Project Runway – Beautifully Invisible™

Whatever Wednesday: Tiiu Kuik for FLARE, Project Runway Winner, Shameless Suit Ads and more

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:25:36 +0000

In this week’s edition of Whatever Wednesday we tackle a stunning new photoshoot from Flare Magazine, Project Runway’s winner, a controversial, sexy, suit-selling editorial and more.

Tiiu Kuik for FLARE Magazine, December 2010

This is one of those editorials where I end up coveting some of the pieces the model is wearing. Tiiu Kuik looks absolutely amazing in this photoshoot by photographer Max Abadian.

In this case, I am coveting every. single. piece. (except maybe the red feathery dress – that isn’t me). But the rest, wow! I adore everything about this shoot. Gorgeous styling, a striking model, great photography, and to die for clothes. Perfect!

All images via ZAC Fashion Photography

Project Runway-gate/Mondo-gate/Gretchen-gate

I don’t even know what to call the season finale of this year’s Project Runway. The day of the finale, I posted my own thoughts on the finalists and called Mondo Guerra for the win. I just knew Mondo would win – how could he not? He was clearly the front-runner in every way imaginable. He had won the most challenges, including the “create a high- fashion piece” challenge. His designs were original, superbly constructed, exciting, and lustworthy. His final collection stayed true to that aesthetic and craftsmanship, and he put on a true high-fashion runway show that designers the likes of Betsey Johnson would have been proud of.

Gretchen Jones’s work, on the other hand, declined as the season progressed. She started off strong, winning the first two challenges, but her designs were very two-dimensional and – frankly – boring. Her final collection was an improvement, but the pieces and patterns were very repetitive, and, save for the accessories, I wasn’t impressed. I was certain Mondo had it in the bag.

I was literally stunned as I watched Nina Garcia and Michael Kors push for Gretchen’s designs. The two of them focused on Gretchen’s marketability and the ready-to-wear aspect of her designs. They praised her for the accessories she designed (and then outsourced), but gave Mondo no recognition for the fact that he designed and made all of his own accessories. Further, they continuously emphasized their belief that Gretchen had her pulse on where fashion was going. I am sorry, but if that is where fashion is going – it is going out the window!

Heidi Klum and guest judge Jessica Simpson, meanwhile, fought in favor of Mondo. They were the only two who seemed to understand that the runway shows weren’t held to showcase ready-to-wear pieces. Runway shows are for high-fashion. They are meant to be theatrical, exciting, and fun, and the pieces in each collection should reflect that. All four judges admitted that Mondo’s final collection had the same characteristics and strengths they had praised him for all season. Yet, all of a sudden, this wasn’t acceptable to Nina and Michael anymore. They appeared to be more focused on the fact that Mondo did not listen to their advice and replace the showstopper dress in his collection with something else. All this despite the fact that both Heidi and Jessica said they loved and would wear the dress in question.

Ultimately, Heidi and Jessica were unable to sway Nina and Michael, and Gretchen came out the winner.

In an interview with ew.com, Gretchen shared her own thoughts on why she thinks she won:

In the end, Mondo’s collection was fun and playful and exciting to watch. He’s a master when it comes to textiles. But my goal was not just to put on a great show. It’s to dress women. And my collection spoke to real women.

I am a real woman, and Mondo’s collection spoke volumes to me.

Mondo also shared his own thoughts with ew.com:

Gretchen’s line was good. It was well-made, it was pretty, but I think it is a mater of taste. Giving her the win because she has her finger on the pulse of fashion — What? What did I have? But I’m like, one day you’re in, the next day you’re out, and hopefully I have some longevity.

You will definitely have longevity, Mondo – and you have your finger on the pulse and heart of fashion!

Finally, Tim Gunn himself shared his own thoughts on the finale:

You go, Tim!

“Shameless” Suit Advertorial

Have you seen the “Shameless” ad campaign by Dutch Label Suit Supply? The advertorial has caused a bit of a stir because of it’s NSFW nature. The company even had to pull the photos from their facebook page because they were deemed offensive. The advertorial certainly is graphic and sexy. As always, sex sells, and in this case, they are clearly trying to ramp up the sex appeal of their product. Unfortunately, in my case at least, I find the suits quite unappealing. The campaign, however, I think is brilliant – it certainly is memorable, and that is the point, isn’t it?

Click on any of the images below to see the rest on their website.

All images via Suit Supply

What if it isn’t Blogger Burnout?

Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been posting, commenting, and visiting your blogs as much as usual in the last couple of weeks. I keep reading a lot about Blogger Burnout, and have read countless tips on how to combat that type of burnout. But what if it isn’t blogger burnout?

What if it’s really just “There Isn’t Enough Hours in the Day” Burnout?

Between work, which for fundraisers like me, ramps up dramatically at this time of the year, and my personal life, I feel like I barely have time to eat and sleep, let alone blog. But I want to blog. How do you deal with this type of burnout? I can’t create more hours in a day, and I can’t seem to find the time to write and schedule posts in advance, so I am at a loss. Any tips from the seasoned blogger’s out there?

Random Comment of the Day

In yesterday’s update on Isla Moda I shared that I had received an email from Karl Lagerfeld’s Communications Director. What I didn’t share was – it was completely unsolicited. She contacted me. Little old me. All on her own.

I know, she probably did a search on Isla Moda and sent mass emails out to anyone who had recently posted about the resort and Lagerfeld’s reported involvement, but the fact that I made it onto that list made me feel special for a moment. My blog had actually garnered her attention and warranted an email response. It just made the blog – and it’s potential reach – all the more real to me!

What is new in your world? Is there anything you want to discuss this Whatever Wednesday?

Project Runway Season Finale: Andy, Gretchen or Mondo?

Beautifully Invisible — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:10:11 +0000

Tonight is the season finale of Project Runway.

I have posted some random comments about the season here and there, but now that we are down to the final 3 designers, I wanted to do a retrospective of my favorite designs from each, and share my own thoughts on who I hope wins!

Admittedly, I was disappointed when hometown girl Valerie Mayen was sent home in Week 10. As I shared before, I think she is a wonderful outerwear designer, and some of my absolute favorite designs this season were hers. Yet, I have to admit, by episode 6, my heart belonged to another contestant. And he is in the Top 3! YAY!

Finalists Mondo Guerra, Gretchen Jones and Andy South have been a fixture in my home for the past few months. Every week, I watch with anticipation to see who will come out on top of that week’s challenge. Who, as Tim Gunn says, will “make it work” best! They each bring their own unique set of talents and distinct style to the table. I can’t wait to see what happens tonight, but in the meantime, here are a few of my favorite designs from various episodes:

Andy South

Challenge: Create a Look Inspired by the Marie Claire Woman

Challenge: Design an outfit using party store supplies.

Challenge: Create high-fashion and ready-to wear companion looks.

Gretchen Jones

Challenge: Use a garment from another contestant's suitcase to create a look

Challenge: Create a Look Inspired by the Marie Claire Woman

Mondo Guerra

Challenge: Create a Fashionable Look Using a Bridesmaid Dress

Challenge: Create an American Sportswear look inspired by Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Challenge: Create a high-fashion look.

Challenge: Design your own (meaningful) fabric using HP technology

My pick to win it all?

Mondo Guerra, Image courtesy of Zimbio

In compiling this list of favorite looks I actually had a hard time narrowing down my favorite pieces by the spectacularly humble Mondo Guerra, while I had a difficult time finding pieces I liked by Gretchen Jones. Nothing against her style – it just isn’t my style. Meanwhile, I find Andy’s aesthetic quite interesting, but since day 1 I have watched Mondo push the design envelope, and I am totally in his court. Mondo for the win!

Have you watched this season?

If so, what have some of your favorite designs been, and who do you think will win tonight?

Whatever Wednesday: ANTM controversy, DVF does hospital, True Blood nakedness and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

What better way to start this Whatever Wednesday than with some controversy?

The Girl With the Disappearing Waist

Disclaimer: I am not a huge Tyra Banks fan, nor am I a fan of America’s Next Top Model. I respect Tyra’s stance on body image, and I’d be lying if I said I had never seen an episode of the show, but generally speaking I have only watched out of sheer and utter boredom. Project Runway is more my style. I am loving this season of PR, especially hometown girl Valerie Mayen’s work to date!

But I digress. Back to ANTM. This latest controversy fits in perfectly with the size/weight debate which has been dominating lately. The source of the controversy is the newly released promo below:

As you might guess, it’s Ann’s body – specifically her tiny waist – that is causing the stir.

Critics are saying that the ad promotes poor body image and I have seen the words “skeletal,” “unnatural,” and “anorexic” attributed to Ann by various sources. New York Magazine printed a piece on the story which included a statement from Tyra. Her response seems to indicate that Ann does not have a healthy body image:

“…During this season of Top Model, you will see that Ann (the woman featured in the trailer) provided another opportunity for me to support a young woman struggling with her own body image issues (she’s 6’2”; and is the receiver of countless stares and ridicule). Helping young ladies, like Ann and countless others that have confided in me, furthers and supports my core mission.”

Although the ANTM judges appears to be taken aback when they first see Ann, there is no question that the promo makes it seem that the panel is ultimately approving of Ann’s figure. This is where the concern lies. Based on Tyra’s comments above, it appears that the show will delve into Ann’s body image issues this season. I would also infer, from that comment, that Ann may be completely healthy and perhaps just has a very unique body type. The concern is – again – what will impressionable young women think when they see that type of body being promoted? What if they don’t watch the show, and just see the promo, and come to the conclusion that must be the ideal body shape? For the majority of women, it certainly is not.

This is essentially the flip-side of the plus-size debate. Shouldn’t both sides be represented? In theory, yes. I would argue, however, that in my experience I have seen countless plus-size women, and very few that have Ann’s proportions (actually, none). Hopefully Ann is a healthy, unique young woman and ANTM can use this controversy to help promote a positive body image.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Angelina Jolie as Marilyn Monroe?

The past few days rumors have been flying that Angelina Jolie has signed on to play Marilyn Monroe in the adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe. According to The Daily Mail, Angelina had beat out both Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks for the role.

Although I have always loved Angelina Jolie, I don’t know if I like the idea of her playing Marilyn. Physically she just doesn’t seem voluptuous enough.

I was relieved when The Los Angeles Times confirmed that Angelina is not attached to the project after all.

Who would you cast in the role?

DVF’s newest creation
Now for some news that hits closer to home: Diane Von Furstenberg has helped to design a line of hospital gowns! According to Jeanne Ryan, the Cleveland Clinic staffer overseeing the project, the redesign has been underway for 3 years. The Cleveland Clinic finally began piloting the new prototype-gown design in May, and so far the reviews are good.

“The current model is a full-coverage, reversible design, incorporating the Cleveland Clinic’s diamond logo into von Furstenberg’s signature repetition pattern. Other changes include an elastic waistband, wrap-around closure, and a wide V-neck to accommodate chest monitoring and stethoscopes.

Most important… the gown is functional while preserving modesty: “Physicians can open the gown to expose the part they need to access without exposing the patient completely.””

Not something you would generally expect to see from a designer of Von Furstenberg’s caliber, right? Well, they may not be high-fashion, but they are DVF!

COACH Poppy Project redux

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you may have noticed that I have removed the COACH Poppy project from my side bar. There is a great conversation going on at IFB on the project and what it’s true benefits (or lack thereof) may be for bloggers.

If you haven’t done so already I encourage you to check it out. The post and subsequent comments really made me take a look at the perceived “benefits” I was getting and I decided – for myself- that it didn’t make sense to participate. That may not be true for you, but it’s worth looking into!

The good news is – no more annoying Grow, Poppy Grow tweets from me!

Is that a *collective sigh of relief* I hear?

Nakedness

Finally, in other jaw-dropping news…. I bring you the True Blood Rolling Stone cover. I would probably think it was genius if I wasn’t too busy wondering how – um – revealing – shooting it must have been for Anna Paquin. Wow.

What is on your mind this Whatever Wednesday?

All images courtesy of Google Images or Rolling Stone magazine.

Me Wants It: Valerie Mayen, McQueen, Choo and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Did you know that Cleveland, OH holds its own Fashion Week every May?

Or that three Ohioans competed in Season 5 of Project Runway?

Or that Seasons 3, 6 and 7 also each had one contestant from the state?

Or that at least ten different Ohio schools offer degrees in Fashion Design?

Most people don’t think “fashion” when they think of Cleveland, yet fashion is an important facet of the city.

Project Runway kicked off it’s 8th Season last week. During the premiere episode we were introduced to another local contestant: Valerie Mayen. Although she’s been sworn to secrecy regarding the show, the local buzz is that she may be among the final contestants competing for top prize.

Valerie’s designs, and her shop Yellowcake, are well known amongst Clevelanders who do follow fashion. This weeks edition of “Me Wants It” includes two coats from her etsy shop that would be perfect for those chilly Cleveland days that are around the corner.

I love the name of this Valerie Mayen coat: The Blue Kangaroo. How cute is that, and how great is the color?

This white Valerie Mayen coat is also just as lust-worthy. Great shape, excellent-looking construction. I don’t know which coat I like more.

This military-inspired Jack by BB Dakota coat is not as luxe as Mayen’s pieces, but it is still on trend.

Moving on to footwear, first up are these Frye Over the Knee Boots in distressed, pebbled leather. I can’t decide between smoke and black. Which do you prefer?

Then we have these Jimmy Choo suede ankle boots. I love this take on shearling – very glamorous.

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC recently announced that it would begin carrying some designs in size 14 (and up) in (extremely) limited numbers. In the meantime, I can pretend the two dresses come in my size.

I love the exposed lining and frayed wool in this Alexander McQueen’s distressed pencil dress.

There is a definite vintage feel to this printed silk dress by Erdem. All it needs is a pen necklace like the one Joan wears on Mad Men!

My weekly bag pick is this Sara Berman studded slouch bag. Check out the different sizes of the studs on the bottom of the bag. It’s a softer look than the studded bags of the past few seasons.

Finally we have this simple necklace by Gorjana. I’m a huge fan of her line, and this piece is no exception.

What are you coveting? What Fall trends are you most excited about?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, Etsy, shopbop, and ModCloth