Matt Irwin took a shot at making Vicky’s girls even sexier than they already are. Shot for Russian Vogue, this spread features our favorite angels is some pretty hot looks. Bondage and leather get their fair share of attention in this pulse racing spread. Julia Stegner, Doutzen Kroes, and Angela Lindvall made the cut for this steamy little spread.

READ MORE ABOUT: Angela Lindvall, Doutzen Kroes, Julia Stegner, russia, Russian Vogue, victoria secret, vogue

Right before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Ben Blanchard and John Ruwitch of Reuters reported that designers in Hong Kong had taken to Communist-infused fashion with gusto. “G.O.D. — which stands for Goods of Desire — is a kind of high-end, boutique version of popular Swedish home furnishings store Ikea, but with clothes, some of which use designs and slogans from the frantic, at times violent, Cultural Revolution.”

Even Russian-born designers are paying homage to communism. According to Moscow News, a wave of “Soviet-style fashion” continues to emerge: Red stars in the collections of Olga Soldatova; “USSR” inscriptions on shirts from Denis Simachev; Fashionable odes to Yury Gagarin by Nina Neretina and Donis Pupis; even a collection of leather jackets and one-piece suits from Ilya Shiyan inspired by Soviet-era heroes (steeplejacks, subway builders, and test pilots).

-Via Trend de la Creme

READ MORE ABOUT: Denis Simachev, donis pupis, ilya shiyan, nina neretina, russia, soviet, yury gagarin

Okay, so before anyone says I’m just writing this article cause I’m marrying a Russian (September 13th, 2008), let me state that Rebecca Alexander (your trustworthy editor) is Ukranian. Yes, she only speaks Russian, and it’s true that she has a strange addiction to Darude’s Sandstorm, as well as a photographic memory of all Russian clubs, bars, and restaurants in Cleveland and New York, plus there is the fact that she has an addiction to caviar, vodka and weekends on Brighton Beach, but none of that has anything to do with me stating that Russia is becoming the capital of cool this fall. Want proof? Check out our three reasons why the land of bears and Sputnik is making it’s way into fashion.

1. Marc Jacobs hearts Russian Sweethearts T.A.T.U. – The girls who taught the MTV generation about the joys of girl on girl publicity will star in the designers Fall/Winter ads. Why did Marc choose the one-hit wonders for his iconic ad campaign. Russian fever.

2. Russians Invade Georgia Fashion – The Russian military has been making headlines in the news lately, but it’s what they’re wearing as they instill fear that has fashionistas talking. The structured jackets, the fur lining, the shades of navy all are getting their day on the runway.

3. Kira Plastinina – The Russian rich girl has daddy’s money and knows how to spend it. The 16 year old recently opened stores in Soho and is building her fashion empire across America. It’s good to have money, and this Russian Lolita has more than enough to make her a household name.

Need Further Proof. Check out this article in the Daily Mail for more on the Russian take-over.

READ MORE ABOUT: Kira Plastinia, Marc Jacobs, russia, tatu

A new Russian law could make being an emo kid illegal in the eastern European country. Legislation is currently being formulated in Russia to heavily regulate emo websites and ban emo and goth dress style in schools and government buildings.

The new laws are apparently being driven by fears that these “dangerous teen trends” encourage depression and suicide. The legislation was presented last month at a hearing held by the State Durma, where critics claimed that the “negative” emo culture encourages anti-social behavior and glorifies suicide.

Emo kids were described as teenagers who wear black, have facial piercings and black hair with fringes that “cover half the face.”

According to Wikipedia, the term “emo” is sometimes stereotyped with tight jeans on males and females alike, long bangs brushed to one side of the face or over one or both eyes, dyed black, straight hair, tight tees, studded belts, belt buckles, canvas sneakers or other black shoes (often old and beaten up) and thick, black glasses. The funny part about this, is that this describes almost every person walking down the streets of NYC. 

Emo stereotypes include being “emotional, sensitive, shy, introverted, or angsty,” which is also a description of almost everyone at one point or another.

Funniest part is that Russia has the second largest problem of domestic violence. “Every hour in Russia, a woman dies at the hands of a relative, partner, or former partner, according to a new report on domestic violence by Amnesty International. The report, entitled “Nowhere to turn to – violence against women in the family,” takes Russia’s government to task for failing to adequately address the problem.”

So no-one cares about domestic violence against women, but trendy dressing is apparently quite a concern.

READ MORE ABOUT: domestic violence, emo, russia