Bruce Weber

>> It's out: This is the secret project Alexander Wang hinted at — but it's something much bigger than just a collaboration between Wang and Kate Moss.  W magazine's July 2008 issue is devoted to fashion, and I mean that in the best possible way.

A Bruce Weber-lensed photo places Daria Werbowy, Kate Moss, and Lara Stone on the cover, and that mean troika is joined by Sasha Pivovarova and a whole cabal of up-and-coming designers — think Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Gareth Pugh, Danielle Scutt, Christophe Decarnin of Balmain, plus more — to cavort around for 36-page editorial shot in Miami.

Bruce Weber was the perfect choice to capture the high summer heat in action — favorite images include a portrait of Kate Moss with her father and sister (below), glasses-wearing Jeremy Laing being playfully bullied by a bevy of much tanner, much beefier male models, and Laura and Kate Mulleavy trying on vintage couture hats.

According to Danielle Scutt, she, Louise Goldin, Gareth Pugh, and Georgina Chapman got together during the shoot for a performance of George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90”:

Gareth was playing the washboard, Georgina had maracas, and me and Louise had tambourines.  Some of us then went back to the hotel and jumped in the pool. When I woke up the next morning, I couldn’t find my trainers or jeans.

Another fun fact: Jason Wu, besides designing his eponymous line, is the creative director and partner of a $5 million company, Integrity Toys Inc., for whom he develops dolls.

Anyway, back to the good stuff — full editorial here (NSFW).

Franca Sozzani with Bruce Weber, Bruce Weber Presents Let's Get Lost After Party; London, June 5.
*images: source

>> Prepare yourself to be shocked and awed — two of the most forward-thinking designers in the industry are comfortable dropping slight hints about their Spring 2009 collections, copycats be damned. 

Dries Van Noten, during a recent interview, had one staff member "drawing a print of abstract eagles; another researching Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber images from the 1980s; some working with skeins of bright yarn on the blend of 'graphic with spontaneous' that [he] wants for the 2009 season, saying 'everything for me is about balance.'"

As for Alexander McQueen, he was much more vague about the direction of his Spring 2009 collection, but did note that it would be completely different, with a “very modern” theme based on engineering.

These little (heavy on the little) tidbits will have to suffice for now . . . at least until July, when couture will hold us over.

[Side note: Just had to use this picture of McQueen in his London home, because who else would have a table like that in their house?]

*images: source