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Fashionable Assets

Designer Matthew Williamson can add a little more icing on his anniversary cake. With his 10^th year celebration and return to the catwalk in London this season, the gifts get sweeter. TSM Capital in collaboration with the Aronsson Group announced last week they had acquired an equity stake in the Matthew Williamson Holdings Ltd. TSM Capital joins Williamson’s current equity partners the Bauger Group, which invested in the group in the company in 2006. Matthew Williamson and co-founder Joseph Velosa, retain the majority stake in the company.

The investment will open opportunities for faster growth of the brand through global expansion, new product categories, and strategic store openings. Williamson opened a London flagship store in 2004. A New York City flagship is slated to open in the first quarter of 2008, with additional locations planned in Paris and Los Angeles.

Also, in the world of private equity investments in the fashion industry…

The Golden Age of Couture

London’s Victoria & Albert Museum’s autumn exhibition explores the height of couture with “The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957.”  The exhibit coincides with the 60^th anniversary of Christian Dior’s New Look in 1947. After the austerity of World War II, couturiers signaled the return to opulence, luxury, and elegance, creating a remarkable era in fashion history. The work of Christian Dior, Cristòbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain created a trickle down effect that influenced women’s fashion at every level. An insider’s peek in the history of Parisian haute couture houses, their practices, clients, and workshops are examined.  London couturiers Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies designs for aristocratic clients reveal the distinct characteristics of London couture houses and their superb tailoring techniques. Over 100 dresses including day wear, cocktail and evening dresses will be on display alongside archival records, textiles, audio recordings, and photographs by Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton. 

Matthew Williamson's Perfect 10

The year in fashion has been a revolving celebration of historic proportions with top design houses from Christian Dior, Valentino, and Christian Lacroix celebrating their houses anniversaries and iconic careers in grand fashion. Matthew Williamson is ringing in his 10^th year anniversary by returning home to showcase his Spring/Summer 2008 collection at London Fashion Week. Williamson stepped on the scene in September 1997 with his début show, 'Electric Angels’, sending Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, and Jade Jagger down the runway in vibrantly colored and exotic frocks, promptly snatching the label of the UK’s hottest design talent. Over the years Williamson has proved to be no flash in the pan: garnering Elle Designer of the Year Award in 2004, ceremoniously receiving Moet and Chandon’s prestigious Fashion Award and taking over as Creative Director at Emilio Pucci in 2005.  A retrospective of Williamson's most spectacular pieces, complete with an insider's view on his distinctive design process  will  be on view at the Design Museum London from October 17th- January 31, 2008.

www.matthewwilliamson.com

Haute Chocolate

Chocolate Bar, the West Village cocoa bean lover's haunt has set up shop in Henri Bendel. Located on the third floor Atrium, designer-shopping drained ladies can refuel on the indulgent choco delectables. The menu is sinfully rich- ladies, forget calorie counting when you step in here. There is no room for such mood deflating thoughts. How about a taste of cosmopolitan truffles in cherry habanero and salted caramel, or lightly salted popcorn rolled in caramel and drizzled with dark chocolate? If that doesn’t suit your fancy,  handmade chocolate clusters are irresistible. Add the Bendel's Bellini, a blend of strawberry puree and Sofia sparkling wine to whet the taste buds. The staffer’s chic cap sleeve minidresses, designed by Alice + Olivia’s Stacy Bendet are so cute, I wish they were on the menu.

712 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor Atrium, NYC, 212.582.8283

Heroine Chic

Miuccia Prada has designed the costumes for the Japanese animated film “Appleseed: Ex Machina”, directed by Shinji Aramaki. This marks Prada’s first time designing costumes for the cinema. Appleseed’s heroine-warrior, Deunan Knute's futuristic warrior-chic wardrobe includes a belted hooded parka with fur pockets; a sequined armor-like bustier over a knit top paired with a crepe de chine skirt. The story is based on the comic series by Masamue Shirow, staged in a future city-state where humans and clones are at war. The main theme is the love and conflict between the two. Prada offered to do the costumes after being inspired by the 2004 pre-quel “Appleseed”. The film will be released in Japan in October 2007.

 

Photo credits: Heroine Chic: "Appleseed: Ex Machina" character, Deunan Knute is dressed to kill in Prada. Far right: Prada's costumes translate well for real life.

 

Alek Wek: A Model of Courage

Its been over a decade since Alek Wek was scouted by a modeling agent while shopping at a London street fair. Catapulting Wek’s lithe frame and striking African beauty to the top fashion catwalks, coveted ad campaigns, and fashion magazines. Inevitably, Wek struck a cord within the industry  generating intense discourse on race, stereotypes, and beauty. On her 1998 appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, Oprah gushed, "What a difference it would have made to my childhood if I had seen someone who looks like you on television." Wek handled the scrutiny and success with grace while never forgetting her past and her people. In her new book, Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel, Wek shares personal accounts of growing up in southern Sudan supported by a loving family, only to be interrupted by a brutal civil war pitting the northern Muslim government against southern rebels.  Dismantling the fabric of a country and millions of lives.

Armani's Luxe Skin Creme

Giorgio Armani Crema Nera ($328, 1oz) just might topple Creme de la Mer from its lofty perch of top skincare creams. Yes, it that's good. Inspired by the volcanic island Pantelleria, known as "the black pearl of the Mediterranean", regarded for its fertile vegetation and abundance of nature's finest elements. Armani unveils Obsidian, a natural mineral compound extracted from the island's petrified lava. Valued for its beauty, rarity, and positive energy, Obsidian has been scientifically developed to renew, restore, regenerate, and revitalize skin's natural beauty at any age and for a lifetime. Available in September at giorgioarmanibeauty.com

Sharapova's Winning Looks

Fashion has injected itself into the tennis game, with Polo as the official apparel sponsor for three years running, and athletes getting into glam mode on the court. Remember, Serena’s warrior-chic outfit, anyone? Maria Sharapova, will be dressed to thrill as she defends her title at U.S. Open, starting today. Sharapova’s U.S. Open wardrobe takes its design cue from New York style and its famous skyline. Created in collaboration with Nike senior designer Colleen Sandieson, Sharapova will have one outfit each dedicated for day and night matches. The sleek tennis dresses are decorated with graphic interpretations of the NYC skyline on the chest. Design details include more than 600 Swarovski crystals; keyhole cutouts with crystal button closures; and scoop back cuts enliven the basic tennis dress. Nike has perfected the marriage of performance, function, and fashion with breathable wicking jersey, and a no-sew technique that bonds seams with heat and silicone instead of thread. Sharapova will enter the area for her first-round night match in a flame-red dress flared dress with crystal studding, an homage to the Big Apple that’s sure to sizzle. Love, anyone?

The U.S. Open runs Aug. 27-Sept. 8.

Restoration of the Monarchy

Contemporary furniture heir Eric Villency, president of Maurice Villency Inc., débuts his new denim line, Restoration of the Monarchy with Julia Restoin-Roitfeld fronting the campaign. Restion-Roitfeld is the daughter of French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld. Villency first delved in fashion waters via a line of cuff links that resonated with customers. So, what’s in a name? Restoration of the Monarchy embodies the political spirit of 1660 when the English Parliament restored Charles II to the throne, subsequently ending the British Commonwealth. Creatively, translating into high-end denim with Charles II’s crown emblazoned on back pockets and a Maltese cross on the buttons. The début collection includes curve-hugging sailor pants, cropped denim, and a denim mini jumpsuit. Also available are two styles for men, with retail price points from $250- $350. Villency plans to expand the collection with distressed tees and accessories.

VOOM to Style

VOOM by Joy Han, a L.A. based label of vintage-inspired, feminine sportswear for stylehounds looking to throw a curve ball in the fashion arena with casual, yet chic frocks that exude a certain 'je ne sais quois'. Designer Joy Han re-launched VOOM in 2005 and since then the line has literally voomed to the top of the fashion radar. Stylishly spotted on Hollywood hot-tarts: Eva Longoria, Eve, Avril Lavigne, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, and Vanessa Minnillo. From the success of the label Han has launched VOOM Premium Denim, Vintage VOOM, and VaVa by Joy Han. VOOM débuted on the catwalk at the L.A. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Fall/Winter ’06.

As the original “VOOM Girl”, Han has her finger on the pulse on her signature style she calls “twisted vintage” and is making a name of herself in fashion circles as “Ms. Galliano”. A superb complement indeed, but to Han it’s just the nature of her job. “As a designer I feel the responsibility to create styles that'll make a woman feel young, beautiful, and confident without being a trend that you can wear for only one season. I want to create new classics that look trendy without being the "IT" trend, so they can wear it anytime, any season, year after year." Available at Fred Segal Fun in Santa Monica, Intuition in West LA, Patricia Field's in New York, and VOOM Boutique. Online at www.voomonline.com.

Celebrity Style: Eva Longoria in Voom's Elephant Denim Dress ($179)