Tom Ford was in London to promote the launch of his fragrance, Bois Marocain.  The designer is all about sensuality and created this fragrance around the belief that scent is one way humans are attracted to each other, and sensuality is about relationships with people.  Mr. Ford believes that fragrance is a way to have accessible luxury, especially during these turbulent times.  He used great care and paid close attention to details in creating his scent and he obviously uses the same standards when he designs.

Isaac Mizrahi was recently on the road working on the re-launch of Liz Claiborne, the goal was to breathe new life into the brand.  It’s not your mother’s Liz Claiborne; the plan is to make the label younger and cooler.  Mr. Mizrahi was on a tour to various cities meeting people and getting the word out about the new ‘Liz’ as he calls her.  A goal of the label today is to get women to wear more color and to be more tailored, but never trendy.  The culture at Liz has always been to deliver quality clothes without the high costs, and he continues that today.  It’s so obvious that he loves what he does, and so do we. 

Luxury may be in need of resuscitation according to retail analysis David Horowitz. He says that the luxury market will never be the same.  Retailers are lowering prices because consumers are skittish in this economic environment.  He believes that luxury will never be the same; some will adapt, but things will only get back to half of what they once were.  Horowitz is concerned that there will be substantially less luxury retailers and fashion designers because some will not survive the crisis.  By all accounts this is a pretty bleak report.  Will his predictions come to fruition?  Only time will tell, I can tell you it’s not a good way to end the work week.

We name New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn to our Rollcall list this week.  Ms. Horyn purchased a pair of $16 white jeans at Wal-mart recently.  That’s pretty awesome.  It shows that she is not a retail snob, but she is critical of fashion whose appeal stem from a hefty price tag.  Can you blame her?   A pair of $16 jeans is like a rebellion against over-priced goods.  Though be it a mild one.  High priced fashion will not become extinct; people will still pay for the extraordinary.  I just don’t know about the market for $400 jeans, unless they make my butt look F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S., and write a blog entry or two when I’m too busy.

Big Pic: Further Thoughts [On the Runway/NYT]

Vogue shows off this season’s trends for women in their 20′s, 30′s and 50′s.  Denim, black blazers  and printed dresses are showcased.  It proves that style is versatile and any woman can be on trend if she chooses wisely.  Now, if someone would alert me when tie-dye returns, it would be greatly appreciated.  I want to see tie-dye at any age.

What’s better than a fashion designer who creates a beautiful collection?  I would say one who loves basketball too.  Designer Pamella Roland has got that combination down.  Ms. Roland has been inspired by the Orlando Magic and their winning ways, and brought that inspiration to her spring 2009 collection.  The collection includes cocktail dresses, evening gowns and separates all in that beautiful ‘Magic Blue’.  The ocean blue color is mesmerizing, and the looks are fluid, yet strong.  It appears that both Pamella Roland and the Orlando Magic are having a stellar season.

The New York Times had an interesting article on bloggers in the Style section last Friday, the fall of blogs actually.  Apparently many are abandoning their blogs because they’ve become disillusioned; many believed that success and acclaim would follow their launch and once those expectations were not met, it lead to a sense of disappointment.

As a relatively new independent blogger, I understand the feelings of unmet expectations, I get it.  I started my blog blissfully unaware of the costs of acquiring photos from the wire services, and I remember that day like it was four months ago.  Oh yeah, it was.  Writing a blog is a learning experience, you try to find what works and what doesn’t.  It’s about finding your voice and it can be an exciting process. 

In addition to unmet expectations, life gets in the way.  Most of us have other daily obligations that limit our ability to really put in the time and care we really want to on our blogs.

Today I pledge to recommit myself to the hopes and plans I had when I decided to launch Fashion Rollcall.  I’m planning to chronicle some of the ups and downs I’ve experienced along the way.  What’s the worst that can happen?  Other than I run the risk of saying too much.  Hopefully you will find some of my encounters and predicaments amusing. [The New York Times]

The July 2009 cover of British Vogue features actress Julianne Moore.  She represents ‘Ageless Style’, the glamorous woman over 40.  Ms. Moore does it very well.  The issue deals with the style of women of all ages; it’s a good idea to acknowledge that women of various ages are interested in fashion, and I give kudos to Vogue for responding to their needs.  Fashion is universal after all, and can transcend age and language barriers. The issue also features the First Wives of the world leaders from the G-20 Summit, yes it includes Michelle Obama.  There is something in this issue for everyone.

It’s early June and in the fashion community, it must be time for the Resort collections.  Rollcall has selected its three favorite shows from Resort 2010.  They are:

• 1. Chanel
• 2. Donna Karan
• 3. Rachel Roy

They each delivered collections that will be sought after by their clientele.  Donna Karan delivered beautiful prints, bright colors like hot pink and red.  Her collection was uplifting, and my mood was noticeably elevated after viewing it. Rachel Roy’s collection was ideal for Resort wear.  She had an array of colors from greens to oranges paired with stylish neutrals in navy and gray.  The pieces were lovely and relaxed.  Chanel was simply elegant.  The nautical inspired collection was amped up to the tenth degree as only Chanel can.  It is so impressive to see how this house can give us something so fresh and new without compromising its signature style.  The black, white and red color palette was simply the icing on the cake.  All three collections are winners in our book.

Okay, I admit it. I am in a summer, beach and beauty state of mind.  Rebecca Virtue’s Becca Swim is on my radar today.  She has a line of incredibly sexy swimsuits; they’re so sexy that I was tempted to do a few sit-ups during this post.  Talk about hot.  Jewel tones, Grecian draping, exotic and tropical prints are in this summer, and are often accentuated with gold hardware.  Becca Swim has even created an eco-friendly fabric.  Her advice for looking great this season is to moisturize, protect the skin from the sun, accessorize, and embrace your curves.  That sounds easy enough, especially if we want to pull off these swimsuit looks.