Mary Alice Stephenson wears a lot of hats!  Her Facebook followers are in the five figures, she is a media go-to for her red carpet commentating and heart-filled fashion segments, a world renown stylist who has styled for icons such as Avedon, Hiro, Demarchelier, Lindbergh and Richardson as well as serving as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for many Fortune 500 brands.   Oh, and we can’t forget to mention how cool it is that she and Barbie are talking fashion in her “dream” closet for BarbieWow.com next week, while still making time to be the national fashion ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.  She gives her time and love for fashion to many charitable organizations all while being a single mom.  She’s our new hero and we think soon to be yours, too!

As a fashion consultant, you get to do something different every day- which days are you favorite?

Every day is different and I love it that way!  It’s such a mix — from red carpet commentating to consulting behind the scenes for Fortune 500 companies, to creative directing, to styling editorial shoots with top photographers. Each week it’s high fashion to mass fashion, it keeps me happy to be in both worlds!  I can reach so many real women all over the world via social media, my followers love that they can get a look into the real world of fashion and learn how they can apply that glamour to their lives in a realistic way.  One day I’m shooting for a European Vogue, doing a fashion segment for the Nate Berkus show or styling a supermodel for Estee Lauder and the next day I could be helping real women get their glam on in a mall in middle America!

Who are young designers that we should be looking to for the future of fashion?

I just had lunch with the talented designers of Cushnie et Ochs, I try to support as many up and coming designers as possible.  I know how tough this business can be and how much support they need to make it.   I love Flora and Alexa from Ohne Titel, Juan Carlos Obando, Joseph Altruzara, Christian Cota, Suno, Frank Tell….  There is so much talent out there right now.  I try to shoot their clothes, or get them on the red carpet as well as talk about their clothes in the media to help get their point of view out to mass America.  The American public needs to know there are more options than just the big brands that can afford to advertise.  It’s still a struggle, for example, there were a wide range of luxury brands seen on the Golden Globe red carpet but where were Erdem, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler?  I was happy to see Givenchy, Nina Ricci and Jason Wu, though —  so that is some progress!

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

But what's this?? Flats and little black boots on every patron in attendance. For shame! If any indie were to set foot in this exhibit, it would be at minimum in a 6 inch heel. Kids, these shoes are not just for celebrities. But walk at your own risk.

The Alexander McQueen Armadillo heels need no explanation.

Commissioned by Printemps for an Alice in Wonderland shoe for their window homage to Tim Burton's film, Nicholas Kirkwood scoured garage sales up and down the UK for all the adorning trinkets.

Christian Louboutin designed these for Rodarte, and Victoria Beckham picked them up around That Extra Half Inch time in the world. Now we need an extra 4 inches to keep satisfied.

Chau Har Lee infuses her love of sculpture and textile into an architectural feat.

These golden plates of Gareth Pugh future kick shone on Beyonce in the epic Run the World (Girls) video.

Designed by Rupert Sanderson, these sculptures held Princess Amneris up on high in Verdi's Aida at The Royal Opera House in London last year. Made for stepping on the little people beneath you.

On the right are a pair of vintage Nina Ricci floating heels, leant from the closet of Daphne Guinness. In the middle, are the 8-inch Christian Louboutin ballet shoes. On the left, a shoe that crushes all in its path. See next.

Link Love: Vogue.com

*Kate Middleton‘s Alexander McQueen was a late addition and Rubenstein had to cut one of the dresses to keep the list to 100. So it was sayonara Nancy Reagan and her white one-shoulder inauguration ball gown. Michelle Obama‘s Jason Wu, however, remained in tact. [WWD, sub req'd]

Reese Witherspoon in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci, 2007 Golden Globes: “Witherspoon’s slimmer figure, now snugly zipped into a strapless, canary-yellow silk brocade Nina Ricci cocktail dress, screamed, ‘Screw you, buddy!’”

Chanel RTW spring 2011: “Models rarely smile these days, but you can sense when they enjoy what they’re wearing. Kass could barely contain her delight.”

Rita Hayworth in Jean Louis, 1946,“Gilda”: “Strapless dresses owe their enduring popularity to Rita Hayworth.”

Julia Roberts in Marilyn Vance-Straker, 1990, “Pretty Woman”: “No matter how many times you have seen the film, the moment you can clearly recall is when you fell hopelessly in love with Julia Roberts — and that moment is marked by a dress.”

Michelle Obama in Jason Wu, 2009 Inaugural Ball: “Wu and the three women on his team set to work, spending more than three hundred hours making the gown.”

Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002 Academy Awards: “Because the gown was so right on her, it is the only one we ever imagine her in, regardless of how many premieres she graces.”

Princess Diana in David and Elizabeth Emanuel, 1981: “Let’s be honest. The gown is hideous…but it became one of the most copied Big Day gowns in history.”

Charlize Theron in Vera Wang, 2000 Academy Awards: “’We came real close,’ said Wang about the how-low-as-you-can-go open back.”

Marilyn Monroe in William Travilla, 1955, “The Seven Year Itch:” “Why the continued frenzy for an almost 60-year-old summer halter? Because of how it looked on the woman who wore it.”

Nicole Kidman in John Galliano for Dior, 1997 Academy Awards: “This wasn’t merely a sensational creation. This was haute couture-claiming turf.”

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen, 2011: “The legendarily loose-lipped House of Windsor became so close-mouthed it was as if there’d been a run on duct tape.”

Jennifer Lopez in Donatella Versace, 2000 Grammys: “No single outfit has ever caused more commotion on any red carpet anywhere.”

Madonna in Dolce & Gabbana, 2009, premiere for “Nine”: “The Sicilian dress is the essence of Dolce & Gabbana, the brand’s sartorial touchstone.”

Tilda Swinton in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin at the 2008 Academy Awards: “Amplifying Swinton’s translucent alabaster complexion, vibrant titian hair and knowing exoticism is a fashion sense that revels in her own singularity.”

Prada RTW spring 2004: “This Prada dress was striking for its level of ease.”

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

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

Ladylike Fall 2011 runways: Monique Lhuillier, Jason Wu and Nina Ricci

Alexander McQueen

Nini Ricci

Marchesa

Elie Saab

Vivienne Westwood

Lanvin

Alexander McQueen

Elie Saab & L'Wren Scott

Producer/actress Sarah Jessica Parker arrives to Bravo Media's 2010 Upfront Party to promote her new show "Work of Art", which she serves as Executive Producer. Skylight Studios, West Soho New York, New York Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Johns PkI/Splash News

Stella McCartney

Dolce & Gabbana

Yves Saint Laurent

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Halston

Dior Haute Couture

Floral
Dolce&Gabbana ‘Rose the One’ Eau de Parfum $75 – Feminine with the elegance of the Italian lifestyle, this timeless fragrance features notes of geranium, lily, peony and, of course, rose.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose Eau de Toilette $80 – Lily of the Valley, freesia and Centifolia rose will seduce in this sophisticated and crisp scent.

Chloe Chloe Eau de Parfum $100 – A Neiman Marcus beauty finalist for spring 2011, peony, freesia and magnolia evoke the Chloe woman – chic, cool and confident.

Fruity
Nina Ricci Nina Eau de Toilette Spray $57 – Enchant with red toffee apple and apple tree wood notes in this tempting feminine fragrance.

Dior Dior Addict 2 Eau de Toilette Spray $69 – Glamorous and free-spirited, pineapple, watermelon and orange are combined with subtle floral notes to create this energetic scent.

Citrus
Estée Lauder Tuscany Per Donna Eau de Parfum Spray $68 – Evoking visions of the Italian countryside, this perfume is bursting with notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs.

Oscar de la Renta Oscar Citrus Eau De Toilette Spray $50 – Notes of orange and grapefruit enliven the senses in this modern, sensual fragrance.

Fresh Hesperides Eau De Parfum Spray $92 – Italian lemon, orange and grapefruit notes combine in this rich, long-lasting summer scent.

Spicy
Estée Lauder Cinnabar Collection Eau De Parfum Spray $60 – Clove, sandalwood and jasmine are the highlights of this spicy, classic fragrance.

Comptoir Sud Pacifique Cristal De Musc Eau De Toilette Spray $60 – White and powdery musk are combined with yellow hibiscus and orange blossom notes for a dreamy and refreshing scent.

What is your favorite summer fragrance? Tell us in the comments below and you could win a bottle from our beauty wall.

Kentucky Derby from Left to right:

Emilio de la Morena: Though straight in the skirt, the color palette and fit politely shout derby. Deanna Gibbons: This holy hat comes in a pastel orange that looks bred for the races.

Suzannah: Bouquets of flowers adorn this dress like the winning racehorse.  H&M provides a floppy sunhat for just $6.99.

Coast Stores: Subtle pink stripes won’t distract any horses, but the Luxury Diva in you will hypnotize with concentric black and white circles on the brim.

Nomad: Vintage inspired, fair trade, and lacy, this dipped ombré, this dress lives like a southern lady. Lauren by Ralph Lauren builds a straw hat ready for the race.

Victoria Beckham: Elegant white with strapless detail is Kentucky Derby worthy. Missoni: These wild colors are a bit bold for the derby, but paired with white, it rises to its own potential. (personal favorite)

Nina Ricci: Tiered and muted pastel, this dress is a demure yet playful choice. Eugenia Kim: The honey color adds dimension to an overtaking structure. The black fabric gives stability and punch.

Priestley’s Vintage: The hidden tree pattern flows along this finely shaped dress. Kaliko: The dress deserves a fascinator. This one flourishes with height.

Gaultier is the most recent addition to the Puig fashion family, which includes Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera and Paco Rabanne. JPG will step down as president, making room for Manuel Puig (right), so that he can focus his attentions — thankfully — on designing his couture and ready-to-wear collections.

The past few seasons have seen Gaultier in a creative rut, but the designer is happy about the new partnership, saying of the Puigs: “They know what they want to achieve and they are buying Gaultier for Gaultier, not to turn it into something else.”  Well, they could at least turn it into a good label again…I’m just sayin’. [WWD]

In the book’s introduction, Sally Singer, editor of T Magazine, is quick to point out that this is not your typical behind the curtains tome. That’s owed primarily to the fact that Julien Claessens is not a fashion photographer. In fact he admits that he doesn’t really understand fashion, but he understands his friend Olivier’s work.

So it’s no surprise that his photos aren’t perfectly-posed, editorial-ready snapshots, but abstract portraits that offer a glimpse into a world of extremes: extreme beauty, extreme bodies and an almost otherworldly charm. The star of these portraits, however, are still Theyskens minutely-crafted work.

Like malleable sculptures, Theyskens clothes wrap and drape themselves over the skeletal  frames of Lily Donaldson, Hilary Rhoda, Gemma Ward, Olga Sherer, Lara Stone, Tanya Dziahileva, Catherine McNeil and Sasha Pivovarova, lending a strength, elegance and sophistication otherwise at odds with their prepubescent fragility.

The Other Side of the Picture chronicles Theyskens career chronologically, ending before he began his newest phase at Theory, but Nina Ricci’s Fall/Winter ’09 collection is a fitting denouement, both for the book and for Theyskens time at the brand. That particular collection is the peak of Theyskens craft and a comforting reminder that talent like his shall and will not be wasted. Also, I’m still not over these tranny heels:

Julien Claessens, without understanding fashion, is able to completely grasp the work of Olivier Theyskens. As Claessens says about his friend’s work, “There’s something here that is part of my universe.” His clothes speak, live and breathe through Claessens’ photos because Theyskens intended them to speak, live and breathe on the women he dresses. Claessens and Theyskens simply speak the same language.

What owning this book says about you: You’re a serious-minded fashionista who admires Olivier’s dark aesthetic and/or his dark hotness.

What your dinner guests will say upon seeing this book on your coffee table: “Oh, wow, someone’s pretentious. And fabulous.”

How this book will make your fashion brain grow: Though you’re not likely to gain much in the way of knowledge from The Other Side of the Picture, you’re heart will swell at its beauty.

If you like this, you’ll love: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. The book to the Met exhibit is on sale — having had a quick look at it this morning we can definitely say it is worth the 30 bucks (plus free shipping, y’all!)

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

Halle Berry has one of the best bodies in Hollywood, so she needs something both sophisticated and sexy. This Elie Saab couture dress has just enough sheer detailing to be slightly provocative. It fits her like a glove and the color is amazing with her skin tone. Here is what the dress looked like on the runway:

It fits Halle better than the model! She kept her accessories to a minimum, letting the dress speak for itself as it was shown on the runway. I love the bracelet and small, sparkling earrings. If this was the Oscars, I’d say do a big chandelier in the ear, but she dressed perfectly for the occasion. Grade?

A+

Love, love, love it Halle! Keep up the excellent work.

LINK LOVE: The Fashion Patrol

I love the contrast of the ruffled light pink dress against the electric pink and purple hues of the background scene. What a fabulous first campaign from Copping. What do you think?

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

Credit: Huffington Post

I get severe back and neck pain every time I look at Michelle Williams in this Valentino dress because my brain is sending signals of suffering and agony to the rest of my body. THIS IS A TRAIN WRECK. If you disagree, you are wrong. This is not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of fact, and she looks terrible. Was her stylist wasted when he/she brought this dress to the fitting? I wore a dress like this when I was 12 – I hated it then, and I still hate it now. F

Office comment: Shower curtain I would not hang in my bathroom

Credit: InStyle

Julie Bowen managed to find the ugliest shade of gray for last night’s Golden Globes. This Tadashi Shoji chiffon gown does not translate, as she looks like a chicken that was plucked and had it’s feathers glued back on asymmetrically. She has a great body, so why hide behind this hideous frock that washes her out? A funny lady shouldn’t strive to look funny. D

Office comment: Drab, like a garden overgrown with weeds

What happened to Christina Aguilera?! She used to be a bombshell, and now she’s just a mess. First of all, YOU ARE NOT CHER. The “strategically placed applique” look of this Zuhair Murad doesn’t work for her because of her curves. And I am not saying she’s pudgy, but sleeves would not hurt her right now. It’s very difficult to wear a strapless dress if it doesn’t fit perfectly. And it looks like she’s wearing a wig! Bad, bad, bad X-tina. D

Office comment: She could have looked worse

Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Everyone in the office is giving me shit for putting Emma Stone in the worst-dressed category, but I really couldn’t care less. This Calvin Klein dress is chic, and I don’t think this blond hair-dying, Lindsey Lohan look-alike has earned the right to wear it yet. Easy A was mediocre at best, I want to see some real acting emotion dammit. The only reason she gets a plus is because her body is great and she can wear this dress. But may she? D+

Office comments: Love it, she looked beautiful and stunning

Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

I weep for Julianne Moore. She is one of the most brilliant actresses in Hollywood, and she constantly makes poor fashion choices. This Lanvin dress makes me say “ain’t nothin’ like mutton,” where is the spit, it’s time to roast this leg of lamb. Really bad color, worse construction and it’s wrinkled. Yuck! It looks like she’s about to enter an amateur jousting match. D-

Office comment: I hate redheads in pink. It was such a green year, and that color looks great on her. Why didn’t she wear green?

Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

It’s a shame half of Halle Berry’s dress got ripped off in the limo door because she looks great from the waist up. This Nina Ricci dress looked amazing on the runway, but it was worn with boots and tights for an edgy feel. This is too tight on her and looks like it might split in the back as soon as she takes her seat. BUT, I love her hair short, and except for the dress, she looks beautiful. D

Office comment: I love Halle Berry, so this upsets me. She can do anything she wants, but not really.

Jennifer Love Hewitt stained her Golden Globes dress at the last minute, so she had to staple this white tablecloth around herself minutes before she arrived. UGH. This Romona Keveza gown was so not a good choice. First of all, SO OVER the big bun. Secondly, she also has a nice, full bust, and this floppy piece of fabric does nothing for it. I hate white, even for wedding dresses, because it’s not flattering and it makes fake tans look more orange than they already are. Beautiful, talented girl, really bad fashion taste. D-

Office comment: A girl with a big bust should wear a sweetheart neckline, something that accentuates but doesn’t let everything flop around.

There you have it folks, the worst dressed from this year’s Golden Globes. I’d love to hear your comments, even though you might be wrong.

Credit: InStyle

arrives at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

arrives at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Theyskens with Theory president, Andrew Rosen

Theyskens will take over design responsibilities for the entire label in addition to designing a capsule collection, Theyskens Theory, that will launch in Spring 2011.

Olivier did wonders for Nina Ricci and I can’t wait to see his theories on Theory.

LINK LOVE: WWD

Theyskens with Theory president, Andrew Rosen

A strange collaboration yet we’re all very curious! Olivier hasn’t done much since his departure from Nina Ricci, but the possibility of being able to afford his designs is very exciting. No details have been released yet, we’ll keep you posted.

LINK LOVE: NY Mag via WWD

Lady Gaga had 4 costume changes last night, all of which left us wondering. Here is a closer detailed look at each. In the first, her hair is obviously part of the body suit. In the second, Gaga is wearing custom Armani and a custom matching Philip Treacy headpiece. Her shoes greatly resemble those designed by Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci. In the last image Gaga sports the full body suit, again, over which is an interesting mini dress with a butt phoof! Oh how I adore her!

More detailed photos on NY Mag

Fashion Gone Rogue

Olivier Theyskens, former designer of Nina Ricci and Rochas, accepted an invitation to pose for a fashion spread in the latest issue of Paris, LA magazine. Keep reading on WWD

Assouline forthcoming book on ex–Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens’s career, featuring the stunning photographs of Julien Claessens, is now available for preorder for $120. Leaf through a few pages on Assouline’s site.

LINK LOVE: The Cut via Assouline

If you are over winter and already looking forward to all the things that spring and summer bring, then get started with these three trends for the warmer months of this new year.

A drastic change from the bright and often neon colors that we saw this time last year, neutrals ran the runways. Designers like Erin Fetherston and Nina Ricci used a very soft color palette throughout their collections, so expect to see these simple colors around for awhile this year.

Max Azria’s and Marc Jacobs’ collections for the spring both incorporated cut-out designs. This peek-a-boo trend gives a very subtle sexy feel to an outfit. It also leaves room for a great layering effect when these cut-outs are worn above other pieces.

From brightly colored to more natural—feathers were seen in many designers’ collections. Chris Benz had a few pieces that featured multicolored feathers, while Chado Ralph Rucci used the feathers in a more elegant shade. Feathers can give a great and playful texture to an outfit. They can also be used to make a statement, like Chris Benz’ feather skirt seen here

The rebranding of Nina Ricci was inevitable with the recent replacement of Olivier Theyskens. Peter Copping introduced a much softer vibe to the label, bringing some girly, somewhat Victorian, tiered dresses and little cardigan numbers. The collection was “pretty,” far from the edgy, mysterious look Theyskens contributed to the label. I can’t say it’s a change I’m embracing with open arms, but Copping knows his shtick and I look forward to more from him.

Find more photos like this on CULT

Thanks Style!

Nina Ricci’s great-grandson, Romano, launches bullet shaped perfumes with names like “Lady Vengeance”. Finally, a scent for woman who enjoy the smell of NAPALM in the morning…

“A women who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” -Coco Chanel

Romano Ricci, great-grandson of Nina Ricci a legend in the world of couture and fragrance, had very very big shoes to fill when he decided to try his hand at the family business and create a line of fragrances. Well, he filled them and then some. Not only has he created a line titled “Juliette Has A Gun”, he created 3 scents and three Juliette “personas” to go along with the scents. “Lady Vengeance”, “Miss Charming” and “Citizen Queen”.  For the first 2 scents Romano enlisted the assistance of Francis Kurkdjian, one of the most famous and talented perfumer. But for “Citizen Queen”, Romano Ricci worked alone.

Now he’s taken it even a step further and created the “Purse Bullet”. Oh how I LOVE this… Ensconced in a black velvet case lays a beautiful silver bullet and 3 refills. So edgy, sexy and glam. And convenient, the bullet will fit anywhere, tiny enough for the smallest of Fendi baguettes. You may get any one of the scents in this style… I will need them all.

To learn more and find store locations: http://juliettehasagun.ovh.org/

Suggested Matching Accessories:

Report Kane’s Over the Thigh Holster Boots:

Kisses Bitches…

Glamour Whore…xoxo

LINK LOVE: http://www.cultindie.com/xn/detail/2394740:BlogPost:80845

Thanks WWD!

Word has it Nina Ricci is launching yet another fragrance! The new perfume, Ricci Ricci, will hit its first store shelves this August, but that’s just in France. The international debut will take place sometime in September. Guess you have to take the trip or wait it out!

LINKAGE: WWD

The rumors about Peter Copping heading design at Nina Ricci are true. On Monday, the ex–Louis Vuitton designer officialy replaced Olivier Theyskens, and started working on a resort collection to be unveiled in late June. However, his first runway show won’t take place until next March,  allowing  him plenty of  time to situate himself  in the label before coming-out at Paris Fashion Week.

When it comes to high fashion footwear, practicality is rarely taken into consideration. I’ve seen many crazy shoes on the streets of New York, but when you’re designing runway exclusive shoes, never to be worn by even the top of New York’s elite, the sky’s the limit. As we know, fall 2009 was  Oliver Theyskens final collection for Nina Ricci, an anticipated collection that Theyskens’ fans hoped he would go big on. But Theyskens didn’t go big, he went huge. My favorite part of the collection was the over-the-top shoes, which will sadly remain as archives of Theyskens’ best work. Not only is it a shame that I can’t get my hands on the lace-up ankle boots, it’s a shame that Nina Ricci will never be the same. Whoever is next has some mighty crazy shoes to fill. 

LINKAGE: SNEEK PEEK: NINA RICCI FALL 09 SHOES

On the brighter side, Gareth Pugh is rumored to consult for Dior Homme! This rumor took flight when Delphine Arnault, daughter of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault was seen front row at the recent Pugh menswear show!

Thanks Fashion Copious! 

Releasing the Pre-Fall ’09 collection with a strong sense of pride, Nina Ricci designs have hit the runway. The newest line is composed of dresses, pants, shirts, coats and more, all ready to take on the streets with confidence. The Pre-Fall line doesn’t focus on a specific color palette, instead, with both powerful and bright shades, there’s a little something for everyone.

GALLERY: Nina Ricci, Pre-Fall 09

“When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate, you have to stay true to what you’re doing, and the house of Nina is about luxury.”

Olivier Theyskens said after showing his pre-fall collection for Nina Ricci in New Yor.

LINKAGE: WWD

Finally saw the movie last week, and I must admit it was as bad as people claimed. Yes, Robbie Pattinson IS HOT, and Bella is beautiful, but the script and direction were awful. I was left with too many questions, not enough action, and a sappy PG love story…

On that note, we might be late on writing about this, but Twilight has released a fragrance that is being sold at Hot Topic. And I’m confused on the inspiration for this smell, maybe blood, and why the hell is it shaped like an apple? Now that I think of it, it kinda looks familiar, sort of like an old Nina Ricci perfume that I once had…

Honestly, I would have preferred a lotion that makes my skin look ‘diamond like.’

Please comment if you’ve smelled this dreck, and let us know what this smells like.

Thanks Perez Hilton

The word on the street is that Olivier Theyskens is on his way out of Nina Ricci. Apparently, his Spring 2009 failed to impress buyers.

So sad considering that Anna Wintour herself gave Theysken’s her personal vote of confidence by giving the designer a CFDA award back in 2002 when he was heading design at Rochas at the tender age of 25.

Honestly though, isn’t it about time this designer got his own line?

Sourc The Cut

You’ve got a dirty little secret. Your boyfriend just dumped you so you decided to go online for some retail therapy. Before you finish packing up your stuff to move back in with mom and dad, you take one last spin on your ex’s credit card. Oh yes, you just dropped $3,790 on the ombre brushed wool coat by Nina Ricci. You could have it gift wrapped and overnighted for immediate use. You could send it by ground mail to your parent’s place. Or better yet, you can have it hand delivered, in a paper bag, to your door. Thanks to Net-A-Porter, nobody need to know what you bought or where it came from. You’ll definitely get away with it, your ex believing it’s simply some comforting chow mein from the local Chinese food dive. So spend away, all guilt is hidden in the brown paper bag! Just make sure you change your forwarding address and cell number…

Thanks Fashionista!

“Come Fall, designers like Maurizio Pecoraro are advocating a monochrome vision that extends from head to stockinged toe. “My idea was to create a pure look,” explains Pecoraro, who conjured his eighties-era memories of singly hued looks from Claude Montana. The cherry on top of this ultra-matched look is tights, particularly in hard-to-find hues like persimmon at Bottega Veneta, ocher at Nina Ricci, and burgundy at Albino. (Stow the matte black Wolfords for next season.) Knee boots created a similar effect at Akris and Halston, but hosiery’s hegemony is undeniable. Even pattern-loving designers like Anna Sui and Paul Smith ordered up custom leg wear for complete coordination.”

I thought I would post these photos of SJP at the New York Sex and the City Premiere as a morning treat for all our FI readers. SJP chose a lovely Nina Ricci dress to wear to what seems like the 15th premiere for this movie.

Here is Irina Kulikova wearing the dress on the runway for the Spring/Summer Nina Ricci collection. Olivier Theyskens, the sexual ambiguous fashion designer of Nina Ricci, described the collection as: “It was a group of girls you’d see on the street in the early morning coming from a ball” Maybe it’s a European thing, but has anyone seen a girl do a walk of shame in a $15,000 handmade gown? Guess it’s what makes us Americans different from those Euros

What do you think, would Carrie approve?

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