Runway Report: Theyskens’ Theory is a Study in Texture

Olivier Theyskens makes clothes that girls wear. This collection made no effort in the fanciful and fun department, it was a practice in pairing down. It wasn’t bare bones though, Theyskens’ would never bore you. While the silhouettes were mostly simple there was a lot of thought put into to textures and fabrics, which unfortunately you can’t understand completely from a runway show. Take the first blazer for example, it appears to be a single button, peaked lapel blazer in a taupe tweed, but it’s also got a stiffness to it that makes one think that it may be a puffed cotton, and it very well may be. The other signature Theyskens’ statement here were the short skirts and the long jackets- yes like the ‘Cake’ song. Theyskens is a master of length and for the girl who likes to play with proportions this is her brand. The show was all about the new girls. We had experienced but still relatively new Janice Alida, and Elsa Sylvan, as well as a few of our hand picked fresh faces, Grace Hartzel and Asia Piwka. Theyskens’ is a step towards the big leagues for these girls.

Sports Illustrated Swim Model Anne V Shares Her Vacation Essentials!

Who’s ready for swimsuit season?! No we’re not kidding.  We’re just one day away from the release of the 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and with that comes the first look at some of the world’s sexiest bikini bodies and most exotic destinations.  And while it may not be bikini season just yet for the rest of us, you better believe that Spring Break is lurking just around the corner.  Before you book your flight and make those final travel plans though, do yourself a favor and check in with Russian beauty and Sports Illustrated vet Anne V! Having appeared in her fair share of SI Swim shoots already, this gorgeous model certainly knows a thing or two about packing the perfect beach bag, including all of the must-have style picks and model-approved beauty essentials.  Luckily for all of us, Anne is giving us a lesson in proper vacation packing with a list of her Top 8 must-have beach items!  So before you run off to pick up this year’s special 50th anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated issue, check out a few of Anne’s favorite sunny day products below!


See the full slideshow on modelinia.com

Runway Report: It’s All in the Details at Carolina Herrera


Coming fresh off the Grammy red carpet in a fabulous blue Michael Kors dress, model darling Karlie Kloss, boarded the red eye and started the morning off proper by opening Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2013 fashion show!  Wearing a gorgeous cap-sleeved floor-length cream and white printed gown with black trim across the neck and waist, Karlie was every bit bright eyed and fierce.  Soon to follow was NYFW staple, Cara Delevingne, in a fabulous golden coat with a fur collar and runway veteran, Lindsey Wixson, in a long-sleeved shorter version of Karlie’s dress with a nautical-like bow at the neck.

As the collection continued, we saw a lot of tailored pant and skirt suits in camel, brown, silver, charcoal and black with fur detailing on collars and waists.  Panton’s Color of the Year, emerald, made it’s appearance mid-way through the collection on fur capes, long leather gloves, panelling on coats and skirts and also on some adorable double straped pointed heels.  But of course, it would not be a true Carolina Herrera collection without some breathtaking gowns.  Our favorite black pieces included a fantastic long black halter with a silver sea anemone-like print, as well as some floor-lengthed sequined beauties on Aymeline Valade and Catherine McNeil.  Carolina then took a turn into some beautiful colors, most notably a stunning plum.

We got to see some beautiful blues on Jasmine Tookes and Liu Wen and then we went back to emerald again when Hilary Rhoda slinked down the runway in the show’s jaw-dropping finale gown.  With one of the most impressive model rosters we have yet to see this season, Carolina Herrera proved that it’s all in the details.  The show was set to a five minute classical piece by English composer, Tom Hodge, entitled “Capriccio for Carolina,” whose production cost a reported $40,000.  “The moment I first heard the music,” Mrs. Herrera said, “I saw the whole thing in my head.”  Mrs. Herrera’s hard work has certainly paid off today.  Between the music, astounding use of color and mind blowing attention to detail, it’s safe to say that Carolina Herrera has secured her place at the head of the fashion pack.

NYFW Street Style, Day 4: Denim and Leather

Jacquelyn Jablonski

New York is getting back into the swing of things, and the models are back to their usual style game: denim and leather. While the snow storm brought out some seriously technical jackets and boots, models are back to basics for the still cold, but not so snowy weather.  We loved Jacquelyn Jablonski’s mix of black leather leggings with a red vinyl jacket with fur interior. She topped the sporty look off with a black ball cap and a bright red lip. Kristi Kaurova showed off some interesting necklines with her leather leggings, pairing a chunky green turtleneck with a gray and orange shawl-collared topper. Jasmine Tookes  donned navy jeans with a navy tank and army green jacket for her typical off -duty style. We’re glad things are back to normal and can’t wait for the rest of NYFW street style to play out. Bring it models!

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Runway Report: Top Models and Grandeur at Zac Posen!

If ever there were a New York collection dripping with red carpet potential, it would be Zac Posen’s impossibly glamorous Fall lineup.  Holding court in a salon-style setting at The Plaza Hotel’s Terrace Room last night, the designer did what he does best— i.e. presenting a string of romantic, ultra-feminine designs fit for the Old Hollywood stars of yesteryear.  Although inspired by classic ’40s silhouettes this season, Posen stayed true to his signature hourglass silhouette, sending one curve-enhancing look after another down the runway.  And with a new focus on separates this season, Posen took his womanly confections straight into the realm of elevated day wear, offering fitted peplum tops in ruby and rust-colored duchesse satin, crushed velvet trousers and an assortment of structured tweed jackets.  As for evening wear, there were more than enough Oscar-ready options to choose from.  The standouts included canary yellow baroque gown with grand floral embroidery, a rich strapless chocolate satin bustier gown and a bias-cut pale orchid-colored chiffon number.

And of course what would a Zac Posen show be without its exceptional model cast?  Although it would be hard to top last season’s memorable lineup including Naomi CampbellKarolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha of The Face, Posen certainly didn’t disappoint, tapping both Hilary Rhoda (opener) and Coco (closer) this time around.  Model muse Crystal Renn was also hand for the occasion, as was Lindsey WixsonSessilee Lopez and another one of our Fresh Face picks, Soo Joo. Familiarize yourself with these elegant beauties, because chances are you’ll be seeing them at the award shows soon enough!

Model TwitPics of Fashion Week!

From the front row of Fashion Week, to getting ready for the Grammy Awards, to even bundling up from the storm, these are your model TwitPics of Fashion Week!


See the full slideshow on modelinia.com

Runway Report: Rock and Roll Glamour at Diane von Furstenberg

Coming right off of the runway for DKNY, where she opened and closed, Cara Delevingne once again opened for Diane von Furstenberg’s runway show, in a red, white and black printed iconic wrap dress.  Joined by Jacquelyn Jablonski, Liu Wen, Jourdan Dunn, Catherine McNeil, and Lindsey Wixson, Diane’s show was jam packed with some of our favorite models.  The collection itself nodded to rock and roll royalty with velvet jumpsuits, satin suits, gold leather pants, fur vests, crocodile coats, and high slit gowns.  Large suede fringed bags in black and red, thick high waisted belts and gigantic fur collars had us dreaming of the groovy 70s.  Being anything but bland, the collection ran a broad spectrum of colors from burnt orange, metallic copper, charcoal and gold, to black and white print, shocking pink and bright red, cobalt blue, deep burgundy, and finally a finale gown in teal.

The models let their hair down in a loose wave, but it was their choice of lip that really had us going.  The shocking pink lipstick, not only worked with each and every colorful look it was paired with, but it made such a strong statement without going overboard.  It’s safe to say that bright pink is the new red lipstick and definitely a beauty trend to wear now.  And of course, if you had any fears that leopard was on it’s way out, Diane’s collection reminds us that it isn’t going anywhere! While we have no doubt seen our fair share of masculine cuts this Fall season, we are always more than thrilled for Diane’s demure and ladylike creations.  So get some hot pink lipstick fast and start saving up  for a brown suede DVF wrap-dress because we have no doubt that this is one collection that will be selling out in no time!

Runway Report: Pastels, Florals and Dragonflies Take Center Stage at Thakoon

It was all about the dragonfly, the dandelion and perhaps just a bit of leopard print at today’s Thakoon runway show! Looking to add a sweet touch to the otherwise somber, structural shapes of his Fall 2013 collection, the New York based designer brought his whimsical insect print to life, showcasing it on everything from a black smock dress to a woven peplum top.  Nevertheless, it was the fluttering dandelions and romantic floral prints adorning Panichgul’s breezy silk dresses and flouncy pleated skirts that made the most buzz when paired with rich fur coats and the occasional stool.

Not to say that Panichgul’s use of fur was reserved for outwear alone.  Offered in a palette consisting mostly of somber black, midnight blue and the occasional muted, pastel shade, the luxe fabrics appeared on everything from the collars of boxy woven jackets to full-length shift dresses and voluminous tops paired with A-line skirts of the same fabric.  And if the polished, FLOTUS-approved attire sounds a bit too mature for your liking, don’t worry.  Between all of the modest helpings of feminine Sunday brunch attire there was still plenty of youthful intrigue to be found say for instance, in dresses featuring cutouts of lace overlay, pleated skirts embellished with sequins and let us not forget those wild cut-off bangs!  Models Ashleigh Good (the opener), Jasmine Tookes and Andie Arthur rocked the edgy, punk look with ease, appearing just as graceful and alluring as those delicate dandelion prints!