MILAN FASHION WEEK: VERSACE SPRING SUMMER 2011

Versace showed its Spring Summer 2011 line at Milan Fashion Week this past Friday. The show was also live-streamed via Facebook to over 200,000 fans. The collection featured bold colors and interesting cut outs; and emphasized the idea of opposites while playing with proportions. All this while retaining the sexy silhouette that has come to be recognized as a Versace signature.

The collection's pieces included fringework of varying lengths, macramé juxtaposed with rubber and shiny pvc on matte fabric. High waisted skirts contrasted with short jackets offers conservative coverage while displaying a line of flesh. According to Versace, the shoulder is the new erogenous zone and is featured prominently throughout the collection; unlike seasons past, the shoulders are softened! Prints feature the Versace Greek fret design, but it is used as a decorative device and not as a logo.

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LANVIN + H&M

H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. - Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin

Lanvin, France's oldest couture house (founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin), will partner with H&M to launch a capsule collection this November! The collection becomes available on November 23rd, but will be revealed on November 2nd in a special preview film. Read the press release on the collaboration here. Moroccan-born, Israeli designer Alber Elbaz joined Lanvin as artistic director in 2001 and has rejuvenated the storied brand with capacious usage of ribbons, bows, pearls, raw edges, and metallic embellishments! Guys, never fear, his menswear collection does not include any of the aforementioned. Click "read more" below to hear Alber Elbaz speak about the much anticipated collection and click the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD + KEITH HARING

“I watched this documentary called The Universe of Keith Haring, and though I know his style, I hadn’t seen the breadth of his work. I couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing and prolific he was and how great it would be to incorporate his graphics into my designs,” Kirkwood explained. “So I ended up approaching the Keith Haring Foundation. I had to really sell them the product, but I think they’re pretty happy with the end result.” - Style.com

Recently I wrote about my somewhat fulfilled ambition to pursue more artistic endeavors. I was prompted to do so after viewing Rihanna's "Rude Boy" video which is highly referential of the works of artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I noted that this blog is an outlet for my artistic aspirations, but, in truth, any creative talent that I may have manifests itself most profoundly through my wardrobe* and home decor. With that background, try to imagine my delight as I flipped through the September issue of Harper's Bazaar which highlighted shoes created by artiste extraordinaire, Nicholas Kirkwood, and that which are heavily influenced by Keith Haring! Genius. The collection becomes available worldwide February 2011. I would most assuredly wear the shoe top left in the pic above, but am madly in love with the peep toe on the right. Click here to see additional images of the collection and, click here to see more of Nicholas Kirkwood's designs!

*Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, business, business formal and business casual attire are specifically excluded.

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MERCEDES-BENZ NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - SPRING 2011

It's coming! Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week for Spring 2011 fashions is fast approaching. Unfortunately I will not be attending any shows this year, but that won't stop me from covering. I did, however, get an invite to view Bally's Women Spring/Summer 2011 presentation in Milan for Milan Fashion Week, but, oy vey, me jetting off to Milan on such short notice is unlikely to happen. Thankfully, a few invites to Fashion's Night Out events have been trickling in! I hope to make it up to NYC to attend Assouline's event at The Plaza and the Bulgari event featuring Patti Smith. A good friend has also invited me to join her at the Ports 1961 event. Now all I have to do is get it together and hop on Amtrak. We shall see. If I don't make it to NYC, I will be sure to support Philadelphia's efforts. I attended last year's Fashion's Night Out event at the mall in King of Prussia, and while it ain't nobody's NYC, folks put forth a magnificent evening (read: lots of champagne and swag)! Click here to see events scheduled to take place at this year's Fashion Night's Out event in KOP.

Click "read more" below to see the full schedule of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week - Spring 2011 to be held September 9 - 16 at New York Fashion Week's new home at Lincoln Center. Click on the labels below to see past coverage of New York Fashion week, both inside and outside the tents at Bryant Park!

TECH CHIC: OSCAR DE LA RENTA iPAD CLUTCH

Oscar's "Mosaico" iPad clutch in embroidered lambskin, $290 at Oscar de la Renta!

Chic new toys require even chicer accessories. Available online in a multiplicity of colors and materials, and two price points, Oscar de la Renta's iPad clutch is befitting of the sexy gadget it's meant to protect. With this smart accessory, the couturier confirms that which is already well established--his design skills extend beyond fashionable garments, and translates well to accessories, even for hi-tech devices! There's red python, embossed crocodile in black, pearlized rose python, pearlized taupe python and embroidered lambskin Mosaico in both marigold and red (see above). Each iPad clutch has a snap closure and ultra suede lining. Get yours online at Oscar de la Renta and tell him I sent ya!

Click "Read more" below to see pics of Oscar's iPad clutch on the runway. For vintage Tech Chic posts, click the label below!

CYNTHIA ROWLEY + BAND AID®

Get your own online at Cynthia Rowley!

Band-Aid brand adhesive products just got fabulous. Cover up that boo boo with one of these limited edition Cynthia Rowley for Band-Aid dress up bandages. Each tin costs $10.00 and a $1.00 from the sale of each tin will be donated to Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects that address social issues in their own communities.

Click "Read More" below to see more pictures. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts!

OBJET D'ART: SERPENTINE MIRROR

The "Stella", a silver gilded French antique made with elegantly arranged abalone shells.

I have a thing for mirrors, but my place is surprisingly bereft of them. For example, I've been living without a full-length mirror for more than a year now and will not even try to describe how I go about seeing how a complete outfit looks after getting dressed. Recently, while on a trip to Amsterdam, a good friend and I came across some spectacular mirrors being sold by a vendor during Queen's Day. We were able to convince the seller to ship to the States and voilà, I now have two mirrors in addition to the one above my bathroom sink. In any event, I still can't see a full outfit, because the mirrors are definitely not full length and I'm in love, again, with the mirror above. Isn't it great? It's sold by Made Goods, I'll be visiting this site often to ogle mirrors, chandeliers, accent furniture and other objets d' art!

Click "read more" below to check out pictures of my newly acquired mirrors! Click on the label below for vintage Objet d'Arts posts.

IT GIRLS + BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

Because I've just had my 10-year college reunion and am feeling nostalgic, and because she just marked her 6-year graduation anniversary from said college, and, clearly, because she's one to watch . . .

. . . Yaya Dacosta covers W magazine's "It Girls" issue

And, because she just marked her 7-year graduation anniversary from said college, and because she's good friends with the woman above and, obvi, because she's one to watch . . .

. . . Nina Clemente is a "Bright Young Thing" in this past May's issue of Vanity Fair.

SHAKUHACHI + URBAN OUTFITTERS

Urban Outfitters never ceases to amaze me. Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the brand has evolved from vintage, boho, hipster and kitschy to a combination of each of the former plus a healthy does of luxury. This Fall, Jessie White's line, Shakuhachi--the 10 year old label created by the Australian born, Bali based designer--will be featured in Urban Outfitter's upscale capsule shops in, get this, not Philadelphia, but in Soho and Union Square, New York. The collection will also be available at . . .

Continue reading and see additional pictures of Shakuhachi for Urban Outfitters by clicking "Read more" below!

BROOKS BROTHERS + LEVI'S

What do you get when two of America's oldest and most trusted clothiers, purveyors of classic style that originated in the good ole' US of A, collaborate? It's east meets west and high & lo, in short, Americana at it's best.

Levi's Jeans, made in the USA for Brooks Brothers, available in Brooks Brothers stores beginning on July 29th!

It's no surprise that, in this age of globalization, Brooks Brothers and Levi's--global ambassadors of the American brand--are leveraging the synergy that only they could create to further entrench classic American sensibilities onto the masses. One was founded in 1853 on the West Coast and is known for rugged, frontier-friendly denim; it was a favorite among the working class: lumberjacks, cowboys and railroad men. The other, founded in 1818 and headquartered on Madison Avenue is known for catering to the elite, and . . .

Continue reading by clicking "Read More" below.

GIVENCHY: FALL 2010 COUTORE COLLECTION

I wont launch into the reasons why I've been absent, this time. Instead, I'd like to focus on my return. In short, I was inspired. I visited www.thestylerookie.com, the blog run by teen phenom Tavi Gevinson (she started it when she was 11), and was motivated by her talent and fresh perspective. I was moved to write, however, when I saw these photos of Givenchy's Fall 2010 Couture collection on her page.

Riccardo Tisci outdid himself. Creating a collection inspired in part by Frida Kahlo, and drawing upon the Mexican culture's fascination with muerte, Tisci used his signatures: dégradé ostrich feathers, fringe-work and lace to romanticize the human skeleton and to mask and amplify the vulnerability of the human form. Read Tim Blanks' write-up of the presentation for style.com here.

EARTHDAY GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Sorry for the delay! Since my last post, I've been on vacation, to two reunions and swamped with work. The winner of the earth friendly all-natural, vegan make-up by Christopher Drummond is Kammi K. from Hawaii--who knew that Earth Day was first recognized and celebrated in 1970. The winners of the environmentally friendly Radius Source toothbrushes are Akeem B. and T. Gilliam. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson was the founder of Earth Day. Congratulations! Stay tuned for more giveaways.

ASSOULINE'S LUXURY COLLECTION DESTINATION GUIDES

Assouline Luxury Collection Destination Guides, $140 at select retailers

Assouline, discerning publisher of photography, art, fashion, design and lifestyle books, will debut a box-set of six softcover travel guides tomorrow! Focusing on Italy, Greece, Argentina, India, Spain and the United States, the travel books will serve as a personal concierge. Celebrated chefs, including American Iron Chef Mario Batali—for Italy, Francis Mallmann of Argentina, Jose Andres of Spain and Charlie Palmer of the US wrote a passage, including a recipe, for each guide. The photos in each guide were taken by Andrea Fazzari. The Luxury Collection Destination Guides, packaged in a vintage-inspired travel box, is available at www.shopassouline.com and other major retailers for $140.

Au revoir, I'm on my way to Amsterdam! Click on the link below to read vintage Books posts!

RODARTE + KNOLL LUXE

Emerson by Rodarte for Knoll Luxe

I came across this little tidbit while reading the Elle Decor that arrived in the mail today! The talented Rodarte sisters, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, known for their inventiveness and for juxtaposing hard materials with delicate elements, are entering the interior design market with fabric designed for Knoll Luxe! Knoll Luxe is the fabric division of Knoll Inc., they maintain a design studio on 9th Avenue in New York. Read more about the collaboration here. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

GIVEAWAY: CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY

Another Earth Day Giveaway! One lucky StyleChile reader will win all-natural, vegan, organic-based makeup by former model and professional makeup artist Christopher Drummond. Drummond's makeup is hypoallergenic and infused with a blend of Acai, botanical extracts, and trace minerals. Shoot me an e-mail (stylechil@gmail.com) with the year in which Earth Day was first recognized and celebrated by the government to receive an alluring apricot blush and peach sorbet lip gloss. Beautify you, and the planet too! Stay tuned for more giveaways!

CHANEL: PARIS-SHANGHAI COLLECTION

Chanel's Métiers d'Arts collection, produced each year to showcase the ateliers and craftsmen of Paris, is distinct in that each collection pays homage to different geographic locales. The most recent collection was inspired by Shanghai! I adore the limited edition sequined pochette featured here. See a video of the Chanel Paris-Shanghai 2009-2010 collection here and check out other accessories from the collection here.

GIVEAWAY: ECO-FRIENDLY RADIUS SOURCE TOOTHBRUSH

Just in time for Earth Day! Several lucky StyleChile readers will win an environmentally responsible toothbrush from Radius. Radius Source toothbrush handles are made from recycled materials such as dollar bills, flax fiber or wood and are paired with replaceable nylon heads. These toothbrushes last much longer than the average toothbrush and weigh 7% less! Shoot me an e-mail (stylechil@gmail.com) with the name of the US Senator who was the original founder of Earth Day to win. Click on the link below for vintage Giveaway posts and stay tuned for more!

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE: GUCCI

"George Borababy and Timothy Chorba, testified . . . that they never said Moss was a lawyer, and Gucci never asked them."

The fashion industry in general and major designers like Gucci in particular are always beleaguered by knockoffs and fakes. Speaking of which, The New York Lawyer reports that Gucci fired their chief U.S. lawyer when they realized that he is not licensed! Jonathan Moss, former in-house counsel to Gucci, since 2003, was initially placed on administrative leave when the faux pas was discovered, but is now no longer with the company. Turns out Mr. Moss is in fact a lawyer, but did not keep up with his license (by paying bar dues and attending continuing legal education (CLE) classes)--he was probably too busy representing Gucci in legal proceedings! I just sat through two days of a riveting CLE focusing on Investment Management, btw.

Click on the link below for vintage Notable & Quotable posts!

GET THAT LOOK: TYRA BANKS

Tyra on the red carpet of Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Award - March 29, 2010

Tyra Banks looks stunning in a body conscious Daryl K dress and bright yellow accessories. The former model and t.v. personality wore the sunny ensemble to this year's Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. Achieve this look by checking out variations below. From shoes by Elizabeth and James to Converse, to a clutch by Santi and a dress by Preen; click on the item in the lookbook below to be directed to the retailers!

Cocktail Dresses by Forever 21
Athletic Shoes by Converse

PREVIEW: THE BRAND NEW ANN

"We've continued with the classics of Ann Taylor, but have updated it to make it more modern and elegant" - Kristin Rawson, Ann Taylor Style Director

Ann Taylor hosted a preview event for its Fall 2010 collection at Manhattan's Ace Hotel on Thursday, March 25th. The retailer, known to be a purveyor of sensible work wear, is revamping its image by incorporating trendy separates and accessories into its repertoire. Designer Lisa Axelson, formerly Senior Vice President of Design for Club Monaco, was brought on recently to "rejuvenate the Ann Taylor brand and strengthen its fashion positioning"; new ads featuring Heidi Klum and Milla Jovovich encourages the target audience to see the brand new Ann.

Ann Taylor's new mission: "stylizing current customers and looking to attract new customers".

The preview event featured Ann Taylor models who interacted with the many publicists, buyers, and editors in attendance. Celebrities such as Rachel Bilson of the OC and Christina Hendricks of Mad Men were in attendance and singer-songwriter V.V. Brown performed for the crowd.

See additional pictures of Ann Taylor's Fall 2010 event by clicking "Read more" below!

RIHANNA + KEITH HARING + BASQUIAT

Rihanna's Keith Haring influenced video shoot. . .

If I could do it all over again, I would have studied art history. My 10-year college (and 5th-year law school) reunion is this May and, while I'm generally satisfied with my accomplishments since then, I realize that I have a voracious appetite for the subject, and am literally making up for lost time.

Art's a part of my life and is expressed in part through this blog in an informal fashion. I think it's high time to start incorporating more references to art and artists. . .

. . . and why not start with Rihanna; whose fashion sense, hairstyles and videos draw heavily upon the past while blazing a distinctive path towards the future?

Rihanna rocks a Keith Haring inspired Jeremy Scott jacket.

Rihanna's "Rude Boy" video is clearly influenced by videos of yore (the 80's), it is also heavily influenced by 80's neo-expressionist giant Jean-Michel Basquiat and pop (art) star Keith Haring.

Continue reading and see Rihanna's "Rude Boy" video and stills by clicking "Read more" below.

OBJET D'ART: COLOMBIAN EMERALD RING

Colombian Emerald Ring $145,000 on 1stdibs.com.

This emerald ring, from France circa 1910, is set in platinum and encircled by diamonds. The ring is approximately 3.2 carats and is in excellent condition. The emerald itself is from Columbia, where the rarest and finest emeralds originate; they're prized for their transparency, crystallization, and fire. Buy this stunner at 1stdibs.com! Click on the label below for vintage Objet d' Art posts!

H&M GARDEN COLLECTION

H&M's Feminine & Flirty Garden Collection

Have you been in to H&M recently? They've just launched their Garden Collection which features romantic pieces inspired by "chlorophyll-green gardens, sundrenched landscapes and even 70's hippie chic flower-power." What's better is that each garment is produced with sustainable materials including recycled textile waste! Each piece is organic: organic cotton, organic linen, organic polyester and tencel (a soft, fluid, environmentally friendly material). The bold colors (and the subtle ones) are perfect for spring/summer. Prices range from $14.95 t0 $60.00 and the collection is in stores beginning March 25th. I really do hope that the collection is in Philadelphia stores, otherwise, I may need to get my sister-in-law who resides in NYC on the case. Check out the press release, pictures and price list!

KIEHL'S + PHARRELL WILLIAMS, JULIANNE MOORE, JEFF KOONS & MALIA JONES

Labels designed by, from left to right, Jeff Koons, Pharrell Williams, Malia Jones, Julianne Moore.

Kiehl's, one of my favorite beauty brands, has once again paired with celebrities to launch specially designed bottles of antioxidant rich Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist to benefit the Rainforest Alliance. Each 6 ounce bottle of 100% organic mist retails for $26 online and is available in stores April 1st, just in time for Earth Day! The limited edition labels were created by artist Jeff Koons, musician Pharrell Williams, pro surfer Malia Jones and Actress Julianne Moore.

ZAC POSEN + TARGET

Regarding the trumpet dress above--which is modeled after the iconic dress worn by Naomi Campbell and which launched Posen's career: "That was the dress that started my business . . . it's flirtatious and fun, but it has a punk, tough quality too." -- Zac Posen

I'm truly excited to stay up well past my new bedtime to share news of the latest Target collaboration. The retailer continues its partnership with well known designers by adding wunderboy Zac Posen to its roster. Following on the heels of Target's synergies with Rodarte, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Liberty of London, the Zac Posen for Target collection becomes available April 25th! Posen's collection features mostly dresses and range in price from $40 to $90.

Check out additional photos by clicking "Read more" below.

HOT NEW HUES: PANTONE'S PICKS - SPRING 2010

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending . . . instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.” - Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®

According to Pantone, the colors for this Spring are: turquoise, tomato puree, fusion coral, violet, tuscany, aurora, amparo blue, pink champagne, dried herb and eucalyptus--which are, in fact: turquoise, red, coral, violet, beige, yellow, navy, cream, neutral green and gray, respectively. View or download a pdf for designers Peter Som, Tracy Reese, Badgly Mischka, Lela Rose, Nanette Lepore, Maria Pinto, Erin Fetherson, Carmen MarcValvo, Pamella Roland, Adrienne Vittadini, and Adam Lippes, et. al's thoughts on this Spring's must-have colors and pieces here. Per Pantone, the color of the year is turquoise! I cant wait to pair a big chunky turquoise necklace with a silk coral jumper.

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PARIS FASHION WEEK: SONIA RYKIEL AUTUMN WINTER 2010

I wanted to compose an Haiku, but quickly gave up on that idea. . .

chunky knits, bold colors and

khaki interspersed throughout

geek chic, feathers and fur

Check out the Sonia Rykiel Autumn Winter 2010 collection and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. The show took place on March 7th in Paris. It's very French, you know.

Thanks to Natalia from Barracuda Film & TV--all the way in Stockholm--for pointing out her company's work. Click on the link below for vintage Fashion Week and Fashion Show posts!

DRESS YOURSELF THIN!

If you're anything like me, you often don't have the time (or inclination) to go to the gym . . .

Pants on the ground! Find a pair that fits.

Fret not, Time magazine online is currently featuring an article with helpful hints on how to dress your way to thin by accentuating strong features and cleverly masking the rest.

Horizontal stripes and inadequate support does not a fab beach bod make. . .

The photo essay depicts before pictures of women with typical voluptuous women issues--you know, a jiggly arm here, a muffin top there. These same women look deceptively slimmer after implementing small changes, as suggested by Charla Krupp in her book "How to Never Look Fat Again".

Check out Time's photo essay here. And, see more before and after pics by clicking "Read more" below . . .