- YSL‘s Stefano Pilati thinks John Galliano pretty much ruined drugs for everyone. [Styleite]

- Well, this happened. Anna Wintour in the subway. Note the look of complete and utter fear on her usually emotionless face. [The Cut]

- You could help Oscar de la Renta design his resort collection. [WSJ]

- Beyoncé is reportedly planning two albums next year. Because nine months of pregnancy left her with far too much time on her hands. [LA Times]

- 95-year-old club kid Zelda Kaplan passed away today. Luckily, she was sitting front row at a fashion show, perhaps the most fitting and fabulous way to go. R.I.P. Miss Girl. [NY Post]

Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

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.

When and how did your line begin?

I launched my accessories line in the Fall of 2010 with a concept design of epaulets.  I created a small collection in different styles and they ended up in the hands of some fashion influentials. I’ve since introduced earrings, bangles and eyewear.

What inspires your work?

I watch a lot of nature documentaries. I’m in love with the beluga whale. I watch the same documentaries over and over.. I’ve seen the Blue Planet series over a hundred times and I now watch Microcosmos fanatically. Have you ever seen ladybugs make love? It’s a fascinating and a gentle experience.

Where do you finding the amazing leathers and animal skins that you use on your accessories?

I buy my leather at the same place that Helmut Lang, Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar De La Renta buy from. Its expensive and the best in the city. Libra Leather. I work with Sam Jones, The Leather Queen. She has great taste and instincts when it comes to leather. Libra Leather has been pioneering leather trends in New York for decades. They provide the selection designers conceptualize their entire leather collection from. They are best in the biz.

The Feather Spray Earrings seem like a big deviation from some of your previous designs. What was the inspiration behind those?

When I launched my line in October 2009 I used feathers in the fabrication of many of those epaulet designs. The feather was lying on my desk at a certain angle and it came to me.. that should be attached to an ear. I guess it’s all the nature videos I watch.

What celebrities have you worked with?

I grew up in NYC so Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill and Beyonce were the soundtrack of my life. I attended borderline ruff schools and their music was uplifting and their voices strong, I adored them. Now as an adult, this entire experience as a designer has been transcendental for me. I often can’t believe who I’ve turned out to be. Just three years ago I was the most unhappiest girl in the world. I’ve designed for all them. I’ve also created custom accessories for Lil Wayne’s and Prince’s musical tours.. I used to make out with posters of Prince. I’ve designed for Alicia Keys’ Freedom tour.  Lauryn Hill just bought my entire collection for her European tour.

What’s your favorite part about being a designer?

The actual design process is probably my favorite part of being a designer. I often struggle between concept and application.. I’ll think about a construction for months before I even attempt to piece it together.. My own thoughts intimidate me. There is an element of anxiety I experience and I know that I’ll figure it out eventually. There are some designs I’ve constructed, not many, that I will never share with the world. I hoard special pieces.

What are the biggest challenges as a designer?

Figuring out which tradeshows to do make me pretty dizzy.

Three must haves to have in your wardrobe?

Combat boots, a black fur and a balaclava.

What is your best moment that you’ve experienced in your career?

All of them have been extraordinary. Getting picked up by Nordstrom, a tour order from Alicia Keys, selling at Patricia Field and having my mom and dad say that they’re proud of me.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Organize yourself. Have a decent website, take good pictures, get a press list, don’t get tired, get motivated.  Surround yourself with good people that want good for you.  Love yourself and visualize yourself in the place you want to be.

How would you describe your personal style?

My look changes drastically, often. Recently my style is Le Femme Nikita.. assassin chic.

What is the inspiration behind “in love and good fashion” and “good taste must be shared”?

I tend to curate everything. My friends, my wardrobe and words.. I love language and assembling words together.. In Love and Good Fashion fell into place in the first weeks of creating my first collection.. it represents the head set I was in at the time..

Good Taste Must Be Shared is a personal philosophy.. Good taste crosses over into all aspects of living.. food, clothing, jewelry, travel and all of earths spoils.. Everything that is good about anything should be shared and enjoyed.

What’s currently on your iPod?

I don’t have an Ipod but I have been listening to Amy Winehouse, Wu Tang Clan, Florence and The Machine and Lauryn Hill recently.

Describe Mary Had A little Scam and the other short films you are working on based on your line?

I decided to make a short film when the concepts in my head began to move and could only be expressed through video. I’ve watched enough documentaries and films to understand the shooting style I like.  I titled the film Mary Had  A Little Scam to represent the duality between innocence and  a calculated menace. I wanted to create a sexy film that captures the private moments strong women experience when alone.. the awkwardness, paranoia, struggle, uncertainty and ultimate perseverance.  The character Mary in the short film Mary Had A Little Scam has a public persona of  a fierce rebel leader with the American Accessories Coalition for Good Taste (AACGT). Her mission is to collect rare jewelry from around the world, sharing good taste with the masses.

What are you currently working on for your line right now?

I’m preparing a trip to Paris, meetings, meetings, meetings!

Where do you see Seville Michelle Anastos 5 years from now?

I’m excited for the future.  Nothing I’ve done has been planned, my line has swept me off my feet!

You can follow Seville Michelle’s line and updates on twitter too @SevilleMAnastos

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

Styled by Alex White and shot by Craig McDean, Kloss is characteristically stunning — although I feel it my duty to address her shoulder in that powder blue feather dress. It’s strangely Gumby-esque, no? Like White glued on a fake arm at the last minute when Kloss’ real arm got stuck in akimbo. Bad Photoshop or just awkward artistic statement? Either way, the real star of these ads is Karlie’s giant chignon — hello perfect day-to-night ‘do.

- With New York Fashion Week only a month away — cue panic attack — the CFDA wants to make sure you’re not freebasing Sugarfree Red Bulls and replacing the sugar in your coffee with cocaine by hosting a panel dedicated to living healthy. If I wanted to live healthy during fashion week I’d just sleep through it. [The Cut]

- Time to tune into TRL and vote for your favorite videos of the day! Oh, wait, it’s not 1998. But it certainly feels like it now that 90s R&B divas Brandy and Monica are reuniting to sing-argue who the boy really belongs to for their new duet, “Turn the Lights On.” I just hope the video involves a split-screen and a tube-top turtleneck. [Buzzfeed]

- Kim Kardashian wished Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge née Kate Middleton a happy birthday the only way she knew how: with a convenient product placement. Meanwhile, if the Duchess is ever caught dead in a Shoedazzle heel, all the style points she earned with that McQueen wedding gown will go right out the window. [Huff Po]

-  Models just can’t keep it in their pants these days. Molly Sims is the latest catwalker to get knocked up. [Modelinia]

- Barbie may be making some questionable choices as of late, but the pint-sized fashion plate has never looked so badass, thanks to these amazing printable hair extensions. Now if they just came out with these in human size. [Refinery29]

- PETA strikes again. The most annoying people in the world have now taken issue with Oscar de la Renta’s Beats by Dre headphones, imploring beatsmith Dr. Dre to use his “tremendous amount of influence on young people…to advocate kindness toward animals by pledging never to design with real fur and exotic skins.” The good doctor, unsurprisingly, has not responded. [Huff Po]

- In the age of viral this and social media that, why let something as petty as death interfere with your internet life? Now you don’t have to, thanks to a new app that ensures your last words will be disseminated to all your Facebook friends, in the event of your untimely passing. But more importantly, can you poke some one from beyond… [Refinery29]

Leave it to Oscar to transform what typically are cool headphones and cover them in silver fox for a super luxurious twist.

You can pick these up for a cool $695 at OscardelaRenta.com

Photo: Adam Marelli Photo

Honoring Cunningham’s nearly 50 years of chronicling fashion, the award also recognizes his role in inspiring philanthropy. Gala chairs include Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette and Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller.

photos: style.com

Loulou de la Falaiase was born in 1948 and rose to prominence as an editor of London’s Queen magazine in the Sixties. Her signature style got her noticed by Saint Laurent who hired her in 1972 in a rather vague capacity. de la Falaise ended up designing jewelry for the YSL house, and also had her hand in the brand’s ready-to-wear and couture lines.

“I have known Loulou since we were 20.” Diane von Furstenberg told WWD. “We had a lot of laughs together. She had a powerful spirit, an amazing chic and style. She could turn anything into something. I recall that she was staying in our house in Sardinia with Egon and I the summer Yves offered her to come and work for him. I remember that all she had with her was a tiny cardboard suitcase with a few scarves…but she would transform these scarves into beach covers, dramatic evening outfits and glorious turbans. Loulou really had the touch.”

“Loulou was poetry,” said Betty Catroux, another of Saint Laurnet’s iconic ladies. “We were the opposite. She saw everything in pink and I saw everything in black. We shared a life together with such complicity. If I could choose a dream sister, it would be Loulou.”

“She was just so unbelievably stylish. She had a way of putting together things — no matter which designer made them — that made them her own,” said Oscar de la Renta, who praised de la Falaise’s “refined eye” and always felt reassured if the late designer said “I love that.”

de la Falaise is to be buried this Thursday November 10th at Eglise Saint-Roch, 296 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris, the same place Yves Saint Laurent’s funeral was held in 2008. [WWD]

Tapping his considerable resources, ALT has secured a gown worn by Oscar-winner Penélope Cruz to a Met Costume Institute Gala from Oscar de la Renta; a black  sequined wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg; a coat trimmed with feathers and plastic fringe from Prada‘s fall 2007 collection; an evening column — what other kind of column is there? — from Tom Ford‘s first eponymous women’s collection; and a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes from Sex and the City: The Movie.

In addition, the exhibit will include a video display showing Blahnik making milkshakes on The Martha Stewart Show, music from 2001: A Space Odyssey in the background and either Oscar de la Renta’s Live in Love or DVF’s Diane “wafting through the ventilation system.” But if you can’t make it down to Georgia for this multi-sensory experience, fret not. In December, Talley’s and de la Renta’s Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress will open at Manhattan’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.

And of course there’s always next year when you can apply for admission to ALTCADOYPF. [NYT]

Photo: Terry Richardson...duh

I would’ve thought that Marc was already on the board, if not president Diane von Furstenbrerg‘s girl Friday, but mazel to the kids, who were nominated by the board of directors way back in July. They’ll be joining the ranks of 26 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa and Norma Kamali. Meanwhile, Nicole Miller, John Bartlett and Richard Lambertson are leaving the board of directors to join the Emeritus board. [WWD]

Editorial styled by Julia von Boehm. All photos from Fashion Gone Rogue.

And less like Lindsey Wixson at Versace. 

1. Walk like a model. Models are specifically trained to walk in the manner that best carries them on any heel. Check the breakdown beneath Karlie Kloss in Lanvin:

As if a string is attached to the crown of your head, pull your neck upward, then bring your chin down.

Elongate your torso by bringing your shoulders back and down.

With a slight lean back, bring the bottom of your ribcage in toward your spine.

Tuck your pelvis under and forward.

Your stomach should be flat and your abs engaged. This takes the pressure off of your spine and onto your muscles.

Smize.

Photo source: Style.com

Paul was at nearly every rehearsal – far more hands on than your average ballet composer. He had already been working on an underwater themed symphony when he got the call from Ballet Master in Chief, Peter Martins, to compose a piece for the New York City Ballet. Paul accepted, and created a story and score off of what he had already started. He went back to that workon a computer program he has admittedly become quite obsessed with), with the thought of that sound inspiring dance.

Photo by Jessica Lapidos

McCartney and Martins enter Lincoln Center with a hug. All you need is love, hard work, and the NYC Ballet.

Here, he beholds a Terra Punk – one of the “baddies” as he calls them – in full costume. Stella went along the guidelines of what Dad saw in his mind as he created these characters. He wanted them to be tattooed tribally, so she imprinted the tattoo upon nude dancer’s mesh.

Stella stepped out of her realm of the Stella McCartney brand to create a fantastical skin for the ballet to take place within. After a decade of work with legendary makeup artist  Pat McGrath, in which Stella rarely deviated from the fresh face, she was finally able to let McGrath stretch her theatrical wings and transport these dancers to a kingdom under the sea. She worked with the elite textile printer Dyenamix to create scales out of tie dye, and tattoos out of mesh.

The fabrics she chose fluttered with the movement of water. Part of the ensemble of hand maidens wore tops with a billowing cape behind it, two separate strips of silk attached to the shoulder and waist seams of the shirt. It hit the air like swimming fins.

Three Drunk Lords stumble-danced on stage to a wobbly jazzy sound, in thick multi-color painted striped suits. Perhaps this pattern will find its way onto Stella’s future runways.

The treacherous servent to the Princess Honorata wore a dark rectangular washed silk cape that danced like ribbon around her body, attached to her fingers. See the sketch:

Now see it in action in this gorgeous video by the New York Times.

The harmony of Paul’s bubbling and expressive orchestral musical movements along with Stella’s movement-focused color-blasted underwater mix of breezy chiffons and body suits creates a truly special environment for the ethereal grace of the NYC Ballet.

Who was there last night? Check the gallery.

Photos from Style.com

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

Julianna Margulies in Armani Privé - I almost fell over when Julianna walked up the stairs to accept her Emmy last night wearing this stunning white gown. I immediately knew the structured bodice was Armani Privé -  you can’t go wrong wearing it on the red carpet.

The CFDA celebrates its half centennial next year and is launching its “Stars of American Fashion” endowment drive. In an effort to raise $2.5 million, the CFDA is selling 50 stars at $50,000 a pop to designers, who will then personalize their star before it ends up on a special American flag.

28 designers have bought stars so far, including Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. [WWD]

Diane von Furstenberg: ”That’s her opinion. She is entitled. She has a voice, she uses her voice. I have a voice. All I will say is that I work very hard, and I do the best I can. I hope she comes to the show and I hope she likes the show.”

Michael Kors: ”People can make their decision as to what turns them on and what thrills them, and what doesn’t. It’s like shopping.”

Oscar de la Renta: ”It bothers me because I love my industry, and I love fashion. I think fashion is something of beauty and it really makes me mad when someone writes about fashion in a bitter way.”

Vera Wang: ”We actually employ a lot of people, and we try to support our industry, and we do pay for things. We’re doing our best to be honorable and support our industry. If those things don’t stand for something, I don’t really know what does.” [WWD]

There can only be one explanation for such a dream….

I won a trip to COACHELLA 2012!!! Here’s how:

Lisa Immordino Vreeland, Diana’s granddaughter-in-law, directed the film Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, debuting at the Venice Film Festival September 3rd, as well as wrote the similarly-titled coffee-table book, which hits bookstores October 1st.

Featuring contributions from everyone and their mother, including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Hubert de Givenchy, Diane von Furstenberg, Richard Avedon, Anjelica Huston and Ali McGraw*, the film is Immordino Vreeland’s first:”As soon as I started research for the book, I said to myself, ‘I should be working on a documentary.’”

While Kurt Hummel is the class fashionisto in Commes des Garçons, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and so many more of our faves, Chris Colfer admits to not being able to pronounce half the designers’ names. In high school, he shopped at Target (jeez, not even Tar-ghey), though now he supposes, “Maybe if I dressed better I wouldn’t have had such a hard time in school.”

Moises is particularly enthusiastic about the environmental aspect of Moises Oscar. “My site will shed light on NPOs, nature and conservation, and eco-fashion,” he told Interview.

Now, it is as yet undetermined whether Oscar de la Renta will find a space for his own wares on moisesoscar.com, but seeing as he’s in the name, it somehow seems unavoidable. And we wouldn’t be sad – the father-son thing is kind of adorable.

What could be colorful enough to honor Antoni Gaudi’s “Dragon” in Barcelona, Spain?

Photo: Superstock

Fresh on the fashion scene, Emma poses for the October 2008 issue of Vogue Italia.

Photo: StyleFrizz

- Diva and pioneering androgyne Annie Lennox is getting a fashion retrospective at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. I hope patrons have to literally walk on broken glass throughout the exhibit. [Style.com]

Laugh it up, Radcliffe, you’re next.

- Emma Watson continues to be perfect while showing that rarity among Hollywood actresses — genuine emotion — at the premiere of the 300th and last Harry Potter film. And she did it in Oscar de la Renta. Atta girl, steal my heart. [Jezebel]

- Also on the heart-stealing perfect superhighway is male super Jon Kortajarena who seriously hoofs it up  in the new ad for Kokorico, the latest Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance. [Oh La La Mag]

- Lady Gaga , a self-proclaimed “show with no intermission,” doesn’t speak German, but she can if you like. Either way, she’ll make as much sense as her recent column in V — a missive on reality versus fantasy. Short version, there is — surprisingly —  no line. [V Magazine]

- And the bride wore…TOMS? [Refinery29]

- Speaking of random ideas with little to no reasoning, Cedric the Entertainer is starting his own line of hats called, ingeniously enough, Who Ced?

- Megan Fox just can’t catch a break these days. After being replaced by professional stunner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the latest Transformers movie, she’s now been replaced by professional panty-wearer Rihanna as the face of Emporio Armani underwear. Sidebar, way to class up the brand, Armani. [Fashion Week Daily]

This dress was purchased at a Goodwill somewhere in Connecticut for $4. Don’t be too jealous of the tropical fish motif because you too can find something (almost) just as nice.

1. Shoes are key when dressing up a muumuu. Make sure you’re adding at least three inches to your height. Choose something colorful and statement-making like these Elie Tahari Nyla Sandals.

2. A very expensive bag is a must when rocking a shapeless frock. People may snicker at your frugal threads until they see this Miu Miu Top Handle Bag. Your savvy, impeccable taste will shut them up immediately.

3. There’s nothing like a red bandana for summer, especially to accentuate the breezy aura of your look. No one will dare ask questions about your thrifted outfit when wearing the Boss Lady Bandana around a regal hairstyle such as the beehive or high bun.

4. What’s a day without gold? Add a little bling bling to your vintage cotton threads with these Oscar de la Renta 24-karat Cabochon Earrings. The extra flash is necessary, especially for formal occasions.

5. Chunky bangles channel your bohemian vintage insides while staying on top of the fashion game. A mix of stones, metal and wood like these Aldo Galluzzi Bangles are interchangeable with tons of colors and patterns.

6. A killer pair of retro sunglasses like the Linda Farrow Luxe Retro Style Sunglasses are KEY to accomplishing an appropriate muumuu look. They say “I don’t give a f*ck” so you don’t have to.

Tell me, what is your favorite muumuu and how do you jazz it up? Let me know in the comments or @CrystlMeatballs.

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict.com. Join me as we explore this week’s best online sample sales, NYC street deals, exclusive discount codes from your favorite designers and more. Like what you see and want more of it?! Check back with us every Tuesday, and visit my blog www.diaryofafashionaddict.com for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Love vintage style handbags but can’t shake the fakes from Ebay? Guaranteed authentic vintage Chanel sale from Billion Dollar Babes, June 23.

For an invite: email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

Discount Code DL:

Get amazing bang for your buck on lust-worthy designers like Suno, Chris Benz, Theory & more from Hampden Clothing via Refinery29 Reserves:

Spend $125, get $250 value

Spend $250, get $500 value

Spend $500, get $1000 value

***bonus: you even get a VIP card with a 25% coupon for your next purchase @ Hampden Clothing!

AND, Sense of Fashion has offered a FashionIndie exclusive discount! Place your first order with this high fashion designers direct to consumers, socially based site, and get 15% off with the code: 5W15J

Sale on Sale:

Just yesterday, Net-A-Porter launched their International Spring sale with up to 70% off! I shouldn’t have to say more…. But I will:

Marchesa, Lavin & Alexander McQueen evening gowns, Herve Leger bandage dresses, Roberto Cavalli serpent jewelry, Alaia waist cinchers, Jil Sander “Market” bags, Miu Miu clutches and wooden platforms, Nancy Gonzalez crocodile iPad cases, Helmut Lang leather & shearling…. should I go on????

Real Life NY Sample Sale:

Are you a bride to be?? Then you’ve probably read every bridal magazine this year and fantasized about those designer gowns that you thought only Kim Kardashian can afford to go with her absurd 20-carat engagement ring.

Well I’ve got major news for you: owning your own Oscar de la Renta bridal gown is so close you can taste it. I mean that- just a 45 minute trip from NYC @ the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. Get up to 70% the bridal collection for one week only- you won’t want to miss this.

Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale:

When: 6/23-6/29

Where: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets

415 Red Apple Court

Central Valley, NY (845) 928-4000

Th- W (10-9)

The Male Sale:

Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein & Ralph Lauren had a baby, and they named him Simon Spurr. 2010 CDFA Menswear award nominee and winner of the Vogue Fund award- you know this guy has some serious English chops.

Ladies- tell your boyfriends, tell your dads, spread the news… the Spring collections are on super deep discount from his 2011 ready-to-wear line Simon Spurr and his denim collection Spurr. #FOMO

Simon Spurr Sample Sale:

When: 6/20-6/23

Where: 210 11^th Ave., near 24^th st. Suit 903

M-Th (10-6)

Bonus: The City Steal

***Not one, but two NYC deals so awesome I couldn’t exclude them from this weeks feature.

Love the Hamptons? Got some extra cash, but no time? Then this Urban Daddy deal is probably for you. Hurry fast to catch the last few hours of this awesome opportunity to charter a Seaplane from Fly The Whale. Leave from East 23rd & the East River and 30 minutes later, you’re $339 less richer, but at least you can laugh at everyone sitting in bumper to bumper on the LIE.

Another hot Urban Daddy deal for ya! Have you ever wanted to share a romantic night under the stars with someone listening to Shakespeare? You better hurry up- there will only be a few hours left by the time you read this. Get VIP seating a 2 free drinks for $145 via Urban Daddy.

For tickets and showtimes visit the official website HERE.

For more Steals and Deals, go to DiaryofaFashionAddict.com and look HERE for more and HERE for men’s.

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can’t wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ

Nima Taherzadeh

With a new color palette came a more “sporty,” laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. That’s right, dear readers, we’re talking about “scuba-influenced silhouettes” (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (“a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease”) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of “matchy/clashy prints”). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the “emerging must-have” that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I’d like one in every color, please.

Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt – belt it!

Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year – and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year – always good staples to have in your closet.

Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com

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.

Anthony’s “claim to fame” is apparently that he was “born the same day “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” by the Beatles, was released in the U.S.” Obviously Weiner was on a fast track to romance at an early age. He’s a Virgo, ladies.

Weiner describes his ideal woman as “someone smarter than me,” and judging by the fact that his wife, Huma Abedin is not only Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s top aide, but also hasn’t been caught sending crotch shots across the internet, it looks like Weiner hit the jackpot. Let’s hope Huma’s description of her ideal man was “someone more stupid than me.”

Oh, did we mention Huma is gorgeous and has great fashion sense? That’s an Oscar de la Renta weddng dress.

Thrillingly, Weiner would like to spend his days off trying on expensive clothes he can’t afford. Finally, something we have in common. If you want to try on some clothes you can afford, and that are also topically hilarious, check out some of these witty “Weinergate” items from Mogulite.

In case anyone is wondering, my favorite cartoon character is Anthony Weiner…for obvious reasons.

Link Love:

www.styleite.com

- Grace Coddington‘s 70th birthday was a who’s who of fashion royalty, with a guest list including Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Annie Leibovitz,  Helmut Lang, André Leon Talley, Liya Kebede, Karen Elson, Stefano Pilati, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Nicolas Ghesquière, Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Riccardo Tisci, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler and Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte. Twas clearly a magical night, as evidenced by this photo of Anna having what appears to be…a good time:

There but for the Grace of Coddington go I. [Styleite]

- Another image has “leaked” from Beyoncé‘s video shoot — either B has awful security or we’re just the pawns in her little chess game of pop supremacy…either way I couldn’t care less because she’s wearing Alexander McQueen. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

Over breakfast in his store on Madison Avenue, Oscar de la Renta himself introduced us to Esprit d’Oscar, and told us a bit about its creation.

He has garnered a prestigious team of motivated modern women, including his daughter, who helped him to create this fragrance that allows his original scent to transcend time and evolve.

“Today we are dealing with a very different consumer since the time I’ve been working in fashion. Never ever in the history of time has a woman been so in control of her destiny as she is today. And a woman knows exactly what she wants. There has never been a better time for a woman to fulfill her aspirations.”

The design of the bottle stemmed from his first encounters with fragrance making, and is very sentimental for him. It also contains a floral shape like the original Oscar bottle.

“The cap is a flower, not a specific flower, but the image of a flower with a dewdrop. When I was little I didn’t know how perfumes were made. How does one extract the smell from a flower? Well getting up in the morning and looking at the dewdrops, I thought that perhaps if you could collect the dewdrops from the flowers, you could make perfume.”

Expect nothing less than pure elegance. It is crisp, with a hint of citrus that lingers over essences of clean linen and jasmine.

As Oscar de la Renta took my hand and inhaled the scent of his own fragrance on my skin, my body turned to mush, and I realized once again that he is the most elegant man on the planet.

- The alleged sale of Elizabeth Taylor‘s $150 million jewelry collection is no longer alleged. Christie’s has confirmed that they have reached a deal with the late Dame’s family to sell Liz’s jewelry in addition to some of her art, clothing and other memorabilia at several auctions to be announced later this spring. If I can’t get that damned Taylor-Burton Diamond, I at least want this. You know, for lounging about the house….going to the grocery store. [HuffPo]

- This is hands down the best thing I’ve seen in my entire life: a chart detailing fashion’s silhouettes from the 18th century through the Victorian Era, the Roaring 20s, Dior’s New Look, the mod 60s, the punk 70s, up until the 2000s. How will the 2010s be represented? Tranny heels, bodysuits, harem pants, opulent fur, statement shoulders, Armageddon? [Fashionising]

Kristin will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 3

Appropriateness: 2

Trendiness: 2

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 4

Makeup: 4

Pose: 2

Confidence: 5

This dress is way to immature for an actress as talented and beautiful as Davis. Not even Charlotte York Goldenblatt would wear this – it’s just too childish for a grown woman with the big bow and thick straps. Love the shoes though!

That jacket she was talking about? So fab.

Conceived by the Chairman of the Institute’s Board of Directors, Oscar de la Renta and curated by Vogue‘s own Hamish Bowles, Balenciaga: Spanish Master is the the first collection “to consider the impact of Spain’s culture, history and art” on the career and artistry of Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972).

Portrait of the artist as a young fox

Balenciaga forever changed the way women dressed and introduced dramatically different silhouettes into a woman’s sartorial lexicon. Spanish Master showcases some of the designer’s brilliant, beautiful and very often groundbreaking work in millinery, evening gowns, cocktail dresses and daywear, particularly highlighting his expert construction and tailoring.

Photo: GDK is the new black.

Featuring over 70 pieces from the Balenciaga archives, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, The Hispanic Society of America, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Texas Fashion Collection, the collection also benefited from loans from the private collections of Sandy Schreier and Bowles himself.

Photo: Sandi in the City

The exhibit also ”considers the influences on [Balenciaga's] designs of the country’s great artists, from Zurbarán and Goya to Picasso, Sorolla and Miró, and of Spain’s religious dress and ceremony, its royal history, its rich regional costume, its dance traditions, and the power and splendor of the bullfight. “

Photo: GDK is the new black.

I was in raptures pouring over Spanish Master‘s two floors and was especially surprised by Balenciaga’s continued experimentation and ingenuity well into old age and until his retirement in 1968. One could easily see the rich history from which Nicolas Ghesquière regularly culls and reinterprets through the house’s current collections.

Photos: Blend/Koko Royale

Balenciaga: Spanish Master is an experience that any lover of fashion or art or Spanish history should not miss. The exhibition will be on display at the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute through February 19th and is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and Institute members.

Queen Sofía Spanish Institute  - 684 Park Ave

Like Cristobal Balenciaga, artist Francesco Vezzoli was inspired by religion for his latest exhibition Sacrilegio. He has reimagined 15th- and 16th-century Madonna and Child paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli utilizing 80s/90s supermodels including Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christie Brinkley, Tatjana Patitz, Claudia Schiffer, Stephanie Seymour and Kim Alexis.

Kim Alexis

The exhibit purports to examine “the societal worship of figures from the fashion and celebrity industries” by combining supermodels with historical religious icons.

Cindy Crawford

Vezzoli adorned each painting with “makeup, tattoos and large oblong tears rendered in needlepoint” and the gallery itself has been transformed into a Renaissance chapel. Some of the works also feature an FV with “a needle and thread forming part of the initials.”

Christie Brinkley

The exhibit was interesting and wholly entertaining — I mean, Christie Brinkley crying a giant needlepoint Liza Minnelli tear! I’m surprised I didn’t collapse from the amount of awesome being thrown my way.

Whether you subscribe to the artist’s idea of using these supers to “reflect a reality that has a huge power over our lives” or are just tickled by Naomi Campbell as a holy figure, Sacrilegio is definitely worth seeing. Sacrilegio will be on display at the Gagosian through March 12.

Gagosian Gallery - 522 W 21st St

Horyn already expressed her approval of the gown, stating that it “recalled some of the opulent state dinners of the Reagan era” and trumpeted the gown’s approapriate level of “pomp”.  She also understands the subsequent fallout that has occurred, led by Oscar “The Grouch” de la Renta, over choosing a foreign designer for such an important occasion:

“His [de la Renta's] business is based in the garment district, and by using local factories for most of his production, he contributes to its prosperity. This is an important issue to him.”

She is less sympathetic, however, to the CFDA, whom she sees as being more than just a bit hypocritical in their condemnation and are simply trying to “goad” Mrs. O into wearing American designers:

“The truth is many of its members, including its president, Diane Von Furstenberg, manufacture a significant portion of their clothes outside the United States, mainly in Asia.”

But given the heated rhetoric over one gown chosen for one event over one week ago, Horyn thinks — and rightfully so —  that attention is being taken away from Mobama’s substantial accomplishments.

“I want her to be known for something other than her fashion. I want her to be a great first lady who truly cares about the lives of Americans at the time when many need help. I want her to be far more than “prime placement” for a dress label — whatever the country of origin. She supports a number of causes, notably healthful eating habits, but these deeds are being overshadowed by what she wears.”

Horyn goes on to cite an article in The Economist that expressed the hope “to hear more about what Mrs Obama thinks and a lot less about what she wears.”

That article, published during the first months of Barack Obama‘s administration, cited Michelle Obama’s impressive background  — she graduated cum laude from Princeton and earned her law degree from Harvard before embarking on a successful career in the public and private sector — and credited her hands-on approach during the 2008 election, traveling around the country giving “intelligent, substantive and well-delivered” speeches in support of her husband.

Ever since that election the White House, according to the article, has tamed down this image, trying “its best to turn the first lady into a celebrity mother-cum-clothes-horse,” in reaction to Hillary Clinton‘s  forthrightness during the first years of the Clinton administration.

“Hillary Clinton’s determination to act as a virtual co-president back in 1993 helped to create a backlash against her husband’s administration. It also raised uncomfortable questions about power and accountability. Given America’s continued neuroses about race, an outspoken black first lady might prove to be even more divisive than an outspoken white one.”

Not only would an “outspoken black first lady be divisive,” it would be downright alienating.  It’s true that Mrs. O has taken a back seat to her husband — his position practically calls for it — but that has not reduced her own merits. It’s really America’s perception of the Obamas and who Americans want them to be and want them to represent that has dictated this fanatic fascination with her sense of style.

At the onset of the Obama administration, there was an excitement that everything would be different, better. A sort of optimism that was frequently compared to John F. Kennedy‘s election some 50 years prior. And  with this new, black Camelot came — as The Economist put it — the “Jackiefication” of Michelle Obama.

Couple that with the fact that the Obamas were younger, more attractive and more accessible than any first family since the Kennedys and the American public couldn’t help but slip Michelle into Jackie Kennedy‘s iconic pillbox hat. It was all part of the optimism, but with this comparison we lost or forgot or chose to forget the Michelle Obama of the campaign trail; the passionate, articulate Ivy-league educated attorney who stood beside her husband rather than behind him.

It’s easy to forget that despite her flirtations with couture and high society, Jackie Kennedy was also a well-educated woman with her own opinions who later in life had a successful career as a book editor.  Hillary Clinton simply reinvented what a First Lady could do and hers is a large pantsuit to fill.

Horyn believes that the only person who can change the perception of Michelle Obama is Michelle Obama. But it’s all part of a great balancing act. After all, Michelle Obama represents so many things to so many people.  As an African American, she is an inspiration for all minorities; as a successful woman, she is an inspiration for other women; as first Lady of the United States, she is the face of America and a champion for civil causes; but at the end of the day she is a woman and like most women her clothes are an extension of her.

It’s impossible to please everyone, particularly when everyone has an opinion about what you say, where you go and what you wear. No doubt it would behoove the press to focus on the causes Mo champions, but let’s be real, that shit doesn’t sell. And if there’s one thing Americans respond to it’s celebrity culture. There are no bigger celebrities in the world than the Obamas and like all celebrities, we as a culture love to build them up and tear them down, only to build them up back again.

This dress controversy will blow over, but how will history remember Michelle Obama? Will she be proactive like Hilary? A style icon like Jackie? A lush like Betty? Sure Mo has a hand in her legacy, but America will remember what it chooses to remember. Thats the way history works. It’s written selectively by the winners, so for all her degrees and her speeches and her social work, will she only be remembered for a few great dresses?

We’ll have to wait to see how the rest of her husband’s presidency goes before we can even begin to answer that.

Link Love: New York Times

“CFDA believes in promoting American fashion. Our First Lady Michelle Obama has been wonderful at promoting our designers, so we were surprised and a little disappointed not to be represented for this major state dinner.”

For Barack’s sake, can a bitch just wear some McQueen?

Honestly, if I were the First Lady of the United States (there’s still time!) I would openly wear French couture and thumb my nose at any one who dared question me. And I would use taxpayer’s money to foot the bill.

Steven Kolb, Executive Director of the CFDA, however, seems to honor a woman’s prerogative and came to Mo’s defense saying:

“Mrs. Obama is the First Lady, but she’s also an individual and she’s a woman. She’s going to dress in clothes that she looks good in and that she feels comfortable in. I don’t think she’s making a statement by not wearing someone. She’s just choosing clothes as a woman.”

And what woman wouldn’t want to wear any of Alexander McQueen’s gorgeous gowns?

Link Love: WWD

Photo: Huffington Post

According to WWD:

“My understanding…is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade — American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?…I’m not talking about my clothes, my business. I’m old, and I don’t need it. But there are a lot of young people, very talented people here who do.”

Barring the fact that de la Renta has been outfitting First Ladies since before Betty Ford had her clinic, Mo has a well-documented reputation of wearing and supporting lesser known American designers.

Bitter, much?

Robin Givhan, however, felt — rather intensely — that the nationality of the designer had less to do with her choice than what the gown meant as a statement:

“The red petal print, silk organza gown wasn’t so much an act of diplomacy as a broad statement about the new realities of the fashion industry. In choosing a dress from Alexander McQueen, Mrs. Obama championed the cause of artisan design, the legacy of bespoke tailoring, and the staggering creativity that can be nurtured in the frock trade when it is at its best.”

Or she thought, “Hey, it’s China, they’re communists, right? Give me that McQueen number, hack off the sleeves and sweep my hair up in a regal crown, I’m reading to orphan children right now.”

I’m sure there was more than that to Mo’s decision, but the extent of Givhan’s analysis might be a little over the top. Still she makes an incredibly incisive and enlightening point:

“In wearing the gown to honor China, a country that many view with disdain for its abundance of cheap labor, counterfeit products, and poor labor practices, Mrs. Obama seemed to be recognizing the country’s inevitable place in the fashion cycle and giving it its due. Indeed, Chinese consumers represent a vast new marketplace for designer companies, and the production quality of its factories continues to improve. In short, Mrs. Obama’s choice was an optimistic celebration of all that fashion can be and it seemed to suggest that China was welcome to be a part of that vision.”

I’m going to say it once, if you like it you should throw a goddamn Pulitzer at it. Again.

Link Love: NY Mag

“According to her lawyer, filming begins this week and will continue through Fashion Week, which means Jessica should be sitting front row at a bevy of shows. Her show will reportedly revolve around her life and her friends, which means a fair amount of fashion moments, photoshoots, and party scenes.”- Modelinia

Here’s to exclusive peeks into the world of a supermodels’ lifestyle all while enjoying the perks of reality tv and feeling fashionable all at the the same time!