I am [Fashion]

{What to Wear on V day}

Forget trying to decide on a present, we know the real headache you're having is what to wear this Valentine's Day. Here, we've got outfit ideas that'll suit your mood and flatter your body type.

SHOWING OFF YOUR STEMS
Want to show off your sexy legs? Go for a mini dress. Luckily mini dresses and skirts are quite in style this season and really, there's no better way to show off those lovely legs. To balance out the look, make sure your top isn't too low-cut. If you've opted for a mini dress, also make sure it isn't too tight so you can avoid looking overly risqué.

HIDING THE THIGHS
If the last thing you want to do is draw attention to your legs and thighs, you can always opt for a pair of dark denim or black trousers. Wide leg trousers will make your legs appear longer and slimmer. To really elongate your legs, wear those trousers with heels and make sure your pants hems are just above the floor. If you do want to try a dress or skirt, look for one that hits right above the knee. You can also slim the legs with some black tights.

BOLD COLORS
It's daring, it's bold. Red is this spring's power color, and an obvious choice for Valentine's Day. How to wear it? The key is finding the right shade of red for your skin tone. If you have lighter skin, you can pull of a bright, bold red. Darker skin tones can try deep red shades and also orangey-reds. If you're hesitant for either, look for lighter, pastel shades of red. Pair with nude (not black) accessories to soften the overall look. And since it's V-day, after all, go ahead and rock a bright red lip or nails to match.

Arizona, the "Muse"

Once in a while, a name comes along that screams “I was born to be a star”. Arizona Muse is such a name. The 22-year-old progeny of a British mother and American father began modeling at 18, while still in high school. Growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the fashion industry was a far cry away from her surroundings as she tells Dazed and Confused, “I didn’t have any contact with fashion or media. I’m only just learning now how it works”. It was by chance that she met her agent, a former model, who offered to help her into the industry.

She began slowly, not gaining much notoriety. After a year, she became pregnant with her son Nikko, and left modeling. This short hiatus created a change in Muse, who decided to return to modeling when Nikko was 1, and to give it a real try “If I’m going to work again then I’m going to do it properly this time”. And properly she did. Her long natural blonde hair was morphed into a short brown cut. Ever since her reemergence, she has been whole-heartedly welcomed by the in-crowd.

Each season, there is a model, either a newcomer or an established model, who overtakes all the runways: she walks in every show, is an exclusive for certain designers, will open or close major shows and put herself above and beyond the rest. Spring Ready-To-Wear 2011, her first runway season, Muse managed to do just that. She opened BCBG Max Azria, walked for Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Proenza Schouler, all within the same week. She then proceeded to open and close the Prada show, the Miu Miu show, and opens for Rochas as well as Kenzo. No newcomer can even imagine or hope for this type of success within their first catwalk moments.

But then again, not every newcomer is Arizona Muse. After her runway triumph, she became the face of Prada. It certainly did not hurt that the affectionately called “Monkey Business” Prada show she opened and closed was considered one of the most influential and directional shows of the season. Appearing in their short promotional fashion film followed.

What is most interesting about Muse is her luck and talent. She has been fortunate enough to see everything she touches turn into pure gold. Her success seems predetermined; being the face of Prada and Yves Saint Laurent, walking the Valentino, Elie Saab and Chanel couture shows all the while appearing in editorial after editorial in the most prominent of fashion press does not just happen. Or does it?

7th September

September 7 is the 250th day of the year in the calendar.
There are 115 days remaining until the end of the year.

Something beautiful, please pop up anytime soon...

Céline, Fall Winter 2011

UPDATED: new images photographed by Juergen Teller.

Monika Sawicka and Kirsi Pyrhonen are the new faces of Céline for their Fall Winter 2011 campaign replacing Stella Tennant and Daria Werbowy lensed once again by Juergen Teller.

White Fairy Tale Love Ball 2011

Every year since 2005, Natalia Vodianova brings together renowned designers and celebrities for a large charity event in favor of the Naked Heart Foundation (NHF), an association that helps underprivileged children in Russia.

It was the Besian school siege in 2004 that spurred the top model and philanthropist to set up the NHF. Their mission is to provide safe outdoor Play Parks in Russian cities where more than 25% of all families raise children below the poverty line. The Love Ball is the main fundraiser for the Naked Heart Foundation.

On Wednesday night July 6th 2011, Valentino Garavani and Natalia Vodianova invite you to experience one of the most magical nights of summer ever imagined in your wildest dream -this year's Love Ball.

In the atmosphere of the XVII century Chateau de Wideville, residence of Valentino Garavani near Paris, a fairy tale will unfold.

For this event, 45 unique dresses have been created especially for the NHF, by some international designers such as Riccardo Tisci, Calvin Klein, Olivier Theyskens, Ulyana Sergeenko and more... The highlight of the evening will be a chance to bid for one of these gorgeous pieces through auction over an exquisite dinner. Profits from the sale will be donated entirely to benefit the Naked Heart Foundation.

Must-Have: LV Speedy

Your bag collection shouldn’t be missing a Louis Vuitton Speedy, but if it is, we’ve got a few things you might want to consider.

1. In the world of designer handbags, they’re relatively affordable

Despite the fact that the price of a Speedy has gone up by over $100 over the year, they’re still something of a steal in the great scheme of designer bags. Speedies start at $665 for the 25 cm monogram version, and for an iconic bag from one of the biggest luxury companies on the planet, you’re not going to find a better deal. Bags with similar storied histories and famous followings will set you back thousands of dollars.

2. Don’t like monogram? There are dozens of other options

Monogram canvas may be the most popular material, but that’s certainly the only one. Damier and Epi leather options always available, as well as whatever graced the runways that season. Fall/Winter 2010 will be of particular interest to Speedy lovers – Vuitton showed nothing but dozens of different Speedies in a variety of leathers and exotics. If you want logos, Vuitton comes up with a new version practically every season – watercolor, roses, cherries, pop-art pandas, graffiti. You get the idea.

3. Louis Vuitton bags are practically indestructible

This one requires little explanation for a true bag lover – even people that aren’t Vuitton fans know that their bags are historically very well-made, particularly the traditional styles. Also, if your Speedy were to require repair, Vuitton has great service for those kinds of things.

4. The shape can fit in any woman’s wardrobe

Speedies range in size from petite to quite large, and if you’d rather not wear a bag on your arm, Vuitton offers a crossbody strap to keep you hands-free. The brand’s purists will caution against using it, but crossbodies have become so very modern in the past year that wearing a Speedy as a messenger might actually be a good way to update it. Once you’ve decided how to carry it, even the 25cm version has plenty of room for all of your daily essentials.

5. If it was good for Audrey Hepburn, it should be good enough for us

Grace Kelly may have been a fan of Hermés, but Audrey Hepburn was continually photographed wearing her favorite Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Some people may say that the bag is played out, but don’t let people who chase labels dissuade you from enjoying a bag that has an important historical place in the lineage of the luxury handbag. With all of the different size and design permutations, there’s a Speedy out there to suit every style.

Stella McCartney, Las Vegas

Located within The Crystals City Center project, the Las Vegas Stella McCartney store nestles between two inclined thirty storey ‘crystal’ towers. Like huge glass shards they create a landmark space in their shadow within the Daniel Libeskind designed building. This is the new epicentre of Las Vegas – a complex cluster of angular forms which houses marques from around the world under thirteen (lucky for some) twisting rooves.

The Stella McCartney store sits next to Cartier, close to the Aria Casino entrance – a simple brass facade. Formed with rhombus ceramic tiles defining two large display windows, the central entrance opens with a colourful threshold. This is the beginning of Stella McCartney’s Vegas.

Stella McCartney have collaborated with architects APA from Soho, London with whom they also worked for stores in Paris and Milan, (in association with an experienced local team) to propose the ambitious new store which houses a remarkable crystal horse at its very centre.

Imported from a Scottish Castle, the horse ‘Lucky Spot’ is named after Stella McCartney’s mother Linda’s own horse. Hanging within a vast fourteen foot ceiling space, the crystals are suspended mid air to describe in light the form of George Stubb’s famous equestrian painting ‘The Whistle Jacket’. It is an act of theatre combined with design artistry and a slightly wicked but healthy sense of playfulness. The horse is surrounded by the Stella McCartney latest collection on an array of sculptural sweeping clothes rails and with geometric cubes housing her accessories merchandise. A subtle sense of joy is, we hope, evoked.

On the floor, a traditional Herringbone (designed by Raw Edges with Established & Sons) has been commissioned which subverts the classical feel in beautiful nude tones to depict an enormous sweeping curvature guiding the customers though the collection. At the back of the store, the pattern becomes a classic dotted check plaid subtley merging to a warm luxurious lounge punctuated by brass clothes rail and English furniture.

The fitting rooms go a step further in spectacular tones of veneered maple of warm red, azure turquoise and deep rich flannel grey ; a further inflexion of the traditional, this time in timber panelling set within a room of deep Hague blue.

The new environment mediates between design, artistry and the bravura of Las Vegas in a confident and uncompromising manner.

Chanel Crocs Biarritz Aligator

Chanel loyalists, feast your eyes on the Chanel Croc Biarritz, an oversized (literally huge) Chanel tote designed with black crocodile. Forbes reports that there are three of these in Chanel NYC, two in Chanel LA, and three more wandering around select Neiman Marcus locations.

There is a simply understated external zip pocket with a CC silver pull and dividers on the inside. Not sure if the bag can be found anywhere now, but the Chanel Croc Biarritz deserves fuss and press and spotlight.

The line is inspired by the world-famous holiday resort on the Basque coast of south-west France where Coco Chanel opened her boutique in 1915. The Kaiser designed the line for the Parisian jet set who loves the resort in addition to paying homage to the original jet setting mademoiselle, Coco Chanel.

Coming in at $43,150, this bag is sure to be exclusive not only because of the limited quantity made, but also the exorbitant price tag. Any of you get one of the eight known beauties?

L'empresse, Amsterdam

Haute Impression

Jan Clemens Hoek, the owner and founder, has become one (if not the) youngest entrepreneur to have opened his own luxury-line boutique (and to have earned a mention in the International Herald Tribune). Hoek has impressively established a shop with only the hottest names in fashion, like Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi, Marios Schwab, Balmain, Rodarte, Lanvin, Balenciaga… The list goes on.

L’Empresse offers a great assortment of clothing, exclusive accessories and even collector’s items. All you need is an occasion for that new hot cocktail dress.

Cornelis Schuytstraat 48

1071 JL Amsterdam

+31206390067

www.l-empresse.com

info@l-empresse.com

Louis Vuitton City Guide

For ten years now, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its passion for travel and city life. Providing an attentive, informed commentary on the changes shaking the heart of cities and voicing off-beat views on fashion, design, the arts and gastronomy, each guide highlights the latest trends and offers unique advice.

Drawing on the talents of journalists and writers, the Louis Vuitton City Guide collection successfully and daringly combines traditional values with new aspects, traditional locations with extravagant ones, known with unknown and out of the ordinary.

Perfectly capturing the spirit of cities with words and imagination.Inspired writing, a pleasure to read and a feeling of discovery for a unique urban immersion.

Luxury and charming hotels, gourmet restaurants and local bistros, typical markets and delicatessens, antiquarians and designers, museums and fashion shops, essential or little-known monuments… with 40 international destinations and 10,000 addresses, the 2010 edition offers the traveller an insider’s guide into these cities.

A Home for Wang

Here comes the much awaited event for devoted fans all over the world, the beloved designer Alexander Wang finally introduce his first flagship store to the world. With a bright and clear weather report, a rather heavenly sunlight streamed through the massive windows into the 3,500-square-foot space.

Wang was, of course, inspired by the airy nature of the Yohji Yamamato store that previously occupied the space, and he had a couple other favorites to inspire him as well. “I respond to a store like Barneys where it’s very breathy and you have these sophisticated installations, but there’s still humor,” he said. “And the old Helmut Lang store on Greene Street was pretty iconic to me. I just loved the gallery feel of it.”

In fact, like Lang’s store, the front area here, which has a ceiling-high black metal cage and marble display cubes, is reserved for installations, exclusives, and special collabs. Currently the cage is covered in baby’s breath, the so-wrong-it’s-right idea of florist Jeff Leatham, who worked with Wang for the opening.

Designed by architect Robin Kramer, the chilly white marble interior is warmed up by touches of glowy antique brass, inlaid in those marble cubes and long tables. And there’s an inviting carpeted square of relaxation in the center, dominated by the by-now world-famous black fox fur hammock. “I knew I wanted it to feel like our living room, just a place where people can hang out,” said Wang. “I don’t want it to be such a strict retail environment. I want people to feel like they’re coming to my apartment to shop.” In a way, they are, since decorator Ryan Korban is the aesthetic force behind the store as well as Wang’s home and showroom. And in that vein, Wang also personally chose the playlist for the first week, a mix of the Pharcyde, vintage Dr. Dre, Dru Hill, and Die Antwoord.

With all of his lines and accessories on display, including a capsule of five black leather pieces made expressly for the opening, consider it a full immersion in Wang world. As for those fans, since Wang’s studio and apartment are both minutes away, and his brother lives right upstairs, they can expect to see him there pretty frequently. Alexander Wang is now open at 103 Grand St., NYC.