Fashion Radar

In February JCPenney launched its new American Living label, a collection of Americana-infused women's, men's, and children's apparel and housewares masterminded by Ralph Lauren and his Global Concepts division.

I love the music they use in the The American Living commercials directed by Bruce Weber, who has worked on other campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch. (FYI, the music is by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, case you're curious.)

But aside from that, I am not loving much else about this collection. The styles look outdated rather than classic, and everything is too expensive (which must explain the recent price cuts I've been noticing).

In fact, According to The New York Times, the American Living collection costs about 15 percent more than the highest-priced private labels now sold by Penney under brands like Concepts by Claiborne, Joneswear and Liz & Co.

For example, a woman’s seersucker skirt costs $70; a distressed jean jacket costs $100; and a large leather hobo costs $115.

I'm also not too keen on the brand's rustic bald-eagle-and-flag logo. A bit contrived, don't you think?

So my gut tells me this collection will be a major flop with shoppers. But if it lasts, at least American Living will provide a nice...er...counterpoint to Penney's upcoming Fabulosity clothing line.

Next month, actress and model Elizabeth Hurley will be launching Elizabeth Hurley for Mango, a limited edition swimwear line full of brightly colored bikinis, kaftans, and one-pieces.

Miss Hurley, 42, and a mother of one, looks gorgeous as usual in her photo shoot for the ultra-sexy collection, which will also feature some accessories, including sunglasses, shoes, and jewelry.

If you want to channel Hurley's vixen vibe, expect to spend $40-$70 for a bikini, $140 for a kaftan, and $44 for a beachy bag.

>> See more pics here

From the BBC Pressroom: "As ethical fashion promises to be the next big thing, the BBC has today launched Thread – a new online magazine for fashion conscious people who care about where their clothes come from.

"Thread will cut to the heart of what 'ethical fashion' means, covering a range of issues from the environmental footprint of clothing manufacture, to the impact of the fashion industry on human and animal rights and why the choices we make as clothes shoppers make a real difference.

"First and foremost Thread is dedicated to showcasing the latest in eco-fabulous style. The magazine shows you how to get the look you want in an eco-glam way through a unique mix of affordable fashion, exclusive celebrity videos and interviews, photo galleries and thought-provoking features.

"It will also offer ideas and information on how to give your wardrobe an ethical makeover through a mix of shopping for new or vintage clothes, to swapping clothes with friends and customising existing clothes. Thread is proof that there are ethical options to suit your style, your budget and your views."

I'm bookmarking the site, even though I suspect Thread will have things to tell me that I won't necessarily want to hear. But when you know better, you do better. So bring on the big issues, Thread! We're listening...

>> Visit Thread

As part of their Gap Design Editions, the Gap enlisted 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and threeASFOUR to design a limited edition collection of white shirts, each putting their own spin on the classic white button-down. The collection looks pretty stunning on the models in the ad above, but keep scrolling...


Here's how the shirts look on yours truly: Not good. Not good at all. Yes, I took a trip to my friendly neighborhood Gap (a very rare occurrence) to scope out the collection, and while I had a very pleasant shopping experience (I forgot how oddly relaxing the Gap can be), the four shirts I tried by Phillip Lim were sub par considering the $78 pricetag.

Lim's Bell-sleeve shirt fit best (above left), but the ruffles would be difficult to layer under a cardigan or blazer without bunching and wrinkling. The Picot button-front shirt (above right) featured an uncooperative tie detail. Sorry, but I can't be bothered with buttoning and bow-tying. Pass.


A 3/4 sleeve top (above left) felt more like a mock-up than an actual finished garment. And it had a sort of "mad scientist" vibe that I wasn't feeling. Scary. Finally, I slipped into a low-tie neck top which made me look prego. Nothing wrong with that...but it's not the look I'm after. And again with the bow - please don't ask me to tie my own bows. The results ain't pretty.

In a nutshell, I felt the collection was unflattering, fussy and stiff. There's a reason that classic white button down shirts are universally appealing - it's that classic shape, cut and silhouette. So save your $78 and spend it on a great classic that you'll wear over and over again instead.

Baby Phat president and Life in the Fab Lane star Kimora Lee Simmons is launching Fabulosity, a fashion sportswear line for juniors to be sold exclusively at JCPenney, later this year.

Fabulosity will feature tees, knit tops and sweaters, jeans, skirts and dresses, as well as hoodies, jackets and outerwear, with prices ranging from $29 to $108.

With all due respect, I think this is a big step backwards for JCPenney. They will never attract today's sophisticated budget fashion shopper with moves like this, nor will they be able to help their current customer base attain great style. Big "sighs" all around.

Bluefly, a popular online purveyor of discounted designer fashion, just launched a microsite called b*fly which carries contemporary (read: young & hip!) apparel at up to 40% off.

I'm loving this ditsy-print floral top from Free People for $41...but $99 for an Alice + Olivia tank top? I don't think so.

Time will tell if b*fly becomes a mainstay budget-fashion shopping destination for yours truly. Check it out and let everyone know what you think!

>> Visit b*fly.com

Put on your thinking caps, ladies. Comme des Garçons' founder and head designer Rei Kawakubo is set to create this autumn's frenzy-sparking guest designer collection at H&M.

Kawakubo, famed for propelling the artistic and philosophical boundaries of fashion to some esoteric place we mere mortals dare not venture, will design H&M fashions for women, men and children, as well as accessories and a unisex fragrance.

The world launch of the collection will be at the opening of H&M's second store in Tokyo, Japan - Kawakubo's native country - in the beginning of November. Launch date for other H&M markets will be a few days later.

To call Kawakubo avant-garde would be an understatement, so it will be interesting to see how her experimental designs translate to fast-fashion. I have no doubt, however, that it will be spectacular. Even if it gives me a headache.

Above: A look from the SS08 Comme des Garçons runway, courtesy Style.com