Bye Bye, Steve & Barry’s!

Say “bye, bye” to clothing at ridiculous prices and too-good-to-be-true fabulous finds from Sarah Jessica Parker.

But first, say “hello” to Steve & Barry’s LIQUIDATION SALES!

They’ll last five to seven weeks, with some stores closing sooner.

According to AP reports, the inventory to be liquidated is worth about $250 million.

As we know, Steve & Barry’s filed for bankruptcy in July.

Despite statements that they’d remain open, they’re conceding to nationwide closure.

According to AP,  the chain “fell victim to the deteriorating consumer spending climate.”

So sad!

Russell Simmons Names A Winner!

Today Russell Simmons announced the winners of the nationwide creative entrepreneurship competition, the Race to BE.

The Race culminated in New York City on Nov. 21 at the New York Stock Exchange with the final challenge in fashion, BE. The Style.

A young designer named Vaughn Jereaux swept the competition with his bespoke evening dresses and savvy marketing tactics. 

I’m really impressed by what I see from such a young designer.

Check out his collection.

Congrats, Vaughn!

Obama Inspires Fashion Label

America’s new celebrity president is also becoming a fashion icon.

AFP reports:

SARAJEVO (AFP) – Barack Obama’s elegance and fashion sense has inspired a Bosnian company to name a new line of men’s business suits after the US president-elect.

“We chose the name Obama” for the suits, which were already selling well in Bosnia and neighbouring Croatia, said Ahmet Curic, a manager at Borac, the company that produces the outfits.

“It’s a line of top quality business suits, and naming it Obama was an obvious choice because the president-elect is clearly a very elegant man and one of a few who knows how to wear a suit,” he told AFP.

Curic added Borac also wanted to “pay respect” to the United States for providing the company with funds to help restart production after Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war.

Based in the central town of Travnik, Borac is Bosnia’s oldest clothing factory. It cooperates with several leading European fashion houses including Hugo Boss.

Congratulations, Finalists!

A while back we told you about Russell Simmons’ new role in the world of young entrepreneurship.

Now finalists have been selected to compete in the nationwide creative entrepreneurship competition he’s hosting.

It’s called the Race to BE.

As the signature U.S. event for the worldwide initiative Global Entrepreneurship Week, it encourages young people to leverage their artistic abilities into entrepreneurial endeavors.

A special shout-out to the finalists in the fashion category.

• Ronit Genik, ready-to-wear designer, from New York
  
• Jessie Williams, JW Designs and Edge of Urge online boutique, from Wilmington, NC
  
• Vaughn Jereaux Adams, evening gown designer, from New York
  
• Efren Andaluz, custom air-brushed t-shirt designer, from New York
  
• Baruch Shemtov, custom men’s tie designer, from BostonFashion 

Great News for The Blogosphere!

You’re gonna love (or hate) Perez Hilton even more now!

The snarky, sagacious, yet salacious, gay celebrity blogger announced today the launch of his mobile website.

The mobile site, m.perezhilton.com in a mobile phone’s browser, offers all of Perez’s celebrity gossip and signature photos and fashion commentary.

Readers have the ability to share posts with others through SMS Texting and email, and search the entire Perez Hilton archives from a mobile phone.

“It’s about time!” said Perez.

“My readers have been asking often and loudly for a mobile version of PerezHilton.com and I’m thrilled to finally be launching this new version. It should make viewing the site on your phone fast, fun and easy. Check it out and come back often!”

You better not stop reading my blog because of this!

Diddy RULES!

Image :: MTV.com

Diddy has done it again!

Today, he bought fashion label ENYCE from Liz Claiborne.

In case you can’t remember, Enyce is a denim based sportswear brand for men and boys and also has a women’s line.

In true no-bitchassness style, Diddy said he and Liz Claiborne will work together to ensure a smooth and orderly transition for retail partners, vendors and employees.

Add Enyce to the portfolio of brands that he already owns, including Sean John and Zac Posen.

Then go ahead and top that with his marketing of Ciroc Vodka, Unforgivable by Sean John, and all of his television titles.

There can be no argument. Diddy rules.

Louis Vuitton Wins Again!

I love it when fakesters pay!

Louis Vuitton Malletier (the people who make LV stuff) just won $3,000,000 in statutory damages and over $500,000 in attorney’s fees and expenses.

The company sued LY (not LV) USA, Inc., Marco Leather Goods Ltd., Coco USA Ltd. and the principals Chong Lam and Joyce Chan (the “Defendants”) for trademark counterfeiting.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York spared the defendants no mercy.

The lawkeepers said their failure to produce documents on sales and profits and their “many attempts to register marks closely derived from those of luxury brands…”…invites “an inference of a massive counterfeiting enterprise.”

Yaaaay for LV!

The Top 10 Worst Trends of LA Fashion Week

Is the West Coast struggling to compete with Bryant Park?

TheFashionSpot, (http://www.theFashionSpot.com), an online fashion community destination, has announced their top 10 list of worst trends at the S/S 09 shows during LA Fashion Week.

1. Hair pieces at the Lauren Conrad show
2. Suh Tahn’s denim on denim (men’s blazer over shorts)
3. College mid-term, hairstyle buns at Whitley Kros
4. Julie Clancey’s formless sheath gowns
5. Kevan Hall’s berets
6. Covered from head-to-toe in cartoon prints at Ed Hardy
7. Itty bitty hot pants at Elmer Ave
8. Lana Fuchs ruffled white wedding gown
9. The Sheiki look: Faded denim jeans with glitter pockets, fishnet bra
worn with an open, grommet vest
10. Viridis Luxe boyfriend jean gone bad

The future of LA Fashion Week hangs in the balance as Smashbox and event organizer IMG part ways after this year’s shows are over.

Will the potential loss of LA Fashion Week make an impact on the fashion community?

Watch this space.

Star Power for Ed Hardy Spring 2009 Collection Debut

Angela and Vanessa Simmons are on the celeb guest list for Monday night’s Ed Hardy event.
Image :: MTV.com 

Famed fashion designer Christian Audigier will unveil his Ed Hardy(R) Spring 2009 Collection on the main stage at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Monday.

We’re hearing that numerous celebrities including Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Raven Symone, Tara Reid, Brittany Snow and Donnie Klang, from Making the Band, will be in attendance.

The designer’s camp says the collection was “inspired by a time when music defined personality, when function became style, and when bold colors ruled fashion.”

“The hype from the streets yesterday becomes the hip of today with Street Fame,” the say.

Can’t wait to share pics with you!

A Full Year’s Clothing Allowance from H&M!

We’ve been talking about Stylista for a while now.

H&M has just come out saying that they’re partnering with The CW for the new series, which premieres Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

As you know, 11 determined fashionistas will vie to prove themselves to Fashion News Director and Elle Accessories Editor Anne Slowey and Creative Director Joe Zee from Elle magazine.

And the winner will receive a full year’s clothing allowance from H&M.

No word on exactly how much money the winner will get.

Watch a preview and meet the cast.