Miu Miu's New Fourteen-Year-Old Campaign Girl

Fourteen-year-old American starlet Hailee Steinfeld is sure making a name for herself. After showing off her acting chops in True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld continues to wow audiences with her glamorous red carpet choices and now as Miu Miu's Fall campaign star. She is evidently wise beyond her years in terms of her fashion closet. Oscar-nominated Steinfeld who has adorned and wowed on numerous occasions in Miu Miu, like in London at the BAFTAs, has also worn classically beautiful pieces by Marchesa, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Phillip Lim and other big names. Miu Miu's RTW Fall 2011 features strong shapes, shoulders, pencil skirts, collars, vintage silhouettes and lots of burnt orange tones as well as classy black.

Paris Lights Up For Menswear

The ever-romantic City of Lights played host to the final leg of the men's shows this past week, and as indicated by the bursts of color from the front rows to Jardins des Tuileries to the shows themselves, next spring will most definitely not be a dull one. But color is not the only story being told by Paris for next season. The city's designers have drawn a sharper focus on the structure of the clothes, toying with different shapes and paying excruciating attention to the minute details. It's an appropriate perspective, however, considering that the French fashion vibe is all about an effortless yet keen eye for detail.

Certain designers, like Kenzo and Raf Simons, boldly took on prints, patterns, and graphics, thereby escaping the limiting factor of solid-color pieces and offering the gentlemen newer and riskier options (it's always good to take risks in fashion). Florals, for example, are ironically beginning to become the rage for menswear, either turning up in fluorescent or muted pastels. Others, like Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière, resorted to a much more stricter route by creating cleanly cut and perfectly tailored garments; a very Parisian outlook classic sportswear. With a boundary-pushing range of collections on one side and a traditional yet modern group of presentations on the other, Paris has really offered the best of both worlds.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton for Style.com

Acne Spring 2012 Men’s Collection

A new collection with a retro twist, Acne Spring 2012 Men’s Collection, exploded on the runway for all eyes to see. The items in the collection range from pastel blues, salmon shades, to a flora camouflage print. Many of the other colors include black, navy, mustard, sea green, and red. For the footwear, leather sandals vary from the gladiator look to other styles. The collections provide various styles, from tight fitting, straight legged pants to tight shorts. Many of the jackets are blazers that are solid colors, denim and various colored trench coats. Some items include a velvet vest, what looks like a flowery Kimono shorts outfit, cardigans and loud and retro pants. Retro, modern and sleek are words to describe this collection. Very different and eye catching, the Swedish label has provided its unique style for men across the globe. For some these trends may be too much, for others this may be just what they’re looking for but the unique presentation of the collection has made viewers admire the originality and the creativity of the items.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): GQ

Alicia + Olivia Resort 2012 Lookbook Debuts 1970s, Sun-Inspired, Candy Coated Outfits

The new resort collection by alicia + olivia is a mixture of explosive color, retro chic, colorful accessories, prim flattering dresses, polka dots and the all the things we love most about the '70s. We love what alice + olivia, a brand born from native New Yorker's Stacey Bendet's unending quest to find the perfect pair of pants, has evolved into since the brand was born in 2002. Today, the brand includes a men's & children's line in addition to her much coveted womenswear pieces.

We love this long striped dress from her Resort 2012 collection, this cute one-shouldered polka dot number and this sassy purple sweater + skirt combo.

Emma Watson Isn’t Casting Spells Anymore

Anyone that is a product of the Potter generation has grown up watching Emma Watson. Now, she has blossomed into a powerful woman and is completely different from when we first saw her in The Sorcerer’s Stone. Bursting into the world’s view at the ripe age of 9, she now graces the cover of July Vogue at 21. And she has definitely grown up.

Whether she is donning a Tom Ford chain-mail top or a Dolce & Gabbana dress, Watson has evolved literally in front of the world’s eye. From inside the pages of Vogue she emits a new look; a look of confidence and grace. Mario Testino said it best when he said that he has seen her go from a “young girl to a woman.”

In her pictures you can see a glimmer in her eye that she is moving on, and trying to change herself from her famous Potter alter-ego. Her look has changed so much that when she saw herself her first reaction was “Oh my God, I can’t recognize myself!” This reaction is repeated by the reader, as one can almost not help but stare at her. With her pixie haircut slicked back and a determined look in her eye, Watson proves that she is more than just Hermione Granger.

Watson’s next plans involve going to Pittsburgh to film The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Text Dalton Brasington
Source(s): Vogue.com

The Rapture Release New Video “How Deep Is Your Love?”

The Rapture are getting ready to release their fourth album this Fall, and DFA White Out Session created a video for their new tune, “How Deep Is Your Love?” The very dance-pop tune is off of the trio’s upcoming In The Grace Of Your Love album off of DFA Records (which the band has returned to).

It’s a very DIY video that showcases them stamping and playing the vinyl on a turntable with an added disco ball for a vibrant effect…nothing but vinyl nostalgia for sure! If the new single is any indication of what's to come when the new album drops, then rapture fan, old and new, will be in for some sweet tunes!

Galliano Not Returning to LVMH

Among hearsay of a collection due out in fall, and rumors of a triumphant return to his name sake line, it looks like John Galliano will not be returning....ever. Despite a flourish of reports that he may return, Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, recently told New York Times' Cathy Horyn that the a return is not in the cards for the controversial designer.

After the Dior Homme show this past Saturday Arnault was quoted saying, "He will not return to LVMH." In the same interview he revealed that Galliano's assistant, Bill Gaytten, has taken over as creative director and even presented/bowed in the Homme show.

But is this really about the controversy that Galliano's slurred stirred up? Or is due to a more simple breach of etiquette and business manners? In the same interview Arnault told Horyn that he was offended that Galliano "didn't have the simply politeness to contact me". Could that call have made the difference in the designers return and helped save face to the company.

Text Corinna Fabre

Source(s): Fashionista.com, New York Times

Proportion Play

One can never truly remember where the idea of experimenting with the contrast in proportion between your clothes and your body originated from, but a slight hunch points towards the haute couture designers of the 1970's and onward. Think vintage Christian Dior or Balenciaga. Nevertheless, modern day trendsetters and individualistic style thinkers cannot avoid the creative fad of wearing garments that appear to be either too large or too small when worn. It's not ridiculous or nonsensical, but chic (if done properly). Stefano Pilati, creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, proves just how veritable this statement is by sporting a voluminous wool mustard in conjunction with wide-legged denim trousers and showing that he didn't absentmindedly choose clothes that were twice his size, but rather use his body as a canvas for a little proportion play. Good representation of menswear, no?

Executing an effortless look when using differently sized clothing has all to do with a sharp eye for shape and form. In short, the varied shapes of the clothes on your body must complement each other for the purpose of improving the whole image. Combining a large pullover, for example, with over sized trousers might make you seem much bigger than you actually are, thereby distracting people from actually admiring the beauty in the clothing. Essentially, sporting an over sized knit (ideally, Rag & Bone) with some skinny jeans (not too skinny, unless you're bold) makes for a much more flattering look that comes across as being impeccably styled and undeniably chic. It's all about the styling. And it's all about the proportion.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton for Jak and Jil

Banana Republic Wants America To Dress Like It's 1960

If you ever fancied yourself a wardrobe like that of tall & chic Betty Francis or dapper Don Draper, quit dreamin' because now you can! A&E's hit 1960s-set show Mad Men has followed the ad men and women of Sterling Cooper in their lives while smoking Lucky Strike cigarettes, having love affairs and drinking whiskey on and off... mostly on. The collection, which debuts August 11, was supposed to coincide with the show's return to TV, but well... since that isn't going to happen 2012, we'll just have to keep occupied with new clothes.

The Banana Republic collection features the work of Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant and the brand's creative director Simon Kneen. The collection features short pearl necklaces, tailored dresses, lace sleeveless shirts, structured bags, demure shirts, high-waisted pants, trench coats and more. For men, the collection features fedoras, pocket squares, money clips, knit sweaters, handsome dinner jackets. This 65-piece collection will take your living-out-Don-Draper-or-Betty-Francis's-life dream to the extreme!

Santigold Talks Album No. 2

It's been a hot minute since we've heard anything from Santigold (formerly Santogold), but the indie songstress divulged info on her sophomore effort to Billboard.com. Fans have been waiting for Santigold's next album, and we're all super stoked to hear that album No. 2 will feature collaborations with Major Lazor producer Switch, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, Ricky Blaze and TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek.

She tells Billboard.com that the new album will "be sonically eclectic but with some epic curveballs thrown into the mix." As far as the delay in terms of dropping an album sooner, the 34-year-old Santi White said she didn't want to compromise "her vision of the album." Thank God, 'cause we won't settle for anything less from Santigold, who also mentioned that the album's first single will drop sometime after summer!

To read the article in its entirety, check it here!

Text by Kristie Bertucci

Via Billboard.com, picture by Sean Thomas

Camilla Franks Summer Spectacular

Have you checked out Camilla yet?

With her divine patterns and fun outlook on making a woman look sexy in the sun, or under the moon, Camilla brings bohemian to the summer style scene.

A few nights ago, I was having sushi in downtown St. Louis, and of course I was people watching as we were sitting at a table outside. I noticed a young woman sit at the table next to mine and she was wearing a Caribbean ocean blue tunic dress much like Camilla's, and I thought to myself, "I've got to have that." Of course when I have thoughts such as those, I feel the need to find a similar item from any designer or in any magazine.

Camilla's was the first caftan I found. Her pieces are generally priced at $678. If you are looking for a less expensive price, H&M would be the first place to look. However, if you are looking for variety, genuine, original beauty, and quality, Camilla's collections would be the first place to find just that.

Check out her page at www.camilla.com.au

Text Alexandra Faye

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Collection presented at Paris Fashion Week

Look out Fashion world there’s a new guy in town. Louis Vuitton’s new Men’s Style Director, Kim Jones debuted his menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Jones was inspired by his childhood adventures growing up in Botswana, Ethiopia England and America. With this culturally diverse upbringing, Jones was able to incorporate the fashion of each location into his designs.
The designs include a salute to the Boy Scouts with an outfit of khaki short suits, completed with red and blue checkered scarves. The collection also includes hike-ready sandals and a series of different shorts. In addition to these items, there are high-waisted trousers and razor-cut jackets in navy pinstripes. The jackets were paired with bright colored button-down shirts. The shirts represented African wax print. The collection as a whole was based on a world traveling theme with a different element from each cultural. Jones noted that because of the extensive financial wealth behind Louis Vuitton, there were endless possibilities, resources and freedom to be creative.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): WWD, New York Times

Rodarte's Floating Gowns Debut At Famed Florence Fashion Fair

"Fashion is an artistic process, it's about challenging ideas. Sometimes the most wearable pieces are the most creative, and vice versa." -Rodarte to Dazed Digital

Rodarte debuted a 10-piece collection inspired by Florentine art and religious icons at the Pitti Immagine Uomo trade fair this week. The Pitti Immagine is an Italian company known for promoting the fashion industry through its renowned trade fairs that display collections for buyers and the public. Rodarte and Band of Outsiders were the American guests presenting at the trade fair. Sister designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy, steered clear of the muted colors, hard shapes and strong textures from their Fall 2011 RTW collection in this side project.
The 10-piece collection shown at this event consisted of bright gowns all folded, twisted, cut and painstakingly shaped into works of art. The sisters created gorgeous, unique pieces all very beautiful on by themselves. Orange, teal, blue, cream and gold pieces stand out as they suspend from the ceilings on invisible torsos that give the dresses an invisible body to cling on.

Versace for H&M

Announced today, Donatella Versace is set to design a collection for H&M, joining the ranks of fellow designers including Alber Ebaz and Karl Lagerfield.

Set to re-interpet classic Versace styles, the collection will include 40 pieces for women, 20 for men, and various other accessories.

“As a designer I look at the future–I never look at the past, but being the sister of Gianni, the DNA is Versace and I’m going to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments which are not exactly always the past but also the present,” said Donatella herself of the collection.

The collection will debut in 300 H&M stores on November 19. Surely, lines will begin forming weeks in advance; filled with fashion-hungry customers ready to pounce.

Recently, Versace also dug deep into their vaults allowing Lady Gaga to be outfitted in vintage Gianni Versace for the first time in the house's history.

See you in line, this is one collection that should definitely not be missed.

Text Liza Sokol
Source(s): Fashionista

Soak Up The Sun in Style: Free People Beachwear

Trying to beat the heat in style? Check out the latest collection from Free People and get your beach on! The collection is the perfect combination of bohemian chic and bombshell fierce. Knitted wraps and crochet cover-ups are the perfect pieces play demure while still flashing glimpses of your bronzed bod. Pieces like the crimson hued bralette and the citrus infused crop top add just the right amount of Bardot to any outfit while remaining modern and fun. The collection is available online and in-stores with prices ranging from $58-$148 (not too shabby). And now you can have that little bit of extra frozen yogurt at the snack shack because you'll have a cute an fashionable cover-up to throw on!

Milan Fashion Week: Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2012

Calvin Klein has produced yet another collection for men that bellows the characteristics of bold and unique. Klein recently presented his Spring 2012 collection during Milan Fashion Week. The collection consists of an array of bright colors as well as a retro yet modern look. Klein focuses on a sporty theme. His items include white tees, baggy sweat pants, oversize trousers, linen and shimmery blazers. Other items are intricately patterned. Many of the shirts are baggy, while some are fitted tank tops. Klein fuses sporty and dressy into one with outfits like blazers and baggy trouser shorts. The bold styles include colors like lime green, white, a pastel blue and black. Some of the materials are shimmery, linen or sheer. Many of the blazers were made shimmery while the bottoms remain solid materials and vice-versa. This collaboration of the dressy and sporty look is a revolutionary style that leave men dressing to impress while feeling comfortable in their dress-wear.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): New York Times Style

The Most Perfect Purse For The Demure Shouldered

We hit the jackpot while in search of the perfect purse for every occasion in and around our 9-to-5 work and a strict spinning schedule. Certain criteria our new purchase has to fill: 1. Enough space for a water bottle and snacks. 2. High style factor that will deter boredom. 3. Architectural beauty, enough structure so it agrees with this season's non-slouchy bag trend.

The Edie Purse by J.Crew. For an agreeable $238, this baby can be yours in red hot Flame or yummy pecan or plain jane Black.

Text by Joann Pan

Source(s): Jcrew.com

Pitti Uomo Begins

With the countless women's wear shows that go on throughout the fashion calendar year, it's not uncommon for the general gentleman to feel left out of the sartorial fun. Luckily, the men do have their chance in the spotlight. This moment when designers try out their masculine hand is called Pitti Uomo, a week of menswear collections in Milan that produce trends for the upcoming spring season. And this past week, all engines have been a go for the Spring 2012 presentations. Thus far, legendary luxe labels like Prada, Burberry, Jil Sander, and Dolce & Gabbana have warped the meaning of classicism and turned it into a neo-sportswear hybrid, taking something as simple as a three-piece suit and making it appropriate for even the most casual of garden parties. Just consider Christopher Bailey's combinations of standard men's pieces like fitted knit sweaters and more unexpected garments like nylon parkas, and one understands just how exiting and forward-thinking menswear has become.

It seemed that after a near decade of men's shows, designers would never be able to escape the limiting factor of the cliché suit. Then again, what else would one expect for a man to wear as a mode of formal wear? Nevertheless, people seem to be catching on to the fact that times are changing, and that men can be just as boundary pushing as women. Miuccia Prada went as far as introducing floral prints in her men's spring line-up of paradoxical golfing attire, and if a fashion legend such as her has made note of these revolutionary changes, then so should everybody else.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Ippolita: A Different Style

Jewelry has always held a special place in my heart. Typically when I enter an antique store or shop full of many things, jewelry is the first section of the store I look at. When I look at any woman I do not know, I immediately look at her ring finger to see if she has a wedding ring. I try to catch a glimpse of her ring to try to make out the uniqueness. In terms of wedding rings, does a woman generally want a ring that any other woman could have? Or does she desire a ring unique to only her? I believe many woman prefer to have the most popular ring of the moment. However, I, personally, believe a ring should be absolutely unique. No other woman should have the same ring. At least, no other woman she knows.

Ippolita can Provide that. Ippolita has created styles no other designer has. She has a line titled "Rock Candy" made from rock crystal. She designed a silver ring she named "Lollipop", and also recently introduced her funky line, Wicked, made with black silver alloy. However, the line is not yet featured on her website for purchase or display. She has recently been known for her bangles, which you might know due to the fact her ad for her bangle line is in almost every magazine. What a bold move it was to feature only a close up shot of a stack of bangles, with no people or words.

Ippolita, which many may assume is an Indian designer, is actually an Italian designer who grew up in Florence, Italy. Her father was a fashion show curator, and she realized at a young age she desired for art to be her way of life. Therefore, she combined fashion with art, moved to New York City and decided to start her own jewelry line, starting with gold. She now has thirteen collections.

If you visit her site: www.ippolita.com you can learn more about the designer and find inspiration on how you can make your own dreams come true!

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): ippolita

Unoffical Video for Panda Bear's "Surfer's Hymn" Released

An unofficial video for Panda Bear’s “Surfer’s Hymn” (but approved according to sources) is making its rounds via the Internet. The single is from his latest effort, Tomboy. It’s directed by m ss ng p eces and is said to be a “tribute to surfers taken by the sea.”

The video features eerie images of a skeleton crew as they crawl from graves to “surf” the streets, which makes for a spooky and interesting video! The black and white video provides a very old school cinema feel (the footage of surfers is actually really cool!), while humorous moments are sprinkled throughout the video, such as when one skeleton does the “hang ten” surfer symbol to a fellow skeleton friend.

PANDA BEAR "Surfer's Hymn" from m ss ng p eces on Vimeo.

Text Kristie Bertucci
Via Disco Naïveté

Altuzarra Resort 2012

Abounding success over the past two years (counting a CFDA nomination among his accomplishments), Joseph Altuzarra has just released his first Resort collection for 2012. What's clear right off the bat is that Altuzzara took a line that can often come off as a little cliche and kitschy, and brought it back down to real life, drawing inspiration from Brigitte Bardot and 60's Saint Tropez. While there is a clear femininity and sweetness to the collection, Altuzarra manages to keep a sophistication and wear-ability that makes this line an instant classics. There was an abundance of eyelet details on the light linen fabrics, but what really stood out was the color palette that has darker, more fall-centric colors, but is done in such a superb way that you wouldn't think twice about running around in melt-inducing weather in pure blacks.

Clear stand outs? Easy dresses with girlish ruffles, light pastel separate, and of course, any of the clean, crisp white pieces!

Text Corinna Fabre

Source(s): Style.com

Polychromatic Chivalry

Chivalry isn't dead; it's just been overshadowed by men's growing fascination with bold and vivid colors. And ironically, this should be considered a valid excuse (no offense to the ladies). After all, when was the last time any man you knew was keen on wearing anything outside of gray scale? The origin of the color bug that has been biting the gentlemen from the corners of Paris to the streets of New York City remains relatively unclear, considering that possible options range from Jil Sander's latest memorable menswear presentation for Spring to Kanye West's personal and musical glorification of vibrancy in men's style (his close friendship with Céline's Phoebe Philo might have been an influence). But what is clear is that the man in in black and white is so last season, while the audacious color savant is now in style.

Blinding neons like chartreuse, coral, cobalt blue, and ruby have recently run rampant for both Spring and the scorching Summer season, inspiring much hope for the al-black fashionmongers. Even more hope lies in the fact that the gents seem to dominate the colorful scene much more so than the women, donning breezy color-blocked scarves, funky watches (a nice break from the typical chrome alternatives), and beautifully detailed summer shoes (all eyes are on Prada's Spring tri-color platform brogues). It never hurts to step outside one's comfort zone when it comes to color. A real man does such.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton for Style.com

Unique Pieces of Jewelry That Will Keep Your Look Inspired This Summer

When summer comes along that means less clothing, less layers... but a chance to up the personality. When the going gets hot, we lose our signature cardigans, hats, scarves and pick up in the jewelry department. Our favorite pieces are conversation starters like these.... magical amulets, hardcore bullet-inspired necklaces and tortilla chip rings.

Arcade Fire Premiere's New Arrangements On Chicago Talk Show

It’s always amazing to see behind-the-scenes material on how artists create their masterpieces. Thus was the case when Arcade Fire actually premiered new arrangements of their songs, “Sprawl II” and “We Used To Wait” for WBEZ’s (a Chicago public radio station) “Sound Options” rock critic talk show.

The Best Clothes For Summer Sports: Golf

Golf Season is here, so why not wear the best looking and most comfortable sport apparel while swinging those clubs. Designers like Ralph Lauren have created collections to accommodate athletes. Specifically for golf, one collection is called Polo Golf and for all sport attire, the other collection is known as RLX.

Ralph Lauren makes a variety of items for Golf players ranging from polos, golf pants, sweaters and shorts. The rich and preppy styles of these items are a Golf players dream wardrobe. RLX features Green Plaid Shorts that render from a moisture-wicking technical fabric that makes golfing in the warm sun more bearable than it can be. Polo Golf features polo shirts such as a Stripe Pima Vintage Lisle Polo. It is designed to produce supreme comfort and breathability on the Golf course. Polo Golf also features Linen Windowpane Golf Pants. These pants are classy, fitted, straight legged pants that make movement very easy.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Esquire

Unoffical Video for Panda Bear's "Surfer's Hymn" Released

An unofficial video for Panda Bear’s “Surfer’s Hymn” (but approved according to sources) is making its round via the Internet. The single is from his latest effort, Tomboy. It’s directed by m ss ng p eces and is said to be a “tribute to surfers taken by the sea.”

The video features eerie images of a skeleton crew as they crawl from graves to “surf” the streets, which makes for a spooky and interesting video! The black and white video provides a very old school cinema feel (the footage of surfers is actually really cool!), while humorous moments are sprinkled throughout the video, such as when one skeleton does the “hang ten” surfer symbol to a fellow skeleton friend.

Text Kristie Bertucci
Via Disco Naïveté

PANDA BEAR "Surfer's Hymn" from m ss ng p eces on Vimeo.

Events To Get CHAOTIC At: Cary.Lane. "Return of Summer Party"

Looking for something rad to do this Friday? Well, if your located in the San Francisco/ Bay Area, stop by Cary.Lane. in San Francisco for the "Return of Summer" party!

Enjoy FREE drinks and appetizers and a live DJ all while having access to some of San Francisco's finest fashion finds (everything at 30% off) and a chance to check out some killer artwork! Not to mention that one of the event sponsors is non other than your truly: CHAOS Magazine.. so you know it's gonna be awesome!

There will be a raffle held at 10:30pm where you can have the chance to win a ton of cool prizes! ($1 tickets purchased at the register)

You will also will get to witness the release of Cary.Lane's private label Men's shirt webstore:Carylascala.com.

Check out the "deets" below for more information on the event you won't want to miss!

Time: Friday June 17th ~ 8pm-11pm

Location: 560 Laguna Street

San Francisco, Ca. 94102

Add yourself to guest list HERE and feel free to bring friends!

Ciao!

The CHAOS Team

Paint it Red: Dior's Red Hot Nail Laquers

When you think of Dior surely the words "class" and "sophistication" come to mind. Well the iconic fashion house is once again redefining what being a classic beauty is all about with their latest set of red nail lacquers.

Inspired by three eras all relating to their past collections, the colors are the perfect shades of red that every lady should have in her cosmetics bag. The first hue, Trafaglar's Poppy, is a brilliantly bold, candy apple color that instantly ups your fab factor. Rouge Icone, is a sultry maroon that brings to mind the days of Hollywood's most iconic screen sirens. Lastly, Gruau is true blood in that is perfect for those evening's when you want to feel sexiest and most feminine.

Check out more of Dior's Nail Lacquers here!

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Refinery29.com, Dior.com

ELLE Commissions James Franco To Create Agyness Deyn Masterpiece

Elle magazine called James Franco The Great Chameleon last year in a feature where the publication recapped his many roles.... actor, student--many times around, film villain, movie hero, writer, producer and let's not forget full-time hottie. Franco got a chance to try on another hat as photographer for the July 2011 issue of Elle featuring rumored gal pal Agyness Deyn. What happens when you put a James Franco and an Agyness Deyn together? Well, magic of course.

Franco utilizes what seems to be an old-time camera or a brilliant new camera with an old-fashioned, cloudy effect. We love the mix of black & white prints and beautifully mute Polaroids. Deyn looks absolutely gorgeous without trying--her short hair and masculine eyebrows take center stage.

Have a look see, tell us what you think of Franco's first fashion photography stint. [See the pictures here]

Text Joann Pan

Sources: ONTD! , Models.com, Elle

Summer Fashion No No's

Who says Fashion don’ts not only apply to women? Some men have been seen to possess some pretty bad fashion sense. Summer fashion trends have exploded in cities all over the world and some highly noticeable fashion no no’s have begun to surface.

Who wears short shorts? Women wear short shorts, NOT men. The short tennis shorts are not quite the most appealing look for men. Showing more thigh than necessary could completely ruin the outfit. Let’s not forget the darling tank top. Every girl loves a guy in a tank top showing off his toned arms. After a long winter of working out, men want to show off their biceps by wearing tank tops. However, the farmers tan when wearing a tank top does not quite look so appealing to the eye. During the Summer months the temperatures are high and showing more is comfortable but wearing socks with sandals is covering up and most of all it isn’t a very popular fashion trend. With the warm weather, colorful clothing is very trendy for the Summer but Hawaiian shirts are not. Keep the flowered shirts for islands, Mahalo.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Esquire, GQ

Tibi's Daydream Collection: Resort 2012

Minimalist sophistication dominated the Spring '11 runways last fall with designers like Celine propelling the trend to mass proportions. Well it seems that the simple style is so trendy that this summer we are seeing much of the same thing from many designers for the Resort 2012 collections. The ultra contemporary and chic brand, Tibi, released their latest lookbook earlier yesterday and if you are looking for ideas on how to rock the minimalist trend their lookbook is a fabulous place to start.

Chock full of pieces that are the perfect blend of understated elegance and simple femininity, Tibi is one collection you would be crazy not to emulate. A citrus shift dress and billowy, pleated maxi skirt are a few stand out pieces in the lookbook that instantly bring to mind daydreams of warm summer days strolling the manicured streets of a European destination. Modern and completely wearable, Tibi definitely has it right for Spring 2012.

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Refinery29.com

Tobey Maguire Adds Big-Time Fashion Model To His CV

From Spiderman film franchise, Seabiscuit to Prada... Tobey has landed roles of a lifetime. Tobey Maguire stars in Prada's Men's Fall/Winter 2011 shot by photographer David Sims. Maguire is wearing a black blazer and a stern gaze. We think Prada has cast him just in time before the epic film adaption of American classic The Great Gatsby. Under the direction of Baz Luhrmann, with an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and Joel Edgerton, the fashion house will most like be beaming with their campaign boy. David Sims and Prada calls this shoot "an intimate character study."

Text Joann Pan

Sources: Fashionista.com, Prada.com, DesignScene.net

Reviving The Summer Marinière

Certain people say time and time again that stripes make one look less flattering, but those people were probably not aware of the season they were in. The summer season, that is. In fact, combine horizontal stripes with navy and white and once comes to achieve one of the most timeless trends that has impacted both women and men's wear alike: the nautical trend. Breton striped shirts, blue-injected shorts, and an overall marinière outlook on personal style is enough to personify the so called "sailor look" that countless designers have adopted and made their own, from luxe brands like Prada to more affordable alternatives like J. Lindeberg. And the ladies are not the only ones to have jumped aboard this nautical boat.

The gentlemen of this world have been wildly attracted to this classic attire, sporting snug crew stripe sweaters and fitted suits topped off with special details like ocean printed pockets squares and handkerchiefs. Others, like the sleekly dressed fashion connoisseur in the above photo, are bold enough to sling a cleanly-cut suit over the shoulders in form of a cape just for an extra dash of a personal touch. To each his own, after all.

As with such, take a look at a man in head-to-toe white and navy and one would swear they were transported to the fictional times of The Great Gatsby. But not even Jay Gatsby himself would be able to master the modern spin that today's gentlemen are keen to practice. He didn't have the advent of access to style.com.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image Courtesy of Tommy Ton for Style.com

Fine Line (Not the Botox Kind)

This seems to be the year of new levels of dedication to beauty and fashion; stories recently have ranged from the slightly obnoxious but innocuous toddler pageants to the full on crazed dedication to plastic surgery for children who have just learned to speak in full sentences and are using them to ask for girdles. The newest story to push the line of children negligence? "Human Barbie", also known as Sarah Burge recently gave her seven year old daughter the birthday present of a voucher for a boob job when she is 16, "when it's legal". According to Fashionista, upon receiving the present the daughter, Poppy, said, "I can't wait to be like Mummy with big boobs. They're pretty." Unlike many of the other scandalous stories that have come out this year, and simply waited for the repercussions, Burge has already made a statement defending her actions saying, "Girls don’t want Snow White and Cinderella any more. They want to be WAGs and famous like Cheryl Cole and Lady Gaga. I’m just supporting her and making her dreams come true."

Sure, pop culture icons are definitely becoming the idols for a lot of the young girls today, but is the response to this really fostering their desire to change themselves at such an early age or trying to create a self confidence in the child that could get them THROUGH to the age of seventeen. Plastic surgery shouldn't be something that is taken so lightly; at what point does the daughter negotiate with her mom and get the years pushed up to fourteen? Or earlier? Is plastic surgery really something this girl can discuss intelligently enough with her mom to consider? Or possibly is it the mother who's intelligence matches her daughters and she should be declared unable to make a decision like that for her daughter?

With the Botox mom currently under investigation for child negligence, which section of the line does this cross as well?

Text Corinna Fabre
Source(s): Fashionsta

Warby Parker Eyewear Cheapies to Help Invisible Children Initiative

Chic and cheap $95 prescription+frame eyewear brand Warby Parker was in the news recently after being ripped off by Bluefly on their one price for all glasses plus special add-ons package. Not only is Bluefly's Eyefly mooching off of ever-popular Warby Park's frames and Rx lens packages, but they also initially used Warby Parker's images as a placeholder on their newly launched website.

But, the good guys in this situation didn't let a little controversy get in the way of a product launch that will bring real good to the world with a collaboration with Invisible Children. You may remember the documentary released a couple years ago, by student filmmakers from California setting out to capture the story and personal narrative of children affected by the Lord's Resistance Army reign in Uganda, that started the whole initiative.

The cause is still going strong years later. Look cool in Warby Parker's Griffin sunglasses complete with grey UV 400 lenses, revolver black acetate frame and five-barrel hinges. Buy them here. Each pair of Griffin sunglasses in black will put $30 towards the fight against the use of children soldiers in Joseph Kony's Rebel War in central Africa.

Text Joann Pan
Source(s): Racked.com, WarbyParker.com, InvisibleChildren.com, Eyefly.com

Boys Just Want To Have Fun...With Bags

Somewhere along the age-old evolution of fashion, a great divide naturally surfaced within the industry's gender roles. Women aimed to be chic, and men preferred to meet chicks. Women subscribed to the monthly Vogue, and men wore jeans, sneaks and other things not à la mode. Women were allowed bags, and men were assigned to carry them as their partners shopped the day away. In other words, men became bag holders rather than bag carriers. In this ill-fated world, men were beginning to fall into perpetual faux pas. But leave it to the gentlemen of Europe to revolutionize the public perception of what a man should wear and emphasize the meaning of class, a term classically unrelated to biological anatomy. Men too can carry bags if they wish. In fact, as conveyed by the exquisitely chic Filson bag in the above photo, men can give women quite the run for their money in the accessory department and still have time to bring home the bacon.

Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermès, and high-street counterparts like River Island are only some of the many brands that have envisioned a new life for the everyday man. This man can carry a functional tote across town without being considered effeminate. Or bear a designer clutch at fashion week without worrying about passerby criticism. Or sport a leather satchel on the way to the office without drawing semi-comical references to The Hangover. The limits in men's fashion have come close to being limitless, and the concept of "masculine" style has come a far ways from the days of gym shorts and fanny packs. But while the bag trend has signified a bright future for men's fashion, it is not very likely it will soon transcend the territory of couture gowns and dresses. Could it?

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Jak and Jil by Tommy Ton

What To Wear This Summer? All White in Fendi!

Looking for a summer outfit inspiration? Well head over to Fendi's website for some great summer looks.

With a fun and unique user interface, you have the option of either viewing the Spring and Summer 2011 Collections, as well as the Fall and Winter Collections. What fun it can be to know what new styles will be showing up for seasons to come. I, personally would love to wear this outfit showed simply because of the color white. White is so fun and flattering for summer. The color can be sexy and classy as well. Also, showing off the sexiest bone in a woman's body, the collar bone, is always enticing. Wearing a one-piece outfit like this will definitely make a woman stand out. With all of this white, she can almost look angelic. These are the types of pieces that make you smile with delight at how much you would love to wear each one this summer!

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): Fendi.com

Summer Heat vs Office Dress Code

With the increase in temperatures and the heat on the rise, feeling comfortable in your work attire seems to be a battle for many. On a hot 90 degree day, when most would prefer to be poolside with a drink in hand or laying on the beach, many stick to their priorities and head to work. How can you accommodate not only your office dress code but the Summer heat? Here’s how: Well-known designers such as Ralph Lauren have launched their Spring/Summer 2011 Menswear Collections that range from pinstriped suits to suits with shorts. Instead of wearing a suit with long slacks, why not substitute the slacks with shorts? Suits with shorts are a very stylish trend this Summer. This style would still adhere to a professional look but can accommodate the high temperatures of the season. A light textured dress shirt with a blazer and dress shorts would be a perfect outfit for the office. To accessorize, a tie or bow tie can be worn to complement the shorts suit. Although these fashion trends may not apply to the corporate world, others who have a more laid back and casual dress code can adopt this look.

Text Stephanie Buscema

Source(s): GQ, Esquire, Ralph Lauren

Lara Stone Rubs Shoulders With Justin Timberlake in Vanity Fair

Justin Timberlake lounges around in a jacket and pants by Tommy Hilfiger, gazing into the eyes of the beholder of this month's Vanity Fair. Turn to page 147 and you'll see the beautifully captured photos and article about Timberlake turning 30 and describing how he is " a very different person now" after garnering speed in music and film. The article starts of a day in the life of, and then makes mention of his exercise routine, ex-flame Jessica Biel, success in the movie business and his prime membership in the boy band Nsync. Lara Stone appears in the feature created in Rancho Mirage, California. He is the star of the shoot while the Dutch model lounges around in the background in Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Fendi. What a lucky duck! Stone is known for her trademark gap between her front teeth, Calvin Klein ads, and being dubbed "The Anti-Model" by Cathy Horyn of the New York Times.

Text Joann Pan
Source(s): Vanity Fair, Models.com

4 Beach Must Haves For The Fashion Conscious Fellow

Feel the heat of the sun on your face and the sand between your toes but most of all feel great in your beachwear. The four beach must haves of the summer include styling shades, nautically fun swim trunks, boat shoes and fashionable fedoras. Well known label, Sperry Top-Sider provide men who have a passion for the sea with trendy boat shoes. The Men’s Authentic Original Boat shoe, defines the typical, stylish beach loving male. Wear these shoes with Ralph Lauren’s Sanibel Sails Trunks that are covered in vintage sails and you are dressed and ready to take on the beach. Don’t forget to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing the very popular aviator sunglasses. Specifically Gucci sells the 1933/s aviators that leave you looking undaunted. To complete your perfect beach outfit, don’t forget to wear a fedora. This summer, fedoras are being worn by fashion savvy men on and off the sand. Banana Republic provides the Belmondo raffia straw fedora. This fedora is perfect to match any of your beachwear attire. The hat is made from navy raffia straw and is trimmed with navy plaid. Take on the beach dressing your best by wearing apparel that bellows fashionisto.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Esquire, Gucci, Banana Republic, Sperry Top-Sider, Ralph Lauren

The Sartorialist: Get Inspired By This Summertime Bangles Look

We love this look as seen on the Sartorialist this week. There's nothing more fabulous than a relaxed look complete with a summer hued blouse, comfy slacks and an armful of bangles. Here are some bracelet suggestions for your speckled arm candy look.

Text Joann Pan

Source(s): Polyvore.com

Ready For Red: The Perfect Hue For Fall

It's hard not to think about a fall wardrobe with the current weather conditions. However, no need to fret because there are some really awesome fall trends to research while cooped up indoors and one of them happens to be the hot hue that dominated the runways this last spring; ginger spice red!

Seen on the runways of Karen Walker, Rodarte, Max Azria, and Paul Gurung the spicy hue made a serious statement and pumped up the atmosphere of the collections. Inspired by fall leaves, designers created monochromatic pant looks, flirty sweater dresses, and romantic evening gowns with the hot hue. The color is perfect for the cold weather in that it not only instantly makes an outfit stand out, but it always add a bit of warmth to any cold day.

I kind of can't wait for fall now, can you?

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Style.com

Pamela Love Fall '11: Practical Magic

Time and time again big hitter Pamela Love creates outstanding and outrageous jewelry, this season is no different! It's hard not to fall in love with her previous tribal and slightly morose motifs, as well as her recent collaboration with Topshop, and now she's changing it up with more bewitching colors and a magical theme. Think less "magic" as in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and more "supernatural" like mid-century magicians, featuring crystals and pentagrams and all the makings of an enticing line. Whether you choose to pile on the goodness, or pick a single standout piece to beguile your outfit, you can't go wrong!

Text Corinna Fabre

Source(s): Refinery29.com

Summer: 3 Fashion Trends That Matter

Now that Summer is almost in full swing, the latest fashion trends of this warm weather season are underway. Three of the most popular trends of the summer are colored chino pants, dressier sports coats and light colored dress shirts. Each item contributes vibrancy and class to men's style. You can buy chino pants in every color available and coordinate your outfit with a light colored dress shirt. You can utilized the flexibility of your chino pants by rolling up the bottoms and wearing them with boat shoes giving you a real preppy Summer look. For nights out, add a sports coat to your outfit adding sophistication and a dressier appearance. The plus side to owning these items is being able to have them in every color you want. You can mix and match with any different color chino pants or dress shirt. By just adding a dressier sports coat, the clothes could look like a completely different outfit without the coat. This comfortable dress-wear creates a classy and sophisticated, preppy, summer look.


Text Stephanie Buscema
Sources: GQ, Tommy Hilfiger

Look Smoking Hot With YSL Cigarettes

"Mind if I Smoke?" "Care if I die?"- Well, the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house certainly doesn't as they have redesigned their line of cigarettes this year and are launching major marketing campaigns all over Asia and Russia.

Originally started in the late 80's, the cigarettes were created so that women would always have a "fashionable" choice when lighting up. The box, inspired by the "Le Smoking Jacket" is sleek and sophisticated with a black and gold exterior. While the box is no doubt appealing and the thought of smoking one of these fashion forward lights in a fabulous gown may seem oddly chic, it's hard not to wonder why they are bringing back such an "anti-green" product the same year they are promoting their eco-conscious efforts in manufacturing.

Whatever their intentions may be, the cigarettes are no doubt fabulous but hopefully they won't inspire too many people to pick up a bad habit.

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Refinery29.com