Cadillac New York Fashion Week for Men

VIA GOOGLE NEWS: Hannah Elliott for Bloomberg

While the New York womens’ collections have failed to land a car company to replace longtime title sponsor Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac has signed on to become the first-ever automotive backer of New York Fashion Week: Men’s.

The agreement, signed to last two seasons, includes producing a variety of related events and providing Cadillac vehicles as shuttles for attendees. Shinola, Amazon Fashion, and Dreamworks have also been confirmed as sponsors for the fashion week focusing on menswear.

“I am very much interested in taking Cadillac into the world of fashion,” Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen tells us. “The whole idea of beginning to strengthen Cadillac’s position as a lifestyle brand is very much central to our mission. This is a good start. … It should be interpreted as a clear statement of intent that we will walk with a heavy footstep in the fashion world.”

New York Fashion Week: Men’s Spring 2016 collections will involve 28 designers, including Thom Browne, Public School, and John Varvatos. The shows will run from July 13 to July 16. Fifteen additional menswear designers will show off-site.
Photographer: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

This is a telling move from a 113-year-old brand that was reportedly considering the title sponsorship of what was formerly Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which showcases womenswear. Mercedes-Benz ended its title role there earlier this year; the twice-annual event has suffered a deficit of energy since moving from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center in 2010. Many fresh, new fashion brands started showing their wares at off-site locations—often involved with MADE Fashion week.

Earlier this year, Cadillac hosted arguably the hottest ticket during New York Fashion Week, when it allowed Public School to show its Autumn/Winter 2015 menswear and womenswear collection in the automaker’s new offices, situated between Tribeca and the West Village.

“We evaluated New York Fashion Week, and we continue to think it’s a worthy property,” De Nysschen says. “But we weren’t ready to figure out how to fully integrate that into our overall marketing strategy.”

Cadillac’s decision to sponsor men’s fashion week (which is backed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America), rather than New York Fashion Week, speaks to its desire to return to the cutting edge of culture. In recent years, the automaker has struggled to revitalize its fuddy-duddy image; last year the average buyer of a Cadillac was 59.5 years old, according to the global information company IHS Automotive—much older than the thirties to early forties age range most desirable to luxury brands.

The men’s week sponsorship is totally new—a first. It’s an essential first at that, industry insiders say.

“Cadillac needs that cool, fashionable, ‘gets it’ association to appeal to all consumers, especially Gen Xers and Millennials, who still have a perception of an older brand,” Milton Pedraza, chief executive officer of the New York City-based Luxury Institute, said via e-mail from Stockholm.

In addition to the role during men’s fashion week, Cadillac will continue as a presenting sponsor of New York Men’s Day, a special day formerly set aside during the womenswear-heavy New York Fashion Week to highlight emerging menswear designers. This year, that day will move to July in order to align with NYFW: Men. This will be the second season that Cadillac participates.

New York Fashion Week: Men’s runs July 13-16 at Skylight Clarkson Square in downtown Manhattan. A spokesman for Cadillac declined to disclose the amount of the new sponsorship.

Cadillac New York Fashion Week…

Cadillac’s new sponsorship is geared to last two seasons, although event organizers say the deal may be extended.
Photographer: Joshua Woods/Bloomberg Business

SAMUEL L. JACKSON : MEN’S FASHION WEEK IN LONDON

Sia on stage. Photo: One for the Boys
VIA GOOGLE NEWS: FASHIONISTA – AFSUN QURESHI

Sia, Stanley Tucci, Alice Cooper, Haley Joel Osment and Luke Wilson were among those who came out Friday night in support of men’s cancer awareness.

“Help me out a bit guys… I am really struggling here,” Sia beseeched the crowd assembled at London’s Roundhouse on Friday night. “I am a little jetlagged and forgot the words.” The audience promptly accommodated the Australian singer, chanting the lyrics to her monster hit, “Elastic Heart,” and soon, everything was back on track. The singer’s blip could be forgiven — she had just flown in to perform at Samuel L. Jackson’s charity ball, One for the Boys, a men’s cancer awareness fundraiser and fashion show now in its second year. It was also timed to be the opening night party for London Collections: Men (LC:M).

Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ronson and Sofia Davis. Photo: One for the Boys
Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ronson and Sofia Davis. Photo: One for the Boys

Despite LC:M’s hectic schedule, Jackson snared big names to attend, such as LC:M Chairman and GQ UK editor Dylan Jones and ambassador David Gandy. They joined a high octane line-up of models who took to the stage in a riotous show, including co-host Stanley Tucci, Alice Cooper, Haley Joel Osment, Luke Wilson, Aidan Quinn and Richard Roundtree (the original “Shaft” — and himself a survivor of breast cancer). The men strutted and danced in looks from the likes of Tom Ford, Gucci, Hackett, Burberry and more – could this have been the fun-est fashion show ever? Lewis Hamilton also pitched in, and for once, didn’t have a supermodel hanging off him — just a really amazing snakeskin suit,

Alice Cooper takes a spin on the catwalk. Photo: One for the Boys
Alice Cooper takes a spin on the catwalk. Photo: One for the Boys

The charity, whose catch phrase is “love the glove,” is focused on early diagnosis and not being “a wimp” about seeing a doctor. But Jackson was also keen to support London fashion, telling us how much he admired London style: “It’s so cool that men here are just so confident and self-assured about the way they dress – they have an incomparable style about them but it’s the attitude and confidence that accompanies their incredible way of dressing that makes British men well legendary in the style stakes.”

Sofia Davis, Chris Robshaw, Felicity Blunt, co-host Stanley Tucci and Camilla Kerslake. Photo: One for the Boys
Sofia Davis, Chris Robshaw, Felicity Blunt, co-host Stanley Tucci and Camilla Kerslake. Photo: One for the Boys

John Newman also performed a set, as did “American Idol” winner Adam Lambert who, rocking a werewolf hairstyle, delivered a memorable vocal performance. The party then moved on to a more intimate gathering at the Rosewood Hotel. On deck was Mark Ronson, and naturally that meant the dancing went on to the wee hours. Tucci (along with his wife, Felicity, Emily Blunt’s lookalike sister) was also in an affable mood: “I guess we were all pretty nervous backstage, but at the end it just turned out to be a lot of fun. We are just hoping that we can continue to spread the message throughout LC:M.”

But it was the main man Jackson who had the final word: “We are trying to go really big with this message about early diagnosis and warning signs. Our next aim is to have Prince Harry join the charity – why not? We’ll see about that, but nothing like living large when it comes to trying to beat cancer.”

Are New Fashion Capitals on the Rise?

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo, held in March, is one of many such fashion events around the world. Here, the runway show for Facetasm, designed by Hiromichi Ochiai. CreditChristopher Jue/European Pressphoto Agency

One of the thorniest questions in fashion today is brand nationality.

Tom Ford just won the Menswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America — but his brand is based in London, and he shows on the British fashion calendar. So is his brand British, or American?

When Marques’Almeida, also based in London, won the LVMH Young Designer’s Prize last month, I called the label a British brand — even though both its designers are Portuguese — and some readers felt that was misleading. Yet again, the brand is based in and sells in Britain.

The problem is that, historically, the big four economic centers of the industry (New York, London, Paris and Milan) have been the place to be for a designer, no matter his or her nationality. If you’re not based there, or showing there, you’re, well, risking being overlooked.

Which is why a new exhibition at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is interesting. Global Fashion Capitals opened this week (through Nov. 14) and posits the idea that other cities are now on the rise as fashion centers, so designers have more options when it comes to work sites that match their identities. And that the process by which the New York, London, Paris and Milan axis was born is repeating itself elsewhere — like, for example, Sydney, Australia; Tokyo; Lagos, Nigeria; and Mexico City, among 19 others in the exhibition. Most of which, by the way, have their own fashion weeks. (These days every country on the map seems to have a fashion week. Some, like Brazil, have two.)

In Sydney, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in March included the Romeo 4 Juliet show, by Kate Sylvester. CreditDan Himbrechts/European Pressphoto Agency

Could the dominance of New York, London, Paris and Milan be threatened? Will they fall? All empires do, in the end. But I’m not convinced we are there yet.

There’s a stamp of approval that comes from being part of the inner clique — in some ways, fashion is not that different from high school — and that clique is the big four.

We constantly speculate, for example, about what the first big global brand to come out of China will be. Yet every time I speak to a Chinese brand, I am told that Chinese consumers want the patina of Paris on their products, so the first thing a Chinese brand needs to do is make it in Europe.

It’s why, for example, back in the day, the Antwerp Six came to Paris to show; ditto Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. It’s why Manish Arora, who has garments in the exhibit and who is from India, still shows in Paris.

Though we often write about the proliferation of fashion weeks, aside from the axis, they remain, in terms of influence and coverage, quite local.

To really threaten the big four, an emergent fashion capital would need not just the designer and infrastructure buy-in, but the consumer buy-in, too. I keep harping on this, but fashion, despite the fact that it likes to think it is edgy, is actually a very conservative, stuck-in-its-ways industry.

Besides, the axis has a vested interest in maintaining a lock on the industry: The economic benefits of being a fashion capital are not lost on the respective municipal and national governments. Which is, in turn, partly why other countries have woken up to the fact that being a fashion capital might be a financially and culturally beneficial idea. Follow the money.

Personally, I think it will take a drastic upheaval in the form of the show system itself — maybe its entire dissolution and reconfiguration — to redefine the meaning of a fashion capital, or subvert it entirely. In the meantime, however, the exhibition is not a bad place to start.

NYT Via Google News

Victoria Secrets 2015 Show back to New York

The Victoria’s Secret Angels are bidding farewell to Londontown after just one runway season abroad. Elsewhere, Rachel McAdams preps for her chicest role yet, while PacSun finds itself in hot water over an inappropriate T-shirt design.

– Welcome back, Angels. After jet-setting to London for the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in December, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima and company will rock the runway in the Big Apple once again come Christmas. [People Style Watch]

– Looking to spice up your warm-weather wardrobe? These chic clogs — yes, clogs — are a serious upgrade to your closet compared to last year’s basic Birkenstocks. [Elle]

– PacSun could use a refresher on how not to disrespect veterans. The teen-centric retailer is pulling a T-shirt designed by rapper A$AP Rocky, which features an upside-down American flag, following a social media boycott over Memorial Day weekend. [Yahoo Style]

– Rachel McAdams’ latest role may be her most glamorous yet. The “Aloha” actress perfected the part of a dutiful bridesmaid at sister Kayleen’s wedding in Ontario, Canada, Saturday — and it won’t be long before McAdams’ summery sky-blue sheath sells out. [InStyle]

– From Kendall Jenner’s luxurious Cannes adventure to Karlie Kloss’ berry-licious getaway, check out how your favorite style stars celebrated Memorial Day weekend through a variety of Insta-filters. #ValenciaAnyone? [Marie Claire]

– You may want to look for the Zara-rendition of Eva Longoria’s latest ensemble. The “Desperate Housewives” beauty trekked through Cannes’ airport in a getup costing well over $23,000 — including a five-figure Birkin bag.

 

GOOGLE NEWS–

Spring Beauty Report Top Products

by Jennifer Jewels

Honoring David Bowie groupies, bare naked ladies, golden goddesses and an ode to Elizabeth Taylor’s violet eyes. It was all part of the eclectic spirit that emanated from New York to Paris for the recent Spring 2015 collections. The models on the catwalk gave good face and great hair. The season’s best makeup looks took their cue with a sense of defiance and unbridled ease. And while Marc Jacobs sent his models to the runway in shaggy black bobs (again) and bare faced, there were still plenty of whimsical touches. Gilded golden touches on the eyes, a random scribbling from Louis Vuitton and lip colors that could have leapt off the canvas of a Warhol painting, the message states that it’s alright if your makeup is a little imperfect.

DEFINE THE EYE

Whether it’s the aforementioned inky scribblings at Louis Vuitton, Bardot’s bedroom eyes at Diane von Furstenberg or gold dust at Anna Sui, bold black liner or sparkling shadow is the perfect medium to display the graphic looks of the season. Get the look with a bold black felt tip pen like Lancome’s Artliner in Noir, the felt tip allows for a line as fine as Marchesa’s look or as thick as Saint Laurent’s. Smooth Hold Sensational Effects eye shadow in Pose, when applied to the inner corners and the middle of the top and bottom lash lines, is a look that you can’t get wrong.

Here, some of the top beauty trends you will be wearing come Spring 2015.

HAIR-RAISING

The hairstyles of the season took on the same sartorial sprit as the eccentric makeup looks with animalistic streaks, shell shaped up-do’s, boyish Evangelista-esque pixie cuts and slightly unkempt beachy braids. The Mulleavy sisters sent their models to the runway with zebra print hair extensions fastened by Odile Gilbert. “They took two days to hand paint and stamp”, Gilbert said backstage. Though we saw a selection of low maintenance styles, too. The loose tousled braids at Michael Kors were achieved by using dry shampoo and pulling strands from the front and from the braid for a look similar to how you’d style your hair after spending an afternoon poolside at the Soho house. To get the look use Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder Spray. Use just enough to cloud your vanity and finish with a curling iron.

CRYSTAL CLEAR COMPLEXIONS

This season, the best investment you can make is an appointment with your esthetician. A designer’s and makeup artist’s penchant for freshly washed, well moisturized skin takes precedent over heavy makeup application. To get the look opt for a rich moisturizer like Shu Uemura’s Deepsea Hydrability Intense moisturizing Concentrate. A little bit goes a long way, just a little dab will make your face feel hydrated all day.

Gas Masks Hit The Runway

Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The world has had its fair share of odd fashion trends. From the shoes constructed of hair at this year’s Gucci show to less weird but unexpected incorporation of food into designs, fashion is no stranger to working the unusual into the industry. Now, gas masks at Beijing’s Graduate Fashion Week have taken center stage in the world of interesting artist choices.

Chinese fashion appears to be having a major moment in the industry. This year’s Met Gala theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and many of the gorgeous celebs who attended wore Chinese designers. Perhaps no one made as much of a splash as Rihanna though. The singer’s stunning Guo Pei cape stole the show at the famously star studded event leading to a surge in interest for budding Chinese designers, much like the talented students showcasing at Graduate Fashion Week.

The designers in Beijing come from China Academy of Art, Dalian Polytechnic University, and Southwest University, and many of the students seem to be working toward a mask trend in their fashion. The masks do seem to operate at a significant intersection between functionality and political statement. China’s air is notoriously polluted, and by incorporating the masks into the collections, grads are adding an element of practicality to the fashion. However, the question needs to be raised if the masks are, in fact, a way to make a statement about the pollution levels.

Regardless of the message behind the masks, their intricately designed and stunning, and if this is what the up and coming fashion from China looks like, we’re anticipating a lot more of their designs at future Met Galas.

Via Google News: SHEA SIMMONS

Images: Getty (3)

Grant Shapiro RUNWAY® Interview exclusive

You’ve performed for high profile celebrities like Stella McCartney and Max Azria. Do you ever get nervous when you get those calls?

The Azria family is amazing. Playing events for the family and company have been tremendous. Lubov is a tastemaker and Max is great. They inspire me to find music, culture and fashion and I’m quite comfortable around them. When I made a mix for Stella McCartney I was a little concerned about the songs. I had to make sure that it was perfect so that was a little nerve-wracking. When I played at fashion week it was so much fun and felt very natural. I had the best time in Paris, it really was amazing being there with Pharell and Jus-Ske.

You’ve also had the opportunity to perform alongside some of the biggest names in music like Katy Perry and Avicii. Have you had the chance to work with any of your music idols? If not: What would you consider your most exciting show to date?

I’ve seen great shows and a lot of great festivals, but a stand out for me is Daft Punk’s 2007 performance. That was incredible.

What do you think is the most exciting part of being a DJ?

Controlling a crowd, expressing yourself and seeing people have fun is what DJing is all about.

If you could pinpoint one emotion that you want your audience to feel, what would it be?

Most of the time it is a fun, sexy, and at times, introspective, darker vibe. I just want people to have fun and leave feeling a sense of a musical journey.

Do you have a favorite decade in music to use?

Pop Music from the 80’s is my favorite.

How do you describe your personal style?

My style is casual chic. I like colors. Dries Von Noten makes great pieces and Dior is my go-to for suits. Accessories like sunglasses, unique jackets and soft shirts also define my style!

What do you find to be your biggest challenge in your work?

Clubs that don’t have dances floors, staying current, and setting new trends are the most challenging parts.

Do you actively look for more music to integrate into your work or do you wait for new songs to inspire you?

I actively look for new music but I also love finding old favorites in my I-tunes library or old vinyl collection.

Do you find that you often have a set list of sorts when you perform or do you have to think on your feet?

I have small go-to sets that define my music that you’ll always hear. Of course I always think on my feet and read the crowd and play music on the fly to complete my sets.

How do you work to expand and develop your style?

I make music to stay inspired and expand as a DJ. Traveling and building my brand with likeminded people is also how I build as a DJ.

Are there any DJs you look to for inspiration in your work?

Groups like Fleetwood Mac or jazz music because I hear so much electronic music. DJ AM is definitely my biggest influence as a DJ.

Describe your ideal show.

My ideal show: Great sound system, Disco ball and excellent LED lighting. An intimate room but a big size. Something like the Boiler Room in the UK.

model PORTFOLIO TIPS

by Marlow DeVonne

1. BE ON TIME

A good first impression is everything. I always tell models to arrive 15 minutes before their call time. If for some reason you are going to be even one minute late, make sure to call whoever is expecting you and let them know. Everyone’s time is valuable.

2. HAVE REPRESENTATION AND
BUILD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
WITH YOUR MOTHER AGENCY

Finding a mother agency is so important on so many levels. They’re the ones who are going to build your portfolio. You want to be with an agency that knows they’re going to get you a lot of work, send you on many castings and are inspired to help your modeling career blossom.

3. A HEALTHY MODEL IS
A WORKING MODEL

Take care of your body by working out and eating healthy. Always drink a lot of water and eat something before a photo or runway shoot. Sometimes you are not allowed to eat or drink while modeling clothing. Always think ahead, because you will need all the energy you can get!

4. MANAGE YOUR NAILS,
HAIR AND SKIN

By simply manicuring your nails, trimming your hair and washing your face before bed will help keep you looking and feeling fresh. Your clients and agents will be pleased as well.

5. ALWAYS BE READY FOR A LAST
MINUTE CASTING OR JOB

You will need a shoe tote or a model bag containing:

• one pair of nude or black heels

• nude undergarments

• cute fitted jeans

• a flattering fitted tank top

• lip gloss, mascara and foundation

6. LEARN YOUR ANGLES
AND POSES

Going through different emotions and doing different poses in front of the mirror is a great way to practice. I always recommend taking dance, yoga and acting classes. There are some really great modeling coaches out there who you can hire to go on test shoots with you and coach you through the shoot.

Modeling is a fun but tough job industry. Be confident and own your good looks.

Runway Destination Paris… a city of dreams

by Eva Louis writer for Film & Fashion Futures

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who had big dreams. These dreams included destinations to faraway places that many can only imagine. In these dreams, there were cities of beauty, culture, lifestyle, sights and history. To have the chance to bring the reality of those dreams to life is the dream of numerous individuals, not just little girls. One such city that calls to those souls is Paris, the largest city and capital of France…our destination today.

Paris is located in the north central part of the country, and has a population of approximately 2.2 million people. Part of the attraction to Paris is the nature of its being a hub for education, business, science, politics, fashion, shopping, arts and media. What stands out, however, is the historical and cultural heritage that goes deep and wide. When visiting Paris, there are many glorious sights to see. We will highlight a few, as there are too many to capture them all.

Avenue Nicholas II, looking towards the Dome of the Invalides, is probably one of the most recognizable Domes ever. The dome itself is 107 meters high, making it one of the tallest monuments in Paris. It is centrally placed to reflect honor for many of the country’s war Heroes. This is accomplished by utilizing buildings within 15 courtyards. The inside of the dome was painted by Charles de La Fosse, disciple of the well-known 18th century French painter, Charles Le Brun.

Another central landmark in Paris is the Louvre Museum, which is a historical monument as well as the national museum of France. It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st (neighborhood) arrondissement. It is known to be the most visited museum in the world, and is possibly the most famous one. There are almost 35,000 objects exhibited from the 6th millennium BC to the 19th century AD. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) which began as a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. Remnants of the original fortress are still visible.

One of the most famous locations in Paris (that dreamers and lovers often want to experience) is the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars in Paris. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 for the World Fair, where it has been remembered as the star attraction. It held the title as the tallest man-made structure for 41 years. There are two main levels for visitors. It is approximately 300 steps to the first level, and then another 300 steps to the second level. Each of those levels include a restaurant for visitors. There is a third level, however, and this is only assessable via lift and is not normally available to the public for viewing.

Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in both France and in Europe. The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture. The Cathedral was built in 1163, with the new gothic style that had to reflect Paris’ status as the capital of the Kingdom France. It was also the first cathedral built on a monumental scale. It became the prototype for future cathedrals in France, like the cathedrals of Amiens, Chartres or Rheims. Notre Dame surpasses the Eiffel Tower as the most visited monument in Paris and all of France.

The beautiful and lovely monument of Fontaine Saint Michel is located at Place Saint-Michel in the 5th arrondissement in Paris. It was constructed in 1858-1860, during the French Second Empire by the architect Gabriel Davioud. A notable sculpture by Francisque-Joseph Duret (which depicts Archangel Michael and the devil) is the centerpiece of the Fontaine Saint-Michel.

From locations to experiences, Paris Fashion Week (PFW) accentuates the beauty that Paris contains and exudes through its fashion and style. Once a year fashionistas from all over the world travel to Paris to follow the trends and set the tone for each major season. During that week, the Parisian streets transform into a runway that is the most stylish, with top industry individuals attending the breathtaking fashion shows. Designers, fashion houses, labels and others enjoy seeing the spring / summer and the autumn (fall) / winter collections. This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences where dreams can become reality.

So for those who believe that dreams can come true, Paris awaits you…

Hollywood celebrates Mother’s day

Dsquared2 Ophelia – $1275

Authentic Italian eyewear is a RUNWAY favorite.

This is a bold statement, are you ready?

Bold, big drama sunglasses for shady ladies, Ophelia is a limited edition Dsquared2 sunglasses model embellished with sparkling topaz and crystal jewels. The oversized square rounded lenses in havana hued frames are designed for keeping the wearer’s identity a mystery while shielding her eyes from paparazzi flashes.

Find them here:

http://www.dsquared2.com/us/eyewear_cod46401342fu.html