Marc Jacobs + Veuve Clicquot Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

   With the holiday season vastly approaching, we are surrounded by family and friends, celebrating the warm memories spent together, with plenty of opportunities to pop open the bubbly. Throughout the years, many of us in those colder climates have struggled with the age old problem of how to exactly hold on to that flute of Veuve Clicquot without it slipping from our soft cashmere gloves? Marc Jacob has answer our prayers once again this season to bring the limited edition Marc Jacobs Veuve Clicquot Cashmere Fingerless Gloves, on sale at Marc Jacobs store and Online Store marcjacobs.com today! These chic holiday gloves come in the signature Veuve Clicquot yellow, and are a reasonable $35 - unfortunately they do not come with a bottle of champagne.

Style Icon: Zooey Deschanel

With her famous cropped bangs, and piercing blue eyes, Zooey Deschanelhas no doubt made it a joy to tune in every week to see what ‘Jess and the Boys’ are up to this week in her hit series, Fox’s New Girl. Her goofy, yet charming personality has made the show an instant classic, though Zooeyhas had plenty of successes in pursuing roles in film, like Elf, 500 Days of Summer and Almost Famous, as well as being part of a indie rock duo, along side M. Ward called She & Him. “I’m bangs and eyes,” says the 31-year old actress. “It’s who I am. There have been periods when I’ve grown my bangs out, but I always cut them back, so it’s like, why go through the trouble?”

   Zooey Deschanel is our Style Icon this week, not only because of her sense of humour but because Zooey has truly embraced her girly yet dorky sense of style as well. “If you feel like dressing like a girl, there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t know why femininity should be associated with weakness. Women should be free to express who they are without thinking: “I need to act like a man” or “I need to tone it down to be successful”. That’s a very good way to keep women down.” 

Heidi Slimane vs The World?: Saint Laurent Paris Spring RTW 2013

Heidi Slimane’s debut Saint Laurent show was most definitely the most anticipated show during Paris’s fashion week and with good reason. This would be the launch for the new

creative director at his new home, iconic french brand, Yves Saint Laurent. Slimane’s presents meant more then a new look for the brands clothing, it meant an entirely

 new take on the brand. His much talked about, and slightly confusing, rebranding for the house (going from Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris) has been perceived “not-to-kindly” from some of the houses true and dire fans and left many of us wondering why such changes were made to the house after Yves Saint Laurent’s passing in 2008.

The show begin with an explosive burst of sound and light from the darkness, the ceiling began to split and the crowd fell silent to see what the new, young designer had in store for his 2013 Spring RTW collection. With many people wagering what they thought the collection would look like, were surprised to see Heidi had kept true to the roots of the company at the height of their success - giving us a new, chic take on the 1970’s rocker girl. Slimane had crealy taken insipration from Helmut Newton’s 1966 collection. With their wide brimmed hats, skinny pants, and whimsical overcoats, giving the 21 century woman a new approach to the woodstock era.

Though there has been some drama following the designer after his debut, and clearly some miscommunications between the house itself and the media. Going back and forth between names of the house and collections the house creates - which has created quite a lot of feuds between Slimane and critics, like Cathy Horyn, whom Slimane refers to as “a schoolyard bully and also a bit of a stand up comedian.” and contiuned to make stabs at her appearance and going as far to say that she will no long get into any YSL show. It isnt clear as to whySlimane continues to create negative attention to the company, but it is clear that Slimanewill be remembered for his temper - and not his designs this season.

 

Helmut Newton for YSL 1966

Adele For Burberry?

It seems as if collaborations in the fashion world have become as common as macaroons in paris - but if there was a collaboration to talk about, it is that of Adele and Burberry. Though this collaboration has not been verified by either party yet, but Adele recently sat withVogue UK, and according to them, Adele has been in the works with Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s current creative director, on collaborating on a new line together, and perhaps becoming the first “Plus Size” model for the iconic British brand. 

“I’ve met Christopher Bailey a few times,” she has said previously. “I’ve always loved Burberry. I remember saving for three years to get my first bag before I got signed.”

 Both Adele and Burberry are truly as British as they come, and don’t shy away from their heritage. Adele has stated that Burberry is also one of her personal favourites, she has worn Burberry to many events, including the 2012 Grammy Awards- making many journalists and bloggers wonder why this collaboration hasn’t come sooner?!

Night At the Ballet: Balenciaga Spring RTW 2013

From 1918 - 1968, Cristóbal Balenciaga was the king of dressmaking, often referred to as the Da Vinci of silk and crinolines. Christian Dior once was quoted, “Haute couture is like an orchestra, whose conductor is Balenciaga, We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the directions he gives.” and Coco Chanel said this about the designer, “Balenciaga is a couturier in the truest sense of the word. Only he is capable of cutting material, assembling a creation, and sewing it by hand. The others are simply fashion designers.”

In 1997, Nicolas Ghesquière took over Balenciaga, keeping true to the originality and the labels iconic place in the world of fashion. In his Spring/ Summer RTW 2013 collection,Ghesquière was truly inspired by Cristóbal’s designs circa 1930. Thee expressive cuts and ballet ruffles, thought made from still, bonded materials - almost danced off the models bodies as they gracefully came down the runway. Ghesquière also modernized 

these looks - using flourished, sweet-heart cut tops that almost resembled a 1950’s push up bra.

This collection is said to be “the most pragmatic collection that Ghesquière has shown in many seasons” said Hamish Bowles of Vogue Magazine. Ghesquière reinvented the classic look of Balenciaga, making these pieces hold their own in modern day fashion.

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September 2012 Beauty Box included: 

Giuseppe Zanotti x Kanye West Collaboration

Since Kanye Wests Debut Fall/ Winter RTW 2012 collection last year, Kanye has been much talked about in terms of fashion. His collection went under serious review, would this “rapper” be able to not only create a successful collection, but would it reach the standards of Paris Fashion Week?  

 Though Kanye showed originality and successfully created his own Dark Fantasy on the runway, and got plenty bloggers and journalists alike talking about his debut, Kanyes Fall/ Winter RTW seem to have fallen short of the Fashion critics. So when asked if he would be returning to Paris Fashion Week this year, Karla Otto (PR) simply confirmed that Kanye will not be showing in Paris this time around.

Kanye will not be out of the fashion game for good though, he recently collaborated with Giuseppe Zanotti to create the ultimate in women’s footwear. These couture kicks will set you back about $6,000 (US) but Giuseppe definitely saw huge potential in Kanye, who has always been on point when in comes to footwear. Collaborating with Nike for his highly successful Air Yeezy’s, Louis Vuitton and most recently heels he created for Dion Lee’s London show.

Although Kanye is keeping himself busy, many of his fans are hungry to see what is in 

store for this relatively new designer.Leaving many of us to wonder if he will ever make a return to the runway.

Style Icon: Cara Delevingne

At only 20 years old, Cara Delevingne has done what some models try they whole lives to accomplish. She has been named the “star face” this past Autumn/ Winter 2012 season and even in the current Spring/ Summer 2013 season, appearing on the catwalks of Missoni, Trussardi, Matthew Williamson, Dolce & Gabbana, Acne, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Gabriele Colangelo, Just Cavalli, Issa, Giles, Preen, Moschino, Mary Katrantzou, Topshop Unique, Dsquared2, and Burberry (just to name a few), she is also currently the face ofBurberry, Which is suitable for this London born model. 

“She’s not your typical model in that she’s not the standard 5”11 - but then neither’s Kate Moss,” said Voguefashion bookings editor Rosie Vogel. “But, what she lacks in inches, she makes up for in confidence. She’s unique - she has a wonderful versatility to her and a great personality, which is crucial. She’s really lively and dynamic and still feels very modern. I like that she has those heavy brows - it adds something very different.”

Aside from modelling, Cara’s also interested in singing and acting, and is set to appear in this summers new film version of Anna Karenina, along side Kira Knightley. 

Style Guide: Sweater Weather

Ruth Knit Pullover by Acne, Flex Beige Skinny Jean by Acne, Katie Gold-Tone Bracelet by Marc Jacobs, Lady Gaga’s Fame Eau De Parfum, NARS Fall 2012 Lipstick in Autumn Leaves, Fendi Large Grained Leather Shopper Bag, Jimmy Choo Anouk Pump in Black

Lost at Sea: Alberta Ferretti Spring RTW 2013

What is it about the Ocean? So vast, deep, and mysterious. The weightlessness of water can carry us, refresh us, and make us feel true purity. This season Alberta Ferretti used heavy ocean influences from the aquas, tans, teals, and deep blues, to the almost coral-ized detailing, allowing us to let go and get lost in her enchanting aquatic adventure. 

 Ferretti has truly conveyed the modern day mermaid enssence in her Spring RTW 2013. Capturing the essence of the innocently alluring femme fatal, Ferretti brought us the enchantment and mystery of the sea, putting her iconic hand stitching to the test with her elegantly placed materials like lace upon nude slips, creating a natural, almost tattoo like patterns. Ferretti has created a collection that makes us all want a reason to get dressed up, and float away into the night!

Tres Chic: Marc Jacobs Ready to Wear 2013

   The show started with a plain white, almost Blag Flag inspired, T-shirt, Pointed black heels. Paying praise to the style icon, Edie Sedgwick, in a modren light. The playfulness of this collection really amplifies the essence of Edie, it screamed 60's it girl, even down to the Velvet Underground in the background. Marc Jacobs ready to wear collection for 2013 takes us from Edie’s iconic preppy yet posh look - smudging dark makeup (thanks to François Nars), leather and so many stripes! Marc played with his fun side, introducing us to playful cuts, lengths, and even had a micky mouse sweater in the mix.

Though with all this sixties inspirited look, as always Jacobs has a way of bringing it to the modern world of fashion - making it look fresh, very much new season and in the words of Edie “Très Chic!”   

Fashion Profile: Tommy Ton

The creative genus behind Jak & Jil, Tommy Ton is an innovator and has changed the way we all see the world of modern day fashion. Tommy was boring in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario, interned with a local fashion designer, Wayne Clark, at the young age of 15. From there Tommy went on to working at Holt Renfrew. Ton was apparently growing tired of the same “Head-to-toe” photography popularized by many street style photographers, he started taking more canid photographs of people and details in their apparel.  His blog quickly became much talked about in the fashion world, and Ton was breaking into the fashion industry. Being asked to photograph for designers like Lane Crawford, and being ask to sit front row at shows like Dolce & Gabbana - sealing his approval in the world of fashion as a photographic innovator! 

Style Icon: Rihanna

It seems as if Rihanna is a style chameleon, making the transformation from street chic to red carpet seemingly effortless! From Barbados, Rihanna almost always influences the colours and feel of the island to her everyday wardrobe. Her vibrant nails, lipsticks, and even hair colours is what makes Rihanna fearless and radiant! Making us all stop in envy and even influences some of us to try things we never thought possible. Because she has such an influence in street style - Rihanna always a great choice for designers to place in the front row, almost immediately making the the show that much more “News Worthy”. Rihanna embraces her bad side and isn’t afraid to try new cuts and trends. Because her remarkable and trendsetting style, Rihanna is this weeks Style Icon. 

Style Guide - Classic Chic

Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Long Sleeve Cream Blouse, DVF Eau De Parfum, Cuffed Navy Green Shorts, Sunday Morning Pink Aerin Lipstick, Gold Runway Watching by Micheal Kors, NARS Duo Eyeshadow, Valentino Crystal Embellished Rockstud Bracelet. 

New York Fashion Week - Spring 2013

Cant make it to New York for this seasons fashion week? Well now you dont have to miss any of the action! You can stream all the shows right from home via Youtube! Now through to September 13th you can watch the live feed of the shows from your computer or smartphone device! Today Nicholas K kicked off New Yorks Fashion week with a bang, followed by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, and Tadashi Shoji. Tune in tomorrow at 3:00pm to watch Rececca Minkoff, Nicole Miller at 6:00pm and the much talked about Charlotte Ronson show at 7:00pm. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/LiveRunway

 The site also has a schedule posted up of this years line up, so be sure to get your front row seat, in the comfort of your own home!

Reminiscing About the Past

Nostalgia, the vice of the aged. What is it about the past the fascinates us so? There is something that can be learned from our past experiences, reminding us of romance, defeat, courage and strength. The curiosity and enthralment or knowing our roots and where our heritage lies can inspire us to see our future differently. Paying respects to heritage can turn out to a remarkable vision for the future, as seen in labels like Belstaff, Burberry &Balenciaga. This season, the British label Belstaff, with new creative director Martin Cooper, has explored the label’s archives to find what made the name so Iconic. This seems to be a theme with Cooper, keeping the same mind set in the past 16 years with Burberry, Cooper made Burberry be remembered as the trailblazers for their iconic trench coats. “I took a very strong point of view - To take back and reclaim what was ours!” says Cooper about the Belstaff name. Going back to their 1930’s designs, Cooper focused on two of Belstaffs most iconic outerwear styles: the Trailmaster (a slim, patch-pocketed, motorcycle jacket) and theJunior TT (a long coat, with straps attached the the legs so it wouldn’t fly away.) “I wanted to take the essence of those garments and amplifly the details in a super rich, super luxury way and then interpret them in a manner that had not been done before.”

Nicolas Ghesquière did some recent digging of his own for inspiration for his upcoming 2013 Resort collection. He discovered that Cristobal Balenciaga actually designed costumes for a ballet in the 1930’s. He translated the purity, flow and grace of the dancers in motion and incorporated a twist of 21st century. Using fabrics like jersey and chiffon georgette, Nicolas actually sealed the fabrics to bonding material to mould the body, allowing us to feel the weightlessness and beauty -an innocently delicate second skin. The skirts are finished off with beautiful ruffles - also bonded so that the skirts can dance away from the body. The palette is overwhelmingly soft and elegant with soft yellows, baby blues and light rosy pinks. Showing us that the past is still as graceful & alive then as it is in the 21st century.

Toronto FNO 2012

With Fashion’s Night Out approaching quickly, some of you Torontians might be wondering what is going on in the great north for FNO’ 12. The festivities start around 6 pm Thursday evening and there are various events throughout the city. Join Monica Mei as she launches her label Aime’s boutique, Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor St) will be ringing in it’s 175th birthday with its “Hot In the City” street party between 7-10pm, Intermix (130 Bloor St) will be serving food and cocktails with Llia Beauty talking about the latest fashion trends - DJ to follow and stop by H&M (eaton’s centre/ Yorkdale) as they officially launch their retro inspired fall campaign starring Lana Del Rey (who is also set to appear in this months upcoming Vogue), Get a sneak peak and enjoy food and drinks as you browse the shops! Not around Bloor Street? Check out the BAZAAR by RAC boutique (6th floor 639 Queen St. West) and browse over 20 independent Toronto designers. Featured designers are said to include designs from Foe & Dear, Love of Mine, Magic Pony, Chloe Comme Parris, Gotstyle, Travis Taddeo and more! With complimentary cocktails and music by DJs Famous Playerswill keep guests entertained, and there will also be a chance to win a pair of plane tickets fromPorter Airlines. MasterCard cardholders will receive 15 per cent off on selected merchandise from 5 to 6 p.m. - After shopping at THE BAZAAR, make your way to the top of The Burroughes Building to enjoy more cocktails and enjoy a screening of the fashion film Dressed. Presented by Maybelline New York, the film focuses around the journey of clothing designer Nary Manivong and his dreams of showing his collection at New York Fashion Week. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

House Rules

These past couple months have been crazy for Dior - unveiling the 2013 Resort Collection by Bill Gaytten(which will be appearing on racks very shortly) and welcoming of their new Creative Director,Raf Simons (Raf will be debuting his highly anticipated return to fashion with Dior’s ready to wear collection.) Gaytten gives us a final goodbye with a grand finally, taking us back to a simpler time - focusing heavily on Dior’s iconic 1947 look. By streamlining and modelling closely to the waistline, moulded jackets, ballerina skirts and even a prelude to the 1970’s with a touch of floral prints - Gaytten makes it ever so easy for us girls to look polished, classic and timeless! Each piece screams Dior, and stays true to their trademark silhouette, iconic history, place in the fashion word and in our hearts. The 2013 Resort Collection by Dior gives us women pieces we can just throw on and looked perfect, and something that will stay with us for years to come! 

Style Icon: Jimi Hendrix

 In a world before celebrity Stylists, Strategically placed front row of A-listers, “meat-dresses” and other marketing ploys - was a time where musicians and other celebrities in the public eye would style themselves. Jimi Hendrix was a style god, perfecting the look of the uniform jacket and making this flamboyant, almost feminine style some how masculine and strong. He was completely free in his style, being able to pull off almost anything. But many people don’t know much about how is style came to be.  Jimi found his style really take form when he first arrived in London, finally, after years of struggling in the USA, he began being acknowledged as a “real musician.” He was being respected for his talents, and being introduced to many in the music industry. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones is reputed to have introduced him to the “trendy places and stores” to go, like Granny Takes a Trip on king’s road, Where he is rumoured to purchase many of his iconic velvet jackets and suits. with his newly found confidence - he was able to pull off many icon styles we remember today, and many still try to accomplish. Jimi Hendrix made the “vintage” look trendy, he showed men and women alike that to pull of a great look you must have confidence in what you are wearing. This weeks Fashion Icon is Jimi Hendrix, for his creative and imaginative personality, artistic talent and his truly amazing sense of style.

Iris Apfel Documentary

“I think the greatest fashion faux pas is looking in the mirror and seeing somebody else” - Iris Apfel

There is nobody more deserving of a praise in this magnitude as much as Iris Apfel. The 92 year old Fashion Icon, Interior Decorator & Style Maverick (to name a few) has agreed to be part of what is sure to be a truly unique look at the Woman’s fabulous and ever going lifestyle. Iris is a woman who speaks her mind isn’t afraid of a little bit of sophistication, sass, and sweetness.

“Attitude attitude attitude. And if you know how to carry something off, you can make it look wonderful — and it doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be trendy. As a matter of fact, sometimes those things work against you. A trend can be a wonderful thing if it works for you. But if it doesn’t, it’s useless and you can look freaky.” - Iris Apfel

All Aboard!

When Marc Jacobs rolled into the Cour Carrée Louvre Paris, everyone wanted to come abroad. Spending approximately $8 Million on his set design, Marc Jacobs blew us all away with the glamorous ode to 19th Century romantic elegance.”We wanted to continue the journey we started with the fashion show — the glamour of travel and the romance of going somewhere,” Jacobs explained. In order to do so, the train was deconstructed and shipped to a New York studio where it was rebuilt, filled with models, and photographed by Steven Meisel. “We wanted to maintain the comfortingly luxurious and old-fashioned journey that the collection represented. Opulence, the brocades, the beautiful cuts of the suits, and I guess, the distant romantic glamour of travel,” Jacobs said. We are always happy to go on the adventure Marc creates for us every season.

That Je Ne Sais Quoi !

           There are few fashion trends I find will always hold a warm place in my heart & I am more then happy about the touch of femininity that pastels can bring. There’s something sweetly innocent about these light colours, and after Marc took our breaths away with a carousel ride of a lifetime - we’re reminded of the purity and beauty that is white and bringing out the Marie Antoinette in the modern day woman. It seems that it has personified into more then an idea but a life style of decadence. From macaroons to tiaras - this past Spring / Summer collection from Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs found a way to stay in our hearts and transpire into our everyday lives - bringing out the princess in us all! 

Azealia Banks for MAC

        Listen up, because if you haven’t had the words of 212 drilled into your brain yet, then you clearly have been living under a rock! Azealia Banks has been the forth coming artist/ female MC this summer, with her track “212” (feat. lazy jay) being dubbed as the international party song of the summer, and with her international fame - comes support from many other people in the industry. Including being asked to preform for Karl Lagerfeld’s new line, Snagging an add campaign with Alexander Wang - and now is collaborating with M.A.C. launching a brand new Limited edition lipstick that is said to represent the artists viciously ambitious personality. Her colour is set to be released to the publish on Step. 5 online or if your in the SoHo area of NYC - you have the added pleasure of seeing Azaelia preform live at M.A.C’s Boutique at 7:45pm.

Azealia Banks With Karl Lagerfeld

Azealia wearing her M.A.C. Lip colour on her 1991 ep album cover. 

Fall Ready To Wear '12

There is always something about this time of year! The nights get cooler, the leaves start to change, and all the kiddies go back to school. There is always something else about this time of year that gets my senses tingling - the Fall & Winter collections this season for the up coming “Sweater Weather.” And With so much offered this season, we are really free to experiment our sense of style through may different mediums, if darkness if your strong suite - check out the rich, deep purples and blacks beautifully presented by Christopher Kane, Erdem, or the heavily influenced Italian Renaissance style of Dolce & Gabbana. As with most things - with darkness, you must have light! Raf Simons had a bittersweet farewell this past F&W Season, designing his final line for Jil Sanders after the designer Jil Sanders herself announced she will be returning to the label over almost a decade after her farewell in 2000. Raf, along with many others, had a overwhelming feeling of a Dream -Like state while watching the shows. Everything from Dior’s classic look with a new modern twist, to McQ & Chanel’s dark twisted fantasy coming to life on the catwalk. From the hair styles, be-jewelled eyebrows, Pastels and Deep Purples, to the farewell of the Brilliance that Raf carried for the Jil Sanders Line. This Season really had a bit of everything!