>> As the weather gets warmer, look towards bold pieces to make a Summer statement: a cool slip dress — complete with neon trimmings — from Proenza Schouler, graphic woven pumps from Prada, chic sunglasses from The Row, an eye-catching maillot, and bright pink lipstick to top it all off and keep your wardrobe sizzling. View five perfect options, and read why you need them.
>> Rachel Zoe launched her signature contemporary line in early January — from which she reportedly stands to make up to $20 million from — and it seems like she's already well on her way: the debut collection was well-received by retailers. Now, she's back with a second collection — for Resort 2012, which she finished back in February before her son Skyler was born — that continues in her '70s-leaning strain, with pantsuits, high-slitted silk maxi skirts and organza party dresses.
>> Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri admit that designing for Valentino in tandem "isn’t easy," but they do agree on the general goal for the brand: "I have to say, with this [most recent Valentino] collection, the idea from the very beginning was not to do 'editorial' things just for the sake of it. Because in recent years, the image of fashion has prevailed over traditional fashion, meaning sartorial detailing and workmanship. But fashion designing means creating something using a special technique that might not emerge in a photo, but when you look at it up close, you see that it’s stylish. That’s a cultural problem. Clearly we live in a time where image is more important than content." Piccioli adds: "It’s as if fashion looks at the women who wear it as less valid. Well, if I want to do something artistic, then I’ll make an art installation." [Interview]
>> Kate Moss's nude cover for Vogue Brazil's 36th anniversary May 2011 issue made the rounds a couple of weeks ago, but now the rest of her steamy, almost-60-page-strong spread for the magazine, shot by Mario Testino, has also surfaced. A few highlights, in the gallery.
>> Carine Roitfeld left Vogue Paris at the end of January, but she hasn't stayed away from glossies for long: She's working on what is reportedly a cover story and fashion spread for V magazine's September 2011 issue. Roitfeld styled V's very first cover featuring Jude Law back in 1999, and Stephen Gan confirmed last Thursday that she recently asked if she could come back to work for the magazine: “My stage is always open to her and she can perform anytime she wants to on it. She wants it to be a surprise, but it’s for the September issue. We leave for Europe tomorrow, and we will work with Mario Testino. That’s all I can say.” Roitfeld is rumored to have collaborated with the magazine on several issues, including a project with Karl Lagerfeld. [WWD, NY Post]
>> Giambattista Valli has built a robust part of his six-year-old business on bridal and private couture orders, but now he's taking the first step in making his couture official. The Chambre Syndicale has elected Valli a guest member of the Paris couture calendar, and he will present a collection during the July 2011 or January 2012 couture weeks.
A designer has to be a guest couture member for a minimum of five years before their collection is eligible to officially be called haute couture, and guest members are elected by the 15 houses that have already earned the official couture title, among them Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Maison Martin Margiela.
>> Australia is currently one of our favorite street style scenes, and this latest snap shows us another inspiring look. For those breezier Spring climates, pair a watercolor effect mini with a light sweater, sheer black tights, and satin sandals. Then, finish off with a bright satchel for an artsy cool girl vibe. Like what you see? Shop similar inspiring picks from Boden, Carven, and Proenza Schouler now.
Photo courtesy of Phil Oh
