V-Style

Vivienne Westwood Thrives After Sex And The City

Sales of the Vivienne Westwood label rose by almost a fifth last year to 26.4 million dollars after Sarah Jessica Parker's Character wore her wedding dress in the Sex And The City Movie. "Being in Sex And The City helped a lot." Westwood's business partner Carlo D'Amario explained. "It brought new customers to us and increased awareness of our labels across the world. We are an independent company so this product placement is invaluable."

They also credit the price point and the creative designs as a turn on for customers. "We are Prada for the girl next door, almost."

One person Vivienne is not crediting for their sales is Patricia Field. "I thought Sex And The City was supposed to be about cutting-edge fashion." Vivienne Westwood said last year. "There was nothing remotely memorable or interesting about what I saw. I went to the premiere and left after 10 minutes."

I think Vivienne Westwood is off her rocker. I personally loved the majority of the fashions in the Sex And The City Movie and felt Carrie's wedding dress was the sore spot. Being a combination of Madonna 1990 and a fairy princess, that dress was a major disappointment. (Sarah Jessica Parker was the person to make this wardrobe decision.) 

Sex And The City The Movie Sequel opens in 2010.

L.A. Fashion Week: Project Runway's Korto Momolu

Last Friday Project Runway Season 5 finalist Korto Momolu showed her Spring 2010 line during L.A. Fashion Week. Although the event wasn't exactly top notch, Korto Momolu's designs certainly were.

Most everything was wearable, flattering to the body unique and had an ethnic edge that didn't overwhelm the clothing like I have seen it done in the past. The handbags were completely fabulous, the accessories fun and Korto's new hair cut was stunning. Considering I just chopped my hair as well I felt a kinship.

Photos Taken By: Afefa Delali Kpodzo

Christina Aguilera on Project Runway

You always have some tunes in your music collection you don't want people to know about. Britney Spears is one of mine as is Jennifer Love Hewitt's one song and yes Spice Girls. I have that too.  One I am not ashamed of is Christina Aguilera. Her absolutely incredible voice in soft favorites as well as the hits have made me a fan of Miss Tiny Voice... but she is not exactly a fashion expert.

Her hair has looked like an elderly woman's wig for at least five years and her clothing choices are always off the mark if not by a little than a lot. Still, I am excited about her appearance on Project Runway Season Six this Thursday, October 15th. Her hair looks faker than ever and the pink lipstick borders on mentally deficient in its choice, but the dress actually looks pretty great. Plus I love that she has been so consistent in her bad taste. I can respect that kind of commitment. Cheers Tina, cheers.

Diane Kruger on The Inglorious Basterds Red Carpet

Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds opened at Number One in the box office opening weekend, but when I saw it last week I was a bit disapointed. Besides the story having a wonderful imagination with history and Christoph Waltz playing Hans Landa (My lord, can someone throw him an acting award of some kind immediately), I was not excited by much, the soundtrack was a deja´ vu of Tarantino's other movies and all the actors could have been traded out for another for all I cared about their performances and characters.   

I am sure you are thinking now, what does this have to do with fashion? Well, although Diane Kruger may have bored me in the movie she sure did wow me on the red carpet. Getting me all excited about the film beforehand was not the trailers, interviews, reviews and rumors, but Diane Kruger's fantastic ensembles at the premieres. How someone could be so memorable in one area and so forgotten in another is beyond me, but I am giving an official high-five to whoever dressed her for the Inglorious Basterds' step and repeat.

                      London: Balmain, Christian Louboutin

                      Berlin #1: Louis Vuitton

                      Berlin #2: Herve Leger, Alexander McQueen clutch

                      Melbourne: Chanel, Christian Louboutin

                      Sydney: Marchesa, Christian Louboutin

                      Los Angeles: Atelier Versace

Fame Hits Theatres Today

The remake of Fame opens today and although the movie is filled with mediocre acting, documentary style filming and teeny boppers, it has great editing and awesome dance sequences with some yummy costumes. In particular, the circus themed attire caught my interest. How could I have forgotten about circus wear? Especially after Britney Spears made her circus video, I am surprised circus inspired clothing has not been made more available to fashionistas.

Another fashionably noteworhy piece are the two faced nylons during the fabulous "Black & Gold" dance sequence. This winter I will be snagging a pair of those to go with my boots.

Vanessa Valiente on The E! Channel

Turn to the E! Channel Thursday Morning, September 24th, 6am-9am to check out, That Morning Show. I will be discussing scarf trends for fall with a sneak peak of a Spring 2010 goodie. My segment will on around 7am.

Alessandra Ambrosio Wears A Gypsy 05 Jumper

The Jumper . I love it. It's easy. It's sexy. It's loungy.

The jumpsuit that caught my eye this week is the Pitch Adela jumper by Gypsy 05 seen on Alessandra Ambrosio. I am going to be honest, I don't know who that is, but I am loving her casual look. I want the jumpsuit to be the new coffee outfit. You know, ditching the jeans and scarf look and throwing on the jumper to go get that cup of coffee and run your errands.

Lindsay Lohan Becomes Ungaro's Artistic Advisor

Although Lindsay Lohan is a steamy mess in her personal life, she can look pretty fashionable at times. Which brings me to the confirming the rumors that yes, Lindsay Lohan will now be an artistic adviser to the upscale line, Emanuel Ungaro. What started on "Page Six" and moved to New York magazine online was confirmed last week.

Although mildly shocking at first, when explained why she was brought on, I can't help but think they are onto something. "A designer-only led fashion house isn't enough, so we're adding a super consumer who gives us a direct channel to consumers," said Ungaro CEO and president Mounir Moufarrige. Taking on a consumer lead business model is definitely a smart way to go at this time.

When musicians and low end fashion labels cater too much to what the consumer "wants" the product loses its soul, but high-end fashion has never really considered the consumer. If that were true we wouldn't be watching  six feet tall size 2 girls with bird noses walking down the runway in penis hats.

So, cheers to Ungaro for plugging into the high-end consumer via Lohan.

TLC's America's Worst Dressed... Ever.

TLC's WHAT NOT TO WEAR is going on a nationwide search for the Worst Dressed American in celebration of its 250th episode. For the first time in the history of the show, viewers will be in charge of nominating the worst fashion victim ever. I honestly don't know anyone who could be considered worst dressed but if you do, continue reading.

Mirroring a typical WHAT NOT TO WEAR episode, Stacy and Clinton will visit the chosen victim's hometown and interview her loved ones. But with an ambush on a much grander scale and a makeover "like no other," the overall transformation for this victim is aiming to be the most dramatic one viewers have ever seen on the show. WHAT NOT TO WEAR will mark this very special milestone in January 2010. TLC is still accepting nominations. To nominate someone click here before September 25th, 2009.

Rachel Bilson on Project Runway Season 6

In the past Rachel Bilson has been famous for her role on The O.C., but these days Bilson is making headlines for her fashion choices and expertise. From red carpet garbs to her Fashion Therapy Column in InStyle Magazine, fashion seems to be Rachel’s new gig.

It’s no wonder then that she was chosen to take a chair on the set of Project Runway this Thursday for the 3rd episode of Season 6. Now, I didn’t particularly love her outfit, but I didn’t expect to. Although constantly in the fashion scene it is usually a 50% chance that she will impress me. There is always something a little off about her looks. I must say though that I love her tights. Absolutely love them. And the top aint bad, but the whole thing seems more like a romantic costume then a fashionista get-up.

As for Project Runway, the show moved from Bravo to the Lifestyle channel, but little else has changed. Same challenges, struggles, and fashionable guests are still the pattern.