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Singer Sir Elton John and his longtime partner David Furnish were married today in Windsor, England. The couple exchanged vows their vows late Wed. morning at the Windsor Registry Office. Congrats gents, so happy for you both......next up is George Michael and his longtime partner. Everyone seems to be getting married? I don't think my reception will be as big as Elton's, 700 guests, although I would have expected more for him? Hmmm, I guess that's small and quant.

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It's been while since I posted lately. We've been dealing with the remodel from hell, the job is finally done. And as of this morning we are engaged.......very very happy TURLIE.......I will post soon - I promise.

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It’s that time of year again, to get hooked on PROJECT RUNWAY. I fell in love with the show last year and my top pick from the beginning of the show won. Jay McCarrol is amazing and I saw a little Alexander McQueen in him. Well this season, it’s a little harder! Almost everyone is classically trained and have the vision of creating their unique styles. Everyone was ranting an raving about Santino before the show even started. All I have to say is the man is beyond full of himself, people who speak of themselves in the third person needs to be put down. I first turned on Santino at the interviews and his blasé reaction to being accepted as a designer on the show. While I am at it, a number of the contestant in the first episode had the same blasé reaction.

So this season the designers are getting really worked up to create something more than what the show is asking of them. I love it! For those of you watching and are not aware, but they actually auction off all the outfits on the Bravo website. Last year I did bid on a couple of pieces but lost them…this season I was bound and determined to win something. With the first two shows they ended up with two separate auctions. The second show was a little a miss in terms of pickings. But I loved a couple of pieces in the first season.

I placed a bid on three dresses, and ended up winning one.

http://projectrunway.auction.shopthescene.com/viewitem.php?item=5

The most annoying thing is this season, the people at Bravo have gotten greedy. The auctions are not really auctions. They have this new feature where, if someone places a bid within 5 minutes of the end of the auction, they extend the auction for 5 more minutes. Well, it keeps extending, until someone gives up! Bad play Bravo!

I also bought two of the Project Runway Barbies, of coarse one for my niece!

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It's the holiday season and it's the time for friends, family, love, giving and plain ol'Merry Cheer. Well it seems as though PETA can't leave well enough alone. Last week at a big charity dinner, attended by major fashion industry player. PETA staged a protest in the men's and women's bathrooms. Placing stickers inside of urinals and toilets with a photo of Anna on top of target. Then earlier this week, PETA members received the NYC chapters Xmas Card.....A cartoon of Anna and a comment about her need for fur. Really tasteless, Even at Christmas they won't give up!

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So while in Paris last month, I did not get my invitation as I hoped for the McQueen show. Unfortunately I had to resort to the Internet for a look. This season McQueen is under the same pressure as Stella; by holding company the Gucci Group; to turn a profit. So far his created a new line of clothes for retailer H&M and also struck a deal with Puma for a new footwear line.

This season’s collection is all about classic McQueen. Alexander has molded this season’s collection to keeping his clients happy. By offering classic McQueen pieces in new looks, his managed to grab his clienteles heart strings and played a little song of warm and happy Spring/Summer.

McQueen revisited the Greco Roman woman and ripped her clothes off to create a classic modern McQueen look with a remarkable color palette. Alexander made sure the collection had a vast range of lengths, from full-length gowns, to shorts or even pleated pants and skirts. Speaking of pleated skirts, I almost fell of my chair when I saw the organ-pleated skirt with the art deco silver silk-screening. The way they moved and the absolute attention to recreating a classic.

The overlook for this collection seemed to be more clean lines and classic shapes. There was alot embellishments in this collection from the beading to the embroidering. One amazing example was the peach chiffon cocktail dress with contrast silver beading on the pleats. Beading also made an appearance on belts and bodices on a dress or two.

The only down side of this collection were all the patent leather dresses and skirts. I am not sure the look itself fell right into this collection; it seemed to stand out more. The high point of the show were all the backward gowns, one can easily say that they were so Victor & Rolf but they are on such a higher level. V&R attempted the whole backward collection and somewhat failed. Although McQueen offered only a handful of pieces and hit the nail on the head; the front of the gowns had the low-cut back with strand of chains covering the breast or the keyhole back with or without buttons. These gowns are most certainly the bed gowns to hit Paris fashion week.

I don't know where to begin about the white pant suit McQueen mastered. It seemed to just move on the models while the models was even walking. It's nothing like I have ever seen. So rare is when McQueen actually offers a suit and when he does, this proves its worth every penny.

Overall McQueen presented a classic and essential collection for the McQueen customer. Hope to retain those ever-faithful McQueen clients; this season is about tradition while holding the best for next Season. While in Paris I did take a walk over to the McQueen atelier in the Marais the day after the show. Sadly I think I was to early to see anything or anyone, my guess was they were still waking up from a long night of parties. Bravo Monsieur McQueen.

thank you style.com

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The Gucci group is keeping Stella McCartney the busiest woman in Fashion. Some may say she’s on a rampage to become the next Karl Lagerfeld by mirroring his constantly at work lifestyle. Overall Stella is proving she can concur any task thrown at her. With the growth of her label to meet the Gucci Groups expectation, opening stores worldwide and her new low cost clothing line for H&M. She has amassed a new reputation of the it girl; the it girl who can survive and come out on top. Only a few female designers have had that staying power in the last 30 years, such as Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Sonya Rhikiel and Vivienne Westwood.

This season Stella is clearly playing it safe along with her Gucci brother Alexander McQueen. This collection although very similar to seasons past, she is offering her loyal clients classic Stella pieces. She keeps true to her trademark color palette and classic McCartney shapes. The collection consisted a number of jersey pieces; the standout piece was the mauve polo collar jersey dress. She also showed a plunging tunic with clean embroidering.

All though Stella is not one for offering numerous prints or flashy embellishments, she tempts us every season with one print or piece that gives the collection a twist. This season she presented to two prints. The first is a jewelry chain print on silk jersey and chiffon, the print it self did not fit Stella nor the collection. The second was perfect, delicious shades of pinks and reds were mixed into a hot lips print on a number of floor length strapless and halter-top gowns.

McCartney only presented a few full-length pieces; most of the collection was molded into a sort look. This gave way to some of the bed cocktail dresses of the season or the summer 06’. The only real slow point of the collection was the chains print. The climax however was not during the show itself, rather the close of the show. Stella’s appearance at the end of the show was perfect, she looked great, smiled and just exuded a sense she can stand alone building her empire and still look like a million dollars.

Ladies get out those credit cards, the must have shoe for the season is Stella’s techno color heel. Not only does it fit this season strong color trend but also it adds another hot element to this perfect collection. Brave Stella

thank you style.com

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The buying world in fashion has lost one of its driving forces on Tuesday. Kal Ruttenstein buyer and Senior VP at Bloomingdales passed away earlier this week after battling cancer. Kal is most certainly one of the most strong presence buyer in the industry. For almost 30 years his driven Bloomingdale's through its good times and bad. Joining the company in 1977, he ushered the retailer into high fashion in the early 80's. Befriending numerous icons of the fashion world along the way. From Diane Von Furstenberg, the late Perry Ellis and Halston and was instrumental of launching such designers as Anna Sui and the late Stephn Sprous. He will be missed dearly, and the runway will always have one seat not filled correctly.

Ruttenstein has requested that donations be made to DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, INC.

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Karl Lagerfeld’s arrival in New York this month starts with some never expected to happen, Ever! Lagerfeld hosted a preview of Chanel’s upcoming Fall/Winter 06’ collection due to show in February 06’. The invite was for industry in crowd and the critics who love him. The designer closed down Chanel’s Flagship store in NYC for the show.

My first reaction to the collection was that Karl holds close to the founding mother of design. Classic Chanel pieces of the 20th century are remastered to lead the Couturie in getting respect of the industry. From the classic Coco narrow brim bowl hat to the Lesage Embroidery encrusted Chanel Suit. I can say for certain that these pieces seemed more couture than ready to wear. But then again that’s the quality Lagerfeld tends to exceed.

Monsieur Lagerfeld – BRAVO!

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Ungaro’s Spring/Summer collection is a complete farce. Designer Vincent Darre is now 0 for 2. After a parade of numerous copies of such designers like Tom Ford, St. Laurent and Ghesquiere. I am not sure if the blatant copies were the actual nauseating part of this collection. Or was it the ruffle upon ruffles on skirts, blouses and jackets. Only a handful of pieces actually first the Ungaro mold. I can’t even begin to explain how someone can turn beautiful Ungaro prints into complete crap! Overall Vincent is lost with in his restrictions of his craft. I will end with by saying nothing more! Enough said!

thank you style.com

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I almost got out of my seat at the Dries Van Noten. The designer opened his Spring/Summer to a depressing Boy Scout look. The opening section consisted mainly a khaki palette with little hints of red. In the first section the collection was pale and sickly. The models makeup seemed to be just as drowned out as the clothes themselves. Except for those red lips which were a lovely site. Luckily those red lips were a hint of what was to come.

In the second section Van Noten began to slowly add color into the yellow and khaki looks. He managed to bring life with vibrant shades of oranges, red, purples and black. He seem to be overreaching by mixing prints and stripes. It was in the third section of the show that my eyes were glued to the runway. Now there were only a handful of looks in this section that grabbed me; the purple and white print blouse with a bleeding purple waist.

The collection as whole seemed to build on Van Noten’s signature utility function look. At the close of the show the designer shifted from loose lines to a tailored look with jackets and skirts tailored on the models. The must have pick for this collection is the bias cut baby doll dress with embroidery.

thank you style.com

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For Spring/Summer the House of Rochas is getting covered up for the cold. Designer Olivier Theyskens adopted this seasons color palette of navy, black and white. Olivier continues to groom the Rochas collection for its timeless and elegant pieces. The opening of long gowns of organdy and taffeta were rich with simple details. The pant suits were cut perfectly, they had the lines and easiness of a classic St. Laurent suit.

They key pieces of this collection were all the turn of the century floor length evening gowns and skirts. What makes them special is the fact the house itself was created in 1925 by its namesake Monsieur Rochas never really present such a look. The gowns and skirts are an homage to such designer as Worth and Poiret. The details on the gowns are simple but noticeable. From the soft prints on chiffons, to Chinese embroidery even to the faint prints Monet prints in purple and teal.

Very little accessories were in the collection, a consummate signature of Monsieur Theyskens. The designer opted to have the hair showcase in the collection, braids tied the models hair acted as tiaras. The standout piece for me in this collection is metallic navy backless gown with the white chiffon under that peaks as the model walked. Bravo Monsieur Theyskens

thank you style.com

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Karl Lagerfeld is on the move this season; this collection will be the last to show in Paris. Karl and the Label are packing up and moving to New York City. Everyone was a buzz with this news during New York fashion week and everyone was worried if Karl can break the losing streak so many European designers have had in moving to NYC. Sadly designers like Versace and McQueen received warm welcomes but rapidly watched their labels get hit with bad sales from the move.

This being his last season Lagerfeld found inspiration in his new look and the next chapter of his career. The makeup and hair reflect the move, its clean and tossed up. The collection as a whole is very monotone but keeping to the black, navy color trend of the season. Karl focused on the shapes and details of the dresses, skirts and gowns. Several skirts are tiered and cut to create windows to the contrasting sheer fabrics.

Lagerfeld offered a vast array of looks; from long gowns to knee length dresses. Most of the stands out pieces were the pants and pant shorts. Another item that is a must have is the white jacket that is high waisted with draped ribbons of fabric falling from the back. The circle cutouts perplexed me, When they were large they made a bold statement. When they were little; they seemed to take away from the look overall.

This collection is not only wearable and sellable; it also stands out like a movement for the Gallery label into its next chapter along with Lagerfeld. Backstage Lagerfeld commented that this collection is about layering full panels on the pieces and there are no pleats in the collection. Then moving over to his grand muse Lady Amanda Harlech and her comments on the show. She states she loved the knife-edge chiffon pleating in the dresses. I think Lady Harlech missed the group meeting before the collection. To Monsieur Lagerfeld I must give a grand bravo, a near simple perfect collection. I hope his move to the states is a good one.

thank you style.com

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Hubert de Givenchy, I hope you were on holiday this fall on some deserted island in the pacific. The House of Givenchy new atelier Ricardo Tisci tackles his first ready to wear collection for the House. Unfortunately, Mr. Tisci was tackled to the ground in a painful yet embarrassing position. Backstage the designer is quoted to have borrowed from the Givenchy archives and reconstructed them for today and tomorrow.

Now I might sound a little brash against the collection, but I hold the House of Givenchy in such high regard. To see an inspirational and iconic house be thrown into the dirt by such weak talent is a travesty. Many complained about the trek they made to the show and to arrive, left waiting for over an hour was just more salt in their wounds. So many things just fell apart in this collection; from bulky poorly cut flare skirts to the bulky shoes, which the models had a rough time keeping on during most of the collection. The shoes were a distraction from the clothes themselves.

There were a couple of cute pieces, like the tulle overlay lace skirt and the dusty rose taffeta suit. There was to little to rave about, so many looks fell outside of the Givenchy look. Tisci seems to be jumping too far with this collection. Taking the label way to far into the future. Even the accessories like the wrestling/boxing looking belts and the square tie were so wrong on so many levels. I said it before and I will say it again, the board better rethink this decision.

thank you style.com

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The Couture House of Coco Chanel has found its new face. Actress Selma Blair was recently photographed by Karl Lagrafeld as the new face of Chanel. Selma follows along the line of many great Chanel muses, such as Vanessa Paradis, Nadja Auerman, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington and most recently Nicole Kidman. Selma is also one of only few that are American.

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Actress Wendie Jo Sperber passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. Darn that cancer! I Loved Wendy Jo, I first saw her on the 80's Sleeper Hit - Bussom Buddies with Tom Hanks and Donna Dixon. Later she went on to appear in some hilarious "B" Comedies that are now classics - Like "Bachelor Party", "Sorority Boys" and my all-time favorite "Stewardess School". She also appeared on Will & Grace as one of my favorite walkon characters.....April the Screaming Selfhelp Maid. Wendie will be missed! (Wendie is pictured lower right)

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