Thread Conscious

January 22, 2011

Rodarte Denied Top Design Credit for Black Swan

Natalie Portman, Rodarte, Black Swan, tutu

Recently, I wrote about Natalie Portman’s Golden Globe win for Black Swan and mentioned Rodarte’s role in designing the amazing costumes worn by Portman.  As it turns out, Rodarte won’t receive the top credit as the costume designer for the movie.  That accolade will likely go to Amy Westcott, the “front credit” designer for Black Swan. 

Apparently Kate and Laura Mulleavy were able to get a “backend” credit for their contribution to the film, and have learned a valuable lesson: always negotiate your credit upfront before signing on the dotted line.  For further reading about Rodarte and Black Swan, see Fashionista.com.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

January 17, 2011

Media Monday: Natalie Portman Wins Golden Globe for Black Swan

Natalie Portman, Golden Globes

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Well, as I’m sure you know, the Golden Globes were last night.  Congrats to the luminous Natalie Portman for her win for Best Actress for Black Swan.  Portman was featured in this month’s Vogue, dishing about her dark and disturbing portrayal as Nina, a ballerina who destroys herself in the pursuit of perfection.  I have not seen Black Swan yet, because I first heard that it was a horror film, which I don’t do.  At all.  However, now it’s been categorized as a psychological thriller, which I can stomach, even though it’s not my favorite genre.  I’m looking forward to seeing Ms. Portman’s award-winning performance and I’ve always respected her talent, from her first role in “The Professional” to now.

Natalie Portman, Rodarte, Black Swan, tutuPerhaps fittingly, dynamic design duo Rodarte was responsible for the creation of the tutusworn by Portman.  Rodarte’s signature is deconstructed garments, which display a dichotomy of both dream and nightmare, and embody discipline and passion, which I imagine parallels the movie itself.

To accept her award, Portman donned a pretty pink Viktor & Rolf dress, accented with an unfortunate red rose at the decolletage.  It would’ve been better if she had had a tailor completely prune the distracting and awkward flower.  On a positive note, Portman’s choice in roles has earned her the respect of her peers and fans worldwide.  She truly is one of the best actresses of her generation and very deserving of her award. So  congratulations toNatalie Portman, Best Actress Golden Globe winner.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

December 18, 2010

I Dreamt of H&M and Now It’s Open at Northpark Center

Dear Fashionistas,

I have never been so sad and so excited at the same time.  I was at the Mavs game last night (yay Mavs!) and a friend told me that H&M was already open in Northpark.  I know, WTH?!  How did I miss this?!  My friend was at Northpark and saw people walking around with H&M shopping bags and discovered that a preview store had opened.  That’s right, a-preview-store.  I almost fell out of my chair!  As I tried not to hyperventilate, I took to my phone to scour the H&M website for confirmation.  Sadly, there was none to be found.  However, another search turned up the Examiner, which reported that the preview store opened on Wednesday, December 8th and will close in April 2011 in preparation for the actual H&M megastore grand opening in October 2011.  (Say that fast 5 times…)  For a sneak peek preview, click here

Here’s a pic of the jacket my friend was wearing that started the whole H&M conversation.  She got hers in New York, but the Northpark location has them as well.

Photo Credit: H&M Northpark

But the madness didn’t stop there.  I was so distressed that I actually dreamt about H&M last night.  Was it the quesadilla or peanut butter cookie I ate at the Mavs game?  I don’t know, but I dreamt I showed up to shop and snap pics for the blog of course, looking trés cute, I might add.  Then an impromptu mini-fashion show started in the middle of the store and as it finished I began taking pics of guests.  Two guys walked past me, one of whom stopped and said, “I love what you’re wearing.  It’s sooo….casual.”  Say what?  Casual?  In the words of Murray in Clueless, “Are you b*#%&^$ blind or somethin’?!”  I looked down and my belle ensemble  had morphed into a purple t-shirt with yellow trim on the sleeves, silky purple wind pants with a yellow stripe down the leg, white socks and black sporty sandals.  Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!   What a friggin’ nightmare!  And to add insult to injury, aren’t purple and gold the colors of the Phoenix Suns?  As if.  Oh, it’s purple and orange, you say?  Close enough.  And still ugly.

Mavs Defense

Mavs Offense

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 29, 2010

Bag Magic: Bewitching Bags for Fall

Photo Credit: Look.co.uk

I have to admit, there’s something subdued and luxuriously languid about Fall in general…and October in particular.  While I don’t pay much attention to Halloween, this somber and spooky month does seem to put me under some kind of spell or mood, but in a good way.  It’s probably the anticipation of reviving the winter wardrobe as the Texas heat reluctantly surrenders to Autumn.  Yes, it must be excitement, as the universe ushers in a welcomed change of seasons, both in terms of nature and fashion. I’m a big fan of color, but we all know that black is infinitely, if not fundamentally, stylish. 

Take this memorable look from Carrie Bradshaw (who could forget anything she wears!) in the Sex and the City movie.  You remember, this is right after the scene in which Miranda quips that the only two Halloween costume options for women are witch and sexy kitten.  Somehow, Carrie seems to channel both in this black on black number.  She exudes tough-girl-chic and vulnerability effortlessly.  After all, in this scene, the still-single Carrie confronts her Vogue bridal shoot- and her failed attempt at marriage to Mr. Big.  Despite Carrie’s disastrous relationship woes, I literally wanted to applaud this ensemble when I saw it.  I love dark colors and black really is beautiful!  

Then I started thinking, “this overall look has a sort of modern goth, sexy witch thing going on- what handbags have the same look and feel?”  Below, you’ll find some of my favorite “bewitching bags”- I really am spellbound!  

Gustto Berlina Clutch

Gustto Berlina Clutch

 I fell for this adorable “bat-eared” clutch about 2 years ago online- admittedly it was in white when I first laid eyes on it.  But I’ve been obsessed with it ever since!  It sold out before I could get one, and I’ve been looking for another in white ever since.  Photo credit: www.thisnext.com 

Botkier Sophie Tote

Botkier Sophie Large Tote in Black

 Is it just me, or do the side pockets make this purse look like a rotisserie chicken?  I do love the diagonal zippers…not too much fuss, but just the right touch of metal and leather fringe.  Photo credit: Avelle.com   

Botkier Sophie Tote

Botkier Sophie Small Tote in Brown

 Here’s the same bag in cognac…I think I actually like this one more than the black purse.  Surprisingly, the hardware pops a little more against the brown.  Photo credit: Avelle.com  

Treesje Studded Leather Tote

Treesje Studded Leather Tote

 I love the shape of the Treesje purse, and the studs toughen it up.  If possible, this would look good worn cross-body style as well.  Photo credit: www.thepurselover.com 

Prada vernice medium bowler in patent leather black

Prada Vernice Medium Bowler

 I’m usually not a fan of the “quilted” look or patent leather for that matter, but the marriage of the two here is just so apropos!  I love that Prada did something different with the quilted pattern, as the structual zig zags add visual interest to the bag.  Photo credit: www.kaboodle.com 

 Last thing, if anybody knows the designer of the coat Carrie’s wearing, PLEASE let me know.  I did find out that the studded belt is vintage and that Patricia Field was selling exact replicas on her site here.  Original price was $120 but now it’s 50% off!  However, it seems the only size left is XS.  Now that’s just evil. 

Fashionably Yours, 

Nik

May 29, 2010

Sex & the City 2: A Must See Movie!

What’s better than Sex?  Apparently, more of it.  I personally thought that there shouldn’t be a Sex & the City 2…the first movie definitely delivered the goods and I felt they should quit while they’re ahead…

I was wrong.

SATC 2 is, well, decadent, sensuous and sumptuous and whatever else you can think of that is anti-recession.  It is a sensory overload of fashion, sisterhood and unabashed indulgence, you know, just like the latest nightclub craze but without the pesky hang over or regrettable one-nighter.  No, SATC 2 and its lush scenery linger on your mind and invite you to get lost in the imagery and adventure.

With that said, I won’t spoil it for my SATC Sisters (and Brothers, you know who you are) who have yet to view this jewel of a film, but I’ll just give you a quick synopsis:

The movie picks up 2 years later and we get to see how everyone’s relationships have progressed- or regressed- as it were.  There’s an overall sense of dissatisfaction by the girls that drives the story line: dissatisfaction with work, children, aging and the monotony of marriage.  To alleviate the frustration, the girls jet away to luscious and sizzling Abu Dhabi for an all-expenses-paid vacation secured by PR genius Samantha Jones.  The ladies always travel in style- from the suites on the plane to four white Maybachs to personal attendants, there was no shortage of ultra-luxury.  All I gotta say is if my lottery ticket hits, I’m heading east.

While I love the stars of the movie, I think my favorite character this time was all the luxury services rather than, gasp, the fashion.  Don’t get me wrong, I was mesmerized from the first scene, with Carrie’s neck sporting a $200,000 bejeweled stunner by none other than my jewelry crush, Solange Azagury-Partridge, but once they stepped on that plane, that mansion on wings, I was blown away by the unbelievable spoiling, I mean customer service.  Lastly, I’m excited about the book SATC 2: The Stories.  The Fashion.  The Adventure.  It’s a break down of all the clothes Carry wore in the movie- I can’t WAIT to get my hands on it!  See below for an example of the contents.

For those of you who haven’t seen it, I hope you make it out to the theaters this weekend- you won’t be disappointed- Carrie On!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

« Newer Posts

Copyright © 2009-2012 threadconscious.com. Powered by WordPress