Annie Havlicek Spring Sale

Parsons design grad Annie Havlicek is hosting her online spring sale and PinkMemo readers have the scoop.  Havlicek has interned for the likes of Michael Kors and boasts classic collections with meticulous detail.  Find the Annie Havlicek Fall/Winter Collection inspired by the foxy femmes of the 1920’s Prohibition era on sale now on the designer’s website.  And, don’t worry about storing pieces until the next cold front, Havlicek’s collections are timeless, treasured vintage-in-the-making.

What: Annie Havlick Spring Sale

When: Now- while pieces last

Where: www.anniehavlicek.com

Michael Kalish: License To Steel

Metal man Michael Kalish is as tough as iron, and so is his art. Having a way with a hammer, he has taken tailgating to an entire new level. His exhibition titled License To Steel combines his signature medium of license plates and vintage tailgates to create sculptures of iconic personalities. So take a stroll to the Samuel Lynne Gallery on Friday, March 26, 2010 to take in all the heavy metal.

What: License to Steel by Michael Kalish

Where: Samuel Lynne Gallery, 1105 Dragon Street

Visit: www.samuellynne.com

Urban Outfitters Says I Do

Vera Wang, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Urban Outfitters…wait, what? When dreams turn to wedding gowns, I highly doubt they ever veer towards the affordable chain store that made hipsters mainstream. Urban Outfitters is out to change that by launching a brand-new wedding division as part of its new business initiative.

Anthropologie White Eyelet Dress (not part of bridal collection)

UO plans to sell “heirloom” gowns, priced between $1,000 to $5,000, alongside ripped denim and mini dresses. But that’s not all – the brand is taking this seriously, with an accompanying line of jewelry, bridesmaids dresses, shoes, paper goods, and not to mention wedding planning, travel services, and flowers. UO will become your one stop wedding spot.

The dresses will be designed by the Anthropologie team, with the occasional help of guest designers (I’m sensing some cool collaboration opportunities). They will be available online later this year, before hitting the sales floors.

Oscars 2010: Fashion Roundup

Pastels, metallics, florals and subtle nudes ruled the Oscars red carpet, and for the first time in years, the leading ladies stepped it up and stepped out in a myriad of interesting, playful gowns. It was the year of risk, and it paid off in spades.  (Check out what tickled the fancy of our NYC editors here).

Sarah Jessica Parker managed to find a happy medium between hitting trends and taking risks. She was riding the same pastel train everyone else was, but she was anything but mellow yellow in this sixties inspired Chanel Couture gown thanks to its column shape, back to front halter, and gathering in back. She also got the metallic memo, but the tin foil silver of the flower details across her bust and at the gather in her dress were an unusually pretty take on this futuristic trend.

Avatar actress Zoe Saldana continued to wow us this awards season with her lilac Givenchy Couture creation. She hit the pastel mark, and she glitters up top, but the ombre effect and cascading ruffles take this from safe to sensational.

While most shy away from prints at the Oscars, best supporting actress nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal wasn’t afraid to embrace the Spring trend with this electric blue Dries Van Noten sheath. The vivid color and graphic paint strokes make this well fitted dress, and Gyllenhaal herself, look like she walked right off a runway.  Although we approve of the gown, perhaps it would have been more appropriate for the Golden Globes – not enough glam factor for the big O’s.

One can always rely on Diane Kruger to inspire, and that she did with this Chanel Couture (Lagerfeld seems to have been the real winner last night) wonder. Nude, check; ruffles, check; floral, check; halter, check – Kruger somehow embraced every spectacular Spring trend without looking like a fashion victim. Quite the contrary, in fact.  The three different “sections” of the dress, separated with black tulle flowers, make this gown unique.

Best supporting actress nominee Carey Mulligan may be a red carpet newcomer, but she already knows that a classic with a clever twist will always be a winner. The fitted bodice and sweetheart neckline of this black satin Prada gown scream old Hollywood glamour, but the asymmetrical hem adds interest. And the best part? Those aren’t just gems you see, they’re miniature forks and scissors! Talk about being on the cutting edge.

While one would presume that the names Charlize Theron and John Galliano would delight, the stunning actress’ Dior Haute Couture gown took a wrong turn at unusual. While the pastel purple was lovely, and she embraced Spring with the rosettes, they seemed to embrace her in an, ahem, less than subtle manner. At least she gave us something to ponder!

Images from E! Online

Richardson Points and Shoots at ALDO

ALDO shoes has called upon provocative fashion photographer Terry Richardson to shoot their Spring/Summer 2010 collection – and he’s playing dress up with Canadian model Jessica Stam.

Watch Video

The ALDO “Dress the Part” campaign uses the brand’s eclectic and colorful collection to update old style icons for a new generation.  That translates to a Richardson shot video of Stam as a “Glam Goddess” styled after Bianca Jagger in sky-high neon heels, chandelier earrings and lots of gold, Stam as a “Pin-Up”, styled after a character in John Waters’ Cry Baby, kicking patent red sandals in the air, and so much more.

Richardson has borrowed influences from a vast pool of pop culture, with everything from echoes of Jay Gatsby to touches of Chuck Bass making appearances.  And if Stam’s male counterpart chasing around a disco ball looks familiar, that’s Richardson poking fun at his own album cover shoot for Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds

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Nicole Richie Debuts Winter Kate in Dallas

She may be petite, but Nicole Richie packs a lot of punch, as was demonstrated by the huge crowd that gathered early Thursday evening for a chance to catch a glimpse of the TV darling turned designer. As the ever-growing line of fans wound around Neiman Marcus NorthPark, PinkMemo got to pop upstairs and have a private chat with Richie, who talked about her passion for fashion, and how she put her heart and soul into it all. The eloquent and poised fashionista has successfully shed her party girl persona and committed herself to her first true love – well, after the husband and kids – fashion.

PinkMemo: How did the new line come about?

Nicole Richie: I have always wanted to design, and I’ve been wanting to do this for such a long time – it’s just a huge part of my heart and soul. I talked to my partners, Rick and Brian, and we sat together and talked about what we wanted to do and went from there.

PM: How did you come up with the name Winter Kate?

NR: They’re the middle names of my daughter, plus I just think it just sounds nice and rolls off the tongue.

PM: What was your inspiration for this collection (Spring)?

NR: Well, it’s based on the 60s and 70s, which I am such a huge fan of. I just love that time in fashion.

PM: What are your favorite pieces – though I know that may be like asking which is your favorite child!

NR: I really love the kimonos and bed jackets. They are such beautiful statement pieces – with elaborate prints, beautiful colors and interesting, flow-y shapes  – you can just throw them on over a t shirt and a pair of jeans and they make it so much more interesting.

PM: Who are your favorite designers? Who inspires you?

NR: Honestly, I just have a lot of respect for fashion designers in general. It takes so much work and dedication to come up with your designs and come up with your own distinct look and carry on with it for years and years. It takes a lot to separate yourself from your own designs.

PM: Did working on your lines give you a new found appreciation for the hard work it takes?

NR: Oh it was so hard! Not that I didn’t love and appreciate every minute of it, I put my heart and soul into designing the line, but it took A LOT of time and energy.

PM: Do you have a go-to outfit or wardrobe staple?

NR: I’m a jeans and T shirt kind of girl. I like to just throw on a great pair of jeans and a T, but we make these camis that have a little lace across the chest, and they’re a little more than just a plain t shirt. I wear that almost everyday now (she was wearing it then!) and then just put on some heels and a little jacket.

PM: Is that jacket your wearing Winter Kate? (Nicole was wearing a beautiful, draped white kimono with black lining).

NR: Yes, but it’s from the Fall line so it’s just a preview, you can’t buy it right now.

PM: Darn! So what kind of woman wears Winter Kate?

NR: I really think, and hope, that there is a piece for everyone. The kimonos and bed jackets are really elaborate and they make a big statement, so I think you need to be a little more experimental and out there in your fashion to wear them, but then there are simple staples like great little vests or the cami that anyone can easily wear everyday and be comfortable in.

PM: What is your first fashion memory?

NR: I guess it would have to be when I would go on tour with my dad as a little girl. I always wanted to dress like him, so when his costume designer fitted him for tour outfits, she would fit me at the same time.

PM: So she would make you an exact mini-copy of your dad’s outfits? That is too cute!

NR: Haha, yes, I liked to match him.

What could be more aww-inducing than a tiny Nicole prancing around backstage in a daddy-and-me outfit?

Accessories, shoes, a maternity line, and now apparel – Richie is building herself an empire, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

www.winterkate.com

Spring Treats With V Spa

Experience a quick spring cleaning in March with express services at VSpa.  The Spa menu includes a mini manicure or pedicure ($25), massage ($50), or facial ($55).  Add to your wardrobe and get inspired for bikini weather with 25% off all retail merchandise from yoga clothes to candles.

What:  25 minute Spa treatments and 25% of all merchandise

Where: V Spa, the second floor of the Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.  2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207

Contact: 214.761.7800, www.vspadallas.com

When: March 2010

M Missoni, Elements, & La Dolce Vita

Visit the chic Elements boutique from March 8-13^th to view and celebrate the M Missoni collection Italian style.  Join Elements for Bellinis, Pinot Grigio, and antipasti as the boutique celebrates the very best of Italy with a retrospective of the House of Missoni along with a collection of Sophia Loren films, Italian art, photographs, and more.  La vita d’Italia has never looked so fabulous in Dallas.

What: M Missoni Collection and Retrospective Party & Trunk Show

Where: Elements Boutique, 4400 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225

Contact: 214.987.0837

When: March 8th-13th

Sue Wong in Wonderland

Column dresses, empire waists, and antique lace will have you just as mad as a hatter for the Alice In Wonderland inspired collection by Sue Wong, available on www.edressme.com. Taking cues from characters such as the White Rabbit, the Red Queen, and even Alice herself this line brings literature to life.

What: Alice In Wonderland inspired collection by Sue Wong

Visit: www.edressme.com

Burberry Goes Global

Designers and technology have teamed up to take their shows global, making them more accessible to people all over the world.  London Fashion Week has been live streamed this season, but Burberry took it a step further with the first ever 3D broadcast.

While Kate Hudson, Mary Kate Olsen, Julia Restoin Roitfeld and other assorted stars watched from the front row, the show was also broadcast in 3D to screening rooms custom designed by Christopher Bailey at five simultaneous private events in Paris, New York, Dubai, Tokyo, and Los Angeles live from London.

Not able to make it to a private screening?  You were still able to catch the show live online in 2D at either live.burberry.com, or the 70 other global online news, blog, and fashion websites, including CNN, The Times, Sky News, and The Daily Beast, that live streamed it.  All the streams could also be accessed from the palm of your hand on the iPhone, making it possible for over 100 million people to see the latest from Burberry womenswear strut down the runway.  You could even use Facebook or Twitter to comment in real time on the collection.

The days of fashion being exclusive to celebrities and the fashion elite are long gone.