The name Amanda Lear has long rattled around in the back of my mind particularly because she modeled for one of my all-time favorite designers, Ossie Clark, in the 1960s. Here she is in one of his simpler-looking ensembles … … and here she is in one of Celia Birtwell’s famous prints for Ossie. She…
What Wendy Wore: Happy Hour With Jorge
Over the weekend, New York was blessed with a visit from Florida-based Jorge Alvarado, the live-wire host of The Jorge Show. Jorge and his gorgeous producer Claudia invited me and designing lady Stacy Lomman to tape a midnight “Happy Hour” segment at the outdoor bar on the roof of Pod 39 on Saturday night. The…
DrB, Jim Morrison and the Rest of the Week in Review
MrB became DrB this week. As a result, I’ve got these Eminem lyrics stuck in my head: “And Dr. Dre said… nothing you idiots! Dr. Dre’s dead, he’s locked in my basement.” Here’s the blog week in review: Sunday: All of Stefon’s SNL skits. This post has EVERYTHING. Monday: Rihanna goes after Topshop and I’m…
I’m Married to a Doctor
MrB received his honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Columbia University at yesterday’s commencement ceremony for the class of 2013. He perfected his royal wave in time for the occasion. My parents and youngest stepdaughter attended the commencement with me. Before we left my apartment for the Columbia campus, my four-year-old nephew was FaceTiming with…
It’s “Jif,” Bitch!
I love that Steve Wilhite, the inventor of the GIF, got a lifetime achievement award at The Webby Awards. (If you don’t know what a GIF is, click here.) What I love even more is that Wilhite is adamant about the often-disputed pronunciation of his file format. The New York Times quoted him as saying:…
Throwback Tuesday: Jim Morrison and Madonna Jackets
My recent musings on 1980s painted denim jackets drew the attention of my high-school classmate, Karen D. Karen told me she still had her painted Jim Morrison/Doors jacket and, within moments, sent me a photo. I could hardly believe my eyes! It looks brand new. Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, died in…
What Wendy Wore: Modernizing Psychedelia
A few years ago, while I was browsing eBay or Etsy, I decided that I desperately needed more psychedelic clothes. I was not on acid at the time, so I don’t know why this happened. I wound up buying a strange-looking top with scalloped edges that I wore once or twice with jeans. I thought it…
WWD Updates the Rihanna v. Topshop Story
Today’s WWD has an update on last week’s reports that Rihanna is suing a Topshop supplier for using her image on a t-shirt without permission. Topshop and Rihanna’s lawyers declined to comment, as did River Island, the Topshop competitor with whom Rihanna is officially collaborating. The article does say that even though the U.K. has…
Stefon’s Farewell to SNL, Plus the Week in Review
I don’t watch Saturday Night Live often, but if I’m around, I try to catch the “Weekend Update” segment. Unlike the skits, it’s always funny. “Weekend Update” anchor Seth Meyers will be leaving next season for his own late-night show, but last night marked the final appearance of cast member Bill Hader. Hader played Stefon,…
Forever 21 and Topshop Are Amusing
Fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 has been widely accused of selling knockoffs of other designers’ work and blaming its suppliers for the copying. In a 2011 Bloomberg Businessweek story called “Forever 21’s Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire,” Susan Berfield wrote: “Starting in about 2004, the Changs decided to create different brands to appeal to slightly more…