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Last night the crown was passed down and placed upon a new Miss Universe contestant. The 2011 winner of the Miss Universe pageant is Leila Lopes of Angola. The pageant was hosted by Miss Lopes’ fellow Portuguese speaking country, Brazil. As this year marked the 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, this was quite the special event. The first Miss Universe pageant, not yet named with such prestige, was held in Long Beach, California as a local swimsuit variety show by a swimsuit company in the area. Since then the event has become huge and is even co-owned by the famous American business man, Donald Trump, along with broadcasting company, NBC. The evening also marked as an important event for Brazil. Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization explains, “It’s our 60th anniversary, it’s a very big show,” she said. “We’re anticipating close to a billion viewers from around the world.” With all of this excitement it, Brazil better get used to it as they are scheduled to host a few more events in the coming seasons. “I don’t think there is any doubt in the rest of the world’s mind that Brazil is the place, between hosting the Olympics and hosting the World Cup,” she said. “I love the fact we’re going to kick it off. I always say we’re the ‘World Cup’ of beauty.”
Our newly crowned Miss Universe, Leila Lopes was continuously praised on her answers to the questions asked in one of the rounds of the competition. When Leila was questioned about ‘what physical trait she would change if she could,’ Leila responded with, “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing, I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.” Leila Lopes was also asked about racism, and Leila simply responded, “Any racist needs to seek help. It’s not normal in the 21st century to think in that way.”
Leila Lopes’ ease in answering the prompted questions was very comforting to the judges, and after she was crowned Miss Universe Leila said, “”as Miss Angola I’ve already done a lot to help my people. I’ve worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs,” Miss Universe, Leila Lopes said. “I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more.”
According to an update from Deadline Hollywood the rumors of a prequel to Sex in the City have not just been a bunch of wishful thinking by Carrie’s diehard fans. Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries is being made into a TV show at CW and former Sex and the City writer Amy Harris is already on-board along with the producers of Gossip Girl.
The Carrie Diaries was published by Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell in 2010 and is the coming of age story of everybody’s favorite fictional New York columnist Carrie Bradshaw. Bushnell’s book deals with Carrie’s evolution from a small town girl dreaming of the big city, to the sexy and savvy New York girl that millions of fans have come to look to for tips on style and love. The story features Carrie’s rise from novice writer to well known columnist and introduces readers to the origins of her friendships with Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.
With the lack luster performance of the Sex and the City movies there is at least a portion of the fan base that would rather if Hollywood just left Carrie and co alone, but with Gossip Girl producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage signed onto the project, along with Bushnell herself who will be taking an executive producer role; some fans out there are daring to hope that The Carrie Dairies can live up to the original TV show’s standards. Rumors have Gossip Girl’s own Blake Lively under consideration for the role of Samantha and Lizzie Olsen in the running to play a young Carrie Bradshaw, but as of now nothing has been confirmed or denied by the studio.
What worries us here at Promgirl News is not the resurrection of Carrie and her loveable crew, but rather the idea that any prequel to Sex in the City would probably need to be set in the 80’s, which wont go a long way to help The Carrie Diaries in becoming the same beacon of brilliant fashion that Sex in the City became known for.
Pop singer Rihanna is only 23 years old and has already “Shot a Man Down” and has become the “Only Girl In The World.” Now Rihanna will be working her swagger wearing only Armani intimates. It is official; Rihanna is the new face of Empirio Armani’s underwear campaign. The ads were released today, and without fail, Rihanna has done her job. Also strutting her fit, on-tour concert bod, Rihanna will be representing Armani jeans in addition to the intimates’ campaign. With former Armani campaign models including Victoria and David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recent Megan Fox, Rihanna has some shoes to fill (or briefs); however, she is doing a great job.
As Rihanna has built quite an empire for herself (with some help from friendly producers and other hip-hop stars) she is known, amongst many things, for wearing all sorts of different wigs. Most of the time Rhianna’s outfits are inspired by, or at the very least, centered around her wig – if the wig isn’t there the outfit isn’t ready. So, what kind of wig goes best with Empirio Armani lingerie? Well, the answer actually seems rather practical; a minimalist look needs a minimalist wig. The ad features Rihanna adorned in a platinum blonde wig in a bob cut. How simple and elegant. The ad is set in a black Lincoln Continental with a mood of sultry, sleek, and sexy, not to mention a black and white scheme creating a film noir feel.
The Armani jeans ad is yet to be released, but if the team behind the Empirio Armani underwear campaign is at all behind it, I would foresee no issues or problems. Most likely, the denim ads will be just another sexy and classic spread with the sultry pop singer. Armani has done an excellent job replacing Megan Fox with Rihanna. As Rhianna’s predecessor, Megan Fox is seemingly headed down the drain with no more Transformers franchises in her future due to her uncontrolled mouth, Rhianna’s mouth and words have only made her more successful. The ad is currently available to view at WWD.com.
Did you hear? Did you Tweet? Did you see?
Last night was the world-wide celebration of fashion known as Fashion’s Night Out. New York City is where the main event took place, but many other cities joined in, including Los Angeles, and a few cities in Europe. On the good ole’ island of Manhattan, and a few surrounding areas, fashion ran the street and the stores. Celebrity sightings were easier to come by than sprinkles on a sundae. Fashion designers stood post at their stores, and even their department store shops. Tommy Hilfiger was quoted saying, “Macy’s is my department store home. My Fifth Avenue store is my real home,” while making his way from Macy’s to his Fifth Avenue flagship store.
Streets were blockaded by the New York Police Department due to the overflow of fans in shops involved in Fashion’s Night Out. One of which was Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe’s store Dash. Another security issue that arose due to the overflow of fans and screaming glee-groupies was in Saks Fifth Avenue. Saks security had to block off the entrance denying the Gleeks of their much anticipated meet and great with members of the Glee cast, (cough, cough) Lea Michelle.
As it is clear this event was huge in not just fashion, but the entertainment industry as a whole. Diane Von Furstenberg spoke of the event in high regard – as she should being the CFDA president – saying, “Fashion’s Night Out exists as a day now, just like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.” Celebrity stylist, and celebrity herself, Rachael Zoe was (of course) tweeting every time she moved. And go figure, Justin Beiber was there too! Justin was spotted in D&G talking about his interest in fashion and possibly his own fashion line. Maybe girlfriend Selena Gomez could help him out with that. Did you attend FNO? Are you already in anticipation for next year’s FNO? Let us know…
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Do you believe diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Jessica Simpson certainly does, as did her blonde bombshell predecessor, Marilyn Monroe. Jessica Simpson is launching yet another line of merchandise, and you guessed it! Jess is onto jewelry, specifically the diamonds. Jessica Simpson’s new jewelry line is called, Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. However, as many business adventures as Jess has been in, this one is a collaboration with Firestar Diamond. The line will be sold exclusively in Zale’s jewelry stores.
As this is Jessica Simpson’s twenty-second line to be launched, Jess may seem like an old pro, but don’t misconstrue the facts. Jessica has more of an emotional connection to Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. Commenting on Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Jessica tells us, “The collection is beautifully crafted. The designs are airy and artistic and so easy to wear… Jewelry is such personal expression of style and taste. This collection has allowed me to create pieces that truly reflect who I am, and that can become a keepsake for lifetime.” Jessica continues in pure delight over the new jewelry line, “I love that a piece of fine jewelry can be passed down from generation to generation, I cherish the pieces that were given to me, so it is really special to be able to design my own.”
Jessica Simpson is not the only one over the moon about Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. Theo Killion of Zale’s officially stated, as Zale’s Corporation’s chief executive officer, “This is a partnership of two great brands… Jessica Simpson is an established designer brand with great awareness and millions of fans throughout the world, while Zale is one of the best known names in fine jewelry. Jessica Simpson is viewed as the girl next door. We look forward to joining forces to provide our customers with an exciting new line capturing Jessica Simpson’s unique design perspective. ”
The collaborative collection, Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, will (like mentioned above) be sold only in Zale’s jewelry stores. And, don’t be afraid to pull out the credit cards and check books, Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend has a pleasant disclosure, the price range. The jewelry will begin at a reasonable $79, and make its way into the thousands with a mark no higher than $1,200.
Will there be problems at New York Fashion Week? Not long ago the CFDA and Diane Von Furstenberg put out a statement urging designers to not have a model under the age of sixteen walk in their shows. The CDFA and Diane Von Furstenberg also requested from agencies to not include the under sixteen models in their packets that get sent out to the designers to pick from, as well as not send out models under sixteen years of age to castings. This whole politically correct age saga is mainly due to the case of young model Hailey Clauson. As it has been all over the news, including our own – http://news.promgirl.net/?p=489 & http://news.promgirl.net/?p=437 – Why are agencies not following orders?
The CFDA did not issue a formal rule or law; it was simply a suggestion to avoid anticipated controversy and possible lawsuits. Thus, the designers, agencies, and models cannot be told what to do, only give the advice on what they feel, as a Council, is the proper was to go about things, especially for such a large event as New York Fashion Week. CFDA executive director Stephen Kolb said, “We are not in a position to police or enforce these recommendations. We can only hope that they are followed and taken seriously.”
Of course, there is always an outlaw. It was reported that agencies are still sending out girls under the age of sixteen for designers to choose from for New York Fashion Week. However, the designers that choose the underage models are more of a concern. As always, women will lie about their age, but it has been noted that much publicized, teen and reality-TV celebrity will be walking in New York Fashion Week. Kylie Jenner of course, and as part Kardashian, part Jenner, everybody knows her business, as well as the fact the Kylie is only fourteen. She will be walking for Avril Lavigne’s new clothing line, Abbey Dawn. Tisk, tisk on Avril, but as Avril is not a part of the CFDA, and is a part of Style360 (opposed to Mercedes-Benz fashion week) I think DVF and the CFDA will forgive her.
A casting director for NYFW (the man checking ID’s) commented on the subject, simply stating, “I think they all just lie about their age now. I think they’re all still 14!”
The verdict is in…John Galliano has been found guilty. Galliano was convicted of his racists and Anti-Semitic rants. The trial took place in Paris this past June and the judge concluded the case today with a guilty verdict. John Galliano was originally charged on ‘public insults based on the origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity,’ which is a violation under Paris law. It is very clear that John Galliano did commit this crime because as a result, John Galliano was fired from his job as Creative Director at Christian Dior and people all over the world, even outside of the fashion community, knew of this event.
Now that Galliano has been found guilty of his crimes, crimes which have cost him more than he could have possibly imagined, the hardship seems to be behind him. The court ruling has left Galliano without jail time, where his possible penalty was for a maximum of six months in jail and a 22,500 euro fine. Galliano is however inclined to pay somewhere between 7,500 euro and 10,000 euro fine (as the judge just came to a verdict mere hours ago, some discrepancies have come up in the reports on exact numbers/amounts) if he commits these crude acts again (over the next five years). It has also been reported that Galliano owes the plaintiffs he verbally abused in February a symbolic euro. Even though the punishment to his guilty verdict seems light, he may have suffered enough between losing his job and having to realize his addictions and personal issues.
Following the trial in June John Galliano has since taken place in rehabilitation in a center in Arizona (in the United States of America). He chose to do so because, as it was unleashed in the trial, Galliano claims his outburst was due to his addictions. It is firmly enforced that Galliano also has no recollection of the events he was tried for as a result of the drugs and drinking. Subsequent to the guilty verdict, John Galliano’s lawyer stated, “There will not be any fine to be paid and it is a fair and wise decision by the tribunal. Mr. Galliano wants to apologize and he continues his treatment to be cured.”
The Judge for Mr. Galliano’s case had also stated that “Galliano had ‘a sufficient knowledge of his actions despite his addiction and his fragile state. The court also credited Galliano for apologizing to the plaintiffs during the trial, as well as taking into account the designer’s ‘values of tolerance’ in his work.”
So it seems John Galliano is in the process of rehabilitating himself. The question I pose now is this; if this man can get another job will you still buy his clothes? Do you think celebrities who dropped him will work with him again?
Alber Elbaz recently took Lanvin back to its roots with Lanvin Petite, a kids collection full of ruffles, bows and pearls that is both an adorable off-shoot and a bit of an homage to founder Jeanne Lanvin whom always loved designing children’s clothes. The label announced earlier this week that when the collection hits boutiques this fall it will bring with it four limited edition fabric dolls complete with their own stylish Lanvin looks. While official prices for the collection have not yet been confirmed it is safe to say that even though they are children’s clothes they will not be cheap (they are still Lanvin after all) but anyone planning on purchasing a doll is in for some serious sticker shock as they will be retailing for $350 each!
Here at Promgirl News we love fashion that has a passion for promoting social change, which is why these Lanvin dolls are so special. The dolls represent a collaboration between Alber Elbaz and one of his favorite charitable organizations Dessine L’Espoir which helps HIV-positive women in Africa through employment and improvements in quality of life. Each doll is hand made by HIV-positive women in Dessine L’Espoir’s Swaziland production studio and a portion of the proceeds will go to helping the charity reach more women in Sub-Saharan Africa.
So while the price tag on these limited edition darlings is very much on the steep side these dolls are haute couture with a cause and you can’t put a price on that. The dolls will be available for sale at the beginning of November and can be found in all Lanvin boutiques and at any store that will be stocking the new Lanvin Petite line.
The Kollection is here! That’s right, not only does Kris have a Kollection with a K, but the three K girls have one as well. Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe released their Kardashian Kollection yesterday, Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 in Sears department stores, just in time to miss the Labor Day sales and just in time for last minute back-to-school, or back-to-fall shopping. The Kardashian Kollection is available at 700 Sears stores nationwide. The Kollection is expected to do very well as Sears execs view the sisters as a great example of celebrities that have a multi-cultural fan base. In turn, this will open the customer range drastically, compared to other celebrity fashion lines, allowing for an amazing turn-out and turn of profits.
“The [Kardashian] girls appeal to a multicultural base and they have a wide profile.…It’s about the style they have. They really have a multicultural following. People follow them on Twitter, Facebook and their show, ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians,’ and Kim’s wedding. We’re looking at getting a new customer into the Sears stores that we’ve never had before. It’s aimed at the 25-plus [age] range but it’s more about an attitude — it can go higher than 25 or lower,” said John Goodman, the exec who is most pleased by this joint adventure.
John Goodman’s title is executive vice president of apparel and home accessories for Sears Holdings was even quoted saying this project is “very important” for both parties, but especially for the Sears department stores, nationwide. “We feel this will change the look of Sears in a very positive way. Sears is known more for its hard line business but we are becoming a player in apparel again,” said Goodman. “We’ve been trying to bring in different national brands and exclusive brands as well as celebrity brands. Over the past year, we’ve opened our San Francisco office and began reinventing Sears apparel, which has been a very big task.”
The line will have its own shop-in-shop at about 400 of the Sears stores selling the apparel and accessories. This will give the line and the customers a feeling of luxury, as the shop-in-shop is mainly done in department store like Bloomingdale’s and Saks to feature specific designers and not to confuse their collection with another. The remaining 300 stores will simply “showcase elements of the collection.”
Prices will start at $14 for jewelry and undies, and ranging up to about a $100 for dresses. However, not to forget the collection is that, a whole collection. In between the $14 to $100 range falls items such as, shoes, tops, handbags, sunglasses, and most publicized: the lingerie.
As New York Fashion Week, and all the stress that coincides, approaches it is of no surprise that a controversy, one just waiting to happen in fact, has exploded all over this fashion event. Tumblr is a great social media tool, especially for fashion. It is like Twitter, with the re-tweeting or re-blogging of posts by others, but Tumblr allows you to post photos as well as text. Thus, allowing bloggers to take it to a new level and show us what they are blogging about. One could imagine that fashion is very fond of this rather new social media tool as posting pictures from designers and brands a like does wonders for companies, as words can sometimes fall a little flat.
As Tumblr is a really great idea and gave the impression to be a really great business, it seems as if otherwise may be true. The business aspect of this great social media tool has provided some major companies with a little less than satisfactory dealings. Many major retailers and design houses have Tumbl-ed and Tweeted some rather harsh reviews, however all honest and truthful. Ann Taylor’s digital and social media manager, Julie Fredrickson, in a response “Tumbl” from her personal Tumblr (which has since been deleted) “voiced her own frustrations as a marketer working with Tumblr: I am going to go on record saying that no one at Tumblr reached out to Ann Taylor with a proposal for Fashion Week and we are: 1) the first fashion brand to be on Tumblr (even though we carefully avoid press since this piece as a company); 2) have invested MAJOR brand and development dollars into the platform (see ArtSheSaid, OnTumblr) going on for over a year now.; 3) Actually have the wherewithall and knowledge to be a good sponsor of this as a company
Please someone who is a grown up at Tumblr listen to the brands that care about you. It isn’t just Users First, Brands Second. Hell at this point you are Users First, Brands never. Take a cue from Michael Lazerow’s comments on that post and realize that brands pay the bills when VCs stop.
Rich Tong-if you don’t actively pursue these options you are not doing your job. You know that Ann Taylor loves Tumblr, you know that we invest money, and yet you have ignored us. Unless I am mistaken your job is “Fashion Director” so act like it.”
Clearly much distaste has been left by Tumblr, Rich Tong, and the new platform for New York Fashion Week. To put things into perspective, this new platform, as absurd as it may be; Tumblr is offering online as well as offline opportunities. Said opportunities begin at $10,000 and will go above $350,000. As I allow your jaws to line back up with the rest of your face I will indulge you what you will get for one hundred grand; this price grants a brand to partner with about 4 bloggers and in turn, each blogger will write a maximum of 15 blogs a day about said brand…that’s it. To have Tumblr represent your brand with a 190×190 promo unit will run your company about a hundred and fifty grand, but that also includes an editorial and sponsorship on their specialty page for New York Fashion Week. As the New York Times only charges a maximum of $30 CPM for much more than a small banner, it is easy to understand why the fashion community has become outraged.
Hopefully there will be more to come as this is clearly not settled…
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