Black is in (again) at Italian Vogue

With so much success from the all black issue, the magazine re-launched its website in English with three major editions—Vogue Black, Vogue Curvy and Vogue Talent.

Vogue Black is devoted to black talent in fashion. This week’s top stories include a candid video interview with supermodel and mogul Tyra Banks, who appeared in Italian Vogue's all-black issue. Banks talks about how her run as a talk-show host is coming to an end, and reminisces about her best moments.

Additionally, the site showcase model Tolula Adeyemi and articles about natural hair care and styles. And, of course, the site boasts stills from Vogue Italia's celebrated Black and Black Barbie issues.

The second addition, Vogue Curvy, celebrates the chic and voluptuous. Crystal Renn who is the “model-of-the-moment” discusses her new found love for her body, her decision to stop starving herself and her new book, Hungry.

Vogue Talent rounds out the three, and is all about up-and-coming fashion talents. New designers are encouraged to send in their designs to be featured on the site. But, contrary to the sited main focus, it currently has a story on Rodarte, a label that can’t really be considered “new” anymore.

There has, however, been some controversy raised by this Italian Vogue’s latest, particularly with Vogue Black. The lack of multiracial representation in US magazines and, media in general, has been an issue for African-Americans for years. Many find it strange that Italy, which is not as diverse as the United States, somehow beat American Vogue to the punch.

I’m was both amused and conflicted while perusing Italian Vogue's new Internet collective. So my question: Is can't there be a fashion source that embraces fashion lovers of all sizes and colors who like and wear both new and established labels? Why use separate channels?

Here are the sites:
Vogue Black
Vogue Curvy
Vogue Talents

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Vivienne Westwood Wants You To Stop Buying Her Clothes

Vivienne Westwood is another one of my favorites and is one of Britain's most celebrated designers. She is also know as a activist, often using the runway as a spotlight for her concerns relating to politics, climate change and the environment, and other social issues.

For her show at London Fashion Week, Westwood presented a collection of autumn and winter outfits that were punk/ new age inspired.  Then, right after the show, she made a statement to reporters that could directly contradict the general idea of why designers design-- she hopes people stop buying her clothes.

Really? I though one of the thrills of being a designer is that you can see your works of art be brought to life through someone wearing it...right?  Naturally, some clarification was needed for this statement.

Westwood explained it by saying,

"Stop all this consumerism. I just tell people, 'stop buying clothes.' Why not protect this gift of life while we have it? I don't take the attitude that destruction is inevitable. Some of us would like to stop that and help people survive. We have to pressure government — there is a chance to save ourselves and we have to take it."

The designer is digging deeper and looking to try new challenges, including a television series on art and science. She is already making moves toward a new direction. 

"I just want to do much more interesting things with my life," said Westwood as she spoke about moving beyond fashion.

View all 83 photos from her show here

Website: Vivienne Westwood

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Source: London AP

Spike x Bright Colors = Lady Gaga Inspired Active Wear

I was not surprised when I heard this latest tidbit. My Lady Gaga has been the inspiration for SOO many fashion trends, that it was only inevitable that she would be the focus in the latest shoot by WWD.   

For a lot of people the gym is more like an active wear fashion show. Girls show up in the midriff bearing sports bras and tight yoga pants, while guys come in their ripped, sleeveless muscle shirts.

WWD decided that the gym should be a little more glam (not necessary more clothed). Described as when "fashion and design collide with active wear," The shoot takes place in David Barton Gym and is complete with bright colors, strong silhouettes, chains, spikes, and some very light looking free weights.

At first glance you’re gonna think, " Who the hell would wear this to the gym??" But after that, you will get over it and look at it in appreciation for the creativity. 

Watch the video!!

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On The Edge: I dare you to walk in these!

When looking at shoes that could be considered works of art, Andre Perugia amazes me continually pushing then envelope of form and function.

“A pair of shoes must be perfect, like an equation and adjusted to the millimeter like a motor piece.” -Andre Perugia

Perugia calls this shoe a ‘homage to Picasso” using cubist sensibility and giving the illusion of a foot floating. Oh how I'd love to see these in action.

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R.I.P Mr. Alexander McQueen

One of my favorite designers has gone to glory, Mr. Alexander McQueen.
 
It's been confirmed that the British fashion designer known for some of the most controversial collections of the last two decades, was found dead Thursday morning (2/10/2010) at his apt in London. 

We wish his family the best and will remember him for his great contributions to fashion.

The report as well as a bio is available from the NY Times: Alexander McQueen, Designer, Is Dead
Video of his last show and an interview are HERE: Alexander McQueen S/S 2010
R.I.P

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