Design

WHY WE BELIEVE THAT BRAD AND ANGELINA REALLY ARE ENGAGED THIS TIME

After many years of false cover stories on magazines announcing that Brad and Angelina were secretly engaged or even married, it’s finally happened for real. We know it’s true because Brad designed Angelina’s ring and the jeweler he collaborated with verified the news. It’s not the first time Brad has designed jewelry. He also designed his and hers engagement rings for himself and Jennifer Aniston. At that time he worked with the Italian jeweler Damiani, who promptly knocked off his design and sold a less expensive version until Brad sued the company. This time around Brad worked with Beverly Hills jeweler Robert Procop to create an exclusive ring. Procop provides much of the jewelry Angelina wears for special events and advertises that fact.

DESIGN STAR: MEDIOCRITY IS THE PARAGON

We’ve been bombarded with publicity for “Fashion Star” that debuted last night, and being big fans of “Project Runway,” we made a point to see it. It’s much glitzier than “Runway” – the set is extravagant and features a runway for the numerous mini-fashion shows. Host Elle Macpherson is a bit more likeable than Heidi Klum, and the judges, Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, (yes, they have men’s wear too!) and Jessica Simpson, are observant and talkative. The gimmick of having buyers from H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, purchasing the designs they like for their stores is innovative. But there’s one big fat problem: the fashions are beyond boring! The first group of designers presented creations we’ve already seen and walked past in stores for YEARS. “Runway” designers are encouraged to be innovative, “Fashion Star” competitors are urged to please the masses. It’s difficult to imagine any of these designers becoming successful with such UNMEMORABLE clothes. Perhaps having to please chain store buyers stifles creativity- it might be better to have cool boutiques doing the buying.

MICHELE OBAMA IN HER VINTAGE NORMAN NORELL

Courageous Michelle Obama has done something no first lady has ever done before – she actually wore a second hand dress to a major event in Washington! She wore a 1950’s cocktail dress designed by American designer Norman Norell to a Christmas in Washington concert. It’s believed to have come from the shop New York Vintage. Vintage designer fashion has been quietly growing in popularity because celebrities want something different and these glamorous fashions are beautifully made and one of a kind. How delightful to have such a hip and imaginative first lady. This will be the talk of the fashion world.

DESIGNERS BEWARE: COURTNEY LOVE HAS A TRICK UP HER SLEEVE

Courtney Love SAYS she launched her whatcourtneyworetoday.com website featuring her OWN photos because she was tired of seeing gross paparazzi photos of herself all over the internet. Every day a new fashion photo is posted on her site and comments are invited. We know Courtney ALL too well and feel the REAL reason she launched the site is to publicize the names of designers she wears. Courtney is famous for stiffing stylists and designers so now she can point to her site and say “Why should I pay you? – look at all the free publicity I’m getting for you!”

JAY-Z GETS HIS INSPIRATION FROM MANY PLACES – EVEN THRIFT SHOPS

Little did we know that Jay-Z actually designs the men’s fashions in his Artful Dodger clothing collection. He bought the British line in 2007 for 15 million dollars and has been re-inventing the label with his own style. Recently he contacted Coleman Knitting Mills in Ogden, Utah, with an odd request. He had found a letter jacket from the 70’s with their label in it in a thrift shop and LOVED the quality. He wanted exactly the same jacket with his own patches reproduced for the Artful Dodger line. He ordered 88 samples to his specifications. Not only is he a hands-on designer, but we were AMAZED that Jay-Z shops in thrift stores!

VICTORIA BECKHAM HIRED TO “FEMINIZE” RANGE ROVERS

Who do you turn to if women aren’t buying enough of your product? Victoria Beckham, of course. She knows what women want. Range Rover wants to up their appeal to female customers, so they’re introducing a new model SUV with the posh sounding French name Epoque. Victoria has been hired to contribute her design ideas to feminize the car. The Beckam designed luxury vehicle will of course be slimmer and lighter (and more efficient) than other models, and the interior will be aimed at women. We assume that means magnifying make up mirrors for passengers and VERY IMPORTANT deluxe handbag holders.