Pretty in a Power Suit

Into the Woods

Fall Fashion, Ready to Wear Wednesday, July 29, 2009

"You can call me Flower if you want to." -From Bambi, Disney 1942

"Into the woods to Grandmother's house." -From Broadway's Into the Woods

The 2009 Fall campaign for Stella McCartney brings Bambi and friends to life. Photographed by Ryan McGinley in the woods of the English countryside, the advertisements are whimsical with their mix of high fashion and Disney animation.

The designer brought the woodsy elements centerstage in this year's campaign, providing a naturalist contrast to some of the delicate and flirtatious details seen in the collection.

Dreaming of the beauty found in a wooded wonderland...

As vibrant as a bluebird, a sweet babydoll dress with a sheer top.

The baby doll dress is accented with black lace and has a vibrancy that echoes the fields of wildflowers.

Lace and pleated details accent a Victorian inspired blouse.

Menswear inspired fabric like houndstooth becomes feminine with the crochet/knit peek-a-boo flower details on the top.

Full sleeves characteristic of the late Victorian Edwardian period are large around the upper arm in the leg-o-mutton shape.

Lacey cutouts and trimmings accent the lingerie-inspired dress. Very romantic and sweet with a softness like that of Monet's "Water Lilies."

The romantic lace and Victorian high collar with a modern twist of geometric shapes.

An unexpected peek through lace at the midriff.

Runway photos: Style.com

Disney images: Disney-clipart.com

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Fashion meets Art: Robert Longo

Art, Fashion meets Art, Ready to Wear, Spring Fashion Monday, July 27, 2009

Trapped in Ice, 1980

1981

Artist Robert Longo became famous in the 1980s with his "Men in the Cities" series. With the quality of photographs, the images are graphically portrayed in charcoal and graphite.

1980

Wearing suits and work clothing, the men and women in the images seem to be caught in a dance, or perhaps something more menacing like the rat race of the working world. Longo communicates with a vivid and dynamic quality. The men and women are so life like and draw the viewer into their world of movement and mystery.

1981

Chic suits bring to mind the art of Longo.

Givenchy Resort 2010

Gucci Resort 2010

Lanvin Resort 2010

Art images: Robertlongo.com

Runway photos: Style.com

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In Vogue

Fashion meets Art Sunday, July 26, 2009

Every month Vogue brings readers pages filled with glamour, luxury and the ultimate choices in fashion. There is a mystique about the magazine and its editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. We've all seen the Devil Wears Prada I'm sure, and have an idea of what goes on in the Vogue offices. But this fall we'll get to see the real Vogue, beyond the Devil Wears Prada, in The September Issue movie.

In honor of The September Issue, I've compiled some of the great Vogue covers from over the past 60 years. Some of them are so pretty and well done that they're like works of art.

Vogue brings us movie stars, First Ladies, supermodels...

The September Issue Trailer

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Pompadour Hair

Fall Fashion, Ready to Wear Wednesday, July 22, 2009

You've probably heard of Pompadour hair. It's the pulled back, heightened bun-like style that has existed since the Louis XIV's favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour. A similar style is seen here from the Miu Miu Fall 2009 collection.

Though not from the upper class, Madame de Pompadour made her way into the King's heart with her wit and charm. The rest of the French population couldn't help but love her style and fashion sense. Even if they didn't like her, they emulated her remarkable style.

Versions of the classic Pompadour have been popping up on the runways; Buns twisted, teased and pulled off the face.

Seen here at 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2009.

Elie Saab's Fall 2009 added a little more femme fatale to the hair style.

After Madame de Pompadour set the style stage in the Rococo period, Marie Antoinette took over as the Queen of Fashion during the Neoclassical era. The hair started taking even more height as the fashions grew in size.