INTERVIEW: Creative Director Stefan Campbell Makes Magic at Michael Bastian

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

At 11 A.M. today, Exit Art was bustling with t-shirt-flannel-n-jeans guys with ladders, gold paint, real leaved branches and tree trunks sitting apart, and two Swarovski crystal chandeliers hanging from a rolling rack. This team of set builders were being kindly and meticulously directed by Stefan Campbell, the man responsible for translating Michael Bastian‘s collection into a three dimensional space that garners an emotional reaction from the audience before the clothes hit the runway.  Earlier this week, he removed the front row so Chadwick Bell could have a 14 foot-wide glowing fuchsia runway instead of seven. Today, he’ll be scenting Michael Bastian’s show with Aedes. After speaking with Stefan today, we can confirm that he knows the tricks to making a runway show magical. See Stefan Campbell’s secret tips and advice at the end of the interview. And we’ll go see the show now. 

TREND WATCH :: Snowing at New York Fashion Week

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

We’ve had our rounds of snowfall this New York Fashion Week. Flurries have caught us on our guard on and off the runway. Our screens got fuzzy as we watched busy black and white patterns flurry past.  Designers like Alexander Wang, Christian Siriano, Catherine Malandrino and others have already got the buzz, more are likely to follow suit. 

VS Angel Goes with God, Ellen Dances on Moms’ Anti-Gay Pedestal and Kanye Returns to Paris

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

- Joan Rivers has had 739 plastic surgery procedures — meanwhile, Ground Zero has seen less construction. [Buzzfeed]

- Celebrities are clamoring to spice up their red carpet lives by wearing Victoria Beckham to this year’s Oscars. [Daily Mail]

- Victoria’s Secret Angel Kylie Bisutti apparently took her title too seriously and quit VS because god doesn’t care for that kind of behavior in his heavenly hosts. [Vogue UK]

The Fashion Behind ‘The Artist’

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

They’re sweeping up at the award shows and stealing everyone’s hearts, and the cast of The Artist is shining under a spotlight that grows brighter each day. But behind the Oscar nod for Best Picture (among many other nominations it has received) is that killer fashion from the 1920s — flapper, avant garde, art deco glam. And The Artist isn’t alone – think about how Midnight in Paris, Boardwalk Empire and soon enough The Great Gatsby are full of 1920s fashion glam. Here are a few ways to channel it.

For His First Campaign, Jason Wu Is Taking It to the Streets

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

Jason Wu has taken a page out of Alexander Wang‘s guerrilla marketing playbook for his ad first ad campaign. You won’t be likely to see Wu’s new ads in a magazine, or if you never venture into Manhattan as they will be plastered exclusively across, around and about the city. 

Candice Swanepoel is an Urban Warrior for Vogue China

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Bronzed and beautiful as always, only Candace Swanepoel could pull-off a sweaty, matted-down hair, I-just-worked-out look this well. Photographed by Daniel Jackson for the February 2012 issue of Vogue China, Candy sports sporty looks from Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Y-3 and Narciso Rodriguez, artfully styled by Alastair McKimm. Take notes ladies – this is what a city workout should look like.

SHOE ENVY: Alexander Wang Leather Aida Heels

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Two shades of cool cobalt blue meet a crisp white heel and sole fit to make any foot jealous. Distressed scaled leather reminds of snakeskin, just how Alexander Wang intended, we’re sure. Pebbled leather trim sits on a white wooden sole with tonal stitching. A near 5-inch tapered stiletto heel gives just enough boost to get you walking tall. Can I get this in six or seven different colors please?

Mary Alice Stephenson on Real Women, Her Favorite Young Designers and the State of American Style

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

LOOKBOOKS contributor Stacey Cunningham helms the regular feature, Kit & Kaboodle, taking a look at what makes stylists tick and keeps them sane. This week she profiled one of the busiest and most successful stylists in the industry, one Ms.  Mary Alice Stephenson: