Le Cose Amato

Runway to Print: Dolce & Gabbana RTW Spring 2009

2009-02-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

Campaign models: Caroline Trentini, Karlie Kloss, Mariacarla Boscono
Campaign photographers: Steven Klein

I'm Loving...Carolina Herrera and Structural Sheen

2009-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Why I love Harper's Bazaar

2009-02-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

Vogue has long enjoyed being a household name and go-to fashion mag; "Project Runway" propelled Elle into the top (a spot most likely untainted by the embarassing "Stylista," as the show boasted few viewers and even fewer fans); Glamour's EIC Cindi Leive was named Most Powerful U.S. Fashion Magazine Editor by Forbes; W obtained Brad Pitt's exclusive photos of Angelina and their kids; and Cosmopolitan topped circulation charts.

I always read but rarely read about my favorite, Harper's Bazaar, America's first fashion magazine. Why do I love Bazaar so much?

The Models are Credited
Vogue may have tried to recreate the era of the supermodel with its May 2007 issue ("The World's Next Top Models") and educate its readers, but Bazaar is the one that credits models in their editorials. Even if professionals claim that "America's Next Top Model" is not an accurate reflection of the industry, viewers have learned at the very least that models aren't just pretty faces with legs--they work hard and require talent to be successful. Don't they deserve credit?

Sure, it's not true that Vogue never credits their models. Certainly, the interviewed celebrities/socialites are credited. And in its November 2008 issue, the "Field of Dreams" editorial was subtitled, "Natalia Vodianova...sets out on a magical family adventure." But in the same issue, the preceding editorial, "Chill Factor," credits the fashion editor, the designers, the photographer, and the hair and makeup stylists, without ever mentioning the model's name (Raquel Zimmermann). This is the Vogue norm. Is this because the models get paid a fortune already and that's all the credit they need? Is it because the readers don't care, and those who would want to hire the models already know who the girls are anyway? Is it another way for fashion elitists patting themselves on the back for knowing models' faces without being told? Is it blind following of a magazine tradition that was once reasonable but no longer applicable? It boggles the mind why models would not be credited.

The models worked hard to book the job, to give the magazine the shots for the editorial, and therefore have earned a spot for their name. Elle credits them, and so does Bazaar.

Complete Fashion Focus
I only subscribe to Bazaar, Vogue, W, and Elle because these magazines are more focused on fashion. Every page dedicated to relationship advice is a page robbed of fashion content. I certainly wouldn't go so far as to claim that I don't need relationship advice; a magazine, however, is not where I would want to look for it (it's all recycled crap anyway).

Elle is weakest in this category. The February 2009 issue contains "The Laws of Attraction: The new (scientific way to find the one)," "How to Get Over Getting Dumped," "Lovebugs," "Sexy Beast," and "Ask E. Jean." All of these are relationship articles. I don't mind reading about beauty, the industry, and even addressing image and health issues. But relationship articles transform a magazine into a general women's magazine, rather than a fashion mag. The farthest Bazaar strays from its fashion focus is its horoscopes, and that's only one page.

The Content
Fabulous at Every Age
I love Bazaar's column, "Fabulous at Every Age." It's almost easy to forget that fashion isn't just made for the young models prancing the catwalks and covering editorial spreads. Apart from young celebrities and socialites, fashion clientele must include more mature and experienced women who have worked longer and have more money. "Fabulous at Every Age" ensures that Bazaar cares about all age groups, and reminds everyone to dress their age--fabulously, of course.

Ivana Trump's Make-Under
All fashion magazines features interviews. I was particularly captivated by Bazaar's February 2009 interview with Ivana Trump because instead of dressing her "up," they dressed her "down" for a "make-under." Sure, there may not be that many candidates who qualify for a "make-under" (though Christina Aguilera and Evan Rachel Wood come to mind), but Bazaar's fresh attitude shone through. I only wish there were more pictures.

Fashion Advice from Karl Lagerfeld
If Bazaar can make this a monthly column, I'd be in heaven.

Reflecting the Times
In this economic recession, magazine editors must expect that readers have become more interested in mixing low cost with high fashion. Elle may have special articles like "Beauty: Get Gorgeous for Less Than $20" and "Styles for Less: The Best Under $50," but Bazaar integrates the theme throughout the entire issue without making you feel as though you're sacrificing style to save money. Bazaar not only has special "Under $150" tags throughout, they've also taken the care to select more modestly-priced, stylish items above $150.

Subscriber Covers
Nothing I hate more than a busy magazine cover trying to grab your attention. Bazaar instead has subscriber covers that has only the logo, name of cover model, and sometimes a short title (e.g. "Spring Fashion Issue"). Whereas Elle subscriber covers are only slightly edgier than the newsstand covers, Bazaar subscriber covers are more artistic and non-conventional.

Experimental
I don't mean W's brand of experiments that often end up looking like poor attempts at artistic porn. But when Johanna, the winner of "Stylista," created white space on some of the layouts for Elle in episode 7 (aired in December 2008), Bazaar was not afraid of trying that out in its January 2009 issue ("The New Collections"). Elle has continued this layout style, while Bazaar seems to have put it to rest. Was this temporary adoption a good idea? I don't know, but at least Bazaar wasn't afraid to give it a try. Some might say that what Bazaar did was "copying" and far from being original, but I think it shows adaptability, which is exactly what fashion magazines need right now.

Chris Benz Makes Working Fun

2009-02-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

I'm Loving...Carlos Miele and Slim Silhouettes

2009-02-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Christmas Edition

2008-12-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

Which would you want wrapped up under the Christmas tree? ( surveys)

Designer Face-off: 360-Degree Cape Dress Edition

2008-12-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Yellow Skirt Suit Edition

2008-12-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Unique Draping Edition

2008-12-18T05:50:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: White Skirt Suit Edition

2008-12-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Sporty Sneakers Edition

2008-12-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: White Pant Suit Edition

2008-12-15T05:43:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Green Floral Dress Edition

2008-12-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Little Black Resort Dress Edition

2008-12-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

Which little black resort dress would you most likely wear? ( polls)

Designer Face-off: Bust Filling Action Edition

2008-12-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Blue Evening Dress Edition

2008-12-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Which blue evening dress would you most likely wear? ( polls)

Designer Face-off: Centerpiece Necklace Edition

2008-12-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Multi-Belt Edition

2008-12-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Flower Shoulders Edition

2008-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Which flower(s)-on-shoulder dress do you prefer? ( polls)

Designer Face-off: Collarbone Cutout Edition

2008-12-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Which dress with a collarbone cutout do you like best? ( surveys)

Designer Face-off: Black Stripes Edition

2008-12-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Pattern Over Sheer Edition

2008-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Black Leather Jacket Edition

2008-12-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Turquoise Paisley Edition

2008-12-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

Which turquoise paisley dress do you like better? ( surveys)

Designer Face-off: Trench Dress Edition

2008-12-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Crochet Dress Edition

2008-12-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Which crochet dress would you most likely wear? ( polls)

Designer Face-off: Split Personality Edition

2008-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

How would your split personality most likely manifest itself? ( surveys)

Designer Face-off: Stripes on Sheer Edition

2008-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Beaded Sequin Dress Edition

2008-11-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Garden Print Dress Edition

2008-11-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Rachel Roy

2008-11-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Fringe Dress Edition

2008-11-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Designer Face-off: Painterly Print Dress Edition

2008-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Which painterly print dress do you love most? ( surveys)

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Gucci RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Campaign models: Lily Donaldson, Kasia Struss, Ksenia Kahnovich, Masha Novoselova, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Eniko Mihalik
Campaign photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Designer Face-off: Gold on Cream Edition

2008-11-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Prada RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Campaign model: Linda Evangelista
Campaign photographer: Steven Meisel

Designer Face-off: Silver on Black Edition

2008-11-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Hermès RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

Campaign model: Mariacarla Boscono
Campaign photographer: Eric Valy

Designer Face-off: It's a Wrap Edition

2008-11-22T06:12:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Akris RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Campaign photographer: Steven Klein

Last Look: Bill Blass Resort 2009

2008-11-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Too bad we have to say goodbye to the nearly 40-year-old design house (longer if you count its previous incarnation). Bill Blass has already stopped taking orders for 2009, and will be liquidating.

Peter Som, of course, still has his eponymous line, as does long-time Bill Blass designer, Michael Vollbracht. Of course, it won't be the same.

Designer Face-off: Shoulder Horns Edition

2008-11-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

What They're Saying: Monique Lhuillier RTW Spring 2009

2008-11-20T17:24:00.001-08:00

Cose Amato Picks Best of the Rest:

Runway to Print: Missoni RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

Campaign models: Iselin Steiro and Kinga Rajzak
Campaign photographer: Steven Meisel

Madonna in Louis Vuitton for Gucci Party

2008-11-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I considered posting a picture of the dress to celebrate Green Week, until I learned that there are about 20 different Green Weeks going on a year.

But turns out I have occasion to feature the dress this week anyway, since Madonna has been receiving some press for her appearance at Gucci's Tattoo Heart Collection launching party, held last night at New York City’s Plaza Hotel. The British press is less than thrilled with what they believe is a fashion faux-pas, but at least some Madonna fans applaud her brave choice.

"The news came hours after Madge was spotted at a Unicef bash in New York wearing a bizarre grass-like outfit." --Mirror.co.uk

"Her latest style salvo, in an Louis Vuitton dress by Marc Jacobs, which looks as if someone poured a wheelbarrow of lawn clippings all over her, is just another horrific hiccup in the wardrobe of a woman of wealth, but no taste." --Telegraph.co.uk

"Her style, however, divided opinions, with some arguing that her green-feathered dress was more akin to Astroturf, while others commended the star for her brave fashion choice." --Madonnasuperstarqueen.blogspot.com

Does this mean that Madonna is indeed, as rumored, the new campaign face for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2009?

Designer Face-off: Fractals Print Edition

2008-11-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Congratulations, America's Next Top Model!

2008-11-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Click here for congratulatory picture--sorry for those who may have caught the spoiler before it finished airing in different countries!!

Runway to Print: Blumarine RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Campaign photographer: Craig McDean

Designer Face-off: Scalloped Sleeves Edition

2008-11-19T06:45:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

Campaign photographers: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Designer Face-off: Dress Pockets Edition

2008-11-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Alexander McQueen RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, not exactly "ready-to-wear," since both the red taffeta gown coat and the beige & black tulle peacock dress are for show only.

Designer Face-off: Little Red Dress Edition

2008-11-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

Which little red dress would you most likely wear? ( polls)

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Runway to Print: Nina Ricci RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Hoodie Edition

2008-11-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Who won yesteday's face-off?

Journey of a Gown: Marchesa RTW Fall 2008 from Runway to Catalogue to Red Carpet

2008-11-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Jill Stuart RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Pollock-inspired splatters and sunlight did wonders for Jill Stuart's mostly blue-black-grey fall collection.

Designer Face-off: Christian Lacroix Couture

2008-11-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Which was Christian Lacroix's finest feather moment? ( surveys)

Who won yesterday's face-off?

I'm Loving . . . Emma Cook & Collarbone Florals

2008-11-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Sonia Rykiel RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Campaign models: Iekeliene Stange, Irina Lazareanu, and Anna Gushina
Campaign photographer: Serge Leblon

Designer Face-off: Yellow Dress Edition

2008-11-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

Who won yesterday's face-off?

China (Beijing) Fashion Week Highlights

2008-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

While some collections didn't stray far from the white/black/gray palette, the designers definitely experimented with form.

Zhang Zhoada experimented with both color and form:

My money is on Ma Yanli as the one to watch.

As expected, some designers modernized the traditional Chinese dresses.

Unfortunately, NE Tiger Haute Couture was less successful (and less haute couture) with its selection of rather gaudy "designer" dresses you see pushed by dime-a-dozen street hawkers in Beijing.

The contests were the true highlights, where designers brought out all the stops. Some selections from the "Ordifen Cup" 2008 Lingerie Design contest (uncredited in the Chinese newspapers):

Some selections from the cosmetic design contest (unfortunately, also uncredited):

I'm Loving . . . Ashley Isham & Polished Glam

2008-11-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

It wasn't the most cohesive collection, but when Ashley was on, he shone.

I'm Loving . . . Alice McCall & Fun with Shapes

2008-11-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Moschino Cheap & Chic RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

Recession ad spending at its best! Showcase as many outfits as possible, but hire only one print model. And they more than pull it off with an eye-catching concept.

Campaign model: Vika Kuropyatnikova
Campaign photographer: Patrick Demarchelier

Designer Face-off: Ballerina Edition

2008-11-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

So many great choices that not everyone could bring their mouse to a click to choose only one! But we know that if there's anything sexier than a hot librarian, it's a hot ballerina librarian.

Which is your favorite ballerina-inspired dress? ( surveys)

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Lakme (Mumbai) Fashion Week Highlights

2008-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Down to Earth & Flowers

Futuristic

New Black/White/Grey Classics

Red Hot

Ruffles & Puffles

Glitters and Shimmers

Runway to Print: Moschino RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

And then windows:

Campaign photographer: Patrick Demarchelier

Designer Face-off: All-Ruffled-Up Edition

2008-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Yigal Azrouël's unpredictable ruffles created such a poetic wave that it won over the most readers!

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Viktor & Rolf are Hungry for Some Layer Cake

2008-11-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm Loving . . . Nanette Lepore & Effortless Delicacy

2008-11-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

I'm Loving . . . Malo & Soft Formalism

2008-11-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Emilio Pucci RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

Campaign model: Mariacarla Boscono
Campaign photographer: Juergen Teller

Designer Face-off: Bustier Edition

2008-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Black on white perhaps was too predictable, and readers longed for a bustier that was more in tune with the outfit. Alexander McQueen achieved not only that, he made the bustier a staple in his Spring 2009 collection.

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Isaac Mizrahi ♥'s Tinkerbell

2008-11-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Chloé RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

I'm absolutely adoring Chloé's Fall 2008 ads! Sure, Anja got the shaft in the accessories ad, but the movement (and the darkening of the runway sheers) present such a wearable collection.

Campaign photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Designer Face-off: Big Black Bow Edition

2008-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

How appropriate for the bow edition--it's a tie! Looks like readers preferred big bows showcased near the top of the dress the most, but the waist-bow had its fans as well.

Who won yesterday's face-off?

I'm Loving . . . Asian Inspiration

2008-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Safe for Work

2008-11-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Show off style without compromising professionalism.

Designer Palette: Refreshing ADAM

2008-11-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Dolce & Gabbana RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Campaign photographer: Steven Klein

Trend Watch: Shorts and Suits

2008-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Designer Face-off: Denim Jacket Edition

2008-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Ruffian's form-fitting distressed jacket won some fans, but Meadham Kirchhoff's destroy-then-salvage rag-doll treatment won no one. At the end, Balmain won the most accolades: their king of pop style is refined with arched shoulders fit for rock'n'roll royalty, and of course, Cose Amato readers!

Who won yesterday's face-off?

Still Hot Today: Sophia Kokosalaki RTW Fall 2003

2008-11-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

I'm Loving . . . Requiem & Neo Couture

2008-11-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

Designer Palette: Charming Luella

2008-11-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

Runway to Print: Givenchy RTW Fall 2008

2008-11-08T11:23:00.001-08:00

Campaign photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Designer Face-off: Black Jumpsuit Edition

2008-11-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

Rick Owens's trompe l'oeil jumpsuit fools you into seeing an hourglass figure, beating out well-crafted Lanvin and ladylike Akris.

Who won yesterday's face-off?

RTW Spring 2009 Tribute to Du Juan

2008-11-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

Shows not pictured above (Paris/Milan/London/NY only): Alberta Ferretti, Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, Ohne Titel, Oscar de la Renta, Rock & Republic, Tommy Hilfiger

I'm Loving . . . Atsuro Tayama & Structured Casualness

2008-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Get RTW Fall 2008 Erin Fetherston from Forward by Revolve

2008-11-07T15:07:00.001-08:00

Buy Here

Proenza Schouler RTW Spring 2009

2008-11-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Best

The Worst

Designers: Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez
Runway: New York, September 8, 2008

Designer Face-off: Polka Dot Dress Edition

2008-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pamella Roland's sleek, shiny dress upgrades the notion of a polka-dotted dress, but she just couldn't compete with Valentino's effortless sophistication.

Thanks for voting!

Who injected more sophistication in their polka dots? ( polls)

I'd Wear This to . . . a Math Conference

2008-11-07T05:57:00.001-08:00

Fonts of the Day: Stag and Stag Sans

2008-11-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

Font designed by Christian Schwartz for Schwartzco Inc.
Buy Stag or Stag Sans.

Designer Face-off: Feathered Shoulder Edition

2008-11-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

Diesel's sky-blue tinted white feathers suggest heavenly wings; Scott's one-shoulder black & gold feathers adds glamour to streetwear. I'd be happy either way.

Cose Amato readers, however, seem to prefer Scott's creation. For example, Grazi had a good point that one could only pull off Diesel's look if you also had an angelic face.

Font of the Day: FF Meta Serif Pro

2008-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Font designed by Erik Spiekermann, Christian Schwartz, and Kris Sowersby for Font Font Foundry. Buy FF Meta Serif Pro 1.

Ideeli Semi-annual Handbag Sale

2008-11-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Need an Ideeli membership? E-mail me at coseamato at gmail dot com for an invite!

Designer Face-off: Multicolor Fringe Skirt Edition

2008-11-06T07:08:00.001-08:00

Nathan Jenden's jacket reins in the fringe. Plus, I wouldn't want the added weight around the hips with the Fashion Fringe dress, even if I'm loving the colors.

I'd Wear This to . . . a Company Picnic

2008-11-06T06:05:00.000-08:00