The First Lady has reportedly been indulging in some high-end lingerie purchases. Motivation for the campaign trail?
In one of the best fashion rumours this week, Agent Provocateur was reportedly closed down for a private shopping session with none other than Mrs President Obama.
The high-end lingerie chain’s store on Madison Avenue was shut off to the public for the purchases. And the sum?
Whispers indicate it could have been as much as $50,000.
Agent Provocateur, which was founded by Vivienne Westwood’s son (now there’s some fashion trivia), is one of the world’s best-performing lingerie lines. Its campaigns are famous – particularly those for its Black Label, featuring Kate Moss.
The news isn’t confirmed or denied by the company, who obviously can’t comment on their higher-profile customers, but it’s sent women rushing out to follow in Obama’s footsteps – boosting sales 15%.
If anybody asks for confirmation from President Obama at a press conference – Michelle’s spending on fashion always being under scrutiny – we’re guaranteed he may blush just a little.
Are you an Agent Provocateur fan too? Image: Michelle Obama in Vogue 2009.
It may be time to retire your chains, pendants, studded chokers and whatever other neck adornment you’ve been wearing.
According to the trends on show at the SAG, Director’s Guild and Golden Globe awards, necklaces are on their way out.
There were precious few on display at the Globes, and only on minor players – with the exception of Heidi Klum, who’s a well-known big-necklace fanatic, and Madonna, whom we suspect couldn’t be separated from her crucifix with a court order.
And at the SAGs the trend continued even further. Not a single necklace of any kind to be seen, except Kristen Wiig braving fashion scorn to wear a distinctly 90s choker.
It’s not often that red-carpet trends trickle down to ordinary life, but there’s a distinct feeling of recession-era chic in the air in Hollywood. The big jewels and ornate neckpieces of yesteryear – Elizabeth Taylor wouldn’t have been seen dead without one – may now be in bad taste.
It’s also tricky to work a complicated gown with heavy neckwear, as every black-tie-going woman will know. Stars are replacing the necklace with enormous statement earrings in bold colours.
Jessica Chastain, the break-out star with the Oscar nomination and the stunning red hair, is the leader here, with a tendency for bold blue and green stones.
However, it’s also a bit of a shame to see so many bare necks and collarbones. Let’s hope they bring the bling for the Oscars, prudence be damned.
What’s an awards show without some Harry Winston? Image: Jessica Chastain sans necklace at the 2012 SAG awards.
Couture is typically an all-out extravaganza of a show. It’s the chance for high-fashion designers to let loose, let concepts of ‘saleability’ out the window and indulge their wildest fantasies.
Which is why, when Dior put out a decidedly tame show, people started raising eyebrows. The Dior Couture show in Paris last week was beautiful – nobody’s disputing that element – with New Look 1950s skirts, houndstooth and some daring transparency.
However, commentators said it felt – and this is the kiss of death to couture – almost ready-to-wear.
It’s a blow for Bill Gaytten, the creative director of Dior in the wake of John Galliano’s scandalous departure. Gaytten has struggled with his new role as head of design – who could forget the disastrous show put out just after Galliano’s departure? Gigantic sphere-hats, anybody?
Unfortunately, this unimaginative collection won’t do anything to dampen critics’ worries for the house. Even Vogue, who are very supportive, quietly wondered if the house was looking ‘backward’ to its archives too much, rather than experimenting and making grand statements – the point of a couture show.
It felt as if we’d seen it all before – the giant skirts, the sleeveless red-carpet dresses, the elegant silhouettes – and while certainly very pretty and well-executed, it lacked a certain ‘Wow’ factor.
Couture buyers are notoriously rare and selective. They tend to gravitate towards ‘collector’ pieces – somebody with the wealth of Daphne Guinness, for example, prefers to invest in grand statements which demonstrate a couture house’s skills.
It remains to be seen whether Dior Couture 2012 will be snapped up, or just left as the latest annals of a house in mild crisis.
Image: Dior Couture Spring 2012.
It’s the trend we may never see the end of – high-end designer collaborations with H&M and other high-street retailers. The latest ones, however, are getting Rescu. very excited.
Hot on the heels of the launch of Jason Wu for Target (which won’t, unfortunately, be available in Australia – but keep your eyes open on eBay!), the first preview image for Marni for H&M has been released, and we’re loving it.
The all-over print trend continues in the image, which features Imogen Poots, a hot UK acting export, lounging in soft shiny paisley separates and a divine exaggerated lace collar.
It’s 70s rocker chic meets delicate schoolgirl, and the results look fairly gorgeous.
Marni is famous for its appeal to the uncomplicatedly chic Italian woman, who loves good lines, incredible materials and plays on basic shapes. If you’re a working woman in Italy, Marni’s in your wardrobe – particularly their chunky accessories.
It will be interesting to see if the Marni craze carries over once H&M launches its line fully. The line will be available from March 8, so look out for more updates and leaks of the new looks. Rescu. will keep you up-to-date!
Image: Imogen Poots in Marni For H&M.
