Project Runway Legal Mess

While skimming NY Mag, I saw this brief article:

The legal battle among the studios and networks fighting for control over “Project Runway” .... stem from a decision by the Weinstein Company, which produces “Project Runway,” to move the show from Bravo to Lifetime. NBC Universal, the parent company of Bravo, has sued the Weinstein Company, which has sued Bravo, and Lifetime sued them all, saying that the channel had exclusive rights to the show.... A sixth season of the show remains up in the air, pending resolution of the suits.

So Project Runway's move to Lifetime didn't work out so well. NBC sued the Weinstein brothers because they want to keep PR on Bravo. I considered a lawsuit to be a logical action taken by NBC since PR is the most popular show on that network, to lose it would be a big blow. Bravo thought they had a lasting agreement with the Project Runway producers but Lifetime swiped the show for $150 mil for the next five seasons. No doubt NBC/Bravo was pissed by the deal.

Then Weinstein Co. counter sues by claiming that Bravo intentionally refused to promote Season 5 by having few and not well done ads, showing spoilers, and limiting press about the season premier date. Huh? I watched season 5 and didn't notice any of those things.

Now Lifetime is suing both NBC and Weinstein Co. claiming they have exclusive rights and NBC is wrongfully blocking the cable channel from airing future Project Runway episodes. They sued the producers for selling rights to "Project Runway" without fully disclosing the potential conflict with NBC. Sounds like people are just pointing fingers at this point.

Lifetime can't show any PR stuff until these lawsuits are settled and have pushed back the premier date to Summer '09. In the meantime, Bravo is creating an eerily similar fashion design show, but America gets to vote who's in and who's out. I hope it doesn't end up as ridiculous as 'Make Me a Supermodel.'

Thakoon- Finally!

I haven't been this excited over a Target Go International collection since... probably Erin Fetherston. Okay, Richard Chai got me pretty excited too, but the other collections of late have been unimpressive. Now Thakoon on the other hand is a pattern mixer master. The green plaid-ish dress from F/W 08 is divine and I've been spotting it everywhere. And Michelle Obama wore his dress during Barack's acceptance of Democratic nomination speech.

So I'm a day late heading over to Target but this is what I find in Thakoon's collection. I love the Shibori print in white and navy. The cardigan is a winner, I just know it. Whether it'll still be available in my size months later at 50% off is questionable.

$32.99

There's also this purple trench coat that looks almost like a Pollick painting from far away. It would look great with a grey scarf, black tights, and patent leather boots.

$44.99

Thakoon's Shibori dress is also worth taking a look at. The image provided on the target site (right) was not that flattering, but when it's umbuttoned and tied around the waist, it's très chic.

$39.99

While over at Target, I couldn't resist taking a look at Hayden-Harnett's collection as well. I was initially put off by the ad on Vogue because I hated the square-formed-from-four-triangles hardware on some of the bags. However, once taking a look at the entire collection, I'm actually impressed. I love the stud work on these clutches and bags.

Clutch: $19.99 Handbag: $44.99

I also think this patterned bag is a great piece for fall (although it's already winter!). Pair it with the same color brown riding boots and you've got your fall look.

$49.99

Black, White, Grey, and Blue

I love the combination of black, white, grey, and blue this season. It's all the rage on the runways and high-end department stores for Fall/Winter 08. Soon we'll see these colors in the bargain bins at Walmart if Miranda Priestly is correct.

Theory's geometric print

Nina Ricci silk dress

Fendi paneled dress

Dana Buchman's colorblock

Cynthia Steffe Fall 08 chic runway look

Ann Taylor upside down V panel dress

Deliciously Cute

Yum Yum, an online French boutique, has fun, whimsical creations that delight the child in me. I love the homemade, arts and craft- feel. You just know a lot of time was dedicated to each piece. From pin cushion- like flowers to cheerful bird mobiles, these creations are sure to delight.

This mobile is so dainty. I love the touch of Japanese influence in the Sakura fabric.

A bold, statement necklace that is in vogue (from Burberry, Lanvin, Dries van Noten, and so many FW08 and SS09 runway shows). I love the different play of textile texture and pattern. The flower pattern really reminds me of Marimekko.

Pin-cushion Flowers!!

I have a certain weakness for Japanese dolls. Every time I land in Narita Airport I always buy some wooden Japanese dolls in the duty free shops. These are just adorable- I want, I want!

Muliplicity of Use

Since everyone's wallet is stretched a little tight this year, maybe we should try to be a little more creative with our existing wardrobe. There are some things that can be worn in different ways. It's fun and economical to put an unconventional spin on something you already own. Maybe try wearing a skirt as a top or a shawl as a kimono. While surfing the web, I found some great ideas from American Apparel and Issey Miyake on how one item can be worn in many different ways.

AA's Bandeau Dress can easily transform from a dress to skirt. It can be worn tied around the neck or strapless. There are over 15 possibilites.

Click here for more suggestions and a video how-to guide.

American Apparel's innovative spirit doesn't stop there. This season they came out with the circle scarf- a long piece of fabric with ends sown together. It can be wrapped around the neck like a traditional scarf but it can also double as a cardigan or minidress.

And then there's Issey Miyake's Madame T:8 shawl. It's basically a large stiff fabric with a hole cut in the center for the head.

Click here for videos on how to create the outfits seen below.

Watching the model create the kimono (first picture) is really cool!

Christmas Wish List

Tights


Even though colored opaque tights were a fad from last winter, I can't help but to be drawn to them. They add a burst of color under a simple dress. I only started loving tights in the last year- but they have all been black. The dusty blue tights from StockinGirl look divine, and I would be delighted to own a pair.

I would also love to have a pair of absolutely lux tights in a muted grey. These Wolford tights are ideal! Comfortable, durable, and so classy. Can't say they come cheap though.



Shoes

I swore to myself that when I get married, I would wear Peter Fox. He has one of the best collections of wedding shoes. So when I saw this pair on sale for $60 (orig. $255) with the last two in my size, I was so tempted to buy them. Then I reasoned that I probably won't need wedding shoes for at least five more years and they'll just sit in the back of my closet. Maybe if someone else buys them, I won't feel so guilty.

Badgley Mischka is a label that is both coquettish and lady-like. There's an elegance to the design but little frills like pleats and beading are youthful and flirty. This shoe exudes those qualities which makes it special in any shoe closet. It's a perfect holiday party shoe. It's flat and comfortable so you can mingle for hours. The bronze beading is stunning and sure to receive compliments. To get them for under $100 at SmartBargains.com is a steal!

The thing I love most about winter is wearing boots. I can very comfortably add 3 inches to my height. Banana Republic's Charlie ankle boots are just gorgeous. I would love to trample on snow with these except for fear of getting them dirty.




Gloves

These turguoise leather gloves by Carolina Amato are simply gorgeous and classic. $26 is pretty affordable but I hope the quality is good. They are pretty, but it'll be for naught if they don't keep my fingers toasty.

When You're Feel Blue

Tiffany's brings happiness to you!

Oh the joy a pretty light blue box can bring! Happy Holidays!

Kooba Galore

There's something decidedly 'cool' about Kooba. Their line of leather handbags are constructed thoughtfully but not overwrought. The design is graceful but carelessly so. The bags easily go with any outfit, so it's a great everyday bag, but the special touches make them statement pieces that will get noticed in a sea of handbags. It's very different from Valentino or Prada bags that are so beautiful and delicate that you just want to place in a display case; the Kooba bag is edgy, tough, but casual. I can easily see this bag on an Alexander Wang girl. I would love to see a collaboration between the two brands, that is if Wang doesn't try designing bags under his own label. It certainly seems likely now that Wang won the CDFA award and has been collabing with Shu Uemura and Mattel.

Left to right: Rachel Shoulder Bag, Tracy Hobo, and Lilly Shoulder Bag
Images: Neiman Marcus