October 9, 2008 - Calling all Hollywood hipsters.  

You’ve probably noticed an increase in temporary retail installations, from gallery-like shopping spaces with one-off exhibitions to mobile units bringing innercity-chic to suburban areas.  If new products can come and go, why can’t the stores that display them do the same? Here’s a couple of spaces that have recently popped up in LA.

Nike Sportswear@ The Montalbán
Nike has set up camp at the historic Montalbán Theater in the heart of Hollywood offering a temporary retail experience for consumers in the market for select Nike Sportswear apparel and footwear; there’s even a NIKEiD studio in the balcony!

True to its legacy as the oldest functioning theatre in Hollywood, Nike Sportswear at the Montalbán will host film screenings every Tuesday night. Exclusive studio pre-releases, Nike commissioned short films, documentaries and international film festival faves are screened free for the public.

Nike has also partnered with local artists and public school art programs, offering workshops and a design series for kids. Scheduled through the end of October, Nike’s presence at The Montalbán has received an overwhelmingly positive response thus far and is certainly worth a “pop-by.”

Quiksilver Site LA
In conjunction with the launch of a new women’s collection, the Huntington Beach-based extreme sports label Quicksilver has commissioned six creative women to take up temporary “residence” in a branded multi-purpose space featuring communal work stations and exhibition/event space in LA’s Silverlake neighborhood.

Over the course of the next year, Quiksilver is sponsoring the residents’ respective pursuits by providing them with valuable resources and tools pertaining to their interests, as well as the ultimate career-builder, major exposure.

The residents, including a fashion blogger, singer/songwriter, architect-in-training and a bicycle safety activist, are working on individual projects in the communal environment, which is also home to a series of events, performances and educational forums open to the public.

Much like brands that sponsor major athletes to perform better, Quicksilver aims to sponsor the cultivation of this creative community. There are lots of cool events taking place so be sure to check it out.

Filed under: Entertainment, Fashion by jane
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A few years ago at Christmas, my sister asked for a Timbuk2 Bag from Title Nine. I’d never heard of the company before, only the piece of legislation known as “Title IX”, which you can read about on the Title Nine website. I bought her the bag and since then every time I see her, I say “What a cool [shirt/hat/pair of pants/bag], where did you get it? And the answer, 95% of the time, is “Title Nine”. So when I was visiting her in Indianapolis in August, I flipped through her T9 catalog to see what all the fuss was about…and loved every bit of it.

The models are real women. Not models that are airbrushed. They are “friends, friends of friends, ordinary women doing extraordinary things. Our kind of Poster Girl,” according to the website. (Speaking of posters, they’ll send you posters for your team’s locker room or practice facility if you go here and follow the directions.)

And the stuff is awesome. Everything is made to look great, feel good, fit well and make life easier. The bags have lots of pockets, the swimsuits stay put, and the fabric is easy to clean.

On their “About Us” page, the website begins with “We are evangelical about women’s participation in sports & fitness” and ends with “We like dessert”. Now that is real.

“Circle stuff you like and I’ll get you something for your birthday,” my sister said. I started circling and within 5 minutes had circled half the catalog. “Well, I guess it’ll still be a surprise!” I said.

Today, my gift arrived. I opened it even though my birthday isn’t for another week. I got the Haiku Messenger Bag (above)! It has outside pockets for water bottles (Vitamin Water in my case), plenty of room for my wallet, my phone, some makeup, my iPod, my camera, gum, lipgloss, a hairtie, sunglasses, and a chocolate cake…OK maybe not the chocolate cake, but don’t challenge me. Plus, it just looks really cool, with the embroidery on the front, the smooth suede on the outside, and the light blue interior.

Besides the Messenger Bag, I also loved the Haymaker II Vest in Azalea (top, left), which is going on my Christmas List. You should also check out the Commotion Jacket (if you have to deal with cold winters but hate bulky coats) or this outfit: the Cobra Cross-Bank Tank with the Nimble Knicker in Raisin (left) for your next yoga class or trip to the mall. Check it all out for yourself at http://www.titlenine.com

Filed under: Fashion, General, Title IX by anngaff
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September 17, 2008 - The fashion world is often criticized for a lack of healthy role models but there were plenty of athletic bodies at designer Stella McCartney’s show of Adidas sportswear which opened London’s Fashion Week.

Junking the traditional catwalk motif,  McCartney turned an empty hall into a futuristic health club on Tuesday and filled it with ace athletes wearing her new active wear line for adidas.

Gymnasts did somersaults off trampolines, performed Olympic-style feats on the balance beam, and set a fast pace on treadmills to show the clothes in action.

The show featured two genuine Olympic gold medallists - US track star Allyson Felix and British cyclist Victoria Pendleton - along with members of the British Olympic team, unfazed by their move from Beijing to fashion central. With the Summer Games heading to London in four years, it’s great that McCartney recognized the GB athletes.

Now entering it’s ninth season, the adidas by Stella McCartney Collection continues to be a leader in chic style meets performance gear - however many women opt to rock the gear for everyday wear as well.

The Spring/Summer 2009 Collection provides clothes for tennis, golf, yoga, and swimming, as well as an eco-friendly line featuring organic cotton and footwear made with sustainable materials.  The range included futuristic green running tops, dancewear influenced by the loose tops and layering of the 1980s, and geometric patterned swimwear.

Swimsuits had curvy mesh panels aesthetically inspired by corsetry, but were designed for maximum freedom of movement. The yoga range included leotards worm under loose cropped leggings inspired by men’s long johns. Tennis players were supremely elegant, in feminine, Gatsby-esque tennis dresses with fluted sleeves and lace applique detailing. Runners on treadmills, wore futuristic sheer white hooded sweatshirts and short shorts.  

McCartney’s way of blending a feminine fashion aesthetic with high-performance wear gives the new line powerful female energy and just the right feminine vibe.

“This collection tries to provide for all the needs of a modern woman. Style meets performance is crucial for women today, and I’ve tried to address this in my most recent collection. Remembering you’re alive is key, health is wealth!” says Stella McCartney.

Stella never fails to be on top of the game when it comes to “style meets performance”, and this new collection seems to be the perfect combination of pretty & tough. It definitely gets our stamp of approval!

Filed under: Fashion, Olympics by jane
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September 16, 2008 - Just because we’re Pretty Tough doesn’t mean we can’t also be Pretty Smart.  For those of us whose laptop is the ultimate accessory, HP has announced that they’ve teamed with world-renowned designer Vivienne Tam to create a special edition notebook.

Vivienne Tam and HP unveiled the design of the new must-have digital clutch on the catwalk last week at Tam’s fashion show during New York’s Fashion Week. U.S. Open champion Serena Williams was spotted in the front row and we’d love to know what she thought!

The HP Vivienne Tam Special Edition notebook represents the first time a computer company has partnered with a globally renowned designer to create a notebook PC that offers all the style and power needed for a delightful technology experience. Tam also worked with HP to design the notebook’s accessories and packaging.

Specially designed for women on the go (that would be us) the computer is gleaming red and bursting with pink and purple peony flowers. Tam explains that she chose peonies because they are the most beautiful flowers and have many layers of unfolding blossoms — much like the layers of a busy woman’s life.

First, it was Panasonic touting a computer that was “Pretty Tough” but we think this one fits the bill even better.  I’d put in on my Christmas list but it won’t be available until Spring 2009.

Filed under: Fashion, Technology by jane
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September 15, 2008 - Another New York Fashion Week has come and gone and some of our favorite female athletes were there to get in touch with their girly sides. Designers showed their spring 2009 looks and it appears fun was had by all.

As per early fall tradition, the US Open nearly always coincides with New York Fashion Week so tennis players contributed to this year’s record attendance.

Maria Sharapova, Venus and Serena Williams were among the heavy hitters in the front rows.  Sharapova’s schedule included a cover shoot for a European magazine and a party to celebrate her newly announced collaboration with Cole Haan. She was also spotted at the Herve Leger and Peter Som shows.

Sharapova sat next to gymnast Nastia Liukin at the Peter Som show. According to Tennis Week, Sharapova passed along what she knows about fashion to the gold medal winner.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I sat front row, and Maria kind of filled me in on the rest,” joked the gold medalist at Peter Som. “I was stunned that it was only ten minutes. Maria told me it was all about the pre-show full of pictures, interviews, and all that stuff but it still went surprisingly fast.”

Tennis Week also reported that Serena and Venus Williams made the most front row appearances. Venus went to Diane von Furstenberg  on the day of the women’s final. The elder Williams sister also made it to Vera Wang, Doo Ri, Carolina Herrera, and Zac Posen while U.S. Open champion Serena graced front row at Calvin Klein, Luca Luca, Zac Posen, Baby Phat, and Vivienne Tam.

We hear that Nastia Liukin attended Max Azria as well and swimmer Amanda Beard sat near Serena Williams in the front row of the Luca Luca show.  Beard also strutted her stuff at the Mel B With Ultimo show.

Sanaa Lathan, who may not be an athlete but played one in our fave film “Love & Basketball, was spotted at the Reem Acra show.

And another athlete took to the runway.  Dara Torres modeled two outfits in the Charles Nolan show.

Who says you can’t be pretty & tough?

Filed under: Fashion, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams by jane
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September 11, 2008 - As you may know, the fashion industry’s big trade show, MAGIC, took place a couple weeks ago in Vegas. The weather wasn’t the only thing that was hot, as hip designers abounded at MAGIC and sister shows Pool and Project.

On the footwear front, the following brands were brought to our attention:

Nat 2 - Perhaps the most interesting and innovative footwear collection we’ve seen in a while, Germany shoe brand Nat-2’s “2-in-1″ design features removable, interchangeable uppers that transform your basic sneakers into more breathable, comfortable slides with the flick of a zipper. Recently nominated for a 2009 Design Award, it’s only a matter of time until the rest of the world catches on.

United Kranes: If you’re searching for a good-looking shoe to wear while perfecting your badminton skills, consider your search over. This unisex sneaker brand is “dedicated to the world of indoor sports,” and features sick-looking kicks with “soft rubber soles, Ultra Sprint Foam cushioning, and Ultra Anklock TM design” to optimize the game (of life) for athletes and enthusiasts.

Keep Company: The company’s new hitops pays homage to age-old traditions and the handiwork of women everywhere. Stripes abound in woven Mayan fabric straight out of the highlands of Guatemala and hand quilted morning star pieces light the way on the latest Guerra offerings. Tip your hat to the labor of ladies around the world, sit back and get inspired. 100% cotton canvas. Molded rubber sole.

What are your favorite new kicks?

Filed under: Fashion, General by amo
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September 8, 2008 -After winning three silver medals in Beijing, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres has mastered another challenge: walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. Torres went for fashion gold on Sunday, when she modeled two looks in Charles Nolan’s newest collection. Nolan’s show is always fun, thanks in part to his use of “real” people on the runway. This season’s show included a holistic healer, a grandmother, a ferry boat captain, and a 12-time Olympic medalist.

The 41-year-old Torres modeled two looks for the presentation of Nolan’s spring collection at the designer’s Chelsea studio. Her first look, an old-style swimsuit featuring a blue-and-white striped tank top and navy swim shorts, which she modeled carrying her two year old daughter, showed off her chiseled legs. Her second look, a dancing dress made of black jersey and silk taffeta, reflected ageless sophistication.

Wonder what’s more nerve-wracking? Walking the runway or swimming at the Olympics?

In other news, Cole Haan announced that  three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova will be the face of a new sportswear clothing line debuting in the spring of 2009.

The new line, called Cole Haan Sporting, will include men’s and women’s footwear and accessories. Items will include flats, boat shoes, duffel bags and tennis racquet bags and will for between $115 and $550.

Sharapova, 21, will collaborate on the fall 2009 season, the company said. The former world number one has a longstanding passion for fashion and is considered a style icon. So it seems fitting that Cole Haan Sporting (a subsidiary of Nike) will embody sport style with a collection inspired by nautical, court, track, and golf.

“Cole Haan Sporting proves that fashion and technology can work together to change the way women think about and wear sport-inspired product,” said Sharapova. “I look forward to working with Cole Haan to bring new innovations to this leading fashion brand with such a rich history.”

Can’t wait to see some of the pieces in the collection. What do you think of the partnership?

Filed under: Fashion, Maria Sharapova, Swim, Tennis by jane
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September 4, 2008 - Last night’s premiere of America’s Next Top Model  threw a few curve balls but was, for the most part, rote ANTM. We could have lived without the futuristic theme and The Top Model Institute of Technology where Alpha J (aka runway diva extraordinaire J. Alexander) and Beta Jay (aka creative director Jay Manuel) who were both dressed as Ziggy Stardust twins. 

Tyrobot ruled and we got our first look at the competitors. Meet the girls of Cycle 11.

Lauren Brie, 20, Charlottesville, VA
The most interesting thing about her is that her father is the Chief of Police for her podunk hometown. 

Analeigh, 19, Sacramento, CA
A former competitive figure skater who tells a crazy story about being approached by a fake modeling agency recruiter who attempts to sell her as a bride to a Saudi prince!

Clark, 19, Pawleys Island, SC
A perfectionist who thinks she’s the prettiest girl in the competition (she’s not). 

Marjorie, 19, San Francisco, CA 
A goofy, awkward, nervous wannabe model who moved to SF from France when she was nine.  

Isis, 22, Prince George’s County, MD
This cycle’s shock contestant is the first transgender model on the show. And pre-op, no less. Her biological sex doesn’t make her unattractive - it’s the ugly-pretty face Tyra’s always talking about that makes great photos. This girly-boy is gonna kick pretty little booties all over the catwalk.

Sheena, 21 from Harlem, NY 
A ghetto fabulous Asian chick with shades of Kimora.

Brittany R., 19, Henderson, NV
A biracial girl (African American mother, Native American father) who wants to show the Greater Las Vegas area that African Americans can be cover girls.  

Hannah, 18, Fairbanks, AK
A naïve young thing from the land Sarah Palin who won’t let us forget she lives in the sticks.

Joslyn, 23, Lucky, LA
A Southern gal who auditioned for ANTM over 30 times!

Elina, 18, Seattle, WA
A dark, brooding, vegan omnisexual with a developing crush on fellow contestant Clark; wants to use modeling as a platform for her own personal activism agenda.

Nikeysha, 19, The Bronx, NY
An overly enthusiastic contestant who flashed the judges and tossed them her gel bra inserts.

Brittany S., 19, Lake Forest, IL
Renamed McKey to reduce confusion with Brittany R,  this redhead practices mixed martial arts with her cage fighter boyfriend.

Samantha, 18, Woodland Hills, CA
A young, tanned, athletic Socal girl who wants to represent health and fitness in her modeling career.

Though “Top Model” has gone from a low-budget reality show to CW tent-pole programming, it remains basically a drama about a group of women living together in close quarters and the photos they produce. Bring it on!

Filed under: Fashion, TV by jane
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September 3, 2008 - What does Heidi Klum have to do with tennis? Well, the supermodel and “Project Runway” host has hand-crafted a limited edition tee specifically for the ‘08 Open. A portion of all proceeds will go to Unisphere Inc, a non-profit organization which maintains and preserves Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and US Open.

The United States Tennis Association is now offering Klum’s butterfly-inspired tee along with other U.S. Open-branded apparel and related merchandise in NYC. US Open SoHo is a pop-up store to give fans who cannot attend the Grand Slam event a chance to purchase the exclusive merchandise. Also available is a U.S. Open Breakpoint DVD board game, a vintage Tad Davis clothing line and co-branded U.S. Open products by Under Armour.

Besides the Soho store, exclusive U.S. Open merchandise is also available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, airport kiosks and Madison Square Park.

Filed under: Fashion, Tennis by jane
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August 1, 2008 - If you happen to have an extra $125.00 to spend on a polo shirt or $50.00 for a tee, or you’re one of those people who likes your apparel covered in logos and symbols, then by all means check out the Ralph Lauren Olympic Games Collection.

Lauren was selected to design the official Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony parade outfits as well as an assortment of Olympic “village wear” pieces for the 150 U.S. athletes competing in Beijing and they’re now available at Olympic Spirit stores, select department stores and RalphLauren.com.  Ah…capitalism at it’s best. Wonder if the garments are made in China?

Lauren’s  logo-festooned designs are “inspired by the rich past of the Olympic Games and in keeping with the time-honored tradition of this historic event.”   Reflecting Ralph Lauren’s trademark sporty sophistication, the collection offers casual sportswear styles in combinations of red, white and blue adorned with the U.S. Olympic Team and iconic Polo Pony logo.

None of the offerings we viewed made us want to take out our credit card or shell out any hard-earned cash. All carry an unmistakable air of preppy confidence and there’s the added touch of patriotic team spirit but even though we’re big supporters of the Games we’re not that inclined to line Lauren’s already heavily padded coffers. If, however,  you are one of those people who likes to wear red, white and blue polos heavily embroidered with official-looking badges  — you’re in luck.

Filed under: Beijing Summer Games 2008, Fashion by jane
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