début daily

Charms & Baubles

J.Crew has some seriously chic accessories to add some sparkle to your wardrobe. Oversize baubles, charm bracelets, and stackable bangles are witty conversation pieces and perfect holiday gift items (hint, hint).

 

From left to right: Bluebell pave ring ($45); hand-painted striped enamel bangle ($68); Picnic-critter charm bracelet ($125); 1" harlequin-stripe enamel bangle ($45); faux-tortoise cocktail ring ($40); and jeweled beehive pendant ($75).

At J.Crew.com.

Shopping for a Cause at Ebay’s 7th On Sale

In case you got wind of the news a few days late, Ebay is hosting 7^th On Sale, an exclusive opportunity for fashionistas to bid on one-of a kind haute designer sample items now thru December 6^th. The added cachet- 100% of the proceeds are donated to providing care, services and housing for those living with HIV and AIDS. The MAC AIDS Fund has agreed to match up to $500,000 of every dollar raised at the online auction. Some of the items up for grabs: Herve Lèger bandage skirt; Max Azria Atelier v-neck cut-out back silk jersey gown worn by Fergie at the Soul Train Music Awards; a Derek Lam “Hildegard” hobo; Marc by Marc Jacobs peep toe pumps, and many other fabulous items. Go on and get your bidding on!

Début Daily Exclusive: Q&A with Fashion Photographer Reto Halme

Début Daily sits down for an intimate Q&A with fashion photographer Reto Halme. Reto's work defies limitations and moves against the stylistic tidal waves of the industry. Melding a photographic European aesthetic with American components and a original eye- Reto's work is distinctive, seductive, and engaging. Take an up close look at the man behind the lenses...

DèbutDaily.com: Brief bio of your background.

Reto Halme:  Born in Finland, started shooting fashion In Madrid. After brief stay in London moved to NYC, then to Los Angeles.

DèbutDaily.com: What or who influenced you to be a photographer?

Reto Halme: I kind of grew up in very visual arts dominated environment. Besides that, an adventurous character and curiosity of life influenced my career choice.

DD: How long have you been working in the industry?

RH: 17 years.

DD: Describe your photography style and what influences you?

RH: Most people describe it as sexy, dark, and moody. However, there are many different ways to do that. I would say: sexy and sensual, and moody with character. Dark with any amount of light goes, as long it is not anything telling.

DD: What are some of the changes you've seen in fashion photography and the industry?

RH: The ultra commercial clean was replaced by underground. After that there have been different schools at the same time.

DD: In your opinion, have they been for the better or the worse?

RH: Breaking of the ultra commercial barrier sure was healthy. But just doing so, is not enough in the long run.

DD: Please share with us any personal struggles you have had in your career and how you overcame them.

RH: It is tricky to be European, kind of an outsider in US market which is fighting its own struggles. US is a volume based market, it takes time to figure out how to combine soul with commerce.

DD: After spending a substantial amount of time in New York, you moved to the Los Angeles. Why?

RH: Seven years is a long time to spend in New York, and the city also changed a lot from ‘96 to 2004. Subjectively, I didn't feel that change as productive or inspiring any more.

DD: How's is New York vs. Los Angeles?

RH: New York has more structure, preparation, planning, and things are under the surface. Los Angeles is more transparent. Some people say surface or superficial, but that might not be the right term for me- crazier.

DD: What do you love and loathe about both cities?

RH: New York has the dark mood which could be exiting in the beginning. L.A. is more sensual, more hedonistic, which is important element of fashion photography.

Celicase: Carrying Your Life Essentials on the Go

Life in the 21^st century has it perks. Technology offers an endless array of gadgets, computers, cell phones, and pda assistants that make our lives more efficient on one hand, but leave us with the daunting issue of how to carry our essential contraptions when we’re on the go.

Enter the Celicase, a small stylish purse designed exclusively for toting the most essential items (cellphone/pda, money, I.D., lipstick, IPod) in a chic compact carryall. Handcrafted from genuine Turkish leather, the Celi comes in smooth leather ($95) or stunning Croco textured leather ($110) available in an array of colors. An added bonus is the multiple carrying options of the Celi. You can clutch it, clip it to your belt or pants, strap it, or loop it over your shoulders or waist with the matching strap. The perfect solution for traveling, shopping, or a night out on the town. The Celicase is an ingenious idea and a fashionable alternative that compliments any style. Available at www.celicase.com. 

The Return of the Spice Girls

Is the world ready for the second coming of Sporty, Ginger, Posh, Scary and Baby? Judging from their dèbut at the Victoria's Secret fashion show last week in L.A., the quintuplet girl power originators still have a bit more sparkle to spread. Rocking the house in smashing World War II era-inspired outfits the group sang their old hit "Stop." For their new single "Headlines", the ladies changed into 1930s-style gowns to promote their latest album, Spice Girls: Greatest Hits, which is being sold exclusively in the US at Victoria's Secrets retail shops. The performance will air on CBS on December 4. Their fashionable return to the spotlight includes gowns and costumes designed by Roberto Cavalli for their reunion tour, The Return of the Spice Girls Tour, which kicks off in Vancouver on December 2nd.

http://www.thespicegirls.com/

Mass Hysteria for H&M and Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli was the toast of the town and fashion darling at the gala celebrating his dèbut collection for fashion retailer H&M. The celebrity studded crowd was glittered with A-listers Halle Berry and Sharon Stone; a fashion pack of editors, stylists, and supermodels; and a stylish throng of well-wishers toasting to the good life and Cavalli's exuberantly luxe world.

The Roberto Cavalli at H&M collection expertly captures Cavalli's rock-star, sex infused ethos suited for the glamorous life. Signature animal-print silk dresses and tops, embroidered jackets, lean pants, sequined sheaths, sharp suits, and leopard print and black lace lingerie sets are collection highlights. The menswear line features casual sportswear and razor-sharp tux and suit options for the man of style. Cavalli doesn’t stop there, yet accents the collection with glam and casual chic accessories. For the ladies: bone and pearl pendants, gold cuff bracelets and rings, and leopard print Mary Jane sandals. A weekend bag, slim tie, wallet, belts, and boots are options for men. With record-setting opening day sell-outs, a lauded collection by fashion insiders paired with over-the-top publicity engagements, the Cavalli and H&M partnership is gearing up to be the perfect marriage of style, buzz, and affordability. Available internationally at H&M.

DèbutDaily.com Reader Survey

dèbutdaily.com has grown by leaps and bounds since our dèbut in November 2006. With our one-year anniversary we would like to get some feedback from you, who we thank tremendously for your support. While we have a “mental picture” of who our readers are, we’re anxious to find out about you and your thoughts on dèbutdaily.com. Please take a moment to fill out our brief survey to assist us in tailoring more exciting content, profiles, and trend alerts of interest to you. CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY

Also, feel free to send me an email on your thoughts and suggestions at editor@debutdaily.com. Thank you for time.

Sincerely,

Laina Whitney Faber

Scented Bliss

I must admit, I'm a bit jaded by the over-hyped and saturated celebrity fragrance market. The steady stream of fragrances from every quasi-celebutante gets old fast. This would explain my lack of interest in the lucrative genre. I was shopping in Nordstrom this past week, perusing the fine fragrances when a sales lady directed my attention to Gwen Stefani's L, L.A.M.B. fragrance. I was pleasantly surprised by the unorthodox sensual floral scent. Infused with freesia, fresh green notes, violet leaves, jamsmine petals, orange blossom, rose, sensual musk, heliotrope flower, and peach skin for a fusion of feminine/masculine appeal. My aversion to celebrity scents was shattered by Stefani's winning scent. L, L.A.M.B. truly complements her iconic fashion and music style. Available at Nordstrom and fine retailers.

Matter of Time

 

Powerhouse basketball star Shaquille O'Neal has four NBA championship rings to his professional credit. Through O’Neal’s collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audermars Piguet he can now boast about his very own signature timepiece. The Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O'Neal Chronograph is an oversize 48-millimeter timepiece fitting for “The Diesel”. Available in stainless steel ($27,000) or white gold with diamonds ($75,000) with O’Neal’s team number 32 set in rubies and bearing the white and red Miami Heat colors. A fraction of the proceeds will benefit O’Neal’s charity, the Real Model Foundation.

TSM Capital Invests in Rachel Roy

Designer Rachel Roy has sold a minority stake in her designer apparel line to TSM Capital, a company specializing in early stage investments in upscale brands and retailers. Roy’s eponymous line generates $10m in wholesale revenues and is carried in top department stores Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman. Roy launched her line in 2005 and has steadily built a loyal following among buyers and editors with her elegant and modern collections. Frequently seen on the New York social circuit in her own designs, Roy is married to hip hop mogul Damon Dash. The TSM Capital investment will open freestanding retail stores, launch the line into new categories via licensing deals, and expand the brand internationally. In August, TSM announced its investment in British designer brand Matthew Williamson.

Rachel Roy Spring 2008 Collection