Inset: Matthew Williamson at the Factory Girl London premiere. Photo source: Caroline Bonarde Ucci at the Wikipedia Commons

“Rome, 11^th March 2010. Bulgari has appointed British fashion designer Matthew Williamson to design a capsule collection of handbags for Spring/Summer 2011.

The capsule collection will be the first collaboration between Bulgari and a fashion designer, and will be presented during Milan Fashion week in September 2010.”

Will Matthew be to Bulgari what Marc is to Louis Vuitton, I wonder?

Matthew Williamson became a fashion household name in 1997 (showing for Spring-Summer 1998) with his infamous debut collection, “Electric Angels.” Presented during London Fashion Week, had supers (Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, and Linda Evangelista)  modeling a collection of brightly colored shifts in stark color combinations,

At the finale of his first show, Matthew takes a bow with Kate Moss. Screencap from http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/pinboard.php

Kate Moss wearing a hot pink and aqua silky slip dress and turquoise cardigan. Screencap from http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/pinboard.php

sheer shifts that have made a comeback today,

Linda Evangelista with geisha-style blush and liner. The sheer top of the shift dress has an embroidered peacock feather. Screencap from http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/pinboard.php

and even a cobweb dress.

Screencap from http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/pinboard.php

Modeled by no less than Helena Christensen. Screencap from http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/pinboard.php

He succeeded Christian Lacroix as the Creative Director for the House of Emilio Pucci in 2006 (Fall 2006 Collection), his penchant for brights and his knack for prints a good match for the brand. He  ended his stint in Spring 2009 with a modern take on the label’s signature op-art patterns.

Photo from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-PUCCI

Today, he is focusing on his eponymous label, having presented his Fall 2010 collection at the recently culminated London Fashion Week.

http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/collections.php

What’s curious is how a designer who, as Hadley Freeman of Style.com described in his review of Matthew’s recent collection, “will always be best known, probably to his grudging chagrin, for making bright young things for bright young things,” will mesh his design style with that of a brand as steeped in tradition as Bulgari.

Read more about Bulgari’s tradition of craftsmanship >>

According to Bulgari’s CEO, Francesco Trapani, “We chose Matthew Williamson for the great sense of color and design he brings to his work, which resonates with our brand’s rich history.” In much the same way that he went back to the label’s roots when he did his first collection for Emilio Pucci, perhaps a new spin on the signature handbags is in store–brightly colored and beaded evening pochettes, maybe; the double lion of the Leoni collection or even the Doppio Tondo used as graphic elements instead of predictable hardware? One can only guess.

If the bags are slated for release in Spring-Summer 2011, then it might be safe to expect a set that’s light and bright. My only question is, out of Bulgari’s 279 stores worldwide, will the collection happen to land in Manila?

Find Bulgari in Style Bible’s Shop Directory >>

Isha.

"Open me!"

…of more irresistible beauty products I go. Paul & Joe Beaute’s latest-released Disney collection features none other than our favorite precocious tea-sipping, adventure-seeking blonde, Alice herself, charmingly rehashed for fans of the 1951 cartoon (and all ephemera before and after). After seeing the movie last week, I actually felt a tangible pang after the end-credits rolled; like a song on repeat, I desperately did not want to come down from the visual high that was Burton’s Alice In Wonderland. The dreamy, vintage-y, reusable tin of essentials – with blotting tissues and a sublime, delicately-tinted lip treatment (choose from pink or peach) – means I actually, magically, might not have to.

- Eunice, Preview Associate Editor

Paul & Joe Collection 2010 Disney Character Alice edition (two designs), P2850, Rustan’s.

Yvonne curling her model's lashes with a spoon.

But a little background first. I was actually attending a makeup demonstration done by Yvonne Hawker from the cosmetic school Make-Up Designory or MUD for short, which created its own eponymous brand of makeup products and tools.

The audience was pretty much content watching Yvonne do her thing from a distance up until it was time to curl her model’s lashes. Taking out a spoon, she carefully curled her model’s eyelashes with the protruding side of the utensil facing the ceiling and her thumb secured on the model’s face right below the lashes. She described the process to be like curling ribbon using a pair of scissors. The result was evenly curled lashes from the inner to outer corners of the eye.

I’m not too sure that I’ll be trying this on myself or on any of my friends anytime soon, but it’s always refreshing to see how it’s not always the newest, most technologically advanced products that produce the best results. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to see that effective makeup tools could be found right in our homes, or as Yvonne will probably tell you, right on the dinner table!

Reggie

Lady Gaga Vs. Jolina Magdangal

Lady Gaga photo from People.com

Jolina channeled the over the top popstar during the MYX Awards. Yet her foray into the avante garde caught us a bit off-guard. Personally, I’m all for reinventing yourself but somehow this look doesn’t sit too well in my stomach. From the oversized donut sitting atop her head reminiscent of Gaga’s hair-bows to the strange liner circles extending out of the corner of her eyes, perhaps next time Jolina should try to shock us all by wearing something a little more original.

Taylor Momsen Vs. Kim Chiu

Taylor Momsen photo from Ok! January 2010

Both gifted with porcelain skin, it isn’t surprising that Kim looked to Gossip Girl’s bad girl for some inspiration. Although it would be nice to see Kim trying out a grungier look ala Taylor, she should stay away from the waxy foundation that gives Jenny Humphrey that plastic façade. I’d definitely love to see Kim experimenting more with her hair and make up choices rather than repeatedly going back to her girl-next-door look.

Megan Fox Vs. Ruffa Guttierez

Megan Fox photo from People.com

Kudos to Ruffa for daring to go in the footsteps of a Fox but unfortunately perhaps she should have opted for interpreting the look less literally. From the blood red color to the asymmetrical shoulder to the thigh-high slit and the slicked back hair, every element is too spot on. There is a way to adapt some elements of your peg without looking like a carbon copy.

Anyway, the moral of the story, copy with caution! And if you do choose to wear a look previously done, make sure to wear it better and knock it out of the park!

Reggie

Louis has always done amazing beadwork, I still remember the fashion editorial styled by Leica Carpo that featured the beaded denims that launched his career as a designer. (Imagine an ornately embroidered and embellished peacock on a pant leg.)

“The inspiration comes from sci-fi films of the 50’s and 60’s, like ZsaZsa Gabor’s “Queen of Outer Space,” he explains. He painstakingly meticulously hand-beaded these pearls and sequins on organza, which he shredded to achieve, as he says, “the furry effect.”

Personally, I see a pop star like Beyonce totally rocking this look. (Sarah G, your next concert, maybe?) My only question is, would a life-size version be heavy?

Loving the sparkle, Louis!

A designer wardrobe for Barbie, how wickedly decadent! I can hear the rich little girls already, “Daddy, I want that one!”

Isha.

Cary brought his Barbies for the Ballet Philippines auction with him last Saturday at the National Museum, as he was one of the guest speakers for the Preview + Slim’s fashion lecture on Couture Construction and Conservation.

He said they were all versions of gowns he’d created in the past for clients.

Notice the intricate pleating on fan-like tiers.

Cary demonstrated how to construct a garment on a body form that day, going through the meticulous workmanship involved in couture construction (video, coming soon). He also explained how these micro-pleats are individually created on the bodice, to produce that fine, even pattern.

Notice how the top layer of tulle on the skirt bears his signature laser-cut filigree patterns; even the shawl has a laser-cut edge. It’s amazing how weightless it looks despite all the layers.

This gown is simply amazing! The circular paillettes that increase in size as they go down the skirt; the elegant, sweetheart neckline; and the lasercut veil make this a dream wedding gown.

If my memory serves me right, Juana Manahan-Yupangco’s bridal gown was of a similar, if not the same, design and she looked stunning in the photos I saw.

This is my personal favorite. I’m so in love with the serpentina silhouette and how it skims the body. This particular dress feels so French, with all the tiny bows adorning the neckline and skirt. Even the hairstyles felt like French-style wigs–adorned with crystals, no less–harking back to Marie Antoinette, as though they were made to resemble the young queen. John Herrera, who is currently being mentored by Cary, said that Cary asked a hair stylist friend in Cebu to primp and coif each Barbie.

I asked Cary about how to store these fairly large gowns (it would be tragic if the shape was ruined due to poor storage!). He said that he has special boxes made for each gown, to ensure that each piece stays properly intact.

I have a feeling that the bidding on these will go quite far. If you’re one of the lucky ones who owns a Cary Santiago gown, wouldn’t it be lovely to have a miniature version to keep, as well?

Isha.

P.S. View more pics in Daryl’s blog here.

The article quotes, ‘”We believe in the future of the brand,” said Polet, speaking at PPR’s annual results presentation here. “Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I;”‘ also adding that the brand’s Fall 2010 collection will be shown at the coming Paris Fashion Week.

Readers of the online fashion source have begun to speculate about Lee McQueen’s replacement; the names Gareth Pugh and Olivier Thyskens popping up in the comments section.

Another reader posted a link to a Fashion Television CTV video showing an interview with the late designer in 2006, and his feelings about his brand continuing in his absence.

Lee McQueen: If I ever get that old, and I’m still around, and I leave my company, I’ll just burn the place down; as if no one were there.

Interviewer: Really so you’d never let somebody carry on with the McQueen tradition, with the McQueen brand, if you weren’t actively involved?

Lee McQueen: Um, I don’t think so. Because that same person will have to come up with the concepts for my show and my shows are so personal. That cannot be. Then it turns into an awful Runway of non-existenceness.

I wonder if all founding fathers/mothers of design houses feel this way. What would Coco say about Karl; Dior about Galliano; or Givenchy about Tisci? The new guns all have a more current take on the aesthetic of their predecessors.

But what could be fresher than Lee McQueen’s ever-changing, ever-bold imagination and driving force? That’ll be a tough act to follow.

Isha.

“My inspiration for my Barbie collection is DREAM WEDDINGS.”

“I love doing weddings! These are mini-versions of the weddings gowns that I’ve made for real brides in the past.”

“I played with flowers, texture, lines, cottons, and layers.”

I think what makes designing for Barbie especially fun is that you’re at liberty to go overboard on the volume. She consumes less fabric, making it easier on the design budget, plus you don’t have to worry about her tripping on her skirt or complaining about the weight. She just stands and looks absolutely pretty in her wedding gown.

I imagine Eric having a field day with these pint-sized ball gowns. I wish I had his number when my dolls were still in action! What would Ken wear?

Isha.

"Still finishing the beadwork on this one," commented James.

“My inspiration for my Barbie collection is the black swan from Swan Lake. Also, I’ve been obsessed over Madame Slim and how she constructs clothes.”

"Still adding a few more sparkles," was his caption for this dress.

“And while doing this collection, I was listening to Smashing Pumpkins,” he added. ” So the entire collection took on a dark, glam-rock, villainess theme.”

I love the feathered headdress. It feels like a Russian Ushanka hat, lending it a cold, wintry feeling.

“I used different types of black fabric–from taffeta to duchess satin,” he goes on to describe.

The feather overskirt reminds me of a tutu. Wouldn't it be so wonderful to watch Swan Lake and see our ballerinas wearing designer tutus?

“I embellished the clothes with feathers and beads. I also played around with volume, taking inspiration from the graceful shape of the swan.”

Look at this glorious cape! Could it be inspired by that extensive bridal train at the Slim's exhibit? I love that he created a look with pants. She would look beautiful on my bookshelf.

“Overall, it’s the dark side of Barbie! Haha!”

I think this Odile looks a lot like Russian royalty. I love seeing Barbie look austere, in clothes far removed from her usual bubblegum pop get-ups.

Isha.

http://supermodeloftheworld.com/contest/fashion-week-ny-fw10/

http://supermodeloftheworld.com/contest/fashion-week-ny-fw10/

Armed with a setcard (above) and castings (see below for MTC),

she’s set to follow in the footsteps of Anna Bayle.

She’s been spotted in Style.com’s extensive coverage of New York Fashion Week 2010 at a number of shows.

The biggest casting so far: walking for Diane von Furstenberg,

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-DVFURSTE/

landing a spot in the beauty coverage from the show too!

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/beauty/F2010RTW-DVFURSTE

Modelling two looks of Shaun Kearney’s Fall collection for Cynthia Steffe;

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-CSTEFFE

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-CSTEFFE?viewall=true

and another two for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, Wayne Lee, whose Fall 2010 collection is only her second to date.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-WAYNE

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-WAYNE?viewall=true

She also got to try big hair at Rachel Comey

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-RCOMEY?viewall=true

and Lacoste.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-LACOSTE?viewall=true

It helps that she’s receiving a lot of good feedback. Apart from a thread in The Fashion Spot, whose pages have already hit double digits (thank you to Paolo Mendoza for the heads up via email!), Hint Fashion Magazine also tweeted, “with her statuesque frame, Filipina sensation Charlene Almarvez–or Chat, for short–is the talk of the town,” on January 29.