Vogue US – Beautifully Invisible™

Voguepedia: The World of Fashion in Vogue

Beautifully Invisible — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:46:48 +0000

What happens when you take the “knowledge-at-your-fingertips” approach of a wiki and combine it with the fashion bible known as Vogue?

You get Voguepedia!

Was I the only person who didn’t know about this??

At some point (apparently when I wasn’t paying attention) the geniuses at Vogue decided to create an online archive of fashion covering the magazine’s 119 year history. I did some digging online and, according to Fashionista, the concept is still in its early stages. It isn’t a true wiki, like wikipedia or wikifashion, because readers are unable to add information on their own, but its the closest thing I’ve ever seen to an online Encyclopedia of Fashion.

So, how is it different from wikipedia and wikifashion? Let’s compare by looking up designer Roberto Cavalli on each.

Here are the results on wikipedia and wikifashion, respectively:

Roberto Cavalli search results (via Wikipedia and wikifashion)

As you can see, the wikipedia entry is very typical. Because it is so heavily reliant on user-input, there is limited information available and absolutely no collection imagery is present. Meanwhile, the wikifashion entry is a completely blank slate, waiting for someone to fill it out.

Now, let’s compare that to the information available through Voguepedia:

Roberto Cavalli search results via Voguepedia

Not only does the Voguepedia entry look great, more fashion-specific information is available on Voguepedia. Collection imagery. Appearances. History. Reliable sources (which can be tricky with wikipedia). Did I mention collection imagery?

Now, Voguepedia is far from perfect. The concept is still in its infancy so available data/information is still limited.

For instance:

TOM FORD is absent from the designer and brand pages.

Same is true for Gucci.

Although they do both appear in standard Voguepedia search results, wikipedia certainly has more info available. For now.

But the future looks good.

So…

Were you aware of Voguepedia?

Have you used it?

What are your thoughts?

Tom Ford: The secret NYFW show video. Finally!

Beautifully Invisible — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:54:27 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you each rang in the new decade with lots of laughter, wonderful memories, and martinis!

Now that it is finally 2011… you know what that means, right?

It is almost time for the launch of Tom Ford’s Womanswear Collection! Yes, I am blogging about Tom Ford again. How else could I begin the New Year?!

Image via TomFord.com

First a quick message to Santa from me (note: we celebrate Christmas on January 7th since we are Orthodox, so my message isn’t late yet!):

Dear Santa,

I have been a mostly good-girl this year. You know that all good is no fun, so I am sure you won’t mind. All I really want for Christmas is for the single, heterosexual twin of Tom Ford to walk into my life. Since I know I can’t have that, could you please bring me the Tom Ford pajamas Kim Kardashian has on in this photo? I need a new pair of PJ’s and would love these.

Sincerely, B

Image via Glamour Magazine (February 2011 issue)

I love these PJs. Don’t you?

Tom Ford told Vogue Magazine that his new collection was inspired by the 1970s: “The seventies is what I love. Soft, touchable beauty is what I love. I want to be touching the skin; I prefer no bra—I want to be able to slip in my hand.” Well these PJs certainly fit that bill. They look touchably soft to me. However, as we wait for the official launch of the line, check out the video below to see exactly how inspired by the 1970s Ford really was. Here we finally, finally have the video from the secret NYFW showing of his debut collection. Although we’ve seen most of it in photos by now there are some new pieces, but finally being able to see the movement of the pieces “live” is what makes it truly spectacular!

I die.

It’s pretty obvious what I am looking forward to most in 2011. What about you? What are you eagerly awaiting?

Tom Ford’s Womenswear Collection in V and W Magazines

Beautifully Invisible — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:55:12 +0000

I have a confession.

I love all things Tom Ford. I know that must be a shock to you. Really.

Just because I posted about him here, here, here, here, here and here… that wasn’t a dead giveaway right?

So there is no doubt in anyone’s mind of my love/obsession/admiration/etc., I had to share these images from the January 2011 issue of W Magazine. Everyone (including myself) had been raving about the photos of the collection that were just recently featured in U.S. Vogue and Vogue France. Know what? I love these shots more.

The pictorial, which was photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, stars Lara Stone modeling some of the statement pieces in the collection. What makes it more appealing (to me) than the images in Vogue is the movement. I love seeing the way material flows and moves on a model. It’s the reason I love catwalk videos. Inez and Vinoodh captured that movement in these images, and the effect is stunning.

Each of the pieces in Ford’s new collection were designed for a particular model. The colorful shredded organza shrug, silk crepe dress, satin corset and shoes below were designed for Rachel Feinstein.

Image via W Magazine

Ford designed this dress for Karen Elson. Despite being dubbed by some as the “Cookie Monster” dress, it has been featured in quite a few fashion magazines, including the Emily Blunt Cover of Harper’s Bazaar UK. Maybe I am crazy, but I love this dress. I love the fringe and the color. Especially the color. I wouldn’t care who called me Cookie Monster – I’d OWN this.

Image via W Magazine

This double-silk georgette kimono catsuit, originally designed for Lou Doillon, is my favorite of the bunch. Check out those sleeves. This shot is just brilliant.

Image via W Magazine

Ford considers this dress one of the most dramatic looks from his new line. Designed for Daphne Guinness, it is constructed from sequins and embroidered silk with netting.

Image via W Magazine

Beautiful right? If you still aren’t convinced, check out this interview with Ford in the latest issue of V Magazine. Julia Restoin Roitfeld, the beautiful daughter of Carine Roitfeld (SIDE NOTE: Carine Roitfeld has resigned from her position as editor-in-chief of French Vogue), sat down with Ford and slipped into a few pieces of the Spring collection for this series of stunning self-portraits:

Self-portrait of Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Image via V Magazine

So, what do you think of these pictorials? Now that the collection has been revealed for some time – what are your thoughts?

**********

On a side note, I came across an old favorite 2005 W Magazine interview with Ford entitled “Fordbitten” when I was on W Magazine’s website. Seeing that I don’t just adore Ford’s designs – I adore HIM (and desperately wish I could stumble upon a heterosexual version of him that would fall madly in love with me), I had to share a couple of my favorites images, but the interview is worth a read. One of my favorite Ford quotes from the article:

“We’ve become plastic, objectifying the human body…waxed and polished and buffed and shined up and manipulated,” Ford says. “And then, of course, I’m portrayed as the one doing the manipulating, the polishing, buffing, shaping, which is what I do. It’s just what we do. What the fashion industry does.”

All images are by Steven Klein.

A whole lotta sexyyyy. Image via W Magazine.

Image via W Magazine

*Sigh* Why can't he have a twin? Image via W Magazine

Do you remember this interview? What do you think?

Whatever Wednesday: Tom Ford Rumors, HauteLook news, 127 Hours and more

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:01:35 +0000

Last minute work deadlines before the Thanksgiving holiday, combined with the holiday itself, leaves little time for blog posts this week. Here is a quick roundup of topics to ponder in this week’s Whatever Wednesday.

Tom Ford for…. H&M? Unlikely

I am filing this one under “rumor status” for now, but according to this article in the French Tribune, the next big designer that will follow in Lanvin’s footsteps and create a capsule collection for H&M will be Tom Ford.

In my opinion, it's unlikely we'll be seeing this logo...

Although this possibility is exciting (and, for once, I would be the first in line at H&M!), I am doubtful about the authenticity of this news. According to this December Vogue article, his newest collection will be small and exclusive, and sold only in his sixteen menswear stores, until next season. No mention of an H&M collaboration is made in US Vogue, instead we received news of a Fall makeup line launch.

When describing his new collection, Mr. Ford shares that it was designed with longevity in mind. These designs are meant to become staple pieces in someones wardrobe. In fact, the Vogue piece states:

It’s not for the Gucci girl he left behind. “At this point?” he considers. “She’d be too trendy.”

Given that, I don’t see how a collaboration with H&M would make sense. Regardless of whether the French Tribune article is fact or fiction (I call fiction!), what do you think of the idea of Tom Ford for H&M? Would you buy it?

And how unlikely is a collaboration of this caliber, given that Valentino is doing a limited collection for Gap and Karl Lagerfield is doing the same for Macy’s?

Looking for a new home in Manhattan? How about Coco Rocha’s?

Coco Rocha and her husband are selling their Manhattan digs and moving to Brooklyn. The good news? According to this New York Times article, the price on their Gramercy Park condo dropped. The bad? It’s still just a tad out of my price range at $1.59 million.

In case you missed it, the condo was featured in a Vogue spread last month. A few of my favorite shots are below. Click here to check out the rest.

Image via Vogue.com

Image via NYT (I had to sneak this one in, even though it wasn't in Vogue))

Image via Vogue.com

I wish this was my workspace. Image via Vogue.com

Shop HauteLook on Facebook

Love sample sales? I certainly do. My “Shopping I Love” page is full of Sample Sale sites that I frequent. HauteLook is one of my favorites. Their website is easy enough to use as is, but, as reported by the New York Times, now you can shop select flash sales via Facebook.

The current Flash Sale on HauteLook's Facebook page.

If you are a “fan” of HauteLook’s Facebook page, you will now see upcoming sales promoted in your newsfeed. To start shopping an upcoming sale, you must first sign on or register via a widget within the HauteLook news feed. From there you can browse, add an item to their cart, and check out without ever leaving the Facebook page. Easy.

I wonder if this type of ecommerce via Facebook will become a trend amongst other online retailers. What do you think?

Need something to do this weekend? Go see 127 Hours

This is not fashion-related, but I wanted to share anyway. A friend and I had the opportunity to go to a screening of 127 Hours last night. The film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a canyoneer who was forced to amputate his lower right arm free himself after being trapped in canyon by a boulder for 127 hours. The film, starring James Franco and directed by Danny Boyle, is a fascinating look at survival and human courage. I highly recommend it, but be aware that some parts are difficult to watch!

Let me know what you think if you go see it!

Karina Gubanova by Photographer Jesse Untracht-Oakner

This photoshoot is mostly NSFW (click here to view the other images) but I absolutely adore this shot. Especially the accessories Karina Gubanova is wearing – those earrings, that bracelet, that ring – I want them all!

Covetable jewelry... (image via fashionising)

For those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow – Happy Thanksgiving! May you always be surrounded by the smiles of friends, the love of family, and the happiness and joy that shopping brings

Teaser: Tom Ford for Vogue Paris Holiday Issue

Beautifully Invisible — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:18:51 +0000

You’ll have to excuse me for the excessive Tom Ford-related posts this week. It’s just that I am just a little bit… obsessed.

I can’t help it. After that LONG (unbearable!) wait for a glimpse at Mr. Ford’s Spring 2011 womanswear collection, images from the preview in the December US Vogue finally surfaced on the internet. The verdict? The seventies-inspired collection is classic and lust-worthy (frankly, both Tom and the collection are drool-worthy!)

Now, images and a glimpse at the content in store for us in the December/January 2011 Holiday Issue issue of Vogue Paris have come to light. Mr. Ford is the guest editor of the issue, and it has become evident to me that I MUST get my hands on it. It is as vital to my survival as breathing air…

Tom Ford and Daphne Groeneveld in Vogue, (via WWD)

The cover, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, is striking in its simplicity. Tom Ford and Daphne Groeneveld both ooze sexuality, and you are left wondering exactly what that dress she is wearing looks like. The only downside I see is Daphne’s young age: I think I would have preferred it if they had used someone like Lara Stone (who Daphne is styled to resemble) for such a sensual cover instead. But that is just me.

As for the content of the issue, according to WWD, Tom Ford “wrote articles, photographed and styled well features, cast models and art directed everything with the exacting style for which he’s famous.”

He photographed the likes of Lauren Hutton fresh off the runway for a fashion story about his muses, all wearing Tom Ford. Other fashion brands figure in well features envisioned by Ford: one photographed by Terry Richardson at his New Mexico ranch; one on high jewelry, and another devoted to mature women who have resisted plastic surgery. “He very much likes beautiful wrinkles,” [editor-in-chief] Roitfeld said, flashing a smile.

Lisa Eisner and Lauren Hutton wearing Tom Ford (via WWD)

Of the issue, WWD also says:

While at times sarcastic and even “caustic,” the issue is also deeply personal. Ford peppers the magazine with family photos, and tapped intimates, such as his longtime partner Richard Buckley and close friend Lisa Eisner, to contribute articles about a variety of topics, from beauty to the Los Angeles art scene.

It sounds absolutely delightful.

As for the December 2010 US Vogue, in addition to the article on Tom Ford’s return to womanswear (and gorgeous preview of the collection), the cover shot of Angelina Jolie also contains a touch of Tom Ford. She is wearing a loose fitting white Tom Ford dress with a plunging back and a black lace-up corset underneath. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll get to see the front of the dress inside the issue… such a tease.

Angelina Jolie wearing Tom Ford (via Vogue.com)

Now – who can I bribe that lives in France to buy the Holiday Issue issue for me?

Image via Google Images

Whatever Wednesday: Tom Ford 2011, Burberry Bespoke and Boutiques.com

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:09:39 +0000

This week’s “Whatever Wednesday” is short and sweet, so let’s get right to it!

Tom Ford’s Seventies Glam in Vogue US

Remember how excited I was when Tom Ford presented his Spring 2011 womanswear collection at the much buzzed about “secret show” during NYFW? I was absolutely devastated when no photos of the collection were released at the time and have eagerly awaited more news.

Thankfully, the wait is finally over. In the December 2010 issue of Vogue, Mr. Ford himself gives us some insight into his latest collection:

“It’s about individuality. Real clothes, real women. For a fashionable woman aged 25 to 75. That’s why I literally put many of my own muses in the show. I hear them say, ‘God, I can’t find that anywhere!’ ” Women friends had been “begging” him to make them suits as soon as they heard he was starting a menswear line; he couldn’t find anything to buy his mother; it all built up. “I want this to be somewhere a woman knows she can go when she wants a great jacket—not a fake expensive jacket, something that has intrinsic value. I don’t think fashion has to change every five minutes. I’d like these to be clothes you can wear for a long time—ten, 20 years; pass on to your daughter. Why buy vintage when you can open your own closet!” It’s not for the Gucci girl he left behind. “At this point?” he considers. “She’d be too trendy.”

The article, entitled “Mr. Ford Returns“, gives us a glimpse at the man behind the label while offering our first real taste of the collection!

Just in case you haven’t seen them yet, below are the drool-worthy images, captured by photographer Steven Meisel, for your viewing pleasure.

Tom Ford with Karen Elson, via Vogue

Tom Ford with Stella Tennant, via Vogue

From left: Leopard-print suit, plunge-neck blouse, shredded silk-organza shrug, silk wrap dress, suede trench, fringed silk dress, leopard-print sheath, back-tied silk dress, tuxedo jacket, trousers, and all jewelry and hats; Tom Ford boutiques. (via Vogue.com)

Image via Vogue.com

So – what do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?

The first Burberry Bespoke Trench

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Bespoke service Burberry will be launching in early 2011. Customers will be able to design their own coats online by mixing and matching colors and styles, and adding details like buttons, studs and initials.

Emma Watson is wearing one of the first Bespoke trench coats in the image below. What do you think – winner or loser? For me it’s a definite winner!

Emma Watson wearing a Burberry Bespoke trench, via Racked

Google’s Boutique Service Goes Live

Have you checked out the latest trend in online shopping yet? Google’s “Boutiques.com” operates on the “curated fashion boutique” business model. They reached out to celebrities, personal-style bloggers, designers and retailers alike and asked them to create individual boutiques and, not only that, but the service will allow you to create your own fashion boutique as well.

Boutiques.com Personal-Style Blogger Portal

Each “boutique” serves as a portal to another retailer. Consumers are able to browse products and click through to a retailer, like net-a-porter or modcloth, to make their purchase. In addition, their is a social networking/popularity element to the service. You can elect to follow a boutique much like you would follow someone on twitter.

This is an interesting concept that seems to be getting more and more popular. What do you think, is this the future of online shopping?