Lala NYC Runway Trend Report: Lace it!

Black has been huge this season. Black has been the forefront of every trend: goth, punk, edgy and monochromatic. Adding lace to the equation is the perfect way to get the ultimate romantic goth look. By incorporating just one element of lace into your outfit and keeping the rest all black, its the best way to achieve a winning romantic goth look that isn't overdone.

Lace It Your Way: 1. Opening Ceremony Lace Panel Wool Shift $488 ronherman.com 2. Erdem Pleated Lace Skirt $1100 net-a-porter.com 3. Alice Olivia Lace Jersey Dress $450 net-a-porter.com 4. Givenchy Lace Boot $1020 5. Mango Lace Bracelet $13 mangoshop.com 6. Oscar de la Renta Chantilly Lace Blouse $1490 net-a-porter.com

Lala Obsession: Tom Ford Releases S/S 09 Ad Campaign

Tom Ford always has the perfect formula for sexy. He designs it, he lives it, he markets it. His raunchy perfume ads are known for putting people in a tizzy, but we all know its all about the shock and awe with Mr. Ford. I wouldn't want it anyway else. Recently, the Tom Ford S/S 09 Ad Campaign was released and I've got to say, it does not get more sexier than this. The construction of the suits are impeccable and the face that's wearing them will make you melt. The direction in which menswear is going is exciting and fresh. "We've become obsessed with comfort. I actually don't like that. I think you should suffer sometimes to be attractive and beautiful," says Ford. He couldn't be more correct and I'm sure Chuck Bass would agree. This collection seems like it was made for Mr. Bass. Orange-Red Pants, Check! For some more Chuck Bass-esque inspiration click here.

Lala Obsession: The Shoes Santa Didn't Bring

Hope everyone had a very merry christmas and a happy holiday. But let's get down to business for a moment. I have to address something. Santa, where were the shoes I asked for? I know I wasn't on the naughty list this year; I didn't wear white after labor day and I didn't wear red for the holidays! So what gives Santa? Well, just in case you decide to come back down my chimney for another try, these are the shoes I would like tucked under the tree with care!
The Shoes Santa Didn't Bring: 1. Rupert Sanderson Kit Kat Boot $1100 net-a-porter.com 2. Casadei Grey Suede Ankle Boot $959 3. Givenchy Peep Toe wit Straps $750 farfetch.com

Happy Holidays from Lala NYC!

Lala Obsession: The Top 5 Red Dresses of 2008

The holiday season is upon us and what more festive a color than red? This year the red carpet was flooded with red gowns that held a special place in our little fashionable hearts. What better time to round up the year's most show-stopping red dresses?

#1. Anne Hathaway in Marchesa
#2. Lucy Liu in Giambattista Valli
#3. Katherine Heigl in Escada
#4. Heidi Klum in Valentino
#5. Miley Cyrus in Valentino

Lala Obsession: SHOWStudio features the Martin Margiela Wig Coat in Short Film

Martin Margiela's S/S 09 runway show created quite a stir. Some fashion enthusiasts loved it, some critics hated it. Although, faceless models donning the infamous 'wig coat' intrigued some. The good people at SHOWStudio created a short film called "Make Up Your Mind." The film by Nick Knight, the director of SHOWStudio, translates Margiela's "paradox of adornment, seduction, and fashion" in a very erotic manner. This film offers you an interesting 3 minutes of art, dance, and beauty that will be sure to have you quizzical after viewing. There many subjects of fashion and art on SHOWStudio, so be sure to log on now!

Lala NYC on CNN

Lala Lopez shares deals, steals, and insight on the thrifting phenomenon in a time of economic crisis. Enjoy!

lala Thursday Q&A: Cody Ross of Priestess & the S/S 09 Collection

We are all apart of a very exciting time in our world. Although our economy may be down right this moment, it is a wonderful time to able to be expressive and innovative. It seems as if we are just waiting for the next thing to come and take us all by storm. That prospect is Cody Ross. This financial analyst turned designer is the future of fashion. As creative director of influential label Priestess NYC, Ross has stimulated the art of design and is making fashion fun again. The dynamism of his creativity and conspicuous intelligence shines through in the construction of his garments. For the Spring 2009 collection, you can expect a slew of beautiful jumpsuits in an assortment of hues, cheerful Mickey Mouse print jumpers, distressed denim skirts, and powerful, statement-making dresses. In addition to garments, Priestess offers fun, futuristic necklaces and bangles that are the talk of the town when worn. The label was featured in publications like Nylon, Teen Vogue, i-D, Dazed and Confused and WWD, and is currently available in stores like Bloomingdale's and Henri Bendel.




Tell us a bit about yourself:
From Dallas, Texas. I attended the London School of Economics and for many years worked as financial analyst focusing on Asia/China investing. Spent all my free-time looking at fashion mags, dressing/styling cool girls and finally quit my job and launched Priestess NYC a few seasons ago (in late 2007).

What made you decide you wanted to become a designer? When? Why?
Fashion has always been a central interest of mine and sketching, sewing and draping an active hobby that I can now do full time! I got my technical skills from part-time courses at Central St. Martins and lots of do-it-yourself stuff . .. I got interested in clothes and accessories when I first laid eyes on my mom’s wardrobe when I was a kid -- she had lots of Emilio Pucci stuff (that he designed for Braniff Airlines and NASA) and I got really into those 'space-age'/Futurist ad campaign “The End of the Plain Plane.”

Where do you believe to be the fashion capital of the world? Why?
NYC! Because it is edgy and cosmopolitan!

Who is the Priestess NYC woman?
An opinionated, knowledgeable and highly individualized girl who is a little irreverent and subtly-outlandish. She obsesses over fit and style and is typically well traveled and familiar with the coolest things in the coolest cities: NYC, Paris, London, Shanghai, are her playgrounds. She loves 'shock-and-awe' fashion.

Tell me about the concept of your current collection and what were your inspirations?
The SS09 stuff is ‘part 80s revival, part futurism combined with a hint of goth-glam.’ I've tried to embody urban-girl cool with a contemporary take on ‘vintage punk.’ The looks are richly textured and in a range of vivid and fun colors. . .and the looks are totally versatile and perfect for mixing and matching. My inspiration come from Walter von Beirendonck and Jeremy Scott and KTZ/ Marjan Pejoski.

Were there specific fabrics or techniques that you used?
I love top quality natural fibers AND synthetics: silk-blends, soft jerseys/cottons, etc. are perfect for dynamic-draping! Favorite colors of the moment are day-glows: pinks, purples, yellows, light gray and a ton of monochrome finishes . . and the shapes include lots of volume and inverted
pyramids.
What are your other passions besides fashion design?
Besides making womenswear, I like applied mathematicsand looking at 'cool art'. I like to read books on 'the philosophy of science' and physics.

Personal philosophy to live by..?
"Be honest . .and have fun!"

What is about fashion and design that appeals to you the most?
Fashion forces me to have a global point of view. It's fun and stimulating!

Lala Editor's Special!

In the fashion world, the editor's of glossies are becoming more and more visible. There would be no thriving industry in fashion, if it weren't for the editors. They create the trends, they set the mold. Fashion editors are smart, stylish, savvy, and sassy. So, This is to all the fashion magazine editors that you love... and the ones you love to hate!

Lala Editor's Special: Wintour Wonderland

Ahhh, the excitement is always high when mentioning Vogue. Recently, there has been much speculation over editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour being replaced by a younger, fresher editor. Some believe this to be true. Some say Anna will grace us with 3 more years. Some says this is a stint to sell mags in the plummetting print industry. Regardless, the rumor mill is colder than the Ice Queen herself. Bundle Up, It's a Wintour Wonderland!

Lala Editor's Special: Who Will Take the Throne of the Ice Queen?

As there is the possibility the overthrowing of the Ice Queen, who is it that will take her throne? The prospects hail from Russia, Italy, and France. Aliona Doletskaya has held the position of editor-in-chief of Russian Vogue as long as its 10-year existence. Aliona is known for her bold and daring decisions made, like Natasha Poly covering two issues in a row. Then there is Franca Sozzani has carried the role of editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia for 20 years now. This mega risk taker, chose not to include one fashion credit in an 100 page spread shot by Bruce Webber and released the Vogue Italia Black Issue, which she only featured black models. Finally, there is Carine Roitfeld, the crowd favorite, has held the title editor-in-chief of French Vogue since 2001. This former model and YSL muse, has been named one of Time Magazine's World's Most Influential People of 2008.
Its almost certain that these editors will stay in their perspective editions of Vogue. Yet, how interesting would it be to see someone completely unknown and new to take the throne of the Ice Queen?

lala Editor's Special: Kate Lanphear, I love you....

Senior Fashion and Style Editor at Elle Magazine, Kate Lanphear is pure genius. Her talent is unmatched and her style is unparalleled. She always works an alluring use of black. She's lanky and boyish with her edgy platinum/white short hair. Kinda obsessed? Yeah... Kate, I love you.

Lala Editor's Special: Katie Grand is Fashion's Renaissance Woman

The name Katie Grand is ringing everywhere lately. On February 19th, 2009 Katie is releasing a brand spanking new fashion mag called Love. It is rumored that Beth Ditto of Gossip will cover. But before the buzz of Love hit the newsrooms, Katie was busy taking the fashion world by storm. This founder and editor-in-chief of Pop Magazine has covered more facets of the fashion industry than many have before. Known to most as mega-stylist, Katie was also creative director at Mulberry, has consulted for the fashion shows of Prada, Giles Deacon, and Louis Vuitton. There isn't anything that Katie Grand can't do. She is the quintessential Renaissance Woman of our time.

Lala Talks: Beyonce's Bodysuit, Metal Glove and Gareth Pugh Attempts are Tired

Beyonce has always been a breath of fresh air to pop music as a powerful performer with a timid personality that has paved her own path to stardom. Yet recently, it seems like Beyonce has been knocked off her rocker since Rhianna has busted onto the scene and will doing anything to be the one that will be noticed among a sea of look-a-like female artists. Even some of Bey's songs on the unfortunate "I am Sasha Fierce" album were Rhianna-esque. When you take a second to ponder, this has been a trend amongst veteran pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears as well. Christina simmered down her image to a small sizzle before giving birth and after she gave birth it was all abundant cleavage and Lady Gaga style-stealing. It seems as if these established superstars are feeling like the fresh batch of pop stars are giving them a fair run for their money. And they can't keep up.
The pinnacle of that statement came to a head when Beyonce showed up to the MTV Europe Music Awards dressed in Gareth Pugh with a metal contraption on her hand. She looked silly and did not do the designer justice in the least bit. As you would think that would be the end to her over-exerting an image that is not hers, you flick on the television to see her gyrate her
'womanhood" in a skin tight body suit, that translated as extremely vulgar in "Single Ladies".
As the forefront of popular music, veterans like Beyonce and Christina should set an example for the young girls that idolize them: cover up a bit and follow your own path, not some one else's. And all these style "stunts" have got to end, because they are tired and tried at this point. Come on B, I would have expected more from you.....

Lala Shop: This Week's Steals and Giveaways!

There is less than 10 days until Christmas and your lady friends are hoping for the cutest gifts this holiday. Problem is, you haven't the money for Louie! There is no where else to look but ideeli.com, the invitation-only shopping site with great deals, sales, giveaways, and sample sales. Don't fret, Lala NYC has the golden key...
ideeli invite code = lalanyc
This is where all Christmas shopping will be done, and I know you haven't started either!
Deals and Giveaways This Week: 1. Lamarthe is up to 63% off 2. The Chanel holiday series giveaway start 12/16 3. VBH is up to 72% off 4. The Louis Vuitton holiday series giveaway start 12/17

Menswear Madness: Ute/Ploier S/S 09

Paris label, Ute Ploier knows how to make even sportswear look tailored. With very bold and appropriate uses of blue, Ute Ploier pulls off the Spring/Summer collection beautifully. There is perfect use of graphics and the collection seems to read very futuristic in its own right. Not to mention, their site is pretty darn cute (check the older seasons). For more info on Ute Ploier, log onto uteploier.com.

Beautify New York: Swaddle Yourself in Headwraps

We've really been in for a treat with all the new, far-reaching trends that we've seen on the runway. Fashion seems to be really be taking more risks and had strayed away from playing it safe. Instead of dramatic overstyled hair, a handful of designers opted for headwraps to let the clothes doing the shining and not the locks. Not far from the recent turban trend, the headwrap can be pulled off with any type of tailored clothing. C'mon slip on a headwrap and show off that pretty face of yours!

Lala Talks: Thursday Q&A with Mimi Plange of Boudoir D'huitres

Design sensation Mimi Plange of emerging label Boudoir D'huitres based in New York launched her line in 2007. Starting with a capsule collection of detailed outerwear, she went on to design her first full Spring collection, which consists of beautifully structured dresses, outerwear, pants, and even my beloved jumpsuits! Mimi sat down with us recently to discuss her collection, Alexander McQueen, architecture and Gareth Pugh.

"You can’t just make clothes for the sake of it, it has to express some kind of story."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Ghana and I came to the US when I was 5 when I moved to Southern California. I went to UC Berkley and majored in architecture. Initially I was going to be an architect but I had always wanted to do fashion. I decided that if I graduated I was going to go to fashion school and I was going to New York. And I did! I've been living here for the past 8 years. I always wanted my own brand but I wanted to do it when the time was right, even though we are in a recession right now. If you plant the seeds right now perhaps it can grow into something because whenever something is down it comes back up again and so its a cycle. I know that the time for fashion is coming up again, I feel it. We went through a rut where everyone was wanting to be the same but I feel like there is a drive in people, they want talent, they want something new, they want something different again, they want to stand out. I feel like its the best time and that's what brought me here.

What was it that made you want to begin designing?
My mom was really into fashion when she was in Africa. She used to do a little bit of modeling and her pictures really used to inspire me. I remember Alexander McQueen had a show, where the models walked on water. I just remember when I saw that show, I said I want to do something that is so inspiring. I've always wanted to be apart of it, ever since I was 11. It was like a fantasy for me, I would get lost in magazines and I just wanted to do it.

Where do you believe the fashion capital of the world to be?
That's kind of a tough question because I think that fashion is everywhere and its hard to say it only comes from one place. But I would have to say Paris. Because that is where you can get syndicated to do couture, that's where it all comes from, and that's where its really been established; everything from Marie Antoinette to the early days when they were wearing the big feathers on their hats.

What is the concept of Boudoir D’Huitres?
I think its my architecture backround, I have this part of me that loves this over the top, exaggerated beauty and then I love the simplicity as well. I tried to combine the two looks together and I came up with Boudoir D’huitres, which means oyster boudoir. The reason we picked that name is because we started with the outerwear and I thought about how an oyster wraps around a beautiful pearl. And all the outerwear we were thinking of would enwrap the body and the person wearing the clothing as a pearl.
What are your Inspirations for the Current Collection?
I always wanted to come up with a collection that is futuristic and fun. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized my style has changed and I’ve learned that women want to wear something that they feel comfortable in. I’ve always been inspired by 17th and 18th century, corseted styling, but that’s not always so comfortable. So I wanted to find a way that I can bring it into modern terms because I also like very clean lines.


Were there specific fabrics or techniques used when designing the collection?
Structure-wise all the dresses have built in bustiers, which is very important to me. I like it to look like its unstructured but on the inside there’s a lot of structure going on. I tend to use a lot of silks and natural fibers but in the future I am going to working with wools, knitted fabrics, viscose and more technical fabrics.

What is your current creative stimulation?
When I go to a museum and they juxtapose a new designer with old looks from the past. Also the book called “Techno Fabrications”, which shows how you can use solar powered energy to make the clothes change colors. I want to do the 17th and 18th century look and push it in a futuristic way, so that really inspires me. Even research on new fabrications for the future and keep looks that look classic.

Speaking about futuristic designs, today we have designers that are really pushing the envelope like Gareth Pugh on design aesthetic.
I like his clothes. They aren’t always very wearable for the average person but what I do like is he definitely has a story to tell and that’s what everyone needs to have. You can’t just make clothes for the sake of it, it has to express some kind of story.

Do you believe that your architectural background plays a part in constructing your designs?
It definitely helps, it helped me when I was in fashion school. When I was in architecture school, it was about how do you create what you want within these parameters. It was never like you could be free to design whatever you wanted. It has to have a purpose. When I’m designing, it keeps me grounded. And with the construction, I want it there but I don’t want anyone to know its there. It gives me clarity in my design.

What is your philosophy to live by?
Its not that profound but it means more to me now, you really have to believe in yourself. Its just that simple. It brings everything to light because I believe that everyone has the tools to do whatever they want but maybe because of the experiences we’ve had, we may a little bit of fear and feel like we can’t do that or we can’t do what that person is doing. Yet, that person doesn’t have more than you have. You just have to believe in yourself and everything falls into place.

Lala City Art: Donna Ferrato

I recently passed a street in Tribeca with some beautiful art galleries and was in for a treat to see some of the work of Donna Ferrato. Though this New York photographer takes amazing photos of memorable New York scenes and elements, I learned that is not the half of her gifted ability. She has worked as an activist to take a stand against domestic violence through documenting the effects it has on Americans through her photography. In 2007, Donna launched the website called Abuse Aware with WebMd to "visually prove how devastating all forms of abuse are for everyone". Donna Ferrato is an activist, artist and a New Yorker and her work makes us proud she's one of us. donnaferrato.com

Lala Obsession: An Ode to Messy Hair

Messy hair, how I love you so. With you, its just wake up and go. You look sexy all the time and make my everyday style shine. I saw you on the spring runways of Dell'Acqua and Rag & Bone,. Right then and there, I knew I was home. I was completely sold when I saw you on Erin and Mary-Kate. And ever since then our bond has been great. Messy hair, this is to you. You've no idea all things you do!
Messy locks: (from left to right) Backstage at Rag & Bone, Mary-Kate Olsen, Backstage at Allesandro Dell'Acqua, Backstage at Rag & Bone, Erin Wasson

Lala NYC Runway Trend Report: Bow Down to Bows!

As a young girl, you may have cringed at thought of a bow on the holiday dress your mother forced you put on. Yet, today as beautiful fashion-forward goddesses, we are embracing the bow to the fullest. And there is NO wrong place for a bow. This small accent or focal point of a garment or accessory can add a feminine and charming appeal to an already fabulous you!
How Spring/Summer 09 Runway Bows Down to Bows: Requiem, Giambattista Valli, Moschino
Shop Bows Now: 1. Alexis Mabille www.alexismabille.com 2. Mushroom Ruffle Dress by Gold Hawk, $285 3. Moschino Cheap and Chic Two Toned Bow Front Pump, $473, revolveclothing.com