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.
Anna Wintour: A Woman of Few Words
»Anna Wintour curtly addresses the likelihood of a Vogue reality series [The Cut]
»Topshop owner Sir Philip Green is already looking for more potential Topshop sites in Manhattan [WWD]
»Nicole Kidman: Confirmed for the July Vogue cover [FWD]
»Simon Doonan recounts his insulting comment to Andre Leon Talley at last week's CFDA Awards [NY Observer]
»Speaking of ALT, he confirmed that the Vogue caricature bought for him is currently being framed, and then will go in his office [WWD]
»Preview of Pringle, Derek Lam, Bill Blass, and Behnaz Sarafpour's Resort 2009 collections [WWD, WWD, WWD, WWD]
On Our Radar: Bill Blass Adds Handbags to Brand

Bill Blass creative director, Peter Som, has already used his creative genius to revitalize the brand's ready-to-wear, and now he is adding designer bags to the Bill Blass couture label as well as Bill Blass Collection handbags.
Not surprisingly, Som had the right idea from the very beginning. “I wanted them to be really luxurious, timeless bags,” he said. “The ultimate model is Hermés, whose bags are coveted for decades.” Consequently, the bags have minimal hardware, so looking outdated won't be an option. The couture selection, retailing from $1,800 to $18,000, includes bags with exotic skins like alligator, ostrich, and python. The more affordable collection handbags, retailing from $500 to $2,500, will be made with embossed leather, lambskin, and metallic goatskin. Look for them in August, at glass cases near you.
Fashion in 50 Seconds 4/28
Bill Blass BagsBill Blass is expanding into handbags. Rejoice as Peter Som gives fashionistas "luxurious timeless pieces" in alligator, crocodile, stingray, python and ostrich
Consumer confidence damned! Middle class women are apparently still stupid enough to be concerned with fashion trends in a recession. Seriously ladies, from one fashionista to another it really doesn't matter. Don't be suckered in by the silver lamé J.Crew shirt. Really, it just screams fashion victim.
Men A La Mode Clothing
Men apparently like shopping online just as much as women. And no we don't mean for gadgets. They are shopping for clothing. Though with sites like Men A La Mode we aren't totally sure its not secretly for cruising.
The Associated Press thinks parasols are a fashion trend. Well call us Eliza Doolittle!
Backstage at Kirrily JohnAustralian Fashion Week has begun with some fanfare despite protests by designers that it is too expensive to show. Ahhh IMG you sure know how to get designers to love you! Not too pricey for Kirrily John or Nicola Finetti
Get Old News Here
Fab's Top 10 Fall Collections
I know everyone has Spring fever, but I'm obsessing on the Fall collections. A fashion junkie just can't help herself. I won't get too heavily into what's in store for Fall, yet, but I will bring you some things I've been itching to share. WWD recently announced their top 10 collections of Fall and while some fall into my top 10, some most certainly do not. Here's WWD's top 10 (in no particular order): Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Prada, Rodarte, Vera Wang, Yves Saint Laurent. To see mine click on through . . . I think you'll find more of a balance; things are a bit more youthful and fun over here at Fab.
Behind the Seams: Bill Blass Hits Saks Fifth Avenue

We've seen Peter Som's Fall '08 debut collection for Bill Blass, and I loved it so dearly, I want you to see it again, more close up.
A trunk show was held at the Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC, where the runway creations were brought to buyers and socialites. Notice them in the background, meticulously checking out Som's creations and determining which have the most selling power. The designer also made his first personal appearance to show off the clothes, which were well received. "We loved what Peter shared with us on the runway. I thought it recognized the roots of the Bill Blass that I know. Having a strong Bill Blass is so perfect because we have the customer for it at Saks," said Saks president Ron Frasch.
Speaking of attendees, America's Next Top Model Cycle Nine winner Saleisha Stowers was also a part of the show. Aren't you glad you came behind the seams?
To see some more clothes from collection and pictures of Peter Som, read more
New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Bill Blass

Electric blue fur, perfectly voluminous cocktail dresses, intense plumage . . . don't make it stop!
Ladies and gents, I do believe Peter Som has come into his own at the house of Bill Blass. No longer just for ladies who lunch — though they will appreciate the grey metallic separates and luxe pant suits — this collection is simply fabulous.
I have been won over by the black and white florals, sculptural craftsmanship, and sexy tailored vests And the colors: A fun mix of black, white, grey and pops of glam rockin' cobalt, teal, and plum. Are you loving this as much as me?!
For more Fall Bill Blass, including a video, read more
Bill Blass A/W 08 Video and Interview With MAC Team
Yesterday, we talked with the MAC team about the rock n' roll inspired makeup for Bill Blass. The truth is, you never know how the makeup will turn out on the runway. No matter how beautiful it looks backstage, when the models get hit with bright, white lights and a million flashbulbs, it can be a disaster. Funnily enough, the makeup for Bill Blass wasn't our favorite close-up but looked spectacular on the runway.
The show, it turns out, was not of the rock n' roll variety. The look of Peter Som's collection for Bill Blass was rather ladylike with a nod to film noir (and all those powerful mischievous women). The plum, cobalt, and aqua palette, set against black was striking and high waisted belting kept everything tucked in where it counts. We suppose the reason for the rock n' roll makeup was mostly the need for intensity. The makeup served to mature the collection, and encouraged its dark side, rather than its pretty one.
Bill Blass Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Show
Bill Blass Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Show
Backstage With MAC At Bill Blass
We just finished up a little backstage time with the MAC team. The look for the Bill Blass A/W 08 show conjures that ever-popular 'rock chick' vibe. Naturally, that means a lot of liner and mascara (fake eyelashes to be exact) a deep plum eye and orange-leaning blush high on the cheekbone. As with most strong eye-looks, the MAC team is keeping it simple with basic nude lipstick. Everyone, including the models, seem a bit tired on the second to last day of fashion week. Thankfully, we have Peter Som for Bill Blass to look forward to, expect an edge that just might get you through the next two days.

