April Fools! 5 Times The Fashion World Punked Us

Between fake news and horrible political reality, I can't stomach April Fools pranks this year. Instead, I would like to give a shout-out to some of the most entertaining pranks the fashion world pulled on us that made us smile.

Legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour has made her ambivalent feelings toward the Kardashians visible over the years. She expressed disapproval at Kim's pregnant Met Gala look. Her tight-lipped tolerance of the West children at a fashion show was photographed by many. Kim Kardashian and family responded with the sincerest form of flattery in 2014. Kim dressed as Wintour for Halloween, with daughter North West dressed as editor Andre Leon Talley.

Street artists Kidult tagged (defaced) the exteriors of several Marc Jacob's boutiques. It was allegedly a comment on the obscene price of the t-shirts sold inside. Jacobs gave a sartorial middle finger to the artist by selling screen printed t-shirts with imagery of the graffiti, $686 "unsigned" and $430 "signed." as an additional insult. The tongue-in-cheek response prompted many to wonder if this was actually a collaboration instead of a feud. 

Alexander Wang loves his fans. In 2013, he invited his biggest fans to a mystery event. Some speculated it was a secret fashion show, some hoped it would be a private sample sale. The reality was better than they had imagined. When the doors opened, the designer announced the warehouse full of his collection was free for the taking. The resulting video documenting the event was both exhilarating and terrifying.

One of my favorite museum fashion exhibits of all time was the Jean-Paul Gaultier show at the Brooklyn Museum in 2014. One usually expects beautiful fashions presented on mannequins and pedestals. This exhibit, the mannequins were animated, occasionally with voices. While you looked at the mannequin, thinking it was stationery, they eyes would spin around and glare at you. Others were placed on a moving runway. While you watched them, the mannequins behind you would whisper "I'm beHIND you!" creepily in your ear.

In 2015, posh retailer Barney's introduced a dogs only menu in their elite restaurant. Dishes offered included grain-free spaghetti and meatballs as well as the Bark's Madison avenue salad. This was the department store's April Fool's offering. Most people saw through the hoax, but the photos were adorable anyway.

photos from Instagram, Barney's, fashionista.com, Mariana Leung

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Huffington Post Game Changers of Style

Huffington Post and AOL honored individuals they considered "Game Changers" last night at the Skylight Studio in Soho.  These were people who were innovators or accomplished notable feats in their respective disciplines that ranged from categories like education, environment, culture to style.  

In the style categories, style icon and self described "geriatric starlet" Iris Apfel won an award for her influential taste.  Four guys who met at Wharton school were honored for their company, Warby Parker.  They mixed fashion eyewear, technology and a goal to provide eyeglasses to those more needy with every pair sold in collaboration with a non profit agency.  

Gayle King presented a style award to the 1973 Models of Versailles.  A bunch of models in France may not seem significant at first, but this was a group of African-American models who brought international attention to their look with the help of American designers Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Stephen Burrows.  At the time, African-American models were not being taken seriously, if at all.  American designers were also not being considered top tier fashion players as well.  Together, they showed the world that they were an influential force to be reckoned with, and as a result, African-American models were in demand for years to come.

So are you properly inspired? What will you do to change the game today?

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Beach Bunny and the Kardashians Spring 2011

The Kardashian sisters, in collaboration with Beach Bunny Swimwear’s Angela Chittenden, debuted their swimsuit collection - Kardashians for Beach Bunny in Miami at the elegant Raleigh Hotel Friday.

This was a collection where it was easy to imagine the Kardashian ladies wearing. Some unusual color combinations were saffron yellow V-cut suit with a plunging navel neckline held with a gray toggle belt. There were Missioni-esque prints paired with toggle belts. The collection offered hot bikinis with the fun details like little sparkly ‘bling’ embellishments, candy colored side tie bottoms and lots of shine.

These suits are amped up for sexy, fit bodies and were not geared for the shy of heart. The presentation featured dangerous V-cuts and teeny monokinis on the models that resembled the Kardashian body type, (as in ‘booty-flattering’). Bottoms with shirred seam down the middle of the back accentuated their signature assets.

If you are a beach bunny, this is the line to get for your next stop in Miami, Vegas or Ibiza - fun, sexy, and just enough coverage on the bottom. This collection screams HOT but may not be suitable actual swimming! It’s perfect for lounging on the pool decks of hotels like the Gansevoort (where the FAB team stayed) to take in the sun with a cocktail in hand.

The line also had a series of black lace suits with strategically placed flesh toned cutouts. MsFAB and I had to do a double take on a few of the models as they walked down the runway. But, it did the job. It got our attention.

The Beach Bunny show was a showstopper. The cavalcade of press, photographers, celeb gawkers almost crushed the Kardashian sisters who sat front row for the presentation nearly causing a riot. Selena Gomez of Disney fame was also seen with the famous siblings.
Photos and Story by Ritika W.

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NY Fashion Week: Red Heart Truth Show

I find that the most enjoyable shows are fashion week are always the ones connected to a good cause. Thursday night’s Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show was full of celebrity models and celebrity guests. Rather than the cliche fashionista ‘attitude’, the atmosphere in the Bryant Park tents was one of warmth and support.

Stars like Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Heidi Klum sashayed their way down the runway in custom red gowns by Marchesa, Badgley Mischka and John Galliano. Legends like Joan Collins made an appropriately dramatic turn in Stephane Rolland. Raven Symone strutted down the runway in full diva, (tongue-in-cheek)to the cheers of fans. She tripped towards the end and then kicked up her stilettos in the air as her last spin. Touchingly, an absolutely gorgeous Felicity Huffman strolled out in Oscar de la Renta, and was surprised to see her husband, William H. Macy in the front row. She walked off the stage and gave him a happy kiss. The Heart Truth is a campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The Red Dress initiative, with Heidi Klum as their spokesperson has inspired millions of women to learn more and make changes to their health. Swarovski provided all the bling, as well as Kristin Chenoweth’s stunning gown.

Other stars on the runway: (Glowingly pregnant) Bethenny Frankel, Elisabeth Hasselbeck,Felicity Huffman,Dara Torres,Estelle,Heidi Klum,Joan Collins,Jordin Sparks,Kim Kardashian,Kimora Lee,Kristin Chenoweth,Mamie Gummer,Pauley Perrett,Raven-Symone,Regina King,Robin Roberts and Valerie Harper. Cheering from the front row were Robert Verdi, Wendy Williams and Tinsley Mortimer.
Photos from Getty Images

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