TFG Exclusive: Style Quote of the Day

"I'm just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time."

- Lady Gaga

TFG Exclusive: Style Curator

The Fashion Grid: Black and White

Rick Owens maxi slip dress
$235 - net-a-porter.com

Sleeveless jacket
topshop.com

Ann Demeulemeester genuine leather boots
saksfifthavenue.com

Givenchy black leather handbag
forwardforward.com

Paige Novick medallion jewelry
endless.com

Eyewear
$295 - colette.fr

TFG Exclusive: Book of the Month

It's the beginning of August, and given that a number of loved ones, including my fiancé and I, have our birthdays only a few days apart, TFG's book of the month celebrates the theme of the Leo and fashion. Coco Chanel was a proud Leo, who not only revolutionized womenswear with her little black dress and her general infusion of menswear details, but also named her iconic perfume Chanel No. 5 because Leo is the fifth astrological sign. Yves Saint Laurent was another Leo that took the fashion world by storm as the first couture house to launch the modern concept of luxury ready-to-wear clothing. TFG has already covered Coco Chanel's biography in a previous book of the month post. And since Yves Saint Laurent and I share the same birthday and the French fashion house has been a hot topic this summer, TFG would like to encourage its readers to pick up a copy of Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution.

The book explores Laurent’s progressive approach to fashion, highlighting the cultural impact of the brand, especially its influence on women during the late ’60s and ’70s. In a time when women were beginning to take over the work force, Yves Saint Laurent filled a gap in the market, creating a fashion line with ready-to-wear, male-inspired pieces- think tuxedo jackets and trouser suits. 

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution gives readers an insight into the French fashion house and how it defined an era and grew to be a global brand. The book contains three insightful essays and a wide array of visual material. With all the hoopla over the Slimane re-branding, perhaps a look back will give us a deeper understanding of YSL's roots. To purchase a copy of the book, click here. 

TFG Exclusive: Fashion Quote of the Day

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

-Yves Saint Laurent

TFG Exclusive: Judging Fashion

While shopping the "Leather" section on the American Apparel website, we came across an awesome handbag that reminded us a lot of Céline's Trapeze bag, the latest IT design from the French fashion house. True, American Apparel's color variations are slightly different. But the distinct shape and use of contrasting colors are very similar. While American Apparel has been in a lot of legal and business trouble the last few years, their apparel and accessories lines have generally avoided any major copying issues, especially for a fast-fashion retailer. We were surprised to see them produce such a similar version of the Céline bag. It was also surprising to see the American Apparel design advertised on a banner on the Style.com website. But perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves. Time for our readers to play the role of a fashion lawyer and tell us how they would argue this case- inspired-by trend or line-by-line copy?

Céline Trapeze (left) vs. American Apparel Envelope Case (Right)