Dope Ambition

Gwen Stefani’s uber-cool, vintage+military+retro glam  was ever present for Fall RTW. And surprisingly, the last-minute uh-oh they encountered (half of her collection getting stuck in a blizzard in transit to NYC), did not stop them from sending models down the runway in makeshift vests fashioned out of belts; (Gwen’s idea). Although some of the looks verged on typical and seemed somewhat repetitive of past collections, many pieces rang in a new note that still played true to Stefani’s personality.

They say pressure either busts pipes or makes diamonds, and this collection shines like the latter.

<-LOVE THIS!

images via style.com

Anna Wintour, the editor-in-cheif of Us Vogue, has caused quite an uproar concerning Milan Fashion Week.

Here’s the story via Telegraph.Uk:

“The British-born magazine editor, whose fearsome reputation has earned her the nickname “Nuclear” Wintour, provided the inspiration for Meryl Streep’s character in the film The Devil Wears Prada.

She has reportedly shortened her attendance because after Milan she has to travel to France for Paris Fashion Week and will then fly to Los Angeles for the Oscars on March 7.

Milan’s world famous fashion festival lasts from Feb 24 until March 2. Now the most important haute couture houses are reorganising their shows to coincide with her visit, from Feb 26-28.

Her decision has left fashionistas in a panic and prompted accusations of arrogance.

“Anna Wintour, the woman who holds Italian fashion in the palm of her hand,” ran a headline in Corriere della Sera, the country’s most respected broadsheet.

“She wants designers to schedule their shows during these three days,” said Mario Boselli, the president of the Italian Fashion Chamber.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “It has bad consequences for many, many people involved in the shows, from stylists to models to hairdressers. It’s absolutely crazy.

“She’s welcome in Milan but if she only comes for a fleeting visit, perhaps it would be better is she stayed at home.”

Fashion houses such as Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Fendi and Armani who were due to show their collections towards the end of Fashion Week now wanted to change dates, Mr Boselli said.

He said that Paris Fashion Week had resisted similar suggestions for the biggest fashion brands to be concentrated into a few days.

“They have a bit more spirit in Paris and they said no,” said Mr Borselli. “The Italian fashion industry is the best in the world but, in contrast to the French, they don’t seem to recognise their own worth.”"

So, note to self: become Anna Wintour so the fashion world grovels at your feet. Oh, and upgrade US Vogue while you’re at it, cause EVERYONE IS BORED WITH IT!

Although spring and summer bring to mind beachy hair and au natural makeup, including completely naked faces, the S/S 2010 runway shows boasted a different story.

At Dior, Galliano took cues from film noir, and pastel lids, matte skin and red lips completed this old-school femme fetale look.

^^Dior Clip Replenishing Lipcolor in Celebrity Red, $28

Jean Paul Gaultier also took cues from the movies, but for this collection, the silver screen inspired the red lips + smokey eyes killer combo. Usually associated with winter looks, the bold concoction is a nice surprise for spring. However, these looks are not for the faint of heart, nor are they for humid temps. There is a difference between a smokey eye and a runny eye.

At Versace, glamour reigned supreme, with two-toned hair and a variety of smokey eyes completing the look, while pale lips and faces put bronzer and faux tans on the back burner.

All I can say for Marc Jacobs is “80′s club kid.” No description necessary.

Winged eyeliner and disheveled up-do’s gave Lanvin’s S/S 2010 look a sexy new take on glamour. Wide-eyed and with dewy skin, models like Lily Donaldson looked absolutely perfect for the time of year when we all unveil a little more skin.

images via style.com

In these days and times, everyone seems to feel the need to express themselves through the art we know as tattoos. Celebrities, models, (we did a feature on these),  and everyone and their mothers have been inked in the most incredible places: I have seen tattoos on feet (I have one), on wrists, arms, backs, necks, behind the ears, collar bones (I have one); overall, either our generation is out to prove something with body art, or we have ironically grown more outspoken in a way that cannot be described.

Of course, fashion finds its ways into everyone’s lives by keeping an eye and an ear on the everyday growing trends. Karl Lagerfeld, aka Unkle Karl, is no exception. He has remained closely tied to pop culture in a way Andy Warhol was: he almost creates a segment of pop-culture while implementing its stars at the same time; (ie, the Lily Allen campaign). Therefore, it comes as no surprise that temporary tattoos were seen adorned across models shoulders and legs in a plethora of fashions.

So forget the needle; Chanel’s pearls can be applied and taken off in a matter of days. Fashion has made temporary tats glam. Who would have thought?

Starting March 1st, these lovelies will be available for purchase in the brand’s outlets around the world.

images via viewonfashion and elleUK

As I showed you before, Burberry’s Spring 2010 collection was exquisitely and obnoxiously perfect; the draping, the clutches, the new and improved trenches. Well, a few minutes ago I stumbled upon some backstage photos from the show.

Backstage is even better than the runway.

images via stylesightings

Fashion is always moving about 20 paces faster than the average person. It is so futuristic that it’s hard to keep up; collections are released that won’t be worn for another year into the future. But hey, that is why I so adore it.

Cuba was the inspiration of this collection, and the vibrant color palette points to the culture there. Statement pieces make a comeback while complementing nightlife-ready evening dresses. The casual and the embellished come together for a perfectly shaken and stirred cocktail of breezy, effortless and balanced ready-to-wear. I’m waiting for warmer weather….and this collection makes me wish it would arrive sooner.

For now, I’ll remain obsessed. CLick here to view the entire collection. (yes, there’s more amazing loveliness).