YSL Delivers The Unbearably Unattainable Goods
I'm not sure how many of my readers are from the other side of the pond. But If you are, then consider yourself extremely lucky because only Brits can pre-order the Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter collection from Browns. I am honestly feeling some intense retail envy looking at all of the fabulous pieces that I am unable to order. Here are some of the highlights just for fun.
Cocktail Dress
Black Cotton Bubble Hem Dress
Black Croc Effect Patent Leather Coat
Mock Crocodile Platform Shoe
Plain Downtown Bag
There's Something About Doutzen
I'm not quite sure why, but I am not a fan of fur coats. However, Doutzen makes them look effortlessly chic in this photo spread from W. She's absolutely stunning.
Burberry Unveils the 'Knight' Bag
As I mentioned previously, Burberry's fall collection is studded with, well, studs. The look is much harsher than the benevolent check pattern that has been a Burberry staple for so many years. The Knight bag (pictured above) is one of the collections central pieces. I must say that this handbag looks just as lovely in a beige studio as it did on the runway. Get your Knight bag for an astounding $2995. BTW this also counts as my designer lust of the day.
Sneak Peak: Versace Haute Couture
What do Grace Kelly, Jane Birkin, and Naomi Campbell Have In Common?
In the near future each will have their very own eponymous Hermes handbag. Naomi Campbell is reportedly in Paris designing what will undoubtedly become a celebrity must-have. I love Naomi and all her craziness. Who else would show up to community service wearing a Dolce and Gabanna Gown? Gotta love it.
The Real (boring) Sisley Ads
I'm sure you've heard about those infamous adverts from Sisley (if not go here). Well, they were fake. Instead the campaign features Heather Marks and Stephanie Seymour. Honestly, I prefer the fabricated ads atleast they were thought-provoking.
P.S. Heather Marks might be my new model crush
Anna Wishes She Could Look This Good
This is why I love French Vogue. Not only are these pictures bold and daring, but they're friggin gorgeous. Photographed by the immaculate Mario Testino, the pictorial pokes fun at America's reigning queen of fashion. I wonder how Anna likes it.
Burberry Does Bondage
Christopher Bailey, Burberry's head designer, is determined to take the historied brand in a new direction. Banishing the iconic checks and trenches and opting for studs and thigh high dominatrix boots. I must admit that there is something uniquely appealing about thinking of notoriously finicky and well-heeled fashionistas heralding a subversive culture in which they will never take part.
Gwyneth Covers Spanish Vogue
Gwyneth looks radiant in a spread for Vogue Spain. I think the Spaniards are taking a page (literally) from American Vogues photoshoots. It's a bit safe and predictable, but its nice. I don't care for Gwyneth so I don't love it.
Model Crush of the Week: Hilary Rhoda
It's been a mightly long time since we've had a model crush of the week here at Cult Of Couture, but I've decided to revive this feature. And this weeks model crush is wholly deserving of this honor. Gentleman may prefer blondes, but I prefer Hilary Rhoda. Many models possess the kind of beauty that the general public simply won't understand, but Hilary's smoldering looks are entirely universal. Born and bred right here in the U.S of A (an anomaly in top models) her piercing blue eyes and raven mane have propelled to the top of the industry.
Designer Lust Of The Day: Marc Jacobs Turnlock Shopper
I've never really understood the point of a shopper. As if I would ever put anything other than a makeup bag and my cellphone into my $500 purse. Anyway, I digress, this roomy Marc Jacobs bag is simply stunning. I lust for it.
Couture Swimwear?
As you might know, this week is Miami Fashion Week. Unlike New Yorks Spring or Fall Fashion Weeks, or even the resort shows. Miami's runways are marked exclusively by alluring one-piece swimsuits and barely there bikinis. It seems as though Miami's festivities have gained notoriety in recent years because haute designers like Badgely Mischka. Here is a video of their collection.
Forbes List the World's Top Models
Forbes has listed the modeling world's top money makers and guess who's on top
15. Jessica Stam
$1.5 million
Age 21
14. Doutzen Kroes
$1.5 million
Age 22
13. Shalom Harlow
$2 million
Age 33
12. Hilary Rhoda
$2 million
Age 20
11. Liya Kebede
$2.5 million
Age 29
10. Gemma Ward
$3 million
Age 19
9. Daria Werbowy
$3.5 million
Age 22
8. Karolina Kurkova
$3.5 million
Age 23
7. Natalia Vodianova
$4.5 million
Age 25
6. Carolyn Murphy
$5 million
Age 31
5. Alessandra Ambrosio
$6 million
Age 26
4. Adriana Lima
$6 million
Age 26
3. Heidi Klum
$8 million
Age 34
2. Kate Moss
$9 million
Age 33
1. Gisele Bundchen
$33 million
Age 26
Wino Covers Vogue
American Vogue continually perplexes me. For example, why would Anna Wintour choose Winona Ryder to grace the August cover of her fair publication. It just makes no sense. Anyway, the cover is nice, but I still wish it was Agyness or Gemma.
Jessica's Designer Swimwear
I abhor Jessica Simpson, but her new line of swimwear is actually kind of cute. View the entire runway collection here.
WTF is this $h!*?
It's official. Bizaare wants to fail. Why else would they put Jessica Simpson on the cover of their publication.
An Ode to Valentino
It's obvious that the outlandish John Galliano and the conversely refined Rudy Valentino come from two very different schools of fashion design. While the aformentioned Galliano continually goes out of his way shock and awe the fashion forward, Valentino is, and has been for the past 45 years, known for his figure-flattering, feminine designs; consequently, Valentino's was my favorite collection of the couture shows.
View the entire colllection here
England Bans Baby Models
Models under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to walk the runways during London Fashion Week or participate in photoshoots according to UK's The Guardian.
However, fashion bosses have decided not to ban 'size zero' models, who have sparked accusations that those, particularly the young, who seek to emulate them end up with eating disorders.
This is an interesting compromise, and honestly, I think it's a misguided one. Young models are not necessarily unhealthy. Many of the greats like Naomi, Tyra, Lily, and Kate got their starts as young models and they all seem healthy. (I'm talking physical here not mental) It remains to be seen what effect this ban will have on the international fashion community.
Adios! Sayonara! See Ya Later Jane Magazine
I was never a huge fan of Jane magazine, but everyone once in awhile I'd pick it up, peruse the pages, and find an interesting article. Today Conde Nast has announced that the 1o year old publication will cease distribution with its August issue. As with most defunct magazines, I assume that the online form of the mag will remain in tact. It's a sad, sad situation, but all things must come to an end.
Source
The Stars Celebrate Valentino
A gala was held to celebrate design legend Rudolph Valentino and the stars shone bright (for the most part). Most looked absolutely fabulous.
You probably don't recognize her, but that's style maven Sienna Miller in a wonderfully flamboyant red gown. Love the dress, but my god I hate the lipstick.
Liz Hurley and Uma Thurman are beginning to look a little bit long in the tooth. I don't think those ruffles do them justice.
Supermodel Elle "The Body" Mcpherson is showing us she's still got it in her skin tight ensemble. She looks radiant, and I am definitely coveting her patent leather Louboutins.
I love Anne Hathaway for many reasons, but mostly because she's proven that young actresses don't have to flaunt their bodies and behave like imbeciles to be successful. That dress is killer.
Oh Claudia Schiffer: why, oh why did you have to choose that dress? While it certainly flaunts her still immaculate body (check out the torso), it is simply a ridiculous design. I can't stand that dress.
Eva Mendes looks classicly chic. This is a great look for her.
*Click Images to Enlarge
