Last night was the 2010 Golden Globe Awards.  From a fashion standpoint, we love any red carpet, but as award shows go this is a favorite, as celebrities are eating and drinking during the ceremony leading to a far more festive ambiance than the stiff academy awards.  The best part of the evening is dissecting all the celeb’s fashion and style choices. This year there was so many best and worst dressed it was hard narrowing it down to our top choices. (All photos via NY Magazine)

First lets start with the worst. Some of these just speak for themselves. Clearly Mariah felt it necessary to show the world here golden globes, ugh. So sad when bad fashion happens to good people, poor Sandra Bullock and Tina Fey (somebody really needs to teach Tina how to do her hair an make-up already). And Sookie, not only is the dress too much, but what the hell is up with the booties?

On to the best dressed. We loved Felicity Huffman, the detail on the dress was exquisite and she really brought old time glamour back while dressing age and figure appropriate. Now Chloe, as usual, went very fashion forward and no doubt many probably didn’t get this look but we loooved it! Obviously the one shoulder gown is still on trend and the mermaid fit was a favorite. We also loved all the feminine colors and the purples (yes, Rose looks like she needs to eat something stat, but gown is stunning).

Now here’s were we got a little stuck. Drew Barrymore, hmmm. On the positives, we love the make-up, hair, and jewelry, all areas that she often drops the ball in. We also love the color, very soft without washing her out. Now as to the style, on the one hand we love that she took a risk and did something totally unique and different. On the other hand, those bulges look they are made from a series of small plastic sticks. Remember those weird, plastic, fiber-optic lights from the 90’s that would glow at the tips? Yeah, like that. It also reminded us of an Avatar special effect. Drew is a bit loopy, perhaps she thought she could plug into Avatar’s  “Tree of Souls” after the show!

So what did you think of the show? Who were your best and worsts?

No question, we have a love/hate relationship with Kelly Cutrone. The PR guru behind fashion PR company, People’s Revolution, is famous for her intensely critical personality and strong business sense.  We love her for her presence as the lone grown-up and voice of reason on The Hills, that perspective was an absolute  necessity. Her personality, played against the vapid, empty-eyed, celubtantes of The Hills, was just brilliant. However, her “holier than thou” fashion critiques are painful to hear. And the one note sense of style and fashion direction has become dated.  Not to mention, elaborate style critiques from a woman who looks like she rolled out of bed in the same black top and pants everyday, is tenuous at best.

Which brings us to the hilarious video above. After a few too many cocktails, Kelly Cutrone goes on a bizarre disjointed rant on fashion, women, and feminism. She randomly jumps subjects from Disney, to white furniture, to Jesus, to ancient feminism, to witches, to anal probes, to her book and on and on. In this odd monologue, she consistently mentioned her desire to empower women and the importance of supporting working women. Yet in the first minute she proclaims, “girls are crazy” and continuously refers to the women in her office as “the girls.” Basically, this video sounds like a typical drunken rant from any freshman taking Women’s Lit 101. Although we admit, it is rather entertaining!

Which bring us to the next issue. So, what happens to any semi-famous person, known for spouting off a good dose of crazy? Yes, you guessed it, they get their very own reality show! Here is the press release from Bravo for their new show, Kell on Earth. Will you watch?

Get a behind the scenes look at the high-powered and fast-paced world of fashion PR when Bravo debuts its newest series “Kell on Earth,” featuring public relations guru Kelly Cutrone. Cutrone has been called one of the “coolest, most intimidating persons ever,” and, judging from her frank demeanor and fashion world credibility, it’s easy to see why. Bravo takes a no holds barred look into the life of one of America’s most legitimate tastemakers as she balances running her wildly successful fashion PR company, People’s Revolution, juggling Fashion Weeks in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York’s most notable women about town. “Kell on Earth” premieres on Monday, February 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Well, it has been quite a season for Project Runway fans and tonight is the finale (see preview above).  This was PR’s first year, out of NYC and off the Bravo network.  It was questionable whether or not we would enjoy this year’s show and new format.  But we were pleasantly surprised by the new talent, the usual drama, and who doesn’t love a dose of Tim Gunn? Some particular favorites were Ra’mon,  the dramatic Mitchell, and of course ice princess Irina.  Perhaps it was the long awaited absence of PR, or compared to Isaac Mizrahi’s disastrous Fashion Show what reality show doesn’t appear engaging?  So while Season 6 may not be our favorite, we thoroughly enjoyed it and are pleased to be live blogging our thoughts during the finale.

So are you watching Project Runway tonight? Who’s your money on? We are also excited for this evenings finale because it was filmed right here in the Garment Center, not LA.  Of course the Fashion Week stuff is in the tents, but apparently the designers worked and filmed in our very own 1407 Broadway.  The building is looking much better this year, with a new lobby and elevators, and it will be a nice change from Parsons. For our readers who work in the building, look out for yourself in tonight’s episode, and let’s hope none of 1407’s furry friends make a cameo!

So stay tuned right here, where we will be live blogging starting at 10:00pm EST the Project Runway Finale (on the Lifetime Chanel) as Carol Hannah, Irina, and Althea face off in the final runway showdown.  See you at 10:00pm!

10:08 – What’s wrong with Carol Hannah? Poor thing. Swine flu? Preggers? Ooh do we see some cracks in Irina the ice queen’s persona? Getting sick of these obvious plugs for Garnier, product placement overload. Love Irina’s black dress, but the hat, not so much.  Carol Hannah’s short skirt is fun, but not all that challenging and the blue dress? Kinda resembles a toga a bit too much. Uh-oh now Althea is crying, oy vey.

10:19 – So far Irina looks strong and Althea doesn’t seem to be getting much face time. Poor Carol Hannah, it’s so hard to do your best when you feel like shit. But that’s real life, deadlines don’t stop because you’re sick. Tim Gunn, gotta love him. Irina’s loosing it, she seems like she could go over the edge at any minute. Girls getting ready, love seeing how excited they are!  What is up with Althea’s Ugg booties, really? On the way to the tents…

10:20 – Oh my, the venerable Tim Gunn is flipping out. Somebody is not making it work!

10:31 – Wish we could see more of the clothes and technical prep, but oh well, guess fittings aren’t really good tv. Nina Garcia and Michael Kors are in their seats. Heidi makes her appearance, looking gorgeous as always. Who gets that body after four kids? Suzy Menkes is the guest judge.

Althea is up first, with her sci-fi inspired line. Hum, doesn’t look that special or original at all. But the crotch drop pants reminded me, they did shoot this awhile ago and due to Bravo and Lifetime’s legal battle, this is now being aired much later, so the trends aren’t the most forward. Or perhaps I’m defending her too much and it’s just a weak line.

10:35 – Carol Hannah’s line is appealing. Love her color and fabric choices. She has a nice aesthetic. Although mixed in with some very strong pieces are a few weak ones. But her dresses are stunning, clearly that is her strong suit. She really shines in the evening wear category!

Irina’s line is inspired by NYC women, love the concept already. Not surprising that black is her color of choice. Her palette is very neutral, overall I would have liked some pops of color. This collection looks very rich, and for sure could see this selling well. Also, her attention to detail is impeccable. Still hating on the hats though.

10:47 – Judging time. What is going on with Suzy’s bangs? Wow, is there a roller stuck up there? Models are out. Irina explains the shield elements as a NYC woman needs to be a warrior and defend herself in the city. They seem to really appreciate her attention to details. And pointed out her overuse of BLACK! Who would’ve guessed? On to Carol Hannah, they complimented her but agreed that the collection was a bit disjointed. Althea defends her sportswear direction choice. Judges didn’t really see the futuristic vibe. Now the judges deliberate!

10:51 – They are bringing out the designers to announce the winner. Who will it be? I’d go for Irina, especially because she was consistently strong all season. But Carol Hannah a close second…who will they choose?

10:59 – And the winner is…. IRINA! The ice princess won it! (we called it) Not that we need another diva in the business, but she has the talent and work ethic to make it in this industry. How cute was Carol Hannah hugging her dad? Wait, even sweeter was Irina’s dad crying. She is the quintessential daddy’s girl. Great finale, just wish we got a little more of a Tim Gunn fix. Great season. So what did you think?

Now that our beloved AMC show, Mad Men had reached its season finale we are feeling withdrawal. The show is 60’s fashion eye candy, bringing us a weekly does of glam missing in today’s world. Men in suits with crisp pockets squares and ladies dressed to the nines with pearls and stoles just to run errands, not to mention it was always cocktail hour!  Watching them work at  Sterling Cooper, where every office had a bar and smoking was encouraged was surreal. Yet, how many of us wish we could do a shot with the boss mid-meeting? Aside from the excellent storylines and brilliant acting, the fashion was reason alone to watch. So, we thought for today we’d just share some of our favorite Mad Men photos (courtesy of AMC & Vanity Fair). Enjoy!

Any favorites from the styles above? Do you wish you could be a Mad Men character, with full wardrobe of course? Well, thanks to AMC.com, now you can. Play their “MadMen Yourself” game and see what you would look like as a character. Click here to find your inner Betty Draper.

Ever wonder who’s behind the 39th & Broadway blog? Well, take a look at the Mad Men version of our Founder and Editor in Chief….

Finally, after a year of speculation and lots of drama designer Marc Jacobs has tied the knot.  Well, perhaps we should say, has probably tied the knot.  Marc supposedly wed his longtime Brazilian boyfriend Lorenzo Martone in Provincetown Massachusetts at the end of August.  It seems the ceremony was an uber-private event, you know how fashion divas love our VIP only space.  However the reception, aka after party, was a serious blowout filled with celebs and fashion heavyweights.

So why hasn’t anyone heard confirmation on this story? Rumor has it, that not only has Marc become a married man but he has also become a reality star.  Marc Jacobs is set to become the latest “real housewife” in the gay version of the popular Bravo show. The new show will be titled, “Kept” and filmed in NYC. So perhaps, the wedding was filmed as part of the reality show and confidentiality agreements were signed. Although some people do seem to be slipping, from Style.com’s Derek Blasberg Twitter, “Going for a drink at the new Mrs. Martone-Jacobs’ apartment, then OUT. The wife’s away this weekend.”

So what do you think, has Marc finally tied the knot? Would you watch him on a new reality show?

The day is finally upon us; Project Runway is making its long awaited return to primetime.  We know many of you are huge PR fans and are anxiously anticipating tonight’s episode.  While thrilled to have the venerable and eloquent Tim Gunn back in our living rooms, we are a bit apprehensive about how the move to Lifetime Television and LA will change the show.  Not to mention, still being pissed off at having to wait so long and being forced by Bravo to endure Isaac Mizrahi’s Fashion Show.

Wondering what we think of the new PR?  Well stay tuned and check back later as one of our writers will be live blogging throughout the show starting tonight at 10:00pm EST.

10:08 – The show begins and we meet the new designers. A doctor? Oh boy, stay with medicine, what are you thinking make the money and indulge in fashion on the side. What a hottie straight guy? Oh no, a meth-head! At least its not Stephanie Pratt! “Feather prince”, eww, why so oily? Ari, hmm boy name, boy hair hair, but she’s a chick. Right? OMG, we’ve got the stereotypical dumb blonde, and shocker she makes “fairy” inspired dresses. Gag! Wow, what a cast of characters, this season.

10:16 - Missing the New York backdrop already. So it seems they have replaced Parsons with FIDM (arghh). They are onto their LA Red Carpet competition. As Tim said, “It’s as much about who you’re wearing as who you are” yup, pretty much sums it up. Thanks Tim.  Mohawk boy lets us all know he doesn’t know the difference between the red carpet and any other carpet. Huh really? Uh-oh Meth head is starting to break down, oy vey!

10:19- Ok, so they have a commercial for a new show “Models of the Runway” with the models from PR. A reality show within a reality show. Wow, Lifetime is really banking on Project Runway.

10:28- Can Tim Gunn save the day? But of course. Meth-head cries on his shoulder and is told to, “Make It Work.” The designers are fitting their pieces and have little time left to finish. Some garments are looking intriguing,  Mitchell’s victorian dress could go very wrong or make a bold statement.  Qristyl’s multi-colored disaster looks like a parrot exploded into a polyester mumu.

10:35 – Looks like Mitchell is starting over at the last minute, not a good sign but I’m rooting for him.  Also, does anyone else find Shirin just adorable? I’m wishing they would show more of what the designers are working on. I guess not knowing adds to the drama of the runway scenes though.

10:44 – Heidi makes and an appearance, oh I would kill for legs half that tall! Oh snap, it’s Lilo! Lindsey Lohan is the guest ”designer”!  Oh no they didn’t!  Mohawk boy’s dress is actually not bad, lots of detail. Ooh, Minnesota boy almost pulled it off.  Whoops, Mitchell dropped the ball. Love Irina’s dress, not that innovative but just so pretty.  Ok, maybe dumb blonde isn’t so dumb, she has my favorite gown by far.

10:53 – Critique time. Ugh, I feel like I’m at work. I just heard “At the end of the day…” and “You have to be aware of what people will want to buy.” Why is Lindsey Lohan on this show and why does she look older than Micheal Kors? Rooting for Ramon’s dress to win (blonde Carol didn’t make the cut) but betting they will pick Minnesota boy.

11:00 – Damn, I’m good, Minnesota boy won! But Ari is out! Seems the bizarre space girl outfit didn’t cut it, shocking (eye rolling). When she announced “I don’t sketch” and did a handstand earlier, the writing was on the wall.

So far so good, Season 6 is shaping up to be some good reality TV.  How about you? Let us know what you thought of the Project Runway premiere, just click on the comment button below and share.

(In honor of Project Runway’s long awaited debut on Lifetime we are republishing the below post.  This was originally posted in December 2008 but its message still holds true today. Despite our frustrations with some aspects of the show, we will of course be tuning in for the August 20th premiere. And next week we will be live blogging during the EST premiere episode so check it out. Until then, enjoy…)

Inspired by our poll, ”What is your favorite guilty pleasure fashiony TV show?” we’ve decided to write about one of our favorites, Project Runway.  More specifically, regarding a particular pet peeve we have in relation to that show.  You may have been in this same predicament over Thanksgiving or are dreading it in the upcoming holidays, the ever popular question, “Why don’t you tryout for Project Runway?”   This question often comes from a well meaning relative back home or an old friend not in the business.  It’s a frustrating question only topped by the, “You know, you should just launch your own clothing line” statement.  So here are our thoughts on the Project Runway issue:

Project Runway has given the false impression to millions of Americans that becoming a successful designer, or having your own label, is something that can just be awarded to you, like a record contract or extreme makeover.  Fashion really doesn’t work that way.  It’s an ever evolving business that goes beyond one individual’s talent; it requires business skills, sales contacts, production capabilities, and lots of financial backing.  Explaining to somebody not in the business, that 100k to make a line of samples does not beget your own line of designer clothing.  Until Project Runway’s prize is, the production and sale of a line, the prize is really in the publicity.  This brings us to another irritating issue in the Project Runway question.  Why does everyone believe that we all want to be famous?  Many designers just want to do good work that fulfills them creatively whether or not their name is on the label.  Additionally, even if your desire is for your own label, that does not equate with wanting to be a reality TV star or D-list celebrity.  Then of course, there is the question of money.  In order to compete in Project Runway you will, no doubt, have to quit your current fashion job just for a chance to win 100k (which with NYC taxes is only about 60k).  Giving up a good job and regular salary in the most expensive city in the country is a luxury many NYC fashionistas can not afford to take.  Not to mention that, as talented as many of the PR designers have been, moving up in fashion on their own would have certainly been possible.  So what real advantage does going on Project Runway provide?

This brings us to our original inspiration, an article in the NY Times the other week featuring the apartment of Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic.  As talented and as famous as Daniel is now, his life and career are not much different than those of us not on reality TV.  Daniel is currently a freelance fashion designer, recently designing hotel uniforms, and living with four roommates in a 5k a month Manhattan apt with a typical tiny NYC kitchen (see pictures below).  Working in the garment center we spot Project Runway alum working in our buildings at the same kind of jobs we are all struggling through.  What about the big winners of PR?  Winner Jeffery Sebelia already had his own label Cosa Nostra, before beginning the show.  After winning, he used the prize money to pay off some bills and the cost of all that fashion show sampling.  He received one order from Fred Segal for 8 pieces, and since he already had his own company and production capability, he was able to deliver.  But the prize money was not enough to expand his business or even support him, so he had to take on another designing job.  What was his first post PR commission?  He is the costume designer for the Bratz dolls.  There was also winner Chloe Dao, who before winning PR owned her own boutique in Texas, and after winning, runs her own slightly larger boutique in Texas.  What about the larger than life, first ever PR winner, Jay McCarroll?  After winning PR, Jay spent the next 2 years basically homeless living with various friends in NYC trying to figure out how the business of fashion actually works.  It was only this year that he was finally able to get his clothing made, albeit mostly t-shirts and accessories (not the avant-garde pieces he loved) through an online boutique. 

We are not the only ones to see the flaw in Project Runway’s purpose. Who can forget, all the difficulties they had last season recruiting enough talent to compete on the show.  All around NYC they were begging for designers to tryout but most preferred to keep their jobs.  So next time somebody says, “You are so fashionable, you should go on Project Runway.” Just say, “Thanks, but I’d rather work in fashion than be a reality TV star” and then hand them a copy of this article.  

So, we have all been jonesing for our dear Project Runway to return and no show has stepped in to take its most fabulous place.  It seems that PR, Lifetime, and Bravo have sorted out their legal differences and will finally be airing Project Runway season 6 this summer on Lifetime.  But what is Bravo to do now that they have lost one of the most popular reality shows on television?  Well, their answer is a new show called “The Fashion Show” (yes, we know, real creative title right?).  It has the same basic premise as Project Runway but without the venerable Tim Gunn and that sexy German giant Heidi Klum.  So will it work?  More importantly will anyone watch?  Well, we will as it premiers tonight at 10:00pm EST on Bravo. So check back here later for an update with our thoughts on the PR knockoff.  

Auf Wiedersehen!

**update 10:30 – Really missing Tim Gunn, WTF does Kelly Roland have to do with fashion?  Having trouble focusing on the plot due to red pimp-suit meets gay pirate guy.  What the hell is that on his head, really what is that all about? So the challenge is a must have item and one team picked a Bolero jacket, huh?

***update 10:45 – Gay pirate’s name is Merlin, of course! Loving Isaac, he’s fabulous and so New Yorky (is that a word?) The talent over all seems suspect, but we’ll see what happens on the runway.

****update 11:00 – Ok fine, admitting it, at the end Merlin (now wearing a burka?) had the best group show. The tube dress/skirt group which was the most solid concept went so very, very, wrong. It should be a reminder to all, that construction and fabrication choices can never be overlooked. Anyway, the show is easily additive but wow, it really is a generic brand Project Runway.

For those of you eagerly awaiting the next season of Project Runway, we have some dirt for you as well.  After all the controversy between Bravo and the PR producers, nobody seems to know when the next season will air or on which network.  However, we do know something even better, what the three finalist’s collections look like.  That’s right, we don’t know their names, but we do know the three finalists debuted their lines last week at New York’s fashion week.  See pictures below and for the full line click here.

The Academy Awards are well underway and we thought we’d share some red carpet favorites with you.  Over all, the women looked stunning and glam is in full force this year. (What recession?) Here is just a sampling of some of the gorgeous gowns on display tonight, courtesy of NYmag.com.  There were so many stunning off-white dresses tonight that if you added a veil there’d be a parade of brides down the red carpet.

The Versace gown below on Marisa Tomei was our number one fav, until Tim  Gunn (love him) interviewed her and we got an up-close shot of the bodice.  For a couture piece the puckering on the seams was shocking, we hope it just needed to be steamed because it looked like shoddy construction with some tension issues.

Now, not everyone got it right tonight. There were some fashion faux pas, like Mickey Rourke obviously, but sadly Beyonce too; girl you’ve got to stop letting your mama dress you in her upholstery. All we can say is, WTF B!

If you haven’t already voted in our Oscar designer poll, vote now in the left sidebar!

  
                      

For the budget fashionista:  How about some Alexander McQueen? What his $10,000 gowns not budget friendly enough for you? Well, try his new line McQ for Target! Yes, Target has landed another top designer to create an affordable, but fashion forward line at their price-point.  The renowned British designer is doing a limited edition line of casual wear, mostly knits, for women.  The line will have a neutral palette of black, grey, and white with funky trims and punk details.  McQ will debut in 250 Target stores in March, but for us lucky New Yorkers, McQueen arrives this weekend.  So spend some of your Valentine’s weekend shopping at St. John Center’s sneak peak at 330 West Street. Happy Shopping!

In honor of our newest poll, ”What is your favorite guilty pleasure fashiony TV show?” we’ve decided to write about one of our favorites, Project Runway.  More specifically, regarding a particular pet peeve we have in relation to that show.  You may have been in this same predicament over Thanksgiving or are dreading it in the upcoming holidays, the ever popular question, “Why don’t you tryout for Project Runway?”   This question often comes from a well meaning relative back home or an old friend not in the business.  It’s a frustrating question only topped by the, “You know, you should just launch your own clothing line” statement.  So here are our thoughts on the Project Runway issue:

Project Runway has given the false impression to millions of Americans that becoming a successful designer, or having your own label, is something that can just be awarded to you, like a record contract or extreme makeover.  Fashion really doesn’t work that way.  It’s an ever evolving business that goes beyond one individual’s talent; it requires business skills, sales contacts, production capabilities, and lots of financial backing.  Explaining to somebody not in the business, that 100k to make a line of samples does not beget your own line of designer clothing.  Until Project Runway’s prize is, the production and sale of a line, the prize is really in the publicity.  This brings us to another irritating issue in the Project Runway question.  Why does everyone believe that we all want to be famous?  Many designers just want to do good work that fulfills them creatively whether or not their name is on the label.  Additionally, even if your desire is for your own label, that does not equate with wanting to be a reality TV star or D-list celebrity.  Then of course, there is the question of money.  In order to compete in Project Runway you will, no doubt, have to quit your current fashion job just for a chance to win 100k (which with NYC taxes is only about 60k).  Giving up a good job and regular salary in the most expensive city in the country is a luxury many NYC fashionistas can not afford to take.  Not to mention that, as talented as many of the PR designers have been, moving up in fashion on their own would have certainly been possible.  So what real advantage does going on Project Runway provide?

This brings us to our original inspiration, an article in the NY Times the other week featuring the apartment of Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic.  As talented and as famous as Daniel is now, his life and career are not much different than those of us not on reality TV.  Daniel is currently a freelance fashion designer, recently designing hotel uniforms, and living with four roommates in a 5k a month Manhattan apt with a typical tiny NYC kitchen (see pictures below).  Working in the garment center we spot Project Runway alum working in our buildings at the same kind of jobs we are all struggling through.  What about the big winners of PR?  Winner Jeffery Sebelia already had his own label Cosa Nostra, before beginning the show.  After winning, he used the prize money to pay off some bills and the cost of all that fashion show sampling.  He received one order from Fred Segal for 8 pieces, and since he already had his own company and production capability, he was able to deliver.  But the prize money was not enough to expand his business or even support him, so he had to take on another designing job.  What was his first post PR commission?  He is the costume designer for the Bratz dolls.  There was also winner Chloe Dao, who before winning PR owned her own boutique in Texas, and after winning, runs her own slightly larger boutique in Texas.  What about the larger than life, first ever PR winner, Jay McCarroll?  After winning PR, Jay spent the next 2 years basically homeless living with various friends in NYC trying to figure out how the business of fashion actually works.  It was only this year that he was finally able to get his clothing made, albeit mostly t-shirts and accessories (not the avant-garde pieces he loved) through an online boutique. 

We are not the only ones to see the flaw in Project Runway’s purpose. Who can forget, all the difficulties they had last season recruiting enough talent to compete on the show.  All around NYC they were begging for designers to tryout but most preferred to keep their jobs.  So next time somebody says, “You are so fashionable, you should go on Project Runway.” Just say, “Thanks, but I’d rather work in fashion than be a reality TV star” and then hand them a copy of this article.  

**Don’t forget to visit our forum, and share your rants and raves with us**

Our latest poll, “What Is Your Favorite Guilty Pleasure Fashiony TV Show?” is ready for you.  So cast your vote over on the left sidebar.  We’ve comprised a list of some of our love/hate fashion TV shows, as well as, some classic standbys, so choose wisely.  In case we missed a fabulous TV show that you feel must be added, please post your suggestions in the comments section below.  Enjoy!!!