iFashion Network Blog

Reality alumni and new kids took over the “Denim” carpet at Paper Magazine’s 1^st Annual Un-Real Awards, sponsored by Levi’s. The not-so-scripted favorites were honored on Thursday, November 6^th at Hollywood’s Cinespace.

Coolio looked dapper on the carpet pubbing his new show “Coolio Rules”, which premiered on Oxygen earlier this month. Wearing a multi-patterned vest, a star embroidered tie, jeans and a fly white hat for good measure, is Coolio trying to move from reality star to style icon?

Coolio at the Un-Real Awards. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

VH1 sweethearts Tiffany “New York” Pollard and Heather from Rock of Love-Charm School both stepped out in fitted ensembles, opting not to reveal the designers. Heather, winner of the Un-Abashedly Sexy award, was colorful in a beaded gown, while New York rocked a leopard print cocktail dress to accept the Un-Attainable Award.

Miss New York keeps it Un-Attainable for Paper. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Heather from "Rock of Love" is Un-Abashedly Sexy. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

I chatted with Paris Hilton’s My New BFF castoff Sinsu about her pink “Un-fur vest”, adorned by an Obama/Biden button with pink and green tulle skirt. However, Christmas came early when Onch, also from the show, donned multi-colored plaid and a life-size ornament necklace. Paper Mag’s new BFF was representing the readers and Levi’s “Live Un-buttoned” theme.

Sinsu loves the fuzz. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Accessories in super-size for Onch. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

On November 16^th, Bravo held a New York casting call for a new fashion design competition series. Last season, Bravo lost ‘Project Runway,’ the crown jewel in its fashion reality show lineup that includes ‘Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style’ and ‘The Rachel Zoe Project.’ Pending court proceedings, Lifetime Television is expected to be the proud new owner of ‘Project Runway’. However, Bravo’s ‘The Fashion Show,’ the new series’ working title, may outshine the old show.

Casting call for "Fashion Show"

Panel of casting pros

Designers waiting for their shot

Waiting some more...

Fashion executive Sudha Chinniah, who assisted at the Bravo casting, said, “We get a lot of hungry designers who are just out of school.” The casting panel looked for cast members who not only had construction skills, but also had a creative plan for their work down the road. “It’s about vision as well as execution,” Chinniah said.

Sudha Chinniah reviews a garment

Many applicants fresh from design schools were sent home because they weren’t developed enough as designers. Designer Kibwe Chase Marshall, with years of experience working under designers like Michael Kors, passed the first casting round. Marshall’s masculine silhouettes and immaculate tailoring wowed the panel.

Kibwe Chase Marshall and iFashion's Michael-Ann

Kibwe Chase Marshall, on his own.

Lisa Iacono, a recent graduate from the design school at the University of Cincinnati, also passed the first casting cut. With shaking hands, Iacono showed the casting panel three stunning looks. A couture-esque white vest with complicated hand-pleating demonstrated what she could do with a bolt of silk organza.

Lisa Iacono shows her garments

Lisa Iacono talks to iFashion

Lisa Iacono on her own.

Greg Taylor, who designs a ready-to-wear line called Walish Gooshe, also made it to the second day of castings. According to Taylor, the second casting panel asked him “how much he wanted to be part of the show.” Taylor, who learned how to sew as a teen while helping his mother construct curtains, was optimistic, but will be waiting till after Thanksgiving to hear back from Bravo.

Greg Taylor of Walish Gooshe

Thinking about taking a bite of Vampire Chic? Now is the perfect time. And no, Halloween has nothing to do with the fanaticism towards the new film, Twilight.

Take a look at Alice and Rosalie Cullen, the most sophisticated girls of the bunch. Alice creates a whimsical feel with a lacey, flowy white button-down shirt with a black vest, with ballet flats that give her a delicate, doll-like look. Rosalie prefers Hollywood glam with red lipstick and long blonde tresses. Her gray fitted jacket and long white scarf set the style in sleepy Forks, Washington.

Alice from "Twilight"

Rosalie and her gray blazer from "Twilight"

The reason Bella Swan catches Edward’s eye? Because of her everyday, girl next door appeal. No matter if it’s hanging out on tree branches or in meadows, she steals the scene with regular blue jeans, tank tops and cotton sweaters. But even she dolls it up for prom night with a gorgeous low neck v-line hyacinth blue dress with a creamy, laced petticoat decorated with delicate light green floral swirls.

Bella's Prom Dress from "Twilight". 2008 Twilight / Creative Commons

With these au natural, effortless looks, we can all hope to have an Edward one day to take our breath away.

Arriving at Paper Magazine’s “24-Hour Department Store” on the Sunset Strip, the sound of the Los Angeles High School marching band filled the air, welcoming crowds to the fashion-frenzied marathon affair.

Beats vied with forward-thinking apparel November 7^th and 8^th as the Converse “24 Bands in 24 Hours” event rocked the walls with rhythmic sounds from Robedor, Nite Jewel and electro/hip-hop chick Lady Tigra.

The boys of Robedor. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Nitejewel incognito. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Lady Tigra, front and center. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Paper seeks to capture the passion for individual style. Editorial Director Mickey Boardman offers, “We love Balenciaga, but we also love a homemade garbage bag look. We love LA because there is so much fabulousness and creativity here.”

On deck was a collective of out-of-the box fashion houses including Ameri-Rock brand Libertine, which showed off the season’s punk-inspired, bloody-themed threads.

Libertine's crash space at the 24 Hour Depot. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Hipsters drooled over wearable art from the avant-garde House of Hollandas they displayed tie-dyed hybrid colors and skinny jeans that hug the wearer’s best assets.

Famed photographer and designer Estevan Oriol was joined by his partner, Mr. Cartoon, to preview their tattoo-inspired clothing line Last Laugh.

Estevan Oriol and Mr. Cartoon. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

The Last Laugh lineup. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

More Last Laugh. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

The next day, the crew closed the event with a custom car show, their favorite creations exhibited with the low-rider cars. It’s just another day in LA!

A glimpse of the car show. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Low-rider style. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

Inside a hot rod. Courtesy of Paper Magazine, 2008

James Bond is always about the gadgets. Bond Girls, however, reveal their charm and allure with high heels and skimpy outfits. Since the very first Bond film in 1962, the women have evolved in character, and most important, style.

Olga with James Bond

I absolutely love Casino Royale’s Eva Green, who wears a tougher and edgier look created by Robert Cavalli. The unforgettable long, black low-cut dress she wears to the poker room to seduce men other than Bond is classy and vampiric. James can’t even order his drink after his first glimpse of her that night. The top rule of seduction? A little black number can never go wrong.

The new trend continues with the latest Bond Girl, Ukrainian Olga Kurylenko. Seen in a silky black outfit, she possesses an air of feistiness that complements her lightly tousled hair, giving her a “Don’t mess with me” look.  And with Bond by her side as her newest accessory, who wouldn’t be content? Every woman has an inner Bond Girl. Stick with classic dresses and a kick-ass punch, and you’re good to go.

These girls are feminist icons. To flex your girl muscles further, I recommend giving M a call. Somebody cue the music!

Dear, broke fashionistas!!! Come March 2009, you can go to your local Target and purchase designs from our favorite internationally renowned, four time “British Designer of the Year” award winner Alexander McQueen. He”ll be the first designer to launch a new project for Target called Designer Collaborations. The line is called McQ: Alexander McQueen for Target, and is an extended version of his McQ diffusion products.

Four time British Designer of the year winner, Alexander McQueen

McQueen tells us that the line was inspired by Leila Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit. It will resemble the aesthetic of his younger McQ line by adding edgy details such as studs and tattoo-print fabrics with a punk rock feel. You’ll find sweaters, skinny jeans, dresses, trench coats, swimwear and blazers in muted colors with popping bright accents at Target prices!! YAY!!

Trisha Adams, vice president for Target, was overheard saying that Target is banking on McQueen and his new line as their golden ticket for Spring 2009. Chances are he won’t let us, or Target, down!

Let us, for one moment, think of the Obama White House. There’s the President, of course…his First Lady…the cute kids…and the First Doggy. While this pup is still a glimmer in Malia and Sasha’s eyes, it’s no secret that this little dog will be the high pet on the Hill. So, what about inaugural wear for the pooch who has it all? A two second dip in the Google pool shows some pretty adorable offerings.

America's First dog?

For a girl, might I suggest this charming Mia Michele Couture Collection lavender harness number? The tri-layered satin skirts are trimmed in roses, and the little waist bow is to die for. Keep it modest with the matching panty, of course.

Lavender Harness dress

For a young buck, a tux with tails or suit is de rigeur. This offering is trimmed with gold appointments and has a smart look. For a more frisky event, the Obamas can dress Fido in this vest front, complete with red satin bow and faux pocket trim.