Memo:

Day of Returns...and no Interns or assistants.

Romeo the Driver and I are "busy busy busy"

I'll be back tomorrow.

x. J. Dwayne

Its a wrap?

Can you believe these bags are made from Candy wrappers? Believe it, popular eco-friendly brand ECOIST has produced a line of bags inspired by none other than former first lady and style icon Jacquline Kennedy Onassis. Are we digging?

Furry Friends

It's no secret that I LOVE fur. But this I can't deal with. British based brand RP/Encore has taken wearing "animals" to a level BEYOND my fur-wearing dreams---and not in a good way. Their new collection is a medley of jewelry and accessories made out of preserved rat heads, guinea pig feet, pigeon feathers, and whole mice. The handy-work of British taxidermist Reid Peppard (who ironically is a vegetarian), The V/ermin Collection is comprised of hairpieces, brooches, necklaces, cufflinks, bow ties, and coin purses.

“RP/ENCORE challenges our attitudes towards fur, leather, and waste,” Peppard states. “In a world where leather is worn with out question by most, and replaced by unbiodegradable plastics by the rest, it is ironic that the image of an animal preserved using taxidermy is still enough to cause widespread outrage and fist banging.”

I am all for championing new ideas in fashion...but I'll be damned if this is a moment I will ever get into. Rats are for subway stations, not to be stationed a top my head. What are you thinking? Need Feedback.---J. Dwayne Joseph

WHEN BLACK GIRLS RULED FASHION!

Ad Dept.: Sonia Rykiel for H&M

This needs to cross the pond!

FUCK RENT...

Louis Vuitton Beauborg Sports Bag, $1000.00

[ Insert witty paragraph about Louis Vuitton]

Because you must remain counterfeit proof...get into the Dimensions: 19.7" x 9.4" x 9.4"

Van Damn!

In my opinion, a woman can't "WERQ" anything in a sneaker or tennis shoe (well maybe a varied few). However if wearing one deems to be a must, I co-sign the above Vans Spring 2010 collection. This offering is a definite good step in the right direction for the shoe brand known for the skater-boy friendly checkerboard slip on. My absolute favorite of course is the black and white color-way (naturally). Verdict: Skip out on the checkerboard...and go for the two other options. ---J. Dwayne Joseph

Fashion Fuckery: THE ASS-VERTISEMENT

Sartorial HELL!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Kiehl's + KAWS

Skin care brand, Kiehl’s, has joined forces with New York-based artist, KAWS, to recreate their classic Creme de Corps labels. 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of the product will Support RxART. Bottles with special edition caps will be available exclusively at French boutique Collete (collete.fr) at the end of November, retailing for about US $77.00. 100% of the European profits will be given to “Les Orphelins du Sida”.

The Crème de Corps is an all-over body moisturizer, that works wonders for extremely dry, or flaking skin. Purchase your bottle online at www.kiehls.com or at Kiehl's storefronts nationwide. This is the perfect gift for the skincare addict that yearns for real gift of holiday '09: EXCLUSIVITY. 1L Pump, $77.00 , 16.9 fl. oz., $44.50 and 8.4 fl. oz., $26.50)

Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa

Eco-friendly Brazilian shoe brand Melissa has teamed up with fashion deity Jean Paul Gaultier, and created a shoe collection to be released for Spring 2010. This will be the designers second collaboration with the shoe company whom he did a line of shoes with in 1982. Blame it on the economy, but Gaultier has definitely embraced the masses as of late. With his diffusion line on deck with Target and collaboration with Levi's, it seems like he is sparking a serious mass market outreach campaign. Money is money right?

Random Sidebar Question: Do you think diffusion lines ruin a brands exclusivity or brand image?

Lady Gaga + Hello Kitty

Celebrating 35 years of Hello Kitty, fashion original Lady Gaga dons all things Hello Kitty in her up-coming album sleeve for Fame:The Monster. If the album is as divine as this group of photos, I might just have to i-tunes.com instead of Limewire.com (ooops did i say that?).---J.Dwayne Joseph

House of Harlow 1960 Footwear

Fellow fashion lover and twin in my head (we share the same birthday) Nicole Richie is releasing footwear under her House of Harlow 1960 label this January. I personally think the tribal moments are the strongest. What do you think? I need feedback.

Hire or Fire?

Comme des Garçons + The Beatles Collection

The Run Down:

1. The collection consists of 10 styles of travel bags along with 4 shirts and 5 T-shirts

2. Priced from around $115 to $860.

3. Bags are made in Japan to high-quality standards,

4. Made of embossed polyurethane or printed PVC; detailed with metal grommets, embossing and cords.

4. There will be no leather used in the collection out of respect for Sir Paul McCartney, an advocate of vegetarianism and animal rights.

5. Set to launch on November 20th in Tokyo at the Trading Museum, a new Comme store concept in the Gyre building.

6.the British launch on November 27th

7. Further commercial roll-out planned for 2010.

FUCK RENT...and go see DREAMGIRLS

Sonia Rykiel sequined-embellished gown, $1,785.00

Tap into your inner Dreamgirl and hit a major fashion high note in this sequined moment. This mesh full-length gown is a perfect medley of bronze, navy and copper paillettes. A definite investment this dress will be so beyond wearing for "One Night Only."---J. Dwayne Joseph

DREAMGIRLS

2009/2010 National Tour

Apollo Theater

253 W 125th St
New York, NY 10027
T: 212. 663.0499

Buy Tickets Online:

www.ticketmaster.com/apollotheater

PS. My brother is in it!!!

Three is a Magic Number

(From Top to Bottom: The Fever, The Esperanza, The Anemone)

Not since Diana, Mary and Florence have three entities managed to rock my world. These new limited edition Cabot totes from Bottega Veneta (pictured above) are constructed from a shiny calf skin that incorporates a hand brushed two-tone effect. The Fever and Esperanza are medium sized, while the Anemone is larger scale. With only 500 of each style being produced worldwide...there is no time to wait (or save).---J. Dwayne Joseph

Bottegaveneta.com

John Galliano S.S 2010 Sunglasses

"Les Biches"

"Beau Regard"

Alexander Wang SS 2010 Footwear

Gucci + UNICEF 5th Anniversary

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Gucci and UNICEF campaign, Creative Director Frida Giannini put a quirky spin on the luxury label by choosing Author and Illustrator Michael Roberts to create a sequel to his popular children’s book, Snowman in Paradise.

The new book, titled Snowman in Africa, will sold exclusively in Gucci stores and on Gucci.com from November 16-31, 2009 with a retail price of $25. The Italian fashion house will donate 100% of the retail price of the book to UNICEF. The partnership also includes a capsule collection of bags and accessories featuring Roberts' Illustrations.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Billy Reid Music Box

Long supporter of bluesy Southern alternative rock, Fashion Designer Billy Reidis releasing a limited edition music box just in time for the holidays. The box made from reclaimed heart pine wood will include a compilation CD of music selected by Reid as well as two short sleeve and two long sleeve t-shirts that will feature Patterson Hood from Drive By Truckers, Justin Townes Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Since its inception Reid’s epoynomous label has become the sartorial upgrade for the male set who’s lifestyle is rooted in the southern sensibility and heritage. This merging of down-home spirit with the sounds of the south make for quite charming results. With only 200 units being produced this is the ultimate gift of exclusivity. THE VERDICT: Speaking as a southern gent, purchasing this music box is a no-brainer. ($295.00 , Available 11/15 at BillyReid.com and Billy Reid stores nationwide).—J. Dwayne Joseph

Exclusive: I am @ the Theory/Helmut Lang Company store (trade secret...message me for address. 30%-60% off current season year round if you are lucky to get the location)

Just found out Helmut Lang Men's Fall is not happening due to a tepid response from buyers, retailers and consumers. A close source tells me that it won't be back until spring...and even that is tentative. More to come.

Market Days are here again!!!

---J.Dwayne

New Business Card Design:

Special Thanks to Mr. Erik Cumberbatch

Hire or Fire?

Marni Alpaca tote, $2,440.00

What a Stud!

There are certain moments in life when nothing else matters....Hello! we're in the midst of one of those moments. This silver-studded platform moment from Alaia sets me free and is definitely a first class ticket to sartorial righteousness. Ladies (and Gents---no discrimination), this shoe is one of those moments that justifies a splurge. I would undoubtedly archive this shoe as wearable art. Do yourself a favor and follow your sole. Price Upon Request, Available at www.brownsfashion.com