Eligible and Down...Under That Is

Head out to Sydney and pick up an issue of Cleo Magazine. What is Cleo? Well, a) who cares? because nothing is better than CHAOS! and b) Cleo is 'for the woman of the new millennium showcasing the latest in fashion, beauty tips, fitness...blah blah blah' basically the Aussie version of Cosmo, puke. Anyways, this brings us to the topic of today's lesson...Jacob Cedric-Byrne. Now, I suggested picking up the aforementioned magazine in the first place for one reason only: to check this dude out listed as one of Australia's Top 50 Bachelor's! Hey, can we import this one, Reese?

Jacob is a good friend of the CHAOS fam, being a designer from down under and he is also the poster boy for the upcoming CHAOS Knits! Check him out over here on the right hand side. Yea, see him? Sexy, eh mate? Yeaa! This eligible gent is 23 years old and finds eyes to be the sexiest thing about a woman, we'd like to mention that we find his eyes equally as sexy (notice pic to right again). If he were a cat, he'd be black and he's definitely into some girl on girl action...as long as panties are kept on. Oh, and I guess he likes soy f/w(?) coffee with honey? Ew. Wait, I think his little sister took that photo, yea. Read the article to get more scoopage. But be careful, our pal is a Gemini, which means that there's an evil twin of his running around. I'm guessing it's probably a little fan we know as SFLocal! Hmmm...

You can check out the article here and be sure to keep your homepage set to CHAOS because there is plenty more of this knit-man to come!

Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy

One of the biggest Parisian fashion houses filed for bankruptcy this week--Christian Lacroix. Famous for its outlandish and opulent designs, the twenty year-old line's financial difficulties shocked both the fashion and finance industry. In a letter to his 125 person staff, designer Lacroix states:

"I don't know what tomorrow will be made of, if indeed there is a tomorrow, but I will do everything to ensure we remain a couture house 200 percent, and to safeguard a know how without which the lungs and heart of this house would not exist."

Back in 2005, LVMH bought out the luxury giant in hopes to build on its fashion empire. However, sales for Lacroix have not met expectations and this week the company decided to declare the line insolvent.

Hopefully, Lacroix can keep his promise to his employees. It's nice to know that among many of the luxury designers who are so quick to fall into the branding trap, he has remained somewhat of a purist and true to his passion for fabulous couture and ready-to-wear.

Charlotte Ronson Poo-Poos "Silly" Fashion

While most designers try to build their brand by touting their designs, Charlotte Ronson told Britain's The Times, that she thinks getting all professional and stuff at work is just plain ridiculous. She goes on to promote not her line, but everyone else's:

"I most dislike the silliness of it all. The images you see of women who work in fashion through the movies and TV is totally distorted. Not everyone runs around in high heels. People probably think that I'm messy and lazy. I like natural hair and not too much make-up. If I have a meeting, I try to make an effort, otherwise I keep things quite relaxed. On the weekend, I'm even more slouchy - except for my Chanel 2.55 bag! What is my fallback outfit? A cute black dress from Elizabeth and James. It is easy to wear and looks like you've tried harder than you did."

As if her fashion ennui wasn't enough, Ronson then goes on to explain that she would never get plastic surgery. " I always look tired, " she complained, "I'd like bright eyes, but I wouldn't consider surgery. There is something about messing with your eyes that totally changes the way you look."

Indeed, indeed. What else should we know Charlotte? Is wheatgrass yucky and celebrity restaurants overrated? While her candidness is somewhat refreshing, this interview is a lesson to all young designers--stick to talking about your line if you want people to buy it.

CHAOS @ Ambassador, SF

Ambassador was definitely the place to be last Thursday night, in honor of CHAOS pal, San Franpsycho. There was booze, dancing, hot guys and girls, and screen printing! YAY! The surflebrities of the Bay were all in attendance, including another CHAOS pal, Gabe Witmer (coming soon in our next issue alongside Tyler Wood Birkestrand!). Among attendies was our fashion heroine, Reese and her gal pal Erica Stakutis, appropriately dubbed 'Herrica'.

But wait, sources (SFLocal apparently is on stalker status) have not-so-subtly pointed out that there was arm candy in attendance as well. Who is this tall, dark, and handsome lad? No one is quite sure as to his origin but one thing is for certain, hands were interlocked between Reese and this brooding Newb.

Aside from the Pride and Prejudice drama, the party was a huge success for the SF based surf-indie-art-music-fashion philanthropists. They're basically US, but wet...and saltier. Show 'em some love. We gotta spread it around, after all.

Watch: Anna Wintour on 60 Minutes

60 Minutes is famous for their in-depth reporting, ticking clock intro and outro, and wacky Andy Rooney. But, occasionally, they decide to do human interest pieces and last week they chose famed fashion editor Anna Wintour as their subject.

In the piece, Wintour defends her reputation as a cold, hard-lined magazine maven who knows what she wants and gets what she wants. When asked if she's a perfectionist, Wintour asserts, "I like looking at my clothes rack in the morning and deciding what to pick out." We would too if Conde Nast gave us a $200,000 a year clothing budget.

But for all her Miranda Priestly mystique, the interview is fascinating simply because Wintour so rarely speaks to the press. And while it may seem odd to have Morley Safer asking the Vogue editor about fashion, the accomplished journalist and the infamous editor actually make for excellent TV viewing.

Candid Candicidy

I just had to post this because I think it's so cute...and you will too!

A candid shot of Miss Reese Herrick and myself galavanting down the streets of downtown San Francisco, probably on our way to a photoshoot or a gallery opening, or Ambassador. Or maybe it was late night sushi?

At any rate, join the fun. Twitter us.

www.twitter.com/chaosmag

Oh, Danny Boy!

Whilst perusing through model profiles and pola's, or 'roids, or 'olaroids, or just 'ds...whatever you wanna call em, I came across a strikingly handsome young lad by the name of Danny Schwartz (sans 't') (so, Schwarz). This kid was signed about 2 years ago and is the pride'n' joy of Premier Management. I guess he used to be a DJ in Londontown back in the day. I love how Dj's nowadays are hot. I remember when they used to look like DJ A.M. and now they look like freaking ...I don't know who...um, well...Danny Schwarz!

So shortly after discovery, Calvin Klein scooped him up for some exclusive work in Milan. As far as mag ads goes, his resume ranges from GQ to Esquire (not a big jump) and 10 Magazine. He's also done ads for D&G and Mario Testino and walked for the 2 chee's, Givenchy and Versace. Also, Tommy Hilfiger, if anyone cares. I didn't think so. He is best known for a Steven Meisel-shot Ck campaign involving a threesome which is too hot for T.V. (pssh! so NOT too hot for CHAOS).

The thing about Danny that is appealing is that he's not a waif. It's like a return to the good ol' days of finely tuned men with firm abs and piercing eyes. I'm not talking A&F style because you have to find that happy medium between high fashion and high beefcake. Plus it doesn't hurt to throw in a little bi-curious action to steam things up. xoxo

Feelin' A Breeze Up the Bum? AA Strikes Again!

One of the things I love best about American Apparel is its 'basement porn shop' advertising. You know, with all the gritty black and white photos of less-than-sober and seemingly less-than-legal models posed on the floor and upside down on couches. (Well, due to it's most recent popularity, the black and white basement pics have been replaced with vivid color & white backdrops.) Anyways, it just got better!

So Sasha Grey, porn star extraordinaire and multiple AVN award winner is best known for not only the extremities that she's willing to accomplish in a scene but also for the serious intellect she invests while doing them. Well, she can most recently be spotted seriously modeling Apparel's newest collection, specifically their nylon tights. Even more specifically, their assless nylon tights. That's right, ass-LESS. 

The illicit leggings (better known as the 'sheer luxe cut-out pantyhose') aren't yet available for purchase, as they are still in production, but you can view the nouveau red-lightesque nylons on the company's website.

Who knows how the new hosiery will fare come August but one question remains: Are you really surprised?! Pick 'em up and add store them next to your striped thigh-high socks, sweatbands, metallic bandeau tops and other costume staples. You can be a porn star for Halloween...or play that naughty secretary role REALLY well!

Halston Hires Marios Schwab

Who, you may ask? While Halston's brand power has fallen from it's 70s heyday, the directors of the line said that Schwab--a recent graduate of Central St. Martins--was their top choice to invigorate the line. The young designer, who has a fashion line by his own name, said that he is thrilled that he was chosen as Marco Zanini's replacement:

“While Halston’s DNA is crucial to its future success, I very much wish to move the brand forward and make it relevant for today, simple, effortless pieces realized via modern [fabrics] and technology will play a large role in how I will redefine the brand. The clothes will echo the heritage but with a very distinctive, modern feel that is completely new and completely now.’’


With that said, Schwab's creative influence may be at odds with the brand's recent announcement that they will be re-releasing some of their most classic and famous designs. Hopefully, they will be able to reconcile their passion for jersey with Schwab's vision to use more "modern fabrics."

This will be a wait and see. But congrats Marios! We'll be watching for your debut collection in February 2010.

NorCal or SoCal, the Battle Rages On!

So the ever-long battle rages on between SoCal's City of Angels and NorCal's wine-soaked The Bay Area. This time, it's for the rights to CHAOS. Yes, you read right. Both cities are vying for this magazines attention, but only one will have full custody.

CHAOS is a bi-coastal magazine, having a headquarters in NYC (where else?) and one on our side of the states, in California. The question remains as to where to set up shop. LA is an entertainment city with lots of access to photographers, models, and stylists. It would be a great opportunity to really expand the magazine and make some new discoveries. However, SF is home to most of the staff (well, some...OK! Just me and Reese) so it's hard to leave our hipster ways and settle for LA's way of life. Plus, SF boasts it's fair share of modelites, photographers, and stylists. It would be nice to have a fashion magazine based here, to really give the city a leg-up in the industry. And the weather 'aint half bad either!

So what do you think? Time is a-tickin' and we need to make a decision! Would you prefer us to stay true to our home and keep bringing you indie fashion news from a Golden Gate perspective? Or should we branch out to the big leagues and try our hand at fake tanning and blonde weaves? Leave your thoughts in comment form.

Bloody Hell, British Boys!

Yesterday CHAOS shot in San Francisco, a fun filled day with the dashing Gabe Witmer @ Ford Models, San Francisco and Tyler Wood @ City Models, San Francisco. Check out our June Issue for these blokes and their editorial shot by Leslie Andrews Fashion photographer, styling & creative direction by Reese Herrick and assisted by Matthew Fontenot.

Nothing like a little British Prep to get your blood boiling. Hmm, I think I'm feeling a little randy tonight, we'll take Gabe & Tyler along side our tea and crumpets!

Love Always,
CHAOS ;)

Walkin' Down Svelt St.

Whaddya get when you mix Goldfrapp with Timbaland and throw in a mix of Lady Gaga and MGMT's lovechild? You get the pretty fierce and completely unique underground sound of Svelte St. Bay Area based, these guys are definitely making their mark and are currently grooving down to L.A. to spread the good word. Their debut album, Hello, Dear is available on iTunes for purchase. The ambient beats such as Po' Boy and St. George mix perfectly against the more upbeat and hypnotic Lights On and RSVP. 

Tienlyn, better known as Feelmore is the lead singer and shares vocals with hubby Nikko (aka, Bang!Cheeto) and define what it means to be a dynamic duo. They just relocated back to the Bay Area from a one year inspiration stint in Australia, where they recorded Hello, Dear. When I first met the lustrous siren, I actually thought it was Kim Kardashian, but about 8 sizes slimmer. 

She sums up their debut album pretty well: 'Hello, Dear was all about pushing boundaries, which is part of the reason we chose to finish in Australia but that doesn't necessarily mean that that is the sound we are going to stick with. We're still trying all sorts of things and we really like to let the influences in our lives (which are always changing) influence the music'. 

Not only is she a complete doll and Nikko one of the coolest guys out there, but their love for their music and sique beats is evident in the work that they manufacture. They just wrapped up the amazing video for Po' Boy so catch these guys on iTunes, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Trust me, this is one Street that you're gonna wanna invest in.

Aretha Franklin's Inauguration Hat: Fashion for Your Christmas Tree

Obama's inauguration is long over but the memory of Aretha Franklin's crystal studded hat still haunts us. The bow, the jewels, the size, whether you liked it or not, it certainly was a fashion statement.

Well now a Michigan-based jeweler wants to commemorate that legendary fashion choice with a glass ornament version of it. Curtis Posuniak, the designer, says that he was enthralled by the hat and had to make a miniature version of it. He's commissioned a team of Polish glass makers to craft these pieces and hopes to have them on sale in time for Christmas.

So, if you're at the Dearborn Ritz-Carlton this holiday season, stop on by Bronner's in Frankenmuth or, if you won't be and must have an Aretha tree ornament, email klassicsbykurtis@comcast.net.

At $43 pop, it's probably the cost of just one of the jewels on Ms. Franklin's chapeau.

Happy Birthday Reese Herrick, EIC

On behalf of the entire CHAOS-MAG staff, I would love love love to wish our Editor-in-Chief, little Miss Reese Herrick a fabulous birthday!

Reese started CHAOS in late 2008 and has been pioneering the fusion of alternative fashion, music, and art for basically her entire adult life. Not to mention she's one saucy cat! I personally have spent many a night cruising the streets of the city in stretch limos with this girl and have loved every minute of the last 3 years of knowing her!

Here's to many more limosine rides! And much much more peace, love, and CHAOS!

LOVE YOU BABE!

XOXO

Mamma Drama for Bensimon

In honor of Mother's Day (Hi, Mom!) I decided to write about my favorite mom of all time, the superultrabusydonthavetimeforyou Kelly Bensimon. And by favorite, I mean the main person in life that I just can't stand whatsoever. If you've watched any of The Real Housewives of New York City this season you know where my sentiments stem from and chances are you probably share them. Kelly's ridiculous attitude and erratic behavior during this season made her a prime target for ridicule. I thought that maybe it was just the way she was being portrayed by the producers of the show but it turns out that in real life, Kelly is indeed pretty obnoxious (like when she commented that Jill Zarin's daughters {who is 13 by the way} arthritis was 'cute'). Not only that but add on liar, thief, and spousal abuser. Oh yea, I went there.

So during the show, Kelly promoted her jewelry line which consists of a bunch of jewel-laden owls as necklaces and rings. The concept is actually really cute. But what isn't cute is the fact that those aren't her designs. The truth of the matter is that when Kelly worked at Elle Accessories, she and a colleague of hers found the vintage piece at a thrift shop and she suggested Kelly wear it for appearances. They went further to have a verbal contract saying they would develop a line based on the owl and split the profits, being partners. Well, of course Kelly ran with the idea and left her colleague in the dirt. Two days after that episode premiered, Kelly was bitch-slapped with a lawsuit, still pending.

You want more? Alright. Add to that a beating she gave her husband (?) Nicholas Stefanov during an argument they had a couple of months back. She struck him across the face, leaving a gaping slash wound. Stefanov then called the cops on her and she was immediately hauled to jail, later escaping by gnawing through the iron bars of her cell. Not very motherly-like Kells. I wonder how Kelly's daughters are going to turn out after realizing that they were raised by a psychopath ex-model? Probably just like the rest of us attention-starved faux celebrity wannabes.

See what happens when you're a bitch to everyone? At any rate, the show is over (sad face) but I'm SO ready for the Noo Joisey gals, who are expected to bring even more low-class drama. Here's to watching people who think they're more than they really are make fools of themselves on national television and having everyone in America hate them. Oh yea, and Happy Mother's Day.

Can Samurai's Be Emo?

I don't know, maybe. But I do know this: menswear does not get enough attention in our blog. I'll take partial blame of course so to make things right I'm gonna talk a bit about the new huge trend for men that's been up-and-coming for the last 2 years or so. You've probably heard about it and if not, then you certainly know it when you see it. It's called Gothic Ninja. So sharpen your Samurai sword because we're about to have a crash course in this innovative and mysterious trend.

No one really knows its origins. It wasn't started by any one designer and basically derived from a mash-up of Japanese streetwear and depressed label whores. I'm guessing it's called Gothic Ninja because well, as you can see, only Asian men are pulling this off right now. But I think it's high time for America to get in the groove with this one because I spotted this one dude in Paris suffocating himself with his chunky black scarf wrapped around his face so you know it's just a matter of time before you start seeing it on H&M mannequins.

The look consists of ALOT of layering up top and something extremely tight on the bottom. I've seen the gays running around in similar styles but they're all pink and colorful with the scarves and the fringe and it's just getting to be too much. Black is the only color palette working here. Well, maybe some white and smoky grays but that's all you're allowed.

To a non-observant passerby the look may appear as very underground with no labels showing (and maybe that's the way it should be) but we know better. If you have the yen, one look can set you back pretty far. You can start with your basic American Apparel tee. That's $40 right there. Layer on a top from Ann Demeulemeester and a Rick Owens knit (not the yeti coat!). Instead, opt for one from Undercover or Martin Margiela. Like I said, keep the bottom simple with ass cinching Dior Homme 17cm jeans or a slightly looser Comme Des Garçons drop crotch. Top it off with a Balenciaga 'The Day Bag' or a Louis Vuitton Shopper, some cheap silver accessories (for sniper style bling) and a pair of Number (N)ine worn leather boots and $10,000 later, there is your attempt at fitting in. I say screw the labels and just wrap yourself in all your black clothes. Have a tee shirt hanging off of your neck in scarf fashion and some fingerless fuzzy gloves and go. The key is to keep the look extremely modern yet controlled and masculine.

As of right now, the ninjas are remaining dormant in Japan, but I've already been getting updates of a few in the shadows of Paris and London. Keep a careful eye out for these guys because come Fall '09, you're not gonna know what hit you.

Met Gala Brawl

So I know we've been covering the Costume Institute Gala Ball all week and maybe you're thinking what else is there to report on? But, oh my goodness, is there ever more to report on.

First off, it was model-themed and ironically (or fittingly) there was a model brawl. Well, kind of. The story goes that Brooke Shields, in all her 80s model glory, was having a conversation with Kiefer Sutherland, who was clearly in an 80s state of mind, when Jack McCollough (half of the Proenza Schouler design team) walked up and interrupted the conversation. Although the details are sketchy, it's pretty clear that McCollough is probably the least intimidating person and Sutherland, Mr. Jack Bauer, could probably kill you in a bar fight. Anyway, long story short, Sutherland allegedly headbutted McCollough and broke his nose.

Now I don't want to get catty but where was Naomi Campbell during all this? If there was going to be model-involved violence, I was sure she was going to be involved. Oh well, beating up a 130 pound designer is by far more pathetic hitting your assistant with phone. Way to bring the class to so-called Oscars of fashion.

I'm sure Anna Wintour will be making some revisions to her invite list for next year.

Monday Night Metball

So everyone by now knows of the gala organized by fashion chancellor Anna Wintour on Monday night. The event 'Models as Muse' was in celebration of women's fashion throughout the century, from post-World War 2 to 1992 and beyond and literally everyone was there! Even the Pirate of Soho! Wow, she get's around!
There were a handful of supermodels who were not into the event in reaction to Azzedine Alaia not being included in the exhibit. Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymore, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista were not in attendance due to Alaia drama! Since these girls are basically joined to Azzedine at the hip 24/7, when the designer was not chosen to be featured along with his peers, they were all too happy to revoke the invitation.
However, the night was indeed full of fashion suprises thanks to Justin Timberlake who apparently thought he was Marc Jacobs, Rihanna who raided Grace Jones' closet right before the event, and Madonna who obviously has lost her mind completely. While the celebs farted down the runway, the supermodels shone in glamorous couture, including Jessica Stam, notorious Lola-lover in her little metallic Rodarte minidress. I think the true standout star was Shalom Harlow who completely captured the 'Models as Muse' vibe in her overflowing black icing-cloud gown. 

The exhibit is on display until August 9th so stop by and enjoy fashion history as it unfolded through the inspirations of "women" (meaning models - which does in fact not mean "women"). Just refrain from throwing a gallon of red paint on the Versace exhibit in the name of Alaia (I'm talking to you, Campbell)!

Models Get Their Due

For as long as I can remember, celebrities have dominated the covers of magazines, fashion ads, and even designer labels. It seems that if you just have a wee bit of talent acting or singing, you somehow are qualified to model Marc Jacobs or craft a line for Target. And while I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, it's high time that the models--the actual artistic vehicles for designer clothes--started to get some respect.

So now, with the recession in full swing and the organizers of the Costume Institute Gala at the Met scrambling to come up with a tasteful theme, the verdict is now in: The Model as Muse with be the tribute at this year's event. Focusing the creative influence models like Twiggy, Kate, and Naomi have had on major designer's lines, the exhibit will highlight models as more than just a body to hang the clothes but as the influential force behind them.

As always, the opening will be a star-studded event but it would be great if the Institute decided to invite some new, up and coming models to the party in order to prove their not only interested in models' past creative voice in fashion but their current one.

The Art of Seduction

I get chills when I see an editorial shoot in a way that's so seductively done that it's nothing short of brilliance. A classic example of this is basically anything Madonna has ever done, including her 1992 book sex (but that's an extreme case). U.K.'s Daniel Jackson's shoot for Acne Paper Sweden's Summer '09 edition is just one of those spreads that takes that extreme case and turns it into something marketable and quite frankly, irresistibly sexy.

With an ensemble cast of models that fits each mysteriously shot photo so perfectly, one can't help but take note. L'Amant (or Lover en francais) is a tribute to sensual (almost fetish) stereotypes that leave the viewer with just a teensy bit of an eyebrow raise. Models include Anne Vyalitsyna, Iris Strubegger, Missy Rayder, Diana Dondoe, Marina Perez, Liu Wen, Alyssa Miller, Linda Vojtova, Sessilee Lopez, Colby Parsons, Marcel, and Adam Lundbergh.

Each photo lures the viewer in, wanting more of what is shown and craving to delve deeper into what isn't. Provocativeness is key in that the sex itself isn't blaring and thrown in your face. It's not obvious. It's something that you have to think about and much is left to the imagination. All in all, I want framed copies of every single one of these prints because I know that they're going to be worth quite a bit someday.

The Pirate of Soho

I just want to take a break from fashion news and lay out a little dish. So there is this website, that shall remain untold, where really fashionable "ordinary" people are photographed in the street and posted and everyone comments on. Usually the pics are REALLY avant garde and fabulous or at least interesting but sometimes there's just an outfit that makes you think, THIS is fashion?!

Case in point, the above picture. Now, yes this outfit tells a statement. It says, "I auditioned for Pirates of the Caribbean and didn't get it and I'm crazed and obsessed". Well, maybe not the latter part but still. So yes, the outfit is very cultural. Obviously. But to have it posted on a street fashion website and have people comment on it as an "amazing and inspiring" outfit is ludicrous.

This is something that the homeless people in the streets wear when they're collecting cans for recycling. This is fashion in the sense that it is indeed clothes being worn and it tells a statement. But the statement told is not, I'm fashionable. Aside from being ill-fitted, the outfit appears to be just filthy. I'm all for posting these kinds of pics and having a "what was she thinking?" moment but to post this outfit and praise it for being "fashionable" just does not make sense. Go down to Jamaica and wander the dirt streets and you'll see everyone in the same look. Maybe that's where the photographer got the pic and just photoshopped it into the streets of NYC.

At any rate, it's important to know the difference between fashion and fashionable. Culturally inspired garments are definitely a win in most cases but when you get too cultural you may just need to be deported.