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.

News: Miranda Kerr for Mango SS13; Manolo Blahnik to be Honored by BFA

Miranda Kerr will be the face of Mango's Spring/Summer 2013 campaign. {Twitter}

After 40 years in fashion, Manolo Blahnik will be honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at London's annual British Fashion Awards ceremony on November 27. {WWD}

Watch a video of Suzy Menkes interviewing Jean Paul Gaultier and model Farida Khelfa about beauty and the differing perspectives in the fashion industry. {The New York Times}

Yoko Ono has designed 18 menswear pieces, inspired by John Lennon's body, that will launch at Opening Ceremony next week. {WWD}

Karlie Kloss has begun to venture into the art market, bidding $6,400 on a painting at a silent auction. {New York Post}

Take a look at Repetto's first ready-to-wear collection, featuring dance-inspired tops and dresses. {WWD}

Ford model Casey Legler chats about androgyny in the industry and wearing men's clothes. {Time}

Ralph Lauren launched rlvintage.com, a site that gives users a view of rare and iconic vintage pieces that can be purchased by request. {Telegraph}

Nordstrom collaborated with The Selby to showcase the gifts-of-choice of several inspiring Seattle residents, including a "Modernist," "Free Spirit," and "Style Setter." {Nordstrom}

Jordi Constans, former V.P. of Dannon's fresh dairy products division, replaced Yves Carcelle as the CEO of Louis Vuitton. {Fashionista}

Backstage Access: Rachel Zoe Styles Karmin for Coach

Coach will have fans singing this holiday season with its new video campaign featuring internet sensation, Karmin. Real life couple Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan gained fame from their YouTube cover songs and have continued making headlines with their hit singles "Brokenhearted" and "Hello." The video will feature the pair’s rendition of "Sleigh Ride," as well as products from Coach’s holiday collection.


"It was really organic how we came together," Heidemann said. "Coach has actually been a fan of ours since we starting posting cover videos on YouTube and of course we have always been a fan of Coach, so it was the perfect match!"


The campaign was styled by Rachel Zoe and will appear on her Bravo show, The Rachel Zoe Project. A behind-the-scenes video of Zoe on set was released today at Coach.com along with sneak peek pictures of Karmin’s video looks. ELLE.com snagged an exclusive shot of Zoe at work during the shoot.


Starting November 28, score a free download of Karmin’s "Sleigh Ride" video on Coach.com and on YouTube.

Anna Sui On Her New Collaboration with Coach

A jaunt downtown yesterday evening landed ELLE.com at the Coach store in Soho, where bundled up handbag-lovers celebrated the launch of a two-piece, limited-edition collection between the iconic brand and designer Anna Sui. "Coach wanted to revive their [1972] duffle bag and told me to do whatever I wanted," Sui told ELLE.com. "I mean, what more could you ask for than carte blanche from Coach?!" The collaboration features the Legacy Anna Sui Dragonfly Large Duffle ($798) and the Legacy Anna Sui Fleur de Lis Large Duffle ($1,000), which both first debuted at the designer’s Fall 2012 runway show. The former black leather style is adorned with an ornate dragonfly motif, contrast stitching, and a floral lining. The latter,

in vegetable-tanned medium brown leather, exudes a vintage-rocker vibe and features hand-tooled and hand-knotted detailing. Each bag is embellished with solid brass hardware, a signature Coach hangtag, bold tassels, and a removable interior wristlet (which Sui was seen autographing last night). What drew the eccentric, vivid-pattern-enthusiast to Coach? "I think we are an unexpected match, which sometimes makes the best kinds of collaborations," she said. "Coach told me to be as Anna Sui as possible, so that’s why we brought in the art nouveau and the hippie feeling." And while the totes do have a distinctly Anna Sui feel, the classic sportswear style—as pioneered by one of Sui’s favorites, designer Bonnie Cashin—is still unmistakably, and handsomely, palpable.   Find both bags online and in selected stores for a limited time.

B-Glowing Relaunches Beauty Site

B-Glowing, a carefully curated beauty e-commerce site, just relaunched. From the pretty packaging at Paul & Joe to the glam offerings from Kevyn Aucoin, the game-changing products for sale make this a one-stop shop for beauty insiders. Plus, there are easy-to-navigate pages with 200 percent larger images than before (which takes the guessing out of color matching).


Need help finding the best products for you? B-Glowing also offers staff picks with their ages included (ranging from ages 19 to 45). Choose from five different staffer's favorites—see what they tried, tested, and love. And, if you don't like it, simply send it back for a full refund.


Find brands like ByTerry, Nuxe, Becca, Ellis Faas, Jouer, and Eve Lom. And, for a limited time, receive 10 percent off your first purchase using the code "NEWGLOW."

Exclusive: Dannijo Launches Bridal Line

Come December 1, fashion-conscious brides-to-be are in for a treat: Danielle and Jodie Snyder, the sisters behind the jewelry label Dannijo, will officially be launching a seven-piece bridal collection on dannijo.com. The baubles were first spotted on the wrists of Leandra Medine (Man Repeller) and her bridesmaids at her wedding last June.

"So many of our customers request jewelry for their weddings or buy Dannijo pieces as gifts for their bridesmaids," Danielle told ELLE.com. "Bridal is a business we've always been involved in, so it made sense to launch a collection to meet our customers' needs. After custom designing pieces for Leandra's wedding and planning for Jodie's wedding next April, it was a natural next step."


The chunky, statement gems will surely speak to sartorial brides looking to step outside the box. The sisters cited "Old Hollywood glam" as their inspiration. "All of our jewelry is handmade with Swarovski crystals here in New York," noted Jodie. "We used more clear crystals for our bridal collection to create pieces that are truly timeless. The pieces can be bohemian, rocker, or classic—it's how they're paired and layered."

21 Artists Customize Biker Jackets for New Levi's Exhibit

Starting next Thursday, November 15, Levi's is celebrating the iconic biker look—the inspiration for the Fall 2012 Levi's Vintage Clothing collection—with an exhibition launching in its hometown of San Francisco. For "The Biker" exhibition, on display at the brand's flagship store in SF's Union Square, Levi's invited 21 illustrators and artists from around the world to customize a black leather motorcycle jacket with oil paints. Simultaneously, photos, outtakes, and correspondence from the archive of Danny Lyon, maker of 1968 photo-documentary The Bikeriders and member of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, will be shown.


The exhibit will be at the San Francisco store through November 25, and will then travel to NYC to be showcased during the Pop Up Flea from November 30 to December 2. Finally, it hits the Levi's store in Shinjuku, Tokyo on December 7, where the custom jackets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting charity.

First Look: Laura Mercier Art Deco Muse Holiday Collection

Laura Mercier's Art Deco Muse holiday makeup collection has just hit counters, and it gives a nod to the 1920s Parisian art scene. The beauty loot takes cues from decorative French architecture and the Art Deco movement, famously led by the artist Tamara de Lempicka, whose paintings inspired the collection.

The line boasts rich, shimmery gold-toned eye colors and deep black liners to help party-goers create a defined eye-makeup look. Expect lip and nail shades in bold red hues to finish off the ornamental style. Scoop it up the 10-piece collection for $18–$38, now.

Estée Lauder Debuts Celestial-Inspired Holiday Compacts

Astrology junkies will flip for Estée Lauder’s new Zodiac Powder Compact Collection. Each of the 12 gold compacts houses translucent pressed powder and is adorned with a modern interpretation of the star sign’s traditional imagery—such as an embossed ram for Aries and crab claws for Cancer. Along with brilliant matching Swarovski birthstone clasps, these makeup must-haves offer just the right amount of season sheen. You can also snag bold gold and blue snakeskin compacts to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac’s 2013 year of the snake.




The luxe Zodiac Holiday Compact Collection is now available for a limited time at select Estée Lauder stores and online (esteelauder.com) for $70 each.

Nine West Undergoes a Rebranding

In a bid to intrigue trendsetters, Nine West has unveiled a brand facelift that focuses on reformatted stores with easy to shop trend walls, reports WWD. A taste for slogans has emerged, as well: Along with the main tagline, "9W. We do Shoe," the store walls are emblazoned with cheeky titles like "Ballet Bar" and "The World According to Pumps."

New York lays claim to one of the first redone addresses to open its doors, with the flagship at 750 Lexington Avenue debuting the new look this past Sunday. By 2013, all stand-alone locations in the U.S. are scheduled to have undergone the chic treatment.


To celebrate the new look, ELLE.com has rounded up five styles, currently available for purchase or pre-order online, that prove that 9W can run with the big dogs

Above shoe: Nine West Sweetbriar from the Vintage America Collection, $179; ninewest.com

Anna Sui on Antonio Lopez; Louboutin Opens Men's Store

Anna Sui dishes about working with Antonio Lopez, who is the subject of a new book, Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco: "Things are obviously a lot different now. It’s not about fabulous anymore. It’s about having 500 friends on Facebook and the same American Apparel outfit to wear to a festival. It was kind of the opposite then. Freak was the preferred genre." {The New York Times} Let's hear it for the boys! Christian Louboutin opened the doors to his first U.S. men's store in NYC. {WWD} Uniqlo's People Campaign features Benjamin Millepied (Natalie Portman's husband), football star Joe Montana, and Man Repeller Leandra Medine. {Fashionista} Congratulations to Bill and Giuliana Rancic, who welcome their first son, Edward Duke Rancic. {People}

Esteban Cortazar will offer a new collection during New York Fashion Week, which he collaborated on with Net-a-Porter's managing director, Alison Loehnis, and fashion director, Holli Rogers. {WWD} Gwyneth Paltrow toted Hedi Slimane's first bag for YSL. {Grazia Daily} Andy Hilfiger signed Bethanie Mattek-Sands—who has been called the “Lady Gaga of the tennis world"—to be the face of Andrew Charles. {WWD}

Chris Benz on his Manic Panic Pink Mop

Shockingly bright pink hair has been in style for quite some time now—just look at ELLE September cover girl, Katy Perry. Some A-listers (ahem, Alessandra Ambrosio ) even extended the trend to their pups. But one of the best highlighter dye jobs in Hollywood sits atop Chris Benz's head. As ELLE pointed out in this piece on the designer, "real men wear pink." Benz recently told Fashionologie some intimate deets of his dye jobs, such as that he uses Manic Panic formula about once a month, but doesn't mind when it grows out. "I feel like roots are really important right now," he said. Potential runway beauty trend?

He also explained why he chose his statement locks in the first place. "It was that winter in New York when it was like endless, and everyone was dying, and it was pouring down rain," he said of the storm 2012 winter season. "Every single day it was snowing…And I was like, I don't know, I need to get a tattoo or pierce my ears or something, and everyone was like, no, just dye your hair because you can always dye it back, and you'll feel like you did something exciting in the midst of this terrible winter. So I went to where I get my hair done, looked at a bunch of colors, and I was like, 'Bleach it white, and then we're going to dye it a color and be done with it.' And after it was white, I was like, let's just do it pink. I think it'll be funny and fun. And that was it. And the rest is history."

GenArt Alumni Vena Cava Toasted at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont

“It all comes back to Sophie,” said Busy Phillipps poolside at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. Phillipps is of course referring to Vena Cava co-designer, Sophie Buhai, (along with Lisa Mayock) and the friends and fans who turned out last night in her honor, including Phillipps, Malin Akerman, Sophia Bush, Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall, and former Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis—all sporting Vena Cava. A longtime fan of the label, Phillipps and the designer finally crossed paths in their two-degrees-of-separation world when mutual friend Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear introduced them. “We met each other at one of their shows many years ago, but I had bought their clothes prior to meeting Sophie and Lisa," said the Freaks and Geeks actress. I feel like that happens a lot

in this industry. You’re a fan of someone’s work, you admire them, and then you get to meet or work with them.”  

Super-Sexy Ad: Colcci Features a Topless Alessandra Ambrosio and a Scruffy Ashton Kutcher

While fall campaigns may be on everyone's minds up North, down South, Brazilian brand Colcci is gearing up for spring/summer 2012-2013 with ads featuring a smoldering Alessandra Ambrosio and a dashing Ashton Kutcher.


While it's been reported that Kutcher is dating his former That '70s Show co-star, Mila Kunis, he has amazing chemistry with Ambrosio. She also looks incredible, having recently given birth to her son, Noah Phoenix. Watch a behind-the-scenes video of their campaign shoot, below, and try not to drool.

ICB to Relaunch with NYC Energy and Prabal Gurung Designs

Strength and confidence are the buzzwords attracting the "ICB girl" to the new collection, launching in fall 2012 with Prabal Gurung as the Chief Designer. The campaign, shot by Sebastian Kim, features models Katryn Kruger and Laura Kampman in the ICB girl's element—surrounded by the energy of modern art. All the artwork was custom made for the campaign under the creative direction of Melissa Jones and Prabal Gurung. Following suit, the clothes promise to engage boldly with color, prints, and tailored pieces. The collection will take wearable art to the next level at Barneys New York and icbnyc.com this month.

BETSEY JOHNSON LAUNCHES NEW DRESSES LINE

Designer Betsey Johnson is bouncing back after recently filing for bankruptcy by teaming up with The Levy Group to create a new dresses collection for spring. The 70-year-old fashion veteran proves she is truly resilient.


Expect "solid and printed sexy, flowing dresses." WWD reports, which will be showcased in her September runway show. The frocks range from $99 to $249 and will be available at boutiques and department stores.


Johnson said in a press release, "I'm back!!! Doing my dress thing. Pretty and punk, sweet and sexy, always rock n' roll."

Valentino Exhibit to Open this Fall at Somerset House

While London may be a buzzing place to visit now, late fall will also be a prime time when the Somerset House opens its Valentino: Master of Couture exhibit. The gallery will showcase over 130 of his opulent gowns from as early as the 1950s. The dresses have been worn by fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

"Each of these designs have a beautiful story," Valentino said in a press release. "The atelier crafted each so diligently by hand, taking hours, sometimes days to complete. The details are incredibly intricate, though outside the runway shows and events, the dresses have rarely been seen, so to be able to showcase these designs at Somerset House, where they can be seen in great detail by the public, is very unique."


The exhibition runs from November 29 through March 3.

See Kate Moss in Rag & Bone's Campaign and its New London Shop

Rag & Bone has two firsts today: Images have just been released of Kate Moss starring in the brand's premiere ad campaign, and it's opening the doors to its new London boutique tomorrow. To top it off, as previously reported, the new space will also host the label's first Fashion Week presentation this September.

The ads, shot by Craig McDean, capture Moss candidly in North London. This stripped-down view of the model shows her in a very real moment.


"We worked with two industry icons; Kate and Craig and asked them to shoot outside of their usual working environments to create these almost raw, unique images," said Marcus Wainwright, managing partner at Rag & Bone in a press release. "It wasn’t in a studio; it was just them on a derelict London street—Kate with minimal make-up and Craig with a hand-held camera and natural light."


Shooting the campaign in the U.K. gives a nod to the label's London invasion. "Rag & Bone is essentially a New York brand but our collections have always been influenced by our British roots, so it made total sense for us to open our first European flagship store in our hometown," explained David Neville, managing partner of Rag & Bone, in a press release.

The space is located in Sloan Square and has a custom-forged cast iron staircase, a traditional Chesterfield couch, and the brand's signature exposed brick and brass fixtures. The ground floor carries men's and women's threads, while the lower level is devoted to denim and accessories. Check it out if you're in town for the 2012 Olympic Games.

First Look: Nicole Richie's Line for Macy's

Nicole Richie's first collection for Macy's Impulse Only will be storming the department store this September. But until you can get your hands on the affordable duds ($49–$149), check out this sketch of a crepe de chine and chiffon dress with lace ($69) from the offerings. Like her House of Harlow and Winter Kate lines, the threads will give a nod to the 1970s with a chic, bohemian vibe.

First Look: New TOMS Bike Shoes

TOMS has come out with a new shoe designed especially for bike riding—Linus bike riding, to be precise. TOMS supports the bike company for its vintage modern look, complete with '50s-and-'60s inspired frames. The footwear brand wanted to create a style just as comfortable as the bicycle. And thus: TOMS x Linus Cordones were born. The riding kicks feature a reflective heel patch for high visibility and are constructed with a stone grey aviator twill and burgundy soles. They're available exclusively on TOMS.com, until they run out (ba-dum...). As always, TOMS will donate a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.

Maje x the Man Repeller Unveil Window Design

Heads turned outside of Maje's Soho boutique last night, thanks to a quirky barbecue-themed window treatment created by Leandra Medine, a.k.a., the Man Repeller. The summery display, complete with AstroTurf, flamingos, and a grill, called for a soirée to celebrate the collaboration. DJ Chelsea Leyland spun tunes while both customers and fashion insiders (like Rebecca Minkoff), snacked on backyard barbeque-themed h'ordeuvres and sipped iced tea and watermelon flavored cocktails. As for the high-fashion, low-key mix at the storefront, Medine claimed HBO series Girls had her dreaming up a Brooklyn shindig. "I've just always been intrigued by Brooklyn parties and Brooklyn barbeques," she said. "I always wanted to go to a party with a garden, tea lights, and red cups.

This display is my vibe. I feel like the clothing I wear complements it because both are a mix of really casual yet fancy." Medine styled the mannequins to reflect that same aesthetic, matching Navajo-inspired patterns with dressier metallic accents.



Among the many collaborations tacked onto Medine's retail repertoire (most recently Bauble Bar, Dannijo, and Christian Louboutin), she said Maje gave her the most free reign, "This one seems to have been the most creative for me, which I really enjoyed. All Maje said was, 'we want you to design a window for us'—that's it. I was able to do everything else." From cutting the AstroTurf to filling the mannequins' picnic baskets, Medine spent about three hours the night before installing the surrealist design herself. She hopes her vision will lure people to step inside. She added, "My motivation behind this window was for people to walk by and wonder, 'why wasn't I invited to this party?'"

First Look: Michael Kors Fall 2012 Campaign

Michael Kors fuses the themes of Hollywood glamour and jet-set style in his fall 2012 ads, shot by Mario Testino at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Models Karmen Pedaru and Simon Nessman, who are now appearing in their fifth campaign, sport chic white duds, furry accents, and oversize shades, making them appear ultra A-list. The styling gives a nod to 1930s icons, Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. Says Kors in a press release, "They’re youthful and sophisticated at the same time, which makes them so very Michael Kors." Agreed!

Rihanna Designs for River Island

Fast-fashion brand, River Island, announced its newest designer: Rihanna. While the line's heritage lies in Great Britain, it boasts over 300 stores in the Republic of Ireland, Russia, Holland, Poland, Belgium, the Middle East, and the Far East; plus it offers worldwide shipping through its website.

"I've been wanting to design my own collection for some time," Rihanna said in a press release. "River Island is the perfect partner for me to collaborate with and working with a British, family-run business also really appealed to me. I find London really inspiring and River Island loves to have fun with clothes. I’m looking forward to working with them and creating something really special." The pop and style icon's collection will launch in the spring of 2013.

U.S. Olympic Uniforms Made in China

Just when Americans were abuzz about the patriotic uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren, the news broke that the threads were actually made in China. CBS News reports: "I think they should be embarrassed," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile, and burn them and start all over again." Dramatic! The athletes aren't too pleased either. Olympic track competitor Nick Symmonds ‏(@NickSymmonds) Tweeted: "Our Ralph Lauren outfits for the Olympic opening ceremonies were made in China. So, um, thanks China. #patriotism"

The U.S. Olympic Committee points out that unlike most teams, America's is privately funded. "We're grateful for the support of our sponsors," USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said. "We're proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company, and excited to watch America's finest athletes compete at the upcoming Games in London."

Banana Republic Takes on Anna Karenina

This winter's set to feel a little more sumptuous, thanks to Banana Republic's Anna Karenina-inspired capsule. The film's Oscar-nominated costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, worked with the brand's creative director, Simon Kneen, to turn frocks, coats, and accessories into a 75-piece offering that speaks of a less frilly, more architectural, Russian Imperialism. "We were working on fabrics and colors for holiday and there was a lot of brocade, velvet, lace, and faux fur," says Kneen. "[Then] the possibility of working with Jacqueline and the film came along, and it felt like a perfect match. They shared some stills and outtakes from the film with us, and we were feeling the same things. It was a kismet moment."

Durran's goal was to translate the movie's wardrobe into functional pieces, and the results are supremely wearable: Structured black coats and rich ruby frocks were among those being shown at the brand's preview last night. One note-worthy accessory stood out: "Keira [Knightley, who stars in the film] wears a big gray hat and that's directly referenced—it's actually my favorite piece in the collection. But we've done it as a scarf, so you can wear it wrapped up like a hat, as a regular scarf, or stylized with a bit hanging down the back." Durran spoke to reports that her designs were influenced by Dior's era-defining mid-20th century styles. "It's not strictly New Look," she insists. "Post-war couture became very architectural with Dior and Balenciaga, and when you take away all the surface details, you're left with the shape." It was that same stripped-down approach that echoes most in her creations. "The shapes aren't particularly '50s, and they're not very 1870s because there are no ruffles. It's really about the silhouettes, [not] trimmings." One thing the creative process didn't involve: tons of hours spent in book club discussions. Durran said she only read the original Leo Tolstoy novel once, while Kneen spoke of the importance of avoiding getting caught up in literal representation since it can stymie free thinking. "If you get too directly involved with [the source] you can lose your inspiration, and it becomes more of an interpretation. Sometimes your imagination is more inspiring than the reality," he explains. "You have to know what the roots are, but then take it to a whole different level. Otherwise, we become historians."

First Look: Club Monaco's Fall 2012 Campaign

Club Monaco's fall 2012 campaign debuts today at clubmonaco.com, featuring a Brooklyn shoot and black-and-white photography by renowned stylist and photographer, Venetia Scott. The ads also showcase international fashion models, Kolfinna Kristofersdottir and Will Eustace. The line has a mix-and-match feel to it, maintaining a careful balance between structure and softness, bright prints and pale prep, and vintage accessories and modern attire. Overall, the collection is warm and whimsy with Autumn inspiration.

A First Look: Raf Simons for Dior

Raf Simons made his highly-anticipated debut for Dior this morning during Paris couture, to an audience that included high-profile faces (Jennifer Lawrence, Dior muse Marion Cotillard, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Natalia Vodianova) and fellow designers (Azzedine Alaia, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Olivier Theyskens, Alber Elbaz, Riccardo Tisci) alike.

For the collection, Simons reinterpreted the codes set forth by the house's founder; a million flowers, for instance, one of the founder's obsessions, adorned the walls of the five private salons housing the show. And the finale evening gowns expressed the dichotomy between the old and new: the backs of the dresses had intricate embroideries, remakes of historical Dior designs, while their fronts had futuristic reinterpretations by Simons

Adam Lippes To Relaunch Signature Collection

Come February, Adam Lippes will relaunch both his signature collection and his Adam label, which focuses on women's and men's basics. The designer, who sold his company to Kellwood (which owns Vince and Rebecca Taylor) two years ago, has bought the rights to his name and label back. He last showed a collection for the Spring 2012 season in September.

Going forward, Lippes told WWD that he plans to recapture the spirit of his company when it first started seven years ago. “We’re not interested in the very big commercial business where more is more, more, more. I want to go back to how we started out, which was more about friends and family. I want to go back to almost taking the ego out of it,” he said. “I want there to be an appreciation for what we do. The business had lost its charm and intimacy.”

In that vein, Lippes plans to have an intimate presentation, rather than a runway show, for his return.

Louis Vuitton’s Yayoi Kusama Collab Gets Seven Pop-Up Shops

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s spotty collaboration with Louis Vuitton is about to get seven dotty temporary homes. WWD reports that the French house is celebrating the partnership with pop-up boutiques placed around the world, the first of which will debut in New York’s SoHo on July 10. Outposts inside or near Vuitton stores at Hong Kong’s Pacific Place, Ngee Ann City in Singapore, the new Dover Street Market in Ginza, and Isetan’s Shinjuku branch in Tokyo are planned in the weeks that follow, and the launch will climax on August 23 and August 24 with large-scale installations at Printemps in Paris and Selfridges in London.
For those who can’t make it to these destinations, the pieces will also be sold at all of the brand’s 463 boutiques. Expect spot-covered silk pajamas, trenchcoats, necklaces, and bags. And come October 1, a second round of leathered accessories will drop, embossed with Kusama’s tentaclelike “nerves” motif.

Carine Roitfeld Does Dior

Since becoming a free agent, Carine Roitfeld has added a number of big names to her portfolio: in the past year alone, she’s worked on campaigns for Barneys, MAC, Givenchy, and Chanel. The latest luxury brand to be added to the list? Dior. Roitfeld collaborated with photographer Steven Meisel on the campaign for Dior’s new Golden Jungle beauty collection, out next month. The retro-inspired images highlight Daria Strokous wearing a Fall 2008 Dior couture hat.

Nicole Richie Is Launching Her First Perfume

Nicole Richie’s latest project? Foraying into beauty: she’s debuting her first fragrance, Nicole by Nicole Richie, in September, WWD reports.
The scent—which has hints of vanilla, amber, and cashmere woods—was inspired by the layered oils and lotions her mother wore when Richie was a child. “I have a very traditional Southern mom—you never left the house without lotion,” she told WWD. “Over her lotion went oil and perfume—she was very put together from head to toe. It wasn’t just a one-dimensional smell— there were many different layers.”

The fragrance comes housed in an Art Deco-inspired bottle that Richie created with designer Dale Brandon Kan. “I wanted it to represent different layers of a woman,” Richie explained. “We’re in an interesting time right now where women aren’t just one thing—there are many different parts to a woman. So I wanted to create a very intricate bottle that was still elegant, but not so in-your-face girly at the same time.”
Nicole by Nicole Richie will be sold in two Eau de parfum sizes, for $55 or $69, and will also come in a body lotion for $35 and a bath and shower gel for $28, all to be found in Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s.
Now that Richie’s in the beauty category, hair may be next. “I’m not great with makeup, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to do a makeup line at the moment, but hair is something where I know the world very well, and so I probably will be focusing on that sometime soon,” she said.


See the Nicole by Nicole Richie bottle after the cut.