bunny BISOUS

"Karl" and I Discuss His Latest Chanel Haute Couture Collection... Again

2009-07-11T12:31:18-04:00

In my most recent seasonal PAPER Magazine post-Chanel Haute Couture tête-à-tête with "Karl" of the uproarious cult read in fashion circles -– Karl Lagerfeld's Guide to Life (recall his quite hilarious take on the masterfully cut, entirely black-and-white Spring 2009 Chanel couture collaboration with Japanese hairstylist/milliner Katsuya Kamo) –- Karl discusses his Fall 2009 HC presentation presented this week in Paris, expounding on his innate glove-wearing kinship with Michael Jackson and the rather grave importance of plush sofas.
Read our entire chit-chat at my PAPERMAG Fashion Schmashion column here.

Fake Karl Returns to Discuss His Fall 2009 Haute Couture Collection [PAPERMAG]

"Karl" and I Tweet the Intricacies of a Chanel Treehouse [Karl Lagerfeld's Guide to Life]

Fake Karl Returns to Discuss His Upcoming Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld & Chanel Collections [PAPERMAG]

Fake Karl Discusses His Spring 2009 Haute Couture Collection [PAPERMAG]

Interview with Julia on the Fall 2009 Couture Collection [Karl Lagerfeld's Guide to Life]

bB,
ox jf

Street Peeper Anniversary Picks: Julia Frakes of PAPER Magazine

2009-07-05T13:37:00-04:00

Phil Oh – my dear friend and the photographic mastermind behind the worldwide fashion sensation StreetPeeper – recently invited me to partake in the "StreetPeeper Picks" series and select my absolute best-loved streetstyle photographs in honor of the acclaimed website’s anniversary.

No doubt flattered at the opportunity, I had such a hoot picking my preferred togs and chronicling why I nominated them that I felt compelled to pass along the lighthearted bit: it was originally published at http://streetpeeper.com/fashion-hot/street-peeper-picks-julia-frakes-paper-magazine and is duly replicated below.

Which ensembles strike your fancy?

Paisley, polka-dots and plaid? As an earnest Woody Allen fan, it's no wonder that I'm head-over-heels for Fay's zany modern-day take on Annie Hall's signature menswear-tinged aesthetic! This intricately layered, flawlessly accessorized ensemble is at perfect balance: the hard-core matching grommets and metalwork (on dusty rose vest, skinny Western belt, rustic hardy boots) are consummately juxtaposed against the decidedly dainty ankle socks and ladylike pleated pants. [full-size]

I'm dazzled by Alfhild's distinct take on such iconic, patently-Prada pants (S/S 2008). With her Peter Pan collar, Peggy Guggenheim glasses, and peek-a-boo belt, she rather magically managed to transform such distinctly off-the-runway Art Nouveau-cum-Biba bell bottoms from an ethereal, instantly recognizable "Trembled Blossoms" impracticality into a striking base for a warm outfit of the quirkiest proportions. Check mate! [full-size]

I'm supremely smitten with her endearing sense of wit – olde-worlde Victorian boots, handmade floral shorts, an umbrella necklace, and a timeless Chanel tote – all rather legendarily capped off with a hefty bear hat from Paddy's Markets! Majorly prolific in her fairy-tale irony. [full-size]

Yoon's innate sense of transparency and perceptive proficiency of textures is something to be envied. Her command of the subtleties of both coloration and fabrication is sublimely cultivated – the silk Chloé top's girlish frills lend an air of innocence to an otherwise slinky set of separates (daring desert sand fishnets atop charming beige bloomers). Her 'fro and friend are rocking to boot! [full-size]

Gloria Baume's composition here is most in keeping with the mode in which I personally dress on a day-to-day basis. I especially admire her fresh, offbeat mingling of textiles – the immaculate melding of a brawny plaid button-down blouse with Miuccia's magnificently regal Miu Miu brocade skirt is further accentuated by twee floral socks, Marc's sought-after carnelian boots, and a scarlet Chloé bag (all of expertly coordinating tones). Indispensable thermal leggings, a quintessential bole belt, and a simple staple denim jacket serve as the perfect foils to an otherwise intricate ensemble. [full-size]

Oh golly, Miss Molly! Isn't she utterly delightful from head to toe? Donning mightily versatile togs, she puts her best foot forward in spunky cerise shoes and Isabelline socks. A nonpareil pair of Yale blue high-wasted jeans and a fundamentally unfussy grey single-breasted top coat aptly set off a vibrant blouse abloom with charisma and derring-do. Topped off by enchanting tortoiseshell spectacles and a cutesy purse charm... her magnetism is irresistible! [full-size]

Talk about moxielicious! Layering for the elements has proven to be anything but a personality impediment for this lovably madcap sprite. A cozy cyan Faroese lace shawl swathes a billowing, puffy parka in a Peter Pilotto-esque pattern. Her pixie persona is played up by elfin pointed mary-janes, a braided hairpiece à la Natasha Kahn, and fetchingly flecked cheeks (not entirely unlike Shirley Temple or Joanna Newsom). One can only wonder what treasures lie tucked inside her winsome white Western pouch and shopping bag ostensibly burstling with freshly ferreted-out vintage finds! [full-size]

With a perspicacious eye for concomitantly eccentric and posh pieces, Ronx is indubitably the crackerjack color coordinator. The fiercest of felt coats serves as the focal point of her swank regalia boasting hues that harmonize to the hilt. Her shirt and sherbet tartan coat's superficially at-odds plaids in sooth compliment each other inimitably; set off by veritably matching azure sunglasses, sack, and stovepipe jeans... as per usual, Ronx is right on the money. [full-size]

Tomo's winning getup relies almost exclusively on the sparkling wit of bit details. An unpretentious yet fastidiously-crafted white Lad Musician shirt is a relaxed relief from his proper suspenders and form-fitting, charmingly cuffed April 77 jeans. My heart set a'flutter upon perceiving his playful collocation of straightforward black and white shades (checkerboard socks, striking CA4LA bowler hat, tidy lace-ups) against a markedly quirky Palos Verdes Blue butterfly necklace and an old school camera bag (in the most literal of terms). [full-size]

I don't think it is actually possible not to have a ball whooping it up in this crackerjack ensemble! I'm rather bright-eyed and bushy-bunnytailed for her jaunty Jean-Charles de Castelbajac top flanked by the blithest of smiley face epaulets! Her exuberant more-is-more approach is positively enlivening – spotlighted by necklaces aplenty (an ebullient Trojan Horse to the fore), a fanciful diagonally-striped sequined skirt fit for Studio 54, and crazy-cool contrast-leg B&W tights. Nonetheless the opulent razzamatazz is refreshingly offset by a manifestly easy-breezy Mia Farrow pixie coif, no-frills Repetto Zizi Femme lace-ups, and a carefree attitude (sans makeup). This is one cute lassie with whom anyone would want to hit the town! [full-size]

bunny BISOUS,
ox jules

Related:

ViVi Magazine (p. 59, July 2009 issue) surprise MagStyle scan: [bunnyBISOUS tweet]

Tipping my hat to Phil in New York [StreetPeeper]

Phil found me hastily hopping to Sharon Wauchob in Paris [StreetPeeper]

As Requested: the Wardrobe Credits from SPUR and GINZA Magazine Self-Styled Features [in English]

2009-06-28T10:36:45-04:00

SPUR Magazine:

details/style credits:

dress: Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld
flapper cameo pin: vintage Leah Stein
Eiffel Tower heels: Yves Saint Laurent
prescription eyeglasses: Tom Ford
bunny bracelets: Stella McCartney
vintage purse: Chanel
keychain: Hello Kitty (disguised as a cow)

dress: Sari Gueron
seahorse, pirate ship, and dried flower necklaces: vintage from Screaming Mimi's
cherry clutch: Stella McCartney
floral scarf (worn as bonnet): Missoni
pin: Charles Anastase
shoes: vintage Salvatore Ferragamo
floral bracelets: vintage
beige bracelet: Hermès

Scottish crest: vintage
fish necklace: vintage from Screaming Mimi's
dress, sweater, shoes and clutch: all Stella McCartney

GINZA Magazine:

[upper-left]
dress: Chimala from Pas de Deux
Oxford shirt: Boy by Band of Outsiders
prescription eyeglasses: Persol
espadrille wedges: Prada
[lower-right]
dress: Proenza Schouler
vegan patchwork sac: vintage Chanel
cherry heels: Stella McCartney
denim jacket: Charles Anastase
necklace: vintage

details/style credits:

dress: vintage See by Chloé
seahorse necklace: from Screaming Mimi's
shoes: vintage Stella McCartney
hat: Rag & Bone
canvas tote: Chanel
cardigan: Rachel Comey

dress: Peter Pilotto
vest: Boy by Band of Outsiders
hairpiece: bespoke from Screaming Mimi's
necklace: vintage from New Laundry, Scranton PA
cat in bucket pin: vintage from Fabulous Fanny's
shoes: Stella McCartney

dress: Rag & Bone
hat: Maison Michel
prescription eyeglasses: vintage from Fabulous Fanny's
bumblebee pin, purse, necklace: all vintage from Screaming Mimi's

tribal skirt: Suno from Opening Ceremony
shirt: Comme des Garçons
fish necklace: vintage from Screaming Mimi's
sailing-boat heels: Stella McCartney
hat: Rag & Bone
handmade teddy bear and elephant: Judy Geagley

Fresh Talk: Julia Frakes by Jenna Fain [The Supermelon]

About Last Night... Berlin Book Signing with Julian Schnabel & Lou Reed at Steven Kasher Gallery [PAPERMAG Fashion Schmashion]

Featured at PAPERMAG: Spring Cleaning & Shop Talk with...

2009-06-28T08:55:01-04:00

Bunny hop over to PAPER for a few chipper articles Spring Cleaning with...

Aya Kanai, Teen Vogue

Chrissie Miller, Sophomore

Bonnie Morrison

Timo Weiland, Timo.

Anna Sheffield, Bing Bang

Rachel Antonoff

Sarma Melngailis, Pure Food and Wine

Emily Current, CURRENT/ELLIOTT

As well as a trickle of tête-à-têtes with cutest cats in the quintessential NYC retail establishments in Shop Talk with...

Meghan Farrell, Opening Ceremony

Rocky Banks, Screaming Mimi's

Rachel Kichler, Rag & Bone

Sue Goodlow, Prada [Fifth Avenue]

Chelsey Grygorcewicz, One Lucky Duck

Amy Sall, Pas de Deux

bB, Jules

The Supermelon talks shop with Julia Frakes [T een Vogue]

WILLIAM YAN Profile Project: an interview with Julia Frakes [williamyan.com]

Julia Frakes tipping her hat [streetpeeper]

NYLON Japan June 2009: Best-Loved NYC Boutiques | Surprise Lissy Trullie Cameo

2009-05-08T12:51:04-04:00

NYLON Japan June 2009 via MagStyle

Pas de Deux
Owned by the brilliant partners Eddy Chai and Paul Birardi – who have single-handedly revolutionized E. 11th Street into an East Village retail retreat as proprietors of the preeminent men's store, Odin (as well as the groundbreaking pop-up concept shop, Den) – Pas de Deux is an elegant and enchanting emporium that is carefully curated to fit its polished, petite quarters. Staffed by the most ebullient and accommodating salespeople in retail, Pas de Deux is a chic must-visit for rare collections like Chimala, Coming Soon by Yohji Yamamoto, FWK by Engineered Garments, Repetto, and Coventry by Matthew Terry – alongside a hand-picked selection of the best from my favored Boy by Band of Outsiders, Karen Walker and Rag & Bone collections. 328 E. 11th St. New York, NY 10003 (212) 475-0075

Opening Ceremony
Without a doubt, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have the most enterprising, innovative, and pioneering vision in retail today. It has been an honor to better get to know Humberto while I was with Chloë Sevigny shooting her Fall 2009 lookbook in Brooklyn (for her unisex collection in collaboration with Opening Ceremony); he is a revolutionary gentleman who has garnered an unprecedented assemblage boasting the likes of Bernhard Willhelm, Proenza Schouler, Schiesser Revival, Hussein Chalayan, Marios Schwab, Alexandre Herchcovitch, G.V.G.V., Jeremy Scott, Meadham Kirchoff. and their cult-venerated eponymous label – as well as my all-time favorites: Charles Anastase, Peter Pilotto, Tsumori Chisato and Rodarte! Until the eagerly awaited opening of their first international store in Tokyo, if you're in New York be sure to request their brilliant salesperson Meghan Farrell at OC: she is incredibly knowledgeable and obliging when navigating their unrivaled selection (including vintage wares) and exclusive, cooler-than-thou collaborations. 35 Howard St. New York, NY 10013 (212) 219-2688

Otte (West Village location)
Otte is a delightfully curated little boutique that carries many sought-after feminine labels that are otherwise quite rare to come by in America – including my beloved Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno, Burfitt, Catherine Holstein, Seneca Rising, and Ulla Johnson lines. My favorite Otte location is in their West Village storefront just across the street from the enchantingly twee British tearoom, Tea & Sympathy. 121 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY 10014 (212) 229-9424

OAK (Manhattan location)
Always cutting-edge, Oak is a downtown punk oasis situated on a treasured rarity in Manhattan: the cobblestone road that is Bond Street. As the ultimate destination for avant-garde leggings, superbly skinny trousers, and architecturally intriguing volumes, Oak tends to attract an unpretentious, progressive Alex Wang-esque crowd with labels like Obesity and Speed, Horace, Don the Verb, and Ilse Jacobson. 28 Bond St. New York, NY 10012 (212) 677-1293

Mick Margo
Nestled in the historic West Village on the picturesque Commerce Street, Mick Margo's airy, light-filled boutique retains the best selection of Isabel Marant in Manhattan. I usually peruse their comely selection of antique jewelry and easy, dainty basics after wandering around Christopher Street (bursting with gems like Aedes de Venustas perfumery, McNulty's Tea & Coffee Co., Rag & Bone's flagship, and just mere blocks away from my favorite bookshops – Three Lives & Co. on the corner of Waverly Place and W. 10th St. and Left Bank Books on W. 4th St. near Bank St.). Don't forget to ferret out their Chronicles of Never sunglasses and stock up on their impressive selection of supremely supple and cozy environmentally-friendly ecowares by Araks, Royalton, and Organic by John Patrick. 19 Commerce St. New York, NY 10014 (212) 463-0515

bB, jf

Lissy Trullie "Boy Boy" directed by Cass Bird

featuring Chrissie Miller, Chloë Sevigny...and even yours truly makes a few cameos (2:12, 3:00)
hint: a hoisted crowdsurfing bunny donning the same Rag & Bone hat as above NYLON scan

Julia Frakes StyleSetter interview conducted by Elizabeth Monson [StyleCaster]
Vogue Nippon spots a bunny during Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week [vogue.co.jp]
Hehe... sent to me by M: bunny BISOUS Conspiracy Theories [The Clothes Horse]
Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld presents three photographers [New York Magazine]
Caught outside Lanvin F/W '09 by ELLE Japon in Paris [elle.co.jp]

On my BFF Rachel Antonoff's lookbook set with Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alia Shawkat [Teen Vogue]

Field Trip! Bunny Hop to PAPERMAG.COM for my Ongoing Fashion Month Down-Low

2009-02-27T11:44:50-05:00

My Pre-Fendi Chit-Chat with "Karl Lagerfeld" [PAPERMAG]

images via Chantale Nadeau

My Quick Chit-Chat with Calvin Klein Exclusive (and bunny amie via my dear friend, the talented photographer Owen Bruce) Addison Gill [PAPERMAG]

My Quick Backstage Narciso Chit-Chat with Charlotte Høyer [PAPERMAG]

My sincerest of apologies for the lack of bunny BISOUS exclusive postings as of late! While I cannot reveal very much quite yet – as per various contractual things way beyond my realm of understanding – I've been quite a busy bunny! Stay tuned for in-depth behind-the-scenes action when I arrive back home to New York après Paris A/H 2009-2010 Prêt-à-Porter. In the meantime, be sure to check my twitter and PAPERMAG column for the latest daily fashion schmashion! As always, thank you kindly...

bunny BISOUS,

ox jules

Bunny Fash-Chat Live (not quite from) the Red Carpet

2009-02-22T17:15:37-05:00

Join the fashion confab with surprise cameo chatters galore!

See you at 6 pm EST –

bunny BISOUS,

ox jules

Field Trip! Bunny Hop to PAPERMAG for My Ongoing Fashion Week Down-Low

2009-02-18T11:36:42-05:00

My Quick, Mid-Casting Chit-Chat with Katie Fogarty [PAPERMAG]

photo via Supreme Beings at Paul Rowland's Transformations exhibition
My Quick Pre-Show Chit-Chat with Designer Jeremy Laing [PAPERMAG]

Douglas Pernet's Quick Chit-Chat with Some Cool Cats – somehow your bunny snuck in there – at Transformations [Confessions of a Casting Director]

My Quick, Mid-Castings Chit-Chat with Constance Jablonski [PAPERMAG]

Vlada Débuts her New Red Hue [PAPERMAG]

My Quick, Backstage Chit-Chat with Burberry It-Girl Alexina Graham [PAPERMAG]

Julia Frakes is Cool, Calm, and Collected at threeASFOUR [Teen Vogue]

Once Perennially Late, Now Always on Time – Jacobs Makes a Statement (a.k.a. I have the funniest editor ever, Mickey Boardman) [The Cut]

First Glimpse: Jeremy Laing Fall '09 [Fashionista]

Bloggers Unite! Teen Voguers, Fashionista and bunny BISOUS Cover Costello Tagliapietra [Teen Vogue]

At the Tents: Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) Spots a Bunny at the Ready-to-Wear Shows [Style.com]

6119 Ilana Sunderland's Designs Make You Look Red Hot and Feel Naked! [Refinery 29]

bunny BISOUS,
ox jules

Field Trip! Bunny Hop to PAPERMAG for My Tête-à-Têtes with Myf, Lisa of Lulu Frost, Kaiser Karl and Stephanie Carta

2009-02-06T12:03:46-05:00

"... I prefer to smell like my natural self. Naturally, I smell like roses though!"
– Myf Shepherd

A Quick Post-Haute Couture Chit-Chat with Model Myf Shepherd [PAPERMAG]

Fake Karl Lagerfeld Discusses his Haute Couture Collection [PAPERMAG]

A Quick Chit-Chat with Lulu Frost Jewelry Designer Lisa Salzer [PAPERMAG]

A Quick Haute Couture Chit-Chat with Aussie Model (and Cobrasnake favorite) Stephanie Carta [PAPERMAG]

bunny BISOUS for Bryanboy!

On the other side of the coin...

Julia Frakes: Teen Vogue's Favorite Fashion Bloggers (as featured in the Taylor Swift-fronted March 2009 issue: scans tenderly sent to me by my love, Bryanboy) [Teen Vogue]

My Informal Interview with JUSTJR apropos the Summer Collections [BLOG de MODE]

Label to Watch: TV (Monika Tywanek and Ingrid Verner's cult line) [PAPERMAG]

Teen Vogue's Elana Fishman (my stunning, hard-working, talented and warmhearted roommate) [altamira]

bB,
ox jf

Une Ode à La Mariée | A Crowning Moment: Backstage Princess Bride Diaries

2009-02-01T12:42:27-05:00

Legendary hairstylist Odile Gilbert crowns Lacroix's "La Mariée" Vlada at the Centre Pompidou

Subsequent to Pascal – my ultra-altruistic "chauffeur extraordinaire" (he surprised me at Charles de Gaulle with the most delightful Parisian cat book and later Ladurée macaroons to tote home for my roommate Elana) – proffering my super warmhearted and loyal Norweigan mate Siri Tollerød and the always ebullient Aussie Skye Stracke an entertaining lift from the Chanel presentation on rue Cambon to the Christian Lacroix show at the Centre Pompidou, I tarried backstage with some familiar faces and old friends.

After catching up with Heidi Mount and Ellen von Unwerth, I settled at "coiffure" with the brilliant and witty Odile Gilbert, where I chatted with the lovely Tanya Dziahileva (snug as a bunny in the most charming striped Sonia Rykiel cardigan... more on our adventures later) and Lacroix's third-time bride-to-be Vlada Roslyakova.

Vlada – who attained the throne as Lacroix's "La Mariée" when fellow doll-faced belle Lily Cole bowed out of Couture runway in July 2007 – revealed that she was keen on how the strawberry blonde rinse applied for an upcoming Christian Lacroix video campaign (details originally reported at PAPERMAG, thanks to Women Management's James Tinnelly's kind missives) began to fade into the most fetching reddish-flaxen. Just as the backstage photographers and video cameramen had vacated the scene and made their way to the wardrobe chambre, I suddenly beheld "the crowning moment" [above].

Originally assuming that I was in sooth a model awaiting maquillage (flatteringly jesting that "Kate Moss was short too, you know"), Odile apprised to me that the gleaming wedding tiara was akin to her antique Russian coronet collection. She promptly added that her assemblage is predominantly composed of costume-jeweled crowns – "or else I wouldn't be here toiling away backstage" she quipped. I would have to beg otherwise considering that just three hours later at Colette I spotted Odile's eponymous in-demand line of sleek hairpins when I hastily snapped up a grey Lanvin ribbon motif pearl necklace and a straw Maison Michel hat [video] with Liberty print ditzy floral trim [photo].

As the industry's chicest coiffeuse (scope out her portrait here lensed by Karl Lagerfeld), Odile's gravity-defying 'dos include Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette and the notoriously innovative hairstyles at Rodarte, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Bottega Veneta, and Nina Ricci: so it's only fitting that the French Minister of Culture and Communications recently bestowed Odile with the medallion of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.

But for the love of transformative coifs... please don't stray from the backstage!

bunny BISOUS,

ox jf

Related: The History of Model Bags Explained: Backstage at Haute Couture Week [PAPERMAG]

Related: Top Fashion Hairstylist Odile Gilbert [Teen Vogue]

Related: Fêting Odile's fellow recipient of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, The New York Times' Bill Cunningham at Bergdorf Goodman [Guest of a Guest]

Link: Check out photos that I snapped at the intimate Chanel HC presentation at Pavillon Cambon Capucines (and noticable lack of quality compared to Mark's handiwork) after running into Patti Wilson and Rose Apodaca [The Cobrasnake]

Ongoing Haute Couture Coverage at PAPERMAG Fashion Schmashion

2009-01-25T22:39:00-05:00

Bonjour mes lapins! It's official: I have finally landed in Paris after what can only be described as a "colorful" Air France flight – be sure to bunnyhop over to PAPERMAG for the downlow on my slightly nerve-racking (and in hindsight, rather laughable) "FRAKES ON A PLANE!" saga – to once again report on the Haute Couture shows for Paper's Fashion Schmashion.

While reluctantly tucked away toute seule dans ma chambre with a less-than-glamorous bout of food poisoning contracted en route to Paris, I was begrudgingly forced to forgo my beau bow amour Alexis Mabille and the master Armani Privé's presentations as well as cancel tea with Cobrasnake and Alie of Dirrty Glam at Colette. I was, however, buoyantly cheered by the arrival of these two Hippolyte garden bunnies thoughtfully dispatched to me by Hôtel le Bristol's legendarily kindhearted staff.

This superbly silky-soft velveteen rabbit is really all the rage! Little Lucas Portman – flanked by his mum, Natalia Vodianova and dad, Justin Portman – proudly totes bunny buddy Hippolyte (named after the hotel's founder Hippolyte Jammet). Many thanks to Amy Bramley (Executive Director of The Naked Heart Foundation) for informing me of the charity's recent website makeover. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new site and the foundation's magnanimous work!

Apropos of nothing, I recently received a number of surprising and flattering e-mails with regard to my choice beauty products and toiletries. Well, I am a bit of a purest (it's actually a rare feat to even espy me wearing any makeup) but I do have a few go-to cruelty-free products that I use semi-daily. So while unpacking earlier yesterday I zippily snapped a few shots to test out my new USB cord before the shows. Shown above are my favorite shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, body soap, hand/body cream, perfume, the one hair product that I can tolerate, and a free sample airport security safe purse-size hand cream thrown in for good measure.

bunny BISOUS,

ox jf

Link: "Frakes on a Plane!" [PAPERMAG]

Related: Dirrty Glam October 2008 Interview with Your Bunny [bunny BISOUS]

Related: Paolo Roversi & Natalia Vodianova Bring Shalimar Back [PAPERMAG]

Elle Japon February 2009 | New York Wardrobe Special

2009-01-17T12:58:07-05:00

What an honor to be featured in the new February issue of ELLE Japon's Closet Confidential (other wardrobe/flat write-ups include Margherita Missoni, Mary Fellowes and Natasha Royt). It's always a delightful experience to collaborate with both the ELLE Japon and winsome ELLE Girl teams; moreover working with the ever-so-elegant Makiko Monji was an absolute dream. Not to mention garnering the opportunity to meet designers Mikhael Kale and Akiko Ogawa was an unforeseen lagniappe!

As per usual, my ragdoll cat Daisy insisted on making a few inevitably adorable cameos (word has it she even manages to make a little appearance in an upcoming Teen Vogue as well)! The most sincere of thanks to Taiwan's favorite fashion blog MAGSTYLE for sending along the pristine scans; I generally tend to demur from posting profuse photos of myself – there are no doubt copious other talented bloggers more-than-willing to oblige – so many apologies for the deviation!

bunny BISOUS,

ox jf

Link: ELLE WARDROBE SPECIAL – Julia Frakes [MAGSTYLE Taiwan]

Related: Out on the Town with Margherita Missoni by Mickey Boardman [PAPERMAG]

Related: Of Big Macs, Twillies and Teen Vogue [bunny BISOUS]

A Quick, 2009 Post-Holiday Chit-Chat with European Mannequins Sara Blomqvist, Inna Pilipenko and Lyoka Tyagnereva

2009-01-09T16:36:12-05:00

It's a wrap: the final portion of the 2008-2009 annual "International Holiday Chit-Chats" is live at long last!

Bunny hop on over to PAPERMAG to find out who finds humour in her mother's zany socks, who is midway through Helena P. Blavatsky's magnum opus The Secret Doctrine (1888), and who spent New Years freezing her tuchas off dancing in Oslo!

Link: A Quick Post-Holiday Chit-Chat with European Mannequins Sara Blomqvist, Inna Pilipenko & Lyoka Tyagnereva [PAPERMAG]

Related: A Quick Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with America's Sweethearts Ali Michael & Karlie Kloss [bunny BISOUS]

Related: A Quick Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with "Planet Earth's (self pro-claimed) Favourite Third World Fag" Bryan Boy [PAPERMAG]

Related: A Quick Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with Canadian Amours Amanda Laine, Kate Somers & Simona McIntyre [PAPERMAG]

Inna Pilipenko's Supreme Management screen test with Kathy Lo

bunny BISOUS,

ox julia

PS: Stay with bB for a flurry of upcoming (as of now "hush hush") spokesbunny duties, charitable organization partnerships, fashion week coverage, designer/label alliances, several magazine photoshoots/interviews, styling collaborations, and super kawaii fun in Japan! I'll be able to share further details soon... LOVE in '09!

A Quick, Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with America's Sweethearts Ali Michael & Karlie Kloss

2008-12-25T00:07:32-05:00

After a few twee Christmasy tête-à-têtes over at PAPERMAG with Canada's Amours (top models Amanda Laine, Kate Somers, and Simona McIntyre) and "Planet Earth's [self-proclaimed] Favorite Third World Fag" – recently announced COACD Top Face – Bryanboy, I had the pleasure of catching up with all-American beauties Ali Michael and Karlie Kloss to dish on their kooky family traditions, nostalgia for the Nineties, and how they're giving back... not just throughout the holiday season.

How long did you believe in Santa Claus?

Ali Michael: I believed in Santa probably until I was about eight years old or so. Santa used to leave me a typed letter every Christmas morning. One day when I was looking through my mom's computer to find something for school, I accidently opened the folder that held the exact letters that Santa had left me. It was kind of devastating.

Karlie Kloss: [chuckles] What are you talking about... I will always believe in Santa Claus!

Does your family have any quirky holiday traditions?

Karlie Kloss: Well my poor dad was born on Christmas Day [December 25], so he has to "split his birthday" with Christmas: we always spend the entire first part of the day opening presents and enjoying Christmas morning, then at night all of the family comes over to celebrate his birthday! It's quite a day...

Ali Michael: We really don't do too much for Christmas – except get together with family – which is what it's really all about.

Favorite holiday desert:

Karlie Kloss: Definitely my gram's gingersnap cookies.

Ali Michael: I can't imagine that any of my family members will go near any vegan treat that I attempt to make; but I'm loving warm raw cacao-coconut-almond milk at the moment! I want to try to make a raw vegan cheesecake or recreate Souen's carob brownies with pine nuts.

Favorite holiday film:

Ali Michael: I grew up watching the original version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) and always have gotten a kick out of Tim Allen's The Santa Clause (1994). I feel like I'm back in the good old 1990's when I watch either of them.

Karlie Kloss: It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): it's a tie!

Favorite charitable organization:

Karlie Kloss: There are potentially too many incrediable charities to list... but one of my favorites is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation because my mom survived breast cancer.

Ali Michael: While it's not exactly a charitable organization, I just signed up as a volunteer for an organization called New York Cares. It's a really great placement program that connects people with a wide range of volunteer opportunities all throughout the city. When in Texas, I volunteer at a therapeutic horseback riding stable where I work with kids with mental and physical disabilities.

How do you plan to spend your holiday this year?

Ali Michael: I'm spending my holiday with family in Texas. While it would be nice to see a "White Christmas" for once, I'm not complaining about having a break from the freezing New York weather. It's supposed to be sixty-five degrees [Fahrenheit] here on Christmas!

Karlie Kloss: Enjoying time with family... and of course catching up on sleep!

a very merry everything,

bB jf

Related: A Quick Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with Bryan Boy [PAPERMAG]

Related: A Quick Pre-Holiday Chit-Chat with Canadian Models Amanda Laine, Kate Somers & Simona McIntyre [PAPERMAG]

The internet at Paper is down – stay tuned for the "European edition" set to be published by the end of the week!

Battle of the Suits: Tom vs. Thom Ensues...

2008-12-18T19:26:24-05:00

Tom Ford [left] and Thom Browne [right] contrast their trademark tuxedo tailoring

Among the more sparkling revelations of Tom Ford's Rules of Style feature in the new January Details, the designer mogul/film director/luminary of luxury less-than-crypticly divulges: "I hate the trend of short suit jackets. When a man’s butt is showing below the bottom of his jacket, I think it makes him look like a female flight attendant from the back— not my idea of sexy."

His collocated Bergdorf Goodman Men's second and third floor showdown with fellow American suitor Thom Browne may in fact serve as a microcosm of a greater vying over the definition of masculinity in the twenty-first century luxe market – and as such, a gallant battleground of sorts over whose modern cut will reign supreme in the sartorial propinquity. Although their rivalry over disparate design ideologies will suitably remain as gentlemanly as the made-to-order maestros themselves, when Mr. Browne was asked whether he would indeed triumph in a fist-to-cuffs fight with Mr. Ford, he famously boasted: "I'm a stubborn Irishman, so I'd probably win."

While his Central Park jogs (famously sporting his signature shrunken silhouette on every run) may help maintain his tiny physique, Thom's runway pursuits of the tennis leitmotif have done little to convince Suzy Menkes of his diminutive dissertation on crisp American menswear with his hallmark hoisted-up schoolboy proportions. Madame Menkes – who recently toured Tom Ford's new Milan menswear maison [below] – strayed from her usual propriety when describing what her fellow International Herald Tribune/New York Times fashion reporter Eric Wilson had just praised [above] by proclaiming Browne's Spring 2009 presentation as "a shriek for a shrink [rather] than a coherent vision of a new man with a newly filled closet." She asserted that he failed to properly infuse his trademark tailoring into his cuts at Brooks Brothers, instead lavishing on overly-literal, frivolous Roger Federer-inspired togs. Match point.

bB,

Julia

Related: Karl Lagerfeld adores Tom Ford and his goods (erm, clothes): video interview with Kate Betts