Fashion mega-moguls Diane von Furstenberg and Theory’s Andrew Rosen are co-chairing the nonprofit Meatpacking District Improvement Association fund-raiser at an event called “Open Market,” transforming two entire levels of the Highline Stages into a visual homage to the early days of the Meatpacking District. Honestly, all we remember is the long bathroom line at Jackie Read More
As we sloshed, caked with snow flurries, into the Mandarin Oriental for the 2012 Phoenix House Fashion award dinner last Wednesday evening, we couldn’t determine whether it was the way-too-early winter outside, the Sandy-forced relocation or the early start after an endless election season, but at first glance, things looked a bit quiet. (In retrospect, we appreciated the venue upgrade, considering it was originally slated to take place at Pier 60.)
“Well there’s Linda Fargo, at least …” we uttered to a weary-eyed publicist as she sashayed passed us in a crisp black sheath dress, before we sauntered downstairs to cocktail hour.
Below, on the 35th floor, the considerably more lively and notable fashion crowd imbibed, heedless of the blizzard-like winds that howled without mercy on the commoners struggling to get around Columbus Circle.
With the exception of Glenda Bailey, this didn’t feel like a typical fashion event; nay, it was considerably more corporate—a bit cliquey, but not necessarily in a bad way. Dashing executives (well mostly dashing) in flamboyant tailored suits sipped scotch and red wine, while a more demure population of women squawked about recent highs and lows. Read More
While it was rumored earlier this year that Theory honcho Andrew Rosen was paying more than $12.5 million for a four-bedroom penthouse at the St. Vincent condo conversion 130 West 12th Street, now there’s proof. City records show that Mr. Rosen paid $13 million, a bit of a price bump over the $12.8 million that the sponsor unit was asking.
The building has a way of getting buyers to pay more than the retail value. Rosie O’Donnell also plunked down a little extra cash for her duplex penthouse, paying $50,000 above the sticker price. Maybe Mr. Rosen should bring on Stribling brokers Alexa Lambert and Sean Turner to help shill his company’s clothes. Read More
American fashion design has seen an exciting new crop of talented youngsters creep onto the scene. Creatives such as Joseph Altuzarra, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung have received a great deal of attention—and rightfully so. The majority of this bunch thrive on fanfare—not always on the design of their clothes, but on their front-rows, frantic check-ins and backstage dramas.
The Proenza Schouler duo, after several seemingly shaky years, have quickly become darlings of the global fashion elite, continually present interesting and attractive collections. Now sitting more comfortably with financial investments from Theory Group’s Andrew Rosen and a glossy new David Adjaye-designed boutique (albeit too damn dark to see any of the merch), its safe to say they are no longer emerging.
Mr. Altuzarra’s nomadic, opulent materials and prints seem to satiate the critics. Since PR Consulting has never invited us to one of his magical shows, we’ll let him be.
Jason Wu’s nearly flawless technique and practical glamour—not to mention being a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama—means he’s fine and dandy.
Same for Thakoon Panichgul. Read More
Following closely behind Marc Jacobs‘ announcement, DKNY has cut the guest list for its fall ’09 show down to 400 from the usual 1,000. [Fashionista]
People’s Revolution publicist Kelly Cutrone has signed an eight-episode deal with Bravo for a reality show. [Page Six]
Among the new victims of Read More
