YStyle Picks
Comeback kid
MANILA, Philippines - It was pretty sad when fashion’s eternal party girl, 70-year-old Betsey Johnson, declared her company’s bankruptcy last April of this year. It was a relief then to hear that last week, Johnson revealed to the New York Times that Steve Madden has taken ownership of the Betsey Johnson brand, which will now launch a line of lower-priced dresses (from $99 to $249) at Macy’s, Nordstrom and other retailers. She and her daughter, Lulu, will also have their own reality series, The Betsey and Lulu Show, on the style network that will introduce Betsey to a new generation of prom queens, while following Lulu’s steps as she tries to launch her own name in fashion.
Ever after
Something is happening with fashion and books — if you don’t own Grace Coddington’s memoir and Kate: The Kate Moss Book yet, buy them. Now. And throw in this next tome while you’re at it: fashion writer Camilla Morton has written a book that blends the success story of Diane von Furstenberg with classic children’s story, The Emperor’s New Clothes. Illustrated by Furstenberg herself, Diane von Furstenberg and the Tale of the Empress’ New Clothes isn’t just for children. Morton kicked off her fashion fairytale memoirs with Christian Lacroix’s life story mixed in with Sleeping Beauty to create Lacroix: Prince Charming and followed it up with Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves on the Shoemaker. Hey, they beat Aesop’s Fables.
Designer diffusions
The year isn’t quite over yet, but we already can’t wait for January. Earlier in June, designer Jason Wu announced that following his successful capsule collection for Target, he would launch a lower-priced collection called Miss Wu. The first collection, which consists mainly of blouses, sweaters and outerwear, is inspired by ‘60s “it” girls, like Marianne Faithfull and Jane Birkin. Just last week, Wu released a sneak peek of the mini-film he worked on starring Miss Wu girl Meghan Collison, which featured the collection. On the difference between this diffusion line and his main line, Wu explains, “The Jason woman is much more polished and manicured. The Miss Wu girl, on the other hand, is a little more worn in, a little grittier, her hair is a little messier, her makeup might be from the night before.” Miss Wu will be available for pre-sale on Nordstrom.com on Jan. 7.
Exit strategy
LA-based designers/stylists Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are leaving Current/Elliott, the label they started in 2008. Although no explanation was offered, there is speculation that the brand’s co-founder and owner, Serge Azria has been trying to push the girls out, according to Fashionista.com. In a joint statement to WWD Current and Elliott stated, “We are so proud of what we have accomplished with Current/Elliott. Parting ways has been a difficult decision, but we are thrilled for our next chapter in design and to perpetuate our whimsical Americana aesthetic across multiple categories.” Who knows? Maybe they’ll do a Jil Sander and eventually return to their eponymous label if Azria decides to sell it to someone else. Or maybe they’ll tie up with a denim retailer and release another collection of their signature boyfriend jeans.
Prince of prints
To those of you who are still unfamiliar with London-based designer Duro Olowu, pay attention. The designer, with Nigerian and Jamaican roots, arrived in the London fashion scene in 2004 and was named New Designer of the Year in 2005 in the British Fashion Awards.With his vibrant African-inspired prints, ‘70s tailoring and unlikely color combinations, he won fans in high places, such as prodigal US Vogue editor Sally Singer, Uma Thurman and Linda Evangelista. And now, the look book for his collaboration with US retailer JC Penney, which includes accessories and home products, has been revealed — and nothing is over $100, according to the designer. All that’s left for you to do after putting on that Duro Olowu x JC Penney dress is lip sync Solange’s Losing You ad nauseum, with corresponding music video choreography.
