A Snood

Wouldn't it be so much easier if fashion combined two of the most essential winter items? Well, thankfully they have, A Snood, winter's hottest trend.

A snood is the scarf-come-hood that goes on over the head and around the neck like a scarf that won't flap away in the wind. It's a genius idea.

A snood is designed for both men and women and comes in great colours, patterns and fabrics. It's so easy to wear, just throw it over your head and go. It's said a snood is a throwback from the 80's but I don't understand why it ever went out of style. Also be sure to check out CHAOS Knits who has a fantastic one. CHAOS Knits launching next month is CHAOS Magazine's accessory knit line. Book mark it now! WWW.CHAOSKNITS.COM

-Erin Jones

A Nest For Emerging Designers

Ever look back on the days when you first started designing? or maybe you have been designing for a year and are ready to take your business to the next level? Wouldn't it be great to have your own design space? A place where you could receive educational and industry support? Well all that is possible if you live in the New York area.

On Monday, the Bloomberg administration announced a new 10,000 square-foot fashion incubator in the garment district.

"Emerging designers will be able to compete for a dozen spaces on the now vacant fourth floor of 209 West 38th Street, where the rent will only be $1,500 a month - about half the $2,900 market rate for a comparible space," said David Lombino, a spokesman for the city's Economic Development Corporation, which is leading the project.

Now this building won't be easy to get into, the tenants will be selected through a competition, winners will be announced in mid-December with a move in date of February. Applicants must have been in business for a year and half and employ a staff. In addition they must have received some sort of media attention.

The incubator will be a home to established local designers who are looking to take their business to the next step. With seminars held by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, this space will be sure to kick start your career and have you showing at all the major fashion weeks in no time.

Personally, I believe every city should have an incubator for designers!

-Erin Jones

A Standing Ovation for Jackie Christie

Designer, Jackie, Christie, debuted her first line during the closing celebrations of Los Angeles Fashion Week last Friday night.

To say the show was a hit is a bit of an understatement. We all know how hard fashion critics are to please but Christie won them over by bringing classic lines and sex appeal to the catwalk.

"I have never felt so elated and so honored to show my line," stated Christie. "The audience reaction sent chills up my spine and I couldn't believe how many approached me for orders right after the show. With proceeds benefiting the Infinite Love Foundation for student scholarships, I can't thank Los Angeles enough for the warm reception."

Christie is one of the few new designers to experience a standing ovation following their show. Chrisite embraced the idea of everyday women. Her clothes represent designs for every woman from tall to short and slender to shapely. Her show sent a position message to women everywhere, allowing them to feel comfortable in their own skin.

- Erin Jones

Model Watch: London lovely...

Lilah Parsons is a little cup of tea and brand spanking new to the game. Lilah has only been modeling for 6 weeks and is already shooting for Chanel. Discovered and launched by Profile Model Management Lilah has porcelain skins that you cannot miss, green eyes and glossy dark brunette locks. This lovely lady is sure to rise fast, after all with Chanel as one of your first jobs it's a pretty quick ticket to the top.

Until next time, kisses. -B

Model Watch: Sweden is so hot right now.

If you've taken a look at the current runway shows happening in Sweden, you'll know what I mean. The models coming from there are insanely beautiful, show stopping, head turning, call it what you will but that country is producing some of the fashion industries next stars. Living up to Sweden's reputation is Ester Apelskog, 16 of Gothenburg. Ester's look is mesmerising- curiously striking ice blue eyes, long golden locks, and the perfect pout. Scouted by MIKAs and already signed with IMG worldwide, Ester is proof that the Swedish invasion is in full effect. If you are a reader of CHAOS you would have noticed the CHAOS Model Watch section's girls were all from Sweden this last issue. Ironic? Or is CHAOS just ahead of the game? :)

Until next time, kisses. -B

CHAOS shoots Gabe Witmer

Today we are shooting Gabe Witmer of Ford Models for the Winter Issue. Gabe hails from the beachy town of Santa Cruz, Northern California's surfer cove. This Cali boy has plenty of personality and a laid back spirit that is strongly seen through his images. Recently, a fan favorite at Levis, Gabe is the '514 Skinny jeans' fit model. Those sexy jeans we love seeing on all the boys are made off of this surfers bod, and from looking at that photo to the left, I can see why.

Look for Gabe's editorial in this coming PRINT issue of CHAOS, Winter 09/10.

Until next time, kisses. -B

Image shot by William Walsh

Model Watch: Hallo, Philipp Michael!

6'2, blond hair, blue eyes, and a photo like that to the left, this boy has 'heart breaker' written all over him. Andreu from Icon Models discovered this handsome lad while on the metro in Barcelona, thank you Andreu. Philipp Michael, 21 hails from Ulm, Germany. Yes, that is right we have another gorgeous German on our hands. So many gorgeous men come that country, can't say the same for their women though, oh I'm just kidding. There is Heidi Klum and Claudia Schiffer. :) Only scouted weeks ago, Philipp has already been gathering major interested from top agencies. We're pretty keen to see who snatches him up in NYC.

Until next time, kisses. - B

Irving Penn Dies

Incredibly sad news. Irving Penn, the iconic fashion photographer, died last week.

Perhaps you aren't familiar with Penn? Oh, but you are.

The in house Vogue photographer (and Richard Avedon's rival), went from photographing models to photographing food but his work was always amazing.

He once described the art of photography as "one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective."

Thankfully, he helped bridge the line between excellent art and excellent fashion. And we will all be forever grateful.

Alexander McQueen Rocked It

Finally! Paris Fashion Week never dissapoints but I have to say, this year, it went above and beyond its reputation.

Chanel was great Chanel and Valentino was, well, amaza-balls Valentino. But some of the best shows were the ones that went all out.

Most notably, Alexander McQueen. Thank you Alexander McQueen. While he was certainly channeling Lady Gaga (he actually debuted her new single at the show), his show was lady fabulous. His collection, Plato Atlantis, featured amazingly dresses that can only best be described as zoo-chic, tops that looked like you are carrying a rain cloud around with you, and bodices that make your boobs looks on fire (literally).

As always, critics complained that not every piece is "wearable." I beg to differ. What's fashion without a little fantasy?

Down On The Farm

Who doesn't love a good old fashioned hoe down? There is that little piece of country in all of us, whether we choose to admit it or not.

Chanel's spring 2010 show in Paris was transformed into a barn yard extraganza. Under the glass ceiling of the historic Grand Palais was an unbelieveable sight. Chanel's double CC logo stood out front on a wood post and upon entering you felt like you just stepped onto a farm with a barn equipped with a hayloft as the backdrop.

"The rustic, romantic romp was a rip-roaring blast even before a platform popped out of the runway with Lily Allen and her band already singing anf stomping their feet," commented the LA Times.

Thigh-high slits added sexiness to city skirts and sparkly tunics. Tweed jackets with sidestraps had sleeves and collars coated in feathery ruffles and there was short hourglass shaped dresses in classic black and cream, some with flirty lace insets.

Chanel's romp in the hay was a huge success. It made the collection more desirable and romantic. The backdrop only added to the beautiful made clothing and soft colours of cream, oatmeal and white. It brought forth a playful side of Chanel that proved to be just what we needed.

-Erin Jones

Brigitte Bans Models

Well, not exactly. But sort of. Brigitte, the German fashion magazine, announced this week that it will no longer use "professional models." Starting in 2010, the fashion mag will only feature "real life" women in its pages.

"From 2010 we will not work with professional models any more," said Andreas Lebert, editor-in-chief, adding that he was "fed up" with having to retouch pictures of underweight models.

"For years we've had to use Photoshop to fatten the girls up," he went on to say, "Especially their thighs, and decolletage. But this is disturbing and perverse and what has it got to do with our real reader?"

He also added that readers "no longer wanted to see protruding bones [...] Today's models weigh around 23% less than normal women," Lebert said. "The whole model industry is anorexic."

As they say, 'them's fightin' words.' Or, more accurately, it sounds like Brigitte has it out for models. However the magazine, which reaches nearly a million German readers could be thinking women's revolution--or dollar signs.

What better way to save some dough in a recession than to recruit "real women" instead of paying fashion models for their work?

Lohan's Ungaro Collection Less than Stellar

The Louvre is rarely a place that receives criticism: If anything, it is where great art goes to rest for, well, the rest of eternity. So when Lindsay Lohan debut her "artistically directed" collaboration for the Spring 2010 collection of Emanuel Ungaro's collection, the boos that resounded were duly noted.

Well, perhaps "boos" is too harsh of a criticism. But, then again, there was certainly no applause: Lohan's ripped-offed Herve Leger dresses, ill-fitting pants and jackets, and bizzare fabric choices (aka tacky) were not well received. As noted art director Fabien Baron said, "Call the fashion police."

When will designers learn that celebrities are not fashion gurus? (Marc Jacobs, honey, don't be the next victim...)

The New York Times called it, "[S]omething akin to a McDonald’s fry cook taking the reins of a three-star Michelin restaurant."

Nuff said.

Jimmy Choo at H&M

Okay so I know it's a little early to start talking about this but I have to, I can hardly contain my excitement. And I feel it is my duty to share this incredible news with you. I mean you're going to need ample notice so you can make sure you're free on November 14th.

What's happening Novemeber 14th? I hope you're sitting down for this. Jimmy Choo is hitting 200 H&M stores worldwide!

Tamara Mellon, the creative brains behind Jimmy Choo, has designed an accessible collection for the H&M woman. This collection includes shoes, purses, accessories and even clothing.

I know most of us only dream of owning a pair of Jimmy Choo's, well now your dream can come true. With prices ranging from $29.95 to $200.00 Jimmy Choo has now become affordable for every fashionista.

Make sure you mark November 14th on your calender and get to your nearest H&M super early cause I can guarantee this collection will sell out fast. You don't want to miss this once and a lifetime opportunity.

-Erin Jones

Coco Before Chanel

This year has been the year for fashion movies--whether it be spoofs (Bruno) or documentaries (Valentino: The Last Emperor and The September Issue) they've followed everyone from a fictional fashion reporter to Anna Wintour. And now the bio-pic about Coco Chanel has just hit theaters which is definitely worth a trip to the theater.

Coco Before Chanel has an interesting take on the famed designer. Instead of focusing solely on her glamorous Chanel years, the movie follows Coco, nee Gabrielle, as a young orphan and courtesan. Audrey Tatou plays the enigmatic designer who, despite all odds, forges her way not only in French society but in the fashion world to become the icon that she is now remembered as.

If you're in New York, definitely go see Coco Before Chanel at the Paris Theater. Brownie points if you rock pearls and vest.

Curves Are In

Finally, there is a designer brave enough to feature models who are bigger than your average catwalk model.

Mark Fast, a Canadian designer, put his knit designs on models who ranged from size 12-14 in his show for London Fashion Week.

The international world of fashion is abuzz over Mark Fast's concept of what size model is acceptable on the catwalk.

One report said it sparked a behind-the-scenes row that ended with Fast's stylist walking out on his show because of the new look. But the designer has now apologies for making room for regular women with serious curves, reported CBC News.

"I think it's time really, there's such beauty out there and it's unfortunate that it's only representative in one size...so it's just a new celebration of all women," said Fast.

The model in the picture above is a size 12 and I think she looks fabulous!

-Erin Jones