Nicola styled himself (of course) for photographer Christopher Makos and wears some stunning makeup courtesy of Maki Ryoke.

Photos via: NicolaFormichetti.com

As France’s finest ambassador, Christian Dior assembled 120 couture dream gowns alongside paintings and photographs that have inspired the house’s designers throughout the years. Artists that have ignited beauty at Dior include Matisse, Cezanne, Shirin Neshat, Malevich, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Man Ray, Gustav Klimt, and other sensations.

With a room dedicated solely to Dior perfumes and their campaign posters, another to recreating the feel of Monsieur Dior’s atelier and the grand hall featured suspended dresses in giant glass tubes. The curators did not shy away from John Galliano‘s greatest work despite, well, you know, as his Mitzah gown from spring ’97 sprawled its pink ruffles onto the museum floor and his sheer angelic winged cloud-like gown. Yves Saint Laurent‘s short tulle evening gown from fall ’59 lit up the exhibit.

Model Natalia Vodianova an 330 other guests took the magnitude of Dior in with awe. It was an exhibit as only could be executed with the help of Bernard Arnault and an army of 100 fashion-art dedicated workers. It left a deep impression on the fashion elite and oil tycoons alike.

If you’re in Russia, this exhibit will be open at the Pushkin Museum through July 24th. If you have no Russian adventures in your future, bask in the glory of these images.

Link Love: WWD

Images by Igor Rodin

Since “many ordinary Russians regard beer as a soft drink,” consumption of the brew has tripled in the past 15 years. The Russian government estimates that the average Russian consumes 32 pints of pure alcohol a year, which is more than double the recommended maximum of the World Health Organization.

Awesome.

But now, with the population dwindling and President Dmitry Medvedev claiming the country’s drinking is a “national disaster,” Russia is now classifying beer as an alcoholic beverage.

I often thought, much like the Irish, that “alcoholism” was never seen as a problem for the Russians so much as a source of national pride. What disheartening news to wake up drunk to. Next thing you know they’ll start classifying Naomi Campbell as a national disaster just like the rest of the world. The times they are a-changin’.

Link Love: The Daily Telegraph

Photo: English Russia (I literally Googled “drunk Russian” and this came up. Awesome x 2)

“Full-body overalls made from stretch and stocking fabrics symbolize an artificial second skin. The mobile phones represent the chips of the future, transplanted under the skin. The idea behind the designs: today’s ultimate transparency as everything we do is observed and documented by  Internet sites, Google… Giving birth in a matter of seconds thanks to a system of zippers; disco balls modeled as gigantic nipples, a Russian woman soldier serving for Germany, a shoe with integrated compass that shows you the way as you walk it …”

PUSH for more

Credits:
 photography: Denis Pernath
 model: Katjushka Krasawiza aka Katja K. (fashion world)
 make-up: Alex Hofmann
 retouching: Dirk Meycke
 phones: Vertu Mobiles

Italy, London, and New York are the usual suspects when it comes to fashion.  Sure, Japan‘s coming up, especially in the menswear world, but what of designers coming from other corners of the globe?  The Vilcek Foundation answers that question, recently opening Transparency, a look at Russian-born designer Madina Vadache‘s latest collection.  Click on for more.Vadache’s dresses focus, obviously, on transparency, most notably in the materials she uses in her designs.  Highlights include a gorgeous wedding dresses (one of Vadache’s hallmarks since her beginnings in 2000), using sheer silk organza–another trademark of Vadache–and replete with gorgeous flowers from hem to waist, and again as a sort of crown from which the train (organza again) emerges.

The collection is at once modern and elegant while still drawing on classic designs such as the pencil skirt and the white ruffled blouse.  There are pops of color and understated details.

While Fashion Week rolls on and mere plebes hang out around Lincoln Center trying to get in to exclusive shows, these dresses which would fit in right alongside those being strutted down the runways are instead available for the public at the Vilcek Foundation Gallery at 167 E 73rd in New York, from now until October 2nd.

GQ // China
// August 2010

GQ // France
// August 2010

GQ // Germany
// August 2010

GQ // Korea
// August 2010

GQ // Russia
// August 2010

GQ // South Africa 
// August 2010

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VOGUE // Japan
// August 2010

VOGUE // Latino América
// August 2010

VOGUE // Russia
// August 2010
 
VOGUE // Taiwan
// August 2010
 
VOGUE // Greece
// August 2010

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LINK LOVE:Laetitia Casta for Vogue Russia

GLAMOUR

// UK
// July 2010

GLAMOUR

// Spain
// July 2010
GLAMOUR

// Russia
// July 2010

GLAMOUR

// Mexico
// July 2010

GLAMOUR

// Bulgaria
// July 2010

LINK LOVE:WORLD MAGAZINE COVERS // GLAMOUR // JULY 2010 // VOL.2

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Figure skater Johnny Weir let Bluefly video cameras into his closet so that the nation might ogle his vast clothing collection, which contains much more than controversial fur-accented unitards. Weir has a two-bedroom apartment in New Jersey, one bedroom of which he uses just for clothes — in addition to his two walk-in closets. “I live in New Jersey, and that affords me a lot more closet space than the average New Yorker gets,” Weir explained. “And believe me, I need it!” We spoke to him more about his Chanel jacket obsession, fur pillows, Louboutins as art pieces, and his upcoming clothing line.

What is your advice on closet cleaning?
I don’t get rid of anything — I’m such a pack rat. There could be something that I got ten years ago that I wouldn’t get rid of. I have a vintage Chanel jacket that I don’t actually fit into — a very classic Chanel tweed jacket. I just have it as a sort of art installment. And someday I’m going to have a kid, so whether it’s a boy or girl they’re going to inherit a really great wardrobe.

Do you wear women’s clothing?
I’m lucky because I’m really small so I can wear men's clothes and women’s clothes.

Do you wear women’s shoes, too?
Usually I try not to buy women’s shoes — I have no heels in my collection. I want to buy a pair of Louboutin patent-leather heels just to fit in the apartment as an art installation. I have a pair of Chanel women's boat shoes and a pair of women’s sneakers from Gucci. And I have a small foot.

How do you feel about man heels?
I don’t like the idea of that look — I think it’s not quite right. But there are those situations where you’re performing or doing a shoot where, you know, there’s nothing wrong with a little heel. I think more men should walk in heels and run in heels and see what women have to deal with every day.

How often do you shop?
It depends on the paychecks. It depends if I’m having a good month or a bad month, but if it’s a good month I’ll go and treat myself once or twice a week. I recently got a deal to write a book and I had to treat myself and I went and bought myself a Chanel jacket — a new one, a modern one from one of the recent collections.

What are your tips for closet organization?
I know exactly everything that I have. Whether it’s a tank top or fur coat, I’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where it goes in the house. I have special bins for things I don’t actually wear because I don’t actually need them. And I keep everything color coded, so I have a very strict system of closeting.

You encountered a spot of trouble earlier this year for wearing a bit of fur on one of your skating outfits. Do you own a lot of fur?
I do have a lot of fur. I’m a big fan of fur. I’m not a fan of nutria or fake fur and I’ve taken a lot of flack for that, but it’s just a choice that I make. I travel a lot to Russia and it’s usually in winter when I’m in Russia, so you can’t walk around in a plastic coat and plastic boots when it's minus 40 degrees. I’m from the country, I’ve gone hunting, so I know what happens. I know everything there is to know about the fur industry and I choose to wear fur.

How do you store your furs?
I have one closet that’s special and air conditioned just for fur, but it’s all fur coats and scarves and blankets and pillows and things like that.

You have real fur pillows?
I like to have a furry bed. I like to get cozy even in the summertime. The air conditioning gets cold and I like to snuggle.

How’s the clothing line coming along?
We’re meeting with several different producers and people that are willing to help and want to help and are very passionate about me sort of putting my name on some fashions. I’ve been so busy, and it seems like it’s been a long time since the Olympics, but it really hasn’t and I haven’t stopped doing appearances and performing. And I'm writing my single and trying to write my book. And I found a little bit of cellulite yesterday so I’ve been in the gym every day.

What kind of price point are you aiming for?
I want Chanel quality, of course — a different price point, but of course Chanel quality. If I’m going to put my name on it, it’s gotta be good enough for Uncle Karl. Price point? I’m thinking along the lines of All Saints or Topshop — I wouldn’t go crazy and put my name on a heel for $700. I’m not a tried-and-true designer just yet. Maybe when I’m 50 or 70 I can put my name on a shoe for $700.

Johnny Weir: Closet Confessions Bluefly

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: weir in for a treat, johnny weir, video

LINK LOVE:Q&A: Johnny Weir on His Fabulous Clothing Collection, Fur, and Upcoming Clothing Line

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.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline

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

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.

]]> http://fashionindie.com/trendspark-under-the-russian-influence/feed/ 0 http://fashionindie.com/trends-banned-in-russia-domestic-violence-not/ http://fashionindie.com/trends-banned-in-russia-domestic-violence-not/#comments Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:03:55 +0000 Rebecca Alexander http://fashionindie.com/?p=8354

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.