Band of Outsiders Fall ’12
It felt as thought Scott Sternberg was channeling some sort of Wes Anderson inspired character for his Fall ’12 show. An eclectic New Mexican hipster who’s gone traipsing off into the sunset to find himself. Can’t you picture Owen Wilson attached to this movie already? Perhaps not a far stretch given Scott’s Hollywood roots…
I adore the puffer scarves, the hooded denim pullover, the incredible outerwear, and I really appreciate the infusion of warm and cheerful color. And we got more of Scott’s obligatory options for the red carpet. But sometimes I was distracted by all the boots, gloves, scarves and hats — happening all at once. It began to feel a bit repetitive, unnecessary, and frankly stole attention away from some awesome pieces in the collection. Remember guys, sometimes less is more — even on the runway.
All-in-all another fantastic season for Band of Outsiders
For more Band of Outsiders on Modern Destiny.
[Photos via Style]
Loading ...R.I.P. Whitney
I’m devastated — in a way that is honestly shocking me. I feel so lucky to have lived in a time that allowed me to share in her gift…really there are no other words…
Ellen, jcpenney, and Prop 8
Last week I wrote about the changes underway at jcpenney. Among the many changes occurring at jcpenney is the presence of everyone’s favorite daytime chat show host, Ellen, as the struggling retailers new spokesperson. Which I personally think is a brilliant move. But it appears that there are some who have an issue with jcpenney hiring the openly gay comedian / host. A group calling themselves One Million Moms, a division of the American Family Association, is calling on jcpenney to replace Ellen as its new spokesperson. According to the One Million Moms website:
OMM began contacting JC Penney after the store announced that comedian Ellen Degeneres would become the company’s new spokesperson. Funny that JC Penney thinks that hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of its customers are traditional families.
jcpenney has stood by Ellen and affirmed its partnership with her. While this partnership has generated a lot of controversy, I hope what results is more people giving jcpenney a try again precisely because they stood by Ellen. I for one, will certainly be popping into the store to not only check out the changes, but to plop down some cash at a retailer / business who has done the right thing and not given into bigoted bullying. Watch Ellen’s response to the controversy and hear exactly what she stands for (far) below.
Which brings me to my second point. This week the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals struck down the controversial California Proposition 8 as unconstitutional. This is the second time that a court has made this decision. We’ve heard a lot over the last few years from politicians, public figures, and celebs coming out against Prop 8. But what hasn’t gotten a lot of press are those business who have also done the right thing and shown their support for equality and come out against Prop 8 and / or for marriage equality. I’ve listed those that I could find on a few Google searches here:
Starbucks, Nike, Microsoft, Google, Kimpton Hotels, New Balance, Ogilvy, Time Warner Cable, Xerox, Aetna, Chubb, Diageo, Levi Strauss, Zipcar, CBS, Apple, PG&E, AT&T, Live Nation, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon.com
Google and Levi’s even went so far as to jointly file an Amicus Brief (Amicus curiae) along with the SF Chamber of Commerce stating their opposition to Proposition 8! How many businesses that you know, love and respect have done that?
Let’s be honest, the list is not nearly large enough given the gravity and magnitude of the issue. Wouldn’t it be amazing for the brands and retailers that we love to come out in support of the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decision, to publicly voice their support for the LGBTQ community, and to affirmatively state their support for equality?
For more on Proposition 8 visit our sister site, QClick.
Dolly, Meryl and Anna OH MY!
Yesterday was Superbowl Sunday. And what a big, gay, fashion night of TV it was! We had the iconic Madonna staring in the Superbowl half-time show wearing over-the-top Givenchy, yet another incredible episode of the PBS Masterpiece Theater hit Downton Abbey, and 60 Minutes gave us an hour with the incomparable Dolly Parton, Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour. To say that my little (gay) heart was stoked would have been an understatement.
And all in all it was a night of great entertainment and inspiration. I was looking forward most to Anna’s interview with Morley Safer on 60 Minutes; however, it ended up being a re-run of 2009 interview with the Vogue editor-in-chief. Even though it was an old interview — it is always thrilling to peak inside the mind of the woman who ultimately, in many ways, runs the fashion world.
But I have a plea to perhaps the only other woman who could have made my Sunday TV viewing better, Oprah. Oprah, please interview Ms. Wintour as part of Oprah’s Next Chapter series on OWN. An in-depth hour-long (or more!) look into Ms. Wintour’s world in a way that only you could provide would be incredibly entertaining, educational, and I suspect very inspirational.
“I like people who represents the best of what they day and if that turns you into a perfectionist, then maybe I am.” – Anna Wintour
[Video via CBS News / 60 Minutes]
It’s Still Absolutely Fabulous
Twenty years later and Edina and Patsy are still as funny and hot as ever, and they are back to make you laugh and shout with joy in three new episodes. I remember watching this show as a teenager and my father giving me a hard time and my specific (very teenage) reply “Dad you just don’t get it. They are AH-MAZING!” And they still are.
The latest episode of Absolutely Fabulous premiered stateside tonight (did you see it?!) on BBC America and it was like welcoming old (and thoroughly amusing) friends home. Edina and Patsy’s over the top antics (and couture), debauchery, and gauche world of excess that we all remember lives on, and I loved every single bloody minute of it. The New York Times had this to say:
It’s a relief to report that Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, a k a Edina and Patsy, the middle-aged, spendthrift heroines of “Absolutely Fabulous,” are back in the first of three 20th-anniversary specials on BBC America beginning on Sunday — unchanged and still quite funny. It turns out that the duo’s particular brand of substance abuse, self-absorption and high-end shopping is recessionproof.
It’s a relief that the entire original cast has returned. I’m not quite sure it would have been the same without the brilliant Bubble (Jane Horrocks). Check out the two remaining episodes (and there are rumors of a future full season!!!!) on BBC America, Sunday night at 10, Eastern and Pacific time. And a preview of what you missed tonight below.
[Photo and Video via BBC America]
Tyler Brûlé of Monocle: Mr Zeitgeist In The New York Times
Did you read the New York Times article, Mr. Zeitgeist, this week on Tyler Brûlé? If not, definitely check this piece out. I’ve been perhaps a bit more enamored with Mr. Brûlé than is probably healthy. My fascination with him is perhaps only eclipsed by my fascination with Tom Ford. But then that makes sense given how similar the two are; which the Times aptly references.
You may know that Tyler is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of my favorite magazine, Monocle, and was also the founder of another incredible periodical, Wallpaper.
Tyler is considered by many, myself included, as the ultimate curator of good taste, design, obscure but interesting facts, and stories of important global affairs and initiatives that may otherwise get lost in the shuffle of big media. All reasons why I’m drawn to his work and don’t flinch at the $12 per issue of Monocle. The impeccable publication itself has become a status symbol of sorts. And while it is hard to digest an entire volume in any one sitting, or even in the course of a month, Monocle is a magazine that one collects and refers back to time and time again.
From the NYTimes two more of our favorite design personalities weighed in on Tyler:
“There is definitely a cult of Tyler,” said Jenna Lyons, the president and creative director of J. Crew. “I traveled with him to Japan, and every place we’d walk in, they’d say, ‘Oh, Mr. Brûlé, so nice to meet you!’ And it was all kinds of stores: tech stores, clothing stores, furniture stores.”
His discriminating palate has earned him the admiration of fellow tastemakers. “Tyler is able to suck you into his world because he lives the life,” said André Balazs, the hotelier. “I’ve rarely met anyone who is more of an embodiment of the lifestyle that they espouse.”
I would even venture to say that if you aren’t getting a good dose of your monthly news from Monocle, then you are most definitely missing out. And I highly recommend listening to Monocle 24, the brand’s incredible radio station featuring music from around the globe.
Check out the full article on Tyler in the New York Times.
See past MD coverage of Monocle.
Daily Inspiration: Marc and the Beach
So I’m sitting at my desk here in San Francisco looking out on the cold fog creep over the city wondering, “Why the hell am I not in St. Barts?” Probably because I’m not Marc…
On a side note, every time I see Marc, Philip Crangi, or Kennedy Carter (shh! that last link isn’t safe for work!) I want to go get a tattoo…
Daily Inspiration: John & Yoko
“So this is Christmas, and what have you done…” It seems that John and Yoko had it right all along.
Give A Meal, Give Hope: Feeding America
My father gave David and I the best Christmas / Hanukkah present this year. He donated money in our names to Feeding America and was able to provide over 1000 meals to families in need across the country. As we all celebrate the Holidays this week it is also a good time to think of and support those among us who need a little help. Donate through Feeding America today.
Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.
Daily Inspiration: Madonna’s W.E. Promotional Documentary
I’m not sure that “fan” is the appropriate word to describe how I feel about Madonna. She’s been a constant source of inspiration and joy, an educator and a mentor of sorts though most of my life. I know — I may be starting to sound a bit stereotypical. But its true. I also think that she is truly at her best when she’s immersed herself into period work or in those intensely artistic musical times of her career where she’s stretched herself, such as Evita, Bedtime Stories, and Ray of Light.
You can’t deny the her drive, passion, and talent as a performer and storyteller. But her constant search to learn more and become a better person and artist is where I find true inspiration. While she’s been in a few less than stellar movies over her career, I think that generally when it comes to her film work she’s been given an unfair judgement precisely because of who she is and not her ability. Which is why I am so excited to see W.E., the movie that Madonna wrote, directed, and produced. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to go see a film, perhaps only Gosford Park and A Single Man.
W.E. focuses on a modern-day New York woman, Wally Winthrop, struggling to come to terms with her life as she tries to find who she really is, and her search for true love. She becomes obsessed with the lives and story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, and she imagines what their life and love together was like only to find that it wasn’t the fairy tale that she thought it was.
If you are a fan of Madonna and/or you love strong period pieces that tell of epic tales with incredible production value and costume design, spend twenty minutes and watch this short documentary on the making of W.E. And please, go see W.E. when it is theaters. Perhaps it will inspire you too.
And see the official W.E. trailer below:
