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Friday, November 30, 2012

Alexander Wang Takes Over Balenciaga


It's official!  After months of speculation and insiders leaking the news, the official announcement came out today. Edgy, Downtown designer Alexander Wang will take the reins at iconic Paris fashion house Balenciaga.

Wang will be replacing Nicolas Ghesquière who leaves this week.  There are critics that say Alex's street style is not a good fit for the established atelier.  To that, I ask you to consider Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.  Marc Jacobs was New York's original street style bad boy who brought grunge to the mainstream runways, and now Louis Vuitton, as a luxury brand is hotter and more relevant than ever.

Talent trumps transcends the pigeon-holes that labels get pinned into.  Having met the very young Alexander Wang and his family in a series of interviews two years ago, my original skepticism was quickly shed in seeing exactly how hard he and his team work.  He was keenly aware of every aspect of his operation and the fact that his now global empire rode on his shoulders.

Congratulations to my fellow Parsons alumni and good luck!
Photo by Elle.fr
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Josie and the Dragon

josie and the dragon
josie natori book launchandrea byrne art show
Wednesday nigh at the Openhouse Gallery on the Lower East Side. Designer Josie Natori hosted the launch of a beautiful book commemorating her label's 35th anniversary.

The limited-edition book is illustrated with gorgeous paintings by Andrea Byrne and printed on gallery quality paper.  The original artwork was flown in from Europe to be shown for the party.  The illustrations depict the milestones in Josie Natori's career, like her first meeting with Bloomingdale's where a buyer advised her to market an embroidered blouse she showed as intimate apparel.  This was a catalyst to her building one of the biggest international lingerie brands in the world.  Her story, "Josie and the Dragon"  is told in a folklore/fairy tale manner, which is a surprise and pleasant departure from the typical designer biography that most brands put out.  The book is signed and numbered, presented in an exquisite embossed box.

Other key moments include her inspirations in incorporating a pattern from a piece of China into a signature print of her collection and meshing her Filipino heritage with her life in New York.  A retrospective of her career was also recently celebrated at the Ayala Museum in Manila.

Pick up the book or one of her beautiful caftans as your personal holiday treat!
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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Designer Call: WWD Magic

wwd magic designer showcase
All right indie designers, get your collections out there to be purchased by buyers.  The Emerging Designer has an open call out for clothing and accessories designers to apply to show their lines at WWD Magic in February.

WWD Magic  is one of the largest fashion industry trade shows and takes place in Las Vegas.  Designers who are chosen by Emerging Designer will get dedicated space on the floor with garment rack, dress form, table, chairs at a greatly reduced rate and added promotional support.

Hurry! Designers need to submit the below materials listed below to dpietranczyk@magiconline.com by December, 7 2012. 
  • Lookbook and linesheet
  • Website link and/or other marketing materials
  • Financial business plan

  • Photo by WWD Magic
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fortuny y Madrazo Exhibit

fortuny delphos dress
fortuny exhibit museum
Mariano Fortuny came from a prominent artistic family in Spain.  His most famous contributions to fashion history were his revolutionary pleated fabrics and Delphos dresses.  He also brought in the exotic references from Asia, Africa and multi-cultural muses of his travels into luxury dressing.

A new exhibit at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute examines Fortuny's work and inspiration.  Curated by Oscar de la Renta, the show shows a large range of his fashion designs, but also his paintings, photography and etchings.  There are photographs that Fortuny took in Greece and Morocco, as well as self portraits and one of his studio.  He was also ahead of his time in photographing his clothing designs on models from many different angles, so viewers could have a virtual 360 degree view like a modern lookbook.

He pioneered the hand pleating technique of his signature fabric (that no one has yet to replicate).  The light, airy Delphos dress was a rebel against the corseted silhouettes of recent past, and he weighted the dress down to hold its shape with glass beads.  He had a partner in his wife Henrietta, who was also an accomplished dressmaker and artist on his beautiful textile designs.  He created his own dyes and pigments for his artwork, some of which were marketed with his name.

I am floored (and envious) of Mariano Fortuny's rich life of such artistic creativity.  Besides painting, photography, textile and fashion design, he also was a theater and lighting designer... His family legacy had generations of artistic accomplishment that led to him, his family peers were the greatest artists of the century.  Being able to work with his wife, living in a gorgeous palazzo in Venice...Sounds heavenly doesn't it?   You must check out this exhibit!

Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy
Queen Sofia Spanish Institute
November 30, 2012 - March 30, 2012
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sales Alert: Rag and Bone, J. Crew, Badgley Mischka, Botkier


Did you hide from the Black Friday crowds? Surfed out from Cyber Monday?  It's ok, better sales are on the horizon.  Check out the list:

J. Crew
Preppy, fashionable, it's an entire clothing philosophy for some.  Get your goodies for men, women, kids and selections from Madewell.  Prices up to 60% off retail.

When: Tuesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 2nd. 
TUESDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-8PM, SUNDAY: 12PM-6PM
Where:  260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts
Badgley Mischka:
Gowns, evening wear, ready to wear, cocktail dresses from the design duo will be up to 80% off.

When: Tuesday, November 27 through Thursday, November 29. Daily 10am—6pm.
Where:  70 W. 40th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 12th floor 
Venice_satchel_blush_product_page
Botkier:
Edgy and sleek handbags from Monica Botkier will be 40-75% off retail. (Prices start at $75 for wallets, $100 for handbags and $100 for boots.)  Great for gifts!

When: November 29-30, 2012 Thu-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 525 Broadway (at Spring St) (5th Fl) New York, NY 10012  (646) 747-4152
2012_11_rag-bone.jpg
Rag & Bone:
Downtown ladies and gents, gird your loins.  Rag & Bones is having their sale this Thursday! Expect goodies up to 60% off, (e.g. jeans at $95).  

When: Thursday, November 29 through Sunday, December 2. Thurs—Fri 10:30am—8pm, Sat 12pm—7pm, Sun 12pm—5pm
Where: Chelsea Market, entrance to the sale at 410 W. 16th Street, between 9th and 10th avenue

Photos from jcrew.com,Rag and Bone from Racked.com
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Monday, November 26, 2012

30 Years of Magic - Beaujolais Nouveau Style

highline ballroom party
burlesque stilt walker
It was a night of magic at the Highline Ballroom.  Event designer extraordinaire, Adam Aleksander put together a night of decadence with stylish burlesque ladies on stilts, elegant contortionists, magicians both witty and wondrous.

Guests heeded the dark and sexy theme and came in dramatic attire of their own.  The event was in honor of the annual unveiling of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau.  It was the 30th anniversary of the wine.  Traditionally, the unveiling happens every the third Thursday of every November.

You could have your fortune read by the fabulously outfitted psychics on the second floor.  Visual artists sketched the scene while you could pose for a spooky/glam photo the old fashioned way.  More macabre decorative elements like skulls, bell jars and clocks gave the night a more mysterious air.  

Photos by Mariana Leung and Rebecca Smayne
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Friday, November 23, 2012

Black Friday Round-Up


Gift shopping? Treating yourself?  Make sure to wear good footwear and your warrior face for this year's Black Friday sales mission:

Mara Hoffman will be 50% off current fall ready to wear and 15% off sale merchandise.

Modcloth has 50% off new styles.

Tibi is discounting up to 60% off their current season downtown chic .

Cynthia Rowley has 60% off selected styles.

Ted Baker - 30% off in-store and online

Edun is 30% off.

Diesel - 30% off in-store

TopShop 30% off select merchandise from Topshop online and in store. Plus if you spend $30 you get $10 off, if you spend $50 you get $20 off, and spend $100 to get $50 off your purchase.

H & M is promising crazy deals like $5 dresses.  Will that include the Martin Margiela collaboration? Let's hope.

Hipster heaven Opening Ceremony is discounting 30-40% off designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott and their private label collection.  

Trina Turk will be 20-60% off in the Meatpacking District.

Looking for bling? Swarovski will be 30% off their sparkly baubles.

Woodbury Commons will have additional deals at designer boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino, but be forewarned, a good friend of mine drove out there at 4 AM and never made it past the highway exit.  Timing and the level of desire is everything.

Tory Burch nemesis, C. Wonder is discounting 50% off sale items until 8 AM, 25% afterwards.  

Henri Bendel has big deals before 11 AM on Friday, and $25 off every $100 spent afterwards.  

For gentlemen, Ben Sherman coats, knits, boots will be 40% off.


James Perse has a private 40% off sale.

Photo from nydailynews.com behring/AP
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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Trendspotting: Thanksgiving Fashion

pilgrim fashion
Happy Thanksgiving style lovers!  I hope you are having a relatively stress-free holiday with the people you love.  I am thankful for being able so spend time with my family and friends this year, learning new things and still loving fashion the way I did 20 years ago.

Ok, it is a little bit of a stretch, but I thought I would pull together some style boards inspired by both Pilgrim fashion and Native American style.  They actually looked pretty good!  

Under Pilgrim style, I found that Tokyo Fashion Week label, Fur Fur had taken the inspiration literally in their Fall 2012 collection with big collars, pilgrim hats and the full head to toe look.  Marc Jacobs did the most blinged-out luxe version of the big buckle pilgrim shoe for fall.  They came in ostrich or bright colors, with crystal encrusted buckles.  Mara Hoffman's Fall collection mixed native American patterns with gaucho, pilgrim-esque hats.  Not a literal interpretation, but a chic one.
american indian fashion design
Lots of designers have been inspired by the beautiful patterns of Native American tribes.  Woven Navajo blankets provided the muse for designers like Proenza Schouler and Isabel Marant.  Fringe details give a rustic, but luxury accent to boots and clothing.  Feathered headdresses can be scaled down to statement necklace from SweetLime and a great pheasant ear cuff from TopShop.  I also love the intricate textile covering of the blanket flats from Frye.

Shop our entire list of Thankgiving style picks from LYST:



If you want to see humiliated pets in Thanksgiving costumes, mosey over to Huffington Post.

photos from style.com, tokyofashion.com,Lyst.com
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Ballet's Alice in Wonderland


alice in wonderland costume

alice wonderland shoes
I don't go to the ballet nearly enough.  The last few performance of the National Ballet of Canada's gorgeous production of Alice in Wonderland are in full swing.  Unfortunately, I won't make it back to Toronto in time. I must jealously envy my sister who will see it again this week.

Costume and set designer Bob Crowley has created a vivid fantasy of witty, elaborate costumes and dramatic, twisted sets.  Growing up watching productions from the National Ballet, I can only assume the choreography (by Christopher Wheeldon) and dancing are as spectacular as ever.  

If you are lucky enough to be in the city of Toronto before its last performance November 25th, 2012 , buy tickets NOW.
kennedy center wonderland costumes

Sketch for the Knave for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Costume Design by Bob Crowley. McGee Maddox and Heather Ogden in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Bruce Zinger.Sketch for the Mad Hatter for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Costume Design by Bob Crowley. Robert Stephen in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Christopher Wahl.sketches by Bob Crowley, photos from  Christopher Wahl and Bruce Zinger for the National Ballet of Canada.
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Joy Cioci Spring 2013

joy cioci sparing 2013
pearl caviar nail art
It's almost holiday season, don't you just want to get away?  Joy Cioci showed a whimsical fashion presentation for her spring 2013 collection. It was a vintage mermaid fantasy, with lace swim caps, retro swimwear silhouettes.  Pearly pailettes embellished a dress like a pearly fishtail.  The model's nails were a three dimensional manicure of tiny pearl caviar.  

The bare feet digging into the sand just looked like fun, that I was envious.  The prints on the separates and dresses were taken from nature.  Some looked like lichens, stone or rippling water.  With HBO's Boardwalk Empire and the upcoming The Great Gatsby on the big screen, it looks like 1920's chic is here to stay.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Anna Sui and Coach Collaboration

anna sui coach bag
anna sui models

Every day there is a new designer collaboration between a traditional big brand and downtown designer.  Coach handbags paired up with 1990's holdout Anna Sui for a collection of two bags for the holiday season.

Did the designer bring her whimsical Lolita-esque babydoll prints? Bright color palette?  No.  There was one black leather duffle bag with a dragonfly detail accented in green and a cognac brown duffle bag with a fleur de lis detail.  The bags were quite nice actually, with a giant leather tassle, or inside smaller pouch.  The duffle silhouette is one of Coach's signature shapes, so is the leather construction (as opposed to Anna Sui's typical synthetics).

New York fashion editors and several top models came out to support the launch.  Adorable owl and dragonfly cookies decorated in her honor were passed around with sparkling wine.

Until the next collaboration then...
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Funny Lady, Win a Bob Mackie Illustration

bob mackie sketch
Bob Mackie has been the costume designer behind some of the most iconic looks in Hollywood history.  Besides dressing the likes of Cher and the cast of the Carol Burnett show, Mackie created the flamboyant 1930's looks of Barbara Streisand's Funny Lady

Tomorrow night, join a group of talented fashion enthusiasts for a screening of Funny Lady at the Brooklyn Public Library.  Just for attending, you could win a print of Bob Mackie's fashion illustration. This event is one of the many that takes place as part of the Fashion Illustration Exhibit that ends December 1st.

RSVP HERE.
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Friday, November 16, 2012

Sales Alert: CFDA/Tory Burch for Sandy Relief, Rebecca Minkoff, Theory


Fashion for Sandy Relief:
The Tory Burch foundation, along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue are holding a huge sale where the net proceeds will go towards those in need of help following Hurricane Sandy.  So much of the Northeast was devastated and is still suffering.  Here are fashion stars doing what they can to help.

Besides Tory Burch, look for almost every other designer you could want, from Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Diane Von Furstenburg, Coach, Versace (to name only a few) at 50% off retail.

When: TODAY, Friday, November 16, 2012, 10 AM - 8 PM
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th street

Theory Sample Sale:
If you are a fan of the sleek, cosmopolitan sportswear that is Theory, you're in luck.  Both The Prive and ClothingLine have sample sales for this label
For Men's and women's clothing at Prive:
When: Today, through November 18, 10 AM - 7 PM
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (between 15th and 16th street)
Women's Only at ClothingLine:
When: Today through November 18, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, between 7th and 8th avenue
rebecca minkoff fall 2012
Rebecca Minkoff:
The Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Mac has a huge cult fan base.  The sample sales are one big party (treats, cocktails, giveaways).  This collection is always a good time.  Look for 75% off retail

When: Today, 10 AM - 8PM, Saturday, November 17, 10 AM - 3 PM
Where: 260 5th Avenue, (between 28th and 29th street)
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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Jakarta Fashion Week 2013 Highlights

Jakarta, Indonesia is not the fashion capital that its neighbor Tokyo is yet, but it is catching up fast.  The most recent edition of Jakarta Fashion Week hosted over 60 fashion shows and brought together fashion industry professionals from across many fields. 

Designer Hengky Kawilarang showed a bright rainbow of colors in flirty dresses.  The dresses were embellished with rich embroidery and beading.  


Designer Lie Sang Bong showed a playful runway of graphic black, white and tomato red.  Bold houndstooth was displayed in different scales.  The silhouettes were an updated nod to retro shapes along with playful butterflies as accessories.  

Designer Soko Wijanto created elaborate fabric sculptures for the L'Oreal runway showcase.  Ruffles were taken to the nth degree that looked soft or constructed.  Hard edged metal belts or corset like waist cinches acted as the top accessory for this collection.



photos by Dachri Megantara, Irvan Arryawan
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Liz & Dick: Classic Hollywood, Modern Style


It was Hollywood's most dazzling love story, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.  Scandals, romance, drama and glamour.  Besides the delicious gossip that fueled tabloids for decades, the two stars were the power couple of Hollywood style...  Whether it was costume or out on the town, you'll see how they were pioneers of many of today's current trends...

Cleopatra the film may have been colossal flop, but the over the top looks were fabulous.  Cat's eye makeup made a big comeback this year, easily helped with Lancome's Artliner liquid eyeliner.  You only need to look at Youtube for tutorials to get your own.  For an outfit worthy of an Egyptian queen, try a taupe crochet tunic by Mes Demoiselles ($237).  It may be all about the statement necklace these days, but Ms. Taylor rocked it first.  Try a budget friendly version from Akira for only $19. Tory Burch has some great coin earrings ($125) and you can't forget the iconic snake bangle! We love this version from Chloe ($490).
Off-screen, the couple sizzled with elegance in luxurious furs and Liz Taylor's famous jewels.  Of course, this holiday season, fur and jewels are two of the biggest trends as well.  Here is how you capture some classic Hollywood glamour with some modern designers:

Richard Burton was the symbol of masculinity with class (mostly).  How sexy is he in a well cut tux or luxe coat?  Guys, try the Dolce & Gabbana fur collared coat ($1946) or a budget version from Zara at $279. Accessorize with a Turnbull and Asser cashmere scarf ($445). Finish off with Gucci dress shoes.

Every walker on the red carpet should pay respect to the legends before them.  Liz knew how to dazzle.  Pull together your own look with a Vera Wang embroidered lace gown ($4995) topped with a Donna Karan reversible shearling coat with fur hood ($1440) and Oscar de la Renta's jeweled headband ($395) and Christian Louboutin heels ($3395) as your crowning jewels.

Is all of this drama not enough for you?  Relive the tumultuous love story of Liz & Dick on Thanksgiving weekend, Sunday, November 25th on Lifetime.  Drama-queen of our generation Lindsay Lohan will be playing the Hollywood icon.  

Controversial? Yes.  But would a scandal-free starlet be really worthy of playing such a dynamic personality?  I can't wait to see how costume designer Salvador Perez, Jr. recreates the couple's iconic looks (on a micro-budget no less!) for the small screen.  (Really, just one piece of jewelry would blow the reported wardrobe budget of $155K).  It will be the most stylish alternative to pumpkin pie as Thanksgiving dessert I could hope for!

Cleopatra photo still from 20th Century Fox,

Lindsay Lohan stars as the legendary dame Elizabeth Taylor alongside Grant Bowler as celebrated actor Richard Burton in the Lifetime Original Movie Liz & Dick, making its world premiere Sunday, November 25, at 9pm ET on Lifetime. Based on the true story of the couple’s passionate and tumultuous love affair Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were Hollywood royalty and their fiery romance -- often called “the marriage of the century” -- was the most notorious, publicized and celebrated love affair of its day.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Lifetime via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lifetime.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

badgley mischka spring 2013
badgley mischka runway
badgley mischka purse
A Midsummer's Nights Dream inspired Badgley's Mischka's spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week.  Not Shakespeare particularly, but the 1935 film (the one with James Cagney and an almost naked Mickey Rooney as Puck).

The collection had dreamy silk organza, chiffon with floral touches in large and small scale to please the most deluded fairy queens.  The silhouettes definitely hinted at 1930's Hollywood glamour.  The muted greys, pinks, purple, silver, ivory and gold made for a gorgeous color palette. The messy up-do hairstyle made the models looks a little more relaxed and romantic, as if they were running through the woods looking for a lost lover than at an uptight cocktail party.  A few pieces that had "angel" like wings looked a little too much like Christian's Siriano's Fall 2012 collection though.

I loved the range of accessories I saw in this collection.  The dainty, constructed clutches were chic with metallic accent.  Embroidered, fingerless tulle gloves were unexpected, but gave an extravagant, edgy option.  Wired and jeweled statement necklaces and structured platform shoes again were modern updates to more formal pieces.

Is it wrong I was a little disappointed that no one wore a big donkey head in the end?
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Monday, November 12, 2012

Carlos Miele Spring 2013

carlos miele show opening
carlos miele animal print
 The idea that New Yorkers don't appreciate colors other than black was beaten down at the Carlos Miele Spring 2013 fashion show.  The Brazilian designer opened his Mercedes-Benz fashion week presentation with a dramatically lit model showing the flying 'wings' of printed chiffon in silhouette.

What followed next was a parade of bright green, yellow, white and black celebration of graphic animal prints.  The silhouettes were very sexy and flattering, but elegant instead of trashy.  As in seasons past, the movement of the soft fabrics looked terrific coming down the runway and made fans of the unruly photographer's pit.

Elegant beading embellished many of the dresses.  Long fringed handbags, sexy cutout stilettos and jeweled belts were the accessories of choice for this designer.

Front row fans included Vanessa Williams, Paula Abdul and my favorite new web fashionista, P'trique...
carlos miele final bow
photos by David TW Leung

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Saturday, November 10, 2012

VAWK Spring 2013


Homegrown designer Sunny Fong was born and raised in Toronto and attended the city's Ryerson University fashion program.  He showed an accessible, sexy collection for all body and age types at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto.

There are more and more sportswear labels that cater to plus sized customers, but I rarely see them acknowledged next to their mainstream high fashion counterparts on the runway.  It was great to see the flattering, sexy outfits were given the same attention to models at different ends of the age and body shape spectrum.  There were of course the "editorial" looks of super short dramatic outfits that most magazines run.  Then there were the well tailored, on-trend, dresses in black, purple, red, white, that 99% of real women love.
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Friday, November 9, 2012

Fashion Police: James Bond Fashion Crimes

James Bond is known for impeccably cut suits, suave style, expensive trinket and gorgeous girls.  It may surprise you to find that there have been many fashion don'ts in the run of this franchise...

I came across the hilarious round-up from I09 that brought these to my attention.  Number one, Mr.(machismo to the point of misogyny) Sean Connery in a terrycloth hotpants jumper from 1964's GoldFinger.
More hot pants? Love this shiny red scuba jacket?  Um, I am a scuba diver and I have never seen anyone where anything like this.  The red crotch is like a target for sharks.  This is from 1965's Thunderball.  Maybe the sexy fashions of the 1960's just didn't age well.

The article mocks some of the uniforms worn in films like Octopussy.  I don't mind these so much, they are no worse than superhero costumes in all the comic-book movies.

Criticizing the sartorial choices of the most flamboyant villains of James Bond seems a little unfair.  I think it adds to their character.  While I don't agree with the pyrite dentures of "Jaws" from 1979's Moonraker, I have to love the polka dots from Live and Let Die. Grace Jones in 1985's A View to a Kill is just the queen of fierce.  

Definite NOs:

Was is it just the 1970s? Roger Moore framed in fluffy feathers, embroidered cape like Liz Taylor in Cleopatra?  He looked like a parade float. Live and Let Die definitely had more than its share of fashion felonies. In the opening scene of The Spy Who Loved Me, he is dressed like Ronald McDonald making a ski jump. WTF.

Ursula Andress, Halle Berry and even Bond himself Daniel Craig have made some of the most memorable movie moments in their bathing suits (in a good way).  What were they thinking in putting poor Tiffany Case in a long sleeved, awkwardly belted, badly fit bottomed piece in 1971's Diamonds are Forever?  No. 

If you need to erase some of these from your eyes, check out Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style, an exhibit that features the good style from these films.  Did you know that designers like Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy and Miuccia Prada have all contributed to James Bond?
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