loose threads

André Leon Talley Inspires a Song; American Apparel Washes Its Solar Panels

• Photographer Billy Farrell performed with his old band at his surprise birthday party on Saturday night, including a song about fashion editor André Leon Talley. The lyrics included: “People think you’re scary … I think you’re smart.” [NYP]

• American Apparel debuts a new online tour of the factory, showing off energy-conserving solar panels on the building’s roof. The video notes, “In order to maintain maximum energy efficiency we wash our solar panels every three months.” Enter bikini-clad models with sponges and soapy water… [HuffPo]

Michael Kors’s secondary offering of 25 million shares —priced at $47 a share — will raise $1.18 billion. If the sale goes through as projected, Kors will receive $139.5 million. [WWD]

• Natasha Poly covers the new issue of Japanese Vogue. [Fashion Gone Rogue]

• See the frames designed by Zac Posen in his new eyewear collaboration with Illesteva. The sunglasses go on sale next week. [SheFinds]

• The New York City Economic Development Corporation is currently seeking funding for the NYC Fashion Production Fund, which will provide loans for emerging fashion designers. [WWD]

• British label Joseph will show at London Fashion Week for the first time this September. [Elle UK]

• French Connection now sells housewares. [Telegraph UK]

• See more renderings from Missoni’s forthcoming apartment building in Manila. [Fashion Tribes]

• Street-style regular Peony Lim tries to explain her job: “I say that I work freelance in fashion. I blog full-time, but I also style, write and work as a brand consultant. I also set up a store that runs alongside my blog, which I am expanding this year and is definitely becoming more of a focus for me. I think I’m a blogger, but probably in an unusual way.” [Telegraph UK]

Clements Ribeiro teamed up with British high-street store Evans to design a plus-size collection. [Marie Clare]

• Pierre Hardy now designs jewelry — a “Precious Cage” cuff, specifically. [SheFinds]

ALT Inspires a Song; Apparel Gets Solar Panels