Zang Toi

Zang Toi (Pictured on left) After his Fall 2008 show. (Thank you Imax Images)

Who: Fashion Designer Zang Toi

What: His Fall 2008 Collection

Little Bio: Toi left his native Malaysia at the age of eighteen, and via Toronto, landed New York a year later. There he attended Parsons School of Design and apprenticed with Mary Jane Marcasiano and Ronaldus Shamask. In 1989, he opened his own atelier.

Available Where? Zang Toi is available in globally fine stores including the Couture Department at Nordstrom, fine specialty boutiques and Zang Toi Boutiques in Malaysia.

Don't you just love a man who knows how to dress a woman?

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. ---Viktor Frankl

Lovin Life, Truth Is

FYI Books

Here are some new books that you may be intrested in.

100 New Fashion Designers by Hywel Davis (Author)

Madame Gres: Spinx of Fashion by Patricia Mears, Jennifer Park The Fashion Institute of Technology, Pub. Date: March 2008
While the classically inspired “Grecian” gown designed by Madame Alix Grès is widely recognized and admired, little else of the brilliant couturier’s life or work has received close attention. This book, by far the most detailed study yet published on this influential fashion designer, carefully analyzes Madame Grès’ innovative construction techniques and connects her designs to the art styles and movements that inspired and informed her aesthetic. Gorgeously illustrated with images of fabulous clothes designed by Madame Grès, the book focuses on her long career (spanning the early 1930s to the late 1980s) and refutes the previous understanding that her work was static and unchanging. Rather, her designs consistently changed and evolved, even as a thread of continuity connected them. The volume discusses how sculpture and the construction of non-western clothing inspired Grès’s fashion, and examines numerous couture versions of her saris, ponchos, serapes, caftans, three-dimensional sculptural pieces, and Grecian gowns. In addition, the book constructs a timeline of her career and discusses her secretive private life, including the circumstances of her death, inexplicably concealed by her daughter for over a year.

Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior: The Early Collections by Jerry Schatzberg (Photographer)
On assignment for Esquire magazine in 1962, fashion photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg documented the ultra-exclusive world of French haute couture in stunning photographs of famous fashion icons. All the glamour and drama of the runway is presented, including images of Yves Saint Laurent’s first collection after leaving Dior, as well as tastemakers such as Diana Vreeland and American Vogue editor Jessica Daves mingling in the chic crowds. As an insider, Schatzberg was permitted entry into the private, behind-the-scenes world of the models and photographers, which he reveals in candid images of renowned photographers such as Helmut Newton, William Klein, Hiro, and Norman Parkinson perfecting their glamour shots.Schatzberg’s images embody an era in fashion history, and document the glamour, intrigue, and opulence of the Parisian runway shows. With an eye for subtle moments of elegance, drama, and humor, Schatzberg captures the essence of the period’s style and grace.

All books available at: Barnes & Noble and Amazon


"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy,not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony."---William Henry Channing


Lovin Life, Truth Is

A Rare Moment With Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto is definitely known for not talking to the media but the 64 year-old designer recently allowed Prestige's Vivienne Tang to sit down and talk with him about his career thus far, his upcoming project that will be featured on YouTube, the relationship with his mother, his present views on fashion {as well as that statement he made a few years ago about disliking fashion} and his daughter. You can read the interview in its entirety here.

LANCÔME"S LATEST

I needed some Mascara which, surprisingly, I don't wear anymore. (Never really needed it) Has mascara come a loooonnngggg way. After driving the lady at the Cosmetics Counter relatively crazy, I finally decided on Lancome. (You know how they present you with 101 options and you have to take your time, go through them all, ask questions, you know the drill!) I felt it presented me with the best possible use at the time. I discovered two other products too. They are tied to a humanitarian cause so I really don't mind screaming at you about them.

Virtuôse Black Carat
Divine Lasting Curves, Length & Volume Mascara
A LANCÔME FIRST: DIVINELY LENGTHENED, VOLUPTUOUS CURVES. SILKY GLIDE. PURE BLACK LASHES. All-in-one mascara lengthens, volumizes, and curves lashes all day. Enriched with black essence pigments, the formula glides on easily and gives a deep, black result. Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

Carnet De Velours
Daria Werbowy, Lancôme spokeswoman and international top model, has created her very own personal range of makeup -- Brazilian Earth Colors. The color statement is natural and sophisticated: from earthy browns to natural nudes to warm golds. The entire collection naturally enhances the beauty of your lips and eyes. Brazilian Earth Colors is also tied to a humanitarian effort. Each product sold will benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, an arts center for young adults in Rio de Janeiro.Unlock beauty secrets with the exclusive Carnet de Velours. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition mirrored eye shadow compact creates several different sultry eye looks; from natural and elegant to seductively smoky.

Color Fever Lipstick
Lasting Radiance. Sensual LipColor. Limited Edition
This is part of the campaign to benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, in Rio de Janeiro. Color Fever Lipstick in Beige Caracaï delivers incredibly luminous, vibrant color. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition shade glides along your lips with sensuous comfort leaving lips feeling smooth and supple.

Available at Lancome, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom

"When I don't understand something, I reach up and hold God's hand. And we walk together in silence."---Mahatma Gandhi

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: The Supers

The Supers- pronunciation;\ˈsü-pərs\
Function: noun
Date: Late 1980's
Means: Models who are the creme de la creme. Fashion models that rose to fame by understanding their craft and attaining sustainability in a superficial world. Women {and mens} faces who never go out of style because they know how to represent their product.

Excuse my poor definition of "The Supers" {I'm not Websters after all}. This year has been the resurgence of the Supermodel. All of the top models are resurfacing with big ad campaigns this year and with more on the slate to come in 2009. Naomi just recently bumped gal pal Kate Moss from Yves Saint Laurent and Linda Evangelista also scored big at Prada {Both are featured below}. So why all of a sudden a new interest in them? Simple! Because these women know how to market themselves. They don't over extend their looks and select few projects to ensure the freshness of their product! Let's hear it for The Supers!

Naomi @ Yves Saint Laurent for Fall 2008

Evangelista @ Prada for Fall 2008

**Images courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent and Prada

Fall Things

Talkin' Fall already! Actually Resort 2009. But for now let's just take a peek at what we could be wearing.

I love, love, love this Asymmetric Sweater in Ivory blue by Nina Ricci from her Fall Collection.

Available at: Bergdorf Goodman

I absolutely adore this Floral Tweed Jacket & Bubble Skirt by Robert Rodriguez

Available at: Bergdorf Goodman

This Velvet Dress by Stella McCartney reminds me of one I had not too long ago. I like the long balloon sleeves.

Available at: Neiman Marcus

This Tweed Coat by Stella McCartney is rather nice.

Available at: Neiman Marcus

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open." --- John Barrymore

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Down With Zac From The Jump

For those who know me on a personal basis also understand that there are five men in the world of fashion that I would sell my family on the black market for. Those men are Tom Ford, Giambattista Valli, Christian Louboutin, Elie Saab and ZAC POSEN. His Resort 2009 collection kept me on the edge of my seat and lets me know that this man will NEVER be a one hit wonder. Posen showed off a 150 piece collection that showcased his wide range of talent {it also proved that his little butt lives inside my brain}. Posen showed everything from Grecian style dresses to pretty & petite florals all of them encompassing the ever changing style of a woman. Posen also noted that the set of pinned-together cottons was for the girls that go to the country club and listen to Bow Wow on their iPods.

**Images courtesy of Style.com

Very Different Sandals

Okay, now I'm the first one hollering about a difference in my style of fashion being one of the most impotant things to me. I did not however qualify how different it had to be. Let me "sort of" clear that up for you. I like things that are different but not crazy different, not so different that you're left wondering what it is. Just different enough for you do a double take and ADMIRE how unique it is. There, now does that clear up "Different" for you? Here's some sandals from Jil Sander that are border-line crazy-different and almost normal different. Then there's some sandals from Pierre Hardy that would cause me to do a double take and ADMIRE just how unique they are.

These Sea Cloud (Grey) and Fluo Orange Sandals from Jil Sander are nice but I haven't really made up my mind about them yet. I'm thinking maybe a little to over the top for me. They are nice though.

Maybe I could handle these "Nappa" Fuschia Sandals from Jil Sander better.

Aaaah!!!, A little bit more normal kind of different, Silk Black and Fuscia Sandals by Jil Sander.

The following shoes are by Pierre Hardy:

Now that's what I'm talking about! That kind of different that makes you hear "Girl, where'd you get those shoes from."

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." ---Mohandas Gandi

Lovin Life, Truth Is

So Good You Can Eat It

Late last fall, Lousia Guinness commissioned artist Marc Quinn {as well as Anish Kapoor, Tim Noble and Sue Webster} to scale down their typical avant garde art into wearable pieces, such as jewelery.

Quinn's, and the other artists, pieces were featured in the May 2008 issue of British Vogue. Guinness says, "The challenge for them is to create something small enough to be sculpture, and then small enough to be worn."

Guinn, who decided to create a small strawberry and sprinkle it with frost to make it look as if it were frozen. The pendant comes in a polished 18k gold edition and a white gold edition. Each pendant is a collectors edition {collectively, only 20 necklaces were made}

If you happen to be in London anytime soon, the collections are on display at Browns Art Gallery on Cork St. and you can visit Lousia Guinness gallery here.

The White Gold Edition of Guinn's Frosted Strawberry

On The Campaign Trail: Givenchy & JT

**Image from the upcoming campaign (all images courtesy of Givenchy)

Rumors first broke last December of JT possibly signing a deal to be the face of a new Givenchy Perfume. And in February it was officially confirmed that he was most definitely the new face of Givenchy cologne. The new campaign features three different ads of Justin looking quite sexy if I might add. I can't wait to bring you all more images from the perfumes premiere as they become available.