Alexander Wang finds his groove at Balenciaga

New York-based designer Alexander Wang delivered his third, and most solid, runway collection for the French luxury brand Balenciaga on Thursday during Paris Fashion Week.
He played with several classic Balenciaga standards -- architectural outerwear and sculptural volumes among them -- infusing them with 21st century knitwear techniques and action-sports-inspired utility details. The result was a modern, urban look that felt like an elevated version of what he did for his namesake collection in New York: luxury for the speed-demon generation.

Last season, I criticized Wang's work at Balenciaga for being more commercially minded than creative. But this collection balanced the two, with dazzling tactile effects and a vision of the way today's women really dress, i.e., less vaunted couture, and more sporty street comfort.

The collection was anchored in strong, sports-inspired outerwear with fur hoods, framing seams and zippers, worn with fur-apron or reflective-yarn accessories. Other coats appeared to be knit but were actually embroidered for a trompe l’oeil effect. But the most show-stopping piece of outerwear was a casual yellow duffel raincoat that was anything but basic: It was made of a cable-knit base laminated to glossy perfection. A future classic.

Other marvels of construction that will look impressive in the pages of a magazine? Structured short-sleeve leather dresses hand-lashed together with knit skirts and turtlenecks, and rugby-stripe dresses composed of laser-cut knit jersey links pieced together like chain mail.

In the more down-to-earth category, reflective canvas chevron pinstripe pants and wool sack dresses with more seam and zipper details looked cool and wearable. There were also several tailored looks in black wool crepe -- a jacket with a lapel morphing into caped sleeves, and a pair of pants with a skirted side panel, for example, that had an edge.

For evening, Wang dispensed with gowns and focused instead on something more modern -- tuxedo trousers topped by extraordinary tops combining draped duchesse satin with sculptural "sea urchin" sweater knits dripping with clusters of rhinestones and pearls.
And there were bags aplenty, including fur and crocodile totes with industrial-looking metal handles, almost as if Wang were willing women to the stores.

He needn't worry. This collection will be money in the bank for Balenciaga.

Naomi Campbell walks for Philipp Plein

Naomi Campbell walks for Philipp Plein. Fergie models her Calvins.

Naomi Campbell walked the runway in German designer Philipp Plein's Dallas-themed show at Milan Fashion Week on Sunday, keeping her cool as fireworks exploded around her.

Fergie is showing that she is back in shape after the birth of her 6-month-old baby Axl. She's modeling in Calvin Klein ads, wearing Calvin's undies and nothing else.

The Costume Designers Guild honored the films "12 Years a Slave," "Blue Jasmine" and "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and television's "Downton Abbey," among others, at its annual awards ceremony Saturday in Los Angeles.

Michael and Nicole Colovos have left Helmut Lang after eight years as creative directors, it was announced Monday.

Model Behati Prinsloo is the face of the ad campaign for the new Victoria's Secret T-shirt bra.

Rebekka Bay's first collection as creative director of Gap is hitting stores for spring.
Crocs has reissued its Jackson Pollock studio clog, which sold out when introduced last year. The limited-edition clog, which sells for $39.99, is printed to look like the artist's paint-spattered floor.

Read More: http://www.queeniebridesmaid.co.uk/cheap-bridesmaid-dresses-uk

3 Spring 2014 Trends to Wear Now

Spring is officially less than a month away, but in most places, it’s still pretty darn cold. However, even though the weather is less than ideal, you can still test out some spring trends!

Below, we’ve rounded up three hot spring 2014 trends that you can wear right now. Scroll down to see them all:

1. Oxford Shirts

It seems like every designer, from Alexander Wang to Valentino, is showcasing the timeless oxford shirt this spring. Although this crisp button-down is “trendy” at the moment, it’s a total classic. Invest in a good one and you’ll wear it for years to come.

However, if you want to go the ultra-trendy route, leave a few buttons undone, or buy one with unique embellishments or sheer panels, similar to the runway looks featured above.

Outfit Idea:

We think an oxford shirt would look classically chic with shorts and wedges for spring, but you can wear this trend right now, too! Create a class-appropriate outfit by pairing a blue oxford with red skinny jeans. The combination is cute and polished, while the colors are fun and modern.

Maintain the classic vibe with a trench coat, then add a pair of lace-up booties. For the finishing touch, glam it up a bit with some gold midi rings.

2. Cropped Jackets

I love it when runway trends are easy to translate into an everyday look, and that’s exactly the case with cropped jackets. These jackets are oh-so simple to throw on over jeans, dresses, and skirts, and instantly makes any getup look stylish and put-together. This season, boxy shapes and unique prints are really “in”, so look for one of those elements if you want to stay super-current.

Outfit Idea:

For this look, I decided to go with a cropped jacket that features a bold print, which I think would transition really well into spring and summer. To style it, try wearing it with a solid-colored dress; this short-sleeved shift dress has such an effortlessly chic vibe.

Rock it on a night out by pairing it with on-trend metallic booties and a blue-hued statement necklace. Don’t forget to put on a pair of opaque tights!

3. Wide Leg Pants

Say sayonara to your favorite skinnies, because this spring is all about the wide-legged trouser. From palazzo pants and voluminous cropped trousers to retro-inspired wide leg jeans, designers kept this season’s offerings comfy and loose-fitting.

This trend is definitely bold, but the key to making it work in the real world is to pair these types of pants with fitted tops to create a balanced look.

Outfit Idea:

If you want to go all-out with this trend, opt for a pair of printed wide leg pants – they’ll look so fab when worn with a sleeveless blouse and sandals come springtime. For now, wear them with a fitted gray sweater, then layer on an edgy moto jacket.

Cut-out ankle boots continue the trendy vibe, while a green cross-body bag complements the trousers perfectly. Accessorize with a pair of gold earrings to complete the ensemble.

Joe Fresh goes international

Joe Fresh goes international with a just-announced expansion in 23 countries worldwide

Today, Loblaw Companies Limited announced that it will expand Joe Fresh to 23 countries worldwide by way of partnership deals with three separate international firms. Fawaz A. Alhokair & Co., Retail Arabia International and Origin & Co., Ltd., will help bring Canada’s largest brand to Europe, the Middle East and Asia respectively. Not too shabby for a brand that started in the grocery aisles, eh? (We’ll just keep using that one forever.)

“These first international agreements signify an important milestone for Joe Fresh as we build on the strong foundation we’ve established at home in Canada. We continue to evolve the brand forward and I’m thrilled to see Joe Fresh grow into a global brand, developing on the success we have had in the United States since launching there in 2011,” says Joe Fresh creative director Joe Mimran via press release. The partnerships will ensure that Joe Fresh’s highly coveted brand of womenswear, menswear, kids clothing, accessories and beauty is adapted for the new markets, the first of which will be in the United Arab Emirates and Souel, South Korea, which will open flagships later this year.

This marks the latest step in the brand’s global takeover, following its US entrance back in 2011. In some boardroom somewhere, someone’s asking Mimran “Gee, what are we going to do tonight?” to which he obviously responds, “Same thing we do every night, try to take over the world!”

BAFTAs 2014: Our top 5 best dressed on the red carpet

While the rest of us were glued to the screens watching the Olympics and enjoying our long weekend, our friends across the pond were in a star-studded tizzy. The BAFTAs were held on Sunday night at the Royal Opera House in London and the place was lit up with major star-wattage.

Lupita Nyong’o, despite losing out Best Supporting Actress to an absent-Jennifer Lawrence, won the red carpet last night in a stunning Christian Dior Couture gown. The lively green colour was perfectly set off against her skin and gold accessories, and was topped with a flash of magenta lipstick. Despite last week’s more-than-unfortunate outfit, Uma Thurman proved she’s still got it in a breathtaking navy-blue Atelier Versace strapless column dress and diamond choker. With such a striking silhouette, there was no need to clutter it with accessories and frills—Uma is back in our good books with this one. Angelina Jolie hasn’t been on many red carpets of late, but when she turns up, you know it’s going to be good. Wearing a Saint Laurent tux and perfectly matched with hubby and nominee Brad Pit, Jolie looked every bit the bombshell she is with a seductively undone bowtie and wavy locks pushed to one side.

Also topping the list is Amy Adams in a sheer panelled column dress by Victoria Beckham, perfectly fitted and streamlined in typical VB fashion. Cate Blanchett continued to dazzle in a black and silver gown from Alexander McQueen and statement Chopard diamond necklace that seems so very Cate. All of this red carpet fuss has gotten us riled up for the Academy Awards, just under two weeks away. The countdown is officially on!

All eyes on Topshop Unique, from Kendall Jenner to Kate Moss

What we love about Topshop is that this isn’t one of those elitist fashion week shows that only the Anna Wintours and Susie Bubbles of this world have access to. This season, shoppers at the brand’s Oxford Circus flagship were invited to pop on a headset which allowed them to be transported to the virtual front row.

And what a front row. Sitting ringside in the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern were model of the moment Kendall Jenner, Foxes, Poppy Delevingne, Lottie Moss, Kate Moss, Sir Philip Green and, of course, Susie Bubble and Anna Wintour.

But what we were all there to see, whether virtually, first-hand, or via live stream, were the clothes – clothes that, unlike the rest of fashion week produce (Whistles aside perhaps), we mere mortals may have a chance of wearing this autumn.

The only problem is, you’re going to want to wear all of it. From the cobalt blue belted blanket coat, layered leather and lace skirts and dove grey ankle boot mules (worn with socks, a huge look for AW14), to the oversized multi-coloured patchwork faux-fur, the camel culottes, the quilted bombers and the butter yellow short sleeved jacket. Get saving now.

There was a definite 70s student feel about the collection with the over-the-knee suede boots, a peacock embellished yellow smock (worn by the stunning Jourdan Dunn), patchwork sheepskin gilets, skater skirts and a grey pinafore dress.

The colour palette was a fairly muted autumnal one with cobalt blues, soft greys, muddy greens and tawny yellows.

And aside from some daring see through appliqué tops for evening, a couple of little black dresses and some cute short shorts, this was all about luxurious daywear. The blanket coats, chunky knits, roll-necks and long flared skirts were all terribly (terrible for our bank balance) wearable.

In the cavernous Tate Modern hall, to the stomping soundtrack of Beyonce’s Run the World (Girls), the show finale was enough to make every watching high street shopper’s heart soar.
 
And was that the sound of girls stampeding to the tills come autumn we heard?

Isabelle Armstrong couture bridal sets trunk show at Saks

Isabelle Armstrong is a new player in the field of bridal couture. The company launched in October, offering fine materials (think French lace and Italian silks) and detailed workmanship.

The luxury line, headquartered in New York, is coming to California this week, with a trunk show at Saks Beverly Hills planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The trunk show will be in the bridal salon at Saks, 9600 Wilshire Blvd.

Events:

Bobbie Thomas, style editor for the Today show and author of "The Power of Style: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Dressed Tomorrow," is on tap to host a Valentine's Eve event launching the new Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant at the Grove in Los Angeles. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, attendees can receive style and beauty advice, plus free "PitiCure" treatments focused on the underarm area. The event will be in the park at the Grove, 189 The Grove Drive.

Tickets are on sale now for the next Simply Stylist event, a day-long fashion and beauty conference. The event, which includes networking, panels, a brunch and shopping, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15 at the Grove in Los Angeles. Catt Sandler of E! is slated to be the day's host, and celebrity fashion stylists Tara Swennen and Anita Patrickson and hairstylist Jen Atkin are among the announced panelists. Tickets range from $20 to $250. Tickets and more information are available on the Simply Stylist website event page.

Openings:

Possch, which offers men's and women's ready-to-wear, has opened a new boutique at 5144 Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

San Francisco-based menswear shop Unionmade is scheduled to open a new Los Angeles store on Friday at the Grove. The store carries brands including Alden, Gitman Vintage, Filson, The Hill-Side, Stanley & Sons, New Balance, Baxter of California, Kaptial and Beams +, French Trotters, Berena, and Golden Bear and Unionmade Indigo special collections. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Who wore black and white best at New York Fashion Week

Kelly Rowland vs. Hailee Steinfeld:Who wore black and white best at New York Fashion Week?

We’re only a few days into the circus that’s Fashion Month and there’s already some exceptional front row celebrity watching to be had. Lelly Rowland and Hailee Steinfeld were two of the many celebrities attending the New York Fashion Week Fall 2014 shows this past weekend, sitting front row at Public School and Prabal Gurung, respectively. Both stars stepped out in black and white ensembles that borrowed some inspiration from the southwest, a trend that Chanel just may have helped start with their Dallas show.
Kelly Rowland debuted a new bob at the Public School Fall 2014 show—which included the label’s first womenswear collection—and while we were certainly getting some throwback Destiny’s Child vibes, we couldn’t look past her leather ensemble. The Tom Ford Fall 2013 top certainly helped Rowland tap into her Texas roots, as it incorporated some serious Southern-style fringe-work on the sleeves and hem. Rowland finished her look off with a white KTZ undershirt splashed with foreign text on the hem and thigh-high leather Christian Louboutin boots. The R&B songstress was definitely having a rock star moment with her ensemble.

Hailee Steinfeld took time to support designer pal Prabal Gurung at his Himalayas-inspired Fall 2014 show. While Prabal’s runway was filled with rich shades of orange and reds, Steinfeld opted for a polished monochromatic knit skirt ensemble paired with an oversized black coat and fedora. With brogue boots that screamed downtown cool, black smoky eye makeup and a fedora that was giving us some major True Grit vibes, Steinfeld certainly knows how to accessorize during the frigid New York winter.

Which front row black and white ensemble was your favourite: Kelly’s serious fringe work or Hailee’s monochromatic ensemble?

At JC Obando, boho socialites in louche luxury

Los Angeles-based designer and 2013 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up JC Obando showed his fall 2014 collection in grand style Thursday night at the Academy Mansion on the Upper East Side during New York Fashion Week.

And as models glided through the flower-filled halls, wearing the designer's floating, silk separates, it conjured images of bohemian socialites and artistes entertaining at home.
There was no inspiration statement or run of show because, as Obando, who launched his label in 2007, explained, "When you create a brand, you no longer need show notes to explain who you are. You reach that point in your career."

It's true, Obando has definitely arrived.

The look: Louche luxe. Icy-cool, self-confident beauty. Silk separates in vivid blues, purples, corals and golds with the ease of chic pajama dressing.

Key pieces: Silk charmeuse wrap blouses and halter tops trailing streamer-like ties at the neck and wrists: flowy pants with elastic insets at the sides: halter jumpsuits with scarf ties; exquisite seed pearl-beaded apron top, pants and gown.

The verdict: Gorgeous, crystal-clear vision. Obando has found his niche.

Annabelle Cosmetics taps Shenae Grimes-Beech

Go Canada! Annabelle Cosmetics taps Shenae Grimes-Beech as the new brand ambassador

When Canadians come together in a big way we can’t help but feel a pang of pride. Case in point: iconic Canadian makeup company Annabelle Cosmetics has just announced their newest brand ambassador, Toronto-bred actress Shenae Grimes-Beech. This is basically like the beauty version of Team Canada!

Grimes-Beech, known for her work on 90210 and Degrassi: The Next Generation, has that girl next-door quality that’s necessary in a beauty brand ambassador—perhaps it’s due to her enviable wavy hair and a megawatt smile? “For me, the brand feels nostalgic in a way—I’ve grown up with it, and still buy it today. I’m super proud to be affiliated with a big piece of home,” Grimes-Beech said, via press release.

Beyond her on-screen appearances, she runs an alt-lifestyle blog with her hubby Josh Beech, which showcases her edgy style (remember the black wedding dress?) and fun-loving lifestyle. So it’s fitting that she was brought on by Annabelle Cosmetics, a company known for their playfully-coloured products. The first campaign image drives the colourful message home, showcasing a vibrant blue mascara that perfectly complements Grimes-Beech’s brown eyes. We can’t wait to see all what the rest of this partnership will bring as it unfolds over the coming months.