The prevalence of counterfeit name-brand goods has caused women and men around the country to look at, let's say a purse, and mutter the words, “is that real?”
Knock-off Prada, Fendi, Gucci and Louis Vuitton can be found just about anywhere these days. Add to that list, True Religion, Burberry, Juicy Couture and even Nike, nothing these days are exempt from closer inspection of being the “real thing.”
The Los Angeles Police Department recently raided the alleys of L.A.'s downtown shopping district. The raid resulted in the seizure of $2.7 million dollars in counterfeit goods and the arrests of 28 people. The knockoff Ed Hardy, Lacoste, Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, Sony, along with several others were placed on display today at LAPD headquarters for a news conference.
In these tough economic times, stores continue to struggle as consumers cutback on their shopping. The availability of knockoff goods essentially hurt profits of their name brand counterparts. The anti-piracy task force was established in 2004 to help deter counterfeiting. To date, the task force has seized over 1.7 million goods that have a street value well over $49 million.
Being the plan-ahead person that I am, I always have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. This year, however, the holidays sprang up on me. I'm not sure how, considering that Christmas is on the same day every year. It's not exactly a surprise.
So when I got the invite for a holiday shopping event inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo (being hosted by steamy Robert Buckley from Lipstick Jungle), I decided I must attend. While I was there, I snagged a Cannabis Rose gift set from Fresh for my grandma (she's a crystal healer and ex-flower child), and I found a fabulous pair of vintage Courreges sunglasses at Annie Creamcheese (for myself, of course).
I also got a chance to catch up with Robert, and we chatted about what he wants under the Christmas tree this year, what it's like being a piece of sexy mancandy and what project he has lined up next.
Lydia Hearst is the newest addition to the BlackBook team. Hearst, who is known not only for her family name but also for her successful venture into modeling, is the new intern for the publication. Part of Hearst's intern resume included some photos by Photographer Randall Slavin. Is it me, or is it a little weird to be showing nude pictures to your potential employers? I guess if you are Lydia Hearst it doesn't matter.
One of our account executives recently admitted (to himself and his optometrist) that his eyesight isn't what it used to be, so he got glasses: the oversized, hipster-style Ray Ban Wayfarers. I thought they were really sexy, in that nerdy, yet confident Clark Kent sort of way. Over the past two weeks, a lot of people have commented on his newest accoutrement, and I've been surprised how many people, from publicists to friends to coworkers, who asked me if his glasses were fake. Were they asking because they had never seen him in glasses, or were they asking because the glasses seemed too nerdy-cool to be real, as though they were a prop for his stylish manner of dress?
I suppose it's a fair question. About two months ago, I found out through idle gossip that our former art director wore fake glasses. Strangely enough, they were the exact same black, thick-rimmed Ray Bans. As the chatter went on about his faux spectacles, someone mentioned that fake glasses are a pick-up line. I wondered if that were true. I mean, really, it makes sense.
A pair of bold, designer glasses says to the world: I'm intelligent. I'm refined. I like indie films and free trade coffee. Yes, I can pull off the $400-cashmere-sweater-paired-with-Chucks-look. I'm attentive, so I can not only pick out the best Pinot Noir for a romantic afternoon picnic, but I'm also unbelievable in bed. I'm secure with myself, so I'm not worried if glasses might make me look dorky.
On second thought, I have to agree, that is hell of a pick-up line. Maybe I should start wearing my glasses again.
City Model Management hosted a festive fete in their
SOMA office space Friday evening. The event benefited
the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, which provides free
alternative medical treatments to low-income women
with cancer.
The party drew a crowd of industry insiders, from
magazine editors to FIDM professors, who each turned
out to have a good time for a good cause.
Models snuggled in chunky knits and scarves donated by
the United Colors of Benetton showcased the latest
cold-weather paraphernalia on the pop-up runway (right
on cue with this week’s cold snap). After the fashion
show, the mingling mix noshed on appetizers, sipped
bubbly, and boogied to the DJ’s beats.
I’ve been obsessed with summer scarves since last spring but with the weather turning chillier by the day, I need a scarf that keeps me toasty but still offers the low-key finishing touch to any outfit. After hunting down some possible options, I came across the Odd Molly’s Revolt scarf (www.oddmolly.com). Its blue and pink embroidered detailing is exquisite and the red fringe is an adorable addition. I envision it paired with a simple white tee and jeans or with an all-black ensemble to add a bit of color.
As for my other weakness of the moment, purses are always a top priority but this winter I wanted at least one of the hottest trends in bags for the season -- top-handled, a mix of romantic and punk, pleated, purple and pink, brightly colored, exotically skinned or chain-linked. One amazing bag I’ve had my eye on is the Tracy Zych Trotter tote (www.tracyzych.com), which falls under the “brightly colored” category. Not only will the color catch anyone’s eye, the overextended straps will be great when lugging it around town full to the max (and most likely incredibly heavy).
Kanye West wants to add intern to his illustrious resume. West wants to intern at the Louis Vuitton HeadQuarters on Bond Street to learn the business. The mega-star has even joked with friends saying that he will make tea (real difficult I’m sure) if it helps him get his foot in the door. In an interview with the Mirror in London, West said, “I’m going to go and take an internship and just do something that’s like completely normal, and just rap at the weekends or something.” Sounds like a new premise for a reality show.
Bettie Page, the iconic fetish bombshell from 1950s died yesterday after collapsing from a heart attack from which she never woke up. Known for her blunt bangs, raven hair, red lips and pale skin, Page is the image of pin-up influencing fashion far and wide. Page who is known for her kinky, bondage pictures will be sorely missed. Hugh Heffner, who crowned Page as Playmate of the Month in January 1955, told the Associated Press on Thursday, “I think that she was a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our society… She was a very dear person.”
If you have not yet watched the hit CW show Stylista, start tuning in! The Show features a group of young wannabe Elle fashion editors going through different challenges until one can be crowned the new "Junior Fashion Editor" at Elle magazine. Last night their challenge was to pick a new and exciting designer to feature in a fashion show that the contestants will produce, and then later create a spread for a page in Elle. Team 1 picked Jolibe, and I fell in love. Jolibe is a collection full of color and very interesting fabric combinations. The shape of the clothing is very flattering and unique. Jolibe's designer Joel Diaz was born in the Dominican Republic wear he studied art and later on dressmaking. He moved to New York City after recieving a scholorship to study at Parsons School of Design. In 2007, he opened Jolibe with his partner Christina LaPens. LaPens is a photographer and art director. After appearing in Paris Fashion Week in 2007, Jolibe has been recieving some much deserved attention. I hope to see more attention in the fashion world focused on Jolibe in the future!
Thailand's HRH Princess, Sirivannavari Nariratana, has created quite a bit of talk in the fashion world with her spring/summer ’09 collection. The line, under her label SIRIVANNAVARI, fuses inspiration from Eastern and Western cultures creating a unique mix of neo-rock and ethnic touches. The looks boast mainly silk crêpe, silk chiffon, silk satin, lamé and leather fabrics with zipper graphics, studs, neons, and metallic detail ensuring party ready looks for the rock star in everybody.
Common is collaborating with Microsoft to create a new fashion line called “Software.” The line will retail around $32 and will debut in specialty stores nationwide by late December. The shirts are 80s inspired and according to Common they will make you say, “Man, this is incredible artwork and I want to wear this and I want it to reflect beauty, creativity, and humanity… look fly but say something, too. So some of the shirts got messages, some of it bring… all of it got a purpose.”
In recent fashion news, Gucci and Rihanna teamed up to host the new
“Tattoo Hearts” jewelry collection. On November 19th Gucci’s creative
director Frida Giannini opened the New York Flagship store to host the
Tattoo Hearts cocktail reception, an event to launch the new jewelry
collection in which 25% of the lines proceeds will go directly to
UNICEF up until January 31st. For those who wonder what their money is
being used for, UNICEF is an organization that’s sole purpose is to
help children who have been through hardships that many of us have and
never will experience, those hardships include: domestic violence,
sexual exploitation, abuse, malnourishment and those affected by AIDS/
HIV. UNICEF also gives children a chance for quality education as well
as healthcare with the money that is donated, truly a great cause for
those less fortunate.
Everyone loves slipping into something comfy after a long day, especially around the holidays. This holiday season skip the busy stores and messy gift wrapping and send loved ones a PajamaGram from Pajamagram.com. Choose from more than 100 styles for girl and boy, young and old. To make the gift even better, the PajamaGram is delivered in a memorable keepsake package! Simple, easy, and creative ... the PajamaGram is perfect gift.
Art Basel is in full swing right now in Miami. Art is everywhere - even on the streets. The folks at Basel have been using a fleet of SmArts. I happened across one parked just in front of the convention center tricked out with tattoo-inspired Ed Hardy designs. Sweet.
Do you ever wonder how the "Keeping Up with the Kardashian's" star Kim Kardashian keeps her supple skin looking glowing while she sleeps? Well, the curvaceous starlet revealed her beauty secret to People magazine. "I think we all have satin pillows that we sleep on. It helps you to not get as wrinkled." So if you want to get that flawless look like Miss Kardashian go pick up some satin pillow cases at your local department store.
