A Sweet Send Off for Jil Sander’s Raf Simons

Is there any greater reward than a standing ovation led by Anna Wintour? That’s how the fashion world bade farewell (for now) to Jil Sander’s creative director Raf Simons at his final runway show this past Saturday in Milan. The hearty applause was well deserved, as Simons ended his six-and-a-half-year stint at the label with a gorgeous, clean collection that maintained Jil Sander’s signature minimalist feel with a soft, feminine flair. Starting out with a pastel palette which slowly made room for splashes of red, metallic silver, and glossy black, the designer showed voluminous wool coats paired with body-conscious, lingerie-like dresses (not to mention fabulous separates and jumpsuits). Though expertly understated, the line certainly was not without a wow factor, from clever front cutouts to a stunning structured black dress quite possibly made from the same material as the rubber suit in American Horror Story.

The 44-year-old Belgian designer’s departure comes after an announcement that founder Jil Sander will return as the creative director of her eponymous line on Monday. As excited as we are to see Sander back at the helm, Simons's brilliant showing on Saturday proved that he’ll be greatly missed. But there is some good news. Rumors are buzzing that Sander’s surprise move makes it all the more likely that Simons will take the reins at Dior, since the fashion house infamously ousted John Galliano after his controversial comments. One thing’s for sure: Wherever Raf Simons goes, the fashion world will follow.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Fashionista.com

Get Peppy With Peplum

This spring, put a little bit of pep in the step you take from your closet to the sidewalk, as the mid- to late-fifties style trend known as peplum is back for another round. 

When visualizing peplum, think of old school glamour, nipped-in waistlines, and a little bit of volume added out from the waist. Do not fret: Peplum glam is supposed to add curves in all the right places. It can be as easy as adding a bit of “peppy” flare at the tail end of a blazer or giving a simple flounce to the waistline of a skirt. Either way, the trend preaches spring with each effortless bounce. 

True, peplums may seem couture (thank you, Christian Dior), but Marc Jacobs was able to give the old peplum style some street cred. By adding some flare to ready-to-wear skirts, like his Ellsworth Taffeta Dress, he has transported this look from Paris haute couture to coffee shop chic.

Text Katelyn Chef 
Sources Style.com and Marc Jacobs
Image Style.com

The Nose Knows: Dior Vernis Fragrant Nail Polish

The age-old saying that beauty comes at a price is still relevant. What exactly is the price that we pay? Is it deep down in our pockets, or is it on a level of personal discomfort? Or maybe it's both. Whatever that price may be, the beauty minds behind Dior have helped ease the discomfort that always seems to be matched with being beautiful and stylish.

Kiss the putrid scent of stinky nail polish goodbye, and say hello to the scent of fragrant florals. Dior’s nail polish line, Dior Vernis, offers two limited edition scented polishes that make painting nails a pure fantasy.

The minty green Water Lily and the light lilac Forget-Me-Not polish hues hit all of the five senses on cue. Each nail polish delivers a rather divine rosy scent. Fussy fumes never have to be a beauty junkie’s complaint again while there is room for fancy fingers and tasteful toes. Dior Vernis polishes are not only sweet on the nose, but they are also easy on the eyes.

Thank you, Dior, for this heaven-scented good deed.

Text Katelyn Chef 
Image & Source Dior 

Lady in Red, Again and Again

The topic of the thirteenth annual New York Fashion Conference has been revealed: "Red: Allure, Style, and Significance." Who would've thought that the power of red was something large enough to be discussed at this yearly event — better yet, who thought it wasn't?

The dashing power color is a recurring favorite for many top designers, including Dior, Lanvin, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent. During the conference, the history of red will be examined, as well as its birth into the world of fashion and its psychological symbolism, which has a prime role in all cultures across the board.

The event is scheduled to take place at CUNY on the weekend of Dec. 3. Award-winning filmmaker Matt Tyranauer and InStyle Magazine creative director Hal Rubenstein will share a few words, along with the authors of Pantone: The 20th Century in Color, Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker.

If you could ask one question about the power of this ever-recurring color of fashion, what would it be?

Text Brittney Schering
Image Marie Claire

Pinball is Dior's New Black

Our industry is nothing but opulent. As a leader of the most extravagant, Dior has brought a new way of incorporating a little bit of fashion into our lives — with a pinball machine that plays with pearls. 

According to Dior, the game is supposed to "show, in a light and fun way, the richness and savoir faire of Dior." Mind you, the game is virtual, but the 3-D video alone creates a different take on the traditional Mise en Dior necklace, in a very glitzy and techy way. 

Until this dream becomes a reality, Dior has found a clever way to reinvent their typical advertisement.

Text Corinna Fabre
Source Dior

Iconic Boot Creator Dies at 94: Rest in Peace Nathan Clark

The Desert Boot as gained popularity in the men’s fashion world. Not only has the boot made a statement through celebrities and their fashion but by everyday people. Nathan Clark, the creator of the fashion accessory has passed away at 94 years old. Clark who died on June 23rd, created these lace of ankle boot. The boot got its name, Desert Boot because they were worn by desert fighters in Burma during World War II. Those in Britain did not immediately like the suede material and crepe sole of the boot. However, in America, the boots were loved. What really made these Desert Boots notable was the fact there was a lack of maintenance. Labels such s J.Crew, Dior, Opening Ceremony and TOPMAN have interpreted the Desert Boots. Clark is the great-grandson of the founder of Clarks, a brand that sells women and men’s shoes.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): GQ

Galliano "Loves Hitler," Fashion Industry Personalities Show Support

No one can claim that fashion is an industry of wallflowers. John Galliano is definitely one big personality, known for his experimental designs and theatrical shows, but recent events have taken his eccentric image to a whole other level. On February 25, Dior announced that Galliano has been suspended following his arrest at a Paris bar over allegations of anti-Semitic slurs. Three days later, The Sun posted an older video of an inebriated Galliano saying to fellow diners in the same bar, “I love Hitler.. People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be fucking gassed.” Today, Dior has officially announced that they have fired their creative director just days before the fashion house’s A/W 2011 collection on March 4.

Needless to say, this is all very shocking in the midst of fashion month, but what fuels the already huge fire is the support of many industry personalities towards Galliano. See what Patricia Field, Chanel Iman and others are saying after the jump.

Text Kristina Bravo

Karolina Kurkova: Versatile. Who Knew?

Karolina Kurkova is known for being a very sexy, Victoria's Secret model. She is a Czech, blonde bombshell with a 5'11" rockin' bod. She has walked the runway in the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as a knockout angel and after having a baby in 2009, she returned to the lingerie powerhouse shortly after to grace the pages of the catalogue. Now, with a completely different look, you can see her in the latest editions of any fashion magazine as a model for Max Mara.

Though I have rarely seen Kurkova in any other campaigns, she has been in Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Oscar De La Renta, Dior and Celine campaigns. Needless to say, this is the most artful look I have ever seen on her. She looks highly sophisticated and sharp. Her features appear precise.

Many models always look the same in every photo and with certain models, you don't notice because they are so stunning. Karolina Kurkova is that type of model. Her look for this campaign is unlike her typical sexy and gorgeous look, and it threw me off a little bit. I needed to take a second and take it in because I wasn't sure if it really was her. Then I noticed it was, and I was stunned. I thought, "Wow. This model really is versatile." That right there proves that she deserves her "Supermodel" status.

Text Alexandra Faye

Pucker Pick Me Up

I wake up in a pitch-black room, look out my window and see complete darkness, not a single ray of sunlight in the sky. I have plans to go shopping with friends but really, who wants to be productive when the gloomy weather sets up the perfect “lazy day.” What I need is a quick pick me up, something to pull me out of bed to get my day going. I need something to boost my confidence and make me feel alive. That’s when I resort to my staples, I lay in bed thinking and I finally figure it out. I rummage through my makeup bag and find my nude lipstick. I take it out, put it on and I feel like perfection. I am ready to conquer my day no matter what the weather outside may be. It sounds silly, but nude lipstick is the perfect pick me up. It is simple, but does the trick. I don’t always like wearing a bright, heavy lipstick, so it is good to pucker up and put on something a little more natural but still have your lips looking perfectly plump. The best part about nude lipstick is that it can come in a plethora of different shades and can be worn all year round.

Sephora has a myriad of brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Nars, and Dior. The Bare Essentials variation even has anti oxidants, Vitamin E and SPF in them. So pucker up, apply it liberally, and feel the glow.

Text Cara Jacobs

Runway: Christian Dior Resort 2011

On May 15th, the Christian Dior Resort 2011 Collection walked in Shanghai, China. Aside from being the first time the fashion house presented a collection in Shanghai, the fashion house also celebrated the re-opening of the Dior store and the launch of their new fragrance, Escale a Shanghai. While one may assume John Galliano was influenced by the Far East, the designer took a different route, bringing the sixties bee-hives to China.

Ruffles were all the rage, whether tiered or strategically placed. In contrast to last season's bare all and lingerie philosophy, there was more coverage and believe it or not, 3/4 sleeved jackets and coverups. Another contrast? The emergence of pretty pastelle colors in hues of white, pink and lilac from neons of the eighties revival. This collection is definitely for the pretty pin-up girl at heart.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Platform on a Pedestal

Granted the height of the heel shortened for Fall 2010 compared to considerable and nonexistent heights in Fall 2009; however, the platform heel isn't going anywhere. With origins in Greek history, actors wore platforms for theatrics. In bold colors [see image of amazing Dior platform] and prints, the platform shoe can make the most casual outfit semi-dressy and sexy. How to pull off a sexy pair of platform heels without looking like you just came off the set of Pretty Woman ... ? Leave something to the imagination for starters. If you wear a pair of platforms, you can pair it with a pair of denim skinny jeans and an adorable feminine floral top. Another idea? Pair with a cute cut out feminine ruffled dress and try the feminine socks trend. Transition into the fall by wearing tights or leggings.

-Tamera Blair Darden