coutorture --

The Blonds Fall 08 Fashion Show

coutorture — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:45:02 -0700

One of the only breaks we took during fashion week, where we decided to just sit down and watch, was at The Blonds Fall 08 fashion show. Most of America will think of Betsey Johnson as the wild and crazy show to watch, but the true fashionistas know that lesser known, downtown labels like The Blonds really know how to pack the punch. The Fall 08 show, held at the Prince George Ballroom, revealed a collection inspired by the movie Legend (Naturally, we included the famous unicorn apology scene below). The theme safely queued up The Blonds penchant for flamboyant, embellished, glamorous costumery and gave this season an extra push towards unicorns, rainbow colored gemstones, and big hair (nothin' wrong with that). The more traditional garments in the collection could easily be worn to an elegant black tie occasion, and the most wild in the collection, at the best clubs in New York City. If your a Blond girl, you'll have a little bit of both thankyouverymuch.

Phillipe and David Blond launched the label just four years ago. Each piece in their collection is handmade and one of a kind. As wild as some of their pieces are, we aren't surprised that the collection gets snatched up quickly. The thing about people who like to wear outrageous garments with extra special details is that they aren't exactly the type to, well, share. Funnily enough, Phillipe Blond started his design career working for Los Angeles based label DDC Lab, known for a utility-based aesthetic that doesn't exactly involve bedazzled corsets (though he was an illustrator, so perhaps that was the, ahem, draw) or club-ready clothing. David Blonde was a windows man for ten years in New York City. Now, the two are wholeheartedly The Blonds and bring that persona from Fashion Week, to the drafting table, to the dance floor, and back.

The Blonds Fall 08 Fashion Show

Coutorture original editorial, backstage at The Blonds Fall 08 show

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan

Marc Jacobs Was Only 15 Minutes Late

coutorture — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:51:56 -0800

What shock and awe we experienced this evening when Marc Jacobs showed nearly on time! Our companion called her driver at 6:45 promising that this season it would be different. Her projection was that Marc would perversely start promptly on time. And while the show didn't go off exactly at 7, a mere quarter of an hour later Sonic Youth were playing and models were walking. Plus there was champagne at the tables. I guess Marc really is giving us a mea culpa! To which we say Ego te absolvo, in nomine Prada, Fendi et Salvatore Ferragamo, amen.Sure he isn't an Italian brand but hey it has a nice ring to it huh?

A Video Interview With Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa

coutorture — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:51:02 -0800

Respecting the past while remaining current is a difficult task. To his credit Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa has that balancing act all worked out. While the brand continues to channel the minimalism of the mid nineties that made the line a household name one still feels as if Calvin Klein is a modern house. Perhaps it is simply the wave of nineties nostalgia that is overwhelmingly present in popular culture today but we feel like Calvin Klein has never been fresher. Please enjoy our video interview with Francisco Costa below.

A Video Interview With Michael Kors

coutorture — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:35:42 -0800

Sometimes you give a designer the brush off and then they run along and surprise you. It could be that some of his clothes are the sort worn by women who haven't had an orgasm since they rode in a Jeep on their African Safari. It could be that. This season, "Whoa there Kors 08, hubba hubba" is what we say. Never has WASP been sexier, and perhaps because he just took the whole housewife thing straight back to the 1950's. Like his message to his customer was "Look, if you're going to drive a minivan and drink 'cosmos' the please give a humble and respectful nod to time when people of your sort drove Jaguars and drank martinis". Makes us want to move to Omaha and start shagging the pool boy.

A Video Interview With Michael Kors

Call me prude but Kors is always sexy.

Meh, same shit. Better styling.

Yes, there's something slightly more mischevious about this.

I'm more the Y-3 type. Kors just bores me.

More is More at Monique Lhuillier

coutorture — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:10:31 -0800

More really was more at Monique Lhuillier's 1930' inspired collection. Curve hugging gowns and jeweled necklines will bring out the power dresser in even the most demure woman. In our video interview with Monique she gives insight into her sensuous fall collection.

From Start To Finish at Joanna Mastroianni

coutorture — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:43:06 -0800

There is something magical about seeing a collection come together. Our visit to Joanna Mastroianni's studio before Fashion Week made us feel exceptionally lucky as she dazzled us with her laser like focus and inspiration. But seeing the finished collection today was an even more rare privilege. The tiles she had shown us in our video tour manifested in garments fit for a princess from skirts to a hoodie cape.

Indeed, while her theme was more Moroccan this season we asked her before the show if she had ever been inspired by Byzantine princess Anna Comnena what with her emphasis on detailing, gold and noble craftsmanship. Her face lit up and she told us that yes rare and exceptional women throughout history have always inspired her with Anna at the top of her list. It was an esoteric inspiration thus we were pleased to find ourselves on the same wavelength as the brilliant Joanna. We like to think that Princess Anna just may be the patron saint of this royal line.

Oscar's Powerful Woman

coutorture — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:58:46 -0800

Each season Oscar De La Renta reiterates his love for powerful women. And each season we eat his message up with a spoon. There is something so touching about a man so steeped in the traditions of fashion being so progressive. But it is fashion that so often gives a woman the power to evolve into something new. And it takes a little bit of conservatism to give us the confidence to buck the system. The secret to Oscar De La Renta is simply knowing how to achieve a balance of the past and the present in order to create a better future. His optimism gives us hope that America's next season will be as vibrant as Oscar's.

Liveblogging Oscar De La Renta Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Show

coutorture — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:30:13 -0800

The show started at 1:20pm on the dot. And while we hate reporting on the basics like color and silhouette what else can we really liveblog? Jessica Stam waltzed by in vivid purple. Otherwise the entire experience is one of grays, browns, and integrated metallics. Wide leg pants are making quite a few appearances as well. And of course the traditional full skirt. A live pianist Regina Spektor is singing "Den of Thieves." From our vantage point we can see Oscar watching the girls come out. Look closely!

At Oscar De La Renta

coutorture — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:07:28 -0800

It's just 1pm and there is a palpable buzz. The photographers are already jockey for position as Oscar is notorious for starting on time. We are admiring the incredible organ. Last season Oscar treated us to a full choir. We hope that he has a few other musical tricks in store as there is a giant Steinway in full view.

Backstage at James Coviello: Hats and Dog Power

coutorture — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:21:59 -0800

We are backstage at James Coviello. The air is dense with hairspray as models are teased into fluffy visions. Jame's dog Francis is providing a little bit of creature comfort and a lot of levity as last minute touches are put on intricate headgear.

Atmosphere at Costello Tagpliapietra

coutorture — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:11:41 -0800

We admit to some confusion about the necessity of DJ club kids. Costello Tagpliapietra are golden boys so perhaps they enjoy the company of other golden children but a certain club kids with iPods cost a pretty penny and we would prefer that these golden boys don't spend all their golden coins too fast. Its a long road ahead of them.