Project Runway Steam

Last night's episodes "winning looks" shows what the designers do best: Drab designs. Image from the Daily Loaf

I looove me some Project Runway and of course I have been watching the latest season in it's new home, Lifetime, but I after last night's episode it's time to let off some steam.
I'm okay with the fact that this season, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors have been consistently absent. I'm okay with the new pointless Models of the Runway ploy to keep me home for an extra half hour (though it's not really working). I'm even okay with the fact that they're only giving the designers an hour to complete the challenges.
What I'm not okay with, is the most boring collection on top 6 designers in Project Runway history. Can we please see some COLOR!?! And while this season was devoid of any real excitement from the beginning, the people who would have given us something to look forward to (Epperson, Melvin, Ra'mon) were all booted way too early.
I'm not okay with with the collection of random judges we get to see each week (Rachel Bilson?).
And I'm really not okay with the fashion school homework assignment "challenges". Here's some money, go to Mood and do whatever you want isn't really motivating to the already less than eager personalities on the show.

----------------
Now playing: Josephine Baker - Partir sur un Bateau tout
via FoxyTunes

No more tears

Image from Cantao.com.br blog


We know how uncomfortable and stiff some of the most popular fabrics can be, so people are even alergic to warm fabric like wool and hemp. So with that in mind, we got alot of great chic pieces that are made with super soft bamboo fabric. And according to wisegeek.com:

"Bamboo also has many antibacterial qualities, which bamboo fabric is apparently able to retain, even through multiple washings. This helps to reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and cause unpleasant odors. It can also kill odor causing bacteria that live on human skin, making the wearer and his or her clothing smell more sweet. In addition, bamboo fabric has insulating properties and will keep the wearer cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The versatility of bamboo fabric makes it an excellent choice for clothing designers exploring alternative textiles, and in addition, the fabric is able to take bright dye colors well, drape smoothly, and star in a variety of roles from knit shirts to woven skirts."

And speaking of dyes, check out just some of the bamboo tops and dresses with amazing prints from Cantao.

Brasil Social Chic

We are loving what we got and can't wait to show all of you.This is a very exciting time of the year as we continue to get more and more great new things from Fashion Rio and Fashion Business. One thing we were really waiting for were these great new swimwear and accessories from Naara and Tranças e Tramas which are part of the Brasil Social Chic project:

"Embroidery, natural fibers, green tissue, techniques, painting and sewing crafts. Everything is Fair Trade. Chic and Social is Brazil, a project of Wave Solidária to support the distribution of articles produced in ethical, fair and with good quality and style for low-income communities of Rio de Janeiro. Of the eight groups of artisans who are part of the Brazil Social Chic, five of them will exhibit a unique collection in the Fashion Business, one of the largest fashion events in Brazil"

So Close...

Like I mentioned before, we are almost ready to show you all what Anna Marcolina has to offer. Their prints and fabrics feel so organic and close to nature without losing style or being strictly boho. Here is a another little preview from Glam Magazine

Forties Greatness

Aquilano.Rimondi,Bottega Veneta, Andrew Gn doing forties. Amazing!

Even though Fall and Spring runways were filled with eighties influences (which are here to stay), the forties also played a huge role and fall trends are full of huge shoulders, cinched waists, and great trenches. Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta all had beautiful romantic forties silhouettes. And though most of them would look great on Joan Crawford and any spy movie, there are a lot of ways to bring that romance into your fall looks.

To translate this trend to real life, click here to try this super soft trench, by Cantao.

Japanese Obsession

I've always loved how the Japanese embrace fashion as a culture and treat it with so much respect. This Style.com video shows how some Japanese fashionistas are more interested and informed about the big fashion insiders than the people who wear all the amazing things they buy. While most of us might not even know their names, they definitely are Big in Japan.

DIY Halloween

I'm big fan of homemade Halloween costumes especially because store bought ones tend to feel really uncomfortable, look really cheap and since the point of Halloween is to be creative, why not use what you already have at home and make something great.

Vampires have always been a pretty popular choice, but this year with all the Twilight, True Blood and nine million other vampire movies, shows, books, etc, there will be even more of them out there on all hallows eve. So if you're of the "if you can't beat them, join them" school of thought, here is YouTube superstar, Michelle Phan, doing her thing and teaching you how to look like a vampire. And for the outfit, grab that old black dress and lots of accessories.Or try this Butterlfly Dress from Toucan Boutique

McQueen Magic

Wow! There is no other word to describe what Alexander McQueen sent his models in down the runway for Spring/Summer 2010. If these shoes are what we will be wearing next season, then I'm in. Though walking around in 10 inches of platform may sound a little daunting, these are the kind of "it's so crazy it just might work" kind of look. When I wasn't looking down at their feet, the clothes were pretty awesome too.

Shorts and Jackets

Mary Kate Olsen, Anne Hathaway, Nicky Hilton. Images by Zimbio.com

I know it might already be getting a little cold for this, but I love the blazer and shorts look. I personally prefer it with flats since short shorts and heels can be a bit much for me. With this look anything goes, so pair a serious structured blazer with bright shorts, accessories, some cool flats, and leggings and you can really go from day to night no matter where you're going.
My inspiration for this today was watching one of my favorites, Isaac Mizrahi, doing one of his webisodes. Click here to watch him talk about blazers and shorts. And check out below a great outfit that fits this look.
Play around with different ideas, so try a cream colored blazer, like this one by Redley from Toucan Boutique.

And if you are not a fan of short shorts, this modern trouser-cut pair of long shorts would work too.
To finish off the look, try these super comfy flats, also from Redley, and for some color add this Indian inspired long necklace from Cantao.

Loving Isabela Capeto

I am still talking about the Spring/Summer shows from Brazil because now that all the New York, Milan, and Paris shows are done, the editorial world finally have Spring/Summer in mind so here is my latest obsession:
I've been really loving what I've seen from Isabela Capeto, she's worked for some great Brazilian names like Maria Bonita Extra and Lenny, but since coming out on her own, she's really surprised. Her style is simple, with great interesting shapes and prints. I'm not one to compare designers, but I think she could be the Marc Jacobs of Brazil, but spicier. Let me know what you think.

Fashion Awards in Brazil

Isabeli Fontana, one of the nominees, on the July cover of Vogue Brasil

In its second year, the Prêmio Moda Brasil 2009, Brazil's Fashion Awards, has finally announced the list of nominees. Though some of the names might be unfamiliar to you, they are definitely worth Googling since the caliber of work this year was so impressive.
The Brazilian fashion industry is growing rapidly and showing no signs of stopping, so it's nice to see some names being recognized for the amazing work they do. Here is the list of nominees, congratulations to all and thank you madeinbrazil.typepad.com for the translation:

Womenswear Designer: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Glória Coelho, Reinaldo Lourenco

Menswear Designer: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Osklen, Ricardo Almeida

Breakthrough Designer: Amapô, D'Arouche, Juliana Jabour

Beachwear Designer: Lenny, Luiza Bonadiman, Salinas

Runway Show: Alexandre Herchcovitch S/S 2010, Glória Coelho S/S 2010, Reinaldo Lourenco S/S 2010

Stylist: Daniel Ueda, Felipe Veloso, Flavia Lafer

Make Up Artist: Daniel Hernandez, Duda Molinos, Max Weber

Hair Stylist: Daniel Hernandez, Max Weber, Robert Estevão

Photographer: Bob Wolfenson, Gui Paganini, Jacques Dequeker

Ad Campaign: Ellus F/W 2009, Tufi Duek F/W 2009, Osklen S/S 2010

Art Director: Giovanni Bianco, Kleber Matheus, Lila Guibert

Female Model: Caroline Trentini, Isabeli Fontana, Raquel Zimmermann

Female Model New Face: Carmelita, Paula Zago, Luana Teifke

Male Model: Alex Schultz, Raphael Laus, Michael Camiloto

Accessories Designer: Constanca Basto, Glorinha Paranaguá, Sarah Chofakian

Jewelry Designer: H. Stern, Ara Vartanian, Jack Vartanian

Magazine: Joyce Pascowitch, ffw MAG!, Vogue Brasil

Website: Erika Palomino, Glamurama, Lilian Pacce

Blog: Flavia Lafer, Lula Rodrigues, Filme Fashion

Television Show: GNT Fashion, Fashion Special: Marc Jacobs, Nomes da Moda

Fashion Journalist: Costanza Pascolato, Erika Palomino, Gloria Kalil

Be greener now

Bernard Wilhelm. Image from fashionista.com

Just finished reviewing the latest shows from Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010 on www.fashionista.com and though Bernard Wilhelm had a pretty literal interpretation on adding foliage to your wardrobe, here are some practical ways to be green for fall.
Foliage Stripes Dress by Redley

Digital Foliage Dress by Redley


Foliage Sweater by Redley

Olympics 2016

Image by The Associated Press

Nearly 50,000 people celebrate in Cobacabana beach after it was announced that Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics. This will be the first time the event will be held in South America.

Start planning your Olympic wardrobe...