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]

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…

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.

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]

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]

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.

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…

“So this is Christmas, and what have you done…” It seems that John and Yoko had it right all along.

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.

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:

We need a little bit more of this spirit now I think.

[Photo via Pantonism]

Famed fashion illustrator, Richard Haines, is offering the opportunity to have your very own black and white portrait for the Holidays in two sizes: 11″x14″ and 9″x 12.” You may recognize Richard’s art from his site, What I Saw Today, or in his work for J.Crew, Unionmade, and In Style just to name a few. I adore Richard’s incredible portraits and would love to have my own framed sketch from the man himself. Contact Richard directly through his site for price quotes.

Check out more of Richard’s work.

[Photos via What I Saw Today]

I got an email from Patagonia the other day and the subject line read, “Don’t Buy This Jacket.” Of course this was intriguing; especially on Black Friday. I spend a lot of time finding incredible pieces of clothing, accessories, and items for the home to curate here on Modern Destiny, and I can see how on the surface that could be reflective of our more is more consumer society. But what I really try to do is find fantastic pieces that are well-made, quality items that will stand the test of time. It’s not often that we highlight an item from a fast fashion retailer because the quality is often just not there. And let’s face it, in that business space more is never really more it’s usually just more of less.

You won’t see many apparel retailers today doing what Patagonia is doing with the Common Threads Initiative. Asking you to not only purchase less, but to buy only what you need. And then to repair what you buy before you replace it. Can you name another apparel retailer who would email their entire customer base and take out ads in major publications around the world asking customers to shop less? Probably not. I can’t think of a single one. When retailers do support CSR initiatives most want you to buy more so that a portion of the profits can go to a non-profit.

I think what Patagonia is doing here is revolutionary. And as we continue to deplete our planets natural resources at a rapid pace it will become incumbent upon businesses to encourage consumers to buy products that last longer, can be repaired, reused, recycled, and reimagined. It is incredibly important as consumers that we support brands like Patagonia who are leading the way, and even more important that we encourage all of the retailers that we love to begin to think about their product life cycle differently. Because we are part of the ecosystem, not just a beneficiary of it. “Living is not buying.”

Learn more about the Common Threads Initiative.

Little Boots is the shit. Period. Shake is perhaps the best dance track out there right now. It seems that everything that’s been coming out of London lately is just incredible, right? London has always produced incredible artists, but there definitely seems to be a significant Brit moment happening. Music, fashion, art, comedy theater…porn (Kennedy Carter actually turned me on to Little Boots and has awesome taste in music – follow him on Twitter). All of my favorite bands right now are British: Fenech-Soler, Hurts, Little Boots, Two Door Cinema Club (okay, from Ireland technically), Monarchy, and of course the incomparable Tracey Thorn (Why Does the Wind? Morgan Geist Remix!!).

Clearly I am going through a big Anglo phase right now and just can’t get enough. More please. More.

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/28/daily-inspiration-little-boots-shake/feed/ 0 http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/17/weighing-in-on-the-benetton-controvery/ http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/17/weighing-in-on-the-benetton-controvery/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:30:47 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=7699

Iconic apparel maker Benetton has never been one to shy away from controversy or be politically correct. It is one of the things that I appreciate and admire from the Italian retailer. They aren’t afraid to do what’s right, celebrate diversity in all forms, and make a statement on controversial topics where other brands of equal or greater size/stature have been all too safe or stayed on the sidelines.

Benetton’s current “UNHATE” campaign is certainly stirring things up. Featuring world leaders kissing; the ad has already caused an outcry from the Vatican due to a depiction of the Pope kissing another man. The Vatican issued the following protest statement: “We must express a firm complaint for the unacceptable use of his Holy Father’s image, manipulated and exploited in an advertising campaign with a commercial purpose.”

Let’s be honest, using the Pope in any commercial ad campaign is going to get a strong reaction. Featuring him kissing another man is most definitely going to get you press. This campaign intended to stir up controversy and get people talking. And whether you like the ads or not, the fact that millions of people around the world will see these ads will force people to examine their own views and biases, and begin a dialogue on hate and discrimination. Benetton is pulling the ad featuring the Pope.

In a world that seems to be increasingly filled with anger and hate, and where children are killing themselves due to prejudice and bullying; I would hope that the Vatican could move beyond their ego and get out of their own way long enough to see the good that can come from increased conversation among people on this topic.

Read the full Benetton press release. Check out the Unhate Foundation.

A teaser for The Motley’s upcoming video series, Men of Distinction. According to The Motley, The Men of Distinction video series is an on-going conversation with men who create, explore, advocate and inspire. Each portrait looks into the world of a young man who is a game-changer in his respective field.

The best nine and a half minutes I’ve spent today! Naomi, Helena, and Cindy defined the term supermodel in the 80′s and 90′s, and continue to be spectacular and inspire in this fun and beautifully directed short for the Duran Duran single, Girl Panic. Love that Domenico Dolce and Stefan Gabbana also make an appearance!

]]> http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/10/duran-duran-bring-back-the-supermodel/feed/ 0 http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/07/daily-inspiration-part-ii-moments-of-lucidity-with-robert-plant/ http://moderndestiny.com/2011/11/07/daily-inspiration-part-ii-moments-of-lucidity-with-robert-plant/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:33:39 +0000 Drew http://moderndestiny.com/?p=7628

I am a total child of 80′s pop culture and music. I tended to lean more towards the pop, synth-pop, industrial, and house movement that was happening in the mid to late 80′s (think Madonna, Depeche Mode, Information Society, Expose, Duran Duran, and Jody Watley), but there is a single rock album that sticks out as my favorite (and still today), go-to rock album, Robert Plant’s 1988 Now and Zen. It is my all time favorite rock album with incredible tracks like Dance On My Own, Tall Cool One, and Ship of Fools.

And while Now and Zen evokes many childhood memories, my favorite is a warm New England summer afternoon at the beach with my mom. With all of the windows and the sunroof of our bulky red Volvo open Now and Zen blared through the air, and eight year old me dancing, singing, and clapping my hands on the hood of the car barefoot and in shorts.  My mother in the sand in a white sun dress, twirling around with her hands in the air, and blonde hair flying.

At the moment it was just a lot of fun. I think that she had just decided on a whim to take me to the lake for an evening barbecue instead of cooking in the house. I can only imagine what others on the beach must have thought watching me dance around the top of the car, and her twirl around in the sand. And while scenes like this one weren’t necessarily out of the norm for us as most people who knew us back then would tell you, Now and Zen (and particularly Dance On My Own) instantly takes me back to that warm afternoon dancing on the Volvo.

And the album continues to inspire me to ensure that I enjoy moments like that one in my life now. To find moments of lucidity and joy in all the craziness of what life can often become.

Check out a great GQ article with the Tall Cool One himself, Robert Plant.

[Photo by Mark Seliger for GQ]

There seems to be an endless appetite for all things Nick Wooster right now. He is perhaps the biggest non-designer “celebrity” in menswear; which is a very good thing. I personally can’t get enough of Nick — from style inspiration to career inspiration. Photographer Matt Barnes recently caught up with Nick for a shoot, and Nick had some shared a few tidbits on what he’s working on now, the retail game, and style:

DTC: How did you become the darling of the sartorial blogging world?

NW: It must be a really slow news cycle…Seriously, I have no idea where the interest comes from.  I am beyond flattered that people take the time to notice how an old guy dresses.  But I am hopeful that it brings attention to the menswear business in general, as more men see that with a minimum of effort, they can truly change how they present themselves to the world.

Check out more from the shoot, and the full interview. And, check out more Nick coverage on MD.

[Video and photo via Matt Barnes]

I’ve always loved street style photographer Tommy Ton’s photos. You know almost instantly when a photograph is the work of Tommy. He has a unique perspective and often likes to focus on the detail versus the complete ensemble. Life + Times has a great short about Tommy’s point of view on street style and how he approaches his craft.

On why he’ll take your picture: “What really stands out to me is an individual with a sense of confidence and attitude, and it doesn’t matter whether or not you are wearing something that is designer or something that is high street. I think its how you wear it.”

Watch the Life + Times video on Tommy.  And, check out some of our favorite Tommy Ton shots.