Fashion First
The rain man doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, so instead of getting drenched in your Summer’s best, be prepared for the next shower with one of our light toppers. My top picks include a bright orange oversized jacket from Jil Sander, a classic J.Crew field jacket in a new shrunken shape, and even a fresh Moncler batwing anorak dipped in a tempting army green hue. That, plus five more rainy day options ! At least you’ll look cute in the rain 😉
Fashion has been generous and compassionate towards Japan in wake of the country’s recent disasters, but no company so much as Uniqlo, whose chairman and CEO donated $12 million of his own money to relief efforts. In addition to millions of dollars more in clothes and funds that the company donated, it’s now teaming up with an A-list group of designers and celebs to do the now-ubiquitous T-shirt design collaboration.
According to a release sent out by the retailer, ten designers and celebs created t-shirts, with proceeds benefiting the Japanese Red Cross. The high profile celebs include Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Alber Elbaz, Blake Lively, Charlize Theron, Cyndi Lauper, Victoria Beckham, and Orlando Bloom.
The shirts will retail for $19.90 and are available starting June 25. We’re partial to Alber’s hearts, Gaga’s characters, and Karl’s wash of color.
A new Zara TRF lookbook for this month featuring model Bambi Northwood-Blyth, love her look! Not much I really want from this month’s lookbook except for the striped skirt and the white dress below ;)!
This month Topshop launches its first ever Secret Store concept space in both the Oxford Circus and New York stores, featuring a premium and directional selection of Topshop Boutique and designer collaboration pieces. Designer collaborations includes: Meadham Kirchhoff, Nasir Mazhar, Maria Francesca Pepe, Emma Cook, Ann-Sofie Back, Michael Van Der Ham and Pamela Love. Two designers from Topshop Emerge will be available at the Secret Store as well featuring Tom Scott and Been d’Hygere. The Secret Store is a temporary fixture in the Oxford Circus and New York stores, for 2 weeks starting from May 26th, make sure to check it out quick!
Entrance to this opulent space will be via eclectic floral arrangements, colourful, mysterious and bespoke. Once inside, pieces will be displayed on antique furniture and inside vintage glass cases, and will include clothing, homeware, accessories and jewelry produced exclusively for the Secret Store. Pieces have a homespun feel, with some items hand finished so that each one is different and special.
Meadham Kirchhoff for TOPSHOP
Meadham Kirchhoff have created packs of ten mixed metal rings or ten multicoloured bangles designed to be worn all together, as in the duo’s SS11 mainline collection. Each gift set is different, and comes packaged in a beautiful embroidered heart-shaped box. Chunky statement rings sit alongside quirky plastic and ornate metal designs, whilst clear glitter bangles come with ethnic fabric bracelets and other assorted styles. This jewellery collaboration follows a clothing line with Meadham Kirchhoff that hits stores mid April.
Nasir Mazhar
Nasir Mazhar is a London-based milliner and NEWGEN-recipient known for interpreting traditional headewear and drawing inspiration from his urban surroundings. Nasir will be reworking three of the ceramic bejewelled crown headpieces he made for the Meadham Kirchhoff SS11 mainline show in his first collaboration with TOPSHOP. He has also created three metal hair combs in geometric designs which are at once deco and modern, like wearable art.
Maria Francesca Pepe for Topshop
Maria designs statement jewellery and clothing, often with a gothic influence. Starting initially as a jewellery designer and working in collaboration with others, Maria now has her own jewellery and clothing line which is based around the concept of ‘Jewellery-Wear’ when jewellery becomes the primary focus of the outfit. For her first collection for TOPSHOP she has created a rose gold heart and gold plates letters spelling out ‘LOVE’ which can be worn either studded onto clothing or hanging from a chain. The set will come with a jersey vest to stud the letters onto. This creates jewellery that is truly personal and can be changed each day according to the wearer’s mood.
Emma Cook for Topshop
Emma Cook is a long-term collaborator with TOPSHOP. For Secret Store, Emma has developed sheer nude underwear that features tattoo style print embroidery on mesh. Pieces have a 50’s influence and include a bra, high-waisted knickers and a body.
Ann-Sofie Back for Topshop
Ann-Sofie Back returns to collaborate with TOPSHOP on her sixth collection. She has become well known for her subversion of everyday garments and exploration of clothes and how we use them to disguise ourselves and is an essential ticket during London Fashion Week. For Secret Store, Ann-Sofie has designed a net bag with dream catcher embellishments and a matching dreamcatcher necklace with feathers
Michael Van Der Ham for Topshop
Current NEWGEN recipient Michael Van Der Ham is known for his patchwork juxtaposition of different fabrics, colours and textures in his pieces. He will be producing a crushed velvet wedge sandal for Secret Store inspired by his SS11 collection in two colorways -navy and blush.
Pamela Love for TOPSHOP
Pamela Love is the first American and also the first jewellery designer to collaborate with TOPSHOP. The collection is the perfect mix of modern New York style and traditional Southwestern design, drawing inspiration from South American and Native American and remaining true to her original aesthetic.
TOPSHOP BOUTIQUE
TOPSHOP’s in-house team have produced a collection of bags and clothing especially for the Secret Store, which will be available alongside some other secret surprises. Bags in luxurious fabric feature quirky details, AS velvet clutch bag features Mexican floral embroidery of quintessentially English flowers like hyacinths, crocuses and daffodils. A black backpack with zips comes in butter soft leather. TOPSHOP’S in house team has designed thirty limited edition TOPSHOP Boutique styles for the Secret Store, many of which are vintage-inspired and feature luxurious fabrics and finishes. Key pieces include the gothic bride maxi dress in antique lace, the cream crochet bikini set, the sheet organza prom dress with floral collar, and the black satin maxi dress with multicoloured floral embroidery.
The Unique Archive
Four iconic pieces from Unique collections of yesteryears will be available to buy again, some of which have never been produced despite huge demand. This is an amazing opportunity to buy collectable Unique pieces, including a blouse and dress from AW07, a grey marl playsuit from SS08 and two surfboard maxi dresses from SS10.
Tom Scott
Tom Scott is a New York based designer whose work is characterized by architectural construction that is simultaneously modern and understated, sophisticated and feminine. He will join the TOPSHOP Emerge stable for SS11, with his pieces sitting within the Secret Store space. Tom’s SS11 collection, entitled “the bomb”, borrows its name from a 1915 Iowa College yearbook found on ebay. Inspired by forgotten sports and utility uniforms and classic Americana, Scott takes an innovative and humorous approach in shape, stitch and proportion. A key piece is the silver raffia T-shirt, hand made in Bolivia by a women’s cooperative with silver and clear raffia knotted together.
Now that Balmain has installed a new head designer (Olivier Rousteing replaced Christophe Decarnin last month), the French fashion house, known for its absurdly expensive clothing, is launching a secondary ready-to-wear collection called Pierre Balmain, saysWWD.
The line, funded by Italy’s Ittierre Spa, will be designed by a different team than the runway collection, but will have to be OKed by Rousteing and his cohorts. The best news for Balmain fans is that it’s unlikely you’ll see a $1,625 t-shirt in this collection, since Ittierre probably wants to actually sell more than a few outfits. What’s more, there are rumblings that the launch will take place this September in New York. Woohoo! I’ll keep you guys posted ;). I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!
This week, Quay Australian Eyewear puts their own folding shades up for sale on Karmaloop. They’re designed to snap into an easy throw-this-in-your-bag shape, and they come in four colors, some classic (red, black) and some worthy of a trippy summer festival (hello, neon aqua).
The sunglasses cost $22 online. I can’t guarantee they’ll last forever, but by the time you’ve tested the folding style’s convenience and wearability, you’ll probably be ready to upgrade to the big leagues.
In the meantime, fold away…
Quay Australia folding sunglasses, $22 per pair at Karmaloop.
Burberry folding sunglasses, $250 at the Burberry Wold Store
Ray-Ban folding Wayfarers, $205 at RayBan.com
This spring, it’s absolutely essential that you have a handful of bold and bright pieces to work into your wardrobe. Whether you want to wear a hint of these vivid hues with your all-white favorites, or plan to embrace head-to-toe color blocking, be sure to check out Marc Fisher for fabulously on-trend accessories! You’ll find wonderful wedges, chic sandals, and top-notch totes, all at extremely affordable prices. In fact, all of these amazing pieces are under $100—now isn’t that brilliant? See below for all of the details on these key items, and get ready to indulge in some guilt-free shopping!
1. Sabina Sandal ($89) in Island Coral
The cork platform and high wedge heel make them ultra-comfortable, while the vibrant coral patent leather will add a little spice to any outfit!
2. Waiverish Sandal ($70) in Blue Patent
There’s something inherently chic about a t-strap sandal, no? So naturally I was drawn to the stunning cobalt blue patent leather Waiverish. These shoes are perfect for summer—the stacked heel is sturdy and easy on the feet—and will work with all of your favorite tailored shorts and crocheted dresses.
3. Oralie Wedge ($79) in Orange Croco
If you’ve been looking for the ideal footwear option for your next barbecue, you can stop the search because we’ve found the perfect style! These orange croc wedges are destined to become your new summer staple. Totally darling, the Oralie will look cool with everything from worn-in cutoffs to tribal-print skirts!
4. Celebrity Camera Satchel ($78) in Blue
I’ve had a thing for camera bags for ages now, so I was delighted to find this stylish satchel. Even better: in addition to the bold blue shown above, it’s also available in a fabulous orange hue, as well as black and white. Whatever color you pick, the silhouette is sure to look picture-perfect all season long!
5. Glee Wedge ($69) in Yellow
Every year, wedges prove to be the most loved and appreciated warm-weather shoes (comfort, height and style? No complaints here.) With this in mind, I suggest stocking your closet with several pairs, including this strappy style! These cheerful lemon yellow sandals will perfectly punctuate this season’s must-have citrus prints…so get yours today!
6. Overachiever Tote ($78) in Red
Structured purses are definitely having a moment right now, which is why this boxy bag is such a stellar buy. While the silhouette is ladylike, the color is playful, striking a perfect modern balance! Since this exact bag won’t be available until the first week of June, check out this style if you need sometime similar ASAP!
“LIKE” BUBBLESPOP’S FACEBOOK PAGE FOLLOWING THE LINK BELOW:
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Bubblespop/124815230912221
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: BUBBLESPOP1
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AND LEAVE ME A MESSAGE ON MY WALL ON FACEBOOK 😉
Prabal Gurung’s six-piece collaboration with J.Crew — which features looks from his past collections recreated in new colors and materials —launches online and in select stores today. The collection ranges from $198 for a pair of tuxedo trousers to $450 for a tulle rose top with a mesh back, and only 50 pieces were created for some of the designs.
“I played with volume and scale and focused on a few special pieces with a story to tell — it’s very modern, chic, and put-together, but there’s also a lived-in quality,” Gurung said of the collection. “There’s a subtext and sub-layers to the designs we chose for J.Crew,” he noted, adding: “I worked closely with the J.Crew team to determine the looks that would translate well with both of our audiences. They did a stellar job producing each piece and I could not be happier with how everything turned out.”
Eddie Borgo’s J.Crew collaboration, meanwhile, hits in July .
Exploding Bow Blouse, $225
“It makes such a strong statement, it needs that balance,” Gurung says, suggesting the satin top be worn over a pencil skirt or with a pair of wide-leg, really worn-in jeans.
Fit to be Tied Pant ($198)
Of the silk-striped tuxedo trousers, Gurung says: “There’s nothing sexier than a really intelligent girl with many layers to her . . . I think these pants have that same quality. There’s a story to tell.”
Rampant Rose Top ($450)
Gurung says of the tulle and satin top: “I was just playing around with the tulle making these rosettes, and I loved the contrast with the sheer mesh back.”
Exploding Bow Dress, $395
Of the satin dress, Gurung says: “I played with the volume and proportions of the bow — if you look closely it’s a little bit off kilter, which gives it that lived-in quality that’s so important.”
Bow-dacious Denim Jacket ($400) and Strong Seamed Denim Pant ($295)
“I wanted the bow lapel to look like it could come completely undone,” Gurung says. “She goes out in this very chic, pretty package and at the end of the evening, her shirt’s unbuttoned and the lapel unravels . . . it tells a little story.” He suggests wearing it with the matching pant or a pair of really lived-in trousers for that “uptown/downtown balance — that’s what makes the clothes interesting.”
Exploding Bow Dress, $395
Gurung on how to wear it: “Every woman needs a perfect little shift dress — she can wear it to work with a little jacket and then out at night and still feel totally comfortable.”
I’m really excited about Gilt Groupe’s partnership with Streamline/Interscope Records and Lady Gaga taking place today, May 20th! NOW!
To mark the release of Lady Gaga’s upcoming album ‘Born This Way’ (scheduled for release on May 23, 2011) the online event will commence at 12pm EST on both Gilt.com and GiltCity.com and will run through Sunday, May 22, 9pm EST. The sales will features 7 distinct offerings, including pre-orders on the album, two curated sales by her Fashion Director, Nicola Formichetti, a one-of-a-kind Mugler dress worn by Gaga herself and VIP access to special events and experiences surrounding the world of Gaga.
Nicola Formichetti will be bringing Gilt members the opportunity to shop looks that he has curated and styled himself. The sales consists of looks for both women and men, which will be a mix of street punk and high couture, both aesthetics for which he is acclaimed. Here’s a sneak peek at a couple of looks for women and men, so excited to check out the sales !
In addition to the curated sales:
· A dress worn by Gaga to close Mugler’s A/W ’11 fashion show will also be available for purchase. Form fitted in stocking veil and lactic jersey, with a flesh caged corset in marquisette, it is one of a kind.
· Gilt City will bring Gaga’s style to life by providing members exclusive access to Mugler’s upcoming fall fashion show in Paris, with backstage passes, after-party tickets, and more. VIP tickets to see Gaga perform at Rumsey Playfield will also be featured on Gilt City. All proceeds from the dress and ticket sales will be donated to Lady Gaga’s charity of choice, The Robin Hood Foundation.
· To celebrate the launch of the album and musical genius behind it, the sites will be giving fans the chance to pre-order the digital version of the deluxe edition, while Gilt City will be selling VIP access to regional club events for fans to gather and listen to the album in together. These events will take place in New York, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
· Additionally, a curated selection of Lady Gaga’s favorite places and experience in New York will also be available on Gilt City so that members can truly live like the superstar herself. From classes at Broadway Dance Center with Gaga’s choreographer Laurieann Gibson, to a 10-course tasting menu at Gaga’s choice New York tapas restaurant, Caliu Tapas, Gilt City’s local experiences will bring to life all things Gaga for its members.
BubblesPop 