H & M hops on the Eco-Friendly Bandwagon

Good news for you eco-conscious fashionistas! H & M is joining forces with Sonia Rykel to produce a "fully sustainable" line that will hit all major stores on March 25th. The Garden Collection will be an assortment of all pretty things, featuring flowy and ruffly confections wrapped in recycled fabrics including organic cotton, linen and polyester. There will also be a 70's theme threaded through the retro dresses and embroidered jackets. The price points will be pretty consistent making this line delightfully affordable. Lokking good never felt so good!

Lady Gaga and Armani get Romantic

Its official! Famed designer Giorgio Armani confirmed that he and Lady Gaga will be working on getting her FAB and stage ready for her upcoming tour. Lady Gaga already rocked a preview of the coming attractions on the Red Carpet for the Grammys early this month. Her wardrobe will not be devoid of any dramatic effects. Look out for ultra sexy body suits peppered with sparkly elements and shoulder pad effects. There is also a mini-dress that celebrates the vibrant mod style of the 60's with the addition of the mirror detail. This collaboration seems to be a match made in Fashion/Music heaven. Both parties are GAGA over each other with Armani declaring the newest IT Girl "a modern fashion phenomenom". Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball is expected to continue on in Europe after London and eventually travel through Australia.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Tracy Reese RTW Fall 2010

The girlie-frilly theme stayed true during Tracy Reese's Fall 2010 show. But this time there was a modern edginess that seemed to dominate. Jackets with fringe details, stirrups matched with silk rouched blouses and bustiers were on display. There was also the softness that Reese is revered for in her lovely ruffled dresses and skirts that always help celebrate the joy of femininity. It was the standard offering with a sprinkle of unpredictability.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Diane Von Furstenberg RTW Fall 2010

Diane Von Furstenberg sure knows how to make a woman feel like she can rule the world while looking like a million bucks. The textured drapery and bejewelled accessories coupled with her signature colorful wrap dresses powered up with merino cardigans and wool blazers ruled the DVF Runway. It was all about accentuating the waist and elongating the limps. Colors mixing in with earth tones. It gave autumn a whole new makeover, something every high-powered fashionista will have no problem adjusting to.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Doo.Ri RTW Fall 2010

As usual Doo-Ri Chung emphasized her appreciation for the female form with her sleek textured pieces that were layered and ribbed to reveal perfection. There was an echo of military inspired ensembles. From the jackets to the pencil thin pants, the construction of each of these pieces dripped of precision. There were also some softer elements thrown ino the mix with swirly skirts and stretch satin shirtdresses. Cocktail dresses swimming in bright colors, embroideries and furs also graced the Runway. It all made for an eye catching show.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - L.A.M.B RTW Fall 2010

I always knew that Gwen Stefani best known as the lead singer of the funky band No Doubt would one day conquer the fashion world. Even back then she had an innate sense of style that knew no bounds. She did not disappoint during her fall 2010 show in New York. She had a remarkable array of separates that would make any fumbling fashionista very satisfied. It was a very futuristic streetwear theme that ruled her Runway. Leggings were paired up with body-hugging blazers and corset inspired tops. There was a lot of attention given to highlighting certain parts of the body like the shoulders and waistline. Stefani definitely knows how to attract the right market with pieces that are both functional and fashion forward.

Trendy Buzz - New York Fashion Week 2010 Highlights

Erro RTW Fall 2010 was true to the signature look the urbane label is known for. Black was the dominant color and it came in an assortment of lambskin leggings and handknit tights mixed in with shearling vests and entangles knits. It was a display of innovative ways to look effortless chic while maintaining a street wise mentality.

Designer Alexander McQueen Dies

The fashion world is in shock and despair over the unexpected passing of one of the world’s most formidable and innovative designers. Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home on Thursday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed but reports are circulating that it was from an apparent suicide. London’s Metropolitan Police would only say that a 40 year old man was found unresponsive at an address in Green Street, central London. No further details were released surrounding the tragic situation. In a statement issued by his company, it is clear McQueen’s family members are reeling from the designer’s death and would prefer privacy at this time.

Alexander McQueen whose given name was Lee McQueen was a renegade designer of sorts. He has a reputation of being the rebel of the runway which earned him the title “the hooligan of English fashion”. Ironically enough his death coincides with the start of London Fashion Week which debuts next week. The London Fashion Week’s website paid homage to the late designer, stating “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death. He was a unique talent and one of the world’s greatest designers. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time”. Eerily enough, on February 3rd 2010, the designer announced the death of his mother on his Twitter page. Four days later he noted he had ‘an awful week” adding “now I have to pull myself together”.

British designer Vivienne Westwood also commented on the loss of McQueen through Britain’s Press Association stating how “incredibly sorry” she was to hear the news.

McQueen was a favorite among celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sandra Bullock to name a few. The It Girl of the moment Lady Gaga a self-proclaimed fan of McQueen’s avant-garde designs gushed about the designer on in a recent interview CNN’s “American Morning”, “He is so pure and from within and I, he just generally inspires me…and I love when I can wear his clothes and sort of synthesize for my fans what it means to me, because I want then to escape through his clothes the way I do”.

The designer began his career by in London’s famed Savile Row and where he began making suits for Prince Charles. In 1991, stylist Isabella Blow bought his clothing line which was eventually became part of the Gucci Group based in Paris.

He received many accolades and awards from the fashion community. throughout his career including being honored as a commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. His spring/summer 2010 collection was hailed by Vogue as his best so far.

His death is a major loss to the fashion world. His designs were fantastical and imaginative. He is undeniably irreplaceable.

Trendy Fashion Report - Spring 2010 Trends

Despite the frigid temps its time to start anticipating the next season in line – Spring. There is a lot to expect this year and the most surprising of all is the return of sheer madness! But it comes at a time where being tastefully exploratory is in. Be prepared to see sheer overlay pieces and delicate draping that enhances the feminine form.

Another surprising entry this spring season is the return to everything that spells PATTERN. Most especially the charm of printed pants in every color imaginable. Although this is definitely an acquired taste, it can certainly grow on you given the variations that present themselves. You can have skinny cigarette pants and leggings in every pattern imaginable and pair them up with your favorite tank top or solid silk halter.

And finally its time to make all those endless hours at the gym pay off by showing off you’re the fruits of your labor in boy shorts and hot pants. Spring 2010 seems to be the season of REVEAL. Highlighting those attributes that get you the most attention. Hemlines will be shorter across the board so its time to make sure you are in enough shape to accommodate the demands of exposure.

This is only a snippet of what’s to come. More Spring 2010 fashion highlights are on the way!

Trendy Report - The Color of Vanity

The March cover of Vanity Fair looks impressive enough. Featuring the fresh youthful promising faces of actresses like Oscar nominees Carey Mulligan and Anna Kendrick, former Big Love star Amanda Seyfried, up and comers Mia Wasikowska, Emma Stone, Rebecca Hall and mainstays Abbie Cornish and Evan Rachel Wood. The only thing missing is a splash of color. It seems interesting that that fellow Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe is conspicuously missing from the lineup. I am sure its possible to dig up more contenders of color that could have been considered to grace this much anticipated cover. It seems like the "New Wave of Hollywood" is strictly limited to the "very thin and very white members only" club. Undeniably most of the coveted roles in Hollywood seemed to be regulated to this special breed but there are a few lucky that slip through the cracks and the ones who manage to secure them deserve recognition. It is now 2010, and so every effort should be made to accommodate the sensitivity of the color-conscious community and showcase as much diversity as possible in every possible outlet of the media. It is time.

Trendy Oscar Nominations Report

It's that time again! The 82nd Academy Award nominations were announced in Hollywood today, and actress Anne Hathaway had the honor of helping to officially launch the Oscar race. The two most lauded pics of the year Avatar and The Hurt Locker proved the critics right by scoring the most Oscar nominations including Best Picture. I was both shocked and excited that the sleepy summer hit District 9 made the cut. Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds also made the list. Disney-Pixar's animated feature Up was also among the lucky few. And Up in the Air, The Blind Side, An Education and Precious completed the list. The Best Actor category featured some major heavy weights; Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart, a deserving George Clooney for Up in the Air, Colin Firth for A Single Man, Morgan Freeman for Invictus, and Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker. In the Best Actress Category, Gabourey Sidibe scored a nom for her moving performance in Precious. She most likely wont walk away with the golden statue on Oscar night but her fearless performance will undoubtedly guarantee permanent respect in Hollywood. Sandra Bullock is the one everyone is banking on to win the golden guy for The Blind Side. Carey Mulligan is also the one most feel should win for her charismatic turn in An Education. Helen Mirren for The Last Station and Meryl Streep for Julie and Julia cap off the list. The Best Supporting actor features an interesting array of performers; Matt Damon for Invictus, Woody Harrelson for The Messenger, Christopher Plummer for The Last Station, Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones and the one who most likely will walk away the winner, Christoph Walz for his humorous sadistic turn in Inglourious Basterds. I was beyond excited to see that Mo'Nique had secured a Best Supporting nomination for her stunningly honest performance in Precious. She just might walk away with her first Oscar! The odds are definitely in her favor. The other deserving actresses in this sometimes unpredictable category are Penelope Cruz for Nine, Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air. In the Best Director category, James Cameron the magician responsible for Avatar is in a race against his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow who also scored a nom for her critically acclaimed war film The Hurt Locker. Others in the race for gold are Quentin Tarantino for the Brad Pitt produced Inglourious Basterds, Lee Daniel for Precious, and Jason Reitman for Up in the Air. It should be an interesting an entertaining night especially with actors Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin randomly paired and selected for hosting duties. For a complete list of nominees visit The Hollywood Reporter online.

Trendy Fashion Report - The Grammys

The Grammys were held last night and the usual suspects crowded the Red Carpet. There were some major highlights and a few lowlights thrown in the mix. But for the most part the rockers and crooners played it up as only they could under the glare of the cameras and the eager gaze of the crowds. My favorite look of the night was by far Lady Gaga. She is the STAR of the moment. And she knows it. It was no surprise to see her gliding down the carpet in her custom-made Giorgio Armani. She literally looked liked a shooting star arriving from another galaxy. Only Lady Gaga could dare to wear such a costume effortlessly all the while sporting that unrelenting POKER face. We expect nothing less from this enchanting performer. My other favorites were Beyonce in a soft Patel colored Stephanie Rolland gown, Carrie Underwood in a asymmetrical white and silver Georges Chakra number, and Taylor Swift who threw caution to the wind by plunging into a topaz embroidered sheath by Kaufmanfranco. The color was absolutely stunning on her and the fit was perfection. The high fashion segment of the night was well represented by Rihanna who looked exquisite rocking a white high neck chiffon gown with feather details courtesy of Elie Saab. Ciara was a sight to behold in her avant-garde black Givenchy ensemble. And for once Pink was both elegant and utterly sexy in her silver Tony Ward haute couture gown. Jennifer Hudson looked appropriate enough in her black Victoria Beckham dress. (Yes, THE Victoria Beckham). Mary J. Blige did not WOW much in her simple but well contoured fuschia gown by Gucci. And Fergie's body sizzled under her Emilio Pucci one shoulder gown but I expected something more fashion forward. The ones who failed to inspire were Britney Spears who donned a black lace body suit that brilliantly highlighted all her worst points. Katy Perry decided to drown herself in sequins in a dramatic gown by Zac Posen but the problem was the fact that all you saw was the gown. All in all it wasn't a bad night for fashion. And we definitely have Lady Gaga among others to thank for that!! Baby, there's no other superstar!