Necessary News: News of Alexander McQueen's death spreads just before BCBG runway show

Hi all,

So I was never a fan of Alexander McQueen's because his line and work was not cruelty-free, and he often used fur in his designs. but his creativity was overwhelmingly evident in his designs and it is always sad when a life is lost, particularly in such a tragic fashion.

Designer Lee McQueen, creator of fashion label Alexander McQueen, at his last fashion show.

Reports that Alexander McQueen founder Lee McQueen committed suicide at age 40 broke just as the lights were going down for the start of the BCBGMAXAZRIA runway show at New York Fashion Week. There's a thorough post on the topic at the Wall Street Journal's blog (click here), so I'm not going to elaborate. I encourage you to read, however, because it not only provides some information about this tragic event and some links to some well-written and touching tributes (click on the "Previous" and "Next" links under the post), but also spotlights the runway show of a great cruelty-free favourite of mine, BCBGMAXAZRIA, which managed to put on a great show to temporarily transport audiences away from the tragic reality of the present into a fashionable, stylish, oh-so-chic world of beauty and glamour for a short while. And isn't that what fashion is all about?

Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind, and in memory of a great fashion designer,
GiGi

Guiltless Goodies: Grammys fashion disappoints

Hi all!

Sadly, the Grammys awards ceremony this year was not a spot to scope out some high-end cruelty-free fashion. Despite endless scouring of the stars' styles, only a couple of cruelty-free designers were sported, from what I can see (if you know of any others, please send them over!)

Enjoy what there was and let's hope that the Oscars provides a better turnout, fashion-wise!

Proving you don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon in a John Varvatos tux:

Miley Cyrus in a Herve Leger by BCBGMAXAZRIA dress:

Guiltless Goodies: Guiltless gifts for the holiday season!

Hi all!

It's been a while since I last editorialized on the reasons I am doing this blog, so I thought I'd preface this post with a reminder about my motivations. Please bear with me, it's an important message that I will restrain from repeating too often but it is, I feel, worth a read as a reminder from time to time.

It is important to have a conscience. Especially in today's world, which is often corrupt and capitalist.

Companies like to make money; the bottom line is that they are entirely focused on their bottom line. Sadly, in order to meet their financial goals, many of them look for the cheap way out - not caring who or what they hurt in the process. There are all kinds of problems that have emerged because of this competitive attitude: sweat shops, fur farms and child labour are just a few. The cruelties of the leather and fur industries, the realities of poorly-regulated animal testing that still takes place in overcrowded laboratories - it is overwhelming and can make any consumer feel disturbed and powerless. However, if the companies' concern is their bottom line, that is something that everyone, as a consumer, can impact.

Major designers such as Max Azria (owner of the BCBG group) and Stella McCartney (whose line is vegan, meaning fur- and leather-free) have taken stances against the use of fur in the fashion industry. Brands such as Almay and Origins boast natural, often organic and always cruelty-free products at drugstore prices. Cosmetics giant Revlon has trumped its competitors - L'Oreal and Maybelline among them - by banning animal testing in the production of its products.

For guilt-free purchases this holiday season, below is a list of festive products that would make an ideal gift for anyone and everyone. Using purchasing power for good will ensure everybody wins – including the animals.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

A COSY KNIT SWEATER:

Expensive Elegance: Stella McCartney’s wool cashmere ladder knit V-neck sweater, $825, StellaMcCartney.com (shown here in round-neck version)

Ideal Investment: BCBGMAXAZRIA’s cable-knit long cardigan, $198, BCBG.com

Bargain Buy: Old Navy’s women’s cable-knit V-neck hoodies, $34.50, OldNavy.com

AN EYE-CATCHING CLUTCH:

Expensive Elegance: Matt and Nat’s Kogan clutch, $150 (Canadian), mattandnat.ca

Ideal Investment: Bebe’s satin bow clutch, $59, bebe.com

Bargain Buy: Charlotte Russe’s studded chain clutch, $16.99, CharlotteRusse.com

THE ULTIMATE PAIR OF PARTY SHOES:

Expensive Elegance: Mink Shoes’ Bull pump, $355, minkshoes.com

Ideal Investment: Charmoné’s Cinnamon – Black shoes, $179, charmone.com

Bargain Buy: Payless ShoeSource’s Miss Puerto Rico by Payless Divina sandal, $34.99, Payless.com

A RED LIPSTICK FOR ALL:

Expensive Elegance: Estee Lauder lipstick removed after more research discovered the company partakes in animal testing

Ideal Investment: Too Faced Cosmetics’ Drop Dead Red lipstick, $18, TooFaced.com

(Too Faced's Lip of Luxury lipsticks)

(Drop Dead Red)

Bargain Buy: Revlon Colorstay soft & smooth lipcolor in Red Velvet, $9.99, Revlon.com

HIGH-SHINE NAIL POLISH:

Expensive Elegance: OPI’s Designer Series DS Reflection, $12.50, OPI.com

Ideal Investment: Sally Hansen item removed (the company is owned by Coty, Inc. which does animal testing)

Bargain Buy: Avon’s Nailwear pro nail enamel in Ruby Slipper, $5.99, Avon.com