OUIDAD HELPS THE FIGHT AGAINST FRIZZY HAIR

Ouidad’s Climate Control gel has long been the secret weapon of choice for women looking to tame their ringlets, thanks to its heat—and humidity—fighting formula. Just how successful has it been? Enough that New York-based curly hair-centric salon has developed an entire line around it, with this month’s launch of a shampoo, conditioner, and a flyaway shine spray developed to be used in conjunction with the original gel.
“Given the cult following surrounding this product and the fact that frizz-fighting is the top concern among curly hair women, it was a natural next step to expand the Climate Control franchise and create product extensions that are formulated specifically for curly hair [and] that deliver unparalleled anti-frizz technology,” says Lindsay Barrish, Director of Product Development at the brand.

The Fruits of Spring

You can get your fill of seasonal veggies courtesy of Dolce and Gabbana‘s spring collection, but here’s where to source something a bit sweeter.
Lena Erziak’s Adam Minaudiere
The ultimate piece of fruit, Erziak’s lucite clutch is the most glamorous way to jump on the fruit bandwagon. And while no, it’s not exactly priced for a trend, it’s actually quite elegant.  Fruit may not rear its head on the runway for a while, but you’ll probably carry this forever.  {$1,550}

Costume Jewelry’s Comeback Kid: Rona Pfeiffer

Rona Pfeiffer already had her moment.
Eight years ago, after stringing key chains with her ten-year-old daughter, she accidentally uncovered a talent for jewelry design. “I did it in a way you aren’t supposed to,” she told us at last night’s shop-in-shop at Elizabeth Charles in N.Y.C. “I didn’t even know where to get materials!”
As usual, the learning curve favored the bold, and soon Barneys was picking up the collection. But as quickly as luck presented itself, the designer was confronted with a difficult decision: her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Pfeiffer chose to abandon the business entirely. “I’m not sorry about it,” she says. “People were outraged, but in the long run, it didn’t hurt me. I believe that in a way, I was rewarded for it.”

“Charleston Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Knows Bespoke Fashion”

CHARLESTON—When twenty-three-year old Savannah, Georgia resident Hannah Goff’s bold collection exploded onto the runway, camera lights went off like mini supernovas of excitement; the young North Carolina State University alumnus easily won Charleston Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer competition.
Since 2006, Charleston’s unique Fashion Week has been dedicated to breaking the mold. The event’s creative director, Ayoka Lucas, has taken it on herself to find the next Proenza Schouler or Alexander Wang.  Fully aware that the New York route is often expensive and challenging, she states, “It really is a great introduction for them [the designers] into the industry, which is a challenging industry to get into, so I am really proud of the emerging designer component; we are seeing talent from the entire east coast.”

Proenza Schouler to Open Store on Madison

The LA Times is reporting that construction has started on Proenza Schouler‘s first store.  It’s in New York, of course, but uptown on Madison Avenue instead of downtown where the brand’s most loyal fans both live and hangout.
Lazaro Hernandez told the paper, “For us, it’s weird to go to stores and see a watered-down version of the collection.  With our own store, we’ll have the opportunity to show our whole expression of the brand.”
When it opens, later this year, the boutique will offer plenty of exclusive product, as well as Proenza’s new line of denim—”Kind of dorky, super-clean. No whiskers, no bells and whistles, no signatures….Super-anonymous.”—and an ever growing selection of PS1s.  Between this and Celine’s new Madison Avenue outpost, Madison Avenue’s suddenly looking pretty hip.

Nars Jumps on the Collaboration Bandwagon

Nars has waded into the world of collaborations—a quick capsule collection with Marc Jacobs, a line of nail polish for Thakoon—but this fall they’re launching something much bigger: a series of Andy Warhol inspired cosmetics.
The makeup brand’s partnered with the late artist’s estate to turn the bright colors so often associated with Warhol’s pop art into wearable shades of makeup, as well as cool packaging and what we can only imagine will be a brilliantly memorable campaign.
WWD reports that the collab will launch in October.  If you’re in need of colorful makeup now, we suggest checking out your local Dolce & Gabbana counter.  The brand’s spring cosmetics collection just hit, and it’s as colorful as their clothes, thought slightly more muted.  If you’ve searched high and low for the perfect yellow eyeliner, well, they’ve got you covered.

AUDREY GRACE POPS UP NORTH

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly serve as muses to Jaclyn Bethany, owner of the Jackson, Mississippi boutique Audrey Grace, but for her New York City pop-up shop she found inspiration in a very different type of woman: Marie Antoinette.
“I’m just after a really feminine, girly aesthetic,” said Bethany, who’s dressed up her temporary space at the Highline Loft with all the frills and flowers worthy of the onetime Queen of France. The one-week shop, which opens its doors on Friday, is stocked with pieces that seem to answer the question, What would Marie Antoinette wear? “Things with bows and lace and a Peter Pan collar—it’s very whimsical,” Bethany adds. Among the designers featured in the space are Erin Fetherston, Rachel Antonoff, Wren, and Sretsis, all go-to brands for women looking for cutesy-chic, along with select vintage pieces—Bethany is most excited about the selection of 1950s prom dresses—and works by up-and-coming artists like photographer Stacey Mark and illustrator Caitlin Shearer.

Alice Dellal’s Chanel Campaign Is Finally Here, In Full

It’s been a long four-month wait since Chanel first announced Alice Dellal as the new face of its Boy Chanel handbag collection. In the interim, we’ve gotten behind-the-scene images from Dellal’s shoot with Karl Lagerfeld, videos of her talking about her first Chanel bag and cavorting during the shoot. Now, finally, the four-image campaign has been revealed. See one more image after the cut, and then the rest can be seen at Boy.Chanel.com. And speaking of launches and Lagerfeld, the designer introduced his website, Karl.com, this week.

&M Launches New Collection That’s Already Seen Red Carpet Time

H&M’s eco-friendly Conscious Collection is getting a little red carpet glamour for spring. Not only will the sustainably-made capsule include its usual breezy dresses and floral prints, there are dressier options this season—still made in fabrics like organic cotton and hemp—as part of the new Exclusive Glamour Conscious collection. Proving its red carpet-readiness, two looks from Exclusive Glamour have been taken out for a spin—on just such a venue: Amanda Seyfried wore the blue short suit to the In Time premiere in London last October, and Michelle Williams chose the collection’s two-tone gown for the BAFTAs in February. FabSugar has a look at more of both collections, which will be in stores April 12, and see Michelle’s red carpet look after the jump.

Arizona Muse Signs with Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder has a new face: 23-year-old Arizona Muse, who joins a spokesmodel stable that already includes Carolyn Murphy, Hilary Rhoda, Constance Jablonski, Liu Wen, Joan Smalls, and Elizabeth Hurley.
“Arizona is a true beauty and a great complement to our other spokespeople,” Aerin Lauder, the brand’s style and image director, told WWD. “She is perfect for the brand — she is warm, elegant and personable. She can represent skin care, fragrance and makeup equally well. She is truly a modern Estée Lauder woman.”
Muse, who learned the news during Paris Fashion Week, calls her new role “a monumental honor.” She recalls: “I walked into my hotel room and found an enormous bouquet of flowers from Lauder welcoming me to the brand. It was such a great way to finish fashion week.”
Although she hasn’t yet been photographed for any Estée Lauder advertising, Muse, who was signed for skin care, makeup, and fragrance, is expected to appear in her first images within the next year.

Another Fashion Heavyweight Weighs in on Dior

We’ve heard from Suzy Menkes and Bridget Foley, as well as Cathy Horyn, but what about Colin McDowell?  The British journalist took to the Business of Fashion this morning to play the Dior guessing game.   While most of the names bandied about in conversations regarding the future of the house of Dior—Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Sarah Burton—McDowell thinks we’re approaching it all wrong.  Why not, he suggests, nominate someone young and fresh, someone akin to Yves Saint Laurent when he took over Dior?  Furthermore, why not give designers time to develop their vision and make these big brands their own, like Riccardo Tisci’s so successfully done at Givenchy?

Gwyneth’s New Modeling Gig

Gwyneth Paltrow may blog about her love of Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney, and wear not-yet-released Tom Ford on red carpets, but the actress is perfectly happy posing for more mainstream brands.
Last year, Paltrow was named the face of Coach.  Peter Lindbergh shot the campaign, in honor of the brand’s 70th anniversary, and the images ran all over Europe and Asia.  This year, she’s posing for Lindex, a sporty Swedish brand with H&M like prices.  Fashionista posted the campaign images this morning, and Lindex’s blog says, “Today we are happy to announce that it is the talented actor and fashion icon Gwyneth Paltrow who is our model in the upcoming spring campaign Modern Preppy…The campaign was inspired by the sporty, relaxed lifestyle that is characteristic of USA’s East Coast gems, such as Long Island and the Hamptons, yet with a certain Scandinavian touch. The combination results in a fresh, new feeling.”
Paltrow looks Swedish, and spends plenty of time in the Hamptons, but it’s still an unlikely pairing, and one that won’t be available stateside.  Though Paltrow loves a new project—whether it’s performing on the Grammys, writing a cookbook, guest starring on a musical TV show, or traveling to Spain for the perfect chorizo—starring in an American ad campaign appears to be just about the one thing she won’t do.

Hermès Exhibit to Open in London

If Louis Vuitton—Marc Jacobs: The Exhibition didn’t sate your appetite for historical luggage, you’re in luck.  Hermès has just announced that they’ll put up their own exhibition in London this spring, in honor of their 175th anniversary.
Leather Forever (which would be a great song title) will open May 8th, in Burlington Gardens, and trace the history of the house from their first saddles and equestrian accessories to the age of the Birkin and the Kelly to now.  Like Vuitton, the French house has come quite a long way from its days as expert leather makers.  Without a Marc Jacobs at their helm, their ready-to-wear doesn’t earn much spotlight, but their accessories and handbags are the ultimate mark of success.
The exhibit, which just runs for a few weeks and closes May 27th, will also include a selection of one-off bags to be auctioned for the Royal Academy of Arts post-show.

Anna Sui Does Luggage with Tumi

Anna Sui has an upcoming collaboration with Coach for fall, but for spring, she worked with Tumi on a four-piece collection of luggage. The capsule—which includes a tote, a carry-on bag, a laptop case, and shoe bags—made its debut on Sui’s Spring 2012 runway and features her iconic butterfly print in purple and black.

“I have always thought that Tumi had amazing travel bags, so when the opportunity came about to collaborate on a collection with them, I jumped at the chance,” Sui explained. “To combine their construction and quality with my unique design aesthetic I thought would be a great union.  We are all thrilled with how the pieces turned out.”
So where is Sui dreaming of taking that new suitcase? “I am thinking about going to Australia,” she told us. “I’d love to add on Tahiti but I don’t think I will have enough time!”
The Anna Sui for Tumi collection launched this week on Tumi.com and will be available in stores by March 15.

Tom Ford Is Now Selling $3,000 Glasses

This morning, we announced the launch of Tom Ford’s first seasonal beauty collection, but the designer already has another launch queued up: that of his special-edition eyewear collection.
The ’50s-inspired frames retail for $2,950 apiece, or about tenfold the average price of designer eyewear. The justification for the price tag? The retro frames—which come in styles for both men and women—are gold-plated and come with “precious” water buffalo horn on the front and temple tips, a Bakelite box, a leather case, and a certificate of authenticity.
The collection is expected to be available in Tom Ford boutiques and select department stores come April.

Chloé’s Fancy Festival Wear

PARIS—Yesterday, Clare Waight Keller presented her second collection for Chloé. Like her spring debut, fall’s clothes are inspired by the laid back, bohemian style spotted at music festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella paired with the more sophisticated Parisian look that Keller’s adopted for herself since moving to the French capital from London.
“I think the idea of these sort of parkas and big outerwear, this relaxed way of dressing is so relevant,” Keller said post-show, sitting in an abandoned front row seat in skinny grey sweats and a white tee with a slim black blazer and stark white oxfords. “I think it’s something about the attitude of that—which is what British style is about—mixed with this very polished French style.  The tension between the two is very strong.”
Of course, given its presentation—on a runway in Paris in the Tuileries—the whole thing was a bit fancier than an actual festival, lacking both mud and Wellingtons.  But when asked, Keller knew exactly what she’d be packing for her next festival, “The big navy blue sheepskin is almost like a sleeping bag.  You feel absolutely beautiful in it, but at the same time it has this really sort of floppy spirit to it so you don’t feel very posh and dressed up and city.”  As for what else she’d pack, “Fun things to do with friends!”

Equipment’s Launching Sweaters for Fall

PARIS—Tucked away in a suite in L’Hotel Crillon this weekend was Equipment’s fall collection.  It may not have been presented on Arizona Muse walking a gilded runway, but it is what you’ll be wearing next fall.  So thankfully, you’ll have more than just their signature silk blouses to add to your wardrobe.
The brand is launching sweaters—super soft, but not too thin cashmere—in three silhouettes: a classic crew, a boyfriend V-neck and an over-sized cardigan. The colors match the shirts, so royal blue, cherry red, emerald green, mustard yellow etc.   Come August, Equipment’s also expanding on dresses, introducing the Liam shirt (above, center) and offering their just launched pajamas as separates.

News: Scarlett Goes ‘Psycho,’ Hermès’s €1.5 Million Bag

Scarlett Johansson will play Psycho star Janet Leigh — she of the famous shower scene — in the upcoming film Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. {Variety}
See a clip of a young Elizabeth Olsen in her sisters’ old show The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley. {PopSugar}
The first trailer for Tim Burton’s upcoming stop-motion Disney movie, Frankenweenie, is out. {Deadline}
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Oscar look was inspired by Jackie O’s inaugural ball gown: “I saw a pic of Jackie O in a white dress with a cape and it’s been a while since anyone’s worn a cape, frankly, except for Superman.” {People}
Kate Moss’s husband Jamie Hince is a fan of Marc Jacobs, feels uncomfortable at fashion shows: “Sometimes I feel like: ‘What am I doing here?’” {HuffPo}
Isabel Marant on why she doesn’t have a fragrance: “I’ve been asked 50,000 times to produce a scent, but I don’t like perfume, it’s not something that comes to me naturally. I want to dedicate myself fully to things I truly believe in.” {WWD}
Hermès has designed an €1.5 million bag covered in diamonds. {FT}
Mary Katrantzou might launch plus sizes with Net-a-Porter. {Fashionista}

An Exclusive Look at Lagerfeld’s Hogan Collection

Karl Lagerfeld works on so many one off collaborations that it’s hard to keep track of his consistent projects.  Aside from the recent re-launch of his eponymous masstige project, there’s Chanel, Fendi and, for the past four years, Hogan. The Italian brand, which is owned by Tod’s, celebrated its fall collection with a cocktail party on the left bank yesterday afternoon, followed by a dinner—the latter of which was attended by a blue haired Katy Perry.  The collection, mostly black and white with lots of sparkle and a few studs, is supposed to strike a balance between “the haute couture sketches and balanced proportions of Karl Lagerfeld [and] the urban-chic lifestyle and contemporary luxury of Hogan.”

Rochas’ Funky Red Carpet Dresses

PARIS—It’s not that everyone didn’t look lovely at the Academy Awards this weekend (and yes, red carpet season’s pretty much over), it’s just that we find ourselves wishing year after year that someone would take a risk.  Like Simon Doonan said a few months ago, we’re still talking about Bjork’s swan dress because it was the last time anyone wore anything interesting.  While swans might be too far a stretch after a year of ladylike Vuitton gowns and vintage Dior, what about throwing some prints into the mix?
In Paris this afternoon, Marco Zanini showed a handful of surprisingly loud gowns, all of which were fancy enough for a red carpet, yet playful enough for a young starlet.  Sandwiched in between his ultra seventies brocade bell-bottom suits, granny chic cardigans and tweed tights were bell skirted gowns printed with over-sized checks or tile-like squares.  Sure, they’re not for everyone, but they’re a beautiful alternative for someone tired of the sparkle-meets-fishtail look.