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Uncategorized / July 22 2010 10:07 AM

Lara Stone Naked For French Playboy

Just in case you weren’t aware, Lara Stone is perfect. Playboy France were kind enough to remind us of this fact when they produced their June 2010 issue featuring a very sexy, very naked Lara. And they didn’t make it too easy for her either, they chose some challenging settings like hideous swirly carpet and a creepy looking wheelchair – but even those were no match for her. Suddenly bad carpets, ankle strappings and hospital robes seem oddly appealing.

Entire Article: Read it by clicking Lara Stone naked for French Playboy.

Related Pictures (10 in total): See them by clicking Lara Stone: Playboy July 2010 (NSFW) or read up on Fall 2010 fashion trends if you’re not keen on the pictures.

LINK LOVE:Lara Stone naked for French Playboy

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BACKSTAGE, INTERVIEWS, Mens / July 20 2010 11:00 PM

New Talents // Photography // Anthony Maule

Edited by The Fashion Web

Anthony Maule is
one of fashion’s most original young voices. With his talent for
creating expressive images that push technological boundaries, he is
fast becoming one of the industry’s most sought after talents

New Talents // Photography // Anthony Maule

Christopher Michael: As someone who’s really grown up and been
nurtured by London, what is your sort of perception of New York in
comparison, as a different market?

Anthony Maule: Well, you come to New York to make money don’t you?!! It’s a business here and you have to have a product to sell; that’s the
message you get when you come here. London still aspires much more to
the ideal of being avant-garde, so the spirit there is still much more
about creation over commercialism.

I would recommend everyone go to London when they first start out just to experience it. I mean, I can only really talk about it from my
own perspective but when I first went to London it was the mid-late
90’s, there was this big energy there back then. It was cool to be the
poor struggling artist and I think there’s always been this general
opinion that everyone has about London being this hub of creative
energy.

It’s partly to do with the history of punk culture being born in the UK, even though aesthetically it doesn’t really exist on the street as
much anymore. The spirit of punk still exists in many different ways
and maybe always did even before it became a brand… It’s just inherent
to British culture to be like, “What the hell, I’m going to do what I
want.” People from all over still want to buy into that so they come,
they feed off of it for a while and they learn how to be individual.
London’s really good at that.

CM: How did you meet the editors you work with?

AM: The connection to Andrew [Richardson], Karl [Templer] and Olivier [Rizzo] was all through Guido, Marie [Chaix] was more of a sort
of organic process. Sometimes it seems that you just meet up with
people and it kind of clicks or it doesn’t. I’d seen Marie’s work and
she’d seen mine, we both liked each others’ work and it sort of went
from there. We met up and 2 weeks later we shot a story for Acne Paper,
it just sort of clicked. That was quite special.

I have a great relationship with Andrew as well… his office is around the corner. I’m interested in what he’s doing with Richardson
Magazine; I think it’s the perfect voice for him and we are always kind
of throwing crazy ideas around. He’s rather subversive…he always likes
to kind of subvert the flow (laughs). That’s why I really enjoy working
with him, because he’s someone who will really question something over
and over and I find it more interesting to work with those kinds of
people. I like the way he thinks and the way he references things. It’s
nice for me to work with someone who thinks like a photographer.

New Talents // Photography // Anthony Maule

CM: It seems that you have your teams that you enjoy working with and have a great creative rapport with them…but there is always
that one person that you really sort of look forward to working with
one day…Who is that person for you?

AM: That I’ve not worked with? Big Mac….I’ve not met him (laughs).
I’ve read in some of your previous interviews about this sort of
cross-generational period where the new generations are having the
chance to work with their icons and I kind of feel like I’ve been very
fortunate so early in my career to work with a lot of my icons already.
To be able to collaborate with people like Fabien and Olivier [Rizzo]
already I just sort of went…off the wall, in a way. I didn’t
preconceive any of that, I was just surrounded by people like Julian
[Watson] and Guido who were incredibly supportive, believed in me, and
were interested in launching my career…Melanie Ward is another
incredible stylist that I’d really like to work with. People like that,
like Melanie and Joe, they are kind of structured, simplistic, and
graphic. I’m just naturally drawn to those kinds of people. I’m a bit
like that kid out of that Rodriguez film “Planet Terror”…you know, the
one with the toy dinosaur that says, “I want to eat your brains and
gain your knowledge.” I’m just fascinated by people with experience and
history in this business. I just see what we do as such a privilege
that I want to use it to educate myself, it makes it feel more real for
me that way. I have to say though that I’m just as interested in
working with people from my own generation and younger, it is totally
different but you can learn from everyone I think and especially now
the younger generations seem totally in control of the future so I’m
looking at working with a broader range of people now…….I’d love to
work with Panos too, his work just kills me

CM: Dream publication?

AM: French Vogue.

CM: Do you look at the arrival of digital as the reason behind an over saturation in fashion photography? Or do you look at it
as the reason behind an increased sense of opportunity for people to
work within the business…

AM: Well it’s postmodernism, isn’t it? That’s it. Perhaps it’s a weird term to use but that’s how I see it. That’s the world we live in
now, everything is over saturated so that everything, in itself, is
very modern and relevant. But it’s both really….of course there’s more
opportunity now and than there ever was and digital has definitely made
it more accessible to everyone, but I think we all start to see that
technology is bringing something very different, very new, to the table
and it is very exciting. It will force change and that’s a good thing.
The people that adapt to it and embrace it are ultimately the people
that will survive.

CM: You were saying print pages are being threatened as we head toward online media, yet somehow during economic threats and the
arrival of the online publishing world there seems to be numerous sort
of niche print publications opening up…

AM: I think that will always happen. We always need independent voices no matter what format they come in, but you know, the idea of
the print magazine as a luxury item is nothing new. Portfolio was
luxury, Egoiste was luxury; the idea has been around for years but I
think for a while now that’s the only thing that print media has been
left to aspire to become…As digital takes over, print publications will
simply become more and more desirable and collectable. So that’s the
point, if you can back it, it’s still an interesting time for the
independent voice in print media now and maybe that’s why you’ve seen
the interest, because they could see that happening and they’re
passionate about what they do. Look at Self-Service, it’s the perfect
example… it’s like buying a book, it’s the same price as a book!!
(laughs). It’s totally decadent and embracing the times in its own way.
I love it! There’s something very nostalgic about print media now and
we still need those people who are obsessed with it to keep it alive.

CM: So what about now, what’s next? What can we look forward to this season?

AM: Ah, hah! Well, this season will be very exciting… lots of changes, new editors…I don’t want to say too much. It’s just all
evolving and the industry is so transient, what I say today is going to
be different tomorrow anyway, so that’s it. I’m really excited about
what’s going to happen over the next 12 months…

New Talents // Photography // Anthony Maule

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BACKSTAGE, Mens / July 19 2010 12:33 PM

Weekend Hot! or Hmm…: Selita Ebanks, Chris Bosh, Elise Neal and more!

Edited by The Fashion Web

Hey all!

Vuitton here with a look at some of our fave celebs who rocked it, and some who didn’t really bring the heat. My weekend was pretty boring. Watching Inception twice in one day was pretty much its highlight. But I can’t say the same for these stars who seemed to have a great time at everything from BBQ’s to movie premieres.

First up, Selita Ebanks…

The Victoria’s Secret Angel was spotted poolside at the Absolut Brooklyn BBQ wearing a cute spaghetti strapped dress with a pink floral print. She looks hot, in more ways than one, hence the snow-cone. I’m a little in love with those aviators as well. Nude Stella McCartney mesh sandals complete her look.

Adrienne Bailon also decided to make her way to the BBQ.

Lik Selita she opted for a floral print, though she went for a strapless number with bolder colors. The dress is hot, and I love the boyfriend watch (which looks like Michael Kors). But when I got down to the ankles, my little heart just shattered. Hmm… another example of when bad shoes happen to well dressed people. The shoes aren’t ugly, mind you. It’s just that they’re far too chunky for the dress and the event. A simple black flat or gladiator sandal would’ve fared better.

Across the seas, Jada Pinkett Smith blessed London with her gorgeously tanned (though some of you tend to disagree with me) presence at the premiere of The Karate Kid.

Upon first glance, all I could say was “BEAT!” Jada sauntered her way down the red carpet looking red hot in a Stella McCartney nude sequined number with nude Brian Atwood ankle strap pumps. We all know she’s rather petite, but those legs of her seem to go on for days. And it’s more than appreciated that the only bling she really wore were understated earrings. We want more of THIS Jada please!

Next up is celebutante Kim Kardashian…

She made her way to the beach bunny swimwear show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami, and it seems she’s going back to her signature “curve-hugging dress” predilection. Hmm…I don’t know about you, but I love it when Kim has more layers and structure. Sure, her makeup is always en pointe, and her hair is curled to perfection, but this gray lingerie-esque number leaves little to the imagination, and the choice doesn’t display any hint of creativity.

Vivica A. Fox was spotted at Chris Bosh’s dinner in L.A. over the weekend…

Now, she’s always hit or miss for me. Hell, I was scratching my head when she was host of that VH1 stylist show “Glam God.” And this outfit is testament to the head scratching. The vest and dress don’t match at all, and the sandals were obviously an attempt to “enhance” the color scheme going on here. There’s just a ton of bling, and I’m sure that many of you can agree when I say French tipped pedicures are done.

Elise Neal was also at the dinner showing her support for the athlete…

I’m not sure if she’s rocking a romper or if this is a two-piece ensemble, but she looks cute. I could’ve done without the top having that long piece at the front, but it’s still a cute look. And very interesting sandals, Elise! We’re gonna have to find out who they’re by.

And last, but not least, the man of the evening. Newly signed Miami Heat player, Chris Bosh…

Good thing he came to his own dinner looking great. I have a thing for gray suits with brown shoes. It makes a man look dapper without looking stuffy. More…approachable. And the pink and blue striped shirt underneath was just genius. I’m sure he had to have this suit custom made though. He’s a giant!

Well, my obvious favorites are Jada Pinkett-Smith and Chris Bosh. Who rocked it for you?

~Vuitton

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BACKSTAGE, BEAUTY, Mens / July 16 2010 1:34 AM

I Love Being a Girl!

Edited by The Fashion Web

It's no secret of my love affair with all things Francaise. I just read a lovely article in The New York Times about French women entitled “Aging Gracefully, the French Way.” I have a French friend Laetitia from Paris and she really does have that je ne sais quoi. And she had enough sense to marry a good Southern guy from Louisiana. I'm smiling with my eyes now. But reading this article made me think of her and that it's high time I grab Erika whose back to blogging and high tale it back home to Paris. Erika are you with me? I do understand the belief that everything can be cured with a cream. That's one of the reasons I slather my skin with every single possible skin care product I can get my hands on.

My favorite part is this: “Though Frenchmen are clearly interested — they shamelessly ogle women on
the street — beauty is a female topic. When, over dinner, I asked a
grandmother of three how she managed to stay beautiful, she deflected my
question, saying, 'I never discuss these things in front of my
husband.'”

That's how I feel. I try as much as I can to keep my beauty maintenance away from l'homme. I know it's crazy, but I just can't help it.

I love reading these types of articles, but I have to say. I have amazing women in my life who are smart, funny, kind, fabulous, and definitely not French. But, they are AMAZING nonetheless. To those women and my non-French women readers you too are fabulous.

Photos are from The New York Times.

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BACKSTAGE, BEAUTY / July 14 2010 9:52 AM

Beauty Bomb: Rocking Bright Corals

Edited by The Fashion Web

Fashion Bombshells—a hot, super wearable color has been making my heart go pitter-patter for quite some time now and I’m so mad I haven’t written about it yet! Bright coral. BRIGHT CORAL.

Pair this hue against anything from French Vanilla to Caramel to Chocolate to Dark Chocolate skin and you have instant hotness. Rock this color in anything from lipstick, blush, eyeshadow and nail polish.

So pics on the web of brown celebs and models rocking this gorgeous shade were scarce so you have to go with me on this one. I won’t lead you astray

Some bright corals to check out:
Blush:
MAC Creme Colour Base in Virgin Isle (available via MAC Pro)
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Tweak
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Excite
NARS Blush in Gina
Make Up For Ever Sculpting Blush #22
Make Up For Ever Powder Blush #18
Bobbi Brown Nectar Shimmer Brick

Lipstick/Gloss:
Illasmasqua Lipstick in Brink
MAC Lipstick in Jazzed
MAC Lipstick in Morange
Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Coral Cabana
Bobbi Brown Coral Lip Quad
NARS Lipstick in Casablanca
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Cabo Coral & Calypso Coral
NYX Round Lipstick in Miracle

Eyeshadow:
MAC Eyeshadow in Paradisco
Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow #5
MAC Eyeshadow in Free to Be
NYX Eyeshadow in Tropical

Nail Polish:
China Glaze Peachy Keen
E.L.F. Nail Polish in Coral
Essie Tart Deco
Essie Carousel Coral
Sephora by OPI Caliente Coral Nail Colour

So who’s rocking the corals? Spill it in the comments

~Danielle

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BACKSTAGE, Mens / July 12 2010 1:27 PM

FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON

Edited by The Fashion Web

Bruno Gmünder and French photographer Fred Goudon present photo book CINQ, which is an extraordinary touching and sensitive piece of work. Of course the title is way more than a simple enumeration. The number five — cinq in the French language — is in many cultures a symbol for the human being, for love, but also for unity, harmony and balance.

“This is what I feel when I am working”, explains Goudon. Of course “Five” also stands for the five senses. And one can truly gain the impression that this is a book for all of our senses: You can almost smell the alluring odor of these infatuate men, feel their strong bodies, taste the salt on their skin and hear their sighs … it’s due to Goudon’s unique talent that every single picture is drenched with amazing intimacy.

Fred Goudon’s models — some of them wrote accompanying texts for the book — tell how easy and enriching it is to work with Goudon. His idea is clearly visible and successfully implemented: to create his own interpretation of the men he photographs. As an example, the actor Gilles Marini (“Sex and the City”, “Brothers & Sisters” and others) — who was discovered by Goudon at the age of 18 — writes: “He has the ability to evoke in his models that je ne sais quoi that makes him the unique human being that he is … what an artist!”

Fred Goudon was born in Cannes in the south of France on June 1, 1965. He studies journalism, worked as a radio DJ and then as a press photographer. He has been working as a fashion and advertising photographer and reached further prominence with the release of the photo books Aqua, Bedtime Stories, Sunday Morning and Virility by Bruno Gmünder.

Fred Goudon | books | Bruno Gmunder

buy: CINQ BOOK | CINQ CALENDAR

www.fredgoudon.com | www.brunogmuender.com

FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON is a post from: YVY MAG – PHOTOGRAPHY MALE MODELS FASHION EDITORIALS

Tags: Books, Bruno Gmunder, Fred Goudon, Home, MeatMarket, NSFW, Sports

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BACKSTAGE, BEAUTY, Mens, SCENTS / July 12 2010 4:44 AM

Ralph Lauren Safari For Women

Edited by The Fashion Web

I bought my first bottle of Safari by Ralph Lauren soon after it came out because I loved his original Lauren. I also liked the romance behind the name- probably because I was thinking about the imagery in Out Of Africa, Robert Redford and that wonderful scene where he washes Meryl Streep’s hair. In my teenager mind it was the most romantic thing ever (still do, actually. But to this day there has never been a man brave enough to face my 2.5′ of waves and curls). I wanted Safari to evoke just that.

I remember thinking back then that Safari was a little too pretty. I liked it well enough and even finished the bottle (it was the gorgeous lay-down version), but it took me about 15 years to buy another one. Safari didn’t smell like it belonged in the early 90s and I wasn’t sure how it fit with Lauren’s Long Island horsey-set image. It smelled more… French, I guess. The green aldehydic opening, overabundance of flowers and gorgeous chypre base could have easily been a Chanel. Now that I think of it, none of the modern Chanel perfumes from the regular line (not the Exclusifs) has been even half as good as Safari.

I have a few older Safari bottles that are clearly the original formula, including the discontinued parfum. I smell a lot of galbanum and hyacinth which my nearly middle-aged mind translates now as romantic in that heartbreaking, full of longing way. The green and wood notes are dry and crisp and show a lot of elegance and restraint. The patchouli-moss-soft leather base (more pronounced in the parfum) clearly didn’t fit in with the early 90s style- it was too perfume-like in an era of non-perfume opposites: you either had to smell like candy (see Angel and all the horrible mall vanilla and fruit body sprays) or like chemical nothingness (someone please slap Issey Miyake for me). Even the bottle- a vintage looking carved glass beauty- didn’t belong.

It's no wonder that Safari has disappeared from the shelves that sell the Ralph line. For a while it was hard to find except for occasional appearances at places like TJ Maxx. From quick sniffing and spraying the current version at a couple of the discount outlets it's clear that the formula has changed for the very worse. It's a floral something or other without the galbanum, oakmoss or any of the notes that used to give Safari its backbone. Despite rumors to the contrary, Safari (or what's left of it) is still in production and can be purchased on Ralph Lauren's American website: $60 for the 2.5oz EDP. The notes are listed there as “An exotic medley of floral and citrus notes gently warmed with the essences of Bourgeons de Cassis, Jasmine Italian and Fleur d'Oranger”. I wouldn't bother.

Images:
Safari ads from 1993-1994, couleurparfum.com
Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out Of Africa (1985) from ew.com
Verushka in a YSL safari suit by Franko Rubartelli for French Vogue, August 1968

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BACKSTAGE / July 11 2010 3:04 PM

vivre sa vie part ten.

Edited by The Fashion Web

I’m a little socially awkward at this hour in the morning! hahaha. Words cannot explain how excited I am for the GaGa concert tonight, despite my lack of excitement for the opening acts (Jason DeRulooooooooooooooooooo, I’m talking to you!). She’s setting the concert up like a rock opera which should be beyond epic! Like I said in the vlog, I’ll be sure to post tons of pictures tomorrow! Right now, I’m heading to Sherway Gardens to go out for lunch and to explore the new Sephora store there. Sephora has…mecca status to me (yes, I relate fashion to biblical terms). I practically have to shove my hands into my pockets to avoid buying everything within my reach!

Also, a reader asked me what ‘vivre sa vie’ means the other day. It means ‘live your life’ (or, life one’s own life, if you’re being technical) in French!

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BACKSTAGE / July 9 2010 12:16 PM

PARTNER: Romantic Death

Edited by The Fashion Web

The couture shows are happening in Paris right now and I am massively jealous that I’m not in attendance. Couture is an interesting thing and the word itself seems to get tossed around a lot. Couture is actually short for haute couture, a French phrase that translates to “high dressmaking.” In order to be considered couture under French law, a garment must be produced by one of the members of the Chambre de commerce et d’Industrie de Paris, and the garment must be fitted to a specific client, with at least two personal fittings to ensure the garment looks correct. Furthermore, the firm itself must maintain a workshop in Paris with French staff, and present a collection during both annual fashion weeks. So in other words, Juicy Couture and Trashy Couture are NOT couture. Sorry JWOWW.

You want to see REAL couture? Riccardo Tisci’s Fall 2010 Couture Collection for Givenchy is stunning. I mean, words cannot express how enamored I am with every look. The collection was shown in an intimate presentation this week and was created with the human skeleton in mind. He describes it as “a romantic way to see death.” I hope everyone experiences a death this gorgeous.