Watch Hugo Boss x Jason Wu Live from New York Fashion Week

Since we're in the middle of a move, I couldn't make the trip to New York Fashion Week this season. Luckily, I've been enjoying all the livestreams from the shows - kinda like being front row, except I happen to be wearing moccasins. 

The highly anticipated Hugo Boss Womenswear Collection is being presented in NY at 2:30 pm today by the one and only Jason Wu, and RLR has been given access to the livestream. Don't miss this sure-to-be-stunning show and can't wait to hear what you think of the collection as imagined by the brilliant Mr. Wu. Looove him! Ooh, and let's play a little game while we're at it - see if you can spot Gwyneth, Reese, Benedict, Anna and other A-listers in the front row.

xx

Jason Wu Named Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear

Since Jason Wu busted onto the fashion scene in 2007, I've loved his modern, distinctly feminine designs. So I was super thrilled to hear that Wu has just been named the new Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear since it means I might finally be able to afford his clothes. Yay! Starting June 15th, Wu will assume responsibility and creative direction for all product and image related aspects of BOSS Womenswear from the HUGO BOSS headquarters in Germany.  Wu will continue to grow his eponymous RTW and Accessory Collections as well. 

“I have long been a fan of HUGO BOSS’ vast tradition and lineage in extraordinary tailoring. With the state-of-the-art facilities that are unique to the HUGO BOSS design labs, I plan to develop a strong, feminine womenswear collection that reciprocates the brand’s authority in menswear,” says Jason Wu.

The first BOSS Womenswear Collection under Jason Wu’s artistic direction will debut in New York during Pre-Fall 2014 and he'll stage his first runway show during the New York Fall/Winter Fashion Week in February 2014. Can't wait to see how Wu puts his own stamp on BOSS come Fall. Pretty exciting, huh?

Four More Years

This pic, tweeted by Barack Obama after winning last night's election, has become the most popular tweet EVER.

SO happy he won.  Yay OBAMA!

PS - This is not a political site (clearly) so let me just say, I love Michelle's style and I want her arms. So happy she'll be in the White House for 4 more years.  I bet Jason Wu is thrilled, too.  Is that superficial of me?

Pretty, Pretty Pleats

Love just doesn't make sense.  On paper, this dress is so not my type:  pleats all over, short sleeves, and impractical pure white don't typcially top the list of qualities I covet in a dress.  Yet despite all that, I am Smitten with a capital 'S' for this dress.  I'll wear it some days like the carousel girls at Louis Vuitton's spring show, with pastel pumps and a girly little clutch, and on others, I'll Jason Wu-it with a black belt, sexy black platform sandals and maybe even a little biker bomber.  Since I've gotten to know the dress a little better, I love it even more - it's machine-washable, made of fluid polyester and is under $100, so though it looks high-maintenance, it's surprisingly low-key.  Plus, I signed up for Jacob's newsletter so I got $20 off (and you can, too, btw).  Gorgeous dress you will be mine.  Oh yes, you will be mine. 

Get the Accordion Pleated Dress (aka. Sweet Thang) for $99, at Jacob stores nationwide or Jacob's online shop. SUCH a good find.

Sneak Peek: Joe Fresh Spring 2012

The Joe Fresh tech tee ($19) and maxi skirt ($69) from the Spring 2012 Collection, vs. Jason Wu Spring 2012 (photo courtesy style.com)  My wallet might be a bit biased, but it chooses the Joe Freezy

I headed to Toronto this week for the Joe Fresh Spring 2012 preview and was excited to see what the brand had in store for the frugal and fashionable this season.  Though I'd already seen the runway show back in October, it's always different seeing the line up close, without the distractions of the lights, flashbulbs and general frenzy of the catwalk. 

The Joe Fresh team had assembled the collection in a stark white space and as many editors remarked, it felt like a breath of fresh air.  The colours this coming season are totally on-trend - a palette of bright sorbets and citrusy hues that pop against white, black and denim.  Though Joe Fresh hasn't abandoned its well-loved staples of easy knits and nautical striped shirts, the runway line has expanded dramatically, meaning we'll actually be able to get our hands on more than a few fashion pieces this spring.  Plus, the men's line really pushes the envelope, with printed blazers and pants and colourful separates that I can't wait to get on my husband (if he'll let me :)  RLR's Must-Have's:  The navy and red printed blazers ($149 each), the green riding jacket ($189) the fun, patterned shirts ($24-$29), and the orange-soled white oxford shoes ($59)

For women, I was most impressed with the way Joe Fresh has attended to the details that perhaps were lacking in seasons past;  the sweet little buttons on a striped boatneck tee ($24), the patterned lining on a pair of slipper flats ($49) and the neoprene collar on a highlighter orange blazer ($149) all make the collection feel a little less grocery-store and decidedly more glam.  The colours, too, were bang on, with gutsy, saturated brights making a statement on everything from sweaters to pants to tees.  The bold yellow maxi-skirt/tech-tee combo will be a hot item once it arrives in stores this spring, the orange version having just graced the cover of the February Flare.  A Joe Fresh insider confided to me that they had just sent the skirt to Oprah last week.  Eek!  Plus, the fabrics this season feel surprisingly luxe, from the cool scuba tees ($39) to the stretchy striped dresses.  RLR's Must-Have's:  The bright maxi skirt ($69), the neon blazer ($149), the stripe tank dress ($29), the printed slim pants ($29), the print loafer pumps ($49), the marine dress in navy w orange and blue w green ($29 each), the clear lucite bubble necklace, the contrast collar shirts ($29), and the wide-leg colour jean ($49).  

As a girl who lives in a tiny town, I'm left wondering how much of the fashion-forward collection will actually make it to the St. Thomas Superstore.  And yet, as the company continues to grow, I feel like the brand is making high-heeled stomps in the right direction by bringing more and more of the runway to our closets, at a still-affordable Joe Fresh price.

Happy Friday to you!  xo

For more pics of the collection (and to start your shopping list), click on the thumbnails below: (all pics by RLR)

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