The house of Christian Lacroix is experiencing the effects of the economic downturn. Luxury department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks have either dropped or reduced their orders.  Now the French haute-couture house is seeking financial backing in the form of a partnership.  There is no denying that Lacroix is talented, there is simply a limited market for $8,000 gowns right now.  Christian Lacroix delivered creatively during the fall 2009 ready-to-wear shows in Paris.  Let’s look at his brilliance in this video. [Business of Fashion via The Wall Street Journal]

We highlight Stella McCartney for her efforts to make the world a better place.  Her sense of responsibility to the environment extends to her fashion line. 

When you look at her fall 2009 collection you marvel at the thought that such beauty can come from being so environmentally aware.  Stella McCartney uses no fur or leather in her collection. Take a look at her fall 2009 collection from Style.com.  

Her efforts to protect the environment is being recognized, she is due to receive an environmental award in New York this week.  Suzy Menkes conducted an interview with Stella McCartney on her ecological stance.  [International Herald Tribune]

Farah Angsana is the emerging designer in our ‘little black dress’ series.  The final designer in our series is not American; though Los Angeles is one of several places she was raised as a child. 

Angsana made her New York Fashion Week Fall 2009 debut at Bryant Park.  Her collection can be viewed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

A chic strapless black dress is her contribution to this series from her fall 2009 collection.  It is the quintessential cocktail dress, and the ideal one to close out this series.

The little black dress is the staple of a woman’s wardrobe, and Paris Fashion Week was the perfect time to see how this timeless dress has evolved.  It will remain a classic for many, and easy access to sophistication for all.  FashionRollcall.com.

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 is over, and we have a Showdown winner. Each collection can be seen at HarpersBazaar.com.  The three fashion houses selected in Rollcall were:

• A. D&G
• B. Gucci
• C. Moschino

D&G brought us a regal inspired collection with a touch of the Victorian.  There were lavish jewel-toned colors like burgundy, blue and yellow.  These colors were a welcomed change in a sea of black, gray and tan collections.  The shape and volume of the dresses were an unexpected delight.  Poet blouses and billowy skirts added to the romanticism of the collection.

The House of Gucci broke free of the down economy; it was a wonderful break from reality.  We saw beautifully-made pant suits, and stunning sequin dresses.  Sparkle, sheen and shine were center stage, they are always indicative of festivities.  The leggings were also shimmery and desirable.  The Gucci collection was one of celebration. 

There was a retro fifties vibe at Moschino, red lips included.  The navy and black pieces paired with red lips were a striking contrast.  The severe hair only highlighted this lady-like collection.  Moschino channeled the glamorous looks of the fifties into the twenty-first century.  Overall this was a sophisticated collection.

The Showdown finalists are D&G and Gucci.  The two collections embodied youth and hope, they offered something to anticipate. 

The winner is Gucci.  Frida Giannini’s take on the future is gladly received.

Sir Elton John and Oscar are the ‘Perfect Fit’.  The 17^th Annual Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar Party was a major success.  It was held in Hollywood on February 22^nd after the Oscars. 

The party raised nearly $4 million dollars.  Now that’s partying for a cause.

There is nobility in helping others, and the stars came out in numbers to lend support.  The act of giving is a virtue. 

Ladies, it’s that time of year again.  No, not tax season, it’s swimsuit season.  Okay the season is not quite here yet, but it is slowly approaching.  For some this is welcomed news.  For the rest of us it is as exciting as going to the dentist, but it does not have to be that way. 

It is a New Year, new attitude.  It’s out with the old, ill-fitting suits, negative self-images, and boyfriends that no longer fit nor encourage a healthy self-image.  Let’s do away with all the anxiety of getting into a swimsuit and focus more on finding the right fit for our bodies.

Why don’t we use this time to love and appreciate ourselves rather than torture ourselves?  We should do the things that improve our self-esteem, which would include a healthy lifestyle.  When you feel good, you look good. 

Just picture you throwing off those winter jackets and donning a sexy bikini or one piece.  The swimsuits for summer 2009 are just what the doctor ordered to rid us of our winter blues.  Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label swimsuits come in great colors like red, white, and the yellow is especially hot this summer. 

Seize the day.  Do not be intimidated by your mirror, stop looking at your ‘rear’ view and look ahead. 

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If there is a better combination than white diamonds and Oscar gold, these winners are not interested.  Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz sparkled onto victory in brilliant cut Chopard diamond gems at the 81^st Annual Academy Awards.

The diamonds were well-behaved Sunday night; they glistened, shined and dazzled the paparazzi and viewers.  Winning is sexy, and these beauties were even more radiant in the precious stones.

Diamonds are always about the cut, clarity, color and carat, but at the Academy Awards they are also about the Oscar.  Chopard wearers have apparently been on a winning streak for years.  I’m not superstitious, but I think I know who next year’s winners may be wearing.