Oh, Those Party Frocks! And Prep World New York

Hello-Hello, it seems we might be back to “normal,” although ascertaining just what ‘normal’ is continues to evolve.

At the very least we return to more normal blather and bloviations topics, beginning with last night’s Met Ball. Considered by many as the fashion world’s Oscars, the night brings out the A-list.  As Hilary Alexander wrote in The Telegraph:

“In terms of style, effort, money and glamour, this red carpet mother of all fashion-fests, orchestrated by Anna Wintour for the last 13 years, outshines them all.

It was an occasion for the well dressed and the merely wealthy.”

Below we see Ms Wintour (yes, that is The André in all his regal splendor to her right) in a stunning Chanel couture gown. On the right she is with her daughter, Bee Shaffer, who wore Balenciaga.

Getty Images

The formal name for the event is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.  This year’s event coincides with tomorrow’s opening of the highly anticipated Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty show.

Met Photos via WWD

As one might imagine, coming on the heels of the royal wedding and the two Sarah Burton McQueen wedding gowns, the atmosphere was electric. Below, the woman of the hour, Ms. Burton.

AP/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker was in vintage McQueen.

AP Photos

Hamish Bowles was in McQueen.

Via

For those not familiar with the Costume Institute, it is part of the Met, housing more than 75,000 costumes and accessories.  Below, part of the Lauren clan, left to right we see Dylan Lauren, David Lauren and Lauren Bush.

Getty Images

Jessica Alba also wore Ralph Lauren, she was radiant.

Getty Images

There were some figure-hugging creations; below left, Fergie in a Marchesa gown more reminiscent of a wedding dress, on the right we see Beyonce in Emilio Pucci with her husband, Jay-Z.

Getty Images

How snug was Beyonce’s dress? She was unable to climb the stairs in it,

Getty Images

The lights are blinding, Renée Zellweger is silhouetted below.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty

Some of our favorite faux-prepsters from Gossip Girl were on hand, Leighton Meester was in Louis Vuitton, Blake Lively in Grecian-inspired Chanel and Jessica Szohr in… in.. umm, we have lost our notes, eek!

AP/Getty/WWD

The level of detailing on these gowns is extraordinary.

AP/Getty/WWD

Below, Dakota and Elle Fanning, both wore Valentino.

Getty Images

Perhaps our favorite gown of the evening was Ashley Greene’s, custom Donna Karan.

Getty Images

It was exquisite.

Last night the first menswear from Tory Burch debuted, seen on Kanye West; the designer was in vintage Jean Patou that was gorgeous.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Tommy Hilfiger his wife, Dee,and Jessica Stam wore Hilfiger.

Reuters

It is a busy week for Mr. Hilfiger, the designer’s collaborative line with Lisa Birnbach, Prep World, launches its first pop-up store in the US.

Prep World/Tommy Hilfiger

As covered in this post, the first pop-up store was in Paris. The temporary stores are designed to look like a beachside cottage in the Hamptons, below we show the model store.

Courtesy Image

And here is the real deal under construction in the Meatpacking district, originally scheduled to open the 28th of April, now looking like it will be ready for a Thursday opening.

The capsule collection features an array of products, many of them appealing.

 

Some of the merchandise is available online.

http://usa.tommy.com/tommy/index.jsp?ctcampaign=871&ctkwd=tommyhilfiger&ctmatch=Exact&ctcreative=10700438385&gclid=CMGv_q2izKgCFUOo4AodOWuZpQ

For more background on the line, click here. If interested in seeing the Paris Prep World, click here.

Apologies for the brevity today, but we must race out the door!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Kristin Somody Whalen/WWD
• Steve Eichner/WWD

Prep World Paris, Black Fleece Bargains, Itty-Bitty Kate Middleton Dresses

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Monday.

Things are a little frenzied this week, we’re pedaling as fast as we can here at The Prepatorium.

We begin with a look at the first Prep World pop-up store.

Via StyleRumor

The Tommy Hilfiger/Lisa Birnbach endeavor debuted last week in Paris.

Via Tommy Hilfiger Facebook page

The launch party was right in front of the store, modeled to look like a Hamptons cottage.

It looked like a beautiful day at Pompidou Centre.

Via PaperBlog.Fr

It is a special treat to see our friend Kiel’s work showcased, don’t his bracelets look wonderful?!

Courtesy Prep World

It is always fun to see the reactions to Mr. Hilfiger’s styles, this story in Paper Blog (France) is replete with references to Gossip Girl characters Serena (Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester).

“Preppy. The decor is slick and hostesses are welcoming. During a moment you feel like Serena or Blair, you invent a fishing trip and you fantasize about the sweaters and knitted pastel polo shirts.”

For a more comprehensive look at the shop, Style Rumor has a lengthy post with loads of photos.

If in need of more comprehensive background on the Prep World line and concept, click here.  To see more photos, the Hilfiger Facebook page has a number of photos, including this one.

Tommy Hilfiger

Hmmmm.

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We have a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities to pass along, but be advised two of them are time-sensitive:

• There are *amazing* savings at the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ‘flash sale’ running only through midnight tonight.  A Cotton Seersucker Blazer that is normally $4oo is on sale for $125, and the Little Boy Piped Jacket, originally $450 is also $125.

• The other mention involves another flash sale, this one titled Gossip Girl Boutique at ‘invitation only’ sale site Gilt.com. The sale begins tonight at 9pm EDT, here is more from Gilt’s description:

“We’ve teamed up with Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman, the man behind some of television’s most fiercely dressed characters, to replicate some of the show’s best looks. Whether you crave Serena’s sexy spin on boho-chic, Lily’s flawless elegance, or Blair’s ladylike polish, you’ll find plenty to choose from. And we haven’t forgotten the guys: choose from pieces for him that range from Brooklyn casual to classic Upper East Side cool.”

• J. Crew is doing an additional 30% off sale items in its Final Sale promotion, use promo code OURTREAT at checkout for the savings.

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For those like us with a mild interest in royal weddings (cough-cough), we share a headline from across the pond about the “William and Kate” movie now being shown in the UK.

Via The Daily Mail

The descriptions and reactions to the film had us both laughing.

Rupert Thorpe via The Daily Mail

From the Daily Mail’s story:

“…the Evening Standard’s Richard Godwin concurred, adding: ‘Critics in America have panned this movie as a cheesy chick-flick, but there are positives.’  It is recognisably a film, in that it takes place on a screen.”

Indeed.

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One item related to the upcoming nuptials that is adorable, the tiny collection of Kate Middleton dresses.

Images via The Telegraph

The set was done for Harumika, The Telegraph has photos of all the styles.

Apparently they will be sold at Toys ‘R Us. (Moms, aunts, grandmothers…TP needs your help, is this a popular brand?)

Our fave itty-bitty style:

Via The Telegraph

Although we are pretty sure Miss Middleton’s shoulders will be covered, we do love the tiny wedding gown created for the line.

On that darling image we say g’bye until next time!

The Royal Wedding Party, Carolina Herrera Kids & “Indie Prep” (Ahem.)

Hello-Hello, and happy Tuesday, it is downright balmy here at the Prepatorium, almost 40° and your trusty scribe is giddy from the heat.

We begin today with an update on the upcoming wedding. (You know, The. Wedding.) Many of our treasured readers have already seen the news, but for those not yet hearing the details, we have all of the particulars about who will accompany Kate Middleton and Prince William down the aisle.

As the Palace put it, “Miss Catherine Middleton has asked her sister, Miss Philippa Middleton, to be her Maid of Honour. Prince William has asked his brother, Prince Harry, to be his Best Man.”

Getty Images via The Daily Mail

Philippa is more commonly referred to as Pippa; the Middleton sisters have long been close.

REX via The Telegraph

As have the young Princes.

The following young ladies and young men will be Bridesmaids and Page Boys:

• The Lady Louise Windsor (seen lower left) is the daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex (aka Prince Edward and his wife Sophie), age 7;
• Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones (lower right) is the daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Linley, age 8

The other two young ladies who will be attendants:

• Miss Eliza Lopes (seen on the left) is the granddaughter of William’s stepmother, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall, she is 3 years of age;
• Grace van Cutsem, is carried by her mother, Lady Rose van Cutsem, Grace is also 3

IMAGES: The Picture Library via The Daily Mail

The young men acting as Page Boys:

• Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton is the son of longtime aide and private secretary to the Princes, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton (below we see Prince William playing with his soon-to-be page boy )

REX via The Telegraph

• Master Tom Pettifer, age 8, is the son of Charles Pettifer and his wife Tiggy (formerly Tiggy Legge-Burke, a nanny to the boys in the 1990s).

We simply must share this photo of Lady Louise from last August, seen with her father, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.  The little girl seems so very serious with her hands behind her back, she looks like an old soul in a young body.

Chris Jackson/Getty

More from the Palace:

• Please note that all the children’s parents have informed us that they do not wish to talk to the media.
• Details about the Bridesmaids’ dresses and the Page Boys’ uniforms will be made available on the Wedding Day.

To read the snooze news release in its entirety, click here to visit the media page for the Prince of Wales.

The Telegraph has more details, including the following:

• “Prince William has broken with the tradition that bridegrooms in royal weddings traditionally chose a “supporter” instead of a best man.”
• “The wedding details were revealed on the same day that it was announced that the couple would be paying an official visit together later this month to the university where they met.”

The Mail offers these additional tidbits:

• “In the past Prince Edward and Sophie have been reluctant to allow Lady Louise to be photographed because she was born with exotropia, a rare condition which causes a divergent squint.”
• “As tradition dictates, Prince Harry will now be responsible for organising William’s stag party.” (Editor’s note: this fact is enough to strike fear into even the strongest of British backbones.)

More perspective is offered in this Associated Press story:

“”It’s unusual to have only just one man,” said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. “All of the queen’s sons – Charles, Andrew, Edward – had two supporters at their wedding. But obviously William doesn’t feel the need to have more than one supporter and it’s by no means a hard and fast rule.”

Here are a few more shots of the Middleton sisters, the first dates to 2007.

PHOTO: PacificCoastNews.com

Like older sister Kate, Pippa Middleton has a keen eye for fashion and fun, below left she is in costume to attend a “Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco” fundraiser in 2008, on the right she is headed into the Tatler’s 300th Anniversary party in 2009.

Getty Images

A year ago this month Pippa was in the front row for the Issa runway show during London Fashion Week.

Stuart Wilson/Getty Images Europe

Below we see (L to R) the girls’ mother, Carole Middleton, Pippa, Kate and Prince William skiing last March in the French Alps.

Bauer-Griffin

A photogenic group, to be sure, as always, we shall continue to follow events and share updates as appropriate.

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Next on the hit parade, Tommy Hilfiger’s menswear collection for the fall.

From the Women’s Wear Daily review:

“Those who believe there are only so many ways to do preppy clearly haven’t met Tommy Hilfiger, whose newest interpretation might just be his best one yet.

Via All The Rage

Back to Women’s Wear Daily:

“It’s called Indie Prep,” Hilfiger said before his men’s show on Friday. “When you mix indie rockers with prepsters, that’s what you get.”

Ahem.

In our next post we will look at the Hilfiger styles for women.

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We have a touch of spring and summer to share, the new Carolina Herrera styles for the Young Miss and Master at your palace.

The lines are classic and the color palette perfect for the season, khaki and seersucker are almost always prepalicious.

There is lots to like in this newest collection from the gifted designer. (Later this week we will have the Fall 2011 looks showing this week.)

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We leave you with a few updates on stars from everyone’s fave faux-prep school show, Gossip Girl.

• Actress Blake Lively received an Elle Style Award yesterday in London, she wore an electric blue gown by Emilio Pucci.

Ian Gavan/Getty

• Christian Louboutin has announced that his newest design is named after Ms. Lively.

Courtesy Image via The Daily Mail

• Many of the show’s star’s have been spotted at various shows during Fashion Week, Ed Westwick attended the Hilfiger menswear show on Friday night, and also made it to the Simon Spurr show Sunday evening.

• Fashion Week is a timely topic, the plot has been following “Blair” and “Dan” during their internships at W magazine.

The CW

With that oddity we say goodbye until next time, we hope the sun is shining on you today!

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ADDITIONAL  PHOTO CREDITS:

• Rex Features
• Paul Ellis/AP photo (Princes William & Harry)
• Chris Jackson/Getty (Lady Louise)
• Jamie McCarthy/Getty (Ed Westwcik at Hilfiger)
• Jeff Gentner/Getty (Ed Westwick at Simon Spurr)

Preppy is Back (Version 29… or thereabouts) & Identifying the North Shore Prep

Hello-Hello, and Happy-Happy Friday to everyone!

Yes, we do think today merits two Happies, it has been that kind of week. We remain mystified at our ongoing delusion that tomorrow shall possess a marked diminution in stress and activity, it is that point in the season where allofthedaysruntogether.  But it is loads of fun and we are grateful to be doing what we love, if we were still doing television it’s likely we would currently be engaged in weather coverage (you know what we mean, portraying a little snow as apocalyptic, the forecast requiring DEFCON 4 status, that sort of thing) at this point.

As our headline notes, Preppy is Back! Again! To be honest, we have nary a clue if this is Version 29 (as cited in the post title) or 42 or 18; we haven’t kept track in our 774 posts (eek!) of all the times we have reported such declarations and pronouncements.  This time CNBC is the media outlet sharing the ‘news’.

To be fair, the cable news channel’s story approaches the topic from a business perspective. “Straight Up or With a Twist, Preppy’s Back” looks at retailers benefiting from a resurgence of the styles some associate with the preppy aesthetic.

“The preppy style is making a comeback, but before you go digging through your father’s polos and grabbing your grandmother’s pearls, know that this time around “picnic chic” has some new twists.”

The story references Russell Simmon’s Argyleculture brand.  (FYI, the image below is not from the CNBC story, just one we selected when seeking images to better familiarize ourselves with the company.)

Via Blackpreneur

Writer Ashley Kalinke spoke with a stock expert for her article:

“Preppy is starting to make a comeback,” says Christine Chen, a retail analyst at Needham & Co. “It isn’t quite mainstream yet other than in the teen market where you see the varsity jackets, but it’s definitely making a comeback. We’re still very much stuck in the ’80s, and seeing ’80s [inspired trends] in the stores. But, that’s done. The shift is happening. “

Ahem.  A shift? Nay, nay sayeth preps everywhere.

The story looks at several versions of “prep” previously discussed in this space, notably “urban prep,” “hipster prep,” along with other styles not applicable to our personal taste. The ‘shift’ described in the article is attributed to consumers growing tired of denim.

“As a result, the style evolved to corduroy and khaki, which are inherently dressier fabrics that create more formal everyday style. This look can even conjure up a nautical feel that then lends itself to boat shoes, Breton stripes and a navy blazer, and eventually you begin to see a more classic preppy look emerge.”

The story lists LL Bean, Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer as brands benefiting from the increased focus on classic styles.

True Prep author Lisa Birnbach is quoted in the story; we couldn’t agree with her more about a brand currently occupying a place on the AntiPrep Wall of Shame.

“There is some debate whether Abercrombie is a true prep, despite its polos and button-down shirts. Birnbach says it’s not.”It’s not preppy anymore,” she says. “What they are selling now is sex on the coattails of a brand name that’s elegant, and ‘American,’ but it’s not the same.”

Amen to that sentiment.  As always, we smile at the return of something that never left, but in this case we can see where evolving styles have impacted sales and profits at certain retailers, prompting CNBC’s coverage.  Click here to read the story in its entirety.

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The Trib (Chicago) also had a preppish piece, asking “Who is the North Shore Prep?” Here are a few identifying traits from the story.

• “The North Shore prep lives in Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Kenilworth. They typically hug the coast (preppies like water)”

• “Highland Park was said to have too many “new money” families to be prep; while at the Lake Forest Book Store, owner Sue Boucher illustrated the difference: “Someone was just honking (outside the store), and I kept thinking, ‘We don’t honk here.’ In Highland Park, they honk. Decorum is what it’s all about.”‘

• “…not prone, for instance, to wearing the ostentatious new Ralph Lauren shirts “with the giant Polo pony horrifying to anyone of a true prep sensibility” — so described by Lance Lawson, whose clothing store, space519, in the 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue, has become a North Shore magnet. They gravitate more to regulation L.L. Bean duck boots.”

Writer Christopher Borelli’s piece merits a read, at least for those of us spending a little time on that side of The Large Lake; it also offers a “Select Preppy Reading List”.  (We do count on Third Coast Prep, Preppy Little Dress, La Belette Rouge, Tippy L and others to advise us of any egregious errors in Mr. Borelli’s story.)

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A few additional tidbits:

• Nashville preps will be happy to know Vineyard Vines will add a second store in that city, the new one is slated to open in February.
• J. McLaughlin celebrates its new Westport (CT) store this Sunday.

J. McLaughlin

• Dior’s flagship store on 57th Street reopened this week after a major remodeling, a number of celebrations marked the occasion. On hand at the store, actress Amy Adams and Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester.

Our favorite look had to be Karolina Kurkova’s (L), while Natalie Portman was stunning.

As many readers know, Miss Portman’s “Black Swan” open across the US tonight, that one is near the top of our list.

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Tomorrow we have a special treat, a visit from the Queen Bee herself.  The Bee is going to be popping in now and again to share some of her thoughts and insights on April’s royal wedding, and tomorrow is the first of her posts. We are very excited the inimitable Bee is going to be visiting!

On that sunny note, may everyone revel in a stellar weekend filled with cheer and charity.

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ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Dimitrios Kambouris/Wire Image
• Steve Eichner/WWD
• Jason Kempin/Getty

A Gossip Girl’s Fashion Faux Pas, Neiman’s True Prep Effort

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday.

We have all manner of Bits and Bytes to share, the majority of today’s tidbits are fun and frivolous, with little or no redeeming social value whatsoever. We begin with an item we mentioned yesterday on Facebook, with apologies to our friends from that venue, we simply must show it again.  For only the fifth time in its history, the Hope Diamond was moved from its place at the Smithsonian.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

The legendary piece was moved to the Harry Winston 5th Avenue flagship for a gala Tuesday night. It was also the first time the stone was seen in its new temporary setting, some readers may recall that the design was selected by the public through an online voting process.

From WWD’s story about the event:

“The security surrounding the Hope diamond’s appearance at the Harry Winston store last night rivaled that of a sitting President. There was to be no mention that the stone would be at the party, everyone was advised to bring photo ID and doors were locked at 7:30—no exceptions for latecomers.”

This photo gives a better sense of how truly immense the stone is.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

Celebrities on hand for the big party included Halle Berry and designer Rachel Roy.

Perhaps the only thing discussed as much as the famous stone was the clothing selection made by actress Leighton Meester.

Image via Styleite

The Gossip Girl star’s lacy jumpsuit from Marchesa was sheer, there is nothing earth shattering about that; unfortunately we are all seeing far more of the “too little fabric, too much flesh” syndrome.

The problem with the piece was how much of the back of the jumpsuit was sheer.  As in all of it. (We’re not showing that image, to see how sadly the outfit missed the mark, click here, or here.)  From Refinery29:

“Don’t get us wrong—we love pants-off Tuesday as much as the next guy—but only in the privacy of our own homes. It seems someone forgot to give Leighton Meester the memo.”

It was a surprising miss from the young actress, for if she is criticized at all by the fashion media, it is generally for playing things too safely, too conservatively.

One of Ms. Meester’s costars is known for frequently wearing more daring looks; that may or may not be a factor in Blake Lively landing yet another Vogue cover, this time for a special edition.

Vogue Magazine

The actress is featured on the cover of Vogue Best Dressed. To see the Top 10 on the magazine’s list, click here.

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Next, a few new books, both appropriate for gifting. The first showcases creations by Louis Vuitton.

Courtesy Image

Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks will be released December 1, the title aptly describes the book; below we share a portion of the publisher’s description:

“…100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including boxes made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst.”

Here is a look at the ‘Deluxe Edition’.

Via High Snobiety

This version will only be available at Vuitton stores and through the company’s website.

The other volume we want to mention looks at interior design, the content all comes from T&C, one of TP’s favorite magazines.

At Home with Town and Country is the first home book from the magazine, the book offers a look at some of the magnificent homes and living spaces seen in the magazine.  This one was released in September, so it is available for purchasing now.

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Also today, it seems Neiman Marcus is embracing the prep style aesthetic, the NM Guide to Prep claims to offer “everything you need to achieve true prep status”.

Neiman Marcus

The guide is merely a collection of merchandise, with an an array of ideas for your MOTH (Man of the House). There are some obvious choices on the list, like the Hunter Boots and Neiman’s own brand of Pocket Squares.

The Lacoste Long Sleeve Polo and perhaps even the Armani Ties would make the cut.

But the Gucci Embroidered Crest Cardigan or the Burberry Wallet?

To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no.

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Our final item is dedicated to Muffy Martini, properly so when seeing the Question of the Day on auto-enthusiast site Jalopnik, where the question was asked, “What Would Muffy Drive?”

“As long as there are private boarding schools, Brooks Brothers button downs… and girls lacrosse there will be preppy kids with stupid names and nice cars. What would “Muffy” drive?

Here is the photo shown in the post:

Via Jalopnik.com

On that topic, g’bye until next time!