Fashion weekly news update

Alexander McQueen leaves part of £16 million to charity

Image courtesy of fashionlunch.com

Documents made public this week reveal that Alexander McQueen left behind an estate worth just over 16 million pounds at the time of his death. The designer, who committed suicide in Feb. 2010, left most of his fortune to charities, but also set aside portions for his siblings, household staff, and the upkeep of his dogs.

The bulk (and remainder) of his estate was left to his Sarabande charity with the suggestion that some money be used for scholarships at Central St. Martin’s in London, of which he was a graduate.

BCBG Max Azria’s President Ben Malka Poached By Halston

Image courtesy of pambianconews.com

In other fashion news this past month we’ve seen Sarah Jessica Parker, Harvey Weinstein, Marios Schwab, and board member Tamara Mellon walk away from Halston. Then rumors of clashes between the remaining board members, left brand owners Hilco Consumer Capital looking for a strong figure to help rebuild the brand, which is now focusing solely on the contemporary Halston Heritage line.

According to NewYork daily Ben Malka initially denied rumors that he would take over at Halston, but confirmed this week that he had left BCBG Max Azria Group to do just that. Malka was the president of BCBG since 2001, and worked at the company for sixteen years, during which time he solidified BCBG’s place in the contemporary womenswear market.

Malka’s move to Halston also means a cash infusion of $20 million for the company, as his position on the board requires a substantial investment, according to a Halston spokeswoman. The company is now owned entirely by Malka and Hilco Consumer Capital, the latter of which bought out former board members Sarah Jessica Parker and Harvey Weinstein when they jumped ship this past month.

Malka is also rumoured to be bringing Marie Mazelis, creative director of Herve Leger and Max Azria, with him. Mazelis has confirmed that she plans to leave BCBG Max Azria Group, but would not comment on her next move: “I haven’t made a final decision yet.” Malka, for his part, denied just last week that he wasn’t joining Halston then I guess in a week things changed who knows the same might happen to Mazelis.

Despite the fact that Marios Schwab has left the company, Halston still plans to deliver his Fall 2011 collection to stores. Malka has yet to decide whether Halston will produce a high-end line for Spring 2012, a spokeswoman from the brand further added.

For me I wonder at the of Holston? Will it become another copy of what Malka did at BCBG, or will he go in another direction only time will tell.

Sasha Pivovarova, Daria Strokous Both Score Upcoming Film Cameos

I love when the worlds of fashion and movies comes together.

This year making their cinematic day beau are two models Sasha Pivovarova, who plays Justin Timberlake’s mother-in-law in the sci-fi thriller In Time, out Oct. 28, and model Daria Strokous who makes an appearance in Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming thriller Contagion, which is out Sept. 9 and boasts a cast that includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, and Kate Winslet. No details have been released about Strokous’s role, but Pivovarova can be spotted in the trailer for In Time below.

Now let’s hope that their acting is better than other model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who was in Transformers: Dark of the Moon this year.
In my humble opinion her acting wasn’t all that great and feel, if this is what’s to be expected in future roles somebody needs to stick to their day job. (ouch that sounded nasty.)
I’m sorry it had to be said.

Enough of me been a movie critic Moving on to more fashion!!!!!

Image courtesy of dopefiles.com

Kanye west’s upcoming womenswear label seems to be all abuzz in fashion news of late.

With professor Louise Wilson, the director of the MA in fashion course at Central Saint Martins, working with West to collaborate on the collection it’s bounded to be well considered and put together in a way thats unexpected and inventive. (one to lock out for)

For those out there thinking that this will be a one-sided affair with West as the face and Lousie as the lackey doing all the work will have to think again with Louise herself stating that Kanye researches thoroughly into ideas and is hands on and committed to his work.”

Goldin and West have reportedly set up a studio in Paris, but Goldin is said to be keen to relocate to the United States, prompting rumors that West will show the label at New York Fashion Week.

West has also reportedly been working with Harper’s Bazaar Australia fashion editor and street style favorite Christine Centenera on the line. Centenera met West in March at the Fall 2011 shows during Paris Fashion Week, and has since been flown to Paris twice monthly to work on the collection in a consulting capacity. When asked for comment, Centenera apparently replied that West is a very private person and that it’s not her place to comment.

Nse Assangha

July 30, 2011 | Categories: Events, Fashion | Tags: Alexander McQueen, BCBG Max Azria, Ben Malka, Christine Centenera, Daria Strokous, Halston, Herve Leger, Hilco Consumer Capital, Jessica Parker, Kanye West, Lee Alexander McQueen, Louise Goldin, Louise Wilson, Marie Mazelis, Max Azria, New York Fashion Week, Related: Halston, Sasha Pivovarova, Spring 2012, Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week., Tamara Mellon | Leave a comment