Sunday, June 20, 2010

+ our new blog page has arrived - WWW.JPLUSJBLOG.COM

Dear Readers,

We have just launched the new j + j blog page, and our web address is now www.jplusjblog.com. We want to thank all of our readers for being devout followers of our page! We look forward to keeping our readers informed on our new page!

Thank You!
Jorge + Joshua
j + j

Thursday, June 17, 2010

+ a new designer's spin on the classics.



We met with designer R. Scott French yesterday to preview a teaser of his Spring 2011 Collection for Richard Harris and American Chang, two brands that are being revitalized through his expertise. French has done design work at some high end boutiques and Banana Republic, which is enough credentials to believe he can make these two brands into household names soon enough. In his previews for both brands he featured the staples of menswear, which are nice crisp blazers and trousers in colors such as black, navy, and beige. The clothing also uses some of the finest Italian fabrics that bring a touch of luxury to the brand. He also put his spin on the cotton tee-shirt by designing a shirt with wrinkled fabric on the front side only. His work is still a work in progress, but rest assured French will come out with material that men will love. He says that his inspiration for both collection came from two sources: the first one is a random thought that came to his mind on his way out of work one day; his first idea was the motif of a mushroom cloud from an atomic bomb. The second source was the Panza exhibit of Dan Flavin's work with neon lighting in Varese, Italy.These interesting concepts combined should be something to look forward to when he debuts the entire Spring collection this Fall.

Monday, June 14, 2010

+ the rebirth of the (real) house of mugler.

+ Nicola Formichetti. 
(photo courtesy of nymag.com)

 + Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1997.
 (photo courtesy of auntiefashion blog)

Word in the inner fashion circle is that the fashion house of Thierry Mugler (not the one in the ballroom circuit) will have a new creative director to replace Rosemary Rodriguez, who left her post at the company three weeks ago. The new man is rumoured to be Nicola Formichetti, who is not just a freelance stylist for Lady Gaga, but also the fashion director for Vogue Hommes Japan, and the creative director for Dazed and Confused Magazine. If the rumours prove to be true, this will mark a renaissance of the house since Mugler's departure in 2003. Everyone will be awaiting to see what Nicola Formichetti for Thierry Mugler will look like. Will he bring avant garde influences from his collaborations with the Haus of Gaga to Mugler? Judging from the styling he has done for Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and "Alejandro" videos we hope to see mind-boggling fashion statements.

+ up.and.coming.models.

+ Pavel.


work.

There are many surprises that we observed when we met 19 year old model Pavel, who started modeling when he was 16. This Russian model has already been booked for major editorial spreads like VMan and Dazed and Confused magazines, yet despite his accomplishments he remains shy and down to earth. He started modeling at age 16 for Envy Model Management in Las Vegas, and then came to New York and signed with Models International. He says that in the future he would love to be in a Calvin Klein ad. It also would please the ladies to know he is straight!! We see a lot of talent and potential in this young man, and wish him the best!



+ Scott.

work.

At the ripe age of 20, Scott has already landed one of his most important jobs in the two months he has been signed to Models International - getting photographed by Hedi Slimane last month. But he is not just a good looking guy who happens to be a model. At other times, you will find him pursuing his college education at NYU as a Business major. With summer now arriving, Scott plans to model full time this season, so many great opportunities are in the horizon for this young man!


+ Zachary.


Age: 20
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Has been with Models International for 3 weeks.



+ Joey.


Age: 20
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Has been with Models International for one month.




*         *         *




We would like to thank profoundly Mr. Ryan Colby for the interviews with the models and also for the opportunity to interview him as well. Here are some questions we asked him during a photoshoot that took place in the Models International offices in Herald Square. 

J + J: How long have you been in the business? What motivated you to enter into the fashion/modeling field? 
RC: I have been in the field for almost 25 years, since the age of 12 when I started modeling in Europe. After the modeling career I transitioned my career into becoming an art director at Vogue Magazine, where I stayed for three years afterwards. For the last nine years since that job my career is in the modeling field, scouting for new faces and talent.

J + J: Who helps you scout for models? What do you look for when you scout?
RC: Before the age of Internet I did all the scouting hands on, but now with social  networking sites like facebook and email I just get requests for appointments from all over the place. When I scout I look for diversity. The agency represents different types of models, from the slim ones ideal for high fashion editorials, to the muscular-built models ideal for commercial modeling. In this economy a diverse portfolio is essential in order to compete with other modeling agencies. At this time we represent 45 male models and 100 female models.

J + J: What are the challenges you face as an model agent? 
RC: Paying the bills for the office, as well as dealing with the different personalities of the models I represent. Some models have personality issues and as a result some have issues working with different photographers.

J + J: Are there any lessons you have learned during your career in the fashion industry? 
RC: Loyalty and communication are key for success in this industry. When there are miscommunications many arguments arise and work does not get done. 










Saturday, June 12, 2010

+ camera ready.






+ Fantastic (The word inked on the guy in the first picture) can't explain the love I had for that night.  J+J has a great group of friends and we ALWAYS end at 1 Of A Kind. ^_^

Thursday, June 10, 2010

+ get the (new) london look.

+ Burberry Resort 2011




+ Stella McCartney Resort 2011

It is no wonder that Christopher Bailey won the International Designer Award at the CFDA Awards this past Monday for his work at Burberry Prorsum. He recently presented in London his 2011 Resort Collection for the brand, and it was an artistic celebration of Burberry's British heritage. Bailey drew inspiration from Burberry's archives which contained designs for British colonial military uniforms from the 1930s and 1940s, which manifested themselves in trench coats which contained epaulets, wrist straps, utility pockets, and exotic python detailing on the belts and handbags. Any classy lady would also drool over the thigh high python boots, which are similar to the boots he showed for his Fall/Winter 2010 collection. He also drew inspiration from past Burberry collections that featured the quintessential "London look." This look manifested itself in a ruched leather dress that was lightweight and embraced the feminine silhouette well, and also with the finely tailored navy blue blazer and trousers that would look ideal on a girl out on a stroll in Mayfair. For the chaps there were finely tailored shirts and trousers that are quintessentially Christopher Bailey. Looking at the whole collection as a whole, one could say the theme was safari meets the city.

+

Also from London came the Resort 2011 presentation for Stella McCartney. This is one of McCartney's strongest collections yet, with an architectural silhouette that was similar to Calvin Klein Collection's Spring 2009 look, and an assortment of other pieces like A-line dresses and military trench coats that went as far down as to the thighs. Her blazers and trousers contained her trademark Savile Row tailoring which flatter well a woman's figure. Many of her looks were about exposing the legs, and celebrating the arrival of Spring, which is is said to be McCartney's favorite season.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

+ the creators.


+  Summers always seem to be a bit intense in New York City.  The clammy weather is one thing but the events leading up to the resort collections are another.  It seems as though we are between a rock in a hard place since our website is not yet complete and we have so many topics to cover, not to mention the Menswear shows are approaching very soon.   Whoever said the business of fashion is extremely fast paced definitely quoted it correctly, sometimes I think we should hire individuals to help cover the important events we can’t attend, wishful thinking for future references I guess.  Well above are a few pictures of Jorge and I within the last month, a mixture of us wearing our favorite brands, Dior Homme, Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, etc.  Enjoy as we look forward to bringing you the launch of our new Website next week.

Very Respectfully,

 Joshua + Jorge

j + j

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

+ winners and highlights of the cfda 2010 awards

 Iman (image courtesy of Associated Press)

Sarah Jessica Parker (image courtesy of fashionologie.com) 


NEW YORK - JUNE 07: Models walk the runway wearing Alexander McQueen's last collection during the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on June 7, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
Alexander McQueen CFDA Awards tribute (image courtesy of Getty Images.)



Last night at the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center took place the 2010 CFDA Awards. These awards are a big powwow for the fashion elite who celebrate the accomplishments of established and emerging American designers. A trifecta of Gaysian designers came out victorious when they won the Swarovski awards for the categories of Menswear, Womenswear, and Accessories. Those winners were Richard Chai, Jason Wu, and Alexander Wang respectively. The biggest awards of the night though, were won by Marc Jacobs and Rag & Bone duo Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Womenswear and Menswear Designer of the Year respectively. Christopher Bailey of Burberry Prorsum won the CFDA International Award, in which he thanked Tom Ford, Donna Karan, and Anna Wintour (who then took off her sunglasses momentarily) for helping him in his career.

+

Supermodel Iman, who was clad in a Giambattista Valli fall/winter 2010 gown was presented with the Fashion Icon Award. The most poignant portion of the evening though was a special tribute presented posthumously to Alexander McQueen by Sarah Jessica Parker, who gave a heartfelt speech that did not require any notes or teleprompter. Parker was dressed in a customized Alexander McQueen gown made by Sarah Burton. After the speech the audience was treated to a showing of his final collection for fall/winter 2010.

Friday, June 4, 2010

+ bridesmaid chic.







Bridesmaids-to-be do not need to go to some generic shop for their bridesmaid dresses anymore! Cynthia Rowley had a private event yesterday for their new capsule collection called Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids which was made in collaboration with the Dessy Group, a company that produces bridal apparel. The dresses come in two lengths - floor length and tea length. There are an assortment of fabrics used in the dresses such tulle, cotton sateen, and duchess satin. These dresses are not just for the wedding ceremony itself, but also for the reception, and for other formal events. Every girl will love the collection not only because it comes with different color options to satisfy your preferences, but because the prices are surprisingly affordable. Prices start at $175, and end at $220. Now bridesmaids-to-be do not have to resort to tacky choices for bridal wear. The dresses will be available at Lovely Bride in the West Village, who will assist with fittings and orders for this collection. Their address is 313 West 4th Street, New York,  New York.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

+ let's play another game of musical chairs!

 Giles Deacon (image courtesy of indyposted.com)

  Olivier Theyskens (image courtesy of honeymag.com)

 Christophe Lemaire (image courtesy of sofeminine.co.uk)

 Sarah Burton (image courtesy of smh.com.au)

This past week has been an interesting week for certain fashion houses who named new creative directors. The first of many announcements came on Tuesday when the struggling Parisian fashion house of Emanuel Ungaro named British designer Giles Deacon as its new designer, replacing the failed duo of Estrella Archs and "creative advisor" Lindsay Lohan who were named for the same post less than a year ago. The annoucement has been well received since his namesake line has devoted followers like Kylie Minogue and Daphne Guinness, so this could be the morale boost the fashion house needs. Deacon will present his first collection with Ungaro this October for Spring 2011.

+

Fans of haute couture extraordinaire designer Olivier Theyskens will be happy to know that he has just announced his collaboration with Theory for a capsule collection that will feature his signature aesthetics for Spring 2011. No other details were released on the collection, so we will await to see what is in store for Theory.

+

One major announcement that rocked the fashion world though was the exit of Jean Paul Gaultier out of Hermès after seven years of breathing new life on the womenswear side of the fashion house, which is favored by the old money set. Gaultier's post will be filled oddly enough by Christophe Lemaire, who is the creative director of Lacoste. So why did Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the general artistic director of Hermès, make such an unconventional choice? Because Hermès is one of the few fashion houses in existence that is family-run, and does not need to answer to any stockholders and investors. In additon to this, Dumas wanted to take Hermès into a new direction - chic sportswear that serves a function, which he says was part of the Hermès heritage in the 1920s. Gaultier and his predecessor, Martin Margiela took Hermès into an avant garde direction with pieces that incorporated fine tailoring. Gaultier will present his last collection for Hermès this October for Spring 2011, and Lemaire's collection will debut in March for Fall 2011. It should be interesting to see how he combines functionality and luxury in his collections with the brand.

+

A few months back we reported that rumours were going around that Gareth Pugh would become the creative director of Alexander McQueen. All those rumours have been silenced since Gucci Group announced yesterday that McQueen's new creative director would be Sarah Burton, a veteran at Alexander McQueen's design studio who started working for him back in 1996 when she was still a student at the Central Saint Martins school in London. Burton was McQueen's first assistant up to his death, and always had an intimate relationship with the brand, including working closely with pattern makers and technical people who produced work for the brand. This is very encouraging since Burton proves to be qualified by her intimate knowledge of the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. We await to see what her work will look like for the Spring 2011 collection!

+ work!




(images courtesy of livelyindeptmusicent.com)

Ciara not only has a hot video on air now called "Ride," she also has an new LP coming out soon and she is also going to be in an editorial spread in the upcoming July edition of Vogue Paris. The R&B singer, who is also a Wilhelmina model, has lost some extra weight and it seems like her work paid off now that Carine Roitfeld took notice of her. The editorial spread was shot in black and white by the photography duo of Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The extra bonus was that the shoot was styled by Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. We must say kudos to her for her stylistic evolution. Like one of her videos is titled, we say "work!"

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

+ one chop.




 (images courtesy of thefrisky.com)

British gothic avant garde designer Gareth Pugh has come out with an unconventional ring that is shaped like a scythe. A scythe is a sharp tool used by farmers to cut grass, and can do a lot of damage. This gunmetal ring can also do a lot of damage, if that is what you need it for. The ring is meant to be worn between the fingers. The ring is £95 (about $137) and can be found online here.

+

This ring is perfect for a gay men in dangerous situations, and women who feel like they are being preyed on. Now you can be like Bon Qui Qui from Mad TV and say "Girl, I will cut YOU!"

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

+ bang bang.

(image courtesy of stylelist.com)

If you like the idea that sex sells then you will definitely like Marc Jacobs and his chiseled body in the ads of his new men's fragrance "Bang." Marc once again teamed up with Juergen Teller to shoot the ad in a background of mylar paper with Jacobs's oiled up body capturing all the attention only to have his manly bits covered by the jagged fragrance bottle. Jacobs came with the name "Bang" one day at the gym when he thought about the "sexual connotations and the immediacy of the word." The fragrance will have top notes of peppercorns, a heart of deep masculine woods, and a drydown of patchouli, vetiver, and white moss. The fragrance will debut at Bloomingdale's and all Marc Jacobs boutiques on July 30th. The 1.7 oz bottle will retail for $55, and the 3.4 oz bottle will sell for $75. There will also be a kit with the fragrance that will include an aftershave balm, hair and body wash, and deodorant.

+

The ad campaign will be specifically tailored to the different sensibilities of the target markets - the American Midwestern states will see an ad with Jacobs from the shoulders up holding the fragrance bottle, while ads in the Middle East will just feature the fragrance bottle. Print ads will appear in September publications of various magazines. Our hope is that this fragrance does not become the signature fragrance for many Chelsea girls.

Monday, May 24, 2010

+ shopping paradise.








This past week Joshua won a contest from Stylecaster for Hautelook and DecadesTwo's sale for outfits inspired by the upcoming Sex and the City 2 movie. Jorge also came along with him and these are the things that we encountered when we arrived to the loft where the sale took place on a warm Friday afternoon. There were not too many avant garde piece left when we arrived since the night before many important people came by for an intimate shopping event and took such pieces from designers like Balmain and Rick Owens. We were lucky though to find a few lovely pieces like the gold-embellished vest from Dries Van Noten, a sequined vest from Vera Wang, raw denim jeans from Balmain, and a lightweight asymmetrical jacket from Rick Owens. The intimate sale also had pieces based on the Sex and the City characters: many Chanel tweed blazers inspired by Charlotte, colorful handbags and dresses from Gucci and Prada for Samantha Jones's taste, and some black blazers from Yves Saint Laurent for Miranda. Carrie's type of items were the ones that were mostly sold out by the time we arrived. We would like to thank the folks from Stylecaster, Hautelook, and Decadestwo for their time and patience in taking care of us!