GALLIANO + PARSONS

John Galliano and Eva Green by Ellen von Unwerth

Who better to teach young designers about the ups and downs of the business than a true fashion veteran, former Dior creative director John Galliano is set to teach a Master Class at Parsons . The series, cheekily entitled ‘Show Me Emotion’ “seeks to engage its participants by provoking the power of emotion in context of fashion practice and exploration of intuitive, perceptive manners of investigational making.” Sounds like a fascinating opportunity for the students lucky enough to gain entrance. / LUCKY

PUNK STORIES

Cara Delevingne in Quentin Jones (Cadence New York)’s short film for Punk Stories

In the weeks leading up to the Met Gala Vogue and punk are becoming increasingly interwined. Case in point, the magazine’s newly launched ‘Punk Stories’ film series. Enlisting a new female director each week to create a cutting-edge fashion film centered on the theme of punk the films provide a sophisticated and luxurious take on the DIY down and dirty ethos of punk. Already they’ve had Cara Delevingne rocking out in a kinetic film by Quentin Jones (Cadence New York) that capitalizes on Cara’s larger than life personality and the rock n’roll spirit of punk’s evolution. The week prior Dree Hemingway mixed punk with New Wave glam in Mary Nighy’s soulful short.

NO ANGEL

Bisutti with fellow contest winner, Jamie Lee backstage at the 2009 VS show – image by Betty Sze

Victoria’s Secret lashes back at former contest winner, Kylie Bisutti whose interviews regarding her forthcoming book have sent shockwaves through the blog-o-sphere. In an official statement the mega-brand denied Ms. Bisutti had ever been in the running for Angel status and said the following:

“Ms. Bisutti has made numerous fabrications and misstatements of fact regarding her brief association with Victoria’s Secret. In 2009, Ms. Bisutti won an online amateur modeling competition and hasn’t worked for us since that year. The prize for the winning contestant was the unique opportunity to a one-time walk in the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Ms. Bisutti also participated in a swim photo shoot in 2009. That was the extent of Ms. Bisutti’s involvement with Victoria’s Secret. She was never a Victoria’s Secret “Angel” as defined by the terms of our Angel model contract. And contrary to Ms. Bisutti’s claims, she was never offered any subsequent modeling contracts or opportunities with Victoria’s Secret despite her multiple appeals for further work. She has repeatedly fabricated her work experience with Victoria’s Secret – including a relationship that simply did not exist.

COACH & REED PART WAYS

Reed Krakoff by Robbie Fimmano

In other designer news, Reed Krakoff Exits Coach after 16 years. Krakoff will step down from his position as president and executive creative director in 2014, to focus exclusively on his eponymous luxury line. Krakoff’s utilitarian designs and style savvy helped bring Coach into the present and revitalized the brand’s aesthetic. Coach is looking for a replacement to take the reigns once Krakoff leaves, but a name has yet to be announced.  / WWD

HERE COME THE BRIDES

Models backstage at Vera Wang’s bridal show, go backstage on Vera Unveiled.

Think fashion week is only twice a year? Think again – we’re in the midst of Bridal Week 2014, with big name labels like Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa showcasing their vision for brides, partygoers and anyone else inclined to wear a gown. Unexpected trends seen so far? Stark black and sleek leather gloves at Vera and hints of pastel peeking up at Oscar. / WWD

BEAUTY BY ALBER

A glimpse at Elbaz’s Lancome line and his drawings on the iconic Lancome packaging

Beauty collaborations are booming, the latest (and possibly the chicest) is Alber Elbaz x Lancome, a beautiful and lighthearted take on designer cosmetics. Preview Alber Elbaz’s Lancome Collection and find out why he thinks happiness is the essence of true luxury. / STYLE

SCENT OF A CAMPAIGN STAR

Alexander Skarsgard by Steven Klein for the latest Calvin Klein fragrance ads

Who would consumers rather see staring back at you from a perfume ad – Garrett Neff or Garrett Hedlund? The answer may surprise you – seems Hollywood actors are the latest to delve into the perfume game and Actors Are Replacing Male Models in the latest fragrance campaigns.  / NY TIMES

The always impressive Grey Magazine never fails to delight with its unique selection of haute imagery and the latest issue looks especially promising. With a wide range of cover stars and images filled with drama, the magazine certainly promises to be exciting. With so many cover options it is hard to pick a favorite; we’re especially drawn to the beautifully done images of models and their children, but the compelling chemistry in the couple covers is hard to ignore – which cover stands out to you?
Images courtesy Grey Magazine

Ana Beatriz Barros by Peppe Tortora, styling by Valentina Ilardi Martin, hair by  Conrad Dornan

Actress Tea Falco by Stefania Paparelli, styled by Concetta D’Angelo

Caterina Ravaglia and Adrien Sahores by Erwin Olaf, styled by Moreno Galatà

Actress Hiroe Takei and daughters Maya and Manon by Katsuhinde Morimoto, styled by Moreno Galatà

Emily DiDonato by Sheila Metzner, styled by Valentina Ilardi Martin, makeup by Justine Purdue

Lily Mcmenamy by Ellen von Unwerth, styled by Lotta Volkova Adam

Bianca Balti and daughter Matilde by Martin Parr, styled by Valentina Ilardi Martin

Actress Alba Rohrwacher by Elfie Semotan, styled by Moreno Galatà

Grace Coddington by Sebastian Kim

On the eve of the publication of Grace Coddington‘s memoirs the famously flame haired fashion editor is everywhere. Pick up a copy of i-D Magazine‘s latest issue and you’ll see her on the cover, head to any news website worth its salt and you’ll find an excerpt from the tasteful tell-all (or just check it out on Vogue.com) detailing the backstory of some epic editorial moment straight from Vogue’s pages.  Indeed it seems we’re living in a state of Grace, so to speak, so what better time to look back on the trademarks of her work – those quintessential details that set her styling apart from everyone else. It would be impossible to go through twenty years of Grace and pick a few editorials that sum up the depth and diversity that make her work great, instead we look to four Coddington calling cards that are certain to appear in every one of her stories; glamour, history, fantasy and humour.

GLAMOUR

It goes without saying that Vogue is a repository for high-glamour imagery, but Grace has always pushed the borders of what that means. It isn’t enough to showcase off the runway looks or exquisite couture, the image has to convey something powerful and iconic.

‘The Heat of the Moment’ – Photographer Ellen von Unwerth, Model Naomi Campbell American Vogue, March 1998

‘High Art’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Natalia Vodianova, American Vogue November 2004

‘Daydreams’ Photographer Steven Klein, Models Daria Werbowy and Natalia Vodianova American Vogue September 2004

‘Talk to Her’ Photographer - Steven Meisel, Models - Joan Smalls, Coco Rocha, Karen Elson, Guinevere Van Seenus, Caroline Trentini, Liya Kebede, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Daphne Groeneveld, American Vogue 2012

HISTORY

Recreating the look and feel of historical periods with contemporary design has become something of a Vogue standard and when Grace takes on history the end result is always memorable. From haute baroque, to 50s style Brando-chic and 70s style glam rock, her interpretations of the past have always been fresh and dynamic.

‘French Twists’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Models – Lily Cole, Gemma Ward, Gisele Bundchen, Daria Werbowy, Karen Elson, American Vogue May 2004

‘A Feast for the Eyes’ Photographer -Steven Meisel, Models – Kylie Bax, Amy Wesson, Elsa Benitez, Carolyn Murphy, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Behennah, Guinevere Van Seenus, Trish Goff, Chandra North,  American Vogue December 1996

‘Custom of the Country’ photographer Annie Leibovitz, Model Natalia Vodianova, American Vogue August 2012

‘Wild At Heart’ Photographer - Peter Lindbergh, Models – Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford,  Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Karen Mulder, Tatjana Patitz, and Stephanie Seymour, American Vogue 1991

Rock the House, photographer Steven Meisel, American Vogue, November 2001

FANTASY

No one creates a fantastical scenario via clothes quite like Grace does. Her instantly recognizable fairy tale collaboration with Annie Leibovitz has raised the bar for just about everyone by taking the familiar childhood tales and re-imagining them as fanciful fashion moments. Who says Alice can’t fall down the rabbit hole while wearing head to toe Tom Ford? Even with the elaborate sets, mythical allusions and high concept themes, Grace makes you notice the clothes first and foremost.

‘Joy to the World’ Photographer Steven Meisel, American Vogue December 2002

‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ Photographer – Steven Klein, Models – Maggie Rizer, Trish Goff, Oluchi Onweagba, Liisa Winkler, Anouck Lepere, Karolina Kurkova, American Vogue June 2001

‘Garden of Delights’ Photographer -Steven Meisel, Model - Caroline Trentini, American Vogue December 2006

‘Alice in Wonderland’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Natalia Vodianova , American Vogue December 2003

‘Wizard of Oz’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Keira Knightley, American Vogue December 2005

‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Coco Rocha, American Vogue December 2008

HUMOUR

A concept that is regrettably missing in most fashion editorials yet always has a place in Grace’s work. Whether it is Stella Tennant leading a troop of boyscouts or Karen Elson starring as Grace herself, there is always that added touch of whimsy that makes her work a delight.

‘A Shot of Scotch’ Photographer - Arthur Elgort, Model - Linda Evangelista, American Vogue September 1991

‘Graceful Elegance’ Photographer - Steven Meisel, Model - Karen Elson, American Vogue August 2008

‘O’ Pioneers!’ Photographer - Arthur Elgort, Model - Stella Tennant, American Vogue June 2001

Ellen von Unwerth.
Leith Clark.
Lula Magazine.

An atmospheric and elegant showcase for the beauty of newcomer Zanna Van Vorstenbosch, carefree autumn fashions and a wealth of flowers. Pure prettiness and exactly the kind of gorgeous story we’ve come to expect from Lula.

Hair – Seb Bascle | Makeup – Tiina Roivainen

Image Credit | D & V Management

Elegant, atmospheric and a filled with bold new editorial from a host of top tier contributors, the new issue of Grey Magazine is a must have. With its coffee table book construction and high end feel, Grey has always been a standout but when you add in new work from Nan Goldin and Emma Summerton it takes things to that next level. Take a first look inside the gorgeous new issue of Grey in our exclusive preview.

Photography: Nan Goldin
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Models: Ondria Hardin, Dorte Limkilde, Carrie Anne Burton

Photography: Emma Summerton
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Lena Hardt

Photography: Manuela Pavesi
Stylist: Moreno Galatà
Model: Bianca Balti

Photography: Peppe Tortora
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Xiao Wen Ju

Photography and styling by Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Liane India Amechi

Photography: Nan Goldin
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Models: Ondria Hardin, Dorte Limkilde, Carrie Anne Burton

Photography: Emma Summerton
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Lena Hardt & Maria Bradley

Photography: Manuela Pavesi
Stylist: Moreno Galatà
Model: Bianca Balti

Photography: Peppe Tortora
Stylist: Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Xiao Wen Ju

Photography and styling by Valentina Ilardi Martin
Model: Liane India Amechi

Photographer Caitlin Cronenberg
Stylist: Moreno Galatà
Model: Soo Joo

Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth
Stylist: Lotta Volkova Adam
Model: Camille Rowe

Photographer: Stefania Paparelli
Stylist: Concetta D’angelo
Model: Chrystal Copland

There is only one Naomi Campbell! The supermodel shines in Ellen von Unwerth‘s vibrant shots for Schön Magazine‘s 18th issue. Sporting candy colored hair and a series of over the top costumes selected by Brett Bailey, Naomi unleashes her inner showgirl and looks resplendent doing so; take an exclusive first look at the glitz, glamour and those oh so revealing costumes!

Barbie Party – directed by Ellen von Unwerth for VS Magazine

The pink tinged exploits of Barbie have long been a fashion obsession. Everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to Marc Jacobs has put their own spin on the iconic doll, but what would it be like if Barbie herself came to life and had a little fashion fun? Ellen von Unwerth creates an outlandish romp based around that very idea for VS Magazine. Opting for a sex, drugs and rock n’roll version of things, von Unwerth’s suggestive clip is definitely not for the kiddies; this time around Barbie & her cohort Ken are up to something very naughty indeed. Models Valerie van der Graaf, Aleah Morgan, Lauren Young, Stephanie Corneliussen, Sissel, Paul Roemer, Sterling, & Xander bring the tale to life – along with a few police officers; we told you that girl was trouble!

You know you missed us! We’re back in time for spring to give you interesting news from around the ‘net.

Charities, Model news and more:

Parker Gregory and Patrick Sullivan by Kevin Tachman

More fabulous boys of Jeffrey Fashion Cares at Kevin Tachman’s Backstageat. We love Jeffrey Fashion Cares, an organization that helps multiple incredible groups like Lambda Legal, The Hetrick Martin Institute, The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and The Point Foundation. Check out the JFC website, here.

Sarah and friends try out all the ice cream in Milan.

We’re obsessed with models who shoot but Sara Blomqvist‘s images for The Last Magazine are especially fun: New York, Milan, Paris. (view it large for the full effect).

Claudia Schiffer by Ellen Von Unwerth, Guess 30th Anniversary Campaign Spring 2012

What child of the 80′s doesn’t remember Claudia Schiffer‘s iconic images by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess? She returns for the new campaign celebrating Guess’ 30th Anniversary (full story on WWD, subscription required)

Tao Okamoto, the lovely Japanese model is still tirelessly working to help victims of the Japanese disaster. “Contrary to some reports insinuating that Japan is a wealthy country that does not need help, there is indeed much need for assistance, and not just of the financial kind, but of physical and mental as well“. Check out their new Tumblr, where you can make donations, learn about different charitable organizations and send messages to people in affected areas.

Leighton Meester and Kerri Mullen, leukemia survivor, photographed by Alexi Lubomirski

DKMS is working with Vera Wang and Leighton Meester to encourage people to “get swabbed” to donate bone marrow. I’m registered, are you?