Lanvin's Mexican Holiday

The Mexican Tourism Board might want to enlist Alber Elbaz to help bring vacationers back. Walking editors through his delightful Resort collection, the Lanvin designer cited Acapulco as an inspiration.

You could see it in the lime- and watermelon-wedge pendant necklaces, the straw hats decorated with tropical fabric flowers, and the raffia-accented flats, as well as in a long blue silk sarong that had the easy sensibility of a bedsheet a honeymooner might wrap herself up in post-"siesta." A slouchy T-shirt and cropped, sequined pajama pants topped by a full-skirted, crinkled trench made for a look that was just as nonchalant, if a bit more citified.


In fact, Elbaz thought of everyone this season— beachcombers, urban sophisticates, even brides-to-be—because alongside Resort, he showed user-friendly capsule collections of denim, long dresses, and ready-to-wear wedding frocks. I'm lovin' it!

Pictures via Style/Vogue.com

Marc Jacobs, King of Cool

Marc Jacobs' coveted clothes, cutting-edge ads and celeb-packed front rows ensure this style pioneer's hold on the throne while he takes a break in his Soho, New York, Studio.

Marc Jacobs was only sixteen when he started working as a stock boy at the influential Upper West Side boutique Charivari. It was there that he first met Perry Ellis—the designer who, Jacobs says, encouraged him to apply to Parsons the New School for Design and mentored him while he was a student. Eight years later, Jacobs produced his infamous grunge collection for the Perry Ellis label.

It was also at Charivari that Jacobs sold his first pieces, a collection of oversize, hand-knit sweaters that he designed while at Parsons (his grandmother made the original samples), the popularity of which he still refers to as "kind of my first big break."

Today Jacobs is one of the most well-known and closely watched designers in the world, helming his own signature label, a diffusion line, and the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. But he shies away from offering explicit advice to anyone looking to duplicate his success: "I hate the word advice," he explains. "It's not a mathematical situation. I'm happy to share my experience, but everybody has a different path."

And where do the ideas come from in the first place?
Marc Jacobs: Everywhere. Everywhere and anywhere. They come from other people, they come from me, they come from people I see on the streets. Sometimes they come from a movie I saw the night before, and sometimes it's as simple as wanting a big, soft sweater because I'm cold that day.

Be Discovered!

Welcome to Elite Model Magical World!

Elite Model Management is the world's most prestigious modeling network. With 5 offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago Atlanta and Toronto. Elite represents, or has represented such notable models as Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen, Elle Macpherson, Adriana Lima, Naomi Campbell, Karen Elson, Liya Kibede, Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum, Paulina Porizkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, Coco Rocha, Stephanie Seymour, Nadja Auermann and newest recruit Louise Cliffe.

Elite today manages over 800 models from five continents. It offers international coverage with 36 agencies in its network. Its contest, the Elite Model Look, is a model scouting organisation with over 350,000 contestants in more than 55 countries annually.

Interested? Anybody?

Insomnia

Dear oh dear, I can't sleep again.

Insomnia attack.

Too many bubbles in my head.

The sound of the clock in my room ticking.

The occasional engine roam from the road outside.

The chill of the night.

The dusky light of my bed-side lamp.

War and Peace and a dictionary.

Michael Buble's singing in the background.

Another midnight-date with my dear Heineken.

# Maria Holding Court

With a winning attitude, Maria Sharapova makes her dreams come true.

Tennis phenom Maria Sharapova is a proof that, sometimes, fairy tales are real. At just six years old, she moved from her native Russia to Florida -with no English language skills to boot; now she's number 16 in the women world's tennis rankings.

With elusive endorsement contracts, and jet-sets around the world. All that's missing for her? The happy ending, which she hopes to cement with a championship win. Well, she's just won the Memphis WTA Tour. She might have just started her comeback after a long period of injury. Another win may not be far away. Good luck sweetie...

The Watsons for Burberry

Ad Campaign Burberry, Spring Summer 2010

Creative Direction Christopher Bailey

Hair & Make-up Orlando Pita, Linda Cantello

Models Emma Watson, Alex Watson, George Craig, Matt Gilmour

Photographer Mario Testino

Call it style magic — the Harry Potter star is reprising her role as the face of Burberry in the British brand’s latest ad campaign for Spring/Summer 2010. Shot by legendary photographer Mario Testino, Emma Watson gets glam while showing off the label’s three collections, including Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London and Burberry Brit.

From plaid handbags to their signature trench coats, the campaign “celebrates our heritage and our timeless Burberry icons,” says Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer.

“The energy of the images and the dynamic cast reflect the different attitudes and expressions of the Burberry guy and girl.” Emma is joined by four British guys, including two musicians and two models– one who happens to be her younger brother Alex Watson!

I love what I see!

Pictures via Design Scene

Michael Kors' Neo Classic

Kors riffed about "neo-classics,". Tailoring was a focus. Kors was at his strongest when he was thinking sleek: elongating, stretch gabardine cigarette trousers; a pantsuit almost as narrow as the chalk stripes on its charcoal flannel; double-face peacoats and balmacaans.

In a nod to the prevailing mood, Kors also thumbed his nose at the global gods of finance, whipping up shredded fox jackets and coats in acid green. Those may be pretty hard to rationalize on a need basis. But as this savvy designer knows, that will make a certain type of woman want one all the more.

Picture via How to Wear It

It's very simple really...

A wonderful piece I found at one of my favorite blogs:
we just don't know you yet

How vain could you possibly be?
to be considered outstanding.
like a light.
like my star.

burning so brightly


that it hurts to even look at you.

and this feeling may be unrequited or it might just be returned,
but this uncertainty, makes me want to run, so very far away.
because I've been here before.
and all I got was a bruised heart,
and a need to let go.
to escape so urgently.

all I need is just the tinniest signal.
But everything you (don't) do.

just points to go.

So dear everybody,

Shut your mouths.

Don't make this something it isn't.
Don't get ahead of yourself.

because what if it never happens?

Most of you are asking what?
but I think all of you should really be asking why?

I wish you existed here.


I really wish we existed.

Carlos Falchi Tote!!!

I''m a little upset with Gossip Girl at the moment. Not only that the show's been put to a suspense till March; the story lines in the last episodes had gotten increasingly unrealistic. No. Just a No-No.

Still I can't get enough of the collegiate antics of Serena, Blair and Co., I'm tuning in past series just for a fix of drool-worthy handbags, apparel and accessories; handbags primarily.

I'm particularly loving this one, in which Serena van der Woodsen, ahem, Blake, chatted it up on a cell phone while toting a gorgeous piece of crocodile arm candy. A Carlos Falchi Brooke Matte Caiman Tote, I presume. The bag is so amazing!!!

romance.

London born photographer Chris Craymer recently launched his new book, Romance.

Craymer wanted the book to be "essentially emotional rather than intellectual or fashion led."

As he states, "Romance for me was the perfect vehicle to make pictures which can covey a number of emotions... I wanted to try to make pictures which could be for example sexy, funny, joyful and also powerful and even soulful."

Craymer captures special, raw moments by enlisting the help of real life couples who have a strong sense of personal style and individuality. Their love shines through in each beautiful photo.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Versense

"Versense perfectly represents the Versace woman. I created a fragrance to make her feel incredibly lighter. There’s something very optimistic and confident about being free, and it was that feeling that I tried to capture for Versense." Donatella Versace elaborated on the theme.

If lighter and fresher is what you’re after, Versense might just fit the bill. Like yesterday’s Essence by Narciso Rodriguez, Versense was developed by perfumer Alberto Morillas.

Opens whistling-clean, the early stages are crisp, green, lemon-lime-y and fresh, with the emphasis on the fresh — it’s distinctly Glade-ish in the opening (the notes: bergamot, green mandarin, citrus, prickly pear, fig, sea daffodil, cardamom, jasmine, cedar, sandalwood, olive wood and musk). The big fresh note fades somewhat on the dry down, but Versense stays light, fresh and crisp for the duration. The heart is a blended floral over woody musk, with vaguely fruity undertones lending some roundness. The cardamom, while subtle, adds some liveliness.

Versace Versense is available in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette and in matching body lotion. The lasting power is pretty good.

Here I Am

This is a crazy world. These can be lonely times.

It's hard to know who's on your side most of the time.

Who can you really trust? Who do you really know?

Is there anybody out there who can make you feel less alone?

Some times you just can't make it on your own

If you need a place where you can run.

If you need a shoulder to cry on.

I'll always be your friend.

When you need some shelter from the rain,

When you need a healer for your pain,

I will be there time and time again.

When you need someone to love you,

Here I am.

If you have broken dreams, just lay them all on me.

I'll be the one who understands, so take my hand.

If you reach emptiness, you know I'll do my best.

To fill you up with all the love that I can show someone.

I promise you you'll never walk alone.

Everybody needs somebody who keep a heart and soul in two.

Song Title Here I Am
Singer Leona Lewis
Songwriter Brett James, Walter Afanasieff, Leona Lewis
Album Spirit

Picture via Bluquote

Best Outfits for 2010 Spring

Worlds most wanted top models team up with Craig McDean to show off the best outfits from Spring 2010 collections for W magazines January issue...

Magazine: W Magazine

Editorial: Run of Show
Published: January 2010
Styled by Alex White

Models: Jacquelyn Jablonski |Ford Models|, Lindsey Wixson |Marilyn Models|, Lyndsey Scott |Click Model Management|, Madisyn Ritland |Silent Models| Anastasija |New York Models| Frida, Sharon K., Anabela and Kamila |all at IMG|, Rasa, Shu Pei and Katie Fogerty |all at Next| Elsa Sylvan, Sara Blomqvist and Siri Tollerød |all at DNA|, Rose, Hanne Gaby and Kate K. |all at Supreme|.

Digital technician: Drew Dogget.
Photographed by Craig McDean
Website: www.wmagazine.com