- Self-proclaimed world’s first supermodel Janice Dickinson lost her false teeth in a restaurant, resulting in a mad search by its patrons. Then after grandma found ‘em, she hiked up her mini skirt and hopped on the youngest man out the door. [Page Six]

- Beyoncé‘s video for “Run the World (Girls)” premiered on American Idol last night and it’s basically a dance version of Mad Max, i.e. awesome. [Vevo]

- Macy’s in Brooklyn is getting a mural in an attempt to hide the fact that it’s in Brooklyn. [Racked]

- Kate Moss and Terry Richardson go on a Great Escape for Mango in Terry face masks. Kudos to Kate for getting in an unmarked van with Terry. [Vimeo]

- Turns out the mom who gave her 8-year-old daughter Botox was just lying about the whole thing. Her name, the Botox, even her daughter being a beauty queen. The beauty queen part hurts the most. [The Cut]

While Haute Couture is highly celebrated on the red carpet, many fashion insiders seem confused over the true concept of the term.

In order to best understand, I like to refer to the designer pyramid, where haute couture is positioned above all else. While haute couture designs that are featured on the runway, may sometimes resemble artwork more than wearable fashions, they are in fact the inspiration for almost every piece of clothing you will ever purchase. When these collections are created, they set the standards for what will filter down to designers such as Prada, Dolce & Gabanna, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg, who then create prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) collections. Many designers have couture departments; an example would be Atelier Versace. An extension of Versace, the atelier (tailoring workshop) creates many of the long evening gowns and one-of-a-kind designs that are made to order to fit an individual’s body like a second skin. One step down from designers who have runway collections, are retailers such as Zara, Mango, Karen Millen, Reiss and Bebe. These stores have a higher turnover of clothing production and their designs are often copied from the ready–to-wear runway shows. Eventually, all of this is filtered down to companies such as Primark, Kmart and Wal-Mart, who mass-produce clothing that consumers can purchase for the fraction of the cost of the original design.

The origin of couture dates back to mid-nineteenth century Paris, when Empress Eugénie elicited the dressmaking services of Charles Frederick Worth, an English designer who was known for his luxurious choice of fabrics, sumptuous trimmings and attention to detail. Her refined tastes set the style of the court and won Worth the title of Europe’s very first Couturier. Before long, Worth was patronized by many titled, rich and notable women. Being a savvy businessman, he took advantage of the growing demand for his work by opening a showroom, La Maison de Couture in Paris. Interested buyers would come to view his latest pieces on live models and order their garment of choice. Worth would then recreate the chosen garment in his atelier, modifying it to the client’s taste and precise measurements. This business model provided the foundation for modern day couture.

Worth has not only been credited for being the inventor of couture, but also for inventing the modern day press kit. Before the photographic era, he was the first to promote his work by sending out miniature dolls wearing his designs, which journalists then reproduced as illustrations, thus creating the original fashion editorials.

Haute couture, when translated, simply means high dressmaking, but is the most celebrated fashion honor. In France, the term is protected by law and defined by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris. There are currently only eleven official members and three correspondent (foreign) members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, all of whom have been invited for membership and must follow certain rules in order to use the term in their advertising.  Within this set of rules, each house is expected to operate a Paris-based atelier and show two full (thirty five pieces) collections, twice a year. These shows, which make up Paris Couture Week, are held during January and July and are not to be confused with the regular ‘fashion week’ which showcase the ready-to-wear collections.

Kirten Lea at Armani Privé – Video Direction by Durrant Kellogg

Armani Privé, Valentino and Chanel are among the names currently boasting the most prestigious empires. Many see the stunning dresses featured on the red carpet, but are unsure as to how one would go about purchasing one. I recall seeing what would be my first haute couture gown, worn by Katie Holmes at her wedding reception. Even on the dimensionless page of a magazine, the dress spoke to me, implanting what would become a deep passion and lasting appetite for couture. It was only in my quest to purchase a gown of my own, did I learn that the ceremonious process by which one procures a couture dress proves as intricate, as the design itself.

Most designer stores, such as Giorgio Armani, are not closely connected to their couture house, and therefore it is mandatory for a new client to have a formal introduction to the atelier.  This will usually require a new client to fly to Rome, Paris or Milan simply to view the look book. If one is interested in a particular gown, then that dress must also be flown in from wherever it is in the world, at that particular time.

Originally made for runway models, each sample garment is a prototype made specifically for runway models. This means they are made for women who are at least 5’10” tall, extremely slim, with almost no bust and a long back. The sample garments are later fashioned with elastic rigging, so to accommodate clients with more curves than zero.

It is at the atelier, where one discusses any modifications, to ensure that a dress will suit the client perfectly. The couturiers have great wisdom regarding which colors, necklines, hemlines and silhouettes enhance each individual body size and shape. And, when you’re buying a dress that costs in the region of $160,000, it doesn’t hurt to seek professional consultation. Ordering couture is about teamwork and creativity, a process in which the customer is a vital part.

Haute Couture garments often require three or four fittings. While it is helpful if the client remains the same size, the very nature of a fitting is to continually adjust the garment to fit one’s body like a second skin, so it is expected that women may lose or gain a little weight, particularly if they are leading up to an important event. By the end of the fittings, no matter how revealing a dress may appear to be, you will feel completely comfortable and secure wearing it.

Usually more so than any other dress you have ever worn.

With an estimated 2,000 people worldwide who still purchase haute couture, but as few as 150 individuals who are regarded as regular clientele, designers go to great lengths to build a sense of loyalty amongst their clients. Giorgio Armani, for example, hosted intimate dinners during which clients are brought together to share their passion for, knowledge of, and experiences with couture. The attendees are not the spoiled individuals some might expect. We share our thoughts on the latest collections and what we believe inspired them. We discuss plans to attend upcoming shows and most importantly, we rely upon each other to compare experiences of buying from one designer over another.

The 2011 Official List of Members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture

Adeline André

Anne Valérie Hash

Atelier Gustavolins

Chanel

Christian Dior

Christophe Josse

Franck Sorbier

Givenchy

Jean-Paul Gautier

Maurizio Galante

Stéphane Rolland

Correspondent (Foreign) Members

Elie Saab

Giorgio Armani

Valentino

Maison Martin Margiela

Invited Members

Alexandre Vauthier

Alexis Mabille

Bouchra Jarrar

Julien Fournié

Lefrant Ferrant

Maison Rabih Kayrouz

Maxime Simoëns

Watch Video Here

Out of all the cheesy youtube “how to” videos on make up this is the easiest and best way to get Palermo makeup right on Olivia Palermo Makeup

Last week, I ordered a pair of glasses that were offered to me by a cool glasses site, Zenni Optical. I’ve been wearing glasses since I was six years old, so I’m familiar with how annoying it can be to order frames through your doctor’s office–not only are they hundreds of dollars, but you have to make an appointment, and wait  in the office. Instead, I ordered them in minutes, and when I got my glasses in a case in the mail, I slipped them on right away–the prescription was correct, and they fit perfectly. I chose a pair of tortoise shell frames that were just $19, and little vintage-looking (see below).

Here’s what you do:

Make sure you have your prescription on-hand, and if you don’t know it, find out what your Pupilary Distance (PD) is from your eye doctor–it takes 2 minutes for the doctor to find out your number and you don’t have to have an appointment–it’s that easy to check.

Look through Zenni Optical’s site and find the pair you love–there are hundreds of cool pairs to choose from. Enter your information, choose the thickness of the lenses (I got the thinnest available) and complete your transaction. They’ll be shipped to you in a few days, and shipping handling is a flat fee of only $4.95. So easy–get a pair (or two) for yourself today!

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Without a doubt, the ultimate grab-n-go beauty product is lip balm. Make sure you have one that not only protects, but heals dry and cracked lips (while tasting great). Luckily for you, we shopped the web for the 9 best lip balms for every season; grab one of each to keep in all your purses, clutches and totes. Grab a few tubes of this Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 ($9) and always have one in hand – no matter what purse you carry. Our favorite flavor is mango.

Keep all your dry skin protected with our guides to the best moisturizers, the best foot cream, and the best skin care. Sign up now for SHEfinds fashion news in your inbox.

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LINK LOVE:Quench Dry, Chapped Lips With These 9 Delicious Lip Balms

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LINK LOVE:Scarlett Johansson for Mango (again)

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LINK LOVE: Hollywood Tuna

1. Isaac Mizrahi 2

LINK LOVE:Connecting the Dots

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I’m not Scar-Jo’s biggest fan because every single picture I see of her just seems to emphasize the enormity of her lips. However, she really does look stunning in the new Mango campaign. Her lips even look like normal-people lips! Perhaps its the weird blueish-purpleish lighting that does the trick…

Images from Just Jared

Mango will be available in over 600 J.C. Penney locations for fall 2010, making it the largest contemporary line carried in the store. Read More on Fashionista

New Mango campaign features Leigh Lezark,  best known as one-third of the New York City-based DJ trio the Misshapes, along Joan Pedrola.

Via Design Scene

I’m sure you’ve seen most of these, but just in case here is the collection of Mango ads starring ScarJo.

Find more photos like this on CULT

LINK LOVE

MANGO will offer its customers over 90 items from among its existing collections at lower prices. THINK UP items will be available for as little as $24.90 with each garment in the selection indicated with a special label.

Becks and Daniel Saynt headed to Valencia Fashion Week and all you get is an awesome week of exclusive coverage.

When the IVEX (Instituto Valenciano de la Exportacion) invited us to be their special guest for Valencia Fashion Week, we packed our bags and got ourselves ready for yet another amazing experience in Fashion Indie history.

While the shows don’t start until Tuesday, we’re going to be getting exclusive behind the scenes interviews and showroom tours of some of the greatest designers Valencia has to offer.

I’m currently laying in our beautiful room at the Hotel Dimar, watching El Simpsons trying to figure out if sleeping will better or totally make my jet lag worse.

Have already fallen in HEARTS with Zara. The one here kicks the NYCs versions culito (spanish for booty folks) and Becks picked up an awesome Grace Jones t-shirt. We grabbed a Jane Birken for Zara collection (yeah, I know AWESOME) t-shirt for Kirby and then made our way to Mango. Did you know Leigh Lezark is in their magazine? Will have to send you some scans, but totally weird.  Also, in Spain they produce mini sized versions of all the major fashion magazines. The magazines are half the price of their standard glossy sisters and totally pocketbook friendly. Hint, hint American mags, get on that.

Anyways, Valencia is GORGEOUS. It’s really close to the beach so the area has a Mediterranean/tropical feel that reminds me of what I imagine Monaco would look like. I love it.

More on our trip to come in the next few days. Stay tuned.

We’ve got the first sneak peek at the Scarlett Johansson for Mango ad campaign. Muy Caliente!!!

Mario Sorrenti shot ScarJo for the latest Mango ads, she replaced Penelope and Monica Cruz.

LINKAGE: People

SOURCE: Just Jared

Mango keeps collecting “It” girls for its latest campaign.  Daisy Lowe joins Riley Keough, Marie Ange Casta, Leigh Lezark and Clara Lago. I can’t wait to see what the spreads end up looking like, I’m guessing down and dirty, possibly a night life scene. I wonder if this means Penelope’s out?

LINKAGE: Daisy Lowe joins Mango’s newest campaign recruits

Oscar winner Penelope Cruz makes giant retailer Mango seem so much more fashionable with this Summer 2009 ad campaign. With her heavy makeup and thick bangs, Penelope rocks these looks, not to mention that these photos make her look 10 years younger.

LINKAGE: stylefrizz

LINKAGE: Adam Lippes Bites a Mango

Mango is hosting a special 30% off sale with InStyle. Spend more than $75 bucks and you get a free rhimestone headphone. That’s how you get them in InStyle, isn’t it.

5PM – 8:30PM
@ Mango Soho
561 Broadway at Prince

LINKAGE: 2.26 – InStyle Magazine and Mango VIP Shopping Event

A fellow Buffalo boy like myself, Adam Lippes is gearing up to launch is HE (Homini Emerito) collection for MANGO. The collection will premier on Sunday, March 1, and will feature two separate collections, one for men and one for women. I’m admittedly excited, not only is the collection going to be great, but he’s from Buffalo and we Buffalonians stick together!

Image courtesy of: Men’s Rag

You know, I wouldn’t mind being Julia Restoin-Roitfeld. Not only was she blessed with the genes of a model and a mother (Carine Roitfeld) prominent in the fashion industry, 27 year old Julia also has a killer wardrobe, front row seats to all of fashion week and a pretty lucrative modeling career. Roitfeld is the face for Mango Spring 2009 and although i’ve never been to the store, these ads have me planning a trip to the Spring street location. Loving the drop crotch! 

Thanks Fashionista! 

For more, check out WWD!

Penelope and Monica Cruz model their Spring/Summer 2009 designs for Mango.

Their fourth ad campaign with Mango, this collection features LBDs, menswear-inspired pieces, and kimono styles.

GALLERY: Penelope and Monica Cruz for Mango S/S 2009.

Images from Daily Mail.

Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica Cruz pose for the new ad campaign for Mango January 2009 This is a PR photo. WENN does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright or License in the attached material. Fees charged by WENN are for WENN's services only, and do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright or License in the material. By publishing this material you expressly agree to indemnify and to hold WENN and its directors, shareholders and employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), or any causes of action or allegation against WENN arising out of or connected in any way with publication of the material. Supplied by WENN **Available for publication in UK. Not for publication in the rest of the world**

Monica and Penelope Cruz promote the Autumn/Winter 08/09 collection for their high-end Mango clothing line in a new advertisement campaign shot by photographers Mert and Marcus.

Liz Hurley has built a career on provocative and sexy outfits (think Versace safety-pin dress) and she is now lending her sexiness to Mango. Liz, who says she never has enough bathing suits, is designing a fusion line of sexy swimwear for Mango.  “I met the Mangos at Valentino’s big party last summer,” she said during an interview with TimesOnline. “They said they loved my beachwear, so I drew [some designs] very badly. We did some fittings in Barcelona, then they sent a whole team to my house in the country for a ‘bikini fit’, which is the most extraordinary thing. ”

Hurley herself is apparently looking forward to the moment she never has to pose in a bikini again,  she stated, “I can’t think of anything worse in the world than another bikini shoot – and I’ve got two next month. It’s unbearable, and I bring it all on myself. I’ve got nobody else to blame. It’s literallah torture. If you get a photographer you don’t know, of course, you think, ‘Oh God.’ But if you signed on for the gig, sadly, you have to go and be jolly in a skimpy white bikini. So I now rely on nice photographers, and a bit of retouching.”