Nanette Lepore X Violet

If I was given 5 dollars for anyone who launched a fragrance, I'd be a millionaire; however, that obviously is not the case. Nevertheless, another well-known designer is offering their potion to the masses this mother's day.

Nanette Lepore is launching a fragrance in her namesake, Nanette and it will be available at Nordstrom's and Neiman Marcus. As a fragrance is based on the emotional attachment to scent, Nanette is meant to capture the sophistication, sensuality and romance of the female spirit and even has a note of violet (hence the title). The fragrance was created as an outward expression of how Nanette feels as a woman "sophisticated, mysterious and most of all, feminine." A 1.0 oz Eau de Parfum Spray is $48 while a 2.5oz Eau de Parfum Spray is $68. I guess my mother deserves a percentage of my discretionary income during that time of the year. Too bad she wears White Diamond.

Jessica Stam does the Aldo Shoes Spring 10 Campaign

Jessica Stam was picked as the supermodel to do the Spring 10 campaign for Aldo, and on the mens side the model was Boyd Holbrook. You may have noticed the rad images that are running for the Spring 10 Aldo campaign, either that or you're not a big fan of Stam or Aldo and you really don't get out much. Yikes. Shot by the industry's favorite sleezy photographer, none other than Mr. Terry Richardson, as if you couldn't have guessed that, as his style is hard to miss. The images are pretty awesome, I must say regardless of his horrific reputation of putting young girls into compromising situations that result in, well ... I'll let you google that yourself ... he is undeniably a well liked photographer for many huge brands. Just goes to show you if you got talent and you deliver, well, it doesn't really matter what you do with barely legal girls inside your home. Uhh oops.... :x

Model Monday: Frenchie, Elodie Mussard

Karin Models Paris recently snatched up model Elodie when she was introduced by a family friend to one of the Karin bookers. Stunning baby blues and a pout that could make any photographer melt, this lovely lady has gem written all over her. Only 16, she's got many years ahead to "wow" us, and I'm sure she will. Definitely keep her on your radar, we'll be seeing her in editorials to come.

Oh and remember, if you have some new faces you'd like to share, ones that you think are on the rise please send them my way, perhaps I'll blog it!

Email: bianca@chaos-mag.com

Until next time, kisses - B

Phoenix Richmond

"Who is this young lady?" you may be asking. Her name is Phoenix Richmond, and you'd better make sure you remember it because she's going to be everywhere. Already the star of the Richmond ads- her father is John Richmond- she's signed to Storm model agency and has already graced the pages of the likes of i-D magazine, showing off her signature punk look. We heart her ballsy leopard-print mohawk and rock attitude. Expect big things from this 16 year old.

Picture by Cameron Smith

Kay Weston

What's up Doc?

Everyone loves shoes, but sometimes even the most on-trend of ladies (and gentlemen) have to give their tootsies some respite and that's where the legendary Doc Martens come in. While there's an abundance of styles now available from the gargantuan footwear brand, it's their boots we're coveting. As well as their Original styles which have become a timeless classic, there are currently some über-funky styles available- check out the Florals, Diva and Shine section of their website for some real statement shoes. Proof that DM's aren't just for aspiring rock chicks or those leaning more towards the right of the political spectrum...
Have a gander: here


Kay Weston

Jimmy Choo Can Light Up Your Life, Literally

Nothing puts a smile on my face more than a pair of platform heels. Make that platform heels that light up. Sound hard to believe? Well, Jimmy Choo released a pair of five inch platforms that light up when you walk. And to think you only need to drop about $2k to make them your own. Surprisingly enough, these shoes are sold out at the Jimmy Choo Manhattan location and there is a waiting list. Yes. A wait list. Well, it looks like New York traffic cops' prayers have been answered.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Marko Mitanovski

Eastern Europe seems to be churning out some fantastically talented young designers right now, and one fine example is avant-garde designer Marko Mitanovski, who graduated from the College of Design in Serbia. Mitanovski won Best Young Designer at the Nokia L'Amour Awards during Belgrade's Fashion Week in 2008, and showed his S/S 2010 'Lady Macbeth' collection at the Vauxhall Talent Scout event during London Fashion Week last year.

Heavily influenced by Renaissance and Elizabethan costume, Mitanovski's designs are characterised by a love of black, elaborate detailing, sculptural shapes and a huge injection of macabre theatre. Everything about his designs screams 'drama', and it comes as no surprise that Lady Gaga can be counted amongst his clientele.

Photography by Peter Ashworth

Kay Weston

To clog or not to clog?

It's possibly the most bizarre trend to emerge in recent years, but the clog, the shoe of choice in the Netherlands (at least, if the rumours are to be believed), has planted itself firmly on the fashion radar. Spotted on the Chanel catwalk at the S/S 2010 shows and at Louis Vuitton, style icons such as Alexa Chung and Sarah Jessica Parker have been quick to pick up on the trend and now it looks as if they're heading to a high street near you.

Despite dividing opinion in the fashion community, the good news is that for those brave enough to try the trend, there are plenty of options available that don't make you look like a milkmaid. Clogs are high heeled and eye-catching, and more importantly, easy to walk in. Miu Miu have a great floral pair, and their cat version has already sold out after featuring in Elle UK's Accessories Report. Time for some bandwagon-jumping, maybe?



Kay Weston

The Season Handbag

Oh fashion industry. Didn't you learn the first time? Apparently not because it looks like Lohan has found another designing gig. This time with Ed Hardy. More specifically handbags. Hopefully, I'm sure her affinity for bling pasties will register with the Ed Hardy customer; however, if the Lohan stamp of approval does not work, try out the season's handbag, the over the shoulder satchel. Most are convertible from day to night with the removal of the shoulder strap and voila! A small tote, genius. Check out this lovely one over at JCrew .

-Tamera Blair Darden

Isabel Toledo X Payless

Zac Posen & Saks. Vera Wang & Kohls. Rachel Roy & Macy's. Every other designer and Target. What do this relationships signify? The move of well known designers creating diffusion lines for the masses. A great idea that is showing promise and the fashion industry is noticing its significance, especially in light of the economic atmosphere.

It appears that another designer has taken notice and is joining the bandwagon. Following in the steps of Christian Siriano and Alice + Olivia, Isabel Toledo will be designing a diffusion line for Payless. After gaining notoriety with Michelle Obama's Inaugural ensemble, Isabel is in the works with Payless to launch a diffusion line in September of shoes under $40 bucks. The line will include flats, square heels and trendy goloshes, whatever that means.
-Tamera Blair Darden

Bonjour mon amour: Meet Gaspard

Oh la la ...how is this for some Monday eye candy? Say hello to this lovely French lad, Gaspard Menier, hailing from Châtellerault, France. Standing at 6'2 with shaggy brown hair and piercing baby blues this guy has heartbreak written all over him. Oh, but there is more coming from this beau, Gaspard is also a musician. Top that off with his Über sweet accent and I think CHAOS has found a new love with this Frenchman! This is definitely one to watch so keep your eyes peeled, mine are. ;)

Gaspard is signed with Angels & Demons
in Paris.

If you have some new faces you'd like to share please send them my way, perhaps we'll blog it!

Email: bianca@chaos-mag.com

Until next time, kisses - B

Nominess for the CFDA Awards Announced

To all who know and understand, the CFDA Awards is the equivalent of the Oscars for fashion designers. Recently, the nominees were announced and the event was held above Diane Von Furstenberg's offices/showroom in the meatpacking district.

Nail-biters of the night, Alexander Wang, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs are nominated for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Meanwhile, Jason Wu, who has had a fabulous run (dressing Michelle Obama and all) is nominated along side with Joseph Altuzurra and Prabal Gurung for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear.

Honorees included Michael Kors who will be receiving the Geoffery Beane Lifetime Achievement Award, Burberry's Christopher Bailey will be honored with the International Award, Iman will be awarded the Fashion Icon Award and the late Alexander McQueen will be bestowed the Board of Directors' Special Tribute Award.

Alexander McQueen Ends On A High Note

Alexander McQueen's final collection showed in Paris yesterday in a small intimate room to personally invited editors. The show proved to be simultaneously bittersweet and epic. Bittersweet for the obvious and epic due to the tailoring and craftsmanship evident in his last body of work.

While only 16 looks, each had ornate detail and beautiful tailoring. Using brocade fabric in a rich red & gold color combination, a distinct silhouette, and headpiece with protruding feathers, McQueen's inspiration was clear and concise, as he looked to the Dark Ages for his Fall 2010 RTW collection.

His collection flowed effortlessly with each look building up to the next until the final look that combined romanticism and the perfect construction of a garment.

I'd say a great final viewing for a great designer. He'll definitely be missed.

-Tamera Blair Darden