As fashion’s current king of downtown cool, Alexander Wang has perfected a look that is both eye-catching and easy going. It isn’t unusual to see Wang’s wares popping up in fashion glossies month after month, but it is interesting to see how his look is interpreted by a variety of talents. One of last season’s most memorable and popular Wang pieces was the fishnet turtleneck, a statement item that adds a touch a mystery to any ensemble. Most stylists didn’t stray too far from the runway vision of this particular look, but every so often the versatility of this staple was showcased via a well-timed change of pace. With the addition of the equally ubiquitous Jil Sander pink overcoat, or a bit of menswear inspired Paul & Joe, the mood shifts completely. That said, the Wang turtleneck looks just as good all by itself, revealing a touch of come-hither skin or adding another layer of sexy to a pop star’s daring repertoire.

Alexander Wang F/w 12 Magnified Fishnet Turtleneck

Interview Magazine - photography by Greg Harris | styling by Karl Templer

Dazed & Confused  by Yelena Yemchuk | Styled by Karen Langley | Model Julia Nobis

Document - photography by Paul Wetherell | Styling by James Valeri | Model - Bette Franke

S Moda for El Pais photography by Tetsuharu Kubota | Styled by Isabel Moralejo | Model Aline Weber

Harper’s Bazaar photography by Camilla Akrans (New York: Management + Artists, Paris: Management + Artists)| Styled by Mel Ottenberg | Model - Rihanna

Intermission Magazine by Patrik Sehlstedt | Styled by Brian Molloy | Model Kolfinna Kristofersdottir

Vogue Australia photography by Will Davidson | Styled by Natasha Royt | Model Crystal Renn

Vogue Espana photography by Lachlan Bailey (New York: Management + Artists, Paris: Management + Artists)| Styled by Géraldine Saglio| Model Kendra Spears

Photography by Mark Pillai | Styled by Barbara Loison| Model Hanna at Viva

Elle photography by Emma Tempest | Styled by Natalie Wansbrough-Jones | Model Kelsey Van Mook

Modern Weekly (China) photography by Daniel Jackson | Styled by Alastair McKimm | Models Fei Fei Sun and Du Juan

Looking back on the season that was and some of the runway proportion plays, we started to think back to the larger than life silhouettes of the 1980s. Back when a shoulder pad was de rigueur you couldn’t open up a fashion magazine without seeing the incredible designs of Claude Montana. Focusing on exquisite construction, luxurious materials and of course shape, Montana’s eponymous label flourished from 1979 until 1997, and for two years in the early nineties he even held down the reigns at Lanvin and yes there was life before Alber.

The amount of designers who namecheck Montana as an inspiration is staggering, the late Alexander McQueen cited him as a primary influence and numerous others owe a great deal to Montana’s inventive spirit. Take a trip back to the past with a glimpse at some incredible House of Montana pieces, as worn by top models of the era. The clothes may be over 20 years old, but notice how relevant and modern they still seem – the ruffled skirt on the red suit wouldn’t seem out of place on this season’s Balenciaga runway, the oversized shearling jacket would work with today’s Rag & Bone and that dramatic white column for Lanvin, could appear on any red carpet today and be completely refreshing.

Jenny Howarth by Paolo Roversi for Montana, 1986

Jenny Howarth by Paolo Roversi for Montana 1988

Linda Evangelista in Montana in American Vogue, 1987

Annelisse Seubert in Montana, 1992

Linda Evangelista by Paolo Roversi for Lanvin S/S 90, by Montana

Karen Mulder by Paolo Roversi for Lanvin by Montana, 1991

Claudia Mason on the cover of British Vogue in Montana, 1993

Emma Sjoberg in Elle by Gilles Bensimon, 1991

Emma Sjoberg in Montana 1992 ads

The Olympics are right around the corner and magazines are jumping on the bandwagon. Open up nearly any magazine this month and you’ll see a special on the London Olympics and/or a fashion special themed around all things sporty. Which story do you think captures the theme of athleticism, health and fitness best – we’re partial to the editorials that pair models with athletes for the perfect mix of glamour and fitness. Who can resist the sight of Joan Smalls taking of in a sprint while wearing shimmering Ralph Lauren? Or Karlie Kloss balancing on beams alongside gymnast Jonathan Horton! Take a look at the month’s best sporty stories and tell us which one strikes your fancy.

Karlie Kloss by Annie Leibovitz for American Vogue

Joan Smalls and Usain Bolt for American Vogue

Britt Maren by Greg Lotus for Vogue Russia

Athletes Jodie Williams & Louise Hazel by Peter Lindbergh for British Vogue

Gymnast Louis Smith & Jourdan Dunn by Alasdair McLellan

Natalia Vodianova by Cuneyt Akeroglu

Liberty Ross by Matt Irwin for Elle

Carine Roitfeld by Mario Sorrenti for MAC – this marks the first time Sorrenti has shot for MAC!

Think of this as a Biz meets Beauty Bytes moment – in a move that should please eyeliner afficianados everywhere Carine Roitfeld has teamed with MAC to create a limited edition color collection “with a focus on eyes and brows that reflect Carine’s signature look: smoky eye, bold brows and nude lips.” Sounds brilliant and perfect for the expected Fall 2012 release date, certain to coincide with the launch of Roitfeld’s magazine CR Fashion Book.

LVMH’s Bernard Arnault invests in French label Maxime Simoens – major coup for the relative newcomer and a move that is certain to raise his profile!

Even if you aren’t a blushing bride, there were some interesting trends happening during NY’s Bridal Fashion Week. Vera Wang went for crimson with a round of bright red gowns, Oscar de La Renta also showed red looks, but the highlight of his show were the Spanish influenced gowns topped off with mantilla veils.

Who says fashion editors can’t do it all? British Vogue’s Alexandra Shulman managed to write a novel while editing one of the world’s biggest magazines. We’re impressed!

Can you break up with a label? The New York Times seems to think so -Elle‘s Anne Slowey details post-pregnancy her breakup with Balenciaga, Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garçons.

Ever wonder how the Calvin Klein brand stays ahead of the curve? Find out in WWD’s lengthy and interesting interview with Tom Murry, president and chief executive officer of Calvin Klein Inc.

September’s Elle, is one of the best we’ve seen from the magazine in awhile and were particularly in love with Laurie Bartley‘s glamour filled story featuring Jeneil Williams. Shot at St. Lucia’s luxe Anse Chastanet resort and filled to the brim with designer goodies from Tom Ford, Gucci and Chloe, the story presents the ultimate getaway. As always, Jeneil is a vision of regal poise and dressed in cat-eye sunglasses and bold color she looks even chicer than usual.

Artist, director, actor, author – is there any creative career James Franco hasn’t tried his hand at in recent years? Hollywood’s favorite multi-hyphenate seems keen on testing his skills in numerous arenas so it is unsurprising to see him giving fashion photography a go. In the newest Elle Franco shoots Agyness Deyn as a latter day James Dean (Deyn also serves as fashion editor) while Natalia Bonifacci plays Sal Mineo in Franco’s gender-bending tribute to Rebel Without A Cause.

It is always cool to see newcomers take on the traditional fashion editorial and Franco’s snapshots have a certain unstudied quality that makes them interesting; are you a fan of his efforts, or do you think he’s better off sticking to his day job? Let us know in the comments!

Yet another star has emerged from Nous Model Management in Los Angeles. Sexy Eric Bivoino shines in the new Elle Magazine shot by star photographer Matthias Vriens. Posing along side Georgina Grenville, this boy definitely holds his own.

Eric Biviono shot by Matthias Vriens for Elle Magazine	Eric Biviono shot by Matthias Vriens for Elle Magazine
Eric Biviono for Nous Model Management LA

Newcomer girl Toni from Hamburg is on her way up. You’ll find her in the current french Vogue with Eric Maillet the second story will follow
in May 2007. The US Elle with Manuela Parvesi and the italian Elle with Inaki have just been published as well. Stay tuned for her american Glamour
editorial shot by Arthur Ellgort in Mexico. This girl will definitely make her way !

numero / sol sanchez	italian elle / inaki
french vogue / eric maillet	american elle / manuela parvesi