Archive – Style News - StyleWatch

Aug 28 2009 02:48 PM ET

Project Runway‘s Kenley Collins: “Jail Inspired Me”

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

Kenley Collins first gained notoriety with her ’40s-inspired fashion and fiery attitude during Project Runway‘s fifth season. The designer, who was the second-runner-up, hasn’t had the easiest time breaking into the fashion world. In an interview with the The Daily Beast, Kenley recounts facing accusations she copied designs, a stint in jail and what’s next for her. “I never ripped off any designs–I mean, we weren’t even allowed outside resources,” Kenley defends herself. “When I was off [the show] I looked at the Alexander McQueen dress they told me I knocked off and was like, ‘Ugh! Why’d you have to make that dress McQueen?!’ But honestly? I’d never even seen it.” Then in March 2008, the budding designer landed in jail for two days after allegedly assaulting her fiance by throwing things at him — including a cat and a laptop. But, Kenley made the best of her situation. “Jail inspired me!” she says. “It made me appreciate freedom. As soon as I got out I made a kick-ass line and did a photo shoot with 10 of my pieces.” Now, Kenley is scheduled to show at Spring 2010 Fashion Week with a 15-piece recession-friendly collection designed to flatter a range of body types. “The entire collection is silk, but I wanted to make it affordable, you know — for the recession and all, “says Kenley, whose line was inspired by Amelia Earhart. And that’s not all, the designer has also been filming a reality show that focuses on her design line, so don’t expect any outside drama. The show has yet to find a home, but we will definitely be tuning in. To hear more of what Kenley has to say and to take a peek at her designs, visit thedailybeast.com. You can also shop her designs at kenleycollins.com.

Project Runway

Aug 28 2009 10:11 AM ET

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Kim Kardashian To Launch Signature Scent!

Jason Merritt/Getty

Looks like next spring there will be another star to compete with in the celebrity fragrance arena. Kim Kardashian has just announced that she will be launching her first signature scent through Lighthouse Beauty, which also produces 50 Cent’s soon-to-launch men’s scent. And while we brought you word that Kim would be creating a fragrance over a year ago, the reality star took her time finding the perfect partner. “Collaborating with Lighthouse Beauty was a really creative, innovative process,” Kardashian tells WWD. “What’s so different about their approach is that they have worked so closely with me on all aspects of my fragrance, the bottle, the juice…so I can develop a product that truly represents me and speaks to my fans….the fragrance really captures who I am.” Kim still hasn’t released the details of her new scent, but check back for more as they come in. Tell us: Are you excited to try Kim’s fragrance? What do you hope it will smell like?

Aug 27 2009 03:46 PM ET

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Tennis’s Top Players Get Inspired By N.Y.C for Their U.S. Open Looks

Al Bello/Nike

When Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal take the court at the US Open, tennis fans will have more to ooh and ah over than their speedy serves and flawless forehands. The superstar athletes have all teamed up with Nike to create the winning outfits that take their inspiration from New York City itself. Yesterday, Nike along with Roger, Serena and Rafael gave the Big Apple a sneak peek, including a classic red and black look for new dad Federer, meant to highlight his debonaire charm. Rafael Nadal got his desire for something bold and bright with a vibrant yellow and turquoise top inspired by the city’s taxi cabs. Serena Williams also was feeling bold, hence her hot pink scoop neck tank dress. Maria Sharapova wanted to play up her best features on the court — her shoulders. Working with Nike, the tennis pro created two looks, a soft pink racerback dress with electric yellow piping and a navy racerback number with shimmering silver contrast that was inspired by the New York City skyline — and don’t forget about her Tiffany & Co. earrings designed by Frank Gehry. We can’t wait for the Open to begin on August 31. Will you be watching?

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE MARIA SHARAPOVA’S US OPEN LOOKS!

Nike

Aug 27 2009 02:00 PM ET

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Nab a StyleWatch Beauty Favorite — For Free!

Click quick! Star-loved beauty brand EOS is giving away 50,000 of their Smooth Sphere Lip Balms ($4) — which PeopleStyleWatch.com recently featured as one of our editor’s favorites. Request yours at their just-launched interactive website, theeossphere.com, where you can also invite your friends to get one for themselves.

Aug 27 2009 12:33 PM ET

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The Secrets Behind Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s “Perfect” Designs

Jeffrey Mayer/Wireimage

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen may have achieved childhood superstardom by acting, but the 23-year-old twins are now making headlines for their fashion business — specifically in an in-depth article in the New York Times about the success of their Elizabeth and James and The Row clothing lines. “I decided at 18 that I don’t really want to do this anymore,” Ashley told the New York Times of acting. ” I wanted to explore other things, and with that came The Row.” A high-end line of basics, The Row is described in the article as “perfect” by both Julie Gilhart of Barneys and Jim Gold of Bergdorf Goodman. “I think the way to think about The Row is that it offers the perfect blank — the perfect schoolboy blazer, the perfect leather leggings, the perfect peacoat,” enthuses Gold. And it’s not selling based on the star’s names. Ashley admits, “The customer who buys the clothes almost never knows we’re involved.” But both Ashley and Mary-Kate are very hands-on with the lines, with Ashley explaining, “for us this experience in fashion has been amazing.” Read more on Mary-Kate and Ashley’s budding fashion at nytimes.com.

Aug 27 2009 10:40 AM ET

15% Off American Idol Adam Lambert’s Charity Pendant

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has lent his design skills to Pennyroyal Silver for a pendant to benefit MusiCares, a foundation that provides a safety net to musicians in a time of need. Adam designed “The Eye of Horus”, a symbol he also tattooed on his wrist when he made the top 36 on American Idol. Since the pendant went on sale this Monday, it has already raised $25,000 for MusiCares. We’ve snagged you 15% off Adam’s pendant — just enter the code “People15″ when you buy Adam’s pendant at pennyroyalsilver.com and support the cause. But hurry, Adam’s pendant is only available until Sunday August 30 at 11:59 PM (PST).

Click here to buy your limited-edition Adam Lambert pendant.

Aug 26 2009 06:05 PM ET

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Gucci Gets Charitable with Mary J. Blige

Courtesy Gucci, inset: Jemal Countess/WireImage

She’s been blessed with one of R&B’s most successful careers — but Mary J. Blige has always been all about giving back. And she’s partnering with Gucci for a philanthropic venture that’s as appropriately stylish as it is charitable. Launching September 16 exclusively at Gucci’s 5th Avenue flagship store will be a black, limited-edition update on the label’s iconic Twirl watch, designed by the label’s creative director, Frida Giannini. A portion of sales of the timepiece, which is engraved with the charity’s acronym, will benefit Blige’s charity Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. In addition, Gucci plans to donate a percentage of sales at the 5th Avenue store on Sept 16th to the charity. “I am so grateful to Frida and Gucci for their extraordinary kindness,” Blige says. “By opening their doors to support FFAWN, they will make a real difference in the lives of many young women seeking hope and help,” she continues. “Gucci sets a great example in the luxury world in recognizing its responsibility to give back.” Even if you don’t live in the Big Apple, you can still get one of the watches for yourself — if you have a spare $1895, that is — at other select Gucci and department stores around the country starting September 17th.