Prints + lace + denim = summer

MANILA, Philippines - Summer is a good time to bring something new and refreshing into your life. And your wardrobe.

Bench introduces a summer 2013 collection that features casual basics with unique cuts, textures, and playful prints, achieving comfort, style and well-being.

Wearing Bench’s latest collection are stars Dingdong Dantes and Richard Gutierrez, actresses Kim Chiu, Carla Abellana, Shaina Magdayao, Isabelle Daza, Jessy Mendiola, Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Lahbati and Melai Cantiveros; heartthrob actors Enchong Dee, Rayver Cruz, Sam Concepcion, Steven Silva, and Jason Francisco; pop superstar Angeline Quinto; and tween star Ella Cruz.

Here are some tips from Bench on how to have a cool and fashionable start this season:

• Go for bold prints

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a picnic date at the park, score the perfect match by pairing this season’s pick of printed tops in striking nautical stripes, polka dots, florals, and geometric patterns with your choice of shorts, skirts or skinny jeans. Guys will love the cool statement tees and hip graphic shirts as well as the fashion-forward pique shirt hybrids that mix florals with classic chambray elements.

• Try on some sexy shorts

Shorts are an essential staple for the perfect summer outfit. Bench’s latest collection has an assortment of comfy pieces that score style points for both day and night looks. Choose from fabrics such as cotton and denim with styles that range from low-risers that flaunt hourglass and pear-shaped body types to dainty pleats that add volume to thin and petite frames.

• Add a touch of sheer and lace

The love affair with sheer and lace pieces continues this season. Channel your cute side by letting loose in breezy pastel blouses during the day and unleash your urban chic vibe in figure-flattering lace tops for an exciting night out.

• Rule with denim

No matter what the season, a Bench collection is not complete without the brand’s signature Bench OJ denim line. Skinny jeans for ladies in eye-candy pastels such as purple, cream and turquoise elongate and flaunt in all the right places. Earth-colored skinnies and chino pants for guys in gray, khaki and orange spell hip for any occasion.

Fresh from the eventful year marked by the commemoration of its 25th anniversary as a leader in the Philippine retail industry, Bench is going full throttle, aimed at achieving even greater heights in 2013. The country’s premier global brand is getting a brand-new look and will be launching a new logo. Watch out for this milestone and stay connected by following Bench at twitter.com/benchtm and facebook.com/benchtmofficial.

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The Philippine Star | February 13, 2013 | Article Link

The art of the LBD

MANILA, Philippines - Ever since Coco Chanel revolutionized the way women dress in the 1920s with her sleeveless black sheath just cut above the knee, the Little Black Dress or LBD has become a timeless fashion classic.

More than that, images of Audrey Hepburn in her Hubert de Givenchy LBD and pearls as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, French folk icon performing her poignant songs in a black sheath dress, and the Duchess of Windsor’s quote (“When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place”) have elevated the LBD to iconic status.

Wearing the LBD has, in fact, become an art form of sorts, as it brings to mind everything that is elegant, modern, functional, and chic. And with LBDs on the 2013 runways of designers like Valentino, Prada, and Dior, SM Ladies Fashion brings its latest incarnation to the store racks with shaped shifts, peplum and drape detailing, neat A-line silhouettes, embellished pieces, and luxe lace numbers.

The LBD has survived the test of time and trends because of its versatility. When combined with a blazer, it can make a stylish work outfit. Throw in a pair of high heels and a pearl necklace, and you transform it into a formal outfit. 

Art meets fashion as SM’s LBD collection is photographed amid the beautiful and insightful works of contemporary artists Carlo Gabuco, Nolet Soliven and Lyle Buencamino at the Finale Art Gallery at Warehouse 17.  Like art, the LBD is only limited by one’s imagination. And one thing is sure: the little black dress will never go out of style.

The Little Black Dress collection is available at SM Ladies Fashion of SM Department Stores.

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The Philippine Star | February 20, 2013 | Article Link

In the swim of things

MANILA, Philippines - A range of bathing suits designed to make women feel confident and look their best will be launched this month at SM Megamall. The celebrated American bathing suit brand, Miraclesuit, will be available all year round to women who wish to emphasize their best assets and downplay figure flaws.

Described by Glamour magazine as the swimsuit “that lives up to its name,” Miraclesuit is made of a unique fabric called Miratex. The fabric has three times more spandex than ordinary swimsuit fabric and thus provides control without being restrictive. Moreover, a Miraclesuit is designed to emphasize curves and draw the eye away from problem areas. According to its website, “Shirring and draping, twisting and pleating are incorporated into the suit design to create luxurious highlights and textures. All these details add up to create a brand sought after by women.”

The brand, which has been endorsed by Oprah, Rachel Ray, and Good Housekeeping, among other popular US magazines, claims that women who wear Miraclesuits “look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds,” or the time it takes to don the bathing attire.

Miraclesuit models available at SM Megamall are from the 2013 collection, which includes Camilla, a classic strapless suit with sweetheart bandeau neckline to emphasize the bust while waist shirring draws the eye inward for a flattering shapely waistline. Another model, Escape, features a plunging neckline with a unique cutout to maximize the bust.

In addition to SM Megamall, the brand is also carried by Itsie-Bitsie Boutique at Joya Tower at Rockwell Center and at Chimes department store in Davao City.

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The Philippine Star | February 20, 2013 | Article Link

Dayang Dayang brings back memories of ’70s fashion scene

Dayang Dayang was the first exotic Filipina model that stood out on the Philippine fashion ramp in 1971 with her tall, lithe frame and dark exotic looks.

At that time, all the models were either beautiful top movie stars (such as Gloria Romero, Barbara Perez, Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces) or the mestiza and similar-looking colegialas that grande dame Conchita Sunico and designers handpicked to represent their haute couture fashion shows here and abroad. The whiter the complexion, with Spanish or patrician features, the better. 

Ruby Umali was somewhat of a nerd in the University of the Philippines taking up chemistry and had no inkling of doing anything in fashion or design.  On a lark, she was brought by a classmate to then hip and au courant designer Dante Ramirez.  He seemed unimpressed with her looks as well as her height and all he asked was if she could walk gracefully — which she was unable to do the first time around since she had never thought of being a model despite her towering height of 5’9’, then considered super tall for a Filipina.  He also renamed her Dayang Dayang to further add to her exoticness.   

After briefly coaching her, Dante’s next instruction was to just copy the way Ping Valencia walked and projected on the fashion ramp. Every model wanted to move like Ping and every designer wanted her to represent them on the fashion ramp or onstage for fundraising shows.

It did not take long for Dayang to stand out among us and she soon caught the eye of British photographer David Charles who was almost 20 years her senior.  He was bringing her to the United Kingdon and that certainly did not sit well with Tita Conching as she looked after us Karilagan models like her very own and was wary of this older man.  She would make sure we were always properly chaperoned and looked after when we had modeling stints here and abroad to represent the Philippines.  If she felt any of our admirers were not up to her liking, she would say so in no uncertain terms. 

Dayang and David moved to the United Kingdom and eventually we all went our separate ways by getting real jobs that would jump-start our careers and pay us a salary (as modeling was considered more of a hobby then since we were unpaid), settled down with our respective families and even moved to different continents.  Lucky were those who were able to keep in touch with each other from time to time.

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The Philippine Star | Frannie Jacinto | Read More Article Link

Covergirl Flipstick: Flip it! Change it! Mix it!

This season, Covergirl takes lip color to a whole new exciting level with the new Blast Flipstick Lipcolor, a double-ended lipstick duo that lets you create beautiful, totally on-trend ombre lips.  With a creamy shade on one side and a shimmer on the other, this expertly-designed blendable lip duo allows you to flip your look from day to night, soft to bright!

Wear them both alone or layer over each other to create a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind look.  Get two beautifully-coordinated lipsticks for the price of one with the new Covergirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor.  Double your lip color, multiply your shade power.  Available in six fun, playful shades: Pucker, Vixen, Perky, Stunner, Smooch, and Intense for only P595.

Covergirl is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation and is available in leading department stores nationwide.

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The Philippine Star | Article Link

Elizabeth Arden makes a Visible Difference

Nothing is more beautiful than beautiful skin. Leveraging 100 years of skincare expertise, Elizabeth Arden introduces Visible Difference, a spa-inspired, regimen-focused essential skincare line that helps balance skin to reveal its natural health and radiance. Specifically designed and customized for each unique skin type, a four-part daily treatment process promises to deliver a visible improvement in the appearance of skin in just six days.

Visible Difference features a daily regimen for oily, combination, and dry skin to cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturize. Cleansers and toners purify while addressing targeted issues by unique skin type. Skin is treated with an Optimizing Skin Serum, featuring an exclusive retinol derivative, to invigorate skin so that hydration and nutrients are better absorbed. And finally, customized moisturizers help balance hydration and deliver essential nutrients. The result? A healthy looking, radiant, glowing complexion.

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The Philippine Star | Article Link

Laura Mercier’s summer look is light, soft, and beautiful

MANILA, Philippines - Laura Mercier’s 2013 collection draws from the feminine spirit and the many different expressions of women. For this season, Laura is inspired by the spirit of light and movement. From the sweet nuance of a ballerina to the fluid moves of yoga and dance, she transforms motion into a color palette that is soft, ethereal, and beautiful.

The collection includes:

• Bonus Time Face Polish, a creamy scrub with purifying micro beads that cleanses and exfoliates, removing dead skin cells to leave skin smooth and even-toned.

• Crème Cheek Colour, a long-wearing cream blush that provides natural-looking color with sheer, buildable coverage and a soft, velvety finish.

• Crème Eye Liner, an ultra-smooth, water-proof creamy eye liner that applies with the ease and smooth silky finish of a gel and the precision of a liquid liner.

• Caviar Stick Eye Colour (New Shades), a long-wearing, creamy shadow with an innovative, lightweight texture that glides on and adheres to the eyelid perfectly, leaving an even finish that lasts for hours.

Laura Mercier is available at Rustan’s.

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The Philippine Star | Article Link

Time to go swimsuit-shopping!

MANILA, Philippines - With the approach of summer also comes the ritual every woman looks forward to: swimsuit shopping. And Freeway gears up for this with the release of its summer 2013 swimsuit collection.

This year, it’s all about defining a woman’s shape and silhouette as the brand brings out lines, curves and cutouts as key highlights in its collection. The aim is to emphasize and bring out a sexier and more confident you. As for colors, Freeway’s summer collection boasts bold colors such as red, orange, purple and teal, matching the vibrant and colorful feel of summer.

Freeway not only focuses on the design, it also pays attention to how it will enhance and outline the body with its sporty silhouettes. With its range of monokinis, bikinis and separates, you’ll be looking fab and sexy while leading an active summer lifestyle.      

Apart from swimwear, Freeway also offers trendy summer pieces such as cover-ups, dresses, tops and bottoms, ideal for creating that fresh and fun vibe. Whether you’re sunbathing on the beach or having a barbecue party with your friends, Freeway’s summer pieces are sure to make you an instant trendsetter.

The brand’s Summer 2013 Swimsuit Collection comes out in March at Freeway stores nationwide.

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The Philippine Star | Article Link

Janine Tugonon champions true beauty as Avon's newest endorser

MANILA, Philippines - Janine Tugonon’s performance during the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, much like her beauty, captivated the imagination of Filipinos here and abroad. Social media went crazy as supporters cheered her on as she moved into the Top 16, Top 10, Top 5 and eventually, the final two.

A  woman of substance, she is most remembered for impressing the judges and audiences  worldwide  with  her  simple  yet  heartfelt  answer in the Miss Universe Top  Five  Q&A  portion:  “Being  Miss Universe is not just about knowing  how  to speak  a  specific  language,  it's  about  being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart is deserving and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

While USA went on to win the title, there is no doubt that Janine is the true winner in the hearts and minds of her countrymen.

So with her title firmly secured, it is evident that Janine’s strong will, sheer determination to succeed, and heart and passion for God make her the best ambassador for women, beauty, and class. And leading global beauty company Avon is right to notice her and make her its newest endorser for its fragrance, color, fashion jewelry, and watch lines.

“Avon is a brand I’ve known and patronized for years,” Janine says. “But more than the beauty products it offers Filipina women, I’m also impressed with the company’s  efforts  to  provide  earning  opportunities  for its Representatives,  and take  part  in  addressing  causes such as the fight against domestic violence and breast cancer.”

The 5’8” 23-year-old morena stunner from Bataan, who is also a licensed pharmacist and cum laude graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, admits that it wasn’t in her plans to become a beauty queen. But after learning that she was being considered for Bb. Pilipinas, she put her heart, mind, and soul to make her country proud.

Avon  Senior Vice President and President for Asia Pacific and Philippines, Bob Briddon, says of Janine:  “More than representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe Pageant, which she did very well, Janine also represents what Avon stands  for: beauty  inside  and  out.”   He adds, “She also inspires and influences others to make a difference so naturally, we are more than happy and proud to welcome her to the Avon family.”

Perhaps what adds to Janine’s appeal is her strong yet grounded characteristic. An active user of social media, Janine interacts with her followers on Twitter where, like most of us, she enjoys posting pictures of family, friends, and food.

Janine adds that fans and supporters also tell her via social networking sites how much her achievement has inspired them. While unsure at first how to respond to such praises, Janine has now come to see her position as a way to proactively encourage and motivate others to pursue their dreams.

“Social media is very powerful because the extent of your influence reaches different parts of the world,” Janine says.

When asked what advice she would give young ladies who wish to follow in her footsteps, she still answers with the same sentiment and the same strong conviction: “It’s going to be a tough task. But with hard work, determination, and a strong faith and relationship with God, you can do it.”

Barely two months into carrying out her new responsibilities as a reigning beauty queen, Janine is just beginning to savor the moment.

“Right now, I’m enjoying it so much. I really, really love what I’m doing,” she enthuses, smiling.

“I’m very much honored to be part of the Avon family,” Janine states. “I hope  to  put my  influence  to  good use by making the brand—not just its products,  but  its message  for  women  and the causes it stands for—more accessible  and  relatable to  Filipina  women  through  my  own  personal connection to Avon.”

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Dexter Rodrigo Matilla | The Philippine Star | February 24, 2013 | Article Link

Beauty in PureColor

MANILA, Philippines - Estee Lauder, one of the most renowned global beauty brands, celebrated the beauty of women in the PureColor Play event featuring its latest makeup line in Makati City.

Celebrity guests included Miss Universe ’73 Margie Moran-Floirendo, Brazilian models Fabio Ide, Daniel Matsunaga and Vanessa Matsunaga.

Hosted by Teresa Herrera with music from DJ Badkiss (Christina Baertgas) and DJ Meow (Mia Ayesa), the event was highlighted by a performance of Ballet Philippines and a fashion show featuring Jun Escario’s creations, which brought to life the video animation that unveiled Estee Lauder’s makeup collection.

The dramatic image mapping throughout the venue showcased Estee Lauder creative makeup director Tom Pecheux’s masterpiece in the limelight, giving guests a first look at his creation made for women all over the world.

Guests got to try Estee Lauder’s PureColor Lipstick, PureColor Eyeshadow Palette, PureColor Blush and the Vivid Collection (PureColor Gelee Powder Eye Shadows, PureColor Vivid Shine Lipstick), the PureColor Nail Lacquer with True Vision Technology — at the play and display booths manned by Estee Lauder’s makeup artists and nail technicians.

With its newest makeup collection, Estee Lauder stays true to her promise that “Every woman can be beautiful.”

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The Philippine Star | Article Link

Oscars 2013: Jennifer Aniston and Stacy Keibler Plucked Dresses from the Runway

Jennifer Aniston walked the red carpet at last night's Academy Awards in a gorgeous Valentino gown from the designer's spring 2013 Haute Couture runway. The star's strapless, full-skirted red dress echoed the advice of celebrity stylist Cher Coulter: "Red always looks good on the red carpet-especially Valentino red," said Coulter. "The color's a no-brainer if you want to go classic and you want to stand out." Aniston finished off her look with Salvatore Ferragamo heels and her signature layered locks. And she isn't the only one who took a dress from runway to red carpet: George Clooney's main squeeze Stacy Keibler looked striking in a studded column gown by Naeem Khan, which debuted at New York Fashion Week less than two weeks ago. When we asked Khan if he had any Oscars dresses in the works, he wasn't so sure if he'd see one of his designs on the red carpet. "There are so many of them! Those kinds of things aren't so easy, so we'll see what happens!" 

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InStyle.com | Article Link

Beyoncé Reveals Luxurious Sneaker Wedge with PMK

We are bringing you an exclusive preview of PMK's bespoke sneaker wedge for Beyoncé. The custom footwear design house Perfectly Made Kicks has taken one of the pop star's favorite shoe styles, the Isabel Marant sneaker wedge, and recreated it in a luxurious Bey-approved style. Similar to customizing a tailored suit, the folks at PMK are masters at taking iconic shoes and reassembling them with the most creative materials a client can think of. Named "The King Bey," the white-and-gold wedges are composed of a range of exotic skins including stingray, ostrich, calf hair, crocodile, and anaconda. 

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Elle | Fashion | Article Link

DKNY's 25k Photo Mistake

Social media played watchdog on Monday when a fashion empire was forced to issue an apology to a street photographer for using his work without permission. 

According to photographer Brandon Stanton, founder of the website "Humans of New York", he was approached by a representative from DKNY who was interested in purchasing 300 of his photos at $50 a pop to hang in store windows worldwide. When Stanton tried to negotiate the $15,000 fee, the fashion company declined and the two parted ways. 

Then, things got weird. According to a message Stanton posted on his Facebook page: "Today, a fan sent me a photo from a DKNY store in Bangkok. The window is full of my photos. These photos were used without my knowledge, and without compensation. I don't want any money. But please SHARE this post if you think that DKNY should donate $100,000 on my behalf to the YMCA in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. That donation would sure help a lot of deserving kids go to summer camp. I'll let you guys know if it happens."

DKNY immediately responded, posting a statement to the Humans of New York Facebook page: 

"Since its founding in 1989, DKNY has been inspired by and incorporated authentic New York into its imagery. For our Spring 2013 store window visuals we decided to celebrate the city that is in our name by showcasing "Only in NYC" images. We have immense respect for Brandon Stanton aka Humans of New York and approached him to work with us on this visual program. He declined to participate in the project. 

For the Spring 2013 windows program, we licensed and paid for photos from established photography service providers. However, it appears that inadvertently the store in Bangkok used an internal mock up containing some of Mr. Stanton's images that was intended to merely show the direction of the spring visual program. We apologize for this error and are working to ensure that only the approved artwork is used. 

DKNY has always supported the arts and we deeply regret this mistake. Accordingly, we are making a charitable donation of $25,000 to the YMCA in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn in Mr. Stanton's name."

DKNY declined to further comment but Stanton told Shine, "The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA now has an extra $25,000 to help deserving kids go to summer camp. Of course, $100,000 would be even better, but it's hard to be upset about that outcome.  For the sake of ending this, I'm going to cease my speculation and take DKNY at its word that the photos were used unintentionally."   

A (somewhat) happy ending for all.

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 Elise Solé, Shine Staff | Fashion | Article Link

Found It! Drew Barrymore’s Hot Pink Lipstick (It’s from Her Own Makeup Line!)

Drew Barrymore worked an electric rose lipstick at a Bulgari event in Beverly Hills this week, and we love the eye-popping hue! "For this look, clean and classic seemed the best way to go," said the star's makeup artist Debra Ferullo. "I thought a bright fuchsia lip would add a nice twist!" Ferullo used makeup from Barrymore's own cosmetic line to achieve the look, picking up the Flower Beauty Kiss Stick in Petunia Petals, a bright magenta, for the statement pout. The key to pulling off an bold lip color is equal parts balance and confidence-a strong lipstick paired with vivid shadow can look overdone, so follow the actress's lead and go easy on the eyes. Pick up a tube of Barrymore's lipstick for just $7 at walmart.com.

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InStyle.com | Article Link

Marianna G Swimwear Launches

INTRODUCING Marianna G - the new swimwear label to covet this spring/summer 2013. Masterminded by Marianna Goulandris - a shipping heiress and granddaughter of UNESCO ambassador Marianna Vardinoyannis - the brand's aesthetic is inspired by the designer's Greek heritage.

"I wanted people to see elements of the landscape, history and the ceramics in my designs," Goulandris told us. "Spending my time by the sea in Greece, swimwear became second nature to me. I recognised a certain vulnerability in women associated with swimwear, and that no matter their age or body type, women still need to feel comfortable when exposed. I felt that I had grown up in an environment where I had seen girls my age, mothers and grandmothers all in swimwear, so I had a good idea of what women look for."

Although Goulandris' parents are both Greek, she was born and raised in London. She studied fashion styling at the Istituto Marangoni and then moved onto the London College of Fashion to specialise in swimwear - where she was able to combine her passion for the beach attire with new technical skills. Marianna G's debut collection is split into four categories - goddess, athletic, brights and ready-to-wear - in order to cater to a broader customer bracket. Pieces come in the form of bikinis, one-pieces and dresses for wearing over swimwear once the sun dies down. The collection is available from Avenue32 and the label's online store.

"I really wanted to create a collection with broad age range and a variety of body shapes in mind, allowing every woman to find a piece that made them feel confident," she said. "The goddess section is exceptionally glamorous with its gold and pearl colour palette. The pieces are versatile and can be worn during the day and by night. Athletic is structured and sleek providing support, while remaining stylish. The brights are flirty and fun, incorporating the high-quality fabrics at entry-level prices."

Goulandris wants her designs to be seen as "the LBD of swimwear". In the future, she hopes to develop her business into a lifestyle label.

"It would allow my customers the opportunity to create their holiday wardrobe from one destination," she said. "My heritage will remain very important in the direction of the brand moving forward."

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ELLA ALEXANDER | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

Cara Delevingne Trademarks Her Name

CARA DELEVINGNE has trademarked her name. The Vogue cover girl registered her name as an official trademark with the Intellectual Property Office - giving her an exclusive right to use it as a marketing tool.

The model - who is currently appearing on the international fashion week catwalks - submitted the registration in December last year, reports The Sunday Times. The trademark prevents a wide variety of product ranges from being released under her name - unless she chooses to do so herself - ranging the usual handbags and perfumes, to the more unusual walking sticks, emery boards and umbrellas.

The business-savvy 20-year-old also recently registered her own company, Cara & Co - for which her father, Charles Delevingne, is listed as co-director. The model recently told vogue.co.uk in an exclusive interview that she'd like to design her own collection of onesies or a range of "simple, well-cut tops and T-shirts".  

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SARAH KARMALI | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

Fashion Show: GIANFRANCO FERRE

TWIST it, turn it, work it, belt it: that was the message that Federico Piaggi and Stefano Citron were promoting with their Gianfranco Ferré collection today. No look was complete without a belt and it had to be fastened just so – elaborate and twisted and elegantly tamed to stay in line with the rest of the shapes going on around it.

This duo is known for their sculptural aesthetic, able to manipulate and elongate, smooth out and refine shapes to precise and futuristic effect. Last season they toned that down, a good move given they were still only one year into working with the heritage house. Today it seemed to simultaneously go up and down a notch – layers were the key here.

Jackets and skirts, tunics and coats all came with a severity to their cut but layered all together made for a less forceful and sci-fi approach. Something which worked for the better and put their clothes back in the real-world realms – though there was still a series of cloaks towards the end that might still be a little too other-worldly for some.

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JESSICA BUMPUS | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

Flats That Will Save Your Feet Without Killing Your Style

Kenneth Cole Reaction Slip On By

Calvin Klein Jeans Bailey

Michael Kors Fulton Moc

Steve Madden Vegass

Ann Klein Bloom

Metallic flats from Naturalizer

Jessica Simpson Leve

          Images via Zappos

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Article Link

Anja Rubik Turns Designer

ANJA RUBIK has designed a capsule footwear line for Giuseppe Zanotti. The collections of five styles are inspired by two of the model's music heroes - Debbie Harry and David Bowie - and will launch in stores and online in early March. Prices range between €550 (£480) and €1,400 (£1,200).

"It's a bit glam-punk," Rubik told us.  "I love that period in music. I'm a huge Bowie fan. People have said I look like him, which is honestly the biggest compliment. I think it's the high cheekbones. His style was so bold and brave and his music so honest. The whole collection is very personal to me, there is a real story behind it."

Zanotti and Rubik met when the Polish beauty was 16 through mutual friends. The model appeared in one of his campaigns, but they didn't meet again for another six years when they worked together for a second time. She has since starred in numerous adverts for the Italian brand.

"We're very good friends," she said. "We'll always have lunch together when I'm in Milan and I'll always tell him what I like and don't like about his shoes. One day I said to him: 'Maybe you should do something a bit more punk.' And he said, 'Why don't you design it for me?' It happened very organically."

Rubik travelled down to the designer's Italian factory to make sure she was fully involved in the whole process - although she wasn't prepared for the cultural differences between Italy and her hometown, New York.

"That Italian way of working - it took a while to get used to," she said. "I'd arrive and everyone would say, 'come on we're going out for lunch.' Then we'd return a few hours later. There was a lot of wine and food. It was how life should be - the perfect balance of work and play."

That's not to say that the road to design success was an easy one: "I was trying to show the factory-workers what I was going for and I found this piece of old suede on the floor and started cutting shapes in it to give them a better idea," she recalled. "Then Giuseppe walked in and asked: 'Has anyone seeing my favourite glasses cloth?' I was so embarrassed."

Rubik isn't ruling out a possible second collaboration, having enjoyed her first design project so much.

"I'm just going to take it slowly," she said. "If I did it again, I might create a collection at more accessible price points. I tried my best with this though and I'm happy with the results. I just hope that everyone else does too."

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ELLA ALEXANDER | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

Oscars 2013: Winners

VOGUE cover girl Jennifer Lawrence won Best Actress in a Leading Role for Silver Linings Playbook at the Oscars last night. Despite tripping up as she climbed the steps to collect her award, the 22-year-old actress managed to retain her sense of humour. "Thank you, you guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell. This is really embarrassing," she told the audience, after she was given standing ovation.

Fellow Vogue cover girl Adele also won big - taking home Best Original Song for Skyfall. Anne Hathaway gave an emotional speech as she was presented with Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Les Misérables.

Argo - which was directed by Ben Affleck - received Best Picture, while Ang Lee topped the Directing category for Life Of Pi. Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor in a Leading Role for Lincoln, as Django Unchained's Christoph Waltz was honoured with Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

The dramatic Russian attire of Anna Karenina received Best Costume Design; Amour was given Best Foreign Language Film; Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained received Best Original Screenplay; and Best Make-Up and Hairstyling went to Les Misérables.

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ELLA ALEXANDER | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

London Collections: Men Confirms June Show Dates

LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN will take place for spring/summer 2014 from June 16 until June 18. Now in its third season, the upcoming showcase promises to highlight the latest collections of the British menswear world's established and emerging designers.

The British Fashion Council will use two official show spaces - the Hospital Club, which will be hired as the event's central hub, and The Old Sorting Office on Oxford Street, which will offer space for catwalk shows and presentations. The official schedule will be announced from mid-April.

Last season's LC: M was a huge success among buyers and press, with Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen joining the line-up.

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ELLA ALEXANDER | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 | Article Link

SCARY BEAUTIFUL! would you wear these shoes?

Revelation of what might be the NEXT BIG THING in Fashion?

By artist Leanie van der Vyver and fabricated by shoe designer René van den Berg.



Scary Beautiful

"Humans are Playing God by physically and metaphorically perfecting themselves. Beauty is currently at an all time climax, allowing this project to explore what lies beyond perfection. 
Scary Beautiful challenges current beauty ideals by inflicting an unexpected new beauty standard." - artist Leanie van der Vyver





Check out http://cargocollective.com/Leanie/Scary-Beautiful
Read More HERE

Date-Night Outfit Ideas From Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week

DKNY’s Hot Pink Sheath
A bright-color dress is a one-piece wonder.

Costello Tagliapietra’s Raspberry Dress
The pinky-purple hue flatters nearly every skin tone

ICB’s Rocker-Chic Tank Dress
Best worn with a rim of smoky black eyeliner.

Diane von Furstenberg’s Wrapdress
A leopard clutch or heels make it more “going out”
than “going to the office.”

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Lindy Segal | Glamour | Article Link

Iman's Ageless Guide to Cool Style

Iman's best fashion tips

What's Iman's secret for looking youthful, polished and sophisticated? Read on for the style rules she lives by.














Every woman should own...

"A structured suit with pants that have a slightly '70s flair. I don't like my legs, so if I wear something that highlights them, I won't feel confident. This is flattering on everybody--the boot cut balances things out--and it has a sexy elegance."

Know when to go cheap
"Spring clothes are all so easy-breezy; I don't like to invest in them. Keep your outfit simple and let accessories, like a colorful, global-chic bag or shoes, anchor your look."


For great skin...
"BB cream with SPF 15 is my must-have. I wear it light during the day and put concealer under my eyes with it at night."


Some classics last a lifetime
"Splurge on cashmere sweaters--they will be in your closet forever."


This spring...
"Play up the earthy-girl thing by wearing a sundress and a safari jacket, then pile on lots of enamel and wood bracelets."

----------------------------------------Read More
redbookmag.com | Article Link

Milan fashion week kicks off despite recession

Despite the looming financial crisis that has hit the Italian fashion industry hard and the general election from February 24 to 25, Milan fashion week kicked off with pomp, glitter and glamor as usual.

First to sashay down fashion week was Gucci’s autumn-winter collection, a luxurious play of gowns of feathers, ferns and netting that evoked exotic birds.

Leather, python and metallic sheens dominated the collection. Skin-tight outfits, fishnet stockings with a back seam and sky-high heels completed the noir and fetish look.

Gucci designer Frida Giannini said, “The Gucci woman... is steely yet sexy, defining her discipline with femme fatale vices.”

Frankie Morello designers Pierfrancesco Gigliotti and Maurizio Modica brought in “an army of super-feminine, mysterious femmes fatales” to the runway wearing ruthlessly slashed mini hot pants, sculpted jackets and full-length dresses embellished with shards of mirror.

Alberta Ferretti’s show brought in a softer sort of femininity with an array of ivory, black and white floor-length dresses, or ruffled skirts, worn with long-sleeved shirts and gem-studded cross earrings.

The weekend of February 24 to 25 will bring Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli, Jil Sander, Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni to the runway. On Monday, February 25, fashion week will close its doors with John Richmond and Giorgio Armani.

Despite the pomp of fashion week, the Italian fashion industry is still reeling from the damage done by Italy’s 20-year recession.

According to the Chamber of Fashion, the industry's turnover was an estimated 60 billion euros ($80 billion) in 2012, down 5% from 2011.

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Rappler.com | Fabruary 23, 2013 | Article Link

Color therapy: Let the sunshine in

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone's counting down to summer and preparing what they can for the season of sunshine: weight-loss diets, exercise programs, and their wardrobes.

This 2013, black and white and Asian silhouettes dominated spring. Still, I believe that there's nothing like good ol' solid colors in Crayola shades to cheer us up. Even people who are into basics will enjoy looking at them.

Last time, I wrote about florals, how to wear them, how to mix and match them. This time we stick to plains with lotsa color — from head to toe.

The magic of monochrome

A monochromatic palette does wonders for your built: wear it in brights to create the illusion of volume; wear it in dark shades to create the illusion of a smaller size.

Color Burst: Sunny summer makeup

Like a rainbow

Now let us mix and match the basic pieces used in our monochromatic looks to create 4 new looks. With the right attitude and pizzaz, this is how you can expand your wardrobe.

        

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KAI MAGSANOC | Rappler.com | February 23, 2013 | Article Link