Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Chicago-Based Designers Dress Delegates For Olympic Bid

Maria Pinto's design for the Olympic bid delegates

The clock is ticking down to October 2nd, the official date when Chicago and the other contenders for the 2016 Olympics will find out who gets the Olympic bid. Teams of delegates from each city fly to Copenhagen today for the final round of presentations to the judging panel. And though many of us back home will be wondering what they have up their sleeves to possibly seal the deal, others will be wondering who made their sleeves. And now we know! Last week the Chicago Office of Tourism announced that three Chicago-based designers will be creating the presentation apparel worn by the Olympic bid delegates. “On October 2, Chicago will be on an international stage, and our city’s fashion designers will share in the spotlight,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Our bid plan celebrates Chicago and we are proud to showcase the talents of the art and design community that thrives here. We appreciate the support of Chicago’s business community and our world-renowned fashion designers.”  

The designers include Maria Pinto, who became a household name after First Lady Michelle Obama's affection for her designs during the presidential campaign last year and the Presidential Inauguration. Pinto, an alum of the Art Institute and Parson,has been slated to design suits for the female delegates of the team. Chicago-based necktie designer Lee Allison has been producing his signature silk, hand cut for the  team since the bid's beginning. Allison's line of ties, dress shirts, and accessories have been manufactured in Chicago since the line began in 1995. He will continue to supply the male delegates with neckwear through the presentations in Copenhagen.

And a Chicago brand since the last century, Hart Schaffner Marx, will be creating outfits and suits for the male delegates. An iconically American brand, Hart Schaffner Marx suits are produced in the suburbs of Chicago and became more of a Chicago brand after President Obama chose one to wear to his one Presidential Inauguration at the beginning of this year. In dressing the delegates in Copenhagen, all three designers are doing their part to represent Chicago as a global city, as well as an ever emerging haven for cutting edge fashion, design, and retail opportunities.

Photo Source: WWD
-Alia Rajput

Cartier Store Held Up in Cannes.

Cartier's new Roadster Chronograph watch

In a bizarre throwback to old-fashioned jewelry heists, several fine jewelers have been recently robbed across Europe. The latest victim was French house Cartier who was held up on Monday morning in Cannes, France. The jewelry store was stormed by three armed men before 11 a.m. One of the robbers threatened all the staff while the two others took jewelry from the windows and display cases. The loot they made off with was estimated at $20.9 million.

The robbery before this last occurrence took place at a Chopard shop in Paris this past May. In that heist a lone robber, dressed like a gangster in a fedora and suit and posing as a customer, pulled out a gun and forced the Chopard to staff to give him the jewels in the windows. He made off with about $9.2 million in fine jewelry. Then back in December, a gang of armed men stole gems worth $107 million from jeweler Harry Winston, also in Paris.

French police investigators have declined to comment on whether the robberies can be linked to an international gang of jewelry thieves known as the Pink Panthers, who are suspected of carrying out similar thefts in the last six years. The gang has bagged loot worth as much as $200 million in an estimated 110 attacks on luxury stores in around 20 countries since their first robbery in London’s exclusive Mayfair district in 2003. Two key members of the gang were arrested in Paris in May but no suspects in the gang have been linked so far to the Cartier robbery.

Article Source: WWD
Photo Source: teamsugar
-Alia Rajput

Saks Showcases Islamic Couture Following France's Talk of Burka Ban

Couture abayas designed by (from left) Blumarine, John Galliano, and Carolina Herrera

Following last week's controversial announcement that the French government was considering a national ban on burkas, several designers found their own creative way to respond to the news. Saks Fifth Avenue arranged an exclusive designer fashion show where some of the most prestigious fashion houses showcased their versions of traditional Islamic garb. Held at the Parisian George V hotel, the show spotlighted the abaya, a floor-length cover up traditionally worn over other clothes, similar to the burka. The participating designers included John Galliano, Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Blumarine, and Alberta Ferretti. Each house was able to put a signature spin on their couture looks, allowing for some creativity and expression to show through the typically monochromatic piece.

Saks arranged the fashion show specifically with their Muslim and Arab clients in mind. Dania Tarhini, the general manager of Saks in Saudi Arabia, organized the show after she realized women were running around all day with their lovely designer clothes hidden by plain black abayas. "It is an obligation to wear the abaya there, but let them feel good about it," she said. Paris was chosen to host the show due to it's integral role in designer fashion, as well as it's significant population of Arab and North African Muslims, including various high-brow business owners. As it turned out, the timing of the show coincided with the French government's declaration that it was assigning a panel of legislators to determine whether burkas would continue to be allowed in the country. Though the show was geared toward Saks' Saudi Arabian clientele, the show itself served as a proverbial thumbing of the nose to the French government, for refusing to acknowledge the cultural practices of its people.

The first set of designer abayas, ranging from $5,500 to $11,150, will be given as gifts to Saks Fifth Avenue's most faithful Saudi clients. Ready-to-wear versions of the robes will hit the sales floor in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in September, retailing for around $2,500. Most of the abayas in the show were suitable to wear in Saudi Arabia for everyday use. A few translucent styles, like the bell-sleeved gown by Carolina Herrera embroidered with yellow flowers, was specifically designed to be worn over evening gowns.

Article and Photo Source: newyorkmag

-Alia Rajput

France May Be Planning Burka Ban, Fashion World Has Mixed Feelings

French President Nicholas Sarkozy at Versailles to discuss the legislation of banning burkas in France

A plan announced yesterday that the French government is actually considering to ban a traditional Islamic garment, the burka, created a stir which touched every end of the globe. French President Nicholas Sarkozy stated on Monday that the burka, which covers a woman's entire body and sometimes her face, is "unwelcome" in France. Under the country's tradition of laicité (complete separation of religion and the state), the country’s National Assembly said yesterday it has created a commission of 32 deputies to decide whether women should be allowed to wear burkas. Their report, expected within six months, could ultimately lead to it being banned in public. Do they not have anything better to do?!! Obviously not since a previous movement resulted in abolishing all religious symbols, such as headscarves, in schools in 2004.

Women in traditional burkas

Although the issue involves religious, cultural, and political themes, one of the most directly involved is the luxury industry, and many fashion designers and retail companies alike opened up with their takes on the issue. Fashion and beauty director for upscale British retailer Harrods, Marigay McKee, thinks the ban would be a major, and seemingly offensive mistake for much of the shop's clientele. "At Harrods, we believe people should have freedom of a choice," she said. "It’s a religious garment that for a lot of people is sacred…and it’s quite dangerous to become involved in the political angle of it.” One would think France would be more mindful of it's own diversity, especially since many French businesses, such as couture labels and luxury hotels, are either frequented or owned by Arabs.

Sarkozy's is attempting to surround his argument with themes of subservience and submission, claiming "We cannot accept to have in our country women imprisoned behind netting, cut off from all social life, deprived of identity. That is not the idea that the French Republic has of women’s dignity.” So how about giving them the dignity of wearing whatever they like? Is it truly bothering the French government if French women or tourists are adhering to the customs they grew up within their own culture? Lebanese designer Elie Saab agrees with the common school of thought to just leave well enough alone. “One should respect the religion and ways of being of others,” he said. “For me, individuals have the right to total liberty as long as it doesn’t interfere with others.” Exactly! Other opinions in the fashion world called the potential ban "unnecessary", some claimed it was a woman's "fundamental right" to wear what she wanted and handbag and shoe designer Zufi Alexander explained of her fellow Dubai natives, "It’s like being told you won’t be allowed to wear jeans. It’s their daily wear. There’s no legitimate reason why women would not be allowed to wear burkas.”

Lebanese designer Elie Saab believes women should be allowed to wear what they want

Yet some personalities in the fashion industry, Muslim or otherwise, agree with the government's intent and are stating that the ban is long overdue. Armand Hadida, owner of the retailer L’Eclaireur in Paris said, “We abolished slavery more than two centuries ago. I don’t understand why we are still speaking today about the burka, which diminishes a woman by making her absent, behind the burka. We want a world that’s open, not closed, which invites an exchange of knowledge and culture. A burka is a wall; it’s worse than a prison. It’s a closing off of oneself.”

Due to the mixture of opinions on the topic, would it not be better for the French government to respect the various backgrounds that people come from in their country and therefore avoid a blanket legislation that will hinder more than it will help? President Obama held a joint press conference with Sarkozy earlier this month and disagreed with the French President by saying the basic U.S. attitude on the issue is “we’re not going to tell people what to wear.”

Article Source: WWD
Photo Sources: BBC, fashioninsider

-Alia Rajput

"O" No She Didn't: Michelle Dresses too "Mumsy"

Even the best of us have our off days. I couldn't imagine how horrified I'd be if my every move, and worse--every outfit--was scrutinized by journalists across the country. And that's why when I read an article in the NY Post today urging Michelle to "ditch the matronly duds," I felt for her.

The article focused most of its bashing on the Tracy Feith dress Mrs. O donned at a prayer service, calling it "housewifely" and included comparisons to Mamie Eisenhower and June Cleaver.

I'm going to be honest--I don't love her dress here. I also don't hate it. The print is a little busy; I think we all can agree we prefer Michelle in a bright solid color as opposed to this. However, it's classy and conservative, the two of which are dare I say, appropriate, considering this is a prayer service.

The Post suggested a skirt suit, or at least a jacket over a dress to illustrate her status as a working mom and city slicker.

Yes, she could have worn something more fashionable. I think we sometimes forget that the Obamas might have a little more on their minds than simply how to outfit themselves. Regardless of what her style choices are, Michelle Obama is going to be criticized and the fact that she can take everything said about her and her husband with such grace says more about her strength as a woman as any power suit ever could have.

- Alice Hayes

Source: NY Post

Inauguration Anticipation

In the midst of such a trying time in our nation's history, it's more important than ever to find a ray of positive hope, even if it's something as seemingly trivial as guessing what Michelle Obama will wear to the next political event—be it conventions, election night, or this afternoon's occasion: the inauguration.

One thing about Michelle: she keeps us guessing. Yes, she has her favorites, namely Maria Pinto and Narciso Rodriguez, but every so often she'll throw us for a curve ball. We also know it will be an American designer in the spotlight today, a tradition embodied since the days of Jackie Kennedy. And according to WWD, word on the street is that she has purchased a Thakoon coat and dress from Ikram Chicago to wear as Barack is sworn in. We already know Michelle can rock Thakoon, and she's never one to disappoint, so we're more than excited to see how this afternoon will play out.

And Now Just For Fun: Let's see what fashion's finest are saying about the soon to be Mrs. President...

Donna Karan: “She and [Barack Obama] are not being dressed from the outside.  They are being dressed from the inside.”

Oscar de la Renta: “Mrs. Obama is not the new Jackie Kennedy. Mrs. Obama is Mrs. Obama. She is a woman of the 21st century. Not only does she have great looks, she has great brains.”

Tommy Hilfiger: “As the female representative of the United States, she will need to evolve into a more solid position as it relates to fashion and style.”

Peter Som: "I think she's amazing. And she's fabulously styled. She seems that she has an amazing sense of self. She has impeccable taste, so she is not going to need any help from anybody else."

Karl Lagerfeld: "Better than glamorous."

Simon Doonan: "Everyone in fashion can see she has that great physicality, where she can wear the most conservative, appropriate of clothes and she's always going to give it that extra sizzle when in fact, she's not wearing anything intrinsically different to what Laura Bush might wear."  

-Alice Hayes

Source: WWD

Inauguration Day Style: Save the Drama for Obama

Hollywood is all about labels, and as much as most of us probably wouldn't like to admit it--so are we. If you were to ask me on any given day what I was wearing, I'd be able to tell you the brand, where it was purchased, and most likely even how much it cost. I couldn't tell you who won most of the Golden Globes, but I could tell you who was wearing who. Label lusting is part of our culture. Apparently though, in Washington D.C. this isn't the case.

Our capitol isn't known for being particularly fashion forward, although with our best dressed First Lady since Jackie Kennedy soon to take office, this could be changing. Designers have been scheming about how to get her into one of their gowns for inauguration day long before election results came in and we can't wait to see who she'll choose. The rest of D.C., however, is rather unconcerned with what to wear come January 20th.

According to the NY Times, the people representing us in the nation's capitol aren't rushing out to buy anything fresh off the runway, let alone a custom made gown. NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg commented, "I don’t know anybody who says, ‘Oh my god, you should see the Oscar de la Renta I bought." Totenberg adds that she plans on wearing a dress she already owns, and can't remember the name of the designer. (Is she for real?)

Despite designers attempts at stirring fashion frenzy around the big day, D.C. boutique owner Harriet Kassman says nothing has changed. "Once they have it [a gown] on, they say to me, ‘Can you order it for me in black?’ ”In other words, we can expect people to be dressed boring and safe on the big day. Adds a customer shopping at Kassman's store, “It’s a reverse snobbism,” she said; none of us want to admit we pay attention to that kind of thing.”

Here's hoping Michelle still plans on glaming it up!

- Alice Hayes

Obamarama Continues...

Today I was reminded that inauguration day is only five days away. Living in Chicago, there's a whirlwind of excitement surrounding the future of our former senator and that of our nation as well. But Chicagoans aren't the only ones excited about Mr. Obama; our favorite designers have shown their support for him over the past year and a half. Now with inauguration day just around the corner, a new batch of designer goodies has been released. Their items, not only an adorable addition to any American's closet, will also become a wearable piece of history. Zac Posen released his limited edition graphic t-shirt, adding that "this is the most exciting political moment of my lifetime." Also released was a Tory Burch tote which merged her signature logo with Obama's name, T's by Juicy Couture and Donna Karan, and a cute DVF graphic tote. The rest of the collection can be viewed at wwd.com.

- Alice Hayes

Designer News. RIP Bill Blass Couture

Bill Blass Fall '08

Sadly we knew this was coming. According to WWD, Bill Blass Couture closed Friday and laid off all of its 60-plus employees without any severance. Merry Christmas.

There were some sewers and workers who had been with Blass on his opening day in 1970.

Management at parent company NexCen Brands Inc. broke the news last week, but did not commit to severance. Some former Bill Blass staffers speculated Sunday that any severance may be contingent on the sale of the Bill Blass brand and its ready-to-wear component. NexCen is said to be negotiating a deal to sell Bill Blass to Peacock, a company that specializes in men’s neckties, and is eager to finalize one by the end of the year, due to financial incentives established by an undisclosed bank.

How truly sad.

"When in doubt, wear red." - Bill Blass

Source: WWD

Models. London Backs Down in Thin Debate.

In anticipation of its nation's fashion week, the British Fashion Council has backed down on its weight demands for models. According to The Cut, "The organization had been championing health certificates for runway strutters but is backing off the push to make them mandatory out of fear models would boycott London Fashion Week." London was also discouraged since other fashion capitals didn't back them in the initiative.

Why would British models boycott if health certificates were mandatory? Well, not because they just want to be skinnier. First: They felt the initiative was discriminatory and didn't like how it only applied to runway models, which make up just 10 percent of the modeling population. Second: They didn't want to shell out the cash, $500 to $1,000 each year, to renew their certificates. Understandable, especially since up-and-coming models don't always make much. Third: Without the other capitals backing the British city, it could put models at a disadvantage in other markets, while keeping foreign models away from London's week of runways.

Since London's Fashion Week is low on the totem pole anyway, we can understand the decision not to further jeopardize the event. Besides, the British Fashion Council has been successful on banning alcohol backstage and preventing girls under 16 from walking, so we're sure they'll succeed in protecting model health when they find a operational way to do so.

Read more about the mandates here: Fashion capitals end London’s plan to ban size zero.