THE FASH PACK

Elizabeth & James Resort 2013: Summer Tailoring And Business As Usual

Naomi Mdudu — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:00:00 BST

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen may still be on a high after winning big at the CFDA Awards recently but this week they were back to work, presenting the resort 2013 collection of their other line, Elizabeth & James.

As I write this raindrops are gathering along my office windowsill and the tree outside is threatening to come thundering through the window, so yes, basically the weather isn't very good but if it was, this is exactly what I want to be wearing. As has become the norm, the collection played with masculine tailoring but in a feminine way, especially on the lightweight and blouses teamed with tailored trousers and Oxford and on the perfect deconstructed white tuxedo.

Are you a fan?

See more after the jump

Rachel Zoe Joins The CFDA Board, Diane Von Furstenberg Continues As President

Naomi Mdudu — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:00:00 BST

The CFDA Awards took place a week ago but the non-profit organisation is still in the headlines. This morning Steven Kolb announced the 26 new members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America's board.

Joseph Altuzarra, Jean-Michel Cazabat and Yvan Mispelaere are three of the new additions along with Rachel Zoe. The move is a big one for Zoe. While she has long been recognised for her styling, the appointment signifies her position as a force to be recognised with her brand too.

Kolb also confirmed that Diane von Furstenberg's run as president, which she started back in 2009, has been extended for another two years. 'Diane has done an excellent job as CFDA president,' she said. 'The time and resources she gives and the vision she has created is a huge benefit for our organisation and industry.'

Rate or Slate: Julianne Hough Shines Bright In Kaufmanfranco

Naomi Mdudu — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:20:00 BST

Last week Julianne Hough nailed it in that red Kaufmanfranco dress that she wore to attend the CFDA Awards and last night she was on top form again as she attended the world premiere of 'Rock of Ages' at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. For the occasion she chose a neon yellow dress from the designer and teamed it with a relaxed top-knot and drop earrings in what was definitely one the strongest looks of the night.

Are you a fan of her look?

See the full outfit after the jump

‘They Are a Pain in the Ass But They’re Very Good,’ Steve Madden Says About The Olsens

Naomi Mdudu — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:00:00 BST

When they received the best womenswear brand award for The Row at the CFDA Awards earlier on this week, it felt hard to remember Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Disney days. While the brand has long been a go-to for editors and celebrities, the award cemented their position as being at the helm of a legitimate brand that deserves to be taken seriously. As CFDA president Steven Kolb told Fashionista, 'They were patient and did it right.' This has served them well both with their own lines and partnerships.

Last week Superga, the Italian sneaker brand that the pair have a collection with, hosted a party to celebrate the launch of their first American store in SoHo. Steve Madden, who is responsible for the big launch and has worked with the twins for the last five years on their Elizabeth & James shoe line, complimented their attention to detail. 'They're very demanding, they're very tough,' he told Fashionista when asked what it was like to work with them. 'They want what they want and so we worked hard to get that done.' But it's this exacting standard that he says is their strength. 'They are a pain in the ass. But they're very good though.'

Were you happy to see them scoop the big award?

See Our S/S12 Picks From CFDA Award Winner, The Row

Naomi Mdudu — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:00:00 BST

Anyone that follows The Fash Pack on Pinterest will know that I am a big fan of all things Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and regular readers will know just how fond I am of the pair's luxury brand, The Row.

Last night, then, it was great to see their work officially recognised at the 2012 CFDA Awards, as The Row beat stiff competition from the likes of Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler to bag the best womenswear brand award. Like Nicole Richie and Victoria Beckham, the Olsens are amongst the few names that have successfully managed to carve a legitimate fashion career for themselves despite their 'celebrity'.

With that in mind, have a look in the gallery for my favourite pieces from the brand's S/S12 collection available on Net-A-Porter.

Christian Costa Explains Michelle Harper's CFDA Awards Dress

Naomi Mdudu — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:00:00 BST

Michelle Harper did a Marc Jacobs this week at the CFDA Awards by turning up in this 'out-there' get up created by designer Christian Cota. If, like everyone else, you were wondering how and why that dress happened, Costa explained that he wanted to do something different and make a statement. 'I wanted to be edgier,' he explained at the Swarovski after-party when asked about the dress.

For Harper, though, it was more about being as revealing as possible. 'He wanted to be edgy and I kept screaming ‘More naked, more naked!’' she exclaimed. 'I would take off my underwear and be a little bit more naked, but that would be a no. Christian put down the law and I’m happy for it.'

Are you a fan?

Quote Me: Seth Meyers Made The First Galliano Joke At The CFDA Awards

Naomi Mdudu — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:47:23 BST

“

You could even say that fashion and comedy go together like Bar Mitzvahs and Galliano.

”The comedian said in his opening speech at the awards ceremony.

Best Dressed At The 2012 CFDA Awards

Naomi Mdudu — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:42:15 BST

Clockwise from top left: Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen in The Row; Solange Knowles in Marni; Kate Bosworth in Altuzarra; Dakota Fanning in Proenza Schouler; Pamela Love in Theyskens Theory; Tabitha Simmons and Karen Elson in Proenza Schouler

See All The Looks From The 2012 CFDA Awards

Naomi Mdudu — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:19:16 BST

Last night the CFDA Awards, the Oscars of the fashion world, took place and in New York at Alice Tully Hall and the winners are in. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen took away the big womenswear designer of the year award for The Row, Joseph Altuzarra won the Swarovski Award for womenswear and Phillip Lim for menswear and Tommy Hilfiger was awarded the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

Simon Spurr didn't end up winning the menswear designer of the year award, which was just as well considering all of the controversy surrounding his departure from his namesake line.

See all of the red carpet looks after the jump

Rate or Slate: Solange Knowles In Marni At The CFDA Awards

Naomi Mdudu — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:40:34 BST

Yellow isn't the easiest colour to wear but Solange Knowles works it to perfection. After making a statement in the shade in that Rachel Roy dress at the Met Gala recently and yesterday she opted it for it again at the CFDA Awards.

The DJ wore a yellow paillette patterned sleeveless dress with white panels and a deep V-neck from the Marni S/S12 collection and teamed it with a woven leather satin clutch and perspex heels from Missoni.

Are you a fan of her look?