Happy Friday!

Friday is here, and it's a sunny one at that. Woot!

As mentioned in my previous post, I went to the Sephora opening for the first location in town -- more specifically downtown -- and boy, oh boy, was I overwhelmed with beauty product.

Sure, I've been to Sephora down south many times before, but you're never quite prepared for the amount of Tarte, Bliss, Philosophy, Josie Maran, Ole Henriksen, NARS, Make Up Forever, Dior, Clinique, Murad, Cake, Benefit, Too Faced and more that stimulates every sense in your body once you walk through those doors.

One champagne flute and one mango puree cocktail later, I was mentally listing off what items needed a home in my already stuffed bathroom cupboard, and let me tell you, that list became looooooong.

I'm going to be one of those girls leaving that place, white and black-striped Sephora bag in hand, almost every weekend.

Sigh.

On that note, Happy Friday!!

xo
Haute Hippie





I'm Lovin' it: The green iced tea drink in my hand right now. Thirst quenching!

I'm Over it: None! I like that.

Track of the Day: "Oye Como Va" by Carlos Santana. So latin. So summery.







* Photo property of Sephora and is used solely for commentary purposes

Chanel Couture.

Ever since watching Matt Tyrnauer's Valentino documentary, I've become increasingly obsessed the intricacies behind creating haute couture.

Each Valentino ruffle, sequin and dress was hand-sewn by a team of seamstresses in Rome -- not one stitch was done by machine.

This made me respect couture at a much more exponential level than before, the very reason why I can't stop looking at these Chanel creations from the recent haute couture show in Paris.

I'm about to run into a preview for the new Sephora store here in town, so will report back shortly.

In the meantime, look and dream.


xo
Haute Hippie









* Photos property of nymag.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Very Valentino.

Yesterday evening after a very informative media preview headed up by Barbara Atkin, Holt Renfrew's VP of Fashion Direction, I tottered down to see a preview of the documentary Valentino, The Last Emperor with Miss Mau and Reebs.

Lucky ducky for us, the director Matt Tyrnauer -- formerly a writer for Vanity Fair magazine and a very, very witty man indeed (perfect deadpan comic delivery) -- was in town to introduce the movie and to indulge us in a Q&A post-flick.

The film is fantastic because it showcases the more than four decade-long relationship between the perpetually tanned designer and his partner, Giancarlo Giametti. It also showcases the ostentatiousness of their lives, which is literally a bubble of riches, royalty, yachts, a quintet of pugs and generally a lot of excess.

And it's all absolutely fascinating.

Tyrnauer had interesting things to say through the natural unfolding of the film itself and during the Q&A as well, and they went as follows:


1. Valentino is the most difficult man to work with. Ever.

2. Valentino has no concept of money or business. That is Giancarlo's job (and formerly Matteo Marzotto).

3. Valentino gets mad if called fat.

4. Valentino loves his five pugs to death.

5. Valentino is the most un-intellectual man Tyrnauer has ever met. No, he actually said this during the Q&A. Valentino apparently only thinks in dresses, ruffles and riches.

6. Valentino and Giancarlo hated the movie. At first. Until it was received with such popularity, at which time they loved it.

7. Despite all of the above, Tyrnauer grew to respect Valentino at the very end of it all.


On a side note, I have to admit: I developed me a little crush on Matt Tyrnauer!







* Photos property of anniestreasuretrove.com, afidallas.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

I'm Back.

Sorry for the week-long hiatus, kids!

Been a bit of a very hectic week in the life of Haute Hippie.

This post is on a little of the sad note: designer Tara Subkoff (of Imitation of Christ) was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour, which needs to be operated on immediately to avoid being fatal in two years.

Her friends have come together to raise money through an art benefit for the operation and for year-long care afterward.

If you can donate in any way possible, please do. Details are below.

My heart and best wishes go out to Tara and her family.



WHAT: SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT TARA SUBKOFF -
COCKTAILS - RACHEL CHANDLER AND PAUL SEVIGNY TO DJ

WHERE: DEITCH PROJECTS (GRAND ST)

WHEN: 5-10PM WEDNESDAY JULY 15TH

WHY: We are very sorry to say that our great friend Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a form of brain tumor known as an acoustic neuroma. While benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help.

The operation should take place in August if Tara is to avoid deterioration in her mobility and hearing, possible facial palsy and other symptoms. The tumor has exceeded three centimeters, which places extreme urgency on removal and rules out radiation and less invasive methods of treatment. There are eleven specialists involved, due to the extremely delicate area around the tumor. All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Jeffery Deitch has kindly offered his Grand Street space for a benefit on July 15th. We want to put together a really terrific array of artworks for a silent auction. Tara is donating her collection of 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture, also to be in the auction.

We realize that this is very short notice and that you are all inundated with benefit requests. If you can possibly help by donating a small work, we would be incredibly grateful. If you are not able to donate a work at this time, monetary donations are also most welcome.

Checks can be made payable to: NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts)

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS EMAIL, WHETHER AN ARTIST OR A NON ARTIST, PLEASE CONSIDER IN AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT, OR IF NOT ABLE TO COME, TO SEND A SMALL DONATION.

Dear Artists,

If you can help PLEASE LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE, AS TIME IS VERY SHORT. We can then email you a donation form.

ART DROP OFF: Art Production Fund has generously offered the use of their offices - and interns for pick-ups - if necessary.

ADDRESS: APF, 299 WEST HOUSTON ST, GROUND FLOOR BTWN HUDSON AND GREENWICH STREETS, NY 10014

PHONE: 212-966-0193

EMAIL: staff@artproductionfund.org

MONDAY - THURSDAY 10-4 (PLEASE NOTE NO FRIDAY DROP OFF)

Artists please be aware that Art Production Fund cannot insure these artworks (yet will treat with care!) so ship/handle/storage is at own risk.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, WHO ARE TO BE THE FISCAL SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT.

Thank you all so much for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Jessica Craig-Martin, Cecily Brown, Yvonne Force, Doreen Remen and Arden Wohl







I'm Lovin' it: The new iPhone software has a voice recorder that allows you to email transcriptions to yourself or to others. Genius! Now I don't have to buy a new digital recorder to replace my missing one. Once again, thank you, Apple.


I'm Over it: Stages of limbo. And I'm not talking about the dance.


Track of the Day: "Market Girl" by Headlights. All instrumental. All good.







* Image property of fashionista.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Model Smarts.

Contrary to popular belief, there are mannequins in the business who are so much more than just being "really, really ridiculously good-looking".

Carla Bruni can sing (and has a best-selling album).

Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum have made themselves into entire brands (which include television production).

Coco Rocha can highland dance the crap out of anyone (and did so down a Givenchy runway).

Helena Christensen helped start NYLON Magazine (and still looks 28-years-old at 41-years-old).

Cindy Crawford scored an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University (before her beloved beautymark changed the definition of a super model in the '80s).

Milla Jovovich can act, sing and design (respectively, The Fifth Element, Dazed & Confused and Jovovich-Hawk)

And now model supe Sasha Pivovarova -- who is has a knack for photography and was enrolled studying art history at a Russian university -- is illustrating for Chanel, at the behest of Kasier Karl himself.

The figures in her sketch below somehow have the same alien-esque eye shape as she does, which you'll probably recognize from her six-year run as the face of Prada.

Talk about being more than a pretty face.







I'm Lovin' it: Complex Geometries got so popular with their awesome drape, hooded tees via NYC boutique Oak that they had to start their own website. Awesome.






I'm Over it: Where. Is. My. Digital. Recorder. Can't find it!!!! Not good.


Music of the Day: Here's a widely known fact -- I'm obsessed with all things French. Especially of the Parisian variety. So that explains me being into The Plasticines, an all-girl band from Paris who rock out in cool haircuts and cool clothes.






* Photos property of Anthem Magazine, fashionologie.com, nitrolicious.com, Complex Geometries and are used solely for commentary purposes

And Now The Thrill(er) Is Gone...

The whole world is collectively mourning the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

With a smile through a few tears, I've spent all morning listening to everything MJ, as in tracks from the Jackson Five era to the time when Michael was on the very top of his game.

Not only did MJ bring us the greatest hits music has ever seen, he brought us the "Thriller" video, the moon walk, crotch grabs, Neverland Ranch, sequined gloves, fedora hats, white socks and black loafers, flashy military jackets, mind-blowing performances and moves the dance floor will never see again.

Never has one person or musical artist brought the world so much happiness through song and dance. And no one will ever come close.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.

We'll all continue to sing to "Billie Jean" and moonwalk in celebration and memory of you.

(Click here to download an amazing MJ tribute by a local music station)

Gap Snaps.

Here are the pics I took of me trying on the Gap/CFDA collaboration items by Alexander Wang.

No love for anything here, except for the simple black dress with hidden pocket, which was -- funny enough -- not a collabo piece.









I'm Lovin' it: I don't know why, but this F21 dress reminds me of Gwen Stefani's "Cool" video. Maybe it's the girly 50s aesthetic.






I'm Over it: This is an easy one. Rain on the third official day of summer?!


Photo of the Day: I was playing around with my iPhone came and took this shot of my shadow while I was walking. It turned out kinda neat, with my foot stepping into my shadowy self.





* Photos property of Haute Hippie, forever21.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Haute Heels, Sickening Sneaks.

Exhibit A: Very haute (and hot) purple ruffle heels from Topshop, which are blatant but admirable Givenchy knockoffs and have a little space reserved in my shoe collection.




Exhibit B: Very ugly neon sneaks from House of Dereon I spotted the other day, photographic proof that Beyonce and her mom really should stop designing things.




* Images property of Topshop, Haute Hippie and are used solely for commentary purposes

For The Love of Shoes.

There was a very, very big shoe sale that occurred this weekend at our luxe department store downtown.

Ladies were being pushy in the politest of ways, but I did witness an elbow jab here and there in attempts to get to the right size shoe racks.

I usually waver between a size 5 and size 6 in footwear, so how lucky was I to spot not only a color-blocked Fendi wedge, but a sky-high cream pair of Versace heels in my section?!

The unlucky part, however, is budget-related. Loosely translated, that means there was no way in freakin' hell I could fork over six hundred big ones for Fendi (and that was already slashed in price).

But, like always, I have no shame in taking snaps.









I'm Lovin' it: This image of Anne Hathaway, who snagged the role of White Queen in Tim Burton's upcoming remake of Alice in Wonderland. I think she looks absolutely stunning here. Also on the thespian roster for this movie: Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar ("Whooooo are yooooooou?").





I'm Over it: Looking outside and then getting dressed appropriately, only to look outside again to witness a weather 180 and having to change again.


Music of the Day: What do you get when Jack White of The White Stripes partners up with Allison Mosshart of The Kills, Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs and Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age? The Dead Weather. It's great alt-rock from Nashville, TN. White and Mosshart have an eerily similar pale skin-black hair thing going on.






* Photos property of Haute Hippie, Disney, dailymail.co.uk, pastemagazine.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Etch A Sketch.

Cedric Rivrain is a massively talented illustrator that counts so-cool-it-hurts publications like Tokion and Dazed & Confused -- oh, and John Galliano -- as clients.

He recently captured mega models like Kate Moss, Sasha Pivovarova and Anabela Belikova via sketch, all wearing big labels like Jil Sander, Prada, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin.

But instead of drawing the mannequins wearing accessories, Rivrain drew them decorated in band-aids. Yep, like the good old Johnson & Johnson kind.

It's admittedly a little weird, but the drawings themselves are really quite pretty, especially the one of Sasha.

Rivrain just showed his drawings at a show curated by the one and only Martine Sitbon, a great for the already well-known sketchman.

C'est bon when you land Sitbon as a curator!







I'm Lovin' it: Nicholas Kirkwood, you have done it again. Look and weep in joy at some of his Autumn/Winter '09 collection. Warning: these heels are of the sit down and look pretty variety.








I'm Over it: Situations that put you in states of discomfort, especially when said discomfort: a) is not something you feel often and b) comes in the form of an uncomfortable situation. Ever have one of those?? Yeah. Fuuuuuun.


Track of the Day: "Love and let love" by The Gossip. Lead singer (and not-so-closeted lesbian) Beth Ditto has become somewhat of a fashion icon lately, despite her not-a-sample-size frame. LOVE magazine even featured her on their highly anticipated first cover. I'm not sure what I think of her sartorial "it" status, but I do like this song.






* Photos property of Cedric Rivrain, fashionologie.com, refinery29.pipeline.com, Nicholas Kirkwood, highsnobette.com, johnnyblueeyes.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Way More Wang.

Alexander Wang might be getting a little ubiquitous for some, but I have yet to tire of him.

Today's a bit of a rush, but here are a few more AW pieces from the Resort 2010 that deserves some posting props!

My girl Steph A. chopped off the sleeves to a light wash, cropped denim jacket that was sitting in her closet, and it looks similar to the Wang one pictured below. The best thing? She saved a couple hundred bills doing it!

You gotta be resourceful these days...

On another Alex W. note, I went to a Gap/CFDA pre-sale this morning for the new collaboration collection and tried on his cropped safari jacket and rolled-up khakis.

Here's my verdict:

1. The jacket is tres cute, but can make a petite gal look a little overwhelmed and a bit boxy. But it's certainly an individual try-it-on-for-size-yourself situation.

2. The khaki pants are also tres cute. My girl Reebs liked the pants on me, but suggested going a size bigger -- even though I didn't need to -- for visual effect. I agree wholeheartedly with her advice. Though I'm still on the fence about the pants, I think I'll head back with a pair of heels because that might be a winning look. Flats, those pants and me were a no-go, however.

I'll post pictures soon, which I sneakily took in the change room...









I'm Lovin' it: Terry Richardson shot the upcoming Pirelli calendar! Lots of gratuitous supermodel skin.





I'm Over it: Unpredictability can make one craaaazy.


Track of the Day: I've been on a huge old school hip hop and rap kick lately. Found an old mixed CD full of G-funk sound. "Nobody Does It Better" by Nate Dogg brings back a lot of chillin' and illin' memories.







* Photos property of nymag.com, Terry Richardson, fashionologie.com and are used solely for commentary purposes