Banana Republic’s Newest “Edition”

So, according to CNN, Banana Republic is going to open an accessories-only test store. Yay! BUT, the accessories store, Edition, will only open exclusively in parent company Gap's hometown Westfield San Francisco Centre in May. The limited-edition handbags, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and personal-care products will not be sold online or at any other Banana Republic locations. Grr! Apparently Banana has been struggling to keep up due to consumers cutting back in these rough economic times. Rather than close current stores, their plan is to open shops with accessories priced mostly below $100 to “lure ever-more discriminating shoppers seeking both style and value." Hopefully Edition does better than their higher-end test store Monogram, which closed after nine months. After visiting the barren Greenwich Village location this doesn’t exactly come as a huge shocker. So to all San Franciscans, be sure to check out the test store because we’d love to see Edition on this side of town.

Source: [CNN]
Photo Courtesy of Banana Republic via Reuters

Chloé Hits L.A.

Chloé opened their L.A. flagship store last Wednesday on Melrose. Women’s Wear Daily is calling it “airy and feminine.” This is great news for senior account exec. Jessica Lieu who’s been eyeing the Sally shoulder bag. At least now she can swoon over it in person.

Source: [WWD]

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

The Fall 09’ fashion trends could best be categorized as the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Good: chic 80’s revival, emphasis on the shoulder, leather leggings. The Bad: helmets at Karl Lagerfeld and impossible shoes at Nina Ricci. The Ugly: gorilla arms that popped up all over the runway, most notably at Dolce & Gabbana (although fellow account rep. Kendra thinks these might work on the east coast). As far as the thigh-high boot trend, the B|E jury is still out on that one.

Photos Courtesy of The Cut Blog, Fashionologie and Style.com

Fringe Sunglasses

Ok we know that fringe is a noted trend for Spring 09’, but on sunglasses? Berlin-based designers Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag are releasing them through their design agency BLESS. For those willing to dish out $271, they’re available at Colette.

Source: [hypebeast]
Photo Courtesy of hypebeast

First Louis Vuitton, now Nike? Kanye is clearly on a mission to takeover the sneaker world.

Ok, I’ve accepted it, the 80’s has been revived. The influence is literally everywhere, and quite exaggerated. As a child of the 80’s I can honestly say I didn’t like the style then and I don’t like it now. While hints of it can take a shirt and jeans to new heights (i.e. skinny ties, modern denim with 80’s inspired shapes) I think Kanye has gone a bit far here. Look at the shoe. Go on, look at it! You know what I’d describe that color as? Ghostbusters Green. That’s the footwear Egon would have strapped on to compliment his brown jumpsuit before getting slimed by the fame happy green ghost. The verdict? No thank you Kanye, these kick’s are busted.


Source/Photo Courtesy of: [Kanyeuniversity]

May We Have Your Attention Please

B|E would like to introduce the fashionable and highly opinionated young entrepreneur and co-owner of Barnett Ellman, Tyler Barnett. Often dressed in a vest, skinny jeans, skinny tie and chucks, he’s ready to share his unbridled views with the world. READER BE WARNED: Tyler is not a fashion expert or guru by any means. Just an honest cat who knows what he likes, and isn't afraid to give it to you straight. Be on the lookout for his take on what’s hot in the fashion world in our latest installment, Tyler’s Take.

Fashionistas, Get the DvR’s Ready

MTV is reviving their once successful series House of Style. Well, kind of. Instead of giving us a full season’s worth of fashion trends and behind-the-scenes footage of the modeling industry, MTV has opted to condense it all into a single television special (boo!). On the bright side, Bar Refaeli will host and Chanel Iman will serve as a correspondent. The special is stated to feature a top 10 most wanted trends list, behind-the-scenes access to Justin Timberlake’s Fashion Week show, and more. Sounds worth watching. House of Style will premiere this Saturday, March 21, at 3 PM EST.

Source: [fashionologie]
Photo Courtesy of MTV

The Last Emperor

Retired fashion heavy-weight Valentino Garavani will be making his big screen debut today in the US premiere of the documentary entitled Valentino: The Last Emperor. Documentary director Matt Tyrnauer describes the flick as "one explosion after the other…[Valentino] loves the drama.” Divo drama + iconic fashion? Sounds like a must-see! So far the movie will begin showing in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and is scheduled to end in L.A.

Schedule
NYC- 03.18.09 click here for more info
Chi-town- 03.27.09 click here for more info
San Fran- 04.03.09 click here for more info
L.A.- 04.03.09 click here for more info

Sources: [fashionologie] [valentinomovie]

Chanel Iman Version 2.0?

First assembly line employees now models face being replaced by robots? If a few Japanese scientists have their way the latest fashions will be stiffly marching our way via creepy battery-powered robot supermodels. Apparently these Japanese scientists deemed the project worthy of spending a whopping $2 million dollars on (has the recession not reached Japan??). Here at B|E, we have one question- WHY? Sure models have been referred to as “walking hangers”, but why would anyone want to get rid of them altogether? What would we do without the Jourdan Dunn, Kate Moss, Agness Deyn and Coco Rochas’ of the world? B|E principal Tyler Barnett makes the following comment: “I think the concept is very cool, but completely unnecessary. The reason we use models in the fashion industry is because the clothes are designed for PEOPLE! Thanks but no thanks Rosie, this George prefers a Jane.” Needless to say, we are not feeling the disturbing I-Robot vibe.




Source: [shoppingblog.com] [youtube.com]

And the Stylish Nominees Are…

What: 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards
When: June 15, 2009
Where: Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall

Yesterday the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced the nominees and honorees for the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards. For the first time in CFDA Awards history, trendsetter Marc Jacob’s name was called three times. In June, Marc will receive the International Award for his work at Louis Vuitton, and will compete with the Proenza Schouler duo and Vera Wang for the Accessories prize. Just when you thought he put the Stephen Sprouse inspired graffiti LV boxing gloves away, Jacobs will also be going against Narciso Rodriguez and Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy for the coveted Designer of the Year title.
As far as honorary awards go, “WWD’s Ed Nardoza will take home the Eugenia Sheppard Award, Anna Sui will receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement statuette, and the Eleanor Lambert Award will go to GQ’s Jim Moore. The Swarovski Award for womenswear nominees are Thakoon Panichgul, Alexander Wang, and Jason Wu, and the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design noms are Justin Giunta, Alejandro Ingelmo, and Albertus Quartus.” Can’t wait to see who wins!

Source: [Style.com]

Gen Art Fashion Show Recap

In case you happened to forget that last Friday was Friday the 13th, designer Maya Yogev’s collection for Grai certainly served as a reminder. Grai set the show off with a very dark and somber mood. The models sauntered down the runway in a slow, zombie like pace in head to toe black. Surprisingly, no one tripped in their fabric wrapped platform shoes.
Next up was the very fashion forward Society for Rational Dress. Sexy knits, leather and chains were abundant at the SfRD show. Highlights included cowl neck sweater dresses, flowing dresses with leather straps, skeleton-like chain breastplates reminiscent of Rodarte, and a live band!
Rounding out the show was Raquel Allegra. The theme seemed to be desperado meets hobo chic with the black hats and tattered shirts. Leather was used heavily on skin tight capris and leggings. Raquel Allegra also notably carried out the major Fall 09’ trend of thigh high boots.
The after party wasn’t exactly memorable, but a personal highlight for this fashion blogger was being photographed multiple times for the fashion bible, Women’s Wear Daily!

Photos Courtesy of fashionologie.com

Mad Hatter

This Spring/Summer, the trucker hat will be changing form. Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons’ will showcase their creative take on headwear in their line Ganryu. The entire collection is designed by Fumito Ganryu and will be sold, along with various other pieces, at select retailers such as Tuantuan. We can’t help but notice that they have a very old-school English policeman feel to them.

Rockstar will also be featuring trucker hats this spring. Just the right amount of edginess needed to pull off a perfect rocker-chic ensemble!



Source: [hypebeast.com] [rockstarorginial.com]

Reminder- LA Fashion Week Starts Today

IMG may not be sponsoring LA Fashion Week this year, but thankfully Gen Art will be holding an organized showing of three promising Los Angeles designers. Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute fashion tweets!

fashionablyl8

Recession-chic?

Chanel recently launched a new collection of lightweight nylon and lambskin bags entitled “Coco’s Cocoon”. The quilted exterior is very reminiscent of the house’s classic 2.55 bag. These carry-alls come in a very basic color palette of black, ecru, navy and beige. Here at B|E, the Chanel totes are getting mixed reviews style-wise. The design is somewhat bland, but they are completely REVERSIBLE! In these unstable economic times a good two-for-one deal is golden. But will you sacrifice style for practicality?

Source: [Style.com] [Chanel.com]

“Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party!”

This year marks the 50th birthday for Mattel’s iconic blonde and apparently nobody parties harder than Barbie. Clearly her show during NY Fashion Week, where a ton of top designers created breathtaking ensembles for her already stuffed plastic closet, wasn’t enough to celebrate her b-day. No, this perky diva also needed a birthday bash at her Malibu Dream House (where else?). So who hosted Barbie’s 50th soirée? Skipper? Christy? Sorry ladies, but supermodel Heidi Klum was tapped to play hostess (apparently they’ve been bffs for like, ever). Highlights included Barbie and Ken’s wedding pictures on the wall, 50 hot pink Christian Louboutin heels in the shoe closet, and a hot pink VW Beetle Convertible parked in the driveway. This is one doll that knows how to live!

Sources: [All Doll’d Up- Barbie’s Blog] [LA Times Image]

BoxEight’s LA Fashion Week Show

On Friday, March 13, 2009, Gen Art will be kicking off BoxEight’s LA Fashion Week. The event will take place at the Los Angles Theatre in downtown LA with an after party immediately following. The three designers showcasing are Raquel Allegra, GRAI, and Society for Rational Dress. Gen Art fashion shows have helped launch the careers of major fashion designers such as Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Rami Kashou, Eduardo Lucero, Geren Ford, Katy Rodriguez, Vena Cava and more. B|E will be in attendance, so stay tuned for more!

Sources: [genart.org]

Spring 09’ Trend Highlight: Statement Necklaces

Store those dainty lockets and tear-drop necklaces because this season is all about making a statement! We came across L.A. based designer Gabriela Artigas, who has quite a few artsy and dramatic necklaces in her collection. Her statement pieces were recently seen down the runway at Juan Carlos Obando’s show during New York Fashion Week, proving she’s one to watch. Best yet, Gabriela crafts her eclectic jewelry with organic materials. Eco-friendly and fashion forward? We’re sold.

Party like a Rockstar

Fact: Everybody wants to be a Rockstar. Soon you can be- or at least dress like one. The new hot line, Rockstar, was designed under the influence of the greatest rock legends of our time. Stay tuned for exclusive photos of the line, interviews and more.

Jump for Joy

Jumpsuits have made a strong comeback this year as the season’s must-have item. No longer just for toddlers, thanks to our favorite designers the ‘onesies’ from our childhoods are chic again! Dressed up or down, worn long or short, these one-piece wonders are as versatile as they are fun to wear.

Don’t Forget- Target Gets Punk'd

Alexander McQueen's punk-rock style will hit the racks at Target starting today.

A Weighty Issue

The average U.S. Woman weighs 162.9lbs, wears a size 14, & has been ignored by the fashion industry for years. Apparently the thought is that if you're a size 6 & above you don't care about silly fashion trends & prefer to wear solid lime green tees with colorful martini-print capris. In reality, 'plus-size' women beg to differ (duh). In response to what experts are calling the 'greatest opportunity for growth in retail today', afforable retail giant Forever 21 will be launching a plus-size line called Faith 21 this May. Don't expect a Chanel tweed jacket in a large anytime soon, but at least it's a start!

Sources: [theCutblog] [LATimes Image]

Recession? Ha! Let Them Eat Cake

Sure Saks has laid off over 1,000 people, major companies need bailouts and people everywhere are losing their jobs. Christian Louboutin’s answer? Let them eat cake! Last weekend at the South Coast Plaza in Los Angeles, Christian Louboutin unveiled his special-edition Marie Antoinette heels. Despite the steep price that’s fit for a queen ($6,295 PLUS TAX!!!), the debut received a royal welcome as hundreds of Louboutin enthusiasts stood in line in their already red-soled stilettos. Condemn them all you want, but as Christina Ferguson puts it after making her high-priced purchase, “I know people don't like this, but I'm helping the economy. If people don't spend, we'll really be in a depression." Justification granted.

Source: [LA Times Image]

Drum Roll Please…

Welcome to the Official Barnett Ellman Fashion Blog! We are a very stylish, full-service PR Firm in Beverly Hills with a growing fashion department. Stay tuned for the latest in fashion news.