Time is Money

Patek Phillipe is a watch brand associated with status, but it makes the world's

most complicated pieces by hand. Its "Sky Moon Tourbillon" sold at auction for

$1.49 million in April. Their 1932 men's "Calatrava" model is the opposite

of bling, even though the dial is surrounded by 52 diamonds and redone in rose

gold.

Gossip Girl Grins

Is Model T.V. a Good Role Model?

A new reality television show is going to be showing the modeling industry,

but some are objecting to this stle of show giving teenage females unrealistic

expectations and making them feel like something is "wrong" with them. The

new show, Model T.V. is coming up soon and one will see how well it turns

out. There have been other shows like America's Next Top Model and I Want to

be a Model, hosted by Nikki Taylor. People in the industry are trying to make

the public more aware of issues such as weight by doing a French public service

announcement with an anorexic model. They have also tightened age and weight

requirements due to the death of a Brazilian model.

Suing Over Split Ends

Kate Hudson and hair guru David Bakkai for Wild Aid, a company which has

hair products containing ingredients considered non-harmful to the enviroment,

are being sued by Lab 220. This company claims Kate Hudson stole a sample of

theirs containing volcanic ash. The actress denies this and is creating this

hair line with Bakkai. They have already sold some products on the Home Shopping

Network. Lab 220 is suing for appropriation of trade, fraud, and breech of

contract, but the agreement is supposedly verbal. One will have to wait to see

how much more the volcano will erupt.

Gwenyth as Cruella De Ville?

The new fall fashion spread in this year's Tod advertisements is being attacked

by the animal rights activist group,Peta,. The ads feature Gwenyth Paltrow

modeling their clothes, handbags, and shoes, but the actress is also wearing fur.

The Italian fashion line has not commented on this advocacy group's position, but

it does not look like Tods is going to stop runing the ads anytime soon.

Pointy Toe Pumps

One of the shoes for the fall/winter season is the pump with the pointy toe.

It illustrates how women can mean business in these powerful and sexy shoes.

These shoes also can work with jeans. Designers such as; Jimmy Choo, Kate

Spade, Michael Kors, Guess, and Cole Haan are selling them. Women have the option

of choosing different patterns and prices.

Purple Reign

Purple is the hot color of the fall/winter season. It is in every hue from

lilac to fuschia and it seems to be on every fashion item such as; belts,

shoes, dresses, and jackets. A company named Protone tends to deal with fabric

retailers and other fashion insiders before the designers even begin their

new lines. Protone uses surveys, graphic layouts, focus groups, and visual

aides to assess the tastes and trends of potential customers and the fashion

industry. This year they must be a pasion for purple.

Alice Dellal, Punk Debutante, Model, and Mick Jagger's niece

Alice Dellal is more grunge than fashionista. She loves '90s grunge and punk,

which only touches on her half-shaved mane, the nose ring, and ripped tights.

Dellal is based in London, but is a favorite of Paris "Vogue" and photographers

such as Nick Knight. She combines rock and fashion; Uncle Mick Jagger and Uncle

Mario Testino are her godfathers. Alice says; "My family influences me a lot".

Her relatives and friends are asked about her shaved locks and they have gotten

mixed reviews. Alice Dellal is a rock and roll model too look out for

Juicy Couture: Lets Them Eat Cake

The new ads for Juicy Couture have a tasty tagline; "Let Them Eat Tracksuits".

Ten colorfully dressed models pose on the beach showing the label's tracksuits.

The graphics are appealing because each outfit is matched to a surfboard the

same color. This shows creativity and makes even the most non-athletic want

to ride the waves or go for a jog on the beach. This line is not only for women,

but men and children can also have a piece of the pie. Juicy Couture also

shows off their handbags and other accessories. One has to wonder with the

Olympics, is fashion or sports taken more seriously?

Stylista: The Devil Wears Prada meets The Real World

Stylista a new reality television show will portray eleven up and coming

fashionistas who have jobs at "Elle" magazine; the only catch is they work for

Anne Slowey, the "brutal" business news director. The show is on the CW,

Wednesdays at 9:00 P.M. It airs for the first time October 22. The show has

the same producers as Project Runway and America's Next Top Model. The concept

for the show comes from the movie The Devil Wears Prada.

Paris Hilton: Wigging Out

Paris Hilton wil be the new spokesmodel for a hairproduct named Bandit.

The product will be a handband which has hair extensions attached. The

company which has created this design is Sally's Beauty Supplies. I am not so excited for this look, which has been around for a long time and always looks fake. Hopefully the bandit can make a more fashion-forward headband hairpiece.

Get Fit While You Flop

FitFlops, invented by Marcia Kilgore the founder of Bliss Spas, are the new

shoe for fitness and comfort. The 1970s had Dr. Scholl's exercise sandals, the

'80s Reeboks, and Birkenstocks and Mephistos have followed. FitFlops were

featured on Oprah's Favorite Things", foam exercise sandals. They make your feet

look smaller and help one your body. The FitFlop web site reports that they

"have been shown to trigger increased gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring

response, and help improve thih and calf muscles. Marcia Kilgore likes to think

of these shoes as jolie-laide, or pretty-ugly. Some have given positive

fashion feedback and others migh not care whether they are in vogue. The Fitflops

priced at $49.99 are reasonable and seem to be a blissful way to walk.

Ralph Lauren does the Olympics

Ralph Lauren ,the icon of "American" design, has won a gold medal at this summer's

Olympic games. He got to see the American athletes wear his clothes in the opening

procession. The athletes were dressed in U.S.A. colors and the look symbolized

his typical "preppy", wholesome, and nationalistic spirit. The all "American"

look will hopefully spur the team on to much success with their athletic

competition.