'City of Style' makes a fashionable debut

The 3.1 Phillip Lim store in West Hollywood was shoulder to shoulder last night, packed  with celebrities including Mandy Moore, Minka Kelly, Brittany Snow, Kristen Bell and other stylish Angelenos, all there to celebrate the launch of style expert and former Los Angeles Times market and style editor Melissa Magsaysay's new book "City of Style."

The book, which hit shelves Tuesday, takes a look at the different elements that influence and make up L.A. style and includes profiles of fashionable Angelenos and styling tips. Times fashion critic Booth Moore reviewed the book in this Sunday's Image section, calling it "an approachable field guide to L.A. style in all its incarnations."

"I think ultimately everybody is a mix of all the different styles," said Magsaysay, who was dressed in all 3.1 Phillip Lim. "Everyone is influenced by these styles at some point in their life."

The party crowd was an eclectic representation of Los Angeles -- women in pretty sundresses, colored denim, vintage dresses and jumpsuits and men in everything from suits to rolled up skinny jeans.  Reality television star and fashion designer Whitney Port, who is featured in the book, walked the party in hot pink jeans by Mother Denim, while actress Kristen Bell was spotted wearing a Creamsicle-colored dress.

"It’s cool because there are so many different people here that you really get a mixture of a lot of different styles," said Brittany Snow. The actress wore a tangerine skirt over her black Phillip Lim dress and a bright turquoise Prada clutch. 

"I’m excited that it’s a book that’s celebrating L.A. style," said Mandy Moore, who chose a royal blue Phillip Lim dress for the party. "L.A. is pretty eclectic across the board, and I think that every different style moment deserves to have its time in the spotlight."

-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harris

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Photo: From left, actress Mandy Moore, author Melissa Magsaysay and actress Minka Kelly celebrate the release of "City of Style" by Magsaysay at the 3.1 Phillip Lim store in West Hollywood.  Credit: Jesse Grant / Getty Images.

Golden Globes 2012: Hair care the new red carpet product placement?

It's the first time I have ever heard someone plug hair care on the red carpet. Nicole Richie name-dropped Suave Professionals, whatever that is, along with designer Julien McDonald, who made her silvery gown, and her own line, House of Harlow, which made the bag. Suave is trending on Twitter, so whatever Suave paid her was worth it! And the untidy bump-it updo looks great on her.

-- Booth Moore

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Photo: Nicole Richie at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. Credit: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

New York Fashion Week: Phillip Lim

Geometry and activewear were the starting points for Phillip Lim's spring collection, inspired by the freedom of kites.

The silhouettes were loose, the fabrics weightless, and many items were multi-functional. (It's great to see a designer really thinking about how clothes are used.)

For example, Lim came up with an ingenious design for trousers with two-way zippers down the sides that can be adjusted depending on how loose you want the legs to be, and how much of the underlying tuxedo stripe you want to reveal.

Anoraks and lightweight coats came with removable hoods and sleeves.

Color-blocked tops featured folded "kite wings" in the front, floating "kite tails" trailing behind, or "kite string" straps.

What it all added up to was a fresh take on fashion's minimalism moment.

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-- Booth Moore in New York

Photos: Looks from the Phillip Lim spring 2012 runway collection shown during New York Fashion Week. Credits: Jason DeCrow / Associated Press; Chelsea Lauren /Getty Images

Green-eyed beauties on the 3.1 Phillip Lim runway

 

To complement the strong and somewhat athletic collection Phillip Lim sent down his fall 2011 runway, makeup artist Lisa Butler was inspired to pop model’s eyes with a wash of green color.

“Phillip had an image of a black swan in a green lake as part of his inspiration board -- and I wanted to mimic that idea of color surrounding something black, an unexpected element of surprise,” said Butler,  who used only Nars Cosmetics. “The skin was kept clean, with a muted lip, and then there were beautiful layers of green and blue on, and around the eyes." 

Butler barely touched skin with anything but The Concealer from Nars.

Focusing on the eyes, she applied Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliners in shades Rue de Rivoli and Abbey Road (which are new for fall 2011), Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow (new for summer 2011), and Delphes Trio Eyeshadow (new for fall 2011).

Lips were colored with Nars Pago Pago Lipstick (new for fall 2011).

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Beauty looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2011. Credit: Nars

Fashion’s Night Out: Neiman Marcus makes the sale, and art and a burger truck attract stylish hipsters at 3.1 Phillip Lim

There was truly something for everyone during Friday night’s Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles. At Neiman Marcus, the ladies who lunch came with their friends, mothers and shopping buddies in tow to flood each floor of the department store and, well, shop, shop, shop.

Dr. Lorena Frcek of Brentwood attended the Neiman’s event with her mother, and the two definitely got their shop on, purchasing some black jeans from CJ by Cookie Johnson (which was a featured product after Johnson staged a fashion show using the store’s centrally located escalators as a runway) as well as plenty of beauty and skin care products. “I’ve been shopping at Neiman’s for 20 years,” said Frcek. “I had a blast last year, but I definitely bought more this year.  They had yummy appetizers last time and the fashion show was better. This time they just have chocolate chip cookies. I’d love a small piece of bread and some cheese; it would be a nice pick-me-up.”

Designer David Meister was winding down his customer meet and greet (one of three he’s doing at Neiman’s over the weekend) and had a fun time at his first Fashion’s Night Out. “This is a great event for getting more people out. It makes shopping more approachable. The atmosphere may be like a party, but it also really promotes the retail business. It’s a win-win for everyone and it just seems to be getting bigger and bigger!”

Over at the 3.1 Phillip Lim store in West Hollywood, it was the crowd that was getting bigger and bigger. The Pattywagon burger truck gave party-goers sustenance (and a buffer for the tequila being served at the open bar) and drew a giant line that seemed to blend right into the well-dressed masses that stood around the front courtyard in too-cool-for-school huddles like it was lunchtime on the high school quad.

Inside the boutique hung an art exhibit by James Jean which was curated by Lim. The subject was “L.A tastemakers” and 19 portraits of people such as Cameron Silver, Gia Coppola and Rashida Jones were hung from clothing racks just in front of Lim’s fall 2010 collection. Out of 19 portraits, 11 sold and proceeds benefited the LACMA costume council. Clothing sales were also up with a portion also going to the costume council.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos, from top: Gia Coppola tends bar for guests at 3.1 Phillip Lim's party for Fashion's Night Out; Gia Coppola and Rashida Jones at 3.1 Phillip Lim's party for Fashion's Night Out. Credit: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Catching up with Isaiah Mustafa, why Mariah Carey apparently is in maternity clothes and Maria Sharapova's looks

-- There's been no official word about whether Mariah Carey is expecting, but maybe clothes tell the tale. The singer was seen stepping out in what looked like A Pea in The Pod brown, spaghetti strap sundress. [People]

-- This takes the trend marrying art, fashion and commerce to a whole new level: The renowned Martin Scorsese has made a film for Chanel's men's fragrance Bleu de Chanel. [People]

-- Tennis stars Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were to model Nike outfits they'll wear at the U.S. Open next week at a charity event Wednesday night. Sharapova's flirty, mint green number looked fresh in a sneak preview!  [InStyle]

-- Off the court, Sharapova looks great too, and can even look chic and together wearing Philip Lim sequined shorts. The key to a pop like sequined shorts is mixing them with low-key pieces, such as a silk blazer. [FabSugar]

-- Isaiah Mustafa's original Old Spice commercial won a creative arts Emmy and has led to several movie offers for the horse-riding, towel-wearing star. We can't wait to see more of him. (So to speak.) [StyleSectionLA]

-- Rebecca Minkoff will launch a shoe collection next spring. [WWD]

-- Tiffany has been famous for the little blue box forever. Now on Sept. 1., the jewelry staple is launching a line of handbags, all embellished in some way with that robin's egg blue. The bags will be available in a dozen U.S. Tiffany stores. And with prices ranging from $395 to $17,500, they definitely are for the luxury buyer. [Wall Street Journal] 

-- American Apparel's woes are resonating, even across the pond, where pundits are dissecting what went wrong. [Guardian]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Isaiah Mustafa in his award-winning commercial. Credit: Proctor & Gamble

Fashion's Night Out West Hollywood: The little city plans to go big

The cities of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills have both announced plans for a blitz of well-organized  Fashion's Night Out activities for the evening of Sept. 10, and now it's West Hollywood's turn.

FNO WeHo is shaping up to be a tiny city going big: The 1.9 square miles is already home to 27 participating retailers, including Alpha Gear for Gents, Vera Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, the Sunset Plaza shopping center, Nicole Miller and Coco de Mer.

In addition, West Hollywood plans to have free shuttles stopping at six locations throughout the city for the duration of the shopping extravaganza, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with some events starting at 7 p.m.).

While organizers expect more businesses to announce specific plans as the date nears, currently confirmed on the calendar are a Julia Clancey runway show at the Andaz West Hollywood's RH bar, a display of James Jean artwork at the 3.1 Phillip Lim boutique and a party in Sunset Plaza -- complete with aural ambiance courtesy of live DJs and a runway show of fall fashion from the center's retailers. (The price of admission? You guessed it: an FNO proof of purchase.)

But the coolest perk of the night might be the chance to have your portrait shot by celebrity rock photographer Robert Knight, who will do the honors for anyone who drops $300 at the John Varvatos store on Robertson.

A full list of participating retailers -- as well as updates and specifics about events -- can be found online at www.AvenuesWH.com/events/fno.

-- Adam Tschorn

More All The Rage coverage of Fashion's Night Out

Photo: A 2009 photo of the entrance to the Andaz West Hollywood's RH bar, which is scheduled to host a Julia Clancey runway show as part of the city's plans for Fashion's Night Out. Credit: Ann Johansson / For the Los Angeles Times

 

 

Weekend Update: Nordstrom's 'Twilight Saga' Santa Monica Place pop-up; New High (M)art and LA Eyeworks sales; end-of-season deals from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Miu Miu and South Willard

Events

-- Twilight Saga fans heed this: On Saturday and Sunday, Nordstrom is opening a pop-up shop in its new Santa Monica Place location (grand opening on Aug. 27) showcasing an exclusive fashion collection inspired by “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” featuring movie-themed T-shirts and tank tops. You can also try and purchase the Luna Twilight beauty collection or pick up life-size cutouts of Edward, Jacob, Bella and Alice. Bring a camera phone to snap friends in front of "Twilight" movie backdrops. Spend $50 on Brass Plum merchandise and receive a pass (limit four tickets per customer, while supply lasts) to a special advance screening of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” the day before its wide-release on June 30. 

314 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 470-6155, ext. 1570. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Sales

-- Starting Thursday and going through Sunday, pick up a new pair of LA Eyeworks sunglasses at up to 70% off (only at its Melrose location).

7407 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 653-8255. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. 

-- Beginning Friday and going on indefinitely, 3.1 Phillip Lim goes to 40% off on spring and resort fashions, including accessories, for women, men and children.

631 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Phillip Lim makes menswear the focus of an intimate gathering at his West Hollywood boutique

If anyone could convince a guy that a drapey jumpsuit is a wardrobe staple, it’s Phillip Lim. The designer held an event at his Robertson Boulevard store on Tuesday night to showcase his fall/winter 2010 menswear collection to a small crowd including Rachel Bilson, Frankie Rayder, Ryan Kwanten and host Cameron Silver, who donned a black jumpsuit and animal print sneakers from Lim’s line.

Six of Lim’s favorite looks were re-created on models down to the slicked back hair, high-buckled boots and single IWC watch over a black fur-lined glove. Lim had specifically requested the timepiece (a Portuguese Automatic with black alligator strap) for the fall/winter 2010 runway show, and it seemed to be the only item of jewelry used. Utilitarian leather backpacks and thin belts around thick wool coats rounded out the urban-warrior vibe aesthetic the designer was going for.

As the presentation ended, DJ Devendra Banhart started spinning '80s favorites and guests soon began meandering to his set-up in the back of the store. Between the music, the Tuscan-style barbecue full of comfort food (such as ricotta mac-and-cheese, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade pies) and the specialty cocktails, it wasn’t long until a few people began to groove throughout the retail space. For some softer songs, singer Aska played an acoustic set while dressed in look 1 (a.k.a. a red blazer and trousers) from Lim’s spring/summer 2010 women’s show.

“I want everything in here” said one male guest while picking up a pair of lavender linen roll-down waist shorts that hung alongside the rest of the men’s fall collection. Looks like jumpsuits may not be out of the question.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Upper photo: Six looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim fall/winter 2010 men's collection. Credit: WireImage

Lower photos: (left to right) Phillip Lim, Anthony Kiedis, Frankie Rayder, Rachel Bilson, Ryan Kwanten. Credit: WireImage

 

Phillip Lim puts a modern spin on the traditional 'penguin suit' for the Met Ball [Updated]

 

While all eyes were on the bejeweled and bedazzled ladies who ascended the red carpet steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday night, some of the men found ways to mix up the traditional tuxedo and sport something as fetching as a couture gown.

Decades owner Cameron Silver donned a bespoke “Guru” tuxedo by Phillip Lim that was inspired by the roll-down waist "Guru" pant from Lim’s Spring/Summer 2010 men’s collection. The slouchy gather and casual vibe of the pant was dressed up with a black double-breasted tuxedo jacket, antique white shirt and bow tie -- all custom-made for the event.

"Phillip successfully updated the classic men’s 'penguin suit' and designed a tuxedo that is thoroughly 21st century and modern," says Silver. “I hope someday this tux will be in a retrospective of men’s American fashion, but for now I am proud to hang it in my closet!”

Lim was originally inspired to create the Guru from the lightweight fabrics and utilitarian style of the pants worn by farmers in Asia. The drawstring waist is a practical feature for an expanding or decreasing waistline and the slouchy shape wears well while moving and bending as well as in warm climates. In this case the roll-down waist served as a cummerbund.

Formal wear inspired by work wear -- that's what I call modern.

[Updated: A photo of the actual Guru pants suit that inspired the custom-made tuxedo has been added to this post. An earlier version of this post showed the women's Guru pants.]

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Left photo: Angelique Soave and Cameron Silver at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala. 

Right photo: Guru Suit from 3.1. Phillip Lim spring/summer 2010 men's presentation. Credit: FirstVIEW.com