The DesignerLaundry Blog

Vanessa Williams and Dress For Success Help Women in Need.

2009-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Williams is using the tough economic times to clean out her closet and help disadvantaged women thrive in the workplace. Teaming up with Dress for Success and Allergan, Williams hopes to empower women by donating professional attire and offering career advice to those in need.

"I want to raise awareness for everyone out there who needs a leg up and looking for jobs ... We can help. Dress for Success has been around for years, and I contributed to that organization before Allergan (a pharmaceutical company that produces Botox) contacted me about joining this new campaign. As a working woman and actress, I know how important it is to look the part when interviewing for a new position or in any professional setting. The whole intention of the campaign is to celebrate women while giving back."

Kudos Vanessa!

Maggie Grace, the Godess in Teal at the Whitney Museum.

2009-07-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Maggie Grace was goddess-like in this aqua-coloured one shouldered cocktail dress at the Whitney Museum art party in New York. The coral stones in her shoulder-skimming earrings are a refreshing compliment to her glimmering turquoise dress. A bold move with strong colors that work.

Our Version: The Catherine Malandrino One Shoulder Minidress.
This one-shoulder silk rayon dress from Malandrino has three luscious layers draping over the body. At the shoulder, the dress features a silver and crystal embellishment. A dreamy draped mini dress to make you the bell of the ball.
Now featured on DesignerLaundry.com for $392.

Marion Cotillard Looking Ravishing in Red at the Publc Enemies Premiere.

2009-07-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Marion Cotillard is a true parisienne, particularly when it comes to fashion. But she flew the flag for the UK last at the premiere of her latest flm, Public Enemies in which she stars alongside that other famous Paris resident, Johnny Depp. Viv's elegantly draped bustier dress gave Marion curves we didn't know she had. Teamed with a pair of black platforms, outsized Stella McCartney clutch and a sleek hair 'do this is a perfectly chic look.

Our Version: The Catherine Malandrino Horizon Dress
A sensational dress for a dinner party or a night of dancing. This flattering horizon dress from Catherine Malandrino is fashioned from iridescent taffeta and silk. It has a banded empire waist with a pintucked design, and pleats around the bust and around the waist.
Now featured on DesignerLaundry.com for $340.

Emma Watson Turns Celebrity Designer for Charity.

2009-06-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Burberry and Chanel have a new fresh, young face, and it's Emma Watson's. But now the budding starlet is branching off to create her own fashion line. And the best part? She's doing it all for charity.

Emma's line will be geared toward the teenage set and rumor has it that she's been taking advice from her fashion designer pals like Karl Lagerfeld, which means her line is likely to be hot hot hot. All profits will benefit the children's charity UNICEF. Emma currently models for some of top fashion houses, namely, Burberry and Chanel.

We didn't know they taught fashion design at Hogwarts, but clearly this Harry Potter star knows what she's doing. Finally, a young celebrity who is both talented and selfless; nice to see more of that these days. Rock on Emma!

Isla Fisher at the Bruno premiere looking poised with the perfect clutch.

2009-06-23T06:37:00.001-07:00

Celebrity Version: Isla Fisher donned a painterly embellised Julien Macdonald gown for the Paris premiere of Bruno. The green shades compliment her russet locks and she finished the look with an oyster-coloured clutch and heels.

Our Version: The Calvin Klein Collection Jeweled Clutch. This satin clutch from Calvin Klein Collection a flap top and boasts a beautiful silver diamonte closure. The interior is fully lined and features a small pouch pocket. Made in Italy. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $297.

Sienna Miller rocks her disheveled chic ensemble.

2009-06-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: No one can nail the laid-back luxe look quite like Sienna Miller. Sporting the perfect traveling ensemble of treggings, soft, cozy loungewear and her Vivienne Westwood pirate boots, the actress made her way through LAX airport.

Our Version: The Rick Owens Leather Wrap
Rick Owens’ white leather wrap jacket has a phenomenal fit. Its sleeves are cut extra long, flare around the wrists, and have button holes, but no buttons. The jacket is lined on the upper half and in the sleeves. An example of disheveled chic at it's finest. Now featured on Designerlaundry.com for $750.

Presenting Cartier’s Love Charity Ambassador: Eva Mendes

2009-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

“Thank God for waterproof mascara,” said Eva Mendes, obviously overcome with emotion when discussing her work with The Art of Elysium, an organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talents to children battling serious medical conditions. “It’s so emotional to see the growth and results [of the children],” she added.

Mendes is Cartier’s Love Charity Ambassador for The Art of Elysium. Cartier North America president and chief executive Frédéric de Narp and the charity’s founder Jennifer Howell were on hand, as well, to unveil a new Love Charity bracelet that went on sale Thursday benefiting 24 chosen charities, including The Art of Elysium.

In the past three years Cartier North America has donated more than $4.5 million to 24 global charities. The new silk cord and rose gold bracelet comes in myriad colors corresponding to the respective charity. It sells for $700, and $150 from the sale of each will benefit the charity.

Jimmy Choo + Depeche Mode = Hip Man Bags for Charity

2009-06-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Who says the 'merse' (man perse) isn't cool? Throw in a charitable twist and voila: benevolent fashion fabulousness!

The Prostate Cancer Charity, a UK-based organization has volunteered the help Depeche Mode, Coldplay, Ricky Gervais, Alan Carr, Jade Jagger, Twiggy, and Ben Shephard to handbag mogul Jimmy Choo.

40 man-bags will be auctioned off on eBay on June 24 with all proceeds going to the charity.

Bain Ellisdon, founder of manbagcompany.com, who supplied the bags, hopes the auction will change the public's perception of man-bags. She told the Evening Standard:

'People still think of those awful little French clutch bags with a loop around the wrist that many European men used to carry. But the man-bag has moved on so much since then.’

The designs will feature either custom hand-drawn, painted, or stitched work completed by the celebrities themselves, making each one unique and absolutely original.

My boyfriend's birthday is around the corner, he wants the new Iphone.
I think I know just what to give the man who has everything, and still give back.

Paris Hilton Wins FiFi Awards for Best Charity Fragrance

2009-06-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton's signature scent, Fairy Dust, wins top charity fragrance at the FiFi awards.

The sweet smell of success permeated the red carpet at The 37th annual Fragrance Foundation Awards. Hollywood A-listers including Sean "Diddy" Combs and Paris Hilton turned out sporting their favourite scents to what some call the "Oscars of fragrance."

Hilton was honoured for her perfume, Fairy Dust. She attended the event with her mother Kathy and boyfriend Doug Reinhardt.

"I've been doing the fragrance business for a very long time and mine is one of the most successful," says the socialite and reality TV vixen. "Tonight I'm winning celebrity fragrance of the year so it's such a huge honour."

Tori Praver Works Her String Bikini for charity: water.

2009-05-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

The string bikini, not just for swimming anymore.

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 21 May, 2009 : - - Irvine, Ca -- Billabong USA is proud to announce the highly acclaimed alt-rockers The Airborne Toxic Event and indie pop stars Iglu & Hartly will perform live at the 3rd Annual Design For Humanity event on June 17, 2009 at Avalon/Bardot in Hollywood.

Design for Humanity, Billabong’s charitable initiative, will benefit charity: water (charitywater.org), a non-profit organization that works to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. One hundred percent of ticket sale proceeds will go to charity: water.

Billabong's 3rd Annual Design for Humanity event will bring together the worlds of fashion, art and music through a spectacular series of events in a high energy setting. The event will feature a Billabong runway fashion show with one-of-a-kind celebrity designs, an art show and auction, special live music performances, DJs and much more.

This year's Billabong fashion show will showcase unique celebrity designed swimsuit pieces which will be offered at the silent auction the night of the event with 100% of the proceeds going to charity: water.

American supermodel, Tori Praver has already created an exclusive bikini, a hanky tie bandeau with a skimpy boy bottom swimsuit, which will debut on the catwalk and will be offered as a part of Billabong’s Cruise 2010 collection. Billabong's Design for Humanity will donate $5 from the sale of each Tori Praver bikini to charity: water.

Before the show takes place, guests are invited upstairs to Avalon's Bardot for the art exhibit and silent auction, which will feature works by well-known industry artists such as, Barry McGee, Geoff McFetridge, Steven Harrington and Wolfgang Bloch. Art will be listed on eBay beginning June 9th through June 16th with a "buy it now" option. All art will be previewed in the gallery and available pieces will be sold during the silent auction at the event.

Following the fashion show, indie rockers Iglu & Hartly will heat up the stage and captivate the crowd before rock sensations The Airborne Toxic Event perform their top hits. Already climbing the charts across America and Great Britain, together, Iglu & Hartly and The Airborne Toxic Event will leave their audience with a performance and experience that they will never forget.

For more information and ticket sales please visit designforhumanity.com. Tickets are available for pre-sale at $30 (General Admission) and $150 (VIP).

Pixie Geldoff Rocks the Wrap Platform Sandal.

2009-05-14T08:25:00.001-07:00

Celebrity Version: Pixie was super-sexy at a cocktail party at the Hogan store in London in a micro-LBD, military-style coat with gold buttons and seriously fierce black platform sandals. Though we're not entirely sure about her new super-short fringe, we love the platinum locks against a the black backdrop of her outfit.

Our Version: The Charles Jourdan Black Leather Ankle Strap Heel
These genuine leather shoes from Charles Jourdan have a ¼” platform and ankle strap with silver D-ring buckle. 4” heel. Made in Spain. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $197.

Costume Institute Gala Turns out the Brightest Stars in Fashion For Charity.

2009-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Even with the rain, the stars shone bright Monday night at the Costume Institute's gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Models and the hottest celebs turned out in droves to celebrate "The Model as Muse" exhibit.

There was Gisele Bundchen and Chanel Iman, along with Victoria Beckham, Jessica Alba (in Michelle Obama favorite Jason Wu), Renee Zellweger (in Carolina Herrera), Eva Mendes (in Calvin Klein) and Eva Longoria, wearing Diane von Furstenberg.

Chairing the event were Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss and Justin Timberlake, who rocked a pair of geek-chic specs (and girlfriend Jessica Biel).

Heidi Klum, pregnant with her fourth child and wearing J. Mendel, promised to wear "high heels in the delivery room."

Tyra Banks wore Badgley Mischka, and Rachel Roy dressed India-born Lakshmi Menon.

Kanye West helped deflect reports he's broken up with model Amber Rose by making a show of support - literally, gripping her as she teetered and adjusting her dress.

Model behavior, indeed.

Rosario Dawson 'Thinks Beyond' for Charity.

2009-05-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Rosario Dawson will be participating in The Palomita Education Fund's upcoming charity event, Piensa Mas Alla…(Think Beyond) on May 29 at Terra SF in San Francisco. With the 2009 theme “What is your passion?” Dawson has designed a beautifully whimsical environmental, special edition t-shirt, which will be auctioned at the event, with all proceeds benefiting Latino education. The design will also be available for purchase, for a limited time only, through specialty retailers and on-line at palomitaclothing.com.

Drawing on last year‟s success, the second annual Piensa Mas Alla…Think Beyond… event is expected to draw over 500 VIP‟s of the Latino community together in celebration and support of fashion, art and Latino culture. Other confirmed celebrity designers include Adrienne Bailon, Andy Garcia, Baby Bash, Cesar Millan, Christina Milian, Eva Longoria- Parker, Frankie J, Jaslene Gonzalez, LENA, Maria Conchita Alonso, Melonie Diaz, Raquel Welch, Tony González, Tony Romo, Walter Perez and Valerie Cruz. This is a great way to kick-off the summer and enjoy a luxurious evening while supporting a worthwhile cause. A limited number of tickets for the event are available on www.palomitaclothing.com/

Katie Holmes Looking Chic Draped in Flowing Satin.

2009-04-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Katie Holmes hit the Independent Filmmaker Project 30th anniversary party in NYC in a very on-trend halter-neck jumpsuit. The super-star complemented the sleek piece with slicked-back hair, a classic black clutch and luminous make-up.

Our Version: The Rick Owens Satin Flow Pants.
The legs of Rick Owens’ double layered silk satin pants are pieced together with bias cut panels and the waist has an elastic ribbed knit waistband. The fit is loose and ‘flowing’ (hence the name flow), while the cut is extra long and meant to be cut to your own personal liking. Now featured on DesignerLaundry.com for $325.

Debra Messing is one Chic Cookie in a Silk Chiffon LBD.

2009-04-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Debra Messing represents in a chic chiffon LBD at the Smart Cookie Awards. For the seven awe-inspiring moms honored this year, bringing kids into the world sparked a palpable desire to bring change to it, too.

Our Version: The Jill Stuart Corinna Dress.
This lovely chiffon number dress is styled from silk and features an empire waist and a sexy, plunging V-neckline that is perfectly fitted thanks to side sashes that tie in the back. Its billowy skirt falls right above the knee and the sheer sleeves have fabric covered button cuffs. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $192.

Audrey Tautou Adds a Hint of Rebel to Her Floral Frock.

2009-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: With her gamine hairdo and innate sense of style, it's easy to see why Audrey Tautou was chosen to play the legendary Coco Chanel in the film Coco Avant Chanel. The actress added edge to a sweet strapless floral dress with a structured leather jacket and sexy strappy Sergio Rossi shoes at the premiere of the film in Paris. Bravo!

Our Version: The Plein Sud Lamb Skin Jacket. Fashioned from genuine leather, the Plein Sud jacket is beautifully tailored with a slim, cropped fit. It zips half way in the front, has subtly padded shoulders and is fully lined. Made in France. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $399.

Miley Cyrus Gets Flirty in a Floral Sundress.

2009-04-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Miley Cyrus was ultra-cute in a bow-printed ruffled frock by Nanette Lepore which she teamed with strappy red sandals on The Rachael Ray Show in LA.

Our Version: The Anna Sui Floral Sundress.
What’s more feminine than a frilly floral dress? We love this Anna Sui silk ruffled number. This pretty floral ruffled dress from Anna Sui is styled from 100% silk and has a spectacular body-skimming fit that flares just so around the hem. A fabulous piece for a sunny daytime occasion. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $77.

Rachel Bilson struts her stuff in red hot jeans.

2009-04-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Version: Rachel Bilson (the bride-to-be) looks super-cool even as she hits the grocery store in LA in red jeans, heels and a classic blazer.

Our Version: Catherine Malandrino Ruby Trousers.
Make a bold—not to mention stylish—statement in this ruby red nylon trouser from Malandrino. Featuring a tab front waist, slit pockets and slim fitting, straight legs. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $97.

Rihanna Teams With H&M For “Fashion Against AIDS” Clothing Line

2009-04-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

H&M has launched Fashion Against Aids to spread awareness about HIV. Well-known artists such as Rihanna, Chicks on Speed, Good Charlotte, Henrik Vibskov, Jade Jagger, Justice, Katharine Hamnett, My Chemical Romance, Rufus Wainwright, Scissor Sisters, The Cardigans, Tiga, Timbaland and Ziggy Marley have each designed a 100% organic cotton T-shirts, tank tops or hooded sweater. Judging by the sold out racks of clothing the first days of the launch (at least here in Barcelona), the campaign is a great success.

“Supporting YouthAIDS through the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause,” Rihanna said in a statement on Thursday.

The collection includes T-shirts, tank tops and hooded sweaters. All garments feature a print and the neckline label carries the name of the print designer.

The designs come in varying styles displaying both loud,bold statements to more subtle messages to suit all fashion tastes. Each piece is made from 100 per cent certified organic cotton and carries a special hang tag that reads: “This might be the most important piece of clothing you’ve ever had your hands on.”

Shoshanna and Tesla Group Fight Cancer With Fashion.

2009-03-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the city that never sleeps, The Tesla Group is ensuring that New Yorkers stay awake on March 26, 2009 as they host their first annual Charity Gala held in honor of lung cancer recipients and survivors at The West Side Loft in midtown Manhattan.

Alex and Simon from Bravo TV's “The Real Housewives of New York City,” will officiate the silent auction. Other guests participating in the event include celebrity stylists, music artists, New York socialites, and young professionals, along with supporters and friends of CancerCare.

The Charity Gala will kick off with a lively red carpet entree followed by an amazing spring fashion show by “Shoshanna” and will conclude with a silent auction, music, and dancing. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails and passed hors'd oeuvres. There will be a VIP reception area and an exclusive celebrity "Green Room" with an enticing atmosphere of waterfalls, an aquarium, and a fabulous midtown view. VIP guests will also have the pleasure of receiving gift bags filled with great products from some of the event’s many sponsors and worth over $1,000.

There are over 20 sponsors that have provided their support including Erica Anenberg, City.com, Catwalk Confidence, Pure Style Girl Friends, Blueprint Cleanse, Le Creuset, AOL, Cookie Lee, Signature Limousine, The Hyatt, We Love Colors, Vitamin Water, Jurlique, Micheal Antonio, Hard Candy, Mini Tissue, The Mystic Masala, Nooka Watches, Cyber Jocks, Udderly Smooth, I love Ryann and more.

The Tesla Group’s philosophy of A.E.R, (Advocate, Educate, and Revolutionize), determined them to choose an organization to get involved with, especially when lung cancer struck home to a family member of Tesla’s CEO, Ahlilah Longmire. “We need to have something out there that starts a new trend of young people getting involved for 2009.” said Longmire. From that thought evolved this Fashion Charity Gala, geared towards encouraging a younger generation to help raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. “That's why I love CancerCare; it’s about the encouragement, counseling, and support needed to help people pull through.” The Tesla Group will donate 100% of the net proceeds from the event to CancerCare to celebrate and honor cancer survivors and service recipients.

"We are grateful to the organizers and to all of the participants and hosts, for taking part in this very special event to benefit CancerCare," said Diane Blum, CancerCare executive director. “Events like these are especially appreciated during these uncertain economic times, and your participation helps us continue providing our free counseling and education services to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Jennifer Aniston beaming and bubbly in Givenchy.

2009-03-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Version: Jennifer Aniston in Givenchy. Jen is on a role. The Marley and Me star promoted her latest film with Owen Wilson in Germany in a shrunken blazer, ivory bubble-hem skirt and fierce black platform sandals.

Our Version: The Catherine Malandrino Scalloped Top. The silk chiffon body of this Catherine Malandrino top has a plunging deep V- neckline with scalloped detailing around the neck and hem. The wide waistband has detailed scalloped embroidery with piping. Elbow-length puff sleeves add drama and volume with layered matching scalloped appliqué. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $276.

Gwenyth Paltrow contrasts classic with slick in Chanel.

2009-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Version: Gwyneth stood by her man at the War Child Charity concert in a cute bouclé jacket (this season's must-buy), a miniskirt and shiny leggings. It was a busy night for Chris martin and his band Coldplay, who hit the Brit Awards earlier but sadly walked away empty handed.

Our Version: The Chanel Boucle Jacket.
This classic Chanel blazer has branded military-inspired buttons adorning the shoulders, placket, sleeves and belted back. The boucle is woven with emerald green and pearl white. 81% nylon, 11% polyester, 6% wool, 2% viscose. Fully lined in Chanel branded silk. Previously loved but still has lots of wear left. Now on Sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $560.

Ginnifer Goodwin glows in marigold at the He's Just Not That Into You premiere.

2009-02-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Version: Ginnifer glammed up to the nines for the He's Just Not That Into You premiere in this summery orange minidress accessorised to perfection with a statement necklace, strappy sandals and a matching tan clutch.

Our Version: The Aeve Strapless Tangerine Dress
Nothing says resort better than a sexy strapless dress in delicious tangerine. This lovely sundress from Aeve features a flattering gathered bodice and self-ties at the back. It has a built in corset design that perfects the dress’s fit. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $140.

Kate Hudson looking luxe in Temperley London leather.

2009-01-31T07:01:00.001-08:00

Celebrity Version: Kate Hudson vamped it up at the Bride Wars premiere in Berlin in a skin-tight leather skirt by Temperley and a crisp tailored black shirt.

Our Version: The Catherine Malandrino Tuxedo Blouse. This lovely silk top from Catherine Malandrino may be styled after a men’s tuxedo but it’s anything but masculine. The pretty crinkled chiffon top boasts a stitched ribbon design at the placket and has feminine puffed sleeves. Fully lined. Adorable! Now on sale on DesignerLaundry.com for $185.

Molly Sims looking pretty in plum.

2009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Version: Molly was ready to party in this electric purple satin frock and metallic platform heels at the Gridlock New Year's Eve bash in LA.

Our Version: The Catherine Malandrino Horizon Dress.
Catherine Malandrino adds a hint of shimmer to this cute cocktail dress. The result: pure chic.A sensational dress for a dinner party or a night of dancing. This flattering horizon dress from Catherine Malandrino is fashioned from iridescent taffeta and silk. It has a banded empire waist with a pintucked design, and pleats around the bust and around the waist. Now on sale at DesignerLaundry.com for $340.