- Carine Roitfeld staged her all-black runway show during the amfAR Gala featuring models Lindsey Wixson, Karolina Kurkova and Lily Donaldson in looks by Chanel, Balenciaga and Versace. [Styleite]

- True Blood‘s Grant Bowler will play Richard Burton to Lindsay Lohan‘s Elizabeth Taylor in Lifetime’s Liz & Dick. [Deadline]

- Beth Ditto on Karl Lagerfeld calling Adele fat: “First of all, Karl Lagerfeld is not even sane…[and he] used to be this really fat, eccentric dude. He always had that fat kid fan with him too. To me, only a person who was fat could get away with saying something like that.” [Vogue UK]

- This is what the debut of Kanye West‘s mult-screen film debut at Cannes looked like. [High Snobiety]

- Happy Fleet Week, sailors! Here are some events for the queer seamen that will hopefully be in all of us. [Paper]

- Britney Spears walked out on the taping of an episode of X Factor, much like Paula Abdul did last season. And also like Paula, I’m assuming there’s a mix of meds involved. [Deadline]

- Keira Knightley is engaged to boyfriend James Righton from British indie rock band Klaxons. [Telegraph]

[Style]

attends the "Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations" Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2012 in New York City.

A look by Parsons student Alexandra Nam

Current seniors in Parsons BFA Fashion Design program will compete to win internships at one of PPR’s 16 luxury brands, which include Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney and Gucci. The two winners — one in ready-to-wear and one in accessories — will also be featured on The Fancy, a combination magazine/shopping guide/social network, and showcased at Barneys New York‘s Madison Ave store in September.

Centered on PPR’s “Empowering Imagination” theme, the competition is designed to stimulate new ideas at PPR’s stable of brands.

Today, a panel of judges including model Dree Hemingway, Vogue‘s Candy Pratts Price and Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman, will whittle down the top 20 candidates to five finalists based on their thesis collections and how well they exemplify the theme. The five finalists will then have their collections featured on The Fancy in mid-June with the winning look and accessory voted on by the public.

“Partnering with PPR and The Fancy,” said Simon Collins, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, “will provide our students with an international perspective, thus positioning them as design thinkers poised to lead fashion globally.”

The winners, announced at the end of June, will receive an expense-paid internship up to $10,000 at the PPR label of their choice.[WWD, sub req'd]

Feedbox

Alexandra Nam

“It’s very random, spontaneous — put together over the course of a lifetime, travelling round the world, presents from friends. He wasn’t a specialised collector,” said Galliera director Olivier Saillard.

As he was greatly influenced by the 19th century, despite revolutionizing women’s fashion in the 20th, the exhibition brings together Balenciaga’s creations with some of the sources of his inspiration. To wit, Balenciaga’s sculptural couture confections are juxtaposed with their historical counterparts from 100 years earlier.

“He invented, at least in part, the vocabulary of 20th century fashion,” noted Saillard, “yet the paradox is he was very nourished by the epoch before.”

One cannot fully discuss Balenciaga without mention of his passion for Spanish religious dress and regional costume, which the exhibition duly explores with formal coats inspired by the vestments of cardinals and boleros and capes reminiscent of those worn by bullfighters on display.

Cristóbal Balenciaga: Collectionneur de modes opens today in Paris and will run through October 7, but if you can’t make it to the City of Lights by then, try to console yourself with this write-up of the Queen Sofia exhibit on Balenciaga that closed in February.

[AFP via US Fashion Mag]

The foundation will help support young art and fashion talent, a cause Blow, who took her own life in 2007, would no doubt celebrate. The late editor and muse is largely credited for discovering fellow iconoclast and suicide victim Alexander McQueen.

But onto the bright side of things. Guinness raided her closet and chose key pieces which best defined her distinctive style, featuring the likes of Chanel, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Prada, Christian Lacroix, Alaïa, Gareth Pugh, Christopher Kane and of course McQueen. The auction will take place on June 27 with a goal of earning £100,000 (about $160,000), but before then Christie’s will put the couture on public display on June 23.

Here, a few of the sumptuous threads that will go up on the auction block. [Vogue UK]

"This design was first viewed by Daphne in Alexander McQueen’s collection in 2008. After seeing it, Daphne asked Lee to create four dresses in this style, in different materials (one black, one black long sleeved, one feathered, and one silver). McQueen didn’t make the dress for his shop, it was a show piece. A favourite dress of Daphne’s, she has worn it to several high profile occasions and has been photographed with the likes of Mario Testino and David Furnish whilst wearing it." Alexander McQueen, bespoke 2008 - estimate: £15,000 - £20,000 (about $24,000 - $32,000)

"Daphne bought this dress in the Lanvin store in Paris and wore it that night for a friend’s birthday party." Lanvin, autumn/winter 2006-7 - estimate: £400 - £800 (about $640 - $1,280)

"Having heard about the wonderful new British talent that was Christopher Kane, Daphne visited his studio, saw this dress and immediately fell in love with it. It was one of the first things she bought from Christopher Kane." Christopher Kane, autumn/winter 2008-9 - estimate: £800 - £1,500 (about $1,280 - $2,400)

"This was the first piece of couture Daphne bought from Christian Lacroix. Having led to her meeting Lacroix’s muse, Marie Martinez, with whom she has since become great friends, it holds important memories for Daphne. Representing Lacroix’s Southern routes it is an iconic piece; the cow hide was typical of him, and the puff ball skirt is a very Spanish look which he often revisited." Christian Lacroix Couture, 1987 - estimate: £1,000 - £2,000 (about $1,600 - $3,200)

"Ordered from Noritaka directly, these shoes took around eight months to be made. Daphne loved them, not so much for their practicality, or lack thereof, but because she viewed them as pieces of sculpture, more as concept pieces for looking at – fashion as art." Noritaka Tatehana, autumn/winter 2010-11 - estimate: £1,500 - £2,500 (about $2,400 - $4,000)

Knightley discusses her two new films with David Cronenberg, who recently directed the 27-year-old in last year’s A Dangerous Method. First there’s June’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, co-starring fellow fashion plate Steve Carell, and an adaptation of Anna Karenina, in which she plays Tolstoy’s legendary literary heroine — out just in time for awards season in December.

Seriously, just throw that girl in a period piece and watch the Oscars fly.

Photos: Interview

See the shoot lensed by Tim Walker its full and glossy glory in the April issue of Vogue.

Balenciaga Spanish Master Exhibit

Banana Republic

W Magazine

Calvin Klein

Chanel

Dolce & Gabbana

Fendi

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

Nicki Minaj in W

Prada

Marc Jacobs Spring 2008

Marc Jacobs Fall 2007

Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress

T Magazine

Vogue Italia

Marc Jacobs Spring 2007

Marc Jacobs Spring 2009

DSquared

Between Superman Lagerfeld's fixation on crystals and Giambatista Valli's kinked stripes, cubic patterns jump forth geometrically from Paris.

Cubism Movement

We've well worn the leggings under skirts look, now go for boot cut, center pressed trousers.

The Skirt's Trouser Snake

Lisbeth Salander got a tattoo that sent the whole fashion world into gothic leather. Not that Mugler and Gareth Pugh wouldn't have gotten their without her help.

Lisbethan Leather

The outlining trend has carried through Fall 2012, as its body shaping properties are out of this world. Rei Kawakubo, meanwhile, has taken the stroke density to an epic level.

Outline, Take Notes

Perhaps it was the staggering lack of snow this season that has led so many designers to dream of a white winter.

Next fall, you might take a side job as a street sweeper. Or hire someone to carry your jacket's train. Coats are hitting the ground and billowing out in a righteous way.

Angelina Jolie's leg bomber followed Fashion Week to Paris and continued deploying bare gam splits.

Time for a second job, or a sugar daddy, or for your million dollar idea to actualize; the hottest trend is having a personal porter/bellboy/man servent. How chic!

On June 27, Christies will auction off 100 items from the personal collection of the heiress/fashion icon/spirit animal with proceeds going to Guinness’ newly-created Isabella Blow Foundation, a charity to help support young talent in art and fashion.

“We are delighted to be offering the fashion world this incredible one-off opportunity to buy some of the most iconic and cutting-edge haute couture of the early 21st Century, owned and worn by Daphne Guinness,” said Christie’s fashion director Pat Frost.”Not only will the auction comprise exceptional designs by the likes of McQueen,Chanel, Balenciaga and others, but it will also aptly benefit and shape the designers of the future. Christie’s is very proud to be able to play a part in helping Daphne to achieve her forward-looking and charitable aim.”

Guinness famously bought Blow’s wardrobe to prevent an auction by Christies and to preserve the iconic stylist’s unique aesthetic. And now, rather ironically, Guinness will sell off some of her own massive wardrobe to benefit the Blow Foundation. Before going on sale, however, the auction items will be on display from June 23 up to June 27 so if you can’t buy anything, at least you can covet from afar. [Vogue UK]

Jil Sander Fall 2012 (Raf Simons’ final collection)

Although it’s easy to be underwhelmed by any dresses coming before the Oscars, there are some ladies who really turned it out last night. We put our top 10 at the beginning of the gallery for your viewing pleasure. All photos from Huffington Post Style.

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab

Amber Heard in Zac Posen

Gretchen Mol in L'Wren Scott

Jayma Mays in Reem Acra

Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham

Judy Greer in Collette Dinnigan

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Tilda Swinton in Lanvin

Viola Davis in Marchesa

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture

Tina Fey in vintage Verasce

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa

Shailene Woodley in L'Wren Scott

Sarah Hyland in Temperley

Naya Rivera in Naeem Khan

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Meryl Streep in Vivienne Westwood Couture

Melissa McCarthy in Badgley Mischka

Maya Rudolph in Naeem Khan

Lea Michele in Versace

Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci

Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza

Julianna Margulies in Calvin Klein Collection

Jessica Lange in David Meister

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein Collection

Jenna Ushkowitz in Rebecca Minkoff

Jane Lynch in David Meister Signature

Jane Krakowski in Antonio Berardi

Glenn Close in Zac Posen

Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Diane Lane in David Meister

Bérénice Bejo in Ralph Lauren

Angela Kinsey in Romona Keveza

Amber Riley in Badgley Mischka

Via Fashion Gone Rogue

Leather Jackets by Balmain
Boots by Chrissie Morris

Clockwise from top left (click photo above to purchase):

Chrissie Morris Dakota Bootie, $496

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian Textured Slice Bangle Set, $64

Oscar de la Renta 24-karat Gold-Plated Geometric Link Clip Earrings, $185

Incase Chrome Slider iPhone 4S Case, $34.99

3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Woven Trousers, $665

Balenciaga Montre Acier Silver Watch, $1,795

Pierre Balmain Metallic Leather Baseball Jacket, $1,335

The knighthood, bestowed by president Nicolas Sarkozy, recognizes Hayek for her “services to the French Republic,” notably, her work as ”director and producer (and) active member of charitable foundations for 23 years.” The fact that Hayek’s old man is Francois-Henri Pinault, a close friend of Sarkozy and the head of PPR thus the owner of pretty much everything including Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent, I’m sure had nothing to do with it. Nor does the fact that Hayek’s father-in-law, Francois Pinault is simultaneously being named a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.

But the French are croaking their disapproval nonetheless, calling Hayek’s appointment a joke, “an insult to France” and as a result Napoleon Bonaparte, who instituted the honor in 1802 in an attempt to replace the nobility, is “turning in his grave.” One honoree has even refused to accept the award. Henri Torre, the crotchety 78-year-old  former minister and member of Sarkozy’s ruling party sassed, “Too many people have been nominated who do not deserve to be honoured” and claimed that the award had been tainted with “croneyism” by “naming any old people.”

It’s one thing to say that the Mexican actress is undeserving of being made a French knight, but calling her old is really stepping over the line, France. [Telegraph,Vogue UK]

Get them for $1,665 at Balenciaga.com.

"His look is an extremely conscious metaphor for his philosophy of fashion and life: Here, watch as I bring together the old, in my tall eighteenth-century collar and bizarre powdered hair, with the new, as seen in my ponytail and $2,500 Agatha leather pants, 'the most expensive leather pants in the world,' he declares, with a laugh exactly like Count Chocula's in its length and ridiculousness."

—on Karl Lagerfeld and how to craft a professional image from Karl Lagerfeld, Boy Prince of Fashion, Vanessa Grigoriadis

"There [at Vogue] Talley will sometimes perform a kind of boss-man theatre—throw papers about, slam telephones down, noisily expel the incompetent. 'This is too much. What story do we need to be working on, children? What story? Let's get cracking, darlings, on fur. Fuh, fuh, fuh. One must set the mood around the fuhand the heels, the hair, the skin, the nipples under the fuh, the hair around the nipples, the fuh clinging to the nipples, sweat, oysters, champagne, régence!' "

—on André Leon Talley and the importance of a strong work ethic from “The Only One,” The New Yorker, Hilton Als

"There's a stir at the entrance of the terminal as a silver Mercedes-Benz pulls up, followed by a minivan. Valentino emerges from the car in a Prince of Wales–plaid suit under a shearling coat, with a flowered scarf around his neck, and enters the terminal, walking slightly ahead of his retinue. His tan is rich and close in color to his chestnut-brown hair, which is blown out to immobile perfection. He has a warm smile and bright, heavy-lidded eyes, which are partially hidden behind rose-colored aviators. After he and Giammetti greet each other with a kiss on each cheek, we proceed to the airplane. Three buses are needed, one to move Valentino, Giammetti, and staff, another for luggage, and a third to transport five of Valentino's six pugs—Milton, Maude, Monty, Margot, and Molly."

—on Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti’s love of economic travel from “So Very Valentino,” Vanity Fair, Matt Tyrnauer

"The morning of this summer's haute-couture show, Galliano put on a pair of carefully distressed bluejeans with perfectly frayed cuffs—which covered his sandals but not the toenails he had recently painted a glossy shade that he calls 'cosmic blue.' Galliano's personal hair-and-makeup team had been briefed in advance on the look he wanted to achieve, which was inspired by the evolution of dance. "I am feeling very Spanish tango dirty creepy with oily black hair," he said. His stylist got the message: he glued a stringy goatee onto Galliano's chin and trimmed it to a neat triangle; after that, he spent half an hour curling Galliano's hair and then applied a thick coat of mascara to the lashes beneath his dark-brown eyes."

—on John Galliano’s morning beauty regimen from "The Fantasist," The New Yorker, Michael Specter

"Balenciaga possibly thought that Dior got too much sheer pleasure out of high fashion, which in his own view was an art on a par with painting, sculpture, and architecture, to be taken with the utmost seriousness. It was not something in which you could faire le ponchinelle, 'do a Picasso' (in those days Picasso often called himself the 'clown of art'). But Balenciaga certainly did not regret the success of the new look. He was a businessman, and a very astute one, and he recognized that it had done wonders for the Parisian fashion industry and that everyone involved in it, himself perhaps most of all, had benefited from the publicity. He certainly did not see Dior as a rival, and he had no fear that his own claims to excellence would be overlooked. Dior dressed the rich, Balenciaga the very rich."

—on the fundamental difference between Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior from "Cut Against the Bias," This Recording, Paul Johnson

Go head, queens!

Link Love: Slate

Through the concrete and brick columned hall of the CFDA Incubator, past glass doors with names like Bibhu Mohapatra, House of Waris and Prabal Gurung etched upon them, sits a room on the end that houses the studio of a French expat with a beautiful concept. Alice Ritter works seemingly solitary in a tidy, brightly lit room with a towering cubic bookshelf, a sewing machine and inspiration all around. Her style rings from the authenticity of growing up in the late 70s in France, where Yves Saint Laurent was god and high power glossies were sacred. Having studied economics, she created a fashion lab within her home with her Brooklynite husband to pursue her true art of design. Poring over books and dissecting vintage clothing lead to her creating an aesthetic that is uniquely hers. 

What are your three fashion books you recommend to an aspiring fashion designer?

Oh! This Madeleine Vionnet book I’ve had for a long time, I know it by heart.  Madeleine Vionnet is such an inspiration. It was just so modern what she did, and she invented a new way to drape fabric and to drape the woman’s body. She not as famous as Gabrielle Chanel or Christian Dior. I mean she’s famous amongst fashion people and she’s more influential for me.

This Balenciaga book is beautiful not just because I’m fascinated with Balenciaga, but the book its self is just a beautiful object, the way its printed, paper. Its really good. He was very forward thinking  He was like a sculptor almost.

Fashion Design 1850-1895 is a good one. It’s a classic. It’s a very well curated collection of clothes, and their details. It’s an endless source of inspiration. And a really good way to learn about costume and this sort of fashion.

To read the rest of the interview, click on over to LOOKBOOKS.com!

Photos: Models.com

The caveat that broke the camel’s back was Jacobs’ insistence on taking his Louis Vuitton team with him to Dior, leaving Vuitton — LVMH’s cash cow — without a heel to stand on. To make matters worse, Arnault had wanted Céline‘s Phoebe Philo to replace Marc at Vuitton should he move to Dior, but Philo is happy where she is — outfitting Kanye West in billowy blouses.

So with Jacobs more or less off the table, LVMH has reportedly approached Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Jil Sander‘s Raf Simons; though out of the three Simons would seem the most likely choice, that is unless Dior plans on eschewing breathtaking gowns and impeccably-crafted ladysuits for sweatpants and cocktail dresses.

Then there is Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci, whose name has been bandied about since Gallianogate got into full swing. But he — along with Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton and Balenciaga‘s Nicolas Ghesquière – has turned down the Dior deal, citing brand loyalty.

So the question still remains — and frankly, the question is getting really tiresome — who will take the reins at Christian Dior? However, by the time someone is announced, the question might be, who the hell cares? [WWD]

Cover girl Lucas plays the fair-haired, fair-skinned outsider, finding sophistication in the wilderness with looks from Bottega Veneta, Marni, Tommy Hilfiger, Miu Miu, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile Fogarty is immersed in tribal prints and the occasional headwrap from the runways of Burberry, Balenciaga, Pucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani and Maison Martin Margiela.

Photos: Image Amplified and Fashion Gone Rogue

Gareth Pugh

Prada

Numêro / Models.com

W's "Transformers" by Steven Meisel

Pop Magazine Fall/Winter 2011 by Gillian Wearing / Models.com

Versace x H&M

Versace spring 2011

cK One spring 2011

Balenciaga spring 2011 runway

Barney

Harper's Bazaar Australia November 2011 / Models.com

Models.com

Vogue September 2011 / Fashion Gone Rogue

Mark Cramer and Coy Barton; “I’m in Steve Madden, he’s in Chinese Laundry,” said Mr. Barton of their shoes.

“I wish society was more acceptable of men wearing heels,” laments Jeff Paice, one of the queens interviewed by the Times, while in a black button down, black trousers and a pair of wedged sandals. Once upon a time, however, men could wear heels without stigma.

In 18th century France, Louis XIV often wore five-inch heels depicting miniature battle scenes. The Sun King decreed that only nobility were allowed to wear heels in red — how’s that for trademark infringement Christian Louboutin — and that no one could have heels higher than his own. Diva. Then in 1791, following the French Revolution, noted lilliputian Napoleon Bonaparte banned high heels to show equality.

Louis XIV in a sensible heel

For Paice, though, the options for a pump-lovin’ man leaves much to be desired. His cohorts, Coy Barton and Mark Cramer, allegedly 24 and 25, couldn’t agree more. ”I literally look at girls and think, you have so many options. You have jumpers, you have skirts, you have dresses, you have pants, you have shorts. Boys have pants and shorts. Or suits and a shirt,” Barton says, both he and Cramer dressed similarly in grey slacks, white dress shirt and tranny heel. But Barton, in his $115 Steve Maddens and Cramer in his $170 Chinese Laundry booties, don’t consider this a form of drag.

To them and to Sean Wagner, the heels are not about creating an illusion, they’re about having fun. “As far as we’re concerned, this is just bringing a look to a club — which is what you are supposed to do,” explains a bearded and bespectacled Wagner, in an eight-inch neon green pair of lace-up ankle boots — or as he refers to them, “my usual hiking shoes.” The 6’2″ Wagner is also a fan of the height the shoes give him. “I’ve bought Louis Vuitton. I’ve bought Gucci. But a lot of designers don’t go high enough for me. I found a company in Arizona that will do 15-inch heels for $3,000.” Let’s see 6’2″ plus 15″ equals…a towering tranny inferno.

Also taking the designer high-heeled road is Gregory Alexander, whose six-inch Balenciaga wooden wedges retail for $2000. That, however, is not the only price he’s paid for his shoe fetish. Last summer, while trying to jump a fence to get into a party, Alexander broke his ankle and was in a cast for four months. ”They told me I should never wear heels again, obviously,” he recounts.

But a broken ankle never keeps a lady down and by the time the NYT caught up with him, Alexander was in his Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale platform stiletto ankle boot — these L.A. gals do love an ankle boot —  skinny black jeans, a shirt and skinny tie and, of course, a motorcycle jacket, Because you gotta keep it butch. [NYT, Random History]

“I’m in Steve Madden, he’s in Chinese Laundry,” said Mr. Barton of their shoes.

Louis XIV in a sensible heel

Grayscale leather blocking weaves a jacket with arms that seemingly start at the waist.

Framed in floral has us pondering the layering process.

Where does the skin stop and the beading begin? The heavier pieces seem to have avalanced to the hem.

At quick glance there seems to be a bow tie, at another it's the print. Also optical illusively close to Missoni...

Stripes fall in waves and angles around the body. Warning: may induce seizure. Dying regardless.

Smoke and mirrors.

Iridescence bounces on a pencil as a black strip up center jacket front begs the question, "Is that another layer?". The shoulders bound out on high with had that moves in new directions.

Whittling the waist away with beads and inward curves, we also realize there is beaded fringe off the shoulder blades. Quel susprise!

Like areal shapes, the pieces of suit cut the air in nude on white.

Is it a high slitted skirt or a pant? Look closely at the gleaming sheers.

Photo: NYT

According to Style File: “The Traina sisters reportedly jumped when they heard the first crack, others found themselves flat on the floor after the benches, supporting the likes of Mario Testino, Catherine Deneuve, Carine Roitfeld, and Style.com’s Nicole Phelps, broke.”

Everyone stood their ground, however — note Vogue‘s Hamish Bowles, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington dutifully in the front row — and the reaction was favorable with Anna Dello Russo remarking via Twitter that it was an “amazing” show and likening the experience to church.

Amen, fashion. [Style File]

Photo: NYT

With a big bang comes Crystal Renn, pensively graceful in

Cut for a vixen mermaid in

The emboldened round shoulder juts around in a hunch from before our time, in a dress from before our time, and Miu Miu fur from right this minute.

Accentuating the Lanvin cascading curves and gloves with a vintage necklace that takes it back.

Gucci in repose.

Even this futuristic Rick Ownens jacket gets time warped as it emits a late 1930's vibe through Crystal Renn and Sebastian Kim's lens.

Smoldering in Nina Ricci's fur hat, the Dries Van Noten jacket turns it out refined.

The peter pan collar o'er poof-topped Louis Vuitton takes it to an innocent place. Then the back plunging Nina Ricci ends the spread on a strong and luscious step.

Izabel Goulart, a Brazilian model whom Carine discovered at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, turns it in a Mugler top.

For a cut-out zig, zag into this ribboned and mesh-topped tunic from Topshop for $66.

For the zag on a long sleeve shirt, check out what Karl Lagerfeld did for Macy’s for $99. Pair it with Tom Ford sunglasses for a killer downtown look.

Olympia Scarry in Haider Ackermann

Fei Fei Sun in Bottega Veneta

Crystal Renn in L'Wren Scott

Mary Frey in Stella McCartney

Saskia de Brauw in Nina Ricci

Victoire de Castellane in Azzedine Alaïa

Malgosia Bela in Celine

Vanessa Traina in Altuzarra

Joan Smalls in Commes des Garçons and Gianvito Rossi

Marie Agnes Gillot in Ann Demeulemeester

Theodora Richards in Rodarte

Izabel Goulart in Mugler and Gianvito Rossi

Dasha Zhukova in Proenza Schouler

Daphne Groeneveld in Rochas

China Chow in Giambattista Valli

Bambou in Lanvin

Melanie Huynh in Yves Saint Laurent

Alexandra Richards in Maison Martin Margiela

Jessica Hart in Marc Jacobs

Carolyn Murphy in Marni and Gianvito Rossi

Marie-Amélie Sauvé in Balenciaga

Giovanna Battaglia in Junya Watanabe

Naomi Cambell in Fendi

Click through all the pages to see our Labor Day getaway essentials, and your weekender will be light as air.

Designer round up, left to right:

Aquilano e Rimondi, Jil Sander, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Jason Wu, Paul Costelloe, Kimberly Ovitz

Want acidic sunflower in your closet? Check out these subtly singeing pieces.

See them paired with fantastic LBDs to add to your collection.

Let your balls hang out.

Ball and chain handbag: Nina Ricci $1,650 at Edit New York
Body-con cutout mini knit dress: Mark Fast was $3,032 now $1,516 at Farfetch

Dior has been without a creative director since that little incident with John Galliano — you know, the anti-Semitism and the firing and the rehab and the court case — since March.

Arnault, chairman of LVMH — which also owns Marc Jacobs International — had initially planned on hiring Jacobs for Dior back in the 90s, but that idea was vetoed by Dior’s then president Francois Baufume. Instead, Galliano was hired from Givenchy to Dior and Jacobs signed on as Vuitton’s artistic director in 1997.

“Had I hired Marc Jacobs for Dior and John Galliano for Louis Vuitton, it would not have worked as well for both brands, even though both designers are geniuses of their own,” Arnault told WWD in 2003.

Meetings are scheduled for this week in Paris between Dior and Marc Jacobs’ legal representatives while the designer prepares for New York Fashion Week. Robert Duffy, Jacobs’ longtime business partner, is also reported to be integral to the deal, despite currently having legal troubles of his own.

Should Jacobs move to Dior, Phoebe Philo is said to be on tap to replace him at Louis Vuitton, while maintaining her current role at Céline.

Since March, Dior has approached a number of designers to replace Galliano including Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Balenciaga‘s Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton, Haider Ackermann and Hedi Slimane. Elbaz, Ghesquière and Burton have allegedly withdrawn themselves from the running due to their strong personal commitments to their respective brands, while talks with Ackermann and Slimane proved fruitless.

Then, of course, there is Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci whose name has been bandied about as frontrunner for months now and who is a favorite of Delphine Arnault, deputy managing director at Dior. Where Tisci stands in all this is uncertain, but do you think Marc Jacobs is what Christian Dior needs right now? [WWD]

- Vogue lopped off a few of Lila Grace Moss (Kate Moss‘ daughter)’s fingers in their September issue in a case of bad and badly observed Photoshop. I guess Anna is human after all. What a day of disappointments. [Styleite]

- In other Brit Kate news, Kate Winslet has joined forces with fellow Oscar winners, Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz to form the “British Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League,” an informal group of acting superheroines fighting against Hollywood’s pressure to go under the knife. In other news, Demi Moore has formed the “Legion of the Evil and Ageless.”  [Telegraph]

“His look is an extremely conscious metaphor for his philosophy of fashion and life: Here, watch as I bring together the old, in my tall eighteenth-century collar and bizarre powdered hair, with the new, as seen in my ponytail and $2,500 Agatha leather pants, ‘the most expensive leather pants in the world,’ he declares, with a laugh exactly like Count Chocula’s in its length and ridiculousness.”

—on Karl Lagerfeld and how to craft a professional image
from Karl Lagerfeld, Boy Prince of Fashion, Vanessa Grigoriadis

 Who’s fault is it? Salma, I’m looking at you.

Pinault, chairman and CEO of PPR — the conglomerate behind Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and a slew of other brands — is one of the richest men in the world…and Evangelista is getting hers.

If the super gets her way — and when doesn’t she? — that 46K “would probably be the largest support order in the history of the Family Court,” says some professional legal dude.

While Pinault is busy making it rain for Valentina, his 3-year-old daughter with Hayek, there’s a draught when it comes to Evangelista’s 4-year-old son, Augustin James — meanwhile, you do the math — with Linda’s lawyer claiming, ”He’s just been sitting back, paying zero.”

Among the costs Evangelista is looking to gouge Pinault on are an $80,000/year nanny and private, gun-toting drivers at $175,000/yr. While the judge seemed sympathetic to those costs — after all, we’re talking about a star here — he immediately dismissed the $7500/month vacation expenses. Scrooge.

Evangelista, who’s worth some $8 million — “and she earned, last year, $1.8 million” — is still a working mother and boy was she working that day in court. When the judge asked her just how many hours she worked in a given week, Linda calmly responded:

“On days when I do not work, I am working on my image. I have to hit the gym. I have beauty appointments. I have to work toward my next job and maintaining my image, just like an athlete.”

And she’s running circles all over this case. In stilettos, too. Good luck, mama! [NY Post]

Featuring brands such as Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga and Lanvin among others, the retailer’s ads will debut shortly in various September issues. [WWD]

“It’s important to be able to show things in movement,” Balenciaga creavtive director Nicolas Ghesquière said. “It’s almost like a daily magazine now: It has to be really alive. Like everyone, we want to have a good amount of traffic.”

And a good amount traffic they shall receive with features like short films produced by famous photographers, a heritage section with vintage photos of starlets such as Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman wearing the brand and a full-fledged e-commerce section shipping to France, the U.K. and United States.

Look for the new Balenciaga site launching this week. Photos from WWD.com.

Ghesquière will also release behind the scenes footage of the shoot for the first time, which will feature Steven Meisel snapping away at working girls Julia Nobis and Liisa Winkler, among others, in a studio in New York and a church in Harlem.   [WWD]

Along with its commercial peak, fashion shows have also reached their creative peaks – moving, visceral, dramatic productions that have elevated them into an art form. Alexander McQueen emerged as the true master of the genre, blending the disparate elements of entertainment and ideology while creating beautiful works of clothing that could stand on their own without the hype and hoopla with which he was so famously associated.

Below is a list of the 10 fashion shows that stand as the greatest achievements of the last decade, based on their technicality and theatricality, their influence on fashion and of course, the clothes themselves.

1. Alexander McQueen – “Widows of Culloden” (Fall 2006) Perhaps McQueen’s greatest show, the clothes were utterly sublime but the final hologram of Kate Moss floating ethereally above the audience is a moment in which legends are created.

1. Alexander McQueen – “Widows of Culloden” (Fall 2006)

2. Hussein Chalayan – Spring 2007 The breathtaking future of fashion -- and over 100 years of its history -- were presented in six dresses outfitted with tiny computers, literally giving them a life of their own . Equal parts creepy and brilliant but completely unforgettable.

2. Hussein Chalayan – Spring 2007

3. Christian Dior - Spring 2007 Haute Couture John Galliano's reputation as a showman and expertise as a couturier helped redefine Christian Dior for a new generation. This poetically beautiful collection, however, stands head and origami-detailed shoulders above as the  greatest couture show of the last decade.

3. Christian Dior - Spring 2007 Haute Couture

4. Balenciaga – Fall 2006 Nicolas Ghesquière is lucky enough to have the rich Balenciaga archives, of which he has made great use over the years.  With this collection, he made the past and the house his own by reimagining and redefining the female silhouette, just as Cristobol Balenciaga had done decades earlier.

4. Balenciaga – Fall 2006

5. Alexander McQueen - "It's Only a Game" (Spring 2005) McQueen's "Game" was both fun and provocative, taking some of his most striking and whimsical designs (the king as a football player, a knight in a dress with a built-in pony-hair ponytail) and presenting them in a high-concept cultural chess game between East and West.

5. Alexander McQueen - "It's Only a Game" (Spring 2005)

6. Viktor & Rolf - Fall 2001 Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren love to put on a show, and this was one of their first shows to introduce them not only as master showmen but master craftsmen. Workig in a palette of all black, the design duo decided to take it one step further by covering their models -- and themselves -- in all black. If getting away with black face doesn't qualify you as a greatest fashion show, nothing will.

6. Viktor & Rolf - Fall 2001

7. Chanel - Spring 2010 Haute Couture Karl Lagerfeld rarely makes a false move -- I mean, no one's perfect -- but he hit every step perfectly with this couture show. Aside from being brilliantly conceived -- the metallic elements flowing through were an especially inspired touch -- the Kaiser actually seemed to be having fun, while remaining true to the most prestigious fashion house in the world.

7. Chanel - Spring 2010 Haute Couture

8. Tom Ford - Spring 2011 How fitting that one of the driving forces behind the rise of the fashion show to public spectacle would precipitate its return to the more personal atmosphere of the salon. Tom Ford's decision to debut his first womenswear show in six years free from the tents and the all-seeing eye of the blogosphere is slowly inspiring other designers who might also prefer their collections with a hint of privacy and control. However, it is still too early to know exactly how influential this trend will be.

8. Tom Ford - Spring 2011

9. Marc Jacobs - Spring 2008 Though most famous -- or infamous -- for starting a whopping two hours late (gotta keep the audience on their toes), Jacobs's ditzy, disheveled backwards romp through a woman's dressing routine proved to be worth the wait and included his most fun and irreverent designs -- and accessories -- to date.

9. Marc Jacobs - Spring 2008

10. Prada - Spring 2011 The now ubiquitous Spring 2011 collection saw Miuccia Prada in bold and Technicolor top form. Not only her best collection in seasons, those Baroque monkeys and Josephine Baker homages cemented Prada's reputation as one of the most influential houses in the world and one of the most sought-after brands for women.

10. Prada - Spring 2011

In the midst running off to the Hamptons from Memorial Day Weekend, FashionIndie editor McArthur Joseph grabbed my beach bag and dumped it out in the loft!  In prompt reporter style, he documented the mess before I hopped in a car and ran off for the weekend.  Here’s what he found, hope it helps you pack for your weekends away!

1. Beach reading – summer edition of V Magazine and the May copy of Paris Vogue

2. Belvedere citrus – personal size, for sipping by the pool

3. Vintage leather top handle bag – because the natural pretention a top handle bag brings is perfect for the Hamptons set

4. Gold studded Christian Louboutins – for the late nights at Hamptons hot spots SL East and South Pointe

5. Balenciaga sunglasses – nothing screams summer like white sunnies!

6. St Tropez Self Tanner and Bronze Enhancer – because the first weekend out means I don’t have a real tan yet

7. Victoria’s Secret “Summer” scent – it’s fresh, energizing, and brings out that summer Bombshell vibe

8. Prada‘s Minimal Baroque sunglasses – because we need multiple sunglass options, these ornate frames are the perfect statement accessory when lounging by the pool

9. LAMB tan platforms – we all need a good heel for the Day & Night brunch parties of Hamptons legend

10. FashionIndie mixtape – best music mix you’ll find all summer, it is the perfect CD to put on at a house party and it lasts an hour before having to worry about what comes on next

11. Crabtree & Evelyn citrus lip balm and body wash – I love feeling fresh and smelling citrusy after a long day in the sun

12. Marimekko Lokki beach towel – this organic cotton towel is HUGE and super soft, plus the cute wave design is fun by the pool

If you have any questions about the above products, tweet me @iamsamlim

Picture this: A regular 70 something degree  summer day. You’ve planned a great day of doing nothing besides walking around the city and random errands. A great stylish and casual outfit can consist of:  a J. Crew tee, Balenciaga cargo shorts, Levi’s plaid shirt (preferably open) Converse Hi-tops, and an A|X watch.

As the day comes to an end you realize that you have a few events and parties to go to in the evening. Instead of going in for a completely new outfit an appropriate amount of layering and accessorizes will completely change the look. Button up the shirt and add a skinny tie. Add more texture and prepare for a slightly chilly night by addding a leather jacket like this McQueen.

With just that your semi shelpy outfit has become fit enough to take on the night world by storm. Assuming that you’re going to some awesome event and not a black tie affair.

1. Walter Steiger: The most groundbreaking shoe in existence at this moment is the Walter Steiger Ishi, or as I like to call it – the inverse platform. Instead of the typically shaped heel that places all of the pressure of your body onto the ball of your foot, this downward slope places your weight mainly on the heel and arch, leaving your balls and toes just chillin’. That is until you roll forward and stand on point.

**The first time I saw these shoes they were drawn on a napkin. I found myself in an in depth conversation with someone at the Timo Weiland after party during Fashion Week in February about the state of shoes on the market. I had been searching tirelessly for a pair that didn’t exist. I explained to this person what I’d been looking for – a giant walk-through-puddles height platform that rolls forward at the toe, with solid ankle support. Excitedly, he reaches for napkin and pen and draws this. This person was Paul Steiger, Walter Steiger’s son. At the sample sale he invited me to that followed Fashion Week, I got these platforms and have since worn them to bits and pieces (they even survived a Bassnectar show, as they are now my favorite shoes to dance in). Then this morning, I went to the showroom and previewed the Fall collection where I got to try on dance in Spring’s #1:

2. Prada: Colorful striped elastic bands that hold your foot tight call for attention. The rubber sole gives you stability.

3. Alexander Wang: Zip it, flap it, lace it. You’re still showy in nude.

4. Rodarte: Engraved leather, whittled heel. That totem pole commands a look.

5. Modekungen: Black and white platform – a nod to Prabal and your dual personality.

6. Jeffrey Campbell: Arch support, who needs it? Just chop it off and leave a wooden cutout in its place.

7. Emilio Pucci: A Pucci print catches the eye, no matter what. These could make even a LBD psychedelic.

8. Julian Louie for Aldo: The ikat draws the eye and reminds of peaceful tribes.

9. Carmen Raffia: The color will blend in with your leg, thus transforming your platform incognito. Plus, the flat lean-to front sole begs the on-point stance.

10. Two Lips: The lime straps off the spine will stack you up jazzed.

11. Giuseppe Zanotti: Gold plated thick strapped flats can enhance your look without the height.

12. Balenciaga: The striped platform will hypnotize.

13. Opening Ceremony: Strapped salmon on a heel/platform that will make people wonder if you’re wearing it upside down.

14. Jeffrey Campbell: JC makes the list twice not only for its glorious affordability, but these are freaking mary janes sitting on a rainbow!! These have the capacity to alter your state of being entirely.

15. Alexander McQueen: These will actually alter your soul. The heel is a flutter of gold leaves from a coral reef deep in the sea of dreams.

16. Lanvin: Tanned fringe layered over a wooden wedge burns in the spotlight.

17. Opening Ceremony: The brightest cheetah is the boldest, and his bootie is tied with leopard chiffon. Two cats are better than one.

18. Opening Ceremony: OC is back with the  most bizarre loafer I’ve seen in my life. Made purely of woven leather strands, they are one of the few flat conversation starters.

19. Fendi: Tri-sole platform makes a new covetable shape.

20. Pierre Hardy: A red patent strip in the back makes passersby do a double take.

Find shoes that will start the conversation and you’ll stand taller. The flashier shoes you have, the more you’ll be able to repeat your fabulous layering basics.

Which shoes have transformed you?

1. Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy

2. Olivier Theyskens of Theory

3. Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Though Jack looks super fun as he drunkenly tongues Thakoon (#10)

4. Nicolas Ghesquière of Balenciaga

5. Olivier Rousteing of Balmain

6. Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra

7. Thom Brown of Thom Browne/Moncler Gamme Bleu

8. Nicola Formichetti of Mugler

Nicola Formichetti, YEAH! Terry Richardson...not so much

9. Prabal Gurung (of Prabal Gurung)

10. Thakoon Panichgul of Thakoon

Humpable Hall of Fame: Tom Ford

and

Marc Jacobs

Though Jack looks super fun as he drunkenly tongues Thakoon (#10)

Nicole Formichetti, YEAH! Terry Richardson...not so much

Prabal

Step 1: Dilute your brand far past the point of recognition and/or respectability, i.e. Pierre Cardin toilets, strollers and heating units.

Step 2: Stage a “rambling” runway show during Paris Fashion Week that no top editors or buyers bother to show up for.

Step 3: Pull a wildly exorbitant asking price tag seemingly out of nowhere then justify it thusly:

“Asked how he came up with the billion-euro valuation, he takes out an old greeting card and, scribbling, says, ‘If I ask €10 million per product, which is nothing at all, per country, multiplied by 1,000, that makes one, two, three….’ Dismissing the profusion of zeroes, he concludes, ‘One thousand products, 100 countries, that’s how it calculates. It’s nothing.’”

Easy, peasy, right? Using a similar method, I valued my company, Werqing Gurl Ltd., at $450 million because that’s asking roughly $100 million for every second it’s been in existence. [WSJ]

@fashionindie: So, first things first, what are you wearing?

@marian_kihogo: today I like to call my look ‘car mechanic by way of the 70′s’ I’m in vintage jumpsuit-vintage headwrap-vintage accessories

@fashionindie: You’re speaking my language, lady. I knew I wanted you to be my 1st Tweet-à-Tête interview b/c of your incredible style.

@marian_kihogo: total honour for me, seeing that it’s fashion indie and it’s your first!

here is a pic of what I’m in today

@fashionindie: I’m living for that scarf. Where’d you get it?

@marian_kihogo: the scarf is actually the product of a long story.To cut it short,I bought it off a lovely elderly lady She had it on her bag!

I paid her in bangle. We did a swap on a bus. Hilarious story, told you it was long

@fashionindie: I remember when I first saw you at NYFW. 12 ft tall, stunning, black head2toe, black fur coat, FUCHSIA LIP. #dead

It was like you were the walking embodiment of fierce. What inspires your style?

@marian_kihogo: thank you so much. Over the winter it was all about the faux fur and fuchsia lip. Something so rock’n'roll glam about it

my style has always been directed by the emotive plus a love of the 70′s,sharp tailoring & a need to express a present moment

I’m inspired by everything and nothing; a film, a moment, a woman on the street, a song, a place, inspiration is all around

@fashionindie: I’m all about the 70s. It’s funny you’re werqing a 70s car mechanic look, I was going for 70s college art prof.

@marian_kihogo: I love that ’70s college art prof’ I might have to try that tonight for a clients party

@fashionindie: Feel free, it’s all about a cardigan.

@fashionindie: When I actually spoke to you, I wasn’t at all surprised you were British. The Br. fashion scene’s always been so cutting edge

@marian_kihogo: I think it is because the UK has always been known for experimentation, that certain spirit of fearless willingness to create

the fashion scene here is such a mix. The slick established luxury – eg Burberry to the clever wit – Giles etc

we are fashion’s ‘enfant terrible’ but it has birthed incredible talent

@fashionindie: I agree. In NY it feels like you can always wear anything or try anything, but there’s no sense of rebellion. Are u a rebel?

@marian_kihogo: Im most defo a rebel in a sense.I’ve always lived by the ideal that the mass market is myself.what I want to wear for me goes

but I think that rebel is in every creative,a need to create a new path, to dress to pls self. No real creative can be a clone

@fashionindie: Rebel w/ a cause. Do u have any labels you absolutely can’t live w/o? Or are u more of an eclectic anything goes kind of gal?

@marian_kihogo: wow I’m more of a ‘does it move marian?’ kind of girl

so if it moves me it is a done deal. All I ever bought fashion wise challenged me mentally/emotionally.style is emotive

so designers like. Ana Šekularac, Jean Pierre Braganza, McQueen, Balenciaga, Halston, Prada (maria francesca pepe)@MFPepe

have become faves over time because I resonate with their vision, aesthetic and journey as creatives

@fashionindie: I’m looking over some preview images from the #McQueen #Met retrospective. It’s breathtaking.

@marian_kihogo: there will never be another McQueen; the fearlessness, the vision, the technical ability, the ability to weave a story

@fashionindie: So true. Though I love what Sarah Burton‘s been doing with the house. Are you interested at all in the #RoyalWedding ?

@marian_kihogo: ha I knew a question about the #RoyalWedding was coming! I’m actually interested in the gown. hoping for contemporary

@fashionindie: It’s all I hear about! Americans haven’t been this Anglophilic since the Spice Girls. I think we all love a giant spectacle.

@marian_kihogo: well hold your prada clutches and Dolce corset dresses as something tells me it is going to be huge

@fashionindie: But as a Brit, does it mean anything to you besides the gown? #stillhoping4McQ Is there a patriotic pride attached?

@marian_kihogo: there is patriotic pride attached as I think the Royal family is a beautiful thing. So for me, a new princess is exciting

there is a feeling of being all part of an extended bridal party as it were. Like one big party celebrating with them

@fashionindie: It seems to really bring the country together.

@marian_kihogo: Well put!

@fashionindie: I know here, our 1st Lady has a tremendous influence on fashion. Will it be the same for Kate?

@marian_kihogo: I think Kate will have an influence on fashion. Whether she will have as much effect as Princess Diana remains to be seen

I know a few people who are already tipping her as icon, there are those who went out and bought the Issa engagement dress

@fashionindie:  That dress was cute and all but Di’s a huge legacy 2 live up 2. So tell me about your blog? How’d you get started?

@marian_kihogo: my blog was actually the internet version of a scrapbook I’d compiled over yrs. It had fabric scraps,images, quotes etc

if I found something thought provoking/inspiring, it went into that tattered book. When I moved and lost it, the blog was born

@fashionindie: That’s brilliant! And you’ll never lose it, unless the internet disappears. #knockonwood And how did you get into styling?

@marian_kihogo: I started styling at 14,my friends mother looked a mess for dinner. I cut up her designer dress. She became my 1st client.

@fashionindie: “my friends mother looked a mess for dinner.” I hope you’re as honest with your other clients!

@marian_kihogo: oh honesty(with tact no doubt!:) is an important policy and most people value and respect it.

@fashionindie:  What’s a typical styling gig?

@marian_kihogo: there is no typical styling gig! That’s why I love it.

Everything from pre-styling someone for an alps winter get-a-away for month to a red carpet function.Its fun-hectic-constant

@fashionindie: When dressing a client, do you buy what you think THEY would like or what YOU would want to see them in?

@marian_kihogo: that’s a great question. It is always about what they like, what image they want to have the public see.

with clients we work to suit an image they want to create-develop-maintain.I offer tips/ideas but they must be happy

so it is a very symbiotic relationship. They provide the desired dream image and style icons, I bring the fuel with ideas

@fashionindie: Okay, for my final question. Music and fashion always go hand in hand for me. What are you listening to these days?

@marian_kihogo: love your last question! Rihanna‘s Loud album is fantastic, Notorious Big(brilliant), Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix

I am a huge music fan both new and old. Music and fashion go hand in hand.Thanks for the tweet-interview. Glam kisses, Marian

LINK LOVE: Fashion Copious

The ethereally beautiful Wasikowska goes through Balenciaga and Nina Ricci but wears the McQueen finale gown from Spring 2011 to greatest effect as she thrusts and parries with a shirtless Fassbender. Admittedly, I had a minor gasp when I came across this photo…for several reasons.

Speaking of which, Fassbender, didn’t know if you noticed…kind of insanely hot. I can’t wait to see the two brood all over the screen in Charlotte Brontë‘s classic tale of forbidden and love and crazy bitches in attics.

Photos: W Mag

On her tenure at Vogue Paris:

It took a little time, because when I came to Vogue ten years ago, it was not the Vogue it is today. Joan Juliet Buck, who I was working for as a freelancer, was more a journalist editor than a fashion editor, so it was focused more on the text and writers and not so much on fashion. And me, I come with all my fashion ideas, but it was very difficult at the beginning, because a lot of photographers, it’s easy to forget, didn’t want to work for the magazine…Each time we try to be better and better, and it takes almost ten years to be a team, and now I think the best team is there. It’s very sad to leave your family after ten years…But I think the times are changing, too. I said to Jonathan [Newhouse, chairman of Condé Nast International], when I can make it ten, it will be great for me. And I think in the last [period] that maybe I got less freedom than I got before, so I think it was just the right time for me to leave, because I want to enjoy and do everything that I want to do. And Jonathan was an amazing boss, because he let me do such crazy things. To put a black transsexual with a beard and high heels on the cover? I don’t think a lot of presidents will let you do that. I think it was fun to look at French Vogue. Each month was a new happening. But I think now they want to change a bit. Even the French president [Xavier Romatet, of Condé Nast France] now wants something a bit [pauses]…sweeter I would say, and if I cannot have a lot of fun, then I prefer to do something else.

…I think the French president—maybe not Jonathan—but the French president thinks he wants something more [pauses]…I won’t say I’m too provocative; it’s my way of expressing myself, you know. They won’t change everything, because when something has been so [successful], it would be stupid to change it. Maybe they want [things] a bit more easy for everyone. It’s true, I’m always pushing. I like that. I’ve always been provocative, but what I’m going to do next is a new way of provocation. I did for many years porno chic. I was the queen of porno chic. And I will do something totally different now.

On being “fired” because of the Tom Ford issue:

No, that’s wrong…I think it was a controversial issue, but they were all controversial issues. I told you, at the end of this decade, I could see that the new president in France wanted to change the direction of the magazine. I’m sure the Tom Ford issue is not the way they’re heading in the next few years, but it was not because of the Tom Ford issue. I was not fired, because if I was fired, it would not be a very nice ending. It was a discussion between Jonathan and myself, and he never fired me…I know I did a good job. I know the March issue is a record in terms of advertising. So I’m not leaving a sad magazine, an empty magazine. I’m leaving a magazine that has an epic stop. I’m very happy about that…I think it’s sad because when I did this Tom Ford issue…we put a lot of little girls with makeup, a lot of jewelry. It was for Christmas and it’s nothing compared to what Guy Bourdin did 20 years ago or what I saw in all the magazines ten years ago…but when you put kids, you always know it’s going to be a problem. There was no nudity, it was always a T-shirt under the evening dress, but you know, people see what they want…These are the risques du métier.

On the “Tom Ford” issue:

I’m not going to work with Tom. That was ten years ago. If I look back at my CV, when I was freelance, I worked mostly ten years with Tom Ford at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. And after [that] I stopped and it was ten years at French Vogue. Now it’s a new decade and I don’t want to be doing what I was doing ten years ago. Of course, Tom is my friend and if he asks me what I think, I will answer. But I will not go and stay one week before the show and work with him.

On modeling in Tom’s next show:

He didn’t ask me.

On the Balenciaga controversy:

Oh, there are a lot of designers I admire. There’s a long list. In the young generation, of course I love Nicolas Ghesquière. There were these problems with Balenciaga last season, but I know him since the beginning. I was one of the biggest supporters of Nicolas, and I just saw him for a cup of tea and now everything is fine again between Nicolas and me.

…Sometimes people like to put oil on the fire, to make something bigger, and afterwards with blogs and the Internet, things [get out of] proportion. But now it’s gone back like before and I’m very happy because I think he’s full of talent.

On her relationship with Emmanuelle Alt:

It’s true that we are in not in the best relations, [but] I don’t want to talk about it, to be honest.

On the public’s perception of her:

People sometimes think I’m very cold, but I’m not. I’m a very shy person. When people know me, I’m not cold; I’m quite a nice person. It’s difficult as the editor of a magazine to be totally yourself because you’re a bit frightened. Now I think I go back where I was ten years ago, so I get younger, which is always good. Younger with dreams and younger with energy. Younger with risk, because now it will be my own risk; it won’t be Vogue’s risk. Always I will be a risky woman. I will keep this legend.

Link Love: Style.com

If your looking for unique cocktail dresses and gowns, you’ll find yourself in one next fall with GUiSHEM’s collection. The GUiSHEM Fall 2011 garments were structured and form-fitting, hugging the female figure just right. Patterns focused on the torso and hips by making exaggerated cross patterns to bring the eye right towards the curves of a woman’s body. These cross patterns were detailed, made of leather and added hints of color like purple and gold to mostly black dresses. Not only were the dresses structured, but the shoes were also. Chunky heels were more like blocks, wedge heels that were missing the back of the heel. They reminded me of Balenciaga’s Fall 2010 lego-like colorful shoes.

GUiSHEM’s fall collection is nothing but fashion-forward. When walking into the presentation, 80s Michael Jackson was blasting and you got a feel for 80s punk goth, but it goes way beyond that. It’s sort of futuristic in a science fiction type of way. These pieces are for bold ladies that aren’t intimidated to look fashion-forward and are willing to take a leap.

Photo Credits: Flypaper