Lady Gaga isn’t the only one reviving old-school Madonna lately. New York–based design team Alex & Chloe have collaborated with trendy clothing retailer Forever 21 for a jewelry line, and the result looks like something straight out of the “Like a Prayer” video. From a geometrically spiked necklace and cuff to rhinestone-covered cross earrings, these dramatic pieces are perfect for any chic punk rocker (just add Doc Martens) or for adding an extra edge to a flirty dress.
And while Alex & Chloe’s impressive clientele, such as Kate Moss, don’t mind shelling out up to $2,500 for their goth-punk accessories, all nineteen items in Forever 21 stores can be snagged for less than $16. Granted stocking up on an armful of studded, hexagonal bangles and bracelets could cost you a pretty penny, but late eighties Madge would definitely approve.
Not sold yet? Before you head to Forever 21, sneak a peek at Alex & Chloe’s glam video look book.
The Crop Top, popularized by likes of the Spice Girls and Britney Spears, is making a quick return to the fashion scene. Whether it be fashion greats like Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim, or the racks at a local store of Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, the Crop Top is back.
There is a huge difference between the Crop of the Nineties and the Crop of today. First, this seasons Crop Top has a boxy silhouette where the past is much more a shrunken shirt. And second, these shirts aren’t all about showing your tight and tone abdomen, it is all about drawing attention to your waist. These tops should hit below the belly button and slightly about the waist of the pant, making it a style that can be worn by anyone.
This trend isn’t just for the ladies, designers like Calvin Klein and Frankie Morello prove that men can rock the Crop too. There is a major difference between the two tops. The mens top is a lot looser and usually worn over something. In some cases, it is a lot higher on the abdomen, showing a whole lot more of the toned abs. Be careful ladies, the men may be taking over what was once considered your territory in the fashion world, all while looking pretty impressive.
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.
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.
