THE BLAY REPORT by ZANDILE BLAY

Fwd: thurs post

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:16:00 PDT

www - my love-hate relationship with technology gets more tumultuous with its every advancement. because browsing designer goods on net-a-porter from the convenience of one's laptop is no longer, well… convenient enough, there's now an iphone application for that. at the recent launch of the apple and net-a-porter colab in london, the luxury retailer's founder (natalie massenet) said, "you used to go to see christian dior in paris to have a dress made, but now you can go to roland mouret in your hand". the nett-app enables customers to shop on net-a-porter from their iphone without having to reenter payment details, and new products are added twice per week. convenience is a wonderful thing. but, wouldn't a girl be so lucky to flee off to paris, smell the air, walk the busy streets, run her fingers across the rich fabrics, and all of the other cliché yet magical things that come along with a shopping extravaganza? will soon all of the romance and excitement of traditional shopping be lost in the web of online button clicking? who knows? until that time, i'll be impatiently waiting on my new nett-app to download. touché. – sydney cannon

OH HOW I LOVE THIS: TILDA SWINTON IS THE NEW FACE OF PRINGLE

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:30:00 PDT

london - be honest: you haven't cared about pringle of scotland in ages, and this is the firt time you've felt a tingle of excitment at the mention of their name. lets thank the legend and icon, tilda swinton for that miracle. i absolutely live and die and live again for the actress who has stared in a host of hollywood films including burn after reading (not her most prolific, but the only one i remember at the moment.) she was recently shot by ryan mcginley in scotland. the photos will debut during london fashion week and will be used for their spring 2010 campaign. genius move p.o.s. genius!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT THIS IS.....

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:18:00 PDT

new york - guess! yes -guess: the clothing line. now i feel the same way you do about guess. (can you guess...?) imagine my joy and enthusiasm when i stumbled upon this amazing piece during my latest market appointment. it is probably one of the best denim jackets i have seen in a while. the military style and metal accents/detail are so spot on and add a lot of character to the piece. even the rinse of the denim is delightful. it is such a show stopper that i assumed it was a custom sample, but we are in luck! this piece will be mass produced and available at guess stores nationwide later on this year. it will retail for $178. loves it!

OSSIE CLARK SHUTS DOWN: ARE YOU SURPRISED?

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 PDT

london - one of the most exciting fashion moments for me in recent history has been the re-opening of ossie clark . i cannot say that this is a brand i knew much about prior to last year, but you could not help but be caught up in the history and nostalgia of it all, once it was purchased by marc worth. the entrepreneur, he launched worth global style network, was ready to rejuvenate the label , ala harvey weinstein and halston here in the states. months later, those plans have fizzled. the ostentatious reason is the recession, but things didn't seem to be going too well for them before that anyway. their debut in february of last year at london fashion week wasn't exactly a resounding success and in recent months their new creative director, avsh alomgur left to focus on his own line. i'm sad to see it go, but sadder still to say this was predictable.....

NOT FASHION....BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME YOU DON'T MIND....

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:55:00 PDT

www - alas, i was minding my business reading blogs today to distract me from the drama of deadlines when i came across something very interesting: a photo of footballer terrell owens. this is the ad campaign for his reality show debuting on vh1 on july 20th. if i wasn't going to watch before, i am surely going to watch now. kudos to his stylist.

IN CASE THERE ISN'T ENOUGH CHEAP SHIZZ IN YOUR HOUSE...

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:51:00 PDT

usa - forever 21 is going to give you a helping hand. the company which is legendary for $21 knockoffs of $2100 dresses is now launching a home collection. yeah, you read it right: home. according nymag.com deets are sparse on exactly what it will be, but we can all be sure it will be plenty trendy and plenty disposable!

image from: fashionlawyerblog.com

YO, YO, YO: DO YOU MISS ME BLAYNISTAS?

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:47:00 PDT

new york, new york - oh mama misses you too! more than my landlord misses my rent- i promise! just checking in from the basement of nyu's bobst library where i am grinding away at 12:48 a.m in the morning to tell you how much i love you. yes - you! not the person next to you, or behind you, or on the t.v, or who you are chatting to. i heart you! why you ask? for taking the time to read my blog today. whether i am managing my writers, or typing away myself - creating the blay report is a labor of love and it feels so good to know that there is some one out there appreciating, responding to and reading it. that's it my loves. on to today's stories!

WEDDING BELLES AND DADDY BLUES

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:13:00 PDT

new orleans - there's a ghanaian saying my dad often uses. loosely translated it means "having children hurts". now, this would seem rather straightforward, but the literal sense is obviously not what he was referring to. i myself have learnt to dismiss it with nonchalance because i never fully understood its meaning. but watching my sister partake in what has essentially become a right of passage for women everywhere, it all became clear: "having children hurts" because one day you'll look up and they won't be children anymore.

these days, weddings are part of a multi-million dollar industry that continues to grow despite the institution's falling success rate. but watching as my sister, his oldest daughter, tried on a myriad of over-tulled white dresses, it appeared he had a lot more to moan about than the price tags. while my mother and i gushed over every article tried on in preparation of my sister's "big day", my father slouched sullenly in the background. excited about the upcoming celebrations, i'm sure, yet obviously saddened at the prospect of losing his little girl.

although my sister is the furthest thing away from a bridezilla, i'm quickly discovering the hectic side of weddings that until now were completely alien, having never participated in one: the invitation lists, the seating charts, the cake, the cars and especially THE DRESS (rhymes with stress for a reason). much as it is one's big day, weddings are essentially a celebration of love. don't let the stress of meticulous planning take that meaning away. and every once in while, give your dad a hug too.

LETS TAKE A MOMENT AND PAUSE FOR POPPY

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:46:00 PDT

new york - why, you know poppy don't you? it's the new casual/chic/colorful line rolled out by coach. if you live anywhere near the city of new york you have seen the bright ads plastered all over our public transportation. i love it. it heralds a new moment in the illustrius, casual luxury history of coach. check out a few of my favorite knick-nacks from the collection. learn a whole lot more about it here. zandile blay

WHO IS WHO IN FASH INDUSTRY OWNERSHIP: QUICK REVIEW BY BLAY REPORT

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:05:00 PDT

what do jewelry makers tiffany's and accessories line lamberston truex have in common? well, think of the above title as having a musical accompaniment of <<DUN DUN DUUNNN!!>>, because you are in for a surprise. a closer look at some of your favorite brands may reveal some unexpected family ties or perhaps even a few black sheep:

puig fashion group: carolina herrera, nina ricci, among others

procter & gamble: covergirl, max factor (recently discontinued in the US), braun, olay, ddf skincare

lvmh: louis vuitton, loewe, celine, kenzo, givenchy, marc jacobs, fendi, donna karan, emilio pucci, thomas pink & the recently purchased eco-friendly line, edun (U2's bono is a co-founder)

aeffe usa: alberta ferreti, moschino (including cheap n chic line), jean paul gautier, narciso rodriguez

gap: gap, banana republic, old navy, piperlime

cynthia oconnor & co: botkier, foley & corrina, ted rossi among others...

primavista collections: la perla, resort life, daniela evatini jewelry among others...

www - tiffany's and co: tiffany's, lamberston truex

jones Apparel Group: anne klein, nine west, paul & joe, warren edwards, rachel roy

splendid: splendid tees, ella moss

as shocking as some of these may be, it simply goes to show that at its base fashion is essentially a business, with mergers and acquisitions forming a large, profit-enhancing bulk of it. but why the wide ranging aesthetic is some of these? perhaps they're just diversifying their portfolios. lottie ntim

If Wishes Could Be Worn..

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:04:00 PDT

brazil - I am a big believer in wishes. I am bigger believer in bracelets. Now

wishes as bracelets, genius. Blaynistas meet the Brazilet. These
colorful cloth Bonfim ribbons have mystical power according to a
history of Brazilians who believe in their powers dating back to two
hundred years ago. These darling tokens come from Bahia, Brazil. The
script translates to read In remembrance of our Patron Saint good luck
in life." You wrap the strand around your wrist twice then tie three
knots and make a wish for each knot. Naturally over time the material
will begin to fray, no helping along with this process! Once your
bracelet falls of your wishes will come true. Better yet, a portion of
the proceeds goes towards those at Brazielts biggest wish, saving the
Amazon. A percentage of the $5 charger for each braclet is giving to
PlantABillion.com, a community dedicated to planting a million trees
in the brazilin rainforest. I have the black style which is almost
worn down, and I have to admit, my wishes are feeling like they've
come true! Celebrities are also counting on the Brazilian accessories
to help their wishes come true, Brazilian actress Camilla Belle sports
a white one. Visit www.brazilets.com to learn more about the history,
and even add your own desejar on the site. I promise the I wish I was
a unicorn, was not mine!! - Lola Mendez

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WE LUST THIS: REVLON FRUITFUL TEMPTATIONS

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:59:00 PDT

www- Blayinstas, have you noticed I love all things nail polish? My

favorite polish I ever got was a sparkly brown color that smelled just
like hot chocolate. I think I even used to lick my nails, every nail
biters dream. A decade later and someone has finally caught onto what
a fab idea it is to have magically smelling nails! Revlon has just
launched for a limited time the Fruitful Temptations collection. The
collection comes in an array of eight shades from Coconut Crush to Not
So Blue Berry, each for a mere four dollars! Lola Méndez

I LUST THIS: DR. MARTEN & YOHJI COLLABORATIVE BOOTS

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:46:00 PDT

GOING GLOBAL: DESIGNER HOTELS

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:50:00 PDT

worldwide- there seems to be a trend creeping up around the world, and it's a fusion of home and fashion. certain powerhouses, already notorious for their sartorial success, are entering the realm of hospitality. The latest to do so is the vibrant darling of Italian luxury, missoni. hot on the heels of the edinburgh missoni hotel, the iconic group will soon introduce its kuwait location, decked out in unmistakably missoni patterns. the 169-room haunt was carefully designed by rosita missoni, and reflects the bold flair that is synonymous with the brand. next in line is the armani hotel and residences, opening in burj, dubai. located in the world's tallest building, the swanky spot fits right in with dubai's glittering skyline. expect everything from a floral shop to a nightclub, all bearing the stamp of armani approval. the message? true style expands far beyond a wardrobe; it's a quality of life. itching to see what designer will be next to brand a style of living… - sydney cannon

JUICY COUTURE TO LEAVE MADISON AVE

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:53:00 PDT

New York- Juicy Couture is abandoning Madison Avenue, reflecting hard times

and high rents along the posh Manhattan retail venue, are leaving... the retail

space is very large.. if there werent an H&M up the block I say that they would

barge in... or maybe Kate should look into a second venue for Topshop New York?

Terrence Phearse

LOVE TORY BURCH? WELL TODAY IS YOUR LUCKY DAY...

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:34:00 PDT

www - ms. burch is having a contest for all her stands. the grand prize is an essential summer wardrobe and an equally essential summer vacation to los cabos, mexico to go with it. all you have to do is log on everyday to the site here to try your luck. since i told you about it, please feel free to bring me along if you win! zandile blay

WE LUST THIS: CRAYON RINGS

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:55:00 PDT

www - I've always been the artsy kid. I hated markers and colored pencils but I loved crayons growing up so when I found out that Timothy Lilies makes colorful block rings from recycled crayons that you can even DRAW I was needless to say beyond excited. I need them immediately, or sooner. I am beyond excited and will be dragging my fingers across any paper I can get my hands on! As of late this functional fashion accessory only comes in size seven in packs of 8 for $50. - Lola Méndez

BEAUTY FIX: BETTY BEAUTY...AHEM...HAIR DYE

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:51:00 PDT

www - Now this is a product we never could have imagined existed. Betty
Beauty creates hair dye for pubic hair. Changing your hair... on your
head? If you're going super drastic and dyeing your eyebrows as well,
why not throw in ALL your body hair as well. Betty Beauty currently
offers blonde, brown, black, auburn and yes... even hot pink. I can't
help but wonder if they make "grey coverage" or "highlights". Please
blayinstas, try to refrain from sending us pictures of your results!
- Lola Méndez

EXCUSE THIS SEMI-GROSS HOLDING PIC - BUT IT'S ABOUT HERMES SO THAT MAKES IT ALL OKAY

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:59:00 PDT

Australia- In order to meet the demand for their leather bags, Hermes has succumbed to breeding crocodiles on Australian farms. "It can take three to four crocodiles to make one of our bags so we are now breeding our own crocodiles on our own farms, mainly in Australia," says Patrick Thomas, chief executive of the luxury line. "Hermes already faces a major challenge producing 3,000 crocodile bags a year. The world is not full of crocodiles, except the stock exchange!" I'm wondering what PETA thinks about this but i happen to think that this is brilliant for the brand and its a smart move. Make your coins Hermes!

Terrence Phearse

PHEARSE TALK: D&G MEN'S RTW

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:52:00 PDT

www- the D&G man is a handsome cowboy this season.

this seasons spring 2010. They went into the mix of discolored

leather and ripped denim, patched denim, and more denim—around

60 washes in all. the collection was incredible and it was very sexy,

just keeping it "phearse"

Terrence Phearse

WE LUST THIS SITE: SEA OF SHOES

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:50:00 PDT

                                      YSL CAGE HEELS

                                   CHANEL NO. 5 BOOTIES

                   MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA COWBOY BOOTS

        AND THIS IS MUMMY SEEN IN GIVENCHY BOOTS HERSELF

North Texas- this 17 year old fashionista named jane, from texas is a vision. she has a blog

called the sea of shoes which you would probably get sick if you looked at because

she gives you everything you want and mroe. she was one of my interns at "fashion at the park" presented by Vogue and Cadillac in dallas two years ago but unbeknownst to me, she was major!

www.seaofshoes.com

Terrence Phearse

FIT CELEBRATES SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:53:00 PDT

New York- clearly I take FITs museum for granted. I'm in my last year

there and have only been in the museum once. Fashion and Politics," a

new exhibit opening July 7 at the Museum at FIT, illustrates the interplay

of fashion trends and political movements with more than 100 costumes

and accessories. Curator Jennifer Farley says its organizers approached

the topic with a broad scope. Organized chronologically, the show begins

in the 19th century with a pair of patriotic pieces: an 1889 costume bearing

an American Flag motif and Catherine Malandrino's Flag Dress, which debuted

in 2001 after 9-11, and was recently reissued in response to last fall's Presidential

campaign. Go check it out.

Fashion Institute of Technology

W. 27th @ 7th Ave. E. Building

Terrence Phearse

MARKET RESEARCH: VINTAGE CHANEL ON E-BAY

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:46:00 PDT

www - anyone who knows me, or reads my blog, knows i am a chanelista. (i definitely jeopardized my tuition payments for a sickening black chanel tote.) but i digress. to ease my mind, and to stimulate yours i took a stroll on ebay to see what tasty vintage chanel finds i could discover. needless to say, it was abundant. herewith, a few snaps of the ones that stood out to me. if you have a couple of hours and a couple of hundred (actually more like $600 to $1700) i suggest you log on and check it out. if the spirit moves you, don't hesitate to buy a thing or two for your fave fash blogger. besos.

GOD BLESS THE STYLIST OF THIS V-MAGAZINE COVER SHOOT

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:36:00 PDT

london - i can't remember the last time i took a second look at any cover cameron diaz ever did. pretty girl, i know. but boring and uber-vanilla. i was never interested: until now. mert alas and marcus piggot worked their magic on diaz for the current issue of vmagazine. diaz is wearing prada shorts and boots. get into the bra please - which is nothing but good old gaffer tape. get more at www.vmagazine.com, then come back to me.

PLEASE GET INTO HER: LITTLE BOOTS

info@zandileblay.com (ZANDILE BLAY) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:46:00 PDT

london - blaynistas, a very high five if you already know about victoria hesketh, aka little boots. she is an electro pop artists from england who is already a certified sensation. i had the pleasure of styling her for paper magazine's summer issue, currently out on newsstands. and beyond being - an obviously - gifted musician was struck by how effortlessly stylish she was. no wonder then that she was recently snapped in a head to toe henry holland look during her performance at the glastonbury music festival. her look was a take on henry's spring summer 2010 collection and incorporated chunky crystals from SWAROVSKI which gave the entire outfit sparkle and dimension on stage. holand commissioned pretty polly to create the tights which little boots is wearing. i hear the process of hand studding them with SWAROVSKI crystals took hours to achieve. so worth it!

images via getty (obvi!) and mandi lennard.