The Fashion Informer

The Fashion Informer Will Be Back in September

The Fashion Informer is out hunting for style scoops, and will be back in the urban jungle in time for September Fashion Week.  Have a fabulous summer, and I'll see you then!

Illustration by Lana Frankel © 2009

Random Questions For...Norma Kamali

Invent the sleeping bag coat and high-heeled sneakers? Check.  Design iconic swimwear and make jersey and parachute nylon the fabric of the seventies and eighties?  Check. Partner with mass retailers years before your competitors, launch a line of olive oil-based beauty and wellness products and make sports-inspired active wear an everyday part of mainstream culture?  Check, check, check.

New York native Norma Kamali has done all of the above since founding her eponymous label 41 years ago – and she was one of the first designers to take to the internet way back in the nineties, ditching traditional runway shows in favor of online video presentations as early as 1996 (take that, Karl Lagerfeld!) and offering a “try before you buy” service to her Web clients.

These days, Kamali, 63, has been making headlines for her recent collaboration with Wal-Mart, which features beautifully designed, well-priced women’s, kid’s, home and wellness collections, created with the motto “Timeless style is everything but fashion” in mind.

The Fashion Informer sat down with the inspirational CFDA Award-winning designer (who spends her spare time mentoring New York City public high school students), to talk books, beaches and breakfast.

So, Norma…

 

What is your idea of a perfect getaway?

Being near water and warmth with a sketchpad.

 

What's your all-time favorite work of art?

Anything by Michelangelo – an expressive use of the human form in stone or paint.

 

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Green tea and oatmeal.

 

What would you like to be doing if you weren't a designer?

Inventor.           

 

What's the biggest difference between designing your own line and doing a line for an outside company such as Everlast or Wal-Mart?

None, it has the same integrity.

 

What are you currently reading - and would you recommend it to others?

Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin; it’s the second time.

 

What is your favorite time of day?

5AM – Another chance to try to get it right.

 

Tell me about your best friend.

I have very few close friends, but there is not one [I like] more than the other.  They are all friends for many years.  Trust is a big part of the dynamic.

 

Do you keep a journal?

I have but I do it at different periods.

 

What do you see, right now, when you look up from your computer screen and glance around the room?

Sunlight!!!

 

For what would you like to be remembered?

Hummm...

 

Why olive oil?

The best oil on the planet: nutritious, medicinal, enhances good health and beauty and has been used forever.  It’s biblical.

 

What prompted your decision to start a web site, originally, and what was the inspiration for the new Skype/social networking initiatives?

I worked for SN Airline in the office in the sixties and I worked on the first computers, called Univacs.  So I had an early introduction to the possibilities and am very grateful.

 

Is there any difference between the customers who come to the bricks and mortar store and the customers who shop online, in your experience?

No.

 

What's your idea of a perfect summer day?

The sound of the ocean, the warmth of the sun.

 

What never fails to make you cry?

The list is too long.

 

What makes you happiest?

New discoveries - some as simple as a new design that made it from paper to finished product.

 

 

Stay tuned for Random Questions For…Philip Crangi

 

Random Questions For...John Varvatos

Detroit native John Varvatos has been putting his unique, rock and roll spin on menswear for more than 25 years, first at Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein and, since 2000, as the head of his own eponymous label – one Varvatos’ describes as being “functional, timeless clothing that is created to be lived in,” which earned him a Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer the same year it launched.  He won a CFDA Award for Menswear Designer of the Year just one year later, and was awarded the prize again in 2005.

Today, the music-loving designer (and self-proclaimed “shoe junkie”) also puts his signature stamp on a highly successful collection for Converse, his own line has grown to include skincare, fragrance, denim, eyewear, knits and watches, and he routinely dresses the rock stars (Aerosmith, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick) he grew up listening to in Detroit Rock City way back when.

The Fashion Informer was able to grab a few minutes with the elusive Mr. Varvatos between opening new stores (eight and counting), unveiling his new fragrance, Artisan, and announcing the launch of a new “younger, funkier” footwear collection for fall 2009 – part of his Star USA bridge line - to talk snacks, serum and music (natch).

So, John…

 

What's in current rotation on your iPod?

A few of my current go-tos are Alejandro Escovedo, MC5, The Stooges, The Hellacopters —and over 35, 000 others in rotation!

 

What did you have for lunch today?

Toro and Hamachi Sushi with Miso soup.

 

Other than Converse All-Stars, what do you consider a quintessential classic American fashion item?

Vintage motorcycle boots.

 

What was the first fragrance you ever wore?  What is your signature scent these days?

I really can’t remember… Hai Karate?  My signature scent is a new fragrance I recently created called Artisan.  It just came out.

 

Tell me about your favorite item of jewelry or clothing and why it's so special to you.

I still love my vintage motorcycle jacket from high school.  Also, I collect watches, so I am really psyched about creating my first timepiece, which is coming out this year in partnership with Ernst Benz. 

 

What's the one grooming aid you cannot live without?

The Eye Serum from my Skin line saves me when traveling extensively or after a late night.

 

What's the first concert you ever went to? Most recent?

First concert: 1969 Led Zeppelin - enough said!    My most recent concert, which blew me away, was AC/DC – they came out and hit hard like a freight train for two mind-blowing hours!

 

What do like to do for fun? 

My favorite pastime is hunting for vintage vinyl – no matter where I am.

 

Tell me about the last trip you took for pleasure.  Would you go back? 

I escaped to Mustique and found it to be one of the few places I can relax and recoup.  So yes, I intend on returning.

 

When it comes to snacks, do you prefer salty or sweet? 

Salty - hands down.

 

What's your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving, as it is a special time to be with family and friends.

 

What one question would you like to ask God, assuming s/he exists?

When is the economy going to turn around? 

 

What never fails to make you cry?

Onions!

When are you happiest?

When I spend time with my wife and my new baby daughter.

 

Stay tuned for Random Questions For…Norma Kamali

 

 

 

Mulberry Hits the Books

Mulberry hosted a party to celebrate the launch of British fashion photographer Chris Craymer's lovely book, Romance (which the handbag company also helped publish) on Thursday night at their Madison Avenue boutique.  Below, a few snaps from the soiree, and you can read about the party in detail over on VOGUE.COM.

Photos © The Fashion Informer/Lauren David Peden

Derek Lam Storms SoHo

Derek Lam opened his first Manhattan store in SoHo last night - designed by architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA (aka, the duo behind the New Museum of Contemporary Art) - and Crosby Street was closed for several hours during the opening party, which attracted the likes of Anna Wintour, Phillip Lim and Rihanna, among others.  Below, a few photos from the party. You can read our complete coverage on VOGUE.COM.

Photos © The Fashion Informer/Lauren David Peden

Model As Muse Sneak Peek

Here, a few random images from "The Model as Muse" exhibit opening at the Met Costume Institute on Wednesday. Enjoy!  To read our full report, go to VOGUE.COM.

Photos © The Fashion Informer/Lauren David Peden

Rachel Roy Debuts Diffusion Line

Here's a sneak peek at Rachel Rachel Roy, the designer's secondary collection for Macy's, which will hit stores August 1st.  To read about last night's launch party, go to VOGUE.COM.

Photos © The Fashion Informer/Lauren David Peden

Random Questions For...Reem Acra

Beloved by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Catherine Zeta Jones, designer Reem Acra’s uber-feminine red carpet creations are defined a sophisticated silhouette, rich color palette, ornate embroidery and lush fabrications.

Although the Lebanon native studied fashion design at FIT in New York and Esmod in Paris, she spent more than a decade working as an interior designer before launching her eponymous bridal business in 1997.  Acra launched her evening collection in 2003, and ready-to-wear followed in the spring of 2008.

The Fashion Informer caught up with the always-gracious designer just after the holidays to get the low-down on her beauty must-have, her fantasy splurge and her devotion to dance (cha, cha, cha).

So, Reem…

 

What did you do for Christmas/New Year's?

I went to Dubai and then to Lebanon. I saw 20 friends from my middle school class; we were really excited to see each other after so many years. This was the highlight of my trip this year.  

 

Tell me about your most memorable New Year's Eve.

They are the times when I get to spend quality time with my family.

 

What is your favorite city in the world?

Beirut - it energizes me and brings back memories of my childhood.

 

How long does it take you to get ready to go to work in the morning, and what's your usual routine?

My hairdresser comes almost every morning and does my hair.  While he is working, I am on my Blackberry emailing the office and friends overseas and also phoning too.  I'll spend another hour to get ready and continue to intermittently email and speak on the phone.  

 

What's the one beauty/grooming item you cannot live without?

A hairdresser.

 

If you could only shop in one store for the rest of your life, what store would it be?

A flea market.

 

What do you like to do to relax in your off-hours?

I love dancing and take lessons a few times a week.  I've taken cha-cha, salsa, and hustle lessons.  I love it.

 

What's your favorite sport to watch?  To participate in?  

Ice skating.

 

If you found $15,000 cash, how would you spend it?

I'd spend it on vintage dresses or one nice antique piece of furniture or item.

 

What one question would you like to ask God, assuming s/he exists?

I always thank him for what he gives me every day. Interestingly, I came across my diary from when I was 12.  In it, I wrote a prayer, thanking him for my beautiful future that I foresaw for myself.  

 

What is your favorite mode of transportation?

Car.

 

Do you have any hidden or unusual talents?  

Well I have a kind of sixth sense.

 

What are the different challenges you face when designing your bridal collection, vs. your ready-to-wear line?

Each one is different and I have to remind myself always they both require different moods and styles, even if it is the same customer.

 

What freaks you out?

Lying.

 

When are you happiest?

Always. I have found my true meaning a long time ago which most struggle to find. I am happy when I make an impact and a difference in people's lives. Being part of their most momentous and significant days in their life - we become friends!  

 

Stay tuned for Random Questions For…John Varvatos

 

Topshop Arrives in New York (Finally!)

Some snaps from Tuesday's opening night party.  You can read our full coverage on VOGUE.COM.

Photos © The Fashion Informer/Lauren David Peden

Random Questions For…Daniel Vosovic

Daniel Vosovic’s career went from zero to 60 in 2006, the year he became a finalist on Project Runway’s second season. 

Since then, the 28-year-old Michigan native and FIT grad has styled clothing for the online edition of Bonfire, the fictitious magazine edited by Lipstick Jungle character Nico Reilly, designed a capsule clothing and accessories line for NYLO hotel (including the staff uniforms), and penned Fashion Inside Out, a thoughtful overview of the fashion design process from start to finish, with interviews by folks such as Todd Oldham, Diane von Furstenberg, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and (full disclosure) yours truly.

Pretty impressive, considering Vosovic has not yet launched a collection of his own.  But that will change in February 2010, when the designer plans to unveil his first collection.

“Currently, my days are filled with all of the prep work that happens when starting a company: solidifying my business plan, costing production and samples accurately, deciding who my core team is and beginning the interview phases, looking at new, larger studio space and getting it up and running,” Vosovic told The Fashion Informer just after the holidays.

“I'm elated that this is all happening when it is,” he added. “If this offer had been proposed to me immediately after Project Runway I may have been tempted to take it, but now, having taken three years to step back, prepare myself, gain more experience and build a solid team, I feel like I'm ready to begin on my own terms.”

The Fashion Informer caught up with the always-charming Daniel V (as he is known to the Project Runway faithful) during some very rare downtime to get the skinny on his family’s recent visit, his after-work routine and his favorite Project Runway memory, among other things.

So, Daniel…

How did you celebrate the holidays?

For the first time, my parents flew in from Michigan to spend Christmas with me here in NYC! The five or six days went relatively smooth, especially considering how much time was spent in enclosed spaces due to the frigid weather (though ultimately we were able to survive with cabs and cashmere).

The highlight would have to be a "lost boys" Christmas dinner hosted by my boyfriend and I, prepared almost entirely by my amazing parents, complete with a menu that rivaled even grandma's best try! I can't think of a better way to end the year then with 20 of your closest misfit friends all boozed up and with bulging bellies.

What's your favorite winter food?

Chili or anything Italian - pasta is like crack to me. Oh, and since you asked, the grilled polenta with melted Gorgonzola at Supper in the East Village is to die for.

What was your childhood nickname, and what's your nickname now?

Thankfully, "Dan the man" was the worst they could do in elementary school. I don't have a nickname now that I'm an old man.

 

What was the first movie you remember seeing as a child?

Two popped into my head simultaneously for two very different reasons, the first was because it was so horrific and gave me nightmares for years later. Stephen King's Silver Bullet was about this wheelchair-bound kid who hunts down a bloodthirsty werewolf after it committed numerous murders in a small New England town. All I can say is that my mother must have been gone for the evening, and in an attempt to stop our pleas my dad must have let my sister and I watch it with him. Seriously, I'm still a little freaked out by it.

The second movie is The Goonies, which is still one of my favorites. Any movie that includes kids defying authority, hunting treasure, and a Cyndi Lauper song is fine by me.

 

What's your favorite store in the world?

When I was living in Italy, a tremendous advantage was being able to travel so easily from one great city to the next. Siena in itself is a truly stunning part of the world but a delightful sweets shop by the name of Pasticceria Bini won my heart at first whiff! It's located on Via dei Fusari and I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have visions of their delicious concoctions come drifting through my day dreams.

 

What's your favorite Project Runway memory?

Walking into the main tent at Fashion Week before anyone else had come in yet... completely empty, completely exhausting, and full of possibilities.

 

What was the most rewarding - and challenging - thing about writing Fashion Inside Out?

They're actually one and the same: aiming to bring all of these huge ideas into one cohesive, thorough, interesting, beautiful package.

Fashion design is no small thing and it was a struggle to choose how deep to delve and how broad to go, but it also was an introspective process for myself, having to put into black and white the decisions I make when working and then explaining why. I guarantee that a vast majority of creative people never want to explain themselves! Ha ha!

 

I know you have several roommates.  Who's responsible for cleaning the apartment?

It's every man for himself. I ain't no one's mama.

 

Please look up from your computer (or wherever you're answering these questions) and describe what you see.

I'm looking at the bookshelf holding my classics section: Dickens, Twain, fairy tales from Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm, and more. There is also a black-and-white print from Sally Mann's Immediate Family.

 

Tell me about your favorite item of clothing/jewelry and why it's so special to you?

A sterling silver bracelet that my sister gave to me a few Christmas' ago that has "Ancora Imparo" [I am still learning] engraved on it; I wear it every day as a reminder to myself.

 

When was the last time you wrote a letter?  Received one?

I sent my grandmother one of my books for Christmas and I included a letter with it. The last one I received was last week from one of my favorite Koreans of all time, my dear friend Ellee Lee, who has since left me in NYC and has gone to conquer the architecture world in London.

 

What's the greatest or most important lesson your parents taught you?

It's OK to dream big.

 

What's the first thing you do when you get home at night after work?

I check the mail.

 

What's the worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Any gift is a welcomed gift... even if it is a close-up photo of a hairless cat in a cheap, rhinestone frame - because I actually did receive that this year.

 

What never fails to make you cry?

The scene with Meryl Streep and Claire Danes in The Hours when they're lying on the bed and Meryl says to her daughter "I remember one morning getting up at dawn, there was such a sense of possibility. You know that feeling? And I remember thinking to myself: So, this is the beginning of happiness. This is where it starts. And of course there will always be more. It never occurred to me it wasn't the beginning. It was happiness. It was the moment. Right then."

 

That scene always makes me appreciate the moment.

 

When are you happiest?

I know this sounds so sappy but it's true.  Rain or shine, waking up next to my loving boyfriend Kieran I'm honestly at my happiest.

 

Stay tuned for Random Questions For…Reem Acra.