>> Erickson Beamon's latest diffusion collection, for online jewelry boutique BaubleBar, is now available online. The seven-piece collection features brightly colored bracelets, earrings, and necklaces — all in the storied jewelry brand's signature playful-glam aesthetic — at super-accessible prices. Crystal chandelier earrings are $65, and a multichain faux-pearl and crystal necklace — the collection's most expensive piece — is $200. “I’m drawn to the populuxe concept, where luxurious jewels are available at price points every girl can afford," explains Karen Erickson. This line marks the second diffusion collaboration for the brand; the first was with Target in 2009. "The funny thing that we learned when we did Target is that an Erickson Beamon fan is an Erickson Beamon fan.” See the whole collection — available now through Dec. 31 — here in the slideshow.
Photos courtesy of Erickson Beamon and BaubleBar
Posts for October 2011
Gemma Ward's Great Gatsby Film Role Revealed
>> After two months of speculation, Gemma Ward's Great Gatsby film role has finally been confirmed. She's set to play Catherine, sister of Myrtle Wilson (mechanic and garage owner George B. Wilson's unstable wife and Tom Buchanan's mistress), who is being played by Isla Fisher. The film also stars Carey Mulligan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tobey Maguire, and is set to premiere in Nov. 2012. [Fashion Copious]
Manolo Blahnik Makes a Comeback, Is Again in Demand
>> After being overtaken for a few years by Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik is back in the spotlight. Recent deliveries of a particular Manolo pump sold out so fast, Bergdorf Goodman had to institute a waiting list. “Manolo’s shoes are very much in the spirit of this moment’s clothes, pared down, with simple lines, and I hate to say ladylike, but classic,” said Linda Fargo, SVP for women’s fashion at the store.
“We do a very, very strong business in his shoes,” added Jonathan Joselove, SVP and merchandise manager for Neiman Marcus, noting that the stores have difficulty keeping certain Manolos in stock.
As the New York Times points out, Kate Moss wore a classic pair of Manolos for her wedding this past Summer, and Sarah Jessica Parker was shot exclusively in the Blahnik BB pump in the August issue of Vogue. “I walked in [for the shoot] and looked around and saw all these shoes, and then I spotted the Manolos and it was like water in a desert,” Parker explained. “I was just so excited to see a simple black pump.”
Of Louboutin's more embellished shoes and signature red soles, George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA, says: “It was a chic idea for a minute. You wore a red sole, and everyone knew you spent $1,200 or $1,400 for your shoes. And I would say there was a period when certain customers abandoned us and moved into that world.” But, as Blahnik himself added last week: “The gimmicky thing I’m not very keen on. I’ve never been tempted to do these hideous furniture shoes.”
See Taylor Tomasi Hill's First Fashion Editorial as Model
>> Taylor Tomasi Hill has been captured innumerable times for her street style, but recently she sat for The Block, marking her "first experience being in front of the camera as a model. It was a bit intimidating at first."
In addition to mugging for photographer Tetsuharu Kubota's camera, Tomasi Hill explained the origins of her trademark red hair: "My mother has sported a fiery red mane for as long as I can remember. While in college, I went home to visit — with bright green streaks in my hair. She took me to the salon and asked if I wanted to try her red. An hour later I was a redhead for life." As for whether she'd ever return to her natural hair color: "I may branch out and try something else one day, but I believe I will always go back to red. My husband will occasionally mention that he would love to see me the way he met me, as a brunette, so one day I will do it for him."
She also talks about her newish gig as Sigerson Morrison's creative consultant: "I am going to be working closely with them to differentiate and refresh their two brands [Sigerson Morrison and Belle]. I’ve always been a fan, and hope that I will eventually see the collections develop into something that has my stamp and flavor."
And the other side project she's got going: "At the moment I am working with Lane Crawford’s fashion director, Sarah Rutson, to create a collection showcasing all my favorites. Pieces that are seasonless, some inspired by vintage treasures that I have had in my closet for years. One is inspired by a dress I wore to my first day on the job at W, Teen Vogue, and then Marie Claire. I will be traveling to Hong Kong in January, when the line is slated to hit shelves."
8 Fall Eye Makeup Updates to Try Now
>> Refresh your look — and add a little drama — with these Autumn-perfect eye makeup tricks, straight from the Fall 2011 runways. From the high-impact smokey styles spotted at Roberto Cavalli to the inky doll eyes seen at Lanvin, these eight looks are sure to inject a little pep into your beauty routine. Click through to see them all, and get tips on how to make them yours.
Charlotte Olympia Spring 2012
>> Charlotte Dellal looked to the sunshine-infused glamour of Miami and Beverly Hills for her Spring 2012 Charlotte Olympia collection. Ankle-strap platforms, sculptural heels, and Dellal's signature Pandora clutches get a dose of retro poolside whimsy with the help of suede leaf cutouts, raffia braids, and blush-colored feathers. Click through to preview the entire collection, currently available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
The New Online Arrivals We're Coveting This Week
>> The chicest of the just-in pieces, from some of our favorite online stores. Among the goodies: A teal oversized clutch from Claire Vivier, a leather-sleeved Karen Walker dress, a pair of colorblock Bally booties — and more. Click through to shop them all now.
Fashion Descends on London For the Frieze Art Fair
>> On to the next: Not a week after Paris Fashion Week ended, fashion's attention has already been shifted to London, where the Frieze Art Fair gets under way today. Yesterday, designers Alber Elbaz and Phoebe Philo, art dealers Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld and Philo's husband, Max Wigram, plus Natalia Vodianova, Caroline Sieber, and Valentino Garavani were all spotted taking in the wares at the VIP preview.
Jean Paul Gaultier Calls Anna Wintour "Monstrous," Defends John Galliano
>> Jean Paul Gaultier is quick to defend John Galliano: "I know John a little and I must say that what he does for his work shows he is not a racist . . . When you see the video, you can see it is someone teasing him . . . John is very talented. He has done some beautiful things for Dior. I think it is completely sad that he doesn't have his own label anymore. I think it's bad." His feelings for Anna Wintour, however, seem quite different — he says he didn't care for The Devil Wears Prada because "Anna Wintour is a lot more monstrous than she is described!" And when asked whether Wintour is a positive figure, he simply replied, "She is a figure." [Independent UK]
New Details on Alexa Chung's Upcoming TV Show, 24 Hour Catwalk
>> Last month, Alexa Chung officially got herself a new TV show on American airwaves. Lifetime ordered 10 episodes of 24 Hour Catwalk, a reality series that Chung will host, with Cynthia Rowley, Derek Blasberg, and publicist James LaForce serving as the judging panel.
In the latest issue of Teen Vogue, Chung talks about her involvement in the show, which follows four designers over the course of 24 hours as they compete in what is framed as a younger, hipper version of Project Runway. The four designers are narrowed down to two based on their vision, talent, and endurance, with a $10,000 grand prize for the ultimate winner. Each episode brings a new crop of competitors.
"With a lot of other fashion shows, it's not actually relevant," Chung says. "I only wanted to do this if it was going to be a genuine search for designers and if I would be working alongside people who are legitimate in the fashion industry." She adds of her last American television experience, hosting It's On With Alexa Chung, which was canceled less than a year into its run: "I got so burnt by the last [show]. [But] everything feels right this time. I really like the team. From day one, we've laughed nonstop."





