ELLE & ELLE girl
ElleGirl
Photo: ImaxTREE
Fashion houses have been sweating it up, and the invites are already rolling in. In less than two weeks, the fashion world will take over New York City for one of the year’s most anticipated events: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, running from February 9 to February 16. Designers, celebrities, editors, and fashion lovers will all flock to the tents at Lincoln Center to get a first look at the spring/summer collections. With over 90 designers showing their stuff, here are the collections we’re most excited about (now we just need to snag a ticket!): February 10 Rebecca Minkoff When: 3 p.m. Where: Theatre
Photo: ImaxTREE
Rebecca Minkoff may be known for her perfectly sized and styled handbags, but her clothing is also a perfect fit for the 20-something urban chic sophisticate: luxurious and glam yet casual and vintage looking. Hilary Duff, Hayden Panettiere, and Lindsay Lohan have all been spotted in her designs. Charlotte Ronson When: 7 p.m. Where: Stage
Photo: ImaxTREE
We’ve harbored a major girl crush on this talented Brit ever since she her first showing at NYFW in spring 2009. Sister to DJ Samantha and music producer Mark, this fashion-forward Ronson incorporates the same casual and cool laid-back vibe into her clothing as her sibs do in their music. February 12 Timo Weiland When: 9 p.m. Where: Studio
Photo: ImaxTREE
Add Timo Weiland to your list of designers to watch. After launching a neckwear line in pre-fall 2009, the designer expanded to a full collection womenswear and menswear fashioned with wild and exotic prints reminiscent of the classic European paintings he so adores (Weiland studied European history as an undergrad at Vanderbilt). February 13 Betsey Johnson When: 6 p.m. Where: Theatre
Photo: ImaxTREE
Betsey Johnson’s runway shows are just as over the top as her designs (she’s known for capping off each one with a cartwheel!) With prom on the brain, don’t miss getting a first look at this season’s amazingly embellished party dresses. February 14 J.Crew When: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Where: Studio
Photo: ImaxTREE
J.Crew is definitely one of our go-tos for closet staples—we can’t get enough of their preppy East coast style. Last season, the retailer impressed with a series of schoolgirl looks that could be worn to school with a pair of patent leather loafers or at night with a pair of heels and a clutch. February 15 Whitney Eve When: 9 a.m. Where: Studio
Photo: ImaxTREE
This marks Whitney Eve’s first solo show at NYFW, and we’re curious to see what the former reality TV star/budding designer is cooking up. Her line boasts eclectic, girly pieces as well as androgynous, menswear-inspired looks—all styled with an array of unique patterns and colors. According to Port, her collection has “grown so much over the years.” Here’s hoping this year brings some good changes!
Elle.Stardoll
Photo: Sandro
Last month, Sandro sent out invitations to their New York Fashion Week party, in honor of the Bleecker Street store that opened late last year. Upon RSVP, there was mention of Dree Hemingway. Turns out the model (and famous literary spawn) has designed a ten piece capsule collection for the French brand. The boho collection was inspired by Hemingway’s youth, spent in Idaho, and—from the t-shirt at left—looks very Isabel Marant-like. Look for the collection in stores this spring. Meanwhile, Hemingway’s also been tapped to host a dinner in honor of Dannijo alongside ManRepeller’s Leandra Medine as a kick off to New York Fashion Week. Wonder if we’ll see her on any runways this season?
- Elle.Stardoll
Kate Moss dismisses rumors of an autobiography in an interview with the Times. Sounds like we’ll have to wait quite a long time to hear the story of her life.
- Elle.Stardoll
de Sola with her design Partner, Karla Martinez
Ever wonder what a designer does all day? We asked designer, Cecilia de Sola of Piamita, who’s based in Santiago, Chile, to write it all down—on one particularly busy day.
8:00 AM Coffee and papers. This is the bit of time I take each morning to catch up on news, read my blogs, keep up with friends, and deal with any personal things before moving on to work-related matters.
9:00 AM I am at my desk going through emails and my to-do list for the day. We are changing a few things on our website this month so today I am going over layouts and approving revisions to be uploaded on Piamita.com by the end of the week.
10:00 AM It’s still 8AM in New York, so I have a Skype conference call with my partner Karla [Martinez] about our AW 2012 lookbook shoot options, confirmed market appointments, and the design of a new jacket we are working on for the collection. Noon My little bit of luxury for the day: an hour long private pilates class with my friend Carlota Bouquet.
Photo: Piamita
1:30 PM My trusted seamstress Maria Teresa arrives to do fittings for some of the pieces we are working on for the AW 2012 collection.
3:30 PM I review different cotton options and colors for what will be resort 2012.
4:00 PM I go to our factory to check in on the fall fabrics that have arrived for our samples and to oversee some of the cutting and other details related to our SS 2012 production that is well underway. It’s very busy here as we have to perfect some blouses with the seamstresses and pattern-makers before they can be sent down the production line. All requires a lot of attention to detail, patience, and teamwork.
Fabric bolts at the factory
6:00 PM Still at the factory! I have now moved on to focusing on the details of the AW 2012 collection—we’re in the process of perfecting our samples in time for market week.
8:00 PM Back at my desk, I answer emails and put some calls in before the end of the day in New York. I am constantly working with people in three different time zones so I try to get back to everyone I need to before signing off for the day.
9:30 PM I prepare dinner for me and my husband and then happily escape into the latest episode of Downton Abbey.
- ElleGirl
Photo: Getty
While we are complete advocates of the don’t-talk-to-strangers-no-matter-how-cute-they-are policy, a study completed by Purdue University has shown that a upward glance and a coy smile might actually be good for you. Researchers found that avoiding eye contact when walking past someone or looking over their shoulder, away from them or “looking at them as if they were air,” has a negative effect on others and can make you feel disconnected. According to the study, you don’t even have to smile to feel more in tune with others, which can lead to feeling better about yourself. Researchers wrote that “people who had gotten eye contact…with or without a smile, felt less disconnected than people who had been looked at as if they weren’t there.” Eric D. Wesselman added, “These are people that you don’t know, just walking by you, but them looking at you or giving you the air gaze—looking through you—seemed to have at least momentary effect.” So next time you’re tempted to glance at the cutie you see everyday after fourth period, don’t turn down the opportunity. It might just make your day and his.
- Elle.Stardoll
Photo: Sofia Coppola for H&M
Here’s the first look at H&M’s print campaign for their hugely anticipated collaboration with Marni. We already know that it launches in March, and that they’ve hired Sofia Coppola to creatively direct the campaign and accompanying video. Now we know that Imogen Poots stars in the dreamy shots and that the gold brocade suit (dress?) above will retail for around $90. Also, that the partnership will be feted in LA (a new locale for H&M) with a huge party the day after New York Fashion Week. Sounds like London has new competition…
- Elle.Stardoll
A still from the film Fashion’s love of glamorous mini-movies has made its way to LA where designer Geren Lockhart, of Geren Ford, has enlisted a few film-making friends to produce a branded short. In anticipation of her label’s just opened retail location/studio hybrid in Los Angeles, the film celebrates Geren Ford’s spring ’12 collection by exposing what her muses get up to after nightfall. A cross between Laguna Beach and the opening credits of How to Make it in America (Terry Richardson-esque stop motion and all), the project was a collaboration between Lockhart and costume designer Casey Storm, who’s previous outings include Being John Malkovitch, Where the Wild Things Are, and Rebel, starring the always-clever James Franco. Rain Phoenix and John Gold star as debaucherous surfside socialistas who enlist the help of firecrackers and assorted carbonated beverages to nab some lady love. Click through to see the film! Geren Ford Spring 2012 Fashion Film from Geren Ford on Vimeo.
- Elle.Stardoll
Deyn in a still from the film Waris Ahluwalia, the all-encompassing creative, has collaborated on a short film with a bevy of his glitterati friends as part of his new duties as a ‘global explorer’ for Starwood’s Luxury Collection of Hotels and Resorts. Featuring Agyness Deyn, the film matches Heidi Bivens’ expert styling with the (until now unknown) musical talents of actor Jason Schwartzman. “It’s a story of a girls traveling through America, it’s a love story, a treasure hunt, and a cross-country journey,” Ahluwalia explained over lunch yesterday afternoon. Conceptualized as a group effort between Ahluwalia, Tilda Swinton, Sandro Kopp and director, Luca Guadagnino, the tranquil film tracks Deyn as she follows a string of anonymous love letters that lead her cross-country—stopping at three lush resorts along the way. Beginning with falconry the Equinox Resort & Spa in Vermont, moving on to the Phoenician in Scottsdale, and then culminating amongst rich palms and greenery at The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Deyn pouts and prevails (sans dialogue) throughout her entire luxuriant all-American adventure. Despite modest efforts, Ahluwalia didn’t get away without a featured role. Though his face remains unseen, the jewelry designer’s hands play a starring role in the film as the only glimpse of Deyn’s lover. Though we prodded to find out if Ahluwalia had a pre-filming hand-beauty routine (with good reason- they’re of model quality), the designer insisted that there were no heavy moisturizers on-set for his a mano close-up. Graciously segueing back to the film, he elaborated, “I’m a story teller, it doesn’t matter if it’s jewelry or a short film—they all tell a tale.” Click through to watch the film!
- Elle.Stardoll
Chanel's aisle runway. Photo: Getty Images
January 23rd continued…
16:06 – View Vionnet’s pre-fall collection, the first done by new design duo Barbara and Lucia Croce. This is the first time the Italian twin sisters have worked together professionally and it looks not to be the last. The accessories are particularly chic.
16:45 – Rush back to le Meurice to answer emails. New York is awake!
19:30 – Walk over to l’Hôtel de Crillon for the Giambattista Valli show. All the usual international socials are mixed into the front row with Selma Hayek, Lee Radziwill and Diane Kruger.
19:55 – Diane Kruger uses her iPhone to snap a pic of a gorgeous black, beaded cocktail dress with an exaggerated ruffle at the bottom. I love the little silver metal bow belt; it adds some edge. I wonder if we will see it on the red carpet any time soon?!
20:13 – Back to le Meurice to catch a taxi to the Tod’s event
20:47 – Arrive at Hotel Amour, the scene of Jefferson Hack’s voyeuristic installation for Tod’s. The hotel was divided into vignettes filled with models doing very French things: drawing each other from life, playing cards, getting a massage…all while wearing Tod’s, of course. The party continues downstairs and there’s time for one quick glass of champagne before calling it a night. Must head back to the hotel to begin securing looks from what I have seen that day for our annual Women In Music issue and its cover…and to answer more emails!
Jefferson Hack's No Code for Tod's. Photo: Tod's
Tuesday, January 24th
10:21 – Hurry out the door to begin a very full day! Today it’s the Céline coat, hair pulled back with a black bow a la Chanel.
10:55 – Arrive at Dior offices for a viewing of their pre-fall collection. Love that the colors reflect the mood of the couture. There is a fabulous black patent leather skirt that is tres chic and tres ELLE.
11:24 – The Dior girls attempt to sneak me upstairs to see the Couture up close in between the very strictly set and secret client appointments. I am only able to get a few photos before I am whisked out of the room again, but I got exactly what I need!
12:05 – Arrive at the Grand Palais, scene of Chanel’s signature mob.
12:11 – Chanel’s know for its elaborate sets which are almost as much a part of the show as the fashion. As I enter, I’m lead down a silver corridor, which feels a bit like a jet way. It empties out into a replica of an airplane cabin complete with passenger-like seats and a steward going up and down the aisle with a cart full of orange juice and champagne.
12:37 – Take off Chanel style! The aisle of the cabin begins to light up from the top of the runway and the models emerge in super galactic stewardess chic. Everything’s in tones of blue; I especially loved the ice blue looks. Sending a picture to our Creative Director Joe Zee while the show is still going on!
12:51 – Cockpit doors open and “Captian Karl” emerges to a roar of applause from the 200 or so attentive “passengers.” Definitely the smallest, most exclusive show yet!
Roberta Armani, Jessica Chastain & Cameron Diaz front row at Armani. Photo: Getty Images
13:04 – Hurry out of the Grand Palais and head to L’Avenue for lunch with TOD’s girl Sarika Rastogi. L’Avenue is THE place for lunch in Paris according to anyone in fashion.
14:15 – After a lovely lunch, must head back to the Grand Palais (this time in the pouring rain) for Armani Privé. No umbrella, must use Chanel Couture folder as a cover—and everyone thinks fashion is so glamorous.
15:11 – From planes to snakes (didn’t someone combine those once?) Armani’s all emerald collection is sssssss-uper ssssss-tylish and reptilian inspired.
Click here to see the rest of the couture collections!
- ElleGirl
- 2011 was a great year for outrageous hue highlights with celebrities like Dianna Agron, Sienna Miller, and Lauren Conrad experimenting with bright pinks in their hair. The trend—which we love—has carried over into 2012, with Dakota Fanning and others adding bursts of bright color to their locks. Want the look? Check out our stellar DIY and see how the stars are working candy colored hues below!
Photo: Splash News
Dakota Fanning told ELLE UK that “you can’t worry about what other people think, especially if you’re a known person.” The teen fashion icon and college freshman started rocking pink tips last week and even if she doesn’t care what we think, we love it.
Photo: Splash
News In a recent photo shoot for Adidas, Katy Perry showed off her new bright blue bob. Known for going bold with a full head of bright hues, the singer’s been rocking the cotton candy color since she began making huge hit singles.
Photo: Splash News
Snooki celebrated New Year’s Eve with a deep shade of pink in her long locks, and has kept the look for 2012. While we’re used to the “reality star” going too far with looks—bronzer overload, anyone?—we love the not so subtle streaks.
Photo: Splash News
Kelly Osbourne has been rocking lavender highlights on the red carpet this award season. The light color has let her second new shade: a light ash blonde show through.
Photo: Splash News, Twitter
Lauren Conrad is renown for changing up her hair mid-breakup but this week’s pink—she uploaded a pic of her newly dyed hair on Twitter—comes with zero baggage.
Photo: Splash News
X-Factor finalist Amelia Lily picked a pastel shade over neon when picking out a pink. Her look is reminiscent of Katy Perry’s signature shade before the pop star switched over to blue.
