Chanel's Runway Monsters

Thanks to Karl Lagerfeld’s obsession with the Abominable Snowman, we have the perfect example of how modern day fashion is becoming a show.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride and I visited the scary monster living inside the iconic mountain every summer of my childhood, but I never dreamed that we would find his furry suit floating down a Paris runway while enveloping a model.

Luke Skywalker with his trusty Tauntaun

Even if someone wanted to buy a couture body suit made of fur for a lot of freezing cold cash they couldn’t, as I think it’s fair to assume that Chanel will not be producing the monster costumes and I doubt that Bergdorf Goodman could find room enough to hang them on their couture floor.

I don’t want to overlook the fact that there are some instances that make it practical to dress oneself in head-to-toe fur.  Eskimos for example have been making their own garments from indigenous animals for thousands of years in order to survive the elements.

And, Luke Skywalker fashioned his own version of Lagerfeld’s vision by stuffing himself into his Tauntaun to weather a bone-chilling storm.  But I venture to say that – not in their wildest nightmares – would the little French ladies shopping the Champs Elysee ever venture into the natural conditions that would require they look like a Yetty.

Though he didn’t take home an Oscar for his most delicious film, A Single Man, it’s my opinion that Tom Ford wins a (gilded) gold for Best Dressed man on the red carpet.  It goes to follow that coming in with a close second is none other than Colin Firth, his talented lead actor who, since the film began, has been impeccably adorned in a variety of Ford’s perfectly tailored suits.

It is said that Ford is currently working on his next film and getting ready to launch a women’s line under his namesake brand.  While his debut film caused some to question if the fashion designer could successfully translate his predisposition for sensuality and his mysteriously vivid aesthetic to the big screen (I admit I was a skeptic), with A Single Man’s artistic and narrative success, movie-goers are anxiously waiting to see what this golden boy turns out next.

It might just lead to him taking home his very own tiny, gilded mannequin.

Men that Showed up on the Red Carpet

As usual, the ladies got all the Red Carpet attention at the Oscars last night. In most cases, stylists and celebrities got together to produce some beautiful looks, sadly though it seemed that some celebs were swallowed by the monsters living in their gowns.

Oscar Monsters

I can understand how being left out of the fashion chatter of the Hollywood ceremony could expose some feelings of male insecurities, so it’s simply wonderful that Jimmy Kimmel is actively working to bring more attention to his fellow handsome brothers through his newly formed and very exclusive club – The Handsome Men’s Club.

Here’s a look at the club’s monthly meeting.  May it shed light on the inequalities of the red carpet and may it encourage us all to more fully celebrate Hollywood’s handsome hotties.

Though it isn’t technically Spring yet, for this new Southern California transplant it sure feels like it, which is probably why I got the urge to clean out and reorganize my design studio. So much, um…stuff was uncovered that it has caused me to begin reminiscing on my fashion adventures.  It also makes me realize that a huge sample and moving sale is definitely on the horizon.

Besides half-finished samples, beads and chains of every sort, random decorative charms that chronicle my creative inspiration (and often times off-the-rocker mindset) for each of my past collections, I came across clippings of, what I deem to be hilarious feature placements and some footage of on-air interviews.

None is better than this Showtime Network promo for the capsule collection I designed for them in a licensing deal to promote their hit show, The L Word.

Because it’s Monday and I try to give my readers a little something to pick up their spirits on this “dreary” day of the week, I will share this special piece with you. Please enjoy!

P.S.
If you’re hankering for some of the exclusive collection pieces that come with a collectible The L Word, “L”ements of Style tags, let me know…we just happen to have a few sizes left and I would love for them to find a happy home.

Found in a box - an announcement of the shopping event introducing the Collection

There are, on average, 152 fashion weeks that take place throughout the world every year according to a recent New York Times report.  Showing at each of the fashion weeks are anywhere between twenty to one hundred twenty designers.  It doesn’t take complicated math to calculate that these statistics make the average number of individual fashion shows around the world per year a well over 9,000.  To blow your mind even more, that number doesn’t include any fringe or independent shows that are produced but not associated with an organized “Fashion Week”.

Gabrielle Chanel: working with a private client, at her fashion show, celebrating with her models

There is no doubt that fashion shows are big business.  Customers spend their hard-earned money on clothing and accessories to the tune of $300 billion dollars a year, and designers are constantly competing for their share of the market.  it is a contentious and cutthroat environment that feeds a designer’s fears of being overlooked in a sea of supply that inherently demands for fashion shows to become bigger, better and more memorable with every passing season.  But, it wasn’t always this way.

Designer presentations have been going on in some form since the first designer had a garment to sell.  In the beginning, it was a more proper yet casual affair.  The designer would invite her clients and other friends in the trade to her atelier to view their newest creations. The presentation could consist of just a handful of looks or it could be a wardrobe full of options.  The number of looks wouldn’t really matter.  What mattered was the quality of the garments, not the quality of the show.

Models would casually float around the salon in the specially made frocks while the client admired the designer’s careful craftsmanship and romanticized about the adventures she would have while wearing the garments.  If a client saw something that she fancied, she bought it.  From inception, clothing was designed with an intimate knowledge of the customer, their wants and needs.  The system was elegant, straightforward and it worked.

Those were the couture days.  As ready to wear clothing became more popular in the 1920’s and the majority of people bought their frocks off the rack from retailers, more and more designers were born, all with the goal of fulfilling their own niche within the public’s ever expanding catalog of preferences and tastes.  To make a name for themselves a designer has to stand out from their competition and capture the consumer’s attention, so, naturally, collection presentations became extravagant productions with a touch of healthy narcissism.  Bigger was better.

Today we’ve gone beyond the “show” and have begun presenting full runway spectacles.  Complete with actors slash models, directors, producers, publicists, marketing and sales people, stylists, set designers a sound track and of course – costumes.  Fashion has borrowed from the theater and shares most everything in common.  All but the box office, at least for now.

Until recently, the seats in the Tents were occupied exclusively by buyers from large retailers, magazine editors from the top fashion publications, private clients, celebrity stylists and other industry critics.  The shows were given by the Trade for the Trade.  A runway show was the pinnacle of business in that at a single fashion show a designer could potentially gain several editorial features, sell the collection to major retailers, communicate with their customers through the media, sell one-of-a-kind pieces directly to A-list celebrities, nurture their private clients, and present their brand in their own vision thereby strengthening its chance of lasting success.

This year, Bryant Park will put up its tents for the last time before fashion week moves to Lincoln Center, and it is already being reported that in the once coveted and exclusive seats will be seated child bloggers, today’s hot pop singers, the new generation of young Holywood, and don’t let us forget our favorite reality “stars” including the cast of The Jersey Shore.  The runway is looking more and more like the cover of a tabloid magazine than a respectful showing of an artist’s work.  In fact, the people who will be profiting from all the media attention is no longer the designer but rather the pop-culture icon.

It just leaves me thinking that Seventh on Sixth made a fundamental mistake and they should move fashion week to Broadway or the Kodak Theater in Hollywood instead of Lincoln Center.  After all, in the name of the show the clothing presented on the runway is a dramatized version of their saleable realities anyways which actually makes them costumes.

Modern Chanel Fashion Show: recreating Coco's salon on a stage using huge accessories as the set

Shop Till You Drop: Harper cozies up in a shopping bag after a trip to the mall

It’s no secret that I’m a massive dog lover.  Of course I find their furry coifs, wet little noses and sweet spirits irresistible, but I love dogs even more for their loyalty, eagerness to please and incredible intelligence.

So, when someone was sweet enough to introduce me to the absolutely adorable website I Do Dog Tricks, Harper and I thought we would put our own video together to prove that my ten pound cutie is much more than just a fashion accessory.  She can stand her ground as a “real” dog who listens to her master, takes commands and feels proud when she follows direction.

We hope you enjoy our little video!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dolores Fuller, the 1950’s actress and songwriter and one-time girlfriend of film director Ed Wood.  Those if us under the age of 60 will best know her from Tim Burton’s 1994 film titled Ed Wood, (staring my favorite actor of all time, Johnny Depp as Wood) which was written about their relationship.  Sarah Jessica Parker played Dolores.

Dolores’ filmography mainly consists of black and white b-movies such as Glen or Glenda, Jail Bait and Bride of the Monster.  She is maybe best known as a songwriter for Elvis Presley – in fact, he recorded more of her songs than any other songwriter.  Hollywood has acknowledged her contribution to film and music with a coveted Hollywood Star and she recently authored an autobiography, A Fuller Life: Hollywood, Ed Wood, and Me

Johnny Depp and Sarah Jessica Parker in Tim Burton's film, Ed Wood (with Dolores' beautiful angora sweater)

Today, though as beautiful and elegant as ever, Dolores spends her days in silk house-gowns and velvet trouser suits rather than ball gowns and sequin jumpers, so figured it was time to lighten up and sell her treasures.  Enter little ol’ me.  One morning I was invited to her home to peruse through her closets to determine if any of her treasures were worth selling.  It took me a full day to make it through a dozen closets – I think she saved everything she ever wore – and as you may well imagine, I found some pretty fabulous pieces lingering in her wardrobe.  Nothing more heart-stopping than the very angora sweater that was made famous in Tim Burton’s film.

As a very exclusive, first offering, I’m holding an intimate private sale in Las Vegas this coming week before shipping the remaining pieces to Hollywood for a larger, event and sale.

If you will be in Las Vegas – Wednesday, January 20th and are interested in attending, email me at laura@dahlight.com for the location and details and come prepared to celebrate your inner Hollywood Starlet.

In Las Vegas, January is dedicated to electronics as hundreds of thousands of techies descend upon the city from far and wide for the largest convention of its kind, CES (Consumer Electronics Show).

While all Las Vegas natives are well versed in negotiating the convention from the outside – dodging masses of men in suits and badges by avoiding the Strip at all costs – this was my first experience with the show from this inside as a proper member of the Press.  And I must say, as far as conventions go, CES is quite incredible.

There were more large TVs, 3D TVs, and mini TVs than anyone ever needs to see in one place.  Computers, mobile devices, photographic technology, audio, home security and enviro-green-everything abounded.  There were tasers, robots, flying spaceships, droids and driverless cars.

By far, the most amazing invention I saw were holograms that have countless applications and, though they are in the fledgling state today, I expect will change the way gamers game and everyone interacts with their technology.  There were accessories and applications for every type of device ever invented and thousands of options for each.  I left the show thankful that I’m not a buyer who must make any major purchasing decisions and I can simply take in all the brilliance and recommend some of the things that caught my eye.

Since the cool little products that we use every day tend to seem underwhelming next to the flashy larger ticket items, I wanted to focus on those.  I always root for the underdog.  Also, I figured these are a few things that can actually improve your life and add a little Dahlight to your day.

De-Clutter with the POWERMAT cordless charging device
Designed to eliminate the hassle of plugging and unplugging your chargeable devices, Powermat delivers freedom and convenience by allowing you to “Drop and Charge” your phone/iPod/etc.  Simply place your device on the mat and it will automatically charge.  No cords.  No clutter.

Get personal with YURBUDS individually fitted ear bud enhancers
Yurbuds are custom-sized ear bud enhancers developed by world-renowned audiologists that are guaranteed not to fall out, are comfortable for hours and provide exceptional sound quality at lower volumes.  Coming soon, they will launch their application that allows customers to take a photo of their ear for immediate sizing.  Best of all, they fit on most existing ear buds.

Accessorize with DEOS earphone covers
For all you electronically-hip fashionistas with discerning taste should check out Deos earphone covers.  Exclusively designed and patented to fit the iPhone and iPod ear buds, You can express your personal style with the style that best fits your personality.  My favorites, the diamond encrusted covers (but I’ll settle for the Swarovski crystal option too).

Prettify your office with IN WN computer and component covers
If you’re like me, you hate the look of all things tech.  Especially external drives and PC towers.  That just means that you need to look into In Win artistic storage devices.  Made of beautiful Japanese porcelain, the external drive dishes are clean and pretty.

Spiffy up with the CYBER CLEAN cleaning compound
I love extracting gunk from everything, so when I discovered the Flubber-like gooey substance of Cyber Clean, I fell in love.  Shmush the goo over your keyboard, on your telephone, in the cracks of your car vents (you get the idea) and all unwanted dirt and grime will be picked up without harming the surface.

SINGGOD BKV Karaoke Machines
Because every party girl needs a mobile karaoke machine.

WALKMAN MP3 Player
I still have my original yellow Sport Walkman so how could I resist at least playing with the 2010 version.  I’m sticking with my iPod for music on the go, but this is a good option for those of you who are suckers for nostalgia.

SCANSONIC Sound & Style
How can you not love the sleek, retro look of these radios/mp3/cd players?  And they’re more than just a “pretty face”, they sound good too.

Candella Artificial Flames

Every night at sunset, you can find me flitting around the house dimming sconces, switching one lamp on and others off, and – of course – lighting candles in all corners of the room.  My evening can only begin after the appropriate lighting has been created to suit my mood.

As a designer, and someone who is visually inspired by my surroundings, I’ve always respected lighting and its power to set a tone and create a specific energy.  Perhaps this appreciation for lighting was born in me as a small child during our family’s annual visit to Disneyland, and especially to the Haunted Mansion, where whimsical ghosts dressed in ball gowns and tails are found dancing around a haunted ballroom, chandeliers are covered in wax drippings a hundred years old, and dark and eerie rooms are lit only by quivering candlelight.

Disney's Haunted Mansion

So, it could hardly be more exciting for me to discover the new company, Candella, a visionary start-up that owns the exclusive worldwide rights to the artificial flame technology originally developed for Disney’s Haunted Mansion.  Based in the UK and the US, Candella has successfully commercialized Disney’s inimitable battery-powered flame technology for business and personal use by designing the first realistic faux flame.

Normally, I make it a rule to steer clear of anything artificial (flavors, boobs, plants, people), but Candella’s flame flickers and oscillates as if it were alive, thereby creating the charming and enchanting ambiance that, until now, could only be produced by a real flame.

Beyond being brilliant and elegant, Candella’s artificial flames are low-maintenance (powered by rechargeable batteries), clean (don’t put out dirty smoke) and safe (no open flames to catch on fire).  The applications are plentiful and I expect that interior designers will soon be “burning the midnight oil” decorating all types of spaces with this innovative product.  Think: bars, restaurants, outdoors, hotels, spas, yoga studios, and anywhere else an open flame is too dangerous.

One thing is for sure, you’ll find Candella votives by the dozen in my home as soon as I can get my little hands on them.

Dear Dahl,

What pieces should I add to my college girl wardrobe to make it more “grown up”?

xo @KelsJanae’s

With the addition of “Dear Dahl”, I’ve opened up the Dahlight content to you.  Being that I’m thoroughly bored by seeing the same tired fashion topics be re-worked, re-edited and re-published by the majority of respected fashion media month after month, year after year (you get the point), I thought I would find out what topics my fellow fashionistas were interested in learning more about.

With the help of Twitter, I recently asked you what was on your gorgeous mind.  Seems your pretty little heads are quite busy as the queries have been flowing in.  I’m especially happy to learn that you’re interested in many aspects of the fashion industry, beyond just style and beauty, so I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to make good on my goal to answer your inspiring queries.

Antonia Herringbone Tailcoat by Rugby, Ralph Lauren

____________________________________________

So, without further delay, let’s get this “Dear Dahl” project on its way and respond to @KelsJanae’s question:

To begin, let me just admit that I was not a stylish college student.  From the photos I’ve uncovered, it seems my frizzy, asymmetric, bobbed hair was a different color every month.  Being involved in various clubs (and being a brief member of AXO) meant that all I wore were big, boxy, over-sized tee-shirts made of stiff, rough cotton and decorated with event logos screened from front to back.  Most of the time this flattering tee would be paired with high-waisted, acid-wash, pleated jeans and chinos.  Horrors!

Things have changed a bit since my time on campus, thankfully for you, so for this answer I’m calling on my more mature experiences as a designer and stylist.

Dottie Cloche by Cha Cha's House of Ill Repute

First off, I always believe that it’s best to dress your age.  The goal for a college student should be to look capable, mature and put together.  Not older.  The few pieces I’ve chosen will help bring a classic refinement to any basic wardrobe and the look will last you for years to come.

• Tweed jacket – choose one with an updated take on the classic that can be layered with graphic tees, sweaters, shirts and hoodies.

• Crisp white tunic-length button-down shirt – wear it with leggings, jeans, skirts and trousers.

• Plenty of cardigans – to replace the proverbial sweatshirt.  Incorporate both over sized and fitted alike for endless layering options.

Brenkley Pea Coat by Burberry

• Hats – a driver cap, trilby or cloche can each work its way into your daily style but be careful not to buy into the current “disposable” hat trend and rather opt for a head topper made by a milliner with classic artistry.  It will cost more but you’ll have it forever.

• Pleated high-waisted A-line skirt – the classic silhouette will suit any personality.

• Shift dress – an item that’s a blank canvas.  Dress it up or down, wear it to interviews and to the movies.

• Jeans that are clean and tailored – always avoid trendy pocket art and bedazzling

• Opaque tights and leggings – the trend just won’t go away so embrace comfort while avoiding sweatpants at all costs.

Double Breasted Trench with Pleated Skirt by Burberry

• Overcoat, pea coat or trench – you can make even your yoga clothes look presentable if you cover up with one of these essential pieces.

• Leather blazer – because it will bring out your inner rock star while holding onto remaining

• Long scarves – let your creativity run wild and decorate your head, waist and shoulders as well as your neck.

• Great bag – you’re schlepping everything, so do it in style and remember that this is likely your most important accessory.

• Slouchy black booties

• Riding boots

• Oxfords, loafers, ballet flats

Berry Oxford Bootie by Jeffrey Campbell

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• Converse – because they’re comfy, classic and cool.

• Headbands – will make even your bed-head presentable and offers more flair than simply tying your locks back with a band.

• A good haircut – your hair is always on your head, so make it look good!  More hair articles here:  Keratin, Dye it Yourself, Olive Oil Treatments

• A Little make up – don’t overdo it!  Think clean and fresh, not caked and flashy.