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Fab Ad: Prada Resort '09

FabSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:00:22 -0800

Miuccia went all-out glamorous in her '09 Resort campaign and I like it. The ad, shot by Steven Meisel, features dutch model Ymre Stiekema holding on to Prada's embellished bags. I like how her full frontal face shot demands attention. Ymre's black zip jacket makes for the perfect backdrop against the colorful satin bags and I fancy her green bedazzled nails. One would think that so much glitz would overpower a model, but not when it comes to Ymre. Her strong features go perfectly with Prada's dazzling designs. What do you think?Source

Fab Ad: Prada Resort '09

Ymre looks beautiful and so do the bags — love it!

Yuck; too cheesy for my taste.

Strictly eye candy to me!

Other — do tell!

Fab Ad: Michael Kors Cruise '09

FabSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:22 -0800

Does looking at this picture make you swoon with envy? I don't blame you. Life couldn't be better for models Carmen Kass and Noah Mills as they pose for Michael Kor's '09 Cruise campaign. Photographed by Mario Testino, Carmen looks like a sun-kissed beach babe in Kor's colorful assortment of swimsuits, dresses, and tunics. I like how each outfit is styled to the nines with yummy accessories and handbags. Noah's (lack of) clothes is pretty fabulous, too. Hmmm . . . I wonder if I can squeeze in some time for a Winter vacay in the Tropics.

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Fab Ad: Michael Kors Cruise '09

Love this ad — who can resist Carmen and Noah?

Ugh. Not very original and kind of boring.

Strictly eye candy to me!

Other — do tell!

Fab Ad: Bottega Veneta Resort '09

FabSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Bottega Veneta's first resort campaign left my eyes yearning for more. Sometimes a half face shot is all you need when you're as beautiful as Colette Pechekhonova. Shot by Vanity Fair's Todd Eberle, the ad evokes a clean, calm aesthetic with Colette posing in an ill Bottega Veneta blue leather trench coat. “Eberle explores the nuance and subtlety of architecture,” said Maier. “He brought a unique understanding of line and color to the images, balancing abstract ideas with the individuality of the woman.” I like how the blue leather contrasts the bright green crocodile clutch. Note how Colette's natural makeup allows for full attention on Bottega's luxurious goods. What do you think?Source

Fab Ad: Bottega Veneta Resort '09

Love Bottega, love Colette — amazing!

Kinda boring if you ask me.

Strictly eye candy to me!

Other — do tell!

Fab Ad: Donna Karan Resort '09

FabSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:00:22 -0700

There's nothing more beautiful than a redhead in dusty pink. And who better to portray the frilly girliness that is Donna Karan's Resort '09 line than model Karen Elson? "Karen has this paleness of skin, this white skin that was so delicious," the designer said. "There is a little bit of decadence and glamour, but at the same time honesty to it." This is the designer's first-ever resort ad campaign, and she's done a fine job. Starting from the soothing color palette to the delicate fabrics and Karen's nonchalant posing, it's quite memorable. What do you think about these boudoir-inspired ads shot by Michael Thomas?

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Fab Ad: Donna Karan Resort '09

They're immaculate; I am madly in love.

Eh, they are all right.

Yuck — it's a hot mess all around.

Other — do tell!

Dress Me Up: The Sexy Librarian

FabSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:00:22 -0700

I can never tire of the sexy librarian look. Is it the soft long cardigans? Or maybe it's the notion that you don't have to show a lot of skin to look sexy. Whatever it is, this look paired with some high heels, a la Burberry Prorsum's Resort collection, seems to do the trick. Note how soft fabrics and high heels keep you from looking frumpy, and yes, socks are optional!

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Fashion 101

FabSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:22 -0700

Isaac Mizrahi's Spa 2009 collection (hear the designer explain why he uses the word spa and not resort).

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Dress Me Up: The Well-Tailored Party Girl

FabSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:22 -0700

The Resort collections opened up a new world of doors for wide-legged pants. They've taken a backseat to the popular skinny leg for the past couple seasons, but the bell-bottomed '70s are back with a vengeance. As exemplified by Angela Missoni's Resort collection (left), mixing crisp, flared trousers with a funky top will lend you instant party chic. Groovy, baby.

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Resort 2009: Gucci

FabSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:00:22 -0700

Did you by any chance watch Gucci's 2009 Resort collection, held at Villa Aurelia in Rome, via live webcast? If not, I'm here as your eyes for the show, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Gucci store in Rome.

So what does one serve up for a 70th anniversary? Nothing but grandness all around. Parts of it were very Gucci – slick, sexy — but it also incorporated a glamorous bohemian style with long, flowy maxi dresses, each with a unique print. Striped pants, leather jackets, pleated mini dresses, and some hints of nautical also saw their time on the catwalk. While ultragirlie maxi dresses painted a very feminine picture, in contrast, crisp trousers demanded a mannish power; this incorporation of two extremes is becoming quite common in fashion. And why not? It's set to appeal to all types of customers. Brava!

To see more from Gucci 2009 Resort,

On Our Radar: Seasonless Dressing on the Horizon?

FabSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:22 -0700

Fashion moves at the speed of light. While some designers with sound financing can keep up, there are many who can't and don't want to. Those in the latter situation have shifted their mentality and are taking a more seasonless stance on fashion.

"What excites us about the seasonless approach is that after decades of forced obsolescence by design in retail, people are beginning to rewrite the rules on what is an acceptable rhythm in the fashion cycle," said Brian Janusiak, founder of Project No. 8, a fashion and design outpost in New York's Chinatown.

Signs of a seasonless fashion future have already surfaced. First, global warming is causing seasonal temperature changes and unpredictability. A more subtle change is that designers are placing more importance on resort collections. Diane von Furstenberg, for example, included more seasonless pieces in her 2009 resort collection (above) to give her jet-setting customers more flexibility.

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Fab Flash: Gucci, Live From Rome

FabSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:00:22 -0700

What was once reserved for the fashion elite is no more. Gucci has broken the unspoken golden rule and is inviting the public to join them in a live webcast of their 2009 cruise runway show at Villa Aurelia in Rome. In celebration of the 70th anniversary of its store in Rome, the fashion house has invited everyone — that means you and me — to view their collection at Gucci.com.

So what can we look forward to? Gucci spokesmodels Claire Danes and James Franco are expected to attend along with a music performance from British band Goldfrapp. The show is set for 8 p.m. on July 8, local Italian time — set your calenders!

Resort Trippin', Part IV

FabSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:22 -0700

It's not surprising one of the key colors for Resort is white; and ancestors of: ivory, off-white, bone, and fog. But this group has enough floral energy to keep the trip from being stark. As well, tailored jackets are toughing up ultragirlie looks — per Abaete pictured. The '70s is shaping up to be a favorite decade; whether Halston-eque (at Derek Lam) or bohemian (at Galliano). Oh, and there are going to be enough flirty dresses to keep all the PYTs happy year round. As for fashion rebel Alexander McQueen, he admits, "There's lot of exposed leg, but it's all very understated luxe and non-PC in a healthy way." Whether under- or overstated, Resort continues . . .
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Dress Me Up: Resort Lady With a Tramp

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:00:22 -0700

Bow-tie blouses aren't groundbreaking, but I've noticed a resurgence of them lately, particularly in 2009 Resort. As always, they're super ladylike, but now they're mating with oversized sequins, hip-hugging skirts, statement shoes, and rounded aviator sunnies. In other words, they've gotten a injection of cool.

This look from Bill Blass's Resort collection exudes this polished-cum-powerful vibe, complete with eye-catching Manolo Blahnik sandals. Make no mistake; this resort lady is no tramp but sure knows how to tramp all over you!

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Resort Trippin', Part III

FabSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:00:22 -0700

This group of Resort looks can best be described in three "L" words: loose, layering, and legs. Things are shaping up pretty nicely for my Winter vacation. I can choose to be whimsy, like at Lanvin (pictured) or Cynthia Rowley; I can be downright bold, seen at Naeem Kahn and Malandrino; or, I can play it cool wearing Jason Wu, Max Azria, and Vera Wang. Whatever I choose, I will be comfortable, play with silhouettes, and bare some skin. Yep, sounds like a Fab getaway to me.

Double Take: Costume National Hearts Rodarte

FabSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:22 -0700

Just as I said that it's normal for fashion designers to draw inspiration from one another, one more case popped up to further prove my point. This time, Costume National looked to Rodarte's Fall '08 collection to create one of the pieces in its 2009 Resort line. The fashion world, moi-self included, were awestruck by Rodarte's innovative, beautifully crafted Fall gowns (left). I remember how airy yet strong they looked as they floated past me on the runway. Costume National's version is strikingly similar not only because of its lightness, but because of the abstract multicolor design and the one shoulder. I'm happy to see Rodarte's creativity being multiplied; it's too genius to only be enjoyed by the fashion elite.
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FABTV: Stella McCartney's Garden Party

FabSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

If you can get beyond the spastic jazz music at the beginning, you'll enter a secret garden, aka Stella McCartney's 2009 Resort collection at a NYC park. Seeing pictures of Chanel Iman and Lisa Cant frolicking on the grass is not as compelling as seeing it on video. Models eating candy — gasp! — blowing bubbles and socializing makes me want to host a dressed-up picnic of my own (a light bulb just went off in my head). On a more serious note, Stella dishes about the reason for presenting in New York and her take on the latest collection, she even breaks it down into four parts) The girlie girl designer has set the bar high for future resort collection locations.

Resort Trippin', Part II

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Are you feeling the heat? I hope where you are it's a beautiful, sunny day. If not, these Resort looks will cheer you up, like they did me. This group is patriotic, with the warm weather-color combo of red, white, and blue, as well as neutral with greys, ivory, and beiges exhibiting unique styling. It wouldn't be a Fab slideshow without some frilly dress, compliments of Celine and Versace, and some disheveled chic, thank you Charles Nolan. And you heard it here first: Biker shorts are back! Or at least at Prada they are . . . and I'm feeling it.
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Resort Trippin', Part I

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:00:22 -0700

Where's your next vacation? I'm all about sunny destinations. I know, I know, harmful UV rays. But I'm a water baby, and sun goddess, and sand junkie — and I lather on the SPF. And, I'm young and want to have fun! So I am loving all the Resort collections that are unraveling right now. This batch is a mix of unfussy and fussy looks; some neutral and relaxed, some structured with pops of color. We're seeing more direction and an increased participation in Resort, so if you want a glimpse of what's to come next Spring, pay attention.

Trend Alert: Nip and Tuck

FabSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:00:22 -0700

Pleats can scare even the most stylishly inclined but fear not as this season's nip and tuck offers a fresh look for even the most wary customer.

When embarking on a pleated adventure in the lower region of your body, look to crisp colors, a mid to loose fit, and high heels. The top half can stay fresh in crisp neutrals or go funky with multicolored options. If you're still not sure, look to Peter Som's 2009 Resort creation for inspiration. See, a little nip and tuck never hurt anyone.

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2009 Resort: Stella McCartney

FabSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:00:22 -0700

"I'm half New Yorker and I'm celebrating that side," said Stella McCartney at her garden party Resort presentation held in NYC. The air was filled with roses and jubilation as celebs and fans joined together on a cozy field of green at the Jefferson Market Garden to view the designer's American-inspired designs. Since her decision to forgo the usual, it was to no one's surprise that a runway was absent. Instead, models were found frolicking on the grass with lollipops in hand donning Stella's casually luxurious blazers, cropped pants, pleated shorts, and loose dresses.
The designs were nothing short of delightful, wearable goods with classic and flattering cuts.

The warm color palette of tans, dusty pinks, reds, and blues were cut into beautiful loose silhouettes and fine detailing. One of my favorites looks was a fluid jacket paired with a barely-there silk skirt, which was a perfect mix of retro and modern. All in all, the collection was a bevy of bohemian elements and classic styling. The unstructured blazers were quintessential Stella and the cropped pants were a definite Summer must-have item.

To see more from Stella McCartney's Resort collection,

FABTV: Behind the Seams at the Chanel Cruise Extravaganza

FabSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:00:22 -0700

The Cruise collections continue to entice but the memory of one past is staying with me, largely due to the fact that we got a hold of this as-if-you-were-there Chanel video from the event in Miami. From guests, including Anna Wintour, schmoozing preshow to playing the waiting game, the clothes emerge accompanied by poppy, upbeat music (Mony Mony!). Aside from the glorious clothes, after the show the US women's Olympic synchronized swim team appears to do their awesome routine. While they flutter in the pool in an interlocking Chanel C shape the models walk their finale and Karl takes his bow. Oh! And we get a shot of Diane Kruger bopping her head in the front row. Fab-u-lous.

Cheap & Chic: Hip Hats

FabSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:22 -0700

Leave it to Diane Kruger to pair a straw hat with a silk Chanel dress at Chanel's 2009 Cruise collection show. Imagine the look without the hat. Cute, right? But nothing special. A simple hat takes the look from common to intriguing.

Summer is right around the corner so if pretty parasols aren't your thing, then protect your face with a hip hat. And don't reserve your hat solely for casual events; do like Diane and try it with a fancy dress!

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2009 Cruise: Chanel

FabSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:22 -0700

There's no place like sizzling Miami, and Karl Lagerfeld thought the Raleigh Hotel would be the perfect setting for his latest Cruise collection. He was right. A lifeguard oversaw the posh audience, including Chanel muse Diane Kruger and sporty fashionista Anna Kournikova, as well as the fashion elite. And just in case there was any funny business, Chanel logo life preservers were bobbing about. For Karl, this show was “all about proportions, cuts, volumes. There is not one line that is taken all through the collection. For cruise, you don’t do that. There are many looks and an attitude.”

Oh, and the attitude; it was chipper amongst the synchronized swimmers and fierce amongst the models. The clothes were feathered, plasticized, and also synchronized. Black and white made a cameo as well as creamy neutrals and pretty pink — the pink knits were superb. The quirky accessories added humor and sporty touches added a slick element. To wit, the inspiration was Brian Jones, the troubled Rolling Stone who's dead body was found at the bottom of his pool in 1969. Fashion and irony, brilliant.

To see more from Chanel Cruise and to see a few fabulous attendees,

2009 Cruise: Oscar de la Renta

FabSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:22 -0700

If anyone knows how to make resort as luxurious as can be it's Oscar de la Renta. In a kaleidoscope of colors, there were enough day dresses, crisp separates, grownup trousers, and ball gowns to keep the Upper East Side content for a while. There was a bit of volume play with sleeves as well as super puff, super fabulous, ball gowns. Oscar continues to preach the sassy one-shoulder style. Bags were structured and jewelry was ethnic and nature inspired. Oscar's vivid prints always win me over as well as his strategic — never overdone — placement of bows. Add to that lace and ruching and you have a seamless paean to the cruise ~~Gods~~ Goddesses.

To see more from Oscar de la Renta's 2009 cruise collection and to view a runway video,