Young Poor & Angry Press

Right now there seem to be a blue million clothing companies. Most of them aren’t very legit. Carbon copies of whatever is trendy and popular at the time. Brands like Glamour Kills who mass market to the scene via bright neon colors and kitchy designs that won’t stand the test of time. As someone whose an avid collector of both band t-shirts and unique clothing finds I look for two things: is the design going to be something that’s only popular now and is it something I’m going to want to sport to the local bar as well as a date out. A lot of the time I end up disappointed with a lot of the brands that offer to send me wares. Then there are other clothing companies. Companies who make a mark and a lasting impression on anyone who wears them.

One such clothing company is To Die For. The company is “the product of two brothers love for art, music, and family” according to the the Welshers’ bio on their site. More than a decade the two, Jason Welsher, a drummer and staple in the Orange County hardcore, straight edge music scene, and Josh “Deph” Welsher an urban graffiti artist, toy designer, and skater, fused their influences into what we now know as To Die For clothing.

These guys are not only class acts, but stay true to their roots in the design and quality of their clothes. A lot of the designs are flash inspired that’s got a new school crossed with old school vibe to it. While their website might not be super flashy, they make up for it with a really simple ordering process and some bad ass clothes. I personally have a few shirts by them in my t-shirt collection and pull them out at least once a week.  Dig the sports colorways on the Tangled II, my only beef is that there isn’t a Red Sox colorway. Got to remedy that Jason and Deph!

The recession was the hot fuse to inspire the industries showcases this past FALL09 Fashion Week. Many a designer proved otherwise with their show-stopper and glitzy glamour induced pieces to help evade the clientele’s adoring-eye from the world’s steadfast economic struggle.

In the classic case of Alexander McQueen, there is no stopping his elusive imagination when it comes to the pieces he sent down the runway this season. Grab life by the horns and use every possible option; centerpieces at his show included huge heaps of past season themed pieces, make-up, styling, as well as hairpieces and hats proved there is no worry and to use what little you’ve got left to work with regardless of the material. Soda can hair rollers, hub-cap off center head pieces, trash bag bow ties, you name it. Amongst others, the recession wasnt only a main focus; many designers kept the bare essentials in mind, sleek suits, less than bold color palettes, and especially flattering silouettes highlighted this seasons mainstage.

FALL READY-TO-WEAR HIGHLIGHTS:
This season’s inspirations varied from S&M inspired leather thigh high boots, to broad shoulders in sequined exaggerated one piece ensembles. Four inch heels, exposed unmentionables, lengthy skirts trailing on the runway.

-Leather Pleasure, Biker Chic; Tough leather, embelished/destressed fabrics, heavy knits, Oversized/Androgyny
(See: Alexander Wang, Armand Basi, Balmain, Gareth Pugh, Julien Macdonald, Jean Paul Gaultier)

-Combining Like Terms, Sheer and Fitted; Mesh, elastic/strapy criss-cross accents, form fitting silouettes
(See: Andrew Gn, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci)

-Forties Shortie: Channeling Ingrid Bergman; Oversize Fur collars, knee-length wool coats, solid bold colors; nipped waist, pin-curls, long godet skirts
(See:Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Zac Posen, Bottega Veneta)

-80’s Revival, Tight and Cropped; Slick and chic, leather, latex, bondage, s&m vibe, subtle overaccesorized metal pieces, studs, perpetuating shoulders, fitted silouette
(See: Antonio Berardi, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Miss Sixty, Vivienne Westwood)

-Smart Shopper, Basic, Simply & Sleek, Cost efficiant; Sexy chic menswear inspired, budget conscious, dark color palette, corporate vibe, dropped crotch/high waisted, tucked in blouses, suspenders
(See: Burberry Prorsum, Calvin Klein Collection, Chanel, Derek Lam, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent)

Columnist’s Pick: GARETH PUGH, GIVENCHY, BALMAIN

I’ve personally always been a huge fan of Gareth Pugh’s work. This past season he channeled erie meets webbed disastor. Between the textures and embellishment choices he used in his pieces this past collection, his consistent rendering of black shaded color palette clashed so divinely with the novelty fabrics that complimented the body in every exxageration of the matter. I really do appreciate how he uses nothing but blacks and greys within more or less each of his seasons, if not a variety of white amongst the two. Being a designer myself, I’ve idolized his designs and conceptions as an inspiration on my aesthetic aswell, from the hairstyling, makeup, and accesories; his work is my number one highlight of every season past, particularly Fall 2009.

As for Givenchy and Balmain, these designers illuminated the concept of big shoulders, leather accents, feather boa trimmed seams, and no less black pieces to no end. Fitted, above the knee, tailored, and sleek. All qualities of a fine look for this Fall season; to purchase these items whether you be online or look in store you can check out these sites: http://www.openingceremony.us/ http://www.luisaviaroma.com/

‘If you have a particularly outstanding feature it is always a good thing to emphasize it. In fact the whole of fashion is emphasis — emphasis on a woman’s loveliness.’
-Christian Dior

Last night’s MTV Movie Awards should have been retitled the Twilight Awards.  As expected, the film swept most categories and fans had quite the view of Rob Pattinson during the show.  Highlight for me without a doubt was “Bruno’s” but cheeks on Eminem’s face.  From the look of things I’d say it was probably staged on Sacha Baron Cohen’s part.  Eminem looked completely horrified and left the award show immediately following the incident.  In any case, a fantastic publicity stunt for MTV and Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film “BRUNO”.

All young starlets where present and walked the red carpet.  Rob Pattinson and Zac Efron causing quite the ruckus with the fans in general.   Some of the ladies walking the red carpet where right on the money with their choice of looks.  Best dressed for me was Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester who looked edgy and stunning in an Emilio de la Morena  body fitting charcoal cut out dress.  Sienna Miller looked vibrant in an emerald green sparkly number from her and her sister’s line, Twenty8Twelve, paired up with metallic heels.  Even Kirsten Stewart managed to compromise by wearing her own black converse high tops together with a Yigal Azrouël Fall 2009 red and black patterned dress. I loved that Lauren Conrad took a risk by wearing a Moschino ruffled hem dress in navy blue and red floral patterns.  It might not have been to everyone’s taste, but I think she looked better than ever and it made a fashion statement now that she will not be participating anymore in The Hills.

A big disappointment for me was Cameron Diaz.  What was she thinking?  She usually manages to put her own spin to fashion choices she makes and gets away with them.  Not the case with her attire last night.  A Wal-Mart cashier looks better put together than she did for the Awards.  Another big no-no was Megan Fox.  The short dress was a beautiful gold floral pattern by Dolce Gabanna that looked gorgeous on her, but she completely ruined the impact of her attire by slicking back part of her hair like she didn’t have the time to wash it beforehand.  Paired with a completely fake orange tan and Louboutins that gave it a stripper feel, it’s being filed in Bella’s fashion fiasco section.  Miley Cyrus looked rather forgettable in a nude Moschino dress.  Where do I start with Rumur Willis, my oh my, she looked right out of a slasher film in a patchwork geometric one shoulder Pucci dress.  She should stick to simple, well cut dresses from now on.

I felt somehow like this year there was a lack of Hollywood glamour missing at the MTV Movie Awards.  There were almost more reality stars (oxymoron anyone?) in attendance than actual movie stars.  Hopefully next year the awards can, as in previous years, make a good combination of both…or at least a more fashionable one.

The pace at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival reached feverish heights during its second week. It seemed like parties, premieres and stars doubled in presence everywhere along the French Riviera.

Sunday night, Spanish director Alejandro Amenabar, whose previous credits include “The Others” and the original Spanish version of “Vanilla Sky”, premiered his new historical drama “Agora”. Rachel Weisz, who stars in the film, looked absolutely stunning in a strapless forest green Valentino gown with a high slit up the leg.

Oscar-winning Spanish actress Penelope Cruz was noticeably absent at Monday morning’s press conference to publicize her new film, the musical “Nine”, directed by Rob Marshall. Harvey Weinsten of Miramax Pictures mentioned that Cruz had “some sort of food poisoning”. In any case her beautiful costar, Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard, replaced Cruz as she was being treated by a doctor. “Nine” will open on November 2009 with such talents as Daniel Day-Lewis, the legendary Sofia Loren, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson and singer Fergie.

Feeling restored, Cruz hosted the Domino Charity Tournament at the Cannes House Villa later in the night. She arrived in a beautiful floor-length white vintage Chanel gown paired with a white tuxedo jacket. First time Domino player Paris Hilton came with beau du jour Doug Reinhardt. Also attending were Elsa Pataki and Orlando Bloom, with stunning model girlfriend Miranda Kerr in an orange cocktail dress. Rumor has it that during their time in Cannes the Australian actor proposed to her, as we have seen pictures of Kerr wearing a new diamond ring. Cruz stayed at the event for only 45 minutes and later retreated to rest for the premiere of her new Almodóvar film the next evening.

Across town the Chopard Awards Ceremony, which honors up-and-coming talent, took place at the Martinez Hotel. Seen there were Hillary Swank, wearing a metallic origami -inspired Armani Privé gown, and Marion Cotillard with her boyfriend, actor Guillaume Canet.

Later, Chopard celebrated the awards at its Trophy Party which took place at the Baoli Club. Celebrities, such as new LÓreal spokesmodel Evangeline Lilly, in Valentino, and model Eva Herzigova, wearing black Roberto Cavalli with detailed cut-out bodice, enjoyed the party.

Major elegance and beauty was also seen at the premiere of the film “Ne Te Retourne Pas”. This time Italian screen siren Monica Belluci and French actress Sophie Marceau doubled the glamour by wearing scarlet gowns by Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, respectively.

Tuesday morning, Penelope Cruz again struck gold at the photo call for her film “Broken Embraces”, wearing a nude strapless and draped Dolce and Gabbana gown and Christian Loboutin heels. Later in the night she chose a lavender embroidered Marchesa gown for the premiere of the film, where she arrived with Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodóvar.

The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Brad Pitt with Angelina Jolie, wearing Ferragamo, for a 60-crew-member dinner of Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” at Michelangelo restaurant, where actors Rob Pattinson and Emile Hirsch made a late entrance. Rob Pattinson drew enormous amounts of paparazzi for a photo call earlier in the day to promote the sequel to Twilight.

On Wednesday night, Cannes reached its frenzy for the premiere of “Inglorious Basterds” as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie walked the red carpet. She looked absolutely ravishing in a nude creation by Versace Atelier with a dangerous high slit up her leg. Also looking fantastic were Diane Kruger, who costars in the film, in a Marchesa gown and Rob Pattinson in a Dolce and Gabanna tuxedo. Dita von Teese looked immaculate and glamorous as always in Christian Dior. I’m not quite sure if I fancy the Balmain dress Sharon Stone chose to wear.

The after party of the film was a total hit and it seems that Jolie might have had too many celebratory vodkas from the look of some images from the night. Paris Hilton, who has attended more parties than any actor or celebrity at Cannes, caused quite some scandal as well when she decided to dirty dance with Doug Reinhardt at a party she was hosting. A lot of tongues, underwear and get-a-room moves were captured by cell phones and paparazzi alike.

Later in the week the star studded Aids Benefit Amfar took place. Arriving at it where hostess Sharon Stone, wearing stunning black Christian Dior; actress Eva Green, who missed completely with hair and makeup for her fuchsia Indian inspired Christian Dior; Elsa Pataki in beaded Armani Privé; Hayden Panettiere (who could’ve used some gloss on her lips) in Marchesa; Eva Herzigova (looking worn out from all the previous partying since her arrival at Cannes) in red Dolce and Gabanna; Rob Pattinson once again in a Dolce and Gabanna tuxedo; supermodel Claudia Schiffer (still needing her teeth whitened) in black Dolce and Gabanna; Marion Cotillard in a Dior gown (the color of which was quite unflattering); and Robin Wright Penn, who had been looking extremely lovely during all events until this one. The same day that her husband Sean Penn announced his decision not to move on with divorce papers, she missed the mark in her choice of dress. Actress Diane Kruger looked beautiful in Chanel and participated in the auction show as did Rob Pattinson, who managed to get two fathers to pay $25000 each for a kiss on the cheek for their daughters from the sexy Twilight actor.

Even in tough economic times, good money was raised benefiting the Aids research charity Amfar. Until next year, this is it for the Cannes report.