ELLE Magazine Turns (RED)

30 editions, internationally, of ELLE Magazine will turn (RED) for their February issue.  The magazine has teamed up with Gisele Bundchen and Scarlett Johansson in the fight against AIDS in Africa. Gisele Bundchen is found on  each February cover wearing a variety of (RED) clothing. This strategic effort of cross-promotion is important to recognize because brands can use it as a way to gain recognition momentum and reach out to more audiences.

Scarlett Johansson shares her thoughts in the February issue, “When you purchase (PRODUCT) RED items – from partners including Apple, Armani, Converse and the Gap – up to 50 percent of profits go directly to fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. Forty cents a day translates to the two antiretroviral pills needed to survive. If that can be achieved by buying a couple of pairs of Converse, it’s worth a shot.”

(PRODUCT) RED consumers have already helped purchase lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for nearly 80,000 people, and the effort continues. Now, you can keep up with the efforts in any of the February issues of ELLE Magazine.

Check out an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Gisele’s (RED) ELLE photo shoot.

Saurette Receives Star Attention at Golden Globes

Last week I had a wonderful conversation with Saurette‘s designer, Lisa Kanouse.  The children’s clothing designer recently participated in The Boom Boom Room gifting suite at the Golden Globes this year and was greeted with much praise from celebrities like Kathy Hilton, Tim Allen, Ali Landry, Jake Busey, Kevin Dillon, Scott Baio, Joey Lawrence, Jodi Sweeten and many more.

Saurette debuted in March 2008 with the mission to provide “stylish, high-quality clothes for kids who seek unique expression,” explained Kanouse. Every piece is a cotton/silk blend, which lends an incredibly soft hand to the fabric. Saurette is also machine and/or hand washable providing an easy clean for all those busy parents.

Invited to the Golden Globes by Jayneoni Moore, celebrity fashion stylist and commentator on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Vh1 and Access Hollywood, Saurette’s most sought after pieces were the tree embroidered baby doll top in charcoal, the cabbage floral skirt in fuchsia and the embroidered skirt in white and pink.

Kanouse sums up her experience at the Golden Globes into one word: “fantastic.”  Small and new start-up brands as well as more established brands such as Graco and Robeez were featured at the gifting suite.  “The group of vendors in my section quickly became friends by sharing stories and exchanging business cards,” explained Kanouse.

When asked what her most memorable moment was during the Golden Globes, Kanouse chose her meeting with Kathy Hilton. “She told me how much she loved the collection. Kathy Hilton asked for the blue embroidered baby doll top for her niece…It was so exciting, but mostly, Kathy was very nice and genuine—that made the show for me.”

Saurette plans to continue to build its boutique base and relationships with key specialty department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Kanouse also plans to approach stores like Lisa Kline and Kitson Kids in L.A.

Kanouse has also finished putting together Saurette’s fall collection, which is now in New York, L.A. and Dallas. The collection offers sweaters in a cotton yarn that have a cashmere hand. ”[It] makes you want to cuddle up with them,” described Kanouse.

Also, look out for Kanouse at Citibabes in the NYC area. She has been invited to instruct a special fashion design class for their CitiSchool master’s program sometime in March or April.

Spring ’09 Fashion Trend Report

Are you looking to strut your stuff down the sidewalks this spring season? I’m sharing  my top picks for this season reported by Women’s Wear Daily. As a public relations professional, it is important to note these predictions. Retail stores and boutiques will be actively searching to include designer labels and pieces that showcase these popular runway trends. You can find complete designer collections photos at Coutorture. Happy New Year!

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Geometric Shapes

Many designers such as Gucci, Christian Lacroix and Michael Kors are using bold graphics. Diamonds, polka dots and block squares are incorporated into mixing and matching different pieces to create an inspiring look.

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Sheer Fabrics

Layering fabrics are a must for the cool spring weather. Sheer fabrics allow comfortableness without feeling restricted by a knitted fabric. Vera Wang wove this concept throughout her spring ’09 collection.

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Easy Street

It’s perfectly o.k. to be “sloppy” again this season. Layering oversized cardigans, T’s and scarves magically creates a cohesive boho style. Just like the jumpsuit trend, this relaxed and deflated look is another “easy-to-wear” look. Check out Isabel Marant and Ann Demeulemeester:

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Jumpsuits

As I predicted in my post titled “Jump Around!,” the jumpsuits are in style for 2009. Easy-to-wear and ready-to-go outfits all in one piece! Since people are more focused on their finances, the consumer is more apt to purchase “no-brainer” pieces. Pair the jumpsuit with a long trench like Tommy Hilfiger or wrap a belt around the waist line like Donna Karan.

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Fringe

Let’s have a little fun this year! Incorporating movement into a look gives an outfit new life with a nod to hippie chic. Fringe is not just for New Year’s Eve night or flapper costumes anymore!