Is Amanda Seyfried the New Face of Prada?

Amanda Seyfried showed up on the April covers of ELLE and Marie Claire UK in two Prada dresses from their Spring 2011 collection.  Did I miss something or is Amanda the new face of Prada?  Sure does look like it. On the runway last Fall these bold and bright dresses definitely made a statement, now they are appearing everywhere.  Abbie Cornish also showed up on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australian April issue with the same green Prada dress and let's not forget Hailee Steinfeld wore the same striped Prada dress at the SAG Awards.  Prada sure does get around these days.

Rethinking Preppy

J. Crew's Fall 2011 collection makes me rethink what dressing preppy entails.  The collections has all the elements of a preppy style but with pops of unlikely color and refined silhouettes.  I honestly can't get over the styling for this lookbook which is absolute perfection.  The J. Crew women's collection team which includes Jenna Lyons and Marissa Webb has for the last few season redefined the retail chain but this collection tops them all. Although I'm looking forward to Summer, I must admit I can't wait for the day I pop into J. Crew and see this collection on the racks.

Jane Pratt Partners with Tavi Gevinson

Jane Pratt, former editor-in-chief of defunct Sassy and Jane magazines, is one smart cookie.  Pratt is teaming up with 14-year old fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson on a magazine and Web site for teenage girls and what a better way then to bring on a teenage girl.  Considering Tavi's tremendous popularity among the likes of Anna Wintour and many designers it seems that the winner in this situation is Pratt. After failing with Sassy and Jane magazine, Pratt could sure use a good comeback. According to WWD, "[Pratt] will launch JanePratt.com, a Web site aimed at the gulf between the Cosmopolitans and Jezebels of the world. Then, in the summer, she will team up with Gevinson to introduce a magazine and a Web site for teenaged girls." The article goes on to say that, "A mock tag line for the site has been pinned up in the offices of JanePratt.com on 28th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan — “Slutty, Selfish, Self-Absorbed,” a swipe at Cosmopolitan’s 'fun, fearless female' ethos." Hmm, I wonder if Tavi's parents find humor in the mock tag line?

Fashion Flashback - Versace 1990 Ad Campaign

Christy Turlington, Versace ad (October 1990), Photographed by Irving Penn

Geren Ford Sample Sale

One of my favorite designers, Geren Ford, is having another sample sale. Thursday and Friday, March 24 & 25, 3pm to 7pm and Saturday, March 26, 11am to 3pm. The sale will take place at their downtown LA warehouse, 530 Molino Street, #107 (entrance on Palmetto). According to Racked LA, you'll find samples that never made it to production. Nothing beats a Geren Ford piece that no one else owns.

Pamper Me Fabulous

On Sunday March 27, 2011 at the Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles, the bi-annual Women’s Day Out event Pamper Me Fabulous will once again bring forth a day full of fashion, friends, beauty, spa, fitness, food & drink and shopping. At the event spoil yourself with some retail therapy in the Bazaar or stop to enjoy a relaxing massage, hair straightening or beauty treatment from one of the many luxurious spas and salons. In between treatments indulge in the plethora of desserts, cupcakes and free-flowing bubbly or take a coffee break at the Don Francisco Café before attending a Pilates class in the Fitness Area. After head over to the Expert’s Corner to ask Food Network and Cooking Channel’s Aida Mollenkamp how to make a delicious healthy meal or listen to how to Design on a Dime from HGTV’s Kahi Lee. At the end of the day walk away with a gift bag filled with beauty and other fabulous goodies.

The best part is that it’s all for a good cause. 10 percent of the ticket proceeds benefit Step Up Women’s Network, a national network of women dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Ticket are $40 each (click here to purchase).

Check out the schedule of events and spa menu after the jump...

Ann Wintour Graces the Cover of WSJ Magazine

It's very fashion forward of WSJ Magazine to feature Anna Wintour on the cover of their April issue. Unsurprisingly, the side profile photo of Anna shows her in sunglasses and perfectly coiffed hair.  I also can't help but noticed how flawless her skin is in the obviously airbrushed photo by no other than photographer Mario Testino. Hopefully it will be an interesting piece.

LA Fashion Week Lives On

LA Fashion Week in recent years has not brought forth the best in fashion, however LA does have great resident designers. If only LA could get it together and create a stiff competition for New York. I must admit I miss the days when IMG produced LA Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, but even before they finally bowed out it was clear New York was their priority.  However there were a few designers during Style Fashion Week that I surprisingly liked. Some highlights from the week included the romantic bohemian style of Gypsy 05, the edgy style of Future Heretics, and the Spanish inspired collection of Ina Soltani.

Gypsy 05 Fall 2011 (Wireimage)

Future Heretics Fall 2011 (Apparel News)

Ina Soltani Fall 2011

Feeling Nostalgic about Gen Art

As LA Fashion Week brings to close the final Fall/Winter 2011 presentations, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic about Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion shows from years past. Since 1995, Gen Art has showcased and supported some of the best emerging talent in fashion through it's signature Fresh Faces in Fashion program. Last year Gen Art announced that is was filing for bankruptcy, but thankfully it's been recently relaunched under new leadership. According to the press release, Sandow Media acquired the beloved organization whose expertise in experiential and event marketing engages consumer audiences and aligns brands organically with emerging talent in film, fashion, music and art. In past years Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Phillip Lim, Vena Cava, Twinkle, Geren Ford, Rory Beca, Rodarte and dozens of other influential designers have made their debut with Gen Art.

In September Gen Art plans to once again present their Fresh Faces in Fashion program with fashion's next rising stars. In the meantime, I've complied a few photos of famous Gen Art alumnus' Fresh Faces presentations which helped launch their careers.

Vena Cava at Gen Art 2005 (Credit: WWD)

Vena Cava at Gen Art 2005 (credit: WWD)

Zac Posen at Gen Art 2001 (credit: WWD)

More photos after the jump...

Catching the Wedding Fever

Wedding season is in full swing with a handful of designers debuting their first bridal collections. So if you’re planning your nuptials or just love fantasying about it, check out this list of amazing designers and boutiques that have finally caught the wedding fever.

* The Pricilla of Boston boutique in Beverly Hills recently opened and Fancy That! captured the inside of the charming boutique with lots of great photos. (Look out for Eterna by Marchesa, an exclusive collection for Priscilla of Boston. Details such as launch date and price point have not been released yet.)

* Lanvin and Badgley Mischka also recently opened stores in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Dr. They both have bridal sections that are sure to make you feel like a princess while you try on dresses.

Left to right: Priscilla of Boston (credit: Fancy That!), Lanvin, Badgley Mischka (credit: LA Times)

* On Valentine’s Day, Urban Outfitters Inc. launched BHLD. Inspired by Anthropologie, the parent company's first attempt at bridal retail is only available online, but they plan to open their first store this summer. Browsing through the pretty gowns online, they seem more suitable for a garden ceremony than a hotel wedding.

* Matthew Williamson first bridal collection is filled with lovely gowns that are perfect for the stylish kind of bride.

* If you’re going the more nontraditional route, Jason Wu’s new bridal collection exclusively for Net-A-Poter.com is just what you’re looking for in a wedding gown.

Left to right: BHDL, Matthew Williamson, and Jason Wu Wedding Gowns

* Loeffler Randall first bridal shoe collection will go perfectly with Jason’s Wu’s nonconventional gowns.

* For the budget bride, Vera Wang recently launched the affordable line “White by Vera Wang” exclusively for David’s Bridal. Rumor: WWD reported in January that Vera Wang and Zale Corp. are about to announce a deal that will include an exclusive diamond collection. However, it's still unconfirmed so stay tuned.

White by Vera Wang Gown and Loeffler Randall Bridal Shoes

* Shopbop.com Wedding Boutique, launched today, caters to the fashion-forward bride and includes labels such as Halston Heritage, Thread Social, Rachel Pally, Lela Rose, Notte by Marchesa, Max Azria, Temperley London, Alice + Olivia, Thread Social, Zimmermann, AKA and Calvin Klein.

* Rent the Runway.com now has bridesmaid dresses starting at $50. The perfect solution to not having to buy a dress you’ll never wear again.

* DVF recently launched its new Home collection, which is a must add for any wedding registry.

* For the couple that already has everything there is a new kind of wedding registry. Hatch My House.com lets wedding guests chip in on the down payment of the newlyweds first home. Who needs formal dining wear if you don’t have a home to host dinners?

* Although it’s not new, I recently came across Mindy Weiss’ blog. Get all kinds of event tips from the wedding planner extraordinaire herself. (p.s. she was responsible for Nicole Richie’s recent wedding)

Related Articles:

Store Openings Around the City
Lanvin Opens Without A Bang On Rodeo Dr.

The Dior Show Will Go On

Photo credit: NY Times - Chris Moore/Karl Prouse

Last Friday, the Dior runway show at Paris Fashion Week went on as planned. Stained by recent events surrounding the dismissal of former creative director John Galliano, Dior's decision to present their Fall/Winter 2011 collection was the right choice. Many journalists who attended the Paris show said the atmosphere was surreal and very emotional. Although the collection was unmistakably Galliano, it showed that Dior is much bigger than just one man. At the end of the show, the entire atelier team in their white coats lined up at the end of the runway, while the audience applauded them. Affectionately acknowledged as the “petites mains” or little hands, the show was truly a tribute to them. In fact, they were the ones who finished the collection and put the clothes on the runway.

It's amazing how fast a creative genius such as Galliano has fallen from stardom. Although so much has happened in only a very short time, let me try and recap the main events that have taken Galliano back to where he first started. First, Galliano was arrested for alleged assault and making anti-Semitic remarks after a late-night drinking session at a bar in Paris. Immediately thereafter Dior suspended him pending an inquiry into the allegations. Then the British newspaper The Sun released a video showing Galliano making anti-Semitic statements and declaring "I love Hitler" while clearly intoxicated. As the whole world watched the video in disbelieve, Natalie Portman released a statement saying, "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video...I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way." Franca Sozzani from Vogue Italia is one of the few who came to the defense of Galliano and said, "While I condemn John's words, I am frightened by how quick these young people were to try to gain notoriety or money while destroying the image of a genius in the process". Next, Dior officially fired Galliano as the creative director, the position he had held since 1996. Galliano, who had remained silent up until this point, finally released a statement publicly apologizing and vowed to seek help.

Galliano's public apology was the right step, but he has a long road ahead of him before he can return to fashion. On the other hand, this is just a bump in the road for Dior. There is already so much speculation about who will replace Galliano. So far the most likely candidates are Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy and Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. However, Dior has not released any kind of statement confirming the next creative director. Once they do, all the bad associations with Galliano will be forgotten and Dior will shine again. I’m looking forward to the next phase of Dior and the upcoming Spring/Summer 2012 collection. As the fashion world holds it's breath in anticipation, so will I.

Related Article:

Paris Haute Couture For The Red Carpet 
   

"L" Decor

Moving is one feat, decorating is a completely different challenge. I couldn’t wait for the day to finally arrive! I had been scouring the internet and driving up and down the streets of Los Angeles for months in hopes of finding the perfect apartment (at the perfect price) to begin our lives in a new home together. There were times I thought I’d never find it but when I did, I knew I had to have it. So did the landlord who summed it up by telling my boyfriend (Josh) that I seem like a girl who gets what she wants. Well, I did. And now I must furnish it. My column will chronicle the adventures in designing my first place living with him and figuring out how to create the classy comfortable home I’ve been dreaming of for so long. Of course I don’t have the unlimited budget I hoped I’d have at this point but I’m finding resourceful ways to be way more inspiring and fun! I must admit my slight addiction to browsing on craigs list and Etsy for awesome vintage finds and running through the aisles of flea markets keep my adrenaline racing! I also love shopping for the few luxury pieces I am willing to “invest” in for long-term happiness in our place (note my play on key words appeasing to the male ear). Oh and by the way, I am not a professional interior designer, it’s simply a passion of mine to express myself through eclectic décor. My column will be a way for me to compile the lovely things that catch my attention along the way and share them with the rest of you!

Check out some things I’ve been dreaming about lately:

Jonathan Adler's x-bench I've adored for years

Parker Palm Springs aka my favorite weekend getaway and eclectic design heaven!

Dreaming that this chair will find its way to my living room

Rory Beca Launches Adorable Collection at Forever 21

After the Rodarte preview at MOCA's Pacific Design Center space, I headed over to The Grove for the Rory Beca for Forever 21 launch party. I met Rory as soon as I walked in and we chatted about her adorable collection. As we're chatting she walks over to one of her dresses and grabs the tag. "How embarrassing is this," Rory says as she points to a photo of herself on the tag. We laugh over the inclusion of her photo, but Forever 21 must be thrilled to finally have such a cool designer collaboration that they went all out with the tag. Then she tells me that I must try the video flip book, which turned out to be so much fun. My husband and I couldn't stop laughing as we made our flip book. Needless to say we had a great time at the launch party. For the few minutes I spent with Rory, she was super sweet, friendly, and lots of fun.  It's quite clear that the personality of this talented designer shines through in the clothes she designs.

I picked up the gray dress that Rory is wearing in the picture of us (and also on the mannequin to her left) and the pink knit sweater in the second picture below.  It was so warm in L.A. the next day that I ended up wearing the dress around town.  I have a feeling I'll be wearing it all summer.

Check Out My Previous Interview With Rory Here: Petro Zillia & Rory Beca for Forever 21 = Springtime Wardrobe Shopping!

Click here to shop the collection online

Rory and I on the Swanky Red Carpet

Rory Beca's Collection in Forever 21

Rodarte's "Black Swan" Tutus on Display

Friday night, I attended the VIP reception for the "Rodarte: State of Matter" exhibition at MOCA's Pacific Design Center space in West Hollywood. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte were in attendance and I had a chance to briefly meet them. "It's really special to have our first solo exhibition at MOCA," said Kate Mulleavy. It sure is for these talented California native designer sisters, who now reside only miles away in Pasadena. Our meeting was short lived as the sisters were in high demand that night, but I was still able to snag a quick picture with them.

The exhibition is comprised of more than 20 pieces, three black and three white tutus from the film "Black Swan" alongside other black and white couture dresses by Rodarte. The dresses are hung throughout the exhibition suspended on nearly invisible resin mannequins made just for the exhibit. The six tutus on display also rotated at one revolution per minute, allowing visitors to see the full costume. The first room of the exhibition is very dark with only a dim spotlight on the black dresses and tutus. Keeping with the dramatic flair, the second room's lights dim periodically, blacking out the 14 white tutus and dresses on display for only a few seconds. One of the white tutus in the second room has a red "blood stain" on the front, which looked to be from the last scene of the film. It was very exciting too see all the detailing and textures of the costumes up close, including the Swarovski crystals, feathers, and many layers of tulle. The exhibition is up at the Pacific Design Center through June 5, 2011.

Related Articles:
Black Swan's Costume Designer (No, Not Rodarte) Speaks Out, But Why Now?
The Perfectly Intense "Black Swan"

White Rodarte Dresses

Blood Stained Rodarte Tutu

More photos after the jump...

Introducing Lindsay G. (Interior Design Contributing Writer)

After months of writing about fashion I've decided to bring on my friend, Lindsay G., as an interior design contributing writer.  Lindsay is just as passionate about interior design as I am about fashion, and since the two complement each other, it seemed like a perfect additional to "Dreaming in Fashion." Starting this week, keep your eyes peeled for Lindsay's first interior design post. I can't wait for all you lovelys to meet her.

xoxo DesiZ

Tom Ford Rodeo Drive Store Opens with a Star-Studded Party

The long awaited Tom Ford store on Rodeo Drive finally opened to the public last Friday. Mr. Ford held his opening party the night before and it was probably as huge as the Oscars Vanity Fair party, which was that same weekend.  After work Thursday, I decided to stop by and try to somehow talk my way into the party.  As I walked up Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Eva Longoria, Colin Firth (by the way, he thanked Mr. Ford in his Oscar acceptance speech), Kristin Davis, and Milla Jovovich had just arrived and were immediately escorted through the velvet ropes. Needless to say I was unsuccessful in crashing the uber-exclusive party, but, hey, at least I tried.

On Saturday, I visited the store (again) and it was as gorgeous as I had imagined.  As soon as I walked in, a very handsome male model greeted me with champagne and graciously informed me that the downstairs was menswear and the upstairs was womenswear (I wonder how much he gets paid to serve drinks and give directions). One of my favorites parts of the store was the mirrored spiral staircase, even though it made me dizzy.  The store had a very relaxing ambiance and the staff were surprisingly friendly. In a recent interview with LA Times' Booth Moore, Tom Ford said, ""Even if they are not affordable to everyone, I want people to think, 'If I had the money, I'd love that.'" It's like you read my mind, Tom.

Related Articles:
Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford, and Lanvin Stores Are Opening Very Soon!
Tom Ford's Highly-Secretive Spring Summer 2011 Show Video
Store Openings Around the City
 

More photos after the jump...