Moschino, Galliano, Dior, Cavalli, Diane von Furstenberg: All names we’re familiar with but today’s Woman Making History honoree is more than just familiar with those names, she’s been one of the chosen few to work along side them. Elisa Palomino’s “Once upon a Fashion Design” story began at St. Martins College where she and our dear Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.) were classmates.

Before receiving her master’s in Fashion Design from St. Martins, Elisa grew up in Cuenca, Spain, a humble 15th century town. Her mother was an acclaimed restorer of fine arts and her grandmother was a habitué of Haute Couture. With a strong sense of aesthetics in her blood and a passion for textiles, Elisa’s designs are nothing short of remarkable.

In 1995, Elisa’s design career started, as she cultivated the eccentric style of Moschino’s Cheap & Chic line. Five years later, Galliano recruited her to work for his own label and soon after, Dior came knocking. She rose to become head of the studio and helped the fashion house grow creativity.

After her time with Galliano, Elisa worked at Roberto Cavalli as Studio Director. The opportunity to become VP of Design at none other than, Diane von Furstenberg, came her way and she made her way to New York City, where she lives today.

A detailed look at one of Elisa's pieces, Right: Elisa & husband take in a Spring 2010 show, front row, in NYC.

Fall 2010 marked the season for Elisa’s self-titled label. Before we get into the collection, have a look at Elisa’s turn-ons and turn-offs…

We get some exciting fashion insight from Elisa below:

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

NathaIie Gibson, my tutor from C. Saint Martins and Katell Le Bouhris, my “Fairy Godmother” at Dior.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start in fashion design?

At 15, I won a fashion competition with a swimwear collection.

M.I.S.S.: You’ve worked for some amazing designers and have incredible experience. From working with John Galliano and Dior, developing Moschino’s Cheap & Chic line, being the studio director at Cavalli, and currently VP of design at DVF. What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned working at these jobs?

At Moschino I learnt everything about fashion and how to have fun with it. At Galliano and Dior, that there is no boundaries in creativity and the finest craftmanship. And at DVF, how to run a business.

M.I.S.S.: You also design for your own eponymous line. How is it different than designing under another designer?

You can fully express yourself and your dreams. It is your true essence and no compromises.

Elisa's love for Japanese culture shows through in her pieces...and in the detailed craftmanship of her dresses.

M.I.S.S.: Did you always want to have your own line? If not, when did you decide to start your own line?

When I met my husband, Tristan Von Christann, a film maker, we decided to create it together. It’s like making a film!

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece that you’ve created?

I Love them all. Each of them is done with so much love and passion.

Elisa knows how to bring a modern feel to classic looks.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

Anyone passionate about their work.

M.I.S.S.: What part of fashion design is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

Numbers.

Soft & lovely down to the boots!

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career in fashion design?

To go for it, risk everything and don’t be afraid…it’s lots of fun!

A stunning amount of volume!

On February 17, 2010, Elisa Palomino debuted her beautiful, eponymous line with a runway show during New York Fashion Week.

WWD reviewed the show:

A longtime collector of Twenties and Thirties kimonos, Elisa Palomino brought the era to life with a feminine lineup of delicate tulle embellished flapper dresses and beautiful Asian floral motifs, in which her time as head of John Galliano’s studio certainly came across.

View the enchanting collection below! And keep an eye out for more Elisa Palomino, her solo line’s sure to continute to excite!

Ears To The Street: Tea Parties & Rabbit Holes.Taking Cues From Alice. Top left to right, clockwise: Both Heels from Moschino, Alice and Wonderland polish collection from OPI, Tux tights from Baroque, Suit by Rachel Roy, Shirt from Uniqlo x Disney collection, Rabbit purse from Judith Leiber, Dress by Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.)

Playing with the Queen of hearts…wardrobe, that is, certainly shouldn’t hurt! With today’s much anticipated release of  Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland”, we look towards Mad Hatters, (The) Mock Turtles and Queens of Hearts for style inspiration. The fantastical world of Wonderland offers up vibrant colors and whimsical shapes and patterns. From affordable finds from the Uniqlo x Disney Collection to pieces that might be a dip in the “rabbit hole”, like a Judith Leiber novelty purse,  you can incorporate Rose Garden looks without looking like an extra from the set.

Ears To The Street: Tea Parties & Rabbit Holes.Taking Cues From Alice. From Left to Right, clockwise: Zac Posen Fall 2010, Card Suit bracelet from Tatty Devine, Quilted Purse from the Uniqlo x Alice in Wonderland Collection, Heart Purse and Heart Print Dress from Moschino, Rose purse by Judith Leiber, bracelet and necklace by Stella McCartney.

Here are looks and accessories that pay homage to Alice and The Queen of Hearts. The seasons bold blue finds it way into apparel and footwear and hearts are never out of fashion. Ruffled hosiery from Baroque and play your cards right with an adorable bracelet from Tatty Devine. You’ll be looking sharp from any tea party. Sorry, no mock turtle(necks) here.

Tribute to Alexander McQueen in middle, Betsey J on right

We are such big fans of Betsey Johnson at M.I.S.S., that we jumped at the chance to go to her Fall 2010 runway show when we were offered standing room to the event by her pr company, Mao PR.

Since doing a retrospective on Betsey’s life, and as a result of watching some of her previous runway shows, I have become intrigued with the designer and hoped I would someday see her signature cartwheel. When my dad told me he once bought a suit at Betsey’s store, Paraphernalia, I knew it was fate seeing a Betsey show in person. On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, Betsey Johnson was definitely the sweetheart of New York Fashion week.

Although Betsey is definitely worthy of a show at Bryant Park, she has often made the conscious decision to show OUTSIDE of the tents, usually because of space constrictions. This season, her show was at The Altman Building, and Betsey’s shows are more like play productions – of course, this year was no exception.

Betsey’s invite was in the form of a valentine, with different types of men (Lawyer, Poor Man, Doctor, Thief) all around a circle and a spinning arrow for one to find her mate. When I arrived at the Altman Building, a girl dressing the models gave me a heads up that the theme of the event would be “cops and robbers”, and that Betsey was wearing striped pajamas and a disguise moustache. My “standing room” seat was a ticket that said “Bang Bang”, and the first song to start off the evening was Nancy’s Sinatra’s “He Shot Me Down”. The runway was made of hay, and two intertwining guns shot out Betsey’s name in neon lights at the head of the stage. The first model to make an appearance was star Kelly Osbourne, looking model-thin after having completed some time on the show “Dancing With the Stars.”

Indeed, there was a theme in the beginning with some “cops and robbers” elements. But there wasn’t really a unifying theme to the outfits of the show, other than a theme that could possibly be labeled “Old West Pure Betsey.” Her models, or looks, were categorized as the following: Banditos, Gamblers, Rangers, Vagabonds, Farm Hands, Bank Clerks, Brothelettes, Robbers, Witches, Gypsys, or Madames. There was one Queen – model Yasmina – who was a tribute to the recently deceased Alexander McQueen. During the show, The Queen came out in a white outfit, followed by a minion carrying her “royal robes” and a sign that read “Long Live McQueen.” It was a very special moment in the show. The stage even darkened and the music switched just for this moment. Lastly, before Betsey’s appearance onstage, 4 of the models (Kelly O. included) came out and lifted their skirts to reveal a special message on their bums, spelling the word L-O-V-E as a tribute V-day.

Her signature body-conscious leggings and dresses were still a hit, and many of her outfits included her flared 80’s-style skirt that she started doing in some of her first fashion shows. She included some wild Peter-Pan style hats with feathers, hats with birds perched on the tops, and vintage cowboy boots on many of the models. There were some outrageous outfits, including a fuzzy lime-green bell-bottomed suit, and a pink and lime green ensemble. Although these might never make it to her store, these outfits were truly visual delights when coming down the runway. My most favorite outfits included a black hooped-skirt dress, the Marilyn Monroe Warhol-style printed items, and all of the printed onesies of the show. But of course, one of my favorite moments was seeing the Betsey cartwheel, and the sparkly heart on Betsey’s bum. And at the very end of the show, as the models came out and danced, and bounced around gigantic red heart-shaped beach balls, it became obvious that this was not only MY favorite show to see, but Betsey’s show was also their most favorite show in which to model. Fashion should be fun – and outfits in a collection SHOULD have names like “Ace Up Your Sheath”, “Motor Mama Get-Up”, “Chicken Pot Peplum”, and “Feedbag Bustle Flounce”. Well, why not?

nyfwf10

Long Live McQueen - The Brand Must Go On

WWD just reported that PPR/The Gucci Group, the company that has a 51% stake in the Alexander McQueen brand has decided to continue the McQueen label.

Robert Polet, the president and CEO of Gucci Group stated: “We believe in the future of the brand…Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I.”

McQueen’s A/W 2010 collection will still be shown in Paris in a few weeks.

All designers have assistants – I’m just wondering who will take the helm of Alexander McQueen.  Will they promote an assistant?  Or bring in a big name?  Either way, I’m interested to see who will be named – I can’t really imagine anyone doing a brand as visionary as Alexander McQueen any justice.  Time will tell.  Who do you think should be named the designer of Alexander McQueen?

Although a new designer’s best way to get on an editor’s radar is to throw a presentation to show the clothing – where a presentation being an event during which models stand around in the designer’s clothing – the atmosphere can sometimes be a little awkward. The models stand fairly still, as guests circle around them like zoo animals and get up in their faces to take their pictures. It can be tough for the models to stand and look beautiful for all that time, especially if they haven’t eaten (likely).

Aside from some fabulous Alexander McQueen shoes, new Aussie designer ZÖETWITT told me she designed everything in the “Dark Heart Winter 2010″ line, including the intricate chain jewelry worn by the models and even the a scarf made out of chains that the designer was wearing. All of the models’ looks were notably black (read: extremely practical) and some of the hand-woven sweaters were made to be worn in multiple different ways. Many of the soft sweaters featured heavy open zippers at the shoulders, revealing unexpected sections of bare skin exposed. They were really quite sexy! The designer coaxed and encouraged attendees to “caress” the fabrics, explaining that she made all her garments in an ethical manner. As a result of growing up in a wool farm, Zöe values wool’s usefulness. Knowing that some Americans have a dislike for wool, and have the belief that all wool is unbearable and itchy, Zöe set out to CREATE a wool silk Italian blend jersey that was soft and luxurious. She also incorporated items in the line that were all made of recycled leather ethically traded in NYC. This meant that the leather was cut into horizontal lines at the knees of a pair of the pants, and the skirt was cut literally like a bandage.

This Just In: Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

Celebrated English fashion designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead in his luxury flat in Green Park, central London; days after the death of his mother, Joyce.

It is believed that he hanged himself and paramedics pronounced him dead on the scene. The news was confirmed today by his office, however they are not making a comment at this time in respect for the McQueen family.

The death of McQueen comes just three years after the news that Isabella Blow, his longtime mentor and friend who bought his entire graduate collection committed suicide by drinking weed killer after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had attempted suicide several times prior.

After being discovered by Blow, the fashion director of Tatler known for her extravagant hats, McQueen was dubbed the ‘enfant terrible’ of fashion. Over the years he continued to influence the world with his avant-garde stylings and shocking theatrical runway shows. His Fall 2006 show, Widows of Culloden, featured a life-sized hologram of supermodel Kate Moss, dressed in yards of rippling fabric floating above the stage. The Spring/Summer 2010 show, Plato’s Atlantis, was one of the first to be live streamed on Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio website, garnering so much traffic that the website shut down as the show was about to start! Plato’s Atlantis featured futuristic elements like prosthetics on the model’s faces and backs, and tightly wound hair, borderline grotesque, yes, but the overall effect of a McQueen show was always that of undeniable beauty and impressive craftsmanship.

He has boutiques in New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. A cult following and now with news upon his death there is no doubt that Alexander McQueen will be revered as one of the best to ever work in this industry. His point of view was otherworldly and his sublime collaborations with milliner Philip Treacy will forever remain as some of the best runway moments of all time.

McQueen’s death will be felt throughout the fashion world as this comes days before the start of London Fashion Week and weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.

Alexander McQueen was the youngest of six children. He attended Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. He got his training tailoring in Savile Row making suits for Prince Charles. He was awarded British Designer of the Year four times, awarded the CBE, and International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion and Designer Awards.

Openly gay he married his partner, filmmaker, George Forysth, in the summer of 2000 on a yacht and Kate Moss served as a bridesmaid. He has stated, “I was sure of myself and my sexuality and I’ve got nothing to hide. I went straight from my mother’s womb onto the gay parade.” I hope that leaving you with that can make you smile, because truly, this is a tragic loss.

Icelandic electro-pop singer, Bjork

Björk is the epitome of “fashion meets music.” The beauty is, Björk doesn’t try so hard to captivate her audience. She has a distinct voice that depending on the atmosphere could send chills down your neck. Luckily for the entire world, her meek demeanor is overshadowed by her expressive lyrics and appearance. Whether she’s walking a red carpet in a dazzling get up, or with her daughter, Isadora down the street, Björk has an unmistakable look.

Tribal, draped, colorful, sparkling, innovative, grotesque, the adjectives could go on and on, but with a career in music spanning three decades she is undoubtedly an icon whose artistic contributions to the industry can be credited here at M.I.S.S with a few captivating photos and videos. Björk started her music career at age eleven. Eleven. In America, that’s SIXTH GRADE. Half of you were probably coloring your hair with highlighters in sixth grade. What?

Unmistakeable style; Swan dress by Marjan Pejoski

To her credit musically, she is best known for her six solo albums, two film soundtracks, and some acting work. Her husband, are they together or not? is Matthew Barney, an American mulitmedia artist.

Björk’s “outsider” style has struck a chord with the indie/avant garde fashion set whom regard her with much esteem.To many she has taken the form of a muse. Fashion designer extraordinaire, Alexander McQueen directed her music video for “Alarm Call,” and the two have carried on a working relationship that I only could only dream to be a fly on the wall to listen in on!

It was rumoured to be a sequel to “Bachelorette”, because of the lyrics that make a little allusion to the events occurred in past Isobel adventures (”Human Behaviour”, “Isobel” and “Bachelorette”). The video also has some signs that make people think about this fact. “Alarm Call” shows Isobel back to the nature after having disillusions in the big city, so this video is the fourth and last of Isobel’s adventures.

Icy Atmosphere

Adventure seems to be synonymous with Björk. Her sound, vocal delivery, and the visual imagery she provides with her music really take you to another place, which is what music, art, and fashion should always do.

This performance of “Undo” at the Royal Opera House in London is so hauntingly well done that it lingers in my mind well after the video has ended. Beautiful delivery matched with sensational instruments and background singers.

Mechanics done stunning. All the pieces fit together.

Left to Right: Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera, January Jones in Lanvin, Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham

Last night the Golden Globes aired and started the official round of 2010 award ceremonies. The Golden Globes is notoriously the fashion “dress rehersal” for the Oscars – and I really hope that this year, the Golden Globes are not an example of what we can expect at the Academy Awards. Everything from the fashion, to the actual show was very ho-hum BORING. I didn’t see anything that made me excited. It seemed like everyone played it very safe.

Left to Right: Christina Hendricks, Chloe Sevigny, Christina Aguillera

There were definitely some trends popping up on the red carpet:

• As far as color these were the major players:  Black, Red, Purple (in all of its shades) and Pale Pastels.
• Strapless – the most popular of the necklines – along with accompanying cleavage as an accessory
• Waist details – lots of cinching at the waist with beading
• Fabric flowers and ruffles
• Hair – either upswept or down and very natural (blame it on the rain??)
• Makeup – not too dramatic.  Most emphasis was on the lips – either very red or very pale.
• Umbrellas are the new black? Sorry, just kidding – but it was really funny to see Red Carpet shots taken with umbrellas.

Left to Right: Fergie in Elie Saab & Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

My very favorite looks included January Jones in Lanvin, Courtney Cox in a design by Victoria Beckham, Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton, Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta and Kate Hudson in Marchesa. There were 3 looks that I absolutely hated!  Mariah Carey and her boobs hanging out all over the place (did they have their own nomination??), Sandra Bullock in that sheer hot mess of a dress and Tina Fey in a Zac Posen dress that was actually not bad but did not suit her AT ALL.

The Worst! Left to Right: Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta & Tina Fey in Zac Pose

Who were your favorites?  Who did you dislike the most?? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!

Michael Jackson's influence will live on for generations

The Fashion Meets Music column is a new addition to the M.I.S.S website. We compile a list of style icons; Modernists, Eccentrics, Classics, It Girls, Rebels, etc., who impress us with their panache and decide on a weekly feature. The collision of fashion and music has always enamored me because the complete package of sound and style can elevate a live experience and inspire you to dazzle in an outfit. We even included two of the most desirable men alive; David Bowie and Pharrell Williams. However, I think its safe to say that 2009 was undeniably the year of the Avant Garde with Lady GaGa serving as its commander-in-chief. Thankfully, her stylist, Nicola Formichetti kept us faithful followers up-to-date with her performances and the genius designers behind the daring stage/everyday combinations that have caught the international fashion press abuzz as well as notable designers. The woman met  Queen Elizabeth!

Lady GaGa in Alexander McQueen

Pants were left behind and exaggerated shapes pushed forward. Especially in the sharp angular tailoring in the shoulders of jackets courtesy of Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, whose muse was 80’s luminary; the late Michael Jackson. Fashion in the Pop star world definitely became more tough and quite glittery. Accessories mirrored the look of body armor or came studded. Sparkly biker jackets and shiny micro-minis were all over red carpets and fashion editorials. Pink known for her edgy approach to, well, everything, and earthy Colombian songstress, Shakira both arrived at the MTV Video Music Awards in the same diamond chain embellished Balmain leather dress! Even the ladylike and mild mannered Beyonce transformed into Sasha Fierce dripping in Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Rihanna definitely stepped up her Pop star status with her daring outfits mixing well known designers pieces like Rodarte’s leather diamond laser cut leggings with independent designers like A-Morir by Kerin Rose’s Barracuda sunglasses in the “Run This Town” video. What do you think of her new video? I was feelin’ it until she jumped on a hot pink tank and straddled the cannon in a Mickey Mouse helmet. Oh RiRi.

Pink and Shakira in the same Balmain dress! Who wore it better?

Rihanna in her new video, "Hard"

I was raised by a SoCal mother who would escape to Mexico on the weekends, listened to Led Zepplin, and has the backstage passes in our photo albums to prove it. I’m a rocker at heart. I don’t think I was more excited than the mega return of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Karen O. Hands down the best show I attended this year; opened by Philly’s darling with the dirty mouth and M.I.S.S favorite, Amanda Blank. Karen O’s costume designer, Christian Joy created the visual splendor that she paraded in with her yoga-like stretches while belting out hits like “Heads Will Roll” and  ”Y Control” compelling me to ‘dance until I was dead’ Oh! Too easy. The giant eyeball bouncing about the stage reminded me of the Mishka “Keep Watch” leggings I was rockin’ this year which got just as much fanfare as completely appalled/disgusted looks. Other women who rock that we featured were, The Gossip’s lead singer Beth Ditto, 60’s French Ye Ye Girl Francoise Hardy, artist/fashion designer/Sonic Youth’s lead bassist and singer Kim Gordon, the adorable Katy Perry, and my personal favorite (whom I would probably have a Wayne and Garth “we’re not worthy” moment with if i ever met) Gwen Stefani.

The Almighty Karen O

Then there are the musician/designer collabos that set the internetz on fire. Kanye West and Louis Vuitton put out a few version’s of a high priced sneaker. Miley Cyrus and Wal-Mart recently teamed up for a capsule collection. The Kings of Leon (swoon) teamed up with the Paris-based creative collective, Surface to Air, on a flannel heavy collection of mountain-man staples. Kim Gordon came out with the Mirror/Dash collection at Urban Outfitters. The most enduring style stars that have developed their global brands the best have to be, Pharrell Williams at Billionaire Boys Club and Gwen Stefani at L.A.M.B. What were some of your favorite collaborations? And did you purchase anything?

Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Girls

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year donning their prettiest sparklers, even if your in your PJ’s! Carrie Bradshaw killed it with her sequin hat a la the Sex And The City movie. So looking forward to the next one! And looking forward to discussing more of our fashion inspirations. Peace out 2009!

Alexander McQueen dress and heels, Haus of Gaga sunglasses

After watching Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video for the third time online, my next venture was to find out where, when, and how much it was going t cost to score tickets to The Monster Ball tour starring, Lady Gaga. Tickets are selling out fast, so I suggest getting them sooner than later. The song itself is definitely catchy, especially the hook, “Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-roma-mamaa! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!” But it’s the video that takes it to the next level. Director, Francis Lawerence takes us on a visually stunning adventure to the Bath Haus of Gaga where she and her dancers emerge from ”monster eggs” in all white outfits made by Haus of Gaga. The choreography involves contorted hands, twitching, and arms flailing wildly. She then becomes kidnapped by some Russian models who take her to be bid on in front of a Russian mob dancing in an incredible diamond mask outfit by Franc Fernandez. I love all the masks the men are wearing, it’s like an editorial that came to life. Gaga dances her way onto the lap of the mob boss whom she then sets a flame while gleaming in a Benjamin Cho faux fur polar bear coat, incredible. In the closing shot she wears a Haus of Gaga metal bra and Alexander McQueen heels. Her stylist and Haus of Gaga collaborator, Nicola Formechetti, describes his aesthetic as

“Mmmm… anything goes… mixing high end fashion and street culture, multi national, a bit Italian, a bit Japanese… most importantly not taking too seriously… FUN, FUN, FUN!”

Haus of Gaga white outfit

Franc Fernandez diamond crown outfit

Alexander McQueen outfit

My favorite outfit would have to be the Alexander McQueen embellished dress and Armadillo shoes that closed his Spring 2010 ready-to-wear show. She struts around a white room while chanting “walk walk, fashion baby, work it move that bitch crazy.” I nearly fell to the floor when I saw that she adopted his concept of using prosthetics on the body to create an “alien look” wearing only a Shinji Konishi bat hair hat. And how pretty does she look with the nude makeup? Bravo Gaga! McQueen debuted this single at the close of his fashion show, check out the video below and see if you can spot what other looks from that collection Gaga wears in “Bad Romance.”

Her latest effort, The Fame Monster hits stores November 23rd with two deluxe editions available. The packaging will be changing as the year goes on so that super Gaga fans can collect the different covers shot by Hedi Slimane. Says Gaga, ”I really wanted 30 years from now for someone to be like, “Oh my God I found the super deluxe edition at the store around the corner!” If you already have the album The Fame, you can go to iTunes and complete it with the eight new tracks. Or, you can buy each one separately.

Here is a sneak preview of the Lady Gaga performance on Gossip Girl tonight!