FabSugar

FabSugar Exclusive: Alexis Bittar Is Gossip Girl's Favorite Accessory Designer

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:22 -0800

We caught up with Alexis Bittar at his Neiman Marcus trunk show recently. He's super dreamy, as you can tell from his photo (center). And so friendly, it was comfortable, like we'd met before. Read what he had to say about his biggest fans - Fab fave Cameron Diaz and the Gossip Girl stylists - as well as how he got his start.

What sparked your interest in jewelry?

I sold antique jewelry on the street [at the 26th Street flea market in Manhattan] for 15 years. I started working with Lucite, I just pounded it, started carving it. I actually don’t know how I put it all together in my brain, but I liked that you could sculpt it. It’s pretty cheap - in the beginning I had no money. It seemed like an experimental medium. And I like working with mediums that aren’t typical. When I first saw it, I loved it and I still love it. Guys like it, too; they’re into the science of it, they’re trying to figure it out. It took a long time - the beginning was a bit difficult, then certain key people used it, and it slowly took off. When the millennium happened there was thing of perceiving everything differently and it became the new.

See what else we discussed.

Fab Exclusive: Alexis Bittar Talks Jewelry as Weapons and Multiple Bling Personalities

FabSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:22 -0800

I've always wanted to meet the man behind my favorite Alexis Bittar jewels - I finally had the pleasure to do so at his recent Neiman Marcus trunk show. Alexis filled us in on what's going on in his world right now. He's one busy bee; his San Francisco stay was for a mere 10 hours because he had to fly to Vancouver for an appearance at Holt Renfrew. He revealed his jewelry philosophy and discussed the dope spiked bracelet Alicia Keys wore recently . . .

What’s the latest and greatest goings on?

I just finished Spring, we showed at Paris Fashion Week. We showed at Tranoi, which is a show there. I designed three collections under Alexis Bittar, and three other collections for other designers. I did Alexis Bittar for Michael Kors, we did glass, it’s all clear. And I did Michael Angel, he’s kind of a younger designer. I met him through the girls at Vogue. In a week, doing Victoria’s Secret.

Hear more from Alexis Bittar.

FabSugar Exclusive! The Sartorialist Signs and Chats With Fab

FabSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:22 -0700

I've never seen such a thing in San Francisco: When we left the book signing of The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman at the Paul Smith store last night, the line to get in was down the block and around the corner. It's safe to say the street-style photog is a star. Book in hand, we approached the dapper Scott, who's completely handsome and respectable in person. He signed away, we chic chatted.
So why did he pick Julie, the New Yorker, for the cover? He explained how every time he posts Julie's picture on The Sartorialist, people comment about how perfect she is, so chic, so modern. But what they don't know is that she's less perfect than most because one leg is slightly shorter than the other. She's not traditionally perfect, but she knows how to work her imperfections and has a great pose. Selecting her for the cover had a deeper meaning than just someone who looked great.

To hear what else Scott told us, read more

Anyone who reads Scott's site knows that he's going out with French street-style photographer, Garance Doré. We mentioned to him how cute she is, and he corrected us, "she's totally hot!" He then proceeded to turn to page 314 of the book to show us the moment Garance fell in love with him two years ago. In the photo, she has a beaming, genuine smile. 'Tis love.

Favorite color? Blue!

Favorite designers? Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Marni, and Marc Jacobs.

Favorite cocktail? Margarita.

East Coast or West Coast? East - gasp from the audience - what did you think I was going to say? But you guys are the most stylish crowd after Milan.

Be sure to check out the The Sartorialist. One Word. Love group in the FabSugar community!

Fab Exclusive! Rachel Roy Talks Fashion Week, Skulls, and Spring Collection For Macy's

FabSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:50:22 -0700

Even though she was still recuperating from showing her namesake collection at New York Fashion Week a week prior, Rachel Roy continued to make us swoon with her beautiful brown eyes and fashion talk at the Macy's event. Now that you got the lowdown on Rachel's current collection for Macy's, let's talk about her upcoming Spring collection. We found out tie-dye, florescent colors, and fun prints will be present, along with an array of silky trench dresses. While speaking to her, we couldn't stop ogling the cute trench dress and snazzy, stacked skull bracelets she had on. Read on to hear all about it . . .

I saw your show last week in NYC, it was beautiful.

"Oh you were? Everything is such a blur. I was like whose show - did I have a show?"

I know. Everyone's like "How's Fashion Week?" I'm like, "Uhhhh, still recovering."

"I know, and I hate that because I love fashion and I want to appreciate every single second of it, but it becomes so emotionally draining."

So are you able to actually go to anyone's shows?

"No. I go to friends. Like Sophie Theallet is a dear, dear friend of mine and I love her. So, I went to hers and it was after mine. Also Ralph Rucci, I adore him. I think he just cuts and tailors like no other in America. His show was the day before mine, but I went because I adore him and I give him so much respect. But other than that, really good friends of mine. It can be a lot, so I just went to those two."

So what can we expect for Spring?

"That's a good question. So for Spring, it's just stuff I love. I love tie-dye."

Oooh, California influences!

"Yup, California! So I'm doing tie-dye jersey and tie-dye suede. I also have some florescent colors and prints. I'm a big print girl and I love mixing prints in an odd way."

To read more about Rachel's Spring collection and her take on skulls, read more.

Is the trench dress you have on from the collection?

"Yes, this will be available in Spring and will come in black and in khaki."

And I have to ask, who is this jewelry by with the little skulls?

"This is all me. It's available in November. This [skull] was my muse for jewelry. So I put him on everything. And you know how people say the evil eye brings good luck? I wanted to kind of change the idea that skulls aren't bringing you bad luck. Here, they're giving you good luck."

Yeah, like with the Day of the Dead.

"I really like that. It's my way of bringing good energy, ancient spirits. I don't want to put too much heavy stuff on these kids, but it's my little way of bringing them what I can."

Also, skulls are just cool.

"They can take it that way - I'll just go levitate over there (laughs)."

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Fab Exclusive! Rachel Roy Dishes Inspiration and Favorite Pieces From Her Macy's Collection

FabSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:50:22 -0700

Rachel Roy is officially our latest girl crush, thanks to an amazing Macy's Rachel Roy event we attended in San Francisco. Walking into Macy's contemporary department that night was like stepping into a cool lounge complete with a dope DJ - who played some of my favorite old-school jams - fabulously dressed people, delightful bubbly, and RR macaroons. And, of course, the breathtakingly beautiful Rachel Roy was present. We shopped 'til we dropped and managed to sneak in some one-on-one time with the charming designer. Did you know she's a Bay Area native? Born and raised in Monterey, baby. After talking about the Bay Area - more to come on that topic - we found out which pieces were her favorite from the collection and who inspired her.
Which pieces from the collection do you think are the most bang for your buck?

"That's a great question. Because I'm older, I tend to go for the classic looks - like the trench coat. You can take the belt off and wear it a million different ways. I like that you can also wear it like a trench dress."

A trench dress?

"Yes, like a painterly kind of trench coat. And I try to do pieces for young girls to wear, like to an interview, and also be able to wear to a party - a look that mixes both."

Day to night?

"Yes, depending on how I dress it up or down. And you know kids don't have a lot of money, so I want to give them that versatility. But I also want to keep them chic, modern, and respect them to not just throw junk out there. It's time consuming and there's a lot of work, but I'm really trying to my best to put together a collection that respects the consumer."

I love this red and black print.

"I love that. It reminded me of Yves Saint Laurent's hieroglyphics from back in the day. He got the inspiration from his home town [Algeria]. I could never do that in my designer line, and that's one of the big prints for me here. In my designer line, I have to find a print that's kind of 100 percent me."

To see more fun pictures from the Fab event, read more.

View 12 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Oscar de la Renta Worries, but Wants to Help Keep Tahoe Blue

FabSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:00:22 -0700

De la fabulous. I was for real when I said I was heading to Lake Tahoe for Oscar de la Renta's annual fashion show luncheon. Along with Saks Fifth Avenue, and held at the gorgeous Fritz family estate in Sunnyside, the event was like no other. If you've never been to the outdoor haven that is Tahoe and are wondering how Oscar de la Renta's elegant clothes would work, the designer himself wasn't sure at first. He told me "The first time I was told I was going to show on an open space I was worried about evening clothes - are they going to look good on a lake? In fact it looks very wonderful, it translates really well." It's true. Oscar's chic-turned-exotic collection fancied quite well on the stark white Saks runway surrounded by yellow lily-topped tables and mountainous beauty.

The show was followed by an auction and lunch and these people were serious. The highest bid - $22,000 - went toward an Oscar de la Renta New York fashion week package. If I were a richie, I would have bid on a week stay for me and five friends at Oscar's Tortuga Bay villas. Um, yeah.

To read the rest and to see what the de la fabulous event was like,
read more.

Oscar took over this event from Bill Blass in 1995 and usually shows his latest Resort collection. The designer's favorite part of this Summer event is spending time in Tahoe. "The lake is unbelievably beautiful, it’s a privilege to spend time here. It's wonderful that people preserve the lake for future generations. I just try to enjoy the lake and be with friends." The event benefits Keep Tahoe Blue, a nonprofit that helps preserve the alpine lake.

Oscar was a pleasure to interview. I caught him before he zoomed away on a speedboat, we chatted in the sun on the pier. He was very elegant and relaxing; I will always envision him in his cornflower blue blazer, olive skin, smiling, with the blue lake and mountains in the background.

Oscar's inspiration is "Always women. Trying to make clothes a woman would fall in love with. Especially in these times. I have never been in a time for a designer as challenging as now, when the consumer is much aware of fashion. The woman, when I started designing clothes for in the '60s, is very different from the woman today. Today she is independent, makes her own decisions, and purchases." Interesting! Oscar is one designer who's creations have transcended generations, a testament to his design skills and consumer savvy. But as Oscar said, it's all about making clothes a woman would fall in love with.

What did Fab fall in love with? The adorable chic tweed suits and hats in the beginning of the show - an ode to the current obsession with all things French. And a black and white ikat print dress; no one does ikat better than Oscar. The purple and white ikat set played a part in my fantasy of Tortuga Bay.

View 29 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Swimming With Shoshanna

FabSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:50:22 -0700

Um, isn't Shoshanna hot? And buff? Just had to point that out before we continue swimming with Shoshanna. I don't know about you, but I'll take swimwear advice from a successful designer, mom, and hottie. Here, Shoshanna answers our questions about how revealing a swimsuit should be, what it was like collaborating with Charlotte Ronson on their swim collection, and the best beach coverups.

How revealing should a swimsuit actually be?

Bust coverage test: Three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage. The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it'll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom. Boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you're active, but they're far from being a universally flattering style.

What was your favorite part of collaborating with Charlotte Ronson on Made With Love?

Getting to spend some time together was the best part. We have always played nicely together and get along great. It was very satisfying for both of us to see everything come together and to love everything!

What was the biggest challenge?

Finding time - we are both so busy!

Will this be an ongoing collection?

I know it will be, we have already finished the second collection.

To keep swimming and to see some of my favorite Shoshanna items, read more.

What’s your favorite swimsuit cut?

I love our string bikini!

Are you a prints or solids girl?

I'm a print girl. I love all our prints! Once in a while I'll throw on a black bikini, nothing sexier!

How do you cover up on the beach or at the pool?

I'll usually wear a Mexican embroidered tunic, with a cute pair of Anlo denim cutoffs.

And which is preferred - beach or pool?

I'm totally a beach girl! I love the ocean, and beach combing, and of course making sandcastles with my little girl.

What are the best colors for every skin tone?

Navy and black are universally good for every skin tone. Both colors are flattering and look good against the lightest skin tones and the darkest.

How do you take your beach look from day to night?

Find a versatile cover-up that can take your bikini beach look to a casual dinner. A crochet cover with three-quarter sleeves is great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out.

What is the best way to care for swimwear?

Don't put bathing suits in the washing machine, this will weaken the elastic. Instead, wash in cold water with a delicate cleanser such as Woolite.

The Donna Dish: "If You Can't Sleep in It, Forget It"

FabSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:50:22 -0700

The Donna Karan wisdom continues. After listening to her and Ken Downing at the Neiman Marcus event in San Francisco, I have a newfound interest in draping and defining luxury. Donna also mentioned Michelle Obama ("Michelle Obama is an icon") and emphasized the importance of jewelry when she spoke of her years collaborating with Robert Lee Morris: "Jewelry is important. Accessories are extremely important." Oh, and my favorite Donna quote? "Glamour - I forgot the word glamour!" Here's more Donna dish:

Donna on draping: She always makes her skirts wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. "Draping is how fabric wraps around your body and accents the positive and hides the negative."

Donna defines luxury: There is a difference between seeing something and wearing it, and to her, wearing is luxury. It's the difference of seeing and touching. This year was the most challenging year. It's important to not deny it and have consciousness about it. "I feel luxury is how we care for ourselves and other human beings."

To hear the rest, read more.

Donna on everyday dressing: "Do you have any idea how many outfits you can create from the same pieces?" Investment dressing doesn't go out of style. She loves it when she sees women wearing her older clothes today.
Donna and her fabrics: "Most of my fabrics are made in Italy with extraordinary technology." A cashmere knits collection is coming out soon; it's based on comfort and ease and includes all sorts of neutral colors.

View 9 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Swimming With Shoshanna

FabSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:22 -0700

It's bikini season and you know what that means . . . it's time to decide on your Summer '09 swimwear look. I've been really into prints lately - loud, bright, saucy prints. What's your style du jour? If you need any enlightening or encouraging, we've got swim pro designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss to deliver some Fab swimsuit tips. Also, if you're in NYC, head over to 231 W. 39th Street, Suite 422, to find 75 percent off Shoshanna Collection and Swimwear. Sale ends Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Now, let's dive into Shoshanna's swim tips!

How many swimsuits do you own?

I own way too many swimsuits to count!!! All Shoshanna, of course!!!

What are the key swim trends to look for this Summer?

Look for bright pop colors like neon pink, orange, and green. Tribal prints are popular as well as ditsy floral prints, big bohemian florals, and graphic black and white.

How do you prevent swimsuit wedgies?

Prevent wedgies by wearing the right size. Not too big and not too small. Should be snug, but not tight.

What advice do you have for a girl who isn’t comfortable with her beach body?

A bathing suit is a bathing suit, it’s never going to cover that much! You can do lots of things to cover up area’s you are insecure about. Throw on an Elizabeth and James button down, Anlo jean shorts, or a Mexican embroidered dress. If you are insecure about your bottom, thrown on a cute skirt. If you want to cover up your arms, a 3/4 sleeve tunic will do just the trick. Also, accessorize your outfit with some beachy jewelry, like gold necklaces or bangles to look super chic.

To read more of Shoshanna's tips, read more.

How do you find a swimsuit that flatters your shape?

Big Busted: Look for halters which offer the most support. Also look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place. Curvy: Look for one pieces with ruching to slim your middle. When shopping for bikini's stick to bottoms with tie strings so they are easily adjustable. Flat Chested: Strings are most flattering. If you want to enhance your chest, look for ruffles or ruching which will create the illusion of a bigger chest.

Do you think it’s worth buying an expensive bathing suit (yours) versus a cheap one (H&M)? Does it make a difference?

There are two factors to think about: quality and fit/sizing issues. H&M is very generic and sold as sets. Our collection offers 13 different sizes and are sold as separates so we give customers more options. Shoshanna bathing suits are also constructed with the highest quality materials. We use a special boning and underwire that provides amazing support.

What are some general tips for purchasing swimwear?

Cotton bathing suits are more for show. They will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend. Accept that sizes will vary, even from the same label.

The Donna Dish: "We've Got a Lot on Our Shoulders Right Now"

FabSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Stella McCartney and now Donna Karan - looks like San Francisco is emerging as a fashion center.

When I think of Donna Karan, here's what comes to mind: draping, bodysuits, DKNY, womanly, classic, zen. When I met Donna Karan at a recent event at Neiman Marcus in SF, all those thoughts flooded me. But it wasn't overwhelming because Donna calmed me down with a (zen) fashion mantra: "Fashion is not all about what's on the outside. It's what you wear on the inside that also counts." I pondered that all day . . .

Prepondering, I witnessed an intimate runway show of her Fall collection. The charming senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman's, Ken Downing, served as co-maestro. Donna disclosed that she finds microphones "annoying. They're not genuine." And according to Downing, DK's collection was his high point at Fashion Week. "I love this collection," he said. On with the Donna!

Donna on her Fall collection: Her collection was a reflection of the past, present, and future. It's also empowerment for women. It's not just about designing. It's necessary to be intentionally thoughtful.
Donna on the resurgence of shoulder pads: "We've got a lot on our shoulders right now," DK said, referring to the economy. Ken said, "You can carry a lot more with those shoulder pads." Shoulder pads make hips appear narrower. Nobody gains weight on the shoulders, she said, referencing the cold shoulder dress.

To hear more Donna dish and to see more runway photos, read more

Donna on color: She favors a color palette that's effortless. Grays, black, navy are endless palettes of classicism. It's an inner feeling she can't explain. She is affected by color and light. It's an artistic expression. "Red is like lipstick. An accent that always works." She's also inspired by her trips to Africa, the wilderness, nature, pavements in the city.

View 8 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Shoshanna Serrapi Smocked Top - $295.00	Shoshanna - $125.00
Shoshanna Zebra Triangle Top - $75.00	Shoshanna Lace Cover-Up - $185.00
Shoshanna purple paisley nylon string bikini top - $41.00	Shoshanna purple paisley string bikini bottom - $41.00
Shoshanna Metallic Rope Ring Halter - $95.00	Shoshanna Ikat Print Cover-Up - $175.00
Shoshanna Tulum Floral Triangle Bikini Top - $64.00	Shoshanna 'Poolside Paisley' CoverUp - $175.00