The Season Handbag

Oh fashion industry. Didn't you learn the first time? Apparently not because it looks like Lohan has found another designing gig. This time with Ed Hardy. More specifically handbags. Hopefully, I'm sure her affinity for bling pasties will register with the Ed Hardy customer; however, if the Lohan stamp of approval does not work, try out the season's handbag, the over the shoulder satchel. Most are convertible from day to night with the removal of the shoulder strap and voila! A small tote, genius. Check out this lovely one over at JCrew .

-Tamera Blair Darden

Isabel Toledo X Payless

Zac Posen & Saks. Vera Wang & Kohls. Rachel Roy & Macy's. Every other designer and Target. What do this relationships signify? The move of well known designers creating diffusion lines for the masses. A great idea that is showing promise and the fashion industry is noticing its significance, especially in light of the economic atmosphere.

It appears that another designer has taken notice and is joining the bandwagon. Following in the steps of Christian Siriano and Alice + Olivia, Isabel Toledo will be designing a diffusion line for Payless. After gaining notoriety with Michelle Obama's Inaugural ensemble, Isabel is in the works with Payless to launch a diffusion line in September of shoes under $40 bucks. The line will include flats, square heels and trendy goloshes, whatever that means.
-Tamera Blair Darden

Bonjour mon amour: Meet Gaspard

Oh la la ...how is this for some Monday eye candy? Say hello to this lovely French lad, Gaspard Menier, hailing from Châtellerault, France. Standing at 6'2 with shaggy brown hair and piercing baby blues this guy has heartbreak written all over him. Oh, but there is more coming from this beau, Gaspard is also a musician. Top that off with his Über sweet accent and I think CHAOS has found a new love with this Frenchman! This is definitely one to watch so keep your eyes peeled, mine are. ;)

Gaspard is signed with Angels & Demons
in Paris.

If you have some new faces you'd like to share please send them my way, perhaps we'll blog it!

Email: bianca@chaos-mag.com

Until next time, kisses - B

Nominess for the CFDA Awards Announced

To all who know and understand, the CFDA Awards is the equivalent of the Oscars for fashion designers. Recently, the nominees were announced and the event was held above Diane Von Furstenberg's offices/showroom in the meatpacking district.

Nail-biters of the night, Alexander Wang, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs are nominated for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Meanwhile, Jason Wu, who has had a fabulous run (dressing Michelle Obama and all) is nominated along side with Joseph Altuzurra and Prabal Gurung for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear.

Honorees included Michael Kors who will be receiving the Geoffery Beane Lifetime Achievement Award, Burberry's Christopher Bailey will be honored with the International Award, Iman will be awarded the Fashion Icon Award and the late Alexander McQueen will be bestowed the Board of Directors' Special Tribute Award.

Alexander McQueen Ends On A High Note

Alexander McQueen's final collection showed in Paris yesterday in a small intimate room to personally invited editors. The show proved to be simultaneously bittersweet and epic. Bittersweet for the obvious and epic due to the tailoring and craftsmanship evident in his last body of work.

While only 16 looks, each had ornate detail and beautiful tailoring. Using brocade fabric in a rich red & gold color combination, a distinct silhouette, and headpiece with protruding feathers, McQueen's inspiration was clear and concise, as he looked to the Dark Ages for his Fall 2010 RTW collection.

His collection flowed effortlessly with each look building up to the next until the final look that combined romanticism and the perfect construction of a garment.

I'd say a great final viewing for a great designer. He'll definitely be missed.

-Tamera Blair Darden