July 18, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
[images via CBS News]
The 2012 Olympics are near, and it seems like we’ve been talking more about what the athletes are wearing rather than the actual sport that they are competing in! This year, the Olympics are getting a designer makeover, namely with designs from Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.
Legendary British fashion designer/rock royalty progeny Stella McCartney was given the honor of designing the uniforms for Team Great Britain. The designs are sleek and primarily use the color blue as well as bits and pieces of the Union Jack image. McCartney said of the uniforms to BBC:
“Something that was very important to me was to try and use that very iconic image but to dismantle it and try to soften it, break it down and make it more fashionable in a sense.”
The uniforms (or “Kit” as the Brits would say), have gotten some criticism for actually being “too blue” and for not using enough of the iconic British flag. This is not the only design controversy that has originated, with Ralph Lauren also taking some heat.
[image via Ralph Lauren]
Team USA has received a fashionable makeover of its own with the opening ceremony uniforms designed by the king of American fashion, Ralph Lauren. Blazers are emblazoned with the signature polo player and horse, while military-esque berets add more polish. Crisp white pants for men and the cutesy skirt option for women are each brilliantly sporty. You can shop the collection here!
Like the backlash from the Brits, many Americans are up in arms over the uniforms having been “Made in China.” In addition,the uniforms are being critiqued for their “European look,” with many preferring a classic baseball cap to a beret.
Controversy aside, I’m just excited to see Ryan Lochte and Cullen Jones wear not much of anything as they battle it out in the pool! That’s some fashion I’ll enjoy.
–Perri Haynes
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July 17, 2012
by fashion pulse contributor
[Project Runway’s Interactive Runway on The Highline in NYC, image via mylifetime.com]
The Emmy Award nominated series, Project Runway, is celebrating its 10th anniversary via an exclusive retail sponsorship with Lord & Taylor. With a comprehensive integrated marketing program, the show will feature an “accessories wall” with a select assortment of the department store’s shoes, handbags and accessories available for contestant usage in various challenges. As any fashionista knows, accessories can make or break a look.
Lord & Taylor will also be hosting a unique challenge at its Fifth Avenue flagship store in NYC, the dazzling fashion capital of the world. This particular episode airs Tuesday August 30th, yet the season begins July 19th at 9/8c on Lifetime. Lord & Taylor plans to bring the iconic show to life with online and in-store activation platforms. You won’t want to miss Fashion’s Night Out this year where past and present contestants will make their appearances in the store.
What’s more, the grand prize winner is offered the opportunity to sell their collection at the upscale department store. Talk about resonating with the customer. We are hoping Tim Gunn’s solid fashion advice is part of a package deal!
-Alana Quagliariello
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July 15, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
[Images Via Nautica]
Classic lifestyle brand Nautica takes some of its signature looks and translates them into looks meant to be layered with its fall 2012 collection. Featuring some of the season’s best hues from chocolate brown to a deep cobalt shade paired with assertive khaki, these pieces will easily meld into staples of your existing wardrobe.
As a sidenote, the brand recently raised a remarkable $125,000 to benefit their new charitable campaign, Give Change to Make Change, in order to fund clean water projects in developing nations. It was launched on World Water Day (March 22, 2012) because of Nautica’s deep ties with water and the inspiration the natural resource gives to the brand.
– Perri Haynes
July 12, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
Target and Neiman Marcus are often not used in the same sentence, depending on what kind of shopper you are, but the upcoming holiday season brings about the unlikely pairing for savvy and price conscious shoppers alike! Both retailers are teaming up to spread some holiday cheer in the form of fashionable, limited-edition gifts. The collaboration brings together 24 of some of the most amazing designers in the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to create a diverse mix of 50 limited-edition gifts. The designers include:
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