Vevant, the exclusive fashion website and official media sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, has partnered with NYC street graffiti artist Phetus to create fashion-inspired mannequin installations that will be on display throughout the week, including a Haiti-inspired mannequin that will be auctioned off at the end of the week to benefit Haitian relief.

Alongside pop culture pioneers and genre defining icons, Phetus has etched a prolific pathway as unusual and non-conforming as his street artist moniker. Vevant both recognizes and supports the artistic talent and vision of Phetus and is proud to spotlight the exciting artist to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week attendees and the world at large.

Phetus has created original art installations for each day of the eight-day event. Every day, the Vevant Lounge in the Bryant Park Tents will feature a new and original mannequin bust, 4’ x 6’ canvas and accompanying 12? x 12? canvas in themes relating to the world of fashion and current events.

“I started out inspired just because of my excitement for fashion and style in general,” says Phetus of the chic collaboration. “Also, I’m naturally driven by a lot of the elements that are tied into these installations. Once the concept to use the mannequins was solidified, the ideas kept flowing.”

To wit: Rugged Blue. An American classic and worldwide icon of cool, there is no textile more rugged and true than denim, as seen in this stylish installation.  The Phecasso mannequin, meanwhile, pays tribute to Picasso’s cheery palette and features fashionistas as its source of inspiration. And Neg di san fe (Haitian for “People talk and don’t act”) was created in tribute to the people of Haiti, with the intention of putting art to action.

Explains Phetus, “I’d like people to take away the realization that they can do something. I’m an artist, not a Red Cross worker or a philanthropist, but I wanted to do something. We all have some talent or ability that with a little bit of thought and effort could be used to do something positive in this world.”

Phetus is also enthusiastic about the chance to partner with an equally forward-thinking web site. “I’ve found the minds behind Vevant to be a real resource in formulating and executing my artistic endeavor,” he says. “Having them along for the ride has been a good time and I hope we get to do it again soon. It’s been rewarding to take on a project of this scale and visibility.”

In the days leading up to the event, Elite Gudz also provides a live web stream documenting Phetus’ creation of these unique art pieces, which can be seen at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/elite-gudz-studio-cam3.

Grim news struck the fashion world this morning as media outlets reported the untimely death of British designer Alexander McQueen. The 40-year-old McQueen had recently announced the passing of his mother Joyce on February 2nd, 2010. On his Twitter account (which was not verified), the designer posted “I’m letting my followers know my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.”

McQueen was born in London to a social science teacher and a taxi driver. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 and went on to complete an apprenticeship at the prestigious Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, and later, another at Gieves & Hawkes. After a brief position with Italian designer Romeo Gigli, McQueen returned to London and enrolled at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design. After graduating with a Master of Arts degree, McQueen’s final thesis collection was purchased in entirety by fashion stylist Isabella Blow. Following five years of work with John Galliano at Givenchy—during which time McQueen won his first of four British Designer of the Year awards—the designer launched his namesake collection in 2001.

An admired and frequently discussed figure among the fashion community, McQueen was known to shock his audiences through catwalk presentations. Contentious shows include McQueen’s 1995 “Highland Rape,” which featured models in torn lace dresses and disheveled clothing. For his 1998 spring/summer collection, which the designer named “Yellow Rain,” models appeared on the runway amidst artificial rain tinted with yellow lights—a move that caused sponsor American Express to request that the show be renamed “Untitled.”

Other memorable shows include McQueen’s 1999 spring/summer presentation, where catwalk queen Shalom Harlow wore a white strapless dress and was doused in black and yellow spray paint by two robotic arms. In 2006, McQueen featured the first supermodel hologram of Kate Moss wearing a flowing organza gown encased in a glass pyramid.

As media continue to speculate about causes of death and potential memorials, McQueen’s publicity team has posted this message on his website:

“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

The fashion visionary will be remembered for his whimsical, scandalous, and unyieldingly innovative designs.

One of my favorite places for classic pieces has gotten a makeover at its SoHo, NYC location.  Banana’s SoHo flagship stored just reopened this past Wednesday, November 11, 2009, after a remodel.  The 18,000 square-foot store (um, drooling) was overhauled with a design that is intended to make shopping easier, and more fun.

The new plan has large sections devoted exclusively to special collections and accessories, with a circular section in the front for Banana’s limited-edition, slightly more expensive, Monogram Collection.  In the back of the store you’ll find a large space that showcases their jewelry line (I could spend hours here!), right  next to the classic Heritage collection.  Menswear is just upstairs,  with shoes, sunglasses, and tables of apparel overlooking New York City’s Broadway through expansive windows.  The entire space is crowned with strings of lights that cast an ambient glow.

I’m excited to check out the new layout (and maybe some new products).  It might be an occasion to plan a girls’ shopping trip and a nice lunch.  I am in the market for some new shoes, you know….

Last Thursday, 33-year-old Megha Mittal won the bidding war for Escada. She notably beat out an offer by Sean Ley, the son of Escada’s founder. Mittal will buy Escada for an undisclosed amount. Current CEO Bruno Saelzer is slated to stay, whereas Ley and his team had planned to hire Giacomo Santucci, the former head of Gucci. Mitall is behind in current CEO Saelzer’s plan of turning Escada into an affordable luxury label by adding more day-wear to the collection, which currently relies heavily on high-priced red carpet formal wear.
You may be wondering who Megha Mittal is exactly. It’s not a name I’ve heard yet in the fashion world. It turns out she is the daughter-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal who is the chief executive of ArcelorMittal, the largest steel company in the world. Lakshmi Mittal is the richest person in the whole United Kingdom, not to mention the 8th-richest person worldwide. Megha had also expressed interest in Gianfranco Ferré, as she has been considering a big fashion investment for about a year.

Day-wear from Escada? Count me in! I’d love to see a line with elegant designs that can be worn more often. This is one we’ll want to watch.