9:48 AM
Despite the insanity less than 24 hours ago, all is very quiet at Barneys this morning, where in a few short minutes the Rogan for Target Go International collection debuts. Maybe it's the weather or the fact that things happen more slowly above 57th street—or perhaps it's that the people just don't understand how good this junk is. Whatever the case, we'll know more when the doors open. You know the routine: Developing.
Simon Doonan gives the Financial Times recession style advice: "A little bit of optimistic flamboyance is what is required during a recession. Think of Auntie Mame, who inspired the musical of the same name. She still wore a big hat even when she had no money." Reading this, we can't help but be reminded of his new book "Eccentric Glamour," which is funny considering Michael Kors has previously likened Doonan himself to Auntie Mame. [FT]
Last night, at 6pm, Barneys welcomed members of the press to their Madison Avenue store for a preview of the Rogan for Target collection. It was not a refined affair. In fact, the whole thing resembled a sample sale: it was hot and sweaty, women were stripping down to their undies (At Barneys! On Madison Avenue!) and everyone was grabbing frantically at the clothes.
As trunk shows go, this is a big one: Today from 3 to 6pm on the fourth floor of Barneys New York on Madison Avenue, ladies who lunch will gather to see the man, the legend, shoe designer Christian Louboutin. The famed Frenchman will be on hand to sign the trademark red leather soles of his luxurious heels; to celebrate the occasion, Barneys creative director Simon Doonan has blown up a few of Louboutin's sketches and placed them in the windows of the store. Roving Racked photog Will Femia snapped some shots of the displays, galleried above for your viewing pleasure.
· Barneys Stores & Events [Official Site]
"Maya Rudolph's impersonation of Donatella Versace on 'Saturday Night Live' is spot on—but for those who have never seen Versace in person, they can go judge for themselves today. The perma-tanned, chain-smoking designer will hang out in the windows of Barneys for several hours with pal Simon Doonan to launch her menswear line. No word on whether or not Barneys CEO Howard Socal will let Versace smoke during her live mannequin appearance, but we wouldn't be shocked." [NY Post]
The holiday season isn't just about conspicuous consumption. It's also about showy trimmings—brightly printed wrapping paper, glossy ornaments, strings of lights. The most refined seasonal decorations are the ephemeral pieces of art cropping up in the windows of major department stores. Throughout the week, we'll be showcasing some of the most elaborate public displays for your viewing pleasure; up to bat today is Barneys.
[Caricatures of eco-friendly celebs, like Bono and Leonardo DiCaprio, hang in the window at Barneys. Photos by Krieger; click to enlarge]
Barneys has gone green (sort of). The brain behind the department store's beautiful window displays, executive VP of creative services Simon Doonan, decided to pay lip service to the eco-friendly movement sweeping the fashion industry with this year's holiday windows. In a humorous video interview with New York Magazine, the window man states that his staff had to buy raw materials like cans and bottles off of homeless people on the Bowery to put the looks together. Recycled cardboard and sustainable wood were also used to create the displays. The effort feels a bit tongue-and-cheek, which is in line with Doonan's quirky sense of humor.
Click through to view more Barneys windows. >>
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