Meet the New It-Bags
Posted on: July 11, 2012
It-bags, while not quite as flashy these days as their Baguette ancestors, are definitely still thriving. Much like the new It-girls, they’re more simply adorned and low-key. But despite a lower profile–and lack of logos plastered all over–they’re still very much a thing.
And Mulberry knows a thing or two about unassuming It-bags. The brand’s latest bag for fall, called the Bryn (at right) is a tidy satchel that has a three-lock detail; it will be available July 16. Future It-bag, maybe? Only time–and waitlists–will tell.
To celebrate all the crave-worthy new fall bags starting to hit our inboxes, we’ve gathered up the 10 biggest It-bags of the Millennial generation. Click through to check them all out.
Happy Birthday, Bikini! In Honor of the Invention of the Two-Piece, Here Are the Most Iconic Bikinis in History
Posted on: July 6, 2012
Forget America’s birthday (well, don’t really, but)… Today, we celebrate the birth of one of the most revered and feared items of clothing to ever exist: The bikini. Yes, 66 years ago today (in 1946), the very first bikini was introduced to the world by designer Louis Réard in Paris, and its debut would forever change the course of swimwear and popular culture as we know it.
From Princess Leia’s sexy Star Wars slave ensemble and the highly anticipated annual swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, it’s hard to picture a world without the two-piece. Can you imagine Phoebe Cates sporting a maillot? No way, Jose. So, in honor of the bikini‘s 66th birthday, we’ve put together 33 of the most iconic bikini moments ever. It’s only fitting–after all, the bikini’s just about half a bathing suit, right?
Happy birthday, bikini!
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When Kate Upton’s GQ cover hit this morning, we’re sure ours weren’t the only jaws to drop. There are few models who look (or move!) like Kate. Likewise, there are few models who have enjoyed such a meteoric rise to fame and success.
But make no mistake: Upton is by no means just a benefactor of good luck (or bountiful breasts). She’s very much a star of her own making, and her career decisions–starting with the fateful day she posted that Dougie video to YouTube–have helped her carve out an image and public following that is truly unlike any other model: She managed to parlay a popular YouTube clip to propel her ho-hum modeling career into the supermodel stratosphere, becoming a favorite of fashionistas like Katie Grand and Carine Roitfeld and lad mags alike. Taking cues from reality TV, she plays up her blond bombshell, sometimes even ditzy, personality with a wink–and now she’s poised to become a household name.
So how exactly did she do it? Read on for a look at the ups and downs of Upton’s career–and how she harness the power of social media to ensure she’d be more than just a good set of you-know-whats.
Kate Gets Discovered
Photo: IMG Models
Lands Her First Major Campaigns
Switching agencies worked out well for Kate, who landed major ad campaigns with Dooney & Bourke and Guess in 2010. While the two were unquestionably directionally different, they proved that Kate has the ability to be successful commercially. And obviously, the Guess campaign opened the floodgates of sexy, bombshell images Kate would soon become known for.
Ah, the Dougie. In spring 2011, a seemingly innocent and fun video of Kate teaching us how to Dougie at a L.A. Clippers game soon went viral. It’s now at just over 7 million views – and we’re not convinced that all of those people were trying to learn how to Dougie. She established that she had personality (and that she might look even better in motion – just sayin’). For Kate, this was the game changer.
Is Named Rookie of the Year in Sports Illustrated
When you’ve got all that body, and Victoria’s Secret doesn’t want you, what’s a girl to do? The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, duh. Her first appearance in the magazine was in 2011, wearing body paint and being hailed as their “Rookie of the Year.” Upton, the man magnet had officially arrived.
Photo: Getty
Playing Up the Bombshell Angle
Men couldn’t get enough of Kate, so she soon graced the pages of Esquire as their “Woman of the Summer” in 2011, and of Complex, while milking a cow (half naked, as one does). Kate has no problem playing into the stereotypical bombshell tropes–a trait that would lead her to bigger and better opportunities, and delineate her from the typical name-less bikini model.
Covers Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
To go from “Rookie of the Year” to “Cover Girl,” in just one year’s time, as Kate did when she landed the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in February 2012 is impressive, and people in the fashion industry started to take notice. The Dougie may have helped her land the covetable gig, but now that Upton had the international and mainstream media’s attention, her star quickly began to rise. And fast.
Kate Goes High Fashion
Fashion came calling in 2012. Kate appeared on the cover of Muse and in that spring’s issue of V, both photographed by Sebastian Faena. It was smart – though there’s just no hiding that body (and who would want to?), Kate proved she could be as high fashion as the rest of them. She was also styled by Katie Grand in Prada for the book to accompany the Met’s Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit, and walked in Carine Roitfeld’s amfAR fashion show in Cannes.
Hits the Red Carpet in Style
Upton wowed on the red carpet in Michael Kors at the Met Ball and at Cannes amFAR Gala red carpet (where she also participated in that all-black runway), proving that she’s just as comfortable in couture as in a bikini.
Scores Two Acting Gigs
While it took big-name models like Gisele years to land onscreen cameos, like everything else, she’s accomplished Upton proved she could get it done faster. Given these two roles–one as a mistress in Tower Heist, another as a swimsuit-clad nun in Three Stooges–were small, but we have a feeling they’re only the beginning. Upton’s made it a priority to turn herself into a personality, not just a model, and that definitely lends itself to the screen.
Everyone loves Memorial day because it marks the start of the summer (and because of the long weekend!), but finding something to wear to a barbecue can be a bit of a drag – especially if your usual go-to outfit is a mix of see-through T by Alexander Wang andMiu Miu bootes. (Ketchup stains! Grass stains!)
To help out, wI’ve compiled the best casual looks that still maintain a stylish edge fit for any Memorial Day getaway, from backyard parties to cramming into a tiny apartment with your friends. Check out the looks and gear for a perfect long weekend!
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Happy 42nd Birthday, Naomi Campbell! Here Are 42 of Her Many Magazine Covers
Posted on: May 22, 2012
Folks, today is Naomi Campbell‘s birthday. Since her debut at the age of 15 she’s become one of the most iconic (and notorious) supermodels in the world. She almost immediately snagged the cover of British ELLE back in 1986, and then went on to become the first black Vogue Paris cover model. Since then, there has been no stopping her. These 42 covers only scratch the surface of her body of work.
Bad temper aside, it’s safe to say that Ms. Campbell is one of the greatest and most beloved models of our time. No matter what she does, whether she’s throwing a cell phone at your head, judging a reality show, or starring in Cavalli ads, it’s safe to say that at 42, Naomi Campbell is still fierce. With every photo shoot, public appearance, or cat walk, she still keeps us interested. And I love her for it.
She is personally my best model in the world. I remember my english teacher in high school who kept telling me Naomi Campbell is the best for her too :). My personal opinion is that just Heidi Klum is near Naomi but the main word is NEAR!
So, here’s to you Ms. Campbell: Your’e 42 years old, and don’t look a day over 27. Cheers!
And I bring you here two videos with that cat walk :).
The 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival kicked off yesterday and the eleven-day event is off to a super stylish start.
Cannes always has one of the best red carpets–high glamor plus the risks that you’d never see at the Oscars. From Diane Kruger‘s doubly flawless red carpet appearances, to Jane Fonda‘s age-defying bod, the fashions have hit all the right notes–so far anyway.
And the best part is, we still have ten more days of glamorous red carpet appearances to look forward to. We’ll be updating them here, so keep checking back.
Click through to see all the looks.
The upcoming Costume Institute exhibit and Monday’s Met Ball honors two of fashion’s most beloved women designers: Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. But what about the other female names that have helped to change fashion forever?
Recently, Style.com‘s Nicole Phelps noted that in New York fashion today there is a surprising lack of big-name female designers, which begged the question: “Is it easier to succeed in New York fashion as a man?” Phelps certainly has a point: After all, in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s eight year history, the prize has only been awarded to women designers twice.
The dearth of female designers in New York is particularly disheartening, when you consider the important role women have played in shaping fashion’s past and present. From Coco Chanel, to Phoebe Philo, female designers have provided a fresh–and needed–perspective on fashion and in many cases, they changed the industry as we know it.
So, in honor of those women that have blazed the trail in fashion design, we take a look at the 25 most influential female designers, with the help of Parsons’ Francesca Granata and Pratt’s Jennifer Minniti. Click through and get inspired.
Portrait etching: Paul Helleu
She may not be a household name like Coco Chanel or Elsa Schiaparelli, but the fact is Madeleine Chéruit helped pave the way for female fashion designers, becoming one of the first women to control a major French fashion house, at the turn of the century. Chéruit got her start working as a dressmaker at Raudnitz & Cie House of Couture in the late 1880s, but her talent was so exceptional that she eventually took over the salon and its more than 100 employees in 1905, renaming it Chéruit. She helped launch the career of Paul Poiret by supporting his designs, won the praise of Vogue, and was one of the few couture houses that remained open during the WWI. Though the house shuttered in 1935, Chéruit’s influence in fashion design–and particularly female fashion design–can still be felt. In fact, it was Elsa Schiaparelli who famously took over Chéruit’s 98-room studio and salon, forever tying the two designers together.
Photo: MyStyleMatterz.com
Jeanne Paquin
Considered by many to be one of the first female couturiers, Paquin was known for her fashionable eighteenth century-inspired pastel evening dresses, as well as for her “publicity stunts”, which in early twentieth century Paris meant organizing fashion parades (the runway show predecessor) and sending outfitted models to society events like operas and races. Sacre Bleu!
Photo: Chanel.com
Coco Chanel
Obviously, Coco Chanel needs no introduction–her influence today is as strong as ever, as the house she founded remains one of the most coveted and respected labels in the world. “She introduced what are now staples of sportswear into womenswear, in part, by borrowing from the vocabulary of menswear,” Parsons’ Francesca Granata tells me. “Her relevance to fashion is incredible.”
Photo: lanvin.com
Jeanne Lanvin
Another female fashion designer whose house remains as relevant today as when she founded it is Jeanne Lanvin. Trained as a milliner and dressmaker, Lanvin began making clothes for her daughter that were so beautiful, a number of wealthy people began requesting copies for their own children, and the designer happily obliged. Lanvin was born–as a childrens wear label. Soon, though, mothers began requesting similar designs that they themselves could wear, and within years the business had grown to include womenswear, perfume and home design, making Lanvin the first designer to see the potential of a lifestyle brand.
Photo: The Met
Elsa Schiaparelli
“She really infused a level of humor into fashion and, in my opinion, is a precursor of what today we call experimental or avant-garde fashion,” Granata said. “In addition, she excelled at tailoring and was really influential in the development of
structured jackets for women.” No wonder, she’s getting a whole–well, half–a Met Exhibit.
Photo: Vionnet.com
Madeleine Vionnet
Considered one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, female or not, Madeline Vionnet is credited with introducing the bias cut and popularizing grecian style dresses, the shockwaves of which can still be seen today. “[Her] innovative techniques were widely studied and used by many of our great designers,” Jennifer Minniti, Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Pratt, tells me.
Photo: New York Times
Madame Grès
“While not as well known as Vionnet, Chanel or Schiaparelli, Gres was also an influential couturier,” Granata said. The designer is best known for her classically inspired floor-length pleated gown, and Minniti calls her “the master of the wraped and draped dress.”
Valentina
Valentina designed dramatic evening gowns for Hollywood’s elite, pioneering the notion of red carpet glamour. She was also one of the first to be known by merely her first name.
Claire McCardell
“[McCardell] is known as the inventor of american sportswear or ready-to-wear,” Minniti says. Which is, you know, a pretty big claim to fame. Her simple silhouettes and frugal use of fabrics (particularly during WWII) helped shape the democratic and casual sensibility that we associate with American ready-to-wear today. Her influence was so great that in 1950, President Harry S. Truman presented her with the Women’s National Press Club Award, making her the first fashion designer to be voted one of America’s Women of Achievement.
Bonnie Cashin
Along with McCardell, Cashin pioneered the concept of American sportswear or ready-to-wear as we know it. The designer started her career designing clothing for chorus girls in Los Angeles, eventually making it to the silver screen, creating wardrobes for seminal films like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Anna and The King of Siam. Among some of her innovations, according to Minniti, was the minimal use of seams and darts, and the introduction of layered outfits that suited her jetset lifestyle.
Photo: Getty
Hulanicki’s Biba store, full of affordable mini-skirts, floppy felt hats, feather boas, and velvet trouser suits, became synonymous with the glamorous, rock n’ roll style of the period. She counted David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and Marianne Faithfull all as clients and in 1964, she gave a 15-year-old nobody by the name of Anna Wintour, her first job as a sales assistant.
Photo: Maryquant.com
Quant was instrumental in the mod fashion movement, and is widely credited as the inventor of the miniskirt and of hotpants. While the new styles were certainly meant to be risque and sexy, they also represented growing liberation in women’s fashion–and we owe much of today’s skin-baring styles (and the ever-smaller outfits of Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha et al) at least in part to Quant.
Photo: Getty
Rykiel’s super soft dresses and sweaters–and most famously “The Poor Boy Sweater,” which covered Elle in 1967–earned her title of “Queen of Knits,” a name, which the designer’s label continues to live up to today.
Photo: Katharinehamnett.com/
Not all influential designers are couturiers. Hamnett’s slogan t-shirts may seem run-of-the-mill now, but at the time they were revolutionary–and, as Minniti points out, their design “continues to be copied [by countless companies and designers today.]”
Photo: Vogue
“In the 1980s, together with Yohji Yamamoto, she revolutionized Paris fashion, by introducing a style of dress that merged Western and Japanese influence and was notably distinct from 1980s high fashion,” Granata explains. “Following the principle
of wabi-sabi, her 1980s work employed ‘poor’ and seemingly battered material and posed a challenge to body-hugging silhouette popular during the period.” To this day, Kawakubo remains one of the most beloved (and unconventional) designers of our time.
Vivienne Westwood
We can thank Westwood for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. Without her, safety pin shirts, sky-high platform shoes (like the ones Naomi Campbell famously tripped in), plaid pants and, of course, expertly draped dresses would not nearly be so chic.
Betsey Johnson
Johnson’s over-the-top, thoroughly modern designs captured the youthquake movement in the early 70s, making her a favorite of style icons like Edie Sedgwick, who was Johnson’s house model and wore only Betsey Johnson in her last film, Ciao Manhattan. Betsey also pioneered the end-of-runway cartwheel, for which we are forever grateful.
Photo: dvf.com
As everyone knows, Furstenberg was instrumental in revolutionizing womenswear with the introduction of her famous wrap dress–but her work as the CFDA’s president, nurturing young talent and helping to set healthier standards within the industry, is equally as important.
Photo: Getty
The recipient of the CFDA’s prestigious Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, Herrera has built an empire on her elegant, chic wares and is credited with making the white shirt a must-have staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
Photo: Getty
Best known for creating some of the world’s most recognized bridal gowns (ahem, Kim Kardashian), Wang’s empire also includes a ready-to-wear line, diffusion line for Kohls, tuxedo line, and multiple fragrances, marking her as a formidable businesswoman as well as designer.
Photo: Getty
As the role of women in the workforce began to change, with more and more women rising to the top of the career ladder in leadership or managerial roles, so too did their wardrobe. Karan was responsible for developing stylish staples for the everyday career woman, that were comfortable and gave off an aura of power–clothes that Karan, as a career woman and mother, would also want to wear.
Photo: The Met
The breadth of Prada’s designs–from the nylon handbags in the mid-80s that made her famous to Spring 2012′s critically acclaimed fifties-inspired collection–is truly inspiring. Suffice to say she will remain an iconic designer for decades to come.
Photo: Getty
Besides the feminine, flattering, and easily wearable sensibility that has made her label such a success, McCartney has also been a pioneer in vegan and environmentally-conscious fashion.
Photo: Getty
It’s no secret the Philo is one of the most respected and powerful designers working today: She’s responsible for making Celine, and previously, Chloe, cool again and tops just about everyone’s list as #1 girl crush. In addition to being an excellent fashion designer, a pregnant Philo blazed a trail when she decided to scale back her Fall 2012 show due to a looming delivery date, garnering praise from other female designers for sticking up for her priorities.
Photo: Getty
Kate and Laura Mulleavy
In the seven years since founding their Rodarte label in 2005, the Mulleavy sisters have taken the fashion industry by storm, winning numerous awards and honors, a multitude of A-list fans, and even a handful of museum exhibitions. If fashion’s history has so far been filled with talented, business-savvy women, there’s no doubt that these two will earn their place alongside those famous names in the future.
Every season there are a few garments that rise to the top as most coveted in the magazine world. While we’ve been keeping track of the most popular coverchoices for the past few seasons, it’s time to shift our focus to editorials.
Unless you’ve been altogether ignoring print media these past few months, you will have noticed the popularity of bodysuits, bedazzled or otherwise, from both Dolce & Gabbana and Prada. They show up everywhere you look and not only have we seen them on models, but celebrities like Lana Del Ray, Jennifer Lawrence and Mila Kunis.
But those aren’t the only looks that have been showing up again and again. What differentiates these looks from the rest (other than the advertising dollars which back them) are a showstopping quality, which makes them memorable and easily identified. Having said that, you’ll also notice a pattern of pastels, and 20s and 50s inspiriation.
We’re sure you already have a few ideas floating around about which pieces we noticed the most, and if you reach to your nearest fashion glossy we’re also sure you’ll find at least one, if not all of the following looks in its pages.
Dolce & Gabbana Jeweled Bodysuit
Making the celebrity rounds, this bodysuit (a garment which has a long history with the brand) was a fashion moment waiting to happen from the second the deluge of models walked down the runway in them at Dolce & Gabbana’s spring show last September.
Prada Bodysuit
In keeping with Prada’s theme for spring, their take on the bodysuit is more 50s bombshell swimwear than corseted goddess. It’s also another popular celebrity styling choice.
Prada Embroidered Coat
This piece–in its variation of textured patterns and color–has been the coat of choice for many stylists. It is typically styled with a bodysuit or soft Prada pleats, a direct contrast to the coat’s boxy silhouette.
Gucci Flapper Dresses
It’ll come as a shock to no one that Gucci’s flapper-inspired beaded fringe dresses are so popular. The drop waisted looks are definitely the most glamorous of the 20s Gatsby trend we’ve been seeing lately.
Louis Vuitton Eyelets
Speaking of contrasts, Louis Vuitton had the collar market cornered last fall with a cold, metallic version which matched the dominatrix theme of their fall show. This spring saw an embroidered silk eyelet collar which complements the brands fresh, pastel collection. Not to mention the eyelet dresses, which are just about everywhere.
Stella McCartney Wave Dress
Just like her polka dots last fall, Stella McCartney is riding the wave of her popular silk dresses. And just like last season, these showstoppers are deceptively sexy with unassuming asymmetry and mesh cutouts.
Posted on: April 10, 2012
Source: Victoria Beckham’s Twitter
When Victoria Beckham tweeted a photo of a pile of hair with the caption, “Chopped it off! X vb,” fans went crazy wondering what her new ‘do looked like. They didn’t have to wait long. Photogs caught Beckham out and about, revealing her new long bob, which just might officially be the hottest hairstyle in Hollywood right now.Victoria’s chop had us thinking about other celebrities who caused a frenzy with just a snip of their hair. From Jennifer Aniston’s brief break from her surfer-girl tresses, to Rooney Mara’s total 180, we rounded up 10 of our favorites – and one that we wish would grow out already.
Click through to see other celeb’s transformations!
Photos: Getty
Victoria did indeed look super posh with her long locks, but they took the focus off her angular face. Though not as short as her infamous blonde bob, the crop brings the edge back.
Viola Davis said that her husband inspired her to go natural for the Oscars red carpet. Whatever the reason, fans really loved the cropped look and we hope it will inspire more ladies to rock what they’ve got.
Jennifer Aniston briefly cropped her hair into a bob – really briefly. Blink and you missed it – Aniston has already grown it back out to its former beachy glory.
Dianna Agron’s long hair fit the role of Glee‘s head Cheerio Quinn Fabray, and though Agron was unquestionably beautiful, she was just another pretty Hollywood blonde. Her new cut helped Quinn go bad, and Agron has never looked more stylish.
Rose Byrne was anything but boring with a thick fringe, but sometimes you just have to change things up. Byrne’s bob is very Anna Wintour inspired, which we love.
It was the haircut heard ’round the world – okay, maybe it wasn’t that big of a deal outside the tween set. Still, Justin Bieber is ready to grow into the next stage of his career, even if his hair doesn’t.
After ending her time playing Hermione Granger, Emma Watson said she wanted to cut her hair because she’d never been allowed to. Now she looks less kid wizard, more cool college lady.
Ginnifer Goodwin was unquestionably pretty with longer hair, but didn’t stand out from all the other pretty actresses. Going shorter helped Goodwin stand out.
Evan Rachel Wood channeled vintage pinup, especially during her relationship with rocker Marilyn Manson (perhaps in reference to his ex Dita von Teese?). The shorter style brings her into the 21st century without sacrificing edge.
The award for Most Drastic Cut definitely goes to Rooney Mara. We barely recognized her after her dramatic crop for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but now we really dig the dark tresses and her modern goth look.
Oh Arizona – we know you’re a mom, but that doesn’t mean you need a mom cut! Hopefully Arizona will return to Hot Mom status again soon.
Watch: Carine Roitfeld Dresses Up Like Coco Chanel, Sarah Jessica Parker Wears a Chanel Jacket on Her Head
Posted on: March 20, 2012
The joint book project between Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld, titled The Little Black Jacket, is set to debut this fall, but the hype is starting now. We already saw the fascinating process of how a Chanel jacket gets made–now we are getting a little glimpse into how the book about the Chanel jacket got made, thanks to the Telegraph.
Karl and Carine recruited some of their fancy fashion friends to model the jacket and make it “their own”. Georgia May Jagger went for sexy, Sarah Jessica Parker made hers into a crown, and Carine paid homage to Coco by dressing up exactly like the label’s founder, complete with cigarette. Click through to watch it all (and to hear Karl speak French).
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