Antoni and Alison's 'Models Walking'

Fashion duo Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts kicked off London Fashion Week with their latest collection, "Models Walking Up and Down in Dresses."  The name may sound a bit simple, but the collection certainly did not disappoint.

Whimsical, lightweight dresses with fun patterns and playful collages provided this collection with a wide range of wearability.

"We wanted to keep it really simple and show people what we do - no magic, get away from the 'quirk,'" Burakowski said in an interview with Vogue.

Clearly, simple works for the fashion tandem, who are in their 25th year together, and after a seven-year hiatus from London Fashion Week, they returned with a big splash.

"It felt right to do this," Burakowski said. "We became interested in the catwalk again and the idea of girls walking up and down."

A video from Antoni and Alison’s runway show is right behind the jump...

Amy Winehouse-Inspired Show Upsets Family

Last week, Jean Paul Gaultier’s show paid tribute to Amy Winehouse, as models dawned the late singer’s signature beehive hairstyle and eye makeup, but not everyone viewed the tribute as such.

The soulful singer’s father, Mitch Winehouse, told British Vogue, “It portrays a view of Amy when she was not at her best and glamorizes some of the more upsetting times in he life. That’s upsetting for her family.” 

Described as a celebration of Winehouse’s impact on fashion by Gaultier, the clothing featured in the show will not be retailed. But Mitch Winehouse said, “This is purely about Gaultier making money,” also mentioning that a donation should have been made in Amy’s name.

“She was an icon of fashion and, truly, the sense of how she mixed the clothes, it was great,” Gaultier said about Winehouse. “It was very eighties, but we did it in a very modern way. It was joyous.”

With everything about Amy Winehouse touching the fashion world, it will be interesting to see how her family responds to future tributes or dedications.

Text Quamé A. Hamlin 
Image GoRunway/VOGUE.com 
Source British Vogue

Tom Ford's Disaster Spring Line

Surprisingly known as a nightmare, Tom Ford's spring 2012 collection has been released for all to make the final call. There's a picture-by-picture gallery of Ford's new line, which has been inspired by what he's known for: ruched dresses and feminine fur jackets. With a focus that is evidently old-fashioned, Ford wanted to stick to the classic side of style in his new collection.

"I don't want to do trendy collections that swing around from season to season," Ford says. "I want to do things that will stay in a woman's wardrobe a long time — quite 'forever' pieces. So I'm looking for consistency."

The Tom Ford "classic" is self-defined as a blouse with a loose, slouchy quality, something fitted at the waist, and a wedge with a chain strap. Take a look at the line, and let us know if you think it's a forever or a for-never line to remember.

Text Brittney Schering
Image Vogue

From Rooms to the Runway

American interior designer Kelly Wearstler wowed the world of luxury living with her unique aesthetic taste. Having a passion for art and design, it was only a matter of time before she segued into the world of fashion. However, this designer is no stranger to the industry — she was named one of Vogue’s Best Dressed back in 2007. Now, four years later, she translates her talent from rooms to the runway. Kelly has made her debut as a fashion designer with her fall 2011 ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

She often explains in her blog that her inspiration for design stems from the materials she works with, which is especially visible in her jewelry collection. Whether she uses brass, pyrite, lapis, or quartz, she maintains a clear grasp of the elements. Her finished products are a result of playful yet thoughtful experimentation. She's a master at constructing organic pieces that are unexpectedly glamorous — they're wearable equivalents of sculptures you'd find in a gallery.

One of Kelly's most admirable traits as a designer is the relationship that she has with her work. Her passion shines in every piece she creates. By way of design, she encourages us to seek out inspiration and find beauty in raw materials, and she reminds us that jewelry is, in fact, art.

The Kelly Wearstler flagship boutique opens in L.A. this fall. But, for all of you East Coasters, her collections are always available at the official Kelly Wearstler site, or just visit Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.


Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Kelly Wearstler

Macy's Expands High Fashion

Just last month, Macy's debuted collections from luxury designer Karl Lagerfeld and Vogue Editor-at-Large and fashion director Anna Dello Russo. Now, the company has added Paris-based designer Giambattista Valli to its list of high fashion.

The new collection offers a wardrobe for the trendy traveller at prices ranging from $50 to $150 — which leaves spending money for souvenirs from, say, France. For those who kept a careful eye on Paris Fashion Week, Valli introduced his inspirations for the Macy's line during his ready-to-wear show.

Valli girl pieces that may catch your eye the next time you find yourself in Macy's include safari-inspired animal prints and pink, feminine florals with that unique and exotic Valli touch. The tan, leopard print coat and trousers shown in the image above are expected to be best sellers at the end of this month. We'll see if such predictions deem true — for now, we'll see you at Macy's.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Versace for H&M Rocks Paris Fashion Week

Whoever's not already in love with H&M may have a change of heart with the Versace addition, which premiered on Monday and has been all the rage at Paris Fashion Week.

Donatella Versace and Anna Dello Russo, Vogue Japan Editor-at-Large and creative consultant, have been sizzling with spunk and leather, looking quite glamorous since the premier viewings of the Versace for H&M collection that were released on Monday in Vogue Russia.

With the public antsy to see the collection, the first images spread like wildfire via scanning, TwitPics, and the like. Donatella Versace was, of course, the first to wear Versace for H&M; she chose a black leather mini dress with gold-studded embroidery and a waist-cinching belt. Anna Dello Russo wore the very same dress at Paris Fashion Week, and she rocked it with simple gold jewelry and lightly curled hair. Needless to say, we cannot wait to snag this look off the rack at H&M.


Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of H&M

Helmut Lang Returns To Fashion Week

The reinvigorated edgy but feminine style of Helmut Lang is returning to the runway after a transitory hiatus. New York Fashion Week will be the label's first fashion show since its relaunch in 2007. The show will be produced by creative directors Michael and Nicole Colovos, former recipients of the prestigious CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and co-founders of denim line Habitual. The husband and wife duo assumed creative control of Helmut Lang in 2006 after Theory acquired the label from Prada and its legendary namesake departed from his creative role.

As Helmut Lang prepares to reemerge with its upcoming runway presentation, the fashion world waits with baited breathe for the brand’s famed dressed-down luxury, modern structures, and minimalist detailing. Nicole and Michael Colovos can be trusted to deliver the original aesthetic that Mr. Lang’s loyalists have been accustomed to, while infusing their own creative vision. The collection continues to boast supreme design integrity with a more utilitarian and raw edge to its pieces.

During Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th, Helmut Lang will have a photo booth set up at its Soho store. Photos taken in the booth will be available online to download onto Facebook or Tumblr. The upcoming runway show on Saturday, September 10th, will also be live streamed on the label’s new Website where an e-commerce page will launch this month.

Text Tiffany Frasier
Source: Helmut Lang

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

Olsens to launch a new website

Fashion's favorite pint sized powerhouses will be starting up yet another style venture this summer. This July, the twins will launch their newest website Stylemint.com, a monthly on-line shopping club. The idea is that members will fill out surveys and quizzes to help create a personalized shopping experience and the items offered will be specifically tailored each individual. According to a recent Vogue.com article, the Olsens wanted this to have a change to "engage with customers directly." The line will begin in July with a collection of Olsen designed t-shirts starting at $29.99 that are certain to sell out immediately. With so much recognition as of late (see their spread in April's Vogue) there is no better time to invest in a bit of the Olsen name. Visit Stylemint.com to be added to the mailing list and to become one of the first buyers!

Text Hannah Morris
Source: Vogue.com
Photo: Stylebyme.net

Wednesday Adams for Miu Miu

Things over at Miu Miu have gotten spooky; with heavy, structural shoulders and a black, white, and orange theme, the fall ready-to-wear line feels like something straight out of the Adams Family. And we like it that way. Vogue called the collection "nothing short of old Hollywood glamour," and the over-sized brass buttons and pointed leather flats really are reminiscent of a by-gone era. Bold shapes and big bows aside, the collection is quite low key for the likes of Miu Miu, and many of the pieces are instantly wearable. Some of the highlights include adorable short swing coats in nude and black as well as bold, black dandelion print dresses.

Text Hannah Morris
Photo: Vogue

In the eyes of the beholder

Anna Wintour Editor-in-Chief of Vogue takes fashion residency as part of alex Kratz first and hugely anticipated first solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. The chosen works of Kratz exhibition range from a group portrait of New York intelligentsia at a cocktail party to portraits of Katz's friends and family, including a portrait of his life-long muse and his wife Ada. But it is the portrait of Wintour which is a new and hugely sucessful approach for Kratz. Capturing Anna unusually without her signature sunglasses, Krtaz became interested in Wintour during the September Issue documentry when he noticed her 'lovely eyes. Sitting for her first painting Kratz described Wintours visit to his New York Studio as, "like shooting a fish in a barrel. There was no way I could miss it." The bright yellow background and use of colour, softens the harsh associations of Wintours public character and creates a softer intriguing personality.ALEX KATZ PORTRAITS will run from 15 May - 21 September 2010, in Rooms 41 and 41a in the Contemporary Collections in the Lerner Galleries of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

by Katriona Flynn

Cabbages and Frocks

The Cabbages and Frocks Market in the beautiful Marleybone Village, is a splendid alternative to an arty afternoon out and about in the sun, away from the shadier galleries. Noted as being one of the locations of Vogue's secret address book and declared by the Independent as one of the 'Top 50 Best markets', the surroundings, the characters, the atmosphere create a wondrous time out. Offering anarray of products from art to craft to brick and brac to who knowswhat else, it is like an alternative to the legendary Portobello, although much, much smaller.

However, this is the beauty of Cabbages and Frocks it almost feels like a school fair that offers vintage Channel. Quite the school fair, but it is indeed Maryleybone after all. The trick is to keep your eyes open, and of course enjoy yourself. The food and beverages are global and delicious, the only thing that cannot be guaranteed, is the weather, it is London after all.

Every Saturday 11 - 5 Marleybone.
 

By Katriona Flynn

"Like shooting a fish in a barrel. There was no way I could miss it."

Anna Wintour Editor-in-Chief of Vogue takes fashion residency as part of Alex Katz first and hugely anticipated first solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. The chosen works of Katz exhibition range from a group portrait of New York intelligentsia at a cocktail party to portraits of Katz's friends and family, including a portrait of his life-long muse and his wife Ada. But, it is the portrait of Wintour which is a new and hugely sucessful approach for Katz. Capturing Anna unusually without her signature sunglasses, Katz became interested in Wintour during the September issue documentry when he noticed her 'lovely eyes. Sitting for her first painting Katz described Wintours visit to his New York Studio as, "like shooting a fish in a barrel. There was no way I could miss it." The bright yellow background and use of colour, softens the harsh associations of Wintours public character and creates a softer intriguing personality. This exhibition explians exactly why Alex Katz is deemed as one of the most exceptional painters of our time. ALEX KATZ PORTRAITS will run from 15 May - 21 September 2010, in Rooms 41 and 41A in the Contemporary Collections in the Lerner Galleries of the National Portrait Gallery, London.


By Katriona Flynn

Louise Gray

Louise Gray is exactly like her designs- loud and proud. Featured in style bibles such as Dazed and Confused, Vogue and the International Herald Tribune, she's quickly made a name for herself since achieving her MA from Central Saint Martins and has gained sponsorship from fashion east three times- clearly the mark of a very talented designer. Since setting up her own label, she's focussed on crafting brighly coloured and boldly textured pieces heavily influenced by London, where she currently resides. Folk and punk elements are combined with trompe l'eoile effects and embellishments to make outstanding and eye-catching pieces. For S/S 10, Gray has opted for graphic zigzag prints a la Missoni and bright colours. She has also launched an eight-piece collection for online retailer asos.com, fittingly named Smiley.

Kay Weston

Making Her Claim to Fame

Fashion is always looking for the next big thing. And after last nights CFDA and Vogue Fashion Fund in New York, we may have found it.

Sophie Theallet, winner of $200,000 to help fund and develop her collections, as well as a year-long mentorship with fashion professionals, has a new collection that even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has taken notice of.

Theallets signature is bohemian luxe seen through the eyes of a sophisticated couturier. Her clothes have a strong French accent, but exude a freedom of spirit that transcends all borders.

Theallet was first noticed by magazine editors in 2009 when she presented her Spring 2009 collection using only African American women. Since then she has made a name for herself on the New York fashion scene.

Sophie Theallet is a designer to definitely watch out for. Take a look through her collection I'm sure you will find pieces that are must haves for your spring wardrobe.

- Erin Jones

The September Issue

Now I don't know how many of you fell in love with The Devil Wears Prada but I certaintly did. For me that movie is the reason I got into fashion. It is said that Meryl Streep's character was suppose to be inspired by Anna Wintour, but let's face it if anyone is going to portray Anna it will be herself.

The indie film The September Issue, which is consider to be the "real" devil wears prada will be released in New York on August 28th, and in Los Angeles and select cities on September 11th.

The September Issue takes the viewer inside a world they only think they know. It follows legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, as she prepares the September issue of Vogue. It is an intimate, funny and surprising look at Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors as they create this must-have Bible of fashion. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of Fashion Week, on shoots and re-shoots and into closed-door staff meetings. It shows you every place you wish you were.

The dates for this movie release should be marked on every fashionistas calendar; I know they are circled on mine. It is the one time when followers of Vogue are allowed into the world they only wish they were apart of. This movie will help you understand what it takes to make it in the cut throat world of fashion.

-Erin Jones

The September Issue

Only one magazine comes to mind when you think of this fall issue--Vogue. And now, a movie by the same title will be out this summer (August 28th) chronicling Anna Wintour and her staff and they put together the issue that 1 in 10 American women buy and read.

While you may think,"God, enough with Anna Wintour already!" The documentary actually focuses on the the day to day tasks, people, deadlines, and project objectives that it takes to get this nearly 1,000 page issue to print.

But, if you just want to gawk at the most famous magazine editor in the world, I'm sure she'll be on her best behavior for the cameras but not without a few nasty slip-ups here or there.

Regardless, it looks like an entertaining fashion documentary!

Vogue Editor Attacks Fashion Houses

Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue, sent a letter to major fashion houses last week denouncing their use of "substantially smaller" sample sizes. According to Shulman, by doing so they force the publication to hire often unhealthy models to fit the clothes. Not intended for publication, the leaked letter to Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Muiccia Prada, Dontalla Versace, and other major fashion players outlines that:

"We have now reached a point where many of the sample sizes don't comfortably fit even the established star models. Instead we are having to use girls with jutting hip bones and no breasts or hips, to fit them. Nowadays I will often ask the photographers to retouch to make the models appear larger. I am finding that the feedback from my readers and the general feeling in the UK is that people really don't want to see such thin girls in either editorial or advertising."

Shulman, who has edited the publication for over 20 years, also placed blamed on people inside the publishing world. She later told the Times that, "Quite often I hear the fashion editor say when talking about one model or another 'I don't think she will fit the clothes.' Some of the girls she was talking about were already very thin."

Only time will tell if Shulman's outrage will translate into more open-minded designers. However, while her attitude is welcome, I doubt Anna Wintour shares her sentiments. What do you think? Do you think models are too thin or has the industry already begun to change?

Watch: Anna Wintour on 60 Minutes

60 Minutes is famous for their in-depth reporting, ticking clock intro and outro, and wacky Andy Rooney. But, occasionally, they decide to do human interest pieces and last week they chose famed fashion editor Anna Wintour as their subject.

In the piece, Wintour defends her reputation as a cold, hard-lined magazine maven who knows what she wants and gets what she wants. When asked if she's a perfectionist, Wintour asserts, "I like looking at my clothes rack in the morning and deciding what to pick out." We would too if Conde Nast gave us a $200,000 a year clothing budget.

But for all her Miranda Priestly mystique, the interview is fascinating simply because Wintour so rarely speaks to the press. And while it may seem odd to have Morley Safer asking the Vogue editor about fashion, the accomplished journalist and the infamous editor actually make for excellent TV viewing.

Shoe Torture

I would just like to take a minute and talk about one thing...the Spring 2009 amazingness brought to us by Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte. Specifically, the shoes. If you know anything about current fashion, then you know what I'm referring to. If you don't, then put a condom on your head because I think I may have just blew your mind. These shoes have been spotted on the streets of Paris recently worn by a Miss Sally Singer (Vogue), a woman with fabulous fashion sense but terrible hair. Now, everywhere you look, or at least everywhere I have been looking, which are places you should be looking too, I have seen a shoe trend...buckles. But not just any buckles, strappy buckles, multiple strappy buckles. Shoes asphyxiated by straps...and it's turning me on. No, I'm not into S&M, unless it has to do with Gucci's new Babouska sandal ($1,295) or Jimmy Choo's Glenys Elaphe snakeskin sandal (also $1,295). I have been pretty "meh" about the overuse of them recently but once I saw the Rodarte beauties, with the gold D-rings and metallic chunk heel, I converted to a full on masochist. Check out Mr. Kirkwood's shoe collection and you too will fall in love...or lust. Just remember the safety word.