FANTASTIC FASHION/GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! CHRISTOPHER KANE "PLANET OF THE APES" TOP

Christopher Kane S/S 2009 "Planet of the Apes"
top image courtesy of IHT/The New York Times

I GOT TO HAVE IT!!! This sleeveless top from Christopher Kane's S/S 2009 London Show with the "Planet of the Apes" baboon printed front is TO DIE FOR!!!

You can check out a wonderful review of the collection written by Suzy Menkes through the IHT website via this link. There's a wonderful slideshow of notable designers from London's S/S 2009 Collections which can be viewed at this link. Kane's collection was described as a cross between "Planet of the Apes" meets "The Flintstones".

Also check out my previous posting about Kane's collaboration for Shiseido by clicking here.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! RALPH LAUREN'S LIMITED EDITION "BLACK BALLS"

Ralph Lauren limited edition basketball photographed by Nicola
Kast courtesy of Men.Style.Com

Ralph Lauren has come out with a limited edition basketball designed as a charity fund raising items. Only 300 of the specialty "balls" were created and all proceeds from sales will go to the LeBron James Family Foundation. Don't expect to be able to buy these designer "balls" on E-bay or at the RL stores. They're only available at a charity auction / shopping event being held in NYC tonight (Sept. 10th 2008).

FANTASTIC FASHION / GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! D SQUARED "LIGHTING BOLT" HEELS

Image courtesy of Zappos

These amazing "Lighting Bolt" heels by D Squared are 5+" inches of pure PLEASURE & PAIN!! You can buy them here at the Zappos website.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! KARL LAGEFELD'S STEIF TEDDY BEAR

Karl Lagerfeld and Steif KL Teddy Bear image and
illustration courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld and Steif

This is the limited edition Steiff teddy bear designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The bear is modeled after the design master himself, outfitted with a black suit, high collar shirt, tie, dark sunglasses and belt buckle with the initials "KL".

Colette of Paris says "When the famous toy brand, Margarete Steiff, allows itself to produce the first ever "couture" teddy bear, it 's with the master of today's luxury Karl Lagerfeld. "

"A unique and unusual collaboration that shows us, one more time, how Lagerfeld is always on the avant garde. Steiff keeps on the innovation and brings you the first teddy bear made for older kids."

The "KL" bear will be available at Neiman Marcus starting September 2008. Because of it's limited run of only 2500, expect to pay $1500 for each bear.

FANTASTIC FASHION / FASHION FOR A CAUSE / GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! C.O.A.C.D. T-SHIRT

Carmelita at Elite N.Y. photo courtesy of COACD




Images courtesy of COACD

I have to have the new C.O.A.C.D. T-Shirt (Confessions of a Casting Director). It's so cool. Fashionable and Political.

You can get more information through the C.O.A.C.D. Blogsite via this link.

FANTASTIC FASHION / GOT TO HAVE IT!!! LANVIN / ACNE JEANS DENIM SNEAKERS

Lanvin Acne denim sneakers image courtesy of Selectism and
Sarah from Collette's blog sites

Got to have it!!!! These denim sneakers are a part of the Lanvin/Acne Jeans collaboration range which is due out in November 2008.






Images courtesy of Lanvin / Acne

As per the press release found on Lanvin's website:

LANVIN ACNE SUMMER 2009 MICRO COLLECTION

"Lanvin and Acne Jeans have joined their talents to create an exclusive collection based around denim. Born from a meeting between Alber Elbaz and Jonny Johansson, the creative director of the celebrated Swedish jeans brand founded in 1996, this micro-range for men and women was developed around the idea of "making denim desirable".

"Amongst the forty pieces designed by Lanvin and manufactured by Acne are women's trousers, but also shorts, corset dresses, tie-neck blouses, trench coats and double breasted jackets with puff sleeves. The men's collection, designed by Lucas Ossendrijver under the guidance of Alber Elbaz, features jeans, tailored front-pleated trousers, shorts, classic blazer jackets and macs."

During the press launch of the collection, Alber Elbaz, the 47 year old designer of Lanvin stated "I've started conceptualizing all of this not so long ago," said Elbaz during a one-on-one preview of the line. Fashion Week Daily first reported Elbaz was in talks to do a line with Acne Jeans in April. "I was very pleased when I started working with Acne. They're just young, energetic sexy Swedes and our partnership really wasn't about signing hardcore contracts, it was really just about creating about something that was mutually fun and creative."

The collection is due to hit Barneys and Berdorf Goodman in late November here in the States. Below are some press images released by Lanvin/Acne Jeans encapsulating the collection. Prices will range between $550 to $650 for jeans, while coats will run $1,200 to $1,500. The jewelry and handbags are expected to be priced north of $1,500.


Cover image photographed by Terry Tsiolis
courtesy of Acne Paper

Acne Jeans also has a great publication called Acne Paper, which they publish instead of advertising in any publications. Some contributors to the magazine are: Adrian Gaut, Alfredo Piola, Anja Stang, Anthony Maule, Cécil Mathieu, Christopher Breward, Erik Näslund, Geir Haraldseth, Glenn O’Brien, Greg Gorman, Hanna Wieslander, Hans Feurer, Johan Rosell, Johanna Agerman, Kaoru Isima, Katerina Jebb, Lisa Naftolin, Liselotte Watkins, Patrick Li, Peter Mcneil, Rachel Thomas, Ronald Stoops, Sølve Sundsbø, Tarik Saleh, Terry Tsiolis.

Here is a link to a blog on the T Magazine website by Thomas Persson, editor in chief of Acne Paper.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAMOUFLAGE

Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton & Product-reviews.net

OMG!! Who, What and When?? Do I have to do someone to get my hands on this limited edition Murakami bag from Louis Vuitton. As of today, it's out of stock on line and there's a major waiting list in the stores!!!

As per the Louis Vuitton website, the bag description is as follows:

"Takashi Murakami and Marc Jacobs re-invent Monogram canvas using the camouflage pattern. Result: a popular and urban line in which this Speedy and its vast interior space is closed by a zipper.

Size: 7.1" x 9" x 13.8"

- Monogramouflage, PVC & Cotton, lining in cotton, trimmings in natural cowhide and black jute canvas
- Antique gold finish brass pieces
- Zippered closure
- A patch pocket on the inside in Josiane canvas
- Hand held
- Supplied with a padlock
- Special address label stamped Monogramouflage, Edition limitée, Takashi Murakami, Louis Vuitton
- Two black cotton bands go right round the bag"

PRICE $1,580

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! SO SICK OF SKINNY JEANS? CURRENT/ELLIOT'S GOT THE NEWEST LOOKS!

Image courtesy of Current/Elliott

Are you sick of skinny jeans? Looking for a new way to hang loose? Then check out Current/Elliot's "Boyfriend 157" jeans. It's a higher waist, ultra soft, slouchy cut based on a pair of 1950's Levis XX jeans.

The label was created by styling duo Emily Current and Merritt Elliott, collectively known as MAUDE. They've styled editorials for magazines such as Nylon and Interview, celebrities such as Mandy Moore and Nicole Richie. The duo also have appeared as "fashion experts" in programs featured on networks as MTV and E! They are based in L.A. and are represented by Magnet L.A. and Magnet N.Y.

The "Boyfriend 157" jeans are $205 and available at Barney's, Neiman Marcus, Fred Segal and on line via:

www.eluxury.com
www.ronherman.com
www.singer22.com
www.shopdressonline.com

Compare the "Boyfriend 157" jeans with Katie Holmes' recent outings with her slouchy pegged jeans on the streets of NY. I feel a new trend developing......




Katie Holmes images courtesy of Just Jared.com

FANTASTIC FASHION / GOT TO HAVE IT!!! DITA VON TEESE LAUNCHES LINGERIE LINE WITH WONDERBRA

Dita Von Teese wearing "Multi-Teese" image
courtesy of Wonderbra


Dita Von Teese wearing "Satin-Teese" image courtesy
of Wonderbra


Dita Von Teese wearing "Spot-Teese" image courtesy
of Wonderbra

Burlesque Dancer and Fashion Icon Dita Von Teese is launching a line of intimates in conjunction with Wonderbra.

There are three ranges in the line called Multi-Teese, Satin-Teese and Spot-Teese. The collection is produced as a limited release, set to go on sale in Europe starting September 23rd 2008.

Ms. Teese states that "I love it when you can go about your daily business with the knowledge that you have a little secret of your own on underneath. Lingerie shouldn't be something you just put on for your lover; you should do it for you. It's not about seducing men, it's about embracing womanhood."

Wonderbra is known for it's infamous campaign featuring Eva Herzigova which caused traffic accidents involving men who were gawking at the billboards while behind the wheel.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! ROBERTO CAVALLI FOR COKE LITE VS. PATRICIA FIELD FOR DIET COKE

Coke Lite bottles designed by Roberto Cavalli, image courtesy
of Coca Cola Italy

Here are the exclusive Coke Lite (Diet Coke) bottles designed by Roberto Cavalli. The bottles will only be available in Italy between September through December 2008, with a limited number of 300,000 bottles to be made. The bottles are designed with several animal prints, as per the signature Cavalli look.

Christina Santucci, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola Italy says:

"In every woman there’s a special spark that makes her unique and comes out unexpectedly every time she follows her instincts. It bowls over anyone who is watching her. This joint project with Roberto Cavalli aims to offer a collector’s version of the Coca-Cola light bottle, to appeal to women with a strong personality, who are extrovert, modern and like to experiment; women who love beauty, design, art and culture. We want to remind them to bring out the unique, authentic side to their character. Either through a Roberto Cavalli dress or by collecting a limited edition Coca-Cola light bottle designed by Roberto Cavalli."


Diet Coke bottles designed by Patricia Field,
image courtesy of Coca Cola

What do you think of Cavalli's Coke Lite designs compared to Patricia Field's Diet Coke designs? Ms. Field's designs were recently available for sale at Selfridges London. She states "The ‘diet Coke’ City Collection captures today's modern women, confidant, glamorous, sexy and more in charge of their own lives, and represents the areas of life that are most important to them such as: ‘career’, ‘passion’, ‘love’ and ‘fashion’." Each colored bottle has it's own meaning - red equals passion, gold bottle means career, the turquoise bottle represents fashion and the pink bottle stands for love.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! SAINT ANGELINA PORTRAIT BY THE ARTIST "14"

Artwork image courtesy of Gallery of the Absurd
& Artist "14"

U.S. Artist "14" has created a portrait of Angelina Jolie as an iconic saint, with portraits of her children around Jolie as a Madonna figure. More interestingly, a picture of Jennifer Anniston is prominently crossed out, obviously in favor of "TEAM JOLIE".

As per the bio on the artist's website "Gallery of the Absurd", Fourteen "has been an artist and a keen observer of the human species for centuries. Her irreverent underground art in the form of hand numbered and signed posters has been seen and collected throughout the West Coast for years and yet she has remained gleefully outside the radar of commercial success. She lives in San Francisco, CA.

Lately, she's been both fascinated and horrified by the alarming rise in celebrity culture. She noticed that every time she flipped through a celebrity tabloid at the supermarket, she would erupt into tears of laughter and everyone standing in line to pay for their groceries would glare at her.

She always wanted to be a comic book artist, and here, in the pages of a glossy tabloid full of stalking paparazzi photos, catty commentary and the exposed bloated excess of celebrity existence, she had finally found the material to amuse and inspire her.

The art shown here is created mostly by hand using ink, acrylic, pastels and oils on paper or canvas. Digital enhancement using Photoshop and Illustrator is also used. Original art is available and for purchase. Email fourteencelebs@yahoo.com. She promises if you purchase her originals, you'll get a good karmic return on your investment.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! BLACK CANARY BARBIE!!!!

Black Canary Barbie image courtesy of Mattel

Meet the BLACK CANARY BARBIE, based on DC Comics' superheroine Black Canary.

As per the Barbie Collector's website - "DC Comics super heroine Black Canary is known for her martial-arts skills and her "Canary Cry" — a high powered, sonic scream with the ability to shatter objects and incapacitate villains. Barbie doll captures this super heroine's essence, wearing her signature black "leather" bodysuit and jacket, patterned tights, and black boots with "golden" details. Long honey blond hair with bangs and black gloves with "golden" details complete the look."

Mattel's controversial new Barbie is causing negative waves from the Christian Right. A spokesperson for the group Christian Voice states “Barbie has always been on the tarty side and this is taking it too far. A children’s doll in sexually suggestive clothing is irresponsible – it’s filth.”

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! "THE SHINING" AXE

Axe image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers.com


Jack Nicholson image from The Shining courtesy of LiveAuctioneers.com
and Warner Bros

The axe used by Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, in the movie "The Shining" is one of several key movie props to go on auction August 1st 2008. The prop was used by Nicholson in the climatic scene where he tries to break down the bathroom door in order to kill his wife.


Video Clip courtesy of Warner Bros.

The axe is a stunt axe made with a fiberglass head and is from Peter Hancock, propmaster from the film. It is estimated at $5000-$7000 USD.

You can view the complete auction catalog on the Live Auctioneer webite.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! SEGA'S SEXY E.M.A. FEMBOT

E.M.A. image courtesy of Sega

Sega's E.M.A. (Eternal.Maiden.Actualization) is a sexy fembot who can dance, hand out business cards, sing and even give kisses. She stands at 38cm and is equipped with infared sensors to avoid obstacles. The fembot has fully movable elbows, knees and shoulders. Kisses are bestowed when humans come close enough to set her sensors into "love" mode. E.M.A. made her debut at the Tokyo Toy Show 2008 and is available starting September 26th 2008, she will be priced at around $175 USD.





Some say that E.M.A. is nothing but a glorified version of WowWee's Femisapien, which debuted earlier this year and was available starting September 2008, but at a lower price point of 99$ USD.

Femisapien image courtesy of
WowWee

ART ATTACK / GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! ROYAL/T SHOP COSPLAY CHAOS

Picture courtesy of Royal/T

Royal/T Art Space is the Zion for Anime-Maniacs in L.A.!! This unique space is a multi faceted entity incorporating a fusion of an art gallery, boutique and restaurant/theatre cafe.

The genesis of Royal/T started when owner Susan Hancock, successful entrepeneur and "ModernJapanArt" collector approached Takaya Goto and Lesley Chi of Goto Design NY to conceive a space to showcase her extensive "Mod.Jap.Art" collection, with the help of architect Kulapat Yantrasast from wHY Architecture.

The duo came up with an concept inspired by the "Meido Kissa/Maid Cafe" phenom originating in Tokyo's Akihabara district. Since Akihabara is a manifistation of the 21st Century Digitalopolis (a la Blade Runner/Neuromancer), Royal/T not only has an art space to feature pieces from the Hancock collection, but carries the ANIME/CYBERPUNK/COSPLAY lifestyle into the connected boutique and cafe.

Cutting edge Japan-Artists such as Chiho Aoshima, Chinatsu Ban, Yayoi Deki, Mitsuhiro Ikeda, Izumi Kato, Hideaki Kawashima, Mahomi Kunikata, Yayoi Kusama, Mr., Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Mitsuhiro Okamoto, Aya Takano, Yuken Teruya, and Keisuke Yamamoto are represented in the collection. In addition, Western artists collected by Hancock include Ghada Amer, Stephan Balkenhol, Louise Bourgeois, Cecily Brown, Tracy Emin, Tom Freidman, Mark Grotjahn, Jim Hodges, Mike Kelley, Chris Ofili, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, Wilhelm Sasnal, Fred Tomaselli, Piotr Uklanski, Lisa Yuskavage.

The boutique carries various items directly connected to the artists featured in the gallery space, as well as items inspired and/or thematic of the movement. All items are noteworthy of "GOT TO HAVE IT!!!" status.

Ayumi Mamiya/Magikano Figurine by Max Factory


Image courtesy of Royal/T

Oni Musume/She-Devil IV Figurine by Kaiyodo & Bome Studio


Image courtesy of Royal/T

The cafe/restaurant continues the concept by featuring waitresses dressed in typical FRENCH MAID COSPLAY uniforms. The menu is based on a fusion of Japanese and CaliFrancais cuisine with traditional comfort foods such as "comfort" food and beverage classics like Curry Rice and Matcha Milk Tea as well as modern creations like Yuzu Shrimp Salad and Kyoto Sunset Tea. All dishes are served all day.

Royal/T is a runaway success since it's opening in late 2007, with loads of clients/customers/fans crowding daily to experience the complete lifestyle immersion.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! iPHONE FEVER HITS JAPAN

Pic courtesy of Apple

Apple's 3G iPhone will be launched in Tokyo this Friday July 11th by Softbank Corporation at their flagship store. Doors will open at extra early at 7:00 am to service customers. The other stores will open at 9:00 am for business.

The iPhones will also be available online starting Friday July 11 as well. This launch will be the first in Asia, to be followed by a launch in Hong Kong. New Zealand and Australia had their launches a few months ago.


Flagship Store photo courtesy of Softbank Corporation

Enthusiasts of the iPhone have been lining up since Tuesday July 8th in front of Softbank Corp.'s flagship store so that they can be one of the first in Japan to purchase the 3G iPhone.



Hiruyuki Sano photo courtesy of Crunchgear

The first person in line is Hiruyuki Sano, a student from Nagoya, who ditched class Tuesday to drive 160 miles north so he can buy the iPhone for his 25th birthday, which is on Friday July 11th, the day of the launch.

He actually brought his Macbook Pro, iPod, a change of clothes, an umbrella, snacks and a folding chair. His dedication means that he will suffer through four more days of Tokyo's hot and humid summer heatwave.

He also received permission to miss school from his professor. "My professor is a big Apple fan, so when I told him I wanted to come line up for the iPhone, he told me to go for it," Sano said after a fitful night of sleep in his chair. "My mom told me I was crazy."



Koichi Funyu photo courtesy Reuters

Koichi Funyu uses his mobile phone while in line to purchase it's replacement iPhone.


Tetsuya Umeda photo courtesy of Reuters

Another college student, Tetsuya Umeda, brought along a biography of Steve Jobs while resting on a piece of cardboard while waiting in line since Wednesday July 9th.


**UPDATE /FRIDAY JULY 11TH 2008**


Customers in front of Softbank's Flagship Friday Morning courtesy
of Reuters

Under Softbank Corp.'s "White Plan", customers can "Purchase of iPhone 3G 8GB model at approximately ¥23,000, ¥960/month, and unlimited packet usage at ¥5,985"

The flagship store is located on Otomesando Street in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo.


Map courtesy of Softbank Corporation

Store address and general info are as follows:

Address - ALTEKA PLAZA 1ST FLOOR, 1-13-9, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Street & Subway Access - 2-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station (along Omotesando St.)
Telephone - 03-6406-0711
Business Hours -10:00-22:00 (Contract applications/upgrades/repairs available 10:00–21:00)

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! MS. WINEHOUSE ON YOUR GRILL

Photos courtesy of Steve Heward/Heward Dental Lab

Artist Steve Heward has started a new trend - Tattoo'd Teeth!

His company, Heward Dental Lab, based in Utah/U.S.A., uses tattoo artists to paint minute portraits on crowns, after which he bakes them in a furnace to lock the image onto the surface.

To get your own, you'd have to have your dentist make a mold of your teeth, send the mold to Heward Dental Lab, and once they've finished painting and baking the crown, they will use the mold to fit the crown to your dental specifications.

Images such as Abraham Lincoln, Amy Winehouse, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mouse or customized pieces are available.