Michael Jackson Clothing Line to be Launched?

In her post Fashion Icon, Michael Jackson is Dead, on Friday June 26, Sally wrote "not only was Michael Jackson a musical genius, he was also a fashion and style icon.....He influenced an entire generation with his cutting edge fashion and style. Undeniably Michael Jackson was as much a fashion icon as he was a musical genius." And now, as the world continues to mourn the tragic loss of Michael Jackson, comes even

more heartbreaking news. Not only was the King of Pop on the verge of what could have been a massive musical comeback, he was also about to see another longtime dream come true – the launch of his own fashion line. Jackson had been working on the clothing line with close friend, French fashion designer and entrepreneur, Christian Audigier. Sadly, the music and style icon did not live to see his dream become reality.

Discussing the planned collaboration last June, Audigier told People magazine, “It’s the merging of the King of Pop with the king of fashion. Something explosive is going to happen.”

Christian Audigier presents Michael Jackson
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Since the superstar’s death on June 25, Audigier has said that Jackson planned to bring some of his own distinctive style to the clothing line. He told BANG Showbiz, “It was based on various types of merchandising on different products, also accessories. What he wanted from me was the T-shirts and the hoodies and the caps. And it was very kind of royalist - kind of a mix of the real Michael Jackson and his alter-ego as the King of Pop.”

The Ed Hardy designer, who has contributed to designer brands such as Von Dutch™, Diesel, Fiorucci and Bisou Bisou, had also reportedly been working with Jackson on the stage costumes for the singer’s highly anticipated “This is It” tour which was to begin in London this week. On June 30, People magazine offered an exclusive look at what would have been a wardrobe truly fit for a King. According to designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, the electric array of costumes included a new Billie Jean suit with 7.5 lbs of Swarovski crystals and 60 lights! For crowd-favorite Thriller, fiber-optic lights had been sewn onto his classic red leather jacket for a surprise light show timed to the music! In total, Jackson's costumes would have featured an unprecedented 300,000 Swarovski crystals in 43 sizes and 27 different colors. What an incredible show that would have been!

The status of Michael Jackson’s clothing line is currently unknown, although there are some reports (see the Florida Panthers Blog by SunSentinel.com) indicating that Audigier plans to move forward. If he does, it will be fascinating to see to what it looks like. Jackson was such a pioneer of style. He turned a sequined glove and a red leather motorcycle jacket into cultural symbols, and inspired countless children, teens and even adults to emulate his style. Whether it was his military-inspired accessories, embellished jackets or any of his other iconic looks, who can’t recall a fashion trend that was inspired by the King of Pop?

To this day, Michael Jackson continues to be a source of inspiration for designers around the world. For his spring / summer 2009 collection, fashion designer Christophe Decarnin famously showed Jackson-esque crystal-embellished military and bandleader jackets for French fashion house Balmain, a fave among A-list celebs.

And just yesterday, designer Eric Tibusch paid tribute to Jackson at his Paris show with a collection of elaborate body suits worn over leggings. The ensembles were inspired by Jackson’s “Dangerous” era, while a leather jacket with criss-crossed zippers recalled the King of Pop’s wardrobe from the “Bad” CD cover. Tibusch told the Associated Press, “I wanted to give homage to him and say ‘thank you for the eighties, thank you for the inspiration, and you will continue to live with us.’”

As was reported on June 24th in People Magazine’s Style News, Style Watch, when talk of the Michael Jackson clothing line originally surfaced last year, it was to be launched exclusively at LA’s trendy Kitson boutique. At the time, Kitson owner Fraser Ross told People, “Michael Jackson is an international pop icon who has had a huge following throughout his career. I think people will think it’s hip to wear his line. Through all his ups and downs people still love him. He still has a huge fan base.”

Since his untimely death, that fan base has intensified to new heights. If Audigier moves forward with the Michael Jackson clothing line, will he include more elaborate pieces as a tribute to Michael? It will be interesting to find out!

It will also be fascinating to see who else jumps on the Jackson fashion bandwagon. Reporting from yesterday’s heart-wrenching memorial at the Staples Centre, Variety interviewed one woman who had traveled from Australia to pay tribute to her idol. Like thousands of others, she was clad in a Jackson-inspired black-and-white outfit with a silver-sequined armband. "I used all my miles,” she said. “I went to Neverland. I did six interviews. I've been on Yahoo! Entertainment. I own six fashion boutiques in Australia and I'm going to design a Michael Jackson line of clothing." She said that her first project would be a shirt with a sequined armband, adding that she planned to spend today (Wednesday) researching Michael Jackson t-shirts.

So, who knows? We may be in store for an influx of Jackson-inspired clothing and accessories as the world mourns the loss of one of the greatest talents to have ever lived. One thing is for sure though: As R&B star Usher sang in one of yesterday’s most moving performances, he is definitely “Gone too Soon.”

Fashion Icon, Michael Jackson is Dead

“King of Pop Michael Jackson has died from suspected cardiac arrest,” the DJ said. I couldn’t believe this, really I couldn’t. When I heard the news today that Golden Angel, Farrah Fawcett died after a long battle with cancer I was saddened and yes I believed the DJ that she had died. I mean this beloved actress, aged 62, had battled cancer for two-and-a-half years and this had been in the news and tabloid media since at least October 2006. Speculation that Fawcett's death was close at hand further mounted after veteran television interviewer Barbara Walters said the actress had been given her last rites. So yes her death was expected and once again I believed it when I first heard it.

However, when I heard that “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson had died from suspected cardiac arrest, I just didn't believe it. I immediately thought that this was nothing more than a hoax. “It was a mistake radio DJ,” I said to myself. I mean this couldn't possibly be true. I just couldn't believe it and I'm still not believing it. It must be a hoax! No matter how many times I heard that Michael Jackson had died I still said that this must be some kind of hoax. I kept saying to myself that this was just another spoof but sadly not. What a downer!!!!! It really is sad as Michael Jackson was on his way back to prove that he was still a superstar and aimed to pay back some massive debt.

Michael Jackson the Fashion Icon

Not only was Michael Jackson a musical genius, he was also a fashion and style icon. He set himself apart from most other musical artists with his tremendous talent, but also his unique sense of style. Remember the one silver glove that Michael Jackson wore while performing "Billie Jean" during his "30th Anniversary Celebration? What about his military inspired suits and badges, and the white ankle socks? Then there was Michael’s iconic red leather Thriller jacket and tight fitting parachute pants. Oh and the black loafers and fedora hat while moonwalking. What about the mirrored aviator sunglasses. It just goes on and on doesn’t it?And what about the famous pajama bottoms, brightly colored vests and armbands that Michael Jackson wore while attending court? He just stuck to his individual style regardless of the situation that he was in and that’s an important style lesson we can all learn from Michael Jackson. What a superstar hey!!!

Michael Jackson re-invented his look so often and was everywhere on the runway and repeatedly idolized on talent shows and on the streets. He influenced an entire generation with his cutting edge fashion and style. Undeniably Michael Jackson was as much a fashion icon as he was a musical genius.

Tributes to Michael Jackson Pour In

In it’s comments on the passing of Michael Jackson Sony said:

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Michael Jackson was without doubt one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. An amazing talent that comes along but once in a lifetime. Sony’s tribute goes on to say:

Five of Jackson's solo albums – "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Goodbye, Michael Jackson, Goodbye!

After being up all night I will eventually get some sleep and wouldn’t it be nice to wake up that this was all just one horrible bad dream.

What a sad day yesterday, June 25, 2009 was. Michael Jackson dead at 50 and Farrah Fawcett dead at 62. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson you are both in a better place now, RIP. Michael “just call my name and I’ll be there.” We will all miss you greatly. Bye for now!

‘Sizing up’ Your Fashion Sense

“Rubenesque: of, relating to, or suggestive of the Renaissance Master painter Rubens or his works; especially plump or rounded usually in a pleasing or attractive way, Rubenesque figure.”

“Statuesque: resembling a statue especially in dignity, shapeliness, or stillness. especially having a tall and shapely form, a statuesque actress”

It would seem significant that these definitions were created many years ago, because what broadly constitutes feminine beauty today, as portrayed by the media and fashion worlds, focuses almost exclusively on the ‘statuesque’ image. Given that women of all shapes and sizes have a passion for fashion, why are larger women so under represented in the fashion stakes and are perceptions changing?

Impossibly slender models (some would say anorexic) slink along catwalks and decorate magazines all over the world, while the rest of us despair of ever looking that way. But do we really want to?

The Quiet Fashion Revolution!

A quiet revolution has been taking place; it seems to have started some years ago with The Body Shop slogan “there are 3 billion women who don’t look like supermodels and only eight who do”. The campaign featured a generously proportioned doll called Ruby – short for Rubenesque and attracted a lot of attention.  One of the Bodyshop’s values is “Activate Self Esteem”, and Body Shop founder Anita Roddick had this to say on the subject:

‘We're proud not to fit the mould. We'll never sell false promises, or an unattainable ideal of beauty, and never ever play on insecurities. We believe that there's no one way for a woman to look. After all, no two women think the same, act the same, or sound the same.’

In 2004 beauty products company Dove launched a ‘real women campaign’ with the mission to broaden the stereotypical concept of beauty and ‘make more women feel beautiful every day’. To this end they featured a group of women (none of whom were professional models) sized 6-14 with real curves, wearing just undergarments and smiles.

Soon after, Sportswear giant Nike launched their 2005 much-vaunted Big Butts, Thunder Thighs and Tomboy Knees campaign. Tennis player Serena Williams wears Nike and looks great in it; the Big Butts campaign dared to show women with well toned and muscular bodies, rather than the stick thin runway models who usually strut the Nike stuff.

The growing body of evidence (pun intended) by the fashion industry is something that real women have known, but perhaps not acknowledged publicly: that we should celebrate our curves, along with our differences and definitely not aspire to the (for most of us) unattainable anorexic model image.

Take guys for instance: Would the stereotypical ‘skinny guy who gets sand kicked in his face at the beach’ be likely to sell clothes to normal men? Would these same men then aspire to look like the skinny model? Not likely. Men are rightly allowed to have muscles, and even the male models, although buff, are not underweight. Conversely, women should be allowed to have womanly curves, and it is time more real size women stood up and said so.

More public acceptance and validation of the bootylicious and curvaceous is further evidenced in the fashion world as this month City Chic in Sydney stages the finals of a plus size modeling competition.

 

Competitions such as this give kudos and visibility to plus size ladies, and in future there is likely to be more models like the outspoken Velvet d’Amour who in 2006 strutted down the runway in Paris, modeling for John Galliano's and Jean Paul Gaultier's spring collections. She caused a sensation.

The Voluptuous Woman Company (VWC) is an organization that functions as an information source for plus-size women providing information and visibility for them through various distribution channels. Statistics reveal that 62% of American women are size 14 or larger, and Australian statistics are similar. Why then should the fashion and media portray skinny models as the norm and present size 12 or smaller as being highly desirable and larger sizes less so?

The increasing number of fashion houses and outlets that cater for larger sizes suggests the fashion industry is on a learning “curve” (or should that be curves?)  – beginning to respond to the needs of those whose proportions are more generous. Sydney's Closet offers a huge range of prom dresses and much more, Nordstrom offers an alluring range of big and beautiful gear, including offerings from designer Calvin Klein. Another American chain, BigBras.com make sure that plus size women get all the support they need to put up an impressive front! And there are many more.

So women of all sizes - Rubenesque or statuesque or somewhere in between should stand proud. We are individuals and come in a wonderful array of shapes, weights and sizes. It is well past time to throw out the idea that one dress size or body size is more desirable than another, and to celebrate our womanly diversity. Good things do come in small packages but they equally come in plus size packages too.

Fashion Icon, Yves Saint Laurent Dead

A Tribute to a Great Fashion Designer

Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century, and a favorite of many fashionistas, died on Sunday evening in Paris, aged 71. There can be little doubt that Saint Laurent was up there with the best, Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.

At just aged 21 the talented Algerian-born Yves Saint Laurent became Haute Couture designer when he took over the House of Dior after the sudden death of the legendary Christian Dior in 1957. The year after, Dior launched Saint Laurent's first solo collection the "trapeze" line, a youthful silhouette that started with narrow shoulders and a raised waistline, then flared out gently to a wide hemline. The collection was a big hit and the name Yves Saint Laurent was well on its way to becoming a household name across the fashion capitals of Europe and the United States. Saint Laurent was credited with having saved the House of Dior from financial ruin.

In late 1961, Saint Laurent announced plans to open his own haute couture house in partnership with his lover, Pierre Bergé. The first Yves Saint Laurent collection was shown on January 19, 1962. I love this incomplete black and white video talking about the release of Yves Saint Laurent's 1962 collection. "The new collection is about to be unveiled. Last winter's had a mixed reception. His career's at stake. If it's a flop, he'll have to close his house.Or he could be the Dior of tomorrow. It depends on those who shape public opinion. Helena Rubinstein, Blackwell, Virginia Pope, Marie Louise Bousuquet, Kurt Lang, Shepherd, Theron of Paris Match...."

So once again Saint Laurent was a big hit. It was the beginning of a success story that led eventually to a ready-to-wear line sold in the designer's own Rive Gauche boutiques around the world.

The iconic Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized fashion forever by putting women in pants without sacrificing their femininity. His fashions have often been the first choice of royalty and movie stars. Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham were among his many celebrity fans.

Yves Saint Laurent is quoted as having often said that he wished that he had invented blue jeans "the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." One of Yves Saint Laurent's most often repeated mantras is that "fashions fade, style is eternal." When it comes to fashion the name Yves Saint Laurent will indeed become eternal. Rest In Peace, Monsieur St. Laurent.

Sex and the City, the Fashion Movie is here!

Will Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big finally tie the knot?

Will Cinderella and the Prince live happily ever after?

Well it's time to find out! Yippeeee!!! After its premiere in London on Monday May 12, 2008, the movie that we've all been waiting for, the movie based on the popular HBO Sex and the City series has finally arrived with special screenings at select AMC Theatres and then followed in theatres nationwide on Friday, May 30. You can even get 'Sex' at midnight with special Thursday night screenings in selected theatres!

Sex and the City Rumors
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Sex and the City, The Buzz!

However, even before the film rolls, with the girls appearing on shows like the Today Show, the Early Show and Regis & Kelly, and of course with additional film and premiere coverage on entertainment shows including E! News, Extra, Access Hollywood, E.T., The Insider, and not to mention the multiple commercials on TV and the tidbits plastered in magazines and general press, Sex and the City (SATC) is at fever pitch!! Sex & the City fashion has been the buzz for fashionistas everywhere!!

Sex and the City, The Fashion!

I'm sure that you will be like me and just can't wait to see the movie incarnation of HBO's Sex and the City. I certainly can't!! I can't wait to see how the now 40-something Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), successful author and everyone's favorite fashion icon-next-door, and her three gal pals, Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (played by Kristin Davis) and Miranda Hobbes (played by Cynthia Nixon), have matured in their attitude to sex, love and relationships and just as importantly, in how they have matured in the fashions that they love and wear.

Sex and the City, The Movie!

I know from Sex and the City, It's a Fashion Show! that "the fashion is really different. Everything is more expensive, more beautiful, the shoes, the jewelry..." and that the "fashion comes from Paris, it Comes from Italy, it comes from New York, it comes from everywhere" and that we can expect some maturity as Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) herself has said that "taste has changed, palette has changed and that's what happens when you grow up."

However, with all the buzz and after watching the 30-somethings in re-runs of the HBO Sex and the City series for days now, I being a mega SATC fan, can't wait to see the feature-length movie. Yes I want to sit there for 2 hours and 15 minutes and watch the ultra chic and the fabulous and sophisticated Sex and the City style! I want to see the girls strut their stuff again :)

Sex and the City, the Designer Clothing, Designer Shoes, Designer Handbags and Designer Jewelry!

Yes there will be lots of love and sex, and Mr BIG of course, but I want to see the girls in the latest designer clothing and designer shoes as well as the hottest designer handbags and wearing the to-die-for designer jewelry. SATC the movie will no doubt be like going to fabulous designer clothing, designer shoes, designer handbags and designer jewelry fashion shows all lumped into one, 2 hour and 15 minute fashion show. I can't wait.

Sex and the City, the Designer Jewelry and Designer Handbags!

Now I know that Fred Leighton and Nancy Gonzalez, both played a major role in accessorizing the leading ladies for the film.

Sex and the City, Designer Jewelry

You will see the bling when Carrie Bradshaw lights up the Big Screen in her Fred Leighton designer jewelry. Fred Leighton played a starring role along side Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City movie. And it's no surprise given Fred Leighton's celebrated uniqueness and its unparalleled one of a kind jewels.

SATC's stylist and designer, Patricia Field, chose unique unrivaled Fred Leighton pieces to wardrobe Sarah Jessica Parker in several scenes of the movie. In multiple scenes throughout the movie a pair of Fred Leighton antique diamond pendant earrings are a staple in Carrie Bradshaw's jewelry repertoire. In the Carrie Bradshaw Wedding Scene, she wears a stunning pair of Fred Leighton, 19th Century Diamond and Natural Pearl Cluster Earrings and a Fred Leighton, 19th Century Diamond Feather Brooch. Now aren't these stunning Fred Leighton designer jewelry pieces to die for :O

 

Now if you want to similarly impress then Fred Leighton designer jewelry pieces and collections are available at the Fred Leighton store in New York City and the Fred Leighton Store in Las Vegas. By the way, Carrie's wedding dress was designed by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood; now isn't it gorgeous!!!

Sex and the City, Designer Handbags

Synonymous with style and renowned for being the ultimate in luxurious croc handbags, Nancy Gonzalez was also on the top of Patricia Field's list for accessories for the Sex and the City movie.

Both Samantha and Miranda are seen carrying Nancy Gonzalez designer handbags and crazy as it might seem, Samantha’s little pooch is also accessorized in matching Nancy Gonzalez accessories. This lucky dog is seen wearing a Nancy Gonzalez one of a kind gold croc collar and leash designed to match Samantha’s Nancy Gonzalez gold tote designer handbag (see detail picture below left) and apparently made especially by the designer for the movie. I'm not at all sure about coordinating your outfit with your dog but wouldn't you just love to get your hands on that little pooch ;)

In the scene where we see her walking down the street with the Sex and the City girls (picture below), Miranda is holding a Nancy Gonzalez exotic skin tote (see detail picture above right).

If you want the look then the Nancy Gonzalez exotic skins handbag and accessory collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and at fine specialty stores worldwide.

Sex and the City, the Ultimate Chick Flick!

Well will this movie incarnation of the HBO Sex and the City series be the Ultimate chick flick? Not long now to tell but it sure is looking like it will be. I just can't wait to see this chick-flick. Can't wait to see the designer clothes (Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior and Oscar De La Renta), the designer handbags (Birkin, Chanel. and Louis Vuittons), the designer shoes and all the bling, the designer jewelry :)

Sex and the City, It's a Fashion Show!

The world premiere of the much anticipated movie, Sex And The City (SATC) takes place in London tonight. Personally I think that New York should have had the first screening, I mean that's where the HBO series was set and shot, that's where the 30-somethings Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha strutted their stuff!

Regardless, as much as Sex and the City is about columnist Carrie Bradshaw, her three gal pals, and their lustful urban quest for good sex, love and fab clothes, being set in New York City, fashion has always been a major part of the story. But now some four years on what can we expect when it comes to the fashion?

Also, will it simply continue on from where the series left off or will the now 40-somethings have matured and matured in the fashions that they wear. Will we see more of the breaking of the rules, the unexpected and outrageous, or will we see a more mature collection of fashion. The following video by BlackTree Media might shed some light on these questions.

 

Well there are some clues there. It is said that "the fashion is really different. Everything is more expensive, more beautiful, the shoes, the jewelry..." and when talking about the show's stylist and costume designer Patricia Field, Sarah Jessica Parker says that "she's really good at telling the story with clothes and she really knows these women in the city." And yes we can expect some maturity as Sarah Jessica Parker later says that "taste has changed, palette has changed and that's what happens when you grow up."

Pat Field herself says that the "fashion comes from Paris, it Comes from Italy, it Comes from New York, it comes from everywhere" and when talking about the costumes Kristin Davis (Charlotte) says that "there were just tables of bags, like every new bag that you haven't even seen in the stores yet and then there were tables of shoes, and I mean it was just like Mecca."

So from this we can expect some new ideas but I'm sure that we'll see the latest in designer clothing, shoes and designer handbags. Yes there will be lots of love and sex, but just as importantly, the feature-length Sex And The City movie will be like going to a fabulous fashion show. I can't wait.