University of Southern California - Member News

Look who I ran into after the CMV show?  It’s Linda...

Look who I ran into after the CMV show?  It’s Linda Pradka, owner of Ilus.  I gave her a big thank you hug for the three fabulous dresses she lent me. For Spring 09 she assures me she will definitely have Carmen Marc Valvo. Yeah!!!!!


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Megs, you should be here covering THIS! Thinking of you my...

Megs, you should be here covering THIS! Thinking of you my love.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Again, simple, beautiful, wearable. 

Again, simple, beautiful, wearable. ...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Asymmetry has been a huge theme for the front and back of the...

Asymmetry has been a huge theme for the front and back of the garments.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Hello one shouldered dress, fancy seeing you here.

Hello one shouldered dress, fancy seeing you here.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

“That too.”

“That too.”...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

This is when Julia would nudge me and say, “You would look...

This is when Julia would nudge me and say, “You would look good in that.”  Which is what she says about pant ensembles and Jumpers. Jules, where are you?!!!! It’s really not fun without her.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Carmen Marc Valvo begins. The collection “emerged from a...

Carmen Marc Valvo begins. The collection “emerged from a single square.” It’s a beautiful evolution.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Overall it was a good collection, very commercial, which in this...

Overall it was a good collection, very commercial, which in this economy is smart.  You can always count on Tadashi for a beautiful dress.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

My jumper!

My jumper!


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

It’s like they wouldn’t let the designers show in...

It’s like they wouldn’t let the designers show in the tents if they didn’t include a one-shoulder dress.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Thinking of you Jules.

Thinking of you Jules.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.  Shoes are Stuart Weitzman.

Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.  Shoes are Stuart Weitzman.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Tadashi Shoji begins. “Patterns interlaced into a...

Tadashi Shoji begins. “Patterns interlaced into a translucent ceiling that casts a celestial light, at once resonating with purity and creating an ethereal effect.”...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

The final finale. My favorite and the crowd favorite.

The final finale. My favorite and the crowd favorite.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Ok, if you don’t want to spoil the show, I get it. If you...

Ok, if you don’t want to spoil the show, I get it. If you don’t care, here is what came out next.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

When I thought Kenley’s collection was the last one,...

When I thought Kenley’s collection was the last one, I thought she would be the winner.  She said, “I got to design my dream wardrobe.”  Very pretty, like a sophisticated doll.  Nothing I would wear, but out of the four, Kenley’s was the most wearable and well-constructed collection. But, what is this?? There’s another designer that follows! (I haven’t had a chance to catch up on Project Runway so that might be old news to you.)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Joe’s collection is, as he calls it,...

Joe’s collection is, as he calls it, “Americana.” I would say more like slutty cowgirl.  If Jessica Simpson gets a hold of it, he’ll make millions.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

He said he was inspired by the BlueFly challenge. My thoughts:...

He said he was inspired by the BlueFly challenge. My thoughts: What the hell…..


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Jerrel was the first one to show his collection. It was like 10...

Jerrel was the first one to show his collection. It was like 10 of him.  The final dress was impressive though. (These videos are pretty short, but you see every ensemble.)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Project Runway Front Row left to right: Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum,...

Project Runway Front Row left to right: Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Fern Mallis (who runs Fashion Week from IMG), Harvey Weinstein, Rachel Zoe, Christian Siriano, Padma Lakshmi. During her intro, Heidi stopped to say, “I have to kiss Harvey because he’s so cute.” Appartently, J Lo was supposed to be the guest judge, but due to a foot injury had to cancel yesterday.  Tim Gunn took her place. (I’m confused as to how they couldn’t muster up another celeb…) Others spotted on the front row: Michelle Trachtenberg, Judith Light, Project Runway contestants Nick V, Daniel V…did I forget anyone?? Season 5 cast sat second row.  Past Seasons (including the first winner) sat rows 5-7. Uploading finales now.  There is an obvious winner in my opinion.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

All made up and ready for the last day at the tents. Heft asked...

All made up and ready for the last day at the tents. Heft asked me as I was leaving if I was wearing lashes this morning. My answer: Nope, Mac’s Plush mascara. A new favorite. Also rocking my Maraquita Masterson earrings. Full Head to Toe later.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

I know, stunning! My apologies you can’t see the ruching,...

I know, stunning! My apologies you can’t see the ruching, beading, pleating, etc.  With all the celebs, we were stuck in the nosebleed section (aka second row).


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

The intricacies of this gown are breathtaking.  I wish I could...

The intricacies of this gown are breathtaking.  I wish I could show you more!!!


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

ZP didn’t stray from trends.  We saw draping, pencil...

ZP didn’t stray from trends.  We saw draping, pencil shirts, short shorts, flowing fabric, he just made them his own…and did it better than anyone else.  Would you expect less? ...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Rocker chic. The accessories and music really set the tone for...

Rocker chic. The accessories and music really set the tone for the show.  Big hair, purple lipstick, and huge gun metal earrings and necklaces gave the ultra femme pieces an edge.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

TGIF. To start the day off with a treat, I give you Zac Posen.

TGIF. To start the day off with a treat, I give you Zac Posen.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/12/2008

Backstage to Runway behind the scenes video tomorrow.

Backstage to Runway behind the scenes video tomorrow.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

The ruffles on this dress are fantastic.

The ruffles on this dress are fantastic.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

The gowns are coming…

The gowns are coming…...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Very Zac Posen.

Very Zac Posen.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Aurelio Costarella begins.

Aurelio Costarella begins.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

I just finished my interview with Ray. Wow, this is a terrible...

I just finished my interview with Ray. Wow, this is a terrible picture. Can you tell I’m cold?!


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Backstage at Aurelio Costarella.

Backstage at Aurelio Costarella.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Holy shit Zac Posen. I can’t disrespect the clothes by...

Holy shit Zac Posen. I can’t disrespect the clothes by sending shitty iPhone pictures. I’ll upload everything tonight. Honestly, Jules and I are both speechless.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Sitting second row with Jules at Zac Posen. The show was set to...

Sitting second row with Jules at Zac Posen. The show was set to start at 8. It’s 8:43 and the tape isn’t up yet.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

I finally made it to the tents. Jules is happy to see me :)

I finally made it to the tents. Jules is happy to see me :)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

On my way to the tents to interview Ray Costarella, Australian...

On my way to the tents to interview Ray Costarella, Australian designer of Aurelio Costarella. A reader introduced me to the line and set up the interview.  After looking at his collection, I’m excited to see what he has in store for Spring 09.  (Pictured above Winter 08-09)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

A reader just sent me a link to this picture of me. Funny thing...

A reader just sent me a link to this picture of me. Funny thing is…I was running for a cab. Let me tell you, standing is hard enough in those things, running in them should be an Olympic sport. (Head to Toe: Gucci sunnies, Chanel scarf from Encore, Cynthia Rowley dress from Ilus, YSL Mary Janes, Chanel bag)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Last night after the Esquire party I just couldn’t take it...

Last night after the Esquire party I just couldn’t take it anymore!


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Outside of the tents….NYC (My amateur Sartorialist on the...

Outside of the tents….NYC (My amateur Sartorialist on the fly.)...


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008
from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008

Michael Kors is always a must-see show for me.  I’m not a...

Michael Kors is always a must-see show for me.  I’m not a huge fan of his designs, but it’s one of the only shows left that’s an actual “show.” Plus, it was the first biggie I attended a couple years ago, so there is sentimental value.  And finally, he’s an arrogant asshole we get to know on Project Runway, so it’s fun to see what he can actually do. My thoughts on this collection: Nothing like what we’ve seen thus far in terms other spring trends like boho chic, jewel tones or pastels, floral prints, any print, draping, beach hair, the list goes on. If I recall his intro said, “Three A’s: American, arrogant…” and I forget the third. He really did his own thing. For me, it’s more wearable than the boho look because I prefer a tailored silhouette.  But I’m over preppy, and there’s not much else to do with this collection.  So for yet another season, you won’t see me in MK.  On a final note….there wasn’t a jumper! The nerve.


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from Mary Rambin on 09/11/2008