The Ever Changing Face of Beauty; W Magazine

The March issue of W Magazine contains some of the most aesthetically appealing and inspiring editorials / features, which I have seen to date.

If the appearance of Kate Moss on two covers for ‘The Style Bible’ did not grasp the audience’s attention, ‘The Ever Changing Face of Beauty’ editorial most certainly will.

The publication re-examines the components which define a supermodel. With the aid of digital media technicians, model Lara Stone’s enviable body parts and juxtaposed with them of men, animals and even nature.

The editorial’s script is bound with the ribbons of Spring’s most recognisable trends, with stylist Marie Chaix placing the supermodel in garments of floral print and electric colour.

Photographer Sølve Sundsbø captures Lara in scenes defined as ‘Bright Ideas’, ‘Flower Power’, ‘Inside Out’, ‘Ancient Secret’ and ‘His and Hers’.

Lara Stone is styled in a Jil Sander cotton dress, Proenza Schouler silk crepe leggings and Manolo Blahnik for Richard Nicoll shoes.

Lara is styled in a Christopher Kane plastic organza jacket and plastic organza skirt and a Rocha silk skirt.

Lara is styled in OMO Norma Kamali sequined nylon leggings and No. 21 shoes.

Lara is styled in a Gucci chain embroidered dress and Manolo Blahnik for Richard Nicoll shoes. 

Lara is styled in Craig Lawrence elastic and Kyototex metallic leggings and Paco Robanne shoes.

Scans by Vampire Horde

MTV Video Music Awards 2011

The MTV Video Music Awards first began as a ceremony to rival the notorious Grammy Awards. The VMA’s first launched in 1984 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler were the evening’s hosts.

This year, the awards were held in the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Steven Friedman MTV President, publicly stated the company’s delight in returning to the City of Angels;

“We are thrilled to return to Los Angeles where the energy of the city will help power the creative spirit of the 28th annual VMAs. The city is the perfect backdrop for all the musical moments, mayhem and magic that make the VMAs such a notorious celebration.”

Selena Gomez is photographed wearing a gown by Julien Mac Donald, gold heels by Brian Atwood, Judith Leiber clutch with gold drop earrings and cuff by Lorraine Schwartz.

The televised event attracts a wide spectrum of viewers; those who anticipate the night’s vocal performances and others who salivate over the ensembles of the music realm’s brightest stars.

Adele, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Pitbull and Cee-Lo Green each glided across the stage to perform the theme tunes to this summer. Whist, the mélange of routines, costumes and melodies utilised to honour the career of Britney Spears was particularly memorable.

Beyoncé chose the red carpet of the Video Music Awards as the moment to publicly announce that she and husband Jay-Z are expecting their first child.

Beyoncé is photographed wearing a burnt orange Lanvin gown from their Autumn 2011 collection with Lorraine Schwartz jewels to accessorise.

Beyoncé performed on stage in a sequined tuxedo jacket, white shirt and fitted pants all by Dolce & Gabbana.

Beyoncé’s former band mate, Kelly Rowland attended the awards in a feather and leather ensemble by Falguni & Shane Peacock with Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Spike heels to match.

Zoe Saldana continued the night’s Little Black Dress trend in a creation by Barbara Bui, the ensemble was accessorised with snake-skin heels also by Barbara Bui, a Lanvin clutch diamond earrings, diamond elephant ring, sapphire ring and gold / onyx bracelet all by Lorraine Schwartz.

Britney Spears was the night’s guest of honour and attended with boyfriend Jason Trawick. Spears was attired in a Moschino romper and low belt with Gina peep-toe calf  boots.

In her first public appearance since her marriage to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian chose an alluring sequined gown by Kaufmanfranco for the Video Music Awards.

Miley Cyrus exhibited a mixed print gown by Roberto Cavalli from the designers Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. The songstress paired the ensemble with a Lorraine Schwartz choker and Azzedine Alaia heels.

Demi Lovato attended the award show in a jewel encrusted dress with a plunging neckline by Mandalay.

Victoria Justice appeared on the red carpet in a jewel encrusted mini dress with Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Katie Holmes attending the music event in a halter dress by Azzedine Alaia and suede tan booties by Proenza Schouler.

Once again, Lady Gaga provided the audience with an unexpected form of attire. The New Yorker opened the show with a performance of her current single ‘You and I’ as her male alter-ego Jo Calderone.

Nicki Minaj is photographed wearing an Amato Couture corset, Shojotomo Japan shorts, Tsimori Chisato stockings, an Onch Movement ice cream necklace, Fifi and Romeo plastic cuffs and Duepunti rings. 

Katy Perry collected the most amount of ‘moon men’ last night with three awards in total including the prestigious ‘Video of the Year’. Perry attended the ceremony with her husband Russell Brand and exhibited four different ensembles at the event.

Perry graced the red carpet in an Atelier Versace Autumn 2011 mini dress with Jimmy Choo ‘Beak’ sandals and Lorraine Schwartz’s pink gold and diamond ‘Happy’ bracelet.

Katy Perry presented an award in the show wearing a purple lace Tom Ford gown, the songstress’ purple-hue hair was the perfect accompaniment. 

Finally, Katy Perry collected her award in a Christian Dior Autumn 2011 Couture ensemble paired with a yellow Philip Treacy had and multi-coloured wedges by Giuseppe Zanotti.

For the California Girl’s fourth ensemble, in the press room at the end of the show, Perry wore the ‘Breaking Records’ dress designed by Johnny Wujek for Furne One and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. 

Video of the Year: Firework - Katy Perry

Best Female Video: Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Best Male Video: U Smile - Justin Bieber

Best Hip-Hop Video: Superbass - Nicki Minaj

Best Pop Video: Til The World Ends - Britney Spears

Best Rock Video: Walk - Foo Fighters

Best Collaboration: E.T. - Katy Perry Ft. Kanye West

Best New Artist: Yonkers – Tyler, The Creator

Best Video With A Message: Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Best Art Direction: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Choreography: Run This World (Girls)  - Beyoncé

Best Cinematography: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Direction: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Editing: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Special Effects: E.T. - Katy Perry Ft. Kanye West

The September Issues (Thus Far)

In fashion, the September issue of the realm’s magazines and journals, is the greatest edit in volume and the most prestigious cover of the year.

Complex Magazine:

Image: Complex

Image: Complex

Image: Complex

Beyoncé covers Complex Magazine’s annual ‘Style and Design’ issue.

The cover and editorial were photographed by Thierry Le Gouès. Ebon Heath created the cover’s artistic backdrop, which features the lyrics of Knowles’ hit ‘Run This World (Girls).

The American songstress exhibits edgy designs by Brian Lichtenberg, with styling by Matthew Henson and Peju Faujumore.

Elle UK:

Image: Elle Magazine

Kirsten Dunst features in Elle UK’s September Issue. The cover and editorial are romantic in style with soft colour palettes highlighting Dunst’s fair beauty.

The actress collaborated with photographer David Slijper to create an image of effortless elegance. The subscriber’s edition of the issue is equally alluring.

Image: Elle UK

Rachel Bilson displayed her envious physique and luxurious locks on the September cover of InStyle Makeover. The feature was styled by Brad Goreski and exhibits a daring belted gown by Proenza Schouler.

Instyle Makeover:

Image: Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler, today shared the news that Andrew Rosen of Theory has secured a forty-five percent stake in their company. Rosen has successfully managed and raised the profile of brands such as Alice+Olivia, Gryphon and Rag & Bone.

The designer-duo are the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) 2011 and 2007 Womenswear Designers of the Year.

Vogue UK:

Image: Vogue UK

 Freja Beha Erichson is photographed wearing a sequins Dolce & Gabbana gown with accessories also by the Italian label and a beret by AdHoc.

Image: Vogue UK

Freja Beha Erichson is pictured wearing a tiered organza dress by Alexander McQueen, crystal choker by Lanvin and lace cuffs by House of Snowball. 

Image: Vogue UK

Freja Beha Erichson is shot wearing an embroidered silk shirt and skirt by Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci, tights by Pamela Mann and leather/crystal choker by Lanvin. 

Freja Beha Erichson stars as the protagonist in Vogue UK’s September episode. Famed photographer, Mario Testino shot the editorial and cover. Throughout the issue, Erichson exhibits delicate and romantic pieces by Givenchy, Lanvin and Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Flare Magazine:

Image: Flare

Flare Magazine have titled their September Issue shoot with Jessica Stam ’Naughty or Nice’. Max Abadian was the editorial’s photographer with Elizabeth Cabral styling and Harry Josh tending to Miss Stam’s tresses.

Throughout the issue, the Canadian model is featured in luxury pieces by The Row, Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci and Giles.

Jessica Stam covers the magazine in tough statement jewelry by Swarovski, an embellished Vionnet dress and elegant heels by Christian Louboutin.

Vogue Australia:

Image: Vogue Australia

Image: Vogue Australia

Image: Vogue Australia

Katie Fogarty covers Vogue Australia’s September Issue. Kai Z. Feng photographed the ‘Night Watch’ editorial,Naomi Smith is the issue’s fashion editor / stylist with Robert Di Cuia responsible for hair styling and make-up artistry by Benjamin Puckey.

Image: Vogue Australia

Hayden Williams:

Whilst trawling through the internet for fashionable inspiration, an alluring sketch caught my eye.

Hayden Williams, a London fashion design and illustration artist has frequented my news feed with his bright, enchanting sketches. On Williams’ blog, fitting tributes of pop culture icons such as Rihanna and Amy Winehouse are also rather prominent.

One of Hayden’s most recent sketches is particularly special – ‘The September Issue’. The model exhibits an Anna Wintour-esque hair style with designs featuring this season’s trends of checkerboard pattern and tuxedo-inspired tailoring.

Without doubt, Hayden Williams is a promising talent for fashion’s future, it would not be surprising if he soon featured in a Fashion Week near you.

Image: Hayden Williams

This post will be continually updated to include the September Issues which are yet to be released. Check back often!

Sarah Jessica Parker – The Age Issue

“I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.”

- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & The City.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s career has explored the domains of film, fashion and charitable foundations. The actress is most recognisable from her role as Carrie Bradshaw, in HBO’s infamous series ‘Sex & The City’. She has also starred in feature films such as Footloose (1984), Hocus Pocus (1993) and Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009).

Within the realm of fashion, Parker maintains a highly-respected reputation for her risqué and informed wardrobe choices. In the year of the Millennium, SJP hosted the MTV Movie Awards and exhibited an impressive fourteen ensembles throughout the awards segment. Parker is also the namesake for the popular fragrances; ‘Lovely’, ‘Covet’, ‘Dawn’, ‘Endless’ and ‘Twilight’.

Sarah Jessica Parker has once again been bestowed the honour of appearing on Vogue’s cover. Parker adorns the August edition annually titled ‘The Age Issue’, in a beautiful white Burberry trench coat. ‘The Age Issue’ will be released on July 19th.

The editorial features Parker in a domain of domesticity. The actress is accompanied in the shoot by her husband Matthew Broderick, son James Wilkie and twin daughters; Tabitha and Loretta. The images were shot by Mario Testino.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel tweed jacket and skirt suit with Manolo Blahnik suede pumps

On identifying with Carrie Bradshaw:

“Bradshaw’s life is nothing — nothing — like mine,” she says. “I loved playing her, and it changed my life in lots of wonderful ways, but I’m not a crazy shoe lady, I don’t think about fashion all day long, although I have a great respect for the industry. Every choice we’ve made has been different.”

Sarah Jessica Parker in Bottega Veneta gown and Suzanne Couture Millinery headpiece. Matthew Broderick in Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedo jacket and pants. James Wilkie in Léon pyjamas, Tabitha and Loretta in Fleurisse pyjamas.

On being unable to leave New York City:

“You do start to understand the behind-the-gate mentality, the getting in the car in your driveway…but I can’t imagine living in seclusion. We flirted with it. We went outside the city and troubled all these Realtors and stood in these homes and fantasized, and then I kept picturing nine o’clock at night and” — she breaks into mime, drumming her fingers on her crossed knees and staring into the middle distance. “The beautiful thing about New York is, you have to expose yourself to other people the minute you step outside the door. There is no choice. And I love that.”

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta gown and Matthew Broderick in Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedo jacket and pants.

On her love of fashion:

“I love the opportunity to wear something really special and go to a wonderful event at some great cultural institution. Not to sound too Pollyanna about it, but I really didn’t imagine when I was a little girl that I would be there to see it all myself.”

Sarah Jessica Parker in Proenza Schouler dress, Michael Kors belt, Manolo Blahnik pumps and Van Cleef & Arpels watch.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Marc Jacobs embroidered jacket and skirt. Tabitha and Loretta in Fleurisse dresses.

On getting dressed for an evening out:

For the Spring Gala of American Ballet Theater, where she serves on the board, she chose a black-and-white lace Valentino because “it was his birthday, and I thought that was a nice way of acknowledging that.” At the Met last May in tribute to Alexander McQueen, she borrowed a nude beaded column from the designer’s archive. “I love the opportunity to wear something really special and go to a wonderful event at some great cultural institution….Not to sound too Pollyanna about it, but I really didn’t imagine when I was a little girl that I would be there to see it all myself.”

Sarah Jessica Parker in Michael Kors coat and sheath dress and Bulgari watch.  James Wilkie in Crewcuts shirt and Jacadi pants.

W Mag Fuses Fashion & Music

Fashion and music have been inextricably linked since time immemorial. Many of the music industry’s brightest stars, have tried to transgress their choral boundaries onto the catwalk of fashion design and modelling. The fashion industry, along with designers themselves, have taken influence from and used popular melodies, to be the soundtrack for their season’s catwalk creations.

For a July editorial, W Mag have fused together the globe’s biggest names in fashion, along with their musical muses. Industry names such as Florence Welch, M.I.A, Christopher Bailey and Janelle Monae appear in the shoot. The images were captured by Max Vadukul.

Florence Welch & Frida Giannini – Creative Director at Gucci

Florence Welch has recently been named as the new face of Gucci. The design house will also be responsible for the creation of Welch’s costumes, whilst she is on tour with Florence & The Machine.

“I was captivated by her eccentric style and her willingness to dare. She embodies the cinematic allure and seductive power that is its essence.”

- Frida Giannini on Florence

Diplo & Alexander Wang

Esperanza Spalding & Francisco Costa - Creative Director at Calvin Klein

Francisco Costa on Esperanza Spalding;

“I admire her passion and confidence— she is truly a free spirit.”

Yoko Ono & Proenza Schouler

Kanye West & Rodarte

Rodarte are the designing duo responsible for Natalie Portman’s exquisite ballerina ensembles in ‘The Black Swan’.

George Craig & Christopher Bailey - Creative Director at Burberry

“For me, George embodies the modern British look.”

- Christopher Bailey on George Craig

George Craig fronts the band ‘One Night Only’. The model / singer has previously campaigned for Burberry alongside actress Emma Watson. Watson even appeared in the band’s music video for ‘Say You Don’t Want It‘, whilst the pair were dating. The couple have since split, Craig has most recently been linked with X-Factor contestant Diana Vickers.

Janelle Monae & Karl Lagerfeld

“We liked each other from the first second on. Not just because of our style, but also the name: Janelle rhymes with Chanel, no?”

- Karl Lagerfeld on Janelle Monae

M.I.A. & Donatella Versace

“Her music and style seemed so fresh and innovative. She is a total artist.”

- Donatella Versace on M.I.A.

Festival Fashion

With Glastonbury occurring in less than two weeks, deciding on what to wear to a festival, becomes imperative. Trends in previous years have swayed towards gladiator sandals, cutoff shorts and accessorising with metallic bangles and perhaps even a straw hat.

For this year’s musical events I am suggesting a more glamorous, refined approach to outerwear. Although, depending on the country or season – this look may not be the most practical.

Taking inspiration from both the catwalks and high-street stores, a number of vintage-esque, polished pieces have been chosen to add glamour to Glastonbury.

The ensemble features creations from ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’; Proenza Schouler, Chloé, Victoria Beckham, Topshop & A-Wear. 

The CFDA Awards Go GaGa!

“The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, is a not-for-profit trade association that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 370 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers.” (CFDA,2011)

The CDFA Fashion Awards were held last night in the Lincoln Centre, New York. Celebrities, icons and designers walked the red carpet in the most luxurious and showcasing designs. Lady GaGa, Marc Jacobs, Arthur Elgort, Hilary Alexander and Hal Rubenstein were just some of the industry’s biggest names who were in receipt of an award last night.

Lady GaGa, dressed in Thierry Mugler, was honoured at the event with the ‘Fashion Icon Award’. Nicola Formichetti, Mugler’s creative director is also Lady GaGa’s stylist and is responsible for many of the songstress’ most iconic looks.

GaGa was accompanied to the event by her younger sibling Natali Germanotta. During her speech GaGa vocalised her love of fashion, she explained that “fashion made me feel like a star before I was”. With her turquoise hair and platform booties, GaGa left critics in no doubt of her status as a fashion icon.

As with most fashion events the invitees yearn to be dubbed the night’s best dressed. The nominees for this year’s event (according to me) are; Liv Tyler, Lucy Liu, Naomi Watts and Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen.

Liv Tyler (left) attended on the arm of Proenza Schouler , the designer duo won the night’s most coveted prize; ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’.

 

Lucy Liu (right) was a glamorous guest dressed in a lace / feather gown by Monique Lhuillier.

Naomi Watts (left) glittered in her gold Calvin Klein Collection gown.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (right) once again proved their designing talents modelling creations from The Row with Mary-Kate adorning her dress with a gold Chanel sequined jacket (as seen in Vogue UK). The matching handbags were a nice touch too!