Headlines This Week 10/23

• The recession hasn’t killed the fashion industry, but it’s certainly crippled it. Fashion’s brightest future will only come with change, according to Ashley Olsen, Isaac Mizrahi, and Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, who spoke last night at the 92nd Street Y talk “The Future of Fashion,” moderated by Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive. NYMag.com

• Gucci has announced the launch of the Gucci App for iPhone and iPod touch, which is now available from the App Store. FashionIndie.com

• Does this mean we can expect to see pointy cone-bra corset styles at Target? Mark your fashion calendars: Jean Paul Gaultier is doing a cheap chic collection for Target arriving in stores March 7, 2010. People.com
• Vogue creative director Grace Coddington expressed her concern about the fashion industry’s attachment to very young, very thin — and many times anorexic — models, in a talk with ex–Men’s Vogue editor Jay Fielden at the New York Public Library last night. Popgloss.com
• With the wind of Marc Levin’s HBO documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, which aired Monday, at their backs, supporters of NYC’s shrinking Garment District gathered today at noon for a Save the Garment Center rally. There was a sizable turnout for the event at the corner of 39th Street and Seventh Avenue. Style.com

Headlines This Week 9/11

• Apparently Vogue wouldn’t consider Posh for the cover for four months, so she jumped over to Elle for an immediate coverspot for the October issue. Hey Vogue… Ouch? Popgloss.com
• While Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw has shown no signs of letting go of her designer duds — she has already been spotted in two pairs of Christian Louboutin pumps! — Ugly Betty’s Wilhelmina Slater, played by Vanessa Williams, looks to be cutting back on spending due to the recession. People.com
• Everybody wants to get their hands on Stella McCartney’s lacy goodies; she even wore her own lace creation at the Met Gala. Rumer Willis then donned McCartney’s intricate lace blazer at the Sorority Row LA premiere. Rachel McAdams stepped onto the Venice Film Festival red carpet wearing the lace dress version from resort. FabSugar.com

• Well respected designer Robert Danes is looking for new interns, and we think you indies deserve the first crack at the job! FashionIndie.com
• Target has transformed its iconic Times Square Bullseye billboards into an artistic homage to New York City with larger-than-life commissioned works from four emerging artists. FashionTribes.com

Closet Remix: The Art of Dressing for a Recession

We’re all feeling the pinch. The recession pinch. People are using extreme measures to battle the economic meltdown likesubstituting listerine for vodka and using bacon grease in lieu of hair gel. Well we aren’t suggesting trading in your LBD for a LBTB (Large Black Trash Bag); we are suggesting a moment of reflection on the concept of consumption. Instead of hitting the stores to re-work your wardrobe, take a moment to simplify, accessorize, and use what your mama (and your wardrobe) already gave you.

Chisel Down to Your Own, Personal Style

Some of the most treasured fashion icons exercise a lesson in minimalism. They choose a classic look, make it their own, and repeat it everyday. One of the most famous of these icons that chose a look of uncompromising self-expression is journalist and fashion designer, Diane Pernet. Her puritanical look—inspired by young widows in Italian cinema—has not changed in twenty years.

Take a recession-breath and reflect your own personal style. You don’t need to dress like an Italian widow for the next twenty years but a clearly defined and individualized personal aesthetic goes a lot further than the latest $750 Juicy Couture bag. Dress your authentic self, and play up what everyone loves about you—I guarantee it’s not just your Alice and Olivia trousers.

Channel your inner Audrey à la Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Choose classic cuts, colors, styles, and pieces. Accessorize wisely and plainly with bold, classic pieces. If you choose to invest in your wardrobe think quality over quantity and classic over trendy.

Use Your Shoes

There is nothing more stylish, yet Zen than jeans paired with a plain blouse or tee and fan-effing-tastic shoes. Pair your boldest shoes with your simple pieces to literally kick it up a notch (or two or even three).

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Remember the Conscious Fashionistas? Shop thrift for unique (and wallet friendly) pieces. Raid your friend’s closets, let them raid yours. Host or attend a clothing swap, which is a great way to acquire new frocks for free!

Granny, Mama, and Big Sister Too

Some of my favorite pieces are stolen from the fashionistas of years gone by—a fabulous art-deco scarf from my Granny, a beaded wooden necklace from my Mommy, and an ugly-bag-made-adorable-clutch from who knows who. Raid your family member’s closets, especially the elder ones. I guarantee you that they have pieces that even Sienna Miller would rock.

Sensationalize—Accessorize

We all have boxes of junk jewelry and drawers of old scarves. I know there are bracelets lingering in the dark corners of my jewelry box that haven’t seen sunlight since 1997. Use accessories to revitalize all of the options in your wardrobe. The same pieces can be styled in countless different ways with wisely chosen accessories.

‘Tis the season to give thanks, reflect, and eat. ‘Tis also the season to skip flaunting wealth and consider flaunting thriftiness. Clearly we love fashion, but we love our economic health more than keeping up with the Joneses.

Next Page »