Anna Wintour to Join Magazine Hall of Fame

You lover her. You hate her. You recognize her. Yes, it is Vogue's Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.

On April 22 she will be inducted into the Magazine Hall of Fame. She may be a devil in Prada, and a bob and large sunglasses, but her contribution to the world of magazines cannot be denied.

Her journalism career began in 1970 as an editorial assistant with Harper's & Queen in London. Wintour discovered several model and came up with interesting locations and concepts for shoots. She left that position to move to New York; she became a junior fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar. That job only lasted a short time due to creative differences. After several other short positions at Viva, Savvy and New York and taking time off, Wintour finally arrived at Vogue. She has been there since 1983.

At Vogue she changed many aspects of the magazine, citing that there was a different type of woman out there that she wanted to reach. She realized that career women did not have time to waste shopping and the magazine could be a valuable tool in letting them know what to wear. Covers began featuring three quarter to full length body shots and natural lighting. Wintour also made sure that photographers, makeup artists and stylists received credit for their work.

While Wintour has a reputation of being difficult and elitist, she has worked extremely hard and brought fashion into our collective conscious.

Now, just waiting on that September issue.

Photo from AP/Diane Bondareff

"Real Women" Models at Elena Miro

Models in Milan must be at least 16 years old and have a doctor's note stating that they do not have an eating disorder. This rule was established after Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died in 2006 of complications due to an eating disorder.

Elena Miroglio, the owener, took that further and only had models that are a size US 12 or more. In fact, the line has embraced "real women" for the past 25 years, saying that they are backing a "soft revolution"! This is certainly an accomplishment for a "plus sized" line to be shown consistently during Milan Fashion Week. Other collections to be shown in Milan are Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Versace, Gianfranco Ferre, Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni and more.

Elna Miro is not just a "plus sized" line. It is genuinely beautiful clothing that anyone would want. Unfortunately for the skinny girls, the line begins at a size US 10.

The collection looked liked it was designed for the traveling woman, with a lot of separates and an array of coats. A few Asian inspired coats were seen as were belted tops; In New York, Monique Lhuillier also had Asian inspired looks. The colors ranged from winter white to deep burgundy. Fabrics were slinky, sexy silks. Elena Miro is a collection that you can feel good wearing while at work, traveling, or having fun at night.

Photos from Reuters/Max Rossi

Christopher Bailey Does Burberry to Perfection

Buberry just finished showing at London Fashion Week, and I want it all! Christopher Bailey is a genius when it comes to tailoring coats and adding the right details.

Tall, thigh high boots were on almost all of the models. So, after the summer is over, keep those legs in shape because these boots are hot! Ankle boots were also featured. The coolest part? Shearling on the inside! Trade these shearling lined boots for your beat up Uggs. The handbags also stood out with stud detailing.

Now, for the main attraction, what Burberry is know for: The coats! The collection definitely had a military chic appeal. The collars were emphasized and leather straps with buckles, zippers and military buttons gave the coats just the right amount of detail while still remaining classic. Shearling was all over the place and a few rich brown fur coats were shown.

The coat colors were mostly military green, browns and navy. However, there was a bright blue double breasted coat that really popped.

Ruched dresses, shredded chiffon dresses, and slim skirts in navy, mustard yellow and a berry/plum stood out for the deep colors. The dresses and skirts did have a longer hem, keeping with what we saw in New York.

You cannot go wrong with any piece from this collection. Bravo, Bailey.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

"The Naughty Debutante" From Paul Smith

"The naughty debutante," is what inspired Paul Smith for his Autumn/Winter collection. Take a little English countryside and mix it will some rock and roll and you'll get Paul Smith.



The show featured tweed, wool, capes, and a few pieces with a retro-vintage feel. Colors were all over the place: from dark browns and blacks to lime green and bright red.



There were also some sophisticated pieces, like a standard little black dress and a taupe floral, one shoulder dress. Though, they were paired with fishnet stockings for a bit more edge. This is an easy and inexpensive was to update an outfit for next fall/winter. Also, pick up a tweed coat that can be worn day after day to stay in style.



Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Erdem: Fabulous Floral Prints

Just after Rodarte showed their Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week, everyone proclaimed it was the best show of the week.

This week, in London, it seems as if everyone is going gaga for Erdem. While I didn't quite get the Rodarte love, I do get the Erdem love.



Erdem Moralioglu chose the Senate House to host his Autumn/Winter collection. The beautiful space was awe inspiring, yet a little tricky for the models. The staircase the models walked down was dramatic, but did cause a few wobbles.

Erdem was full of dark, floral prints. The floral prints were not girly or too spring. The dark colors and abstractness allowed the floral to transform to a fall print. A variety of silhouettes were seen, so there is a cut for everyone. Plus, fun, funky boots were on feet.



Unique for Topshop took the outdoorsy theme seriously, showing antlers and wild fur. Erdem is a quiet forest or field. Look for this theme come fall.

Photo from Modesta Dziautaite

Olsen Twins Win Elle Style Award

The sisters won the 2010 Elle Style Award for Style Icons. The duo had a successful show for The Row at New York Fashion Week. Mary-Kate wore all black Lanvin and Ashley looked angelic in Christian Lacroix. It seems the former Full House stars are a real fashion force.



Photo from Reuters/Andrew Winning

Hello 80's! House of Holland

House of Holland showed a very 80's inspired collection during London Fashion Week.

Models wore very high pony tails, wrapped in colorful bandannas, large earrings and necklaces, and colored tights. The collection was mostly black, teal, pink and purple with plenty of texture and a multitude of patterns, including paisley.

House of Holland is good for the younger set. The styling makes it look not as sophisticated as other lines. However, you can still incorporate some of the ideas in your own looks. Pairing a teal (or purple or pink) top with a black coat or scarf allows you to use the color palette of House of Holland. Or you could wear a bandanna printed scarf to add that pattern to your look without it being overpowering.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Vivienne Westwood: Stop Buying Clothes

Vivienne Westwood showed her Red Label collection at London Fashion Week, and then told the press that she would like people to stop buying clothes and end consumerism.

Besides showing her own designs, Westwood featured models in Naomi Campbell's t-shirts to raise awareness and money for women in Haiti. She often uses the runway to convey messages. In the past she has tried to raise global warming awareness.

Westwood stayed true to herself and showed unexpected color and pattern combinations. For example, pink and mustard and tartan and polka dots were seen on the runway. This is a fun and exciting trend that anyone can experiment with.

There was a more conservative pink tartan draped dress that is so perfect for the season. Also, metallics were shown, just as many designers did in New York.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Plus Sized Models at London Fashion Week

Mark Fast used plus sized models for his show at London Fashion Week. Plus sized being a US size 10. At least it is a start!




Photos from AFP/Ben Stansall

Take Away Trends from NY Fashion Week

Layering


Anna Sui, Photo by Robert Mitra

Greens


Oscar de la Renta, Photo by George Chinsee

Leather


William Rast, Photo from Reuters/Jessica Rinaldi

Fur


Michael Kors

Longer Hemlines


Philip Lim, Photo from AP/Bebeto Matthews

Metallics


Pamella Roland, Photo from Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Everyone Crazy for Rodarte

Rodarte made a huge impression at New York Fashion Week. The Web is abuzz with Rodarte pics and praise.

The collection was made after design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy traveled across Texas. They were inspired by boarder towns and their inhabitants.

The looks were whimsical, but a slightly sad at the same time. Rodarte used lots of different fabrics and textures in just one piece. For example, one look included a scarf cowl neck, pieces of lace along with layers of lace, tweed, chiffon and fishnet.

Layering and mixing fabrics and textures is the take away message from the show.



Photo from Fashion Wire Daily/Gruber

Olsen Twins Grow Up with The Row

Anna Wintour, Carine Roitfeld, Carey Mulligan and Chloe Sevigny were among the few famous faces at the The Row show. Mary-Kate and Ashely opted to show their collection away from Bryant Park in an intimate space away from the paparazzi.

The twins wanted the focus to be on The Row, not themselves. If you were worried about the collection resembling clothing they are spotted in around town, you will be pleasantly surprised. No homeless beggar lady outfits seen.

The collection featured mostly black, but some blues and off-whites shown through the darkness.

The Row turned out to be a sophisticated collection that I hope to see up close and personal in the fall.

Photos by AP/Diane Bondareff

Halston: Mario Schwab's First Collection

Halston was revived in 2008 by a team of designers. The line was not dramatically different. However, Marios Schwab is now heading the house and things are different.

Schwab, based in London, began his own line in 2005 to great reviews. His clothes are sexy and modern, but still keep with the original Halston vision. But, we aren't all going to Studio 54 now.

The fall/winter 2010 collection featured fluidity and beautiful jewel tone colors. In fact, the program noted that "the luster and fluidity of mercury" was an inspiration to Schwab. Also, while many shows featured layer upon layer, Halston was simple and elegant.

Fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker is the creative directer for Halston Heritage, which will stick more closely to the Halston of yore. I think this will work out better than Lindsay Lohan's creative director position at Ungaro.

Photo from Fashion Wire Daily/Gruber

Max Azria Fall/Winter 2010 For SoCal

Max Azria presented his fall/winter 2010 collection and it was surprisingly minimal, especially for the season.

The colors and fabric were light, coats were no where to be seen, purses and jewelry were not found. LA locals should love this, as it seems like it was designed especially for their fall/winter climate.

For those of us that get a winter, we might save these pieces for very early spring.

Photo from Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Kardashians Bebe Collection

Kim, Kourtney and Khloe worked with Bebe so that fans could have clothing inspired by the sister's looks.

As if it is any surprise, the collection was littered with short, skin tight dresses, leather, cutouts, spandex, mesh, micro shorts, and five inch heels. One dress was so tight and short the model actually had to pull down the hem on the runway.

JWOWW, of Jersey Shore fame, loved the collection. Her other faves are Ed Hardy and Cache. She is currently working on a line of her own.

Sophisticated fashionistas are likely to pass this brand up all together. However, the Kardashians have a large fan base that are sure to snatch up several pieces to emulate their favorite sister.

Photo by Fashion Wire Daily/Gruber

Andre Leon Talley Relegated to SRO

As you all know, who sits where at a fashion show is very important. The front row is for VIP's. The better the show, the better the fashion insiders and celebrities. Where you sit is a determination of your status.

Marc Jacobs has been talking about how he doesn't care about celebrities at shows and does not want to showcase them.

However, I don't think that is what he meant when Andre Leon Talley, Vogue's Editor-at-Large, did not have seat and had to stand to watch the fall/winter 2010 collection.

To add insult to injury, Rachel Zoe, the wannabe celeb, reality television star, human skeleton and stylist to the ultra-skinny, got not one seat, but two.

Wonder if the seating chart organizer still has a job.

Picture from clutchmagonline.com

Thom Browne: Men & Fur

Thom Browne showed lots and lots of fur and grey in his men's fall/winter 2010 collection during NY Fashion Week. This collection reminds me of Jonathan Rhys Meyers' King Henry on The Tudors.







Pictures from AP/Diane Bondareff

NY Fashion Week Trends

Fall/Winter 2010 will see metallics. Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Rachel Roy, and Monique Lhuillier all showed metallics. Also, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera showed fur. Tracey Reese focused more on separates as a way to let women update their wardrobe in pieces, though fur and metallics made appearances. Tadashi Shoji showed beautiful draping and a variety of metallics.

Marc Jacobs showed coats with metallic beads. Hemlines were also longer, and Joe Zee, the creative director of Elle, said that Jacobs showed real clothes this season that make you feel "elated." The color palette was neutral and perfect for the season. The fur purse that was paired with a taupe skirt is fabulous! There was also a lot of fur trims on coats that look so cozy. However, Jacobs did show a suit that included culottes. Yes, culottes, aka a skort. Scary!

Zac Posen is trying his best to become more wearable and more relatable. Posen used "older" models so they did not appear so sickly thin. His palette was neutral, but did include copper metallics, fuchsia fur, and reds. Plus, what I am most excited about: fur covered heels. I am very interested in colored fur and think it would look great as a bolero with a black jumpsuit and colored heels in a complementary color.

Carolina Herrera also used fur. In her collection she showed fur as lining and collars. She used blues and reds, which gave the collection a Russian feel. Beading and metallics also showed up on coats and dresses. Wide brimmed hats were featured and could make the leap from the runway to the streets. There was one yellow, floral dress presented that felt more spring/summer than fall/winter, especially when compared to the rest of the collection. However, I do love fur, hats and rich colors, so this collection really excites me.

Rachel Roy was all about gold, using it on jackets, dresses, skirts and tops. Her gold of choice is slightly tarnished. She also showed high waisted pants, so it doesn't look like we are rid of that trend as of yet.

Monique Lhuillier, well known for bridal, showed a beautiful gold, beaded bodice with a full, tiered black skirt. Chinese inspired pieces included gold beading, rich reds and embellished shoulders. This is one of my favorite collections thus far due to the color and the delicate gold embellishments.

Pictures from Rueters/Natalie Behring, Rueters/Carlo Allegri

Cornell Pi Phi: Fashion Dictators

Yes, this is old news by now, but I still think it is worth looking at.

The Cornell Pi Phi sorority distributed their do's and do not's for rush week. Their rules are ridiculous because not only do they not make much sense, but no one wants or needs to be told what to wear. No booties (unless you are really special and can make them work) and no satin dresses unless you are 130 pounds or under, no chandelier earrings, no American Apparel leggings, no watches, and much, much more.

Oh, I forgot...satin dresses are ok for those over 130 pounds, as long as the dress is D&G or Betsey Johnson.

Items that pass inspection include chunky boots (why no booties?) and Mary Janes, skinny jeans, blazers, sleeveless dresses (only if you have really good arms), and pearls.

Musts are small sparkly earrings, boots over pants, bangles, tights, freshly colored hair, and manicures upon arrival to town.

One thing that everyone can agree on: No camel toes allowed!

Fashion is a great expression of who you are and allows you to be creative. It is apparent that they want a uniform, Stepford-esque clique that they can tell what to do and when to do it.

My fashion sorority would encourage unique finds, vintage fashions, any accessories, funky shoes and even nails that aren't freshly manicured.

Too perfect is boring and homogeneous.

To see the whole list of Pi Phi fashion dictatorship, visit Fashionista.com.

Beth, Oh No: Same Dress!

Beth O. (wannabe socialite and wife of Howard Stern) and Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl) showed up at the Nicole Miller show in the same dress. However, it gets worse: they were seated next to each other.

Some reports say that the two laughed the faux pas off. Though other reports say that the two ignored one another and tried not to pay too much attention to their Bobbsey Twin seatmate.

The dress in question is a white sheath with a silver, metallic print. Beth accessorized with a diamond bangle and silver peep toe pumps. Kelly chose a statement necklace and simple grey pumps. The blondes also wore red lips, but Kelly looked a bit more natural. This can also be attributed to the fact that Beth is quite tan for this long, cold winter.

Another embarrassment: Beth was the first to arrive!

Beth needs to talk to her famous husband to get a couture dress next time. Then she can be sure that no one will be wearing the same thing.

Photo by PatrickMcMullan.com

Icon Dies: Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen was found dead in his apartment on February 11, 2010. He killed himself days after his mother died, and several years after his patron, Isabella Blow killed herself.

McQueen won numerous awards throughout his career, including British Designer of the Year four times and International Designer of the Year. Celebrity clients include Lady Gaga, Penelope Cruz, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Kidman, Bjork and many, many more.

McQueen was innovative, rebellious, dramatic and will be greatly missed.

At 40 years old, his career and life was much too short.