Metro Fashion Week

PREVIEW

SPRING/SUMMER 2011 www.kenyasstyle.com

FASHION WEEKS

Alexa Chung Christopher Kane Lily Allen Franca Sozzani Chanel Iman David Koma and more of your favorite fashion hell-raisers ...

COVER ART BY: WILLIAMANDMOTH.COM

fashion weeks: new york

03

02

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Rebel yell

ALEXA CHUNG FOR MADEWELL

The most modern way to dress is out of the box. Editors turned street style stars Giovanna Battaglia and Taylor Tomasi Hill on their favorite fashion rules to break.

TAMU MCPHERSON

Romina McGuinness metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Alexa Chung is someone who has become famous for how she looks moreso than her day job as a television personality. She’s got a unique thing going — a tomboyish schoolgirl pluckiness that miraculously manages to look chic and modern, rather than childlike. Not every woman can pull off a Peter Pan collar, knee socks and loafers, but that won’t stop hundreds of thousands from trying. The 28-year-old gives Kate Moss a run for her money as the British export women most want to dress like. Which is where her second collection for Madewell, the popular American sister label to J.Crew, comes in.

Like the first one, the series of cute, eccentric dresses and separates is largely modeled on Chung’s personal wardrobe.

How do you feel about the It girl label?

At the beginning I was uncomfortable with it. I guess it’s my British way of being wary of celebration as it ultimately precedes a fall.

Before, the It girl scene meant people like Paris Hilton. But not anymore.

Now, it’s a different vibe.

ALEXA CHUNG The multi-hyphenate on the ever-changing meaning of the It-girl and her new line for Madewell

AN ENGLISH ROSE, WITH SOME THORNS People like Diane Kruger, Elle Fanning and myself. I like to think we wear clothes in an interesting way, and not necessarily have the emphasis on sex. It’s pretty cool.

How do you approach design for the Madewell collection?

I’m designing for myself, rather selfishly. I don’t have a vested interest to make a line that is commercially viable. They’re all clothes that you can chuck on. A lot of my girlfriends are in bands, so I thought about clothes that would look good on the tour bus, on stage and if they stopped for gas at the petrol station.

comfortable and never looks dated. Carven is a brand that very much does what I love, a mix of strict mistress and schoolgirl. It’s not overtly sexy and when you wear it you feel attractive. I’m more inspired by what men wear, people like Keith Richards, Bryan Jones and the Beatles.

If I wear a girlie party dress, I prefer wearing it with a briefcase and brogues, though I’m a bit bored of that right now. I sometimes wish I’d been a boy. The more I think about it, the more I think my tomboy side is what I use to assert the fact that I’m not a push over. I guess I’d call it modern power dressing.

People are always dissecting your style in magazines and on blogs. But how would you describe it?

How much time do you spend thinking about what to wear each day?

I appreciate classic design, it’s classic for a reason—a shirt and blazer is practical,

The key is I don’t spend time getting ready in the morning but I do put a lot of thought

into the things I buy. If you know what your style really is, it doesn’t matter how you assemble things, you can just mix and match and it will always look nice.

You split your time between New York and London. What are the biggest differences, in terms of fashion, between the two cities?

People in England are less afraid to take risks and don’t necessarily follow trends but instigate them naturally. The British have this eccentric, enchanting and mad heritage. In New York it’s more mixed and tamed. In England, people indulge in this madness, in the States, people would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, what is she wearing!’

You have been a model, a TV presenter and a designer.

Which role do you feel most

comfortable with?

Before I was on TV I went to art school and if I hadn’t become a TV presenter I would have done design of some sort. It’s more my scene and what I’m most comfortable doing. TV is not something I’m naturally good at whereas when I’m sitting sketching in the Madewell office, it feels natural and easy. In the UK everyone is saying, ‘Alexa is concentrating on her TV career’ but it’s not that. I need the money.

I’m like everyone else, TV is my job. I don’t think of my new TV show as a big return and me trying to reinvigorate my career in the U.S. I make money from doing TV, so I have to do it.

Anyway, I’m so hyperactive and such an attention seeker that I need to do TV to fulfill my need and desire to be listened to. I need it to tire me out or I‘d go a bit nuts.

GETTY IMAGES

GETTY IMAGES

KARL-EDWIN GUERRE

PHIL OH

TAMU MCPHERSON

Alexa Chung's new reality show, "24-hour Catwalk," premieres on the Lifetime Channel this fall.

Giovanna Battaglia

Romina McGuinness metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

“I often get calls and emails from friends, family members and even strangers asking if they can wear navy with black and I sort of giggle to myself. Of course [you can]!” says Marie Claire Style and Accessories Director Taylor Tomasi-Hill who is a self-professed style chameleon. Most of you may not know her name, but the fashion lovers among you will surely recognize her face. Taylor’s bold, singular way of dressing has made her a regular on the pages of fashion magazines and street style blogs the world over.

“I wouldn’t say any of the

Taylor Tomasi-Hill

traditional fashion etiquette ‘rules’ apply to my day to day dressing,” she adds. Giovanna Battaglia, fashion editor of W magazine, who is an equally popular street style star, agrees. “Rule is a word that goes against instinct.

Fashion is a world where the rules change every season.

What was black is now color and what was solid color is now print,” she explains.

The two women talk us through their approach to dressing.

1. BREAK YOUR EVENING WARDROBE OUT FOR DAY “I think wearing white lace in the morning looks lovely and that gold dresses and em-

“Sometimes I will wear the same skirt to work four days out of five, always in a different way.”

TAYLOR TOMASI-HILL

broidery looks better worn in the day than at night. A silver skirt and a gold foil blouse for example, looks amazing,” Battaglia says.

2. COMBINE CONTRASTING PRINTS FREELY “Some say mixing prints is a no-no, but for me and for fashionistas all over the globe this has been a huge trend as of late. As long as the prints work together and

don't compete you are on your way to breaking one of the rules but in a good way,” Tomasi-Hill says. Battaglia adds, “One of my favorite things to do is pair up a polka dot top and a floral print skirt. As long as you wear something in a bold way, it works.”

same skirt to work four days out of five, always in a different way. I become addicted to seeing how many ways I can wear it,” Tomasi-Hill says. “I've often thought I should do this for fashion month as it would certainly cut down on the packing process.”

3. AND DO WEAR BLACK WITH NAVY

5. AND WHERE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

“Black and brown together — some would say eeeek, I say chic,” Tomasi-Hill says before giving outfits that mix navy, black, brown and gray the thumbs up.

“During the week, I like to really dress up, especially for work. It puts me in a good frame of mind,” Battaglia says. Taylor also dresses to win: “My first job in fashion was at W magazine. My boss at the time told me to dress for the job you want in the future. I live by this rule.”

4. REPEAT WITH WILD ABANDON “Sometimes I will wear the

GET THE LOOK TOPSHOP Ivory elephant print trousers

BEX ROX

EQUIPMENT

Art deco collar

Snakeskin print skirt

$76, € 43 topshop.com

$480, €340, bexrox.com

$228, €270, joie.com

AMERICAN APPAREL Breton pullover $48, €50, americanapparel.net

MANOLO BLAHNIK Muna stiletto $970, €678 manoloblahnik.com

Wardrobe staples Giovanna Battaglia “My Chanel stripy long sleeved t-shirt is my favorite thing to wear on a long flight .”

“Pretty much all of my Manolo Blahnik shoes because when they’re good, they’re timeless.”

Taylor Tomasi-Hill “A bright blue vintage dress that I’ve worn to the first day of every new job. It started out floor length and I later altered it to above the knee with pinking shears.”

“My snakeskin print Equipment shirt in green.”

CHARLOTTE BJORLIN DELIA gold bangle $4500, €3200 charlottebjorlindelia.com

fashion weeks: new york

03

02

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Rebel yell

ALEXA CHUNG FOR MADEWELL

The most modern way to dress is out of the box. Editors turned street style stars Giovanna Battaglia and Taylor Tomasi Hill on their favorite fashion rules to break.

TAMU MCPHERSON

Romina McGuinness metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Alexa Chung is someone who has become famous for how she looks moreso than her day job as a television personality. She’s got a unique thing going — a tomboyish schoolgirl pluckiness that miraculously manages to look chic and modern, rather than childlike. Not every woman can pull off a Peter Pan collar, knee socks and loafers, but that won’t stop hundreds of thousands from trying. The 28-year-old gives Kate Moss a run for her money as the British export women most want to dress like. Which is where her second collection for Madewell, the popular American sister label to J.Crew, comes in.

Like the first one, the series of cute, eccentric dresses and separates is largely modeled on Chung’s personal wardrobe.

How do you feel about the It girl label?

At the beginning I was uncomfortable with it. I guess it’s my British way of being wary of celebration as it ultimately precedes a fall.

Before, the It girl scene meant people like Paris Hilton. But not anymore.

Now, it’s a different vibe.

ALEXA CHUNG The multi-hyphenate on the ever-changing meaning of the It-girl and her new line for Madewell

AN ENGLISH ROSE, WITH SOME THORNS People like Diane Kruger, Elle Fanning and myself. I like to think we wear clothes in an interesting way, and not necessarily have the emphasis on sex. It’s pretty cool.

How do you approach design for the Madewell collection?

I’m designing for myself, rather selfishly. I don’t have a vested interest to make a line that is commercially viable. They’re all clothes that you can chuck on. A lot of my girlfriends are in bands, so I thought about clothes that would look good on the tour bus, on stage and if they stopped for gas at the petrol station.

comfortable and never looks dated. Carven is a brand that very much does what I love, a mix of strict mistress and schoolgirl. It’s not overtly sexy and when you wear it you feel attractive. I’m more inspired by what men wear, people like Keith Richards, Bryan Jones and the Beatles.

If I wear a girlie party dress, I prefer wearing it with a briefcase and brogues, though I’m a bit bored of that right now. I sometimes wish I’d been a boy. The more I think about it, the more I think my tomboy side is what I use to assert the fact that I’m not a push over. I guess I’d call it modern power dressing.

People are always dissecting your style in magazines and on blogs. But how would you describe it?

How much time do you spend thinking about what to wear each day?

I appreciate classic design, it’s classic for a reason—a shirt and blazer is practical,

The key is I don’t spend time getting ready in the morning but I do put a lot of thought

into the things I buy. If you know what your style really is, it doesn’t matter how you assemble things, you can just mix and match and it will always look nice.

You split your time between New York and London. What are the biggest differences, in terms of fashion, between the two cities?

People in England are less afraid to take risks and don’t necessarily follow trends but instigate them naturally. The British have this eccentric, enchanting and mad heritage. In New York it’s more mixed and tamed. In England, people indulge in this madness, in the States, people would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, what is she wearing!’

You have been a model, a TV presenter and a designer.

Which role do you feel most

comfortable with?

Before I was on TV I went to art school and if I hadn’t become a TV presenter I would have done design of some sort. It’s more my scene and what I’m most comfortable doing. TV is not something I’m naturally good at whereas when I’m sitting sketching in the Madewell office, it feels natural and easy. In the UK everyone is saying, ‘Alexa is concentrating on her TV career’ but it’s not that. I need the money.

I’m like everyone else, TV is my job. I don’t think of my new TV show as a big return and me trying to reinvigorate my career in the U.S. I make money from doing TV, so I have to do it.

Anyway, I’m so hyperactive and such an attention seeker that I need to do TV to fulfill my need and desire to be listened to. I need it to tire me out or I‘d go a bit nuts.

GETTY IMAGES

GETTY IMAGES

KARL-EDWIN GUERRE

PHIL OH

TAMU MCPHERSON

Alexa Chung's new reality show, "24-hour Catwalk," premieres on the Lifetime Channel this fall.

Giovanna Battaglia

Romina McGuinness metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

“I often get calls and emails from friends, family members and even strangers asking if they can wear navy with black and I sort of giggle to myself. Of course [you can]!” says Marie Claire Style and Accessories Director Taylor Tomasi-Hill who is a self-professed style chameleon. Most of you may not know her name, but the fashion lovers among you will surely recognize her face. Taylor’s bold, singular way of dressing has made her a regular on the pages of fashion magazines and street style blogs the world over.

“I wouldn’t say any of the

Taylor Tomasi-Hill

traditional fashion etiquette ‘rules’ apply to my day to day dressing,” she adds. Giovanna Battaglia, fashion editor of W magazine, who is an equally popular street style star, agrees. “Rule is a word that goes against instinct.

Fashion is a world where the rules change every season.

What was black is now color and what was solid color is now print,” she explains.

The two women talk us through their approach to dressing.

1. BREAK YOUR EVENING WARDROBE OUT FOR DAY “I think wearing white lace in the morning looks lovely and that gold dresses and em-

“Sometimes I will wear the same skirt to work four days out of five, always in a different way.”

TAYLOR TOMASI-HILL

broidery looks better worn in the day than at night. A silver skirt and a gold foil blouse for example, looks amazing,” Battaglia says.

2. COMBINE CONTRASTING PRINTS FREELY “Some say mixing prints is a no-no, but for me and for fashionistas all over the globe this has been a huge trend as of late. As long as the prints work together and

don't compete you are on your way to breaking one of the rules but in a good way,” Tomasi-Hill says. Battaglia adds, “One of my favorite things to do is pair up a polka dot top and a floral print skirt. As long as you wear something in a bold way, it works.”

same skirt to work four days out of five, always in a different way. I become addicted to seeing how many ways I can wear it,” Tomasi-Hill says. “I've often thought I should do this for fashion month as it would certainly cut down on the packing process.”

3. AND DO WEAR BLACK WITH NAVY

5. AND WHERE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

“Black and brown together — some would say eeeek, I say chic,” Tomasi-Hill says before giving outfits that mix navy, black, brown and gray the thumbs up.

“During the week, I like to really dress up, especially for work. It puts me in a good frame of mind,” Battaglia says. Taylor also dresses to win: “My first job in fashion was at W magazine. My boss at the time told me to dress for the job you want in the future. I live by this rule.”

4. REPEAT WITH WILD ABANDON “Sometimes I will wear the

GET THE LOOK TOPSHOP Ivory elephant print trousers

BEX ROX

EQUIPMENT

Art deco collar

Snakeskin print skirt

$76, € 43 topshop.com

$480, €340, bexrox.com

$228, €270, joie.com

AMERICAN APPAREL Breton pullover $48, €50, americanapparel.net

MANOLO BLAHNIK Muna stiletto $970, €678 manoloblahnik.com

Wardrobe staples Giovanna Battaglia “My Chanel stripy long sleeved t-shirt is my favorite thing to wear on a long flight .”

“Pretty much all of my Manolo Blahnik shoes because when they’re good, they’re timeless.”

Taylor Tomasi-Hill “A bright blue vintage dress that I’ve worn to the first day of every new job. It started out floor length and I later altered it to above the knee with pinking shears.”

“My snakeskin print Equipment shirt in green.”

CHARLOTTE BJORLIN DELIA gold bangle $4500, €3200 charlottebjorlindelia.com

fashion weeks: new york

5

1

Master tailor: Antonio Azzuolo

The CFDA men’s wear nominee cut his teeth designing for brands such as Hermès and Kenzo before landing the design director role at Ralph Lauren’s Purple and Black Label. But the Montreal native’s experience began much earlier — his dad was a master tailor. Now Azzuolo creates glamorous, luxe essentials for his own line, a.a. Warning: If you buy any of Azzuolo’s chic pieces for your boyfriend, expect your other half to be the better looking one in the re-

The romantics: Creatures of the Wind Chicago–based designers Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters wooed editors and buyers alike at New York Fashion Week last season for being very, well, un-New York. Their romantic and quirky collection inspired

by Nantucket and the sailors’ widows featured Victorian silhouettes, lace and bright colors. It also landed them on the cover of WWD and a CFDA nomination this year. Well played, guys. Well played.

lationship.

TINA CHADHA metro world news tina.chadha@metro.lu

When Henry took over French label Carven, his collection was so spot on that you would have thought he took his hip, arty girlfriends out for a round of drinks and then took their wardrobe complaints and wish lists to the atelier. His clothes are sweet and yet a little bit dark, chic and still slightly punky. It’s no wonder girls like Alexa Chung can’t get enough.

2

Indie darling: Suzanne Rae Suzanne Pelaez, a Parsons grad, started out by working in New York’s art gallery circuit. And you can see the influence in her flair for print and pattern. Her slightly experimental ready to wear pieces would look at home in any curator’s closet (or that of any girl with a confident sense of personal style, really). Pelaez worked brief stints at Costume National and Morgane le Fay before quickly striking out on her own. Smart choice. We’re writing about her, after all.

3

4 Futuristic femme: Sally LaPointe

5

Dubbed as a one-to-watch by Elle and New York magazine, this Massachusetts native’s signature style is a mix of both futuristic (think: big, bold shoulders) and feminine silhouettes (sexy, drapey dresses) Add some in-your-face colors, prints and fabrics and you have what might be the perfect wardrobe for show stoppers such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga — the latter is already a loyal LaPointe customer.

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Ballet slipper flats $940, €651, netaporter.com

ZARA brogues

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

FOR MODELS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR BOYFRIEND

For the hipsters

SoHo

TAVI

LYNN YAEGER

The blogosphere’s youngest, and most popular is also the most eccentric with outfits that feature everything from blue wigs to giant bow hats.

She’s got a writing style that is as distinct as her subversive Victorian doll look. We’d recognize that rosebud pout anywhere.

GRACE CODDINGTON

MICKEY BOARDMAN

“The September Issue” was ages ago, but we’re still crushing on Coddington’s trademark fiery mane.

About Paper magazine’s columnist we’ve got four words: Look at this outfit.

Enough said.

€80, $99, zara.com

Fashion’s Night Out is like the biggest block party you’ll ever go to, only with better dressed people.

It can be a nightmare shopping with your boyfriend but we’re pretty sure Mr. Awkward won’t mind perusing the delights on offer at Victoria’s Secret. Aside from the cheeky collections and makeovers for the ladies, there will also be appearances from supermodel beauties like Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Erin Heatherton and Lily Aldridge.

You’ll have a job pulling him away. Victoria’s Secret, 19 Fulton St., NY 10038

KANYE WEST: WILL HE, WON’T HE? The rumors about Yeezy’s alleged stint as a designer changes by the day. He’s making shoes! No. Clothes!

He’s making them with designer Louise Goldin! No. Design professor Louise Wilson (she denied it)! So??

Preserve your fashion cred, while sparing your feet as you run from store to store

$100, €69, topshop.com

YOUR FNO ITINERARY PLANNED OUT

If that Chanel suit seems a lifetime of pay raises away, fret not. Karl Lagerfeld’s chic and very affordable collection for Macy’s hits stores this week.

SHOES MADE FOR SHOPPING

Loafers

Front-row rule breakers

KARL LAGERFELD FOR EVERYONE

This year, Fashion’s Night Out is the biggest yet. A whopping 18 countries join in, offering steep discounts and free goodies, flutes overflowing with bubbly and those little bite-size crab puff pastries that are a part of every party.

We highlight some of the biggest scenes.

TOPSHOP

The sartorial rebels

Up/Down

The season’s must-do parties GETTY IMAGES

young names to know in fashion this month

Ladies man: Guillaume Henry

05

04

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Start at Opening Ceremony on Howard Street, where the music and food will be good and the people-watching entertaining, just the way you like it. Then make your way on over to Broadway and pop into the

FOR CELEBS THAT KEEP YOU TALKING FOR DAYS

FOR DOGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU DO A FINGER SNAP

OMG! Is that Kelly Rowland performing? Yes, girl, it is — along with Samantha Ronson on decks, Bobbi Brown on make-up and Anna Dello Russo and Karolina Kurkova in front of the camera doing what they do best (posing, duh). Meanwhile, top model Coco Rocha will try her hand at being a shop assistant.

And for the guys, Sean “Diddy” Combs will shoot billiard balls at his Sean John event.

Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., NY 10001

Here’s a random one. Badgley Mishcka, Cushnie & Ochs, Joseph Altuzarra and Lela Rose, to name a few, will all hit the runway with their dogs at Bergdorf Goodman in the hopes of winning the coveted “Best in Show.” Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig of Marchesa will judge. The dogs may or may not be dressed to the nines. We say, let the battle of the pampered pooches begin. Bergdorf Goodman, 745 Fifth Ave., NY 10019

FOR UPPER EAST SIDE PARTYING

FOR FASHION AND ...

GOSPEL?

Guys, we all know you secretly love a bit of retail therapy.

So get down to GQ’s gentleman’s club. No, not that kind of establishment – more like a jazz joint inside of a Bloomingdale’s with designer goods and discounts. Take the lady too. Model-turned-designer Erin Wasson will be there launching her new capsule collection for Zadig and Voltaire. All this while the one woman stylist-turneddesigner-turned-Mum, Rachel Zoe unveils her ready-to-wear collection. We die. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., NY 10022

Get your fashion face on for a presentation from Stella McCartney, followed by appearances from Tilda Swinton, Waris Ahluwalis and Prabal Gurung at Saks.

There will also be a Rebecca Minkoff hair braiding bar.

Crazy. But that’s not all: Shoppers will be able to down to the dulcet tones of The Harlem Gospel choir and a performance by NeYo. Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave. NY 10018

For the socials

$130, €90. shopbop.com

J.CREW $140, €119 j.crew KENYA HUNT

GETTY IMAGES

For the girls’ nighters

Midtown

14th and lower

Consider Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York the tips on your starry FNO triangle. Wear a pretty summer dress and heels (or tailored trousers and a button-down) for a night of civilized partying next to your favorite New York designers, celebs and editrixes. You’ll feel like you’re at a CFDA party.

Grab a drink at The Standard on Washington Ave before navigating the cobblestoned streets to the happenings at Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen and Jeffrey. Grab more cocktails.

Then double-back down Hudson, to Tracy Reese’s dance-athon, stopping at Catherine Malandrino’s DJ fest along the way. KENYA HUNT

Victoria Beckham at last year’s Bergdorf event

slippers

ballet slipper flats

GETTY IMAGES

downtown Bloomingdale’s and Prada stores for some elbow room, pleasing discounts, and a breather.

Then mosey on over to the massive block party that will be unfolding on West Broadway and Prince, Mercer and Greene Streets, where shops including Marc Jacobs, Agent Provacateur, Ralph Lauren and BBC will serve enough treats to keep your blood sugar high enough for the obligatory socializing in the streets.

SAM EDELMAN

fashion weeks: new york

5

1

Master tailor: Antonio Azzuolo

The CFDA men’s wear nominee cut his teeth designing for brands such as Hermès and Kenzo before landing the design director role at Ralph Lauren’s Purple and Black Label. But the Montreal native’s experience began much earlier — his dad was a master tailor. Now Azzuolo creates glamorous, luxe essentials for his own line, a.a. Warning: If you buy any of Azzuolo’s chic pieces for your boyfriend, expect your other half to be the better looking one in the re-

The romantics: Creatures of the Wind Chicago–based designers Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters wooed editors and buyers alike at New York Fashion Week last season for being very, well, un-New York. Their romantic and quirky collection inspired

by Nantucket and the sailors’ widows featured Victorian silhouettes, lace and bright colors. It also landed them on the cover of WWD and a CFDA nomination this year. Well played, guys. Well played.

lationship.

TINA CHADHA metro world news tina.chadha@metro.lu

When Henry took over French label Carven, his collection was so spot on that you would have thought he took his hip, arty girlfriends out for a round of drinks and then took their wardrobe complaints and wish lists to the atelier. His clothes are sweet and yet a little bit dark, chic and still slightly punky. It’s no wonder girls like Alexa Chung can’t get enough.

2

Indie darling: Suzanne Rae Suzanne Pelaez, a Parsons grad, started out by working in New York’s art gallery circuit. And you can see the influence in her flair for print and pattern. Her slightly experimental ready to wear pieces would look at home in any curator’s closet (or that of any girl with a confident sense of personal style, really). Pelaez worked brief stints at Costume National and Morgane le Fay before quickly striking out on her own. Smart choice. We’re writing about her, after all.

3

4 Futuristic femme: Sally LaPointe

5

Dubbed as a one-to-watch by Elle and New York magazine, this Massachusetts native’s signature style is a mix of both futuristic (think: big, bold shoulders) and feminine silhouettes (sexy, drapey dresses) Add some in-your-face colors, prints and fabrics and you have what might be the perfect wardrobe for show stoppers such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga — the latter is already a loyal LaPointe customer.

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Ballet slipper flats $940, €651, netaporter.com

ZARA brogues

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

FOR MODELS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR BOYFRIEND

For the hipsters

SoHo

TAVI

LYNN YAEGER

The blogosphere’s youngest, and most popular is also the most eccentric with outfits that feature everything from blue wigs to giant bow hats.

She’s got a writing style that is as distinct as her subversive Victorian doll look. We’d recognize that rosebud pout anywhere.

GRACE CODDINGTON

MICKEY BOARDMAN

“The September Issue” was ages ago, but we’re still crushing on Coddington’s trademark fiery mane.

About Paper magazine’s columnist we’ve got four words: Look at this outfit.

Enough said.

€80, $99, zara.com

Fashion’s Night Out is like the biggest block party you’ll ever go to, only with better dressed people.

It can be a nightmare shopping with your boyfriend but we’re pretty sure Mr. Awkward won’t mind perusing the delights on offer at Victoria’s Secret. Aside from the cheeky collections and makeovers for the ladies, there will also be appearances from supermodel beauties like Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Erin Heatherton and Lily Aldridge.

You’ll have a job pulling him away. Victoria’s Secret, 19 Fulton St., NY 10038

KANYE WEST: WILL HE, WON’T HE? The rumors about Yeezy’s alleged stint as a designer changes by the day. He’s making shoes! No. Clothes!

He’s making them with designer Louise Goldin! No. Design professor Louise Wilson (she denied it)! So??

Preserve your fashion cred, while sparing your feet as you run from store to store

$100, €69, topshop.com

YOUR FNO ITINERARY PLANNED OUT

If that Chanel suit seems a lifetime of pay raises away, fret not. Karl Lagerfeld’s chic and very affordable collection for Macy’s hits stores this week.

SHOES MADE FOR SHOPPING

Loafers

Front-row rule breakers

KARL LAGERFELD FOR EVERYONE

This year, Fashion’s Night Out is the biggest yet. A whopping 18 countries join in, offering steep discounts and free goodies, flutes overflowing with bubbly and those little bite-size crab puff pastries that are a part of every party.

We highlight some of the biggest scenes.

TOPSHOP

The sartorial rebels

Up/Down

The season’s must-do parties GETTY IMAGES

young names to know in fashion this month

Ladies man: Guillaume Henry

05

04

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Start at Opening Ceremony on Howard Street, where the music and food will be good and the people-watching entertaining, just the way you like it. Then make your way on over to Broadway and pop into the

FOR CELEBS THAT KEEP YOU TALKING FOR DAYS

FOR DOGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU DO A FINGER SNAP

OMG! Is that Kelly Rowland performing? Yes, girl, it is — along with Samantha Ronson on decks, Bobbi Brown on make-up and Anna Dello Russo and Karolina Kurkova in front of the camera doing what they do best (posing, duh). Meanwhile, top model Coco Rocha will try her hand at being a shop assistant.

And for the guys, Sean “Diddy” Combs will shoot billiard balls at his Sean John event.

Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., NY 10001

Here’s a random one. Badgley Mishcka, Cushnie & Ochs, Joseph Altuzarra and Lela Rose, to name a few, will all hit the runway with their dogs at Bergdorf Goodman in the hopes of winning the coveted “Best in Show.” Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig of Marchesa will judge. The dogs may or may not be dressed to the nines. We say, let the battle of the pampered pooches begin. Bergdorf Goodman, 745 Fifth Ave., NY 10019

FOR UPPER EAST SIDE PARTYING

FOR FASHION AND ...

GOSPEL?

Guys, we all know you secretly love a bit of retail therapy.

So get down to GQ’s gentleman’s club. No, not that kind of establishment – more like a jazz joint inside of a Bloomingdale’s with designer goods and discounts. Take the lady too. Model-turned-designer Erin Wasson will be there launching her new capsule collection for Zadig and Voltaire. All this while the one woman stylist-turneddesigner-turned-Mum, Rachel Zoe unveils her ready-to-wear collection. We die. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., NY 10022

Get your fashion face on for a presentation from Stella McCartney, followed by appearances from Tilda Swinton, Waris Ahluwalis and Prabal Gurung at Saks.

There will also be a Rebecca Minkoff hair braiding bar.

Crazy. But that’s not all: Shoppers will be able to down to the dulcet tones of The Harlem Gospel choir and a performance by NeYo. Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave. NY 10018

For the socials

$130, €90. shopbop.com

J.CREW $140, €119 j.crew KENYA HUNT

GETTY IMAGES

For the girls’ nighters

Midtown

14th and lower

Consider Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York the tips on your starry FNO triangle. Wear a pretty summer dress and heels (or tailored trousers and a button-down) for a night of civilized partying next to your favorite New York designers, celebs and editrixes. You’ll feel like you’re at a CFDA party.

Grab a drink at The Standard on Washington Ave before navigating the cobblestoned streets to the happenings at Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen and Jeffrey. Grab more cocktails.

Then double-back down Hudson, to Tracy Reese’s dance-athon, stopping at Catherine Malandrino’s DJ fest along the way. KENYA HUNT

Victoria Beckham at last year’s Bergdorf event

slippers

ballet slipper flats

GETTY IMAGES

downtown Bloomingdale’s and Prada stores for some elbow room, pleasing discounts, and a breather.

Then mosey on over to the massive block party that will be unfolding on West Broadway and Prince, Mercer and Greene Streets, where shops including Marc Jacobs, Agent Provacateur, Ralph Lauren and BBC will serve enough treats to keep your blood sugar high enough for the obligatory socializing in the streets.

SAM EDELMAN

fashion weeks: london

07

06

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

CONTRIBUTED

Nails that pop and cheeks that glow

A clean, light base

5

“D

uring the shows, I always wear a nail polish in a fun color, usually by Chanel. And for my cheeks, MAC blush in Peaches. Those two are my absolute musthaves.”

1 23

spring/summer ‘11 CONTRIBUTED

CHANEL Le Vernis in mimosa $25, €22 chanel.com

MAC Blush in Peaches $19.50, €21.50 maccosmetics.com

A smooth, understated pout

Kenya Hunt metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

Christopher Kane considers his work to be an extension of himself. But at first glance, he’s shockingly different from his audacious clothes. As one of London’s best new talents, the Scotsman by birth has earned comparisons to Alexander McQueen for his unbridled creativity. Technically, he’s a designer’s designer, using innovative techniques for his eponymous line and the Versace owned brand, Versus (his second job), in such a way that attracts the most serious fashion enthusiasts.

And visually, he’s ahead of the curve; his neon collections and series of dresses and tees emblazoned with angry crocodiles and gorillas were game-changers.

Kane’s the guy who the coolest, prettiest, most arty fashion editors love to namedrop — a litmus test of sorts for how with it you are. And his emotive clothes reveal a sharp wit and humor that you don’t see at every runway show. Yet, his interview answers are surprisingly polite, restrained and sometimes downright airtight. We try to get him to toot his own horn.

On the runway Christopher Kane’s work oozes the type of boldly confident cool that draws you in while gently holding you at arm’s length at the same time. He chats about how the clothes reflect the man and what it’s like to work for Donatella Versace.

Have you always wanted to be a designer? When you were growing up, what was the least fashion-related career goal you’ve ever had?

I’ve always wanted to work in fashion for as long as I can remember. The moment I realized that you could earn a living as a designer there was never any other alternative. I became obsessed with fashion [shows] on TV at a young age, I religiously recorded every one so I would never forget my favorite shows.

I can’t think of any other designer who has owned neon the way you have. What is it about the fluorescent colors that grab you?

I can’t explain it but I just love how it looks. My most memorable memories of neon would be of workmen or my lollipop woman at school in her reflective suit.

It always intrigued me.

Are the bold, punk rock aspects of your work a reflection of who you are?

My work is definitely an extension of me, however I don’t think those words are the best description of me. I don’t follow trends, I just do what makes me happy and what satisfies me creatively.

Do you ever feel a certain pressure to create “the new” each season?

I try to put the pressure to one side and focus on what my instincts tell me are the right thing to do. Pressure keeps my focus on the goal of producing a unique collection every season. There’s no room for doubt before a show. Every buyer and critic is different and they all have their own opinions.

My show expresses my opinion and my love for

clothing and as long as I feel proud after each show then I’m happy.

hoped for. I am constantly learning from her and having a laugh along the way.

As someone who balances two design jobs, do you agree when some critics say that the expectations of fashion designers are too high in terms of work load and the fashion calendar?

If you weren’t designing fashion, what would you be doing for a living right now?

The expectation is high but I could not imagine doing anything else. I am thankful that I am able to do a job that I love.

How do you mentally switch gears from working on your own line to working on Versus for Donatella Versace?

Versus has such a rich archive that I can easily get lost in and of course having Donatella as my boss helps.

What is it like working for her?

She’s truly the most inspiring boss I could have ever

HOW TO LOOK AS LOVELY AS LILY We take a peek into Lily Allen’s make up bag to find out how she stays all fresh faced throughout Fashion Week.

CHRISTOPHER KANE YOU CAN’T TOUCH THIS

“M

y beau ty rules are to drink lots of water and to try to go for a facial once a month. I don't really like wearing heavy makeup on my skin. Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer is perfect for me as it's really light.”

FRESH Sugar Lip Polish Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 $23, €16 fresh.com

autumn/winter ‘11 CONTRIBUTED

“I

always carry Fresh lip products in my bag. I use the Sugar Lip Polish, which is a great exfoliant, and the sugar rose lip treatment, which moisturizes and has a hint of color.”

“W

ith lipstic ks, I tend to go for nude shades and you can never go wrong with Nars.”

Perhaps styling or photography. Truthfully though I could not imagine my life not involving the design process.

If you could pinpoint a pivotal moment in your career so far, what would it be?

NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Pago Pago Pink $24, €25 narscosmetics.com

I am about to celebrate five years of having my own label, that in itself is pivotal to me.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Junk TV if I ever find the time to watch it. I’m hooked on the latest season of “True Blood.” autumn/winter '10

“M

MAC Tinted lipglass in Underage $15, €17 maccosmetics.com

y favorite lip gloss at the moment is the MAC tinted Lipglass in Underage.”

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Dramatic eyes or bold lips for night, never both

“I

f I have a show followed by an after party, I might add a lip color or go for darker eyes to switch from the day to evening look. But I would never do both together. I always have my Chanel eyeliner at hand and apply mascara by Max Factor.

It’s nice because it’s not too thick.”

LAURA MERCIER Tinted moisturizer $42, €49 lauramercier.com

“I

n order to look fresh during a show-packed schedule and face the constant flash of the cameras, I always, without fail, use Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish to remove all my makeup before I go to bed. And I always have a glass of hot water and lemon in the mornings to cleanse my system. It’s the best beauty advice I’ve ever been given.”

LIZ EARLE Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser $25, € 15 lizearle.com

4

One personal fragrance for one month of shows

“R

ight now I’m wearing Avignon by Comme des Garcon. It’s my signature scent.”

COMME DES GARCONS Incense series in Avignon $82, €57 50ml comme-des-garcons.com

BEYONCÉ

CHANEL Écriture de Chanel automatic liquid eyeliner $34, €24 chanel.com

“Beyoncé is my beauty icon. She has incredible skin.”

fashion weeks: london

07

06

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

CONTRIBUTED

Nails that pop and cheeks that glow

A clean, light base

5

“D

uring the shows, I always wear a nail polish in a fun color, usually by Chanel. And for my cheeks, MAC blush in Peaches. Those two are my absolute musthaves.”

1 23

spring/summer ‘11 CONTRIBUTED

CHANEL Le Vernis in mimosa $25, €22 chanel.com

MAC Blush in Peaches $19.50, €21.50 maccosmetics.com

A smooth, understated pout

Kenya Hunt metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

Christopher Kane considers his work to be an extension of himself. But at first glance, he’s shockingly different from his audacious clothes. As one of London’s best new talents, the Scotsman by birth has earned comparisons to Alexander McQueen for his unbridled creativity. Technically, he’s a designer’s designer, using innovative techniques for his eponymous line and the Versace owned brand, Versus (his second job), in such a way that attracts the most serious fashion enthusiasts.

And visually, he’s ahead of the curve; his neon collections and series of dresses and tees emblazoned with angry crocodiles and gorillas were game-changers.

Kane’s the guy who the coolest, prettiest, most arty fashion editors love to namedrop — a litmus test of sorts for how with it you are. And his emotive clothes reveal a sharp wit and humor that you don’t see at every runway show. Yet, his interview answers are surprisingly polite, restrained and sometimes downright airtight. We try to get him to toot his own horn.

On the runway Christopher Kane’s work oozes the type of boldly confident cool that draws you in while gently holding you at arm’s length at the same time. He chats about how the clothes reflect the man and what it’s like to work for Donatella Versace.

Have you always wanted to be a designer? When you were growing up, what was the least fashion-related career goal you’ve ever had?

I’ve always wanted to work in fashion for as long as I can remember. The moment I realized that you could earn a living as a designer there was never any other alternative. I became obsessed with fashion [shows] on TV at a young age, I religiously recorded every one so I would never forget my favorite shows.

I can’t think of any other designer who has owned neon the way you have. What is it about the fluorescent colors that grab you?

I can’t explain it but I just love how it looks. My most memorable memories of neon would be of workmen or my lollipop woman at school in her reflective suit.

It always intrigued me.

Are the bold, punk rock aspects of your work a reflection of who you are?

My work is definitely an extension of me, however I don’t think those words are the best description of me. I don’t follow trends, I just do what makes me happy and what satisfies me creatively.

Do you ever feel a certain pressure to create “the new” each season?

I try to put the pressure to one side and focus on what my instincts tell me are the right thing to do. Pressure keeps my focus on the goal of producing a unique collection every season. There’s no room for doubt before a show. Every buyer and critic is different and they all have their own opinions.

My show expresses my opinion and my love for

clothing and as long as I feel proud after each show then I’m happy.

hoped for. I am constantly learning from her and having a laugh along the way.

As someone who balances two design jobs, do you agree when some critics say that the expectations of fashion designers are too high in terms of work load and the fashion calendar?

If you weren’t designing fashion, what would you be doing for a living right now?

The expectation is high but I could not imagine doing anything else. I am thankful that I am able to do a job that I love.

How do you mentally switch gears from working on your own line to working on Versus for Donatella Versace?

Versus has such a rich archive that I can easily get lost in and of course having Donatella as my boss helps.

What is it like working for her?

She’s truly the most inspiring boss I could have ever

HOW TO LOOK AS LOVELY AS LILY We take a peek into Lily Allen’s make up bag to find out how she stays all fresh faced throughout Fashion Week.

CHRISTOPHER KANE YOU CAN’T TOUCH THIS

“M

y beau ty rules are to drink lots of water and to try to go for a facial once a month. I don't really like wearing heavy makeup on my skin. Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer is perfect for me as it's really light.”

FRESH Sugar Lip Polish Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 $23, €16 fresh.com

autumn/winter ‘11 CONTRIBUTED

“I

always carry Fresh lip products in my bag. I use the Sugar Lip Polish, which is a great exfoliant, and the sugar rose lip treatment, which moisturizes and has a hint of color.”

“W

ith lipstic ks, I tend to go for nude shades and you can never go wrong with Nars.”

Perhaps styling or photography. Truthfully though I could not imagine my life not involving the design process.

If you could pinpoint a pivotal moment in your career so far, what would it be?

NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Pago Pago Pink $24, €25 narscosmetics.com

I am about to celebrate five years of having my own label, that in itself is pivotal to me.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Junk TV if I ever find the time to watch it. I’m hooked on the latest season of “True Blood.” autumn/winter '10

“M

MAC Tinted lipglass in Underage $15, €17 maccosmetics.com

y favorite lip gloss at the moment is the MAC tinted Lipglass in Underage.”

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Dramatic eyes or bold lips for night, never both

“I

f I have a show followed by an after party, I might add a lip color or go for darker eyes to switch from the day to evening look. But I would never do both together. I always have my Chanel eyeliner at hand and apply mascara by Max Factor.

It’s nice because it’s not too thick.”

LAURA MERCIER Tinted moisturizer $42, €49 lauramercier.com

“I

n order to look fresh during a show-packed schedule and face the constant flash of the cameras, I always, without fail, use Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish to remove all my makeup before I go to bed. And I always have a glass of hot water and lemon in the mornings to cleanse my system. It’s the best beauty advice I’ve ever been given.”

LIZ EARLE Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser $25, € 15 lizearle.com

4

One personal fragrance for one month of shows

“R

ight now I’m wearing Avignon by Comme des Garcon. It’s my signature scent.”

COMME DES GARCONS Incense series in Avignon $82, €57 50ml comme-des-garcons.com

BEYONCÉ

CHANEL Écriture de Chanel automatic liquid eyeliner $34, €24 chanel.com

“Beyoncé is my beauty icon. She has incredible skin.”

fashion weeks: london

09

08

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

Georgian-born, Londonbased designer David Koma creates the kind of clothing that attracts women looking to make the biggest of style statements. Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole have all worn his sculpted, spaceagey dresses. He’s ambitious too with dreams of his own global label, becoming a Creative Director of an international fashion house and dressing the world’s ultimate eccentric Daphne Guinness. But in the meantime, he lets on, “I’m in discussion with Topshop about another collaboration but it’ll definitely happen – maybe by next September.”

Color blocking:

Layer it on!

Combine every color in the rainbow with sartorial aplomb. Choose boldly colorful and bright separates as the building blocks. Throw in a nude item, and you’ve got yourself a work of art.

TOTE BAGS GET ZANY Three of the season’s wildest looking carryalls

MARNI Foulard tote $295, €185, marni.com

The young designer

“I started designing at 8 and by 13 I had designed my first collection. Well, three looks but they were quite shocking – I hadn’t quite got the body-con thing yet.”

Fashion as art

“I treat fashion as art, so when I build a line, the clothes are always objects of art. I come from an artistic background – I’m an oil painter and I try to create dresses that attract or find a woman who shares my aesthetic.”

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Brenda tote $150, €150 dianevonfurstenberg.com

David’s wonder women

DAVID KOMA At just 25, David Koma has already dressed some of the music world’s biggest fashion rebels. You’d think strict, architectural designs would do anything but empower women.

But this breakaway designer seems to have got it just right.

HE LIKES THEM WILD

“She is someone brave and mature but at the same time very feminine and focused on what she wants from life. If I had to give an example, I would say someone like Carine Roïtfeld [exeditor of Vogue Paris] because of her charm and feminine power.”

The hourglass

“The most important area to me is a woman’s waist.

I like to emphasize this area and make it appear smaller with a body-con cut. I love the female body and I treat it as an object that I want to build around and empower without destroying her natural features, it’s a delicate balance.”

Spring/summer ‘12

“The theme of nature meeting the future is the basis for this season. I’ve interpreted the idea of the ocean’s feeling and texture into a lighter collection of fluid fabrics like chiffon, silks and jerseys.”

DOLCE VITA LANIE

MANGO

ZARA

TOP SHOP

TOM BINNS

High waist shorts

Tie waist trousers

Skirt with zip pockets

Unstructured jacket

$88, €61, shopbob.com

$70, €49, mango.com

$50, €34, zara.com

$110, €76, topshop.com

Swarovski crystal bib necklace $1900, €1318, netaporter.com

MEREDITH WENDELL, shopper €450, $550, netaporter.com

TINA CHADHA

The bold and the beautiful A brazenly wild outfit calls for a simple face. Keep your Fashion Week skincare and makeup regimen chic and simple with these classics.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS

ELIZABETH ARDEN Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Whip this all-purpose balm out to soothe cracked lips, moisturize dry elbows and keep wild eyebrows in check. It’s also perfect for healing rough heels and soles after a long day rushing from show to show or commuting home from work. $17, €26.50 elizabetharden.com

1

2

Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush

DR. HAUSCHKA Rose Day Cream This protective and regenerative cream, infused with rose oil and rose hip extract, doubles as an amazing base for makeup, keeping your face fresh-looking throughout the day.

4 YVES SAINT LAURENT

LAURA MERCIER

Models and makeup artists like to use this primer to reduce signs of fatigue and dullness. The formula includes Grains of Paradise and caffeine, which both minimize the appearance of imperfections. $52, €52, ysl.com

KENYA HUNT

KIEHL’S Coconut Lip Balm This moisturizes lips and gives the slightest hint of shine, rather than that annoying high gloss that your hair sticks too. $9, €11, kiehls.com

Secret Camouflage $29, €25, drhauschka.co.uk

Hide those dark under-eye circles left over from last night’s party with this impressive concealer, which is based on two shades: one to match the skin’s depth of color and the other to match your undertone. $28, €20, lauramercier.com

3 5

fashion weeks: london

09

08

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

Georgian-born, Londonbased designer David Koma creates the kind of clothing that attracts women looking to make the biggest of style statements. Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole have all worn his sculpted, spaceagey dresses. He’s ambitious too with dreams of his own global label, becoming a Creative Director of an international fashion house and dressing the world’s ultimate eccentric Daphne Guinness. But in the meantime, he lets on, “I’m in discussion with Topshop about another collaboration but it’ll definitely happen – maybe by next September.”

Color blocking:

Layer it on!

Combine every color in the rainbow with sartorial aplomb. Choose boldly colorful and bright separates as the building blocks. Throw in a nude item, and you’ve got yourself a work of art.

TOTE BAGS GET ZANY Three of the season’s wildest looking carryalls

MARNI Foulard tote $295, €185, marni.com

The young designer

“I started designing at 8 and by 13 I had designed my first collection. Well, three looks but they were quite shocking – I hadn’t quite got the body-con thing yet.”

Fashion as art

“I treat fashion as art, so when I build a line, the clothes are always objects of art. I come from an artistic background – I’m an oil painter and I try to create dresses that attract or find a woman who shares my aesthetic.”

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Brenda tote $150, €150 dianevonfurstenberg.com

David’s wonder women

DAVID KOMA At just 25, David Koma has already dressed some of the music world’s biggest fashion rebels. You’d think strict, architectural designs would do anything but empower women.

But this breakaway designer seems to have got it just right.

HE LIKES THEM WILD

“She is someone brave and mature but at the same time very feminine and focused on what she wants from life. If I had to give an example, I would say someone like Carine Roïtfeld [exeditor of Vogue Paris] because of her charm and feminine power.”

The hourglass

“The most important area to me is a woman’s waist.

I like to emphasize this area and make it appear smaller with a body-con cut. I love the female body and I treat it as an object that I want to build around and empower without destroying her natural features, it’s a delicate balance.”

Spring/summer ‘12

“The theme of nature meeting the future is the basis for this season. I’ve interpreted the idea of the ocean’s feeling and texture into a lighter collection of fluid fabrics like chiffon, silks and jerseys.”

DOLCE VITA LANIE

MANGO

ZARA

TOP SHOP

TOM BINNS

High waist shorts

Tie waist trousers

Skirt with zip pockets

Unstructured jacket

$88, €61, shopbob.com

$70, €49, mango.com

$50, €34, zara.com

$110, €76, topshop.com

Swarovski crystal bib necklace $1900, €1318, netaporter.com

MEREDITH WENDELL, shopper €450, $550, netaporter.com

TINA CHADHA

The bold and the beautiful A brazenly wild outfit calls for a simple face. Keep your Fashion Week skincare and makeup regimen chic and simple with these classics.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS

ELIZABETH ARDEN Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Whip this all-purpose balm out to soothe cracked lips, moisturize dry elbows and keep wild eyebrows in check. It’s also perfect for healing rough heels and soles after a long day rushing from show to show or commuting home from work. $17, €26.50 elizabetharden.com

1

2

Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush

DR. HAUSCHKA Rose Day Cream This protective and regenerative cream, infused with rose oil and rose hip extract, doubles as an amazing base for makeup, keeping your face fresh-looking throughout the day.

4 YVES SAINT LAURENT

LAURA MERCIER

Models and makeup artists like to use this primer to reduce signs of fatigue and dullness. The formula includes Grains of Paradise and caffeine, which both minimize the appearance of imperfections. $52, €52, ysl.com

KENYA HUNT

KIEHL’S Coconut Lip Balm This moisturizes lips and gives the slightest hint of shine, rather than that annoying high gloss that your hair sticks too. $9, €11, kiehls.com

Secret Camouflage $29, €25, drhauschka.co.uk

Hide those dark under-eye circles left over from last night’s party with this impressive concealer, which is based on two shades: one to match the skin’s depth of color and the other to match your undertone. $28, €20, lauramercier.com

3 5

fashion weeks: milan

11

10

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

1“I 2“T

FRANCA SOZZANI It no longer feels like such a big deal to see a curvy girl in a magazine or a black girl on a runway, thanks to Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani, who has been championing diversity in both the print and online versions of her magazine. She talks about her love of risks.

Franca Sozzani has been editing Vogue Italia for 22 years, molding it into a magazine widely considered to be the most creative of all its Condé Nast owned sisters.

But it’s only in recent years, as the old guard magazine world has struggled to hold onto its ADD-addled readers that she’s really taken the title’s popularity to another level. She’s done this mostly by taking the kinds of risks that powerful people in fashion generally avoid—not the controversy-stoking, hot-selling ones like, say, publishing photographs of a white woman in brown face paint and an Afro wig. (Fashion types love those.) Sozzani has made Vogue Italia a hot topic by doing things previously unheard of in the high stakes glossy magazine world, like devoting entire issues to black and plus-size models, long thought unbankable as cover girls, or waging an online war against anorexia, which, in part, fuels the modeling world’s impossible weight standards. “Today, we have so many images, so many magazines, so many blogs— people will never be involved if you don’t scream your message. I’m not scared to try things in a new way,” she says.

Do you think the fashion world is becoming more open to curvy women?

Honestly, no. It only begins to happen when you start to fight against something.

When I did the black issue, I thought the black girls would be

“I speak through the images. Because even if you don’t speak Italian, you can understand the pictures. For me, the image is the language of the magazine.” more successful. And now, you see more black girls in the editorials and even on the runway. It’s not so huge of course, it takes time. It took putting black girls in more issues. And with the curvy women, it won’t just take one issue. It will take doing more issues with somebody a little bit plus size. People will eventually pay attention.

Why did you choose to create the special channels, Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy, on your site as opposed to integrating the content into the site in general?

To have a channel like Vogue Curvy means that it’s a place where people who are not size zero can find suggestions for ways to dress in a fashion way and feel attractive and beautiful and alive. It’s not a ghetto. Let’s remember that these women are happy with their bodies. For me, this was the main lesson. It’s a very strong statement to see these women who see themselves as sexy. It makes you realize that there isn’t anything wrong with them.

There’s something wrong in our minds, not their minds.

And so with there being so many pro-anorexia sites online—there are 2,000 around the world—Vogue Curvy is at least one place where

readers can go and see people who are more curvy and feel good with their own bodies.

When you first started doing these special issues, did you feel like you were taking a big newsstand risk?

Yes, definitely. When you put a curvy girl on the cover, you don’t know what the reaction will be. When you do an all black issue, you don’t know what the reaction will be. But for me, if I decide to do something, that means the topic is in the air and that it’s really around. You don’t only try to please people that are young and skinny and then forget about everybody else.

On your blog, you tend to say what a lot of people in fashion think, but won’t admit out loud.

Oh my God, I tell you it’s the most tiring thing to do.

Every day, at any time of the day, I have this nightmare, “Oh my God, I have to write the blog. What to do today!”

It’s so tiring because the readers—sometimes they like it, sometimes we fight, sometimes they don’t even answer. It’s really crazy. I really don’t suggest to anyone that they try to do something like that. I just write what I feel. Sometimes people dislike it. Every day, I write, I take my risks.

would say the best place for me to get some pampering is my bed. I just try to sleep as much as I can. Believe me, the last thing you want during Fashion Week is to go and get a blow dry!”

here is just one place that I usually find the time to go do during Fashion Week and that’s the book section in 10 Corso Como (10corsocomo.com). It’s fantastic. There are two things in life that keep me sane: Myself and a good book.”

Angelo’s Bistrot

5“I 3“T 4 “M 6 “I

Eating

MARIACARLA BOSCONO’S MULTIPURPOSE MILAN Most of you may recognize Italian model Mariacarla Boscono as the dark and haunting beauty from those Givenchy and Prada ads. She’s like the poster girl for renegade fashion. But in real life, she just wants some downtime in bed.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Do you think we’ll ever see a day when curvy models are as prevalent as they were during the Supermodel era?

I hope so. But I cannot choose the girls for the fashion shows, I can’t choose the girls for the designers, I can only be a journalist. I can only see and observe.

Shopping

CONTRIBUTED

THICK IS THE NEW THIN Kenya Hunt metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

adore going out for dinner.

Italians love eating and I do too! My favorite place is Angelo's Bistrot on via savona 55 (angelos.it).”

10 Corso Como

Going out

Relaxing

here are a lot of fun places around le Colonne di San Lorenzo area. It has a very young vibe and is full of bars and restaurants. I also love to check out a good show at La Scala Theatre (teatroallascala.org). If all else fails then I just stick to my hotel room.”

ilan fashion week is busy and rather stressful. I used to do up to 33 shows and was dead by the end as there was Paris right afterwards. The only place I can relax in so little time is my hotel. Luckily, I now stick to a few shows and I have more time to chill out.”

Recovery

generally don’t have any time after show season ends as shoots are scheduled to take place right afterward. But when I do, I visit my family in Rome.

It’s a city that has stolen my heart.”

7“M

Runway memories

y best fashion week experience was when I didn't do it, and was probably away on vacation. My worse fashion week experience was when I decided to end my vacation to be there. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more excited, scared and happy all at once than doing my first show with Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. It was pretty intense.

All the shows I decide to do are special for me, if they’re not then I stay at home. If something goes wrong, like I have to wear a bad outfit, I try to think positive and say to myself that if I’m wearing that particular outfit it means I can make it look fantastic.”

It’s OK to bling out again Never mind that we may be facing a double-dip recession. Excess is in! Or at least, the sartorial kind. After years of modest dressing, fashion has KENYA HUNT rekindled it’s love of sequins, glitter, crystals, gemstones and other shiny pretty things. It’s the perfect mood booster.

2 1

MIU MIU shoes

$890, €630, miumiu.com

4 6 3 5 NICHOLAS KING bracelet

ZARA flats

€297, $428, nicholasking.com

VINCE

€60, $90, zara.com

Sequined top

$295, €314, netaporter.com

TOPSHOP Sweatshirt

$90, €63, topshop.com

ASOS

drop earrings

€20, $26, asos.com

The June issue of Vogue Italia and an all black editorial from the February issue.

CONTRIBUTED

Pampering

fashion weeks: milan

11

10

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

1“I 2“T

FRANCA SOZZANI It no longer feels like such a big deal to see a curvy girl in a magazine or a black girl on a runway, thanks to Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani, who has been championing diversity in both the print and online versions of her magazine. She talks about her love of risks.

Franca Sozzani has been editing Vogue Italia for 22 years, molding it into a magazine widely considered to be the most creative of all its Condé Nast owned sisters.

But it’s only in recent years, as the old guard magazine world has struggled to hold onto its ADD-addled readers that she’s really taken the title’s popularity to another level. She’s done this mostly by taking the kinds of risks that powerful people in fashion generally avoid—not the controversy-stoking, hot-selling ones like, say, publishing photographs of a white woman in brown face paint and an Afro wig. (Fashion types love those.) Sozzani has made Vogue Italia a hot topic by doing things previously unheard of in the high stakes glossy magazine world, like devoting entire issues to black and plus-size models, long thought unbankable as cover girls, or waging an online war against anorexia, which, in part, fuels the modeling world’s impossible weight standards. “Today, we have so many images, so many magazines, so many blogs— people will never be involved if you don’t scream your message. I’m not scared to try things in a new way,” she says.

Do you think the fashion world is becoming more open to curvy women?

Honestly, no. It only begins to happen when you start to fight against something.

When I did the black issue, I thought the black girls would be

“I speak through the images. Because even if you don’t speak Italian, you can understand the pictures. For me, the image is the language of the magazine.” more successful. And now, you see more black girls in the editorials and even on the runway. It’s not so huge of course, it takes time. It took putting black girls in more issues. And with the curvy women, it won’t just take one issue. It will take doing more issues with somebody a little bit plus size. People will eventually pay attention.

Why did you choose to create the special channels, Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy, on your site as opposed to integrating the content into the site in general?

To have a channel like Vogue Curvy means that it’s a place where people who are not size zero can find suggestions for ways to dress in a fashion way and feel attractive and beautiful and alive. It’s not a ghetto. Let’s remember that these women are happy with their bodies. For me, this was the main lesson. It’s a very strong statement to see these women who see themselves as sexy. It makes you realize that there isn’t anything wrong with them.

There’s something wrong in our minds, not their minds.

And so with there being so many pro-anorexia sites online—there are 2,000 around the world—Vogue Curvy is at least one place where

readers can go and see people who are more curvy and feel good with their own bodies.

When you first started doing these special issues, did you feel like you were taking a big newsstand risk?

Yes, definitely. When you put a curvy girl on the cover, you don’t know what the reaction will be. When you do an all black issue, you don’t know what the reaction will be. But for me, if I decide to do something, that means the topic is in the air and that it’s really around. You don’t only try to please people that are young and skinny and then forget about everybody else.

On your blog, you tend to say what a lot of people in fashion think, but won’t admit out loud.

Oh my God, I tell you it’s the most tiring thing to do.

Every day, at any time of the day, I have this nightmare, “Oh my God, I have to write the blog. What to do today!”

It’s so tiring because the readers—sometimes they like it, sometimes we fight, sometimes they don’t even answer. It’s really crazy. I really don’t suggest to anyone that they try to do something like that. I just write what I feel. Sometimes people dislike it. Every day, I write, I take my risks.

would say the best place for me to get some pampering is my bed. I just try to sleep as much as I can. Believe me, the last thing you want during Fashion Week is to go and get a blow dry!”

here is just one place that I usually find the time to go do during Fashion Week and that’s the book section in 10 Corso Como (10corsocomo.com). It’s fantastic. There are two things in life that keep me sane: Myself and a good book.”

Angelo’s Bistrot

5“I 3“T 4 “M 6 “I

Eating

MARIACARLA BOSCONO’S MULTIPURPOSE MILAN Most of you may recognize Italian model Mariacarla Boscono as the dark and haunting beauty from those Givenchy and Prada ads. She’s like the poster girl for renegade fashion. But in real life, she just wants some downtime in bed.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Do you think we’ll ever see a day when curvy models are as prevalent as they were during the Supermodel era?

I hope so. But I cannot choose the girls for the fashion shows, I can’t choose the girls for the designers, I can only be a journalist. I can only see and observe.

Shopping

CONTRIBUTED

THICK IS THE NEW THIN Kenya Hunt metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

adore going out for dinner.

Italians love eating and I do too! My favorite place is Angelo's Bistrot on via savona 55 (angelos.it).”

10 Corso Como

Going out

Relaxing

here are a lot of fun places around le Colonne di San Lorenzo area. It has a very young vibe and is full of bars and restaurants. I also love to check out a good show at La Scala Theatre (teatroallascala.org). If all else fails then I just stick to my hotel room.”

ilan fashion week is busy and rather stressful. I used to do up to 33 shows and was dead by the end as there was Paris right afterwards. The only place I can relax in so little time is my hotel. Luckily, I now stick to a few shows and I have more time to chill out.”

Recovery

generally don’t have any time after show season ends as shoots are scheduled to take place right afterward. But when I do, I visit my family in Rome.

It’s a city that has stolen my heart.”

7“M

Runway memories

y best fashion week experience was when I didn't do it, and was probably away on vacation. My worse fashion week experience was when I decided to end my vacation to be there. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more excited, scared and happy all at once than doing my first show with Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. It was pretty intense.

All the shows I decide to do are special for me, if they’re not then I stay at home. If something goes wrong, like I have to wear a bad outfit, I try to think positive and say to myself that if I’m wearing that particular outfit it means I can make it look fantastic.”

It’s OK to bling out again Never mind that we may be facing a double-dip recession. Excess is in! Or at least, the sartorial kind. After years of modest dressing, fashion has KENYA HUNT rekindled it’s love of sequins, glitter, crystals, gemstones and other shiny pretty things. It’s the perfect mood booster.

2 1

MIU MIU shoes

$890, €630, miumiu.com

4 6 3 5 NICHOLAS KING bracelet

ZARA flats

€297, $428, nicholasking.com

VINCE

€60, $90, zara.com

Sequined top

$295, €314, netaporter.com

TOPSHOP Sweatshirt

$90, €63, topshop.com

ASOS

drop earrings

€20, $26, asos.com

The June issue of Vogue Italia and an all black editorial from the February issue.

CONTRIBUTED

Pampering

fashion weeks: milan

13

12

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

The upstarts WACKY FRUIT HATS

Milan has long been dominated by a small and exclusive group of titans who sit at the top of the luxury fashion world. But the city has a growing pool of exciting new talent. We look at the younger names who are shaking things up.

Glamazon editor Anna dello Russo wore giant cherries on her head during the aw11 shows and sparked a trend for zany, fruity hats. A model even wears one in this month’s British Vogue.

LADY GAGA

Pile it on

Suddenly it’s cool to wear every single print and color in your wardrobe — all at once. We take a look at the maximal trend, the latest nonsense to make perfectly good sense in fashion, through the pros who wear it best.

MICHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

KARL EDWIN-GUERRE

MCIHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

American Vogue had a spike in newsstands sales this year thanks to the March issue, which featured her on its cover.

THIS OUTFIT Only Vivienne Westwood could get away with sending this down the runway.

Edward Buchanan

WACKY OR TACKY?

Caterina Gatta

In fashion, there is a thin, thread-like line that runs between the two

Vladimiro Gioia

KENYA HUNT metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

THESE SHOES Lamberto Petri

2 MICHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

In fashion, the louder the fashion blogger’s outfit, the greater the chances of becoming famous. Witness über blogger Bryanboy’s pants.

Fur and sneakers do not mix.

Italy’s great fashion designers have ruled the runways for generations. Think: Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few. But below these fashion titans are a throng of young designers who are challenging the old guard with their own fresh take on the Italian heritage.

EDWARD BUCHANAN The label: Sansovino 6 The backstory: The Ohio native worked for Bottega Veneta before starting his own line.

His trademark: “I like to create things that are not at first what they seem like knitted jeans,” says the 41year-old.

Design heroes: “I’ve always had an enormous amount of respect for Yves Saint Laurent because he was an extraordinary artist and a very dignified man.”

What makes him different: “My goal is to consistently

redefine what is thought to be knitwear.”

CATERINA GATTA

VLADIMIRO GIOIA

LAMBERTO PETRI The label: La Maison du Cou-

BRUNO SIMEONE AND DANIELE DEL GENIO

The label: Caterina Gatta

The label: Vladimiro Gioia

The backstory: When the 27-

The backstory: “I started out

year-old was assisting a fashion journalist in Milan, she needed something to wear to the runway shows.

So she made herself a few dresses, which worked out so well that she started her own line in 2008. She has since caught the eye of Vogue Italy.

working for my family’s luxury leather company in 1990. In 2009, I created my own label,” the 36-year-old explains.

The backstory: After working

The backstory: Simeone, 35,

in fashion for 11 years, Petri, 35, launched his line after his grandmother encouraged him to take the jump.

His trademark: “My

His trademark: “Bending min-

collections are based on elegance and sophistication.”

imalist Japanese fashion culture and deconstruction of clothing items with the romanticism typical of Italian culture and fashion.”

and Del Genio, 38, started their own business in 2005 and have since earned the attention of Dolce & Gabbana who selected them for their new designer showcase, Spiga 2.

turier

Her trademark: “Each dress is

handmade and elegant with a modern edge.”

Design heroes: “Yves Saint

Laurent for his invention and the fact that he was always one step ahead.”

What makes her different: “I

use vintage fabrics from famous designers like Versace and Ferré.”

Design heroes: “Dolce & Gab-

bana. I’m a fan of their way of life and how their collections always try to break the mold. And Gianna Versace because he managed to work art into his creations.”

What makes him different: “I work in an artisanal style.

And I like to test innovative materials and cuts. It's a contrast between innovation and tradition.”

Design heroes: “Yohji

Yamamoto and Martin Margiela. I admire Yohji’s concept of shape – flat shoes, baggy trousers and a white shirt.”

What makes him different: “I

try to express my point of view through my ideal woman with romanticism.”

The label: Rossarme

Their trademark: “Our look is

about beauty and harmony.

It’s a mix of rationality and creativity to produce an unexpected design aesthetic.”

Design heroes “Gianni

Versace. He was a revolutionary and a crazy genius – we love him.”

What makes them different: “Our precision details con-

trasted with raw, natural materials.”

PHIL OH

THE BLOGGERS

Simeone and Del Genio

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

3

DESIGNER VAGINAS Wealthy ladies in Europe are having their you-know-whats operated on to look better. And we quote: “Once you’ve had your breasts done, your nose and your chin, then you come here for a designer vagina,” one doctor tells this month’s British ELLE.

DESIGNER CHILD SUPPORT

1

4

5

1. Similar prints in contrasting colors can look surprisingly harmonious when piled on as shown

by London-based stylist Kit Lee. 2. A floral print dress + floral print tights + socks +a military coat + a plaid scarf = one mean New York look. Well played, Julia Frakes. Well played. 3. British editor and international blog star Marian Kihogo deftly mixes stripes, animal prints and saturated color to sum up the season’s anything goes mood. 4. Python just might be fall’s trendiest print, but model Alexandra Carl gives it a twist by piling it on top of Christopher Kane’s stars. 5. Susie Bubble’s outfit has no less than four different patterns, but all in the same family of neon colors, which makes this look work. KENYA HUNT

3

OF FALL’S TRENDIEST PRINTS TO MIX

While America struggled to address its debt crisis, Super Linda Evangelista went after her baby’s father, luxury fashion mogul Francois Henri-Pinault, in court for a mind-blowing $46,000 a month in child support.

CHILD MODELS The French beauty Thylane Blondeau, all of 10 years old, sprawled out on an animal skin rug, bottom facing up, and heel-clad feet akimbo in the December issue of Vogue Paris. A pedophile’s dream come true? Yup. MWN

TACKY

POLKA DOTS Zara blouse

PLAID Isabel Marant skirt

€40, $58, zara.com

PYTHON Michael Michael Kors clutch $270, €350,michaelkors.com

$255, €176, netaporter.com

FLORALS Mango skirt $60, €40 mango.com

STARS ASOS belted dress $78, €58, asos.com KENYA HUNT

fashion weeks: milan

13

12

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

The upstarts WACKY FRUIT HATS

Milan has long been dominated by a small and exclusive group of titans who sit at the top of the luxury fashion world. But the city has a growing pool of exciting new talent. We look at the younger names who are shaking things up.

Glamazon editor Anna dello Russo wore giant cherries on her head during the aw11 shows and sparked a trend for zany, fruity hats. A model even wears one in this month’s British Vogue.

LADY GAGA

Pile it on

Suddenly it’s cool to wear every single print and color in your wardrobe — all at once. We take a look at the maximal trend, the latest nonsense to make perfectly good sense in fashion, through the pros who wear it best.

MICHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

KARL EDWIN-GUERRE

MCIHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

American Vogue had a spike in newsstands sales this year thanks to the March issue, which featured her on its cover.

THIS OUTFIT Only Vivienne Westwood could get away with sending this down the runway.

Edward Buchanan

WACKY OR TACKY?

Caterina Gatta

In fashion, there is a thin, thread-like line that runs between the two

Vladimiro Gioia

KENYA HUNT metro world news kenya.hunt@metro.lu

THESE SHOES Lamberto Petri

2 MICHELLE BOBB-PARRIS

In fashion, the louder the fashion blogger’s outfit, the greater the chances of becoming famous. Witness über blogger Bryanboy’s pants.

Fur and sneakers do not mix.

Italy’s great fashion designers have ruled the runways for generations. Think: Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few. But below these fashion titans are a throng of young designers who are challenging the old guard with their own fresh take on the Italian heritage.

EDWARD BUCHANAN The label: Sansovino 6 The backstory: The Ohio native worked for Bottega Veneta before starting his own line.

His trademark: “I like to create things that are not at first what they seem like knitted jeans,” says the 41year-old.

Design heroes: “I’ve always had an enormous amount of respect for Yves Saint Laurent because he was an extraordinary artist and a very dignified man.”

What makes him different: “My goal is to consistently

redefine what is thought to be knitwear.”

CATERINA GATTA

VLADIMIRO GIOIA

LAMBERTO PETRI The label: La Maison du Cou-

BRUNO SIMEONE AND DANIELE DEL GENIO

The label: Caterina Gatta

The label: Vladimiro Gioia

The backstory: When the 27-

The backstory: “I started out

year-old was assisting a fashion journalist in Milan, she needed something to wear to the runway shows.

So she made herself a few dresses, which worked out so well that she started her own line in 2008. She has since caught the eye of Vogue Italy.

working for my family’s luxury leather company in 1990. In 2009, I created my own label,” the 36-year-old explains.

The backstory: After working

The backstory: Simeone, 35,

in fashion for 11 years, Petri, 35, launched his line after his grandmother encouraged him to take the jump.

His trademark: “My

His trademark: “Bending min-

collections are based on elegance and sophistication.”

imalist Japanese fashion culture and deconstruction of clothing items with the romanticism typical of Italian culture and fashion.”

and Del Genio, 38, started their own business in 2005 and have since earned the attention of Dolce & Gabbana who selected them for their new designer showcase, Spiga 2.

turier

Her trademark: “Each dress is

handmade and elegant with a modern edge.”

Design heroes: “Yves Saint

Laurent for his invention and the fact that he was always one step ahead.”

What makes her different: “I

use vintage fabrics from famous designers like Versace and Ferré.”

Design heroes: “Dolce & Gab-

bana. I’m a fan of their way of life and how their collections always try to break the mold. And Gianna Versace because he managed to work art into his creations.”

What makes him different: “I work in an artisanal style.

And I like to test innovative materials and cuts. It's a contrast between innovation and tradition.”

Design heroes: “Yohji

Yamamoto and Martin Margiela. I admire Yohji’s concept of shape – flat shoes, baggy trousers and a white shirt.”

What makes him different: “I

try to express my point of view through my ideal woman with romanticism.”

The label: Rossarme

Their trademark: “Our look is

about beauty and harmony.

It’s a mix of rationality and creativity to produce an unexpected design aesthetic.”

Design heroes “Gianni

Versace. He was a revolutionary and a crazy genius – we love him.”

What makes them different: “Our precision details con-

trasted with raw, natural materials.”

PHIL OH

THE BLOGGERS

Simeone and Del Genio

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

3

DESIGNER VAGINAS Wealthy ladies in Europe are having their you-know-whats operated on to look better. And we quote: “Once you’ve had your breasts done, your nose and your chin, then you come here for a designer vagina,” one doctor tells this month’s British ELLE.

DESIGNER CHILD SUPPORT

1

4

5

1. Similar prints in contrasting colors can look surprisingly harmonious when piled on as shown

by London-based stylist Kit Lee. 2. A floral print dress + floral print tights + socks +a military coat + a plaid scarf = one mean New York look. Well played, Julia Frakes. Well played. 3. British editor and international blog star Marian Kihogo deftly mixes stripes, animal prints and saturated color to sum up the season’s anything goes mood. 4. Python just might be fall’s trendiest print, but model Alexandra Carl gives it a twist by piling it on top of Christopher Kane’s stars. 5. Susie Bubble’s outfit has no less than four different patterns, but all in the same family of neon colors, which makes this look work. KENYA HUNT

3

OF FALL’S TRENDIEST PRINTS TO MIX

While America struggled to address its debt crisis, Super Linda Evangelista went after her baby’s father, luxury fashion mogul Francois Henri-Pinault, in court for a mind-blowing $46,000 a month in child support.

CHILD MODELS The French beauty Thylane Blondeau, all of 10 years old, sprawled out on an animal skin rug, bottom facing up, and heel-clad feet akimbo in the December issue of Vogue Paris. A pedophile’s dream come true? Yup. MWN

TACKY

POLKA DOTS Zara blouse

PLAID Isabel Marant skirt

€40, $58, zara.com

PYTHON Michael Michael Kors clutch $270, €350,michaelkors.com

$255, €176, netaporter.com

FLORALS Mango skirt $60, €40 mango.com

STARS ASOS belted dress $78, €58, asos.com KENYA HUNT

fashion weeks: paris

14

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

15

Gender benders

What are five items in your closet that you never get tired of wearing?

Kimonos, catsuits, turbans, accessories and more accessories.

What is the one thing in your closet you would save from a fire?

Myself ! And my YSL couture.

The hottest thing going in the modeling world right now? Androgyny. A new wave of models are flipping conventional ideas of beauty by blurring the lines between gender and sexuality. Three in particular are leading the charge.

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

Every decade has its quirky model icons from a stickthin, gamine Twiggy in the Sixties to Cindy, Christy,

Linda, Naomi and the rest of the Amazonian first-nameonly Supers in the Eighties and Nineties.

Types of people come in and out of fashion much like clothes do. And that evolution continues today

with the likes of the transsexual beauty Lea T, felineesque male model Andrej Pejic and boyish top girl Fre-

Trends. Yay or nay?

I don’t follow rules and I never follow trends.

When it comes to fashion, what bores and excites you most?

Sterility and predictability bore me. Creativity and individuality excite me.

ja Beha Erichsen, all of whom are leading fashion’s intriguing new wave of gender-bending muses.

You’re a master at layering.

What’s the key to doing this well?

wardrobe’s abundance and the endless possibilities to play and recreate with her clothes.

Street style bloggers love to photograph you riding your bike in megahigh heels.

What’s the trick to doing this without falling down or looking

GET THE LOOK MALENE BIRGER satin jumpsuit $450, €267 bymalenebirger.com

ridiculous?

It's all in the legs, darling.

JENNIFER BEHR silk turban headband $197, €139 jenniferbehr.com

Culture.

GAGA FOR BABA Parisian stylist Catherine Baba has become the street style blogger’s obsession thanks to her crazy creative flair for dressing. She answers our questions about her closet.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

What decade do you identify with most and why?

The period between the wars. I loved the details [of the clothing].

How would you define your style?

It’s a mix of the twenties, thirties and forties with a bit of Disco Blitz Mythology.

If you could trade wardrobes with any woman, past or present, who would you choose and why?

Marie Antoinette for her

LEA T FORMERLY KNOWN AS LEANDRO CEREZO Age: 28 From: Brazil

2008-2010 Lea T works for her bestie Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy Creative Director, as his assistant and muse

July 2010 Tisci backs his girl by shooting her for the Givenchy autumn/winter ‘11 campaign

August 2010 Lea T appears fully nude in French Vogue. The editorial sparks controversy because it captures her in transition.

Her breasts are bare, while her hand lightly covers her penis.

January 2011 The Brazilian beauty has a steamy kiss with Kate Moss for the cover of LOVE magazine.

February 2011 Lea takes her first steps on the catwalk, strutting her stuff for designer Alexandre Herchovitch in Sao Paolo.

February 2011 Lea T’s status as a major model is sealed when she appears on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

ANDREJ PEJIC

FREJA BEHA ERICHSEN Age: 23 From: Denmark

Age: 19 From: Australia

2008 At just 17, Andrej is first scouted by a model agent in, yes, McDonald’s.

June 2010 It’s boy to man as he has his runway debut in the Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano shows, among others.

March 2011 The youngster admits to The Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander that he would consider a sex change for a shot at being a Victoria’s Secret model.

May 2011

Feb - March 2005

American bookstores censor Pejic’s topless cover for Dossier journal. Too much cleavage? We think not.

The Danish tomboy hits the big time catwalks with debuts at Miu Miu, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Spring /summer’10

May 2011

Fall Winter 2009/10

May 2011

Even the testosterone-filled blokes can’t resist this bit of blonde as Pejic is ranked 98 in FHM magazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

Terry Richardson controversially shoots girl-on-girl action between Freja and models Eniko Mihalik, Magdalena Frackowiak and Abbey Lee Kershaw.

Our girl stars as the topless, ethereal being in Karl Lagerfeld’s short film, “The Tale of the Fairy.”

July 2011 But what’s this? The man becomes a rather convincing bride at Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.

March 2010 It’s every girl’s dream to walk for Chanel but Freja goes one better and closes the show.

Born to be different. Freja bears all for Purple magazine’s androgyny shoot.

July 2011 Rumors circulate that Freja is dating fellow top model Arizona Muse. Sorry boys.

ANTIK BATIK silk-chiffon kimono dress $528, €405, antikbatik.fr

fashion weeks: paris

14

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

15

Gender benders

What are five items in your closet that you never get tired of wearing?

Kimonos, catsuits, turbans, accessories and more accessories.

What is the one thing in your closet you would save from a fire?

Myself ! And my YSL couture.

The hottest thing going in the modeling world right now? Androgyny. A new wave of models are flipping conventional ideas of beauty by blurring the lines between gender and sexuality. Three in particular are leading the charge.

Richard Peckett metro world news richard.peckett@metro.lu

Every decade has its quirky model icons from a stickthin, gamine Twiggy in the Sixties to Cindy, Christy,

Linda, Naomi and the rest of the Amazonian first-nameonly Supers in the Eighties and Nineties.

Types of people come in and out of fashion much like clothes do. And that evolution continues today

with the likes of the transsexual beauty Lea T, felineesque male model Andrej Pejic and boyish top girl Fre-

Trends. Yay or nay?

I don’t follow rules and I never follow trends.

When it comes to fashion, what bores and excites you most?

Sterility and predictability bore me. Creativity and individuality excite me.

ja Beha Erichsen, all of whom are leading fashion’s intriguing new wave of gender-bending muses.

You’re a master at layering.

What’s the key to doing this well?

wardrobe’s abundance and the endless possibilities to play and recreate with her clothes.

Street style bloggers love to photograph you riding your bike in megahigh heels.

What’s the trick to doing this without falling down or looking

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ridiculous?

It's all in the legs, darling.

JENNIFER BEHR silk turban headband $197, €139 jenniferbehr.com

Culture.

GAGA FOR BABA Parisian stylist Catherine Baba has become the street style blogger’s obsession thanks to her crazy creative flair for dressing. She answers our questions about her closet.

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

What decade do you identify with most and why?

The period between the wars. I loved the details [of the clothing].

How would you define your style?

It’s a mix of the twenties, thirties and forties with a bit of Disco Blitz Mythology.

If you could trade wardrobes with any woman, past or present, who would you choose and why?

Marie Antoinette for her

LEA T FORMERLY KNOWN AS LEANDRO CEREZO Age: 28 From: Brazil

2008-2010 Lea T works for her bestie Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy Creative Director, as his assistant and muse

July 2010 Tisci backs his girl by shooting her for the Givenchy autumn/winter ‘11 campaign

August 2010 Lea T appears fully nude in French Vogue. The editorial sparks controversy because it captures her in transition.

Her breasts are bare, while her hand lightly covers her penis.

January 2011 The Brazilian beauty has a steamy kiss with Kate Moss for the cover of LOVE magazine.

February 2011 Lea takes her first steps on the catwalk, strutting her stuff for designer Alexandre Herchovitch in Sao Paolo.

February 2011 Lea T’s status as a major model is sealed when she appears on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

ANDREJ PEJIC

FREJA BEHA ERICHSEN Age: 23 From: Denmark

Age: 19 From: Australia

2008 At just 17, Andrej is first scouted by a model agent in, yes, McDonald’s.

June 2010 It’s boy to man as he has his runway debut in the Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano shows, among others.

March 2011 The youngster admits to The Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander that he would consider a sex change for a shot at being a Victoria’s Secret model.

May 2011

Feb - March 2005

American bookstores censor Pejic’s topless cover for Dossier journal. Too much cleavage? We think not.

The Danish tomboy hits the big time catwalks with debuts at Miu Miu, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Spring /summer’10

May 2011

Fall Winter 2009/10

May 2011

Even the testosterone-filled blokes can’t resist this bit of blonde as Pejic is ranked 98 in FHM magazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

Terry Richardson controversially shoots girl-on-girl action between Freja and models Eniko Mihalik, Magdalena Frackowiak and Abbey Lee Kershaw.

Our girl stars as the topless, ethereal being in Karl Lagerfeld’s short film, “The Tale of the Fairy.”

July 2011 But what’s this? The man becomes a rather convincing bride at Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.

March 2010 It’s every girl’s dream to walk for Chanel but Freja goes one better and closes the show.

Born to be different. Freja bears all for Purple magazine’s androgyny shoot.

July 2011 Rumors circulate that Freja is dating fellow top model Arizona Muse. Sorry boys.

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fashion weeks: paris

16

www.kenyasstyle.com spring/summer 2011

She’s judging you by your looks

“I

“I

t's such a bore when you see people dressing safe. I have this thing about colors matching from head to toe. The word safe just isn’t exciting. I love an outfit with a bit of edge and careless vision. I’ve always believed that if you walk into a party full of different people with different styles you're properly walking into a fun, funky party that will leave you full of visual memories.”

CHANEL’S FASHION REBELLION The supermodel talks us through her surprisingly half sporty, half elegant wardrobe and her thing for “visual memories.”

ROMINA MCGUINNESS metro world news romina.mcguinness@metro.lu

Not that she’s ruled out going all glam wouldn’t mind having bits and pieces from Beyoncé’s closet.

And Madonna’s. And some of Queen Elizabeth’s jewels. What I love above all is feeling elegant. The Fifties glam Hollywood days were just pure sophistication. From Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor these women take my breath away.”

And prefers a pared down, “retro chic” style for herself

“J

eans and flats are what I feel most comfortable in on a day to day basis.

I wear it in a retro chic kind of way. I spend 50 percent of my time in flats because I’m on the go and the other 50 percent of the time I’m rocking a bad pair of heels that I just had

to wear.

When it’s time to go out it’s time to get hot and have fun.”

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Key items “The five key items in my closet I will never get tired of wearing are: my baseball caps my skinny jeans, my black and white tanks my leather jacket A fly pair of basketball sneakers.”

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