Only Champagne from Champagne is Champagne

BEN VESCOVI

2009-04-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

Yes we are still alive, so does Ben Vescovi.

Miss him so much. He is one of the most talented models. And the only model that got on Vman magazine's cover, before V signed a contract with Ford of model searching. Which means, he was a truly cover boy, a big sell. Is it us getting old? we often recall these old times recently.

Modeling Not Lucrative or Glamorous. At All. (Its grapes blah blah time~)

2009-03-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

Modeling is not nearly as glamorous or lucrative for men as for women. The boys make less money, so they often don't have the luxury of, say, a black car to ferry them between shows and fittings. Also, male models can be filthy, filthy creatures. Russian-born Matvey Lykov ranks in the top 25 male models working today (he recently landed the spring Jil Sander campaign). He tells the L.A. Times he prefers not to live in agency male-model housing:
"Before my first show in Milan, we were staying in this apartment that belonged to a male model," Lykov recalls. "I was staying with these Canadians; they were like animals. They destroyed all the furniture, they were throwing chairs and beer bottles out of the window from the fourth floor onto cars — one guy [relieved himself] in the oven." He said he took his suitcase and checked into a hotel that night ... "Male models are messy — it's not sexy at all."
The financial compensation hardly makes up for the pain and suffering. Lykov walked 34 shows in Milan, Paris, and New York. The eleven shows he walked in New York this season paid him in clothing rather than cash — something that's called a "trade" and not allowed in Europe. So if he makes around $1,000 a show, he netted about $16,400 this show season, after a 20 percent agency fee and couple grand for travel expenses. In a year, doubling that figure and adding in a few one-off shows and an exclusive job, he makes around $40,000. Before taxes. Including human excrement in the kitchen. (It is, however, considerably better than a starting salary at Condé Nast.) Lykov is hoping for some fall campaign bookings, where the real money is. In the meantime you might find him in the Williamsburg apartment he shares with four roommates, none of them models.

To add to the list of reasons it's basically impossible to make money as a model, male or female: Condé Nast pays new models $150 a day. After a year, that rate increases to $250 for the day, according to Models.com managing editor and former agent Betty Sze. "That means if you are Gisele [Bündchen] and work for American Vogue 2 days in a row, you would make $500. Many editorials pay nothing," she says. These rates have not been affected by the economic crisis, as magazines like Vogue, Allure, and Lucky's ad pages for the month of April are all down around 30 to 40 percent each. With Condé's titles reportedly looking for additional ways to cut back even after the downsizing of Men's Vogue and the closure of numerous titles, model rates would seemingly be a logical place to start. "Condé Nast doesn't have to pay anything, I don't even know why they do," Sze adds. "Girls don't do editorial for money! Getting editorials and covers of French Vogue for example, drives up your rate for everything else and gets you noticed by the huge money clients like Lancôme and Estée Lauder. Simple. Editorials and covers are the path towards the real money."
Except getting noticed by Estée Lauder isn't exactly "simple," since there's one of them for every hundred billion models in the world. And they might hire celebrities people actually recognize instead of 17-year-olds known only within the industry. So you're more likely to make a better living waiting tables, bartending, working retail, programming computers, even blogging. Not to mention you can consume carbs, booze, and full-fat cheese to your heart's content.

The above are two articles from two different sources, thanks to many of our "home boys", we already knew most of that. Except the fact that models are shamelessly reporting their private matters to the new york "I am so bored I have pretty boys" magazine and news papers. Things have always been like this, everyone knows about this, and kids got warned out once they signed the deal, now they are complaining? Big Deal. No serious, who cares. So you think you are not gettng paid fairly, so does everyone, you think editors and doormen get paid fairly? What do you think Tom Ford leaving Gucci and Hedi Slimane Leaving Dior at the first place? No body gets paid fairly, models are more noticeable, because most of the models are kids that dreamed about being rich and famous, and they dont get any of that once hang off the on set lightening. They are the bodies of dreaming format, they are suppose to know that. Now they are confused. Apparently they think , as beautiful people they should be rich and famous, except they are nothing but beautiful. You really think Gisele Buchen is rich because she is the hottest? Have you met her? The woman has a pinion about almost everything, she speaks several languages, she does business with investment, she is handling her life with a brain. She left VS contract and she is still the most recognizable, who, which one in these kids could do that? Without a major campaign, they are nothing. NOTHING. You heard from Nick Sinder again? Tell me about it.

Once Mathias Lauridsen or Boyd Holbrook or Jamie Dornan starts complaining, we will start supporting.

Robert Pattinson

2009-03-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Just because we said we hated GQ's cover doesn't mean we hate Robert Pattinson.

LANVIN FW 09

2009-03-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

NEW FACE ALERT

2009-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

We Love Los Angeles!!!

Tyson Paige, hunkie hottie on the block. Word out on the street, the kid is in town, he is so major type, but maybe NY models wants a change. Good luck Tyson.

BORIS IN VOGUE PELLE (WITH TYLER)

2009-03-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

First of all, we'd like to clear something up. Boris has never had trouble with drugs. He smoked pot like everyone else did, but to say he is a drug addict is just nonsense.

A few days ago we run into him (because his apt is just across the street) in a supermarket, hes paying for his veggie burger and a pack of beers, he looked absolutely stunning, we even asked him where he got that from. "Oh, I just switched back my normal clock" he says half kidding.

WWD FACETIME

2009-03-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

Since when WWD cares about who walks what in menswear season? Since fashion houses cast new faces rather than relying on costlier established models in order to reduce the pain of bad economic. And since when those boys down there are new faces? Since their creepy agents lie about the age in order to get their boys on top !

I am just kidding. lol But we did notice some of the NY magazine's model profile states are ridiculously funny, seems like they hired an 18 year old who is not familiar with any year-counting before the year he was born! At first we thought: Er.. Some of Amy's colleges are...just stupid. But then, just like what we said, its getting ridiculous, and then we learned that Some of Amy's colleges are really stupid, but not anyone in the model profile updating office. So looks like someone must has been really naughty, maybe it was becos santa claus won't grand them the "Please make my male models 2 or 3 years younger in stat" wish.

So they lied. It is one thing to lie about the age of a real new face before anybody knows how to spell his hometown name. It is definitely a whole new other thing of lying about - to quote WWD-costlier established models and faithfully expecting no body will find out about it.

Com'on! Is there anyone who thinks that this is gonna work, at all? Who are they trying to fool? Anyone who works in fashion more than a year could immediately pick a two times model in a group of 17 rookies. Because it is that obvious! I can prove to you right away, take WWD's face time for example, tell me any model that you've not seen his face before. Tell me now. You will know right? Because we all know when a boy is enlisted by major magazines, he'd cut some cakes for at least one season around. So you know what am I saying when you find out a boy is acclaimed to be 20 when obviously he's 22/23, you'd laugh.

But this has nothing to do with WWD's list, although we think its useless and paper wastes, we are glad that Lenz and Jacob made it. Lenz and Simon and Tyler all landed a major campaign, ( CK and Givenchy and Dolce). Its weird to call them new faces.

KING ARTHUR

2009-03-21T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Arthur... ...

VIC & DOLCE & GABBANA

2009-03-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

It is exciting to see how our new boys nail it hard in a very flexible way, this new wave of the future top male models share something very promising: beautiful bone structure, decent gentleman style, and the face that even looks good under reality check. They are boys yet to men, the magic era for growing and glowing.

From now on, we call him Vic. We name all the potential star by the nicknames, we think Vic deserve such one.

Sleep tight in your expensive PJ vic, cos you are gonna need energy to cope with what's going to happen to you very soon, amazing things, lots of them.

(Vic in SS09 Another Man Magazine)

BEING BOYD

2009-03-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

Looking good Mr Holbrook, who would thought, he is still so damn hot. Looks like nothing's gonna change the man's sharp vibe. He was the good boy, he was the bad boy, in a field that begs no hero, he begs for differ. Maybe there is a reason to stay in this crappy biz besides of money, to become someone like Boyd, cool your voice and say: I've done this, man.

One more lift, he is going to no where but a supermodel namesake.

THE GOOD PAIR

2009-03-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

I can say this for lots of people. Jeremy is the beauty of our lives. He touched so many soul until one day... ... a mystery disappear. Nah just kidding.

Jeremy was quite a big name already before many of the power faces hit the ranking. He was the Noah Mills force group wasn't him? With that landslide-approve Dolce campaign, he was the "smoking hot " even before MH came up with the idea of it.

Even with today's industry standard, he is still young, born in 1986, with all that he'd achieved, you'd think he was born way before that year right?

The french hot stuff still got it! Accompanied by British model Josh Beech, the pals are in the good pair.

YSL Tributes

2009-03-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Grapes is not happy.

Grapes can not understand why some self pointed genius is doing a shit thing when this genius acclaimed"Yves Saint Laurent was one of fashion’s most enduring figures and his legacy remains beloved."

Grapes is not sure if this genius really knows what he was saying, because if he knows, he wouldn't even think about to play the YSL card with some random male model.

Okay he is not random, is Tomek ( the kid the real name we will never know), but besides us, does WWD/VOGUE/BAZAAR/Any Fashion Leading Thoughts give a damn who the hell he is?

We could let alone about who the whatever he is gave this genius the rights and courage to do an YSL tribute without any creativity abilities, but how the hell could Anyone ever think about portrait the late and the great YSL with some random guy, is this called showing your respect? We don't think so.

Next time when some genius wants to have fun with the classic 60's, they should just say so. Do not use the name that you can not afford to drop it out of your mouth.

PS: the edits looks just like some cheap knocking-off by an art school intern. Genius.

LIYA EXCLUSIVE FOR J.CREW

2009-03-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Grapes has been accused for not showing a very good enthusiasm of the black models, what if I say in Grappie's eyes there is no color preference, we are all the same, black models just haven't bought that much attention, would you believe me ?

See now, when certain attention has brought, we open our blogs! The one of a kind beauty Liya landed on Exclusive for J.Crew. Do I need to say more?

VOGUE HOOMES JAPAN ISSUE 2

2009-03-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

There was a reason we were the only ones that didn't introduce the launch issue of Vogue Homme Japan (OR did we?) If you care, read on, if you don't skip this passage. Few people knew that it was a very very long preparation of Vogue Homme Japan, yes even longer than Vogue China, but for different reason, China was not ready then according to Conde Nast people. And Japan is a tough case. There are literally 100,000,000 copies of fashion magazine sold out in that area and menswear fashion is a quite promising scale. Competition is one thing, and there goes the courtesy of what position A VOGUE MEN would be in Japan. If its not a bible then don't even bother. That's also our answer, we were kind of..well, scared. What if it didn't work, then we would be those "watzup fussy scums", So we waited, and now the second issue is out. It looks...its getting it on! This magazine actually wants to be something with a soul and the long term consideration and carefulness is starting to pay off now. That's a good start. To be honest, we are not really with them, but its just like we don't read Wired, that doesn't mean wired is not good. (In fact Wired is pretty good)

So you skipped the first passage, let's talk about the new issue. They boomed Ash's career in the first issue, bet all of you still remember that, Vogue Homme Japan is picking up an habit of using the new face, we hope they hang on there. Usually a smash hit fashion magazine with a new face means they don't give a damn about any other's "star advisor", they just doing their own thing, so you don't have to worry about cheesy lousy meaningless articles stick to your beautiful eyes. And they love americans, well that's predictable, Japanese always act like that, and now with the photographer Hedi Slimane, there is long way to go babe, just please make sure you guys have a list of back ups for 7 years curse ( Hedi could leave Dior, he could leave anything.)

Vogue Homme Japan also loves to show off the young boys, thank god they did it in another way than Vman. Red is already mur-muring about their new hot babies now. Chris Pulliam is growing... bigger by the day, since Red's formal hot babie Shaun is dropped off of top 50, we are thinking maybe this one could do the heads up. So far the kid needs some professional touch and a golden stamp name that screams: Steven Meisel. Hello Red, if Chris hasn't got it in months then you could kiss your top 30 good bye. Good luck.

FATAL DESPERATION

2009-03-14T01:41:00.000-07:00

Yeah what do you know, 3 days of eyes examine and a group meeting, then Robert Pattinson gets on GQ.

The obvious situation here is, how young does GQ stands for? 23 is a really small number, isn't it? We were wondering are those social golden cogs really reading GQ these days even when they put up a Vampire of 14 year old's crush, or they stopped reading long time ago, that would be really fancy for a whole new level of DESPERATION, or... GQ is actually being funny in here, but we doubt that part, more like Conde Nast is pushing a wrong people or even worse, the wrong direction, we hear decease bells.

BAD APPLE

2009-03-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

My excuse for watching TWILIGHT is that, people say, the vampire shines like diamonds.

You see, for one thing, human skin doesn't/won't/can't "Shines" like diamonds its physically impossible, even for vampire, as long as they have human body. When sunshine touches on Human Body, its called Diffuse Reflection,it makes your skin naturally glow-if you are on the catalog of Estee Lauder, Diamonds on the other hand, don't shine automatically, mirror reflection is the way to go, because the delicate ankles, sunshine gets to explode after endured into diamond's pyramids. But that's just one of the slightest details that this movie "impossibly" presented. Long sentence short: How the fuck can such a crap make it $370,443,750 worldwide?

But since every girl in America is in love with Zac Efron, its not really that surprise now are we?

We are really happy that Robert Pattinson stars at such a meaningless movie, that just gave him 50 percent of the chance that one day he will stand in front of a little gold man and weeping about his up-and-down unusually career. This is gonna be an urban legend about an American Idol. God bless everyone.

PS: Justin Timberlake teaches everyone a lesson. He was in a boy band, who would thought right? lol

MDC'S Still -Updating Top 50 Ranking.

2009-03-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

James is Back. No, not bond. James Allen, the ultimate male modeling God Father.

He's back and the first thing he did was to torture our hollow superstitious nerves. After a series enduring meetings, we were acknowledged that during his tenure, "updating" will be the only thing that settled in MDC. Meaning, fellows have to check the ranking list every other day. Don't believe me, the thing is still tic-taking at the site, last update:Mar 05 2009 . Maybe with this kind of speed, we will see the day of Lauridsen got bumped out of the map.

James is also not very happy about the top 20 concept, saying there is no way to measure the male modeling industry hotspot within a peanut space like "20". So all winners Top 50.

Now. Let's rock it, shake it, suck it and eat it.

For the fist time, Top 5 has given 5ive different agencies names:New York,VNY,Click, DNA, Wilhelmina, Ford.

What is AJ doing at the No.5, we are sensing a big fat CK contract is dancing in his wallet.

Wilhelmina would have never thought about An 8 year old sign-up could do they so good in today- Boyd Holbrook is No.6 and about to break the curse of " 10 years model nightmare", or its all just the side effect of performing in the movie MILK.

Dolce & Gabbana's LIGHT BLUE is wonder water, apparently, it keeps David Gandy up and strong in about 10,000,000 years.

Josh Beech follows N0.8, Danny Schwarz half naked on No.9.

Did major ever nail a Top 10 be4? We dont remember, but Simon Nessman's Givenchy guarantees his statu.

Taylor Fuchs is an editor sweetheart, stands No.11, he will die a model. The almost solo Gucci boy Mathias Bergh is sharing this position. You know the meaning.

Ash Stymest,Tyler Riggs, Cole Mohr, Luke Worrall. Two American, Two British, Four Fake Punks, from 12-15.

Jamie Strachan is a long runner, he is good at No.15.

Former Major Super Hottie Blaine Cook dropped at No.16.

No.17, Eddie Klint, is lucky, with that happy-go-lucky career attitude, he should be No.71 by now.

Patrick Petitjean, Rogier Bosschaart. Both one-time-used Prada boys slightly close the door of the Top 20. But Noah Mills, who is No. 20, with that body, they guy should never leave MDC'S list.

We are insist the Top 20 Concept, but also like to mention some well-players.

Adrian Bosch, Lenz Von Johnston. Cool pals.

Marion Teixeria, Dior Campaign.

Max Motta, Interestingly sexy.

Dennis Johnson, Raising Star.

Kerry Degman. Do I need to say more?

And Shaun Haugh is still No.45... ... Are you fucking Kidding me, James?

HERMES S/S 09 BY Darius Khondji

2009-03-06T02:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh for a second I thought the model's name was Darius Khondji, that's shocking since the quite famous Iranian-French Cinematographer is 54 years old now.

Alright. Funny Game Begins: Tell us who that guy is in 48 hours.

In return: $2000 Gucci Menswear Coupon.

We strongly suggest you to think wildly.

Again, we are serious. And again, don't email Amy, she won't be emailing you back.

Hey! How have you been.

2009-03-06T00:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we watched THE DARK KNIGHT, the reason Grapes did not watch this movie is the same reason that everybody has to watch it, because it is so great. Actually Great is not even qualified to describe this movie and Heath Ledger's performance. The role The Joker, is one of a kind and Heath has always been Christopher Nolan's one and only choice for the role.

Because he is fearless.In preparation for his role as The Joker, Heath Ledger hid away in a motel room for about six weeks. During this extended stay of seclusion, Ledger delved deep into the psychology of the character.

Heath is fearless, he has the guts to play a homosexual cow boy in Ann Lee's 1960s movie. He has the guts to take the role in a high school movie and made it probably one of the coolest real meaning characters in the whole high school history. And he did it again in 2001 played a hard rock knight. He has the guts to be Bob Dylan,a hero, Casanova, a hero, Jacob Grimm, a hero. The three combine makes everyone's childhood, youth and fantasy.

Heath Ledger is a hero. His spirit is so strong , you heard it while Oscar presenting his performance. No sadness, No sorrow. You only listening, because you know he was listening. "Nothing has ever change, just simply transformed" if that's it, we'd think heath has never left.

You get to live pal, like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman, you all live with us. Hey do you know that people are saying that the opening scene of THE DARK KNIGHT is the coolest five minutes ever in movie history? that you are the very first performer to win an Oscar for acting in a comic movie-adaptation. That the movie made more money than Batman Begins entire domestic run in only 6 days of release. What? You don't care about any of these? Alright. We think that Your performance beat the odds and topped Jack Nicholson's Joker from Batman. Also in Sir Michael Caine's opinion. That's right. Pal! You are the best.

NEW KID-Tomasz Pastyrczak

2009-03-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Will be in New York for 2 weeks. A contract is waiting.

Daily Hollywood

2009-03-05T17:39:00.001-08:00

This is a sunny day. In Los Angles, 300 days out of whole year, this city is sunshine everywhere. So when you meet a gorgeous mom and her beautiful 4 years old little daughter, you can count the day. Sibi is 39, she was a model and once a personal assistant, she is now happily married for almost 10 years!

"OMG! So how are you guys gonna celebrate this ?!" Apparently I am slightly jealous, but most of all is just happy tears.

"With Chris?" Sibi laughed, her honey long curl hair and tender smile glows amazingly, the man is lucky. Little Emma, their daughter is playing with my Ruby key chain, she asked about why ruby is red, through my entire childhood I have never thought about that question.

"Emma is going to be a scientist!... And yeah of cos with him. You know what, I don't want to know, I want you to tell me later."

"Actually, we didn't plan it at all. You can't talk about seashore and candles while a man is diving in the giant machines." Sibi smiles again, she seems always happy, but not annoy.

"He is not that busy lately isn't him? Still have work to handle?" Just when I was saying this I realized how wrong can I be, Of cos he is still busy. "Ah.. never mind." and then here we go , laugh again.

Sibi went to ladies room and I was trying so hard to explain the color thing with Emma, you understand? No you dont you only 4. You can't be serious. Then Emma pulled her litter finger pointed to somewhere near the street, papa is here.

I hugged emma in the car, "Your daugher is a genius, she understands gemological terms."

"Please, you have to stop teaching her those out-space words that I don't understand." A proud father gently took the key chain from Emma and hand it over to me.

I heard Sibi's heels, and I forgot to check, I went back, and "the who's paying" fighting started all over again. I won.

While I took the tiramisu pack from the waiter, that guy looked at me and quietly asked "Hey, is that Batman over there?"

" Yes, that's Christian Bale."

Matthew Stone for Gereth Pugh Homme FW09 Show Music

2009-03-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Matthew Stone produced Gereth Pugh's first menswear show music.

Find this soundtrack in here

GOOD FRIENDS

2009-03-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

Jonas and Rogier in New York City.

Jonas is wearing a front-roll black scarf match with army-like outfit and cow boy low-ankle boots.

Male Models these days... ...

Mathias Lauridsen

2009-03-03T21:40:00.001-08:00

Its not very easy to bump into Mathias like that, although this man is globetrotting like a jet setter.

Its also not very easy for Grapes to admit that this man was actually her first crush in-print. 4 years sounds like one's entire childhood, it is the age of Mathias first Kenzo Campaign.

He is 25 years old now. Has been in this biz for 6 years that equals to 15 years in the female modeling career. It seems hard to anyone, high or low in fashion that does not know the man's name. Mathias is annoyingly professional, disgustingly beautiful, disturbingly perfect in front of the camera. Strict to the point, he is all about the biz. He was never really in the so-called cool kids circle. When so many anonymous are bluffing about how they don't care about modeling, Mathias is doing his job fair and square. In every industry, including art and creativity, certain regulations are made for good examples. Sometimes it is so usual that you can't even feel about it. That's how people made them self great.

REQUEST DE VMAN

2009-03-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

REQUEST boy Bastien did Vman. We'd like to hear what do you think about this.

THAT'S MIKUS

2009-03-03T06:10:00.001-08:00

ON THE RIGHT. And Click.

Now Charging | A Roberto Cavalli Credit Card

2009-03-03T01:35:00.001-08:00

Ma, quale financial crisis? Mere mortals may be thinking of how to cut back expenses, but Roberto Cavalli is plotting new ways to expand his universe. His newest venture zeroes in on just what the world needs now: a Cavalli credit card, conceived in partnership with Mastercard, and embellished with a gold logo and a multihued, iridescent snakeskin print. (No word yet on whether high spenders will be able to upgrade to, say, crocodile or leopard.) The Italian designer will host a dinner this Sunday during Milan fashion week with special guests like Milla Jovovich, who will star with him in an Internet-only ad campaign, and Elizabeth Hurley.

The card offers Cavalli-centric benefits like invitations to trunk shows and special events, but there could be more. “I’m thinking about creating a Web site where card holders can chat directly with me,” Cavalli said. “Maybe you have a daughter studying at Saint Martins or F.I.T. who wants to come to my show — why not? If you have the Cavalli card, you are part of my fashion club, like a friend on Facebook.”

Cavalli swears he’s not a big spender — though he splurges on gifts, electronics and gadgets for his small rubber boat, which he uses to get to his bigger boat. (“I enjoy it more because I can drive it myself.”) But he insists this new card sends an optimistic message. “The snake print has always been a good-luck charm for me. I hope people will buy things to make them happy for a few hours.”

This is hardly the only project on Cavalli’s horizon. He just concluded a collaborative effort with Coca-Cola, designing small Cavalli-logoed bottles. (“They sent me 100,000 bottles. I don’t know what to do with them.”) After his show in Milan, Cavalli will head to Paris, where he is opening a new six-floor flagship on rue St.-Honoré and debuting a clothing line for dogs, modeled after his own pets. “I used to have a tiger, but now I only have bichon frisés — and my macaque monkey, of course.”

Maybe Cavalli is downsizing after all.

BEST DRESSERS OF THE SEASON

2009-03-02T06:15:00.003-08:00

These two guys are on my permanent attention seats. From two of the most Stylish Cities on this planet, they just made New York sounded not so superhero and Paris not so all-about-vogue. And they are doing that thing damn fine. Damn!

GQ┃Game Power

2009-02-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Some of you might still remember the unbelievably boring yet still alive GQ U.K version, sometimes we really think they should just go back to the good old days when GQ spelt as Gentlemen's Quarterly, all of them. We heard, in order to face the recession, Conde Nast has demanded GQ to hire more heterosexual men, so the magazine will stand straight during the future unpredictable economic turbulence.

Well, that's a good change, for GQ. God only knows if one more sniffy, eyebrow lifty gay man shaking that thing of GQ's thing, we'd rather label the magazine Gays and Queers and put it under file H with Hypocrite.

Change is good. That's why people don't like to change, this March- the so called great fashion season- GQ U.S pulled off The 10 Most Stylish Men in America while GQ U.K brought their 15 Red Hot New Looks of Spring/Summer.

We think...... WE THINK.... that someone in red is sleeping with someone in charge. Oh we already heard the self defense. 9 boys out of total casted 15, that's a big chance and what do you know, they include the agency name within the title. Whatever, like we even care.

But we do care for one thing. GQ called 4 agencies, only 3 of them posted the result, that made 14 of them. So who is that beautiful fifteen? His agency is so hot that they don't even need a blog to show off.

Of cause we knew the answer, what's the point of being a maverick without teasing... ...

Mail us your answer and we have a surprise for you. YES. WE ARE SERIOUS.

MAJOR BOYS AND HEAD OF THE FEATURE COVER

RED BOYS

REQUEST BOYS

Academy Awards Winner: Best Actress in Supporting Role

2009-02-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

We are so glad Penelope Won. Her performance for this role not just perfectly suits her but also explored her unimaginable talents. She deserves it. She deserves the night.

And Grapes believes she is wearing Chopard Jewels. And We are going to talk about that huge yellow diamond ring later. :)

20th Feb

2009-02-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

So you are back in Denmark now? So soon... ...

I have to, the new semester is already started. Sorry I didn't stop by.

No no no. Its quite alright. I was out of town then actually.

:) oh.. I read your blog. So you bought the new issue of New York magazine? ^^

I did, I did. And I was so Pissed. That article was not based on 100% conditions but they went on and run it anyway. I can not believe those people would just send some random guy to model's dorm and took false as truth to pull off an article. This is not fair.

I was in it too. I didn't really realized that the guy was doing an article about all this. Not until my agent called me, and he was pissed as well. lol

I know! I saw your name I was immediately thought about that night you were out with some kids from Ford right? They even out leaked that you were doing Givenchy, Patrick was so outraged, I think he almost died in a minute. = = Not that nobody should knows about this, this is good stuff, but in such an article it is just depressing.

What should I do now?

Nothing. Its not in your way. They just mentioned your name without surname, that's alright. Patrick on the other hand might wanna do some damage control, but you will be alright. They love you. Every body loves you. lol

I am still concern about this. You know the day after that I did some kind of an interview with Betty, you know that woman from MDC. We were at the backstage of Zegna. And then this happened, Patrick urged me do not take any interviews without his permits. So I am still thinking about that, what if that went wrong and everything.

Hey! Hey, its alright. Okay? Patrick was just a lit bit over protected and reacted. He will stop being crazy and you will keep interviewed. Betty is a really nice girl, I knew her for a very long time. She defended Ash and Eliza for Christ's sake. She wont do anything that harm you. Worse comes to Worse, what have you done? you just said something about having friends in new york and life is pretty good. lol

I did. lol BTW I really have to thank you for this, you and patrick and the guys from work really took care of me. I was really nervous about meeting Meisel. Now after New York I think I am with the right pace.

So far, So good~~!! Listen to Patrick. He is responsible for almost every top male model comes out of NYM. He knows what his doing. ;)

I heard you are coming to Europe? Will you by any chance stop by at C?

No, darling. :( I probably just head straight to paris and then go back home. But I will see you around, usually at March, Prada will hold a very fancy party in Milan for Vips and gangs, Patrick will of cos make sure you be there on time and looking good. Oh.. the super model life.

Com'on! Dont laugh at me.

I am not! I am laughing with you ! You need to work on your english, you are brand new, it taks you 2 seasons at least to pick up a sexy new york tone.lol

Patrick said I looked good while not talking. He thinks I should stop talking! lol

He's right.

Oh~ it doesn't matter. In the end you look good! You should feel lucky that patrick hadn't use a gun n boom out all of your teeth! lol

AH~ YOU ARE DOING IT AGAIN!

Okay Okay~~ I stop it ! I really should go. You take good care of yourself and stay out of any kinds of trouble that might pull you away from daily work. And I will see you in March! Okay?

Sounds all good! Can't wait. :)

RALPH LAUREN FW 09

2009-02-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Zac Posen almost scared me, thank God RL came for the rescue. This season as the most of the times, very Ralph Lauren it good self, some of the pieces are nearly perfect. We are hearing velvet bell... ...

Grapes likes this, the left one.

IN CASE YOU WANT TO BE A MALE MODEL PART 2

2009-02-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

When people say you need to work your ass off to get on top, they actually mean it not just for office sitters, this is equally important to you_male models and your stunning little asses too. But before you WORK it, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

We know your crappy agency probably let you live in a lousy apartment with other 6 annoy stupid heads,but that doesn't mean you have to go down with them, you need to take care of yourself. You need skin care, you need it very much, in fact we suggest you to take your skin care kit bag with you 24 hours a day. That will work wonders in lots of ways. When meeting a stylist, dont expect him/her likes you automatically, we are talking about the people that judging beauty as their jobs, that's what they do. What you need to do is sleep early get up early and make sure you look washed/cleaned/shaved/folded. Show the best of yourself, then stylists will have something magic or even dramatic in their mind about you, that will make you look so good. Remember, stylists are illustrators not visual effectors, they can't make a douchebag looks like a superstar just b/c they are holding some powders in their hands. You probably end up with a L'oreal contract if you are that lucky, but at least give them a chance to give you a chance.

When meeting a casting director. Woo.. this one is tricky, b/c "how the hell should I know if that person likes me for whatever the reason is!" Right, but still there are something on the menu that you should never order. ONE, do not sleep with anyone that promised anything to your future/career. You need a faith that goes like: whoever has the power to get me on top would never ever ask me to fuck them for trade. If the casting director doesn't like you but all the others like you , which means the problem is not your look, then pick up the phone and call you agent, cos that usually means your agent fucked up a public relationship with someone, make it up and make it go away and you will have all the shows. "What if no one likes me ?" First of all, that should never happen, second of all, if happened, go home and continue your life. BTW, your agent will tell you many times what should you wear on a casting , dont bother us.

When meeting a photographer, or when meeting Steven Meisel. Dude, you hit the jackspot... not just yet! You kicked things off nicely, the photographers would love to meet you. If Meisel wants to meet you in New York, then you are going to New York! You probably already met some big names in fashion photography by chance/ in a party/ backstage/campaign casting. But you only meet Meisel when he wants to meet you. The guy is so so important, that is more important than a CK Campaign ( b/c he is shooting the ck campaign), Lots of the male models dont get to meet Meisel in their entire career. If you work as a male model for 6 months and still have not met Meisel yet, you need to get your ass in your agent's office and have a serious conversation with him/her, you go there and tell him/her: Its already 6 months, Meisel wont meet a model that already worked for 12 months that havent work for himself yet. Something is wrong. Fix it."

Some of the big big agencies that have more than 200 male models, sometimes agents are head boiled, maybe they need a heads up to get them started and send your pictures to Mr Meisel. If the answer is they already did, and Meisel is just not that into you. Then Kid, move on and pray for yourself that your career could take fly even without Meisel. We know someone who survived of this.

If Meisel did meet you within 3 months of your career, then you are probably one of these: Mathias Lauridsen, Sean Opry, Garret Neff, Eddie Klint, Mathias Bergh, Jakob Hybholt and all the TOP 50 and Soon to be.

Bring a coffee to Meisel's studio, for yourself. Meisel doesn't drink coffee, but you need to keep your head clear. Talk Casual, even you can talk to yourself, Meisel wont mind, he's always listening. But make sure your talking about something yourself, dont make things up, that's uncool. Let Meisel's mood float with you, keep connection, then soon you will find yourself led by him into a wonderland. He's a mentor, 1 hour with him could make your whole career, 10 days with him you will appear on every single fashion bible. Just Dont try too hard. Be yourself, and he will like you.

Tips: If he yelled at you and directed you during the shooting. Dont be upset. He will keep booking you. If hes actually very nice to you and tells you to do all the funny stuff you want, then 9 out of 10 he is doing a desperate job for vogue italia and you are just a one time used hot condom. In that case, grab this chance make sure every profile of yours includes these shots b/c he will never book you again.

Always Always Always keep in touch with Meisel's assistant and keep updating his new assistant. That will do you no harm, even Meisel wont work with you again, but his assistants usually become famous photographers too and they know lots of other useful people during their climbing up high.

When meeting a designer. You will meet the designer at the backstage, at least your dresser will point out who is the designer. Designers usually adjust you at the very last moment before you get on the stage. Dont try to impress him before the show b/c they have no time to noticing anything, but after the show, take a chance and see if you can talk to them. While you are giving back clothes make sure you are very near to the designer crowd, and you praise the thing you just wore. You can congrats them, and say things like: I did a shooting with your clothes and they are amazingly profound, now I know why!" This sentence will 50% get you a campaign next season.

Be a nice kid. I know this kid who did a Big show, that was his first show season, when he left Milan he sent a mail to the designer, it goes like this: Thank you very much for inviting me to your show, I am very happy and proud that I could have the honor to do your show. I dont know much about fashion, but the way you adjust clothes on us makes me feel I was wearing treasure. Thanks again!

Guess what, the kid landed a Gucci Campaign 2 weeks after the letter was sent. Still the same thing works on editors too. Like a charm.

Designers are geniuses, geniuses are human beings. Never Ever Talk To Karl Lagerfeld. For your own good. You dont want to be a brad anyway. Tom Ford is very easy to talk. Dolce & Gabbana will talk to you at parties. Dont try to date VERSACE'S daughter, you will lose fingers. Marc Jacobs wont sleep with you no matter how desperate he looks like. Read something famous before you have a lit chat with Baily De Burberry. Frida at Gucci loves to stay at a little coffee shop down to the street of her company during fashion weeks, make sure you stop by and say hi. Unless you know you are so cool and so rock, Dont walk into 200 miles around Hedi slimane.We dont have that much time but if you do have a particular designer you need to work on, feel free to write to us.

Focus on your career. Don't really date an actress, you can date if you knew you are guna have something you need- public exposure, industry recognition, etc, then get the hell out of there before they toss you like a trash. You might want to date an editor... ... DO THEN! Date one of the most beautiful, date french Vogue's if they ever need a male model for self esteem. But seriously, an Editor girl friend could make your modeling life much more easier and happier. See it if you have the chance, but mean it with your true heart, or you will be destroyed.

Questions? Adds? Beg the differs? Tell us all. Amy will be here for all day long cos she just lost her phone. lol Oh! You the male models, DO NOT LOSE YOUR PHONE. You probably just miss an vogue cover for that who knows......

IN CASE YOU WANT TO BE A MALE MODEL

2009-02-19T22:42:00.000-08:00

Grapes and gangs talked to more than 15 top agents and their bosses, met more than 100 male models around the world, lots of stylists, casting directors, photo editors and for the most of this industry - Designers and Fashion Editors - to give you a first hand clue of what is really going on in this biz, and A-Z of what should you do in case you want to be one or an agent picked you up and you cant decide.

First of All ,FAQ!

People told you that being a male model is like being fortune, alone with all the glamour gigs and parties, you get to earn plenty of money.

IT'S A LIE. We will give you a straight forward number. What you've earn will be divided into 3 parts: Agency fee, Taxes, Your part.

Agency fee around the world should no more than 20%, but if you are a big name ( which could take you at least 3 year, some big names would have to pay 25% for your agency's sake.)

Taxes, this is the most easy one to explain : USA, 40% Europe, 50%.

At last your part, but this is the most complicated. Be prepare of all those costs that even havent cross your mind yet, you have to pay $30 a month for agency management promotion, $200-300 per season for your show card and profile book. And there are something you have to think about: abroad cost: where to live. Travel Cost, you dont want to be all freezing out side of the tent trying to get a cab.

We know, some fairy tale began with that boss really like this girl/guy they send she/him a fly ticket just to get she/him to new york. For the record that only happened in Female Models, and only happened to 2 special women : KATE moss, GISELE bundchen.

So if the above haven't scare you away, then lets talk about how to get started.

First of all, you need to be a really really pretty picture, if you are not a beautiful guy, don't even bother, the above costs and earns are for the top ones, if you cant even get on the tops, there is no reason to begin, it will only ended in shits.

So you think you are good looking enough, but the agents might not think so. They will tell you all the false of your body since you were born, and they are not gonna be shy about telling you these. Dont get mad, get even. One's trash could be other's apple. Ford only likes money machine, meaning they only sign the boys with absolute potential to be on a billboard. NY models loves pretty boys, if you are hot enough. Red likes Gothic and hunky, Major only eats meat and flesh. VNY is very selective, they see your special side not as a whole. Public Image Worldwide, on the other hand, is a very very big company with CAA heading up, they like all kinds of boys but they will kick you out if you are not 186cm above by the time you are 17.

Dont do walk-ins. Good agents are usually busy all the time. You need someone at least interested on your face or body and thought about talking to you in person. You need attentions. Lots of agencies say they do walk-ins, but we suggest you mail your stats first then wait till they contact you.

Dont move too fast. Talk to your wannabe agent. You need to know this person. You might be quitting in a couple of months, but who knows if you got CK world exclusive, then nothing could hold you back trust us. In this case, a nice temper and dedicated agent could do you no wrongs.If you feel that your agent is just packing meats- no matter how slightly this feeling might be- leave him/her at once we urge you. We suggest you boys do sign with female agents, even the most evil woman couldn't look at you lay on a fucked floor, they will take care of you like a big sister or even better your mother.

So now you signed with a big name and did some polars and someone called you to get up to do a job. We know you are excited or pretending not care about this, but Dude, there is one thing you need to do to get really started with this modeling thing: BREAK UP WITH YOUR GIRL.

There is this kid called pete, he was the first winner of ford models search by VMAN magazine, He kicked off quite nice but then he found everything is meaningless and he misses his broke-up girlfriend so so much, so now hes back with her in nashville. Listen up kiddo, if you think your hometown is way better than NYC, MILAN ,PARIS, LONDON, then dont sign with any agency no matter how begged they were and how good looking you are. It is no help. Pete will disappear in the thin air no body cares if hes been modeling or not. Remember, Pete the Vman boy is a really good guy, who lives in Nashville.

We will discuss how to work with stylist and everybody in this industry next time.

TOMET┃Name and other Disasters

2009-02-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hi! Everybody! Remember the kid the name we will never know how to pronounce? Yeah, turned out the bitches from Nathalie's are calling him Tomet (third from left), before that he was Tomasz and before that he was Hansel. We really dont see any big deal about the whole name changing, but we still picked up the phone and called Allen from Calvin Klein, the answer from the other end was: We don't care what the fuck his name is. And why the hell I dont see this kid was in the CK ONE campaign?

Anyway, he is doing pretty well, He has " no "New York agency, yet he is still showing up at the bryant park, we are wondering the strange thing, trust us, there is no agency, and we do mean NONE would like to represent anything more complicated that 8 letters, so MDC is now calling this kid Tomet.S. We would love to meet the new york genius agent who made this wonderful gesture and saved us from evil european tongue. But we are all busy talking to other real cute kids, so maybe next time.

PS: We heard the guy who decided Tom Wade should be Tom.W (b/c Tom is such a big deal in the golf playground ) is a very very lonely gay man.

ONE OF THE MOST STYLISH MEN IN AMERICA

2009-02-17T01:39:00.000-08:00

Now. Allow me to introduce one of my dearest friends (God do I love the way I drop the name): Alexi Lubomirski

So~ he is 10 years older than me, that made him somewhat a big bro to me, giving that his job and my insane life, its always a pleasure to bump into him like that. Top of my head, last Sep in paris and we had a very strange discussion about how a single 30 something man should move back to new york and pretending not even live in new york. Alexi has always been on our most stylish lists, so it aint a surprise that GQ is coming off a lit bit slowly.

Oh my god . I forgot to tell his job. He is a fashion photographer who works with some of the top elites. Check him out.

Life in a Male Model Apartment

2009-02-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

Do I need to say more?

Victor Norlander

2009-02-15T03:14:00.000-08:00

We are waiting for something bigger to happen though. Victor here belongs to the Matvey/Mathias.B section. But somehow the kid fits perfectly in the SISLEY campaign. He signed an agency like what six months ago and he is already posing like a pro.

We haven't met him in person yet. He lives in Stockholm, but you know what FORD HOMME means in this site. So yeah we'll met him eventually, hopefully by the time he is carrying at least 2 big names.

BACKSTAGE ADORATION

2009-02-15T00:34:00.000-08:00

Its about the right age for Matvey to read Oscar Wilde's, if hes not reading it the second time, or we are really having something here. we read that in high school (not Amy, well, she is american). It is a truly amazing thing to know all those euro boys could read proper english literature like native speaker. Matvey has a perfect New York accent by the way.

The book is considered one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme.It deals with the artistic movement of the decadents, and homosexuality, both of which caused some controversy when the book was first published. However, in recent times, the book has been regarded as one of the modern classics of Western literature. So we can not Out Matvey like this simply b/c he was in fact reading a Gothic Gay Novel written by one of the most fabulous gay writer, right?

In case you are all of sudden interested in this book. You could read it online at Gutenberg.

PS: WE TOTALLY THINK THAT READING THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY AT THE BACKSTAGE OF RAG & BONES OF NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SEASONS DURING THE RECESSION OF THE WORLD'S SECOND BIGGEST ECONOMIC DISASTER IS A GENERAL STANDARD LEVEL OF BEING A PRETENTIOUS LITTLE PRICK. FASHION NEED A BREAK. SO DOES SO YOUNG SO WANNABES.

TOM FOR S/S09

2009-02-14T03:12:00.001-08:00

YES! WE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THIS!!

2009-02-14T02:00:00.001-08:00

Life is just like that, you woke up, you were thinking thank god everything was just a dream. You got up when to pick up the News for a brand new day, then you read something like this: Oscar-nominated film-maker Stephen Daldry is in negotiations to direct a new film version of My Fair Lady, with Keira Knightley playing the 'guttersnipe' Eliza Doolittle.

Oh, only someday someone has the guts to remake REAR WINDOW and saying its not about the remake, its all about the costumes. That would be really fancy b/c that way whoever brings out that stupid Idea could die in kelly bags- Threw at him from all over the world.

But Audrey Hepburn was nice of being nice, she wouldn't jump out the grave and tell them to stop the fuck.

So what make Daldry to think that He can re-do the fairy tale? B/c he is also a british? An 8 Oscar wins means nothing to the british? Well, It means something to us. It means: You Dont Just Go and Remake My Fair Lady! So Back Off!!

As for Knightly. We say this with all the love of the world: Honey you can not handle this. Dont be a fool. We love you in Pride & Prejudice, We nodded you in Atonement, we can tolerate you in The Duchess, even that one was a disaster but we have never blamed it on you to ruin one of the most celebrated women in royal history. We were shocked when someone told us that you'd be starring at The beautiful and damned, but we moved alone, b/c after all, you are so talented and you could be the future of England Oscar Chess Game. Well... IN 10 YEARS! Stop doing things that you are not suppose to do just yet. You are like a gossip girl wearing OL boring suit while attending a Debutante Ball. There is a long way for you to become a legend, and there is a big chance, sweetie, you might never become one.

My Fair Lady was made during a very special time of human history, the 1960's, anyone who's blind enough to see why that era is un-re-make-able deserves a second enrollment to the OXFORD history department, plus a mental help.

Thank you very much but please Rest In Peace.

VOGUE IS HIRING

2009-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

This just in.

From Conde Nast.

Hi guys,
Sorry for the mass email. Two of the three assistants in Anna Wintour's office are leaving soon and Conde Nast is starting to look for candidates. If you know of anyone that may be interested in applying have them shoot me an email and I can put them in touch with the right person in HR.

Some experience in fashion or media is good. Smart, well-educated, calm, etc...

Let me know if you can think of anyone.

Thanks!

Some experience in fashion or media is good. Smart, well-educated, calm, etc... That's it? Shocking! lol

The International Trashy Issue

2009-02-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

For those who dose not know, Vogue Italia's Feb issue is Meisel's playgraound territory. Looks like everyone in TFS dose not know about that. Yeah, it was written in the co-op contract between Meisel and Conde Nast International Group. Go check it yourself, you will find out that every Feb issue is a "Mess". Maybe not all of them in the controversial kind of judgement, but since Meisel is no near to Controversial universal. If you see it through Meisel's idea. You'd know. Although we all know only Meisel can photographs the cover protected by law, that means he is also in a very big part of the circulation responsibility. Vogue Italia tops the circulation over 100.000 copies only to the black issue last year during the whole decade. Small Circulation can be a good thing, it allows Genius to do whatever they want in whatever the title is. So the Feb Issue, Meisel gets his hands down and do whatever the fuck he was going to do somewhere else anyway. We could say it with almost 100% sure that Dazed and Confused was just "Confused", but are you really gonna think that world's leading photographer, the one who invented the Feature-Roundup Concept, Probably the only one left that has the legacy of Richard Avendon in Spirit, would miss a point....... in fashion?? Wake up kids ! He's not encouraging anything, he is just being sarcasm! Same thing as you saw it in the HollyWood Issue 3 years ago. Meisel was just doing what he does the best and most intriguing, to tell you what is going on in this world. If the photographer could blow you away simply just b/c a pointless Dolce Campaign, then he could blow off anything he wants. He just want you and me to have fun like he dose. That, my friend, is the amazing part about fashion. Caring for not caring. Doing for undoing. Go extreme and die and then live!

There is a different between telling the truth and being an idiot. As a bold move legend, Meisel should be considered as one that telling the truth. At least in this issue, and you know we are just being save.

CHERI┃PHOTOCALL┃BERLIN

2009-02-13T00:39:00.000-08:00

Michelle Pfeiffer, our all time favorite movie actor, just the standard of ageless beauty. Her new movie Cheri just opened at Berlin Film Festival. The movie which was based on the infamous 1920's novel by Colette seems fit in Michelle's ultimate charming in perfection. We watched the trailer, and we can't wait for DVD. Only in a few clips, both of the leading role gave amazingly acting in shape.

In the left picture leading man Rupert Friend and Michelle Pfeiffer smiled at the photocall press conference. Typical Question: Does anyone aware of the fact that Michelle is 23 years older than Keira Knightly's beau? Look at them! Oh just so so sweet and tender together! Very Comfortable. That's weird. lol

But we like this, we like how Rupert is holding Michelle's hand through the whole event. The most beautiful women on this planet deserves handsome knight's caring.

BUY BRITISH

2009-02-12T23:14:00.001-08:00

i-D Magazine March 2009┃The Best Of British by Sølve Sundsbø

Cover stars : Jourdan Dunn, Kate Moss, Susie Bick, Naomi Campbell, Stella Tennant, Eliza Cummings, Alice Dellal, Daisy Lowe, Twiggy, Yasmin Le Bon, Lily Donaldson, Agyness Deyn.

Some are just Legendary, like Twiggy Lawson.

Some are just superdarling, like Lily Donaldson.

And there are some just disgustingly ugly, like Eliza Cummings, to quote a punkie : She got all of that fame after she dates Ash? Fashion Is blind.

But you know. You are buying this issue, you know that right?

MIU MIU PRE FALL EXTRA

2009-02-12T22:21:00.001-08:00

HOTSTUFF

2009-02-12T21:19:00.001-08:00

FENDI-SS09.

Brown Bouble Zippers Leather Jacket

Classic Italian Cut

with the softest leather you could find on market these days.

High-sewing in store right now.

A Bad Economy Is a Good Excuse | Thursday New York Fashion Week

2009-02-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

The recession is the one excuse that is simple to grasp, powerful, and nearly universal in its reach.

Another Gucci Ad| Bergh Solo

2009-02-12T18:07:00.001-08:00

Wow! That looks good. Although we respectfully disagree with the usage of color, maybe Inez&Vinoodh were focusing on the sassy tropical mood. Anyway... that is the way a Gucci boy is suppose to be posing.

DAILY GORGEOUSNESS

2009-02-11T21:13:00.005-08:00

Amy Adams is so lovely in this awards season, have to see her at Oscar's.

DAILY FASHIONISTA

2009-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

First of All, Good luck to GRAZIA chinese version, lets see how it goes. And best wishes to EIC Dear Sun Zhe, after 10 years in fashion, he deserves it.

While we were flipping through this very first issue very quickly, the style hunter section grab our attention, Two dearie Fashion Icons: Dita Von Teese & Anna Mouglalis.

Dita is no surprise, she did what she does the best. As for Anna, the long term Chanel muse, that red jacket is an eye catching choice. Lovely.

Fringe Benefit | Rethinking Venice

2009-02-11T02:17:00.000-08:00

From NATHAN LUMP @ New York Times

It’s been two years since I was last in Venice. But I found myself thinking about the city again today, after looking at a lovely slide show produced by my colleagues on the Travel desk about the Venetian Carnevale, the 10-day masked extravaganza that starts this Saturday. I have something of a love-hate relationship with Venice. There are few places on the planet where I have been quite so thrilled by art, and of course the sheer unlikelihood of the place, the gorgeous fantastical quality of it, cannot but mesmerize, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Then again, I wish it were easier to have a great meal there (don’t get me wrong, I’ve eaten very well in Venice, but I do find this more of a challenge than in other Italian cities), and I always find the place a bit creepy at night, when the sudden and near-total emptiness of the streets can give the feeling of being locked in a museum after closing. As amusing as I’m sure Carnevale is — and I suppose the streets are plenty lively after dark then — my aversion to crowds means I’d never dream of going for the festival. No, I prefer Venice as it was on my first visit, one gray, cold and misty November. My companion and I ditched our guidebook, and we simply wandered the quiet, fog-shrouded streets. And in that atmosphere the city felt not like some commercialized tourist trap but rather a place of romance and mystery, of unexpected beauty down obscure lanes and great possibilities for discovery every time we stopped studying the map and just allowed ourselves to get lost.

What’s your favorite way to experience Venice?

Re:Rethinking Venice

Funny is that we are going to spend the Valentine's day in Venice this year. Cliche? For me its also been so long time to bring the topic of revisit Venice. I love Venice, I think it has the most beautiful city name alone with Paris and Berlin. It is so fruity that I can not decide to call it by She or He! Just so many characters in it. The hating part has to be the travel effect, sometimes I found myself was dreaming about owning the city and brought it back to 15 century without packing all the travelers! Travelers, Including myself made the city looks like a big antique shopping mall. And my idea about staying at Danieli Hotel for 3 months doing nothing but leisure with mates sounds exactly like something I wouldn't be accomplished in my life. I bought A history of Venice, the most authority version I could find in Venice but I still haven't start reading yet! Eating in Venice is fine by me, as an asia, maybe I don't have that much of a expectation. Whatever they bring on the table at Verora's is fine by me. :) Oh! One thing I forgot that I just dislike, the fact the city is sinking.:( I hate to remember that.

Carnevale is a beautiful picture, I kept hearing from friends praised these special days in town. So I am bring 3 books in my travel this time: Brideshead Revisited (You know why), Death in Venice and the history book I mentioned earlier. There is no way I am gonna finished these books in about 10 days, but I will give it a try.

PS:Chris Bickford's slideshow is amazing! Truly breathtaking! Now you guys are my love-hate ones, b/c I will never have your way of seeing beauty yet I can never resist your leadings.

Lanvin Mens S/S09 BY Graig McDean

2009-02-10T18:45:00.000-08:00

Our beloved photographer Graig McDean brought us this. The new Lanvin Mens Campaign.

Its a more fresh look for Lanvin with art deco kind of illustration. And we see the point- The material.

Parisian and historical. A nice piece.

WHAT THE .....

2009-02-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

There is no stress of youth, but our respect for Dazed & Confused Publisher Jefferson Hack has gone with the wind.

Grapes' have been told that this is the alternative cover ( please, every publicist says that in the release email.) Hell yeah this is the alternative, or the office of Dazed must have been poisoned with "I. Cool Robot" medicine. Jefferson, talk to your people, if they are depressed about the eco and the fact that you might be bankrupt and cut off the publication, they should have been figured out a much much better idea to disgust people and bring attentions. THIS, is just pure annoy and pre mature, really not what Dazed have been or should've be.

We actually expected so much more of Dazed, in this aggressively turbulence time, we count on Dazed-as the ONLY shout out of the youth attitude-could stand out and pull together, show the world what it is mean to be a thinking leader and save the pop fashion.

Jeff. I m sorry. But the sharpness, the key look, the act, hell even the color have all wasted. This is not Dazed & Confused. When you say its your babe, we believe you. Now, they are killing your babe, time to do something. We don't blame the punk kids, they have no idea they are just toys about now, one day they will cry and regret, but that's not press to be responsible, as the press, please, use your brain, b/c you are responsible for the future people.

Now Serving | Fashion Week Tea Party

2009-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Last season, Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo and Roopal Patel were sent to the spring collections with a new assignment. Not only did they have to consider which clothes would be best for the store and its magazine, as well as what to say to WWD, but they were also asked to think about what would look good on a plate.

During New York fashion week, the Fifth Avenue luxury store will launch its version of Prêt-à-Portea, an afternoon tea originally launched by the Berkeley Hotel in London. Fargo thought it would be fun to bring the girls’ club, which features confections inspired by the latest collections, to New York.

From Feb. 13 to 20, the BG Restaurant will serve cookies, petits fours and layered desserts based on the designs of Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Thakoon and 3.1 Phillip Lim. “There were definitely designers that came down the runway that you thought, Dessert,” said Patel, who cited Kors’s “cheeky, Fourth of July-colored” spring dresses as a perfect candidate for a layered mousse and Chanel’s iconic quilted purse as a potential cookie. (Getting frosting the right shade of Louboutin red will be tricky, she admitted.)

While the real items will be available for sale on the floors below, Fargo understands that the edible version might be more realistic these days. She said, “Maybe you can’t have it, but at least you can eat it.”

BG at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue, seventh floor; reservations suggested; (212) 872-8977.

COLDPLAY GRAMMY'S HQ

2009-02-09T17:03:00.003-08:00

As promised. Click

Lars Swenson For Dior Homme F/W 2004

2009-02-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

PRIVATE MAIL

2009-02-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

My Dear Cruella de Ville:

Oh my gosh too!! Having not see you in such a long time. We always say to meet,guarantee! But never make it. I heard you got urself involved with the biz now, what made you do that? I'd never have imagined. You, I mean, don't you just hate these people?

I got your mail exactly the day I checked my mail. And I havent like in a million years.

We have only met for 3 times, I remember. You were a talker, and you didn't care about Rock n Roll, that made my eyes on you, back then every cool kid was in Rock Groups, but not you. I thought you were a little bit crazy, or just grow-up faster than everyone else. That time we kept talking for about 24 hours, that must have been some kind of a record! And it all gone away. So fast.

I am still with that agency. I saw you at the back yard of the Wantanabe Show last year, you didnt notice me and I didnt come front you. You looked different, in a very good way. I know, you always like that picture, in fact that day was freezing and I didnt really like the girl model.

I called Serena, She managed to find this, its the highest Quality she could find. Back in 3 years maybe we have the luck to get HQ.

How's your hair look alike now? The picture you sent seems really old.

I still go to ruby's 3 times a week. I hear Romeo talks about you from time to time. Its really really odd that we never really get to meet each other, in the same city, in the same place.

So I can not put up with your shits like let faith tell. That's just insane. Meet me at the madison Concert. Wear a red coat. Just like the first time I saw you. Only Dont bring S this time.

Are you going to post this on your blog, then it should goes

Like this:

LOVE

Lars.

RUMOR HAS IT......

2009-02-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

So what was the biggest rumor going around during the mens fashion season? If you didnt already know, then we hate to tell you this, Gareth Pugh might be the new head director of Dior Homme. You know when Grapes bothered to make a post, that gives that rumor 88 percent of the chance to be truth. We know people probably learned that fussy since LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault's daughter Delphine "suddenly" visited the Gareth Pugh Show. But it was all began with the season before last season, while LVMH smell the flora sent around by world famous fashion critics. Won't forget Galliano and McQueen were both spotted by then famous editor/critic. This british kid might just get the same luck as above or even better, he's only 28 and already kinda world recognized. Considered that Hedi used to show off the "men dress" all over the place, this over the edgy up comer does has the possibility to Rock on Dior. We are not liking what he does to himself but hell wouldn't be much worse than now! G is still picking up his phone, showing up at parties on time, so we are guessing the procedure is passing alone quite well. Yes. We asked, but do you really think G would tell us the truth over a phone call?LVMH already had a in-room conference call, now could be the money negotiation part.

So, deep breathe everyone. No need to be panic, we all know what will happen if he gets it. We will have to suffer unwearable craps for at least 4 seasons before G guy found out about the value of an investment. If LVMH hit it, then its responsible for creating another all-time genius in fashion, if it doesn't, who cares, just let the next Topic kid take over.

The NY Times Magazine February 8th, 2009

2009-02-08T21:20:00.001-08:00

THE OSCARS ISSUE Spotlighting the Standouts

We watched Milk, we think even deaf and blind know that its a good movie. Kate & Leo, in Revolutionary Road Proved again that time and work certainly can bring anything to its best way. And Sir Downey, we dont think there is anything left for us to say about the "coolest man alive", if he doesnt win this year, he'd win next year anyway. Have You Watch The Vicky Cristina Barcelona Yet? Cruz is so amazing, she outshined everyone, literally!

Christian Lacroix "Absynthe"

2009-02-08T21:05:00.001-08:00

Is this Vlada's first big perfume campaign?

YOU CAN'T STOP THE ARMY

2009-02-08T20:37:00.001-08:00

Grapes doesn't care for Paltrow's hubby, but these rubbish rags Chris Martin has been put up with his latest album surely draw our attention. First Amanda from Men's vogue mur-mured about it, and i just thought, no biggie, been there, military chics. But after a series unaplogetically public exposures with the double button,dirty color,water washed army uniforms, our fashion sense to them has reached a new level. They wear the similar outfits to the Grammy's just now with lighter color to lighten the mood.

SALUTE to the big winners tonight!

Oh~ these images are HQ's .Will post the Grammy's arrival later.

Ouch! | Cathy Horyn on Men’s Wear

2009-02-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

The Times fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, is never one to mince words — especially on her blog. In a post from Paris about the couture collections, she tells us how she really feels about the latest men’s fashion. After reading her brilliant rapid-fire critique, we can’t help but worry that more kiboshes could be coming her way. Forthwith, Cathy’s smackdown:

The way I see it is that all the men’s designers have to prove to the consumers that they need these clothes. There must be a compelling reason, if your standards are high and your budget — well, isn’t budging. Givenchy? Not a believable vision. Galliano? Been there, Jack Sparrow. Dior Homme? Wasn’t this a cool label once? Lanvin? Seductive and romantic, the clear fashionista favorite. Number (N)ine? Crazy delightful, worth it if you have $2,500 plus to spend for one of the Flemish-colored jackets. Saint Laurent? Drab and unimaginative. Rick Owens? Original but I don’t want to know what the wearer’s hobbies are. Raf Simons? The fit is the compelling reason, nothing more, nothing less. Comme des Garçons? A good season for eclectic pieces, including the leopard pumps. Dunhill? Pointless things done to clothes, with the formality of a boutique hotel uniform.”

Props Department | Katsuyo Kamo

2009-02-08T07:09:00.001-08:00

It’s never a bad thing to give yourself a pat on the back when it’s all about spreading the love, right? We are so loving the paper headpieces that were shown at Chanel’s couture show, and although one report refers to Katsuyo Kamo, the designer of those pieces, as “Lagerfeld’s discovery,” we beg to differ. T has been a big fan of Katsuyo Kamo’s work since he made beautiful paper head-toppers for his gorgeous hair feature in our Winter Fashion & Beauty issue.

WHAT'S UP WITH THE STUDS?

2009-02-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

We think it was Josh Beech who first brought this up. He wore that round black studs in Hedi Slimane's photoshots, later on in the infamous french vogue homme cover. The studs was pretty much Josh's trade mark, he wears it everywhere, even in campaigns and editorials (that's shocking, considering that these occasions don't really allow model's own personality to appear that much.) God bless Josh, he went on so so well that his trade mark became a trend, by Dior Homme. How ironic is that Kris would even think about use this "Hedi discovered" trend in his own Dior collection. Dose he want to survive from the Post Hedi Shallow...ever?

Anyway, so back to the Dior FW09, boys were all decorated by these round studs showing with straight-cut suits and round-up white shirts. As Always, good quality, bad feelings. And we found that new punk kid Ash was wearing a similar studs in Hedi's dairy. For now, it looks like the round shape is really flexible in jewelry, could be black or white (we are thinking a purple one could also be cool), single or double, circle or flat. But still, dont you just feel a lit bit too overwhelming about this?

Mikus Lasmanis Von Latvia

2009-02-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

So, Unavoidable, we move our attention to this New CK JEANS boy. Damn, its a hell of the dream score. Who ever gets it and who ever cares for it must be waking-up with the big smile.

Mikus, born in 1988. Aug.8 Another cute pie delivered from Latvia, only this time, it exploded on the fashion high way, made the engine sounds like this: CALVIN KLEIN..CALVIN KLEIN...

The kid does skateboarding, but has the heart to admit that "being a professional" in his country is not like being SHAUN WHITE. "Not even as half as that good." he said with an almost perfect American accent.

HEY GUCCI BOY

2009-02-08T02:04:00.001-08:00

People are still talking about Frida as she is some kind of a rocky. The designer has took over the case for 6 seasons now, that is 3 years. We doubt how many critics really remember what Ford Era was looked like while they are judging. From Michael Camiloto TO Mathias Bergh, Gucci went handsome wild brazilian hottie to pre-mature Euro Gorgeousness. Frida, has kept her word. She wanted a different sexy, with her insight load. She got it.

Gucci is more like a evil twin brother of Dolce & Gabbana, yes, but did that happen when Frida took over? Not really.We've wondering what would Tom do, if he was still in charge. Gucci is the cash cow for PPR, as Louis Vuitton in LVMH, Why the hell no one's bothered to complain about LV? about its boring, plain, clumsy high class uniforms? Is it b/c people are already get used to it, or they just have much higher expectation for Gucci? Does Gucci deserve these? When people are talking about Dior Homme, they are actually talking about Hedi, but with Gucci, people have got to understand that this is a brand, not frida, not tom, nowhere in anywhere! Gucci is just a low maintenance happy-go-lucky brand, if they ever going to worry about anything, that is money.Rock n Roll may not be the best idea but dose anyone have a better one to boost an international profit that is manageable? There is no miracle in menswear. Coz, lets face it, men dont Give a damn. They just want to look good for christ sake.

PRADA S/S 09 LOOK BOOK

2009-02-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

PRADA look book has always been a state of art.

These are HQ's

Pre-Fall 09 - DIOR

2009-02-07T23:52:00.000-08:00

Prada Linea Rossa S/S 09 Lookbook

2009-02-07T23:49:00.001-08:00

Pre-Fall 09 - MIU MIU & PRADA

2009-02-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Pre-Fall 09 -WRAP UP

2009-02-07T23:28:00.001-08:00

Pre-Fall 09 -CHLOE

2009-02-07T23:11:00.003-08:00

Pre-Fall 09 -McQueen

2009-02-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

F/W 09 MENSWEAR WRAP-UP

2009-02-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

ROGIER for GQ Italy

2009-02-07T22:26:00.001-08:00

See No.9 is rocking on GQ.

HQ is coming.

Some are born Great

2009-02-07T22:22:00.001-08:00

Pierre in Milan for an opening.

Baby blue cashmere scarf and yellow sneakers.

BERGH for HERMES catalog

2009-02-07T22:11:00.001-08:00

This one will go long... if he wants

BOYD N THIBAULT for ZARA

2009-02-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Dennis

2009-02-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Long time. Kinda Missed you. Adrian told me you weren't in paris. How come?

Was Adrian in Berlin? I thought he head straight back for Hugo Boss.

Don't Know. I bumped into him while I was casting in Milan. And then in Berlin, He was a lit bit dump saying you Cancelled all the parties.

Not me, Calvin Did. Hes the man... anyway, didn't see that much of you... But as far as I hated this season, I didn't see anyone.lol

Paris was Okay, but jobs are tough.

You missed CK jeans just for stupid Milan, and now Danny is flipping money all around. Pissed?

Haha oh..No. I didn't miss it. They kicked me out.

I was so sure you would get CK, at least a jeans campaign. I dont care what JD say, but you, my pal.... you are really HOT.

Thanks, mate. 8-) Hey we should really hang out sometimes, I'd like to hear you say these crazy things and doing funny stuff.

Ah... Maybe we can meet in L.A, blaine will be there, 3 of us could really hit it off I think, Sarah would be so amazed...with her daddy long legs ladder....

Oh myyy, I knew it, I was thinking, why that ladder was always there.....lol

You like blaine more or me?

Excuse~ Me~, Are you gay?

What ? I just want to know, since we are "exactly the same type".

Not really, You are more... Naughty.

So... Me.

You know I have to see more polars, campaigns, shows, Etc Etc Etc.

Yay yah whatever.

So L.A. then. I m bring Zac.

That best dressed guy?

Haha.. Hes not that bad.

... Call me. Would you. Gotta go. TUPAC'

TIME FOR OLLIE

2009-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

These days, Campaigns come off just near you earlier and earlier (if not too early). We just received Armani jeans campaign via email, the next thing we know grapes hit herself on the Benetton Glass door... again (She hit DKNY quite a few times), then we found out the new Benetton Spring Ads are out too! Grapes was like is that guy my Ollie, Considered of that shes having too many Ollie, we checked, the second from the right, that one Mr Edwards is so damn hot. Ollie was/is famous b/c of the Ralph Lauren Mega Contract. Now billing with Armani, one thing for sure, we are guna see that abs more often, and "you fellas stop the trashy PS of my ollie's Top!" Said Grapes.

DAILY GORGEOUSNESS

2009-02-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

LANVIN S/S 09

So are we all having fun at the Fashion seasons

2009-02-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

Haute couture was a blast, if you werent there, grapes wont be surprised, not that grapes would be surprised of anything ( she usually wont), its just that grievous news kept coming through the whole season, Macy's cutting off 7000 while Chanel is cutting off 1 percent of its full stuff, Barney's for sale and parts of Conde Nast are shutting down, Marc Jacobs only needs 500 guests at the show and Miu Miu casted Kate Holmes (Okay,this one wasnt that bad).

Good News are, Lanvin mens pulled off a whole new other world while McQueen walked it sherlock sexy, Chanel is pristine white (literally, white) and Galliano dose not care, about the economy.

OUTSIDE of the fashion world, Tom Ford didnt have time for promotion yet still scored a some kinda best mens campaign ever, and Calvin Klein Jeans are banned as usual. Oh we meant the Campaign, what were you thinking.

Oh, almost forgot, Gereth Pugh is the new Hedi Slimane NOW! Yeah that chubby gay face with a closet that looks like just shipped from Mars.

But we still love Mathias Bergh though, Gucci is beyond nightmare, and Matty n Lily are pretending ohsocool in the not so cool Gucci Ads.

SWEET SURPRISE

2009-02-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Just beautiful! After a whole gloomy season of twist legs punk kids and edgy looking geeks, the classic beauty got to made it a come back. No one mess with the Gordon! And the chip of Missoni? That one wont grasp you down even a lit bit my mate. Keep Rocking.

GRAPES' GAZETTE

2008-11-12T04:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry about not updating lately. According to my schedule I was suppose to be half away around the world right now. Squeeze 5 min from the company morning conf. I am going to give you a straight forward information about what is going on right now. Those Belgian sent one smoking hot new director into my office and he actually has a great manner. I know I m practically married and being a modelizer, but Mr Belgium is just too sweet to pass. And why is he here? Besides intently seduce me into his charming, he is gonna push europe diamond tycoon's paper work right in front of my basic prog file. I AM NOT LETTING THAT BITCH.

So here comes the reason why NO updating and No updates during the next 2 months. Yeah, I know 2 months has 60 days which will probably bring fashion into a whole new other generation. But I'll have to deal with Mr Belgium first.

I might update a lit at the early of december. International Herald Tribune is holding a Luxury Conference in India on 3rd of December. (THE WORLD'S LEADING CONFERENCE ON THE BUSINESS OF LUXURY AND STYLE). We are there. Because every single important person in Luxury is there. We want to watch and learn. I will show you guys the first hand.:)

THEY WERE THE MOST POPULAR KIDS IN HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY

2008-11-10T03:00:00.001-08:00

Believe it or not, Moschino always has the best neat boys in their show, its A designer's taste thing. It has always been like that. These boys know each other quite well, some of them are tired, some of them are workaholics, some of them are just care free, you have some one was not so excited about it, then you have someone acted a lit bit too excited-like Lenz in the sec pic, what was that, supermodel, you stole Olsen sister's move!

But they are all fine. You know that, they look so damn fine.

CARLOS MIELE AND MR X

2008-11-09T00:50:00.000-08:00

I could tell you when and where but I can't tell you who. To be honest I am unable to.

It was in Rio. The heat, the beach, flying flowers and sexy boys and the sunshine just everywhere, I almost forgot that my feet were still land on this earth. This is so heaven and then Jackie called, so I had to tell him that we were in Rio, and that Miele has a show to be seen. Mr Carlos Miele might be the most traditional Brazilian man, warm smile, full of passion and caring, those Jackie didnt know, but one thing we both know, Carlos has insanely sexy designs.... Dont even try to imagine it... its not burning-sunlight hot, more like a harm-to-skin super hot.

" I spot some male models this year." This sentence through the 3G phone, across the Atlantic Ocean, set Jackie up to ready that is so fast you could hear the door slamming while hanging the phone.

As soon as Jackie got in Rio's 5ive star hotel, he dived into the "sea of love". He enjoys all the "Brasil traditions", looked utter white under the sun but everyone gets that he is british. So when the show began, he was, according to my statement, no where to be found. I thought I'd stop by to say hi to Carlos in case that he thought I was lost "en route" again. I walked through a white silk tent built by a few bed sheets and there was Carlos, adjusting a guy's pants because he's literally half naked. Ever since the Dolce backstage incident, I banned myself from drooling over hulk dudes, so I raised my champagne glass ( which,oddly,is very huge, like a superbowl.) up right against my face, that way I could only see Carlos and some pieces of that model hottie. I must had an impressive progress on my awful brazilian language cos that male model kept laugh-alone when I was trying to tell a serious boring joke, you know, like Jackie slammed his head against the table trying to find a new way of committing suicide. I talked to Carlos like about 3 mins and thanks to the hulkie hottie, my full freezed Dom Perignon went straight to boiled mineral water.

So this was what happened after the show, Jackie showed up, right on time, I grabbed him and was like: "OMG, You wont believe who I've just met!"

"Oh dear God let me guess....Barack Obama! Where is he, What have you done!" Jackie almost jumped on my face.

" Yes. The new president would really love to know what kind of fabric that Brazilian fashion designers are going to use as the middle east peace map, you drunkula!" I took away Jackie's umbrella drinks.

"Okay then. Miss I-made-the-best-fun-of-you, tell me who he is."

I suddenly realized that I didnt even know his name, he, that hot male model is a stranger, but,

" Mr. X! I call him Mr.X. He is so hot, you will never wanna leave this place if you've met him."

Jackie looked at me... his expression went drunken to disappointment and then went to "what is that? A new fashion magazine? "

"GO AWAY." I should've known this was going to happen, those vanity gays would laugh at me any chance they get. Jackie danced to those beach boys and I turned back and hit a wall...No, that was not a wall, its Mr.X's body, that still half naked body.

"I'm sorry"

"That's alright. Hey you are that girl from the show, hey my name is..."

"NO! Don't Say It! Do Not Say it!" I crazed " I have a name for you. You are Mr.X!"

The guy must thought I was dumped or broke or something.

"So could I call you Miss. X?" He smiled and maybe even a lit bit frightened by me.

"No Mrs.X. I am married....Wait, that's still not right... Hahahaha...."

Then I was sure that I was so drunk, Mr X was probably trying to keep me stay the balance and there was Jackie back from the beach house, moaning twistedly "Mr...X??" and then He passed out.

The other day, like nothing had ever happened, Jackie and I went to the airport, accidently met Deah whose father owns like half of the south America, He pulled off a jet for us just like that. We went boarding with all the air kissing,date promising, and then just when I thought I could finally have my sleep back, my cellphone "automatically" screamed.

"Who is this?"

"Hey. This is Mr.X. You gave your No. to me last night......"

VALENTINO'S RED

2008-11-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

The famous Valentino Red Dress has graced decades through some of the most beautiful women in our time. Here is a collection for the past 10 years of the passionate flame red by Valentino.

*CASE SENSITIVE*

BOB DYLAN CIRCA 1965-1966 BY CATE BLANCHETT

2008-11-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Seven simple rules of going into hiding:

one, never trust a cop in a raincoat.

Two, beware of enthusiasm and of love, both are temporary and quick to sway.

Three, if asked if you care about the world's problems, look deep into the eyes of he who asks, he will never ask you again.

Four, never give your real name.

Five, if ever asked to look at yourself, dont.

Six, never do anything the person standing in front of you cannot understand.

And finlly seven, never create anything, it will be misinterpreted, it will chain you and follow you for the rest of your life.

CHANGELING

2008-11-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

The year 1928.Los Angeles. Christine, the mother of a nine year old boy walter was distressed to discover that her son was nowhere to be found. Months later, LAPD brought a boy claiming to be hers. But he was not.

Based on true event. The movie changling, directed by Clint Eastwood, Stars Angelina Jolie & John Malkovich. Here's the tagline:" To find her son, she did what on one else dares". This could be Jolie's graceful turn.

We hear the OSCAR bell.

Ann Taylor Slashes Staff; Marion Cotillard’s Dior Ads Debut;Purchase Limit on H&M-CDG

2008-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

• As the new face of the Lady Dior handbag, Marion Cotillard appears in the first of a four-part series of ads, perched atop the Eiffel Tower, as you see above. Her next installment will come out this month on the upcoming LadyDior.com Website. [WWD]

• Ann Taylor cut 19 percent of its staff at the company's Times Square headquarters on Wednesday for "restructuring." Following job cuts in January, Ann Taylor has lost about a third of the staff in its New York office this year. [WWD]

•Marc Jacobs has cast his Collection and Marc by Marc Jacobs campaigns. Raquel Zimmermann will star in Jacobs's women's Collection campaign, and pretty-boy photographer Ryan McGinley will star in the men's Collection campaign. Curvy Girl Daisy Lowe Lands Marc by Marc Jacobs Campaign.

•H&M Imposes Purchase Limit on the Comme des Garçons Collection. H&M is taking action to make sure Comme fans can get the pieces they want instead of half the line going to rabid eBay sellers. Customers will be able to purchase only two items of the same style, according to a press release.

PRINCIPLE OF BEAUTIES

2008-11-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you, we are definitely first-sight love! Even though your polar was a lit creepy back then, but still, I couldn't help it. I love you from the start.

You said the exactly same thing 10 seconds ago! To Bergh! I can't believe you. Do you say that to every single male model that got caught on of your eyes?

Let's see.... Hmm. Pretty much. Yeah! But my gangs are extremely selective! It's like a boutique collection. Dude you should work on your polars. That straight light totally ruined my feelings for you.

Which polar? The 10 magazine?

I thought I was good. Compared with other voodoos... You know...

Yeah, I am agree that magazines should also keep up with the world economic pace, but man I didn't know they used two pages featuring crappy agency polars. Two Fucking pages! Don't they have an ads department to take care of all the extra causes?

Wow! Causes! I have some causes! Check this out!

Do you ever listen to me?

Honey check this out, you are going to bite me lol

Okay. What is that hurting my eyes now?

That's for my winter! What do you think? How do you like it? :)

I...think... people are right, that was not the end of the big depression. This almost did it. I lost

the willing to bite you.

Maybe the pic is a lit bit too big? Huh...

Shouldn't this be much much more bigger when its wrap around your neck? Winnie?!

I like it! Lady hatful!

I believe that. You even look good in a trash can, and the halloween flowing back again...

Oh.Babe. You gotta let it go.lol

Not today.It was that close to turn me into gay.

You will never be gay.

What was that you were holding in your hands again?

Moses. The book.

Listen, dude, it is not your fault your pal's wife is hot.

Haha... I knew you were gonna ditch me.

No. Not ditching you. Ditch that! Save me!

I finished anyway.

I didnt know you were deep.

Stan read Economist at the backstage of new york.

Yeah, cause I told him I flipped some cashes in pages. And he spent the next 4 hours tried find these.

LOL I once saw you reading Principles of Geology ..... I'm sleepy now. What time now?

I dont know. But I'm gotta let you sleep. You looks a lit bit like Paul Newman.... from some ankles. Just a thought. Maybe becos me downloaded 100.000.000 pictures of him.

Wake me up in 5 hours

Kiss. Later.

OAK COAT-100% WOOL ON SALE NOW

2008-11-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

WHERE TO BUY? HERE

Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 - Shoes

2008-11-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

The holidays are approaching and every year they are quick to go by, followed by spring’s new arrivals. Time to start making your spring wish lists. If you take the road traveled by Marc Jacobs, your spring is looking very light, gray, and inked.

SS09 RUNWAY MUSIC

2008-11-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

10 tracks most frequently played at SS09 runway shows…

Great DJ - The Ting Tings(5 plays)

Viva La Vida – Coldplay(4 plays)

Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torrini(4 plays)

Electric Feel – MGMT(3 plays)

Jager Yoga – CSS(3 plays)

L.E.S Artistes – Santogold(3 plays)

La Vie En Rose – Grace Jones(3 plays)

O Superman – Booka Shade ft. Laurie Anderson(3 plays)

You'll Find a Way – Santogold(3 plays)

Light Years - Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve(3 plays)

10 artists most frequently played at SS09 runway shows…

Santogold(12 plays)

The Ting Tings(10 plays)

Edith Piaf(9 plays)

MGMT(8 plays)

Prince(7 plays)

Ladyhawke(7 plays)

N.E.R.D(6 plays)

The Kills(6 plays)

Lykke Li(6 plays)

Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve aka Erol Alkan(5 plays)

CSS(5 plays)

Oh~ Haven't I told you yet? DKNY used their s/s runway captures as the official campaign. That's right kids, welcome to the post recession age of fashion where you will enjoy your first boring in hell with miserable in cash.

AND THE TRENDS ARE GROUPS

2008-11-06T18:11:00.001-08:00

With the recent downturn in the financial market, many brands look to get the most bang for their buck, mixing the top models with the rising stars and hoping to appeal to the widest possible market. Swedish giant H&M and the American company, INC roll out new images just in time for the holidays.

Look at those faces.. Boyd, Mat, Noah, Stan, Isabeli, Stella, Caroline, Lakshmi... Big names are all back to work now.

The death of Gucci capitalism

2008-11-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

"The public recognises it has the moral right and authority to condemn the ideology that resulted in this. It is a fundamental change."

We are witnessing the death of a paradigm. As is usual at moments of mourning, the new reality is being met by denial, resistance and anger from the initiators and defenders of the old faith.
It would be parochial to think recent events expose only flaws in the banking sector - micro-flaws - and the outcome will be a mere tinkering with the financial system. The dominant economic theory of the past 20 years - a theory that put liberty before equality, gave markets more power than states, and saw risk as a public good that shouldn't be restrained - is now defunct. The laissez-faire capitalism embraced by the US and the UK some 20 years ago and foisted on the poorest countries of the world by the World Bank and IMF has had its day.
This does not mean all versions of capitalism are now redundant. But that the Anglo-American version, which actively decoupled the economy from social justice, must be buried; and the public will not tolerate its resuscitation.
Now that the cracks are so evident, jobs are in peril and household wealth is collapsing, the public is angry - and not just at bankers. We are beginning to see a fundamental outrage at the whole interconnected mess of a system: at energy companies who record massive profits, yet allow pensioners to struggle to stay warm in winter; at CEOs who can earn up to a 1,000 times the salary of their average worker; and soon, any day now, at those politicians who allowed this to happen.
The public recognises it has the moral right and authority to condemn the ideology that resulted in this. It is a fundamental change.
Smart politicians will recognise that this is a tectonic shift - a change in the balance of power from high finance and big corporations to the people - and will seek to build political capital from it. We are all socialists now, it seems. John McCain, David Cameron and Gordon Brown attack bankers' irresponsible behaviour and salaries, and call for state intervention in the financial markets.
But these calls will not get them elected or re-elected if they are addressed only to the banking sector. The financial crisis was a manifestation of a fundamentally flawed way of thinking that will hurt real people as the world enters a global recession. It will hurt not only those in the countries that preached the paradigm, but also those in countries that did not. The poorest nations will experience the double whammy of having had to deregulate, privatise and open up their markets to be eligible for aid money, and now see the pledges not met. This is the first full crisis of globalisation, a recognition that in a tightly interconnected world, one country's troubles become each and every one's. It is the first collective "lose lose".
The smartest politicians at President Bush's economic summit will be those who are not only willing to differentiate themselves from the laissez-faire past, but willing to hijack the meeting and turn it into a transparent exchange of ideas about what kind of world we want. They will be those who are not looking for a quick fix, but are capable of dismantling their prior assumptions about which ideas and theories to embrace and which to reject.
The smartest politicians will be those who understand that when the facts stop fitting the world-view, they must remake the world-view, not recreate the facts. In that process, they must draw lessons from the past 20 years. No more "one size fits all" economic prescriptions. Countries have to have the freedom to determine their economic policies to meet their own needs. And the myth that "a rising tide lifts all boats" must be jettisoned. It was never true. Social mobility in the UK has barely improved in 40 years. In the US, a quarter of the wealth is in the hands of just 14,000 families.
The next phase of capitalism will combine policies of localisation with an understanding that there are problems we share - such as carbon-dioxide emissions - that cannot be tackled alone. And it will actively seek to redefine what is valuable, so children growing up today do not make the mistakes of this generation in confusing success with the ability to purchase another pair of Nikes or a Gucci bag.

FIRST LADY WEARS RODRIGUEZ. FASHION AWAITS OBAMA'S FIRST 100 DAYS.

2008-11-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

• The fashion and retail industries will keep a close eye on Barack Obama's economic priorities his first 100 days in office, especially how he handles trade with China, unions, port security, and taxes. [WWD]

• Last night Michelle Obama wore a dress from Narciso Rodriguez's spring 2009 collection, one of the most critically acclaimed of New York Fashion Week. Michelle's style has impressed on the campaign trail with frugal finds from places like J.Crew and H&M and designer threads by designers like Narciso and Thakoon. [NYM]

• Marc Jacobs’s Holiday Party CANCELED. This year's "Rock and Roll Circus" party was scheduled to take place at the Rainbow Room on December 10. But yesterday Jacobs's business partner, Robert Duffy, sent out an e-mail saying the party has been canceled because of the current economic climate.

• Peter Som Launches Children’s Capsule Collection Tomorrow. Luxury children's brand Best & Co. signed the designer to create a seven-item limited-edition capsule collection — four pieces for boys and three for girls — for the holidays, launching tomorrow at Bergdorf Goodman.

• Claudia Schiffer Replaces Naomi Campbell for YSL. Claudia Schiffer will replace Naomi for the spring ads. She recently said at a party that Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadib shot the campaign in L.A. last month. Now we just have to sit back in our sweaters and wait for the ads to break. And for the tabloids to start rumors about Naomi and Claudia feuding, of course.

McQueen set to design Target

2008-11-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we learned Alexander McQueen would design a diffusion line for Target based on his lower-priced McQ line. Today we have tantalizing details. The line will be available in stores and online from March 1 through April 11, 2009. Prices haven't been determined, but it's inspired by the Duke Spirit, a British band popular in the late eighties and early nineties. Lead singer Leila Moss was McQueen's muse for the collection, which WWD describes thusly:

The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. For example, a chambray sleeveless shirtdress has stud detailing, there’s a mesh wrap dress and an open yarn zipper cardigan. Graphic prints and silk-screen photographs give tunics, dresses and T-shirts visual interest. The Leila silk-screen T-shirt with a necklace collar was designed for The Duke Spirit lead singer, while other band members are immortalized on a sleeveless jersey T-shirt.

A sateen strapless pleat dress in a tattoo print of mermaids, dice and anchors is an example of McQueen’s penchant for pairing feminine fabrics with tough details — in this case, a studded leather belt.

Alexander McQueen does mermaids and we can afford them? This is too much.

Btw, CDG's H&M is in store right now.... thought some of you might wanna ... fight, bite, kill for them. Well, good luck then.

SHOW TIME

2008-11-05T06:07:00.000-08:00