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Fab Read: Italian Fashion Now

FabSugar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:42:22 -0800

I've never seen a more polished-at-all-times group of people than Italians. I can always spot Italian tourists thanks to their spot-on style. Of course, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Missoni, Gianni Versace, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana are hugely responsible for that. But Italian Fashion Now by Maria Luisa Frisa ($14) dishes about the new rising stars of Italian fashion now. Giambattista Valli, Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy), Stefano Pilati (Yves Saint Laurent) are just a few. The book is currently on pre-order and will be released February, 10, 2010.

Fab Ad: Christy Turlington For Yves Saint Laurent Fall '09

FabSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:22 -0700

For Yves Saint Laurent's Fall '09 campaign, Stefano Pilati channeled the '90s with the help of Christy - no last name needed. Check out the Super, decked out in all black, standing against a simplistic background shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Christy's makeup and shimmery halter jumpsuit are very throwback, very old school - I'm not sure how I feel about it. I wouldn't think twice if someone told me this was torn out of a magazine circa '92. Christy looks like she hasn't aged a day, but the only modern element is the black leather tote. I expected a little more from Pilati; what do you think?

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Source: WWD and TFS

Behind the Seams: Stella McCartney's Parisian Party

FabSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:00:22 -0800

With her dad dutifully by her side, Stella McCartney celebrated the opening of her new flagship store in Paris. "For a British designer to have a boutique here in Paris is pretty cool," said former Beatle Paul McCartney. Mingling were Stella's A-list attendees, such as Yves Saint Laurent's creative director, Stefano Pilati, and topnotch models Lily Donaldson and Lara Stone. The guests looked to be having a ball, and I can see why. Champagne + robots + fashion = fabulous fun. Click through to see more smiles and laughter. Source and Source

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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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Fab Flash: Stefano Pilati Loves (Blonde) Supermodels

FabSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:22 -0800

Claudia Schiffer is to take over the Yves Saint Laurent throne. YSL Creative Director Stefano Pilati just announced the supermodel to be the face of his Spring campaign. Schiffer's ads, shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in LA, is Pilati's second consecutive campaign featuring a supermodel. Schiffer follows in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell, who was featured in YSL's Fall campaign.

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Behind the Seams: Stefano Pilati Parties at YSL Dover Street Market Launch

FabSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:22 -0700

We couldn't expect anything but the best at the grand opening of YSL's stand-alone Edition 24 space at London's Dover Street Market.

Fashion A-listers who joined YSL designer Stefano Pilati in fashion giddiness included Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, stylist Katie Grand, and Erin O'Conner, perused the amazing limited-edition items inspired by travel and functionality. Perfect for all those jet-setters, no? The theatrical set designed by Michael Howells worked as a great backdrop for the guests as they partied away and enjoyed copious amounts of bubbly. Pilati even gifted his friends with a limited-edition YSL canvas bag - lucky ducks!

To see more party pictures of Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Katie Grand, and Erin O'Connor, read more

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On Our Radar: Designers Tackle the Olympics

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Just because fashion designers don't play competitive sports doesn't mean they can't take part in the 2008 Olympics. Au contraire, mon frère. Hong Kong-based retailer Lane Crawford has enlisted the help of 12 of the world's most famous names - Ricardo Tisci, Burberry (left), Phillip Lim, and Stella McCartney, to name a few - for "The Collective: Synergy in Fashion." The looks will be showcased at several events throughout the Olympic season in Beijing this Summer. After August, all of the one-of-a-kind garments will be auctioned, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting UNICEF's Driving Dreams project. I've never been the athletic type, but this is dope.

To see designs by Alberta Ferretti, Givenchy, and more, read more

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Fashion Metamorphosis: Yves Saint Laurent

FabSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With the unfortunate passing of one of fashion's greatest inspirations, Yves Saint Laurent, I thought it would be fitting to take you through the fashion metamorphosis of Yves himself, his revolutionary brand, and its many successors. What many people don't know is that YSL officially started in the fashion business when Christian Dior died in October of 1957. At the age of 21, Yves was thrust into the spotlight, and more importantly, into the role of head designer of the house of Dior. Talk about moving on up, quickly.

(L-R: Model Danielle Sauvajeon in Paris fashion show in 1968; Fall '94; Spring '02 RTW; Fall '08 RTW)

During his three-year stint at Dior, YSL set trends such as midcalf skirts when his competitors were showing knee-length. He introduced black leather jackets trimmed in fur in his "chic Beatnik" collection; it was heavily criticized. But that didn't stop him. All it did was fuel him to start his own business in 1961. His first collection wasn't so well-received, but his second collection elevated him to the status of Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy.

To hear more about the evolution of Yves Saint Laurent, read more

Unlike Balenciaga, Chanel, and Givenchy, however, YSL always shifted gears and rarely stuck to one look from season to season. What set him apart is that he was able to see that fashion came from the youth of the streets. He was able to understand that people wanted clothes that can translate from day to evening. Hence why he introduced his revolutionary CityPant collection and the women's tuxedo suit, "le smoking." In 1991, ready-to-wear was briefly handed over to Alber Elbaz, who was appointed by YSL himself, but he was dropped after three seasons. That's when Tom Ford stepped in. It's no secret, though, that YSL wasn't very fond of where Tom was leading the brand. In 2002, YSL retired completely, and the future of the house is now in the hands of current creative director, Stefano Pilati, who took over in 2004. Who knows where the brand will go from here, but one thing is certain: Yves Saint Laurent's creative genius will sorely be missed.

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Hit of the Season: Yves Saint Laurent Jersey Bustier Dress

FabSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the most brilliant. As Stefano Pilati explained the inspiration for his Spring collection: "I just started with three thoughts: blazers, sweatshirts, and a vaguely preppy idea, and then it went into thinking about goddesses, stars."Well, it worked - to say his jersey sweatshirt inspired bustier dress was a hit of the season would be an understatement. What's even more astounding is the variety of women that have fallen in love with it. Pilati must be pleased!
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Who Wore It Better? Yves Saint Laurent Brushstroke Dress

FabSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:22 -0700

Demi Moore picked up on the brushstroke trend back in December, strutting her stuff in this Yves Saint Laurent cruise collection dress. Even though the reception to Demi in the Stefano Pilati designed dress was more aghast than impressed, Bergdorf Goodman's fashion director Roopal Patel decided to give it another go to fete Missoni's Fall collection at the store's New York location last night. I'm torn because I don't love either of the shoe choices. Who do you think takes the cake?

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