Prada spring 2011, Imaxtree

Coco Chanel liberated women with them, Jean Paul Gaultier swears by them, and Sonia Rykiel founded a career on them. Stripes are back for spring 2011 (if you can say they ever went out in the first place) and popular at Prada and Jil Sander among others. But now, they’re all over the runway in multiple shapes and color combinations, each more surprising than the last. And no, it’s not all about that bold Prada print.

Lacoste, Imaxtree

Who needs arm candy when the wrist is such a show-stopper? Bangles were the accessory to have at the spring 2011 shows, adding some bling to the models limbs. Minimalist ceramic cuffs and exotic wooden rings spiced up Lacoste, while slim neon bracelets brightened up DSQUARED2. Chunky or elegant, solo or piled-on, Roberto Cavalli, Edun, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan also had their say.

Robert DeNiro & Uma Thurman on the red carpet last night. Photo: Getty Images

The Cannes film festival officially opened last night with a screening of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris and the festival’s opening ceremony. Given Rachel McAdam’s star turn in Paris and Uma Thurman’s place on the jury there was plenty of room for sartorial stunners and neither disappointed. Thurman wore white Versace with long green earrings while McAdams chose a lacy red Marchesa dress to walk the carpet with Allen and co-star (and boyfriend) Michael Sheen. Salma Hayek donned a classic sparkling number while Fan Bingbing’s red dress was covered with white swans. Faye Dunaway’s white gown looked like it was made for the south of France and though Freaks and Geeks‘ Linda Cardellini’s the last person we’d expect to show up in Cannes, her purple dress made for a pleasant surprise. Click through to see the looks and tell us who’s your favorite!

Photo: Roksanda Illincic

Ever wonder what a designer does all day? Here’s a play by play from London-based Roksanda Illincic!

Valli with Doutzen Kroes at the Met. Photo: Getty Images

Giambattista Valli‘s been elected a guest of the Chambre Syndicale, the French committee of couturiers. It’s a huge honor, especially for a relatively young designer who lacks the backing of a major house. Valli’s been whipping up gorgeous, sexy dresses fit for a princess since he launched his eponymous collection in 2005 so it’s not so shocking that those in charge of electing new members—houses like Armani, Valentino and Elie Saab—would handpick him for membership. The designer will present a collection in Paris at the couture shows in either July or January, and if he continues to be elected (at least five times) he’ll land a permanent spot. Iris Van Herpen, the 28-year-old Dutch designer who showed off-schedule in Paris last summer, was also added to the list of guest members.

Alberta Ferretti, Spring 2011 RTW. Imaxtree

Get in gear for the shore this summer with this classic beach waves look. This runway (or should we say beach)-inspired style only takes a couple of minutes! Follow these steps to get sexy, natural windswept hair:

Isabel Marant, Imaxtree

With great weather on the way the new It pants for spring are slouched trousers. The more-tailored version of the harem pant were all over the spring runways in various styles of colors and fabrics. This trend took many forms: designers showed the common straight leg,  softly folded pleats or waists, and cropped wide-legs. Off the runway. pair these flowy ’70s-inspired pants with a more fitted top or jacket. Ruffled tops and boyfriend blazers are perfect for both a day or night look! Check out more styles after the jump!

Photo: Courtesy of Racked

Forever 21 hosted its upcoming fall 2011 collection last night at Skylight West studios. Linda Chang, one of the sisters behind the empire, was there to show the brand’s latest men’s and women’s clothing and accessories in four different styles: Boho Vignette, Vintage Darling, Rustic Cabin, and Midnight Angel. Boho is inspired by a classic ’70s style, while Vintage Darling’s inspiration is oversized knits, eye-catching prints, and tons of pearls. Rustic Cabin depicts an earth-tone palette with natural leathers and turquoise and bronze accessories. If you’re all about rock star style, then Midnight Angel is the look for you! It’s a punk and hip style that mixes both neon’s and black. The fall collection hits stores this September! Check out some pieces of the new collection. What do you think?

Photo: Getty  

Glee‘s Dianna Agron kept her beauty routine fresh and youthful for this year’s Met Costume Institute Gala. To complement her minimalist fire-engine red Michael Kors gown, she sported flawless skin, strong brows, polished metallic eyes, and glossy lips. Topped off with a slicked back ponytail, the look was clean and simple, but far from juvenile. Read ahead to see how you can imitate this style: