NEWSWEEK: IN DEFENSE OF M.I.A.

I've been a hardcore M.I.A. since Piracy Funds Terrorism, Vol. 1. I don't think there is another musician or band that better represents our web-obsessed generation, dubious political stances notwithstanding. Her third album /\/\/\Y/\ (did I spell that right? lol) has been panned universally, but I've heard the entire album and I'm not convinced that it is, in fact, shit. Neither is Newsweek. If you have heard the album, do you agree?

This remix is dope:

M.I.A. feat. Nicki Minaj - Teqkilla.mp3

BREAKING NEWS: PINA FERLISI IN AT MCQ

via WWD:

SECOND HAND: Alexander McQueen, which recently named Sarah Burton creative director in the wake of the founding designer’s death, also has tapped another key talent, WWD has learned.Pina Ferlisi — who has been creative director of Generra and held senior design posts at Coach, Gap and Marc by Marc Jacobs — has been named creative director of McQ, the licensed secondary line for which the Gucci Group-owned house has big plans. It is understood Ferlisi will work under the creative leadership of Burton.

Interesting ... Wonder what this will look like.

INTRODUCING ...

Beauty and style icon, my sister and new RM guest editor ANNA V.! You'll be hearing from her very frequently and soon!

SARAH BURTON TAKES THE REIGNS AT MCQUEEN

The late Alexander McQueen's second-in-command, Sarah Burton, has been appointed creative director of the brand by Gucci Group.

HARPER'S BAZAAR HOLDS ANTI-COUNTERFEITING SUMMIT

As many of you already know, the counterfeit luxury-goods trade is serious business. It's hard to imagine that people actually pay money for those cheap-looking designer knockoffs, but they do, and the ramifications are heavy. Harper's Bazaar held their Sixth Annual Anti-counterfeiting Summit today, shedding light on the ugly truth behind those faux designer goods. I strongly urge everyone to check out this article, since I've had a hard time convincing people of the horrors behind those Canal Street Chanel-knockoffs. 

WILL IPAD KILL OFF THE PRINT MAGAZINE?!

Image via Stylenoir.

I love print media; I can't imagine life without the smell of the paper, the way it feels in your hands, on your fingers. Most of the fashion magazines I buy or subscribe to are either over-sized or collectible. How can one possibly dig up a ten-year old issue of Vogue Italia on an iPad? Or get the full-throttle rush of a fabulous fashion spread on 12"x6" glossy paper? Stylenoir thinks the whole idea is rubbish, while more tech-driven websites are confirming the certain death of publishing as we know it. What do you think? Do you or anyone you know already own an iPad, and if so, would you consider magazines obsolete? 

LE DIX: THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL LUXURY BRANDS

via Fashionista.

These are the ten most powerful luxury brands in the world, according to Millward Brown Optimor (an advertising conglomerate). Visit the link above for more info:

1. Louis Vuitton

2. Hermès

3. Gucci

4. Chanel

5. Hennessy

6. Rolex

7. Moët et Chandon

8. Cartier

9. Fendi

10. Tiffany & Co.

Interesting stuff ... especially considering that only Louis Vuitton and Hermès reported fiscal gains for the year 2009.

THE 'END' OF HAUTE COUTURE

CHANEL Couture Spring 2010

With only a handful of fashion houses currently showing couture in Paris this year, the ongoing debate on the future of haute couture (once the epitome of expression for designers and hotly-anticipated cultural event for fashion media) and its relevance in a mass-marketed, high-tech global fashion industry raises some interesting questions. I found this article on the issue to be thought-provoking, albeit rather perfunctory. What I did take from the piece (taken from Benjamin Kanarek Blog) was the name Alexis Mabille, a couturier who is relatively new to the scene but is intent on keeping the tradition of couture alive with some rather stunning creations (of which I was previously unaware).

Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2010

Check out these lovely bow-ties/hair accessories by A. Mabille, available to order from Couturelab.com:

MARGIELA COLLECTING FRENZY

The New York Times is featuring an article about Martin Margiela's recent departure from his legendary design house after 20 years of groundbreaking work in the fashion industry. The famously reclusive designer left Maison Martin Margiela without notifying the press, leaving fashion critics puzzled in recent seasons given the sudden change in the house's notoriously consistent design aesthetic and quality of production. Interesting stuff, since no one is aware of just how long MMM has been without it's creator nor do we know who (or whom) has taken up the helm in his absence. Oh yeah, and the NYT indicates a "collecting frenzy" of pre-abdication Margiela amongst fashion fans. Needless to say, Margiela remains and presumably will continue to remain a relevant force in the fashion world.