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RIP: Irving Penn

FabSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:12:09 -0700

Irving Penn, lensman extraordinaire, died today in his Manhattan apartment, at 92. The famed photographer is best known in fashion for shooting vibrant scenes for Vogue. He married model Lisa Fonssagrives and they spent 42 years together until her death in 1992. I don't have a favorite Penn photograph, I think it's time to take a look at the artist's work, pay tribute, and select something special.

RIP: Donald Fisher, Co-Founder of the Gap

FabSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:48:31 -0700

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Donald Fisher, co-founder of the Gap, who died on Sunday, in San Francisco. Donald founded the American casual label we all know (and love), with his wife Doris in 1969. The company just celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Named for the “generation gap” between Baby Boomers and their parents, the Gap revolutionized retail - the Fishers were inspired by a frustrating shopping experience. The couple had difficulty exchanging an ill-fitting pair of jeans and couldn't find the right denim size with the assortment at local department stores. They opened the first Gap store in the foggy city, sales reached $2 million the following year, and the rest is retail history.

I just found out my dad met Don circa '72 - they did some business together. Don was wearing a denim Levi's suit that my dad coveted and ended up hunting down and buying for himself. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh?

With Creative Director Patrick Robinson creating new heat for the established brand, the Gap, and Don's denim doings, live on.

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FABTV: Michael Jackson "Beat It"

FabSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:16:24 -0700

I interrupt this regular special programming to bring you a classic. A masterpiece. An ode. The king of pop passed away today at the age of 50. No one had style, flavor, and attitude like Michael. Flashback: my older brother in a red studded nylon jacket and glittery glove when it was all the rage - he was about 9 years old. And Thriller! Again, the brother, and a righteous (and easy DIY!) Halloween costume. We were all there. We were all mesmerized. This video tells another great MJ story - he was such a great visual maestro - the story of rival gangs who loved to accessorize and pop their collars. Also notice Michael's fresh piano tee pajamas. May Michael, his muse, and his videos rock on.

Remembering Charlie's Angel, Farrah Fawcett

FabSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:00:25 -0700

Charlie's most flirtatious angel Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer this morning at the age of 62. But before we say goodbye, let's remember the actress by reminiscing on her vivacious past. Whether she was in an itsy bitsy bikini, an oversized turtleneck, or high-waisted jeans, Farrah always exuded beauty from outside and within. And how can we forget that famous Farrah Fawcett lioness hairstyle? RIP, Farrah.

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Best of 2008: Rest In Peace

FabSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:00:22 -0800

This year, our condolences were not only extended to people, they were also given to businesses. It was the gasp heard around the world when Yves Saint Laurent passed in June. Mr. Blackwell, the man known for his annual worst-dressed list, also left us, as did Pinup queen Bettie Page. But more shocking were the deaths of longstanding retail stores such as Mervyn's and Steve & Barry's. What's more, Bill Blass decided to close its doors and the great Valentino Gharavani retired. Let's pay homage.

Valentino bids adieu to the fashion world.
Rest In Peace Yves Saint Laurent.
Rest In Peace Mr. Blackwell.
Rest In Peace Mervyn's.

To see the rest, read more.

Steve & Barry's' final blow.
RIP Pinup queen Bettie Page.
The end of Bill Blass.

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Fab Flash: The End Of Bill Blass

FabSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:22 -0800

UPDATE: NexCen Brands Inc. has officially sold Bill Blass to Peacock International Holdings for $10 million. On the downside, Bill Blass Ltd., manufacturer of the Bill Blass Couture line, filed Chapter 7 with a Manhattan bankruptcy court.

UPDATE: Bill Blass Couture officially closed its doors and laid off over 60 employees – without severance pay. NexCen is said to be in the works of selling the brand to men's necktie company, Peacock.

Sad. Bill Blass has officially come to terms with its dismal future. The luxury brand, which lost its creative director Peter Som back in July, has yet to receive any takers on its $20 million dollar asking price. With time dwindling down, finance experts expect Bill Blass Couture to close its doors by January 1st.

“Bill Blass is facing the same challenges as other consumer and retail companies in the current weak macroenvironment", said NexCen managing director Craig Hoffman. Sources predict that given the tough economy, Bill Blass could be sold for much less. Let's cross our fingers that the someone will snatch this deal and bring Blass back to life!

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RIP, Pinup Queen, Bettie Page

FabSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:22 -0800

Alas, another legend has passed. If you're a Dita von Teese fan, make sure to pay homage to the original pinup queen, Bettie Page. She lived to be 85 and passed away yesterday in LA. She broke the rules in the '50s. She had a hand in the exploration of female sexuality, creating a liberated character in risque lingerie and skimpy bikinis - not too mention taboo toys like whips and eye masks. Here's to you, Miss Bettie.
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Biggest Headline of 2008: Rest In Peace, Yves Saint Laurent

FabSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:00:22 -0800

It was a sad Sunday. I remember waking to the news of fashion great Yves Saint Laurent passing June 1; throughout the week the fashion world mourned. We put together a tribute slideshow, but that will never do the couturier justice. Looking back on Fab, before June 1, we featured Yves Saint Laurent on a regular basis. Most being new school YSL, under the direction of creative director Stefano Pilati, all being rooted in the man who popularized menswear for women, beatnik, and safari style. Even before then, Yves was thrown into the fire at Christian Dior, upon Dior's death, and kept the house afloat at the ripe age of 21. This man was arguably the first couturier to delve into ready-to-wear. His Rive Gauche stores sold his RTW creations, and he became an international sensation with actress Catherine Deneuve and icon Loulou de la Falaise favoring his clothes. Like many risk-takers, Yves's collections were often pooh-poohed by the press - but ended up setting the trends. Yves retired in 2002. Many of today's designers cite YSL as being an influence, and the designer left behind countless friends and fans. Here are some of our favorite stories about the late designer and the house:

To see the rest, read more

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Rest in Peace, Mervyns

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:00:22 -0700

It's always sad to see a clothing store with rich history go down. While Steve & Barry's also recently nearly folded, Mervyns is the first major department store to announce its liquidation during these tough economic times. The 59-year-old company will be holding going-out-of-business sales at its remaining 149 locations during the holidays as a way to maximize value for its creditors.

While many may be shocked by this news, some are not: “It’s not surprising that the demise of the company is taking place. Their locations weren’t good enough and their message got diluted. Because of their lack of momentum, their pricing may not have been as sharp as it should have been," said Walter Loeb of Walter Loeb Associates. It remains to be seen if Mervyns will be rescued, but in the meantime, let's bid adieu.

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Fab Flash: Rest In Peace Mr. Blackwell

FabSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:22 -0700

Cheeky fashion critic, Mr. Blackwell, suffered from an intestinal infection and has passed at the age of 86. Known for his annual worst-dressed list, Mr. Blackwell taunted some of Hollywood's best for their questionable taste in clothes.

"I merely said out loud what others were whispering. It's not my intention to hurt the feelings of these people. It's to put down the clothing they're wearing," said Mr. Blackwell in a past interview.

Mr. Blackwell, born Richard Sylvan Selzer, issued his first celebrity fashion critique in 1960 and continued until his death. His grandest moments also included hosting his own show Mr. Blackwell Presents in 1968 and designing his own clothing line. Mr. Blackwell was a fun and gregarious addition to the industry and will always be remembered.
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