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Ch-ch-ch-changes of Fashion in '09

FabSugar — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:50:22 PST

2009 saw major changes - some rather shocking - in the most renowned fashion houses. The one that stung most was the demise of Christian Lacroix. The economic downturn spawned the downfall of one of fashion's most grand couture houses. Lacroix was forced to shut down, only to be reduced to a licensing operation. Check out the heartfelt love fashion fans gave him at the closing of his final show. Luella Bartley, Maison Martin Margiela, Olivier Theyskens, and others also experienced some unwelcome changes this year. But there was also light for some. Learn about the year's biggest fashion changes . . .

Martin Margiela Retires, House Searches For New Creative Director

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:22 PDT

After 20 years of designing for his namesake brand, Martin Margiela is officially throwing in his creative hat at Maison Martin Margiela. "Martin has not been there for a long time," said the brand's majority stake holder, Renzo Rosso. "He is here but not here. We have a new fresh design team on board. We are focusing on young, realistic energy for the future; this is really Margiela for the year 2015." With that said, the brand is looking for a new creative director to take the reins and run with it. Offers have been put out to Raf Simons and Haider Ackermann, but both have rejected. Raf decided to renew his contract with Jil Sander, and supposedly, Haider Ackermann turned down the offer because of the brand's refusal to promote the new head designer.

2009 Fall Couture: Maison Martin Margiela

FabSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:22 PDT

For Fall, Martin Margiela didn't veer too far off from his usual avant-garde repertoire. By that I mean, he stuck with flesh-colored face masks, bare legs, and nude leotards. He also continued his love of fringe, cropped capes, and bold jackets. In fact, this collection is all about the statement jacket. No pants required, Lady Gaga style. The array of outerwear includes overly fringed jackets, motorcycle-style leather, colored fur, '80s bold shoulder blazers, and intricate cropped vests. My favorite is a fan vest . . . so Karl. It takes a risk-loving gal to worship Margiela. Are you that girl?
See the rest of Margiela's couture collection.

Trend Alert: Graffiti Rock

FabSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:50:22 PDT

Fun Fab fact: I wrote my high school senior paper on graffiti art. I was obsessed with taggers, break dancers, Beat Street, Style Wars - everything old school. I still find the roots of the hip-hop underworld to be fascinating, even if I don't dress like a boy anymore. And Kerry Washington proves you can nod to the genre in style in her fresh Narcisco Rodriguez graffiti-inspired sheath. It may not be neon and paint-splattered, but this is high fashion's take on the urban motif. "Don't try this on your dad's stereo - only under hip hop supervision . . ."

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Fab Flash: Maison Martin Margiela Sees Profit Despite Economic Downturn

FabSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:00:22 PST

The struggling economy has some designers running for cover but not Maison Martin Margiela. The brand has reported a 21 percent increase in sales compared to last year, and by the looks of it the brand shows no sign of slowing down. Margiela chief executive, Giovanni Pungetti, credits the brand's success with its recent “good collections." Maison Martin Margiela will also debut its second fine jewelry collection later on this year. However, the brand is staying cautious and careful with spending. “We have to be prudent and careful. This is not the moment to spend too much,” said Pungetti. Finally, some good news!

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Celebrity Style: Jennifer Aniston

FabSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:22 PST

Halt the presses - Jennifer Aniston is wearing print! And doesn't it look darling on her? At the Paris premiere of Marley & Me, the actress stepped out of her comfort zone (i.e. black) and embraced her girlie side with a blue-and-white Balenciaga dress that goes perfectly with her baby blues. The gray tights, gold macho watch, and Christian Louboutin platforms toughen up her look a smidgen. Keep it up girl.

Visit CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

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Trend Alert: Oatmeal Sweaters

FabSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:08 PST

Oatmeal sweaters used to remind me of hemp and granola, but consider me a changed woman. They have been revamped with a smashing array of cuts and textures. I love how these sweaters lend instant warmth to any ensemble.

Check out how Nicole Richie worked her oatmeal cardi into her wardrobe. The thin knit and baggy cut exude a cool vibe and the neutral color goes with everything. On a side note, I wonder what Nicole has in that Chanel bag.

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

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Celebrity Style: Rachel Bilson

FabSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:22 PDT

Among the celebs who welcomed Rogan to Barneys was the always sweet Rachel Bilson. Most ladies kept it springy and colorful, but R-Bils did her own thing. That's what we like to see here at Fab! She opted for a casual crochet LBD, a black blazer, and some dope nude shoes that took the look a few notches higher. Rachel's use of color came in the form of neon, layered bangles. And she brushed aside those unflattering bangs. Phew!

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Celebrity Style: Rachel McAdams

FabSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:00:22 PST

Rachel McAdams showed up to the NYC premiere of Married Life looking sexy as ever channeling her inner Robert Palmer girl - love it! She is proof that you don't need to show a lot of skin to look h-o-t hot. If you tend to wear a lot of color, try head-to-toe black once in a while for a "wow" factor!

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Modeling Takes Beauty . . . and Mad Skills

FabSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:00:22 PST

Who says models are all beauty and no brains? Okay, I can't vouch for their brains, but I can prove that they have some mad skills. Wearing what looks like a suffocating bag around your face and having to walk down a long runway takes precision. Many models trip, even without such an obstacle, so I give the models who walked the Junya Watanabe Fall '08 show in Paris some respect. It looks like Paris and London, namely the shows of Watanabe, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, and Gareth Pugh, proved to be the most taxing for the models. Then again, signing on to work with such avant-garde designers, they probably expected a bit (okay, a lot) of craziness. Could you do it?

To see some more freakish runway productions,

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(L-R: Antonio Berardi's heel-less platforms, Comme des Garcons Fall 2008, Rick Owens Fall 2008, Maison Martin Margiela Fall 2008, Gareth Pugh Fall 2008, Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2008)
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