The Cut

Oscar Short List Picks Vanity Fair Over Vogue

Amina Akhtar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:15:00 GMT

So the Oscar short list for documentaries was announced this week, and on the rather long list (fifteen films!) was Valentino The Last Emperor. Cheers for a fashion flick and VaVa's five pugs! But whither The September Issue? Surely one of the most engrossing films of the year is worthy of a nod? The Vogue flick has earned, so far, $3,747,341 in theaters, and is still playing. Valentino made roughly half that, with just $1,755,134. It stands to reason that more people saw Anna's movie. Populism, we all know, is rarely a reason to win an Oscar. But! Is this a case of Vanity Fair triumphing over Vogue? Valentino was helmed by Matt Tyrnauer, a correspondent for VF. Is an invite to Graydon's Oscar party so coveted that the Academy is willing to snub Anna? Oh, to be a fly on Condé's elevator wall ... [Official site]

The Twi Style Evolution: Taylor Lautner

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

In our final and third installment in this week’s New Moon fashion tribute, we take a look back at 17-year-old Taylor Lautner, who plays a werewolf. This kid’s suits are blowing our minds — so polished and impeccably tailored week after week. And he doesn’t pair sneakers with his eveningwear like some of his other Twilight cohorts. Take a look back in the slideshow.

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Filed Under: twi-hards, new moon, slideshow, taylor lautner, twilight

Japan Goes Mad for 13-Year-Old Fashion Blogger Tavi

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:45:00 GMT

Tavi Gevinson is getting more famous by the day. She was all over New York Fashion Week — on many a front row, at that — and “defines Rodarte for Target,” the Mulleavy sisters told Teen Vogue. (Teen Vogue adds the designers have been fans of her “cutting fashion commentary” since they first read her blog StyleRookie, and even sent her a custom pair of hand-knit fall-2008 tights.) Anyway, the Japanese are the latest to catch Tavi fever. She will be the guest of honor at Comme des Garçons’s holiday party on Friday, November 27 in Tokyo. WWD reports she has several photo shoots lined up with Japanese magazines for her trip, as well. Though she's just 13, Tavi is practically a seasoned pro — she appeared earlier this year on the cover of Dasha Zhukova's first issue of Pop. So she's a trusted fashion critic, high-fashion muse, and celebrity blogger. And we are blogging in a messy gray cubicle without custom-made designer legwear. Where did we go wrong? Oh yeah. Aging. No bitterness here!

TAVI IN TOKYO [WWD]

Filed Under: kids these days, comme des garcons, designers, rodarte, tavi gevinson

Agyness Deyn Went to the New Moon Premiere Dressed Like Little Bo Peep Gone Goth

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:25:00 GMT

Agyness Deyn wore a froufrou blue-and-black skirt and black-lace top to the New Moon premiere in New York last night. All her outfit seemed to be missing was a small heard of vampire sheep!

Given the occasion, what do you think of her choice of outfit?

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Filed Under: look of the day, agyness deyn, models, new moon

Prices Drop at Save Fashion Pop-up Sale

Sharon Clott — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:05:00 GMT

Save Fashion, the pop-up store at Inven.Tory (237 Lafayette Street, near Spring Street), is knocking up to 30 percent off already-reduced prices. Thakoon dresses, Kimberly Ovitz jackets, and Samantha Pleet shorts are all included, and that's just a sample of what's in stock. The sale ends Sunday, so have a bargain-filled weekend. [Racked]

Earlier: Preview the Stock at Save Fashion

Preview the 2010 Pirelli Calendar

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:40:00 GMT

The Pirelli calendar is given as an annual gift to the tire company's most important clients. This year Terry Richardson shot models including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Catherine McNeil and a sloth! As usual, they're in various states of undress. The Telegraph has some behind-the-scenes shots. [Telegraph UK]

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Filed Under: scantily clad hotties, catherine mcneil, models, pirelli calendar, rosie huntington whiteley, terry richardson

Health-Care Bill Includes Taxing Cosmetic Surgeries; Zac Efron Reveals Hair Secrets

Sharon Clott — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:20:07 GMT

Zac Efron

PLASTIC SURGERY
• "Botax" may become a reality. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled his $848 billion health-care bill on Wednesday. Page 2,045 contained a section that would impose a five percent tax on cosmetic procedures and surgeries. [Fox News, Kaiser Health News]

HAIR
• Zac Efron: "I've never told anyone this before. This is a hair scoop. Shower before you go to bed, and then sleep on your wet hair. Towel-dry it. In the morning, it's all messed up naturally. If you have that messed-up thing going when you wake up, it's more willing to stay that way. That's Zac's hair tip." [Time]

• Twilight's Nikki Reed had to wear a blonde wig for the second film because her naturally dark hair was too damaged from bleaching it after the first movie. [Glamour]

• Beard expert Dr. Alan Peterkin says that Brad Pitt's beard says to the world that he's “tired of being a part of one of the most beautiful couples in the world. He wants to try a new look.” On why he has a long beard in the first place: “Most men growing facial hair around his age are being ironic. It's a bit of a wink of the eye; ‘I'm not taking this too seriously and nor should you.’“ [Us]

MAKEUP
• Beauty.com enlisted Erickson Beamon to create a limited-edition makeup bag, which is available for any shopper who spends more than $100. [Beauty Counter/Style]

FRAGRANCE
• The new High Line Park on the west side inspired a new fragrance by Bond No. 9, which launches on March 1 at Saks Fifth Avenue, and smells like gardens. [WWD]

• Costume National's first men's scent hits Barneys New York next week. The previous six fragrances for the house have all been unisex. [WWD]

Project Runway: Obvious Winner Creates No Drama, Results in No Fun

Emma Rosenblum — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:45:00 GMT

No real surprises here, folks. Irina takes the crown, as we knew she would, which is preceded by a dramaless finale, the highlight of which is a Tim freakout the likes of which we’ve never seen. We learn that Michael Kors is one of those people who wear sunglasses indoors, Nina has emotions, and Heidi calls her dad “Papa.” But first things first: When we start out, Carol Hannah is still feeling horrible and nauseated, which even melts the heart of stone-cold Irina (just a little). At least she gets a big hug from Logan to make her feel better. At the hair and makeup consultation, Carol Hannah wants soft and pretty, while Irina and Althea both want dark smudge. Tim points out that their beauty schemes are basically the same, and Irina again accuses Althea of copying her (while she seems to be completely fine with copying us!). We watched the episode with our mom, and were treated to some over-55-year-old gems. “She is just a witch,” she said of Irina (Mom doesn’t curse). Tim, meanwhile, calls it a “make-it-work moment.” The morning of the runway show, the designers have to get up at 3:30 a.m. to prep their collections. The show is running behind schedule, and in the most amusing moment of the night, Tim has a hissy. “I am about to lose it!” he yells, running around like a lunatic attempting to hurry everyone the eff up. It finally all comes together as the tent fills up. Althea introduces her collection first — “I’m showing you a piece of my soul,” she says, mentioning she was inspired by sci-fi movies from the fifties and sixties (where’s Ra’mon when you need him?). Carol Hannah calls her show “near and dear to my heart,” and then Irina comes out and says her collection is “what it takes to survive in the city as a woman!” Really? All we need is a big sweater with sleeves that are twice as long as our arms? Interesting. “Just ’cause you don’t like Irina, doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of people supporting her,” says our mom, wisely. And it’s true, she gets the win. So let’s see how the designers did, shall we?

What Do Models Talk About Backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? Food, Mostly.

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:30:03 GMT

Last night the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show taped in New York. This is how show stylist Charlotte Stockdale explains the spectacle:

“We came up with the idea of this girl who lands from outer space in Paris. She gets on a train that comes to a halt in Pinkland, where pink girls get on and off. Then they go into this fairy-tale forest and little lady bugs and butterflies land on them and vines grow up on their clothes. Then, there’s Tick-Tock Time; the wings in this section are based on clocks — there’s one modeled after a pocket watch with metallic feathers. And she ends up in this regal realm of princess-ness, where the wings have Swarovski jewels and peacock feathers.”

But everyone knows this event isn't about the clothes. It's about the half-naked models, who spent all day yesterday backstage getting ready. To be half-naked for a few minutes. During this time they chatted up many reporters. The favorite conversation topic? Food. See what Chanel Iman, Anja Rubik, Marisa Miller, and more said in the slideshow.

Earlier: Video: Backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Show

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Filed Under: panty parade, abbey lee, alessandra ambrosio, anja rubik, caroline trentini, caroline winberg, chanel iman, fergie, heidi klum, marisa miller, models, selita ebanks, slideshow, victorias secret

Fug Girls: Thoughts on the Project Runway Finale

The Fug Girls — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:28 GMT

From left: Looks from Althea, Irina, and Carol Hannah.

Hey, we're getting better at this: For the second season in a row, we correctly divined the winner of Project Runway — although, to be honest, this season it was about as difficult to predict as announcing that it might snow while you are in the middle of a blizzard. Even with her nonexistent color palette, Irina's collection was so much better from a technical standpoint that giving the win to the others would've felt a bit like handing a painting prize to a fifth-grader instead of Monet, just because, hey, what the kid was going for MIGHT have been interesting if he'd just been a better artist. Herewith, our complete thoughts on the finale (The Cut's official recap will follow shortly).

Heather: So Irina takes home the big prize. But judging by the judges' behavior, I'm guessing we weren't the only ones a bit underwhelmed by this season.
Jessica: I know. Michael Kors wasn't as orange as usual, which I took to be a sign of ennui.
Heather: Michael Kors usually talks faster than that if he's into something, doesn't he? This time he was speaking SO slowly and SO deliberately, like he was afraid he was going to vomit out some honesty if he wasn't careful. That felt like a big tell. That, and looking like he wanted to stab someone.
Jessica: I thought it was very telling that nearly every comment the judges made was prefaced with the phrase, "I have to say ... " as though the sentence prior was something like, "Although I found this collection completely lackluster ... "
Heather: The debate felt like they'd all discussed earlier how to spin each collection so that they didn't accidentally say, "Well, we blew it with you three, sorry," and then weep for the future.
Jessica: Don't you think that during breaks in filming, Kors and Nina sneaked off to the bathroom to try to figure out who the heck was who, again? This must have felt like the final for a class they barely attended.
Heather: Hey, y'all, this is what you get when you blow off judging.
Jessica: In fairness, there's no way I would have been able to work up any enthusiasm for any of those collections either. I mean, Irina was the clear winner, but that's not saying much.
Heather: Every compliment felt vague. When deliberations started, all Nina really said was that it looked like they all spent time on their collections. It reminded me of if someone says, "It's so nice to see you," and you reply, "And you … are also here!"
Jessica: I suspect they're relieved this season is finally OVER.
Heather: At least the right person won — when it got down to Althea and Irina, I was like, "REALLY? No. They wouldn't. Would they?"
Jessica: I know. Althea and Carol Hannah's looked, as Tim Gunn would say, like student work.
Heather: Which is essentially what they still are — they may end up being fine designers someday; I just think they're a tad too raw to be finalists on this show. Rami was probably at home going, "What, I couldn't have been on this season instead?" and drying his eyes on napkins he made out of his old collection.
Jessica: Totally. Oh, and speaking of Tim, I did enjoy when he got all shirty. It was kind of thrilling.
Heather: It was easily the best moment of the entire season. It's about time he let them have it. I also enjoyed Kors talking about how Althea is plugged into "the street." It sounded like when Regis Philbin talks about how you should go to "the ABC.com."
Jessica: It was like he learned that part of his commentary phonetically.
Heather: I'm surprised they lauded that about Althea, too — it makes sense to a point, but they kept talking about how she can take what's happening on the street and put it on the runway, but isn't that backwards? If it's already on the street, isn't it already passé in fashion terms? She should look forward, not be reactive.
Jessica: I think honestly they just didn't have anything else to say about her. Like, it was that or, "Wow, those are some headbands there."
Heather: Or, "Are those Jessica Simpson–brand extensions you're wearing?" Was the talent level this awkward all season? Or did it just become apparent late in the game?
Jessica: I think it was always awkward, but in a normal season, the awkwardness would have been weeded out eventually. Whereas in this case, awkwardness was all there was.
Heather: That's exactly it. I kept thinking, "Oh, good, they've almost sorted out the chaff," and then ... more chaff. It was chafftacular. I hope they can rebound.
Jessica: With any luck, next season will be more satisfying. At least they're back in NYC, so we'll get our weekly recommended allowance of Michael and Nina. Honestly, I'm way more interested in hearing all the backbiting and bitching about this season that is going to kick off in about fifteen minutes from, I suspect, everyone involved.
Heather: Starting with the judges being like, "Okay, when I said that was 'great,' what I meant was, 'It grated.'"
Jessica: And then all the past contestants will start ragging on this season.
Heather: And then Jay McCarroll will announce that he thinks it's all Tim Gunn's fault.
Jessica: And then Irina will get arrested for intellectual-property theft.
Heather: And she can redesign prison jumpsuits, and then she can judge a future season challenge where they all have to make even NEWER slammer pants out of license plates.
Jessica: This is going to be great! Lifetime, you can make the check out to the Fug Girls.

Earlier: Predicting Tonight's Project Runway Winner

For more of the Fug Girls, check out Go Fug Yourself.

Babel Fair Brings Globally Sourced Sequins, Fur, Denim, and Leather to Soho

Lauren Murrow — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:35:00 GMT

Erica Kiang turned her affinity for international street style into a career. She graduated from Barnard in 2006, interned at Vogue and Gucci, and landed a retail job at Ann Taylor. After soaking up the local sartorial scene on recent trips to Brazil and Hong Kong, she decided to launch her own boutique, which opened late last month on a recovering stretch of Nolita. Kiang hired freelance trend-hunters in Asia, Europe (one also works for Italian Vogue), and South America to report back on ubiquitous street styles and notable local designers. Unlike other internationally influenced boutiques, the selection here is fashion-focused and truly diverse: You’ll find dresses from Brazil, Denmark, and Australia, jeans from Korea, watches from Tokyo, bags from Ghana, fur vests from Bolivia, jewelry from Argentina, and cashmere from Italy. New shipments arrive on a weekly basis, both from established designers and smaller, new producers. ("Sometimes, I end up taking things home in my suitcase," Kiang says, laughing.) Click ahead to check out the selection.

Babel Fair, 260 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. (646-360-3685); Su–W (11–7), Th–S (11–8).

Who Is More Famous: Jesus Luz or Christian Siriano?

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Last week we received an invite to an event that promised free Grey Goose vodka for two hours while Jesus Luz D.J.-ed in the penthouse of the Hotel on Rivington. Since he's hot and we like free vodka, house music, and the scant possibility of Madonna showing up, we signed up. The crowd was a mix of horrible meatpacking nighttime people and desperate faux hipsters. When we arrived, Jesus was sitting at a table in the corner with only one other guy. He is surprisingly short, perhaps not even six feet, but gorgeous in person. Madonna has done well for herself, indeed. When it was his turn to take the turntables, we were surprised to see him plug in a laptop. Usually when celebrities "D.J.," they just plug in their iPods and change the songs (we saw Björk do this once and head-bang with her entourage to "Say My Name" — it was amazing). But Jesus plugged in his own equipment, put headphones on, and actually used the soundboard. He didn't scratch, but he looked like he was actually D.J.-ing! And the music wasn't half bad! At first we considered requesting a song, but he was doing so well on his own we just let him go on with his Brazilian self.

However, Jesus is a very amiable D.J. He gamely posed for photos with fans throughout his time in the penthouse. And though Madonna didn't show, Christian Siriano did! He arrived with his boyfriend, Brad Walsh, and sat at Jesus's table. Eyeing the D.J. hungrily as he posed for photos with random girls, Christian eventually made his move, and ambushed the D.J. booth for a quick photo op of his own. So quick you'd think he was afraid, or quite possibly just intimidated by Jesus's hotness. Was Christian trying to piggyback off of Jesus's fame? we wondered, thereby prompting a much tougher, far more important question: Who is more famous, anyway? Madonna's boyfriend or the Project Runway winner?

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Filed Under: important questions, christian siriano, jesus luz, madonna, models

This Weekend’s Events and Sales: 3rd Ward Hosts a Pop-up Swap; Up to 90 Percent Off Oak

Lauren Murrow — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:00 GMT

EVENTS
TOMORROW
• 3rd Ward hosts the Score! Pop-up Swap to benefit City Harvest. Bring clothing, accessories, music, art supplies, books, DVDs, housewares, or other miscellany to trade. Entry is $3, which includes complimentary Colt 45 from 1 to 2 p.m. ("Cheap breakfast drinks" will be available until 5 p.m.) Donations are accepted. 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave., nr. Stagg St., East Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-715-4961); 1–7.

• D.J.'s Luke and Zach Go Boating will be playing their dance-worthy mixes in store at Eryn brinié. 501 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-308-6134); 1–5.

• Head to the La Femme Fete holiday shopping event and sale, featuring vintage clothes by Daphra Holder and Sammy Davis, jewelry by Kim Last, and stationery and prints by Laura Trimble. 347 W. 36th St., nr. Ninth Ave., Ste. 503; 5–8.

• Try out to win a $250,000 contract with Ford Models at an open casting call. Finalists will participate in Model Boot Camp in São Paulo, Brazil, to determine the winner. Read about the application process and register online at fordmodels.com. W New York, 541 Lexington Ave., at 49th St.; noon–4.

• Shop clothing, home décor, jewelry, accessories, and more from 36 new designers at the Bowery Bazaar. Vendors include Nissa Jewelry, Australian Scent, Covet, and Michael Allen Desserts. 351 Bowery, nr. 3rd St.; every weekend F–S (noon–8), Su (11–6).

SUNDAY
• Urban Alchemist hosts a jewelry trunk show, offering 10 to 25 percent off pieces from T. Kahares, Eswera Jewelry, Suzannah Wainhouse, and Rebecca Shepherd. Jewelry from each designer will also be raffled off. Champagne will be served. 343 5th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-499-0758); 2–6.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Oak is hosting a warehouse sample sale, offering 70 to 90 percent off merchandise from BBlessing, Seven New York, and its in-house line. Through 11/22. Nouveau PR, 150 Spring St., nr. Broadway, Ste. 3; S–Su (noon–8).

• Receive 30 percent off past-season merchandise at the Rabbit on the Run sale. Through 11/22. 99 Franklin Ave., nr. Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; daily (11–9).

ENDING TOMORROW
• MZ Wallace handbags are $100 (originally $295 to $425) at the brand's sample sale. 125 Crosby St., nr. Prince St.; Th–F (10–8), S (10–4).

• Select items are up to 70 percent off at the Rubin Chapelle sample sale. 410 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave. (212-647-8636); Th–F (noon–7), S (noon–6).

• Mara Hoffman coats, dresses, tunics, and tops are up to 75 percent off at the Savvy & Co. sample sale. 42 Greene St., nr. Grand St., second fl.; Th–F (10–7), S (10–7).

• Men's and women's clothing and accessories are up to 80 percent off at the Armani warehouse sale. New items will be added daily. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth fl.; Th (3–8), F (10–8), S (10–6).

ENDING SUNDAY
• Find deals on handbags at the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale. The teal distressed-leather Morning After Bag is $350 (originally $635), the burgundy leather Nikki hobo is $350 (originally $595), and the black patent-leather Morning After Clutch with a chain strap is $195 (originally $330). 17 W. 17th St., nr. Fifth Ave. (212-677-7829); W–Su (10–8).

• Men's fall samples and stock are 60 to 80 percent off at the Hickey and Original Penguin sample sale. The selection includes button-down shirts, suits, ties, polos, coats, and more. Hickey ties are $19 (originally $125), Original Penguin hoodies are $35 (originally $98), and Cold Method long peacoats are $95 (originally $315). Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., nr. 15th St.; Th–Su (10:30–7).

We Love ... Maria Cornejo’s Prints

Harriet Mays Powell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:50:00 GMT

As one of Michelle Obama's designers, Maria Cornejo continues to gather steam. While quietly creating some of New York's coolest clothes, Maria launched into the land of prints. Along with Balenciaga's designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Maria is at the forefront for the print phenomenon. Taken from her trips around the world and extracted and stretched digitally, these prints are truly original. See below for the five reasons we love Maria's prints, specifically the water print for spring.

1. This print originated from an image taken from her iPhone on a ferry in the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
2. They are like abstract art, which gives them a very sophisticated feel.
3. While the colors are vivid, it's a print you never get tired of.
4. If you want to make a statement, this is for you.
5. It looks great on the model, but her clothes are always very flattering on real women too.

Long Cade Dress in Water Print, $764 at Zero + Maria Cornejo, 33 Bleecker St., nr. Mott St.; 212-925-3849 or zeromariacornejo.com.

How Much Longer Will Lindsay Lohan Last at Ungaro?

Amy Odell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:15:00 GMT

As Lindsay Lohan's reign at Emanuel Ungaro slogs on, Mounir Moufarrige seemingly remains the only person with a trace of (perhaps feigned) confidence in her. Critics panned the spring 2010 collection, Emanuel Ungaro himself is distraught over her employment, and department stores aren't buying the clothes. Today "Page Six" reports that Ungaro chairman Asim Abdullah is battling with Moufarrige over her dismissal.

"Asim wants her out now," a fashion insider who has seen e-mails between the two executives tells Page Six. "Department stores in the States have already told him they won't be picking up the line if Lohan remains a collaborator, so it's a serious issue."

What a mess. Lindsay's a mess, Lindsay's home is a mess, the label is a mess, Moufarrige is a mess. To be fair, it was his decision to hire her. Maybe it was part of his eccentric-fashion-person act, but that's not to say there shouldn't be consequences for his poor choice.

Lohan's fashion gig in danger [Page Six/NYP]

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Filed Under: the curse of lohan, asim abdullah, emanuel ungaro, lindsay lohan, mounir moufarrige