Exaggerated Shoulders

Balmain Fall 2009

Balmain Fall 2009

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009

Givenchy Fall 2009

Givenchy Fall 2009

We all know that fashion mirrors the past and such is certainly the case for fall 2009 with the revival of pinched or exaggerated shoulders from the influence of the 80's. No, I'm not talking about Norma Kamali or Claude Montan's football shoulder pads as in "I am women, hear me roar." It's a quiet & elegant approach to an emphasis on shoulders, one of the sexiest parts of a women.  The trend has made its way onto the runway with labels like Givenchy, 3.1 Phillip Lim and, most noticeably, Balmain, who features the look in almost all of their recent designs, leading the pack.  It is for this reason that Cristophe Decarnin, the brilliant designer for Balmain, is my new Designer of the Moment!  

Skip the Runway and Just do a Mini-Movie!

As I was looking at some videos of the Fall collections from 2009, I came across Halston's. While the clothes were very pretty & very Halston, ala Jackie Kennedy & other celebs when Halston was at his rise & partying at Studio 54, what really caught my attention was  the movie itself.  The movie, which features Dree Hemingway & was produced by Colonel Blimp,  is clearly an artistic dream. Included are some past art forms along with the floating mylar balloons which I first saw at a party a the famous Chicago disco, Faces, where I was the President/owner & at the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago.  Definitely a great video worth checking out!  

Hats: Topping it off in Style!

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2009

Hermés Fall 2009

Tenisha, Magazine Editor, Chicago, IL

The Royals, both established set & younger, continue to have a love affair with hats, as they influence their American cousins on the art of headwear.  It's always go to the top for the best and that would be master Milliner of London (yes, we know he is Irish) Philip Treacy.  He has worked with designers from Alexander McQueen to Karl Lagerfeld, along with celebrities like Madonna.  In fact, Camilla married Prince Charles while wearing the work of Phillip Treacy, so you know it must be luxurious!  

While Philip may be the best, it seems that everyone, from Burberry, to Hermés to my friend Tenisha, is embracing this "heady" (sorry for the pun!) trend.  

Sometimes, Rules are Meant to be Broken!

Who made up that silly rule that you can't wear white after Labor Day?  Rules are made to be broken according to Marc Jacobs' Fall 09 handbag collection!  Love it - and yes, white does go with everything, especially my favorite color - black!  

Jimmy Choo Meets H&M

There's no denying the fact that I'm absolutely addicted to shoes!  That's why, when I heard the news that one of my all-time favorite designers, Jimmy Choo, was teaming up with one of my all-time favorite stores, H&M, I nearly fell off my Eames chair.  The shoes, which will range in price from $60 for flats to $200 for boots, will be hitting select H&M stores this November - just in time for all the Chicago snow!