Chris Moore, legendary fashion photographer whose career spanned more than six decades was honored with the Special Recognition Award. Beginning his career in 1954 as a photographer’s assistant at Vogue’s in-house studio, he worked alongside Cecil Beaton, Henry Clark and many other fashion photographers.

Since then he has shot independently, photographing private haute couture collections for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, as well as live shows and fashion weeks all across the globe.

One of his most noteworthy additions to the fashion industry however, came in 2000, when he launched catwalking.com. The site showcases all of his catwalk photography and has became an invaluable resource for the industry and its journalists.

The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator was given to Edward Enninful for his overwhelming contributions to the global fashion industry. Enninful began his career modeling for Simon Foxton, and assisting i-D fashion director Beth Summers.

Weeks after Enniful’s 18th birthday, Summers left i-D and was replaced by Enniful as fashion director of the publication, making him the youngest ever fashion director for an international publication. Since then he has worked as contributing editor to Italian and American Vogue, and in 2011 he took over as fashion and style-director of W Magazine where he remains today. His revolutionary vision and foreword thinking continues to shift the global fashion industry.

It was just a matter of time before the BFAs were to recognize Anna Wintour, OBE in all the glory she deserves. Tonight was finally that night as she was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award. The British born, American Vogue editor-in-chief has served the role as “fairy godmother” to the fashion industry for the last quarter century.

Her trademark pageboy bob haircut and sunglasses can be seen front row at every major runway, and is known for having a keen eye for cutting edge fashion. She has also started a program that seeks young talent, giving them opportunities to present their designs to a wider audience.

Famous for her stone cold demeanor—seen through Meryl Streep’s portrayal of a character believed to be based on Wintour, in The Devil Wears Prada—Wintour has undoubtedly been one of the most influential people in the developments of the fashion industry since the late 80s.

Some other noteworthy award winners were Marques D’Almeida for “Emerging Womenswear Designer,” Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton for “International Designer,” and Alexander McQueen for “Red Carpet Designer. See a full list of awards winners here.

The post Swank Scoop: British Fashion Awards appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The first snow has fallen, meaning the winter fashion season is officially upon us. With temperatures dropping rapidly and the sun setting earlier and earlier, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for the college student to get up and make an effort to look their best for the day ahead.

While it may be the easy choice to wear layer upon layer of mismatched sweatshirts, hats and gloves, there are practical ways to stay warm and stylish without breaking the bank. There’s no need to spend four digits on designer clothes to look good in this winter wonderland. Below is a rundown of the winter essentials to stay warm and stylish, while still remaining within the college-student budget.

A winter coat. A must for any Iowa winter, the winter coat comes in all shapes, sizes and styles. Whether it be a parka, blanket coat, or trench, protection from the elements is always top priority. Fendi’s pink weather-proof parka, YOHJI YAMAMOTO’s duvet coat, or Topshop Uniques’s quilted bomber are all perfect examples of possible avenues for braving the polar vortex in style. Boohoo and H&M offer affordable pieces that capture the essence of these runway looks.

Secondly is a good pair of snow boots. You don’t have to settle for those faux fur lined monstrosities any longer. There is another way! A rugged weather proof take on the classic Chelsea boot, or a traditional rubber-rain-boot-meets-sneaker with thirtytwo’s, Exit 14 boot, while pricier, can do wonders for your winter wardrobe.

Accessaries. Scarves, gloves, hats, balaclavas, you name it. Accessaries are a must, not only to make a statement, but to stop the bitter cold. Scarves are probably the most versatile of cold weather add-ons.  There’s a hundred different ways to tie a scarf. The fake knot, cozy neck wraps, braided, or an infinity scarf, hellonatural.com presents 13 stylish ways to wear a scarf this winter.

When it comes to winter head gear there’s not a whole lot to work with in the sophistication department. The slouchy beanie is warm but completely played at this point. But if you must, it’s acceptable to trap the heat. At least don’t get caught wearing a bomber hat. Sorry Donald Glover.

Hip hop has turned the balaclava into an intimidation factor with the help of Odd Future, A$AP Rocky, and even Kanye at times. However, it’s still pretty lackluster in the traditional fashion sense. This ski-mask-like protection can probably stay at home unless you’re hitting the slopes or robbing a bank. (KRUI nor I endorse such behavior of course.)

Finally, there’s the under wrap. The illusion to create one garment appear as if it were multiple layers was all over the runways last show season. Ralph Lauren did his best with the simple yet elegant lawson cape and Ellison coat. Midwest winters definitely warrant multiple layers, so try an oversized blanket scarf with a knee length cardigan to achieve a similar mystique.

Whether you adopt your current wardrobe into newly styled creations, or seek out new options, hopefully these quick tips gave you the tools you need to improve your style while still surviving the Iowa winter.

The post Swank Scoop: Style That Keeps You Warm appeared first on KRUI Radio.

World-renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta lost his near decade-long battle against cancer on October 21.

The Dominican Republic-born legend was known for making women feel beautiful in their own skin. His elegant gowns dressed movie stars, rock stars, and first ladies. In addition to outfitting influential women such as Oprah Winfrey and Jacqueline Kennedy, de la Renta is responsible for the iconic Boy Scout uniform.

His influence can be seen throughout the industry, but more importantly on the lives he touched with his art and heartfelt personality.

Oscar de la Renta began his career in the late 1950s in Madrid at the salon of Cristóbal Balenciaga where he drew sketches to send out for clientele approval.

His first ever commissioned dress was for Beatrice Lodge, daughter of then the United States ambassador to Spain. The dress was featured on the cover of Life magazine that same year.

After various stints at Lanvin, Elizabeth Arden, Jane Derby and his own line, de la Renta was named president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

In 1989 he married his wife of the last 25 years, Annette Reed. Oscar la Renta’s passions outside of the fashion industry were his extravagant gardens and his meticulous efforts to maintain a beautiful home. He returned to his home in Kent, Connecticut where he and Annette shared these passions during his last days.

Friends, family members, and colleagues paid their respects at a private funeral in Manhattan today. In attendance was Oscar’s long time friend and editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour. Mrs. Wintour read a heartfelt poem by David Harkins entitled “He is Gone.” Her words, “you can open your eyes and see all that he has left” are incredibly fitting remarks about a man so influential in every aspect of his life.

Oscar de la Renta’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched, as well as the fashion empire he has left behind.

The post Swank Scoop: Remembering Oscar de la Renta appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Three of the most well respected fashion houses in the business had a changing of the guard recently. Nina Ricci, Oscar de la Renta, & Maison Martin Margiela all landed new creative directors since the conclusion of Paris Fashion Week in early October.

On Tuesday October 7, Guillaume Henry was welcomed to the Nina Ricci family as the successor to Peter Copping. Best known for his role in Carven’s ready-to-wear line for almost six years, the French born stylist will bring his impressive track record (which includes the nod of approval from Anna Wintour) to the reconstruction of an already well established couture line. Henry did his formal training at Institut Français de la Mode, and worked on a design team that presented an anonymous collection at Givenchy that preceded Riccardo Tisci’s appointment to the house in 2005. So where does this leave Peter Copping?

Last Monday, Alex Bolen, chief executive for Oscar de la Renta, announced that Copping will be taking over as creative director for all the label’s endeavors. These include ready-to-wear, accessories, bridal and home décor. Copping’s work at Nina Ricci—an incredibly feminine driven house—will translate well to a brand whose backbone consists of elaborate gowns and evening wear.

This news must come as great relief to the 82-year-old, de la Renta, due to a history ridden with difficult transition between artists. Most recently in 2013 John Galliano unsuccessfully led a month long campaign at de la Renta. Copping seems to be a much better fit seeing as his artistic vision aligns with a more classic style, while Galliano is known for the dramatic. An attribute that makes Galliano a perfect fit for Margiela.

After much speculation it was officially announced on October 6 that Galliano, the former Dior designer, was in fact returning to the industry as creative director for Maison Martin Margiela. A move that is much more fitting for Galliano’s flamboyant personalty and artistic style.

The house behind Kanye West’s arsenal of diamond encrusted performance masks and mysteriously transparent studios just became exponentially more illustrious. During his 15 years at Dior, Galliano’s shows became the most anticipated spectacle of fashion week. While Margiela shows have been performances in themselves, the combination of the label’s theatrics and Galliano’s larger-than-life personality will surely make the Margiela runway ticket a hot commodity come Fashion Week in February.

With these three major changes happening in such a short period of time, it will be interesting to see how these decisions pan out in the long run. With Henry’s first leadership experience at a world-renowned house, Copping’s relocation, and Galliano’s inexplicable talent to attract attention, one thing is for sure, February will be entertaining.

The post Swank Scoop: Creative Director Musical Chairs appeared first on KRUI Radio.

It’s now time to reflect on the final leg of the four-stop tour dubbed “fashion-month” by the business’ fanatics. Per annual custom, the procession of high fashion and ready-to-wear ensembles concluded in Paris, where some of the most influential houses in the industry call the city home. If you’re eager to explore the latest trends, you might want to check out a sorority shirts online store for unique styles.

So what did we learn from the last seven days? Unfortunately, not really anything new.

Many major houses displayed collections that seemed regurgitated and limiting. Céline’s practical but luxurious display of floral dresses, trimmed coats and detailed accessories was a pleasant visual. However, remove the winged-tip eyeliner that appeared across a wide range of runways (Givenchy and Dries Van Noten to name a few) and you might have needed a double take to make sure it wasn’t 2012, still. It wasn’t just Céline that stayed inside the box this season.

Margiela’s usual mismatched patterns, Alexander McQueen’s inventive but somehow unoriginal urbanization and Miu Miu’s Prada-gone-bad attitude all seemed creatively unfulfilled.

One spectacular that didn’t lack at all of these shows, was the atmosphere. Along side a star studded front rows and illustrious architectural backdrops the clothes seemed almost unimportant. Maybe the theatrics were an industry ploy to distract the show goers from the unoriginal couture? Not a terrible conspiracy.

While the designs might not have been anything special, Karl Lagerfeld took to the streets (literally) for his Chanel show and proved two things this year. First, Chanel can do color! The house that uses “simplicity” interchangeably with “elegance” finally contorted itself into a palette of bright colors, patterns, and even politics! Yes, in a bold statement Kaiser Karl himself took to the streets to stage a feminist protest. Led by Cara Delevinge, dressed in their runway outfits, the Chanel girls walked the runway with picket signs displaying messages of “He For She,” and “Boys Should Get Pregnant Too.” While this political stance was an attention grabber for some, it still seamed like a slight ruse to distract us from a not so tantalizing display of mismatched prints and power suits.

Fear not however, for there is a light at the end of the dimly lit catwalk!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino and Rick Owens, at his own label, concocted two rather inventive collections. Resemblant of the 18th century Grand Tour mystique, Valentino’s spread emphasized fine detailing and prints as typical of the house. However, the incorporation of Egyptian sandals and an ocean theme rich with corals, starfish and sea shells, along with beaded embroidering, placed this 79 piece collection at the helm of the seasons designs. 

Rick Owens showed similar grandeur, branching out from his typical hit list. Known for loud music and intensity, Owens took a deep breath on the Paris runway displaying his elegant tulle dresses to the tune of Lento’s “Fantasy in C Major.” Embellished in angular geometry with accents of leather and wool, the urban color palette radiated prowess and confidence.

Anther facet to fashion week is always the exceptional street wear that graces the front row. While most of the time it’s just pleasant to flip through the look-books created by major magazines, we can also take a few style tips from the pros. The most prominent trend this year was skirts and high-tops. It just works! With combat boots and Knee Length Dresses dominating college campus fall fashion this year, it might be a nice alternative on the slightly warmer day. Besides, who doesn’t feel like they can take on the world in a fresh pair of Nikes. Why not look classy while you do it?

Back to the designs! Okay. So the inventiveness wasn’t entirely there from the designers this season. But in arguably one of the most rapidly evolving industries in the world, you can be certain come February there will be an entirely new set of textiles, embroidering, and colors to dissect. And of course, I’ll be here to bring you the lab results.

The post Swank Scoop: What We Learned at Paris Fashion Week appeared first on KRUI Radio.

It’s no secret that the men’s fashion scene in Iowa City is incomparably lesser next to the more stylish, neighboring cities like Chicago or St. Louis. It’s probably not even fair to compare Iowa City to these larger, more resourced cultural hubs. But I’m doing it. And I’m appalled at what I see. So listen up men: We’re in crisis mode. We need to change, and drastically.

No longer is it acceptable to trounce around on Friday night in a tank top and athletic shorts. Throw on a pair of chinos, button up a collared shirt, and for God’s sake take off that ridiculous looking backwards baseball cap. Didn’t your momma raise you better?

And if you really want to add some flair, take a lesson from the Western gents who have been doing it right for decades. A statement piece, like a silk scarf or a rugged bandana, can elevate even the simplest outfit. That’s where Cowtown Wild Rags comes in—offering a collection of high-quality Western silk scarves that inject some character and sophistication into your wardrobe.

Whether you’re going for a rugged cowboy aesthetic or just looking to add a subtle touch of personality to your look, a well-chosen scarf can do wonders.

So, gentlemen of Iowa City, let’s do better. Let’s swap the gym clothes for something with a little more refinement. Because at the end of the day, style is a choice—and it’s time to make the right one.

The bar has been set higher, and it’s time to step up your game. Gone are the days when it was acceptable to throw on whatever was lying around; style should be a reflection of self-respect and awareness.

It’s about choosing pieces that not only fit well but also align with the image you want to project. Enter brands like Baindoux, which focus on crafting timeless menswear that combines classic elements with modern flair. Investing in quality clothing from reputable sources not only enhances your appearance but also instills confidence in how you carry yourself.

Let’s make it clear: it’s time to retire the casual wear and embrace a more polished approach to dressing. The change starts with you!

The first question that comes to mind when I see this sloppiness is, why? Do guys just not care about how they look, or is it a lack of knowing what’s fashionable?

I spent Sunday afternoon in downtown Iowa City looking for answers, and I think I’ve gotten to the bottom of it. After talking to nearly twenty well dressed, and not so well dressed gentlemen, my conclusion is this: Men just don’t know what looks good!

Factoring in proper fitting, color compatibility, and sharpness, only three of the eighteen males I spoke to, would be considered “well dressed.” Just one of these three considered themselves “fashionable, and of the fifteen poorly dressed men, twelve of them considered themselves “fashionable.” I think we’ve found our disconnect!

So, what is going on in the minds of men that has created this misunderstanding?

Paul Smith, 54, of Austin Burke Clothiers has a philosophy. There “used to be a more prevalent understanding that your dress is the first impression that someone has of you,” he says. “Nowadays, guys don’t seem to care about that. That’s kind of sad.”

From personal experience I’ve found that a good deal of men I discuss style trends with, look at me as if I’m speaking a different language. Granted I might throw around designers that the average, testosterone heavy male wouldn’t care to admit they know the name of, but it’s much simpler than that. It doesn’t take a brainiac to avoid the following simple fashion faux pas.

First and foremost, don’t wear wrinkled clothing. I don’t care what some half-naked Abercrombie model in a wrinkled polo is doing, you’re in college now, not junior high. You shouldn’t even be wearing Abercrombie to begin with. Two: Don’t overdo it. Sometimes, the simpler the better. If you have to, only one plaid item per ensemble and please, don’t pair it with gingham. We can tell the difference. Finally, know your color schemes. Avoid complementary colors, black doesn’t go with navy, and please don’t try and wear the entire rainbow all at once. Keep it simple with one primary color and one neutral. It’s that easy.

Gentlemen, we owe it to this city, this campus, and most importantly ourselves to take pride in what we wear. For aren’t our clothes just an extension of ourselves?. If you dress like a slob, people are going to think you’re one. If you dress like you know what you’re doing, others will most likely assume you have your act together. So, I leave you with one last plea men, take a minute tomorrow morning, and think before you get dressed. You’ll be a better, more confident person for it.

The post Swank Scoop: A fashion crisis in Iowa City Menswear? appeared first on KRUI Radio.