this is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

InStyle Hires New Fashion Columnist

While I am not one to applaud magazines that hire celebrities to be fashion columnists or contributors (ahem, Rita Wilson and Harper's BAZAAR, cough, cough), InStyle magazine just announced this week that they've brought on Rachel Bilson (of the O.C. fame) to write a monthly style column about trends. While this may seem like cheap ploy to get magazines off the shelves (or Bilson's career back in the limelight), that seems rather dubious since a) InStyle has dominated fashion magazine sales so far this year and b) Rachel Bilson is hardly a celebrity.

So, in other words, this partnership may actually work.

When Bilson was on the O.C., celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez used to style her on and off camera. But since those hey deys of having all the fashion footwork done for you, Bilson has actually been able to forge her way with some pretty interesting style choices.

Since InStyle has a tendency to promote $15,000 watches alongside $500 shirts, I would like to see a column that promotes new labels, forward-thinking designers, and trendy options that both readers and pseudo-celebritities can all afford.

Valentino: The Man, The Movie

All you have to say is George Hamilton tan and an army of pugs and, immediately, I know you're talking about Valentino. And, while many know that the 76 year-old designer is famous for his lavish lifestyle and celebrity canoodling, what many don't stop to think about is the magnificent artist he actually is.

But now, with Matt Tyrnauer's new bio-pic of the designer's life, you can watch him as he flits about his luxurious home, yacht, and spacious design studio all while he constantly thinks about fashion. While it may seem almost flippant to watch a movie about a rich, successful designer, Valentino: The Last Emperor is anything but. When the film debuted at the Venice Film Festival last year, it received rave reviews because it showcases not only Valentino's now legendary persona but also his incredible gift for designing beautiful couture.

So, go to the movies this weekend at check out this film. Even if you aren't a fashion lover per se, I assure you you'll be taken with Maude, Margot, Monty, Molly, Milton and Maggie (those would be the dogs).

Facebook Schmacebook...Or Is It?

It's to no ones surprise that Facebook is a cultural phenomenon. Even more so than Myspace I would think. I can speak for myself in saying unashamedly that www.facebook.com is indeed my homepage and I literally check it several times a day. Sometimes I'll just be lying at home and refreshing Facebook over and over again...it's really sad but admittance is the first step to recovery right?! With all the different ways to connect to literally anyone in the world it is a little hard to step away slowly from it. It's a fun site, and a really great way for people to stay in touch and share ideas but seriously, it's time to ask ourselves "How much is too much"?

So everyone pretty much knows the history of Facebook. It was started at Harvard, or was it Yale? Dartmouth? It doesn't matter really. But what began as something small soon became a worldwide phenomenon that people are addicted to. And it's more than you think.

The problem here isn't Facebook itself, because 200 million+ users probably function just fine. It's the disassociation from the real world that causes problems. One therapist, Paula Pile, compared Facebook to the Jim Carey movie The Truman Show. On Facebook, everything is perfect and nothing goes wrong and people only present the best of themselves and they want to be your friend, and it's all very seductive.

Even though there isn't a scientific term for Facebook addiction, here are some clues that you might have a problem (according to a CNN.com)...

1. You lose sleep over Facebook

"If you're staying up late at night because you're on Facebook, and you're tired the next day, Facebook may be a compulsion for you," Lipari said. "You shouldn't be neglecting yourself because of Facebook."

2. You spend more than an hour a day on Facebook

Pile says it's hard to pinpoint exactly how much is too much time to be spending on social networking.

"I can't imagine that anyone would need more than an hour a day on Facebook, and probably no one needs more than 30 minutes," she said.

3. You become obsessed with old loves

Reconnecting with old friends is one of the great attractions of Facebook, and there's nothing necessarily wrong with "friending" an old boyfriend or girlfriend. But Pile warns that it can get out of hand very quickly.

"One of my clients met up with an old boyfriend on Facebook. They started spending hours and hours into the night talking to each other on Facebook. She made some really inappropriate comments about how unhappy she was in her marriage," Pile said. "Her cousin saw the comments and told her parents, and the parents told the husband, and now they're in the process of getting divorced."

4. You ignore work in favor of Facebook

"If you're not doing your job in order to sneak time on Facebook, you could have a real problem," Lipari said.

5. The thought of getting off Facebook leaves you in a cold sweat

Sarah Browne, who writes the Guru of New blog, gave up Facebook for Lent last month when she realized that she had a "mild" addiction to the site. She's come up with "Seven Signs You May Be Ready for a Social Media Detox."

Or just try this quick test...try not using Facebook for one day. If you can't, you probably have a problem.

Honestly, I think it's fine. Facebook is just another fad like Myspace was when it first came out and everyone was addicted to it. Enjoy your interconnectivity with friends and family as we have it because this is the future of communication. However, if you feel like you really are avoiding living your real life in preference for playing on Facebook in the middle of the night, then that would call for some real soul searching.

Project What? Bravo Ups the Fashion Ante

So, after a long and heated legal battle, Bravo lost its highly rated reality design show this year to Lifetime. But while you may think the execs at the NBC subsidiary station would be boo-hooing harder than a girl dumped on prom night, Bravo has picked up the pieces before they even came crashing down. This season, they plan to debut not one, not two, but three shows that feature fashion. How's that for not crying over spilled milk?

First up, there's Launch My Line which basically takes actors, musicians, stylists, etc. and gives them the opportunity to compete for a fashion line. Hopefully, the show will follow in PR's footsteps and focus on design. There's also Double Exposure where former couple Markus Klinko and Indrani work together as they photograph fashion and spat with one another. And, finally, there's Kell on Earth, that follows reality bitch Kelly Cutrone of People's Revolution (and of The Hills fame) as she juggles single mommyhood and well, cursing out her staff.

While all these shows sound entertaining, I still think Bravo could use some Tim Gunn. *Tear* Oh Tim, as you say in your Tide commercials about the faded clothes, a fashion TV show without your input is "just sad."

Where In The World Is Christian Wach?

So to the avid Chaos reader, you may know Christian Wach already or at the very least the name should sound familiar. We featured him in a spread in last seasons issue. The California-born surf star who just graduated high school and already has literally surfed around the world (not to mention been featured in more than a handful of magazines) has most recently been spotted in the tip-top mountain tops of Norway. Aside from living like Beowulf, Christian has been interviewing with a guy from Outside magazine for an upcoming feature article.

In his blog, Christian keeps us posted on life in Valhalla including everything from mountain climbing fun to Viking ship expeditions and lots of tid-bits in between: playing rock band with his Norwegian host-family and taking snaps of shy little blonde Vikettes. Oh, and his little sly maneuver with Scandinavian Airlines was most amusing. (Although it would probably get you detained at any American airport).

Christian lives the kind of life that most people dream about, traveling the world, meeting new and interesting people, being interviewed for magazine features, but most of all, doing what he loves to do (which is surf-in case you missed that).

Now at this point, one can only guess where Christian will end up next, board in tow. Judging from this kids globe-trotting tendencies, you might as well just close your eyes and point to any spot on a map.

Bo the Dog is So Hot Right Now

Unless you've been living in a hole, you've probably seen the repetitive coverage of the Obama's new dog, Bo. Granted, I love dogs but, come on, aren't there more important issues than a cute puppy?

Well, if you can't beat them, join them. The one relevant issue to Bo is that more animals than ever are homeless or neglected because uprooted or recently financially strapped owners have had to give them up.

Adoption is not a fashion news story, per se, but animal adoption is a trend that always needs reinforcing. So, if you have some time this weekend and some extra room in your apartment or house, seriously consider adopting a dog or cat at your local shelter, Humane Society, or ASPCA. If anything, it will give you an excuse to buy some cute walking-the-dog-in the park clothes for Spring.

Everyone's Getting a Fashion Week

So we reported last week that Ghana is getting a fashion week. Before that it was India. And now there's Seattle.

Perhaps these mini-fashion weeks at symptomatic of an increasingly global fashion market or maybe designers don't feel the need to make their mark in any one fashion capital but whatever the reason, I'm supportive as long as fashion shows don't become so splintered that there's literally one every week (Tanger Outlet Fashion Week in Paramus, New Jersey might be the last straw).

To be fair, Seattle has had a fashion week for five years now. And, many of the designers focus on laid-back, eco-friendly creations. Blayne Wash, a last season competitor on Project Runway and Seattle designer says, "I think we're on the cusp of getting there."

So, what labels show during Seattle's fashion week besides Walsh's? Salvationware, Heart On My Sleeve, LAVSH, are just a few. And if you haven't heard of them? Then you really should keep up with your fashion weeks.

All Dressed Up and Three Places To Go!

The New Yorkers for Children Gala was held at the Madarin Oriental Wednesday night. (New Yorkers for Children is a program founded in 1996 by Nicholas Scoppetta that is dedicated to child services, especially those in foster care.) The gala was like a high school reunion for celebrities. The guest list included literally everyone. Josh Hartnett, Rachel Zoe, Serena Williams (with boyfriend Common), Emmy Rossum, Bon Jovi, and yes, even Michael Jackson. The who's who goes on and on. I wonder if the 'Real' housewives made an appearance. If they did, obviously no one cared.

Once the champagne ceased to flow, the question came into play as to what to do next. There were two options. One was Rose Bar at Josh Hartnett's Kur Khan table. The other was to join Miss Amy Sacco at Bungalow 8. Now when did Bungalow 8 come back in style? I haven't heard from it since the first season of Sex and The City. Well, it's back in vogue because the chi-chi coke den known as Beatrice Inn is temporarily closed.

Anyways, both hot spots were ablaze with wanna-be's and some-actually-are's. The real names called it a night because of long commutes to the West Coast or early morning appearances but little starlets such as Jamie Burke, Theodora Richards, Joy Bryant, Jessica Diehl, Eva Amurri, Bonnie Morrison, Chris Benzand, and Poppy Delevingne (photographed pulling a Paris Hilton) made a night of it at Bungalow 8. Josh Hartnett's table was flanked by the likes of Jen Brill and Byrdie Bell, Lauren Santo Domingo and Tara Subkoff, then Jack Huston and Cat Deeley. Pretty soon the whole club was his table but that's OK because as soon as one overly dressed tart left, there was an underly dressed unknown ready to take her place.

Bungalow 8 didn't quite have the same turnstile effect because of their Studio 54-like door policy of 'cute but not too cute'.

At any rate, it's nice to see that people are still kicking up their heels and having a good time. Not to mention pulling down their panties in random corner booths. (But you didn't hear that from me!)

Two Awesome Bands, Two Awesome Nights

Why is winter hanging on like the last drunk girl at the bar? I have no idea but if you're feeling the winter blues instead of the springtime itch, you need to get out of the house and experience some rad new music. Tonight (Thursday), basement band will be playing at The National Underground (159 E. Houston) in New York and you should definitely check it out. When Jeff Malinowski (guitar, vocals) and John Durgee (drums, vocals) moved to Brooklyn in 2005, they teamed up with James Preston (bass), Amal Bouhabib (vocals), Thomas Eaton (guitar), and Bryan Trenis (organ) to revive a honky-tonk, blues sound that is both hypnotic and spellbinding. This is a band chock full of talented musicians and there's really nothing better than heading into the weekend with an evening of awesome music.

So, what if you're busy tonight? If you can't catch basement band, then check out Ghost Gamblers on April 24th at Southpaw (125 5th Ave., Brooklyn). Ghost Gamblers carries over some of the members from basement band (Jeff, Amal, and John) but also has Kamara Thomas (acoustic guitar and vocals),Gordon Hartin (pedal steel), and Gabe Berezin (bass and vocals). Their sound is very old-school country, which is nice alternative the usual blaring bar band.

These two bands make amazing music and, even if you think you're not the country music type, you may be converted after mellowing out your night with either show.

Lilly Pulitzer Turns the Big 5-0

While I am not one for psychedelic seahorse prints or colors so bright that they could attract a swarm of bees, Lilly Pulitzer does deserve credit for having the same logevity as the bikini. If you're not from the South or Connecticut then you may have never heard of Pulitzer's designs but they've been worn by every rich socialite (Jackie O and Gwenyth Paltrow, to name a few) and sorority girl (even Kappa Kappa Grandma) since the label launched 50 years ago.

If you're not familiar with the line, then just imagine the brightest Miami Beach colors, palm trees, squiggles, crabs, and volia!--repressed ladys-who-lunch fashion.

But this isn't necessarily a dig. Patterns are often mocked in fashion but Pulitzer has somehow made them her career and to that, she deserves a major pat on the back (or cocktail dress). Although she retired in 1993 (she remains a creative consultant), the line has become more modern and accessible. Regardless, nothing says summer more than a pair of critter pants and hot pink tunic.

Model Watch: Dainius Zakarauskas

I didn't even think Lithuania was still a country. I thought it died with the USSR and the Berlin Wall. But it's still alive and kickin'! Thank God too because if it weren't I don't know where our latest little bit of model heaven would have come from. His name is Dainius Zakarauskas, he's 6'1, 22, blonde and skinny as all hell and a Sagittarius which means he's not only firey but driven by enthusiasm and intuition. Well, MY intuition is telling me that this Northern Eurite is going places! Represented by Modilinos Agency in Lithuania, Dainius is giving some good face. Even though he is mostly just head shots right now, he sure is creating a buzz all across the inter-web (including at your favorite fashion corner - CHAOS!) and he's gotten more hype than previous young model starlets. Thumbs up all the way for twinky goodness (not the snack cake).

Waste Not, Want Tomorrowland

OK I had to do some real digging for this one! I just discovered the Japanese (of course) design house Tomorrowland. I was reading an article about fashion trends and then stumbled upon some Japanese fashion relevance and it was between waste(twice) and Tomorrowland. Now waste(twice) has a cool ambient website. You enter this door and its all dark and mysterious music is playing but the collection itself isn't for me. Their S/S 09 collection is based on railroad vagabonds which sounds cool but the physicality of it was yawn worthy. 

Anyways, I dug up Tomorrowland and here is what I found: nothing! There's no website, no mainstream promotions, nothing! Only a random blog by some two-bit. So here's the dish...

This Japanese company prefers to be the wallflower. They've been around since 1987 and was founded by a Mr. Hiroyuki Sasaki. I probably shouldn't say 'mister' because that could be a woman. They're that mysterious!

They're pretty upper-price-scaled but that's because of the amazing attention to detail and quality assurance. The design is for Japanese folk of a more regal flair with designs based on European (British specifically) style. Currently, you can't get anything from them unless you actually live in Japan. Online purchasing is a no-go because well, there isn't a website. None that I could find anyways. If anyone lives in Japan and has experience with these guys, fill us in! I hate to be left in the dark, especially in Tokyo.

Dell'Acqua Quits Malo

While it seems like everyone else is trying to hang onto their jobs these days, Alessandro Dell'Aqua has basically said au revoir to Italian fashion house Malo. While the details of the split are sketchy, the designer's exit may have something to do with Malo's impending bankruptcy. Designers and pay cuts don't mix well.

IT Holding runs the fashion house and says that it will use in-house designers and creative team to design the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. If they are currently looking for a replacement for the head designer, no names have come to light.

There is no word what Dell'Aqua's plans may be but, being that the three previous designers for the line went on to design for Ferre, I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up there as well.

ps: Happy Easter!

Tippety-Top Obama Shop

Alright so...I'm performing my tri-daily (is that a word?) ritual of searching for blog topics. I mean I could just say that I invent fashion news but I'm a truth-sayer so I won't. I'm here to tell you all about what you need to know in what's going on in the world of style. And apparently as of 6:58pm on Thursday, April 9th 2009 the only thing worth talking and/or knowing about is...TOP SHOP! OMG if I see another fashion story chronicling Top Shop and it's new opening in SoHo, I'm going to quit writing. No, I wont. That's a lie. But see, there's that story that's flooding mass media along with Michelle Obama's wardrobe whilst visiting the shriveled Queen. Ok, so Top Shop first, then Michelley Belly.

So Top Shop. I get it. I worked for H&M once upon a time...and was obsessed (and still am pretty much) so I get it. HUGE. Amazing. However, Top Shop is just another H&M, another Zara, another...what's another high fashion discount couturier? I don't know but think of it and that's what it's JUST LIKE!

The fashion is typical: trendy. Nothing spectacular. Funky printed shift dresses, bold primary colored strappy heels, cut-off denim shorts, and a wait-in-line from Broadway to Ave. of Americas (and back around to Houston). Oh and Kate Moss' fashion line is being sold exclusively here. I'm picturing Kate's clothing to be basically mirrors and razor blades, and white. All white. And nothing above a size 0. In fact, size 0 is the biggest size available. Aside from the mass amounts of parties blazing for the first ever Top Shop being opened in America (with special appearances by everyone from Jay Z to Michelle Trachtenberg) there is nothing to talk about that can't be said for H&M. So let's talk about Michelle Obama.

Um, why? All I've been hearing about is Michelles AMAZING wardrobe while she and Barrack (our President by the way) paid homage to Great Britain and did a shoe-shuffle-tap-dance for the starkly white Queen Elizabeth. Needless to say, I was deeply disappointed. I mean, her most 'amazing must-see' outfit was a cardigan. Seriously, google 'fashion news' (and read Daphne's recent post) and you will find nothing but Top Shop and Michelle Obama. I expected more from us, world.

I just have nothing to say except this week in fashion is a dead end. Snuggle up with CHAOS and go back to bed because you're not missing anything out there. Peace.

Model Agency Spurs New Fashion Week lol

While most fashion weeks rely on top agencies to provide them with girls for shows, Ghana just founded a fashion week with a whole new business model. Dutch-based modeling agency Exopa--an agency that specializes in multi-national models--worked with the Ghana's tourism board to found the first ever Ghana fashion week.

Featuring 30 designers from around the world, the fashion week will showcase lesser-known models and designers to a broader market. Minister of Tourism Juliana Azumah-Mensa says that the fashion week will bring foreign interest and dollars to the region by highlighting ethnic designers and models that are not found in the Western fashion world. She says:

“If tourists are attracted to our country because of the uniqueness of our culture and we replace it with that of the visitors, we will have nothing to sustain the interest of our visitors.”

Earlier this week, we posted a story about Naomi Campbell's fight to bring awareness and respect to a more diverse group of models. Maybe she should walk the catwalk in Ghana.

Damn You Katy Perry, Damn You!

I was on the subway today and I COULD NOT GET "I KISSED A GIRL" OUT OF MY HEAD!!! Call me last year, but I STILL CAN'T get that bloody song out of my head at times and i dont even like the song!

No Wonder though; the same posse who wrote & produced that song also did as such for Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, , Lady Sovereign, Avril Lavigne, Missy Elliott, Pink, Mos Def, Carlos Santana, Vanessa Hudgens, and the Backstreet Boys!!! The backstreet boys!!! Even I geek out over that (wait what?).

I am coming to the vague conclusion there is some sort of secret society of pop songwriters/producers who dont work for the millions they cash in on, but merely for us all to follow whatever they will. Luckily for us these only include trying to be a sk8er boi, calling old lovers and screaming "since you've been gone!!!", dancing around a high school & smooching with Zac Efron, developing the terrible habit of breaking the heart's of spacemen and lastly kissing the same sex while acting like you enjoyed it for attention.

Nothing can save you from that kind of power, nothing.

The Lord Dog bird

While the band Wilderness was on extended hiatus for nearly 2 years, the bands guitarist Colin McCann went to work recording his solo project on a 4-track cassette in his home. Calling his project The Lord Dog Bird, he released a self titled LP with the record label Jagjaguwar. Don't rule him out though just because he picked what some would consider a silly artist name for his music. The album is a very personal portrait of tracks that clearly reflect a time in which true self-exploration took place. The echoed sounds that hit the cassette seep through softly into your ears for a very intimate yet gritty sound, one you would play on a lazy warm evening with friends having a few drinks.

For those of you who were cool enough to love neutral milk hotel before he was "big" in the indie scene, I suggest you keep an eye on The Lord Dog Bird.

An mp3 to get you started:
The Gift of Song In The Lions Den

You can listen to the full album HERE
(Also listen to Song for Woodthrush)

Naomi Campell Lashes Out ...

... and this time, it's not at her assistant. While it's long been a debate that ethnic diversity in the fashion industry is lacking, Naomi Campbell brought the issue up this week to Glamour in Germany. Citing that designers who used to use black and other race models are now only giving preference to "blond, blue-eyed" girls, Campbell expressed disappointment concerning the issue:

"In the past, there were more opportunities for black models but the trend towards blond women has again become extreme. In magazines, on the catwalk, I see blond, blue-eyed models everywhere,"A couple of years ago, Campbell, Tyson Beckford, and Liya Kibede launched an awareness campaign to bring attention to the problem for models of color in the fashion industry. Responding to their urging, CFDA head Dianne von Furstenburg urged designers and fashion publications to branch out from the traditional looking girls.

Do CHAOS readers think magazines, labels, advertisers, etc use too much of the same type girl to promote their brand or do you think fashion is shifting?

Marc by Anne Hathaway

So here is a nice brain-numbing bit of fashion fluff information for you to read: Vickie Beckham (Victoria, Posh, Bitch, etc etc) is being replaced. What?! How?! Who?! It seems that Miss Anne Hathaway is Marc Jacobs' new muse. Botox driven Beckham was brought on as the designers' muse in 2008 but now will begin focusing on her own line of clothing, dVb (Designs by Victoria Beckham? Wow, what a stretch!) which is some sort of denim line, reportedly dropped by Saks in February. Ooooh, ouch. Anyways, Miss Hathaway and Mr. Jacobs have been canoodling for awhile now and are soon predicted to be making public appearances together. They 'have forged a very fast but intense friendship' (whatever that means). Even though Anne hasn't signed on to do any formal advertising, she sure is wearing the shit outta Marc Jacobs. This way, the designer can infuse his clothes with a fresh face look and therefore Anne can revamp her image. I'm sorry but if you're fresh faced, you don't need to revamp anything.

Oh and Anne was just in L.A. presenting Valentino with the Walk of Style Award. Now just when did Anne Hathaway become a style icon? After The Devil Wears Prada? Pssh, there's nothing I have seen from this chick to make me believe that she is competent enough to hold any sort of style icon presence. Only the fact that she plays the rags to riches part SO well...so, so well. Cheers to you both! I'll be sure to RSVP at the Jacobs/Hathaway wedding but be expecting a short lived honeymoon as soon as Hannah Montana makes her way into the nearest Marc Jacobs boutique.

Fashion Show or Peep Show?

When it comes to fashion weeks they usually get about as wild-and-crazy as Betsey Johnson doing a cartwheel, a model's accidental boob or no-no place flash, or an overwaxed floor that transforms a runway into a slip-and-slide.

But not in India. While they may be known for their more conservative designs, some of their shows have apparently attracted the attention of the Indian authorities. In particular, the Levi's show in Mumbia, where Bollywood actor/model Askay Kumar was strutting down the catwalk when, as he reached his wife sitting in the audience, he leaned in and she unbuttoned his pants. Not finding the antic amusing, Kumar now faces two years imprisonment and a 2,000 ruppee fine (which is about $39, the cost of a pair of Levi's).

While I can't say that this was the most tasteful way to promote Levi's new "Unbuttoned" campaign, I certainly don't think it warrants jail time. I mean, come on India, if you can't handle a little frontal flashing, how do you ever expect to make it into the fashion mainstream? I mean, remember when Dirk Bikkembergs got 100 soccer players to change their underwear in public during an Italian fashion show a couple years ago? I'm sure they'd all be facing the death penalty if the Indian police had something to do with it.

So India, lighten up--free Kumar!

Reese living in Berlin: Update 1.

Hallo von Berlin! Okay, so some of you may know that I am currently living in Berlin, some may not. But I have been pretty public about CHAOS going to Europe, so if you've been following, you already know. Oh, and for the geographically challenged people out there, Berlin happens to be in Germany. I really hope that isn't news to anyone. Eek. I am here while I work on the next issue of CHAOS. CHAOS IS IN BERLIN (have been since March) and we are about to start just that, some CHAOS! We heart Berlin.

I've decided that it might be cool and also a little funny to update about my life here in Berlin via the CHAOS blog. I mean I am going to be living here for 3 months so why not blog about it, right? I'll be updating on random things, like grocery shopping in Berlin (interesting all in itself), photo shoots, new friends, parties, nightlife, travels and of course my growing knowledge for the German language... pffft hahaahahah. No, but really I am trying! :)

ein Bier bitte? hah 

Peace <3 

Move Over H&M, Topshop takes NYC

While I am always one for affordable fashion, sometimes you get what your pay for (if you've ever bought at $4 shirt from Forever21, you know what I mean). But this week, British fashion chain Topshop opened its doors on this side of the pond, and the response couldn't have been more welcome. Famous for their trendy and higher quality designs, Topshop offers lines from high-end designers at low-budget prices.

Of course, you probably heard of the famed fashion outlet and if you live outside of New York, the news may seem irrelevant to your shopping agenda. But, for a limited time only, you can actually purchase clothing from the store's website and get free shipping (yes, free, no minimum purchase required).

So, unless you're on your way to Barney's now, this is good news. When else could you purchase a Preen studded skirt or a Jonathan Saunders one shoulder dress? Even if you can't get to Broadway and Broome, then definitely check out them out online. While some store openings are all hype, this is actually hype you can believe in.

Return To Wall Street

Notice a trend happening in Men's fashion nowadays? It started with the Dolce hair. Yanno, cut short on the sides and slicked and parted. Then it was the wingtip shoe. You can wear it with your suit, you can wear it with shorts and no socks (my personal fav). Oook, then came the '80's glasses. These are different from the popular Buddy Holly-esque glasses in that they're more rounded and look like something you would see an advertisement exec wear on Melrose Place, circa 1992. Allllrighty then, now it's the return of the vertical stripe in mens button-ups...or downs, whichever you prefer. So you put em all together and what do you get? Michael Douglas? 

Close. Well, that's the whole idea. Wall Street chic is what I'm calling this look. Now nerd chic is definitely a huge trend, as we have discussed before but now I'm talking about a hybrid of it. The mack-daddy, investment banking, cocaine sniffing, money laundering yuppie trend. Tailored suits, cropped and greased-to-the-side hair, striped wovens, and shiny wingers (that's my new word for wing-tips) are all the rage for Fall '09 (trust me on this - you're gonna see it everywhere). So get ahead of the game and start rockin' it now. Just do me a favor, no suspenders unless they're with jeans and no comb-overs. We're talking Wall Street here, not Trump Street. Now put down the blow and go and play banker.

Hot New Fashion Line: ellen&ollie

While I love New York fashion, it's always nice to explore and discover designers from other parts of the country. Over the past few years, more and more designers are choosing to create and work in cities that aren't the Big Apple and, in turn, the fashion mix is much more diverse.

Southern designer Molly Stevens creates one of my favorite new and fabulous lines--ellen&ollie. Named for the designer's great-aunt and uncle, the clothes have a very retro-chic vibe. Her big bow dresses are statement making and the fabric patterns are eye-catching. In fact, Stevens says that choosing fabric is one of her favorite parts of her creative process and it often inspires her designs.

What's unusual--but great--about ellen&ollie is that you can follow the designer's journey on her blog as she designs and sews her garments. Oftentimes, she'll get an order to design a dress but then challenges herself to try something she's never attempted before. The result? Really fabulous clothes that you know were made well and with alot of inspiration.

(If you are interested in purchasing ellen&ollie designs, please see the label's website.)

Model Watch: Michelle de Wit

Another Netherlands beauty?! Well, this time we've passed the legal age. Michelle de Wit is a 19 (almost 20!) year old Dutch sorceress. At least that's the role she is playing in her photographs. This chick is channelling Fiona Apple and the return to the whole Ck model revolution circa 1990 but with late 70's style. 

So far, Michelle's resume is a blank canvas but that doesn't stop the fashion critics from raving over this 5'11 beauty. Michelle is repped by Fresh Model Management in the Netherlands. Keep your eyes out for this girl as 2009 goes on. But remember where you saw her first (psst, here @ CHAOS!) Thumbs up for merging Stevie Nicks, Fiona Apple, the 1970's AND 1990's in one slender form. Thumbs down for not being everywhere by now.

Stashe Bashe

The mustache is a facial accoutrement that never seems to get its due. Whether its the manscaped version that John Galliano sports or the full on Burt Reynolds bushy lip, upper lip hair may be memorable but rarely gets a tribute.

But that's about to change. The American Mustache Institute (yes, it's a real organization) and dozens of bands are teaming up to tour the East Coast to bring you the best combination since peanut butter and jelly--mustaches and music. At each venue, attendees with the best staches (real or fake) will be judged by the chairman of AMI.

So if you're in New York and hankerin' for something fun to do Thursday night (aka tonight) that doesn't involve Happy Hour or watching two straight hours of NBC, then head on over to Pressure at University Place to celebrate facial hair and rock out. If you're not in New York no worries, the stashe bash is probably headed to a town near you soon.

So skip the shave this morning or--if you're no novice--don't forget to comb your lovely upper lip locks to prepare for this evening.