/23rd_feb by Richard Scott

How to work the new elegance

k e e w n Fashio AL

V I V R SU T KI

this week: Milan

the NEW faces

you need to know about

this week’s

issue

READ OUR Oscar stylist’s diary

It’s Milan fashion week! Want to know how to stay front row fabulous at all times? We ask the editors in the know to reveal their tips. Then look to our Alexa Chung shoot and exclusive interview to find out how to work the SS11 trends her way. Plus, designers Prabal Gurung and Alessandra Rich make their NET-A-PORTER debut with fashion-forward tailoring and vibrant gowns. And we talk to super stylist Jessica Paster as she prepares the stars for the Oscars red carpet.

THE

ALEX A FACTOR ALEXA TALKS SPRING STYLE

most wanted

Young at heart

Walk to the fashion beat in Raphael Young’s statement shoes Raphael Young’s slick sculptural heels are topping every stylish woman’s wish list this season. Hailing from a family of master craftsmen – he is the nephew of renowned YSL bootmaker Alexandre Narcy – Young’s shoes are directional and modern, often featuring unexpected materials including resin and crushed mother-of-pearl. Going uptown? Punctuate a classic LBD with attention-grabbing molten gold sandals. Or if downtown chic is more your thing, opt for sky-high open-toe ankle boots or red suede wedges worn with skinny jeans and plenty of attitude. shop THE story4

k e e w n Fashio

L A V I V R U S KIT

eek! W n o i h s a F n It’s Mila in style n o s a e s e th h Sail throug know e th n i e s o th with help from

Adriana Di Lello Fashion Editor, ELLE Italy

What will you be wearing? “I love a color splash, so I’ll be using hot-hued details, especially bags from Jil Sander, Miu Miu, Marni and Mulberry. This season I will work a brighter look than usual with floral maxi dresses and kaftans from Emilio Pucci, Etro, and Alberta Ferretti.” How will you accessorize? “With necklaces, cuffs and rings by Pamela Love, Roberto Cavalli and Aurélie Bidermann. I also love Chloé’s platform heels and clogs by Marni.” How do you balance comfort and style? “If it’s well cut, a military parka or a cape is very useful because you don’t even need to take it off – you can still write easily in your notebook.” What are your beauty essentials? “A good lip balm, my favorite is Carmex, and a hydrating, non-greasy face cream. Sometimes I do a smoky eye.” What gets you through it all? “An interest in what’s next and the hope of seeing brilliant designs.”

shop THE LOOK4

survival kit

Sarah Harris Fashion Features Writer,Vogue UK

What will you be wearing? “My look doesn’t stray too far from jeans and a cashmere sweater or silk shirt. I’ll rotate between Jimmy Choo over-the-knee boots and biker boots, Lanvin wedges and ballet flats. Leather biker jackets worn with dresses are great for evening.” How do you prepare? “I try to make sure I don’t have anything stuck at the dry cleaners that I might need. If I’m very organized, I’ll plan the night before, but usually I decide what to wear in the morning.” What are your beauty essentials? “A blow dry at Daniel Hersheson at the beginning of the week, and a facial with Dr Frances Prenna Jones if I can schedule an appointment, plus Crème de la Mer eye balm, and Sisley day and night cream.” What will we find in your handbag? “As little as possible: a notebook and pen, Blackberry, By Terry Baume de Rose lip balm, Persol sunglasses, Dr. Sebagh hand cream and Haribo sweets.” What gets you through it all? “The thought of a hot bath before bed. A brisk morning walk also helps.”

shop THE LOOK4

Sarah Joan Ross What will you be Style Director, Emirates Woman

wearing? “I’m such a blazer girl – I will take about six in different colors. My favorite one is by Narciso Rodriguez – a slick cut with the prettiest soft pink chiffon lining. I always go for heels so I am eye level with the supermodels, but I pack ballet pumps in my handbag for when the six inches get too much.” How do you prepare? “Travelling and attending events all the time has made me a highly efficient packer! I style up each outfit the night before and make sure they can be mixed up if needed.” What are your beauty essentials? “MAC crème blush for a healthy looking flush, and Kristin Florian’s Calm Mind is fantastic for relieving headaches – especially good when trying to get through security at the Versace show!” What are you most looking forward to? “It’s like a family reunion – you catch up with editors you’ve known for years, and photographers, models, hair and makeup artists that you work with season after season.”

shop THE LOOK4

Head to our social hub, FASHION FIX, for live London Fashion Week coverage4

a lexa

She’s the poster girl for tomboy chic. Fashion’s sweetheart Alexa Chung shows us how to dress for the new season photographs by KAI Z FENG

Top by Chinti and Parker; skirt by Vanessa Bruno; flats by Chloé; necklace by Alex Monroe; ring Alexa’s own

This page: Dress by Giambattista Valli; cardigan by J.Crew; pumps by Carven; necklace by Oscar de la Renta; ring by Pamela Love Opposite page: T-shirt by A.P.C.;shorts by Current/Elliott; necklace by Giles & Brother; clutch by Yves Saint Laurent; bracelet by Isabel Marant; rings by Pamela Love and Alexaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

‘‘My style probably conveys my inability to grow up’’

Dress by Erdem; sandals by Kors Michael Kors; necklace Alexa’s own

This page: Dress by Hussein Chalayan; flats by Valentino; necklace by Alex Monroe Opposite page: Dress by Valentino

‘‘I feel very comfortable rocking a man’s shirt’’

This page: Top by Theyskens’ Theory; shorts by Katharine Hamnett; wedges by Chloé; necklace by Alex Monroe; belt by Gucci Opposite page: Shirt by A.P.C.; skirt by Proenza Schouler; pumps by Carven; bracelet by Giles & Brother; clutch by Valentino

This page: Dress by Erdem; flats by ChloĂŠ Opposite page: Blazer by Joseph; shorts by Valentino; blouse and pumps by Carven; ring by Daisy Knights

‘‘I love the balletic vibe at Chloé, Erdem and Valentino’’

SHOP the shoot4

Art Direction: Jon Wetherell; Styling:Vickie Keeble and Alexa Chung; Hair: George Northwood @ Daniel Hersheson; Makeup: Florrie White @ D+V; nails: Adam Slee @ Streeters

This page: Dress by Valentino; sandals by Kors Michael Kors; necklace by Alex Monroe; ring by Daisy Knights

Alexa:

STYLE TIP

Tomboy chic is easy when you know how: simply mix relaxed denim with ladylike accessories.

The interview We catch up with Miss Chung to talk life and style it in a bag in the boot of a New York cab and literally watched it drive away – so sad. I’m very sentimental about clothes. I have pieces I will never part with.”

“It’s exciting. The pageantry is like nothing else. The designers seat you next to people you may not know but definitely recognize. Favorite labels? I was sat one away from Sarah “Too many… Acne, Isabel Jessica Parker at Burberry and was Marant, Lover the amazing Aussie freaking out because I love her.” label, Chanel for classic pieces and Pamela Love for jewelry.” What are your style rules? “Only ever dress to please yourself. How do you get dressed? Don’t be afraid to experiment “I think about what to wear in with your look. And make sure it’s the shower, trying to visualize it clean!” with the weather and the things I have on that day in mind. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR Sometimes, if I’m pre-coffee and STYLE SAYS ABOUT YOU? can’t decide, I take spare shoes “I know what I’d like my style and an extra jumper in my bag.” to say about me. I’d like to appear intelligent and relaxed, Do you have any help for non-threatening and fun. In reality special events? my style probably conveys my “Yeah, I usually have George inability to grow up! I love how Northwood doing my children dress – it’s so chaotic.” hair and in New York Most treasured possession? my friend Tamah Krinsky Read More “A skull necklace that I lost. I left does my make up.” SHOP the LOOK4

How t o get t he a l e x a l ook...

STYLE TIP STYLE TIP

It’s all about balance – think mini lengths offset by high necklines, long sleeves and polished flats.

Keep hair and makeup fresh. Opt for either statement lips or eyes then finish with artfully tousled hair.

IMAGES: Corbis; Rex Features, Big Pictures, Getty Images

What’s it like sitting on the front row?

Christopher Kane

runway

Showreel Tune in to part one of our exclusive runway videos featuring the editors’ expert style tips, then shop the looks Psst…tune in next week for part two!

new

Alessandra Rich at her London home

the

elegance

photograph by MATT HOLYOAK

Rising stars Alessandra Rich and Prabal Gurung take a fresh look at feminine style

“Alessandra’s dresses tap into some exciting spring trends: pop color and longer lengths” Clare Coulson, Fashion Features Director, Harper’s Bazaar UK

Alessandra Rich “Go for it, do it, it’s never too late.” Alessandra Rich is urging anyone with a passion for fashion design to follow their dreams. In 2008, at 41, the former property consultant did just that. She started from scratch, visiting manufacturers in her native Italy and sketching a collection of dresses for elegant, confident women looking for modern edge. “I want my clothes to feel glamorous but not in a boring or traditional way,” she says. Rich is on the cusp of great things. Her SS11 collection – presented at The Ritz hotel during Paris Fashion Week – may only be her third, but it’s set to

catapult her into the fashion spotlight. Long dresses inspired by Grace Kelly are given a bold update with masculine collars, neon lace and grosgrain belts coated with plastic. “I wanted to do something fun and a bit over the top,” she explains. “A reflection of her own personal style, Rich lovingly tests the clothes herself during the design process, moving, walking and sitting in each piece to make sure she likes what she sees. “It’s such a thrill when you see the final product,” she says. shop alessandra rich4

Prabal Gurung in his New York studio

Prabal Gurung

photograph by Jason bell

“We’ve had a decade of too tight, too short and too revealing and I’m sick of it,” says Prabal Gurung fervently in his New York studio, right in the heart of Manhattan’s garment district. “For me, it’s about celebrating femininity and the strength of being a woman in a more subtle, nuanced way.” Cue a sharp collection of colorful dresses that almost uniformly fall below the knee. His muse? Tilda Swinton in I Am Love. “I thought, ‘I want to make clothes for that kind of woman, a woman who has the strength to take a risk and live her life with passion.’” Exquisite craftsmanship is this rising star’s signature. Gurung has honed his skills at Donna Karan, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass, before striking out on this own in 2009. He has gained a reputation as one of New York’s most inventive tailors and has the A-list following and awards cabinet to match. SHOP prabal gurung4

“The dresses are elegant, well-made, and just beautiful. Who doesn’t want to wear them? ” Amina Akhtar, Fashion Editor, NYMag.com

watch THIS FACE Caroline Brasch Nielsen From: Denmark

From: Holland

A new season means a slew of new models making their mark on the runways. From doe-eyed ingénues to tough tomboys, there was a face to front every collection. Here are all the names you need to know...

DAPHNE GROENEVELD

Britt Maren From: USA

WATCH THIS FACE

models off-duty

THE ESSENTIAL KIT leather jacket

JULIA SANER

It’s the coolest coverup choice and works with everything from easy denim to chic cocktail dresses.

From: Switzerland

Opt for a style with directional details, sling across the body and go!

ARIZONA MUSE From: USA

The bag

basic tee

The perfectly cut T-shirt is the foundation of many a stylish model look.

LINDSEY WIXSON

From: USA

skinny jeans

Skinny jeans are a hard-working wardrobe essential.

biker boots

Add edge to every look with black buckled boots. shop THE LOOK4

WATCH THIS FACE

A model make-Up bag

MADDIE KULICKA

Krisi Pyrhonen From: Finland

From: Poland

GET GORGEOUS WITH NET-A-PORTER’S BEAUTY PICKS

H20 Cleansing Solution

by Bioderma Crealine Removes every trace of makeup and leaves skin fresh and clean, a must-have for all those daily makeup changes.

Lait-crÈme ConcentRé by Embryolisse A suits-all moisturiser that’s always on hand backstage. It replenishes and restores skin as it hydrates.

Paw Paw Ointment

Theres Alexandersson From: Sweden

BAMBI NORTHWOOD BLYTH From: Australia

by Lucas A versatile balm that soothes everything from chapped lips to cracked heels – a handbag essential.

Out of Trouble mask by Origins A rescue remedy for dull, stressed complexions, this leaves skin softer and smoother.

A stylist’s STYLIST’S DIARY

It’s Oscar time! We catch up with US super stylist Jessica Paster as she prepares for the red carpet event of the year

NAOMI WATTS exudes classic elegance in a one shouldered nude gown and matching accessories.

THE PLANNING

I start preparing for awards season at least a month in advance. There are so many events during January and February, from the Golden Globes to the Baftas – it’s a packed schedule! I am styling Annette Bening for this year’s Oscars. I like all my clients to be collaborative. It’s such an intimate process, you become friends and get to know what will look flawless on them.

THE INSPIRATION

CATE BLANCHETT steals the spotlight (and the Best Supporting Actress award) in a daffodil yellow dress at the 2005 Academy Awards.

Influence comes from everywhere, be it a John Galliano runway show or Cecil Beaton photograph. Over the past 15 years I’ve built up a rapport with design houses, but it’s still pretty amazing when designers like Oscar de la Renta and Giorgio Armani reach out to me.

EMILY BLUNT goes for pink perfection in a ruffled floorlength gown.

KIM BASINGER wins Best Supporting Actress at the 1998 Oscars in a pistchio green silk dress, inspired by Grace Kelly.

A stylist’s diary

words: kerry potter; images: rex features; corbis

Carey Mulligan and Andrea Riseborough at the Golden Globes

‘‘I get a gut feeling that tells me when we’ve found the one’’

sharply structured tailoring – a sign of how much awards ceremony style is changing. We have a fresh crop of young actresses that think outside the box and like to make a fashion statement. Carey Mulligan never looked more beautiful than at last year’s Oscars. That, for me, was the moment she became an ‘It’ girl.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Accessories are vital. Bags and shoes will make or break an outfit. For wow-factor heels, you can’t beat Brian Atwood, Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin.

THE BIG NIGHT

On the night we create a Zen-like atmosphere THE DRESS in the dressing room with It usually takes three everything set up beautifully, fittings to know which dress is right and I tend to get and underwear laid out. And a gut feeling that tells me when I always have a back-up outfit ready, just in case there is we’ve found ‘the one’. On the red carpet this season the hot an accident or the actress trends are shorter lengths and changes her mind.

of THE BEST OSCAR-READY DRESSES

STYLE TIP

Work color after dark with a draped peach gown. Just add sparkling heels.

STYLE TIP

Channel spring’s balletic vibe with a pleated evening dress. Chandelier earrings complete the look.

STYLE TIP

Opulent accessories will lend your look instant star power.

HOT

beauty TIPS

SHOP the story4

words: kerry potter; Picture Thisimage : Wang Zi Won-Budda; Lady Gaga image: Josh Olins

MUSIC: CRAZY FOR YOU Fresh from her extraordinary turn at the Grammy Awards during which she hatched from a giant egg, Lady Gaga kicks off her US tour this week in New Jersey. Support comes from the equally outspoken Scissor Sisters. The question on everyone’s lips? What will she be wearing! ladygaga.com/events

BOOK: WORDS OF WISDOM Nora Ephron is the writing genius behind classic movie When Harry Met Sally, among others. I Remember Nothing (Doubleday) is the veteran scribe’s new book of whip-smart essays about life, love, family and friendships. Make room in your handbag for it today. Available from amazon.com

This week’s global hotlist

EVENT: TEA WITH A TWIST London’s Sanderson hotel gives the traditional English high tea a surreal twist with the launch of Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Guests can marvel at lollipops that change temperature in the mouth, multi-coloured sandwiches and a chocolate rabbit’s clock. Curious and curiouser. From March 1; sandersonlondon.com

CARNIVAL: MASKED MAYHEM The Venice Carnival has taken place since the 15th century and is the most flamboyant 10 day party you’ll ever encounter. Don’t forget to pack your mask! February 26 - March 8; masks available from cartaalta.com

ART: PICTURE THIS Asia Top Gallery Hotel Art Fair is a unique show held at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong.The works are displayed in the hotel rooms – think sculptures in the bath tubs. February 25 – 27; hotelartfair.kr

L ove being in the know? S ign up to NET- A-P O RTER’ s culture, lifestyle and beauty up dates now 4

Dream

Read Christian Lacroix stars in a fashion fairy tale

n a new series of fashion biographies Camilla Morton, author of How to Walk in High Heels, tells the story of her favorite designers in a whimsical fairy tale format. “The series came about because I wanted to marry designers up to fairy tales to illustrate the magic of fashion,” reveals Morton. “A traditional biography doesn’t do the designer justice.” First up: Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty (HarperCollins). Morton weaves the story of the designer’s life, from boyhood to prince

of Parisian couture into the classic tale. “Magical, talented, theatrical – the fairy tale format brings a new lease of life to the house of Lacroix,” she says. With the author’s words accompanied by exquisite illustrations by Lacroix, this is a must for fashion lovers – and those who believe in happily ever after. The memoirs of Manolo Blahnik, John Galliano and Diane von Furstenberg are next in the series. Watch this space. buy the book4

‘‘Every girl grows up on fairy tales. Fashion is our modern day magic – it has the power to enchant and transform’’ CAMILLA MORTON

In next week’s online magazine:

BIG FASHION ISSUE THE