the PIPELINE: Style on Tap

• October 5, 2009 6:00 PM
• A Minute With QA

Rad Hourani Chats Us Up About Genderless Fashion and Why Black is Back!

By Natalia Rachlin

As Paris Fashion Week continues to turn the French capital into one giant photo-shoot, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: There's no such thing as wearing too much black. And designer Rad Hourani agrees. This weekend, between partying at Purple magazine's bash at Montana and prepping for Colette to drop by his showroom, the color-phobic designer took a moment to chat about his latest collection and his gender-bending design philosophy—all the while, dressed entirely in black, of course.



Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your latest collection?
"It's just a transition from last season. I don't really make a statement with each collection, it's about establishing continuity. In addition to bringing back my signature looks, I really wanted to work with metallic fabric and texture, so I found these silver chains and some metallic zippers. They're transformative because they allow you to turn a jacket into a vest or trousers into shorts."



As for the diffusion line RAD by Rad Hourani... what does it represent for you?
"All the basics, based on the same aesthetic and silhouette, but in lighter, more casual, and, of course, more affordable materials. In the main line, we use leather, cashmere, and all of these luxury, high-end fabrics. I want people to be able to afford my line—it will be available online this December."

Read More

• September 15, 2009 6:00 PM
• A Minute With QA

Patricia Field Doesn't Label Drop and Would Love To Dress Up As a Cowgirl

By Beverly Font

Just before the Matthew Ames show began, we had a quick chit-chat with Patricia Field, stylist extraordinaire for Sex and the City. The flame-haired grand dame dished about obsessions and labels (or lack thereof), and waxed nostalgic about fashion from her childhood:

What are you wearing today?
"Oh, I don't know! These jeans are from Brazil, I don't know the name! This jacket has a label, but I have no idea what it is. It's some label! Okay ... what does it say? Pure Linen. There's a label in the back, here, take a look at it!"

It says "Made In Italy."
"Made In Italy, there you go!"

This is a predictable question, but for you we must know: What are you obsessed with right now?
"I don't really obsess over fashion. I try not to obsess over anything. Obsession is an area that I would rather leave for others."

What childhood fashion item do you still wish you could wear? "Well, some of them I still do wear. But one of my favorite outfits was a cowgirl outfit: the skirt, the boots, the fringe! I still love it!"

Read More

• September 13, 2009 4:01 PM
• A Minute With QA

The Virgins' Nick Zarin-Ackerman Doesn't Know Fashion, But He Does Know About Charlie Rose

By Hayley Phelan, photo by Molly Smith

While The Virgins may feel right at home on stage, they're refreshingly blasé about what goes on in and outside the Tents at Bryant Park. We caught up with the band at their front-row perch at Charlotte Ronson.

Hey guys! How is fashion week going for you?
"Good. This is our first show."

What show are you most looking froward to?
"Um, this is our only show."

Well, it's a fun one. Did you guys do anything for Fashion's Night Out? "What's that?"All these stores were having events.
"Oh yeah and aren't there like discounts on stuff?"

Exactly.
"Nah, I stayed home watching Charlie Rose. Did you know that there are now more cameras in phones than cameras anywhere else?"

Read More

• September 12, 2009 10:00 AM
• A Minute With QA

Showstopper Karlie Kloss Is iPod-less, But Getting Lots of Sleep!

By Connie Wang, Photo by Lianna Tarantin

After Jason Wu's show, we had to go find Karlie Kloss backstage to see how she managed to keep her wits about her while walking on that glacé, mirrored floor.

So, that runway, huh?
"It was gorgeous with all the lights and reflections! But yeah, the only thing was it was a little slippery. Everyone was holding their breath, but it looked pretty glamorous, didn't it?"

Any advice for keeping sane during all craziness?
"Lots of sleep. Rest. Full meals."

If only, right?
"Ha, if only! But you gotta try!"

What are you listening to on your way to shows?
"I actually lost my iPod so I haven't been listening to anything! But something upbeat probably...it has to be upbeat!"

Read More

• September 11, 2009 9:40 AM
• A Minute With QA

Susie Bubble from Dazed Digital's On the Prowl For a Novelty Pencil

By Beverly Fong

We caught up with Dazed Digital editor and blogger-queen Susanna Lau (or Susie Bubble, as her Internet moniker goes) at the Vena Cava show for a quick dish on outfits, movies, and the woes of shopping addiction:

What are you wearing today?
I'm wearing LD Tuttle shoes, Michael Angel leggings, an Alexander McQueen skirt, a top by Cos, an Acne scarf, and a headpiece by Le Tour de Force!

Did you catch any interesting in-flight movies on your flight over here?
Oh, I just watched a lot of rubbish movies, like He's Just Not That Into You. It was terrible!!

Are you ready to hit up all the events at Fashion's Night Out tonight?
I don't know... the event is supposed to stimulate the economy, but I'm frickin broke so I don't know how I can contribute! Maybe I can just pick stuff up and put it down. I do want to go to Opening Ceremony though ... do you think they'll have novelty pencils? I'll buy a novelty pencil from them!

Read More

• April 3, 2009 4:15 PM
• A Minute With QA

A Minute With: "Mean-Mugged" Model Madisyn Ritland

By Kelley Hoffman

We ran into Madisyn Ritland at the Calvin Klein and Parsons Pre-Party Benefit last night. And while she may have a mean mug on the runway, she couldn't be more smiley and cool in person.

What's new Madisyn?
I just did a shoot for W, and next is Alberta Ferretti.

Who was your favorite show this season?
Alexander McQueen.

What are some of your favorite books/bands?
I just finished reading Persepolis, which was really great. War and Peace; if you can make it through the first book then you're set. Watership Down, and I watched the movie afterwards. For music, I love The Doors and The Beatles, and anything that is dreamy/classical.

What's your favorite thing about being in New York?

I'm staying with my friend who has the most incredible view. And there's a telescope in the apartment, so you can look down into the street and see people in their taxis. So my favorite thing is that I can be in New York but still feel like I am watching it on television.

Read More