Is Lady Gaga the Next Michael Jackson?

Lady Gaga is definitely on fire right now -- with sold-out shows across the world, a huge fan following, crazy music videos, and an even crazier wardrobe -- so some might say she'll be one of those one-in-a-million performers who goes down in history in a big way, like Michael Jackson.

Gaga's producer Rodney Jerkins, who worked with her on her latest song "Telephone," which got about a billion views on the internet yesterday, said she reminds him of the late King of Pop, whom he worked with on the "Thriller" singers 2001 album Invincible. *One of my favorite MJ albums.

Rodney told People.com: "We haven't seen an artist like Gaga in a long time - we haven't seen an artist that really has no fear. I remember Michael Jackson used to tell me he was crucified for doing Thriller, but he had to do what he felt was needed at that time. I'm just happy to be part of history.

I've always wanted to leave my stamp on music, and to be able to say that I worked with Michael Jackson and now I'm working with Lady Gaga, who'll probably go down in history as one of the best female entertainers of all time ."

He also talked about how he found the initial task of marrying together the "street" sound which Beyonce, who sings a verse of "Telephone," wanted with the disco theme the rest of the track has.

Rodney explained: "When I got on the phone with Beyonce, she was telling me she wanted her verses to have a hood, street element, and I actually was caught off-guard. I wondered, 'How am I going to do that? How am I going to make a disco/techno record and create a hood, street anthem vibe for her verse?' But once I got to the studio, it just kind of came to me." (via Zimbio)

So crazy that I came across this story because just a few days ago I was having this exact discussion with some co-workers of mine. We were discussing who we thought was the next Michael Jackson -- Beyonce or Lady Gaga?? It got a little heated because some thought Gaga while a few others thought B, including me! Y'all know I'm a loyal B fan! But I'm also aware that Beyonce is not as fearless as Lady Gaga when it comes to her music and her image. I'm really not even trying to get into this discussion because it would be never-ending. So I'm gonna leave it at that! Maybe another day.

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Zimbio

A Conversation with Donatella Versace

Donatella Versace sat down with Colin McDowell to celebrate the introduction of Versace to Net-a-Porter. She talks about the iconic label, her brother, following in his footsteps, and her favorite pieces from the Spring 2010 collection.

I especially loved when she ended the interview saying: "I can't compliment myself; I find it very hard." Wow. How amazing is it to hear that from such a wildly successful woman! Let me tell y'all, there is nothing I value more in a person than humility. Well, of course there are other things, but having humility is definitely top 3 for me.

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Red Carpet Fashion Awards

ALDO vs. Miu Miu

ALDO Kerbow vs. Miu Miu Forma

Well, well, well, look what we have here. ALDO took a walk down Copyright Lane and chopped and screwed with Miu Miu's Forma Cutout Sandal. The Miu Miu beauties go for a measly *coughs* $755, but if you're not working with that type of cash, you can grab the Kerbow from ALDO for just $100! That ain't bad! I can't lie, y'all, I'm fairly impressed with ALDO's version of the Forma sandal! I think I'm gonna make them mine!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Net-a-Porter, ALDO

The Year of Zoe

This week, Zoe Saldana was in the Dominican Republic for the Casandra Awards where she accepted the award for Most Outstanding Artist Abroad in a stunning Amanda Wakeley Spring 2010 gown.

In her speech, Zoe thanked everyone, I should add, in Spanish, and accepted the award in honor of her Dominican family. She also offered words of encouragement; in summary, she told "her Dominican people" to keep fighting for their dreams and insisted they could reach them. Zoe also professed that no matter where you are in this world — even if you're in little hole — if you have a dream, just like she did, to keep fighting *taking notes. So sweet! Then she said the lights were hot and she bounced off the stage! Check it:

Like my mother, Zoe's father is from the Dominican Republic. *I think this is the first time I've disclosed that. It was touching to see her go back to the home-front and accept her award! Now don't assume the reason I love Zoe so much is because she's Dominican; in actuality, that reason is at the bottom of the list, the veryyy bottom! Want to know my reasons?? Well, 1. I think she is undeniably talented and 2. she is sooo damn fly! Trust your girl now, my love for Zoe has more to do with the Givenchy dress she wore to the Oscar's than the fact that she is Dominican. No. Joke.

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. I spotted Aventura in the crowd! (:

*Source-Style.com

Ex-boyfriend sues Lady Gaga for $30.5 million

(CNN) -- Lady Gaga's former boyfriend, producer and business partner, is suing the pop star for $30.5 million, claiming he was pushed away after their failed romance.

Songwriter-producer Rob Fusari's lawsuit contends he transformed Stefani Germanotta into "Lady Gaga" and switched her rock riffs with dance beats to make her songs commercial hits.

"We have no comment," Lady Gaga's publicist told CNN on Thursday night.

Lady Gaga, one of the world's hottest recording acts, won two Grammys this year for her debut album.

Robert Meloni, Fusari's lawyer, borrowed a line from William Congreve's tragic play "The Mourning Bride" to set the stage for his arguments.

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned," Meloni said.

Lady Gaga was the woman scorned when Fusari ended their romance, according to the suit.

"All business is personal. When those personal relationships evolve into romantic entanglements, any corresponding business relationship usually follows the same trajectory so that when one crashes, they all burn. That is what happened here," the suit said.

The story starts with 20-year-old Germanotta riding a bus from Manhattan to Fusari's studio in Parsippany, New Jersey, to work on music in the spring of 2006.

"Fusari was expecting someone a little more grunge-rocker than the young Italian girl 'guidette' that arrived at his doorstep and was worried that he had made a mistake," the court papers said.

"Fusari then asked her to play one of her songs on the studio piano and within seconds, (he) realized that Germanotta had star potential. The trick would be coaxing it out of her."

While Fusari thought Germanotta's songs were brilliant, they lacked commercial appeal, the suit said.

"He pushed her to explore different musical genres," it said. "Over the course of the next several months, Germanotta commuted from New York to Jersey seven days a week, radically reshaping her approach. They put their focus on writing music and finding a sound for her."

Fusari takes credit for convincing her "to abandon rock riffs and add dance beats. He demonstrated how the sound of a drum machine would not hurt the integrity of her music."

The suit claims Fusari created her stage name by accident. A text message intended to read "Radio Ga Ga," named after the Queen song, was changed by spell check on his cell phone to "Lady Ga Ga," it said. "Germanotta loved it and 'Lady Gaga' was born."

Their romance grew as they were "working intensely in such close emotional quarters," it said. Germanotta and her father soon signed a contract with Fusari giving him a 20 percent share of her career, the suit said.

The romance declined after Lady Gaga gained and then lost a record deal with Island Def Jam, it said.

"The couple was now constantly bickering as Germanotta became more and more verbally abusive towards Fusari," the suit said.

"Fusari wanted to return their relationship to a purely professional level, so in January 2007, he ended their romantic involvement."

After Lady Gaga got a new recording contract in May 2007 with Interscope, she stopped answering Fusari's phone calls, it said.

Still, he co-wrote and produced four songs on Lady Gaga's debut album "The Fame," including the hit "Paparazzi."

This is a BAD case of the EX!!! Talk about "Bad Romance" .. Homeboy needs to get it together and KEEP IT MOVIN'!!!!! Exes are exes for a reason! Good reasons, at that! I wonder if this is the same dude who said she'll never make it! Someone needs to get him...

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. Sad thing about this whole thing is- if he really did help put Gaga on, and helped her with developing/creating her music/sound, then , legally, he probably is entitled to royalties... SMDH.

*Source-CNN

People Can Fly

"People can fly. Some people fly higher than others, that's all." — Michael Jordan

One of my all-time favorite quotes is by MJ and even includes the word fly! How 'bout that!

xoxo,
Mercedes

Michael Jordan Acquires Charlotte Bobcats, Makes History

Owners of NBA teams made a unanimous decision to allow the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball into the owners club. Typically, the last step in owning any sports franchise — besides having your finances checked — is being voted in by fellow owners; for the vote to be unanimous is astounding, but I'm not surprised, it's Michael Jordan.

Jordan will buy a controlling interest in the Charlotte Bobcats where he is currently a minority owner. MJ is reportedly purchasing a large chunk of Bob Johnson's stake which basically allows them to switch roles and converts Johnson into a minority owner, while making Jordan the majority owner. This move is one for the history books as Jordan is now the first ex-player to be a majority owner in the league, and the second black majority owner of a major pro sports team.

"Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state of North Carolina. I plan to make this franchise an organization that Charlotte can be proud of, and I am committed to doing all that I can to achieve this goal."

I idolized Michael Jordan growing up. To this day he is one of my idols and I couldn't be more proud of him for continuing to raise the bar for himself and continuing to follow his dreams.

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-ESPN

Fly Find - Dillenburg Clog

Dillenburg, ALDO, $90.

Thanks to Mr. Lagerfeld, it's all about clogs this season! Love this pair from ALDO! So simple, yet fly. I'm imagining a million and one ways I can wear these! Excited is not the word!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-ALDO

From the Desk of Zac Posen

Zac Posen for Target will be here soon! April 25th could not come soon enough!

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. Why am I just realizing that I have yet to do a sneak-peek story on the Zac Posen for Target collection!? I need to get on my job! I'll handle that tomorrow! Stay tuned.

The Mercedes Touch — IV

• Button Front Convertible Jumpsuit, Lane Bryant, $89.50, $34.99.
• Cinched Collar Shrug, Lane Bryant, $39.50, $19.99.
• Eggenberg Pump, ALDO, $90.
• Trupp Clutch, ALDO, $34.98.

If I was ever going to a concert, suppose the Alicia Keys concert coming to my town next week ;), I'd probably wear something like this. The jumpsuit is a casual yet playful look that carries from day to night seamlessly. Some people don't like jumpsuits, and honestly I can understand why, some are just fug! Some people also think they can look childish, but the best ones always look chic and sophisticated, and you can look so fly wearing the right one!

This jumper/jumpsuit/whateveryouwanttocallit is on sale for $34.99 and I'm kind of obsessed. I personally don't like the way that they paired a necklace with the jumpsuit, I think it's too distracting against the hardware on the jumpsuit. I would opt out on any type of necklace and would simply wear gold hoops as my main piece of jewelry. What else would I wear?? lol Oh, maybe some bangles, probably *click* two of these from Forever 21. I chose the black shrug because it has a high-rise and compliments the high-rise on the jumpsuit perfectly! You also want to have something to cover up with in case you get cold. For the footwork, I chose a classic black peep-toe pump. I really don't know what they were thinking putting the model in some closed-toe shoes! Come on now! I would even wear this jumper with some black sandals. Now that I'm thinking, if you're going to a concert, by the time the music stops playing you're feet are going to be dead from all that dancing! That walk back to the car is going to be painful! I would most definitely carry back-up shoes! Finally, I chose a clutch that brings all the hues from the look together into one piece. Funny enough, the clutch was the very last piece I found!

Now, you're ready for a night out on the town, and you're ready to get down! ;)

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-ALDO, Lane Bryant

The Mercedes Touch — III

• Icon Collection Puff Sleeve Knit Top, Lane Bryant, $68.
• Knit Harem Pant, Lane Bryant, $49.50, $29.99.
• Bistline Clutch, ALDO, $40.
• Edgy Chain Necklace, Forever 21, $19.80.

I think I'm going to have to find a top like that for myself! I love this look! Not many people are too crazy about harem pants, but if you do them right, and don't wear the ones that make you look like you're wearing a dirty saggy diaper *ewww*, then trust me, you'll look fly!

The gray top with the accented shoulders would look so chic slightly tucked into the harem pants. Make sure to make the top a little loose so it accentuates the waves and pleats in the harem pants. Now you've probably seen me talk about the chain link necklace before, and yes, I'm still in love! :P I just can't get enough of it! It spices up nearly every outfit I pair it with! And whoa, that clutch! Do we really need to get into this?? Bad-ass, and need that in my life is all I have to say. Now the best part of this outfit, at least to me is...wait for it...the shoes! I would most definitely rock this look with my new loves, *the pink pair*::

Colin Stuart Round Toe Pump, Victoria's Secret, $49.

It doesn't get any better than having a splash of color with your look while you're wearing basic colors such as gray and black! You're really going to have people looking you up and down with this get-up! If I saw a girl wearing this outfit, no matter what size she was, I would most definitely go up to her and let her know that she is fly! Sometimes you just gotta let people know! ;)

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. This is my favorite outfit of the bunch! Can you tell??

*Source-Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, Lane Bryant, ALDO

The Mercedes Touch — II

Baby Phat Draped One Shoulder Dress, Macy's. $59.

I chose this one shoulder black dress from Baby Phat (don't let that discourage you) because 1. I love one-shoulder dresses, and 2. I love anything black! One-shoulder dress + black + an affordable price = Sitting in my closet! Better believe it! ;)

Having a solid black dress is like having a blank slate; you can do whatever your little heart desires! On the accessories front I went for an edgy look. *Can we come up with a new word for edgy, please?? Check it::

• Bullet Stud Detail Waist Belt, ASOS, $30.77.
• Eggenberg Pump, ALDO, $90.
• Large Hoop Earrings With Chain Detail, ASOS, $8.55.
• Domanski Clutch, ASOS, $30.

I chose a studded wrap-around belt from ASOS to really give this dress some character; the bullets really do all the work. From the LBD to the studded belt, we essentially have a look. The blank slate is gone and now it's time to add on. I chose simple gold hoops because gold hoops go with practically everything! *I seriously live in gold hoops!* What I particularly love about the hoops I chose is that they're BIG! I love big earrings! The bigger, the better. For the footwork, I chose a plain black pump from ALDO that has a little vampire collar at the heel of the shoe. Love that. Last but not least, I chose a red clutch. Don't be thrown off by that just yet, let me explain... Once I got to the shoes, I started to think about about make-up. I asked myself what type of make-up would I wear with this look, and came to the conclusion that I would do a heavy look with red lipstick! The red clutch would coordinate perfectly with red lips and do so without being too overbearing.

There you have it! The first of three! This one is by far the sexiest look of them all!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-ASOS, ALDO, Macy's

Fly Request

One of my readers *Hi, April!* wrote me wondering if I would ever consider doing a piece on plus-size curvy girls. The answer...OF COURSE!!! As soon as I replied back I immediately went to work! I thought to myself, this will be easy! Forever 21 recently launched their Faith collection and I was convinced I was going to hit the jack-pot there. Boy, was I wrong! The selection at Forever 21 was sub-par; I was sooo unimpressed! I was actually annoyed that their selection was so poor. They can definitely, definitely do better! I did, however, find luck at Macy's, Lane Bryant, and OF COURSE ASOS! I can always count on them!

I know how frustrating finding pieces that you want in your wardrobe can be, but when the selection isn't there, shopping is even more difficult than it already is. Don't fret, just wait till you see what I've whipped up for you A-money!

The next three looks I've pieced together are essentially composed of pieces that you can have in your closet forever, and also pieces that you can wear over and over again, and in so many different ways! It's all about utility my friends!

On your mark...get set...GO!

xoxo,
Mercedes

Fly Find — Colin Stuart Round-Toe Pump

Colin Stuart Round-Toe Pump, Victoria's Secret, $49.

Do these shoes really need an introduction?? Yes? Well, okay then...

I first spotted these Colin Stuart pumps a few months ago on Victoria's Secret, and apparently so did everyone else because they sold-out like Louis Vuitton going on sale!!! P.S. That never happens. I don't know about y'all but my eyes went and still go STRAIGHT to the pink! How fly are they?? Although, I wish they were a liiiittle higher, I can't complain about these pumps because they're adorable ANDDD they ONLY cost $49!!! Say what?!?! Yes girl! *Or boy... I love how the orange and pink look like candy!! *Shake that laffy taffy! ;) I just want to bite them! lol jk.

I missed out on grabbing my size last time, but this time around I'm not playing and you better believe these bad boys are on their way! Overnight shipping, and all! ANDDD I grabbed a pair for my sis! Not a game. (: Told you I wasn't playing!

Don't say I never put you on to something! ;)

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. When they come in I'm going to blast "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world, life in plastic, it's fantastic!" and take pictures for y'all! :P Alright, I'm being extra now......I'm just super excited and had to share the flyness with y'all! Grab yours while you can!

*Source-Victoria's Secret

72,000 Bottles of Heat on the Wall

"What do some of the world's biggest fashion executives discuss when they convene at Harvard Business School for a conference on global expansion in the luxury-goods industry? Beyoncé, obviously. Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren revealed that his chain sold $3 million worth of Beyoncé's first fragrance, Heat, between early February and early March. When she was at the store signing autographs for an hour to launch the scent, they sold 72,000 bottles. Even though the stuff looks like lube. [WWD]" (via The Cut)

That is bananas! Only Beyoncé.

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source- The Cut

Lust of the Week - Sigerson Morrison Tall Bracelet Boot

My older sister has enlisted me to help her find a pair of gladiator sandals that go up to her knees. I'm kind of over the typical gladiator look, and so is she, so I'm hoping I can find her an amazing pair, and she insisted that I do so, or else I'm not her sister anymore. LOL So far, finding an awesome pair has not been easy. Hopefully as the spring/summer merchandise starts to pump through the stores, I'll find her a pair. If not, I might be sister-less! Yikes!

Sigerson Morrison Tall Bracelet Boot, Neiman Marcus, $695.

While on the hunt, I came across the Tall Bracelet Boot by Sigerson Morrison on Neiman Marcus' website, and let me just say this::: I think these boots/sandals/whateveryouwanttocallthem are unnn-believable! They also come in a shorter pair, but I'm feeling the taller pair so much more! Too bad they're $700! Come on, show us poor folks some love!

How fly would these sandals look with dresses, skirts, even cut-off denim shorts in the coming months?! So fly. I especially love the little touch of hardware! The only thing that concerns me is the possibility of getting a reallllly wacky tan on your legs! Ahhh! So NOT fly. I remember getting shin-guard tans growing up from playing soccer during the season! Eeek! Not cute.

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Neiman Marcus

McQueen-A Closer Look

The collection coupled with the baroque music just took my mind to another place, another world. I can't lie, I'm feeling a little high. The shoes make me want to cry, everything at a closer look makes me want to cry. *I did...a little. This is as close to McQueen as I'll ever get! What a privilege.

There really are no words to describe how incredibly beautiful this collection is. These pieces truly belong in an art museum.

A closer look at this collection makes me wonder who will ever be able to do the McQueen brand justice??

Don't know what else to say...

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Fashionista.com

Forever 21 vs. Soixante Neuf

Soixante Neuf's Hammered Ring, $155.

I'm a big fan of full-fingered rings, they're like armor for your little fingers! Watch out now! ;) Everyone from Vanessa Hudgens to Kim Kardashian have been spotted rocking Soixante Neuf's Hammered Ring that retails anywhere from $135-$155 depending on what metal your little heart desires. Well, I've been in love with this ring for quite some time, but my little heart desired a more affordable price so I never splurged. *I only do that on shoes and handbags. I didn't allow my feelings to get hurt because I just knew it wouldn't be long before I saw a similar ring pop up on Forever 21's website. They always pull through!

Dimpled Armor Ring, Forever 21, $4.80.

Not only does the ring cost $4.80, but it comes in both silver AND gold! Come onnnn, that's less than $10 for both! Or you can buy a ring AND then drive over to Subway with your change and buy a $5 footlong! A ring AND a meal! Now, that's what I'm talking about! But y'all know me, I'm doubling up on this one!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Forever 21, Soixante Neuf

Break, Break Down

Okay, so apparently I wasn't the only one a little confused by Gaga's mini-movie for her latest hit, Telephone featuring Queen B. Well, little monsters, don't you worry, director Jonas Akerlund has done a scene by scene breakdown of the video. I think I get the concept now, actually for me, the concept is still borderline incomprehensible, but what can ya do?? Honestly, I didn't even watch for the concept/story, I watched for the fashion, which was truly the star of the video—that's all that ever matters to moi.

xoxo,
Mercedes

P.S. "You've been a very bad girl, a very very bad bad girl, Gaga." What in the?!?? Me and my friend CANNOT stop mocking Beyonce for that one. She lost me there. LOL

*Source-MTV

Oxford University

Boutique 9 Ronnie Oxfords, Bloomingdales, $130.

One of my favorite trends (I hate that word) right now is oxfords. I can't get enough of them! I especially love pairs in metallic colors, such as the pair above! You can pair oxfords with almost anything! Skinny jeans, trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, and the list goes on and on. My favorite pair, one that I can afford, has to be the pair above by Boutique 9, which is a private label for Nine West. This shoe comes in 6 different colors, but the metallic gold is my fav!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Bloomingdales

Dangerous Love

"Love is about danger, always. Love jumps off cliffs, love is irrational. It keeps you alive and it destroys you. The search for love provides nourishment for your artistic soul. I'm afraid that as soon as you really find love, there won't be anything left to write songs about." — Lady Gaga

xoxo,
Mercedes

Gaga & Honey B

I've been a busy girl over the past few days (hence, no posts), but now that I have a minute I must must MUST take the time to address the Telephone video movie by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce, or as Gaga calls her Honey B. The video was directed by Jonas Akerlund and styled by none other than Nicola Formichetti, and also featured the sexiness that is Tyrese Gibson. Check out the 9 minutes and 32 seconds of pure flyness below: *Brace yourself!

Seriously, this video is EPIC! For a music video, it is a cinematic masterpiece! *Can this get nominated for an Oscar for a short film?? Hmmm... The Academy needs to get on that! I had to watch the video like 5 times before I could wrap my brain around what was going on, it was being pulled into so many different directions! Honestly, my brain was just trying to register the clothes and couldn't keep up! Goodness gracious, the clothessss! As for the concept, it was all over the place, but it completely captured you! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen! I especially loved how Gaga pulled inspiration from classic American films such as Casablanca, Thelma & Louise, Chicago, and Kill Bill and put her own little Gaga spin on them. Genius.

Honestly, it's not even normal how insanely creative Lady Gaga is. I really can't think of any artist who has ever put together such an incredible music video, well, besides Michael Jackson. Yes, I did just say that. The girl is innovative, revolutionary, and truly authentic! She's true to her craft and she never ever lets us little monsters down! It's not even a game.

I also saw she was getting her promo on in this video! There were product features e v e r y w h e r e!!! Virgin Mobile, Lady Gaga Heartbeats by Monster In-Ear Headphones, Beats by Dr. Dre, Plentyoffish.com, Wonderbread, and of course Polaroid (Gaga is Creative Director). Get your money, boo!

I'm definitely going to watch this like 345,678 more times! :P

Check below for all the fashion credits...the outfits were FLY, with a capital f, l, and y! Nicola Formichetti did his thing! Duh.

• Custom made outfit by Jean Charles de Castelbajac. Sunglasses by Mercura.
• Custom made crime scene tape by Brian Lichtenberg.

• Custom made chain and jumpsuit by Viktor & Rolf. Cigarette sunglasses and shoes by Haus of Gaga.
• Studded outfits by Haus of Gaga

• Studded jacket by Search and Destroy. Vintage sunglasses by Chanel.

• Gaga: Vintage hat and outfit by Thierry Mugler.
• Honey B: Vintage hat and outfit by Thierry Mugler.

• Vintage hat and outfit by Thierry Mugler.
• Yellow hat and dress by Atsuko Kudo. Sunglasses by Jeremy Scott.

• Telephone hat by Fred Butler. Dress by Rachel Barrett.
• Hat and dress by Rachel Barrett. Telephone hair piece by Danilo.

• Gaga: Outfit by Haus of Gaga. Boots by Christian Louboutin.
• Honey B: Outfit by Oscar Olima.
• Honey B: Jacket and shoes by Jean Charles de Castelbajac. Denim shorts by Franc Fernandez & Oscar Olima.

• Gaga: Leopard outfit by Haus of Gaga
• Gaga: Cowboy hat outfit by Emilie Pirlot
• Honey B: Cowboy hat outfit by Emilie Pirlot

The video ended with: "To be continued..." Ahhhh, I can't wait to see what's next! Gaga & Honey B need to stop playing and just go ahead and make a movie, 120 minutes long! Please and thank you!

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Nicola Formichetti

Alexander McQueen's Final Bow

Alexander McQueen's final collection was shown today to a small groups of editors in Paris at PPR headquarters in what was the most anticipated collection of the fall 2010 season. Possibly one of the most anticipated collections ever, at least in recent memory.

Last year's Atlantis-inspired show was staged by McQueen with extreme flamboyance, and the same was planned for this collection, but the company felt that it wouldn't be the same to put on the show without him and instead decided to present the collection in a small and intimate manner:

"He very much had a vision for his show concept, but it didn't feel right to do that without him," said Chief Executive Jonathan Akeroyd. "We decided this was the best way to do it in a very low profile environment—the most appropriate way in light of what has happened."

McQueen had completed just 16 looks—less than half of what would have been his complete collection—when he took his own life a month ago.

His final fall collection was inspired by old masters' paintings and filled with rich colors, deep red and gold hues were seen throughout the entire collection. Dramatic capes, ornate embroidery, and stunning draping took my breath away. Here are his final 16 looks:

Are you still breathing?? I hope so. I'll admit, I felt shortness of breath as I was looking through the slideshow at Style.com. With the click of a button, each piece shortened each breath I took, and that last piece almost sent me packing. And those above-the-knee-boots. Wow. Say no more.

McQueen once said that his shows overpowered the clothes. Not this time. This collection is breath-taking and beyond exquisite. Everything from beginning to end, top to bottom, back to front, was so unbelievably beautiful and quite possibly one of my favorite McQueen collections of all time. Alexander McQueen truly attained a level of artistry that few will ever reach. This is his legacy.

While the brand will continue with more commercial collections, the clothes shown in his final collection are not expected to be widely sold *I hope those boots are*. Instead they will be loaned out on a limited basis to a few fashion magazines, a spokeswoman said. Today we also learned that there was no talk of a successor, and all the rumors of Gareth Pugh succeeding McQueen were shot down earlier by Pugh's rep:

"We've been really focusing on this, on finishing the collection, we haven't been thinking beyond that," said Akeroyd. "In the next few weeks, we are going to be working on the way ahead, but we've just really been concentrating on this presentation."

There was an unmistakable impression that McQueen was immersed in thoughts of life after death with this particular collection. "Solemn, funereal and even a little spooky." That's how Women's Wear Daily described Alexander McQueen's final show. The Wall Street Journal reported that the "eeriest insight" into McQueen's final weeks was a dress imprinted with a scene from Bosch's triptych "The Garden of Earthly Delights," which showed the artist's hellish conception of the afterlife. There were otherworldly motifs such as doves woven throughout the collection. Patterns on a gold brocade pant suit, on closer inspection, turned out to be angels, their wings spanning the torso. There is no question that McQueen romanticized with life and death, but he never did it like this before. It makes you wonder where his mind was...

Even in death he is able to share a piece of heaven with us. Gone too soon. I will miss his work.

May he rest in peace...

xoxo,
Mercedes

*Source-Style.com