Marc Jacobs is the Womenswear Designer of the Year.

FASHION QUICKIE: The Council of Fashion Designers of America, based in New York, selected Marc Jacobs the Womenswear Designer of the Year. Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag & Bone won Menswear Designer of the Year, and Alexis Bittar was Accessory Designer of the Year.

Pics of the event were taken by Steve Eichner

From the top: Marc Jacobs, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dakota Fanning, Rachel Weiz in Jason Wu, Jessica Biel, Various models from the show.

Shout out in the Examiner!!!

Woot, woot!
Here is my shout out bit:
A friend of mine, Elisa Hutchison L'Amour (my edit not Sarah's tee hee)—who dates back to my college days—has surprised me by becoming a couture milliner, or fashion designer specializing in hats. (She has consummate skill, so I’m not surprised that she CAN make hats. It’s just that, like me, she got her bachelor’s degree in journalism.)

Elisa, a fashion school graduate of the American InterContinental University in London, recently designed a cocktail hat of feline proportions. She has created a Hello Kitty fascinator, which I see is sewn with her usual Virgo precision. There are a lot of Sanrio fanatics and kawaii fashion connoisseurs out there, so I thought I’d spread the word.

Got cat scratch fever? You can ask Elisa about Hello Kitty and other hats via Twitter.

Here is the link..CHECK IT OUT!!! (please :p )
http://www.examiner.com/x-10873-LA-Health-and-Beauty-Examiner~y2010m3d17-To-top-it-off-Hat-craze-hits-Etsy-LA-Fashion-Week-PART-II-of-II?cid=examiner-email

Hello Kitty Inspired Cocktail Headband Sneak Peek + Poem

To herald in my latest collection soon to appear on etsy (newpollutiondesigns.etsy.com) my friend, published poet, author and journalist, Sarah Torribio has kindly created a poem for this happy occasion. I hope you enjoy!

CAT POWER
Kawaii means cute in Japanese
and you are, my Sanrio siren.
Hello, I wear my love for you
for all the world's admiring.

Your kittenish sense of fashion
and your enigmatic eyes
exude your proud philosophy:
"Dress well, and accessorize."

Please check out her health and beauty blog for the examiner at http://www.examiner.com/x-10873-LA-Health-and-Beauty-Examiner
----------------------------------------------
Here is the sneak peak vid for my Hello Kitty Inspired Headbands!



Happy Fashions from New Pollution Designs,
Elisa L'Amour xoxo

Alexander McQueen passed away

Here's a link to the article about McQueen from the Associated Press. It's a a real shock and a very sad day for fashion.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_britain_obit_mcqueen

McQueen found dead
By GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press Writer Gregory Katz, Associated Press

LONDON – Brilliant and controversial British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home Thursday, his company said, after anguished Internet postings that revealed his deep sorrow at the death of his mother. He was 40 years old.

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious. McQueen's representatives would not confirm British media reports that he had committed suicide.

McQueen's sudden death robbed the fashion scene of one of its most innovative and successful young designers. His clothes were sexy and distinctive, dramatic and different, perfect for red-carpet presentations and late night rock gatherings.

He made his name first in London, then wooed audiences in Paris, New York and Milan to take his place in the upper echelons of the design world.

Yet recently posted comments on his Twitter page showed that McQueen was distraught over the Feb. 2 death of his mother. He said he wanted his mother to rest in peace "but life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Using an obscenity, he added that he had had an "awful week" and said he had to "some how pull myself together and finish."

Little was immediately known about the circumstances surrounding his death, which came as the fashion elite was gathered in New York for a series of catwalk shows.

A presentation of McQueen's secondary label, McQ, had been scheduled for Thursday's opening day of New York Fashion Week. McQueen had never been expected at the show, which was quickly canceled.

Acclaim and honors came pouring for the talented, bearded man favored by celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Naomi Campbell and was named British Fashion Designer of the Year four times.

Despite the accolades, McQueen clung tenaciously to his privacy, turning down most interview requests and shying away from the post-show limelight other designers craved.

Known for his dramatic statement pieces and impeccable tailoring, he helped raise the profile of British fashion and was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 when she made him a Commander of the British Empire for his fashion leadership.

His pieces were coveted and treasured by stylish women across the globe.

"McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs," said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue.

Hal Rubenstein, a fashion director for InStyle magazine said McQueen started out tough and angry — in his work and attitude — but softened over time as he felt more appreciated by the industry.

McQueen, he said, was a master of integration of technology into fashion.

"He changed the way so many of us see shows."

Vivienne Westwood, perhaps Britain's most revered designer, said she was "incredibly sorry" to hear of McQueen's death.

The designer received his early fashion training at the Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design, long recognized for its fashion-forward approach and encouragement of Britain's talented young designers.

He learned the finer points of traditional men's tailoring at two famous, conservative Savile Row houses: Anderson and Sheppard and also Gieves and Hawkes.

"He was 16 when he came here," said John Hitchcock of Anderson and Sheppard. "He was a boy from Essex, he wanted to learn tailoring. He was a little bit different — he was very ambitious."

He said McQueen's success had inspired the next generation of designers.

After his Savile Row stint, McQueen started to develop his trademark, more theatrical designs, working with several other brands before first starting his own label in 1992.

He quickly earned a reputation for innovation that lasted until his death. His last name soon entered the fashion lexicon and become synonymous with new and cutting edge.

The company he founded was purchased by the Gucci Group, and he retained creative control of his own brand.

His runway shows — more often like performance pieces because they were so dramatic, and sometimes, bizarre — were always a highlight during the Paris ready-to-wear fashion week.

One of his previous collections included a show built around the concept of recycling, with models donning extravagant headwear made out of trash. His last collection, shown in October in Paris, featured elaborate and highly structured cocktail dresses. Critics raved.

His edgy creations have been seen on numerous red carpets, worn by A-list actresses, including Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz.

Lady Gaga recently made waves when she wore McQueen's spring 2010 lobster-claw shoes in her "Bad Romance" music video.

McQueen's death came days before London Fashion Week, an event McQueen had skipped in recent years.

___

Associated Press Writers Raphael G. Satter and Sylvia Hui in London, Jenny Barchfield in Paris and Samantha Critchell in New York contributed to this report.

Don't Wait, Express Yourself!!!

Red Carpet Veterans Hit or Miss at the 2010 Golden Globes

It's that time of year again kittens when the red carpet is rolled out for Hollywood's elite. Aside from the terrible cringe worthy questions from the interviewers, and the horribly boring unscripted answers from the lack luster actors, there is a bit of salvation...THE DRESSES. So let me know who you think was a hit or a miss in the posts belows. And feel free to write in an honorable mention if I missed someone noteworthy!


Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix

Drew Barrymore in Versace

Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Julia Roberts in vintage Yves St. Laurent

Kate Hudson in Marchesa

The Ingenue: Hit or Miss at the Golden Globes 2010

January Jones in Lanvin

Anna Paquin in Stella McCartney

Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

Olivia Wilde in Gucci

Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton

Did these lovely ingenues strut their stuff like you wanted. Did they live up to the Hollywood glamour of yesteryear? Let me know who you think was a hit or a miss on the red carpet in the comment box below.

Walking the Red Carpet with an Edge: Alterna Hollywood Actresses at the Golden Globes 2010: Hit or Miss

Chloe Sevigny in Roger Vivier

Ginnfer Goodwin in Vionnnet

Maggie Gyllenhaal in RM Roland Mouret

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

Toni Colette in Elie Saab

Did these actresses live up to your expectations? Do you like what you see? Let me know who you thought was a hit or a miss in this edition of Alterna Hollywood: Those who walk the red carpet with an edge.

Diva's at the Golden Globe 2010: Hit or Miss

Mariah Carey in Herve Leger

Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

Fergie in Elie Saab

Cher in Bob Mackie and Xtina in Versace

Did you love it or hate it? Tell me in the comment box who you vote for as a hit or miss in this edition of Diva's in Hollywoodland!

One for all...

V magazine has created a fantastic photo shoot for their Jan. 2010 issue. They placed two models(JACQUELYN JABLONSKI and CRYSTAL RENN)of two different sizes (model thin and model plus size 16) in the same clothes and put the photos together to show that size ain't nothing but a number. Both of these women look great but it's complete eye candy to see Crystal Renn look fierce and fabulous. (She is the size 16 model for reference, on the right.) Sometimes I find that fashion images can be stale because the models all look the same. This photo shoot just seems like a breath of fresh air. I want to see more people of all colors, sizes and genders looking fan-flaming-tastic! This is a good start.

I hope you enjoy the beautiful images.

Happy Fashions,
-Elisa

Photography Terry Richardson
Styling Mel Ottenberg
http://www.vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14368&p=1

Lady Gaga Barbie

Veik, a 29-year-old doll enthusiast and skilled DIYer from Beijing has created the ultimate Barbie doll for 2010! It's Lady Gaga personified in plastic and just as outlandish or fierce depending on what side of the fence you fall on.

Oh how I wish Mattel would jump on this idea and create a line of Pop Culture Barbie and Ken dolls...oh Mattel let it be true! Every fashionable girl and boy wants to own their very own Lady Gaga doll. Imagine the accessories...

Who do you think would make a great pop culture doll? I think Rihanna would be a good one...maybe Adam Lambert for Ken? But is he that popular? Input please!


(Photo Credit for all images: Veik)

Constant Craving...

If the shoe genie were to stop by my humble home and grant me five shoe wishes...these would be on my list. But of course for my last shoe wish I would ask for more shoe wishes because a girl can not survive on 5 shoes alone :)HA!

(above: Tabitha Simmons suede platform wedges from net-a-porter.com

(above: Marni suede peep toe platforms from net-a-porter.com

(above:Marc Jacobs grey suede wedge heel from zappos.com)

(above:Marc Jacobs steel wedge heels from zappos.com)

(above: Converse Herringbone All Stars from converse.com)

Take care and Happy Fashions,
_Elisa

Prrr...fect Prints!

Jaunt New York

Hi Everyone!

I just want to give a little shout out to the Spring/Summer 2010 launch of my friend (Diego Vela) and his design partner (Jeremy Freeze) clothing line Jaunt New York. The line (in my opinion) is a clash between sleek minimalism with its use of languid jersey knits and tricolor palette of black, gray and white and, the aggressiveness and playfulness of proportion of the 1980s. What makes this line interesting is that when all of these elements are combined it gives you clothing items that are instantly chic and cool yet accessible and uncomplicated to wear.





To check out more about their line find your way to this site. Great photographs at: http://www.jauntnewyork.com

Congratulations to Jaunt New York!

Happy Fashions,
_Elisa

Tragic People Never Look This Good...

What's not to like? It's voyeurism in a highly controlled environment where 'beautifully tragic' people get naked and get it on (well the suggestions of it anyway). In this months issue of MUSE: A FashionArt Magaizine a scantly clad Lindsay Lohan appears as the damsel du jour in the Winter 09 edition.

WANT TO SEE FOR YOURSELF? (http://www.ftape.com/media/?p=4656)

Here is an excerpt from the article. I am assuming it's from the photographer Yu Tsai who shot the video and photos. (Note: I could be wrong with the quote credit :P)

“I was always fascinated by Johnny Depp and Kate Moss, and when I asked Lindsay to do a shoot, she jumped at the chance. It was all about her being sexy, channeling Kate from the ’90s. When I suggested adding another girl, Lindsay invited Sofia, who is a friend and a dancer for Madonna. The three of them were very sensual and provocative, but Lindsay understands this piece was created not for any sensational value other than artistic integrity. There was never a discussion about pushing the boundaries. She was totally comfortable with the nudity as long as it had artistic integrity."

I don't know, I don't know! It all looks awesome and I love the vibe of the piece but it does seem more sensational than artistic when you use Lindsay Lohan for ANYTHING!!! Just my opinion though. Hopefully when I become really tragic and delve into the depths of my mania I will look this good =D

**Photos by Yu Tsai **

BLING ON CRACK aka Decoden...you have to have it!

Decoden or Deco-den is the Japanese equivalent of BLING OUT OF CONTROL!!! Take one plain item and make it better then ever!! And I for one love it. I always have loved things that are kitchy and fun and girly. I also love items that verge on gaudy but never ugly. Well, leave it to the Japanese to figure out that awesome medium. It's too cute and cool to be ugly but it's not for the faint of heart.

The other great thing about this decorating style is that anyone can do it. As long as your have a hard surface (read any gadgets new or old, compacts, mirrors...)you can decorate it with rhinestones and little plastic cuteness.

I have ordered supplies to make my own decoden phone and I can't wait to begin. There are plenty of tutorials on youtube (not all in English but you get the gist). So check them out. I suggest that you glue your items onto a phone or gadget cover so you have the option to change. But if you don't care I say GO FOR IT!!!

I will update you once I make my phone. Eeek...So Excited!!!!

Take care for now and HAPPY FASHIONS,
_Elisa