Halston '08: Revival or Denial?

Halston was one of the most acclaimed designers of the 70s. A favorite of movie stars, socialites, the general public, and a favorite at studio54. His design were chic minimalism. The clothes were simple and elegant.

After a few years dormant, and six designers later, a known media investor, a media-famed stylist come together to revive the brand. Will they succeed? All eyes are on the Fall/Winter 2008 show tonight.

Marco Zanini is the sixth designer to try and accomplish what five other couldn't do. What's different this time? The world of celebrities are back with the media influence stronger than ever. Who else could contribute to make a hopeful team? Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist known for her anorexic, mannequin-like celebrities coterie. She's been known to drench her clients in Halston so many could see why she's on the board in revitalizing the brand. To complete the team, Harvey Weinstein stepped on board. With his wife, Georgina Chapman, a designer of Marchesa, Harvey is not newcomer to the fashion industry. He hopes this investment will rival that of Tom Ford at Gucci.

New York Times has a great article on the history of Halston and their interpretation of the spring look, along with the house allowing Halston lovers to purcahse the collection 24 hours after showing. Do read it.

Read Article: Will 6 Be a Lucky Number for Halston?

As iconic as the house of Halston and the nostalgia of style past, I'm not sure this team will be able to pull it off in an ultra-fresh manner that is expected of it. However, if Zanini is able to present a collection that touches on the simplistic elegance of Halston, that will be interesting. Calvin Klein have been one of the few American designer that is known for that so to see if Halston is able to come afloat and establish their trademark and make it modern, it will definately have a strong market. In the article Zanini recognized that the archive of Halston, though great, can be of a hindrance. Since he recognizes that, it is hopeful that perhaps he will be the one to be able to accomplish what other were'nt able to do. Besides, with Rachel Zoe and Weinstein on board, it's already looking more promising than past attempts.

We will see...

NYT: The Newly Uptight

“I like the idea of good tailoring and clothes that are not so demonstrative,” she said. “We’re getting beyond the idea of ‘look at me, look at me.’ Fashion today is more about calmness than flash.”

The New York Times had a great article on the trend of fall 2008. The trends are gearing towards conservatism - less mini skirt, less babydoll shirts and dress, less "loud" ladies. Conservatism, however, will not be so subdued but subtle, passive chic. The quote above accentuates the desire of the fashion world to be a little more serious. With an interst in economics, I can't help but wonder whether the designers are reflecting present economic worries.

I wrote a memo in one of my class on how a company was weakening and had to restructure themselves and they thought the first thing to do is to change the office wardrobe. The company used to have formal dressing but then relaxed the rule and casual wear was accepted, a progression towards casual Friday. In recent blogs, I always touch on how I dress reflects how I think, or at least have influence on how I feel and act the specific time I have that wardrobe on.

With that in mind, perhaps for fall everyone is getting ready to sit down and be serious on tackling the unsteady world economy. In American society, there's a shift in presidency and awaiting the new one to undo and help the society regain momentum. When the people elected Bush, people said that they wanted a president to sit down and have a drink with. However, perhaps after seeing what that type of person can do, a president should be expected of more than a drinking buddy.

Though the article touches on the movement back to conservatism, the culture has always existed. I also admire the culture that stands out but try little in doing so. They don't need a bright neon skirt, though there's nothing wrong with it, but a tweed jacket and a fitted suit fits them just as fine as a Marc Jacobs inverse-underwear Spring 2008 dress.

Designers seem intent on returning to old-fashioned civilities just the same. Some view the resurrection of a more formally controlled aesthetic as a rebuke to young Hollywood’s disheveled style. Thakoon Panichgul, who will show a collection of body-skimming dresses with subtle ’60s details, maintains that such looks are timely. “There is an energy about being proper,” he said. “It’s not about wholesomeness, it’s about respectability, about having manners again.”

I have to go to class, but I think the article is really interesting and worth reading. Besides, I'm tired of the mini skirts and the babydoll dresses. :)

Read article: New York Times: The Newly Uptight

NYC Fashion Week Schedule for Fall/Winter 2008

Friday, February 1
9.00am Nautica
10.00am Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2008
11.00am Perry Ellis
12.00pm Yigal Azrouel
1.00pm Duckie Brown
2.00pm Brian Reyes
3.00pm Bcbg Max Azria
4.00pm Yeohlee
6.00pm Nicole Miller
7.00pm Erin Fetherston
9.00pm Venexiana

Saturday, February 2
10.00am Lacoste
11.00am Academy Of Art (University Graduates)
1.00pm Abaeté
2.00pm Atil Kutoglu
3.00pm Alexandre Herchcovitch
4.00pm Z Zegna
6.00pm Ashleigh Verrier
7.00pm Sass & Bide
8.00pm Rock & Republic
9.00pm Akiko Ogawa

Sunday, February 3

10.00am Lela Rose
11.00am Herve Leger by Max Azria
1.00pm DKNY, 711 Greenwich Street
2.00pm Twinkle
3.00pm Tracy Reese
4.00pm Diane Von Furstenberg
5.00pm Y-3
6.00pm Angel Sanchez
7.00pm Tuleh
8.00pm Miss Sixty
9.00pm Terexov

Monday, February 4
9.00am Peter Som
10.00am Carolina Herrera
11.00am R. Scott French
12.00pm Jill Stuart
2.00pm Betsey Johnson
3.00pm Luca Luca
4.00pm Pamella Roland
6.00pm Max Azria
7.00pm Ports 1961
8.00pm Proenza Schouler, Park Avenue Armory
9.00pm Iodice

Tuesday, February 5
9.00am Tibi
10.00am Badgley Mischka
11.00am Monique Lhuillier
1.00pm Cynthia Steffe
2.00pm Dennis Basso
3.00pm Diesel
6.00pm Joanna Mastroianni
7.00pm Vivienne Tam

Wednesday, February 6
9.00am Malan Breton
10.00am Nanette Lepore
11.00am Michael Kors
12.00pm Milly by Michelle Smith
1.00pm Carlos Miele
3.00pm Anna Sui
4.00pm Richard Chai
5.00pm 3.1 Phillip Lim
7.00pm Temperley London

Thursday, February 7
9.00am Rebecca Taylor
10.00am Vera Wang
11.00am Naeem Khan
1.00pm Naoki Takizawa
2.00pm Bill Blass
3.00pm Reem Acra
4.00pm Calvin Klein, 205 W 39th St
6.00pm Chris Han
6.00pm Tommy Hilfiger
7.00pm Custo Barcelona
8.00pm Zac Posen
9.00pm Jayson Brundson

Friday, February 8
9.00am Project Runway
10.00am Ralph Lauren
11.00am Ralph Lauren
12.00pm Tadashi Shoji
1.00pm Carmen Marc Valvo
2.00pm Willow
3.00pm Donna Karan Collection, 711 Greenwich
5.00pm Zang Toi
6.00pm Sean John
8.00pm Marc Jacobs, Lexington St. Armory

La Vie En [dark] Rose

Maid Marion was first known for her role in Big Fish; she was the pregnant French girl. But with her recent success in La Vie En Rose, spotlights were on her again. In these pictures she just has one look. I hate that. Her lips are always closed and she has that really subtle smile in each one. I know she's an actor, so can't she act like a model? Just kidding. But, I think these pictures shows a woman that is humbling. She's not used in dressing like this. If she is, she sure could fool me. She may be insecure with herself and her look, which is why we never see the right side of her face. There's also an awkwardness to her smile. It's as though I could feel the photographer trying to her to desired movements and he snaps just as she gives it to him, but she doesn't understand why.

I guess this is why she was able to play Edith Piaf so well. Edith Piaf was that meek French girl with a different, but amazing voice. I can see why not only her look, but her personality seems to eminate Edith Piaf. It's cute because she doesn't seem immortal with her head inflated. I also like how these pictures are dark and the ruffles gives that feeling of a flower, which is why in the titled I played on the title. I love that bottom left dress.

Where to get the Clothes: Nina Ricci(top left), Christian Lacroix(top right), Giorgio Armani(bottom left)
Photographer: Raymond Meier
Source/Read Article: New York Times