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SUZY KELLEMS DOMINIK
-- Vintage and Couture Collection --
2010s
Alexander McQueen’s final collection
This white number consists of a bishop-sleeved coat
draped over a pleated gown. The coat is typically
sculptural with exaggerated shapes around the hips,
playing up the hourglass silhouette. The trim is
finished with gold feather embroidery.
This short coat dress was cut from a red-and-gold
hand-loomed jacquard with images of high-church
angels and Bosch demons from paintings. The angel
sleeves and belted waist enhances the hourglass
silhouette. It was showcased with fierce black
thigh-high boots with gold angels sculpted into the
heels.
2000s
L: Tom Ford’s final collection
for Yves Saint Laurent
Silk full length biased-cut halter gown
with black-and-gold Oriental print. The
jacket is made of quilted patent leather
with satin cuffs and fur trimmed belt.
R: Ralph Rucci’s archive
Hand painted malachite pattern floor
length gown with a long train. It is
embellished with Lesage embroidery
and handmade beads on the bodice and
train.
STC Associates | Fall 2012
1980s
Christian Lacroix for Jean Patou
Full-skirt, drop-waist ballerina cocktail dress with sheer polka
dot bodice and sleeves. It has a black Chantilly lace overlay
and horsehair braid construction. The bodice has a plunging
V-neckline on the front. The back is sheer polka dot with scattered
buttons.
1960s
Thea Porter
Embroidered Moroccan silk kaftan
with an empire waist and a high slit
neckline. This fuschia Middle Easterninspired robe is decorated with opulent
embroidery and gold thread. It’s defined
at the waist by a tie belt, while the skirt
flows to the floor in loose pleats.
1930s
Unknown designer
Floor length halter gown with
cinching details in the
front and an open back. It has an
asymmetrical gathered train
and is embellished with tiny gold
beads throughout.
1920s
Chinese robe
Loose-fitted ankle-length silk robe
with long sleeves, diagonal button
closure and Mandarin collar. The
robe has blue-and-gold dragon and
silver-and-blue cloud embroidered
on it. The garment is reminiscent of
the Qing dynasty dragon robe.
Fall 2012 | STC Associates
Contact: Aurore Quercy
(212) 389-9523
[email protected]
www.ofwitandwill.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Death of a Manhattan Fashion Icon
Reveals the New Face of “Couture Curators”
NEW YORK, September 6, 2012 – When Manhattan socialite Casey Ribicoff passed away last year, her
collection of one-of-a-kind Ralph Rucci couture pieces was cast away at a resale shop. Suzy Kellems
Dominik, spurred by deep respect for the designer, saw a tremendous opportunity and came to its
rescue. As she sits at Chado Ralph Rucci show at New York Fashion Week, she represents the new cohort
of “couture curators” who are driven to preserve a style inheritance for another generation.
Now publisher of online lifestyle magazine Of Wit & Will, Suzy Kellems Dominik has been collecting
and wearing couture pieces for years. She owns six of the final 16 pieces Alexander McQueen created
for his Fall Winter 2010 collection before taking his life. She proudly wore the white gown with gold
embroidery to the 2010 San Francisco Ballet Gala (picture below) and generously donated the guardian
angel gown to the Phoenix Art Museum. The gown was identified by Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of
Harper’s Bazaar, as being “very important as it reflects the mindset of the designer at the time of his
death.”
“Even before I had the funds to curate a museum-quality closet, I was creating unique and pleasing
looks and laying building blocks for a personal collection. I have always loved to sew and enjoyed a hunt
through vintage stores, charity bazaars and flea markets,” Kellems Dominik said about her love affair
with fashion.
Besides an appreciation for the exquisite beauty and craftsmanship of these garments, Kellems Dominik
is deeply motivated by their sentimental value. “These items are infused with history, with the hopes,
dreams and lives of others. And when they come into my keeping, their reach is extended. I take them
from history to present and give them a future,” she added.
From her extensive collection, Kellems Dominik has donated a Balenciaga 1961 Marigold gazar tiered
gown to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and lent a Patou by Christian Lacroix Lesage dress and
two Zandra Rhodes dresses to the Phoenix Art Museum. She has been collaborating with Rita Watnick,
owner of Lily et Cie, to build a Paco Rabbane exhibition with garments, headpieces and accessories deacquisitioned from the Paris Opera.
As Kellems Dominik watches - with her keen eye - the designs from Chado Ralph Rucci S/S 2013
collection this Sunday, she will pick up where the late Casey Ribicoff had left off.
About Suzy Kellems Dominik
A native Southern Californian and former world-class gymnast, Suzy Kellems Dominik is the publisher
of online lifestyle magazine ofwitandwill.com and founder of The Fertility Project. She currently lives in
the Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.
###
Unreleased media advisory for Of Wit & Will
Vintage couture: Helene Rochas (left) and Suzy Kellems Dominik in a 1951 Marcel Rochas creation.
Suzy Kellems Dominik (left) wearing Alexander McQueen’s Final 16 white embroidered gown.
Fall 2012 | STC Associates
Mad Men comback brings vintage
hosiery inspiration
T
Megan Draper/
Retina collant
he much anticipated Mad Men is back for the fifth time! In
addition to depicting the excessive drinking, smoking and
sexism, the show also reestablishes the iconic, fast-changing
fashion scene of the 60s.
Every episode of Mad Men is a fashion feast. Costume designer Janie
Bryant constantly proves deserving of her Emmy award by producing
stylish era clothes that reflect characters’ development. The cast of female
characters espouse a wide range of looks: the conservative career girl
Peggy, the prim and proper housewife Betty, the foxy head secretary
Joan.
If the early seasons of Mad Men adopt the high-waisted,
full-skirt silhouette for women’s wear, the fifth season starts
rolling in the daring miniskirts and psychedelic prints of the
mid – late 60s. The party scene in the fifth-season premiere
showcases saturated party ensembles, including Jane Sterling’s
bright orange/white print dress and Peggy Olsen’s yellow frock.
Most notable, however, is the new Mrs. Draper vintage
rhinestone mini dress with sheer butterfly sleeves worn over
fishnet tights.
Shed winter leggings for warm-weather socquettes
The moderate temperature
of spring is a great opportunity
to take advantage of the Cotele
Cotton Socquette. You can wear
them with ankle boots for a
stylish layering look.
Besides black and dark blue,
they come in spring/summer
shades of lilac, cornflower blue
and pastel.
Ankle socks have made a big
comeback because of their versatility.
They can make lace-up Oxfords more
feminine as well as understate the
glamour of high heels.
Spice up your wardrobe with these
affordable Cotton Socquette in 6
colors.
G
one are the days
socks are found in the
undergarment section.
The new ankle sock is a hot fashion
accessory, made to be worn visibly
with shorts, skirts and cropped
pants.
Pick a pair of these Flou Cotton
Socquette in white, black, and
royal blue.
High heels, flats, Oxfords, ankle boots, you
name it. The possibility of footwear to pair with
the Trous Socquette is endless. Whatever you
end up wearing them with, make sure to show
off the adorable knit pattern.
Philippe Matignon | Spring 2012
Hosiery trend forecast
S
Spring/Summer 2012
pring is the time to shed
heavy fabrics, fuzzy textures
and dark colors for more
light-weight materials and uplifting
palettes. You cannot go wrong with
matte-finish tights in nude and
pastel hues like ivory, peach, baby
blue or lilac.
They are the perfect complement
to your floral skirts, dresses and open
footwear. Especially, a pair of pearly
white hose embodies the renewal Philippe Matignon
Quirky ankle socks and spirit of the season.
Lierre collant
high heels combinations
Tattoo-print and faux-garter tights are also surging in
popularity. Tights with floral tattoo prints provide an apt
visual for spring as well as a hint of sexiness. Faux-garter
tights (aka suspender tights), a more bold retro choice of
legwear, have been favored by many celebrities and work
well as a night-time look.
Athletic-inspired garments are big this spring, and
legwear trends have socquettes to match. Comfortable
ankle and mid-calf socks in pastel and neon colors are Selena Gomez spotted
predicted to trend with sneakers and platform shoes.
with suspender tights
Fall/Winter 2012
If spring is all about being light and subtle, fall 2012 will see bolder
legwear trends. For the same solid color tights, the fall will require some
metallic sheen instead of a demure matte finish.
Lace pattern tights will replace the smooth feel of tattoo-print tights with
busier patterns and added texture. Thicker tights with delicate crochet or
knit work will also trump.
ayering legwear will emerge as a
fall trend the same way legwarmers
became a hit several seasons ago. This
is a great opportunity for creative wearers to
mix and match different lengths and textures
of stockings and tights.
Knit thigh highs are a
great candidate for this
layering business. They
can be worn over sheer
tights and can make a
look both preppy and
flirty.
L
Blake Lively incorporates delicate maroon
pattern tights into her
winter ensemble
Above: Layering thigh
highs over tights.
Left: Cut-out tights
create fun texture
Spring 2012 | Philippe Matignon
’s hosiery tips for brides-to-be
From left: Macrolosange thigh highs, Retina tights & Cote Parisienne over-the-knee socks
S
how off your wedding gown to the guests on your big day, but save a little something for your
groom. A discreet pair of thigh-high stockings with delicate lace bands will be a pleasant surprise
for your other half (Macrolosange bas-jarretiere in white & Cote Parisienne coton in white pearl).
The silicon lining with hold-up power will keep you feeling confident and sexy on this once-in-a-lifetime
occasion.
If you’re the type who goes for short wedding dresses, remember to add glamorous legwear to the ensemble.
The hosiery will surely bring out your personality and make a long-lasting impression. Take cues from Oscar
de la Renta 2013 bridal collection, where the designer features a ballerina-inspired dress and a conservative
dress suit with metallic white tights.
No matter which
season your wedding
takes place in, Philippe
Matignon has right
the hosiery for it. The
bridal collection carries
a diverse selection,
from cozy ribbed cotton
over-the-knee
socks
(Cote Parisienne coton)
and
mild-weather
semi-sheer
thigh
highs (Cristal 30 basjarretiere) and to breezy
fishnet stockings (Retina
bas-jarretiere). The color
palette of traditional
white, discreet nude,
and sexy black aims to
satisfy different bridal
preferences.
Left: Cristal 30 thigh highs. Right: Oscar de la Renta 2013 bridal collection
Philippe Matignon | Spring 2012
S
Trend alert: Color sheers
heer pantyhose may have been a thing of
the past because of its association with
conservative dressing and gender inequality,
but fashionistas’ love for this clothing item has not
dwindled. Sheer fashion tights, as we now wear
them, are continually being improved in quality
and innovated in style. They have evolved to add
personality and whimsicality to an outfit instead of
blending in.
This is why Philippe Matignon wants to introduce
our mini collection of color sheers. These bright solid
tights are not the easiest trendy piece to pull off but
can make a bold fashion statement when you wear
them correctly. There are a number of looks that use
color sheers, ranging from subtle to fearless.
How to wear color sheers
The most intuitive move is to match the color of
your tights with the rest of your outfit. For example,
red tights could be paired with warm hues like maroon, chocolate, brown, and burgundy.
A more impressive way to wear color tights is to
make them the focal point of a monochrome, neutral
ensemble. A predominantly black or grey outfit can
really make your leg wear pop.
If you really want to make a statement, pick tights
and clothes of contrasting palettes like navy/red,
yellow/blue, pink/turquoise.
Pastel sheers with florals can create a retro look.
Top left: Philippe Matignon Dorella 40 in Ruggine
Left: EmilyKolberg from Stylemapblog wears Philippe Matignon Seduction 50 mi-bas in blue with red shorts
Spring 2012 | Philippe Matignon
Contact: Joanna Hill
(917) 552-3612
[email protected]
www.harperscharm.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harper’s Charm Launched at Macy’s
Harper’s Bazzar Unveiled Its First Women’s Clothing and Accessories Line
NEW YORK, April 4, 2011 – American high-fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar announced the
introduction of its first clothing collection, Harper’s Charm, aimed at career-oriented female consumers.
Directed by its own Senior Fashion Editor Nessa Nguyen, the line will retail exclusively through Macy’s
and harperscharm.com starting this Wednesday.
Harper’s Charm is the ideal solution for career women who navigate various social functions throughout
the day and want to look fabulous in the little time they have to get ready. Its concept revolves around
the simplicity and effortlessness of day-to-night dressing. The line consists of elegant, practical dresses,
tops, bottoms and outerwear as well as shoes and accessories that will ease the process of transitioning
from daytime to nighttime attire.
Harper’s Bazaar’s vision is to cater to women’s desire for utility and style by offering classic, versatile pieces
that can easily be mixed and matched. All of these fine features are available at affordable price points.
Shoppers can find dresses and blazers in the $60 to $99 range, while individual pieces vary anywhere
between $30 and $75. Pumps and ankle boots retail at $30 to $60 a pair. Accessories, an integral part
of the collection because of their ability to transform bland into glam, can be purchased for $20 to $40.
Nessa Nguyen, brand manager and creative director for Harper’s Charm, completely captures the spirit
of the chic, utilitarian woman to whom it caters. With a deep understanding of Harper’s Bazaar’s devoted
followers, Nguyen handpicked clothes and accessories designers for the project while making all the
decisions regarding the appearance of the collection and marketing campaign. Harper’s Charm’s spring/
summer 2011 collection features fresh-faced designers such as Alexander Wang, Jennifer Fisher, Tracy
Matthews and Henry Ford.
“I am honored to take on the responsibility of introducing Harper’s Bazaar’s first ever ready-to-wear
collection,” said Nguyen. “The magazine has always been a leader in style and class, so there is great
pressure on Harper’s Charm to channel its sophistication and distinctiveness. But considering all the
work the designers and staff have invested in this launch, I am very positive about the consumers’
response to it.”
Macy’s, which carries eminent designer brands such as Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren
by Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, is delighted by the prospect of adding Harper’s Charm to its brand list.
“I have no doubt about the success of Harper’s Bazaar’s new clothing line,” said Cass Schiller, VP of
marketing. “Macy’s is certainly proud to be the destination of this collection. We are doing everything in
our power to tailor it to the needs of our customers while furthering this valuable partnership.”
For more information, contact Joanna Hill at (917) 552-3612 or [email protected].
###
Press release and backgrounder for fictional product
ABOUT THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nessa Nguyen, a New York University graduate, has been a driving force at Harper’s Bazaar US since 2002. Now
in her fifth year as Senior Fashion Editor, she was among prominent candidates when it comes to appointing a
brand manager who would oversee all creative aspects of the new clothing and accessories line.
Not only does she demonstrate a keen eye for chic, wearable trends, Nessa has also become a style icon feverishly
adored by many fashion bloggers. She has great capacity for multi-tasking and producing remarkable results
in often short amounts of time, as witnessed by the staff at Harper’s Bazaar. “She is a stellar contributor in the
publication of our monthly magazine,” editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey commented. “You cannot imagine how
much work and sacrifices go into these pages. And Nessa is certainly one who insists on putting the magazine’s
needs before her own.”
What sets her apart from the other contenders for the director position was her success as the image consultant
for Lancôme in its 2008 campaign. She intuitively picked Anne Hathaway to be the ambassador of the brand’s
Magnifique fragrance and directed a breathtaking commercial. As Hathaway’s timeless beauty shone through,
Nessa’s reputation grew indefinitely in the industry.
Inspired by the successful collaboration with Lancôme, Nessa knew she was onto assuming a larger role in
a product launch because she has always thrived on having multiple responsibilities. She wanted to become
more involved in the creation process and not just the promotion campaign. Despite a job offer from Barneys
New York, Nessa decided to stay at Harper’s Bazaar because of her loyalty and commitment to give more to the
magazine.
The opportunity soon presented itself when VP of marketing Natalya Kharlamova proposed an ambitious idea
of launching a full fashion line for Harper’s Bazaar. Nessa jumped on the project immediately and has been
working on it since spring 2009. “I have witnessed the wonderful creativity and devotion from the people I
work with on this project,” Nessa said. “None of this could have happened without all the behind-the-scene
efforts that often go unnoticed. I’m very thankful and proud of [the staff].”
Prior to joining Harper’s Bazaar, Nessa Nguyen was on the editorial staff of Teen Vogue from 2000 to 2002. One
of her most memorable experiences during that period was interviewing Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey and
collaborating on their cover shoot. She was impressed by the chemistry of the
couple, who were sincerely into each other despite constant press surrounding
their burgeoning career and fame.
In 2005, Nessa met investment banker Rob Anderson and fell head over heels
for him. The two wedded in a classy ceremony in Nessa’s hometown in
Massachusetts, where she wore a custom-made gown by Vera Wang.
Spring 2011 | Public Relations
How Justin Bieber became‘the fever’
O
n November 22, 2010, sixteen-year-old
Justin Bieber became the youngest artist
ever to win the American Music Awards’
Artist of the Year.
He had surpassed Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry
and Kesha to snatch this title, along with three other
categories he was nominated in.
Justin Bieber’s fame and influence had expanded
rapidly
since
his
discovery in 2008. All
of this unprecedented
success can be attributed
to the sophistication and
pervasiveness of social
media as well as the
ever-increasing power
of young entertainment
consumers.
Justin Bieber was
born on March 1,
1994 and grew up in
a low-income singlemother household in
Ontario, Canada. His
mother Pattie Malette started posting videos of him
performing R&B songs on YouTube after he won
second place in a local singing contest in 2007.
These clips had generated 10 million views when
they were accidentally discovered by talent manager
Scooter Braun, who helped sign Bieber to RaymondBraun Music Group (a new record label by Usher and
Braun) in a joint venture with Island Records.
YouTube is so popular now that it is surprising to
realize it was only invented in 2005, two years before
Bieber’s videos came on the scene. It certainly makes
you wonder where he would be today without the
advent of the video-sharing website.
o t
only
did
YouTube factor
in Justin Bieber’s
early discovery,
it also played
a large role
in promoting
his career. His
single “Baby,”
in collaboration
with Ludacris,
N
Entertainment column | Spring 2011
is the most watched YouTube video of all time with
more than 345 million views.
In November 2010, Bieber was the second artist,
after Lady Gaga, to reach a total of 1 billion YouTube
hits. However, he was the hotter between the two
since he averaged 3.98 million daily views compared
to Lady Gaga's 2.04 million.
Justin Bieber’s record sales are unparalleled. Well
before his first
album My World
debuted at No. 6
on the Billboard
charts in late
2009, he had
become the first
solo artist ever to
send four songs
into the Top 40 of
the Billboard Hot
100. According
to Billboard.com,
his
subsequent
album My World
2.0 debuted at No.
1 in March 2010.
any of Bieber’s accomplishments couldn’t
have happened without the support of his
enormous fan base. The pop sensation’s
fans mainly consist of young girls in their teen and
tween years. Combining fervent devotion and ready
access to the Internet, these fans have spread the
“Bieber fever” far beyond imagination.
Fans played a key role in voting and sending Justin
Bieber to the absolute win at the AMA 2010. Seven
million followers monitored closely his every move on
Twitter.
In an extreme example, a riot caused by ten
thousand fans who came to see Justin Bieber at the
Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island in November 2009
lead to the arrest of his manager Scooter Braun. But
they were the same people who protested on Twitter
for Braun’s release.
Not only does Justin Bieber have the power to
dictate the fans’ music choice, he also popularizes
his $750 haircut among teen boys. Since Jennifer
Anniston’s “the Rachel” in the ‘90s, no single hairstyle
has commanded such attention.
Bieber’s most recent venture onto the big screen
is, a 3D documentary titled “Never Say Never,” is
scheduled to release in theater this Friday, Feb. 11.
M
From Vivienne Westwood to Thierry Mugler:
H
Has ugly become the new beautiful?
igh fashion is an industry known for having great tolerance for unconventionalities. Designers have the liberty to create art
to fulfill their wild imagination and not necessarily to
satisfy the public’s taste.
Thus, audiences of haute couture and ready-to-wear
collections tend to expect being wowed and shocked
by what they see. They always allow room for eccentricities and uniqueness.
However, recent designers have delivered “beauty”
moves that prove too
challenging for the
consumers. O n
the runway of Viktor
& Rolf fall 2011 collection, models appear to be embracing
their inner “devils” as
their faces were covered by red paint.
The original intention of the Dutch designers was
to project a battle atmosphere, with structured armorlike outfits and blood-red makeup. They have a logical reasoning behind this. “Fashion’s ever-increasing
speed reminds us how important it is to battle for our
creativity,” said Viktor
Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.
Their theme is quite
intimidating, but still
tame compared to what
went on in the Vivienne Westwood fall
2011 show. Westwood’s
models were plastered
with a pitch-black
punk-warrior makeup
that can send chills up
and down your spine.
These looks are far
from any gothic or
vampire makeup you usually see. The paint sinks
models’ eyes in deep black hoods, drips down their
noses and marks exaggerated jaw lines, destroying all
pleasant harmonies of the natural facial features.
The scariest pattern has to be a black flame sprouting from a model’s chin to cover her mouth in a fashion that closely resembles Death Eaters from the Harry Potter series.
Still, Westwood is not the only designer to find
beauty in dark artistic expressions. Nicola Formichetti, creative director
of fashion house Thierry
Mugler, made a bold
move to choose a shockingly tattooed Rick Genest to represent the brand.
Genest has been nicknamed “Zombie Boy”
because of the extensive tattoos that cover his entire
upper body, which give him a rather intimidating,
aesthetically repulsive look.
His head takes on the image of skull with tattoos of
an exposed brain, eye sockets, the nose cavity and full
set of teeth. His upper body appears as a skeleton with
ribs and finger bones, besides a multitude of other tattoos.
All of these choices made by top designers makes
me wonder: Has ugly become the new beautiful
in fashion? What do these creative geniuses find in
things that are scary and disturbing at first sight?
It must have been the striking effect that induces
their decisions to pick such unusual muses. Maybe
they are masters at getting through the superficial and finding beauty in the unexpected,
the outwardly ugly. In
the end, aren’t we often told that beauty is
only skin deep?
Ugly Agency opened
in London in 1969 and
began casting people
with “unusual looks”
who may be heavily
pierced, tattooed, no
longer young or overweight. In the summer
of 2007, the agency unveiled its New York office. Ugly
is devoted to casting people of all shapes, sizes, bone
structures and facial oddities.
Stemming from high fashion, the trend of embracing the unusual is quite empowering. It reminds people to love and be comfortable with the way they look
instead of conforming to the impossible beauty ideals
in presented by airbrushed images in magazines.
Spring 2011 | Entertainment Column
Gender Bending Trends in Fashion World
January 31, 2011 | by: Nessa Nguyen
H
eadlines from the Sao Paulo fashion week
in Brazil are buzzing about transsexual
model Lea T.
Formerly known as Leandro “Leo” Cerezo, she was
born in 1981 to Brazilian soccer star Toninho Cerezo.
Lea moved to Italy and started working as a personal
assistant to Givenchy’s designer Riccardo Tisci.
Her big break came in 2010 when she was
photographed nude in French Vogue and casted for
Givenchy’s Fall 2010 collection. The Vogue photo
shoot reveals that Lea was undergoing gender
transformation and it hints that her genital area was
not yet surgically altered.
Up until now, Lea T has not been the only biological
Lea T (third from left) in Givenchy ad campaign.
male to represent a major fashion label. The Marc
Jacobs’ spring 2011 ad campaign features 19-yearPosing with Ginta Lapina (Marc Jacobs) and
old Andrej Pejic, a Serbian Australian model who
Karolina Kurkova (Jean Paul Gaultier campaign),
possesses an uncannily androgynous look.
Andrej completely embraces, and thus challenges, the
traditional ideal of feminine beauty with long blonde
locks, pouty lips and an emaciated figure.
Androgyny aesthetics is nothing new. In the
Goth subculture, men have always espoused the
androgynous look in an attempt to glorify the feminine
body and its power.
However, with the triumph of androgyny on
international catwalks and fashion brands, will this
trend begin to infiltrate mainstream culture? This
push of gender boundaries has a strong implication
about conventions of sexuality and the freedom of
Andrej Pejic (right) poses with Karolina Kurkova in
expression.
Jean Paul Gaultier campaign.
Lea T in the Givenchy ad campaign: second from
left and far right.
Fashion blogging | Spring 2011
Lea shares a passionate lip lock with Kate Moss on
the cover of UK’s Love magazine.
70s Fashion Trends at New York Fashion Week
February 14, 2011 | by: Nessa Nguyen
T
rends go in and out of fashion quickly,
but the past has always served as a great
source of inspiration. This season, take
your cues from the designers at New York Fashion
Week, where the 70s trend is full-blown.
Max Azria channels the 70s minimalism with
jumpsuits, drop waists and lots of draping and flowing ruffles in the BCBG collection.
He layers a white translucent turtle neck under
solid-color pieces. It creates the illusion of a conservative neckline that plagues ’70s granny dresses.
Jill Stuart, Peter Som
The ’70s is certainly known as the “disco era,” and
a major element of disco wear is stretchy and shiny
fabrics like satin, lurex and polyester. For fall 2011,
occasional sightings of metallic reinforce this trend.
Rag & Bone showcased
many textured knits and bright,
simplistic color patterns.
Along with leg warmers and
minimalist shift dresses, the
collection reminds us of the
’70s minis and knee socks.
This three-piece suit (right)
is exemplary of the disco
wear of the decade.
Prabal Gurung, Jill Stuart, Rebecca Taylor
Flared trousers, popping up at Prabal Gurung,
mimic the dramatic bell bottoms and wide-leg trousers of the four-decade-old fashion.
Ethnic trends of the late 60s were carried on to
the 70s. This manifests through the jewelries and
colorful prints of Jill Stuart’s collection.
Is 70s wear cute, or does it just make you look like
your mom’s old high school photo? Will you don
the trends from the runway this year?
The ’70s is dominated by
platform shoes and mules.
Thus, thick heels and ankle
straps populated the runways
of Jill Stuart and Cynthia Rowley.
Jill Stuart, Cynthia Rowley
Spring 2011 | Fashion blogging
the
Devil
Wears Prada
Designer clothes. Size zero
assistants. Cinderella makeover.
Boss from hell.
By Nessa Nguyen
T
he Devil Wears Prada is a new chick flick
based on the novel of the same name
by Lauren Weisberger. With the main
antagonist said to be molded after Vogue editor Anna
Wintour, whom Weisberger spent some time working
for, the movie stirs quite a bit of controversy.
Although it is uncertain how much the plot is true to
reality, the movie really grabs a hold of the audience's
attention by presenting a clever take on the powerful
and cut-throat fashion world.
Miranda
with a
redheaded
assistant
who looks a
lot like, uhm,
Vogue’s
Grace
Coddington.
In the film, the notoriously ruthless Miranda
Priestly is portrayed by the aptly cast Meryl Streep,
who effortlessly embraces the role with her slim frame,
chic silver hair and whispery voice.
Miranda truly comes off as the woman on top of
the fashion hierarchy – the only one whose opinions
matter. Satirically, a mere purse of her lips suggests that
a designer should change his or her whole collection.
Contrary to the original novel, the Runway editorin-chief ’s character in the movie has more (positive)
dimension to it. The audience is educated in various
Movie Review | Fall 2009
ways that Miranda’s demanding character is justifiable
because it is how she strives for perfection. In a scene
where Miranda is shown exasperated without makeup, she appears vulnerable as a real woman facing a
divorce.
Starring opposite Streep is the glowing Hollywood
beauty Anne Hathaway, another ideal pick for the
cast. She plays Andrea Sachs (Andy), a smart but
inexperienced Northwestern graduate who, by dumb
luck, is picked to be Miranda's junior assistant.
Andy’s fate is doomed by sarcastic co-workers.
The aspiring writer has no idea what she is in
for or that she is doomed to constantly feel clumsy
and inadequate in a place where size "six is the new
fourteen."
Most of the movie's humor inevitably revolves
around Andy being scorned at by immaculate coworkers and ordered around by her impossible-toplease boss.
One of the best moments is when Andy snorts at a
fashion assistant for her hesitancy to choose between
two seemingly identical "blue" belts.
An irritated Miranda,
with all sarcasm and
intent to intimidate,
gives an instant
spine-chilling lecture
about how cerulean
has
been
made
popular by the top
designers then filters
down to lowly clothing
stores where Andy
"fished out" her "lumpy"
poly-blend sweater.
(Left) Andy’s
transformation is
completed by over-theknee Chanel boots.
Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are valuable additions to the cast as their characters contribute to the
comedy surrounding Andy's ineptness at work. Blunt,
in the role of Emily – Miranda's senior assistant, is
wickedly entertaining with her proud superiority and
taking pleasure in Andy's mishap.
Nigel, the gay Runway fashion editor played by
Tucci, not only adds wit to the mix but also offers the
sympathy and mentorship much needed in Andy's
transformation.
has little input besides sulking about
Andy's
changing
lifestyle and lack of
commitment to the
relationship. Andy's
best friend Lily is
also cursorily portrayed, unlike her literary counterpart.
Director
David
Frankel (“Sex and the
City”) succeeds in
incorporating
the
alluring and hectic
New York city into
the background of all
the drama. Costume
designer Stylist Patricia Field puts on a lavish display
of high fashion, among which are Chanel, Prada,
D&G and Calvin Klein, making the movie's costume
budget record high.
The original soundtrack includes songs by
Madonna, U2, Moby and Alanis Morissette. Suddenly
I see by the up-and-coming Scottish singer KT Tunstall
does not appear on the CD although it makes quite an
impression in the opening scenes.
The Devil Wears Prada is definitely an enjoyable
chick flick for fashion enthusiasts and anyone who
enjoys a happy ending.
FUN FACTS:
• Just like Runway is modeled after Vogue,
the publisher Elias-Clark is the movie’s
version of Conde Nast.
• Andrea’s boyfriend in Weisberger’s
novel is named Alex and works as a school
teacher instead of a seus chef.
• The movie features countless product
placement, including
Apple
desktops,
San Pellegrino, Starbucks and T-Mobile
Sidekick 2.
• The need for Hermes scarves comes
Clockwise from left: Emily (Blunt), Nigel (Tucci),
Nate (Grenier) and Christian (Simon Baker).
from the novel, which describes Miranda’s
Andy's interaction at work is certainly comical and
amusing, but it outshines the parts about her personal
life, which predicts the dullness of the latter. Her boyfriend Nate, played by Entourage's Adrian Grenier,
Hermes scarf on her body.
trademark as always wearing a single white
• Valentino, who made a cameo, designed
Miranda’s dress at the gala.
Fall 2009 | Movie Review