News: Prada's Take on Modern Femininity; Alexis Mabille and Maison Martin Margiela Dubbed Haute Couture

Prada's just-released Spring/Summer 2013 campaign for its women's line features an array of top models including Vanessa Axente, Saskia de Brauw, and Irina Kravchenko, blending their own personas with the Italian fashion house's take on modern femininity. {Prada press release}

As of Tuesday, Alexis Mabille and Maison Martin Margiela are officially haute couture, as ordained by French fashion’s regulating commission, the Chambre Syndicale. {WWD}

See BFA-winner Cara Delevingne work it in DKNY's Spring/Summer 2013 campaign. {Grazia Daily}

Thakoon, Timo Weiland, and Pamella Roland Celebrate American Art at The Whitney Museum Studio Party

Postponed due to Hurricane Sandy, the Whitney Museum of American Art finally held its annual Gala and Studio Party last night, with the fashion and art crowd in attendance. The dinner and after-party, presented by fashion designer Pamella Roland and Microsoft, honored photography curator and museum benefactor Sondra Gilman Gonzalez-Falla, and it also raised money for the New York Foundation for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund. Fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul walked the Studio Party red carpet, pausing to speak with ELLE.com about his thoughts on the museum and the work that it does in cultivating new and emerging artists. "There’s a lot of talent that needs support. I think sometimes art is about

money and it's not about that at The Whitney," he told us of his decision to stop by. "And I’m in a festive mood."

Inside Benetton's Vibrantly Renovated Miami Store

Anyone who has cruised the streets of South Beach knows there is nary a shortage of colorful sights to be seen. The vibrancy pulsating through the town is precisely what United Colors of Benetton tapped into for the recent renovation of its Collins Avenue flagship. The Miami store received a splashy treatment with boardwalk-inspired flooring, pink and turquoise palm tree frescos, and neon-lit starburst chandeliers. Last Friday night, the boutique's new look no longer could be concealed when it was revealed to the Art Basel crowd.


"We adapted the store to South Beach itself—even the name. We call it Benetton South Beach, not the usual United Colors of Benetton," Ari Hoffman, the CEO of Benetton USA told ELLE.com. "It's an exception we made for a very special location." And why did the Italian chain designate Miami for its hub? "It's a meeting point for North America, South America, and Europe," explained Hoffman. "It's also a place for [feeling] happy and [having] fun."

Shopping Cart: Discounts at Barneys, Rag & Bone, and More

Barneys is taking up to 40 percent off brands like Lanvin, Kenzo, Proenza Schouler, and Yves Saint Laurent during its fall sale. Grab this 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, now $319 from $525, for this year's office holiday party. Head to Rag & Bone's sample sale in NYC to score up to 60 percent off men's and women's accessories, shoes, and clothing until December 2. Expect to find items like ballet flats for $150 and men’s button-downs for $98 at 410 West 16th Street. J.Crew is taking 25 percent off purchases of $150 or more, and 30 percent off purchases of $250 or more with code "WINTER" through December 2. All orders over $150 receive free shipping.